@article {pmid39370044,
year = {2024},
author = {Crucianelli, S and Mariano, A and Valeriani, F and Cocomello, N and Gianfranceschi, G and Conrado, AB and Moretti, F and Scotto d'Abusco, A and Mennuni, G and Fraioli, A and Ben, MD and Spica, VR and Fontana, M},
title = {Effects of Sulfur Thermal Water inhalations in long-COVID syndrome: spa-centred, double-blinded, randomised case-control pilot study.},
journal = {Clinical medicine (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100251},
doi = {10.1016/j.clinme.2024.100251},
pmid = {39370044},
issn = {1473-4893},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The long-COVID syndrome is characterised by a plethora of symptoms. Given its social and economic impact, many studies have stressed the urgency of proposing innovative strategies other than hospital settings. In this double-blind randomised case-control trial, we investigate the effects of sulfur thermal water inhalations, rich in H2S, compared to distilled water inhalations on symptoms, inflammatory markers, nasal microbiome in long-COVID patients.

METHODS: 30 outpatients aged 18-75, with positive diagnosis for long-COVID were randomised in two groups undergoing 12 consecutive days of inhalations. The active Group (STW) received sulfur thermal water inhalations whereas the placebo group received inhalations of sterile distilled non-pyrogenic water (SDW). Each participant was tested prior treatment at day 1 (T0), after the inhalations at day 14 (T1) and at 3 months follow-up (T2). At each time point, blood tests, nasal swabs for microbiome sampling, pulmonary functionality tests (PFTs) and pro-inflammatory marker measure were performed.

RESULTS: The scores obtained in the administered tests (6MWT, Borg score, and SGRQ) at T0, showed a significant variation in STW group, at T1 and T2. Serum cytokine levels and other inflammatory biomarkers reported a statistically significant decrease. Some specific parameters of PFT's showed ameliorations in STW group only. Changes in the STW nasopharyngeal microbiota composition were noticed, especially from T0 to T2.

CONCLUSIONS: Inhalations of sulfur thermal water exerted objective and subjective improvements on subjects affected by long-COVID. Significant reduction of inflammatory markers, dyspnea scores and quantitative and qualitative changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome were also assessed.},
}

@article {pmid39369845,
year = {2024},
author = {Tang, CC and Chang, JC and Ho, SJ and Liu, WD and Pan, MY and Chang, SC and Wang, WS and Yeh, YC and Chen, CH and Wu, WW},
title = {Exploring the characteristics and antecedents of clinically significant long COVID: A longitudinal cohort study.},
journal = {Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {123114},
doi = {10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123114},
pmid = {39369845},
issn = {1879-0631},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A significant number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors are experiencing long COVID, with symptoms lasting beyond three months. While diverse long COVID symptoms are established, there are gaps in understanding its long-term trends, intensity, and risk factors, requiring further investigation.

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the long COVID characteristics and associated factors by following COVID-19 survivors for one year post-infection and comparing them with healthy counterparts.

MAIN METHODS: In this longitudinal, correlational study, COVID-19 survivors diagnosed between November 2021 and February 2023 were monitored every three months for a year. Participants aged ≥18 years who had reported a positive COVID-19 test were recruited via social media and healthcare provider referrals.

KEY FINDINGS: Out of 182 survivors who initially agreed to participate, 176 completed the study. The mean age was 47.56 years (SD = 16.2), and 51.1 % were female. There was a clinically significant decline in cognitive function and health-related quality of life over time, with symptoms like shortness of breath, reduced physical fitness, and increased health concerns. Those with severe acute COVID-19 symptoms experienced greater cognitive and physical declines and more shortness of breath a year later. Lower financial status was linked to poorer health-related quality of life and increased health concerns.

SIGNIFICANCE: A year post-infection, COVID-19's impact on cognitive function and health-related quality of life remains significant, affecting individuals and communities. Survivors with severe initial symptoms and economic disadvantages need more attention. Future research should identify additional predictors of severe long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid39369712,
year = {2024},
author = {Gallo, A and Murace, CA and Corbo, MM and Sarlo, F and De Ninno, G and Baroni, S and Fancello, G and Masucci, L and Covino, M and Tosato, M and Landi, F and Montalto, M and , },
title = {Intestinal inflammation and permeability in patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Digestive diseases (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1159/000540381},
pmid = {39369712},
issn = {1421-9875},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Different works suggest a close link between Long COVID Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations and the post-infection disorders of gut-brain interaction (PI-DGBIs). However, the actual mechanisms underlying long-term GI sequelae are still not clear. Our study was aimed to assess both intestinal inflammation and permeability among subjects recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and their eventual correlation with long-term GI sequelae.

METHODS: Eighty-six subjects attending the Post-COVID Service and recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection for six months, were investigated for Long COVID manifestations. Those subjects complaining of long-term GI symptoms were further evaluated by Rome IV questionnaire to assess PI-DGBIs. Intestinal inflammation (by fecal calprotectin, FC), and permeability (by serum and fecal levels of zonulin) were evaluated in all subjects. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires were further provided to all participants.

RESULTS: Thirty-seven subjects (43%) complained of long-term GI symptoms, while 49 subjects (57%) did not. Thirty-three subjects fulfilled Rome IV criteria for PI-DGBIs. FC values resulted higher in those subjects who did not complain GI symptoms (p=0.03), although remaining quite close to the normal range. No significant differences were shown regarding the assessment of intestinal permeability. By GIQLI, long-term gastrointestinal sequelae were inversely correlated with quality of life (p=0.009).

CONCLUSION: Long COVID GI complaints unlikely recognize underlying local inflammatory mechanisms. Since the healthcare, economic, and social burden of post-COVID DGBIs, a deeper understanding of this emerging condition should be encouraged to improve management of the affected subjects.},
}

@article {pmid39369205,
year = {2024},
author = {Bhimani, P and Scheinfeld, A and Rajan, M},
title = {Emergency department utilization among children with Long COVID symptoms: a COVID-19 research consortium study.},
journal = {BMC pediatrics},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {635},
pmid = {39369205},
issn = {1471-2431},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Child ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Infant ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; United States/epidemiology ; Databases, Factual ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms beyond the acute infection phase, remains poorly characterized in children. Our study aim is to determine if children who exhibit any symptoms/conditions associated with Long COVID after acute COVID-19 infection have higher Emergency Department (ED) utilization compared to those who do not exhibit these symptoms.

METHODS: Data from the HealthJump ambulatory database from the COVID-19 Research Database Consortium was utilized to identify pediatric COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to May 2023. Long COVID cases were defined based on symptoms/conditions occurring 30-180 days after initial COVID diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were used to model the relationship between Long COVID and child ED utilization.

RESULTS: Out of 130,010 children diagnosed with COVID-19, 43,645 (33.6%) exhibited at least one Long COVID symptom/condition. Children with Long COVID symptoms/conditions had 152% higher odds (OR: 2.52, CI: 2.32-2.73) of ED visits, while those with specific symptoms including "chest pain" had 255% higher odds (AOR: 3.55, CI: 2.73-4.54) and "fluid and electrolyte disturbances" had 229% higher odds (AOR: 3.29, CI: 2.23-4.73) compared to those without those symptoms/conditions.

CONCLUSION: This study reveals that children with Long COVID symptoms had notably higher odds of ED visits, with chest pain, fluid imbalances, and generalized pain being most closely linked to such visits. This study highlights the burden of Long COVID on ED providers and underscores the importance of improved guidance for managing Long COVID symptoms in children.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data
Female
Child
Male
Child, Preschool
Adolescent
Infant
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
United States/epidemiology
Databases, Factual

@article {pmid39368535,
year = {2024},
author = {Raza, ML and Imam, MH and Zehra, W and Jamil, S},
title = {Neuro-inflammatory pathways in COVID-19-induced central nervous system injury: Implications for prevention and treatment strategies.},
journal = {Experimental neurology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {114984},
doi = {10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114984},
pmid = {39368535},
issn = {1090-2430},
abstract = {This review explores the neuroinflammatory pathways underlying COVID-19-induced central nervous system (CNS) injury, with a focus on mechanisms of brain damage and strategies for prevention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize current knowledge on the pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 reaches the brain, the neuroinflammatory responses triggered by viral infection, neurological symptoms and long COVID. Results: We discuss the mechanisms of neuroinflammation in COVID-19, including blood-brain barrier disruption, cytokine storm, microglial activation, and peripheral immune cell infiltration. Additionally, we highlight potential strategies for preventing CNS injury, including pharmacological interventions, immunomodulatory therapies, and lifestyle modifications. Conclusively, Understanding the neuroinflammatory pathways in COVID-19-induced CNS injury is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies to protect brain health during and after viral infection.},
}

@article {pmid39367848,
year = {2024},
author = {Edwards, DL and Shah, MM and Shi, DS and Ford, ND and Rinsky, JL and Jones, JM and Spencer, B and Haynes, J and Saydah, SH},
title = {Occupational and industry prevalence of new long-term symptoms within American Red Cross blood donors with and without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {American journal of industrial medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ajim.23670},
pmid = {39367848},
issn = {1097-0274},
support = {/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; 75D30121P11093//American Red Cross/ ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Limited information is known about the burden of Long COVID by occupation and industry. This study compares the occurrence of self-reported new long-term symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer among blood donors with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection by occupation and industry.

METHODS: The American Red Cross invited blood donors 18 years and older who donated during May 4-December 31, 2021 to participate in online surveys. New long-term symptoms lasting 4 weeks or longer were assessed by self-reported occurrence of any of 35 symptoms since March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 infection status was determined by serological testing and self-report. We describe the prevalence of new long-term symptoms by SARS-CoV-2 infection status. We calculate the difference in reported new long-term symptoms by SARS-CoV-2 infection status within occupation and industry categories.

RESULTS: Data were collected from 27,907 employed adults - 9763 were previously infected and 18,234 were never infected with SARS-CoV-2. New long-term symptoms were more prevalent among those previously infected compared to the never-infected respondents (45% vs 24%, p < 0.05). Among all respondents, new long-term symptoms by occupation ranged from 26% (installation, maintenance, and repair) to 41% (healthcare support) and by industry ranged from 26% (mining) to 55% (accommodation and food services). New long-term neurological and other symptoms were commonly reported by those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.

DISCUSSION: New long-term symptoms are more prevalent among certain occupation and industry groups, which likely reflects differential exposure to SARS-CoV-2. These findings highlight potential need for workplace accommodations in a variety of occupational settings to address new long-term symptoms.},
}

@article {pmid39367278,
year = {2024},
author = {Hasenöhrl, T and Scharer, B and Steiner, M and Schmeckenbecher, J and Jordakieva, G and Crevenna, R},
title = {Facilitators and barriers of long-term exercise adherence in healthcare workers formerly suffering from post-COVID-19 syndrome : A qualitative 1-year follow-up and quantitative pilot study of the COFIT trial.},
journal = {Wiener klinische Wochenschrift},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39367278},
issn = {1613-7671},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Early exercise intervention studies showed promising positive effects of physical exercising on post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, little is known about long-term training adherence and what influences it.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants of the 8‑week original exercise intervention study. Facilitators and barriers were identified via thematic analysis and compared between those participants who continued their regular exercise behavior (continuous exercise group, CEG, n = 7) and those who stopped exercising (discontinuous exercise group, DEG, n = 10). Physical performance parameters and questionnaires regarding psychological health dimensions and work ability were assessed analogously to the original study.

RESULTS: Qualitative analysis showed that two of the top three facilitators, (improving physical and mental health, sport has high priority) were the same in both groups. The respective third of the top three facilitators was (re)build physical and cognitive performance in the CEG and training in the group in the DEG. The top three barriers (exhaustion, sport has little priority, procrastination) were not only the same in both groups but also in the same order.

CONCLUSION: The strongest post-COVID-19 associated facilitator for long-term exercise adherence is when the need for further reconditioning is felt. The strongest post-COVID-19 associated barrier is exhaustion. Availability of exercising in a group is a key factor in increasing long-term exercise adherence.},
}

@article {pmid39366339,
year = {2024},
author = {Fitzgerald, ML and Cohen, AK and Jaudon, TW and Vogel, JM and Koppes, AN and Santos, L and Robles, R and Lin, J and Davids, JD and McWilliams, C and Redfield, S and Banks, KP and Richardson, M and Tindle Akintonwa, TT and Pollack, B and Spier, E and Weiss, A and Assaf, G and Davis, H and McCorkell, L},
title = {A call from patient-researchers to advance research on long COVID.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {187},
number = {20},
pages = {5490-5496},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2024.09.011},
pmid = {39366339},
issn = {1097-4172},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/virology/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Biomedical Research ; Research Personnel ; },
abstract = {Long COVID is a chronic and often disabling illness with long-term consequences. Although progress has been made in the clinical characterization of long COVID, no approved treatments exist and disconnects between patients and researchers threaten to hinder future progress. Incorporating patients as active collaborators in long COVID research can bridge the gap and accelerate progress toward treatments and cures.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Biomedical Research
Research Personnel

@article {pmid39365220,
year = {2024},
author = {Gross, M and Lansang, N and Gopaul, U and Yoney, K and Ogawa, EF and Heyn, PC and Sood, P and Omar, Z and Zanwar, PP and Schwertfeger, J and Faieta, J},
title = {What Do I Need to Know About Long COVID-related Breathing Problems?.},
journal = {Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.apmr.2024.06.024},
pmid = {39365220},
issn = {1532-821X},
}

@article {pmid39364804,
year = {2024},
author = {Laguarta-Val, S and Carratalá-Tejada, M and Molina-Rueda, F and Moreta-Fuentes, R and Fernández-Vázquez, D and López-González, R and Jiménez-Antona, C and Moreta-Fuentes, C and Fidalgo-Herrera, AJ and Miangolarra-Page, JC and Navarro-López, V},
title = {Effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID: a case series.},
journal = {Anales del sistema sanitario de Navarra},
volume = {47},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.23938/ASSN.1083},
pmid = {39364804},
issn = {2340-3527},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19 ; Male ; Adult ; *Resistance Training/methods ; *Electromyography ; Muscle Strength/physiology ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiology ; Muscle Fatigue/physiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyse the effects of a plank-based strength training programme on muscle activation in patients with long COVID.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Case series study that included patients with long COVID who participated in a 12-week trunk and pelvic muscle strength training programme. Clinical variables and the modified fatigue impact scale (MFIS) were used to assess fatigue levels. Percentage of muscle activation during a core muscle plank was measured via surface electromyography. Pre- and post-intervention results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and evaluated with Cohen's D effect size (ES).

RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects participated in the study; 81% female, mean age 47.5 years (range: 28-55 years), and median duration of symptoms 21 months (range: 5-24 months); 90.5% of the participants experienced fatigue (MFIS score = 38). Muscle activation during plank exercises improved across all muscles after the intervention, with significant increases in the left (p = 0.011, medium ES) and right external oblique (p =0.039, small ES) muscles and the right latissimus dorsi muscle (p = 0.039, small ES). Additionally, significant reductions in fatigue were observed in the total MFIS score (p = 0.004, medium ES) and in the physical (p < 0.001, large ES) and psychosocial subscales (p = 0.033, small ES).

CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that a plank-based strength training programme may be effective in enhancing trunk and pelvic muscle activation in individuals with long COVID.},
}

Humans
Female
Middle Aged
*COVID-19
Male
Adult
*Resistance Training/methods
*Electromyography
Muscle Strength/physiology
Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
Muscle Fatigue/physiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39363376,
year = {2024},
author = {Bai, B and Xu, M and Zhou, H and Liao, Y and Liu, F and Liu, Y and Yuan, Y and Geng, Q and Ma, H},
title = {Effects of aerobic training on cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with long COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Trials},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {649},
pmid = {39363376},
issn = {1745-6215},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Cardiorespiratory Fitness ; Adult ; Aged ; *Exercise Therapy/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Exercise ; Time Factors ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID-19 is characterized by systemic deterioration of the entire body, leading to significant physical and mental disorders. Exercise training has the potential to improve persistent symptoms and cardiopulmonary functions.

METHOD: This was a single-center, randomized, controlled trial. Twenty-four patients aged 18 to 75 years who had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID symptoms. Patients were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either a 4-week exercise training program or an attention control group. The training group participated in 12 supervised aerobic sessions on a cycling ergometer over 4 weeks. The outcomes were to assess the impact of a 4-week aerobic exercise on the persistent symptoms and cardiopulmonary fitness, the surrogate endpoints of COVID-19 recovery and cardiopulmonary health.

RESULTS: After the 4-week intervention, significant reductions were observed in the total number of symptoms in the training group. Specifically, 67.8% of patients in the training group exhibited reduced or completely resolved symptoms, in comparison to 16.7% in the control group (P = 0.013). After adjusting for gender, significant improvements in the training group were observed for exercise time (Pgroup*time = 0.028), maximum load (Pgroup*time = 0.01), and peak VO2 (Pgroup*time = 0.001), as well as O2 pulse (Pgroup*time = 0.042) and maximum heart rate (Pgroup*time = 0.007). The score of Short Form-12, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and insomnia did not show significant changes between groups (Pgroup*time > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: A supervised aerobic training program has the potential to alleviate persistent symptoms and improve exercise tolerance in patients with long COVID-19. Further research is necessary to confirm these effects in a large population. This intervention could be easily implemented in non-hospital settings, potentially benefiting a broader range of individuals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05961462. Registered on July 25, 2023.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Adult
Aged
*Exercise Therapy/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
Adolescent
Exercise
Time Factors
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39361178,
year = {2024},
author = {Specktor, P and Hadar, D and Cohen, H},
title = {Glucocorticoid treatment during COVID-19 infection: does it affect the incidence of long COVID?.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39361178},
issn = {1568-5608},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID (LC) is a frequent complication of COVID infection. It usually results in cognitive impairment, myalgia, headache and fatigue. No effective treatment has been found yet. We aimed to explore the effect of glucocorticoid (GC) treatment during COVID-19 infection on the later development of LC.

METHODS: We examined electronic health records from Clalit Health Services for documentation of COVID-19, GC treatment, and LC frequency. Background diagnoses, demographic data, hospitalization rates, and the use of anti-COVID drugs were recorded.

RESULTS: 1,322,599 cases of COVID-19 infection met the inclusion criteria; 13,530 patients (1.02%) received GC treatment. 149,272 patients, 11.29% of COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with LC. Age and female gender were prognostic risk factors for LC (OR 1.06 for age, OR 1.4 for female gender; p value < 0.0001). Background psychiatric diagnoses, migraine, backache and irritable bowel syndrome were predisposing conditions for LC (OR 2.7, p value < .0001). Higher BMI was associated with a greater probability of LC (OR of 1.25 for obese population). COVID patients who received GC were diagnosed with LC more frequently: 2294 cases (16.95%) compared to 146,978 cases (11.23%) in the non-GC group; (adjusted OR of 1.28 ± 0.07, 95% CI, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: GC treatment during COVID-19 is correlated with the development of LC. In vivo and animal models may be used to explore the mechanism of this correlation. Future directions include prospective studies as well.},
}

@article {pmid39361124,
year = {2024},
author = {Weigel, B and Eaton-Fitch, N and Thapaliya, K and Marshall-Gradisnik, S},
title = {A pilot cross-sectional investigation of symptom clusters and associations with patient-reported outcomes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post COVID-19 Condition.},
journal = {Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39361124},
issn = {1573-2649},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is associated with long-term disability and poor quality of life (QoL). Cardinal ME/CFS symptoms (including post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction and sleep disturbances) have been observed in Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC). To gain further insight into the potential role of ME/CFS as a post-COVID-19 sequela, this study investigates associations between symptoms and patient-reported outcomes, as well as symptom clusters.

METHODS: Participants included Australian residents aged between 18 and 65 years formally diagnosed with ME/CFS fulfilling the Canadian or International Consensus Criteria or PCC meeting the World Health Organization case definition. Validated, self-administered questionnaires collected participants' sociodemographic and illness characteristics, symptoms, QoL and functional capacity. Associations between symptoms and patient-reported outcomes were investigated with multivariate linear regression models. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to identify symptom clusters.

RESULTS: Most people with ME/CFS (pwME/CFS) and people with PCC (pwPCC) were female (n = 48/60, 80.0% and n = 19/30, 63.3%, respectively; p = 0.12). PwME/CFS were significantly younger (x̄=41.75, s = 12.91 years) than pwPCC (x̄=48.13, s =10.05 years; p =0.017). Autonomic symptoms (notably dyspnoea) were associated with poorer scores in most patient-reported outcome domains for both cohorts. None of the four symptom clusters identified were unique to ME/CFS or PCC. Clusters were largely delineated by the presence of gastrointestinal and neurosensory symptoms, illness duration, ME/CFS criteria met and total symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Illness duration may explain differences in symptom burden between pwME/CFS and pwPCC. PCC diagnostic criteria must be refined to distinguish pwPCC at risk of long-term ME/CFS-like illness and subsequently deliver necessary care and support.},
}

@article {pmid39360869,
year = {2024},
author = {Kleebayoon, A and Wiwanitkit, V},
title = {Sleep and long COVID.},
journal = {Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5664/jcsm.11410},
pmid = {39360869},
issn = {1550-9397},
}

@article {pmid39360535,
year = {2024},
author = {Amdani, S and Altman, CA and Chowdhury, D and Ronai, C and Soma, D and Archer, JM and Tierney, S and Renno, MS and Miller, J and Nguyen, QT and Glickstein, JS and Orr, WB},
title = {Cardiology Consult for the General Pediatrician after Cardiac Manifestations from a SARS-CoV-2 Infection.},
journal = {Current pediatric reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0115733963314978240923110844},
pmid = {39360535},
issn = {1875-6336},
abstract = {The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, created a need for evidence-based guidelines for the evaluation, management, and follow-up after infection. Data have become rapidly available, creating a challenge for medical providers to stay abreast of the ever-evolving recommendations. This document, written collaboratively by pediatric cardiovascular experts, pediatricians, and sports medicine specialists, is focused on SARS-- CoV-2-related pediatric cardiac manifestations. It aims to provide a systemic review of high-yield literature related to all cardiovascular entities as a tool for primary pediatric clinicians to utilize as they consider the cardiac consequences of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, MIS-C, vaccine-related myocarditis, return-to-play, and long COVID-19 syndrome.},
}

@article {pmid39358980,
year = {2024},
author = {Baz, SA and Woodrow, M and Clutterbuck, D and Fang, C and Mullard, J and Banerjee, A and Barley-McMullen, S and Carpentieri, J and Donskoy, AL and Faux-Nightingale, A and Lewis-Jackson, S and O'Hara, ME and Rai, T and Sherwood, O and Smyth, N and Stanley, K and Welsh, V and Mir, G and Alwan, NA},
title = {Long COVID and Health Inequalities: What's Next for Research and Policy Advocacy?.},
journal = {Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {e70047},
doi = {10.1111/hex.70047},
pmid = {39358980},
issn = {1369-7625},
support = {//The CONVALESCENCE project funding (funders UKRI MC_PC_20051 and National Institute for Health and Care Research [NIHR] COV-LT-0009) funded the QLC network special theme workshop on 'Long Covid and Health Inequalities'./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Health Policy ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration ; Social Stigma ; Healthcare Disparities ; Health Status Disparities ; Health Inequities ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Organised by the 'Qualitative Long Covid Network', a workshop for qualitative Long COVID (LC) researchers, LC charity representatives and people with LC took place in June 2023, where research on the intersectional inequalities affecting LC prevalence, recognition and care was shared and discussed.

METHODS: Five key themes were drawn up from presentations, discussions and reflections during the workshop, which are presented in this study.

RESULTS: The following five themes are discussed: the unfairness of LC, difficulties in accessing care, mistrust of the healthcare system, a lack of understanding of LC and experiences of stigma and discrimination. Factors that widen or narrow inequalities related to LC were identified.

CONCLUSION: A call to action is proposed to investigate and address inequalities through a robust LC research agenda that speaks with conviction to policy and decision-makers. We argue that there needs to be a strong investment in research and evidence-based policy and practice to mitigate the worst effects of the condition and address the inequalities in experience, treatment and support, which are experienced more often and more acutely by some of society's most vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals.

Projects included in this article had PPI ongoing activity to inform their research. A member of the CONVALESCENCE PPI group presented at the QLC Network 'Long Covid and Health Inequalities' workshop, as did members of Long COVID Kids, Long COVID Support and Long COVID SOS charities. They were all invited to be co-authors of this article.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Health Policy
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration
Social Stigma
Healthcare Disparities
Health Status Disparities
Health Inequities
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39358973,
year = {2024},
author = {Adams, NN and MacIver, E and Douglas, F and Kennedy, C and Skåtun, D and Hernandez Santiago, V and Torrance, N and Grant, A},
title = {Disrupted Candidacy: A Longitudinal Examination of the Constrained Healthcare-Access Journeys of National Health Service Workers in Scotland Seeking Supports for Long COVID Illness.},
journal = {Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {e70050},
doi = {10.1111/hex.70050},
pmid = {39358973},
issn = {1369-7625},
support = {//This study was supported by the Chief Scientist Office (Grant Reference: COV/LTE/20/32)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Scotland ; *State Medicine ; *COVID-19/psychology ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male ; Female ; *Qualitative Research ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; *Health Services Accessibility ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Interviews as Topic ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Evidence examines how persons experiencing Long COVID (LC) struggle to secure healthcare for symptoms. However, few studies examine healthcare workers experiencing LC, nor the complex and multiple difficulties faced when seeking and receiving healthcare.

METHODS: This study is based on two phases of longitudinally conducted qualitative interviews, 6 months apart, with National Health Service (NHS) workers experiencing LC, from different occupational roles at NHS locales in Scotland (first interviews, n = 50; second interviews, n = 44).

RESULTS: Multiple factors restricted healthcare access, including worries about pressuring the NHS and concerns over LC being legitimised. When healthcare was sought, workers struggled to secure support, referrals and treatment. The following reasons were included: (1) context: the restrictive pandemic healthcare context; (2) illness climate: low GP knowledge surrounding LC and how this could be treated, trends for ascribing symptoms to other causes and reluctance to diagnose LC; (3) sense-making of LC: healthcare availability linked to occupational role identity. To visualise and examine healthcare barriers, candidacy theory is applied, drawing inferences between healthcare context, illness climate, sense-making and identities.

CONCLUSION: NHS workers' complex journeys represent Disrupted Candidacy, intersecting challenges across candidacy domains, restricting the seeking and receiving of LC healthcare. Findings provide insights into why NHS workers resisted and withdrew from healthcare-seeking, and the barriers they faced when attempting to secure LC support. This study presents a pathway for future LC illness research to use a modified candidacy theory framework.

This research focuses on amplifying and learning from lived experiences, and the voices of NHS workers in Scotland experiencing LC. Interviews represent primary data for this study; thus, participants and their healthcare journeys are centred in this research and all aspects of production, reporting and output. Explicit discussions of stakeholder group involvement are highlighted in the methods section.},
}

Humans
Scotland
*State Medicine
*COVID-19/psychology
Longitudinal Studies
Male
Female
*Qualitative Research
*Health Personnel/psychology
*Health Services Accessibility
Adult
Middle Aged
Interviews as Topic
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39358543,
year = {2024},
author = {Victoria, LW and Oberlin, LE and Ilieva, IP and Jaywant, A and Kanellopoulos, D and Mercaldi, C and Stamatis, CA and Farlow, DN and Kollins, SH and Tisor, O and Joshi, S and Doreste-Mendez, R and Perlis, RH and Gunning, FM},
title = {A digital intervention for cognitive deficits following COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial.},
journal = {Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39358543},
issn = {1740-634X},
abstract = {Post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits are common, persistent, and disabling. Evidence on effective treatments is limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a digital intervention to reduce cognitive and functional deficits in adults with persistent post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction. We used the remotely-delivered intervention in a randomized clinical trial conducted from July 13, 2021 to April 26, 2023. We hypothesized that participants in the intervention group would improve in measures of cognition and daily functioning. Participants were adults with cognitive deficits persisting >4 weeks following acute COVID-19 illness. Of 183 participants screened, 110 were enrolled; 98 participants (78.6% female; mean age = 48.1) completed at least one study visit. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention (AKL-T01) or waitlist control. AKL-T01 is a digital therapeutic using a videogame interface to target attention and executive control. The intervention was delivered remotely for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in performance on a sustained attention measure (Digit Symbol Matching Task). The difference in the primary outcome between the intervention (n = 49) and controls (n = 49) was not statistically significant (F [3,261] = 0.12, p = 0.95). Secondary cognitive outcomes of task-switching (F[3,262] = 2.78, p = 0.04) and processing speed (F[3,267] = 4.57, p = 0.004) improved in the intervention relative to control. Secondary measures of functioning also improved in the intervention relative to control, including disability (F[1,82] = 4.02, p = 0.05) and quality of life (F[3,271] = 2.66, p = 0.05). Exploratory analyses showed a greater reduction in total fatigue (F[1,85] = 4.51, p = 0.04), cognitive fatigue (F[1,85] = 7.20, p = 0.009), and anxiety (F[1,87] = 7.42, p = 0.008) in the intervention relative to control. Despite the lack of improvement in sustained attention, select post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits may be ameliorated by targeted cognitive training with AKL-T01, with associated improvements in quality of life and fatigue. If replicated, the scalable nature of this digital intervention may help address substantial need for accessible, effective treatments among individuals with long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid39353473,
year = {2024},
author = {Dehlia, A and Guthridge, MA},
title = {The persistence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) after SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106297},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106297},
pmid = {39353473},
issn = {1532-2742},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Long COVID-19 (LC) patients experience a number of chronic idiopathic symptoms that are highly similar to those of post-viral Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). We have therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the proportion of LC patients that satisfy ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.

METHODS: Clinical studies published between January 2020 to May 2023 were identified using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and CINAHL databases. Publication inclusion/exclusion criteria were formulated using the global CoCoPop framework. Data were pooled using a random-effects model with a restricted maximum-likelihood estimator. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical assessment tool.

RESULTS: We identified 13 eligible studies that reported a total of 1,973 LC patients. Our meta-analysis indicated that 51% (95% CI, 42%-60%) of LC patients satisfied ME/CFS diagnostic criteria with fatigue, sleep disruption, and muscle/joint pain being the most common symptoms. Importantly, LC patients also experienced the ME/CFS hallmark symptom, post-exertional malaise.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study not only demonstrates that LC patients exhibit similar symptom clusters to ME/CFS, but that approximately half of LC patients satisfy a diagnosis of ME/CFS. Our findings suggest that current ME/CFS criteria could be adapted to the identification of a subset of LC patients that may facilitate the standardized diagnosis, management and the recruitment for clinical studies in the future.

DATA AVAILABILITY: Data available upon request.},
}

@article {pmid39358535,
year = {2024},
author = {Peluso, MJ and Ely, EW},
title = {How long COVID could lift the fog on neurocognitive disorders.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {634},
number = {8032},
pages = {S11},
doi = {10.1038/d41586-024-03047-4},
pmid = {39358535},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {*COVID-19/virology/complications ; Humans ; Time Factors ; Neurocognitive Disorders/virology/etiology ; },
}

*COVID-19/virology/complications
Humans
Time Factors
Neurocognitive Disorders/virology/etiology

@article {pmid39357795,
year = {2024},
author = {King, LR},
title = {Gastrointestinal manifestations of long COVID.},
journal = {Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {123100},
doi = {10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123100},
pmid = {39357795},
issn = {1879-0631},
abstract = {Long COVID is estimated to have affected 6.9 % of US adults, 17.8 million people in the US alone, as of early 2023. While SARS-CoV-2 is primarily considered a respiratory virus, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are also frequent in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and in patients with Long COVID. The risk of developing GI symptoms is increased with increasing severity of COVID-19, the presence of GI symptoms in the acute infection, and psychological distress both before and after COVID-19. Persistence of the virus in the GI tract, ensuing inflammation, and alteration of the microbiome are all likely mediators of the effects of SARS Co-V-2 virus on the gut. These factors may all increase intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation. GI inflammation and dysbiosis can change the absorption and metabolism of tryptophan, an important neurotransmitter. Long COVID GI symptoms resemble a Disorder of Gut Brain Interaction such as post infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Current standards of treatment for IBS can guide our treatment of Long COVID patients. Dysautonomia, a frequent Long COVID condition affecting the autonomic nervous system, can also affect the GI tract, and must be considered in Long COVID patients with GI symptoms. Long COVID symptoms fall within the broader category of Infection Associated Chronic Conditions. Research into the GI symptoms of Long COVID may further our understanding of other post infection chronic GI conditions, and elucidate the roles of therapeutic options including antivirals, probiotics, neuromodulators, and treatments of dysautonomia.},
}

@article {pmid39356507,
year = {2024},
author = {Guttuso, T and Zhu, J and Wilding, GE},
title = {Lithium Aspartate for Long COVID Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {7},
number = {10},
pages = {e2436874},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.36874},
pmid = {39356507},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Double-Blind Method ; *Fatigue/drug therapy/etiology ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy/etiology ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Aspartic Acid ; Aged ; Adult ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Neurologic post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), or long COVID, symptoms of fatigue and cognitive dysfunction continue to affect millions of people who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. There currently are no effective evidence-based therapies available for treating neurologic PCC.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of lithium aspartate therapy on PCC fatigue and cognitive dysfunction.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) enrolling participants in a neurology clinic from November 28, 2022, to June 29, 2023, with 3 weeks of follow-up, was conducted. Subsequently, an open-label lithium dose-finding study with 6 weeks of follow-up was performed among the same participants enrolled in the RCT. Eligible individuals needed to report new, bothersome fatigue or cognitive dysfunction persisting for more than 4 weeks after a self-reported positive test for COVID-19, Fatigue Severity Scale-7 (FSS-7) or Brain Fog Severity Scale (BFSS) score of 28 or greater, Beck Depression Inventory-II score less than 24, and no history of a condition known to cause fatigue or cognitive dysfunction. All participants in the RCT were eligible for the dose-finding study, except for those who responded to the placebo. Intention-to-treat analysis was used.

INTERVENTION: Lithium aspartate, 10 to 15 mg/d, or identically appearing placebo for 3 weeks followed by open-label lithium aspartate, 10 to 15 mg/d, for 2 weeks. In the subsequent dose-finding study, open-label lithium aspartate dosages up to 45 mg/d for 6 weeks were given.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Change in sum of FSS-7 and BFSS scores. The scores for each measure range from 7 to 49, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Secondary outcomes included changes from baseline in the scores of additional questionnaires.

RESULTS: Fifty-two participants were enrolled (30 [58%] males; mean [SD] age, 58.54 [14.34] years) and 26 were randomized to treatment with lithium aspartate (10 females) and 26 to placebo (12 female). Two participants assigned to lithium aspartate were lost to follow-up and none withdrew. No adverse events were attributable to lithium therapy. There were no significant intergroup differences for the primary outcome (-3.6; 95% CI, -16.6 to 9.5; P = .59) or any secondary outcomes. Among 3 patients completing a subsequent dose-finding study, open-label lithium aspartate, 40 to 45 mg/d, was associated with numerically greater reductions in fatigue and cognitive dysfunction scores than 15 mg/d, particularly in 2 patients with serum lithium levels of 0.18 and 0.49 mEq/L compared with 1 patient with a level of 0.10 mEq/L.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this RCT, therapy with lithium aspartate, 10 to 15 mg/d, was ineffective for neurologic PCC fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Another RCT is required to assess the potential benefits of higher lithium dosages for treating neurologic PCC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05618587 and NCT06108297.},
}

Humans
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Double-Blind Method
*Fatigue/drug therapy/etiology
*Cognitive Dysfunction/drug therapy/etiology
*COVID-19/complications
*Aspartic Acid
Aged
Adult
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid39355045,
year = {2023},
author = {Kimura, RH and Iagaru, A and Guo, HH},
title = {Mini review of first-in-human integrin αvβ6 PET tracers.},
journal = {Frontiers in nuclear medicine (Lausanne, Switzerland)},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {1271208},
pmid = {39355045},
issn = {2673-8880},
abstract = {This mini review of clinically-evaluated integrin αvβ6 PET-tracers reveals distinct differences in human-biodistribution patterns between linear peptides, including disulfide-stabilized formats, compared to head-to-tail cyclized peptides. All PET tracers mentioned in this mini review were able to delineate disease from normal tissues, but some αvβ6 PET tracers are better than others for particular clinical applications. Each αvβ6 PET tracer was validated for its ability to bind integrin αvβ6 with high affinity. However, all the head-to-tail cyclized peptide PET-tracers reviewed here did not accumulate in the GI-tract, in striking contrast to the linear and disulfide-bonded counterparts currently undergoing clinical evaluation in cancer, IPF and long COVID. Multiple independent investigators have reported the presence of β6 mRNA as well as αvβ6 protein in the GI-tract. Currently, there remains further need for biochemical, clinical, and structural data to satisfactorily explain the state-of-the-art in human αvβ6-imaging.},
}

@article {pmid39354691,
year = {2024},
author = {Matsubayashi, T and Yokoyama, K and Tateishi, U and Yokota, T and Sanjo, N},
title = {Specifically Decreased Thalamic Blood Flow Following COVID-19 Infection.},
journal = {Clinical nuclear medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/RLU.0000000000005478},
pmid = {39354691},
issn = {1536-0229},
abstract = {Although long COVID refers to numerous COVID-19-related symptoms after infection, including depression, fatigue, anosmia, sleep disturbances, and brain fog, the etiology of long COVID remains largely unknown. A 41-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of complete insomnia without drowsiness throughout the day after contracting COVID-19. SPECT using N-isopropyl-p-[123I] iodoamphetamine showed a significant regional cerebral blood flow reduction in the bilateral thalamus. We diagnosed her as having insomnia accompanied by thalamic hypoperfusion related to COVID-19 infection. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reduced regional cerebral blood flow specifically confined to the thalamus.},
}

@article {pmid39354396,
year = {2024},
author = {Abbas, U and Ahmed, I and Afshan, S and Jogezai, ZH and Kumar, P and Ahsan, A and Rehan, F and Hussain, N and Faheem, S and Baloch, IA and Yameen, M},
title = {Impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral load on restrictive spirometry patterns in mild COVID-19 recovered middle-aged individuals: a six-month prospective study.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {1089},
pmid = {39354396},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/physiopathology/virology/diagnosis ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Spirometry ; *Viral Load ; Prospective Studies ; Adult ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Lung/physiopathology/virology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long term respiratory complications of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) are of great concern. Many studies have reported altered respiratory patterns in COVID-19 recovered individuals and most of them were from severe to critically ill patients. The association of viral load at the time of infection with symptoms of long COVID-19 specifically on pulmonary functions after months of recovery is still not known. This study was aimed to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral load during mild-moderate COVID-19 disease on pulmonary functions in middle-aged population after 6-8 months of acute infection.

METHODS: This study included 300 (102 healthy controls and 198 COVID-19 recovered) individuals between age 30-60 of either gender. Mild-moderate COVID-19 recovered individuals were recruited between a period of 6-8 months post-acute infection. Spirometry was performed with MIR-Spirolab-III. The association of spirometry pattern was compared with SARS-CoV-2 viral loads during acute infection.

RESULTS: We observed up to 70% of the participants presented with either shortness of breath (11.5%), body aches (23.5%), recurrent cough (4.4%), recurrent respiratory infections (9.5%) and/or fatigue (33.3%) at follow up. In our study, 35.5% of COVID-19 recovered individuals had abnormal respiratory patterns (33.5% had restrictive and 2% had obstructive patterns). Viral load ≤ 20 CT value was associated with restrictive respiratory patterns (p = 0.004). No association was found between viral load and disease severity (p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION: In this study, we found one third of mild-moderate COVID-19 recovered individuals have restrictive respiratory patterns after 6-8 months of recovery. These findings had a strong association with SARS-CoV-2 viral loads during acute infection which has been reported for the first time in our study. Studying the relationship between viral load and pulmonary functions can contribute to identifying potential risk factors for long COVID and developing preventive measures to mitigate the long-term impact on lung health.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/physiopathology/virology/diagnosis
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Spirometry
*Viral Load
Prospective Studies
Adult
*SARS-CoV-2
Lung/physiopathology/virology

@article {pmid39354320,
year = {2025},
author = {Mamani-Huanca, M and Martínez, S and López-López, Á and López-Gonzálvez, Á and Albóniga, OE and Gradillas, A and Barbas, C and González-Ruiz, V},
title = {CE-MS-Based Clinical Metabolomics of Human Plasma.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2855},
number = {},
pages = {389-423},
pmid = {39354320},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Humans ; *Electrophoresis, Capillary/methods ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Mass Spectrometry/methods ; *COVID-19/blood/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2/metabolism ; Plasma/chemistry/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique with significant implications for clinical research and diagnostics. The integration of information from CE and MS strengthens confidence in the identification of compounds present in clinical samples. The ability of CE to separate molecules based on their electrophoretic mobility coupled to MS enables the accurate identification and quantification of analytes, even in complex biological matrices such as human plasma.Here, we present a detailed protocol for an untargeted metabolomics study using CE-MS and its application in a study on human plasma from patients suffering Long COVID syndrome. The protocol ranges from sample preparation to biological interpretation, detailing a workflow enabling the analysis of cationic and anionic compounds, metabolite identification, and data processing.},
}

Humans
*Electrophoresis, Capillary/methods
*Metabolomics/methods
*Mass Spectrometry/methods
*COVID-19/blood/diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
Plasma/chemistry/metabolism

@article {pmid39354971,
year = {2022},
author = {Lopes van den Broek, S and García-Vázquez, R and Andersen, IV and Valenzuela-Nieto, G and Shalgunov, V and Battisti, UM and Schwefel, D and Modhiran, N and Kramer, V and Cheuquemilla, Y and Jara, R and Salinas-Varas, C and Amarilla, AA and Watterson, D and Rojas-Fernandez, A and Herth, MM},
title = {Development and evaluation of an [18]F-labeled nanobody to target SARS-CoV-2's spike protein.},
journal = {Frontiers in nuclear medicine (Lausanne, Switzerland)},
volume = {2},
number = {},
pages = {1033697},
pmid = {39354971},
issn = {2673-8880},
abstract = {COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a global pandemic that is still present after more than two years. COVID-19 is mainly known as a respiratory disease that can cause long-term consequences referred to as long COVID. Molecular imaging of SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients would be a powerful tool for studying the pathological mechanisms and viral load in different organs, providing insights into the disease and the origin of long-term consequences and assessing the effectiveness of potential COVID-19 treatments. Current diagnostic methods used in the clinic do not allow direct imaging of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, a nanobody (NB) - a small, engineered protein derived from alpacas - and an Fc-fused NB which selectively target the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein were developed as imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET). We used the tetrazine ligation to [18]F-label the NB under mild conditions once the NBs were successfully modified with trans-cyclooctenes (TCOs). We confirmed binding to the Spike protein by SDS-PAGE. Dynamic PET scans in rats showed excretion through the liver for both constructs. Future work will evaluate in vivo binding to the Spike protein with our radioligands.},
}

@article {pmid39352725,
year = {2024},
author = {Hirschtick, JL and Slocum, E and Xie, Y and Power, LE and Elliott, MR and Orellana, RC and Fleischer, NL},
title = {Associations Between Acute COVID-19 Symptom Profiles and Long COVID Prevalence: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {e55697},
doi = {10.2196/55697},
pmid = {39352725},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Michigan/epidemiology ; Adult ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Symptom Assessment/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that severe acute COVID-19 illness increases the risk of long COVID (also known as post-COVID-19 condition). However, few studies have examined associations between acute symptoms and long COVID onset.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine associations between acute COVID-19 symptom profiles and long COVID prevalence using a population-based sample.

METHODS: We used a dual mode (phone and web-based) population-based probability survey of adults with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 between June 2020 and May 2022 in the Michigan Disease Surveillance System to examine (1) how acute COVID-19 symptoms cluster together using latent class analysis, (2) sociodemographic and clinical predictors of symptom clusters using multinomial logistic regression accounting for classification uncertainties, and (3) associations between symptom clusters and long COVID prevalence using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS: In our sample (n=4169), 15.9% (n=693) had long COVID, defined as new or worsening symptoms at least 90 days post SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified 6 acute COVID-19 symptom clusters resulting from the latent class analysis, with flu-like symptoms (24.7%) and fever (23.6%) being the most prevalent in our sample, followed by nasal congestion (16.4%), multi-symptomatic (14.5%), predominance of fatigue (10.8%), and predominance of shortness of breath (10%) clusters. Long COVID prevalence was highest in the multi-symptomatic (39.7%) and predominance of shortness of breath (22.4%) clusters, followed by the flu-like symptom (15.8%), predominance of fatigue (14.5%), fever (6.4%), and nasal congestion (5.6%) clusters. After adjustment, females (vs males) had greater odds of membership in the multi-symptomatic, flu-like symptom, and predominance of fatigue clusters, while adults who were Hispanic or another race or ethnicity (vs non-Hispanic White) had greater odds of membership in the multi-symptomatic cluster. Compared with the nasal congestion cluster, the multi-symptomatic cluster had the highest prevalence of long COVID (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 6.1, 95% CI 4.3-8.7), followed by the predominance of shortness of breath (aPR 3.7, 95% CI 2.5-5.5), flu-like symptom (aPR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9-4.0), and predominance of fatigue (aPR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5-3.3) clusters.

CONCLUSIONS: Researchers and clinicians should consider acute COVID-19 symptom profiles when evaluating subsequent risk of long COVID, including potential mechanistic pathways in a research context, and proactively screen high-risk patients during the provision of clinical care.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Male
Female
Cross-Sectional Studies
Prevalence
Middle Aged
Michigan/epidemiology
Adult
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Aged
Young Adult
Adolescent
Symptom Assessment/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39352145,
year = {2024},
author = {Buonsenso, D and Camporesi, A and Di Sante, G and Sali, M and Boza, MDCP and Morello, R and Valentini, P and Raffaelli, F and Rodriguez, L and Gonzalez, L and Johnsson, A and Mugabo, CH and Lakshmikanth, T and Brodin, P},
title = {Cytokine Profile in Children Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Preliminary Findings.},
journal = {The Pediatric infectious disease journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/INF.0000000000004558},
pmid = {39352145},
issn = {1532-0987},
abstract = {We provide preliminary evidence that, also in children, Long coronavirus disease (COVID) may be characterized by a proinflammatory signature. Ten Long COVID patients, 7 convalescent subjects after COVID infection and 4 healthy controls were enrolled. When adjusted for sex, children with long COVID had statistically significant differences in the levels of Flt3L, CD5, uPA, CCL23, CD40 and TGFα. When adjusted for age, CCL23 levels remained statistically significant.},
}

@article {pmid39351379,
year = {2024},
author = {Leavy, OC and Russell, RJ and Harrison, EM and Lone, NI and Kerr, S and Docherty, AB and Sheikh, A and Richardson, M and Elneima, O and Greening, NJ and Harris, VC and Houchen-Wolloff, L and McAuley, HJC and Saunders, RM and Sereno, M and Shikotra, A and Singapuri, A and Aul, R and Beirne, P and Bolton, CE and Brown, JS and Choudhury, G and Diar Bakerly, N and Easom, N and Echevarria, C and Fuld, J and Hart, N and Hurst, JR and Jones, M and Parekh, D and Pfeffer, P and Rahman, NM and Rowland-Jones, S and Shah, AM and Wootton, DG and Jolley, C and Thompson, AAR and Chalder, T and Davies, MJ and De Soyza, A and Geddes, JR and Greenhalf, W and Heller, S and Howard, L and Jacob, J and Jenkins, RG and Lord, JM and Man, WD and McCann, GP and Neubauer, S and Openshaw, PJM and Porter, J and Rowland, MJ and Scott, JT and Semple, MG and Singh, SJ and Thomas, D and Toshner, M and Lewis, K and Heaney, LG and Briggs, A and Zheng, B and Thorpe, M and Quint, JK and Chalmers, JD and Ho, LP and Horsley, A and Marks, M and Poinasamy, K and Raman, B and Wain, LV and Brightling, CE and Evans, RA},
title = {1-year health outcomes associated with systemic corticosteroids for COVID-19: a longitudinal cohort study.},
journal = {ERJ open research},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {39351379},
issn = {2312-0541},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring supplemental oxygen, dexamethasone reduces acute severity and improves survival, but longer-term effects are unknown. We hypothesised that systemic corticosteroid administration during acute COVID-19 would be associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 1 year after discharge.

METHODS: Adults admitted to hospital between February 2020 and March 2021 for COVID-19 and meeting current guideline recommendations for dexamethasone treatment were included using two prospective UK cohort studies (Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 and the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium). HRQoL, assessed by the EuroQol-Five Dimensions-Five Levels utility index (EQ-5D-5L UI), pre-hospital and 1 year after discharge were compared between those receiving corticosteroids or not after propensity weighting for treatment. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported recovery, physical and mental health status, and measures of organ impairment. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken to account for survival and selection bias.

FINDINGS: Of the 1888 participants included in the primary analysis, 1149 received corticosteroids. There was no between-group difference in EQ-5D-5L UI at 1 year (mean difference 0.004, 95% CI -0.026-0.034). A similar reduction in EQ-5D-5L UI was seen at 1 year between corticosteroid exposed and nonexposed groups (mean±sd change -0.12±0.22 versus -0.11±0.22). Overall, there were no differences in secondary outcome measures. After sensitivity analyses modelled using a cohort of 109 318 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, EQ-5D-5L UI at 1 year remained similar between the two groups.

INTERPRETATION: Systemic corticosteroids for acute COVID-19 have no impact on the large reduction in HRQoL 1 year after hospital discharge. Treatments to address the persistent reduction in HRQoL are urgently needed.},
}

@article {pmid39350480,
year = {2024},
author = {Chuang, YC and Cheng, YH and Tsai, MJ and Lu, YJ and Fuh, JL},
title = {The neuropsychological impacts of COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients with long COVID and brain fog.},
journal = {Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/JCMA.0000000000001175},
pmid = {39350480},
issn = {1728-7731},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes persistent symptoms, including brain fog. Based on limited research on the long-term consequences of mild COVID-19, which has yielded inconsistent results, we investigated which cognitive functions were most affected by COVID-19 in non-hospitalized Asian patients with long-term COVID and subjective cognitive complaints.

METHODS: Fifty-five non-hospitalized patients with long COVID and brain fog (24 males and 31 females, mean age: 45.6 ± 14.6 years, mean duration of education: 14.4 ± 3.0 years) were recruited. Neuropsychological assessments included screening tests for overall cognition, and comprehensive tests for memory, executive function, processing speed, and subjective emotional and disease symptoms. Cognitive test scores were converted into Z-scores. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to define cognitive domains across subtest scores.

RESULTS: Comprehensive assessments revealed cognitive impairment in 69.1% of patients (<1.5 standard deviation in at least one test). The processing speed (27.3%), memory recall (21.8%), memory learning (20.0%), and inhibitory control (18.2%) were the most affected areas. Self-reported anxiety and depression were observed in 35% and 33% of patients, respectively. Furthermore, the degree of self-anxiety can be used to predict learning performance.

CONCLUSION: Nearly 70% of patients with subjective cognitive complaints and long COVID had objective cognitive impairments. A comprehensive evaluation is essential for patients with long COVID and brain fog, including those with mild symptoms.},
}

@article {pmid39350082,
year = {2024},
author = {Sarani, M and Motamed, N and Hatami, G and Namvar, A and Ravanipour, M},
title = {Long COVID in children and adolescents: a historical cohort study with a population-based control group from Iran.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {1074},
pmid = {39350082},
issn = {1471-2334},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: After recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19, some of the infected children manifest long COVID symptoms. The present study aims to identify long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents admitted to hospitals in Bushehr, Iran, during 2021 to 2023, and compare them with the non-affected group.

METHODS: This historical cohort study with a population-based control group was conducted on 141 children and adolescents with COVID-19 hospitalized in Bushehr city hospitals and 141 non-affected peers. Out of 10 comprehensive health service centers in Bushehr city, 5 centers were selected by random sampling and the non-Covid-19 group was chosen from them (matched by gender and age with the affected group). The data were collected using the data recorded in the patients' records, conducting telephone interviews and completing the prevalent long COVID symptom form. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, and stepwise logistic regression were used. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, with p < 0.05 as the significance level.

RESULTS: The mean age of the hospitalized children with COVID-19 was 79 ± 5.24 months old, 57.4% of whom were boys. Also, 46 individuals of the COVID-19 group (32.6%) manifested long COVID symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms included fatigue (54.3%), impaired attention or concentration (41.3%) and depression or anxiety symptoms (34.7%). Among the hospitalized children experiencing long-term COVID symptoms, 65.2% exhibited moderate disease severity. A significant relationship was identified between disease severity and muscle and joint pain (P = 0.025), as well as between the length of hospital stay and cough (P = 0.022), weight loss (P = 0.047), and symptoms of depression or anxiety (P = 0.008). Older age [(6-11 y; OR = 3.18, CI = 1.03-9.88); (12 ≥ y; OR = 4.57, CI = 1.40-14.96)] and having history of smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke (OR = 12.45, CI = 3.14-49.36) were considered as risk factors for long COVID.

CONCLUSIONS: The variables of age and history of exposure to tobacco smoke exhibited a significant independent relationship with the occurrence of long-term COVID symptoms in children hospitalized due to COVID-19. Specifically, as age increases and the history of tobacco smoke exposure rises, the likelihood of experiencing long-term COVID symptoms also increases.},
}

@article {pmid39349924,
year = {2024},
author = {Nuber-Champier, A and Breville, G and Voruz, P and Jacot de Alcântara, I and Cionca, A and Allali, G and Lalive, PH and Benzakour, L and Lövblad, KO and Braillard, O and Nehme, M and Coen, M and Serratrice, J and Reny, JL and Pugin, J and Guessous, I and Landis, BN and Assal, F and Péron, JA},
title = {Systemic cytokines related to memory function 6-9 months and 12-15 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {22660},
pmid = {39349924},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {220041/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; 220041/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Cognitive symptoms persisting beyond the acute phase of COVID-19 infection are commonly described for up to 2 years after infection. The relationship between cognitive performance, in particular episodic memory processes observed chronically after infection, and cytokine levels in the acute phase of COVID-19 has not yet been identified in humans. To determine whether the levels of cytokines IL1β, IL-6 and TNFα secreted in the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection are associated and predict verbal and visuospatial episodic memory performance in humans 6 to 9 months and 12 to 15 months post-infection. The associations and predictive value of the concentration of cytokines measured in acute phase (IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα) from plasma samples of N = 33 hospitalized COVID-19 patients (mean age 61 years, 39-78, 65% in intensive care) in relation to their verbal and visuospatial episodic memory performance measured at 6-9 months and 12-15 months post-infection were analyzed. To do this, we used Spearman correlations and generalised linear mixed models. IL-1β levels were associated with verbal episodic memory total recall scores 6-9 months post-infection. At 12-15 months post-infection IL-6 predicted verbal episodic memory score. This study demonstrated that the severity of inflammatory reaction at acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection predicts verbal episodic memory performance in the long-term post-infection.},
}

@article {pmid39349781,
year = {2024},
author = {Zubchenko, S and Havrylyuk, A and Kril, I and Nadishko, O and Kolinkovskyi, O and Chopyak, V},
title = {Changes in the cytotoxic and regulatory functions of NK cells in patients with long-COVID under the influence of the human herpesvirus 6 (pilot study).},
journal = {Rheumatology international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39349781},
issn = {1437-160X},
abstract = {Long-COVID are often accompanied by the development of autoimmun disorders. Such dysregulation of the immune system can be caused by reactivation of "sluggish" herpesvirus infection in patients after COVID-19. The one of the possible causes of autoimmunization is a change in the cytotoxic functions of NK cells under the influence of HHV6. The aim of research was to study the expression of receptor-ligand Fas-FasL, regulating marker CD38 and inhibitory receptor TIM-3 on NK cells in patients with long-COVID after mild, moderate, and severe stage of COVID-19 in the anamnesis with or without reactivation of HHV-6 and to identify risk factors for the formation of autoimmune disorders in these patients. This study investigated 124 adults (73 female and 51 male) aged 18 to 65 years with long-COVID. The groups of patients with long-COVID were divided depending on mild, moderate, and severe forms of COVID-19 in the anamnesis and with/without reactivation of HHV-6. The control group included 20 healthy participants. Molecular genetic studies (PCR) were performed for all patients to detect the existence of DNA HHV6. Multiparametric flow cytometry was performed on 124 EDTA peripheral blood samples collected from long-COVID patients and 20 healthy controls. There was defined an imbalance between acute antiviral mechanisms, the response contributing to tissue damage and immunopathology, probably autoimmunity in patients with long-COVID after different forms of COVID-19 with reactivation of HHV-6. The presence of HHV-6 in groups with long-COVID was accompanied by higher expression of FasL and CD38, especially in patients, who had a severe form of COVID-19 in the anamnesis. The decrease in TIM-3 in patients with reactivation of HHV-6 compared to patients without HHV-6 puts the preservation of immunological tolerance at risk of Th1-dependent immune responses. The reactivation of HHV-6 is accompanied by higher expression of FasL and CD38, which indicates increased hyperactivation of NK cells, their cytotoxic activity, and subsequent exhaustion. NK cells of these patients lose their immunoregulatory ability, this creates prerequisites for the development of immunopathology, probably autoimmune processes.},
}

@article {pmid39349557,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhu, S and McCullough, K and Pry, JM and Jain, S and White, LA and León, TM},
title = {Modeling the burden of long COVID in California with quality adjusted life-years (QALYS).},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {22663},
pmid = {39349557},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; California/epidemiology ; *Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Young Adult ; Infant ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Male ; Female ; Severity of Illness Index ; Infant, Newborn ; Cost of Illness ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {Individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 ("long COVID") even after asymptomatic or mild acute illness. Including time varying COVID symptom severity can provide more informative burden estimates for public health response. Using a compartmental model driven by confirmed cases, this study estimated long COVID burden by age group (0-4, 5-17, 18-49, 50-64, 65+) in California as measured by the cumulative and severity-specific proportion of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost. Long COVID symptoms were grouped into severe, moderate, and mild categories based on estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study, and symptoms were assumed to decrease in severity in the model before full recovery. All 10,945,079 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported to the California Department of Public Health between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, were included in the analysis. Most estimated long COVID-specific QALYs [59,514 (range: 10,372-180,257)] lost in California were concentrated in adults 18-49 (31,592; 53.1%). Relative to other age groups, older adults (65+) lost proportionally more QALYs from severe long COVID (1,366/6,984; 20%). Due to changing case ascertainment over time, this analysis might underestimate the actual total burden. In global sensitivity analysis, estimates of QALYs lost were most sensitive to the proportion of individuals that developed long COVID and proportion of cases with each initial level of long COVID symptom severity (mild/moderate/severe). Models like this analysis can help translate observable metrics such as cases and hospitalizations into quantitative estimates of long COVID burden that are currently difficult to directly measure. Unlike the observed relationship between age and incident severe outcomes for COVID-19, this study points to the potential cumulative impact of mild long COVID symptoms in younger individuals.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
California/epidemiology
*Quality-Adjusted Life Years
Adolescent
Adult
Middle Aged
Aged
Child
Child, Preschool
Young Adult
Infant
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Male
Female
Severity of Illness Index
Infant, Newborn
Cost of Illness
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid39349473,
year = {2024},
author = {Chapman, M and Durbaba, S and Tydeman, F and Friend, M and Duly, L and Moore, J and Curcin, V and Wang, Y and Jolley, CJ and Kaltsakas, G and Chalder, T and Hart, N and Ashworth, M},
title = {Long COVID demographic and secondary care referral characteristics in primary care: analysis of anonymised primary care data from a multiethnic, deprived urban area in the UK.},
journal = {NPJ primary care respiratory medicine},
volume = {34},
number = {1},
pages = {25},
pmid = {39349473},
issn = {2055-1010},
support = {COV210802//NHS Charities Together and Guy's and St Thomas' Charity/ ; COV210802//NHS Charities Together and Guy's and St Thomas' Charity/ ; COV210802//NHS Charities Together and Guy's and St Thomas' Charity/ ; NIHR203988//UK Research and Innovation: 'MELD-B'/ ; MR/X009742//Medical Research Council: 'Born in South London (eLIXIR)'/ ; EDDPGM-May22\100002//CRUK: 'CANDETECT'/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy ; *Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data ; *Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; *Secondary Care/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; Urban Population/statistics & numerical data ; Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data ; Comorbidity ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Age Factors ; },
abstract = {Once the nature and number of patients with Long COVID was more fully understood, UK secondary care developed services to investigate, treat and support these patients. We aimed to identify evidence for demographic health inequalities based on general practitioner (GP) Long COVID referrals to available secondary care services. Despite Long COVID demographics broadly reflecting the multiethnic and socially disadvantaged profile of the study population, we found that secondary care referral was mainly focussed on older age patients and those born in the UK with co-morbid anxiety; although co-morbid diabetes was associated with reduced referrals.},
}

Humans
United Kingdom/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy
*Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data
*Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data
*Secondary Care/statistics & numerical data
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Aged
Adult
Urban Population/statistics & numerical data
Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data
Comorbidity
Young Adult
Adolescent
Age Factors

@article {pmid39348850,
year = {2024},
author = {Kruger, A and Joffe, D and Lloyd-Jones, G and Khan, MA and Šalamon, Š and Laubscher, GJ and Putrino, D and Kell, DB and Pretorius, E},
title = {Vascular Pathogenesis in Acute and Long COVID: Current Insights and Therapeutic Outlook.},
journal = {Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1790603},
pmid = {39348850},
issn = {1098-9064},
abstract = {Long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-a postacute consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection-manifests with a broad spectrum of relapsing and remitting or persistent symptoms as well as varied levels of organ damage, which may be asymptomatic or present as acute events such as heart attacks or strokes and recurrent infections, hinting at complex underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Central to these symptoms is vascular dysfunction rooted in thrombotic endothelialitis. We review the scientific evidence that widespread endothelial dysfunction (ED) leads to chronic symptomatology. We briefly examine the molecular pathways contributing to endothelial pathology and provide a detailed analysis of how these cellular processes underpin the clinical picture. Noninvasive diagnostic techniques, such as flow-mediated dilation and peripheral arterial tonometry, are evaluated for their utility in identifying ED. We then explore mechanistic, cellular-targeted therapeutic interventions for their potential in treating ED. Overall, we emphasize the critical role of cellular health in managing Long COVID and highlight the need for early intervention to prevent long-term vascular and cellular dysfunction.},
}

@article {pmid39348500,
year = {2024},
author = {Rahemtoola, SA and Rahemtoola, MS},
title = {In Reply: Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Children With Long COVID: A Case-controlled Study.},
journal = {The Pediatric infectious disease journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/INF.0000000000004559},
pmid = {39348500},
issn = {1532-0987},
}

@article {pmid39348452,
year = {2024},
author = {Ueland, GÅ and Ernes, T and Madsen, TV and Sandberg, S and Åsvold, BO and Løvaas, KF and Cooper, JG},
title = {Women Suffered More Than Men Both During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Cross-Sectional Study Among 29,079 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.},
journal = {Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism},
volume = {7},
number = {6},
pages = {e70004},
doi = {10.1002/edm2.70004},
pmid = {39348452},
issn = {2398-9238},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Norway/epidemiology ; Sex Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Pandemics ; Depression/epidemiology/etiology ; Registries ; Anxiety/epidemiology/etiology ; Comorbidity ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gender differences and the disparities between infected and noninfected patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) regarding patient-reported experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway.

METHOD: Register study using questionnaires sent electronically to patients with T2D, June 2022. The questionnaire included 82 questions covering COVID-19 disease, symptoms, medications, comorbidities, hospital care, possibility of working from home and information received from health authorities. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the Norwegian diabetes registry for adults.

RESULTS: A total of 29,079 T2D patients participated, of whom 38.1% were women. Patients infected with COVID-19 were younger, had shorter diabetes duration and less comorbidities than noninfected (p < 0.01). Women reported significantly more anxiety, depression and fear of not getting their diabetes medication than men did. Most patients were vaccinated against COVID-19 (98.3%), whereas approximately 60% had received seasonal flu vaccine, and only 27.2% the pneumococcal vaccine. Women described more vaccine adverse effects and long Covid symptoms. Overall, 14% experienced vaccine complications and 27.3% of infected individuals reported long Covid symptoms. 2.4% of the infected patients needed hospital admission. Patients were satisfied with the follow-up of their diabetes, and with information from the government during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION: Female patients were more likely to experience a prolonged Covid course, and higher degree of adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccine than male patients. Also, long Covid symptoms were significantly more often reported among female patients, while men were more prone to be hospitalised when infected. Hospitalised patients, both men and women, had significantly higher HbA1C than those who were not hospitalised. T2D patients had a surprisingly low pneumococcal vaccination coverage, despite recommendations in national guidelines.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology
Male
Female
Cross-Sectional Studies
Middle Aged
Aged
Norway/epidemiology
Sex Factors
Surveys and Questionnaires
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Pandemics
Depression/epidemiology/etiology
Registries
Anxiety/epidemiology/etiology
Comorbidity
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage

@article {pmid39346769,
year = {2024},
author = {Dacosta-Aguayo, R and Torán-Monserrat, P and Carmona-Cervelló, M and León-Gómez, BB and Mataró, M and Puig, J and Monté-Rubio, G and López-Lifante, VM and Maria Manresa-Domínguez, J and Zamora-Putin, V and Montero-Alia, P and Chacón, C and Bielsa-Pascual, J and Moreno-Gabriel, E and García-Sierra, R and Rodríguez-Pérez, MC and Costa-Garrido, A and Prado, JG and Martínez-Cáceres, E and Mateu, L and Massanella, M and Violán, C and Lamonja-Vicente, N},
title = {Multimodal neuroimaging in Long-COVID and its correlates with cognition 1.8 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional study of the Aliança ProHEpiC-19 Cognitiu.},
journal = {Frontiers in neurology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1426881},
pmid = {39346769},
issn = {1664-2295},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There is a growing interest in the effect of Long-COVID (LC) on cognition, and neuroimaging allows us to gain insight into the structural and functional changes underlying cognitive impairment in LC. We used multimodal neuroimaging data in combination with neuropsychological evaluations to study cognitive complaints in a cohort of LC patients with mild to moderate severity symptoms.

METHODS: We conducted a 3T brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI) sequences on 53 LC patients 1.8 years after acute COVID-19 onset. We administered neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive domains and examined correlations with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and resting state.

RESULTS: We included 53 participants with LC (mean age, 48.23 years; 88.7% females). According to the Frascati criteria, more than half of the participants had deficits in the executive (59%) and attentional (55%) domains, while 40% had impairments in the memory domain. Only one participant (1.89%) showed problems in the visuospatial and visuoconstructive domain. We observed that increased radial diffusivity in different white matter tracts was negatively correlated with the memory domain. Our results showed that higher resting state activity in the fronto-parietal network was associated with lower memory performance. Moreover, we detected increased functional connectivity among the bilateral hippocampus, the right hippocampus and the left amygdala, and the right hippocampus and the left middle temporal gyrus. These connectivity patterns were inversely related to memory and did not survive false discovery rate (FDR) correction.

DISCUSSION: People with LC exhibit cognitive impairments linked to long-lasting changes in brain structure and function, which justify the cognitive alterations detected.},
}

@article {pmid39345344,
year = {2024},
author = {Bellis, RT and Cooper, F and Knoeff, R and McGuire, C and Parry, M and Tybjerg, K and Verwaal, RE and Woods, A},
title = {History at the heart of medicine.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {249},
pmid = {39345344},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {With a focus on the challenges of today and tomorrow in the critical medical humanities the role of history is often overlooked. Yet history and medicine are closely intertwined. Right now, with the surfacing of knotty problems such as changing demographics, chronic pain, loneliness and Long Covid - and the consequent necessity to change directions and policies - history seems more urgent than ever. However, historians of medicine have sometimes been reticent to play a role in medicine and policymaking. The recent and welcome development of the critical medical humanities has intervened in medicine in important ways, but often without clear engagement with the history of medicine. In this letter, we make a renewed case for coherence and collaboration between history of medicine, medicine, and medical humanities, emphasising the continuity and links between all three. The skills and focus of the historian of medicine bring crucial historical context to the table, enabling better understanding of medical collecting, new imaginative futures, profound critiques of key medical concepts, and understandings of the body through time. By emphasising what historians can do for medicine and medical humanities, we call for building historical work into how medicine, illness and health are understood now and in the future. We suggest three potential roles for historians: keepers of memories, conversation partners, and futurist thinkers.},
}

@article {pmid39345136,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, C and Gerzanich, V and Cruz-Cosme, R and Zhang, J and Tsymbalyuk, O and Tosun, C and Sallapalli, BT and Liu, D and Keledjian, K and Papadimitriou, JC and Drachenberg, CB and Nasr, M and Zhang, Y and Tang, Q and Simard, JM and Zhao, RY},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a induces COVID-19-associated kidney injury through HMGB1-mediated cytokine production.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0230824},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.02308-24},
pmid = {39345136},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: The primary challenge posed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is COVID-19-related mortality, often exacerbated by additional medical complications, such as COVID-19-associated kidney injuries (CAKIs). Up to half of COVID-19 patients experience kidney complications, with those facing acute respiratory failure and kidney injury having the worst overall prognosis. Despite the significant impact of CAKI on COVID-19-related mortality and its enduring effects in long COVID, the underlying causes and molecular mechanisms of CAKI remain elusive. In this study, we identified a functional relationship between the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a protein and inflammation-driven apoptotic death of renal tubular epithelial cells in patients with CAKI. We demonstrate in vitro that ORF3a independently induces renal cell-specific apoptotic cell death, as evidenced by the elevation of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and the activation of NF-kB-mediated proinflammatory cytokine (TNFα and IL-6) production. By examining kidney tissues of SARS-CoV-2-infected K18-ACE2 transgenic mice, we observed a similar correlation between ORF3a-induced cytopathic changes and kidney injury. This correlation was further validated through reconstitution of the ORF3a effects via direct adenoviral injection into mouse kidneys. Through medicinal analysis, we identified a natural compound, glycyrrhizin (GL4419), which not only blocks viral replication in renal cells, but also mitigates ORF3a-induced renal cell death by inhibiting activation of a high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, leading to a reduction of KIM-1. Moreover, ORF3a interacts with HMGB1. Overproduction or downregulation of hmgb1 expression results in correlative changes in renal cellular KIM-1 response and respective cytokine production, implicating a crucial role of HMGB1 in ORF3a-inflicted kidney injuries. Our data suggest a direct functional link between ORF3a and kidney injury, highlighting ORF3a as a unique therapeutic target contributing to CAKI.

IMPORTANCE: The major challenge of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during the pandemic is COVID-19-related mortality, which has tragically claimed millions of lives. COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality are often exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions, such as chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), or the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to COVID-19, collectively known as COVID-19-associated kidney injuries (CAKIs). Patients who experience acute respiratory failure with CAKI have the poorest clinical outcomes, including increased mortality. Despite these alarming clinical findings, there is a critical gap in our understanding of the underlying causes of CAKI. Our study establishes a direct correlation between the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 viral ORF3a protein and kidney injury induced by ORF3a linking to CAKI. This functional relationship was initially observed in our clinical studies of COVID-19 patients with AKI and was further validated through animal and in vitro cellular studies, either by expressing ORF3a alone or in the context of viral infection. By elucidating this functional relationship and its underlying mechanistic pathways, our research deepens the understanding of COVID-19-associated kidney diseases and presents potential therapeutic avenues to address the healthcare challenges faced by individuals with underlying conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39343334,
year = {2024},
author = {Bilc, M and Cramer, H},
title = {Use of complementary medicine among US adults with post-COVID-19: Results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey.},
journal = {The American journal of medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.09.023},
pmid = {39343334},
issn = {1555-7162},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of complementary medicine (CM) use as well as potential factors related to CM use in a representative sample of US adults with self-reported post-COVID-19.

METHODS: This secondary data analysis was based on data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey 2022 (NHIS) regarding presence of post-COVID-19 symptoms and CM use in a representative adult sample (weighted n = 89,437,918).

RESULTS: Our estimates indicate that 19.7% of those who reported having a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms and 46.2% of those reported using any type of CM in the last 12 months. Specifically, post-COVID-19 respondents used most often mind-body medicine (32.0%), followed by massage (16.1%), chiropractic (14.4%), acupuncture (3.4%), naturopathy (2.2%) and art and/or music therapy (2.1%). Reporting post-COVID-19 was associated with an increased likelihood of using any CM in the last 12 months (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.03, 1.34], p = 0.014) and specifically to visit an art and/or music therapist (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI [1.58, 4.41], p < 0.001). The overall use of any CM was more likely among post-COVID-19 respondents under 65 years old, females, those with an ethnical background other than Hispanic, African-American, Asian or Non-Hispanic Whites, having a higher educational level, living in large metropolitan areas and having a private health insurance.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a high prevalence of CM use among post-COVID-19 respondents which highlights the need for further investigations on effectiveness, safety and possible mechanisms of action.},
}

@article {pmid39342666,
year = {2024},
author = {Matsuyama, E and Miyata, J and Terai, H and Miyazaki, N and Iwasaki, T and Nagashima, K and Watase, M and Sunata, K and Namkoong, H and Asakura, T and Masaki, K and Chubachi, S and Ohgino, K and Kawada, I and Minami, K and Hagiwara, R and Ueda, S and Yoshiyama, T and Kokuto, H and Kusumoto, T and Oashi, A and Miyawaki, M and Saito, F and Tani, T and Ishioka, K and Takahashi, S and Nakamura, M and Ishii, M and Sato, Y and Fukunaga, K},
title = {Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and mechanical ventilation are risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID: A Japanese nationwide cohort study.},
journal = {Respiratory investigation},
volume = {62},
number = {6},
pages = {1094-1101},
doi = {10.1016/j.resinv.2024.09.009},
pmid = {39342666},
issn = {2212-5353},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients often experience multiple prolonged symptoms following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery, defined as long coronavirus disease (COVID). Patients with long COVID may experience dyspnea during acute and post-acute phases. Therefore, this study aimed to identify specific risk factors for dyspnea in patients with long COVID.

METHODS: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19, aged ≥18 years, were enrolled in this multicenter cohort study conducted at 26 medical institutions across Japan. Clinical data during hospitalization and patient-reported outcomes after discharge at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups were retrieved from medical records and paper-based or smartphone application-based questionnaires, respectively.

RESULTS: Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis of prolonged dyspnea at each time point during follow-up showed that this symptom was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (odds ratio [OR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-5.74), asthma (OR, 2.21; 95%CI, 1.17-4.16), and ventilator management (OR, 3.10; 95%CI, 1.65-5.83). In addition, patients with COPD (44.4%) and ventilator management (25.0%) were more frequently associated with delayed dyspnea onset. The generalized estimating equations analysis results with multiple imputed datasets, conducted as a sensitivity analysis, confirmed the adjusted GLMM analysis results.

CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged dyspnea was associated with COPD, asthma, and severe infection that required mechanical ventilation in the Japanese population with long COVID. Further investigation is needed to clarify its mechanism and develop prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for dyspnea in patients with long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid39340624,
year = {2024},
author = {Masala, C and Porcu, M and Orofino, G and Defazio, G and Pinna, I and Solla, P and Ercoli, T and Suri, JS and Spinato, G and Saba, L},
title = {Neuroimaging evaluations of olfactory, gustatory, and neurological deficits in patients with long-term sequelae of COVID-19.},
journal = {Brain imaging and behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39340624},
issn = {1931-7565},
abstract = {The World Health Organization indicated that around 36 million of patients in the European Region showed long COVID associated with olfactory and gustatory deficits. The precise mechanism underlying long COVID clinical manifestations is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential correlations between odor threshold, odor discrimination, odor identification, and the activation of specific brain areas in patients after COVID-19. Sixty subjects, 27 patients (15 women and 12 men) with long COVID and a mean age of 40.6 ± 13.4 years, were compared to 33 age-matched healthy controls (20 women and 13 men) with a mean age of 40.5 ± 9.8 years. Our data showed that patients with long COVID symptoms exhibited a significant decrease in odor threshold, odor discrimination, odor identification, and their sum TDI score compared to age-matched healthy controls. In addition, our results indicated significant correlations between odor discrimination and the increased activation in the right hemisphere, in the frontal pole, and in the superior frontal gyrus. This study indicated that the resting-state fMRI in combination with the objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function may be useful for the evaluation of patients with long COVID associated with anosmia and hyposmia.},
}

@article {pmid39339976,
year = {2024},
author = {Bai, F and Santoro, A and Hedberg, P and Tavelli, A and De Benedittis, S and de Morais Caporali, JF and Marinho, CC and Leite, AS and Santoro, MM and Ceccherini Silberstein, F and Iannetta, M and Juozapaité, D and Strumiliene, E and Almeida, A and Toscano, C and Ruiz-Quiñones, JA and Mommo, C and Fanti, I and Incardona, F and Cozzi-Lepri, A and Marchetti, G and , },
title = {The Omicron Variant Is Associated with a Reduced Risk of the Post COVID-19 Condition and Its Main Phenotypes Compared to the Wild-Type Virus: Results from the EuCARE-POSTCOVID-19 Study.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {16},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v16091500},
pmid = {39339976},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {European Union´s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 101046016//Horizon 2020/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/virology/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; *Phenotype ; Adult ; Intensive Care Units ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is defined as ongoing symptoms at ≥1 month after acute COVID-19. We investigated the risk of PCC in an international cohort according to viral variants. We included 7699 hospitalized patients in six centers (January 2020-June 2023); a subset of participants with ≥1 visit over the year after clinical recovery were analyzed. Variants were observed or estimated using Global Data Science Initiative (GISAID) data. Because patients returning for a post COVID-19 visit may have a higher PCC risk, and because the variant could be associated with the probability of returning, we used weighted logistic regressions. We estimated the proportion of the effect of wild-type (WT) virus vs. Omicron on PCC, which was mediated by Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, through a mediation analysis. In total, 1317 patients returned for a post COVID visit at a median of 2.6 (IQR 1.84-3.97) months after clinical recovery. WT was present in 69.6% of participants, followed by the Alpha (14.4%), Delta (8.9%), Gamma (3.9%) and Omicron strains (3.3%). Among patients with PCC, the most common manifestations were fatigue (51.7%), brain fog (32.7%) and respiratory symptoms (37.2%). Omicron vs. WT was associated with a reduced risk of PCC and PCC clusters; conversely, we observed a higher risk with the Delta and Alpha variants vs. WT. In total, 42% of the WT effect vs. Omicron on PCC risk appeared to be mediated by ICU admission. A reduced PCC risk was observed after Omicron infection, suggesting a possible reduction in the PCC burden over time. A non-negligible proportion of the variant effect on PCC risk seems mediated by increased disease severity during the acute disease.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Aged
*Phenotype
Adult
Intensive Care Units
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors

@article {pmid39338165,
year = {2024},
author = {Man, DE and Andor, M and Buda, V and Kundnani, NR and Duda-Seiman, DM and Craciun, LM and Neagu, MN and Carlogea, IS and Dragan, SR},
title = {Insulin Resistance in Long COVID-19 Syndrome.},
journal = {Journal of personalized medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jpm14090911},
pmid = {39338165},
issn = {2075-4426},
abstract = {Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe health issues worldwide and contributed to huge financial losses. Key comorbidities linked to an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and higher mortality rates include cardio-metabolic disorders such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, heart failure, and obesity. The persistence of symptoms even after the acute phase is over is termed long COVID-19 syndrome. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between long COVID-19 syndrome and the development of insulin resistance in previously non-diabetic patients. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on 143 non-diabetic patients who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by a PCR test and were hospitalized in our hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. The clinical and para-clinical data at 0, 4, and 12 months of hospital admission for post-COVID-19 infection follow-up was collected and labeled as t0, t4, and t12. Blood glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels were measured at the beginning and further at 2, 5, 10, and 30 min after the intravenous arginine stimulation test. Similarly, BMI was calculated, and hs-CRP and ESR levels were noted. The results obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: More than one-third (30.7%) of the included patients developed long COVID-19 syndrome. It was found that 75% of patients with long COVID-19 hospitalized in our clinic developed diabetes within a year of acute infection with COVID-19; therefore, it can be said that the presence of long COVID-19 is a major risk for an altered metabolic status, which can cause diabetes. When comparing the glycemia levels (106 mg/dL) with the BMI at t0, t4, and t12 time intervals, the p-values were found to be 0.214, 0.042, and 0.058, respectively. Almost 62% of the patients having BMI > 30 kg/m[2] were found to have an increase in blood glucose levels at 1 year. Similarly, insulin resistance was noted during this interval. A negative correlation of 0.40 for hsCRP and 0.38 for ESR was noted when compared with acute infection with COVID-19. Conclusions: The association between long COVID-19 and insulin resistance highlights the varied and widespread impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Addressing the complexities of long COVID-19 requires a holistic strategy that encompasses both respiratory and metabolic considerations, which is crucial for enhancing the well-being of those enduring this persistent condition.},
}

@article {pmid39338088,
year = {2024},
author = {Goldhaber, NH and Ramesh, K and Horton, LE and Longhurst, CA and Huang, E and Horgan, S and Jacobsen, GR and Sandler, BJ and Broderick, RC},
title = {The Long Haul to Surgery: Long COVID Has Minimal Burden on Surgical Departments.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {21},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijerph21091205},
pmid = {39338088},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Aged ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Surgery Department, Hospital/statistics & numerical data ; Surgical Procedures, Operative/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {Many patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) continue to experience symptoms for weeks to years as sequelae of the initial infection, referred to as "Long COVID". Although many studies have described the incidence and symptomatology of Long COVID, there are little data reporting the potential burden of Long COVID on surgical departments. A previously constructed database of survey respondents who tested positive for COVID-19 was queried, identifying patients reporting experiencing symptoms consistent with Long COVID. Additional chart review determined whether respondents had a surgical or non-routine invasive procedure on or following the date of survey completion. Outcomes from surgeries on patients reporting Long COVID symptoms were compared to those from asymptomatic patients. A total of 17.4% of respondents had surgery or a non-routine invasive procedure in the study period. A total of 48.8% of these patients reported experiencing symptoms consistent with Long COVID. No statistically significant differences in surgical outcomes were found between groups. The results of this analysis demonstrate that Long COVID does not appear to have created a significant burden of surgical disease processes on the healthcare system despite the wide range of chronic symptoms and increased healthcare utilization by this population. This knowledge can help guide surgical operational resource allocation as a result of the pandemic and its longer-term sequelae.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Male
Female
Middle Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Aged
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Surgery Department, Hospital/statistics & numerical data
Surgical Procedures, Operative/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39337879,
year = {2024},
author = {Ciobica, ML and Sandulescu, BA and Sotcan, MA and Dumitrescu, LM and Eftimie, LG and Calin, CI and Iordache, M and Cuzino, D and Carsote, M and Nistor, C and Radu, AM},
title = {Superficial Vein Thrombosis in an Asymptomatic Case of Cholangiocarcinoma with Recent History of COVID-19.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life14091095},
pmid = {39337879},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic brought into prominence several emergent medical and surgical entities, but, also, it served as trigger and contributor for numerous apparently unrelated ailments such as arterial and venous thromboembolic complications. Additional risk factors for these thrombotic traits may be concurrent (known or unknown) malignancies, including at hepatic level. Among these, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare cancer of intra- and extra-hepatic biliary ducts, represents a very aggressive condition that typically associates local and distant advanced stages on first presentation requiring a prompt diagnosis and a stratified management. This neoplasia has been reported to present a large spectrum of paraneoplastic syndromes in terms of dermatologic, renal, systemic, neurologic, endocrine, and cardiovascular settings, that, overall, are exceptional in their epidemiologic impact when compared to other cancers. Our aim was to introduce a most unusual case of CCA-associated distant thrombosis in a male adult who initially was considered to experience COVID-19-related thrombotic features while having a history of obesity and bariatric surgery. This is a hybrid type of paper: this clinical vignette is accompanied by two distinct sample-focused analyses as a basis for discussion; they each had different methods depending on their current level of statistical evidence. We only included English-published articles in PubMed, as follows: Firstly, we conducted a search of reports similar to the present case, regarding distant vein thrombosis in CCA, from inception until the present time. We performed a literature search using the keywords "cholangiocarcinoma", "thrombosis", and "Trousseau's syndrome" and identified 20 cases across 19 original papers; hence, the current level of evidence remains very low Secondly, we searched for the highest level of statistical evidence concerning the diagnosis of venous thrombosis/thromboembolism in patients who underwent COVID-19 infection (key search terms were "COVID-19", alternatively, "coronavirus", and "SARS-CoV-2", and "thrombosis", alternatively, "thromboembolism") and included the most recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses that were published in 2024 (from 1 January 2024 until 8 July 2024). After excluding data on vaccination against coronavirus or long COVID-19 syndrome, we identified six such articles. To conclude, we presented a probably unique case of malignancy with an initial manifestation consisting of recurrent superficial vein thrombosis under anticoagulation therapy, with no gastrointestinal manifestations, in a patient with a notable history for multiple episodes of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a prior endocrine (gastric) surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of a CCA under these specific circumstances.},
}

@article {pmid39337860,
year = {2024},
author = {Koutsiaris, AG},
title = {A Blood Supply Pathophysiological Microcirculatory Mechanism for Long COVID.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life14091076},
pmid = {39337860},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The term "Long COVID" is commonly used to describe persisting symptoms after acute COVID-19. Until now, proposed mechanisms for the explanation of Long COVID have not related quantitative measurements to basic laws. In this work, a common framework for the Long COVID pathophysiological mechanism is presented, based on the blood supply deprivation and the flow diffusion equation.

METHODS: Case-control studies with statistically significant differences between cases (post-COVID patients) and controls, from multiple tissues and geographical areas, were gathered and tabulated. Microvascular loss (ML) was quantified by vessel density reduction (VDR), foveal avascular zone enlargement (FAZE), capillary density reduction (CDR), and percentage of perfused vessel reduction (PPVR). Both ML and hemodynamic decrease (HD) were incorporated in the tissue blood supply reduction (SR) estimation.

RESULTS: ML data were found from 763 post-COVID patients with an average VDR, FAZE, CDR, and PPVR of 16%, 31%, 14%, and 21%, respectively. The average HD from 72 post-COVID patients was 37%. The estimated SR for multiple tissues with data from 634 post-COVID patients reached a sizeable 47%. This large SR creates conditions of lower mass diffusion rates, hypoxia, and undernutrition, which at a multi-tissue level, for a long time, can explain the wide variety of the Long COVID symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of peripheral tissue blood supply by the contribution of both ML and HD is proposed here to be the principal cause of the mechanism leading to Long COVID symptoms.},
}

@article {pmid39337465,
year = {2024},
author = {Eisenreich, W and Leberfing, J and Rudel, T and Heesemann, J and Goebel, W},
title = {Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with Human Target Cells-A Metabolic View.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {25},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms25189977},
pmid = {39337465},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {EI 384/16 and RU631/17//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/metabolism/physiology ; *COVID-19/metabolism/virology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Glycolysis ; Virus Replication ; Pentose Phosphate Pathway ; Citric Acid Cycle ; },
abstract = {Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, and they exploit the cellular pathways and resources of their respective host cells to survive and successfully multiply. The strategies of viruses concerning how to take advantage of the metabolic capabilities of host cells for their own replication can vary considerably. The most common metabolic alterations triggered by viruses affect the central carbon metabolism of infected host cells, in particular glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The upregulation of these processes is aimed to increase the supply of nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids since these metabolic products are crucial for efficient viral proliferation. In detail, however, this manipulation may affect multiple sites and regulatory mechanisms of host-cell metabolism, depending not only on the specific viruses but also on the type of infected host cells. In this review, we report metabolic situations and reprogramming in different human host cells, tissues, and organs that are favorable for acute and persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge may be fundamental for the development of host-directed therapies.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/metabolism/physiology
*COVID-19/metabolism/virology
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Glycolysis
Virus Replication
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Citric Acid Cycle

@article {pmid39337096,
year = {2024},
author = {Boccatonda, A and D'Ardes, D and Tallarico, V and Guagnano, MT and Cipollone, F and Schiavone, C and Piscaglia, F and Serra, C},
title = {Role of Lung Ultrasound in the Detection of Lung Sequelae in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm13185607},
pmid = {39337096},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies demonstrated the effectiveness of lung ultrasound (LUS) as a frontline tool in diagnosing and managing acute SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. However, its role in detecting post-COVID-19 lung sequelae remains to be fully determined. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in identifying lung parenchymal damage, particularly fibrotic-like changes, following COVID-19 pneumonia, comparing its performance to that of CT. Methods: Relevant studies published before July 2024 were identified through a comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library. The search terms were combinations of the relevant medical subject heading (MeSH) terms, key words and word variants for "lung", "post-COVID", "long-COVID", and "ultrasound". The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC) curve were used to examine the accuracy of CEUS. The selected works used different thresholds for the detection and counting of B-lines by ultrasound. This led to dividing our analysis into two models, the first based on the lower thresholds for detection of B-lines found in the works, and the second on data obtained using a higher detection threshold. Results: In terms of the diagnostic accuracy of LUS in detecting residual fibrotic-like changes in patients post-COVID-19 infection, a low-threshold model displayed a pooled sensitivity of 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-0.99] and a pooled specificity of 0.54 (95% CI: 0.49-0.59). The DOR was 44.9 (95% CI: 10.8-187.1). The area under the curve (AUC) of SROC was 0.90. In the second analysis, the model with the higher threshold to detect B-lines showed a pooled sensitivity of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94) and a pooled specificity of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.84-0.91). The DOR was 50.4 (95% CI: 15.9-159.3). The AUC of SROC was 0.93. Conclusions: In both analyses (even using the high threshold for the detection of B-lines), excellent sensitivity (98% in model 1 and 90% in model 2) is maintained. The specificity has a significant variation between the two models from 54 (model 1) to 87% (model 2). The model with the highest threshold for the detection of B-lines displayed the best diagnostic accuracy, as confirmed by the AUC values of the SROC (0.93).},
}

@article {pmid39337079,
year = {2024},
author = {Abbasi, A and Gattoni, C and Iacovino, M and Ferguson, C and Tosolini, J and Singh, A and Soe, KK and Porszasz, J and Lanks, C and Rossiter, HB and Casaburi, R and Stringer, WW},
title = {A Pilot Study on the Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Performance, Quality of Life, and Immunologic Variables in Long COVID.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm13185590},
pmid = {39337079},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {--N/A//Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation/ ; N/A//UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSoM) - Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Long COVID 19 Research Award/ ; },
abstract = {Objectives: Fatigue is a prominent feature of long COVID (LC) and may be related to several pathophysiologic mechanisms, including immune hyperstimulation. Aerobic endurance exercise training may be a useful therapy, with appropriate attention to preventing post-exertional malaise. Methods: Fourteen participants completed a pilot study of aerobic exercise training (twenty 1.5 h sessions of over 10 weeks). Cardiorespiratory fitness, 6 min walk distance, quality of life, symptoms, 7-day physical activity, immunophenotype, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured before and after exercise training. Results: The participant characteristics at baseline were as follows: 53.5 ± 11.6 yrs, 53% f, BMI 32.5 ± 8.4, 42% ex-smokers, 15.1 ± 8.8 months since initial COVID-19 infection, low normal pulmonary function testing, V.O2peak 19.3 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min, 87 ± 17% predicted. After exercise training, participants significantly increased their peak work rate (+16 ± 20 W, p = 0.010) and V.O2peak (+1.55 ± 2.4 mL/kg/min, p = 0.030). Patients reported improvements in fatigue severity (-11%), depression (-42%), anxiety (-29%), and dyspnea level (-46%). There were no changes in 6MW distance or physical activity. The circulating number of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD14++CD16, and CD16++CD14+ monocytes and CD56+ cells (assessed with flow cytometry) increased with acute exercise (rest to peak) and was not diminished or augmented by exercise training. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-γ, and INF-λ were normal at study entry and not affected by training. Conclusions: Aerobic endurance exercise training in individuals with LC delivered beneficial effects on cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and fatigue without detrimental effects on immunologic function.},
}

@article {pmid39337048,
year = {2024},
author = {Onik, G and Knapik, K and Sieroń, K},
title = {Long COVID Cardiopulmonary Symptoms and Health Resort Treatment: A Retrospective Study.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {18},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm13185563},
pmid = {39337048},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Long COVID covers many cardio-pulmonary symptoms, worsening individuals' health status. Health resort treatment applies balneological factors, physical medicine modalities, climate actions, and exercises that may be beneficial for COVID-19 survivors. This study aimed to assess the severity of the cardiopulmonary symptoms in people qualified for health resort treatment and its efficacy in this group of patients. Methods: Medical records of 239 people attending health resort treatment were analysed. A total of 122 people (71 women and 51 men) with a mean age of 64.35 years ± 8.66 years were enrolled in the analysis. The cardiopulmonary symptoms of long COVID were assessed twice: before and after health resort treatment. Results: Persisting COVID-19 symptoms do not differentiate between women and men. Health resort treatment reduces symptoms severity in both sexes. Age does not mediate the efficacy of health resort treatment. Conclusions: The persistent symptoms of COVID-19 are of low intensity in people qualified for health resort treatment and are independent of gender. Health resort treatment effectively mitigates dyspnoea, tightness of chest, and sputum in long COVID patients, so it should be implemented into the standard treatment course for COVID-19 survivors as a continuation of therapy.},
}

@article {pmid39335603,
year = {2024},
author = {Siwy, J and Keller, F and Banasik, M and Peters, B and Dudoignon, E and Mebazaa, A and Gülmez, D and Spasovski, G and Lazo, MS and Rajzer, MW and Fuławka, Ł and Dzitkowska-Zabielska, M and Mischak, H and Hecking, M and Beige, J and Wendt, R and UriCoV Working Group, },
title = {Mortality Risk and Urinary Proteome Changes in Acute COVID-19 Survivors in the Multinational CRIT-COV-U Study.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines12092090},
pmid = {39335603},
issn = {2227-9059},
support = {25323FSB114//Federal Ministry of Health/ ; 01KU2309//Federal Ministry of Education and Research/ ; 2022-00542//VINNOVA/ ; PerMed/V/162/UriCov/2023//National Centre for Research and Development/ ; I 6464//FWF Austrian Science Fund/ ; ANR-22-PERM-0014//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; I 6471//FWF Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Survival prospects following SARS-CoV-2 infection may extend beyond the acute phase, influenced by various factors including age, health conditions, and infection severity; however, this topic has not been studied in detail. Therefore, within this study, the mortality risk post-acute COVID-19 in the CRIT-COV-U cohort was investigated.

METHODS: Survival data from 651 patients that survived an acute phase of COVID-19 were retrieved and the association between urinary peptides and future death was assessed. Data spanning until December 2023 were collected from six countries, comparing mortality trends with age- and sex-matched COVID-19-negative controls. A death prediction classifier was developed and validated using pre-existing urinary peptidomic datasets.

RESULTS: Notably, 13.98% of post-COVID-19 patients succumbed during the follow-up, with mortality rates significantly higher than COVID-19-negative controls, particularly evident in younger individuals (<65 years). These data for the first time demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection highly significantly increases the risk of mortality not only during the acute phase of the disease but also beyond for a period of about one year. In our study, we were further able to identify 201 urinary peptides linked to mortality. These peptides are fragments of albumin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, apolipoprotein A-I, beta-2-microglobulin, CD99 antigen, various collagens, fibrinogen alpha, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase, and uromodulin and were integrated these into a predictive classifier (DP201). Higher DP201 scores, alongside age and BMI, significantly predicted death.

CONCLUSIONS: The peptide-based classifier demonstrated significant predictive value for mortality in post-acute COVID-19 patients, highlighting the utility of urinary peptides in prognosticating post-acute COVID-19 mortality, offering insights for targeted interventions. By utilizing these defined biomarkers in the clinic, risk stratification, monitoring, and personalized interventions can be significantly improved. Our data also suggest that mortality should be considered as one possible symptom or a consequence of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a fact that is currently overlooked.},
}

@article {pmid39335578,
year = {2024},
author = {Lebbe, A and Aboulwafa, A and Bayraktar, N and Mushannen, B and Ayoub, S and Sarker, S and Abdalla, MN and Mohammed, I and Mushannen, M and Yagan, L and Zakaria, D},
title = {New Onset of Acute and Chronic Hepatic Diseases Post-COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines12092065},
pmid = {39335578},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a pandemic in the 2020s, which affected almost every aspect of life. As the world is recovering from the effect of the coronavirus, the concept of post-COVID-19 syndrome has emerged. Multiple organ systems have been implicated, including the liver. We aim to identify and analyze the reported cases of severe and long-term parenchymal liver injury post-COVID-19 infection. Several databases were used to conduct a comprehensive literature search to target studies reporting cases of severe and long-term parenchymal liver injury post-COVID-19 infection. Screening, data extraction, and cross checking were performed by two independent reviewers. Only 22 studies met our inclusion criteria. Our results revealed that liver steatosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis were the most reported liver associated complications post-COVID-19 infection. Moreover, complications like acute liver failure, hepatitis, and liver hemorrhage were also reported. The mechanism of liver injury post-COVID-19 infection is not fully understood. The leading proposed mechanisms include the involvement of the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor expressed in the liver and the overall inflammatory state caused by COVID-19 infection. Future studies should incorporate longer follow-up periods, spanning several years, for better insight into the progression and management of such diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39335455,
year = {2024},
author = {Compeer, B and Neijzen, TR and van Lelyveld, SFL and Martina, BEE and Russell, CA and Goeijenbier, M},
title = {Uncovering the Contrasts and Connections in PASC: Viral Load and Cytokine Signatures in Acute COVID-19 versus Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC).},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines12091941},
pmid = {39335455},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {The recent global COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and enduring impact, resulting in substantial loss of life. The scientific community has responded unprecedentedly by investigating various aspects of the crisis, particularly focusing on the acute phase of COVID-19. The roles of the viral load, cytokines, and chemokines during the acute phase and in the context of patients who experienced enduring symptoms upon infection, so called Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 or PASC, have been studied extensively. Here, in this review, we offer a virologist's perspective on PASC, highlighting the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, cytokines, and chemokines in different organs of patients across the full clinical spectrum of acute-phase disease. We underline that the probability of severe or critical disease progression correlates with increased viral load levels detected in the upper respiratory tract (URT), lower respiratory tract (LRT), and plasma. Acute-phase viremia is a clear, although not unambiguous, predictor of PASC development. Moreover, both the quantity and diversity of functions of cytokines and chemokines increase with acute-phase disease severity. Specific cytokines remain or become elevated in the PASC phase, although the driving factor of ongoing inflammation found in patients with PASC remains to be investigated. The key findings highlighted in this review contribute to a further understanding of PASC and their differences and overlap with acute disease.},
}

@article {pmid39335454,
year = {2024},
author = {Khoja, O and Mulvey, M and Astill, S and Tan, AL and Sivan, M},
title = {New-Onset Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Following COVID-19 Infection Fulfils the Fibromyalgia Clinical Syndrome Criteria: A Preliminary Study.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines12091940},
pmid = {39335454},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {New-onset chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain (>3 months duration) is a common symptom of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). This study aimed to characterise new-onset chronic MSK pain in patients with PCS and its overlap with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). We enrolled patients with new-onset chronic MSK pain post-COVID-19 and assessed the nature of the pain and associated symptoms using the C19-YRS (Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale). The FMS assessment was conducted as part of a standard clinical examination using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria: (1) Widespread Pain Index (WPI) ≥ 7 and symptoms severity (SS) score ≥ 5, or WPI between 3 and 6 and SS score ≥ 9, (2) symptoms consistent for at least 3 months, and (3) no alternative diagnosis. Of the eighteen patients (average age 49.6 (SD 11.8) years; BMI 31.7 (SD 8.6)), twelve were female. The average symptom duration was 27.9 (SD 6.97) months post-infection. Thirteen patients (72.2%) met the FMS criteria, with an average WPI score of 8.8 and an average SS score of 8.2, indicating a high level of pain and significant quality of life impacts. These findings support the hypothesis that FMS may develop as a long-term sequela of a viral infection, underscoring the need for further research into post-viral long-term conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39334847,
year = {2024},
author = {Slama Schwok, A and Henri, J},
title = {Long Neuro-COVID-19: Current Mechanistic Views and Therapeutic Perspectives.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom14091081},
pmid = {39334847},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {COVNUCLEOVIR//Sorbonne Université/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Inflammation ; },
abstract = {Long-lasting COVID-19 (long COVID) diseases constitute a real life-changing burden for many patients around the globe and, overall, can be considered societal and economic issues. They include a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of smell (anosmia), and neurological-cognitive sequelae, such as memory loss, anxiety, brain fog, acute encephalitis, and stroke, collectively called long neuro-COVID-19 (long neuro-COVID). They also include cardiopulmonary sequelae, such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary damage, fibrosis, gastrointestinal dysregulation, renal failure, and vascular endothelial dysregulation, and the onset of new diabetes, with each symptom usually being treated individually. The main unmet challenge is to understand the mechanisms of the pathophysiologic sequelae, in particular the neurological symptoms. This mini-review presents the main mechanistic hypotheses considered to explain the multiple long neuro-COVID symptoms, namely immune dysregulation and prolonged inflammation, persistent viral reservoirs, vascular and endothelial dysfunction, and the disruption of the neurotransmitter signaling along various paths. We suggest that the nucleoprotein N of SARS-CoV-2 constitutes a "hub" between the virus and the host inflammation, immunity, and neurotransmission.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/therapy/virology
*SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Inflammation

@article {pmid39334765,
year = {2024},
author = {Yutani, R and Venketaraman, V and Sheren, N},
title = {Treatment of Acute and Long-COVID, Diabetes, Myocardial Infarction, and Alzheimer's Disease: The Potential Role of a Novel Nano-Compound-The Transdermal Glutathione-Cyclodextrin Complex.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox13091106},
pmid = {39334765},
issn = {2076-3921},
abstract = {Oxidative stress (OS) occurs from excessive reactive oxygen species or a deficiency of antioxidants-primarily endogenous glutathione (GSH). There are many illnesses, from acute and post-COVID-19, diabetes, myocardial infarction to Alzheimer's disease, that are associated with OS. These dissimilar illnesses are, in order, viral infections, metabolic disorders, ischemic events, and neurodegenerative disorders. Evidence is presented that in many illnesses, (1) OS is an early initiator and significant promotor of their progressive pathophysiologic processes, (2) early reduction of OS may prevent later serious and irreversible complications, (3) GSH deficiency is associated with OS, (4) GSH can likely reduce OS and restore adaptive physiology, (5) effective administration of GSH can be accomplished with a novel nano-product, the GSH/cyclodextrin (GC) complex. OS is an overlooked pathological process of many illnesses. Significantly, with the GSH/cyclodextrin (GC) complex, therapeutic administration of GSH is now available to reduce OS. Finally, rigorous prospective studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this therapeutic approach.},
}

@article {pmid39333538,
year = {2024},
author = {Danielle, RCS and Débora, DM and Alessandra, NLP and Alexia, SSZ and Débora, MCR and Elizabel, NV and Felipe, AM and Giulia, MG and Henrique, PR and Karen, RMB and Layane, SB and Leandro, AB and Livia, CM and Raquel, SRT and Lorena, SCA and Lyvia, NRA and Mariana, TR and Matheus, CC and Vinícius, DPV and Yasmin, MG and Iúri, DL},
title = {Correlating COVID-19 severity with biomarker profiles and patient prognosis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {22353},
pmid = {39333538},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {485/2021 - 44770.706.17823.29042021//FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO A PESQUISA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO/ ; 485/2021 - 44770.706.17823.29042021//FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO A PESQUISA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO/ ; 408777/2022-2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 408777/2022-2//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/blood ; Female ; Male ; *Biomarkers/blood ; Middle Aged ; *Severity of Illness Index ; Prognosis ; *von Willebrand Factor/metabolism/analysis ; Adult ; Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Factor VIII/metabolism/analysis ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism ; },
abstract = {COVID-19's long-lasting and complex impacts have become a global concern, with diverse clinical outcomes. This study evaluated 226 participants to understand the clinical spectrum of COVID-19/Long COVID (LC), exploring how disease severity correlates with sociodemographic factors and biomarkers. Determinants related to COVID-19 severity included age (P < 0.001), lower education (P < 0.001), ethnicity (P = 0.003), overweight (P < 0.001), MTHFR gene rs1801133 (P = 0.035), cardiovascular diseases (P = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.006), Factor VIII (FVIII) (P = 0.046), von Willebrand factor (VWF) (P = 0.002), and dimer D (DD) (P < 0.001). Six months later, in a portion of the monitored participants, a significant reduction in FVIII (P < 0.001), VWF (P = 0.002), and DD (P < 0.001) levels was observed, with only DD returning to normal values. Different systemic sequelae were identified, with higher incidences of joint pain and myalgia in participants with a clinical history of DM, chronic lung disease (CLD) and sustained high interleukin 6 values in the convalescent phase. CLD, COVID-19 severity and high DD levels increased the risk of developing dyspnea and palpitations. Women were more likely to develop lower limb phlebitis long-term, while sustained elevated FVIII in the convalescent phase was associated with an increased risk of swelling. Regular physical activity had a protective effect against swelling. This study highlights factors contributing to COVID-19 severity/LC, emphasizing endothelial cell activation as a potential mechanism.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/blood
Female
Male
*Biomarkers/blood
Middle Aged
*Severity of Illness Index
Prognosis
*von Willebrand Factor/metabolism/analysis
Adult
Aged
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Factor VIII/metabolism/analysis
Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism

@article {pmid39333196,
year = {2024},
author = {McMullan, C and Haroon, S and Turner, G and Aiyegbusi, OL and Subramanian, A and Hughes, SE and Flanagan, S and Nirantharakumar, K and Davies, EH and Frost, C and Jackson, L and Guan, N and Alder, Y and Chong, A and Buckland, L and Jeyes, F and Stanton, D and Calvert, M},
title = {Key considerations for digital decentralised clinical trials from a feasibility study assessing pacing interventions for long COVID.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {22083},
pmid = {39333196},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {COV-LT-0013//NIHR/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Feasibility Studies ; *COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Male ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Aged ; Adult ; Patient Selection ; },
abstract = {Post COVID-19 condition or long COVID is highly prevalent and often debilitating, with key symptoms including fatigue, breathlessness, and brain fog. There is currently a lack of evidence-based treatments for this highly complex syndrome. There is a need for clinical trial platforms to rapidly evaluate nonpharmacological treatments to support affected individuals with symptom management. We co-produced a mixed methods feasibility study to evaluate a multi-arm digital decentralised clinical trial (DCT) platform to assess non-pharmacological interventions for Long COVID, using pacing interventions as an exemplar. The study demonstrated that the platform was able to successfully e-consent participants, randomise them into one of four intervention arms, capture baseline data, and capture outcomes relevant to a health economic evaluation. The study also highlighted several challenges, including difficulties with recruitment, imposter participants, and high attrition rates. We highlight how these challenges can potentially be mitigated to make a fully powered DCT more feasible.},
}

Humans
*Feasibility Studies
*COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Male
SARS-CoV-2
Female
Middle Aged
Clinical Trials as Topic
Aged
Adult
Patient Selection

@article {pmid39332491,
year = {2024},
author = {Herring, TE and Chopra, A and Friedly, JL and Bender, JA and Gentile, NL and Knowles, LM},
title = {Post traumatic stress and sleep disorders in long COVID: Patient management and treatment.},
journal = {Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {123081},
doi = {10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123081},
pmid = {39332491},
issn = {1879-0631},
abstract = {Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disorders are prevalent among patients with long COVID. The intersection of PTSD and/or sleep disorders with long COVID is complex. Thus, use of a biopsychosocial lens for assessment and treatment along with a trauma-informed approach to clinical care is recommended. This review provides an overview of the literature on PTSD and sleep disorders among patients with long COVID, including prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential pathophysiology. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options are reviewed. Also, we provide actionable steps clinicians can integrate into their practice to help effectively assess and treat PTSD and sleep disorders, including validated symptom assessments, recommended referrals, and specific components of non-pharmacological interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39329868,
year = {2024},
author = {Nica, S and Nica, RI and Nica, HA and Miricescu, D and Abdelfatah, MAAK and Schiopu, OM and Nedelcu, IC and Cimponeriu, DG and Stefani, C and Stanescu-Spinu, II and Ciornei, MC},
title = {Characteristics of Patients with Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms and Unscheduled Return Visits to a Centre for COVID-19 Evaluation.},
journal = {Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/diseases12090199},
pmid = {39329868},
issn = {2079-9721},
abstract = {Background: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with long COVID syndrome. Methods: This study included 457 adults who had at least one persistent symptom after COVID-19 infection. Results: The median time interval between the last SARS-CoV-2 infection and emergency room presentation was 3 months. Older patients had comorbidities (61.7 vs. 44.9 years, p < 0.0001), moderate or severe forms of COVID-19 (61.2 vs. 50.9 years, p < 0.0001), and respiratory symptoms (56.1 vs. 52.0 years, p = 0.0027). Non-vaccinated patients were older than vaccinated patients (56.0 vs. 51.5 years, p = 0.0008) and had residual lung abnormalities following COVID-19 infection (51.5% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.003). The time interval between the last SARS-CoV-2 infection and the hospital evaluation was shorter for vaccinated patients (3.2 vs. 3.9 months, p < 0.0001) and those with mild forms (3.3 vs. 4.12 months, p = 0.0001) versus non-vaccinated individuals. After the last SARS-CoV-2 infection, 107 patients developed impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes mellitus, being patients with already known chronic diseases (p = 0.0002), or hypertension (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our study pointed out the heterogeneity of symptoms following COVID-19, and they are associated with age, vaccination status, or severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
}

@article {pmid39328557,
year = {2024},
author = {Kim, TH and Yoon, J and Kim, S and Kang, BK and Kang, JW and Kwon, S},
title = {Herbal medicines for long COVID: A phase 2 pilot clinical study.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {10},
number = {18},
pages = {e37920},
pmid = {39328557},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Infections of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) can cause long-term effects known as long COVID. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a clinical study as well as the efficacy and safety of traditional East Asian herbal medicines in alleviating fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in patients with long COVID.

METHODS: This prospective pilot study investigated the use of three types of herbal medicines, Bojungikgi-tang (BIT), Kyungok-go (KOG), and Cheonwangbosim-dan (CBD), for a 12-week period as potential treatments for fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in patients with long COVID. Forty-five patients with long COVID were recruited, and one of three drugs was given based on the patient's symptoms and pattern identification. The effect of herbal medications on fatigue and cognitive function outcomes was assessed over a 36-week period, with patient adherence closely monitored.

RESULTS: After 12 weeks of herbal drug administration, fatigue symptoms improved significantly across all groups, with treatment success rates of 80 %, 53.33 %, and 46.67 % in the BIT, KOG, and CBD groups, respectively. However, cognitive dysfunction symptoms showed less improvement, with treatment success rates of 40 %, 46.67 %, and 13.33 % in the BIT, KOG, and CBD groups, respectively. All adverse events reported were mild and unrelated to the medication. The study design was found to be feasible with high medication adherence.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial with three herbal medicines to treat long COVID symptoms like fatigue and cognitive dysfunction.},
}

@article {pmid39328154,
year = {2024},
author = {Melillo, A and Perrottelli, A and Caporusso, E and Coltorti, A and Giordano, GM and Giuliani, L and Pezzella, P and Bucci, P and Mucci, A and Galderisi, S and Maj, M},
title = {Research evidence on the management of the cognitive impairment component of the post-COVID condition: a qualitative systematic review.},
journal = {European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {e60},
doi = {10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1770},
pmid = {39328154},
issn = {1778-3585},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/therapy ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the most prevalent and burdensome consequences of COVID-19 infection, which can persist up to months or even years after remission of the infection. Current guidelines on post-COVID CI are based on available knowledge on treatments used for improving CI in other conditions. The current review aims to provide an updated overview of the existing evidence on the efficacy of treatments for post-COVID CI.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published up to December 2023 using three databases (PubMed-Scopus-ProQuest). Controlled and noncontrolled trials, cohort studies, case series, and reports testing interventions on subjects with CI following COVID-19 infection were included.

RESULTS: After screening 7790 articles, 29 studies were included. Multidisciplinary approaches, particularly those combining cognitive remediation interventions, physical exercise, and dietary and sleep support, may improve CI and address the different needs of individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. Cognitive remediation interventions can provide a safe, cost-effective option and may be tailored to deficits in specific cognitive domains. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed mixed and preliminary results. Evidence for other interventions, including pharmacological ones, remains sparse. Challenges in interpreting existing evidence include heterogeneity in study designs, assessment tools, and recruitment criteria; lack of long-term follow-up; and under-characterization of samples in relation to confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Further research, grounded on shared definitions of the post-COVID condition and on the accurate assessment of COVID-related CI, in well-defined study samples and with longer follow-ups, is crucial to address this significant unmet need.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/therapy
*Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39327301,
year = {2024},
author = {Bonnet, U and Kuhn, J},
title = {Antidepressants can help to prevent and manage long COVID depression, anxiety, brain fog and fatigue.},
journal = {European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39327301},
issn = {1433-8491},
}

@article {pmid39327264,
year = {2024},
author = {Poethko-Müller, C and Schaffrath Rosario, A and Sarganas, G and Ordonez Cruickshank, A and Scheidt-Nave, C and Schlack, R},
title = {[Fatigue in the general population: results of the "German Health Update 2023" study].},
journal = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39327264},
issn = {1437-1588},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fatigue is an unspecific symptom complex characterized by tiredness, lack of energy, and lack of concentration and is of considerable public health relevance, due to its links with incapacity for work, risk of accidents, and increased need for healthcare.

METHODS: The analyses are based on data from 9766 adults of the telephone survey "Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA)" 2023. Fatigue was recorded using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), a validated instrument with 10 questions for self-assessment of fatigue. The scale was dichotomized into yes (at least mild to moderate fatigue) versus no (no fatigue). Population-weighted prevalences of fatigue and associated sociodemographic and health-related factors were calculated in descriptive analyses and multivariable Poisson regression.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of fatigue in adults in Germany is 29.7% (95% CI 28.1-31.2), is highest in 18- to 29-year-olds (39.6% (95% CI 35.0-44.4)), and decreases in the age groups up to 65-79 years (20.6% (95% CI 18.2-23.3)). It is higher again in the very old age group (33.2% (95% CI 28.9-37.7)). Women have a higher risk of fatigue than men (aRR 1.19 (95% CI 1.08-1.32)). Fatigue is significantly associated with age, lower education, chronic illness, depression, and long COVID, regardless of covariates.

DISCUSSION: GEDA 2023 is one of the few population-based studies to have collected data on fatigue. The results allow estimates to be made for Germany on the frequency of fatigue and the significance of physical, psychological, and social influencing factors. They can be used as a reference or as a basis for trends over time as part of continuous health monitoring in Germany.},
}

@article {pmid39327204,
year = {2024},
author = {Magrini, E and Garlanda, C},
title = {COVID-19 thromboinflammation: adding inflammatory fibrin to the puzzle.},
journal = {Trends in immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.it.2024.09.003},
pmid = {39327204},
issn = {1471-4981},
abstract = {Thromboinflammation is a peculiar and key component of acute COVID-19 pathogenesis, which contributes to long COVID. In a recent study, Ryu et al. demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with fibrinogen, promoting fibrin polymerization and its inflammatory activity. Targeting the inflammatory fibrin peptide protected mice from spike-dependent fibrin clotting and neuropathology.},
}

@article {pmid39327050,
year = {2024},
author = {Wang, Y and Li, M and Zhang, B and Feng, Y and Yu, Y and Guo, L and Du, M and Yan, W and Liu, Q and Qin, C and Deng, J and Song, C and Liu, J},
title = {Interaction between economic status and healthy lifestyle in long COVID among Chinese older population: a cross-sectional study.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {e082314},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082314},
pmid = {39327050},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; China/epidemiology ; Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Middle Aged ; *Healthy Lifestyle ; Economic Status ; Pandemics ; Exercise ; Betacoronavirus ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; Aged, 80 and over ; Health Behavior ; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; Smoking/epidemiology ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To estimate the interaction between economic status (ES) and healthy lifestyle in long COVID among Chinese older people infected with SARS-CoV-2.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study based on the Peking University Health Cohort in Anning, Yunnan.

SETTING: All primary health institutions in Anning, Yunnan Province, China, from April to May 2023.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4804 people aged 60 and older infected with SARS-CoV-2 were included in this study.

Long COVID was measured by participants' self-reported symptoms using structured questionnaires. ES was measured by last-month personal income, and participants' ES was defined as low if their income was below the per capita monthly income of local residents. Lifestyle score was equal to the number of healthy behaviours (including smoking, drinking, weight, exercise and diet) and grouped using the median score as the cut-off point. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were employed to estimate the association of ES with long COVID. Interaction between ES and lifestyle in long COVID was assessed by multiplicative interaction term.

RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 4804 participants infected with SARS-CoV-2, of whom 57.3% (2754 of 4804) had at least one long COVID symptom. Fatigue (1546, 56.1%), cough (1263, 45.9%) and muscle pain (880, 32.0%) were the top three common symptoms. Patients with low ES had a 48% (adjusted OR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.22, 1.82) increased risk of long COVID. A significant interaction was observed between ES and lifestyle (p value for interaction <0.001) in long COVID.

CONCLUSION: The interaction between ES and healthy lifestyle in long COVID was prominent. Comprehensive strengthened economic support for patients recovering from COVID-19, especially for those with low healthy lifestyle, should be implemented to prevent and manage long COVID symptoms.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Male
Female
Cross-Sectional Studies
China/epidemiology
Aged
*SARS-CoV-2
Middle Aged
*Healthy Lifestyle
Economic Status
Pandemics
Exercise
Betacoronavirus
Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
Aged, 80 and over
Health Behavior
Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
Smoking/epidemiology
East Asian People

@article {pmid39326914,
year = {2024},
author = {Gerayeli, FV and Park, HY and Milne, S and Li, X and Yang, CX and Tuong, J and Eddy, RL and Vahedi, SM and Guinto, E and Cheung, CY and Yang, JS and Gilchrist, C and Yehia, D and Stach, T and Dang, H and Leung, C and Shaipanich, T and Leipsic, J and Koelwyn, GJ and Leung, JM and Sin, DD},
title = {Single cell sequencing reveals cellular landscape alterations in the airway mucosa of patients with pulmonary long COVID.},
journal = {The European respiratory journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1183/13993003.01947-2023},
pmid = {39326914},
issn = {1399-3003},
abstract = {To elucidate the important cellular and molecular drivers of pulmonary long COVID, we generated a single-cell transcriptomic map of the airway mucosa using bronchial brushings from patients with long COVID who reported persistent pulmonary symptoms.Adults with and without long COVID were recruited from the general community in Greater Vancouver, Canada. The cohort was divided into those with pulmonary long COVID (PLC), which was defined as persons with new or worsening respiratory symptoms following at least one year from their initial acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (N=9); and control subjects defined as SARS-CoV-2 infected persons whose acute respiratory symptoms had fully resolved or individuals who had no history of acute COVID-19 (N=9). These participants underwent bronchoscopy from which a single cell suspension was created from bronchial brush samples and then sequenced.A total of 56 906 cells were recovered for the downstream analysis, with 34 840 cells belonging to the PLC group, which strikingly showed a unique cluster of neutrophils in the PLC group (p<0.05). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the neutrophil degranulation pathway was enriched across epithelial cell clusters. Differential gene expression analysis between the PLC and control groups demonstrated upregulation of inflammatory chemokines and epithelial barrier dysfunction across epithelial cell clusters, as well as over-expression of mucin genes across secretory cell clusters.In conclusion, a single-cell transcriptomic landscape of the small airways suggest that neutrophils may play a significant role in mediating the chronic small airway inflammation driving pulmonary symptoms of long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid39326440,
year = {2024},
author = {Bonnet, U and Juckel, G},
title = {News on the Role of Antidepressants in and for COVID-19 and Long COVID.},
journal = {Pharmacopsychiatry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1055/a-2381-2117},
pmid = {39326440},
issn = {1439-0795},
}

@article {pmid39326415,
year = {2024},
author = {Peluso, MJ and Deeks, SG},
title = {Mechanisms of long COVID and the path toward therapeutics.},
journal = {Cell},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2024.07.054},
pmid = {39326415},
issn = {1097-4172},
abstract = {Long COVID, a type of post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (PASC) defined by medically unexplained symptoms following infection with SARS-CoV-2, is a newly recognized infection-associated chronic condition that causes disability in some people. Substantial progress has been made in defining its epidemiology, biology, and pathophysiology. However, there is no cure for the tens of millions of people believed to be experiencing long COVID, and industry engagement in developing therapeutics has been limited. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding the biology and pathophysiology of long COVID, focusing on how the proposed mechanisms explain the physiology of the syndrome and how they provide a rationale for the implementation of a broad experimental medicine and clinical trials agenda. Progress toward preventing and curing long COVID and other infection-associated chronic conditions will require deep and sustained investment by funders and industry.},
}

@article {pmid39326207,
year = {2024},
author = {Li, C and Xiao, N and Song, W and Lam, AH and Liu, F and Cui, X and Ye, Z and Chen, Y and Ren, P and Cai, J and Lee, AC and Chen, H and Ou, Z and Chan, JF and Yuen, KY and Chu, H and Zhang, AJ},
title = {Chronic lung inflammation and CK14+ basal cell proliferation induce persistent alveolar-bronchiolization in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {108},
number = {},
pages = {105363},
doi = {10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105363},
pmid = {39326207},
issn = {2352-3964},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-acute sequalae of COVID-19 defines a wide range of ongoing symptoms and conditions long after SARS-CoV-2 infection including respiratory diseases. The histopathological changes in the lung and underlying mechanism remain elusive.

METHODS: We investigated lung histopathological and transcriptional changes in SARS-CoV-2-infected male hamsters at 7, 14, 42, 84 and 120dpi, and compared with A (H1N1)pdm09 infection.

FINDINGS: We demonstrated viral residue, inflammatory and fibrotic changes in lung after SARS-CoV-2 but not H1N1 infection. The most prominent histopathological lesion was multifocal alveolar-bronchiolization observed in every SARS-CoV-2 infected hamster (31/31), from 42dpi to 120dpi. Proliferating (Ki67+) CK14+ basal cells accumulated in alveoli adjacent to bronchioles at 7dpi, where they proliferated and differentiated into SCGB1A+ club cell or Tubulin+ ciliated cells forming alveolar-bronchiolization foci. Molecularly, Notch pathway significantly upregulated with intensive Notch3 and Hes1 protein expression in alveolar-bronchiolization foci at 42 and 120dpi, suggesting Notch signaling involving the persistence of alveolar-bronchiolization. This is further demonstrated by spatial transcriptomic analysis. Intriguingly, significant upregulation of some cell-growth promoting pathways and genes such as Tubb4b, Stxbp4, Grb14 and Mlf1 were spatially overlapping with bronchiolization lesion.

INTERPRETATION: Incomplete resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung with viral residue, chronic inflammatory and fibrotic damage and alveolar-bronchiolization impaired respiratory function. Aberrant activation of CK14+ basal cells during tissue regeneration led to persistent alveolar-bronchiolization due to sustained Notch signaling. This study advances our understanding of respiratory PASC, sheds light on disease management and highlights the necessity for monitoring disease progression in people with respiratory PASC.

FUNDING: Funding is listed in the Acknowledgements section.},
}

@article {pmid39324686,
year = {2024},
author = {Quan, SF and Weaver, MD and Czeisler, MÉ and Barger, LK and Booker, LA and Howard, ME and Jackson, ML and Lane, RI and McDonald, CF and Ridgers, A and Robbins, R and Varma, P and Wiley, JF and Rajaratnam, SMW and Czeisler, CA},
title = {Sleep and long COVID: preexisting sleep issues and the risk of PASC in a large general population using 3 different model definitions.},
journal = {Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5664/jcsm.11322},
pmid = {39324686},
issn = {1550-9397},
abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVES: Insomnia, poor sleep quality and extremes of sleep duration are associated with COVID-19 infection. This study assessed whether these factors are related to Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of a general population of 24,803 U.S. adults to determine the association of insomnia, poor sleep quality and sleep duration with PASC. Three definitions of PASC were used based on post COVID-19 clinical features: COPE (≥3), NICE (≥1), and RECOVER (scoring algorithm).

RESULTS: Prevalence rates of PASC were 21.9%, 38.9%, 15.5% for COPE, NICE and RECOVER PASC definitions, respectively. PASC was associated with insomnia in all 3 models after full adjustment with odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) ranging from 1.30 (95% CI: 1.11-1.52, p≤0.05, PASC Score) to 1.52 (95% CI: 1.34-1.71, p≤0.001, (NICE). Poor sleep quality was related to PASC in all models with aORs ranging from 1.77 (95% CI: 1.60-1.97, p≤0.001, NICE) to 2.00 (95% CI: 1.77-2.26, p≤0.001, COPE). Sleep <6 hours was associated with PASC with aORs between 1.59 (95% CI: 1.40-1.80, p≤0.001, PASC Score) to 1.70 (95% CI: 1.53-1.89, p≤0.001, COPE). Sleep ≥ 9 hours was not associated with PASC in any model. Although vaccination with COVID-19 booster decreased the likelihood of developing PASC, it did not attenuate associations between insomnia, poor sleep quality and short sleep duration with PASC in any of the models.

CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia, poor sleep quality and short sleep duration are cross-sectionally associated with PASC and may be potential risk factors. Further longitudinal studies should be conducted.},
}

@article {pmid39324381,
year = {2024},
author = {Lowe, A and Sabati, A and Bhatia, R},
title = {Use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing to identify mechanisms of exertional symptoms in children with long COVID.},
journal = {PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/pmrj.13263},
pmid = {39324381},
issn = {1934-1563},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mechanisms of exercise intolerance and exertional symptoms in children with long COVID. Through utilization of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), this study is the first of its kind to evaluate exertional symptoms and attempt to identify potential mechanism of long COVID-19 in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if CPET will uncover potential reasons for persistent symptoms of long COVID when there is no indication of cardiopulmonary or upper airway disease.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review study involving children 6-17 years of age with symptoms of long COVID at Phoenix Children''s Hospital from January 1, 2021, to June 1, 2022. Symptoms included but were not limited to exercise intolerance, fatigue, shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, and chest pain. We recorded any measurable abnormalities present on CPET after comparing it to established normal reference ranges. Range, median, and SD of data points were calculated and p values were determined using the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS: Twenty-three children with exertional symptoms consistent with long COVID were identified. The most frequent symptoms reported during exercise include dyspnea on exertion (35%), followed by chest pain (30%) and dizziness (13%). Nearly half of the children (47%) demonstrated decreased exercise capacity with 30% displaying limitations due to deconditioning, 22% limited by body habitus, and 13% due to bronchospasm. Other contributing factors include ventilation to perfusion mismatch and volitional hyperventilation.

CONCLUSION: Decreased aerobic activity due to multiple factors was found in 47% of children with a history of COVID-19. This study illustrates the importance of ongoing research into this phenomenon to elucidate its mechanism and assist physicians in making decisions regarding referral to specialists for further testing.},
}

@article {pmid39323692,
year = {2024},
author = {Hameed, M and Abbasi, MA and Noor, F and Fatima, A and Ibrahim, M and Bano, S and Hamza, A and Rasool Malik, AA and Saeed, MA and Iqbal, S},
title = {Exploring Neurocognitive and Emotional Outcomes of Long COVID: A Study Among Pakistani Patients.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e67815},
pmid = {39323692},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Background and objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), primarily a respiratory illness, also significantly impacts neurocognitive and emotional health, particularly in its long-term manifestation known as long COVID. This study aimed to investigate the neurocognitive and emotional outcomes of long-term COVID-19 in Pakistani patients, to address the persisting symptoms and their effects on mental health and cognitive function. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 100 adult participants who had been COVID-19-free was conducted in Islamabad between March 2022 and March 2023. Participants were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Self-Report Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Punishing Allah Reappraisal Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics v26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), employing chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results The study revealed significant correlations between COVID-19 symptoms and psychological variables. COVID-19 symptoms showed a negative correlation with MMSE scores (r = -0.04, p<0.01) and positive correlations with ADHD (r = 0.13, p<0.05), depression (r = 0.14, p<0.05), and anxiety (r = 0.25, p<0.05). Females reported higher levels of depression [mean: 1.21, standard deviation (SD): 0.83] and anxiety (mean: 1.33, SD: 0.86) compared to males. Conclusions Our findings highlight the extensive impact of long-term COVID-19 on neurocognitive and emotional health, with significant gender differences observed in emotional outcomes. These results emphasize the need for integrated mental health services in post-COVID-19 care plans, as well as gender-sensitive interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39323202,
year = {2024},
author = {Boscolo-Rizzo, P and Hummel, T and Menini, A and Maniaci, A and Uderzo, F and Tirelli, G},
title = {Adherence to olfactory training improves orthonasal and retronasal olfaction in post-COVID-19 olfactory loss.},
journal = {Rhinology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4193/Rhin24.233},
pmid = {39323202},
issn = {0300-0729},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Olfactory loss (OL) has emerged as one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-COVID-19. The present prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of olfactory training (OT) on orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function in a cohort of individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 OL.

METHODOLOGY: Participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory impairment underwent 4 months of OT, self-assessing their smell perception and undergoing comprehensive psychophysical evaluation of orthonasal and retronasal olfaction at baseline and after training. Orthonasal olfactory function was assessed using the extended Sniffin' Sticks test battery. Retronasal olfactory function was tested with powdered aromas.

RESULTS: Among 114 participants with post-COVID-19 olfactory loss, adherence to OT was 60%. In adherents, the average increase in composite TDI score was 6.0 points compared to 2.6 points in non-adherents. Fifty-seven percent of adherent participants achieved a clinically significant improvement in TDI score (≥5.5 points), compared to 22% of non-adherents. In retronasal olfactory identification, 56% of adherents achieved a clinically significant improvement (≥4 points), compared to 16% of non-adherents.

CONCLUSION: Adherence to a 4-month OT regimen can yield clinically meaningful improvements in both orthonasal and retronasal olfactory function among individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction.},
}

@article {pmid39245151,
year = {2024},
author = {McDon Ald, E and Pittet, LF and Barry, SE and Bonten, M and Campbell, J and Croda, J and Croda, MG and Dalcolmo, MP and Davidson, A and de Almeida E Val, FF and Dos Santos, G and Gardiner, K and Gell, G and Gwee, A and Krastev, A and Lacerda, MVG and Lucas, M and Lynn, DJ and Manning, L and McPhate, N and Perrett, KP and Post, JJ and Prat-Aymerich, C and Quinn, LE and Richmond, PC and Wood, NJ and Messina, NL and Curtis, N and , },
title = {Antecedent and persistent symptoms in COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses: Insights from prospectively collected data in the BRACE trial.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {89},
number = {5},
pages = {106267},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106267},
pmid = {39245151},
issn = {1532-2742},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Some individuals have a persistence of symptoms following both COVID-19 (post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; PACS) and other viral infections. This study used prospectively collected data from an international trial to compare symptoms following COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 respiratory illness, to identify factors associated with the risk of PACS, and to explore symptom patterns before and after COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 respiratory illnesses.

METHODS: Data from a multicentre randomised controlled trial (BRACE trial) involving healthcare workers across four countries were analysed. Symptom data were prospectively collected over 12 months, allowing detailed characterisation of symptom patterns. Participants with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 respiratory illness episodes were compared, focussing on symptom severity, duration (including PACS using NICE and WHO definitions), and pre-existing symptoms.

FINDINGS: Compared to those with a non-COVID-19 illness, participants with COVID-19 had significantly more severe illness (OR 7·4, 95%CI 5·6-9·7). Symptom duration meeting PACS definitions occurred in a higher proportion of COVID-19 cases than non-COVID-19 respiratory controls using both the NICE definition (2·5% vs 0·5%, OR 6·6, 95%CI 2·4-18·3) and the WHO definition (8·8% vs 3·7%, OR 2·5, 95%CI 1·4-4·3). When considering only participants with COVID-19, age 40-59 years (aOR 2·8, 95%CI 1·3-6·2), chronic respiratory disease (aOR 5·5, 95%CI 1·3-23·1), and pre-existing symptoms (aOR 3·0, 95%CI 1·4-6·3) were associated with an increased risk of developing PACS. Symptoms associated with PACS were also reported by participants in the months preceding their COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 respiratory illnesses (32% fatigue and muscle ache, 11% intermittent cough and shortness of breath).

INTERPRETATION: Healthcare workers with COVID-19 were more likely to have severe and longer-lasting symptoms than those with a non-COVID-19 respiratory illness, with a higher proportion meeting the WHO or NICE definitions of PACS. Age, chronic respiratory disease, and pre-existing symptoms increased the risk of developing PACS following COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid39324014,
year = {2023},
author = {Oladejo, SO and Watson, LR and Watson, BW and Rajaratnam, K and Kotze, MJ and Kell, DB and Pretorius, E},
title = {Data sharing: A Long COVID perspective, challenges, and road map for the future.},
journal = {South African journal of science},
volume = {119},
number = {5-6},
pages = {73-80},
pmid = {39324014},
issn = {0038-2353},
abstract = {'Long COVID' is the term used to describe the phenomenon in which patients who have survived a COVID-19 infection continue to experience prolonged SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Millions of people across the globe are affected by Long COVID. Solving the Long COVID conundrum will require drawing upon the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which thousands of experts across diverse disciplines such as epidemiology, genomics, medicine, data science, and computer science collaborated, sharing data and pooling resources to attack the problem from multiple angles. Thus far, there has been no global consensus on the definition, diagnosis, and most effective treatment of Long COVID. In this work, we examine the possible applications of data sharing and data science in general with a view to, ultimately, understand Long COVID in greater detail and hasten relief for the millions of people experiencing it. We examine the literature and investigate the current state, challenges, and opportunities of data sharing in Long COVID research.},
}

@article {pmid39322885,
year = {2024},
author = {Diener, HC},
title = {[Not Available].},
journal = {MMW Fortschritte der Medizin},
volume = {166},
number = {16},
pages = {27-28},
doi = {10.1007/s15006-024-4305-5},
pmid = {39322885},
issn = {1613-3560},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Mental Disorders/epidemiology/psychology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Germany ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Mental Disorders/epidemiology/psychology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Germany
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39322271,
year = {2024},
author = {},
title = {Long COVID in children and adolescents. What is it?.},
journal = {Archives of disease in childhood},
volume = {109},
number = {10},
pages = {867},
doi = {10.1136/archdischild-2024-327935},
pmid = {39322271},
issn = {1468-2044},
mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Adolescent ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
}

Humans
Child
Adolescent
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39321500,
year = {2024},
author = {Bergquist, T and Loomba, J and Pfaff, E and Xia, F and Zhao, Z and Zhu, Y and Mitchell, E and Bhattacharya, B and Shetty, G and Munia, T and Delong, G and Tariq, A and Butzin-Dozier, Z and Ji, Y and Li, H and Coyle, J and Shi, S and Philips, RV and Mertens, A and Pirracchio, R and van der Laan, M and Colford, JM and Hubbard, A and Gao, J and Chen, G and Velingker, N and Li, Z and Wu, Y and Stein, A and Huang, J and Dai, Z and Long, Q and Naik, M and Holmes, J and Mowery, D and Wong, E and Parekh, R and Getzen, E and Hightower, J and Blase, J and , and , },
title = {Crowd-sourced machine learning prediction of long COVID using data from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative.},
journal = {EBioMedicine},
volume = {108},
number = {},
pages = {105333},
doi = {10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105333},
pmid = {39321500},
issn = {2352-3964},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While many patients seem to recover from SARS-CoV-2 infections, many patients report experiencing SARS-CoV-2 symptoms for weeks or months after their acute COVID-19 ends, even developing new symptoms weeks after infection. These long-term effects are called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or, more commonly, Long COVID. The overall prevalence of Long COVID is currently unknown, and tools are needed to help identify patients at risk for developing long COVID.

METHODS: A working group of the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-radical (RADx-rad) program, comprised of individuals from various NIH institutes and centers, in collaboration with REsearching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) developed and organized the Long COVID Computational Challenge (L3C), a community challenge aimed at incentivizing the broader scientific community to develop interpretable and accurate methods for identifying patients at risk of developing Long COVID. From August 2022 to December 2022, participants developed Long COVID risk prediction algorithms using the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) data enclave, a harmonized data repository from over 75 healthcare institutions from across the United States (U.S.).

FINDINGS: Over the course of the challenge, 74 teams designed and built 35 Long COVID prediction models using the N3C data enclave. The top 10 teams all scored above a 0.80 Area Under the Receiver Operator Curve (AUROC) with the highest scoring model achieving a mean AUROC of 0.895. Included in the top submission was a visualization dashboard that built timelines for each patient, updating the risk of a patient developing Long COVID in response to clinical events.

INTERPRETATION: As a result of L3C, federal reviewers identified multiple machine learning models that can be used to identify patients at risk for developing Long COVID. Many of the teams used approaches in their submissions which can be applied to future clinical prediction questions.

FUNDING: Research reported in this RADx® Rad publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Timothy Bergquist, Johanna Loomba, and Emily Pfaff were supported by Axle Subcontract: NCATS-STSS-P00438.},
}

@article {pmid39320278,
year = {2024},
author = {Rodriguez, RM and Reyes, K and Kumar, VA and Chinnock, B and Eucker, SA and Rising, KL and Rafique, Z and Gottlieb, M and Nichol, G and Morse, D and Molina, M and Arreguin, MI and Shughart, L and Conn, C and Eckstrand, S and Mesbah, H and Chakraborty, L and Welch, RD},
title = {Long COVID Illness: Disparities in Understanding and Receipt of Care in Emergency Department Populations.},
journal = {Annals of emergency medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.07.009},
pmid = {39320278},
issn = {1097-6760},
abstract = {STUDY OBJECTIVE: Most long coronavirus disease (long COVID) studies rely on traditional surveillance methods that miss underserved populations who use emergency departments (EDs) as their primary health care source. In medically underserved ED populations, we sought to determine (1) whether there are gaps in awareness and self-declared understanding about long COVID illness, and (2) the prevalence, impact on school/work attendance, and receipt of care for long COVID symptoms.

METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional, convenience sample survey study of adult patients at 11 geographically representative US EDs from December 2022 to October 2023. Awareness and self-declared understanding about long COVID illness were measured. Prevalence, impact on school/work attendance, and receipt of care for long COVID symptoms were also assessed.

RESULTS: Of 1,618 eligible patients, 1455 (89.9%) agreed to participate, including 33.4% African Americans and 30.9% Latino/a. Of the patients, 17.1% lacked primary care. In total, 33.2% had persistent COVID-19 symptoms lasting >1 month, and 20.3% had symptoms >3 months. Moreover, 49.8% with long COVID symptoms missed work/school because of symptoms; 30.3% of all participants and 33.5% of participants who had long COVID symptoms had prior awareness and self-declared understanding of long COVID. Characteristics associated with poor understanding of long COVID were African American race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.66 to 5.09) and Latino/a ethnicity (aOR 3.16, 95% CI 2.15 to 4.64). Participants lacking primary care were less likely to have received long COVID care (24.6% versus 51.2%; difference 26.6%; 95% CI 13.7% to 36.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite high prevalence and impact on school/work attendance of long COVID symptoms, most of this ED population had limited awareness and self-declared understanding of long COVID, and many had not received care. EDs should consider the development of protocols for diagnosis, education, and treatment of long COVID illness.},
}

@article {pmid39319349,
year = {2024},
author = {Devkota, S and Garg, M and Debi, U and Dhooria, S and Dua, A and Prabhakar, N and Soni, S and Maralakunte, M and Gulati, A and Singh, T and Sandhu, MS},
title = {Evaluating Lung Changes in Long COVID: Ultra-Low-Dose vs. Standard-Dose CT Chest.},
journal = {British journal of biomedical science},
volume = {81},
number = {},
pages = {13385},
pmid = {39319349},
issn = {2474-0896},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods ; *Lung/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; *Radiation Dosage ; Adult ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Frequent chest CTs within a short period during follow-up of long COVID patients may increase the risk of radiation-related health effects in the exposed individuals. We aimed to assess the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose CT (ULDCT) chest compared to standard-dose CT (SDCT) in detecting lung abnormalities associated with long COVID.

METHODS: In this prospective study, 100 long COVID patients with respiratory dysfunction underwent SDCT and ULDCT chest that were compared in terms of objective (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) and subjective image quality (image graininess, sharpness, artifacts, and diagnostic accuracy along with the European guidelines on image quality criteria for CT chest), detection of imaging patterns of long COVID, CT severity score, and effective radiation dose. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of ULDCT was compared among obese (BMI≥30 kg/m[2]) and non-obese (BMI<30 kg/m[2]) subjects.

RESULTS: The mean age of study participants was 53 ± 12.9 years, and 68% were male. The mean SNR was 31.4 ± 5.5 and 11.3 ± 4.6 for SDCT and ULDCT respectively (p< 0.0001). Common findings seen on SDCT included ground-glass opacities (GGOs, 77%), septal thickening/reticulations (67%), atelectatic/parenchymal bands (63%) and nodules (26%). ULDCT provided sharp images, with no/minimal graininess, and high diagnostic confidence in 81%, 82% and 80% of the cases respectively. The sensitivity of ULDCT for various patterns of long COVID was 72.7% (GGOs), 71.6% (interlobular septal thickening/reticulations), 100% (consolidation), 81% (atelectatic/parenchymal bands) and 76.9% (nodules). ULDCT scans in non-obese subjects exhibited a significantly higher sensitivity (88% vs. 60.3%, p < 0.0001) and diagnostic accuracy (97.7% vs. 84.9%, p < 0.0001) compared to obese subjects. ULDCT showed very strong correlation with SDCT in terms of CT severity score (r = 0.996, p < 0.0001). The mean effective radiation dose with ULDCT was 0.25 ± 0.02 mSv with net radiation dose reduction of 94.8% ± 1.7% (p < 0.0001) when compared to SDCT (5.5 ± 1.96 mSv).

CONCLUSION: ULDCT scans achieved comparable diagnostic accuracy to SDCT for detecting long COVID lung abnormalities in non-obese patients, while significantly reducing radiation exposure.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnostic imaging
Male
Female
Middle Aged
*Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods
*Lung/diagnostic imaging/pathology
*Radiation Dosage
Adult
Prospective Studies
Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Signal-To-Noise Ratio

@article {pmid39317338,
year = {2024},
author = {Liu, T and Kang, H},
title = {The risk factors for long term cardiovascular symptoms in patients after coronavirus disease 2019 infection.},
journal = {Annals of medicine},
volume = {56},
number = {1},
pages = {2407065},
doi = {10.1080/07853890.2024.2407065},
pmid = {39317338},
issn = {1365-2060},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/etiology ; Risk Factors ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; C-Reactive Protein/analysis/metabolism ; Adult ; Anxiety/epidemiology ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism ; Depression/epidemiology ; China/epidemiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Presently, numerous studies have demonstrated that long-term cardiovascular changes after Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) infection should be considered. The study was aimed to explore the risk factors for post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms.

METHODS: This retrospective observational cross-sectional study involved 204 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to Yantaishan Hospital from January 1, 2023 to January 31, 2023. Demographic and laboratory data were collected and compared between patients who experienced post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms and those who did not. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms.

RESULTS: Fifty-two participants presented Post COVID-19 cardiovascular symptoms, while the remaining 152 individuals did not show any such symptoms including chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and postural tachycardia syndrome. In comparison to the group without post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms, the group with post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety and depression (25.0% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.000), as well as significantly elevated C-reactive protein (42.3 mg/L vs. 20.3 mg/L, p = 0.014) and D-dimer (0.3 mg/L vs. 0.22 mg/L, p = 0.024). Anxiety and depression (odds ratio [OR] = 6.403, 95% confidence interval [CI]:2.180-18.809, p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (OR = 1.009, 95%CI:1.003-1.015, p = 0.006), D-dimer (OR = 1.455, 95%CI:1.004-2.109, p = 0.048), and LDL-C (OR = 1.780, 95%CI:1.043-3.040, p = 0.035) were identified as independent risk factors for post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and LDL-C levels are associated with the development of post COVID-19 long-term cardiovascular symptoms.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Cross-Sectional Studies
Retrospective Studies
*Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
Risk Factors
*SARS-CoV-2
Aged
C-Reactive Protein/analysis/metabolism
Adult
Anxiety/epidemiology
Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism
Depression/epidemiology
China/epidemiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39317274,
year = {2024},
author = {Nelson, BK and Farah, LN and Grier, A and Su, W and Chen, J and Sossi, V and Sekhon, MS and Stoessl, AJ and Wellington, C and Honer, WG and Lang, D and Silverberg, ND and Panenka, WJ},
title = {Differences in Brain Structure and Cognitive Performance Between Patients with Long-COVID and those with Normal Recovery.},
journal = {NeuroImage},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120859},
doi = {10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120859},
pmid = {39317274},
issn = {1095-9572},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of protracted symptoms after COVID-19 is unclear. This study aimed to determine if long-COVID is associated with differences in baseline characteristics, markers of white matter diffusivity in the brain, and lower scores on objective cognitive testing.

METHODS: Individuals who experienced COVID-19 symptoms for more than 60 days post-infection (long-COVID) (n=56) were compared to individuals who recovered from COVID-19 within 60 days of infection (normal recovery) (n=35). Information regarding physical and mental health, and COVID-19 illness was collected. The National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery was administered. Participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Tract-based spatial statistics were used to perform a whole-brain voxel-wise analysis on standard DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity), controlling for age and sex. NIH Toolbox Age-Adjusted Fluid Cognition Scores were used to compare long-COVID and normal recovery groups, covarying for Age-Adjusted Crystallized Cognition Scores and years of education. False discovery rate correction was applied for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, or history of neurovascular risk factors between the groups. The long-COVID group had significantly (p<0.05) lower mean diffusivity than the normal recovery group across multiple white matter regions, including the internal capsule, anterior and superior corona radiata, corpus callosum, superior fronto-occiptal fasciculus, and posterior thalamic radiation. However, the effect sizes of these differences were small (all β<|0.3|) and no significant differences were found for the other DTI metrics. Fluid cognition composite scores did not differ significantly between the long-COVID and normal recovery groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Differences in diffusivity between long-COVID and normal recovery groups were found on only one DTI metric. This could represent subtle areas of pathology such as gliosis or edema, but the small effect sizes and non-specific nature of the diffusion indices make pathological inference difficult. Although long-COVID patients reported many neuropsychiatric symptoms, significant differences in objective cognitive performance were not found.},
}

@article {pmid39317224,
year = {2024},
author = {Granana, N and Tarulla, A and Calandri, I and Carli, A and Rivas, B and Festa, JM and Vacirca, S and Lis, M and Worff, I and Allegri, R},
title = {Impact on the nervous system of long COVID-19 infection in children.},
journal = {Arquivos de neuro-psiquiatria},
volume = {82},
number = {9},
pages = {1-7},
doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1789224},
pmid = {39317224},
issn = {1678-4227},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; Child ; Female ; Male ; Adolescent ; Child, Preschool ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Nervous System Diseases/virology ; Risk Factors ; Time Factors ; Pandemics ; Infant ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound global impact, raising concerns about its long-term effects, particularly neurological complications. While studies have highlighted such complications in adults, there is a paucity of research focusing on children.

OBJECTIVE:  To examine the medium- to long-term neurological and cognitive symptoms in 18 year old children and below with positive versus negative COVID-19 antigens and to identify the probable risk factors to promote specific health actions.

METHODS:  An observational study was carried out to determine neurological symptoms in the medium and long terms after COVID 19. A random sample of 124 children, both symptomatic or asymptomatic, tested positive or negative for COVID-19 through swab tests.

RESULTS:  Neurological symptoms were assessed between 6 to 12 months and 2 years after the infection. Acute symptoms, including headache, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia, were observed in more than 20% of the children, but they generally resolved within 6 to 12 months. Persistent functional difficulties, such as in studying, paying attention, and socializing, were reported in 3% of the cases. Behavioral symptoms at baseline were noted in 7.8% of children, but they were remitted in most cases, except for those with prior involvement.

CONCLUSION:  These findings underscore the need for continued monitoring of children following COVID-19 infection and the importance of tailored health interventions.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
Child
Female
Male
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
SARS-CoV-2
Nervous System Diseases/virology
Risk Factors
Time Factors
Pandemics
Infant
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid39316344,
year = {2024},
author = {Goodwill, JR and Ajibewa, TA},
title = {A Mixed Methods Analysis of Long COVID Symptoms in Black Americans: Examining Physical and Mental Health Outcomes.},
journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39316344},
issn = {2196-8837},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While several reports confirm that long COVID is associated with poorer health, few studies explore how long COVID directly impacts the lives of Black Americans who experienced higher mortality rates early in the pandemic. Even fewer studies utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify pertinent long COVID symptoms. The current study, therefore, sought to identify points of overlap and divergence when comparing qualitative vs. quantitative descriptions of long COVID experiences among Black adults in the United States.

METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional surveys collected from the AmeriSpeak panel through the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago. This panel includes a probability-based sample of adults across the United States. Respondents completed online surveys between April and June 2022. We compared outcomes among participants who reported experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (i.e., long COVID) to those who reported experiencing SARS-CoV-2 without long COVID.

RESULTS: Nearly all qualitative responses focused on matters of physical health like prolonged coughing, cardiovascular concerns, troubled breathing, fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and bodily pains. Quantitative results, however, showed that Black adults living with long COVID reported significantly more anxiety, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness. Persons with long COVID were also significantly more likely to report experiencing psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts within the last year.

CONCLUSIONS: Black adults with long COVID experienced worse outcomes across all mental health measures. Despite the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency expiration in May 2023, urgent efforts are still required to not only treat both the physical and mental health needs of persons living with long COVID, but to effectively prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid39315181,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhang, X and Wen, R and Chen, H and Liu, J and Wu, Y and Xu, M and Wang, R and Zeng, X},
title = {COVID-19 and diabetes research: Where are we now and what does the future hold? A bibliometric visualization analysis.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {10},
number = {18},
pages = {e37615},
pmid = {39315181},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: The extensive spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide has caused a dramatic negative impact on many individuals' health. This study aims to systematically and comprehensively analyze the current status and possible future directions of diabetes mellitus (DM) and COVID-19 research.

METHODS: We obtained publications about COVID-19 and DM from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using the search terms "COVID-19″ and similar terms combined with "DM" and similar terms, with a date range of January 2020 to May 2024. And we used CiteSpace V 6.3.R2 to perform the bibliometric visualization analysis.

RESULTS: The search enrolled 6266 publications. The USA is a country with the most publications; Harvard University was the most productive institution in this field. The highest-ranked journal was the PLOS ONE, and the most cited journal was Lancet. The 20 most cited journals have all been cited 28754 times, accounting for 28 % of the total cites; the range of those journals was 790-3197. Publications on COVID-19 and DM research exhibited a distinct trajectory, shifting from an initial emphasis on understanding the impact of diabetes on COVID-19 infection and its associated pathophysiological mechanisms to a focus on analyzing the differential responses of diverse patient populations. Subsequently, research has progressed to examine the effects of medications and vaccines, as well as the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in diabetic individuals. Throughout this research endeavor, the exploration of diverse therapeutic interventions, their efficacy, and ultimate outcomes have consistently remained a paramount focus. And " metabolic syndrome," " long COVID," and " gestational diabetes" are still likely to be the hotspots and frontiers of research in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis related to DM in COVID-19 illuminates the current research situation and developmental trends, supporting researchers in the exploration of prospective directions for research.},
}

@article {pmid39314791,
year = {2024},
author = {Bowie, C and Friston, K},
title = {A follow up report validating long term predictions of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK using a dynamic causal model.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1398297},
pmid = {39314791},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/mortality ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forecasting ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This paper asks whether Dynamic Causal modelling (DCM) can predict the long-term clinical impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. DCMs are designed to continually assimilate data and modify model parameters, such as transmissibility of the virus, changes in social distancing and vaccine coverage-to accommodate changes in population dynamics and virus behavior. But as a novel way to model epidemics do they produce valid predictions? We presented DCM predictions 12 months ago, which suggested an increase in viral transmission was accompanied by a reduction in pathogenicity. These changes provided plausible reasons why the model underestimated deaths, hospital admissions and acute-post COVID-19 syndrome by 20%. A further 12-month validation exercise could help to assess how useful such predictions are.

METHODS: we compared DCM predictions-made in October 2022-with actual outcomes over the 12-months to October 2023. The model was then used to identify changes in COVID-19 transmissibility and the sociobehavioral responses that may explain discrepancies between predictions and outcomes over this period. The model was then used to predict future trends in infections, long-COVID, hospital admissions and deaths over 12-months to October 2024, as a prelude to future tests of predictive validity.

FINDINGS: Unlike the previous predictions-which were an underestimate-the predictions made in October 2022 overestimated incidence, death and admission rates. This overestimation appears to have been caused by reduced infectivity of new variants, less movement of people and a higher persistence of immunity following natural infection and vaccination.

INTERPRETATION: despite an expressive (generative) model, with time-dependent epidemiological and sociobehavioral parameters, the model overestimated morbidity and mortality. Effectively, the model failed to accommodate the "law of declining virulence" over a timescale of years. This speaks to a fundamental issue in long-term forecasting: how to model decreases in virulence over a timescale of years? A potential answer may be available in a year when the predictions for 2024-under a model with slowly accumulating T-cell like immunity-can be assessed against actual outcomes.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/mortality
United Kingdom/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Follow-Up Studies
Forecasting

@article {pmid39314212,
year = {2024},
author = {Oropeza-Valdez, JJ and Padron-Manrique, C and Vázquez-Jiménez, A and Soberon, X and Resendis-Antonio, O},
title = {Exploring metabolic anomalies in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19: a machine learning approach with explainable artificial intelligence.},
journal = {Frontiers in molecular biosciences},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1429281},
pmid = {39314212},
issn = {2296-889X},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to significant challenges worldwide, including diverse clinical outcomes and prolonged post-recovery symptoms known as Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Emerging evidence suggests a crucial role of metabolic reprogramming in the infection's long-term consequences. This study employs a novel approach utilizing machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to analyze metabolic alterations in COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 patients. Samples were taken from a cohort of 142 COVID-19, 48 Post-COVID-19, and 38 control patients, comprising 111 identified metabolites. Traditional analysis methods, like PCA and PLS-DA, were compared with ML techniques, particularly eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) enhanced by SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values for explainability. XGBoost, combined with SHAP, outperformed traditional methods, demonstrating superior predictive performance and providing new insights into the metabolic basis of the disease's progression and aftermath. The analysis revealed metabolomic subgroups within the COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 conditions, suggesting heterogeneous metabolic responses to the infection and its long-term impacts. Key metabolic signatures in Post-COVID-19 include taurine, glutamine, alpha-Ketoglutaric acid, and LysoPC a C16:0. This study highlights the potential of integrating ML and XAI for a fine-grained description in metabolomics research, offering a more detailed understanding of metabolic anomalies in COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 conditions.},
}

@article {pmid39313202,
year = {2024},
author = {Bonnet, U and Juckel, G},
title = {[The Impact of Antidepressants on COVID-19 and Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: A Scoping-Review Update].},
journal = {Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1055/a-2374-2218},
pmid = {39313202},
issn = {1439-3522},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Introduction Preclinically, fluvoxamine and other antidepressants (AD) exerted antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties also against SARS-COV-2. Therfore, It makes sense to test the clinical effect of AD against COVID-19 and Long COVID.

METHODS: On May 20, 2024, this systematic scoping review in PUBMED identified 1016 articles related to AD and COVID-19, Long COVID and SARS-COV-2. These included 10 retrospective "large scale" studies (> 20000 chart reviews), 8 prospective clinical trials (plus 4 regarding Long COVID), 11 placebo-controlled randomized (RCT) (plus 2 regarding Long COVID) and 15 meta-analyses.

RESULTS: COVID-19: Retrospective studies with cohorts taking AD primarily for psychiatric comorbidities or chronic pain conditions directly prior to SARS-COV-2 infection described that this substance class (most studied: Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and Selective Serotonin Noradrenaline Re-Uptake Inhibitors (SSNRI)) were associated with (i) significantly fewer SARS-COV-2 infections and (ii) a milder course of COVID-19 ("COVID-19 protection"). Ten of the 11 RCTs found regarding COVID-19 tested fluvoxamine, as this old AD appeared suitable as a prophylactic agent against severe COVID-19, taking into account its in vitro potency against the progression of intracellular sepsis cascades. Therefore, most (12 out of 15) meta-analyses also referred to fluvoxamine. They found (iii) a significant (40-70% reduction) in mortality, intubation and hospitalization rates when fluvoxamine was used as an add-on to standard therapy for mild to moderate COVID-19. When this AD was used in the early stages of the disease, it was more successful than when it was given later in advanced, severe COVID-19 (e.g. severe pneumonia, final sepsis stages). A dose dependency was observed: 2x50 mg fluvoxamine over 15 days was less effective than 2x100 or even 3x100 mg with an adverse event profile still at the placebo level. Direct comparisons with drugs approved for COVID-19 do not yet exist. A first indirect meta-analytical comparison showed an advantage of paxlovid or molnupiravir versus fluvoxamine against the development of severe COVID-19: risk reduction of 95% (I2 = N/A, but only one study) or 78% (I2=0) versus 5+-5% (I2=48). However, an add-on of fluvoxamine was still significantly more efficacious than symptom-oriented standard therapy alone. Long COVID: A common Long COVID phenotype with dominant anxiety and depression symptoms, which responds to AD, relaxation therapy and/or psychotherapy, has now been identified. Casuistics report positive effects of AD on fatigue, cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions. A first large prospective open-label RCT has just shown significantly more favourable courses, less viral load and less pro-inflammatory cytokines in the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 with fluvoxamine versus standard treatment, also with regard to the subsequent development of neuropsychiatric and pulmonary Long COVID or fatigue.

CONCLUSION: Overall, there is promising evidence of a preventive effect of AD (especially fluvoxamine) against progression to severe COVID-19 and against the development of Long COVID. It is likely, that the entire AD substance class could be effective here. This assumption is based on the results of retrospective large scale studies, but awaits verification by better controlled studies. The potential effectiveness/efficacy (currently low and moderate confidence of the evidence for the entire substance class and specifically fluvoxamine, respectively) of fluvoxamine as an add-on against COVID-19 and possibly also directly against Long COVID could stimulate similar projects in other infectious diseases that also have the potential to pose a lasting threat to the health of those affected. We consider the evidence to date to be sufficient to be able to emphasize a possible positive effect of these substances in the psychoeducation of patients with COVID-19 or Long COVID who are already receiving AD for other conditions - especially also against the symptoms associated with the viral disease or its consequences. In regions where neither vaccines nor antiviral agents currently approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 are available, AD and in particular fluvoxamine would be a cost-effective alternative to protect against a severe course, even if this AD appears to have a smaller effect against COVID-19 than the currently approved antiviral agents, but with presumably better tolerability. A direct comparative clinical trial with approved antiviral agents is still pending and should be positive to further open the door for a guideline-based recommendation of fluvoxamine (or perhaps even AD) for COVID-19 or its aftermath.},
}

@article {pmid39311897,
year = {2024},
author = {Pinto Pereira, SM and Newlands, F and Anders, J and Banerjee, A and Beale, S and Blandford, A and Brown, K and Bu, F and Fong, WLE and Gilpin, G and Hardelid, P and Kovar, J and Lim, J and Park, C and Raveendran, V and Shah, AD and Shao, X and Wong, A and Stephenson, T and Shafran, R},
title = {Long COVID: what do we know now and what are the challenges ahead?.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1410768241262661},
doi = {10.1177/01410768241262661},
pmid = {39311897},
issn = {1758-1095},
}

@article {pmid39311385,
year = {2024},
author = {Timofeeva, AM and Nikitin, AO and Nevinsky, GA},
title = {Circulating miRNAs in the Plasma of Post-COVID-19 Patients with Typical Recovery and Those with Long-COVID Symptoms: Regulation of Immune Response-Associated Pathways.},
journal = {Non-coding RNA},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ncrna10050048},
pmid = {39311385},
issn = {2311-553X},
support = {22-15-00103//Russian Science Foundation/ ; 0245-2021-0009 (121031300041-4)//Russian State-funded budget project of ICBFM SB RAS/ ; },
abstract = {Following the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, certain individuals experience persistent symptoms referred to as long COVID. This study analyzed the patients categorized into three distinct groups: (1) individuals presenting rheumatological symptoms associated with long COVID, (2) patients who have successfully recovered from COVID-19, and (3) donors who have never contracted COVID-19. A notable decline in the expression of miR-200c-3p, miR-766-3p, and miR-142-3p was identified among patients exhibiting rheumatological symptoms of long COVID. The highest concentration of miR-142-3p was found in healthy donors. One potential way to reduce miRNA concentrations is through antibody-mediated hydrolysis. Not only can antibodies possessing RNA-hydrolyzing activity recognize the miRNA substrate specifically, but they also catalyze its hydrolysis. The analysis of the catalytic activity of plasma antibodies revealed that antibodies from patients with long COVID demonstrated lower hydrolysis activity against five fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide sequences corresponding to the Flu-miR-146b-5p, Flu-miR-766-3p, Flu-miR-4742-3p, and Flu-miR-142-3p miRNAs and increased activity against the Flu-miR-378a-3p miRNA compared to other patient groups. The changes in miRNA concentrations and antibody-mediated hydrolysis of miRNAs are assumed to have a complex regulatory mechanism that is linked to gene pathways associated with the immune system. We demonstrate that all six miRNAs under analysis are associated with a large number of signaling pathways associated with immune response-associated pathways.},
}

@article {pmid39311110,
year = {2024},
author = {Vontetsianos, A and Chynkiamis, N and Anagnostopoulou, C and Lekka, C and Zaneli, S and Anagnostopoulos, N and Rovina, N and Kampolis, CF and Papaioannou, AI and Kaltsakas, G and Vogiatzis, I and Stratakos, G and Bakakos, P and Koulouris, N},
title = {Small Airways Dysfunction and Lung Hyperinflation in Long COVID-19 Patients as Potential Mechanisms of Persistent Dyspnoea.},
journal = {Advances in respiratory medicine},
volume = {92},
number = {5},
pages = {329-337},
doi = {10.3390/arm92050031},
pmid = {39311110},
issn = {2543-6031},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/physiopathology/complications ; *Dyspnea/physiopathology/etiology ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; *Respiratory Function Tests ; Lung/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reticulation, ground glass opacities and post-infection bronchiectasis are present three months following hospitalisation in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with the severity of acute infection. However, scarce data exist on small airways impairment and lung hyperinflation in patients with long COVID-19.

AIM: To evaluate small airways function and lung hyperinflation in previously hospitalised patients with long COVID-19 and their association with post-COVID-19 breathlessness.

METHODS: In total, 33 patients (mean ± SD, 53 ± 11 years) with long COVID-19 were recruited 149 ± 90 days following hospital discharge. Pulmonary function tests were performed and lung hyperinflation was defined as RV/TLC ≥ 40%. Small airways function was evaluated by measuring the closing volume (CV) and closing capacity (CC) using the single-breath nitrogen washout technique (SBN2W).

RESULTS: CC was 115 ± 28% pred. and open capacity (OC) was 90 ± 19. CC was abnormal in 13 patients (39%), CV in 2 patients (6.1%) and OC in 9 patients (27%). Lung hyperinflation was present in 15 patients, whilst the mean mMRC score was 2.2 ± 1.0. Lung hyperinflation was associated with CC (r = 0.772, p = 0.001), OC (r = 0.895, p = 0.001) and mMRC (r = 0.444, p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS: Long COVID-19 patients present with small airways dysfunction and lung hyperinflation, which is associated with persistent dyspnoea, following hospitalisation.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/physiopathology/complications
*Dyspnea/physiopathology/etiology
Middle Aged
Male
Female
*Respiratory Function Tests
Lung/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Aged

@article {pmid39311094,
year = {2024},
author = {Hori, M and Hayama-Terada, M and Kitamura, A and Hosozawa, M and Muto, Y and Iba, A and Takayama, Y and Kimura, T and Iso, H},
title = {Risk factors for post-coronavirus disease condition in the Alpha-, Delta-, and Omicron-dominant waves among adults in Japan: A population-based matched case-control study.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {96},
number = {9},
pages = {e29928},
doi = {10.1002/jmv.29928},
pmid = {39311094},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {JPMH21HA2011//This study was supported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Research Program on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Female ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Japan/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Registries ; },
abstract = {Vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of post-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) condition (PCC). Here, risk factors including vaccination for PCC in the Omicron-dominant waves among Japanese adults were investigated. This was a registry-based matched case-control study of individuals aged 18-79 years diagnosed with COVID-19 registered in a National database between March 2021 and April 2022 and matched noninfected individuals living in Yao City, Japan. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess persistent symptoms and their risk factors. The COVID-19 vaccination status was obtained from the Vaccination Registry. PCC risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Overall, 4185 infected (cases) and 3382 noninfected (controls) individuals were included in the analysis. The mean ages and proportions of women were 44.7 years and 60.2% and 45.5 years and 60.7% for cases and controls, respectively. A total of 3805 (90.9%) participants had asymptomatic or mild acute symptoms at the median (range) follow-up of 271 (185-605) days. The prevalence of PCC was 15.0% for cases while that of persistent symptoms was 4.4% for controls; among the cases, it was 27.0% in the Alpha- and Delta-dominant waves and 12.8% in the Omicron-dominant wave. Female sex, comorbidities, and hospitalization were positively associated with PCC. One or more vaccine doses of vaccination were inversely associated with PCC; the inverse association was stronger in the Alpha- and Delta-dominant waves (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.73) than in the Omicron-dominant wave (aOR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.59-1.07).},
}

Humans
Middle Aged
Adult
Female
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Case-Control Studies
Japan/epidemiology
Risk Factors
Aged
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Young Adult
Adolescent
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
Vaccination/statistics & numerical data
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Registries

@article {pmid39310121,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhai, X and Wu, W and Zeng, S and Miao, Y},
title = {Advance in the mechanism and clinical research of myalgia in long COVID.},
journal = {American journal of clinical and experimental immunology},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {142-164},
pmid = {39310121},
issn = {2164-7712},
abstract = {As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve, mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have significantly decreased. However, a variable proportion of patients exhibit persistent prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 infection (long COVID). This virus primarily attacks respiratory system, but numerous individuals complain persistent skeletal muscle pain or worsening pre-existing muscle pain post COVID-19, which severely affects the quality of life and recovery. Currently, there is limited research on the skeletal muscle pain in long COVID. In this brief review, we review potential pathological mechanisms of skeletal muscle pain in long COVID, and summarize the various auxiliary examinations and treatments for skeletal muscle pain in long COVID. We consider abnormal activation of inflammatory response, myopathy, and neurological damages as pivotal pathological mechanisms of skeletal muscle pain in long COVID. A comprehensive examination is significantly important in order to work out effective treatment plans and relieve skeletal muscle pain. So far, rehabilitation interventions for myalgia in long COVID contain but are not limited to drug, nutraceutical therapy, gut microbiome-targeted therapy, interventional therapy and strength training. Our study provides a potential mechanism reference for clinical researches, highlighting the importance of comprehensive approach and management of skeletal muscle pain in long COVID. The relief of skeletal muscle pain will accelerate rehabilitation process, improve activities of daily living and enhance the quality of life, promoting individuals return to society with profound significance.},
}

@article {pmid39308483,
year = {2024},
author = {Gautier, SCZ and Coneti, V and Horton, DB and Greenberg, P and Andrews, T and Barrett, ES and Carson, JL and Blaser, MJ and Panettieri, RA and Rawal, S},
title = {Long-term recovery of taste and smell following acute COVID-19 infection in a New Jersey cohort.},
journal = {Science talks},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39308483},
issn = {2772-5693},
abstract = {Loss of taste and smell is one of the most troubling symptoms of long COVID and may be permanent for some. Correlation between subjectively and objectively assessed olfactory and gustatory impairment is low, leading to uncertainty about how many people are affected, how many recover, and to what extent. We prospectively investigated the effects of COVID-19 on long-term chemosensory function in a university and hospital-based cohort in NJ. We followed 856 participants from March 2020 through April 2022, of which 58 were diagnosed with COVID-19 and completed the NHANES 2013-2014 taste and smell protocol, including a chemosensory questionnaire, whole-mouth taste tests, and an 8-item odor identification test at and/or before acute COVID-19 infection. Of these, 29 repeated taste and smell assessments at 6 months (183.0 ± 54.6) follow-up. Total overall smell score significantly improved from baseline to 6-month follow up (6.9 ± 1.4 vs 7.6 ± 0.8; p = .01). Taste intensity also improved across 6 months, but not significantly. Our study is the first to show psychophysically-assessed and self-reported long-term recovery of olfactory and gustatory function in the same population after acute COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid39305184,
year = {2024},
author = {Prem, B and Liu, DT and Boehme, K and Maurer, MT and Renner, B and Mueller, CA},
title = {Factors Associated With Persisting Olfactory Dysfunction After COVID-19.},
journal = {Clinical otolaryngology : official journal of ENT-UK ; official journal of Netherlands Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology & Cervico-Facial Surgery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/coa.14233},
pmid = {39305184},
issn = {1749-4486},
support = {22194//Medical Scientific Fund of the Mayor of the City of Vienna/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Fortunately, the majority of COVID-19 patients recover from olfactory dysfunction (OD) within the first couple of weeks. However, from approximately 5% up to 20% continue to suffer from OD even more than 1 year after the onset. Nonetheless, factors associated with long-lasting OD are hardly known. The aim of this study was to identify favourable and disadvantageous markers of persisting OD in COVID-19 patients.

METHODOLOGY: Sixty-six patients (46 female; mean age: 39.9 years) that suffer from OD longer than 6 months due to laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection have participated in this longitudinal study. Participants completed comprehensive psychophysical chemosensory tests (i.e., Sniffin' Sticks = TDI) and questionnaires twice at our department-on average 219 ± 80 (T-1) and 489 ± 89 (T-2) days after the onset of symptoms, respectively. Olfactory recovery rates were associated with demographic factors and questionnaires using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS: Patients below 40 years of age improved better (TDI: 4.1 ± 4.3 vs. 0.7 ± 5.8; p = 0.008) and achieved statistically significant higher scores (TDI: 31.5 ± 4.0 vs. 27.3 ± 6.7; p = 0.033) regarding psychophysical chemosensory tests. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that parosmia was associated with worse orthonasal smell function (T-1: β = -0.346, p = 0.004; T-2: β = -0.384, p = 0.001), especially concerning identification subtest (T-1: β = -0.395, p = 0.001; T-2: β = -0.398, p < 0.001). Moreover, increasing parosmia between T-1and T-2 led to worse orthonasal olfactory function (β = -0.294, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS: Older age and parosmia seem to be unfavourable factors of persisting OD in COVID-19 patients.},
}