Analysis of the use of memes as an exponent of collective coping during COVID-19 in Puerto Rico
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Flecha Ortiz J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8280555 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Viral strains, age, and host factors including genetics and proteins are associated with variable immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 and disease severity. We hypothesized that unique proteins/pathways are associated with COVID-19 disease severity in Puerto Rican Hispanics. A total of 121 men and women aged 21-80 years-old were recruited in Puerto Rico. Plasma samples were collected from unvaccinated COVID-19 infected subjects during acute disease (n=39) and compared to COVID-19 negative individuals (n=56) during acute disease using proteomics and cytokine expression. Infected individuals were stratified based on symptomatology as follows: mild (n=18), moderate (n=13), and severe (n=8). Quantitative proteomics was performed in plasma samples using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labeling. Cytokines in plasma were quantified using a human cytokine array. Proteomics analyses revealed 56 differentially regulated proteins and the top 3 pathways that were predicted to be inhibited in severe patients including LXR/RXR signaling, Production of NO and ROS in macrophages, and Synaptogenesis signaling. Decreased cadherin-13 validated by ELISA, which participates in synaptogenesis, is a novel protein is a novel protein not previously reported in other studies of COVID-19 severity and validated by ELISA. Cytokine analyses showed that TNF⍺ levels decreased with disease severity. This study uncovers potential host predictors of COVID-19 severity and new avenues for treatment in Puerto Rican Hispanics.
2024-06-16 | PXD046103 | Pride
Project description:Due to concerns regarding limited testing and accuracy of estimation of COVID-19 cases, we created an automated surveillance system called "Puerto Rico Epidemiological Evaluation and Prevention of COVID-19 and Influenza" (PREPCOVI) to evaluate COVID-19 incidence and time trends across Puerto Rico. Automated text message invitations were sent to random phone numbers with Puerto Rican area codes. In addition to reported COVID-19 test results, we used a published model to classify cases from specific symptoms (loss of smell and taste, severe persistent cough, severe fatigue, and skipped meals). Between 18 November 2020, and 24 June 2021, we sent 1,427,241 messages, 26.8% were reached, and 6,975 participants answered questions about the last 30 days. Participants were aged 21-93 years and represented 97.4% of the municipalities. PREPCOVI total COVID-19 cases were higher among women and people aged between 21 and 40 years and in the Arecibo and Bayamón regions. COVID-19 was confirmed, and probable cases decreased over the study period. Confirmed COVID-19 cases ranged from 1.6 to 0.2% monthly, although testing rates only ranged from 30 to 42%. Test positivity decreased from 13.2% in November to 6.4% in March, increased in April (11.1%), and decreased in June (1.5%). PREPCOVI total cases (6.5%) were higher than cases reported by the Puerto Rico Department of Health (5.3%) for similar time periods, but time trends were similar. Automated surveillance systems and symptom-based models are useful in estimating COVID-19 cases and time trends, especially when testing is limited.
| S-EPMC9388143 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionImpacts of COVID-19 mitigation measures on seasonal respiratory viruses is unknown in sub-tropical climates.MethodsWe compared weekly testing and test-positivity of respiratory infections in the 2019-2020 respiratory season to the 2012-2018 seasons in southern Puerto Rico using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.ResultsCompared to the average for the 2012-2018 seasons, test-positivity was significantly lower for Influenza A (p<0.001) & B (p<0.001), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (p<0.01), respiratory adenovirus (AdV) (p<0.05), and other respiratory viruses (p<0.001) following March 2020 COVID-19 stay at home orders.ConclusionsMitigation measures and behavioral social distancing choices may have reduced respiratory viral spread in southern Puerto Rico.
| S-EPMC9045654 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundOn July 15, 2021, with 58% of the population fully vaccinated, the start of a COVID-19 surge was observed in Puerto Rico. On July 22, 2021, the government of Puerto Rico started imposing a series of strict vaccine mandates. Two months later, over 70% of the population was vaccinated, more than in any US state, and laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 had dropped substantially. The decision to impose mandates, as well as current Department of Health recommendations related to boosters, were guided by the data and the effectiveness estimates presented here.MethodsBetween December 15, 2020, when the vaccination process began in Puerto Rico, and October 15, 2021, 2,276,966 individuals were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. During this period 112,726 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were reported. These data permitted us to quantify the outcomes of the immunization campaign and to compare effectiveness of the mRNA-1273 (Moderna), BNT162b2 (Pfizer), and Ad26.COV2.S (J&J) vaccines. We obtained vaccination status, SARS-CoV-2 test results, and COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, from the Department of Health. We fit statistical models that adjusted for time-varying incidence rates and age group to estimate vaccine effectiveness, since the time of vaccination, against lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 hospitalization and death.ResultsTwo weeks after final dose, the mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines had an effectiveness of 90% (95% CI: 88-91), 87% (85-88), and, 64% (58-69), respectively. After five months, effectiveness waned to about 70%, 50%, and 40%, respectively. We found no evidence that effectiveness was different after the Delta variant became dominant. For those infected, the vaccines provided further protection against COVID-19 hospitalization and deaths across all age groups, and this conditional effect did not wane in time.InterpretationThe mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines were highly effective across all age groups. They were still effective after five months although the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection waned. The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine was effective but to a lesser degree compared to the mRNA vaccines. Although, conditional on infection, protection against adverse outcomes did not wane, the waning in effectiveness resulted in a decreased protection against serious COVID-19 outcomes across time.FundingRAI's work was partly funded by NIH Grant R35GM131802.
| S-EPMC8867062 | biostudies-literature
Project description:On March 15, 2020 Puerto Rico implemented non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including a mandatory curfew, as part of a state of emergency declaration to prevent the community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The strict enforcement of this curfew was extended through May 25, with a gradual relaxation beginning on May 1. This report summarizes an assessment of these early mitigation measures on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic in the island. From March 15 to May 15, 2020, 70,656 results of molecular (RT-PCR) tests were reported to the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Of these, 1,704 were positive, corresponding to 1,311 individuals with COVID-19 included in the study. We derived the epidemic growth rates (r) and the corresponding reproductive numbers (R) from the epidemic curve of these 1,311 individuals with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 using their date of test collection as a proxy for symptoms onset. Through May 31, 2020, there were 143 COVID-19 associated deaths in Puerto Rico, for a case fatality risk of 10.9%. We compared the observed cases and deaths with Gompertz model projections had the mitigation measures not been implemented. The number of daily RT-PCR-confirmed cases peaked on March 30 (85 cases), showing a weekly cyclical trend, with lower counts on weekends and a decreasing secular trend since March 30. The initial exponential growth rate (r) was 15.87% (95% CI: 7.59%, 24.15%), corresponding to R of 1.82 (95% CI:1.37, 2.30). After March 30, the r value reverted to an exponential decay rate (negative) of -2.95% (95% CI: -4.99%, -0.92%), corresponding to R of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86, 0.98). We estimate that, had the initial growth rate been maintained, a total of 6,155 additional COVID-19 cases would have occurred by May 15, with 211 additional COVID-19 deaths by May 31. These findings are consistent with very effective implementation of early NPIs as mitigation measures in Puerto Rico. These results also provide a baseline to assess the impact of the transition from mitigation to subsequent containment stages in Puerto Rico.
| S-EPMC7556465 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal operations of health care services, broad sectors of the economy, and the ability to socialize freely. For those with tinnitus, such changes can be factors in exacerbating tinnitus. The purpose of this study was to determine tinnitus help-seeking behavior, which resources individuals utilized to cope during the pandemic, and what additional support is desired. Method An exploratory cross-sectional study design including 1,522 adults with tinnitus living in North America (Canada and the United States) was used. Data were collected through an online survey distributed by the American Tinnitus Association via e-mail. Free text from open-ended questions was analyzed using the automated content analysis. The responses to the structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics. Results Significantly less tinnitus support was sought during the pandemic, and very few respondents utilized tinnitus support networks during the pandemic at the time the survey was conducted. Nonetheless, seeking support during the pandemic was significantly associated with significantly less tinnitus distress. The most frequently utilized resources for coping during the pandemic were contacting family and friends, spending time outdoors or in nature, relaxation, and exercise. Such tools for coping were associated with significantly less tinnitus distress. The support requested and advice provided by participants to health care services had overlap. The main support needs related to managing tinnitus included addressing hearing loss, providing peer support, finding cures, and accessing trained and understanding health care providers to help. The advice for professionals related to tinnitus management included the need for cures, personalized support, addressing hearing loss, targeting the tinnitus percept, and providing more information about the condition. Conclusions These findings provide suggestions on how to better support those with tinnitus at a time when health care is undergoing rapid changes. Findings can be used by stakeholders, clinical practitioners, and tinnitus support services to devise ways to work more effectively together to improve access to patient-driven, suitable, accessible, and evidence-based support. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14558514.
| S-EPMC8642101 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo explore older people's use of the Internet for coping with stress posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey with a random sample of 407 Internet users aged 60 years and over (Mean = 69.14).ResultsParticipants reported a significant increase in 7 of 12 Internet-based functions following the pandemic onset. Stress levels were moderate-to-high and participants appeared more worried about others than about themselves. Significant positive associations were found between stress and increase in Internet use for interpersonal communication and online errands. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between stress and subjective wellbeing, but it was only increased Internet use for leisure that associated significantly with enhanced wellbeing.ConclusionThe changes in Internet use clearly reflected coping efforts that were apparently ineffective in enhancing wellbeing. Paradoxically, the only online functions that could improve wellbeing, Internet use for leisure, are precisely those whose use hardly increased.
| S-EPMC7372257 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial zoonosis that is endemic throughout the tropics and may be misdiagnosed as dengue. Delayed hospital admission of leptospirosis patients is associated with increased mortality.During a concurrent dengue/leptospirosis epidemic in Puerto Rico in 2010, suspected dengue patients that tested dengue-negative were tested for leptospirosis. Fatal and non-fatal hospitalized leptospirosis patients were matched 1:1-3 by age. Records from all medical visits were evaluated for factors associated with fatal outcome. Among 175 leptospirosis patients identified (4.7 per 100,000 residents), 26 (15%) were fatal. Most patients were older males and had illness onset during the rainy season. Fatal case patients first sought medical care earlier than non-fatal control patients (2.5 vs. 5 days post-illness onset [DPO], p < 0.01), but less frequently first sought care at a hospital (52.4% vs. 92.2%, p < 0.01). Although fatal cases were more often diagnosed with leptospirosis at first medical visit (43.9% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.01), they were admitted to the hospital no earlier than non-fatal controls (4.5 vs. 6 DPO, p = 0.31). Cases less often developed fever (p = 0.03), but more often developed jaundice, edema, leg pain, hemoptysis, and had a seizure (p ? 0.03). Multivariable analysis of laboratory values from first medical visit associated with fatal outcome included increased white blood cell (WBC) count with increased creatinine (p = 0.001), and decreased bicarbonate with either increased WBC count, increased creatinine, or decreased platelet count (p < 0.001).Patients with fatal leptospirosis sought care earlier, but were not admitted for care any earlier than non-fatal patients. Combinations of routine laboratory values predictive of fatal outcome should be considered in admission decision-making for patients with suspected leptospirosis.
| S-EPMC4767218 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Psychosocial stress during pregnancy has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth (PTB). This has not been studied in Puerto Rico, an area with high PTB rates. Our objective was to develop a conceptual model describing the interrelationships between measures of psychosocial stress and depression, a result of stress, among pregnant women in Puerto Rico and to examine their associations with PTB. We used data from the Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats pregnancy cohort (PROTECT, N = 1,047) to examine associations among depression and different continuous measures of psychosocial stress using path analysis. Psychosocial stress during pregnancy was assessed using validated measures of perceived stress, negative life experiences, neighborhood perceptions and social support. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between psychosocial stress measures in tertiles and PTB. Perceived stress, negative life experiences, and neighborhood perceptions influenced depression through multiple pathways. Our model indicated that perceived stress had the strongest direct effect on depression, where one standard deviation (SD) increase in perceived stress was associated with a 57% SD increase in depression. Negative life experiences were directly but also indirectly, through perceived stress, associated with depression. Finally, neighborhood perceptions directly influenced negative life experiences and perceived stress and consequently had an indirect effect on depression. Psychosocial stress was not associated with PTB across any of the measures examined. Our study examined interrelationships between multiple measures of psychosocial stress and depression among a pregnant Puerto Rican population and identified negative neighborhood perceptions as important upstream factors leading to depression. Our findings highlight the complex relationship between psychosocial stress measures and indicate that psychosocial stress and depression, assessed using 5 different scales, were not associated with PTB. Future research should investigate other environmental and behavioral risk factors contributing to higher rates of PTB in this population.
| S-EPMC6988967 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has transformed how people seeking to reduce opioid use access treatment services and navigate efforts to abstain from using opioids. Social distancing policies have drastically reduced access to many forms of social support, but they may have also upended some perceived barriers to reducing or abstaining from opioid use.ObjectiveThis qualitative study aims to identify informal coping strategies for reducing and abstaining from opioid use among Reddit users who have posted in opioid-related subreddits at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe extracted data from 2 major opioid-related subreddits. Thematic data analysis was used to evaluate subreddit posts dated from March 5 to May 13, 2020, that referenced COVID-19 and opioid use, resulting in a final sample of 300 posts that were coded and analyzed.ResultsOf the 300 subreddit posts, 100 (33.3%) discussed at least 1 type of informal coping strategy. Those strategies included psychological and behavioral coping skills, adoption of healthy habits, and use of substances to manage withdrawal symptoms. In addition, 12 (4%) subreddit posts explicitly mentioned using social distancing as an opportunity for cessation of or reduction in opioid use.ConclusionsReddit discussion forums have provided a community for people to share strategies for reducing opioid use and support others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research needs to assess the impact of COVID-19 on opioid use behaviors, especially during periods of limited treatment access and isolation, as these can inform future efforts in curbing the opioid epidemic and other substance-related harms.
| S-EPMC8896559 | biostudies-literature