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COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2021) | Viewed by 86158

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Prof. Dr. Redha Taiar

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Guest Editor

Department of Physical Education and Sports (EPS), University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Reims, France
Interests: biomechanics of health disease and rehabilitation; industry engineering for medicine and high-level sport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Mario Bernardo-Filho

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Mechanical Vibrations and Integrative Practices of the UERJ (LAVIMPI-UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interests: sport; health; disease; rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

Health is probably "the most expensive thing we have". Our health and wellbeing is influenced by a wide range of factors – social, cultural, economic, psychological and environmental – across our lives influences our health and wellbeing. These changes, as we progress through the key transition points in life, from infancy and childhood, teenage years, adulthood; and the working life, the retirement and the end of life. Changing teenager and adults’ behaviour could reduce premature death, illness and costs to society, avoiding a substantial proportion of chronic diseases such as cancers, vascular dementias and circulatory disorders.

Protecting the population from serious health threats; helping people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives; and improving the health of the poorest, are desirable actions and the science is involved and is allied in these processes. The latest’s months Coronaviruses (COVID-19) appear by breaking this pattern of development and progression that we know and we desired. COVID-19 belongs to the family of viruses, some of which can infect humans, most often resulting in mild cold symptoms. Nevertheless, three fatal epidemics have already occurred in the in the last decades, including the current one. Results in daily life, in general, are tension, stress, unnecessary competitions, fights, addictions and sleep disorders. Nowadays, confinement and other bad similar restrictions can affect also our physical and mental health, and can even become an aggravating factor, when we are already vulnerable due to the COVID-19.

Unfortunalely, breaking up the usual routine and reducing social and physical contact can lead to boredom, frustration and feelings of isolation from the rest of the world and this can impair the health, the well-being and the friendship among the human beings.

The purpose of this special issue is to bring the latest research on the impact of COVID-19 in our life. This is in all the domains of applications of the sciences. A special attention will be the rehabilitation aspect permitting to decrease stress and improve quality of life and the well-being of everyone.

Prof. Dr. Redha TAIAR
Prof. Dr. Mario Bernardo-Filho
Guest Editors

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Keywords

COVID-19
rehabilitation
quality of life
biomechanical effect
physiological effect
psychological effect
human behavior
musculoskeletal disorders
wellbeing

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Students’ Perceptions of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Behaviors during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Gabriel-Mugurel Dragomir, Marcela Alina Fărcașiu and Simona Șimon

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8282; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11188282 - 7 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 13864

Abstract

Aiming at shedding light on the implications the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the students’ social and personal lives, this study has focused on the verbal and non-verbal communication and on the surveyees’ personal lives during the pandemic as well as on the perspective of changing their communication behaviors after the pandemic. The 409 respondents, students at Politehnica University of Timisoara, took part in a survey, conducted between 1 April and 30 May 2021, that was posted on isondaje.ro, a Romanian online survey platform. The research has suggested the following results: the adjustment of the verbal communication by speaking in a more articulated manner or more loudly; the overuse of the upper part of the face to compensate for the concealed parts of the face due to face mask wearing; the analysis of the factors underlying the respondents’ actions, i.e., relational attitudes, various greeting forms, various non-verbal reactions, which are aspects that are likely to change even after the pandemic. The results have also presented the changes that interpersonal communication could go through under the pressure of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, but also the ways through which people try to protect their most valuable asset, i.e., communication, which defines humanity and makes us unique as human beings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

18 pages, 7971 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Immunomodulatory Effects of Pentoxifylline: Profiling Data Based on RAW 264.7 Cellular Signaling

by Mi Hyun Seo, Mi Young Eo, Truc Thi Hoang Nguyen, Hoon Joo Yang and Soung Min Kim

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8273; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178273 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2914

Abstract

Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a methylxanthine derivative that has been developed as an immunomodulatory agent and an improvement of microcirculation. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious complication of radiation therapy due to hypovascularity. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally. Symptoms for this disease include self-limiting respiratory tract illness to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. In this study, the effects of PTX on RAW 264.7 cells were investigated to reveal the possibility of PTX as a therapeutic agent for ORN and COVID-19. To reveal PTX effects at the cellular level, protein expression profiles were analyzed in the PTX-treated RAW 264.7 cells by using immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). PTX-treated RAW 264.7 cells showed increases in immunity- and osteogenesis-related proteins and concurrent decreases in proliferation-, matrix inflammation-, and cellular apoptosis-related proteins expressions. The IP-HPLC results indicate that PTX plays immunomodulatory roles in RAW 264.7 cells by regulating anti-inflammation-, proliferation-, immunity-, apoptosis-, and osteogenesis-related proteins. These results suggest that PTX may be used as supplement medications for ORN as well as for COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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23 pages, 2081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Pre and Post-COVID-19 Lockdown Use of Smartphone Apps in Spain

by Alberto Solano, Ivan Fayos, Alberto Urueña, Marcelino Martínez-Sober, Fernando Mateo and Emilio Soria-Olivas

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(13), 5807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11135807 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2923

Abstract

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has changed our daily habits and has undoubtedly affected our smartphone usage time. This paper attempts to characterize the changes in the time of use of smartphones and their applications between the pre-lockdown and post-lockdown periods in Spain, during the first COVID-19 confinement in 2020. This study analyzes data from 1940 participants, which was obtained both from a survey and from a tracking application installed on their smartphones. We propose manifold learning techniques such as clustering, to assess, both in a quantitative and in a qualitative way, the behavioral and social effects and implications of confinement in the Spanish population. We also determine the Big Five personality traits along with addiction, Social Digital Pressure and depression indicators for every group determined by the clustering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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7 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do University Students Adhere to WHO Guidelines on Proper Use of Face Masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic?—Analysis and Comparison of Medical and Non-Medical Students

by Marta Szepietowska, Piotr K. Krajewski, Łukasz Matusiak, Rafał Białynicki-Birula and Jacek C. Szepietowski

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4536; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104536 - 16 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2906

Abstract

Covering the mouth and nose has become the common standard for protection from human-to-human virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to investigate whether students at universities (medical and non-medical students) do adhere to WHO recommendations on the proper use of face protection. The study was based on the survey created with Google^® Forms regarding data on demographics and self-reported skin conditions. The main questions addressed the WHO guideline on the correct use of face masks. Responses were obtained from 1173 students. Compliance with all WHO criteria among the whole group of respondents was very low at less than 1% with no significant difference between medical and non-medical students. Covering of the nose and mouth with the face mask was the criterion most commonly complied with (81.2%); contact avoidance of touching the mask with hands appeared to be the most difficult criterion to comply with (2.8%). Medical students were significantly more compliant with three out of seven criteria. In general, compliance with the WHO guidelines on the proper use of face masks was dramatically low among all the students. Education campaigns should be introduced to increase the awareness of the correct use of face coverings during the viral pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

17 pages, 2681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Proposal of Physical Performance Tests Adapted as Home Workout Options during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Danúbia da Cunha de Sá-Caputo, Redha Taiar, Adérito Seixas, Borja Sanudo, Anelise Sonza and Mario Bernardo-Filho

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(14), 4755; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10144755 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6228

Abstract

Social isolation and physical distancing measures, such as quarantine, local confinement, lockdown and isolation, aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This condition is necessary; however, sedentary behaviors are stimulated. The aim of this manuscript is to propose simple home-based exercises that everyone, considering their individual limitations, could perform. Moreover, individuals might monitor their performance daily. Feasible and useful home-based exercise strategies, to counter-balance the negative impact of the sedentary lifestyle during confinement, will stimulate the population to perform some exercises wherever possible. For this, home-based exercises were proposed based on physical tests, such as a stair climb test, balance test, single-leg-stance-test, gait speed, five-chair stand, free walking, free run, six-minute walk test, timed up and go, sit-and-reach, fingertip-to-floor test, and free physical exercises. It is important to consider that when the individual is performing the test, physical exercise is also being done. In conclusion, several exercises that consider the clinical conditions of the individuals and can reduce their sedentary behavior, considering COVID-19 confinement, are suggested to improve the population’s quality of life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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14 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Levels and Changes of Physical Activity in Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Contextualizing Urban vs. Rural Living Environment

by Natasa Zenic, Redha Taiar, Barbara Gilic, Mateo Blazevic, Dora Maric, Haris Pojskic and Damir Sekulic

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3997; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113997 - 9 Jun 2020

Cited by 135 | Viewed by 14997

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing implemented shortly after influence physical activity levels (PALs). The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the changes in PAL and factors associated with PALs among Croatian adolescents while considering the impact of community (urban vs. rural living environment). The sample included 823 adolescents (mean age: 16.5 ± 2.1 years) who were tested on baseline (from October 2019 to March 2020; before COVID-19 pandemic in Croatia) and follow-up (in April 2020; during the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed rules of social distancing). Baseline testing included anthropometrics, physical fitness status, and evaluation of PALs, while follow-up included only PALs (evaluated by a standardized questionnaire through an internet application). The results showed a significant influence of the living environment on the decrease of PAL, with a larger decrease in urban adolescents. Logistic regression showed a higher likelihood for normal PALs at baseline in adolescents who had better fitness status, with no strong confounding effect of the urban/rural environment. The fitness status of urban adolescents predicted their PALs at follow-up. The differences between urban and rural adolescents with regard to the established changes in PALs and relationships between the predictors and PALs are explained by the characteristics of the living communities (lack of organized sports in rural areas), and the level of social distancing in the studied period and region/country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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18 pages, 3654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forecasting the Spread of COVID-19 in Kuwait Using Compartmental and Logistic Regression Models

by Abdullah M. Almeshal, Abdulla I. Almazrouee, Mohammad R. Alenizi and Saleh N. Alhajeri

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(10), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10103402 - 14 May 2020

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 8361

Abstract

The state of Kuwait is facing a substantial challenge in responding to the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). The government’s decision to repatriate stranded citizens back to Kuwait from various COVID-19 epicenters has generated a great concern. It has heightened the need for prediction models to estimate the epidemic size. Mathematical modeling plays a pivotal role in predicting the spread of infectious diseases to enable policymakers to implement various health and safety measures to contain the spread. This research presents a forecast of the COVID-19 epidemic size in Kuwait based on the confirmed data. Deterministic and stochastic modeling approaches were used to estimate the size of COVID-19 spread in Kuwait and determine its ending phase. In addition, various simulation scenarios were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical intervention measures, particularly with time-varying infection rates and individual contact numbers. Results indicate that, with data until 19 April 2020 and before the repatriation plan, the estimated reproduction number in Kuwait is 2.2. It also confirms the efficiency of the containment measures of the state of Kuwait to control the spread even after the repatriation plan. The results show that a high contact rate among the population implies that the epidemic peak value is yet to be reached and that more strict intervention measures must be incorporated Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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Review

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23 pages, 382 KiB

Open AccessReview

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise: A Possible Intervention in the Management of Post COVID-19 Complications?

by Danúbia C. Sá-Caputo, Ana Carolina Coelho-Oliveira, Juliana Pessanha-Freitas, Laisa Liane Paineiras-Domingos, Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda, Vanessa Amaral Mendonça, Anelise Sonza, Redha Taiar, Alessandro Sartorio, Adérito Seixas and Mario Bernardo-Filho

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5733; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11125733 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5107

Abstract

COVID-19 infection frequently leaves the infected subjects with impairments of multi-organs, the so-called post COVID-19 syndrome, which needs to be adequately addressed. The perspective of this narrative review is to verify the possible role of whole-body vibration exercise in the post-COVID-19 rehabilitation of these patients. Publications reporting the use of WBV exercises to counteract fatigue, muscle weakness, neurological manifestations, pain, quality of life, quality of sleep, lung commitments, and mental conditions in different clinical conditions were selected. Considering all the findings described in the current review, it seems that WBV exercise might be potentially useful and effective in the rehabilitation of post COVID-19 syndrome, being able to positively influence fatigue, muscle weakness, and quality of life without any side-effects. Controlled studies are mandatory to define the best protocols to be proposed, which need to be tailored to the individual and clinical characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

15 pages, 3430 KiB

Open AccessReview

Important Roles of Oligo- and Polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-2: Recent Advances

by Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(8), 3512; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11083512 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4156

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-initiated outbreak of COVID-19 has spread rapidly around the world, posing a huge threat to public health. Natural oligo- and polysaccharides with low toxicity, good sustainability, high biocompatibility, respectable safety, immune regulation, and antiviral activity can be employed as promising candidates for the prevention and inhibition of viral infections, especially COVID-19. Glycosaminoglycans, marine polysaccharides, terrestrial plant polysaccharides, and some others have exhibited potential antiviral activity against pathogenic viruses, in the format of polysaccharide-centered vaccine adjuvants, nano-based structures, drug conveyance platforms, etc. In this review, significant recent advancements pertaining to the antiviral applications of oligo- and polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted, including important challenges and future perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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31 pages, 14259 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): New Discoveries and Current Challenges

by Ghazaleh Jamalipour Soufi, Ali Hekmatnia, Mahmoud Nasrollahzadeh, Nasrin Shafiei, Mohaddeseh Sajjadi, Parisa Iravani, Salman Fallah, Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(10), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10103641 - 26 May 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 17304

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has today multiplied globally and various governments are attempting to stop the outbreak of the disease escalation into a worldwide health crisis. At this juncture, readiness, candor, clarity, and partaking of data are of paramount importance to speed up factual evaluation and starting pattern control activities, including serendipitous findings. Owing to the involvement of COVID-19, many facts regarding virulence, pathogenesis, and the real viral infection source and/or transmission mode still need to be addressed. The infected patients often present clinical symptoms with fever, dyspnea, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, and dry cough, as well as pulmonary, infiltrates on imaging. Extensive measures to decrease person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 are being implemented to prevent, recognize, and control the current outbreak as it is very similar to SARS-CoV in its clinical spectrum, epidemiology, and pathogenicity. In response to this fatal disease and disruptive outbreak, it is extremely vital to expedite the drug development process to treat the disease and vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 that would help us defeat this pandemic expeditiously. This paper sums up and unifies the study of virological aspects, disease transmission, clinically administered techniques, therapeutics options, managements, future directions, designing of vaccines, and news dissemination pertaining to COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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6 pages, 520 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Vertebral Pain in Acute COVID-19—Cases Report

by Juraj Chochol, Andrej Džubera, Róbert Illéš, Alica Chocholová and Erika Zemková

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 6926; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11156926 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

Pain is one of the most common complaints among patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. While headache and chest pain are reported widely among COVID-19 presentations, there are only scarce reports about vertebral pain. This study aims to describe cases of four healthy and physically active adults, in whom the new onset of back pain was the early or only sign of COVID-19 and the reason for seeking medical outpatient care. The vertebral pain showed great variability and changed dramatically during the course of disease. Pseudoradicular symptoms were present inconstantly and variably; in some patients they varied through the day from left to right side and irradiated from various sensory root segments. Clinical symptoms did not correspond with minor morphological changes presented on MRI scans. Our experience indicates that new onset of vertebral algic syndrome should be considered as an initial indicator of novel coronavirus infection in healthy and physically active adults. There is a pressing need for attention to be paid in the examination of patients with new vertebral pain onset in the coronavirus pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19: Impact on Human Health and Behavior)

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