@article {pmid40901141,
year = {2025},
author = {Ogunbola, O and Amodu, L and Miteu, GD and Ajayi, O},
title = {Covid-19 infodemic: media literacy and perception of fake news among residents of Ikeja, Lagos state.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {9},
pages = {5644-5649},
doi = {10.1097/MS9.0000000000003530},
pmid = {40901141},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {This study investigates media literacy and the perception of fake news among residents of Ikeja, Lagos State, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 378 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling approach across two wards. A structured questionnaire assessed participants' exposure to news, awareness of misinformation, and their strategies for verification. Results indicated that social media platforms especially WhatsApp and Facebook were the primary sources of both COVID-19 information and misinformation. Despite this, a majority of respondents demonstrated high media literacy, applying fact-checking strategies such as source verification and cross-referencing. Chi-square analysis found no significant association between the platform used and exposure to fake news (P > 0.05), suggesting that misinformation was pervasive across all platforms. The findings emphasize the importance of digital media literacy in mitigating the impact of infodemics. We recommend targeted public health communication and digital education strategies to combat misinformation and support informed decision-making during health crises.},
}

@article {pmid40901136,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamdin, T and Bhandari, S and Bhandari, S and Barbery, M and Bajwa, R},
title = {Barriers to timely transitions to comfort care in cancer patients: a review.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {9},
pages = {5770-5774},
doi = {10.1097/MS9.0000000000003618},
pmid = {40901136},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: "Comfort care" is a holistic approach for patients with terminal conditions, such as cancer, who are not expected to recover. It focuses on managing pain, among other end-of-life symptoms, and providing support to both the patient and their family during the dying process, which can last unpredictably from hours to days. End-of-life care concepts are often shaped by personal judgment and culture and thus lack a single consensus. This can lead to ambiguity in the term "comfort care" itself as well as create confusion in medical communication and treatment, making the transition to comfort care more challenging. In this review, we strive to evaluate the barriers preventing the timely conversion of end-stage cancer patients to comfort care. We also discuss the possible measures to limit these sensitive barriers to avoid futility in treatment and to ensure an ambiguity-free transition to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. In this paper, we aim to systematically identify and categorize the key barriers that delay comfort care transitions in terminal cancer patients and to propose actionable strategies grounded in current evidence to address these challenges.

METHODOLOGY: We conducted a literature search using PubMed and MEDLINE, covering studies published between January 2020 and March 2025. Search terms included a combination of MeSH terms and keywords such as "Palliative Care," "Terminal Care," "Hospice Care," "Communication Barriers," "Cultural Factors," "Cancer," and "Prognostic Uncertainty." Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, and focused on adult cancer patients receiving palliative or end-of-life care, with a clear emphasis on barriers to timely transitions to comfort care. Studies unrelated to cancer, lacking a focus on barriers, or published in non-English languages were excluded. A total of 156 articles were identified; titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, followed by full-text review based on inclusion criteria. Data from the selected studies were analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach, in which two authors independently categorized findings under three main themes: prognostic uncertainty, communication challenges, and cultural factors. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion.

FINDINGS: Based on our extensive search, we classified the barriers for transition to comfort care into three main headings: Prognostic uncertainty, Challenges to Communication, and cultural factors. High levels of distress were observed in both patients and healthcare providers due to prognostic uncertainty, which complicates the prediction of illness trajectories, negatively affecting quality of life and delaying the transition to comfort care. Communication challenges, such as short consultations, language barriers, and difficult conversations about care goals, were also prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues; there was lingering apprehension surrounding end-of-life discussions. Additionally, cultural factors play a significant role in shaping patients' perceptions of cancer, pain, treatment, and death. Family involvement in decision-making varies across cultures, and systemic inequalities in access to palliative care disproportionately affect racialized groups.

CONCLUSION: To overcome these barriers, the study emphasizes the need for effective policy-making to improve the quality of life for cancer patients during their care transition. It also becomes crucial to implement measures to improve communication protocols, validate culturally sensitive interventions, and routinely integrate palliative care in oncological practice early. We also need to work towards culturally appropriate interventions and strive to incorporate appropriate communication techniques to eliminate disparity for access to equitable palliative care.},
}

@article {pmid40901024,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, N and Li, L and Han, Y and Chen, Z},
title = {The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Modulation of Pulmonary Immune Response to Viral Infection Through the Gut-Lung Axis.},
journal = {Journal of inflammation research},
volume = {18},
number = {},
pages = {11755-11781},
doi = {10.2147/JIR.S525880},
pmid = {40901024},
issn = {1178-7031},
abstract = {Viral respiratory infections, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, remain major global health challenges due to their high morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence highlights the pivotal role of the gut-lung axis in regulating pulmonary immunity. The gut microbiota communicates with the lungs via endocrine, immune, and neuroimmune pathways-particularly through metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and vagus nerve-mediated signaling-which modulate immune cells including alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells. Disruption of gut microbial balance has been linked to impaired pulmonary immune responses and increased susceptibility to infection. This review synthesizes findings from animal models and clinical studies, demonstrating that interventions such as probiotics (eg, Lactobacillus gasseri), prebiotics (eg, galacto-oligosaccharides), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and Traditional Chinese Medicine (eg, Astragalus, curcumin) can enhance antiviral cytokine production, restore gut-lung homeostasis, and reduce lung inflammation. For example, FMT from H7N9-survivor mice improved influenza resistance in recipients, and oral probiotics reduced respiratory failure risk in COVID-19 patients. These findings suggest that gut-lung axis modulation is a promising adjunctive approach for treating viral respiratory infections. Future research should prioritize personalized microbiome-based therapies and large-scale clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety.},
}

@article {pmid40900166,
year = {2025},
author = {Torlot, L and Fischer, MR and Zwißler, B and Schroeder, I},
title = {[Hospital surge capacity volunteers in an emergency: a scoping review].},
journal = {Die Anaesthesiologie},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40900166},
issn = {2731-6866},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was marked by increased patient surge in hospitals around the world as well as significant staff shortages due to illness and isolation. Hospital preparedness plans in Germany should plan for staff surge capacity in the event of a future pandemic or disaster.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether non-medical helpers could be incorporated as surge capacity workforce in German hospitals.

METHODS: For this scoping review we performed an initial pilot search using GoogleScholar, followed by a systematic query of the Embase and Medline databases. The identified literature and the results of the pilot search were summarized in a narrative-descriptive way.

RESULTS: We identified 64 relevant articles for the scoping review (4 reports, 5 reviews, 1 book section, 13 interventional and 4 observational studies, 8 cross-sectional surveys, 12 expert articles, 13 case reports, 4 training materials). Previous preparedness plans have included volunteers from nongovernmental-organizations, students from medical and public health faculties and spontaneous volunteers. Training this surge capacity workforce is usually a requirement and can take place pre-emptively or at short notice (just in time).

CONCLUSION: An increasing body of evidence describes including volunteers in preparedness plans within the clinical setting. Especially medical students seem to be a well-established surge capacity workforce that could be systematically planned into preparedness plans in the event of another pandemic or significant disaster in Germany.},
}

@article {pmid40899610,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, X and Chen, L and Niu, H and Chen, Y and Chen, P and Liu, L and Wu, R},
title = {The bittersweet link between glucose metabolism, cellular microenvironment and viral infection.},
journal = {Virulence},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2554302},
doi = {10.1080/21505594.2025.2554302},
pmid = {40899610},
issn = {2150-5608},
mesh = {Humans ; *Glucose/metabolism ; *Cellular Microenvironment ; *Virus Diseases/metabolism/virology/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Signal Transduction ; Animals ; Glycolysis ; COVID-19/metabolism/virology ; },
abstract = {Viral particles and proteins released during infection profoundly reshape the cellular microenvironment by disrupting host signaling, triggering inflammation, and modulating immune responses. Glucose metabolism, a critical hub for energy production and biosynthesis, is highly susceptible to viral reprogramming. This review summarizes recent findings showing that diverse viruses, including influenza virus, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and enteroviruses, manipulate glucose metabolic pathways to promote replication and evade immune surveillance. Specifically, viruses modulate glycolytic flux, alter the activity of key metabolic enzymes such as hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase, and interfere with signaling networks like PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AMPK. These metabolic alterations further impact the immune landscape by regulating cytokine production, immune cell activation, and antiviral responses. Our analysis highlights a bidirectional interaction: while viruses hijack host glucose metabolism to favor their survival, metabolic changes also generate host-derived antiviral responses. This review highlights the bidirectional crosstalk between metabolic remodeling and microenvironmental changes during viral infection, underscoring the potential of metabolism-based antiviral strategies. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms may inform the development of more effective and targeted interventions against viral diseases.},
}

Humans
*Glucose/metabolism
*Cellular Microenvironment
*Virus Diseases/metabolism/virology/immunology
SARS-CoV-2
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
Signal Transduction
Animals
Glycolysis
COVID-19/metabolism/virology

@article {pmid40899003,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Q and Li, S and Fu, D and Liao, G and Zhou, X and Gong, T and Zheng, X},
title = {The Role of Emerging Digital Technologies in Revolutionizing Dental Education: A Bibliometric Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of dental education},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jdd.70033},
pmid = {40899003},
issn = {1930-7837},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other digital technologies in dental education has gained significant attention, revolutionizing teaching methodologies, clinical training, and student assessment. However, despite the growing body of literature, there is no comprehensive bibliometric analysis mapping influential studies, research trends, and emerging topics in this field. This study aims to analyze the structure, hotspots, and evolution of digital technology research in dental education through bibliometric methods.

METHODS: The bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Relevant publications were retrieved using predefined keywords related to AI, VR, AR, simulation, and digital learning in dental education. Annual publication, collaboration networks, highly-cited articles, citation analysis, and keyword citation bursts were examined. The study identified research clusters, high-impact articles, and evolving trends over time.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed a steady increase in publications. Collaboration networks highlighted key research hubs in North America and Europe. The most prominent keywords include "dental education," "virtual reality," "e-learning," "augmented reality," "artificial intelligence," and "COVID-19." Strong citation bursts were observed for keywords such as educational technology, online learning, and learning environments, indicating a shift towards technology-driven teaching methods. However, gaps in faculty training, accessibility, and AI validation remain challenges in fully integrating these technologies into curricula.

CONCLUSION: Despite challenges, digital technologies continue to reshape dental education, with VR, AR, AI, and online learning playing increasingly important roles. Future research should focus on standardized implementation guidelines and technology refinement to maximize their effectiveness in dental training.},
}

@article {pmid40898404,
year = {2025},
author = {Raiisi, F and Ahmadi, K},
title = {COVID-19 Anxiety and Psychological Interventions in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Disaster medicine and public health preparedness},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {e254},
doi = {10.1017/dmp.2025.10170},
pmid = {40898404},
issn = {1938-744X},
mesh = {Humans ; Iran/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/psychology/complications ; *Anxiety/therapy/psychology/etiology ; *Psychosocial Intervention/methods/standards/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The symptoms of anxiety in the outbreak of COVID-19 were so severe that they entered the research literature as the term COVID-19 anxiety. This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to identify the variables related to COVID-19 anxiety and the effectiveness of psychological interventions on it.

METHODS: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, the literature was systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, ISI, and Persian databases such as Noormags and SID on COVID-19 anxiety from January 2020 to April 2022. In the initial search, 105 articles were found. In the data correlation section, 13 studies for the fixed effects model were meta-analyzed. In the interventional section, 14 articles were selected. The systematic review data were extracted, and all statistical data were analyzed by CMA-2.

RESULTS: The results of the meta-analyses for psychopathological correlations with COVID-19 anxiety in 13 articles indicated the correlation between COVID-19 anxiety and other mental states and disorders (P = .0001/I[2] = 97.27%). Other findings demonstrated the effect of psychological interventions on COVID-19 anxiety in 14 articles with high effectiveness of these treatments (P = .00/I[2] = 85.67%).

CONCLUSIONS: It seems COVID-19 anxiety is affected by psychological variables. Hence, psychological interventions represent effective treatments for anxiety due to COVID-19.},
}

Humans
Iran/epidemiology
*COVID-19/psychology/complications
*Anxiety/therapy/psychology/etiology
*Psychosocial Intervention/methods/standards/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid40898215,
year = {2025},
author = {Jalili, R and Gilani, N and Najafi, B and Gordeev, VS and Doshmangir, L},
title = {Health financial resilience in individuals and households: a scoping review of components, strategies and outcomes.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {3021},
pmid = {40898215},
issn = {1471-2458},
support = {72657//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 72657//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 72657//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 72657//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 72657//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/economics ; Family Characteristics ; Social Capital ; *Resilience, Psychological ; Pandemics/economics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Financial resilience, the ability to withstand and recover from financial shocks, has become increasingly critical amid economic volatility, rising healthcare costs, and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. While prior research has explored broad determinants of financial resilience.

METHODS: Following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, this review systematically mapped literature from multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EconLit) and Google Scholar search engine from 1990 to 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies discussing financial, resilience components, strategies and outcomes in individuals or households. Data were extracted and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS: A comprehensive search strategy was developed to identify relevant studies across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EconLit.The review included 30 studies from 15 countries, highlighting four key components of financial resilience: economic resources, financial knowledge and behavior, social capital, and access to financial services. Common strategies to enhance resilience included income diversification, savings, borrowing, reducing expenditures, and leveraging social networks. Outcomes of financial resilience included reduced financial fragility, improved life satisfaction, and enhanced financial stability. High-income countries emphasized financial literacy and planning, while low- and middle-income countries relied more on informal coping mechanisms like borrowing and asset sales. Some coping strategies have been used in times of illness.

CONCLUSION: Financial resilience is a multidimensional construct influenced by economic resources, financial knowledge, social capital, and access to financial services. Policymakers should prioritize financial literacy, expand access to financial services, and strengthen social safety nets to promote financial resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations, such as low-income individuals and the sick. Future research should explore the intersectionality of financial resilience and the role of digital financial services in enhancing resilience. Policymakers and financial institutions should focus on promoting financial literacy, expanding access to financial services, and strengthening social safety nets to support individuals and households in building financial resilience.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/economics
Family Characteristics
Social Capital
*Resilience, Psychological
Pandemics/economics

@article {pmid40897503,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, HB and Chen, H and Xu, JY and Yu, RX and Shi, N and Chi, Y and Ge, YY and Cui, LB and Zhang, S and Xie, J and Qiu, H},
title = {Antithrombotic strategies in adult COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {e088917},
pmid = {40897503},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; Bayes Theorem ; *COVID-19/mortality/complications ; *Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Network Meta-Analysis as Topic ; *Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; *Thrombosis/prevention & control ; Adult ; Hemorrhage/chemically induced ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To systematically compare the effects of various antithrombotic strategies on prespecified outcomes including 28-day all-cause mortality (primary outcome), major thrombotic events and major bleeding events (secondary outcomes) in adult COVID-19 patients.

DESIGN: Systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA).

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov up to February 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs; published in English) comparing different antithrombotic strategies (eg, anticoagulants, antiplatelet (AP) agents, fibrinolytics or combinations) in adults (aged≥18 years) with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eligible trials had at least one active antithrombotic arm versus another strategy or standard care.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data using a standardised form; disagreements were resolved by consensus or third-party adjudication. Bayesian NMA was performed using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods with random/fixed effects models selected by the deviance information criterion. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. The confidence in NMA framework was used to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS: 35 RCTs that randomly assigned 39 949 participants were included in the main analysis.

PRIMARY OUTCOME: evidence of low to moderate certainty suggested that, compared with standard of care (SoC), both prophylactic-dose anticoagulation (PA) (risk ratio (RR) 0.71, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.44 to 0.99) and therapeutic-dose anticoagulation (TA; RR 0.65, 95% CrI 0.38 to 0.94) reduced the 28-day all-cause mortality.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES: TA (RR 0.19, 95% CrI 0.09 to 0.31), TA+AP (RR 0.27, 95% CrI 0.05 to 0.95), PA (RR 0.33, 95% CrI 0.18 to 0.53) and AP+PA (RR 0.52, 95% CrI 0.25 to 0.94) were effective in reducing major thrombotic events. AP was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events (RR 2.27, 95% CrI 1.01 to 5.07). Subgroup analyses by hospitalisation status showed that PA significantly reduced 28-day mortality versus SoC (RR 0.52, 95% CrI 0.26 to 0.90) for non-hospitalised patients, whereas no strategies showed significant benefit in hospitalised patients. Subgroup analysis based on severity of hospitalised patients indicated that TA was more favourable than PA in decreasing the 28-day mortality in non-critically ill patients (fixed-effect model: RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.91; random-effect model: RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.05), but for critically ill patients, all antithrombotic strategies showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS: Our NMA indicates that both PA and TA reduced the 28-day all-cause mortality of adult COVID-19 patients. However, subgroup analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity, and the benefit may differ across hospitalisation status and disease severity.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022355213.},
}

Humans
Bayes Theorem
*COVID-19/mortality/complications
*Fibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Network Meta-Analysis as Topic
*Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use
*Thrombosis/prevention & control
Adult
Hemorrhage/chemically induced
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

@article {pmid40897326,
year = {2025},
author = {You, Y and Huang, J and Zhu, X and Sheng, H and Liu, Y},
title = {Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1 enzymes in acute lung injury: from molecular insights to therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Redox report : communications in free radical research},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {2550807},
pmid = {40897326},
issn = {1743-2928},
mesh = {Humans ; *Acute Lung Injury/enzymology/metabolism ; *Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1/metabolism/genetics ; COVID-19/enzymology ; Oxidative Stress ; Animals ; *Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/metabolism/genetics ; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Sepsis ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This review aims to explore the roles and mechanisms of cytochrome P450 subfamily 1 (CYP1) enzymes in acute lung injury (ALI), and to discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science to identify relevant studies on the involvement of CYP1 enzymes-specifically CYP1A and CYP1B1-in various forms of ALI, including hyperoxic lung injury, sepsis-associated ALI, and COVID-19 pneumonia.

RESULTS: CYP1 enzymes, induced by the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), contribute differentially to ALI. CYP1A enzymes exhibit protective effects, whereas CYP1B1 promotes lung injury, potentially through oxidative stress-related pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling.

CONCLUSION: The distinct functions of CYP1 isoforms in ALI suggest their clinical relevance, highlighting the potential for isoform-specific targeting in the treatment of acute respiratory conditions.},
}

Humans
*Acute Lung Injury/enzymology/metabolism
*Cytochrome P-450 CYP1B1/metabolism/genetics
COVID-19/enzymology
Oxidative Stress
Animals
*Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1/metabolism/genetics
Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Sepsis

@article {pmid40895839,
year = {2025},
author = {Nigatu, BZ and Dessie, NT},
title = {Prevalence of comorbidities and their association with disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of multimorbidity and comorbidity},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {26335565251371256},
pmid = {40895839},
issn = {2633-5565},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Comorbidity among coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients contributes to increasing their susceptibility to severe illness. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess the prevalence of comorbidities and their association in increased severity of disease and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: A thorough search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and other sources to include pertinent studies. Two independent authors extracted pertinent data using Microsoft Excel and exported it to Stata version 17 for meta-analysis. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Heterogeneity was assessed through I[2] statistics, subgroup analysis for categorical variables, and meta-regression for continuous variables. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plot and Egger statistics. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI, which was used to assess the association between comorbidity and severity and/or mortality of COVID-19.

RESULTS: A total of 62 studies with 611,646 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of comorbidity among COVID-19 was 53.9% (95% CI: 48.4-59.3). Comorbidity was significantly associated with severity of COVID-19. Specifically, hypertension (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03-2.51), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07-1.56), and obesity (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.46-1.76) significantly increased the odds of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, hypertension (OR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.57), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.17-1.65), obesity (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.15-1.32), chronic kidney diseases (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.25-2.09), and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.15-1.32) were significantly associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION: The pooled prevalence of comorbidity among COVID-19 was found slightly higher than that reported in previous systematic reviews, which ranged from 40.0% to 41.1%. Comorbidity increased the odds of severe COVID-19. Participants with hypertension, obesity, or diabetes mellitus had significantly increased odds of severe COVID-19. There is a need to have close follow-up of COVID-19 patients who have comorbidity.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis study was registered under the registration number CRD42023493170.},
}

@article {pmid40895553,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, J and Chen, X and Guan, X and Zhang, H and Liu, Y and Zhang, M},
title = {Therapeutic frontiers in viral myocarditis: targeting inflammation, viruses, oxidative stress, and myocardial repair.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1643502},
pmid = {40895553},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Myocarditis/virology/therapy/drug therapy ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Inflammation ; Animals ; Myocardium/pathology ; *Virus Diseases/therapy ; Parvovirus B19, Human ; },
abstract = {Viral myocarditis (VMC) is a life-threatening inflammatory cardiomyopathy with a global incidence rate of 10-22 per 100,000 people. It is the most common clinical manifestation of myocardial inflammation. Myocardial cell injury and fibrosis are the pathological characteristics of VMC. Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), parvovirus B19 (PVB19), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and adenovirus (AdV) are the main causes that induce viral myocarditis. Among them, CVB3 has become the main pathogen, accounting for more than 50% of the confirmed cases of VMC. The clinical manifestations of this disease are extensive, ranging from asymptomatic carriers to sudden cardiac death caused by acute decompensated heart failure and arrhythmia. Current therapeutic strategies for VMC focus on four key approaches: (1) Anti-inflammatory interventions targeting inflammatory cells and mediators; (2) Antiviral therapies employing gene editing, viral protease inhibitors, and RNA polymerase inhibitors; (3) Myocardial protection through tissue repair promotion and nutritional support; (4) Oxidative stress mitigation using antioxidants. This article will systematically summarize the progress of VMC management in recent years and provide personal insights for VMC management.},
}

Humans
*Myocarditis/virology/therapy/drug therapy
Oxidative Stress/drug effects
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
Inflammation
Animals
Myocardium/pathology
*Virus Diseases/therapy
Parvovirus B19, Human

@article {pmid40895341,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, J and Dong, S and Gong, J and Xie, J and Yan, H},
title = {Human papillomavirus vaccination willingness and influencing factors among women in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Preventive medicine reports},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {103215},
pmid = {40895341},
issn = {2211-3355},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This study aims to comprehensively review the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination willingness among Chinese women and explore the factors influencing their vaccination intentions.

METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across nine electronic databases-China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Journal Integration Service Platform, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science-from database inception to February six, 2025, to identify studies examining HPV vaccine acceptance among Chinese women.

RESULTS: The pooled willingness to receive the HPV vaccine among Chinese women was estimated at 65.7 % (95 % CI: 55.2 %-76.2 %). Subgroup analyses indicated higher intent among women with a college education or above (71.1 % versus 60.1 %), urban residents (68.3 % versus 56.0 % in rural areas), southern China residents (69.0 % versus 59.7 % in northern regions), individuals with medical-related backgrounds (84.2 % versus 35.7 %), and those with prior HPV or vaccine knowledge (66.1 %/76.4 % versus 50.2 %/57.8 %), Willingness was also higher among women with a family cancer history (74.5 % versus 55.3 %), and those impacted by COVID-19 (67.5 % versus 57.5 %). Anonymous questionnaires yielded higher willingness (71.8 % versus. 58.8 %). Other influencing factors included age, attitudes toward premarital sex, and awareness of HPV risks and vaccine benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: Chinese women's overall willingness to receive the HPV vaccine remains below the World Health Organization (WHO)'s 90 % target, with significant disparities across subpopulations. Targeted public health efforts are urgently needed to enhance vaccine awareness and acceptance, especially among women in rural or underdeveloped areas, with lower education, non-medical backgrounds, or no family history of cancer.},
}

@article {pmid40895261,
year = {2025},
author = {Samadani, AA and Vahidi, S and Babaei, K and Norollahi, SE and Delpasand, K and Gharakhyli, EA},
title = {Comprehensive and translational pathobiology of COVID-19 based on cellular and molecular techniques.},
journal = {Practical laboratory medicine},
volume = {46},
number = {},
pages = {e00497},
pmid = {40895261},
issn = {2352-5517},
abstract = {The biggest health issue in the world right now is the COVID-19 pandemic. This outbreak has caused a lot more people to be hospitalized for pneumonia and serious health problems, leading to many deaths. This report talks about many studies that showed the causes and how common COVID-19 is, as well as how to diagnose it in clinics and labs, and how to prevent and control it. These studies are very important and directly related to COVID-19 to help manage the current public emergency. Many parts of this dangerous disease, like how it spreads, how to diagnose it, how it infects people, and how to treat it, are still not well understood. It's important that to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19 well, we need research at the molecular and clinical levels, along with public health measures and medical treatments. Clearly, new treatments like mesenchymal stem cell therapy have shown great promise in this area. Here, we will talk about and show the advanced lab methods used to understand how COVID-19 spreads, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated.},
}

@article {pmid40894189,
year = {2025},
author = {Ajibade, AA and Sethi, R and Lee, CJ and Post, ER and Meeks, SO and Alligood, T and Rainwater-Lovett, K and Kimball, MM and Leone, R and Zanker, M and Freeman, JD and Kirsch, TD},
title = {The Need to Incorporate Post-Acute Care Entities Into the National Disaster Medical System.},
journal = {Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians open},
volume = {6},
number = {5},
pages = {100237},
pmid = {40894189},
issn = {2688-1152},
abstract = {The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) is critical to healthcare preparedness and response in the United States but currently has limited capacity for handling large-scale mass-casualty surge events. Crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown how quickly the US healthcare system can become overwhelmed, necessitating novel solutions for handling a large-scale influx of patients. This paper proposes the inclusion of post-acute care (PAC) entities, which provide long-term care rehabilitation and short-stay subacute rehabilitation support rather than acute or critical care, into the NDMS as one solution to increase its capacity during mass-casualty surges. By reviewing the unique capabilities and functions of PAC entities and considering evidence of their role in national emergencies, this paper demonstrates that PAC entities are well positioned to support the wider healthcare system in managing a mass influx of patients. We base this assertion on 4 points: (1) the support role PAC entities traditionally play for over-capacity hospitals by providing extra space for stabilized patients, (2) PAC entities' capacity to adapt their functions beyond PAC to support overall community response, (3) recent federal emergency preparedness requirement changes that increase PAC entities' disaster response capabilities, and (4) interim outcomes of NDMS efforts toward NDMS inclusion of PAC entities. We conclude by outlining challenges to integrate PAC entities into the NDMS and highlighting ongoing work by the congressionally directed NDMS Pilot Program, which is designed to increase capacity across the system. However, challenges such as limited staffed bed capacity at PAC entities, reduced availability of emergency medical service ambulances, and ongoing staffing shortages will need to be addressed.},
}

@article {pmid40893900,
year = {2025},
author = {Fama, F and Fattore, R and Raimondo, P and Brivio, F and Holmes, D and Muheberimana, T and Nayfeh, T and Bandera, A and Gori, A and Passerini, M and Colaneri, M},
title = {The impact of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs on clinical outcomes: an overview of reviews.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1624459},
pmid = {40893900},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Synthesizing data from existing literature is crucial for validating the robustness of associations, assessing data quality, and forming recommendations, especially given the vast amount of information available on SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to conduct an overview of reviews to evaluate the strength and validity of associations between VOCs and specific clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: An overview of reviews according to the principles of PRIOR protocol was performed searching multiple databases in January 2024 and an updated search was conducted in MEDLINE database in June 2025. Peer reviewed systematic reviews considering two or more VOCs and reporting on clinical outcomes such as mortality, hospitalization, severe disease, admission to ICU, and mechanical ventilation were included. Data on study population and measures of association between clinical outcome and VOCs were considered. The quality of the studies was assessed through the AMSTAR-2 tool. Effect sizes and confidence intervals for each association between VOCs and clinical outcomes were reported. Subgroup analyses were performed where feasible. A citation matrix was used to assess the overlap between the included systematic reviews.

RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the review, with a total of 24 comparisons, primarily between Omicron and Delta variants (19/24). Omicron was consistently associated with better clinical outcomes compared to Delta. The confidence in the results of 10/12 studies was rated critically low. The overlap between the included reviews was minimal, with 10% having significant overlap (>15%).

CONCLUSION: Our overview of reviews shows the lower hazard on human health of the Omicron compared to Delta variant. However, the quality of the reviews included was generally low, prompting the need for more rigorous systematic reviews.

This overview of reviews was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42024500841; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024500841.},
}

@article {pmid40893194,
year = {2025},
author = {Wister, A and Kim, B and Levasseur, M and Poulin, V and Qiu, S and Yuwono, E and Meynet, S and Beadle, J and Kadowaki, L and Klasa, K and Linkov, I},
title = {Resilience applications to social isolation and loneliness in older adults: a scoping review to develop a model and research agenda.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1589781},
pmid = {40893194},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *Loneliness/psychology ; *Social Isolation/psychology ; *Resilience, Psychological ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Aged ; Social Support ; Adaptation, Psychological ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The development of a theoretical model applied to social isolation and loneliness (SI/L) among older adults has not kept pace with the exponential growth in empirical research, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. One promising but under-investigated area is the contribution of resilience models to this field. This paper provides a scoping review of the application of resilience theoretical models to social isolation and loneliness and suggests directions for the development of an integrated new model.

METHOD: Using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review method, searches of four databases with 13 keywords were conducted April 9, 2024, with 17 articles meeting the inclusion criteria of the 1,671 extracted articles.

RESULTS: Findings were summarized using thematic analysis separated into four major themes: (1) coping self-efficacy to reduce SI/L; (2) moderating expectations to foster resilience to SI/L; (3) the effects of social support, the environment and resilience on COVID-19 stressors, and; (4) resilience as a mediator between SI/L and mental health. We integrate these findings into a new model entitled the Resilience and Social Isolation Model of Aging (RSIMA).

CONCLUSION: RSIMA highlights SI/L as a dynamic process on a continuum, as well as elucidating what broader factors can lead to improved social connection, contributing to both individual-level and community resilience. To address the looming public health crisis of social isolation and loneliness among older people, future research studies must consider a systems-level perspective to SI/L and resilience.},
}

Humans
*Loneliness/psychology
*Social Isolation/psychology
*Resilience, Psychological
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Aged
Social Support
Adaptation, Psychological
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40891644,
year = {2025},
author = {Jalan, M and Singh, S and Desai, M and Sharma, A and Malik, S and Singh, A and Kukreti, R and Kukreti, S and Grewal, GK},
title = {Targeting Oxidative Stress With Combination Treatment of Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Antiseizure Drugs in Rodent Model: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Journal of biochemical and molecular toxicology},
volume = {39},
number = {9},
pages = {e70488},
doi = {10.1002/jbt.70488},
pmid = {40891644},
issn = {1099-0461},
support = {//Dr Gurpreet Kaur Grewal received funding from Anusandhan National Research Foundation, Science and Engineering Research Board, India (DST-SERB) under TARE scheme (TAR/2022/000636) from Govt. of India under mentorship of Prof. (Dr) Shrikant Kukreti, Nucleic Acids Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (North Campus), Delhi 110007, India./ ; },
mesh = {*Thioctic Acid/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Animals ; *Oxidative Stress/drug effects ; *Anticonvulsants/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Rats ; *Antioxidants/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Epilepsy/drug therapy/metabolism ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; },
abstract = {Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by repeated seizures due to excessive neuronal activity, frequently linked to oxidative stress. Treatment in epilepsy involves chronic use of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) which further exacerbates oxidative stress. Given its role in epilepsy, oxidative stress has been a target for therapeutic intervention, with antioxidants being explored as potential agents to mitigate oxidative damage. This systematic review investigates studies which have used alpha lipoic acid (ALA) in conjunction with ASDs in rodents, and focuses on its antioxidant properties on oxidative stress, biochemical activity, molecular activity and behavioral outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search across Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, and PubMed databases from 2020 to 2025 yielded 4622 studies, of which seven met the inclusion criteria. The results reveal that ALA, either alone or in combination with ASD, significantly mitigates oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde levels and enhancing the role of key antioxidants such as catalase, glutathione, superoxide-dismutase, etc. Additionally, ALA alleviates behavioral deficits and exhibits neuroprotective, hepato-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, ALA modulates molecular markers by upregulating Nrf-2 and SIRT1 pathways while downregulating TNF-α and caspase 3, thereby reducing apoptosis and inflammation. Although promising, the findings are constrained by limited sample sizes, brief study periods, and a lack of comprehensive investigations on dose-response relationships and systemic effects. Most of the studies focus on limited biochemical and molecular markers, overlooking comprehensive evaluations of systemic and behavioral outcomes. This review highlights the potential of ALA as an adjunct therapy for epilepsy and emphasizes the need for more robust preclinical studies to confirm its efficacy and to fill the lacunas for advancing the therapeutic potential of ALA in epilepsy management.},
}

*Thioctic Acid/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Animals
*Oxidative Stress/drug effects
*Anticonvulsants/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Disease Models, Animal
Rats
*Antioxidants/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Epilepsy/drug therapy/metabolism
Drug Therapy, Combination

@article {pmid40802287,
year = {2025},
author = {Coughtrey, A and Pereira, SMP and Ladhani, S and Shafran, R and Stephenson, T},
title = {Long COVID in children and young people: then and now.},
journal = {Current opinion in infectious diseases},
volume = {38},
number = {5},
pages = {487-492},
pmid = {40802287},
issn = {1473-6527},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology ; Child ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Fatigue ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: On 11 March 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. A clinical case definition for post-COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents by expert consensus was agreed by the WHO in 2023. It is now 5 years since the WHO declared a pandemic, and this review aims to summarize key advances in our understanding of long COVID over those 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS: That symptoms could persist in adults and CYP for months after initial infection was first reported in Autumn 2020. Long COVID in adults is frequently characterized by symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness but brain-fog, joint and muscle pain have been reported much more commonly in adult follow-up than CYP. The most common persisting symptoms experienced by CYP after COVID-19 infection in initial studies, often with less than a year of follow-up, were fatigue, headache, shortness of breath and persisting loss of smell and taste. With longer follow-up, up to 2 years, the commonest symptoms still include not only fatigue, headache and shortness of breath but also sleep difficulties, whereas loss of smell and taste persisted only in a minority. However, many symptoms were almost as common in test-negative controls, raising questions about the causal role of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Predictors of long COVID, as defined, were female sex, history of asthma, allergy problems, learning difficulties at school and family history of ongoing COVID-19 problems.

SUMMARY: The implications of the findings for clinical practice and research are that long COVID is not the same in CYP as adults; both their physical and mental health should be studied; and intervention trials are needed.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology
Child
Adolescent
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Fatigue
Young Adult

@article {pmid40802252,
year = {2025},
author = {Alraddadi, A and Kumar, D},
title = {Management of diarrhea in solid organ transplantation.},
journal = {Current opinion in infectious diseases},
volume = {38},
number = {5},
pages = {403-410},
pmid = {40802252},
issn = {1473-6527},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diarrhea/etiology/diagnosis/drug therapy/therapy/microbiology ; *Organ Transplantation/adverse effects ; COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Transplant Recipients ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diarrhea is a common complaint in solid organ transplant recipients. We review both infectious and noninfectious causes of diarrhea and their management.

RECENT FINDINGS: Diagnostics for diarrhea have now commonly incorporated multiplex gastrointestinal panels that provide rapid testing and identification of pathogens. The rate of Clostridium difficile in the transplant population has increased and fidaxomicin is now recommended as the therapy of choice for first episode and recurrences where available. Oral vancomycin remains an alternative. Norovirus is important to rule out in cases of chronic diarrhea. Nitazoxanide has shown mixed results when used as norovirus therapy. SARS-CoV-2, despite being a respiratory virus, can infect gut epithelium and present with diarrhea. Noninfectious causes especially mycophenolate-related as well as inflammatory bowel disease should be in the differential especially when no infectious cause has been identified.

SUMMARY: A detailed history, diagnostics including molecular testing and endoscopy, and targeted therapies for infectious causes are the mainstay for management of diarrhea in the transplant recipient.},
}

Humans
*Diarrhea/etiology/diagnosis/drug therapy/therapy/microbiology
*Organ Transplantation/adverse effects
COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
Transplant Recipients

@article {pmid40767380,
year = {2025},
author = {de Groot, RCA and Streng, BMM and Bont, LJ and Meyer Sauteur, PM and van Rossum, AMC},
title = {Resurgence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children: emerging challenges and opportunities.},
journal = {Current opinion in infectious diseases},
volume = {38},
number = {5},
pages = {468-476},
pmid = {40767380},
issn = {1473-6527},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Child ; *Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent advances in Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment, since the 2023-2024 global resurgence of M. pneumoniae following the COVID-19 pandemic has provided new insights.

RECENT FINDINGS: The remarkably prolonged reduction of M. pneumoniae infections during COVID-19-related nonpharmaceutical interventions has shed new light on M. pneumoniae transmission, both on an individual and a global level. M. pneumoniae epidemiology showed striking differences in comparison with other respiratory pathogens, including RSV and pneumococcus. We discuss the possible mechanisms behind the delayed resurgence, including waning immunity and the persistence of M. pneumoniae reservoirs. There have been contrasting reports on disease severity with notable differences in severity between children and adults, with young adults showing marked vulnerability. The inability of M. pneumoniae diagnostic tests to differentiate between infection and carriage poses a continuing challenge: in daily clinical practice as well as in the interpretation of study results. Furthermore, several studies report safety and utility for tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones as treatment alternatives to macrolide antibiotics.

SUMMARY: The global resurgence of M. pneumoniae following COVID-19 pandemic restrictions has provided a unique opportunity to study its epidemiology and pathophysiology, which has advanced our understanding of M. pneumoniae infections in children.},
}

Humans
*Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/diagnosis/drug therapy
Child
*Mycoplasma pneumoniae
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40748012,
year = {2025},
author = {Waxse, BJ and Rao, S},
title = {Data science for pediatric infectious disease: utilizing COVID-19 as a model.},
journal = {Current opinion in infectious diseases},
volume = {38},
number = {5},
pages = {493-498},
doi = {10.1097/QCO.0000000000001139},
pmid = {40748012},
issn = {1473-6527},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Child ; *Data Science/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pediatrics ; Pandemics ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and public health agencies used data science tools and data sources in real time to evaluate pathogen transmissibility, disease burden, healthcare capacity, and evaluate treatment and preventive measures. The purpose of the review is to highlight the application of these data sources and methods during the COVID-19 response.

RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in the development of common data models enabled multisite data networks to overcome healthcare data fragmentation, enabling national surveillance platforms, and offering unprecedented statistical power to conduct national surveillance and detect emerging clinical entities like MIS-C and long COVID in diverse pediatric populations. These integrated networks were also used in evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines and therapies. New surveillance approaches combining traditional clinical data with novel data sources including wastewater detection, web-based search engines, and mobility patterns yielded comprehensive ensemble approaches that informed public health policy.

SUMMARY: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of timely evidence for decision-making during outbreak responses and the benefits of using data science tools to help provide real time, actionable insights, which can help guide our public health response to infectious diseases threats in the future.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Child
*Data Science/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Pediatrics
Pandemics
Public Health

@article {pmid40536011,
year = {2025},
author = {Moen, JK and Baker, CA and Iwasaki, A},
title = {Neuroimmune pathophysiology of long COVID.},
journal = {Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences},
volume = {79},
number = {9},
pages = {514-530},
pmid = {40536011},
issn = {1440-1819},
support = {/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; R01 AI157488/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI157488//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; N/A/HHMI/Howard Hughes Medical Institute/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications/physiopathology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Neuroimmunomodulation/physiology ; *Nervous System Diseases/immunology/physiopathology/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Animals ; *Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/immunology/physiopathology/etiology ; Fatigue/physiopathology/immunology ; },
abstract = {Although COVID-19 was originally considered a respiratory illness, it is now well established that SARS-CoV-2 infection can have far-reaching impacts on the nervous system. Neurological symptoms such as chemosensory dysfunction are frequently observed during acute infection and approximately 10% of COVID-19 cases will go on to develop new or persistent long-term symptoms, a condition known in the literature as post-acute symptoms of COVID-19 (PASC) or by the patient-coined term Long COVID. Common neurological symptoms in Long COVID include new onset cognitive difficulties, dysautonomia, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy. The emergence of Long COVID has prompted renewed interest in the study of post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), particularly in the area of neuroimmune interactions. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of the current body of literature on neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Long COVID, with an emphasis on neuroimmune mechanisms drawn largely from autopsy studies and animal models. A more complete understanding of neuroimmune crosstalk in Long COVID will not only guide the development of therapies for this highly disabling condition but will also contribute to our general understanding of neuroimmune interactions in health and disease.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/complications/physiopathology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Neuroimmunomodulation/physiology
*Nervous System Diseases/immunology/physiopathology/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
Animals
*Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/immunology/physiopathology/etiology
Fatigue/physiopathology/immunology

@article {pmid40392198,
year = {2025},
author = {Hojeij, B and Koc, GH and Luime, JJ and Vis, M and Coates, LC and Kok, MR and Tchetverikov, I},
title = {Psoriatic arthritis flare incidence, definition and risk factors: a systematic review.},
journal = {Rheumatology (Oxford, England)},
volume = {64},
number = {9},
pages = {4886-4901},
doi = {10.1093/rheumatology/keaf247},
pmid = {40392198},
issn = {1462-0332},
support = {//Department of Rheumatology of the Erasmus MC/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Risk Factors ; Incidence ; *Arthritis, Psoriatic/epidemiology/diagnosis ; *Symptom Flare Up ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: We systematically reviewed the literature to identify the incidence of PsA flare, criteria used to define it and associated risk factors.

METHODS: Databases of Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until September 2023, for original articles studying PsA flare. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of included studies.

RESULTS: Fifty-four studies of cohort, cross-sectional and clinical trial designs were included. Twelve studies assessed PsA flare rates, 28 assessed risk factors and 44 defined flare. The prevalence of current flare ranged between 7% and 50% (n = 8), while the incidence ranged between 10% and 27% over 6 months (n = 3), and 22% and 23% over 12 months (n = 2). Based on high-quality scoring, the current patient-reported flare was 10% (n = 1), while current physician-reported flare was 7% with 22-23% incidence rate over 12 months (n = 2). Criteria used in flare definition could be grouped into seven categories, with disease activity scores (36%), patient-reported (39%) and physician-reported (30%) flare and change in therapy (25%) being frequently used. Risk factors could be grouped into four categories: arthritis therapies, SARS-CoV, PsA features and other. The factors showed limited or unclear evidence.

CONCLUSION: The current prevalence of flare ranged between 7% and 10%, and the annual incidence was 22-23%, based on high-quality scoring. Forty-four studies defined flare, revealing no consensus on a single flare definition, and highlighting the need for a standardized definition. No conclusions could be drawn on risk factors, highlighting the need for further research.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42024482657.},
}

Humans
Risk Factors
Incidence
*Arthritis, Psoriatic/epidemiology/diagnosis
*Symptom Flare Up

@article {pmid40891005,
year = {2025},
author = {Allan, HT and O'Driscoll, M},
title = {Using Recontextualisation Theory to Understand Learning Across Multiple Sites in Simulation-Based Nurse Education.},
journal = {Journal of advanced nursing},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jan.70163},
pmid = {40891005},
issn = {1365-2648},
abstract = {AIM: The aim of this discussion paper is to explore whether recontextualisation theory deepens our understanding of learning across multiple sites when introducing simulation-based education (SBE) into nurse education.

BACKGROUND: The requirement for students to learn in clinical placements remains an aspiration as well as a regulatory requirement internationally. Yet, the increasing complexity of healthcare and the numbers of vacancies in the healthcare workforce globally have led to poor learning environments. In the context of faster internet speeds, rapid development in virtual technologies, affordability of hardware, and the move to online educational provision after the COVID-19 pandemic, SBE has emerged as a key teaching method in health professional preparation programmes globally.

DESIGN: Critical discussion paper.

METHODS: This discussion paper is based on current literature on SBE and recontextualisation theory.

FINDINGS: Evaluations of SBE often show positive outcomes for learning in nurse education. Weaknesses and gaps in the evidence on SBE, such as the scarcity of control groups or longitudinal studies, have been identified. Using recontextualization theory, we argue that SBE may also increase the theory-practice split for students across multiple sites of learning.

CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of SBE offers supplementary positive learning opportunities to those in clinical practice while at the same time creating multiple sites of learning which are not always aligned. More needs to be done to teach from a curriculum which relies on students being motivated and able to learn across multiple sites of learning.

To support student nurses in UG professional preparation programmes which rely on SBE as well as clinical practice and universities, shared values between nurse educators and clinical nurses need to be enacted collaboratively. This could be achieved by reframing how students and nurses learn and rework knowledge across sites of learning.},
}

@article {pmid40890766,
year = {2025},
author = {Herdiana, H and Prameswari, HD and Puspadewi, RT and Fajariyani, SB and Diptyanusa, A and Theodora, M and Supriyanto, D and Hawley, WA},
title = {Shrinking the malaria map in Indonesia: progress of subnational control, elimination, and future strategies.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {512},
pmid = {40890766},
issn = {1741-7015},
mesh = {Indonesia/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Malaria/epidemiology/prevention & control/transmission ; *Disease Eradication/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Indonesia has a complex pattern of malaria transmission alongside a highly decentralized system of governance. Indonesia applies a subnational elimination strategy to achieve nationwide malaria elimination by 2030. This review describes Indonesia's subnational verification process, assesses progress towards subnational elimination over the past several decades, and explores strategies to accelerate achievement of elimination, including the challenges of high transmission in lowland Papua region and zoonotic malaria in Sumatra and Kalimantan islands.

METHODS: Published and unpublished data, reports, and grey literature in Indonesian and English from 1950 to 2023 were collected and analyzed. These reports document strategies, geographic coverage, and malaria metrics. Most of the unpublished data and reports are from the Ministry of Health of Indonesia, including the guidelines describing processes for certification of district-level malaria elimination.

RESULTS: While the number of malaria cases has fluctuated over the years, cases decreased significantly by 2015 but increased during the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Nonetheless, as of 2023, 389 of 514 districts and five of 38 provinces had been verified as having no local transmission of malaria, with the most rapid progress observed in western Indonesia. We describe the malaria elimination verification process in detail, including the criteria used and challenges encountered. Malaria cases are now localized in the Papua region, which reports more than 90% of cases in the country. The lowland Papua region experiences high transmission with malaria incidence of over 400 cases per 1000 person-years due to its efficient vectors and high year-round rainfall. Expansion of malaria transmission to highland Papua due to climate change is likely happening. In the west, pockets of transmission persist in remote areas and among mobile and migrant populations. Further, frequent outbreaks occur in malaria-free districts, with two districts now experiencing re-established transmission. In addition, reports of zoonotic Plasmodium knowlesi infections in humans are increasing.

CONCLUSIONS: Existing interventions will need to be well-managed, and new combinations of interventions implemented if Indonesia is to achieve its goal of malaria elimination by 2030, particularly in high-endemic Papua, which will remain a source of importation of malaria to other regions of Indonesia if malaria there is not eliminated.},
}

Indonesia/epidemiology
Humans
*Malaria/epidemiology/prevention & control/transmission
*Disease Eradication/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology

@article {pmid40889099,
year = {2025},
author = {Pfefferbaum, B},
title = {Mass Trauma in Children: Expanding the Concept of Exposure in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {Current psychiatry reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40889099},
issn = {1535-1645},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examined the concept of exposure in children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the varied effects of the pandemic on children across a range of experiences, the review departed from the frequently-used analytic framework based on the stressor criterion for a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

RECENT FINDINGS: In addition to the more traditional types of exposure such as personal infection, illness or death of loved ones, and the experiences of children whose parents were essential workers, the review identified experiences among children in the general population as they adjusted to public health mandates, consumed pandemic media coverage, and dealt with the many changes in their daily lives.

CONCLUSIONS: While many COVID-19 experiences would not qualify as exposure for a diagnosis of PTSD, the research recognizes the importance of these experiences and their influence on various outcomes in children.},
}

@article {pmid40889005,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumari, N and Raja, K},
title = {Potential Application of Carbon Dots for Sustainable Agriculture: Current Challenges and Future Prospects.},
journal = {Journal of fluorescence},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40889005},
issn = {1573-4994},
abstract = {The depletion of arable land, water scarcity, frequent climate fluctuations, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, inefficiencies in pesticide usage, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which disrupted global supplies of fertilisers, have collectively heightened crop strain and reduced agricultural productivity. In this regard, to overcome these agriculture problems, adopting a sustainable approach for agricultural production plays a significant role in ensuring global food security. Carbon dots, a novel member of the carbon-based nanomaterial's family with extraordinary properties such as chemical stability, water solubility, low cytotoxicity, small size, biocompatibility, and photoluminescence, have recently attracted attention in agriculture sectors. The abundant hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of carbon dots, together with their small size and structural features, provide several advantages, such as increased crop growth, improved photosynthesis, stress tolerance, and accelerated seed germination. Carbon dots have also shown impressive advantages in nutrient uptake, and acting as sensors for pesticides, herbicides, and nutrients. Furthermore, carbon dots facilitate precise gene delivery into plant cells creating opportunities for genetic improvement and also enhance post-harvest preservation. This review highlights the potential of carbon dots in the field of agriculture, covering their classification, source of synthesis, and their diverse applications in the field of agriculture. While their potential is vast, further research is essential to address toxicological concerns and environmental impacts to ensure their safe and effective integration into agricultural system. Lastly, the limitations and future perspectives are outlined, which need to be focused on promoting the potential application of carbon dots in the agricultural sector.},
}

@article {pmid40887716,
year = {2025},
author = {Miyashita, N},
title = {Contemporary Concise Review 2024: Respiratory Infections.},
journal = {Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/resp.70113},
pmid = {40887716},
issn = {1440-1843},
abstract = {Since public health measures against COVID-19 were relaxed, widespread outbreaks of respiratory infections such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as infectious diseases transmitted by droplets and droplet nuclei, have been reported around the world. While there is evidence of antiviral drug efficacy against non-severe influenza, the emergence of two genetic mutations (I223V or S247N) that reduce susceptibility to neuraminidase inhibitors has been confirmed. Influenza vaccines are less effective in older people than in younger people; so high-dose influenza vaccines are recommended. RSV infection has a high disease burden among elderly people; however, vaccination is expected to limit or prevent severe disease. Macrolide-resistant strains of Mycoplasma species and Bordetella pertussis are common in East Asia, but an increase in resistant strains has also been observed in other Asian regions. Pneumonia in elderly people often leads to a decline in physical function. In a super-aging society, aspiration pneumonia occurs frequently. Hence, there is increasing awareness of the need for advance care planning discussions for pneumonia as well as malignant diseases. The use of inhaled steroids in bronchiectasis is not recommended because of the increased risk of infection; but in clinical practice, inhaled steroids are frequently used and are effective in some patients with bronchiectasis.},
}

@article {pmid40886810,
year = {2025},
author = {Bahrami, Y and Bolideei, M and Mohammadzadeh, S and Gahrouei, RB and Mohebbi, E and Haider, KH and Barzigar, R and Mehran, MJ},
title = {Applications of artificial intelligence and nanotechnology in vaccine development.},
journal = {International journal of pharmaceutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {126096},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126096},
pmid = {40886810},
issn = {1873-3476},
abstract = {Vaccines have long been crucial in safeguarding public health by preventing and controlling infectious diseases. However, traditional vaccine development methods face challenges in efficiency, cost, and response time to emerging pathogens. Recent progress in art AI and nanotechnology is revolutionizing this landscape, offering innovative solutions for vaccine design, delivery, and optimization. This manuscript examines the transformative impact of AI and nanotechnology on advancing vaccine development, highlighting their synergistic effect in overcoming traditional limitations. AI, particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms, facilitates rapid identification of immunogenic antigens and epitopes by analyzing vast genomic, proteomic, and immunological datasets. These computational tools optimize vaccine design by predicting antigen stability, immunogenicity, and efficacy, as exemplified by the expedited development of COVID-19 vaccines. Nanotechnology complements these advancements by providing engineered nanoparticles (NPs), including liposomes, polymeric NPs, and biomimetic systems, that enhance antigen delivery, stability, and immune activation. Innovations such as virus-like particles (VLPs) and immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) further enhance vaccine safety and efficacy by mimicking natural infection processes to trigger robust, targeted immune responses. Integrating AI and nanotechnology presents remarkable opportunities for developing personalized immunization strategies. AI algorithms can assess individual immune profiles to design customized vaccines, while nanotechnology enables precise delivery and controlled release of antigens. This interdisciplinary approach accelerates vaccine development, ensuring both safety and efficacy, and lays the foundation for universal vaccines and cancer vaccines that target complex pathogens and non-infectious diseases. Together, AI and nanotechnology herald a new era in vaccinology, enabling the development of vaccines that are faster, more precise, and highly adaptable to emerging and complex health challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40886308,
year = {2025},
author = {Farkas, FB and Karászi, É and Kulcsár, A and Onozó, B and Pék, T and Tróbert-Sipos, D and Mészner, Z and Lakatos, B and Kassa, C and Bereczki, C and Decsi, T and Szabó, T and Szabó, JA},
title = {[RSV infections: characteristics and prevention strategies].},
journal = {Orvosi hetilap},
volume = {166},
number = {35},
pages = {1362-1373},
doi = {10.1556/650.2025.33364},
pmid = {40886308},
issn = {1788-6120},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/administration & dosage ; COVID-19 ; Vaccination ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/immunology ; },
}

Humans
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/administration & dosage
COVID-19
Vaccination
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/immunology

@article {pmid40885198,
year = {2025},
author = {von Lilienfeld-Toal, M and Khawaja, F and Compagno, F and Robin, C and Piñana, JL and Cesaro, S and Einsele, H and Ljungman, P and Navarro, D and Boeckh, M and Chemaly, RF and Hirsch, HH},
title = {Community-acquired respiratory virus infections in patients with haematological malignancies or undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation: updated recommendations from the 10th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia.},
journal = {The Lancet. Infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00365-2},
pmid = {40885198},
issn = {1474-4457},
abstract = {To update recommendations of the 4th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-4) on community-acquired respiratory virus (CARV) infections published in 2013, we reviewed publications from between Jan 1, 2014, and June 30, 2024 on adenovirus, bocavirus, coronavirus, influenzavirus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenzavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinovirus in patients with haematological malignancies or undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), or both. In the current ECIL recommendations (ECIL-10), we outline a common approach to infection control, laboratory testing, and diagnosis for all CARVs (including SARS-CoV-2) and specific management and deferral strategies for CARVs other than SARS-CoV-2. For influenzavirus, seasonal inactivated-vaccines and early antivirals are recommended, whereas routine antiviral prophylaxis is discouraged for immunocompromised patients. For RSV, licensed vaccines can be considered according to local approval, despite scarce evidence for patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing HCT. Passive immunisation with palivizumab or nirsevimab is recommended for children younger than 2 years, but data are insufficient for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis, or treatment of older children and adults. Oral ribavirin or intravenous immunoglobulins, or a combination of the two, are recommended for patients undergoing HCT with severe immunodeficiency scores. For other CARVs, recommendations include only supportive care, improving immune functions, correcting hypogammaglobulinaemia, and judicious lowering of corticosteroids. We highlight unmet needs in immunisation and antivirals for reducing CARV-associated morbidity and mortality in patients with haematological malignancies and those undergoing HCT.},
}

@article {pmid40884531,
year = {2025},
author = {Apoorva, and Singh, SK},
title = {Pathogenic breaches: how viruses compromise blood-tissue barriers.},
journal = {Tissue barriers},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {2549020},
doi = {10.1080/21688370.2025.2549020},
pmid = {40884531},
issn = {2168-8370},
abstract = {Blood-tissue barriers (BTBs) are highly specialized, selectively permeable surfaces that separate the circulatory system from delicate tissues and organs. Critical examples include the blood-brain barrier (BBB), blood-retinal barrier (BRB), blood-testis barrier (BTB), and other organ-specific barriers, including the alveolar-capillary interface in the lungs and the glomerular filtration barrier in the kidneys. These barriers regulate the bidirectional transport of nutrients, gases, and waste while restricting pathogens, toxins, and immune cells to maintain physiological balance. Nevertheless, viruses have evolved multiple strategies to circumvent or compromise these barriers, facilitating viral entry, evading immune surveillance, and establishing infection within protected compartments. Neurotropic viruses, including the West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, impair the blood-brain barrier by disrupting tight junction proteins and cytokine storms. In contrast, respiratory viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 affect the lung barrier, resulting in alveolar injury and systemic inflammation. Other viruses, such as the Zika virus, affect the BTB and placental barriers, presenting significant risks to fetal development and reproductive health. Such breaches facilitate viral spread, exacerbate tissue damage, and complicate therapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of blood-tissue barrier architecture, function, and mechanisms of viral disruption, highlighting their dual role in protection and susceptibility during viral infections. By elucidating interactions between viruses and blood-tissue barriers, this work highlights emerging research directions to mitigate viral pathogenesis and enhance treatment efficacy for barrier-associated diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40884514,
year = {2025},
author = {Decker, V and Qureshi, K and Roberts, L and Powell, N and Marchesi, JR and Mullish, BH and Alexander, JL},
title = {The emerging role of the gut microbiota in vaccination responses.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2549585},
doi = {10.1080/19490976.2025.2549585},
pmid = {40884514},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Humans ; Animals ; Vaccination ; COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Probiotics/administration & dosage ; Influenza Vaccines/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology ; COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; },
abstract = {The gut microbiota has emerged as a key modulator of host immune responses, and growing evidence suggests it plays a role in shaping vaccine-induced immunity. While immunization remains vital for preventing infectious diseases, inter-individual variability in vaccine responses poses a persistent challenge. Traditional factors such as age, sex, genetics, and immune status do not fully account for this variability. Recent studies highlight the gut microbiome as a potential contributor. This review examines current evidence linking the gut microbiota to vaccine responses, with a focus on vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, and influenza. Human studies show associations between microbial composition, particularly taxa like Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and immunogenicity. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, influence T-cell differentiation, antibody production, and cytokine responses. Factors that alter microbiota composition, including antibiotics, diet, and prebiotic or probiotic supplementation, can impact vaccine responses, highlighting a dynamic gut-immune relationship. Experimental models further support these observations, showing diminished responses in germ-free or antibiotic-treated animals and enhanced responses following microbial-based interventions. These findings also suggest the gut microbiota may be harnessed to improve vaccine efficacy. Future research should explore the potential for microbiota-targeted strategies to optimize vaccine efficacy, particularly in immunocompromised populations.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Humans
Animals
Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Probiotics/administration & dosage
Influenza Vaccines/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology
COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology

@article {pmid40883647,
year = {2025},
author = {Fayyad-Kazan, M},
title = {MicroRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection: emerging modulators of inflammation, pathogenesis, and therapeutic potential.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40883647},
issn = {1568-5608},
abstract = {Since the onset of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), elucidating the molecular regulators of viral pathogenesis and host response has been a critical international research objective. Among these, microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs, that modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally-have emerged as central orchestrators of host-virus interactions. This review exhaustively examines the roles of host-derived miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including their roles in viral entry, replication, immune evasion, inflammation, and tissue injury. Dysregulation of certain miRNAs, such as miR-155, miR-146a, and miR-21, has been implicated in disease severity, comorbidities (such as diabetes, obesity), neurological complications, and pregnancy complications. In long COVID (PASC), chronic miRNA changes are linked to persistent inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiometabolic impairment. We emphasize current breakthroughs in miRNA research, including machine learning algorithms for miRNA-based disease stratification, CRISPR-engineered miRNA modulation, exosomal miRNA delivery platforms, and miRNA-adjuvanted vaccines. These advances highlight the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, shortcomings persist in clinical validation, delivery optimization, and tissue-specific miRNA function elucidation. These gaps must be addressed to involve miRNAs in controlling current and future viral infections. This review consolidated differentially expressed miRNAs across disease stages, comorbidities, and clinical settings, providing a valuable resource for translational research and therapeutic innovation.},
}

@article {pmid40276849,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, DH and Wang, M and Kim, S and Jang, DW and Ko, T and Goldstein, BJ},
title = {Strategies to Develop Regenerative Medicine Approaches for Olfactory Disorders.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental otorhinolaryngology},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {204-209},
doi = {10.21053/ceo.2025-00065},
pmid = {40276849},
issn = {1976-8710},
support = {//Duke University School of Medicine/ ; //Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea/ ; RS-2023-00209494//National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; //Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; 23C0121L1//Korean Fund for Regenerative Medicine/ ; },
abstract = {Olfactory loss affects more than 12% of the population, with prevalence increasing in aging individuals. Multiple conditions can lead to a loss of smell (hyposmia or anosmia), including post-viral damage from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or influenza, head injuries, sinusitis, or neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. Although treatments like surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, or olfactory training can be beneficial in certain cases, there remains an unmet need for effective therapies addressing many common causes of olfactory dysfunction. This is particularly true for cases attributed to damage of olfactory neurons that fail to spontaneously recover. Regenerative medicine approaches, aimed at either stimulating the regrowth of sensory neural structures or replacing them through cell-based therapies, have attracted considerable interest for treating various neurological disorders, including olfactory loss. Here, we summarize the intrinsic regenerative capabilities of the peripheral olfactory system, focusing on current research strategies and the existing barriers that must be overcome for successful translational applications. A major unmet need in this field involves the establishment of reliable and widely accepted culture models for expanding and differentiating olfactory stem or progenitor cells from rodents and humans, both for use in vitro assays and as potential material for cell-based therapies.},
}

@article {pmid39171491,
year = {2025},
author = {Lenhard, NK and An, C and Jasthi, D and Laurel-Vargas, V and Weinstein, I and Lam, SK},
title = {Virtual global health education partnerships for health professional students: a scoping review.},
journal = {Global health promotion},
volume = {32},
number = {2},
pages = {14-22},
doi = {10.1177/17579759241248401},
pmid = {39171491},
issn = {1757-9767},
mesh = {Humans ; *Global Health/education ; *Education, Distance/methods/organization & administration ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Health Personnel/education ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Although there is rising interest in virtual global health (GH) education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been no report on the body of literature describing virtual education partnerships for health professional students. This scoping review examines virtual GH partnerships involving health professional students, including any barriers identified or best practices and ways to address them.

METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies describing virtual GH education partnerships using keywords related to GH, virtual learning, and partnerships. Inclusion criteria were that the activity was virtual, involved health professional students in two or more countries, and was reported in English or Spanish. In-person clinical electives and interventions that had not yet occurred were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI).

RESULTS: The search algorithm yielded 308 articles. Seventeen studies met full inclusion criteria. Four studies described asynchronous formats, whereas 13 were synchronous. Common challenges included scheduling challenges, language barriers, and technological limitations. Suggested improvements included having increased faculty support and expanding partnerships to multiple languages. The median MERSQI score was 8.25 out of 18 possible points.

CONCLUSION: There are limited studies investigating the effectiveness of virtual GH education partnerships, and more robust evaluation is needed to further understand the optimal role of virtual education in teaching GH skills. Despite logistical challenges, virtual partnerships can provide innovative GH education through bidirectional educational exchanges that students find valuable.},
}

Humans
*Global Health/education
*Education, Distance/methods/organization & administration
COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Health Personnel/education

@article {pmid38836418,
year = {2025},
author = {Kunjavara, J and Ali Alomari, AM and Mannethodi, K and Hassan, N and Singh, K and Joy, GV and Al Lenjawi, B},
title = {Middle East Nurses Turnover Intention and its Correlates Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Hospital topics},
volume = {103},
number = {3},
pages = {173-181},
doi = {10.1080/00185868.2024.2359551},
pmid = {38836418},
issn = {1939-9278},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/nursing/psychology ; *Personnel Turnover/statistics & numerical data ; Middle East/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; *Nurses/psychology ; *Intention ; *Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology ; },
abstract = {Global nursing scarcity was more evident during COVID-19. This study investigated the rates and contributing factors of turnover intention in the middle east through meta-analysis. Medline EMCARE, Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, Ovid, Psych Info, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases searched, Protocol PROSPERO Registration Number was CRD42022337686. The turnover intention rate was 42.3% [CI: 40%, 44.6%]. Working environment, stress, deployment to COVID, fear of infection, long working hours, shift duties, and lack of social support were the major contributing factors.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/nursing/psychology
*Personnel Turnover/statistics & numerical data
Middle East/epidemiology
Pandemics
*Nurses/psychology
*Intention
*Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology

@article {pmid40883045,
year = {2025},
author = {Kyriopoulos, I and Athanasakis, K and Tsoli, S and Mossialos, E and Papanicolas, I},
title = {Addressing public health and health system challenges in Greece: reform priorities in a changing landscape.},
journal = {The Lancet. Public health},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {e794-e803},
doi = {10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00188-4},
pmid = {40883045},
issn = {2468-2667},
mesh = {Greece/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Public Health ; *Health Care Reform/organization & administration ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Health Policy ; *Health Priorities ; },
abstract = {Health systems are under growing pressure from ageing populations, chronic diseases, and financial constraints, compounded by challenges, such as COVID-19 and climate change. In Greece, these pressures have converged in the past 15 years, exposing structural weaknesses and testing the health system's resilience. Despite successive reforms targeting funding, care delivery, and public health, persistent structural weaknesses, poor planning, and limited monitoring have undermined progress. Most policy responses have remained fragmented and are unable to fulfil their potential to address current public health challenges or prepare for future crises. Building health system sustainability and resilience requires more than enacting reforms. The reform process demands evidence-informed policy making, sustained political commitment, strong institutional capacity, and effective multisectoral coordination. Greece offers valuable lessons for countries facing similar pressures: resilience depends not only on policy adoption, but also on the institutions, resources, and accountability mechanisms that support implementation and translate policies into sustained action.},
}

Greece/epidemiology
Humans
*Public Health
*Health Care Reform/organization & administration
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
COVID-19/epidemiology
Health Policy
*Health Priorities

@article {pmid40881732,
year = {2025},
author = {Yu, J and Cheong, IH and Kozlakidis, Z and Wang, H},
title = {Advancements and challenges of artificial intelligence in dermatology: a review of applications and perspectives in China.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1544520},
pmid = {40881732},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {The diagnosis of skin diseases can be challenging due to their diverse manifestations, while early detection of malignant skin cancers greatly improves the prognosis, highlighting the pressing need for efficient screening methods. In recent years, advancements in AI have paved the way for AI-aided diagnosis of skin lesions. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the demand of telemedicine, accelerating the integration of AI into medical domains, particularly in China. This article aims to provide an overview of the progress of AI-aided diagnosis in Chinese dermatology. Given the widespread use of public datasets in the reviewed studies, we compared the performance of AI models in segmentation and classification on public datasets. Despite the promising results of AI in experimental settings, we recognize the limitations of these public datasets in representing clinical scenarios in China. To address this gap, we reviewed the studies that used clinical datasets and conducted comparative analyses between AI and dermatologists. Although AI demonstrated comparable results to human experts, AI still cannot replace dermatologists due to limitations in generalizability and interpretability. We attempt to provide insights into improving the performance of AI through advancements in dataset quality, image pre-processing techniques, and integration of medical data. Finally, the role that AI will play in the medical practice and the relationship between AI and dermatologists are discussed. This systematic review addresses the gap in evaluating AI applications in Chinese dermatology, with a focus on dermatological datasets and real-world application.},
}

@article {pmid40881746,
year = {2025},
author = {Bozkurt, HB and Özdemir, Ö},
title = {Changes regarding solid organ transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {World journal of transplantation},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {100591},
pmid = {40881746},
issn = {2220-3230},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and emerged in Wuhan, China. It affects millions of people all over the world and has caused the deaths of thousands of people. Mortality rates were higher in transplant recipients and patients awaiting transplantation due to social and psychological issues. It also affected candidates who would be transplant providers and caused the transplant chain to be broken worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly affected solid organ transplantation procedures and led to various changes in protocols and practices to ensure patient safety and increase transplant success. These include challenges in screening protocols, prioritization of cases, telemedicine and virtual consultations, modified surgical procedures, immunosuppression management, updated research and guidelines, post-transplantation process and difficulties to control side effects, difficulties in organ procurement, and patient education/support. It requires a multidisciplinary approach, close collaboration between transplant teams, and adherence to strict infection control measures to ensure the safety of both transplant recipients and healthcare providers. In this article, we compiled the most important points in an overview of this process.},
}

@article {pmid40743702,
year = {2025},
author = {Roitenberg, N},
title = {Integrating knowledge on diversity in nursing education: A bibliometric review of thematic trends and trajectories.},
journal = {Nurse education in practice},
volume = {87},
number = {},
pages = {104490},
doi = {10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104490},
pmid = {40743702},
issn = {1873-5223},
mesh = {*Bibliometrics ; Humans ; *Cultural Diversity ; *Education, Nursing/trends ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {AIM: This study aims to analyze the thematic advances and trajectory of diversity in nursing education through bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The growing emphasis on diversity in nursing education underscores its increasing importance and impact on nursing practice and healthcare outcomes. However, a key gap remains, as diversity in nursing education has largely been studied in a manner that lacks integration of the various topics composing the scholarly knowledge and lacks cohesive thematic development or exploration of this knowledge base. Consequently, a comprehensive bibliometric review that provides an integrated overview of this critical area, highlighting its thematic evolution and historical development, is still needed.

DESIGN: Bibliometric analytic methods.

METHODS: The data were analyzed, and the graphic representation was made using the Bibliometrix Package of R software. A search of the Web of Science Core Collection was conducted on April 29, 2025. Descriptive analysis, citation analysis, co-word analysis, cooperation analysis and theme map analysis were among the techniques employed.

RESULTS: From 658 articles, 1521 author keywords were identified. Publications have increased over three decades at an annual rate of 10.64 %. Core themes forming the foundation of the field include nursing education and nursing education diversity. Key research drivers are represented by themes such as COVID-19, nursing diversity, cultural safety and health workforce.

CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric study highlights the growing recognition of diversity's importance in nursing education. Findings show a global rise in research, reflecting increased commitment to addressing diversity-related challenges.},
}

*Bibliometrics
Humans
*Cultural Diversity
*Education, Nursing/trends
COVID-19

@article {pmid40881694,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, K and Hu, J and Li, J and Wu, G and Tie, X and Wu, H and Li, H and Li, J and Zhang, Y},
title = {Harnessing cellular immunity for next-generation vaccines against respiratory viruses: mechanisms, platforms, and optimization strategies.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1618406},
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2025.1618406},
pmid = {40881694},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunity, Cellular ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology/prevention & control ; Animals ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/prevention & control/virology ; *Influenza, Human/immunology/prevention & control ; *Viral Vaccines/immunology ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/immunology ; },
abstract = {Respiratory tract infections, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19, remain a persistent threat to global public health due to their high transmissibility and disease burden. Vaccination, as a key preventive strategy, not only reduces the risk of infection but also blocks transmission by activating adaptive immunity. While traditional vaccine evaluations have primarily focused on humoral immunity, growing evidence highlights the critical role of T lymphocyte-mediated cellular immunity in clearing virus-infected cells, establishing long-term immune memory, and responding to viral mutations. This review systematically summarizes the cellular immune responses induced by vaccines against respiratory tract infections and their correlation with protective efficacy. It also outlines evaluation methodologies such as flow cytometry, providing a theoretical foundation for optimizing vaccine design and assessment, and advancing the development of effective, broad-spectrum vaccines.},
}

Humans
*Immunity, Cellular
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology/prevention & control
Animals
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/prevention & control/virology
*Influenza, Human/immunology/prevention & control
*Viral Vaccines/immunology
T-Lymphocytes/immunology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/immunology

@article {pmid40881003,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelleni, MT},
title = {Kelleni's protocol incorporating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nitazoxanide to early manage dengue virus disease: An antiviral silver bullet.},
journal = {World journal of clinical cases},
volume = {13},
number = {28},
pages = {108181},
doi = {10.12998/wjcc.v13.i28.108181},
pmid = {40881003},
issn = {2307-8960},
abstract = {The current recommendation to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of dengue virus disease (DVD) is scientifically considered of very low to low certainty, despite being widely adopted worldwide. The same recommendation, initially made during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, was subsequently proven incorrect. In this clinical report, we present evidence, for the first time globally, from a real-life practice that NSAIDs may actually be lifesaving in the early management of DVD as they have proved to be in COVID-19. Moreover, we propose that the personalized immune-modulatory Kelleni's protocol, which includes nitazoxanide as a key component, can be safely and effectively used to manage various separate or concomitant viral infections and co-infections, including DVD. Importantly, this article contributes to the current medical knowledge in the global pursuit of a safe and effective broad-spectrum antiviral protocol that can be used to early manage multiple highly infectious viruses. However, it's crucial that sufficiently powered controlled randomized clinical trials be conducted to thoroughly assess and evaluate the safety of NSAIDs in the early management of DVD as well as the efficacy of nitazoxanide with or without NSAIDs in its management.},
}

@article {pmid40880775,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, Y and Qiu, X and Yuan, T and Wang, Q and Du, L and Wang, L and Ding, Z},
title = {Research hotspots and frontiers of application of mass spectrometry breath test in respiratory diseases.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1618588},
doi = {10.3389/fmed.2025.1618588},
pmid = {40880775},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Mass spectrometry (MS)-based breath analysis has emerged as a promising non-invasive approach for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory diseases through the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 467 publications (2003-2024) to map global research trends, influential contributors, and thematic hotspots in this field. Results showed a sustained annual growth rate of 11.03%, with the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and China leading in publication output and institutional collaborations. Key research areas included VOC profiling for COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and COVID-19, as well as advances in real-time MS techniques and machine learning-based data interpretation. Co-citation analysis revealed a shift toward precision medicine and multi-omics integration, underscoring the field's transition from discovery to clinical translation. Despite challenges in standardization and reproducibility, MS-based breathomics holds transformative potential for respiratory diagnostics. This study provides a roadmap for future research priorities, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, composite biomarker validation, and artificial intelligence integration.},
}

@article {pmid40728675,
year = {2025},
author = {Kow, CS and Ramachandram, DS and Hasan, SS and Thiruchelvam, K},
title = {Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {33},
number = {8},
pages = {4871-4877},
pmid = {40728675},
issn = {1568-5608},
mesh = {Humans ; *Acetylcysteine/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *COVID-19/mortality ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted global interest in potential adjunctive therapies. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a mucolytic agent that enhances intracellular glutathione synthesis, has antioxidant properties and may indirectly modulate inflammation through redox regulation. While preclinical and observational data suggest potential mortality benefits, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and synthesize the evidence from RCTs evaluating the effect of NAC on mortality in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Six databases were searched from inception to March 21, 2025. Eligible studies were RCTs comparing NAC to placebo or standard care in adult COVID-19 patients, with mortality as a reported outcome. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Statistical analyses were performed with a random-effects model to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Ten RCTs comprising 1,424 patients were included. NAC regimens varied by dose and route. The pooled OR for mortality was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.25-0.94; I[2] = 67%), indicating a 51% reduction in the odds of death among patients receiving NAC. Seven studies had low risk of bias; three had some concerns, primarily due to open-label designs.

CONCLUSION: NAC may reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients, particularly when administered at higher doses or via non-oral routes. Further large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing and administration strategies.},
}

Humans
*Acetylcysteine/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic/methods
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*COVID-19/mortality

@article {pmid40304889,
year = {2025},
author = {Rijcken, CJF},
title = {The translational journey of cancer nanomedicines: biological and entrepreneurial lessons learned.},
journal = {Drug delivery and translational research},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {3351-3362},
pmid = {40304889},
issn = {2190-3948},
mesh = {Humans ; *Nanomedicine/methods ; *Neoplasms/drug therapy ; *Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *Translational Research, Biomedical ; *Docetaxel/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Drug Development ; Micelles ; Drug Liberation ; },
abstract = {Despite exhaustive investments, the breakthrough potential of nanomedicines (NM) is not yet realized. Whilst Doxil and covid-19 vaccines demonstrated certain benefits, many NM failed in clinical development. Lies the true reason for this limited success in inappropriate assumptions, incorrect approaches, or other omissions? This note describes the translational journey of CPC634 (docetaxel entrapping core-crosslinked polymeric micelles) and illustrates lessons learned in drug product development. Scientific elements are to understand the pathophysiology of the diseased tissue, the journey of NM upon administration and resulting drug release and the induced pharmacodynamic effects over time, particularly in actual patients. Industrial elements comprise market-product fit, target product profile, competitive benchmarking, while development efficiency focuses to generate a positive business case. A goal-oriented product design which is validated by external experts increases chances of development success and assures investor-readiness. NM development will progress by aligning fundamental biological insights with industrial product requirements, driving therapeutic breakthroughs.},
}

Humans
*Nanomedicine/methods
*Neoplasms/drug therapy
*Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*Translational Research, Biomedical
*Docetaxel/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
Drug Development
Micelles
Drug Liberation

@article {pmid39575994,
year = {2025},
author = {Somerton, A and Jeffrey, H},
title = {'It's that camaraderie': Experiences of a Long-COVID peer support group for staff working in health, social care and emergency services.},
journal = {Journal of health psychology},
volume = {30},
number = {10},
pages = {2460-2474},
doi = {10.1177/13591053241296184},
pmid = {39575994},
issn = {1461-7277},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Peer Group ; Male ; United Kingdom ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; Female ; Adult ; *Self-Help Groups ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Middle Aged ; Qualitative Research ; Emergency Medical Services ; },
abstract = {Health, social care and emergency services staff, continue to feel the impact of Long-COVID. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study aims to evaluate the experience of UK health and social care staff who participated in a virtual Long-COVID peer support group between May 2021 and May 2023. The outcome measures (SWEMWBS and PHQ9) show an improvement in post-group scores, suggesting participation in the peer support group is linked to improved wellbeing. Thematic analysis identified five key themes: finding connectedness, reciprocity, effective facilitation, filling the gaps and virtual format. This evaluation shows how peer support groups provided space for reciprocity and the positive outcomes associated with this. This evaluation highlights the importance of co-produced, needs-based services providing Long-COVID peer support.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology
*Peer Group
Male
United Kingdom
*Health Personnel/psychology
Female
Adult
*Self-Help Groups
SARS-CoV-2
Middle Aged
Qualitative Research
Emergency Medical Services

@article {pmid40880768,
year = {2025},
author = {Kudlay, D and Kozlov, V and Savchenko, AA and Simbirtsev, A and Anisimova, E and Kudryavtsev, I and Kulpina, A and Rubinstein, A and Ryabkova, VA and Churilov, LP and Sirotkina, O and Vavilova, T and Starshinova, AA and Borisov, A},
title = {Immunopathological syndromes: state of the art.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1633624},
doi = {10.3389/fmed.2025.1633624},
pmid = {40880768},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {The review of the current state of knowledge on local and systemic immunopathological reactions of cellular and humoral origin, as well as the ways of their interaction, is considered in this article. This study aimed to organize, standardize, and conceptualize existing knowledge about immunopathological syndromes associated with innate immunity. It highlights syndromes linked to type I, II, and III hypersensitivity reactions, while also separately examining manifestations related to immunosuppression disorders. The review outlines how to differentiate humoral immunity syndromes based on the classes of immunoglobulins A, M, E, and the four subclasses of immunoglobulin G. Additionally, it provides a detailed analysis of complement system disorders and the mechanisms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, as well as their role in various pathological processes. The authors advocate for a unified set of definitions for immunopathological syndromes related to adaptive immunity, aiming to develop a new concept of their pathogenesis. Currently, many definitions of these syndromes lack consensus, stemming from varying interpretations of their manifestations. The authors also propose standardized tools for assessing immunopathological syndromes, along with guidelines for staging and treatment optimization.},
}

@article {pmid40880575,
year = {2025},
author = {Chervenkov, L and Miteva, DG and Velikova, T},
title = {Utilizing artificial intelligence as an arbitrary tool in managing difficult COVID-19 cases in critical care medicine.},
journal = {World journal of critical care medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {102808},
doi = {10.5492/wjccm.v14.i3.102808},
pmid = {40880575},
issn = {2220-3141},
abstract = {This opinion review paper explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) as a decisive tool in managing complex coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases within critical care medicine. Available data have shown that very severe cases required intensive care, most of which required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation to avoid a lethal outcome if possible. The unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate innovative approaches to patient care. AI offers significant potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, predicting patient outcomes, and optimizing treatment strategies. By analyzing vast amounts of clinical data, AI can support healthcare professionals in making informed decisions, thus improving patient outcomes. We also focus on current technologies, their implementation in critical care settings, and their impact on patient management during the COVID-19 crisis. Future directions for AI integration in critical care are also discussed.},
}

@article {pmid40880567,
year = {2025},
author = {Savvidis, C and Ragia, D and Kallistrou, E and Kouroglou, E and Tsiama, V and Proikaki, S and Belis, K and Ilias, I},
title = {Critical illness-implications of non-thyroidal illness syndrome and thyroxine therapy.},
journal = {World journal of critical care medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {102577},
doi = {10.5492/wjccm.v14.i3.102577},
pmid = {40880567},
issn = {2220-3141},
abstract = {Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is a common finding in critically ill patients, characterized by disruptions in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, resulting in altered levels of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and reverse T3. This condition, often considered to be an adaptive response aimed at conserving energy, can become maladaptive in prolonged critical illness, contributing to poor outcomes in intensive care unit patients. The pathophysiology of NTIS involves cytokine-driven alterations in thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism, impaired hormone transport, and reduced receptor sensitivity, which-collectively-suppress thyroid function. Despite these insights, the therapeutic role of TH replacement in patients with NTIS remains uncertain. Low doses of levothyroxine and T3 have been trialed, particularly in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, but clinical studies report conflicting results regarding their impact on mortality and overall patient outcomes. While some evidence suggests potential benefits of T3 administration in specific subgroups, such as patients with septic shock or severe coronavirus disease 2019, robust clinical trials have yet to conclusively demonstrate improved survival or recovery. The heterogeneity in NTIS presentation and treatment protocols, as well as the complex nature of TH regulation in critically ill patients, complicates efforts to establish clear guidelines for hormone therapy. Future research should prioritize individualized approaches, optimizing hormone dosing and timing, while aiming to elucidate the long-term effects of such interventions on critically ill patients to improve morbidity and mortality outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40879755,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and He, D and Satoh-Takayama, N and Zheng, C and Xing, J},
title = {Regulation of antiviral and antimicrobial innate immunity and immune evasion.},
journal = {Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS},
volume = {82},
number = {1},
pages = {326},
pmid = {40879755},
issn = {1420-9071},
mesh = {*Immunity, Innate ; Humans ; *Immune Evasion ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; Inflammasomes/immunology ; Signal Transduction ; Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology ; Autophagy ; *Virus Diseases/immunology ; COVID-19/immunology ; },
abstract = {The interplay between host innate immunity and pathogen evasion is a dynamic battle shaping infection outcomes. The Topical Collection "Regulation of Antiviral and Antimicrobial Innate Immunity and Immune Evasion" synthesizes findings from thirteen recent studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of innate immune signaling and pathogen countermeasures. Host pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), drive type I interferon (IFN-I) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) responses, alongside processes like autophagy and inflammasome activation, to combat viral and bacterial infections. Pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), cytomegalovirus, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, deploy sophisticated strategies to target immune sensors and adaptors, enabling replication and persistence. Novel insights, including the roles of ISG15, autophagy protein ATG7, and host factors such as THAP11 and PSMB4, highlight complex interactions influencing viral replication and host defense. These studies propose targeted therapeutic strategies, such as inflammasome modulation for human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), and prostaglandin E2 regulation for foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine production, offering promising avenues to enhance host immunity and counter pathogen evasion.},
}

*Immunity, Innate
Humans
*Immune Evasion
Animals
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
Inflammasomes/immunology
Signal Transduction
Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology
Autophagy
*Virus Diseases/immunology
COVID-19/immunology

@article {pmid40879599,
year = {2025},
author = {Muttamba, W and O'Hare, B and Ramsay, A and Saxena, V and Kirenga, B and Sabiiti, W},
title = {A laboratory-focussed desk review of health systems in Uganda, Kenya, and the UK to respond to current and future pandemics.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {04194},
pmid = {40879599},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Uganda/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/diagnosis ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; *Pandemics ; *Laboratories/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; World Health Organization ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Laboratory systems play a crucial role in managing diseases effectively, and the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example. The pandemic underscored the need to make laboratory health systems more resilient and robust to respond to future pandemics.

METHODS: We conducted a desk review guided by the six World Health Organization health system building blocks (health service delivery, health financing, medical products, vaccines, and technologies, human resources for health, governance, and health information systems).

RESULTS: The three countries' strengths include health information systems, well-established reference laboratories, mobile and community-level testing, a vibrant private laboratory sector in Uganda and Kenya, and a growing private sector in the UK. In Uganda and Kenya, there are laboratory connectivity solutions for molecular diagnostics, multi-disease testing platforms and specimen referral systems, while in the UK, there are hub-and-spoke networks. Weaknesses in Uganda and Kenya include vertical laboratory systems strengthening, ill-equipped laboratories, constrained and inequitable distribution of laboratory human resources, and limited data use. In the UK, there is chronic underfunding and undervaluing of disciplines supporting infection testing, microbiology and virology.

CONCLUSIONS: The growing contribution of the private sector in the three countries and the deployment of multi-disease testing platforms should be supported, given the advantage of shared financial costs in the face of chronic underfunding for laboratory systems.},
}

Humans
Kenya/epidemiology
Uganda/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/diagnosis
United Kingdom/epidemiology
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
*Pandemics
*Laboratories/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2
World Health Organization

@article {pmid40879383,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Y and Peng, D and Li, M and Yao, M and Li, T and Li, S and Qiu, H-J and Li, L-F},
title = {Organoids: physiologically relevant ex vivo models for viral disease research.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0113225},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.01132-25},
pmid = {40879383},
issn = {1098-5514},
abstract = {Viral diseases pose serious threats to human health, resulting in substantial economic losses. However, traditional disease models often fail to capture the full complexity of viral pathogenesis. Pluripotent and tissue stem cell-derived organoids help bridge this gap by closely mimicking the structure and function of native organs, thereby enabling new breakthroughs in studying viral pathogenesis. This review discusses the diverse applications of organoid models in virology, including infection modeling, host-virus interaction studies, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing, antiviral drug screening, and vaccine development. Here, we focus on human organoid models used to investigate viral infections, covering systemic viral infections (exemplified by viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, influenza virus, and monkeypox virus) as well as localized viral infections (exemplified by viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, herpes simplex virus 1, rotavirus, norovirus, hepatobiliary viruses, and cytomegalovirus). By advancing mechanistic insights and accelerating therapeutic discovery, organoid technology shows significant potential as a complementary tool for combating viral diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40877925,
year = {2025},
author = {Fekih-Romdhane, F and Harb, F and Al Banna, S and Obeid, S and Hallit, S},
title = {Prevalence and risk factors of burnout symptoms among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Human resources for health},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {48},
pmid = {40877925},
issn = {1478-4491},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Burnout, Professional/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; *Nurses/psychology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been a substantial challenge for nurses globally, as they have gone through prolonged crisis times where they were continually under immense psychological pressure. Working in these conditions for months and years has resulted in an increase in the prevalence of job burnout among nurses. This systematic review was conducted to provide solid evidence on the prevalence of burnout and its related factors among nursing staff in different parts of the world after the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Several electronic databases were searched, between January 2020 and September 15, 2024, for relevant studies, namely MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, APA PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and EBSCOhost Research Platform. Multiple search keywords were defined for the search process. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of each study included. Our main outcome was the prevalence of burnout in nurses during COVID-19. We subsequently analyzed our data by age (< 30 vs. ≥ 30 years), country income levels (defined based on the World Bank Classification for the 2023 fiscal year), and culture (Western vs. Non-Western). We used RevMan software, developed by Cochrane, to perform the statistical analysis. The outcomes were assessed using odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) to ensure accurate and reliable estimates.

RESULTS: Data from the 19 studies and 11 countries indicated an overall burnout prevalence rate of 59.5% in the nurse population during COVID-19. In addition, analyses of 37 studies and 15,015 nurses revealed a pooled prevalence rate for emotional exhaustion of 36.1%. Analyses of 36 studies involving 14,864 nurses showed a pooled prevalence rate for depersonalization of 32.4%. Finally, data from 36 studies and 14,864 participants found a pooled prevalence rate for reduced personal accomplishment of 33.3%. Regarding subgroup analysis of total burnout by nurses' characteristics, our results demonstrated that nurses working in higher income countries reported significantly higher prevalence rates of burnout relative to those working in low- and lower-to-middle-income countries. Those working in a Western context exhibited significantly higher risk for overall burnout compared to those working in a non-Western context. Finally, comparisons across age groups noted significantly higher levels of burnout among nurses aged 30 years and above compared to those aged < 30 years.

CONCLUSION: This review urges nursing leaders' intervention, hospital administrators, and policymakers to minimize and prevent burnout among nurses, especially during crises times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This review also encourages further research into efficient evidence-based interventions to support nurses and combat burnout in the nursing profession.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Burnout, Professional/epidemiology
Prevalence
Risk Factors
*Nurses/psychology
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Pandemics

@article {pmid40875678,
year = {2025},
author = {Schapowal, A},
title = {[Long COVID, Post-COVID-Syndrom: Langzeitfolgen von SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen und Nutzen von Ginkgo biloba].},
journal = {Complementary medicine research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1159/000548075},
pmid = {40875678},
issn = {2504-2106},
abstract = {Background Long COVID and Post-COVID Syndrome are long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infections, causing a range of physical, cognitive, and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, memory impairment, and sleep disturbances. The exact pathophysiology remains unclear but is thought to involve persistent viral particles, microvascular dysfunction, autoimmune reactions, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Summary Diagnosing Long COVID is challenging due to the lack of standardized tests. A multimodal treatment approach is recommended, incorporating symptomatic medication, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, as well as nutritional and exercise therapy. One promising complementary therapeutic option is the use of standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties may help alleviate cognitive impairments, fatigue, and cardiovascular symptoms. Initial studies and case reports suggest positive effects, but further clinical trials are necessary to confirm efficacy. Key Messages Long COVID and Post-COVID Syndrome affect multiple organ systems and significantly reduce quality of life. Diagnosis remains difficult due to the absence of specific tests. A multimodal therapy approach is currently the most promising strategy. Standardized Ginkgo biloba extracts show potential benefits for neurocognitive and cardiovascular symptoms in early studies.},
}

@article {pmid40875162,
year = {2025},
author = {Sedky, D and Ghazy, AA and Abou-Zeina, HAA},
title = {Advances in diagnosis of diseases causing diarrhea in newborn calves.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {5},
pages = {293},
pmid = {40875162},
issn = {1573-7446},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; *Cattle Diseases/diagnosis/parasitology/microbiology ; *Diarrhea/veterinary/diagnosis/microbiology ; Animals, Newborn ; },
abstract = {Diarrhea in newborn calves is a serious global health problem. It poses challenges for animal industry, veterinarians and researchers due to the rapid onset of dehydration. Mixed infections make treatment complicated, and many young calves suffer high rates of illness and death from this condition. Numerous enteropathogens are associated with diarrhea in newborn calves, encompassing viruses, bacteria, parasites, and protozoa. Their occurrence differs by region, yet the most prevalent infections include E. coli, Salmonella species, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, Toxocara, Giardia and Eimeria. This review outlines the diagnostic techniques for diseases that lead to diarrhea in newborn calves. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations; however, the laboratory identification of etiological items is the only valid way for detecting the illness's aetiology and initiating treatment protocols. Classic methods such as bacterial culturing, fecal flotation, direct microscopy, and virus isolation help us understand pathogens better. Immunological assays like ELISA and immunochromatography are fast, accurate, affordable, and useful for on-farm detection. They help identify specific antigens or antibodies efficiently. Molecular methods including PCR (standard, multiplex, real time and digital), LAMP assays, DNA microarrays and whole-genome sequencing allow highly accurate and sensitive detection. They can identify pathogens effectively, even at very low levels. Nanotechnology-based assays introduce a novel level of sensitivity and specificity, often yielding quick results with minimal sample volumes. In conclusion, accurate and rapid diagnosis using advanced techniques is critical for managing and preventing diseases that lead to diarrhea in newborn calves.},
}

Animals
Cattle
*Cattle Diseases/diagnosis/parasitology/microbiology
*Diarrhea/veterinary/diagnosis/microbiology
Animals, Newborn

@article {pmid40874746,
year = {2025},
author = {Olarte-Castillo, XA and Frazier, LE and Gomes Noll, JC and Choi, A and Whittaker, GR},
title = {Rethinking the drivers of coronavirus virulence and pathogenesis; toward an understanding of the dynamic world of mutations, indels, and recombination within the alphacoronaviruses.},
journal = {mBio},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0192125},
doi = {10.1128/mbio.01921-25},
pmid = {40874746},
issn = {2150-7511},
abstract = {Alphacoronaviruses are widespread but understudied in comparison to betacoronaviruses. Within the alphacoronaviruses is the species Alphacoronavirus-1, which comprises distinct viruses of cats, dogs, and pigs, along with a separate species that infects mustelids-as well as other related viruses of pigs and circulating human viruses. High-pathogenicity feline coronavirus (FCoV) is infamous as the cause of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), existing as two distinct genotypes (types 1 and 2) and transmitted as a low-pathogenicity virus. The high-pathogenicity variants arise in cats infected with FCoV, and while the mutations responsible remain enigmatic, the main determinant is the spike glycoprotein. FCoV-1 disease outcome is driven by a combination of both within- and between-host evolution. Virulence can be largely explained by the "internal mutation hypothesis," which argues that high-pathogenicity-but poorly transmissible-variants are selected in individual cats. Canine coronaviruses are generally considered low pathogenicity but can cause severe enteritis and can be systemic. Notably, the canine coronavirus spike gene periodically recombines with FCoV-1 to generate FCoV-2, exemplified by FCoV-23, which has caused a widespread outbreak of FIP in Cyprus and has a notably truncated spike N-terminal domain (NTD). In pigs, coronaviruses often cause severe gastrointestinal disease but can become respiratory and have low pathogenicity based on what can also be considered an "internal deletion" of the spike NTD. These viruses may exist as a dynamic "metavirome" (the sum of all viral genomes present in a sample) that is in a constant state of flux, presenting notable challenges for disease surveillance and management.},
}

@article {pmid40873776,
year = {2025},
author = {Busis, NA and Alexander, CM and Castner, J and Singer, S and Smith, CD and Bernstein, CA and Hoyt, DB and Tran, TA and Cipriano, P},
title = {A Path to Improved Health Care Worker Well-being: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {NAM perspectives},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40873776},
issn = {2578-6865},
}

@article {pmid40873637,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Wang, L and Dong, C and Liu, J and Cui, G and Gao, S and Liu, Z},
title = {Exploring the Potential and Advancements of Circular RNA Therapeutics.},
journal = {Exploration (Beijing, China)},
volume = {5},
number = {4},
pages = {e20240044},
pmid = {40873637},
issn = {2766-2098},
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry owing to its superior safety profile, manufacturing capabilities, and potential applications in previously undruggable therapeutic targets. In addition to linear mRNA, such as conventional mRNA, self-amplifying mRNA, and trans-amplifying mRNA, circular mRNA has emerged as a promising candidate. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a class of single-stranded RNA with a covalently closed loop structure that offers enhanced stability compared to linear RNA by resisting degradation from RNases. Recent studies have revolutionized our understanding of their biological functions, surpassing the notion that they are merely byproducts of aberrant splicing events. Given the remarkable success achieved in cancer and SARS-CoV-2/monkeypox virus (MPXV) vaccines, circRNA is being intensively investigated for gene and cell therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of circRNA biogenesis mechanisms in vivo, along with synthesis strategies in vitro, while discussing translation regulation mechanisms and quality control processes involved in circRNA production. Furthermore, we explore the potential application scenarios for circRNAs.},
}

@article {pmid40873308,
year = {2025},
author = {He, L and Liu, Z and Yang, H and Li, Y and Zhang, H},
title = {[Research progress in application of field effect transistor biosensors in virus detection].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {8},
pages = {3021-3035},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.240882},
pmid = {40873308},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Biosensing Techniques/methods/instrumentation ; *Transistors, Electronic ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Viruses/isolation & purification ; Orthomyxoviridae/isolation & purification ; Hepatitis Viruses/isolation & purification ; *Virus Diseases/diagnosis/virology ; HIV/isolation & purification ; COVID-19/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Viral infections are one of the main causes of deaths and economic losses around the globe, and effective virus detection methods are essential for epidemic prevention and control. Most existing detection methods have problems such as high false negative/positive rates, slow responses, high costs, and dependence on professional equipment and personnel, which are not conducive to the rapid and accurate detection of viruses. Field effect transistor (FET) biosensors have attracted widespread attention due to their advantages of label-free detection, high sensitivity, fast responses, real-time measurement, low power consumption, and small sizes for portability. This article first briefly describes the basic situation of viruses and the structure and detection principle of FET biosensors. Subsequently, it delves into the research achievements in the application of FET biosensors in the detection of influenza viruses, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Finally, we make a comprehensive summary and reasonable outlook on the role played by FET biosensors in biomedicine.},
}

*Biosensing Techniques/methods/instrumentation
*Transistors, Electronic
Humans
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Viruses/isolation & purification
Orthomyxoviridae/isolation & purification
Hepatitis Viruses/isolation & purification
*Virus Diseases/diagnosis/virology
HIV/isolation & purification
COVID-19/diagnosis

@article {pmid40836510,
year = {2025},
author = {Avila-Aguero, ML and Betancourt-Cravioto, M and Trejo Varon, R and Torres, JP and Lucas, AG and Becerra-Posada, F and Espinal, C},
title = {Impact of acellular immunization against pertussis; comparative experience of four countries in North, Central and South America.},
journal = {Expert review of vaccines},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {834-839},
doi = {10.1080/14760584.2025.2550973},
pmid = {40836510},
issn = {1744-8395},
mesh = {Humans ; *Whooping Cough/prevention & control/epidemiology/immunology ; *Pertussis Vaccine/administration & dosage/immunology ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Vaccines, Acellular/administration & dosage/immunology ; South America/epidemiology ; Female ; Central America/epidemiology ; Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data ; Immunization, Secondary ; Vaccination ; Chile/epidemiology ; Immunization Programs ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pertussis remains a public health concern despite widespread vaccination, due to waning immunity and asymptomatic transmission. The shift to acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines, aimed at reducing side effects, has changed disease dynamics, requiring ongoing evaluation.

AREAS COVERED: We examined immunization strategies and epidemiological trends in Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama following aP vaccine introduction. Compared vaccine coverage (VC), maternal immunization (MI), and booster strategies (BS), and explored their role in disease control, including post-COVID-19 resurgence.

EXPERT OPINION: High aP VC and MI programs have reduced pertussis in Latin America (LATAM). However, waning immunity, uneven coverage, and disrupted surveillance pose challenges. Strengthening adolescent BS, expanding MI, and improving data systems are vital for sustained control.},
}

Humans
*Whooping Cough/prevention & control/epidemiology/immunology
*Pertussis Vaccine/administration & dosage/immunology
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Vaccines, Acellular/administration & dosage/immunology
South America/epidemiology
Female
Central America/epidemiology
Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data
Immunization, Secondary
Vaccination
Chile/epidemiology
Immunization Programs
Adolescent

@article {pmid40803754,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, L and Wang, Y and Qi, W and Wang, B and Zhang, X and Gong, M and Zhang, X and Wang, T},
title = {Pathophysiological Insights and Clinical Management Strategies for Interstitial Lung Diseases.},
journal = {Biomolecules & therapeutics},
volume = {33},
number = {5},
pages = {785-803},
doi = {10.4062/biomolther.2025.004},
pmid = {40803754},
issn = {1976-9148},
abstract = {Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a heterogeneous group of diseases in which inflammation and/or fibrosis in the pulmonary interstitium results in an impaired gas exchange, difficulties in breathing, and reduced quality of daily life, and contributes to elevated global morbidity and mortality rates. ILD is an umbrella term, with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) being a prime focus because of its progressive and severe form. Out of 300 underlying etiologies, ILD is one of the major reasons for global morbidity and mortality. This review offers a comprehensive overview of six main categories of ILD covering autoimmune, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, drug-induced, infection-related, and unclassified ILD that underscore the complexity of diagnosis and treatment challenges. This review also provides an evidence-based overview of recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of ILD, with precision pharmacotherapy, multidisciplinary care, and emerging therapeutic strategies. From clinical trial data, it also recommends the disease-specific use of pharmacological agents-such as pirfenidone and nintedanib for IPF, and mycophenolate mofetil for connective tissue disease-associated ILD. The manuscript also emphasizes the evolving role of non-pharmacological interventions, including the 6-minute walk test and pulmonary rehabilitation, in enhancing functional capacity and quality of life. To address the current global health concerns, topics of post-COVID-19 ILD and immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated lung disease are integrated. Additionally, future directions are explored, including the role of lung transplantation and novel antifibrotic therapies like anti-Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β antibody cocktails. Together, these insights aim to refine diagnostic precision, personalize treatment, and improve clinical outcomes across the heterogeneous ILD spectrum.},
}

@article {pmid40580944,
year = {2025},
author = {Asasah, SI and Imade, EE and Enagbonma, BJ},
title = {Lessons from COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in West Africa and strategies for future pandemic preparedness: a structured literature review.},
journal = {Journal of public health (Oxford, England)},
volume = {47},
number = {3},
pages = {487-498},
doi = {10.1093/pubmed/fdaf071},
pmid = {40580944},
issn = {1741-3850},
mesh = {Humans ; *Health Personnel/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/statistics & numerical data/psychology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Africa, Western/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring and transmitting infections, including COVID-19. Vaccination is a crucial method for preventing the spread of infectious diseases; however, vaccine non-acceptance can hinder optimal vaccine coverage. This research aims to evaluate the level of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the associated factors among HCWs in West Africa.

METHODS: A structured literature review of quantitative cross-sectional studies was conducted, searching databases including Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), African Journals Online, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycInfo, and Google Scholar. The review focused on studies from April 2021 to February 2023 that examined factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in West Africa. Data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute tools.

RESULTS: Five articles met the inclusion criteria, and they reported that the acceptance level of the COVID-19 vaccine ranged from 38.3% to 73.6%. Barriers to acceptance included concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, side effects, short duration of clinical trials, limited and false information, and lack of social trust.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among West African HCWs is influenced by sociodemographic factors, vaccine concerns, and accurate information, necessitating health promotion strategies and multisectoral collaboration for improved acceptance.},
}

Humans
*Health Personnel/psychology/statistics & numerical data
*Vaccination Hesitancy/statistics & numerical data/psychology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
Africa, Western/epidemiology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics/prevention & control
Pandemic Preparedness

@article {pmid39471824,
year = {2025},
author = {Beaineh, P and El-Bsat, A and Hafez, B and Bizri, AR and Kibbi, AG and Merashli, M and Haddad, F},
title = {COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Skin Ulcerations in the Lower Extremities: A Case Report and Literature Review.},
journal = {The international journal of lower extremity wounds},
volume = {24},
number = {3},
pages = {723-727},
doi = {10.1177/15347346241275785},
pmid = {39471824},
issn = {1552-6941},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *BNT162 Vaccine/adverse effects ; *Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/etiology/diagnosis/therapy ; Debridement/methods ; Lower Extremity ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Skin Ulcer/etiology/therapy ; },
abstract = {Several associations have been made between COVID-19 and vasculitis. Recent data also shows the prevalence and association of de novo vasculitis with either COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 post vaccination. In this article, we present the case of new-onset leukocytoclastic vasculitis, secondary to COVID-19 vaccination, that was complicated by severe infected and nonhealing ulcers in the lower extremities.CaseA 53-year-old male patient presented to the dermatology clinics with a three-week history of painful necrotic patches coalescent of the lateral malleolus of the right and left ankles. History goes back to when the patient reported developing pruritic papules two weeks after receiving his second shot of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2). Punch biopsy was consistent with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. He was prescribed a four-week course of systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics as per cultures. Vascular assessment confirmed normal peripheral arterial and venous system. Two months later, the patient re-presented with fever and worsening of his lower extremity ulcers. He underwent debridement of his wounds. Intra-operative cultures revealed multidrug resistant bacteria. He required an additional debridement session a few days later and a 14-day course of Piperacillin-Tazobactam. The patient was subsequently discharged on corticosteroids and Azathioprine and followed up in the vascular surgery and rheumatology clinics. At four months follow-up, the patient's wounds were almost completely healed.ConclusionThis article highlights a case of severe new-onset COVID-19 vaccine-associated leukocytoclastic vasculitis complicated with infected ulcers that required debridement twice in addition to a prolonged course of antibiotics and immunosuppression therapy. To our knowledge, none of the cases reported in the literature were this severe in nature. In this post-pandemic era, it must remain high on the differential list, and healthcare specialists should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating sudden new-onset skin lesions that do not have an immediately apparent etiology.},
}

Humans
Male
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
*BNT162 Vaccine/adverse effects
*Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous/etiology/diagnosis/therapy
Debridement/methods
Lower Extremity
SARS-CoV-2
*Skin Ulcer/etiology/therapy

@article {pmid40872946,
year = {2025},
author = {Smith, B and Farakh, F and Hanif, A and Tunio, JH and Tunio, SNJ},
title = {Rural-Urban Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Associated Mortality and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes in the United States.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080861},
pmid = {40872946},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {Background: The COVID-19 pandemic magnified long-standing health disparities in the United States, particularly among rural, disadvantaged populations. These communities experience greater barriers to healthcare access, a higher prevalence of chronic illness, and increased vaccine hesitancy factors that collectively contribute to poorer health outcomes. Methods: This narrative review examines rural-urban disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake and their impact on mortality, with a focus on cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. We synthesized the peer-reviewed literature, CDC data, and U.S. Census reports to assess factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, vaccination coverage, COVID-19-related mortality, and CVD mortality trends. Results: Rural residents were less likely to initiate COVID-19 vaccination, showed greater vaccine hesitancy, and experienced higher rates of both COVID-19 and CVD mortality. These disparities were further driven by safety concerns surrounding mRNA technology, misinformation, infrastructural barriers, and sociodemographic factors including political affiliation, education, poverty, and religion. Notably, pre-existing CVD increased vulnerability to severe COVID-19 outcomes in rural communities. Conclusions: Expanding vaccination efforts and improving healthcare infrastructure are essential for addressing these widening health inequities. Future public health strategies should prioritize culturally tailored interventions and rural-specific outreach to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve mortality outcomes in underserved populations.},
}

@article {pmid40872945,
year = {2025},
author = {Bishop, C and Parashar, D and Kizza, D and Abeshu, M and Kaddar, M and Bchir, A and El Maghraby, A and Schirrmacher, H and Wang, Z and Griffiths, U and Malm, S and Kadandale, S and Farrukh, S},
title = {New Vaccine Introduction in Middle-Income Countries Across the Middle East and North Africa-Progress and Challenges.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080860},
pmid = {40872945},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {SC220896//Gavi/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: The middle-income countries (MICs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face multifaceted challenges-including fiscal constraints, conflict, and vaccine hesitancy-that impede the timely introduction of critical vaccines. This study examines the status, barriers, and facilitators to introducing three critical vaccines-human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV), pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), and rotavirus vaccine (RV)-across seven MENA MICs, to identify actionable solutions to enhance vaccine uptake and immunisation coverage. Methods: Using the READ methodology (ready materials, extract, analyse, and distil data), this review systematically analysed policy documents, reports, and the literature on the introduction of HPV, PCV, and RV vaccines in seven MENA MICs. A data extraction framework was designed to capture the status of vaccine introduction and barriers and facilitators to introduction. Findings and data gaps were validated with stakeholder consultations. Results: Of the seven study countries, progress in introducing PCV and RV has been uneven across the region (five countries have introduced PCV, four have introduced RV, and only a single country has introduced HPV at time of writing), hindered by vaccine hesitancy, fiscal challenges, and insufficient epidemiological data. Morocco is the only country to introduce all three vaccines, while Egypt has yet to introduce any. Other common barriers include the impact of conflict and displacement on healthcare infrastructure, delayed introduction due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and limited local production facilities and regional cooperation. In addition, not all countries eligible for Gavi MICs support have applied. These findings provide a roadmap for policymakers to accelerate equitable vaccine introduction in the MENA region. Conclusions: Targeted efforts, such as addressing fiscal constraints, improving local manufacturing, tackling gender barriers, and fostering public trust, paired with regional collaboration, can help bridge gaps and ensure no community is left behind in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40872940,
year = {2025},
author = {Szebeni, J and Koller, A},
title = {Multisystem Endothelial Inflammation: A Key Driver of Adverse Events Following mRNA-Containing COVID-19 Vaccines.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080855},
pmid = {40872940},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {OTKA132596, K-19 (AK)//National Research, Development, and Innovation Office of Hungary/ ; Project no. TKP2020-NKA-17 and TKP2021-EGA-37//Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Hungary from the National Research, Develop-ment and Innovation Fund, and MTA/HAS-Post-Covid 2021-34/ ; project 825828 (Expert) and 2022-1.2.5-TÉT-IPARI-KR-2022-00009 (JS)//European Union Horizon 2020/ ; },
abstract = {mRNA-LNP-based COVID-19 vaccines, namely Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty and Moderna's Spikevax, were successfully deployed to help control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and their updated formulations continue to be recommended, albeit only for high-risk populations. One widely discussed aspect of these vaccines is their uniquely broad spectrum and increased incidence of adverse events (AEs), collectively referred to as post-vaccination syndrome (PVS). Although the reported PVS rate is low, the high number of administered doses among healthy individuals has resulted in a substantial number of reported vaccine-related injuries. A prominent manifestation of PVS is multisystem inflammation, hypothesized to result from the systemic transfection of organ cells with genetic instructions for a toxin, the spike protein, delivered with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). In this narrative review, we focus on endothelial cells in the microcirculatory networks of various organs as primary sites of transfection with mRNA-LNP and consequent PVS. We outline the anatomical variations in the microcirculation contributing to the individual variability of symptoms and examine the molecular and cellular responses to vaccine nanoparticle exposure at the endothelial cell level with a focus on the pathways of a sustained cascade of toxic and autoimmune processes. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying mRNA-LNP-induced AEs and PVS at the organ and cellular levels is critical for improving the safety of future vaccines and other therapeutic applications of this groundbreaking technology.},
}

@article {pmid40872939,
year = {2025},
author = {la Cruz, RAR and Flores-Córdova, JM and Calderon-Hernandez, CC and Cahuapaza-Gutierrez, NL and Ccallalli-Ruiz, NA and Runzer-Colmenares, FM},
title = {Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses Against SARS-CoV-2 Following COVID-19 Vaccination in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080852},
pmid = {40872939},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence on the humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 following COVID-19 vaccination in older adults is warranted.

AIMS: To synthesize and analyze the current evidence on humoral and cellular immune responses to both standard and booster COVID-19 vaccination in individuals aged 60 years and older.

METHODS: Clinical trials and observational studies were included. Reviews, case series, letters to the editor, and similar publications were excluded. A selective literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The risk of bias and methodological quality of the included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2) tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 18 and Review Manager version 5.4.1.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included: eleven observational studies and two randomized clinical trials, evaluating humoral and cellular immune responses in 782 older adults. Messenger RNA vaccines were the most administered, particularly Pfizer-BioNTech (76.9%) and Moderna mRNA-1273 (23%). In most cases, immune responses were assessed after the second dose and booster doses. Most studies (61.5%) reported increased IgG titers specific to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, while 23.1% reported a decrease. Regarding cellular immunity, 46.2% of the studies reported low interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels post-vaccination, whereas 38.5% showed increases. These findings highlight the need for tailored vaccination strategies to address emerging variants, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults.

CONCLUSIONS: In older adults receiving COVID-19 vaccination, humoral immunity tends to increase, whereas cellular responses are frequently diminished, reflecting age-related immunosenescence that may limit the durability and breadth of protection following vaccination in older adults.},
}

@article {pmid40872918,
year = {2025},
author = {Anastasiou, T and Sanidas, E and Lytra, T and Mimikos, G and Gogas, H and Mantzourani, M},
title = {Update on Thromboembolic Events After Vaccination Against COVID-19.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080833},
pmid = {40872918},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {The association between COVID-19 vaccination and thromboembolic events has garnered significant research attention, particularly with the advent of vaccines based on adenoviral vectors, including AstraZeneca's and Johnson & Johnson's vaccines. This review underscores the uncommon occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) following COVID-19 vaccination. Although these complications are extremely rare compared to the heightened risk of thrombosis from COVID-19 infection, elements like age, biological sex, type of vaccine and underlying health conditions may contribute to their development. In addition, rare renal complications such as acute kidney injury and thrombotic microangiopathy have been documented, broadening the spectrum of potential vaccine-associated thrombotic manifestations. Current guidelines emphasize early detection, individualized risk assessment, and use of anticoagulation therapy to mitigate risks. Despite these events, the overwhelming majority of evidence supports the continued use of COVID-19 vaccines, given their proven efficacy in reducing severe illness and mortality. In addition, recent comparative data confirm that mRNA-based vaccines are associated with a significantly lower risk of serious thrombotic events compared to adenoviral vector platforms. Ongoing research is essential to further refine preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly for at-risk populations.},
}

@article {pmid40872912,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, J and Lin, W and Yang, C and Lin, W and Cheng, X and He, H and Li, X and Yu, J},
title = {Immunogenicity, Safety, and Protective Efficacy of Mucosal Vaccines Against Respiratory Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080825},
pmid = {40872912},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Mucosal vaccines, delivered intranasally or via inhalation, are being studied for respiratory infectious diseases like COVID-19 and influenza. These vaccines aim to provide non-invasive administration and strong immune responses at infection sites, making them a promising area of research. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed their immunogenicity, safety, and protective efficacy. Methods: The study design was a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching PubMed and Cochrane databases up to 30 May 2025. Inclusion criteria followed the PICOS framework, focusing on mucosal vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, pertussis, and tuberculosis. Results: A total of 65 studies with 229,614 participants were included in the final analysis. Mucosal COVID-19 vaccines elicited higher neutralizing antibodies compared to intramuscular vaccines (SMD = 2.48, 95% CI: 2.17-2.78 for wild-type; SMD = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32-2.58 for Omicron), with varying efficacy by route (inhaled VE = 47%, 95% CI: 22-74%; intranasal vaccine VE = 17%, 95% CI: 0-31%). Mucosal influenza vaccines protected children well (VE = 62%, 95% CI: 30-46%, I[2] = 17.1%), but seroconversion rates were lower than those of intramuscular vaccines. RSV and pertussis vaccines had high seroconversion rates (73% and 52%, respectively). Tuberculosis vaccines were reviewed systemically, exhibiting robust cellular immunogenicity. Safety was comparable to intramuscular vaccines or placebo, with no publication bias detected. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests mucosal vaccines are immunogenic, safe, and protective, particularly for respiratory diseases. This review provides insights for future research and vaccination strategies, though limitations include varying efficacy by route and study heterogeneity.},
}

@article {pmid40872911,
year = {2025},
author = {Zambrano-Sánchez, G and Rivadeneira, J and Manterola, C and Otzen, T and Fuenmayor-González, L},
title = {Immunization as Protection Against Long COVID in the Americas: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080822},
pmid = {40872911},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {Folio (85220114).//ANID + SUBVENCIÓN A INSTALACIÓN EN LA ACADEMIA CONVOCATORIA AÑO 2022/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Long COVID syndrome is defined as persistent or new symptoms that appear after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and last at least three months without explanation. It is estimated that between 10% and 20% of those infected develop long COVID; however, data is not precise in Latin America. Although high immunization rates have reduced acute symptoms and the pandemic's impact, there is a lack of evidence of its efficacy in preventing long COVID in the region.

METHODS: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Studies on vaccinated adults with long COVID from Central and South America and the Caribbean were included (Mexico was also considered). A comprehensive search across multiple databases was conducted. Data included study design, participant characteristics, vaccine type, and efficacy outcomes. Results are presented narratively and in tables.

RESULTS: Out of 3466 initial records, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria after rigorous selection processes. These studies encompassed populations from Brazil, Mexico, Latin America, and Bonaire, with 11,333 participants, 69.3% of whom were female. Vaccination, particularly with three or more doses, substantially reduces the risk and duration of long COVID. Variability was noted in the definitions and outcomes assessed across studies.

CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review highlights that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination exhibits potential in reducing the burden of long COVID in the Americas. However, discrepancies in vaccine efficacy were observed depending on the study design, the population studied, and the vaccine regimen employed. Further robust, region-specific investigations are warranted to delineate the effects of vaccination on long COVID outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40872898,
year = {2025},
author = {Jaca, A and Mathebula, L and Malinga, T and Rampersadh, K and Zulu, M and Hohlfeld, AS and Wiysonge, CS and Jacobson Vann, JC and Ndwandwe, D},
title = {Interventions to Improve Vaccination Uptake Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080811},
pmid = {40872898},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Immunization is a highly effective intervention for controlling over 20 life-threatening infectious diseases, significantly reducing both morbidity and mortality rates. One notable achievement in vaccination efforts was the global eradication of smallpox, which the World Health Assembly declared on 8 May 1980. Additionally, there has been a remarkable 99.9% reduction in wild poliovirus cases since 1988, decreasing from more than 350,000 cases that year to just 30 cases in 2022.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of various interventions designed to increase vaccination uptake among adults.

SEARCH METHODS: A thorough search was conducted in the CENTRAL, Embase Ovid, Medline Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, and Global Index Medicus databases for primary studies. This search was conducted in August 2021 and updated in November 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials were eligible for inclusion in this review, regardless of publication status or language.

DATA ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened the search outputs to select potentially eligible studies. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each randomized controlled trial (RCT). A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and the quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS: A total of 35 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review, with the majority conducted in the United States. The interventions targeted adults aged 18 and older who were eligible for vaccination, involving a total of 403,709 participants. The overall pooled results for interventions aimed at increasing influenza vaccination showed a risk ratio of 1.41 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.73). Most studies focused on influenza vaccination (18 studies), while the remaining studies examined various other vaccines, including those for hepatitis A, COVID-19, hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), herpes zoster, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The results indicate that letter reminders were slightly effective in increasing influenza vaccination uptake compared to the control group (RR: 1.75, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.16; 6 studies; 161,495 participants; low-certainty evidence). Additionally, participants who received education interventions showed increased levels of influenza vaccination uptake compared to those in the control group (RR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.61, 5.76; 3 studies; 1318 participants; low-certainty evidence). Furthermore, tracking and outreach interventions also led to an increase in influenza vaccination uptake (RR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.78, 4.46; 2 studies; 33,752 participants; low-certainty evidence).

CONCLUSIONS: Letter reminders and educational interventions targeted at recipients are effective in increasing vaccination uptake compared to control groups.},
}

@article {pmid40872876,
year = {2025},
author = {Soldatov, AA and Kryuchkov, NA and Gorenkov, DV and Avdeeva, ZI and Svitich, OA and Soshnikov, S},
title = {Challenges to the Effectiveness and Immunogenicity of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Narrative Review with a Systematic Approach.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/vaccines13080789},
pmid = {40872876},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the rapid development and distribution of various vaccine platforms, resulting in a significant reduction in disease severity, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, persistent challenges remain concerning the durability and breadth of vaccine-induced protection, especially in the face of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. This review aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the immunogenicity and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to inform future vaccine advancement strategies. A narrative review with systematic approach was conducted following PRISMA guidelines for narrative review. Literature was sourced from databases including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between December 2019 and May 2025. Encompassed studies assessed vaccine efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety across various populations and vaccine platforms. Data were collected qualitatively, with quantitative data from reviews highlighted where available. We have uncovered a decline in vaccine efficacy over time and weakened protection against novel variants such as Delta and Omicron. Booster doses, specifically heterologous regimens, improved immunogenicity and increased protection. Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody titers have been found to correlate with clinical protection, although the long-term correlates of immunity remain poorly defined. The induction of IgG4 antibodies after repeated mRNA vaccinations raised concerns about potential modulation of the immune response. COVID-19 vaccines have contributed significantly to pandemic control; however, their efficacy is limited by the evolution of the virus and declining immunity. Forthcoming vaccine strategies should focus on broad-spectrum, variant-adapted formulations and defining robust comparisons of protection. Recognizing the immunological basis of vaccine response, including the role of specific antibody subclasses, is fundamental for optimizing long-term protection.},
}

@article {pmid40872842,
year = {2025},
author = {Rindi, LV and Zaçe, D and Sarmati, L and Parrella, R and Russo, G and Andreoni, M and Mastroianni, CM},
title = {Pharmacological and Adjunctive Management of Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients During the Omicron Era: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081128},
pmid = {40872842},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/therapy/mortality/virology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Ritonavir/therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants characterized by increased transmissibility and immune escape has raised concerns about the efficacy of current treatments. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in Omicron-infected non-hospitalized patients, focusing on key clinical outcomes such as hospitalization, respiratory failure, ICU admission, and 30-day mortality.

METHODS: Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov (last update: 13 July 2025). Eligible studies reported outcomes on antiviral agents, monoclonal antibodies, adjunctive therapies, or telemedicine. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate, with heterogeneity assessed by I[2]. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger's test. Subgroup analyses explored sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS: Eighty-eight studies were included. Meta-analyses, comparing treatment vs. no treatment, revealed that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduced hospitalization by 52% (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.63) and all-cause mortality by 84% (RR 0.16, 95% CI 0.11-0.24). Remdesivir reduced hospitalization by 70% (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.19-0.47) and respiratory failure by 89% (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.44). Sotrovimab decreased hospitalization (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.93) and mortality (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.19-0.61). Molnupiravir modestly reduced hospitalization (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.91) and respiratory failure (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.77).

CONCLUSIONS: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and remdesivir remain important for reducing severe outcomes, while sotrovimab retains partial efficacy. Rapid access to antivirals remains an important factor in mitigating SARS-CoV-2's burden.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
*COVID-19/therapy/mortality/virology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Ritonavir/therapeutic use
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use

@article {pmid40872813,
year = {2025},
author = {Muthiah, D and Vaddadi, K and Liu, L},
title = {Breathless Aftermath: Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081098},
pmid = {40872813},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {R01HL157450, R21AI189861 and P30GM149368//National Institutes of Health grants, Oklahoma Center for Adult Stem Cell Research and the Lundberg-Kienlen Endowment fund (to LL)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Pulmonary Fibrosis/etiology/epidemiology/diagnosis/therapy/pathology/virology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Lung/pathology/virology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Quality of Life ; },
abstract = {A significant number of individuals recovering from COVID-19 continue to experience persistent symptoms, collectively referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), or long COVID. Among these complications, post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PC19-PF) is one of the most severe long-term outcomes, characterized by progressive lung scarring, chronic respiratory impairment, and reduced quality of life. Despite the increasing prevalence of PC19-PF, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of PC19-PF, including its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and mechanistic insights. Additionally, we highlight the shared pathways between PC19-PF and other fibrotic lung diseases and discuss emerging therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates emerging insights from both clinical and experimental studies to advance our understanding of PC19-PF pathogenesis and guide the development of mechanism-based therapeutic approaches.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
*Pulmonary Fibrosis/etiology/epidemiology/diagnosis/therapy/pathology/virology
SARS-CoV-2
Lung/pathology/virology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Quality of Life

@article {pmid40872778,
year = {2025},
author = {Soares, VC and Moreira, IBG and Dias, SSG},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Antiviral Strategies: Advances and Limitations.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081064},
pmid = {40872778},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/genetics ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/virology ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, remarkable progress has been made in the development of antiviral therapies for SARS-CoV-2. Several direct-acting antivirals, such as remdesivir, molnupiravir, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, offer clinical benefits. These agents have significantly contributed to reducing the viral loads and duration of the illness, as well as the disease's severity and mortality. However, despite these advances, important limitations remain. The continued emergence of resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants highlights the urgent need for adaptable and durable therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this review aims to provide an updated overview of the main antiviral strategies that are used and the discovery of new drugs against SARS-CoV-2, as well as the therapeutic limitations that have shaped clinical management in recent years. The major challenges include resistance associated with viral mutations, limited treatment windows, and unequal access to treatment. Moreover, there is an ongoing need to identify novel compounds with broad-spectrum activity, improved pharmacokinetics, and suitable safety profiles. Combination treatment regimens represent a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of treating COVID-19 while minimizing the potential for resistance. Ideally, these interventions should be safe, affordable, and easy to administer, which would ensure broad global access and equitable treatment and enable control of COVID-19 cases and preparedness for future threats.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/genetics
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
COVID-19/virology
Drug Resistance, Viral
Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use

@article {pmid40872762,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, Y and Wang, Y and Huang, D and Tan, YJ},
title = {The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein in Host Inflammation.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081046},
pmid = {40872762},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {T2EP30121-0012//Ministry of Education/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/immunology/metabolism ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Inflammation/immunology/virology ; *Phosphoproteins/immunology/metabolism ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has posed substantial health threats and triggered widespread global economic disruption. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is not only a key structural protein but also instrumental in mediating the host immune response, contributing significantly to inflammation and viral pathogenesis. Due to its immunogenic properties, SARS-CoV-2 N protein also interacts with host factors associated with various pre-existing inflammatory conditions and may possibly contribute to the long-term symptoms suffered by some COVID-19 patients after recovery-known as long COVID. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in elucidating the biological functions of the N protein. In particular, it highlights the mechanisms by which the N protein contributes to host inflammatory responses and elaborates on its association with long COVID and pre-existing inflammatory disorders.},
}

Humans
*Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/immunology/metabolism
*COVID-19/immunology/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Inflammation/immunology/virology
*Phosphoproteins/immunology/metabolism
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Animals

@article {pmid40872752,
year = {2025},
author = {Loor-Giler, A and Galdo-Novo, S and Nuñez, L},
title = {Enteric Viruses in Turkeys: A Systematic Review and Comparative Data Analysis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/v17081037},
pmid = {40872752},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {543.A.XVI.25.//Universidad de Las Américas, Quito - Ecuador./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Turkeys/virology ; *Poultry Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; Phylogeny ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Enteric diseases represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in poultry production, especially in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), significantly affecting the profitability of the sector. Turkey enteric complex (PEC) is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by diarrhea, stunting, poor feed conversion, and increased mortality in young turkeys. Its aetiologia includes multiple avian enteric viruses, including astrovirus, rotavirus, reovirus, parvovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus, which can act singly or in co-infection, increasing clinical severity. This study performs a systematic review of the literature on these viruses and a meta-analysis of their prevalence in different regions of the world. Phylogenetic analyses were used to assess the genetic diversity of the main viruses and their geographical distribution. The results show a wide regional and genetic variability, which underlines the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance. Health and production implications are discussed, proposing control strategies based on biosecurity, targeted vaccination, and optimized nutrition. These findings highlight the importance of integrated management to mitigate the impact of CSF in poultry.},
}

Animals
*Turkeys/virology
*Poultry Diseases/virology/epidemiology
Phylogeny
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid40872614,
year = {2025},
author = {Marinescu, M and Zalaru, C},
title = {Benzimidazole-Pyrimidine Hybrids: Synthesis and Medicinal Properties.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ph18081225},
pmid = {40872614},
issn = {1424-8247},
abstract = {Background: Heterocyclic compounds represent a key class of compounds in medicinal chemistry. Both benzimidazoles and pyrimidines are essential heterocycles in medicinal chemistry, with various therapeutic properties. Recent literature presents a series of hybrid heterocyclic compounds, as their medicinal properties are generally improved compared to those of single heterocyclic rings. Methods: A literature search was conducted across relevant scientific literature from peer-reviewed sources, using keywords, including "benzimidazole", "pyrimidine", "Biginelli", "benzimidazole-pyrimidine hybrids", "anticancer", "antiviral", "antimicrobial", and "anti-inflammatory". Results: In this review, benzimidazole-pyrimidine hybrids are reported as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, antidepressant, anti-Alzheimer's, or antioxidant agents, with activities even better than those of existing drugs. The IC50 values for these anticancer hybrids are in the nanomolar range, which signifies potent anticancer agents. It can be mentioned here that the anticancer hybrid Abemaciclib, as a CDK4/6 inhibitor for the treatment of certain types of breast cancer, was approved in 2017. The antimicrobial activity of these hybrids proved especially potent against a broad variety of infections, with MIC values in the range of µM or even nM. Moreover, these hybrids exhibited good antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, and the hepatitis C virus. The hybrids also functioned as JAK3 inhibitors, COX-1 inhibitors, and MAO-A inhibitors. Conclusions: This review presents synthesis methods of benzimidazole-pyrimidine hybrids, their medicinal properties, and SAR studies reported in the last 20 years. For almost every therapeutic activity, SAR studies have revealed the essential presence of a substituent on the aromatic rings or between the two benzimidazole and pyrimidine nuclei.},
}

@article {pmid40872326,
year = {2025},
author = {Pati, I and Masiello, F and Piccinini, V and De Fulvio, L and Massari, MS and De Angelis, V and Cruciani, M},
title = {Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Infectious Diseases: A Literature Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14080816},
pmid = {40872326},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; *Venous Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control ; Risk Factors ; COVID-19/complications ; *Communicable Diseases/complications ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; HIV Infections/complications ; Tuberculosis/complications ; },
abstract = {Systemic or localized infections increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). All types of infection can elevate the risk of VTE thrombosis, although some appear to increase risk more than others. In the current narrative review, we seek to overview the available evidence related to the epidemiology of VTE caused by infections. We focused on patients with infection in community setting or hospitalized, on patients with COVID-19, HIV infection, tuberculosis, HCV infection, and CMV infection, as well as on individuals with other types of infection that might increase the risk of VTE. Moreover, we tried to evaluate how the risk of VTE in person with different types of infections could be addressed in clinical practice with the use of anticoagulants. Extended VTE prophylaxis may not be warranted for all infections, but may be very helpful for some, such as those with intra-abdominal infection, systemic bloodstream infection, lower respiratory infection, and symptomatic urinary tract infection.},
}

Humans
*Venous Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control
Risk Factors
COVID-19/complications
*Communicable Diseases/complications
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2
HIV Infections/complications
Tuberculosis/complications

@article {pmid40872323,
year = {2025},
author = {Nagasawa, M},
title = {Perspectives on the History and Epidemiology of the Varicella Virus Vaccine and Future Challenges.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14080813},
pmid = {40872323},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; *Chickenpox Vaccine/immunology/history/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Chickenpox/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Japan/epidemiology ; Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {The varicella attenuated virus vaccine, developed in Japan in the 1970s, has dramatically reduced the number of pediatric chickenpox cases over the past 30 years due to its widespread use. However, a small number of cases of chickenpox, shingles, aseptic meningitis, and acute retinal necrosis caused by vaccine strains have been reported. There are also issues that need to be addressed, such as breakthrough infections and the persistence of the preventive effect of vaccination. In addition, there is the possibility of the emergence of revertants or mutations in the vaccine strain. In recent years, subunit vaccines have been developed, their immune-stimulating effects have been demonstrated, and they are being applied clinically. In addition, development of an mRNA varicella vaccine is underway. In this review, the history and impact of the varicella vaccine are overviewed, as well as its future challenges.},
}

Humans
*Chickenpox Vaccine/immunology/history/administration & dosage/adverse effects
*Chickenpox/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Herpesvirus 3, Human/immunology
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Japan/epidemiology
Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
Vaccination

@article {pmid40872258,
year = {2025},
author = {Livieratos, A and Kagadis, GC and Gogos, C and Akinosoglou, K},
title = {AI Methods Tailored to Influenza, RSV, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2: A Focused Review.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/pathogens14080748},
pmid = {40872258},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; *Influenza, Human/diagnosis/therapy ; *HIV Infections/diagnosis/therapy ; *Artificial Intelligence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis/therapy ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Machine Learning ; },
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques-ranging from hybrid mechanistic-machine learning (ML) ensembles to gradient-boosted decision trees, support-vector machines, and deep neural networks-are transforming the management of seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Symptom-based triage models using eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forests, as well as imaging classifiers built on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have improved diagnostic accuracy across respiratory infections. Transformer-based architectures and social media surveillance pipelines have enabled real-time monitoring of COVID-19. In HIV research, support-vector machines (SVMs), logistic regression, and deep neural network (DNN) frameworks advance viral-protein classification and drug-resistance mapping, accelerating antiviral and vaccine discovery. Despite these successes, persistent challenges remain-data heterogeneity, limited model interpretability, hallucinations in large language models (LLMs), and infrastructure gaps in low-resource settings. We recommend standardized open-access data pipelines and integration of explainable-AI methodologies to ensure safe, equitable deployment of AI-driven interventions in future viral-outbreak responses.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis
*Influenza, Human/diagnosis/therapy
*HIV Infections/diagnosis/therapy
*Artificial Intelligence
SARS-CoV-2
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis/therapy
Neural Networks, Computer
Machine Learning

@article {pmid40871554,
year = {2025},
author = {Jin, J and Quan, M and Cao, X and Zhang, Y and Xu, X and Wang, Z},
title = {PROTACs in Antivirals: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30163402},
pmid = {40871554},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Proteolysis/drug effects ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/virology ; Hepacivirus/drug effects ; Ubiquitination ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/drug effects ; Proteolysis Targeting Chimera ; },
abstract = {Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology has demonstrated remarkable progress in tumor therapy, attributed to its unique capability of catalytically degrading "undruggable" targets. In the context of the ongoing global health threat posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the application scope of PROTAC technology has been gradually extended to the field of antiviral research. Unlike traditional small molecule inhibitors, PROTAC employs an "event-driven" mechanism to achieve ubiquitination-mediated degradation of target proteins. This approach holds great promise in addressing challenges such as drug resistance, targeting host-dependent factors, and high-mutagenic viral proteins. This article provides a comprehensive review of the application progress of PROTAC technology in antiviral therapy, with a particular emphasis on successful cases across a range of viral pathogens, including Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), influenza virus, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Additionally, it delves into the challenges encountered in this field and ponders future development directions. Through the integration of the latest research findings, this article proposes a dual-target degradation strategy based on the host-pathogen interaction interface. These proposals aim to offer theoretical support for the clinical translation of antiviral PROTACs.},
}

*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
*Proteolysis/drug effects
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
COVID-19/virology
Hepacivirus/drug effects
Ubiquitination
Host-Pathogen Interactions/drug effects
Proteolysis Targeting Chimera

@article {pmid40871409,
year = {2025},
author = {Papaneri, A and Cui, G and Chen, SH},
title = {Next-Generation Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics for Viral Pathogens: Lessons Learned from the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13081905},
pmid = {40871409},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {1ZICES102506//NIH Intramural Research Program/ ; 1ZIAES103310//NIH Intramural Research Program/ ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), catalyzed unprecedented innovation in molecular diagnostics to address critical gaps in rapid pathogen detection. Over the past five years, CRISPR-based systems, isothermal amplification techniques, and portable biosensors have emerged as transformative tools for nucleic acid detection, offering improvements in speed, sensitivity, and point-of-care applicability compared to conventional PCR. While numerous reviews have cataloged the technical specifications of these platforms, a critical gap remains in understanding the strategic and economic hurdles to their real-world implementation. This review provides a forward-looking analysis of the feasibility, scalability, and economic benefits of integrating these next-generation technologies into future pandemic-response pipelines. We synthesize advances in coronavirus-specific diagnostic platforms and attempt to highlight the need for their implementation as a cost-saving measure during surges in clinical demand. We evaluate the feasibility of translating these technologies-particularly CRISPR-Cas integration with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-into robust first-line diagnostic pipelines for novel viral threats. By analyzing the evolution of diagnostic strategies during the COVID-19 era, we aim to provide strategic insights and new directions for developing and deploying effective detection platforms to better confront future viral pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid40871375,
year = {2025},
author = {Esposito, S and Masetti, M and Calanca, C and Canducci, N and Rasmi, S and Fradusco, A and Principi, N},
title = {Recent Changes in the Epidemiology of Group A Streptococcus Infections: Observations and Implications.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13081871},
pmid = {40871375},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {CUP I83C22001810007//NextGenerationEU-MUR M4C2.I.1.3PNRR/ ; },
abstract = {Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a major human pathogen capable of causing infections ranging from mild pharyngitis and impetigo to severe invasive diseases such as bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Historically, the incidence of GAS infections declined during the early antibiotic era but began rising again from the early 2000s, driven partly by the emergence of hyper-virulent strains such as emm1 and emm12. From 2005 onward, significant increases in GAS infections were reported globally, accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance, particularly to macrolides and tetracyclines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread public health measures led to a sharp decline in GAS infections, including invasive cases, but this trend reversed dramatically in late 2022 and 2023, with surges exceeding pre-pandemic levels, notably in children. Recent data implicate factors such as "immunity debt," viral co-infections, and the spread of virulent clones like M1UK. Looking forward, continued surveillance of GAS epidemiology, virulence factors, and resistance patterns is critical. Moreover, the emergence of GAS isolates with reduced susceptibility to beta-lactams underscores the need for vigilance despite the absence of fully resistant strains. The development of an effective vaccine remains an urgent priority to reduce GAS disease burden and prevent severe outcomes. Future research should focus on vaccine development, molecular mechanisms of virulence, and strategies to curb antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid40871305,
year = {2025},
author = {Vlok, M and Majer, A},
title = {Global Prevalence of Non-Polio Enteroviruses Pre- and Post COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13081801},
pmid = {40871305},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Non-polio enteroviruses continue to cause numerous epidemics world-wide that range from mild to severe disease, including acute flaccid paralysis, meningitis, severe respiratory infections and encephalitis. Using publicly available data we present a comprehensive global and regional temporal distribution of non-polio enteroviruses, with a focus on highly prevalent genotypes. We found that regional distribution did vary compared to global prevalence where the top prevalent genotypes included CVA6 and EV-A71 in Asia, EV-D68 in North America and CVA13 in Africa, while E-30 was prevalent in Europe, South America and Oceania. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic did interrupt non-polio enterovirus detections globally, and cases rebounded in subsequent years, albeit at lower prevalence and with decreased genotype diversity. Environmental surveillance for non-polio enteroviruses does occur and has been used in some regions as an early-warning system; however, further development is needed to effectively supplement potential gaps in clinical surveillance data. Overall, monitoring for non-polio enteroviruses is critical to identify true incidence, improve understanding of genotype circulation, provide an early warning system for emerging/re-emerging genotypes and allow for better outbreak control.},
}

@article {pmid40871295,
year = {2025},
author = {Caliman-Sturdza, OA and Soldanescu, I and Gheorghita, RE},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13081791},
pmid = {40871295},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The development of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is characterized by extensive lung inflammation, which, in turn, leads to respiratory distress and a decline in blood oxygen levels. Hospital admission, along with intensive care or ventilator usage, becomes necessary because this condition leads to serious respiratory problems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and current therapeutic options for pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pathophysiological process of severe pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by direct lung damage from viral replication, an excessive immune system response, inflammation, impaired gas exchange, and multi-organ failure. The coexistence of various medical conditions leads to substantial lung impairment, resulting in hypoxia and respiratory failure, which can ultimately lead to fatal outcomes. The diagnosis of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is made through a combination of clinical, radiologic, and laboratory findings. A multifaceted approach integrating antiviral therapy, corticosteroids, oxygen supplementation, ventilatory management, and immunomodulation is imperative to control inflammation and enhance clinical outcomes. Early intervention, meticulous monitoring, and personalized care are paramount for enhancing survival and mitigating complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.},
}

@article {pmid40871289,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramos-Cela, M and Forconi, V and Antonelli, R and Manenti, A and Montomoli, E},
title = {Exploring the Use of Viral Vectors Pseudotyped with Viral Glycoproteins as Tools to Study Antibody-Mediated Neutralizing Activity.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13081785},
pmid = {40871289},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic human RNA viruses from probable zoonotic origin have highlighted the relevance of epidemic preparedness as a society. However, research in vaccinology and virology, as well as epidemiologic surveillance, is often constrained by the biological risk that live virus experimentation entails. These also involve expensive costs, time-consuming procedures, and advanced personnel expertise, hampering market access for many drugs. Most of these drawbacks can be circumvented with the use of pseudotyped viruses, which are surrogate, non-pathogenic recombinant viral particles bearing the surface envelope protein of a virus of interest. Pseudotyped viruses significantly expand the research potential in virology, enabling the study of non-culturable or highly infectious pathogens in a safer environment. Most are derived from lentiviral vectors, which confer a series of advantages due to their superior efficiency. During the past decade, many studies employing pseudotyped viruses have evaluated the efficacy of vaccines or monoclonal antibodies for relevant pathogens such as HIV-1, Ebolavirus, Influenza virus, or SARS-CoV-2. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the applications of pseudotyped viruses when evaluating the neutralization capacity of exposed individuals, or candidate vaccines and antivirals in both preclinical models and clinical trials, to further help develop effective countermeasures against emerging neutralization-escape phenotypes.},
}

@article {pmid40870742,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, X and Yang, X and Deng, Y and Guo, L and Li, Z and Yang, X and Hou, C},
title = {Cannabis Derivatives as Ingredients of Functional Foods to Combat the COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14162830},
pmid = {40870742},
issn = {2304-8158},
abstract = {Lower respiratory infections predominantly affect children under five and the elderly, with influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) being the most common pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant global public health challenges. While vaccination remains crucial, its efficacy is limited, highlighting the need for complementary approaches to mitigate immune hyperactivation in severe COVID-19 cases. Medicinal plants like Cannabis sativa show therapeutic potential, with over 85% of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in China receiving traditional herbal treatments. This review explores the antiviral applications of cannabis and its bioactive compounds, particularly against SARS-CoV-2, while evaluating their pharmacological and food industry potential. Cannabis contains over 100 cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Cannabinoids may block viral entry, modulate immune responses (e.g., suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines via CB2/PPARγ activation), and alleviate COVID-19-related psychological stress. There are several challenges with pharmacological and food applications of cannabinoids, including clinical validation of cannabinoids for COVID-19 treatment and optimizing cannabinoid solubility/bioavailability for functional foods. However, rising demand for health-focused products presents market opportunities. Genetic engineering to enhance cannabinoid yields and integrated pharmacological studies are needed to unlock cannabis's full potential in drug discovery and nutraceuticals. Cannabis-derived compounds hold promise for antiviral therapies and functional ingredients, though further research is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid40870447,
year = {2025},
author = {Pecoraro, L and Di Muri, E and Lezzi, G and Picciolo, S and De Musso, M and Piazza, M and Bosoni, M and Indrio, F},
title = {Nasal Irrigations: A 360-Degree View in Clinical Practice.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {61},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/medicina61081402},
pmid = {40870447},
issn = {1648-9144},
mesh = {Humans ; *Nasal Lavage/methods ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Rhinitis/therapy ; Sinusitis/therapy ; Respiratory Tract Infections/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Nasal irrigation (NI) is an effective, safe, low-cost strategy for treating and preventing upper respiratory tract diseases. High-volume, low-pressure saline irrigations are the most efficient method for removing infectious agents, allergens, and inflammatory mediators. This article reviews clinical evidence supporting NI use in various conditions: nasal congestion in infants, recurrent respiratory infections, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic and gestational rhinitis, empty nose syndrome, and post-endoscopic sinus surgery care. NI improves symptoms, reduces recurrence, enhances the efficacy of topical drugs, and decreases the need for antibiotics and decongestants. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NI has also been explored as a complementary measure to reduce viral load. Due to the safe profile and mechanical cleansing action on inflammatory mucus, nasal irrigations represent a valuable adjunctive treatment across a wide range of sinonasal conditions.},
}

Humans
*Nasal Lavage/methods
COVID-19/prevention & control
Rhinitis/therapy
Sinusitis/therapy
Respiratory Tract Infections/therapy
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40869923,
year = {2025},
author = {Tan, X and Li, J and Cui, B and Wu, J and Toischer, K and Hasenfuß, G and Xu, X},
title = {CRISPR/Cas13-Based Anti-RNA Viral Approaches.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/genes16080875},
pmid = {40869923},
issn = {2073-4425},
mesh = {*CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Humans ; *RNA, Viral/genetics ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics/drug effects ; *RNA Viruses/genetics/drug effects ; COVID-19/virology/therapy ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Virus Replication ; Animals ; },
abstract = {RNA viruses pose significant threats to global health, causing diseases such as COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, influenza, and dengue. These viruses are characterized by high mutation rates, rapid evolution, and the ability to evade traditional antiviral therapies, making effective treatment and prevention particularly challenging. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas13 has emerged as a promising antiviral tool due to its ability to specifically target and degrade viral RNA. Unlike conventional antiviral strategies, Cas13 functions at the RNA level, providing a broad-spectrum and programmable approach to combating RNA viruses. Its flexibility allows for rapid adaptation of guide RNAs to counteract emerging viral variants, making it particularly suitable for highly diverse viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV. This review discusses up-to-date applications of Cas13 in targeting a wide range of RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, HIV, dengue, influenza, and other RNA viruses, focusing on its therapeutic potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated Cas13's efficacy in degrading viral RNA and inhibiting replication, with applications spanning prophylactic interventions to post-infection treatments. However, challenges such as collateral cleavage, inefficient delivery, potential immunogenicity, and the development of an appropriate ethical framework must be addressed before clinical translation. Future research should focus on optimizing crRNA design, improving delivery systems, and conducting rigorous preclinical evaluations to enhance specificity, safety, and therapeutic efficacy. With continued advancements, Cas13 holds great promise as a revolutionary antiviral strategy, offering novel solutions to combat some of the world's most persistent viral threats.},
}

*CRISPR-Cas Systems
Humans
*RNA, Viral/genetics
SARS-CoV-2/genetics/drug effects
*RNA Viruses/genetics/drug effects
COVID-19/virology/therapy
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Virus Replication
Animals

@article {pmid40869890,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdel-Motaal, KA and Chun, S},
title = {Governance in Crisis: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Global Health Governance During COVID-19.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijerph22081305},
pmid = {40869890},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Global Health ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Health Policy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major structural deficiencies in global health governance, including stark inequities in vaccine access, intervention timing, and mortality outcomes. While economic resources played a role, the influence of governance performance remains insufficiently examined. This study addresses a significant gap by integrating governance metrics with pandemic response data to assess how governance quality, independent of income level, affected national outcomes. Although the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) dataset has been widely used to document policy responses, this study offers a novel contribution by linking these policy interventions with governance performance and evaluating their joint effect on health outcomes and vaccine equity.

METHODS: This mixed-methods study combines quantitative analysis of global datasets with a qualitative literature review. Quantitative data were mainly obtained from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGIs), and World Bank/WHO databases. A governance performance index was constructed using two WGI components: Government Effectiveness and Regulatory Quality. Countries were grouped into high, medium, or low governance categories. Statistical tests included ANOVA, Kaplan Meier survival analysis, and multivariable OLS regression. The qualitative component reviewed 45 academic and institutional sources on governance performance during COVID-19.

RESULTS: Countries with high governance performance had earlier public health interventions, lower mortality, and broader vaccine coverage, independent of income level. Kaplan Meier analysis revealed faster school closures in these countries (p < 0.01). Multivariable regression showed governance remained a significant predictor after adjusting for income and health spending. Qualitative findings highlighted recurring weaknesses in legal enforceability, intergovernmental coordination, and global financing mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS: Governance performance had a decisive impact on pandemic outcomes. The COVID-19 crisis revealed the need for robust governance systems capable of responding to complex emergencies that extend beyond the health sector into institutional, economic, and social spheres.},
}

*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Global Health
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
*Health Policy

@article {pmid40869505,
year = {2025},
author = {Starshinova, A and Belyaeva, E and Irtyuga, O and Sefiyeva, G and Mitrofanova, L and Makarov, I and Makarova, T and Kulpina, A and Kudlay, D},
title = {Tuberculosis in Pregnant Women After COVID-19: Features of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Narrative Review).},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm14165681},
pmid = {40869505},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {№ 075-15-2025-013//Financial support was provided by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {Tuberculosis remains a serious infectious disease that causes over 1.3 million deaths annually. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the global incidence of tuberculosis has increased to 10.8 million cases. Pregnant women represent a particularly vulnerable population requiring tailored approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis. SARS-CoV-2 infection may have impacted existing clinical protocols. Implementing updated methods of tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in pregnant women could help reduce adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this review was to explore potential modifications in tuberculosis management among pregnant women in the post-COVID-19 era, including co-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A review was conducted, incorporating a systematic literature search across major international databases, including Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search covered publications released between December 2019 and September 2024 and used targeted keywords such as "COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2", "tuberculosis" OR "TB" OR "latent tuberculosis infection" OR "pulmonary tuberculosis", and "pregnancy" OR "pregnant women". Results: Pregnant women living with HIV are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis, which can negatively affect both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Screening for tuberculosis is recommended for all HIV-positive pregnant women, even in the absence of clinical symptoms. Notably, immunological testing before and during pregnancy facilitates the timely and safe detection of tuberculosis infection, enabling preventive and therapeutic interventions during any stage of gestation and the early postpartum period, for the benefit of both mother and child. Drug-drug interactions play a significant role in tuberculosis management, both among anti-tuberculosis agents and with medications for comorbid conditions. Current knowledge of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antituberculosis agents, coupled with therapeutic drug monitoring, supports the development of individualized and effective treatment regimens, which are particularly critical for pregnant patients. Recommendations for managing tuberculosis in pregnant women after COVID-19 infection include measuring D-dimer levels, performing echocardiography, and consulting cardiologists to prevent treatment-related complications. Conclusions: Pregnant women represent a distinct subgroup of tuberculosis patients requiring individualized management. Changes observed in tuberculosis progression and treatment responses in pregnant women before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection should inform therapeutic choices, especially in cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis treated with bedaquiline. COVID-19 has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, which may heighten the likelihood of adverse drug reactions in this population, especially given the limited therapeutic options. Further research is required to assess the long-term outcomes of latent tuberculosis infection in pregnant women and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel regimens for drug-resistant TB during pregnancy.},
}

@article {pmid40869221,
year = {2025},
author = {Elhabyan, A and Khan, MUS and Elhabyan, A and Abukhatwa, R and Uzair, H and Jimenez, C and Elhabyan, A and Chan, YL and Shabana, B},
title = {Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity of Cyclophilin Inhibitors Against Coronaviruses: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26167900},
pmid = {40869221},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {BB/T00875X/1//UKRI/ ; },
mesh = {*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Cyclophilins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; Humans ; Animals ; *Cyclosporine/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; COVID-19/virology ; *Coronavirus/drug effects ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology ; },
abstract = {Cyclophilins (Cyps), a family of peptidyl-prolyl isomerases, play essential roles in the life cycle of coronaviruses by interacting with viral proteins and modulating host immune responses. In this systematic review, we examined cell culture, animal model, and clinical studies assessing the anti-viral efficacy of cyclosporine A (CsA, PubChem CID: 5284373) and its non-immunosuppressive derivatives against coronaviruses. CsA demonstrated robust anti-viral activity in vitro across a broad range of coronaviruses, including but not limited to HCoV-229E, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, with potent EC50 values in the low micromolar range. Non-immunosuppressive analogs such as Alisporivir and NIM811 exhibited similar inhibitory effects. In vivo, CsA treatment significantly reduced viral load, ameliorated lung pathology, and improved survival in coronavirus-infected animals. Clinical studies further indicated that CsA administration was associated with improved outcomes in COVID-19 patients, including reduced mortality and shorter hospital stays. Mechanistic studies revealed that CsA disrupts the formation of viral replication complexes, interferes with critical Cyp-viral protein interactions, and modulates innate immune signaling. These findings collectively demonstrate the therapeutic potential of cyclophilin inhibitors as broad-spectrum anti-virals against current and emerging coronaviruses.},
}

*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Cyclophilins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
Humans
Animals
*Cyclosporine/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Virus Replication/drug effects
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
COVID-19/virology
*Coronavirus/drug effects
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology

@article {pmid40869200,
year = {2025},
author = {Lesgards, JF and Cerdan, D and Perronne, C},
title = {Do Long COVID and COVID Vaccine Side Effects Share Pathophysiological Picture and Biochemical Pathways?.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26167879},
pmid = {40869200},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control/physiopathology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/metabolism ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {COVID affects around 400 million individuals today with a strong economic impact on the global economy. The list of long COVID symptoms is extremely broad because it is derived from neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and renal dysfunctions and damages. We review here these pathophysiological manifestations and the predictors of this multi-organ pathology like the persistence of the virus, altered endothelial function, unrepaired tissue damage, immune dysregulation, and gut dysbiosis. We also discuss the similarities between long COVID and vaccine side effects together with possible common immuno-inflammatory pathways. Since the spike protein is present in SARS-CoV-2 (and its variants) but also produced by the COVID vaccines, its toxicity may also apply to all mRNA or adenoviral DNA vaccines as they are based on the production of a very similar spike protein to the virus. After COVID infection or vaccination, the spike protein can last for months in the body and may interact with ACE2 receptors and mannan-binding lectin (MBL)/mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2 (MASP-2), which are present almost everywhere in the organism. As a result, the spike protein may be able to trigger inflammation in a lot of organs and systems similar to COVID infection. We suggest that three immuno-inflammatory pathways are particularly key and responsible for long COVID and COVID vaccine side effects, as it has been shown for COVID, which may explain in large part their strong similarities: the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the kininogen-kinin-kallikrein system (KKS), and the lectin complement pathway. We propose that therapeutic studies should focus on these pathways to propose better cures for both long COVID as well as for COVID vaccine side effects.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control/physiopathology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/metabolism
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid40868989,
year = {2025},
author = {Cimmino, G and D'Elia, S and Morello, M and Titolo, G and Luisi, E and Solimene, A and Serpico, C and Conte, S and Natale, F and Loffredo, FS and Bianco, A and Golino, P},
title = {Cardio-Pulmonary Features of Long COVID: From Molecular and Histopathological Characteristics to Clinical Implications.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26167668},
pmid = {40868989},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology/pathology ; Lung/pathology/virology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {Long COVID is a persistent post-viral syndrome with the significant involvement of both the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, often extending well beyond the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging evidence has highlighted a spectrum of chronic alterations, including endothelial dysfunction, microvascular inflammation, perivascular fibrosis, and in some cases, the persistence of viral components in the cardiac and pulmonary tissues. At the molecular level, a sustained inflammatory milieu-characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6)-and chronic platelet hyperreactivity contribute to a prothrombotic state. These mechanisms are implicated in microvascular damage, cardiac strain, and impaired gas exchange, correlating with clinical manifestations such as fatigue, dyspnea, chest discomfort, and reduced exercise capacity. In certain patients, especially those who were not hospitalized during the acute phase, cardiac MRI and myocardial biopsy may reveal signs of myocardial inflammation and autonomic dysregulation. These often subclinical cardiovascular alterations underscore the need for improved diagnostic strategies, integrating molecular and histopathological markers during post-COVID evaluations. Recognizing persistent inflammatory and thrombotic activity may inform risk stratification and individualized therapeutic approaches. The interdependence between pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care. In this context, molecular and tissue-based diagnostics play a pivotal role in elucidating the long-term cardio-pulmonary sequelae of long COVID and guiding targeted interventions. Early identification and structured follow-up are essential to mitigate the burden of chronic complications in affected individuals.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/pathology
SARS-CoV-2
*Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology/pathology
Lung/pathology/virology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid40868961,
year = {2025},
author = {Florea, CE and Bălaș-Maftei, B and Rotaru, A and Abudanii, PL and Vieru, ST and Grigoriu, M and Stoian, A and Manciuc, C},
title = {Multiorgan Involvement and Particularly Liver Injury in Long COVID: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life15081314},
pmid = {40868961},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing evidence has shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause long-term symptoms, collectively known as long COVID, and that patients with mild COVID-19 can also be affected by persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment, dyspnea, muscle pain, etc. Recent research has also found multiple organ systems, including the liver, to be significant sites of ongoing injury. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on organ involvement during and after COVID-19, with particular focus on early and delayed hepatic manifestations and associated risk factors. Pathogenesis appears to be multifactorial, involving direct virus action, the body's immune-mediated inflammatory response, microvascular damage, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, and, in some cases, reactivation or exacerbation of pre-existing liver conditions. The hepatic clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic elevations of transaminases to cholangiopathy and even fibrosis. These can persist or progress for months after the initial infection with SARS-CoV-2 is resolved, requiring prolonged monitoring and interdisciplinary care, especially in the presence of metabolic disorders, obesity, or hepatitis. Neurological, cardiovascular, and other sequelae are discussed in parallel, with attention paid to common inflammatory and thrombotic pathways. This review concludes that liver dysfunction is of particular interest in long-COVID due to the liver's central role in metabolism and inflammation. While further research is being conducted into organ-specific and systemic interactions, the available evidence makes a compelling case for extended monitoring and integrated management strategies post infection.},
}

@article {pmid40868652,
year = {2025},
author = {Medani, IE and Hakami, AM and Chourasia, UH and Rahamtalla, B and Adawi, NM and Fadailu, M and Salih, A and Abdelmola, A and Hashim, KN and Dawelbait, AM and Yousf, NM and Hassan, NM and Ali, NA and Rizig, AA},
title = {Telemedicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Scoping Review of Enhancing Access and Outcomes in Modern Healthcare.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/healthcare13162036},
pmid = {40868652},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Telemedicine has transformed obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to synthesize evidence on the adoption, effectiveness, barriers, and technological innovations of telemedicine in OB/GYN across diverse healthcare settings. This scoping review synthesized 63 peer-reviewed studies (2010-2023) using PRISMA-ScR guidelines to map global applications, outcomes, and challenges. Key modalities included synchronous consultations, remote monitoring, AI-assisted triage, tele-supervision, and asynchronous communication. Results demonstrated improved access to routine care and mental health support, with outcomes for low-risk pregnancies comparable to in-person services. Adoption surged >500% during pandemic peaks, stabilizing at 9-12% of services in high-income countries. However, significant disparities persisted: 43% of rural Sub-Saharan clinics lacked stable internet, while socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural barriers disproportionately affected vulnerable populations (e.g., non-English-speaking, transgender, and refugee patients). Providers reported utility but also screen fatigue (41-68%) and diagnostic uncertainty. Critical barriers included fragmented policies, reimbursement variability, data privacy concerns, and limited evidence from conflict-affected regions. Sustainable integration requires equity-centered design, robust policy frameworks, rigorous longitudinal evaluation, and ethically validated AI to address clinical complexity and systemic gaps.},
}

@article {pmid40868618,
year = {2025},
author = {Wypych-Ślusarska, A and Krupa-Kotara, K and Słowinski, J and Yanakieva, A and Grajek, M},
title = {The Impact of Polycrisis on Healthcare Systems-Analyzing Challenges and the Role of Social Epidemiology.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {16},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/healthcare13161998},
pmid = {40868618},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {In response to contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, armed conflicts, and economic instability, healthcare systems worldwide are increasingly confronted with multifaceted and overlapping crises-collectively referred to as polycrisis. These interconnected threats amplify one another, placing unprecedented strain on healthcare infrastructure, governance, and equity. The COVID-19 pandemic alone led to an estimated 16.3 million missed hospitalizations in 2020 and 14.7 million in 2021, revealing systemic vulnerabilities and deepening social inequalities. Armed conflicts, such as in Syria and Gaza, have devastated healthcare access. In Gaza, by mid-2024, 85% of the population had been forcibly displaced, with only 17 of 36 hospitals partially functioning and over 885 healthcare workers killed. Climate change further exacerbates health burdens, with over 86% of urban residents globally exposed to harmful air pollution, contributing to 1.8 million deaths annually. This study introduces a novel perspective by applying social epidemiology to the analysis of polycrisis. While the existing literature often emphasizes political or economic dimensions, our approach highlights how overlapping crises affect population health, social vulnerability, and systemic resilience. By integrating sociodemographic and environmental data, social epidemiology supports crisis-resilient care models, targeted interventions, and equitable health policies. We argue for a stronger mandate to invest in data infrastructure, enhance surveillance, and embed social determinants into health system responses.},
}