@article {pmid41281926,
year = {2025},
author = {Irigoyen-Amparan, CW and Gonzalez, KD and Pennathur, A and Mancera, B and Pennathur, PR},
title = {Organizational challenges persist, and new research directions emerge in the study of burnout in healthcare: Bibliometric analysis.},
journal = {Journal of public health research},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {22799036251395259},
pmid = {41281926},
issn = {2279-9028},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Between 35% and 45% of nurses and 40%-54% of physicians in the United States experienced burnout over the past decade, underscoring the need to examine trends and patterns in healthcare burnout research to identify contributors and formulate recommendations. Our objectives were to (1) understand whether the problem of burnout is widespread and studied globally, (2) assess the extent of research collaboration, (3) examine the focus of healthcare burnout themes prior to 2019 and after 2019 and assess similarities between themes to identify persistent problems, and (4) assess differences in themes to identify new research directions triggered by COVID-19.

DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a literature search in Web of Science, followed by bibliometric and manual comparative analyses of publications data. We analyzed trends in publications, countries, and organizations where healthcare burnout was studied, constructed co-authorship networks, and evaluated theme similarities and differences between the periods.

RESULTS: Studies have investigated longstanding system and organizational problems, including poor workplace conditions and unsupportive leadership and management, as contributors to burnout. Research collaborations on healthcare burnout across countries have increased post-pandemic. Studies conducted after 2019 have investigated new research directions, including workplace adaptations, workplace aggression, and emerging technologies such as virtual reality.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that workplace conditions and organizational factors such as leadership and management remain persistent challenges, with workplace violence and workplace aggression increasingly associated with burnout. Design improvements to the work system and emerging technologies hold promise as interventions for preventing and mitigating burnout.},
}

@article {pmid41281392,
year = {2025},
author = {Leivaditis, V and Mulita, F and Baikoussis, N and Liolis, E and Tchabashvili, L and Tasios, K and Antzoulas, A and Dahm, M},
title = {Forged in conflict: how wars and crises shaped cardiovascular surgery.},
journal = {Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery},
volume = {41},
number = {12},
pages = {1733-1747},
pmid = {41281392},
issn = {0970-9134},
abstract = {Wars and crises have historically acted as powerful catalysts for advances in cardiovascular surgery. Throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, periods of armed conflict and global emergencies have driven surgical innovation, accelerated technological development, and reshaped clinical priorities. This review explores how wartime conditions, with their urgent need for effective treatment of vascular and cardiac injuries, fostered the emergence of new techniques such as arterial repair, cardiopulmonary bypass, and heart valve replacement. It also examines how public health crises, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, further transformed cardiovascular surgical practice by introducing new protocols, technologies, and logistical frameworks. Drawing on historical milestones, surgical breakthroughs, and lessons learned under extreme conditions, this article highlights the enduring impact of crises on the evolution of cardiovascular surgery and reflects on how these experiences continue to influence contemporary surgical strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41278042,
year = {2025},
author = {Parmar, V and Arias Castro, A and Singh, I and Garcia Santiago, G and Singh, M},
title = {Prevalence of Suicide Among Adolescents Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {e97166},
pmid = {41278042},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {This systematic review examines the prevalence of adolescent suicide before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzes associated changes and contributing factors. A literature search was conducted for studies published between 2019 and 2023 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on populations aged 12-19 years that reported suicide prevalence both before and during the pandemic. Only peer-reviewed studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. A total of 20 studies met the criteria and were included. The findings indicate a significant increase in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents, particularly females. Major contributing factors included social isolation, academic stress, and reduced access to mental healthcare. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial negative impact on adolescent mental health. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and strengthened support systems to prevent suicide and promote resilience in this vulnerable population.},
}

@article {pmid41278035,
year = {2025},
author = {Zulla, RT and Nicholas, DB and Sutherland, S and Cohen, E and Birnie, K and Anthony, S and Robeson, P and Selkirk, E and Killackey, T and Mohabir, V and Stinson, J},
title = {Synchronous virtual care in children's health care: a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in pediatrics},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1610407},
pmid = {41278035},
issn = {2296-2360},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Synchronous virtual care comprises real-time, online-mediated healthcare. This approach has increasingly been used in pediatrics, largely implemented in the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence is limited on the impacts of this mode of care delivery on patient and family experience and care quality. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to amalgamate existing knowledge about the perceived impact of synchronous virtual care as it is experienced by children and their families across multiple disciplines.

METHODS: Following guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, a search of the peer reviewed, published literature was conducted employing multiple databases: APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, EBSCO, Embase, and OVID. Reviewed articles were published in English from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2023, and addressed virtual care for children and their families. The initial search generated 1,079 articles, which underwent abstract and then full-text screening. A total of 157 full text articles were screened, yielding 117 articles from which data was extracted.

RESULTS: Virtual care interventions, generally appearing in the last decade (2013-2023), have been largely studied using quantitative approaches. They tend to be positively viewed by youth and parents as indicated by identified benefits and general satisfaction. However, articles report both facilitating and hindering elements of virtual care, and barriers are reported that reflect inequities associated with social determinants of health. Such barriers are shown to impede the use of virtual care among some marginalized communities. The review indicates that effective virtual care approaches require (a) program/organizational infrastructure support, (b) training for both service providers and users, and (c) tailoring to clinical needs.

CONCLUSION: Considering virtual care "fit" for target patients and families is important. Implications for clinical care as well as guidelines for future research are offered.},
}

@article {pmid41277681,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Mollayeva, T and Fitzpatrick, R and Tylinski Sant'Ana, T and Farina, F and Swiatek, D and Sopidou, K and Tabilo, E and Betka, M and Leroi, I and Leon, T and Peeters, G and , },
title = {The Global Impact of COVID-19 Control Measures on People With Dementia Living at Home and Their Carers: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Across 27 Countries.},
journal = {Brain and behavior},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e71100},
doi = {10.1002/brb3.71100},
pmid = {41277681},
issn = {2162-3279},
support = {/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; //EU Joint Programme - Neurodegenerative Disease Research/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Dementia/psychology ; *Caregivers/psychology ; Global Health ; Qualitative Research ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 control measures have had a unique impact on people with dementia (PWD) and their carers living at home. Yet, uncertainty exists regarding the global impact of such measures and whether differences exist between countries and global regions. We aimed to synthesize evidence on this topic.

METHODS: We searched Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Latin American and Caribbean Health Literature (LILACS), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and EM Premium from the start of the pandemic to July 2022. At least two researchers independently screened citations and performed quality assessment following recommended criteria for critical appraisal according to study methodology. We analyzed data by country and region and synthesized results descriptively.

RESULTS: Sixty-nine studies met inclusion criteria (74% quantitative and 26% qualitative; 22% included PWD, 44% carers of PWD, and 4% dyads), with a total of 209,738 participants. Most studies were conducted in Europe (59%), followed by Asia and North America (15% each), South America (7%), and Oceania (1%). Two studies presented data from multiple regions (3%). The quality of the studies varied, with the majority (62%) being of moderate quality. Across the study populations and global regions, COVID-19 control measures had implications for PWD and carers' access to health services, physical and mental health and daily routine, cognition, behavior, with accompanying social and economic costs. The impact on mental health for PWD and on loneliness and well-being for carers were the two most frequently studied outcomes.

CONCLUSION: People with dementia and their carers represent a heterogeneous group of people across countries and communities; despite that, the impacts of COVID-19 control measures on PWD and their carers were broadly consistent across regions. Our evidence synthesis highlights the critical need for decision-makers to account for the needs of PWD and their carers when designing and implementing public health measures.

OTHER: This work was funded by the JPND Call for Expert Working Groups: The Impact of COVID-19 on Neurodegenerative Diseases in partnership with the CIHR-Institute of Aging and the Public Health Agency (CIHR #02342-000). PROSPERO CRD42024554701.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Dementia/psychology
*Caregivers/psychology
Global Health
Qualitative Research
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41277211,
year = {2025},
author = {Pugazhenthi, DP and Ramya, A and Murugavel, D and Krishnan, K and Palani, S},
title = {A Review of the Efficacy of Nanodrug Delivery Systems: Is It Worth the Hype?.},
journal = {The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India},
volume = {73},
number = {11},
pages = {80-82},
doi = {10.59556/japi.73.1205},
pmid = {41277211},
issn = {0004-5772},
mesh = {Humans ; *Drug Delivery Systems/methods ; *Nanoparticles ; *Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Nanodrug delivery systems are gradually becoming the current "talk of the town" due to their efficiency in treating different diseases in a more advanced manner when compared to conventional drug-delivery systems. It is well known that drugs can be given through various routes of administration, such as the popular oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes. It is quite surprising that formulating these same drugs as nanoparticles (NPs) and administering them to the patient could produce better results. Different studies have shown the effects of nanodrug delivery systems in targeting cancer cells, ameliorating pulmonary arterial hypertension, and providing improved treatments for ophthalmic conditions such as glaucoma. In most studies, nanodrug delivery systems have been shown to exhibit targeted action at the desired site or organ, low toxicity, and fewer systemic side effects. These new insights can provide an enhanced understanding of the benefits of NP formulations of drugs, as well as open up new pathways for future creative techniques in addressing emerging medical conditions. Furthermore, these formulations generally consist of polymer- or liposome-based or coated NPs, as they are easily biodegradable, meaning they have a higher ability to disintegrate and, at the same time, are not harmful to living tissues, thereby displaying greater compatibility. New connections can be established through the utilization of NPs in the treatment of emerging diseases worldwide. Data from these studies could provide a foundation for groundbreaking and innovative strategies in coping with or fighting even the recent COVID-19 pandemic.},
}

Humans
*Drug Delivery Systems/methods
*Nanoparticles
*Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System
COVID-19

@article {pmid41276835,
year = {2025},
author = {Kaboré, BWO and Gouba, N and Ilboudo, AK and Lingani, M and Savadogo, M and Ouedraogo, E and Cissé, A and Simonis, V and Tarnagda, Z},
title = {Viral etiology of acute respiratory infections in Sub-Saharan Africa during the pre-COVID-19 period (2006-2019): a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-025-12122-8},
pmid = {41276835},
issn = {1471-2334},
}

@article {pmid41276789,
year = {2025},
author = {Thomas, SJ and Dulek, DE and Gans, HA and Masaki, Y and Michaels, MG},
title = {Updates on Vaccine-Preventable Respiratory Viral Infections in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.},
journal = {Pediatric transplantation},
volume = {29},
number = {8},
pages = {e70231},
doi = {10.1111/petr.70231},
pmid = {41276789},
issn = {1399-3046},
mesh = {Humans ; *Organ Transplantation ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control/virology ; Child ; *Transplant Recipients ; *Virus Diseases/prevention & control ; Child, Preschool ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control ; *Vaccine-Preventable Diseases/prevention & control ; Infant ; },
abstract = {The global burden of acute lower respiratory tract infections, including viral etiologies, equated to 725 557 deaths in 2021 in children under 4 years of age. Community-acquired respiratory viral infections (RVI) also carry a high burden among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients (PSOTR), accounting for 14.5% of hospitalizations in the first year post-transplant in an American cohort. This mini review on behalf of the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) infectious diseases committee discusses novel preventative and prophylactic strategies and includes pertinent updates for vaccine-preventable RVI including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV in PSOTR.},
}

Humans
*Organ Transplantation
*Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control/virology
Child
*Transplant Recipients
*Virus Diseases/prevention & control
Child, Preschool
COVID-19/prevention & control
Influenza, Human/prevention & control
*Vaccine-Preventable Diseases/prevention & control
Infant

@article {pmid41275995,
year = {2025},
author = {Flasbeck, V and Engler, H and Marková, V and Schedlowski, M and Brüne, M},
title = {Between Care and Contagion: Insights from the Endotoxin Model into the Social Facets of Sickness.},
journal = {Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106486},
doi = {10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106486},
pmid = {41275995},
issn = {1873-7528},
abstract = {The ability to recognize sick and potentially contagious conspecifics is crucial for survival, particularly in social species where close contact increases the risk for disease transmission. This creates an evolutionary trade-off between avoiding infection and maintaining care for sick group members. This narrative review summarizes research using bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) to experimentally induce sickness, focusing on its effects on social behavior in animals and humans. LPS-treated animals generally show reduced social exploration of healthy conspecifics, while healthy conspecifics tend to avoid them. Such avoidance behavior is influenced by environmental factors such as housing conditions, health status, and social hierarchy. Some species, when sick, show a preference for familiar individuals, and exhibit more affiliative, less aggressive behaviors. In humans, LPS-induced sickness leads to heightened sensitivity to both positive and negative social cues, which may reflect an adaptive response to increased vulnerability. Individuals under LPS also demonstrate an enhanced ability to regulate emotional responses and reduced empathy for others' psychological pain, suggesting a shift towards a more self-focused, energy-conserving state. Sick individuals additionally tend to seek care from those with a history of supportive behavior. Humans can detect sickness in others through olfactory and visual cues, such as odor, facial expressions and posture. As observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged social isolation negatively affects both infected individuals and their caregivers. Future research should therefore investigate the impact of sickness on higher level social cognitive functioning, as well as the role of modulating variables such as familiarity, sickness severity and sample demographics.},
}

@article {pmid41275494,
year = {2025},
author = {Wadhwa, R and Tang, E and Wong, LYR and Wong Fok Lung, T},
title = {Airway immunometabolic responses during pulmonary bacterial and viral infections.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {12},
pages = {116614},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.116614},
pmid = {41275494},
issn = {2211-1247},
abstract = {Airway infections caused by viral and bacterial pathogens pose a significant threat to human health, with the COVID-19 pandemic serving as a stark reminder of their detrimental impact. This review explores the critical role of metabolism in determining the outcome of respiratory infections. It covers fundamental concepts in immunometabolism and details how common pathogens exploit the host metabolism to dysregulate immune responses or evade immune clearance. We further consider how immune-signaling metabolites can directly drive pathogen evolution, emphasizing the importance of a better understanding of host-pathogen metabolic interactions in developing effective new therapies.},
}

@article {pmid41275176,
year = {2025},
author = {Fakherpour, A and Jahangiri, M and Haghighi, A},
title = {A systematic review of fit improvement strategies for respirators: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12889-025-24867-7},
pmid = {41275176},
issn = {1471-2458},
support = {23984//Shiraz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 23984//Shiraz University of Medical Sciences/ ; 23984//Shiraz University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The use of respirators and masks has increased dramatically during outbreaks of respiratory infections, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Both filtration efficiency and respirator fit testing influence the provision of effective respiratory protection to users. If healthcare workers (HCWs) do not have access to tight-fitting N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) or if fit testing procedures are not feasible, some cost‒benefit fit improvement strategies (FISs) could benefit HCW respiratory protection against respiratory infection pandemics.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the importance of fit testing and to identify the optimal factors influencing respirator or mask fit characteristics, particularly in emergency situations.

METHODS: We searched four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct from February 5, 2020, to December 7, 2024, covering the COVID-19 pandemic period. Finally, a gray literature search was conducted to ensure that no further studies were missed. Additionally, quality assessment of the included studies was performed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS: A total of 39 full texts were included in the systematic review. Seven categories of FISs included fitters or braces, double masking with cloth or medical masks over FFRs, ear loop knotting and tucking or using ear guards (hooks, clips), adhesive tape, skin protectants/dressings, wearing goggles over FFRs, and using cloths over facial hair to improve fit. Each FIS has its own advantages and disadvantages. Overall, there was an improvement in fitting after the application of the FISs.

CONCLUSIONS: Among all, mask frame, ear loop strap modification, medical tape, thin dressings, double masking, and goggles donning modification are considered as pleasant FISs during performing the occupational activity. Among all, the mask frame and medical tape outperformed the other FISs. It is crucial that all respirators modified with FISs undergo standard fit testing procedures to avoid a false sense of security and prevent exposure to hazardous respiratory substances. Both safety and ergonomic factors are of great importance when applying each FIS.},
}

@article {pmid41274005,
year = {2025},
author = {Ning, YX and Liang, S and Cai, XM and Song, SL and Zhao, ZR and Yu, WB},
title = {Mental health among athletes: A bibliometric and visual analysis of research hotspots and trends.},
journal = {Acta psychologica},
volume = {261},
number = {},
pages = {106002},
doi = {10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.106002},
pmid = {41274005},
issn = {1873-6297},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mental health among elite athletes is a critical and growing focus, recognized for its profound impact on their well-being and performance trajectories.

OBJECTIVE: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric and visual analysis of athlete mental health research from 2015 to 2024, aiming to identify key contributors, established hotspots, and emerging trends to guide future investigations and interventions.

METHODS: Articles published between 2015 and 2024 were systematically retrieved from Web of Science and Scopus databases. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were utilized for bibliometric and visual analysis.

RESULTS: A corpus of 2508 unique articles revealed an upward publication trend. The United States, Harvard Medical School, and Gouttebarge were identified as leading contributors. Co-citation analysis yielded 20 primary research clusters, encompassing common psychological challenges (e.g., depression, eating disorders), positive psychological traits (e.g., mindfulness, mental toughness), specific stressors (e.g., concussion, overtraining, career uncertainty), and social support systems. Keyword burst detection highlighted emerging directions: the long-term mental health impacts of COVID-19, mental health in student athletes and competitive contexts, methodological trends like retrospective studies, and the interplay of physiological stress, distress, and attention.

CONCLUSION: This study offers valuable, data-driven insights into the evolving landscape of athlete mental health research. By mapping key hotspots and emerging trends, it provides a crucial roadmap for future investigations, enhancing understanding and guiding the development of effective interventions to safeguard athletes' overall well-being and optimize their performance.},
}

@article {pmid41272854,
year = {2025},
author = {Morton, S and Surman, K and Bayliss, R and Storey, H and Gray, E and Gant, A and Morris, A and Forbes, A and Cowan, S and Stevenson, E and Hardy, P and Williams, R and , },
title = {FPHC Wellbeing Charter: The 'Whys' and 'Hows' of the Charter.},
journal = {Scandinavian journal of trauma, resuscitation and emergency medicine},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {187},
pmid = {41272854},
issn = {1757-7241},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Focus Groups ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Emergency Medical Services/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In 2022 the Faculty of Pre-hospital Care (FPHC) report on "Valuing Staff, Valuing Patients" was published, outlining the need to "seek out and remedy secondary stressors", such as training burdens or financial costs. Since that original publication, COVID-19 and the increased demand for healthcare have presented additional challenges, and staff wellbeing remains an increasing concern. The aim of the FPHC Wellbeing Group was to develop a FPHC Wellbeing Charter, to put the recommendations of the report into practice in a document that outlines achievable measures for all pre-hospital organisations to improve their staff and volunteers' wellbeing.

METHODS: Questionnaires and focus groups, alongside a literature search and the original FPHC report were utilised to develop the Charter. This was led by the FPHC Wellbeing Group. Participants were sought from a range of pre-hospital organisations including National Health Service ambulance trusts, air ambulance organisations and voluntary organisations such as Mountain Rescue. The Charter has been reviewed by the FPHC Executive Committee.

RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-one responses to the questionnaire were obtained and six focus groups were held representing the majority of pre-hospital organisations. As a result of this a FPHC Wellbeing Charter has been developed with four main sections: policies for a good organisation; facilities for a good organisation; support for colleagues in a good organisation and continued professional development, study leave and examination support in a good organisation. Within the policies section there are four sub-sections: rotas and rest; illness/return to work; patient outcome follow-up and parental leave (including maternity policies).

CONCLUSION: The FPHC Wellbeing Charter outlines 'why' and 'how' organisations can take measures to improve their staff and volunteer's wellbeing. Much of the emphasis of the Charter is on reducing secondary stressors by improving simple things, recognising that whilst pre-hospital clinicians and volunteers are often involved in difficult events, daily stresses have a significant cumulative impact. It is anticipated that this will not be a static document; however, a minimum baseline has been set.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Focus Groups
Surveys and Questionnaires
*Emergency Medical Services/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41272649,
year = {2025},
author = {Dückers, MLA},
title = {Exposing the loci of bias: a taxonomical exploration of sources of bias in population mental health research.},
journal = {Population health metrics},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {64},
pmid = {41272649},
issn = {1478-7954},
mesh = {Humans ; Bias ; *Mental Health ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Population Health ; },
abstract = {All studies are inherently biased, but some are more biased than others. This variation on a key theme from George Orwell's Animal Farm underscores a significant issue in public health. Ultimately, optimizing public health begins with understanding population health-particularly when assessing the impact of specific health risks that are often intertwined with both benign and malign health determinants. The objective of this contribution is to provide an overview of sources of bias in epidemiological research, drawing inspiration from the work of Rudolph Agricola-Northern Europe's first humanist and a homo universalis. Agricola's methodological approach distinguished between different categories of informational sources, which he deliberately employed as instruments for structured argumentation. This article presents a contemporary variation of that approach in the form of a complementary taxonomy, outlining examples of material and procedural bias sources that, individually or in combination, can affect estimates of mental health problems. These include the nature of the outcome itself and the context of the sample-covering its vulnerability and exposure profile, as well as broader population characteristics-along with data collection methods and analytical techniques. The value of this structured approach to disentangling bias in modern population health research is illustrated with examples from recent studies on the impacts of disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers are encouraged to be modest, to carefully consider "locations" or "origins" of bias, and to interpret study findings with caution-especially when using them to inform public health policy or to make arguments about the nature and severity of population health issues.},
}

Humans
Bias
*Mental Health
COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Population Health

@article {pmid41175829,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, N and Rambod, B and Dukers-Muijrers, N and Chevalier, JM and Steijvers, L and Kojan, L and Wijnen, S and Crutzen, R and Jahn, B and Siebert, U and Stellbrink, L and van Daalen, F and Kretzschmar, M and Hiligsmann, M},
title = {General population preferences for health-related protective behaviors during infectious disease emergencies: a systematic review of conjoint-analysis studies.},
journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)},
volume = {388},
number = {},
pages = {118721},
doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118721},
pmid = {41175829},
issn = {1873-5347},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Emergencies/psychology ; *Health Behavior ; *Communicable Diseases/psychology ; *Communicable Disease Control/methods ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To primarily systematically review the evidence from conjoint analysis (CA) studies on general population preferences for health-related protective behavioral measures during infectious disease emergencies, to secondarily assess the role of social networks in shaping decisions and to synthesize quantitative data to inform behaviorally responsive epidemiological models.

METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched to identify relevant CA studies published up to June 2025. In addition to study characteristics, the scope of protective measures of included studies were examined and categorized according to seven pre-defined groups; the relative importance of attributes in each study was ranked and compared across studies and the heterogeneity of preferences was explored. The ISPOR checklist was used to assess the quality of reporting of included studies.

RESULTS: Of 2,523 articles identified, 16 studies were included. The quality of included studies was high with an average score of 24.7 out of 30 (range 18.5-28.5). Lockdown and restriction-related measures were most frequently perceived as important. A moderate level, targeted lockdown in a short period was preferred over severe or no restrictions. Face mask wearing and physical distancing were generally highly valued and preferred; for these measures, there was a clear preference for voluntary compliance over mandatory enforcement. Selective public spaces closures were preferred over broader shutdowns. Long-lasting, mandatory, and broadly applied quarantine was generally less preferred, while targeted quarantine was more acceptable. Substantial heterogeneity in preferences across populations was identified; age- and risk-based discrepancies in preferences were reported.

CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the complexity of public preferences for protective measures and highlights the importance of aligning public health strategies with individual preferences by taking into account substantial heterogeneity. Incorporating these insights into policy and mathematical modelling frameworks would be helpful to enhance the acceptability and adherence of health-related protective measures in future pandemic preparedness.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Emergencies/psychology
*Health Behavior
*Communicable Diseases/psychology
*Communicable Disease Control/methods

@article {pmid40976013,
year = {2025},
author = {Vetrugno, L and D'Ardes, D and Deana, C and Biasucci, DG and Boccatonda, A},
title = {Lung ultrasound and community-acquired pneumonia: from complementary tool to clinical game-changer.},
journal = {Respiratory medicine and research},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {101203},
doi = {10.1016/j.resmer.2025.101203},
pmid = {40976013},
issn = {2590-0412},
mesh = {Humans ; *Community-Acquired Infections/diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography/methods ; *Pneumonia/diagnostic imaging ; COVID-19/epidemiology/diagnostic imaging ; *Lung/diagnostic imaging ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Community-Acquired Pneumonia ; },
abstract = {Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a major global health concern, traditionally diagnosed through chest X-ray (CXR). However, lung ultrasound (LUS) is increasingly emerging as a transformative tool in both diagnosis and management. Evidence from recent meta-analyses reveals that LUS outperforms CXR in sensitivity and rivals it in specificity, with pooled diagnostic accuracies exceeding 90 %. Unlike CXR, LUS is radiation-free, cost-effective, and ideal for bedside use, making it particularly valuable in emergency departments, intensive care units, pediatric and geriatric populations, and resource-limited settings. In children, LUS spares radiation exposure, while in elderly patients, contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves diagnostic specificity. Beyond diagnosis, LUS enables dynamic monitoring, prognostic scoring (e.g., LUS score, CPIS-PLUS), and supports treatment decisions such as ventilator weaning and antibiotic stewardship. Recent applications during the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated its effectiveness in triage and outcome prediction. Despite challenges such as operator dependency and reduced penetration for deep lesions, technological advances-particularly artificial intelligence and handheld devices-are mitigating these limitations. Deep learning models now interpret LUS images with high accuracy, enhancing reproducibility and accessibility for general practitioners. In low- and middle-income countries, LUS serves as a crucial diagnostic bridge, improving access and reducing reliance on costly imaging modalities. As training programs and standardized scoring systems evolve, LUS is becoming a frontline tool rather than a supplementary option. Its integration into clinical practice promises to reshape pneumonia care through rapid, accurate, and scalable diagnostics. In light of these advancements, LUS is not just complementary to radiography-it is redefining the diagnostic landscape of pneumonia.},
}

Humans
*Community-Acquired Infections/diagnostic imaging
Ultrasonography/methods
*Pneumonia/diagnostic imaging
COVID-19/epidemiology/diagnostic imaging
*Lung/diagnostic imaging
SARS-CoV-2
Community-Acquired Pneumonia

@article {pmid40835454,
year = {2025},
author = {Morimoto, Y and Higashi, H and Izumi, H and Tomonaga, T and Nishida, C and Yamato, H and Eguchi, H and Kawanami, S and Suzuki, K and Yatera, K},
title = {[Preventive measures against infections, including viruses in the workplace].},
journal = {Sangyo eiseigaku zasshi = Journal of occupational health},
volume = {67},
number = {6},
pages = {253-264},
doi = {10.1539/sangyoeisei.2025-018-A},
pmid = {40835454},
issn = {1349-533X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/transmission ; *Workplace ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Occupational Health ; *Infection Control/methods ; Ventilation ; Masks ; *Occupational Exposure/prevention & control ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; Air Conditioning ; },
abstract = {Pandemics such as COVID-19 have wreaked havoc on society in general, and they are still having a lasting impact, with peak infections in summer and winter. Novel emerging infectious diseases and re-emerging ones that are attracting renewed attention will continue to affect workplaces in the future. Herein, we focus on the latest reports on COVID-19 and explain what preventive measures are necessary in the workplace, taking into account the route of virus infection. Although droplets and airborne exposure are the main infection routes, contact infection cannot be overlooked. Infection prevention measures include the uses of natural and mechanical ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and masks as well as the recommendation of vaccination, all of which have reported effectiveness However, since indoor environments vary, we do not recommend preventive control through any one measure alone. Instead, implementing infection control by using a combination of measures is important for adaptation to various situations.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/transmission
*Workplace
SARS-CoV-2
*Occupational Health
*Infection Control/methods
Ventilation
Masks
*Occupational Exposure/prevention & control
*Pandemics/prevention & control
Air Conditioning

@article {pmid41272382,
year = {2025},
author = {Dornas, W and Reis, JP and Belilo, TE and Vaz, LG and Nasser, HH and de Souza Maia, ML and Figueiredo, A and Tcherniacovski, AG and Montenegro, LCC and Yang, X and C Santiago, H},
title = {Persistent inflammatory cytokine signature in long Covid-19 patients: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41272382},
issn = {1568-5608},
abstract = {Post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC) refer to persistent symptoms lasting weeks to months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, identifying biological mechanisms, potential therapeutic targets, and modifiable environmental risk factors remains necessary. Here, we analyzed cytokine levels in patients with PASC through a systematic literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, including articles published up to December 2024. A total of 33 studies (comprising 3294 patients) were included, addressing the long-term sequelae following acute Covid-19 infection. Levels of IL-6, IL-2, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IP-10/CXCL10 were higher in Covid-19 patients with PASC compared to those without PASC, suggesting an inflammatory basis for the persistence of symptoms. Conversely, little or no difference was observed for IL-1β, IL-7, IL-10, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-8, and IL-1α. To assess the duration of the sustained inflammatory response post-infection, cytokine measurements were categorized as < 6 months or ≥ 6 months after diagnosis. IL-6, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ remained elevated in both time windows, while IL-1β, IL-8, IP-10/CXCL10, IL-2, and IL-10 showed increased levels beyond 6 months post-Covid-19 diagnosis. Our findings indicate that persistent elevation of inflammatory cytokine is associated with PASC, contributing to a better understanding of the immune pathology underlying chronic dysfunction related to Covid-19.},
}

@article {pmid41271803,
year = {2025},
author = {Bansal, A},
title = {Economic burden of long COVID: macroeconomic, cost-of-illness and microeconomic impacts.},
journal = {NPJ primary care respiratory medicine},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {53},
pmid = {41271803},
issn = {2055-1010},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/economics/epidemiology ; *Cost of Illness ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Global Health ; Unemployment ; },
abstract = {Long COVID, defined by symptoms persisting three months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection, presents a significant global health and economic challenge, with global prevalence estimated at 36% (ranging from 1-92%). This brief communication consolidates current knowledge on its economic impacts, including macroeconomic, cost-of-illness, and microeconomic impacts, which are estimated at an average annual burden of $1 trillion globally and $9000 per patient in the USA, with some individuals covering substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Annual lost earnings in the USA alone are estimated at approximately $170 billion. Long COVID was associated with increased unemployment, financial distress, and work impairment for up to three years post-infection. This paper highlights discrepancies in impact estimation methodologies and calls for standardised metrics especially in emerging economies. Key research gaps include the absence of comprehensive longitudinal studies on individual and aggregated economic burden, specific long COVID phenotypes and biomarkers, and cost-effectiveness evaluations of interventions.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/economics/epidemiology
*Cost of Illness
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Global Health
Unemployment

@article {pmid41271425,
year = {2025},
author = {Cussen, A and Littler, K},
title = {Trial characteristics, methods and reported challenges of decentralised clinical trials: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {15},
number = {11},
pages = {e106823},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2025-106823},
pmid = {41271425},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *Clinical Trials as Topic/methods ; COVID-19 ; *Research Design ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Politics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To map the landscape of decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) by summarising characteristics, methods and reported challenges of published DCTs.

DESIGN: Scoping review, reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed were searched through to 21 August 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included reports of completed DCTs (defined as a trial of an intervention, with a comparison arm, in which some or all trial activities occurred away from the trial centre). All intervention types were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: A single reviewer extracted data to a structured extraction sheet. Descriptive statistics (frequencies) are reported for study characteristics and the terminology used to describe trial methods. Decentralised methods used were coded separately for each trial stage.

RESULTS: 53 papers met inclusion criteria. Most studies (34/53) were conducted in the USA. Mental health (18 studies) and COVID-19 (11 studies) were the predominant research areas. 24 (of 53) studies investigated pharmaceutical interventions, while others examined nutritional interventions, medical devices and behavioural interventions. Recruitment, screening and consent were commonly conducted remotely. A range of methods, including online, in-person and telemedicine, was used to collect outcome measures. Several studies experienced challenges related to participant retention and biased recruitment. Terminology regarding decentralisation was inconsistent across studies.

CONCLUSIONS: DCTs are rapidly increasing in use, and commonly cited advantages include reduced costs and reduced participant burden. This review identifies key research areas using DCTs and highlights a need for standardised terminology, comprehensive reporting of methods and limitations, and robust regulatory frameworks. Development of formal ethical and reporting standards is essential to ensure effective and responsible implementation of DCTs in clinical research.},
}

Humans
*Clinical Trials as Topic/methods
COVID-19
*Research Design
SARS-CoV-2
*Politics

@article {pmid41270290,
year = {2025},
author = {Clark, JR and Maresso, AW},
title = {Sewers to Solutions: A Guide to Wastewater Pathogen Monitoring.},
journal = {Annual review of medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-med-062024-125121},
pmid = {41270290},
issn = {1545-326X},
abstract = {Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the analysis of wastewater to detect pathogen levels or activity for public health awareness or action. Pioneered in the 1940s, WBE underwent a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important information about number of cases, outbreaks, and seasonal impact. With advancements in detection technologies and growing interest in environmental surveillance, WBE is poised to become a standard practice in public health monitoring. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the art of pathogen WBE, including methods of molecular detection, analysis of wastewater data, real-world applications and programs, public health interventions, and benefits and challenges for the field.},
}

@article {pmid41269748,
year = {2025},
author = {Alvarez-Galvez, J and Carretero-Bravo, J and Lagares-Franco, C and Ramos-Fiol, B and Ortega-Martin, E},
title = {Development of a Conceptual Framework of Health Misinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Reviews.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {e62693},
doi = {10.2196/62693},
pmid = {41269748},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Communication ; Pandemics ; Social Media ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite the wide variety of studies that have focused on the recent COVID-19 infodemic, defining health mis- or disinformation remains a challenge due to the dynamic nature of the social media ecosystem and, in particular, the different terminologies from different fields of knowledge.

OBJECTIVE: In this work, we aim to develop a conceptual framework of health misinformation during pandemic contexts that will enable the establishment of an interoperable definition of this concept and consequently a better management of these problems in the future.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of reviews to develop a conceptual framework for health misinformation during the pandemic context as a case study.

RESULTS: This review comprises 51 reviews from which we developed a conceptual framework that integrates 6 key domains-sources, drivers, content, dissemination channels, target audiences, and health-related effects of mis- or disinformation-offering a structured approach to analyze and categorize health misinformation. These 6 domains collectively form the basis of our proposed conceptual framework.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of health disinformation and underscore the need for a common language across disciplines addressing this global problem in order to use interoperable definitions and advance this evolving field of study. By offering a structured conceptual framework, we also provide a valuable foundation for interventions aimed at surveillance, public communication, and digital content moderation in future health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Communication
Pandemics
Social Media

@article {pmid41269441,
year = {2025},
author = {Marin, C and Alobid, I and López-Chacón, M and Rodríguez-VanStrahlen, C and Aguilera, P and Mullol, J},
title = {Olfactory Dysfunction and Cognitive Decline: Are They Related?.},
journal = {Current allergy and asthma reports},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {56},
pmid = {41269441},
issn = {1534-6315},
mesh = {Humans ; *Olfaction Disorders/complications ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology ; Smell ; Disease Progression ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Olfactory function is certainly associated with cognitive health, and the severity of loss of smell (LoS) has been associated with the rate of cognitive decline. In this review, we describe the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and cognitive decline, focusing on its relevance in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper respiratory diseases. We also highlight the relevant correlation between the alteration of the components of olfaction, such as odor identification, and the progression in cognitive decline leading to dementia.

RECENT FINDINGS: A relevant number of studies suggest that olfactory identification impairment may predict the progression of cognitive decline from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. In this review, we describe the association between olfactory dysfunction and cognitive decline, focusing in its relevance in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper respiratory diseases.},
}

Humans
*Olfaction Disorders/complications
*Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology
Smell
Disease Progression

@article {pmid41269000,
year = {2025},
author = {Harbsmeier, AN and Schultz, M and Ekenberg, C and Larsen, CS and Usinger, L and Harboe, ZB},
title = {[Vaccination of older adults].},
journal = {Ugeskrift for laeger},
volume = {187},
number = {46},
pages = {},
doi = {10.61409/V04250252},
pmid = {41269000},
issn = {1603-6824},
mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Vaccination ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Denmark ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Pneumococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Aged, 80 and over ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {This review presents vaccination as an effective measure in preventing hospitalisation and death in older adults. Older adults are at higher risk of severe infections due to several factors, including immunosenescence, multiple comorbidities and frailty. In Denmark, there is a free seasonal vaccination program against influenza and COVID-19 for individuals aged ≥ 65 years. Other relevant vaccines are available for this age group, including against pneumococcal disease, RSV and herpes zoster. Awareness of the benefits of vaccination in the elderly can help protect this vulnerable group from severe infections and their consequences.},
}

Humans
Aged
*Vaccination
Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
Denmark
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
COVID-19/prevention & control
Pneumococcal Vaccines/administration & dosage
Aged, 80 and over
Influenza, Human/prevention & control

@article {pmid41268995,
year = {2025},
author = {Moseholm, E and Weis, N},
title = {[Vaccination in pregnancy].},
journal = {Ugeskrift for laeger},
volume = {187},
number = {46},
pages = {},
doi = {10.61409/V03250236},
pmid = {41268995},
issn = {1603-6824},
mesh = {Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control ; Pertussis Vaccine/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Vaccines, Attenuated/administration & dosage/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Vaccination during pregnancy is an effective and safe way to protect both the pregnant individual and the child from serious infections as presented in this review. Influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis vaccines are routinely recommended and provide proven benefits for both mother and newborn. While inactivated and recombinant vaccines are safe to use, live-attenuated vaccines are contraindicated during pregnancy. Despite their importance, pregnant individuals are often excluded from clinical vaccine studies, highlighting the need for more research on maternal antibody transfer and optimal vaccination strategies in pregnancy.},
}

Humans
Pregnancy
Female
Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage/adverse effects
*Vaccination/adverse effects
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/adverse effects
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control
Pertussis Vaccine/administration & dosage/adverse effects
COVID-19/prevention & control
Vaccines, Attenuated/administration & dosage/adverse effects

@article {pmid41268892,
year = {2025},
author = {Dillman, RO and Nistor, GI and Keirstead, HS},
title = {A review of vaccinology and ex vivo antigen-loaded dendritic cells: A different approach to infectious disease vaccines.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {2588861},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2025.2588861},
pmid = {41268892},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dendritic Cells/immunology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *Vaccinology/methods ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Animals ; Vaccines, DNA/immunology ; },
abstract = {Vaccinology originated with 18[th] century efforts to prevent smallpox by injecting healthy individuals with the infectious contents of cutaneous lesions from smallpox patients (variolation) or from individuals afflicted with cowpox (vaccination). In the late 19[th] century, vaccination was extended to other diseases after the development of chemical methods to kill pathogens (inactivation) and cell-culture passaging to decrease their virulence (attenuation). Since 1970, advances in immunology, cell subunit purification, and recombinant-DNA genetic engineering have enabled antigen-specific vaccines. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA and DNA-based vaccines were introduced. Vaccinating with ex vivo-antigen-loaded autologous dendritic cells (DC) is appealing because DCs rapidly induce an adaptive immune response by circumventing the need for in vivo antigen-presenting cells to migrate to the injection site to load antigens. DC vaccines against HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and Herpes simplex have yielded encouraging results. During the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic, DC vaccines emerged as a viable vaccine platform against infectious diseases.},
}

Humans
*Dendritic Cells/immunology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*Vaccinology/methods
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Animals
Vaccines, DNA/immunology

@article {pmid41268373,
year = {2025},
author = {Calleja-Conde, J and Echeverry-Alzate, V and Sánchez-Diez, S and Giné, E and Bühler, KM},
title = {Severe alcohol use and COVID-19: implications for physical and mental health.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1640207},
pmid = {41268373},
issn = {1664-0640},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and intensified the vulnerability of individuals with pre-existing medical and behavioral conditions, notably those related to substance use. Among these, chronic alcohol consumption represents a clinically significant, yet often under-addressed, vulnerability factor that may exacerbate both the acute severity and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This narrative review examines the biological and clinical intersections between alcohol use and COVID-19, focusing on shared mechanisms of immune dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and disruption of the gut-brain axis. We synthesize current findings showing that both conditions compromise innate and adaptive immune responses, alter cytokine signaling, and weaken mucosal and blood-brain barriers. These changes contribute to cognitive and emotional dysregulation and may increase the risk of persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms, including those observed in Long COVID. In addition, we discuss how chronic alcohol use may alter host susceptibility to infection and affect the immune response to vaccination, with implications for treatment outcomes and recovery. Our findings highlight the need to integrate alcohol use disorder into COVID-19 risk assessments, clinical management, and long-term mental health care planning. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to address the overlapping biological pathways that link alcohol-related vulnerability to COVID-19 outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41268099,
year = {2025},
author = {Kundu, A and Feore, A and Abu-Zarour, N and Sanchez, S and Sutton, M and Sachdeva, K and Seth, S and Schwartz, R and Chaiton, M},
title = {Evidence update on the respiratory health effects of vaping e-cigarettes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Tobacco induced diseases},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41268099},
issn = {1617-9625},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In this review, we aimed to explore whether nicotine e-cigarette or vaping product use impact respiratory health.

METHODS: We searched CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Cochrane library databases initially in January 2023 and updated the search in January 2024. We included peer-reviewed human, animal, cell/in vitro original studies published between July 2021 and December 2023 but excluded qualitative studies. Three types of e-cigarette exposure were examined: acute, short-to-medium term, and long-term.

RESULTS: We included 119 studies in the main analysis, and 5 in meta-analysis. Over half of the studies had low risk of bias. Non-smoker current vapers had higher incident risk of respiratory symptoms (relative risk, RR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.28-2.83) but statistically non-significant risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (RR=2.53; 95% CI: 0.96-6.67) compared to never users. They also had lower incident risk of respiratory symptoms compared to non-vaper current smokers (RR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.64-0.89) and dual users (dual use vs vaping, RR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.03-1.55). Dual users had higher risk of incidence of respiratory symptoms and prevalence of COPD compared to never users (RR=2.53; 95% CI: 1.44-4.45 and RR=3.86; 95% CI: 1.49-10.02, respectively), and the risk was statistically similar to non-vaper current smokers (RR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.84-1.14 and RR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.00-1.33, respectively). All meta-analysis findings were of 'very low' to 'low' certainty evidence. Of the studies not included in meta-analysis, we found 'moderate' certainty evidence of higher risk of respiratory symptoms, COPD, asthma, lung inflammation and damage in non-smoker current vapers compared to non-users, inconsistent findings on the risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, and no significant association with e-cigarette associated lung injury.

CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarettes are associated with harms to the respiratory system. Further longitudinal research with special attention to measuring effects in different e-cigarette user populations are warranted.},
}

@article {pmid41267794,
year = {2025},
author = {Mankayi, E and Chiliza, TE and Mvubu, NE},
title = {Novel Strategies to Profile SARS-CoV-2 and Human Lung Proteome: Inflammatory Pathways in the Spotlight.},
journal = {BioMed research international},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {5571277},
pmid = {41267794},
issn = {2314-6141},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/metabolism/virology/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/metabolism ; *Proteome/metabolism ; *Lung/metabolism/virology ; Inflammation/metabolism ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Proteomics/methods ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, has caused widespread morbidity and mortality worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers innate and adaptive immune responses, but excessive cytokine release can drive hyperinflammation, acute respiratory distress syndrome and poor clinical outcomes. Although serological and molecular assays, such as ELISA and RT-qPCR, remain central to COVID-19 diagnostics, they have limited capacity to reveal host-pathogen interactions at the tissue level. Therefore, profiling the human lung proteome offers a powerful strategy to identify molecular signatures associated with viral pathogenesis and disease severity. This review emphasises emerging technologies that advance lung proteome profiling during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Novel strategies include phage display for high-throughput identification of antibody-antigen interactions, yeast two-hybrid for mapping virus-host protein interactions and lateral flow immunoassays for rapid, point-of-care detection. Conversely, omics-based technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, microarrays and mass spectrometry are transforming our understanding of the lung proteome by revealing patterns of gene expression, protein abundance and immune heterogeneity. Therefore, comparing these conventional diagnostic assays with innovative approaches, we highlight their unique contributions to lung proteome research. These tools not only improve diagnostic precision but also hold the potential to uncover biomarkers for early risk stratification and therapeutic targeting. Prioritising integrative proteome-focused strategies may ultimately guide personalised interventions and enhance preparedness for future viral outbreaks.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/metabolism/virology/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
*Proteome/metabolism
*Lung/metabolism/virology
Inflammation/metabolism
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Proteomics/methods

@article {pmid41267747,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, X and Zhang, M and Hu, K},
title = {Research Trends in Health-Related Quality of Life Among Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survivors Between 2013 and 2024: A Bibliometric Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare},
volume = {18},
number = {},
pages = {7459-7470},
pmid = {41267747},
issn = {1178-2390},
abstract = {PURPOSE: To analyze and summarize research hotspots and development trends in the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), providing a reference for future studies on survivor outcomes.

METHODS: Articles published between 2013 and 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOS viewer was used to assess contributions by countries, institutions, and authors in ECMO-related research. Collaboration networks, trending topics, and keyword patterns were analyzed using VOS viewer and Pajek.

RESULTS: A total of 164 publications from 22 countries were included, accumulating 2870 citations overall. Research on ECMO patients' health-related quality of life demonstrated an annual growth rate of approximately 15% over the past decade. The United States, Germany, and Australia were the primary contributors. High-frequency keywords included outcomes, survivors, and ARDS, with COVID-19 emerging prominently from 2020 to 2024.

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis, the first to focus specifically on ECMO survivors' HRQoL, demonstrates steady progress in the field. The analysis highlights three major research hotspots: survivor outcomes, rehabilitation strategies, and the impact of COVID-19, offering concrete insights into evolving directions and areas requiring future investigation.},
}

@article {pmid41267648,
year = {2025},
author = {Stenger, H and Oo, PP and Gan, CCR and Davies, SE and True, J},
title = {Impact of Social, Political, and Environmental Events on Violence Against Women in the Indo-Pacific.},
journal = {Trauma, violence & abuse},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15248380251381819},
doi = {10.1177/15248380251381819},
pmid = {41267648},
issn = {1552-8324},
abstract = {The Indo-Pacific region faces frequent and intense social, political, and environmental events (herein described as shocks), including conflicts, health emergencies, economic crises, and disasters, that can increase the risk of violence against women (VAW). Yet the region is underrepresented in global research that examines the impact of these events on VAW. This scoping review identifies and analyses published peer-reviewed literature on the impact of shocks on patterns of VAW in the Indo-Pacific region between 1993 and 2024. Our review includes 203 studies from 5 databases comprising books, research articles, and chapters. Health emergencies, particularly COVID-19, accounted for the largest portion of shocks studied, followed by armed conflict and earthquakes. The findings indicate that social, political, and environmental events consistently heighten all forms of VAW, especially domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence. The review found limited research across the region with 7 countries (of 46) informing the majority of studies: These countries were not necessarily those countries most affected by these events however. Based on these main findings, we argue that localized research on the impacts of these events on VAW is urgently needed to inform gender-responsive policies that can enhance preparedness and protection in the most affected communities.},
}

@article {pmid41267613,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, R and Naeem, MA},
title = {COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Meta-Review of Global Impacts, Responses, and Future Preparedness.},
journal = {The clinical respiratory journal},
volume = {19},
number = {11},
pages = {e70134},
doi = {10.1111/crj.70134},
pmid = {41267613},
issn = {1752-699X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/psychology ; *Global Health ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 has initiated historically unparalleled global health, social, and economic impacts. Syntheses of the multivariable interdependent effects on the multiple clinical, immunologic, psychosocial, and health service realms are required to guide current and future public health preparedness and policy.

METHODS: A systematic review of a meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from December 2019 to 2025 to identify observational studies and randomized controlled trials. Quantitative reporting studies of COVID-19 outcomes were included. Random-effects model aggregated effect sizes were estimated and tested for heterogeneity with Cochran's Q, τ[2], and I[2]. Subgroup, moderator, publication bias, sensitivity, and leave-one-out analyses were conducted for exploration and validation.

RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were classified into three categories: clinical outcomes (15 studies), immunogenicity (4 studies), and psychosocial/health service outcomes (5 studies). There was no statistically significant pooled effect (effect ratio 0.95, 95% CI: 0.55-1.62) with severe heterogeneity (I[2] > 99%). Immunogenicity showed a statistically significant positive effect (pooled estimate 0.77, 95% CI: 0.38-1.16) with high heterogeneity (I[2] ~96%). Psychosocial effects were highly heterogeneous with non-significant overall effects (estimate -1.03, 95% CI: -5.74 to 3.69). Sample size was an influential moderator that explained significant between-group heterogeneity.

DISCUSSION: The outcomes reveal robust immunogenic vaccine impacts and indeterminate psychosocial and clinical impacts, consistent with the heterogeneity and complexity of COVID-19 effects. Great heterogeneity highlights methodological standardization and cautious interpretation. This present meta-analysis offers key lessons to guide subsequent study design and manufacture of fair health policy and pandemic readiness.},
}

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

@article {pmid41267122,
year = {2025},
author = {da Costa Correia, A and Ribeiro, F and Amorim, FF and Giusti, PR and Peccin, MS and Imoto, AM},
title = {Effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training and multicomponent physical training in patients with post-COVID conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {230},
pmid = {41267122},
issn = {2046-4053},
support = {00064-00000330/2023-73//Fundação de Ensino e Pesquisa em Ciências de Saúde/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/rehabilitation ; *Breathing Exercises/methods ; *Dyspnea/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; *Respiratory Muscles/physiopathology ; *Fatigue/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is evidence that fatigue and dyspnea are among the most frequently reported symptoms of post-COVID condition. Therefore, several studies have investigated respiratory muscle or global peripheral muscle training as strategies to manage those symptoms. Despite evidence of potential benefits, conflicting results persist due to the heterogeneity of rehabilitation protocols and assessment tools. Thereby, the objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training and multicomponent physical training in adults with dyspnea and fatigue for at least 12 weeks after COVID-19.

METHOD: A search was conducted in September 2024, in the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, PEDro, Lilacs/BVS, Web of Science, Scopus, and Epistemonikos databases. The inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials published in any language that evaluated the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training and multicomponent physical training to improve fatigue, dyspnea, and/or physical function in adults with persistent post-COVID symptoms. The risk of bias of the included studies and the certainty of the evidence were assessed using the RoB 2 and GRADE tools, respectively.

RESULTS: After the screening process, seven randomized clinical trials were included. The total number of participants included in the studies was 449. Inspiratory muscle training significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure) (MD = 22.70; 95% CI: 13.78 to 31.62), and cardiopulmonary capacity (V ˙ O2max) (MD = 4.49; 95% CI: 3.35 to 5.62). Multicomponent physical training significantly improved the upper and lower body muscle strength through the handgrip strength (MD = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.68 to 4.42), sit-to-stand test (MD = 3.55; 95% CI: 1.61 to 5.49), and timed up and go test (MD = - 1.13; 95% CI: - 1.49 to - 0.77) and the physical functioning were assessed through post-COVID-19 functional scale (MD = - 0.64; 95% CI: - 1.13 to - 0.16) and physical aspects through SF-12 and SF-36 (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.29 to 1.15). No adverse events were reported among participants in the physical training group, and treatment adherence ranged from 78 to 100%.

CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training improved cardiorespiratory outcomes, while multicomponent physical training improved muscle strength, physical functioning, and fatigue. Both types of training improve physical functioning. The certainty of evidence for the outcomes evaluated was low.

PROSPERO (CRD42023451057).},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/rehabilitation
*Breathing Exercises/methods
*Dyspnea/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
*Respiratory Muscles/physiopathology
*Fatigue/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

@article {pmid41267112,
year = {2025},
author = {Oxman, AD and Selstø, A and Helleve, A and Fretheim, A and Julin, CH and Holst, C and Rose, CJ and Munthe-Kaas, H and Elgersma, IH and Moberg, J and Bjørbæk, M and Elstrøm, P and Solberg, RB and Rosenbaum, SE and Flottorp, S and Bruun, T and Gopinathan, U},
title = {Informed decisions about public health and social measures.},
journal = {Health research policy and systems},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {153},
pmid = {41267112},
issn = {1478-4505},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Public Health ; *Decision Making ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Communication ; Community Participation ; Health Policy ; },
abstract = {Evidence, communication, critical thinking and participation are the cornerstones of informed decisions. In this article we discuss each of these in relation to decisions about public health and social measures (PHSM) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and implications for future research. Reliable research evidence of the effects of interventions is particularly important for decisions about what to do because it provides the best basis for estimating the wanted and unwanted effects of doing something. There was little reliable research of the effects of PHSM during the pandemic. For research evidence to be useful to decision-makers, it must be effectively communicated, including how sure we can be about effects or other research findings. Research evidence is essential for making informed decisions, but it is not sufficient. Decision-makers and those affected by the decision must be able to think critically about what to believe and what to do. Many people lack competences and dispositions for thinking critically about PHSM or other interventions. Judgements about PHSM require democratic input, not just expert input. However, there was little public participation in deliberative or decision-making processes about PHSM during the pandemic. There are important uncertainties about the effects of PHSM, how to effectively communicate decisions and evidence about PHSM, how to foster critical thinking about PHSM and how to effectively engage the public in deliberative and decision-making processes about PHSM. Pandemic research and preparedness planning should address those uncertainties.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Public Health
*Decision Making
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Communication
Community Participation
Health Policy

@article {pmid41267076,
year = {2025},
author = {Salahi Ardekani, O and Sajedifar, M and Letafati, A and Ashtiani, AJ and Jazayeri, SM},
title = {Risk factors associated with mental health symptoms among health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in EMRO countries: a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1501},
pmid = {41267076},
issn = {1472-6963},
}

@article {pmid41266015,
year = {2026},
author = {Lushniak, L and Jowell, A and Garbarino, S and Wilder, J},
title = {Disparities in Alcohol-Related Liver Disease.},
journal = {Clinics in liver disease},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {185-193},
doi = {10.1016/j.cld.2025.09.006},
pmid = {41266015},
issn = {1557-8224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/epidemiology/ethnology/therapy ; *Healthcare Disparities ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Health Status Disparities ; *Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology/adverse effects ; United States/epidemiology ; Liver Transplantation ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Sex Factors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Alcohol-associated liver disease has always been a significant health issue. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, there were higher rates of alcohol consumption, and these higher rates have persisted after pandemic. Given the significance of alcohol-associated liver disease, this article contextualizes disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease related to gender, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. This article identifies a need for high-quality research on alcohol-associated liver disease, embedding of alcohol cessation metrics into hepatology quality measures, and colocation of social/psychosocial and addiction medicine resources into hepatology clinics as means of mitigating disparities and their impact on alcohol-associated liver disease and liver transplantation.},
}

Humans
*Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/epidemiology/ethnology/therapy
*Healthcare Disparities
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Health Status Disparities
*Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology/adverse effects
United States/epidemiology
Liver Transplantation
Socioeconomic Factors
Sex Factors
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41265758,
year = {2025},
author = {Torrisi, SA and Geraci, F and Diolosà, L and De Luca, A and Falzone, L and Drago, F and Libra, M and Leggio, GM},
title = {RNA-based drugs: current, imminent and possible therapeutic applications.},
journal = {Pharmacology & therapeutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108958},
doi = {10.1016/j.pharmthera.2025.108958},
pmid = {41265758},
issn = {1879-016X},
abstract = {In a relatively brief period, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have saved millions of lives and have considerably contributed to return to normality after the pandemic. More broadly, the development of RNA-based drugs represents a real paradigm shift with promising therapeutic applications. Besides their safety and efficacy, RNA-based drugs are basically easily designed and manufactured and may therefore be cost effective. At the pharmacological level, the development of RNA-based drugs marks a breakthrough because these drugs can reach previously "undruggable" pharmacological targets. This clearly represents a step toward the possible establishment of personalized treatments for several difficult-to-treat diseases. This review provides an updated, critical, and comprehensive pharmacological analysis of the current RNA therapeutics landscape, including both approved RNA-based drugs and key investigational candidates. We summarize the state of clinical progress, highlighting pharmacological mechanisms, challenges in drug delivery, tolerability, and clinical outcomes. Our comprehensive overview emphasizes the versatility of RNA-based drugs, illustrating their therapeutic application across various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, rare genetic, and infectious diseases. Also, we uniquely explore the concept of RNA-based drugs repurposing, which may leverage shared pathophysiological mechanisms across diseases to accelerate clinical impact.},
}

@article {pmid41265491,
year = {2025},
author = {Gagnon, J and Naïmi, M and Bergeron, F and Longtin, Y and Villeneuve, J and Boudaoud, K and Jolicoeur-Ouellette, D and Xu, HH and Cormier, É and Guertin, JR and Marx, T and Adadja, J and Bluteau, A and Berthelot, S},
title = {Effectiveness of using full personal protective equipment in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers: a systematic review.},
journal = {American journal of infection control},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajic.2025.11.013},
pmid = {41265491},
issn = {1527-3296},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of full personal protective equipment (PPE) in preventing COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers.

METHODS: Studies published from December 2019 to August 2024 were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, ClinicalTrials.gov, MedRxiv, and Web of Science. Observational and experimental studies in any language were eligible. Full PPE was defined as the combination of respiratory protection (surgical mask, N95, or equivalents), eye protection (visor or goggles), gown, and gloves, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The comparator was partial PPE or no PPE. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD4202230259).

RESULTS: Eight observational studies were included; four showed a significant reduction in viral transmission with full PPE. Seven studies compared full to partial PPE, and one compared full PPE to no protection. Among studies with significant results, odds ratios ranged from 0.03 to 0.6. Risk of bias was critical in six studies and serious in two. No meta-analysis was performed due to study quality DISCUSSION: Full PPE appears protective for healthcare workers. However, the small number and low quality of studies limit the certainty of this conclusion. Further analyses are required to establish clear guideline for its use.},
}

@article {pmid41264992,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammed, A and Ibrahim, NA and Basher, NS},
title = {Innovations and challenges in vaccine development: Lessons from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and prospects.},
journal = {Biochemical and biophysical research communications},
volume = {792},
number = {},
pages = {152947},
doi = {10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.152947},
pmid = {41264992},
issn = {1090-2104},
abstract = {Vaccination stands as one of the most significant achievements in public health, dramatically reducing the incidence of infectious diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed revolutionary advancements in vaccinology, particularly through the rapid development of mRNA and viral vector technologies that enable fast and effective immunization against emerging pathogens. This review highlights the progress in these innovative platforms while addressing the multifaceted challenges, including the critical interplay between outbreak dynamics and vaccine development timelines, which result in safety and efficacy profile challenges, disparities in vaccine access for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and complex logistical considerations. Despite the potential of cutting-edge approaches such as nanoparticle-based vaccines, integration of artificial intelligence (AI), issues related to immunogenicity, safety, and public trust remain pressing and necessitate immediate attention. The review highlights the urgent need for adaptable regulatory frameworks that can evolve in response to scientific advancements, and underscores the importance of collaborative global initiatives in addressing disparities in vaccine distribution. By integrating insights from these innovative technologies and the challenges they present, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in vaccine development, informing future public health strategies and enhancing global preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41249967,
year = {2025},
author = {Schöne, C and Sauter, M and Backé, EM and Prigge, M and Brendler, C and Hegewald, J},
title = {The impact of working from home on sedentary behaviour and physical activity compared to onsite work in the working population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {3963},
pmid = {41249967},
issn = {1471-2458},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sedentary behaviour (SB) and the lack of physical activity (PA) are associated with negative health outcomes. Among desk-based workers, sitting at work contributes substantially to the daily time spent sedentary. Working environment can influence SB. Thus, we aimed to investigate the evidence on the impact of working from home/teleworking (WFH), which is now a common working environment versus working onsite on SB and PA.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review comparing SB and PA of workers WFH compared to onsite work. We searched Pubmed, Embase and SPORTDiscus (last search: June 2025). At least two reviewers independently screened the studies and rated the of risk of bias based on adapted existing tools. We included studies on adult workers, which at least part-time WFH with comparison group working onsite, reporting SB or/and PA-outcomes per workday/work time. Data extraction was done by one reviewer and checked by two reviewers. Results were described qualitatively and random-effect meta-analyses for daily sedentary time (ST), sitting breaks, and steps were performed.

RESULTS: We included 38 studies (from 42 articles, with n = 282,264 subjects) comparing WFH and onsite work. Four of these studies were rated as having a “low” risk of bias. SB was described in 23 studies (with n = 209,267 subjects). A meta-analysis of studies reporting quantitative results suggests an increase in ST of 31 min (95% CI 14 to 48; I[2] = 57.5%; 7 studies) during work hours when WFH. PA was described in 36 studies (with n = 270,617 subjects), and the meta-analysis found a decrease in daily steps of 2564 (mean difference: − 2564; 95% CI -3809 to -1320, 289; I[2] = 91.4%; 7 studies) when WFH.

CONCLUSION: We found SB tends to increase and daily steps tend to decrease when WFH compared to onsite work. Studies of PA varied in their methods and results, and few studies measured movement. As most of the studies (n = 31) were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, that may have influenced the results. Nevertheless, workplace interventions that aim to reduce SB and promote PA need to be adapted to the home working environment.

REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022349442.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24960-x.},
}

@article {pmid41263792,
year = {2025},
author = {Tokarska-Domżałowicz, W and Zdżalik-Bielecka, D},
title = {[At the intersection of immunology and oncology: TAM receptors in the regulation of immune responses and tumorigenesis-related processes].},
journal = {Postepy biochemii},
volume = {71},
number = {3},
pages = {238-251},
doi = {10.18388/pb.2021_619},
pmid = {41263792},
issn = {0032-5422},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/immunology/metabolism ; *Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology ; c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/immunology/metabolism ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism/immunology ; *Proto-Oncogene Proteins/immunology/metabolism ; Immunity, Innate ; Protein S/metabolism/immunology ; COVID-19/immunology ; },
abstract = {TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (TYRO3, AXL, MER) and their ligands, protein S (PROS1) and growth inhibition-specific protein 6 (GAS6), play a key role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating the immune response through involvement in efferocytosis, i.e., phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells and suppression of the innate immune response. Thus, their dysfunction leads, among others, to the development of autoimmune diseases. In turn, excessive production of TAM receptors correlates with the invasive phenotype of cancer cells, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis for patients with cancer. Moreover, activation of these receptors contributes to the promotion of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and evading the immune response by cancer cells. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that these receptors are also involved in the cellular entry of viruses such as Zika or SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, in recent years, various therapeutic strategies targeting TAM receptors have been intensively developed, and their effectiveness has been assessed in numerous preclinical and clinical studies.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/immunology/metabolism
*Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/immunology/metabolism
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism/immunology
*Proto-Oncogene Proteins/immunology/metabolism
Immunity, Innate
Protein S/metabolism/immunology
COVID-19/immunology

@article {pmid41262872,
year = {2025},
author = {Lv, X and Ji, L and Cao, W and Xue, Y and Dai, H and Zhang, S},
title = {Revisiting lung cancer immunotherapy in the era of long COVID: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1657691},
pmid = {41262872},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; *Lung Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {In the post-COVID-19 era, understanding the long-term impact of Long COVID on the immune system is essential for deciphering its influence on lung cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapeutic efficacy. This review comprehensively examines how persistent COVID-19 sequelae-manifested as chronic inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, cytokine dysregulation, and T-cell exhaustion can reshape the lung cancer microenvironment. In addition, the emerging roles of memory B cells and altered neutrophil function in promoting tumorigenesis are discussed. Importantly, we analyze recent clinical evidence suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination may enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, potentially by modulating host immunity. By integrating mechanistic insights with clinical observations, this review aims to illuminate the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of Long COVID and lung cancer treatment, thereby fostering the development of personalized therapeutic strategies in the post-pandemic era.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/complications
*Immunotherapy/methods
*Lung Neoplasms/therapy/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41262458,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, Z and Gao, Y and Wang, S and Li, X and Cao, W and Deng, W and Yao, L and Wei, X and Zhang, Z and Wang, S and Zhang, Y and Li, M and Xie, Y},
title = {Application progress and biosafety challenges of gene editing and synthetic biotechnology in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.},
journal = {Biosafety and health},
volume = {7},
number = {5},
pages = {312-322},
pmid = {41262458},
issn = {2590-0536},
abstract = {Global infectious disease prevention faces escalating challenges due to the continual emergence of novel pathogens and rapid viral mutations. Synthetic biology has revolutionized this field by enabling precise diagnostics, innovative vaccine platforms, and targeted therapeutics, yet it simultaneously raises concerns regarding dual-use potential, biosafety, and ethical governance. This systematic review (2015-2025, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) focuses on CRISPR-based diagnostics, synthetic vaccines, and engineered probiotics. CRISPR/Cas systems such as DETECTR (Cas12a) and SHERLOCK (Cas13a) demonstrate high sensitivity and rapid pathogen detection (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, Ebola), but their misuse could enhance pathogen virulence or enable bioweapon development. mRNA and viral vector vaccines offer flexible and rapid responses to emerging infections but encounter limitations in molecular stability, delivery system toxicity, and ecological safety. Engineered probiotics, designed as "living therapeutics," can detect pathogens and modulate immune responses, yet pose potential risks of horizontal gene transfer and host-specific variability. Overall, while synthetic biology provides transformative tools for infectious disease control, it necessitates robust global regulatory frameworks, standardized biosafety practices, and ethical oversight to ensure responsible and sustainable application.},
}

@article {pmid41260170,
year = {2025},
author = {Martins, AJE and Dos Santos, TP and Santos, WGS and Triozzi, E and Moraes-Vieira, PM},
title = {Host immunometabolic regulation through viral sensing pathways.},
journal = {Current opinion in microbiology},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {102683},
doi = {10.1016/j.mib.2025.102683},
pmid = {41260170},
issn = {1879-0364},
abstract = {Viruses are intracellular pathogens that have profoundly influenced biological evolution and continue to threaten global health through outbreaks such as influenza and COVID-19. Their ability to evade host immunity stems from evolutionary adaptations that manipulate cellular defense mechanisms. A critical aspect of virus-host interactions involves cellular receptors, which facilitate viral entry and trigger immune signaling. Among these, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and other proteins serve as key sensors of viral components, coordinating immune responses while reprogramming host metabolism to sustain antiviral defenses. However, many viruses hijack these metabolic changes to enhance replication, evade immune surveillance, or dysregulate cytokine production. This review explores how host cell virus-sensitive proteins, particularly PRRs and metabolically active proteins, modulate cellular metabolism during infection, shaping immune outcomes and revealing potential therapeutic targets for antiviral intervention.},
}

@article {pmid41259568,
year = {2025},
author = {Santos, BJ and Nascimento, EAND and Reis, LOD and Lima, JB and Lima, BB and Ramos, LFP},
title = {Neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients: a systematic review.},
journal = {Revista paulista de pediatria : orgao oficial da Sociedade de Pediatria de Sao Paulo},
volume = {43},
number = {},
pages = {e2024293},
doi = {10.1590/1984-0462/2025/43/2024293},
pmid = {41259568},
issn = {1984-0462},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; Child ; *Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology ; Adolescent ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to identify neurological symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 in patients aged zero to 19 years, highlighting the main symptoms and addressing the existing gap in age range coverage in current studies.

DATA SOURCE: This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews - PROSPERO (CRD42024520151) and adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - PRISMA (2020) guidelines. Observational and interventional studies, including randomized clinical trials, investigating neurological manifestations in children and adolescents with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Searches were conducted in the United States National Library of Medicine/Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (PubMed/MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) using Health Science Descriptors/Medical Subject Headings (DeCS/MeSH) terms in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, covering January 2020 to January 2024.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The search identified 1283 records, of which 302 were excluded (outside of scope), 688 were removed after title/abstract screening, and 95 duplicates were discarded. Fulltext analysis of 198 articles resulted in the selection of 25 eligible studies. The most frequently reported neurological manifestations included seizures, headache, altered levels of consciousness, olfactory and gustatory disturbances, encephalopathy, and acute cerebrovascular diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in children are relatively common, ranging from mild symptoms such as headache and taste/smell disturbances to severe complications like seizures, stroke, altered consciousness, and encephalopathy. Prevalence varies across studies, underscoring the need for further research to clarify underlying mechanisms.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
Child
*Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
Infant
Infant, Newborn
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41258672,
year = {2025},
author = {Oquendo, MA and Barrigon, ML and Baca-Garcia, E},
title = {Psychiatry at the turn of the century and a vision for future developments.},
journal = {International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/09540261.2025.2591200},
pmid = {41258672},
issn = {1369-1627},
abstract = {From 1995 to 2025, psychiatry evolved from a primarily syndromic discipline toward a field increasingly shaped by neuroscience, digital technology, globalization, and shifting social expectations surrounding mental health. This transformation included major advances in diagnostic frameworks, brain imaging and genomics, psychopharmacology, evidence-based psychotherapies, and global mental health initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telepsychiatry and exposed critical gaps in mental health infrastructure, while growing recognition of health disparities brought social determinants and equity to the forefront of research and clinical priorities.},
}

@article {pmid41262109,
year = {2025},
author = {Lawrason, S and Manley, Z and Lomness, A and Hole, R},
title = {Remote support for individuals with intellectual disabilities living independently: a scoping review.},
journal = {International journal of developmental disabilities},
volume = {71},
number = {7},
pages = {953-970},
pmid = {41262109},
issn = {2047-3877},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this project was to conduct a scoping review to understand factors related to remote support provision among individuals with intellectual disabilities in independent living.

METHODS: A systematic search was employed among eight large databases, yielding 207 articles. Following a two-phase screening process, 22 articles were included in this review. Data were charted and summarized according to types of remote support, outcomes, best practices, barriers and facilitators, and ethical considerations.

RESULTS: Overall, remote support provision was associated with positive outcomes (e.g. academic skills). Most studies used mobile apps or video self-modeling/prompting. Training for support workers facilitates use, and privacy concerns should be addressed among organizations.

DISCUSSION: Given the shift to online technology over the Covid-19 pandemic, remote support can complement in-person support when used skillfully and appropriately. Importantly, remote support should be individualized for each person. Greater research is needed using diverse study designs, assessing perceptions of support providers, and on remote support that enables live communication between users and providers.},
}

@article {pmid41258629,
year = {2025},
author = {Asiama, RK},
title = {An econometric examination of vaccine hesitancy among residents and their dependents in urban Ghana.},
journal = {Health economics review},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {100},
pmid = {41258629},
issn = {2191-1991},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Vaccine hesitancy among the population raises concern for health policymakers because it threatens the attainment of herd immunity, which is necessary to keep the society healthy and manage public health spending. However, a problem arises when there is hesitancy by economic agents and their dependents, even when the resource is freely available. This policy problem is analyzed in the context of Ghana's major urban area, Accra, where a cross-section of urban parents are surveyed regarding vaccine hesitancy and whether it extends to their children, with special reference to the COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODOLOGY: Data on preferences of residents regarding the choice for their dependents to receive the vaccine gathered in 2022. The data was obtained through a cross-sectional online survey of 2000 urban parents in Accra, Ghana. The paper estimates logit and probit regression models and their associated marginal effects to examine the willingness of respondents to allow their children to take the vaccine and the extent of influence of attitudinal and demographic characteristics of respondents.

FINDINGS: The results first show that urban respondents who had tested for COVID-19, taken the vaccine and were willing to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine are more likely to allow their children to take the vaccine. More so, urban respondents concerned about age group vulnerability of their children, not suffering permanently health conditions, and being infected by others are also more likely to allow their children to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Based on the findings, this paper recommends to policymakers to strengthen education efforts, with special encouragement for parents to get their children vaccinated. Vaccines are meant to provide immunity to the populace and its hesitancy among the population sets back the public health objective of achieving herd immunity and building a robust pharmaceutical industry while increasing the risk of poor public services and higher public health spending.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper offers a novel lens on the sustainability of public health expenditure by examining vaccine hesitancy during a pandemic that caught populations unprepared and distrustful. Using evidence from urban Ghana, it shows how reluctance to accept free vaccines reveals the hidden social costs and governance gaps in public health delivery-an overlooked dimension in discussions of health financing in developing countries.},
}

@article {pmid41258470,
year = {2025},
author = {Oh, DY and Hölzer, M and Börnigen, D and Paraskevopoulou, S and Duwe, S and Budt, M and Kerber, R and Mikolajewska, A and Böttcher, S and Seifried, J and Haas, W and Dürrwald, R and Fuchs, S and Kröger, S and von Kleist, M and Wolff, T and Mielke, M and , },
title = {A public health perspective of SARS-CoV-2 evolution and surveillance strategies in Germany from 2020 to 2023.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {468},
pmid = {41258470},
issn = {2730-664X},
support = {D82015, sub-projects C1.1 and C.1.2//Bundesministerium für Gesundheit (Federal Ministry of Health, Germany)/ ; ECDC/HERA/2021/008 ECD.12222//European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)/ ; 101113012//European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)/ ; },
abstract = {This review summarizes key virological parameters of SARS-CoV-2, the clinical spectrum of COVID-19, antiviral options, resistance, and the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 during the first four years of the pandemic. It draws on evidence that has been continuously updated throughout the pandemic by the interdisciplinary working group 'SARS-CoV-2 Diagnostics and Evolution' at Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany's national public health institute. We describe basic SARS-CoV-2 characteristics and highlight notable virus variants from 2020 to mid-2023. During this period, the nationwide collection of SARS-CoV-2 genomes provided a substantial resource for monitoring viral lineage frequencies and mutations. We summarize this dataset to underscore the importance of virological surveillance in the context of public health and pandemic preparedness.},
}

@article {pmid41255507,
year = {2025},
author = {Ibraheem, N and Mohamed, M and Abdelglil, M and Hasan, MR and Rahman, ME},
title = {Telemedicine-Based Virtual Stone Clinics for Renal Colic: Cost-Benefit Insights and Adoption Barriers.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {e97028},
pmid = {41255507},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Telemedicine in urology has gained substantial attention, accelerating in adoption due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its potential to bridge significant gaps in healthcare access, particularly given that 62% of U.S. counties lack a urologist. This narrative review outlines its applications, cost benefits, and adoption barriers. Studies demonstrate high patient satisfaction, especially for postoperative consultations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tracking. Virtual care is highly effective for managing conditions like nephrolithiasis and benign ureteric colic; one quality improvement study focusing on ureteric colic successfully avoided 71.1% of face-to-face follow-ups while maintaining high safety and patient satisfaction (93.1%). The financial advantages are significant, with virtual stone clinics reducing waiting times and saving patients an average of $147 to $186 per visit by minimizing travel costs and time away from work. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption faces hurdles. Key challenges include a lack of patient trust in virtual sessions compared to in-person care, particularly among minority groups. Furthermore, technological barriers, such as inadequate digital literacy and a lack of broadband access, disproportionately affect elderly and ethnic minority populations, which risks exacerbating existing health disparities. Telemedicine is also limited by its unsuitability for conditions requiring a physical examination. Addressing these obstacles is essential to ensuring virtual care remains an affordable and equitable component of future healthcare.},
}

@article {pmid41254919,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Liu, X and Guo, Z and Lai, L and Bryant, RA and Zhang, T and Song, H and Mi, T and Ren, Z},
title = {Comparative Efficacy and Attrition Rates of Psychosocial Interventions for Individuals Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Network Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Stress and health : journal of the International Society for the Investigation of Stress},
volume = {41},
number = {6},
pages = {e70124},
doi = {10.1002/smi.70124},
pmid = {41254919},
issn = {1532-2998},
support = {22&ZD187//Major Program of the National Social Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology ; Network Meta-Analysis as Topic ; *Psychosocial Intervention/methods/statistics & numerical data ; *Stress, Psychological/therapy ; *Anxiety/therapy ; *Depression/therapy ; *Patient Dropouts/statistics & numerical data/psychology ; Yoga ; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ; *Psychotherapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {The comparative examination of psychosocial interventions' efficacy and attrition rates in addressing COVID-19's psychological consequences is still limited. This study examined the efficacy and attrition rates of psychosocial interventions among individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Systematic searches were conducted to identify randomised controlled trials targeting COVID-19-affected groups. Data on symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as attrition rates, were analysed using frequentist random-effects network meta-analyses. One hundred and forty-two studies with 20,470 participants were included. Emotional freedom technique, art-based therapy, stress management, mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention, positive psychotherapy, yoga therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy showed significant effects in reducing anxiety symptoms compared with no treatment and treatment as usual. For depressive symptoms, positive psychotherapy, mindfulness- and acceptance-based intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy, and yoga therapy demonstrated significant superiority over no treatment or treatment as usual, with positive psychotherapy also outperforming expressive writing. Regarding stress symptoms, multi-component therapy and yoga therapy produced greater improvements than no treatment, and positive psychotherapy surpassed expressive writing. In terms of attrition rates, resilience training, art-based therapy and yoga therapy had higher dropout rates than no treatment and several other interventions. Sensitivity analyses yielded largely consistent results, confirming the robustness of the main findings. The confidence ranged from moderate to very low. Publication bias was not observed. This study illuminates and compares the efficacy and attrition rate of several psychosocial interventions in attenuating mental health symptoms among COVID-19-affected individuals. The impact of COVID-19 on people remains ongoing, and the findings of this study can also serve as a reference for selecting the best therapeutic options for mental health symptoms in future public health crises.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology
Network Meta-Analysis as Topic
*Psychosocial Intervention/methods/statistics & numerical data
*Stress, Psychological/therapy
*Anxiety/therapy
*Depression/therapy
*Patient Dropouts/statistics & numerical data/psychology
Yoga
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
*Psychotherapy
SARS-CoV-2
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41254751,
year = {2025},
author = {Rezoagli, E and Nova, A and Carteaux, G and Giani, M and Grieco, DL and Pettenuzzo, T and Lucchini, A and Navalesi, P and Antonelli, M and Foti, G and Bellani, G and Piquilloud, L},
title = {A clinical guide to non-invasive respiratory support in acute respiratory failure: ventilation settings, technical optimization and clinical indications.},
journal = {Critical care (London, England)},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {496},
pmid = {41254751},
issn = {1466-609X},
support = {Institutional funds//Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/standards ; COVID-19 ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy ; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Non-invasive respiratory support including high flow nasal therapy (HFNT), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), exerts distinct physiological effects and requires specific settings and technicalities. HFNT, delivered through dedicated nasal cannulas, provides low levels of positive airway pressure, anatomical dead space washout, allows good patient tolerance and can be used during CPAP or BiPAP breaks. CPAP and BiPAP, administered through various interfaces (e.g., facemasks, oro-nasal masks, or helmets), can deliver higher positive pressure, thereby increasing end-expiratory lung volume, reducing intrapulmonary shunt and oxygenation, with potential benefits on respiratory mechanics as well. BiPAP also delivers pressure support, aiding CO2 clearance and respiratory muscle unloading, which is especially useful in hypercapnic respiratory failure. Increased intrathoracic pressure also reduces right ventricle preload and left ventricle afterload, which is beneficial in patients with impaired left ventricular function. Non-invasive respiratory support indications depend on the cause of acute respiratory failure. In hypercapnic respiratory failure with respiratory acidosis, BiPAP via facemask is strongly recommended to prevent intubation and reduce mortality. In cardiogenic pulmonary edema, either CPAP or BiPAP is recommended, while HFNT can be useful for patients requiring prolonged support or when CPAP/BiPAP is not tolerated even after ventilator and interface settings optimization. In de-novo acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, HFNT should be considered as the first-line treatment, regardless of the aetiology: however, in COVID-19-related AHRF CPAP can be considered to avoid intubation. The choice of non-invasive respiratory support interface in both cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic AHRF should aim at minimizing leaks, optimizing CO2 clearance, and maximizing patient tolerance. Monitoring is essential during non-invasive respiratory support to assess patient's response to treatment and to avoid delaying invasive respiratory support when needed, particularly in hypoxemic patients to avoid intubation delays and prevent patient-self-inflicted lung injury: physiological parameters, clinical scores, and lung ultrasound may help assess the risk of NIV failure. Monitoring tidal volume is valuable but challenging because of leaks. Though not widely used, esophageal pressure monitoring can assess patient effort and transpulmonary pressure. Additionally, electrical impedance tomography is an emerging tool for detecting asynchronous breathing and pendelluft phenomena.},
}

Humans
*Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/standards
COVID-19
*Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/methods
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41254702,
year = {2025},
author = {Qin, J and Wang, G and Han, D},
title = {Methylprednisolone versus dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {228},
pmid = {41254702},
issn = {2046-4053},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dexamethasone/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19/mortality ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Length of Stay ; *Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use ; *Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the efficacy of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone in severe COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

METHODS: We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of severe COVID-19 with methylprednisolone, compared with dexamethasone, were included. Findings were summarized as risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework, categorized as "high," "moderate," "low," or "very low" quality.

RESULTS: Five RCTs (enrolling 1102 participants) met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference in 28-day mortality (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.14; GRADE = high), length of hospital stay (MD 0.67 days, 95% CI -1.77 to 3.10 days; moderate), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.69; high), and invasive ventilation (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.79; high) between the two groups. Overall, using the GRADE framework, 3 pooled analyses were rated as high quality, with 1 rated as moderate quality.

CONCLUSIONS: Methylprednisolone demonstrated similar therapeutic effects compared to dexamethasone in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*Dexamethasone/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Hospitalization
COVID-19/mortality
SARS-CoV-2
Length of Stay
*Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
*Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41254586,
year = {2025},
author = {Amini-Rarani, M and Rezaei, S and Azami-Aghdash, S and Bashzar, S and Allahverdi, S and Mohseni, M},
title = {The prevalence of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: an umbrella review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {4022},
pmid = {41254586},
issn = {1471-2458},
}

@article {pmid41254571,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, K and Christensen, M and Turnbull, M},
title = {Comparative synthesis of sociocultural and political influences (SPIs) on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: an interdisciplinary systematic review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {4019},
pmid = {41254571},
issn = {1471-2458},
}

@article {pmid41253021,
year = {2025},
author = {Ilboudo, DP and Simpore, A and Sawadogo, J and Ouattara, AK and Ouedraogo, AR and Zongo, L and Yonli, AT and Zouré, AA and Zohoncon, TM and Djigma, FW and Obiri-Yeboah, D and Ouedraogo, CM and Simpore, J},
title = {Acceptance, hesitancy, and ethical challenges of the COVID-19 vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {127966},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127966},
pmid = {41253021},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In light of the public health emergency brought about by the novel coronavirus, health authorities actively promoted vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront critical questions concerning individual freedoms and the right to consent or decline vaccination. To better anticipate and manage future epidemics, it is essential to engage in thoughtful philosophical and ethical reflection-particularly regarding the legitimacy and implications of vaccine passport policies.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in Sub-Saharan Africa, identify reasons for refusal, and examine the ethical legitimacy of imposing a "green pass" for vaccination for foreign travel.

METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted from January 2021 to April 2025 in sub-Saharan African countries, in five databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and HINARI) to identify studies related to acceptance and hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccines in the general population and among healthcare professionals. This study was registered under the PROSPERO database (CRD420251060375) and used the PRISMA guidelines. The "proportional effect size" of acceptance and hesitancy was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis with STATA 17 software. Funnel plots and Egger's tests were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: A total of 40 studies involving 107,478 participants across 23 African countries were included. The pooled rates of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy were, respectively: 54.73 [95 % CI: 50.54 %-58.89 %], and 34.96 % [95 % CI: 27.95 %-42.30 %]. Eastern Africa had the highest acceptance rate (60.44 %), and lower rate observed in West Africa (52.22 %). Reasons for hesitancy included misinformation, distrust of new vaccines, fear of side effects, suspicion of authorities, and opposition to mandatory vaccination certificates.

CONCLUSION: The pandemic has brought to the fore fundamental issues relating to the right to accept or refuse vaccination. To prepare for the management of future epidemics, it is necessary to reflect on the ethics of requiring a vaccine passport.},
}

@article {pmid41252782,
year = {2025},
author = {Minari, TP},
title = {Repercussions of racial, gender, and class inequities on food and nutrition conditions: Implications for public health.},
journal = {Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)},
volume = {142},
number = {},
pages = {112995},
doi = {10.1016/j.nut.2025.112995},
pmid = {41252782},
issn = {1873-1244},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Food and nutrition are shaped by power structures that perpetuate historical injustices. In marginalized and low-income contexts, racial, gender, and class inequities restrict access to adequate and culturally appropriate food, with serious public health impacts. These disparities are reinforced by colonial legacies, institutional racism, gender oppression, and neoliberal policies that commodify nourishment and erase traditional knowledge. This study examines how these intersecting oppressions shape global nutrition inequities and proposes transformative, justice-oriented approaches in public health.

METHODS: A critical review was conducted using an intersectional and decolonial framework informed by public health, sociology, feminist theory, and Southern epistemologies. Articles published between 2010 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science. A total of 46 studies of varying methodological designs were included in the final analysis.

RESULTS: Racialized poverty and structural racism are central drivers of food insecurity. Gendered care burdens and the feminization of food-related labor disproportionately affect marginalized women. Traditional and community-based food knowledge is often excluded from policy frameworks. Transgender and gender-diverse populations remain largely invisible in nutrition research. Obesity, malnutrition, and social inequality form a syndemic relationship, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the fragility of social protection systems.

CONCLUSION: Recognizing food as a political and relational right is essential to advance social justice, epistemic diversity, and emancipatory futures. The findings underscore the urgency of transforming public health paradigms to confront structural determinants of malnutrition and obesity, promote food sovereignty, and center marginalized communities as co-creators of dignified and sustainable food systems.},
}

@article {pmid41251998,
year = {2026},
author = {Kouroutzis, I and Tzenetidis, V and Papathanasiou, IV and Mantzaris, D and Apostolakis, I and Chandrinou, A and Gortzis, L and Sarafis, P and Malliarou, M},
title = {Telenursing and Telehealth. Navigating the Digital Transformation in Healthcare and Ethical Challenges: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1489},
number = {},
pages = {109-116},
pmid = {41251998},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine/ethics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Artificial Intelligence/ethics ; *Delivery of Health Care/ethics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Confidentiality/ethics ; Informed Consent/ethics ; Computer Security/ethics ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for digital transformation in health, bringing about the development of national strategies, new possibilities, but also challenges. The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence enables accurate and personalized healthcare, while telenursing can provide groundbreaking services that enable the improvement of the quality of healthcare and the efficient resource management remotely.

THE AIM: Of this literature review is to present how telenursing can transform the delivery of healthcare and what the ethical challenges by its implementation.

METHODOLOGY: A narrative review was performed using key words of "telenursing" or "telehealth" and "ethical challenges" for free full text reviews published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus databases from 2004 to the present to encompass the most recent research findings, to summarize existing knowledge while focusing on answering the research question what are the ethical challenges that are presented by their implementation.

RESULTS: Several ethical issues in telenursing, telehealth, telecare, and artificial intelligence include informed consent, patient privacy and confidentiality, data protection and security, malpractice and liability, equitable access, quality of care, and the professional-patient relationship.

CONCLUSIONS: As artificial intelligence will progressively, part of nurses' clinical practice in their telenursing or telehealth services provision, it is crucial to address ethical considerations related to privacy, transparency, patient autonomy, and health equity to care provided using AI-driven telenursing and telehealth services.},
}

Humans
*Telemedicine/ethics
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Artificial Intelligence/ethics
*Delivery of Health Care/ethics
SARS-CoV-2
Confidentiality/ethics
Informed Consent/ethics
Computer Security/ethics
Pandemics

@article {pmid41251134,
year = {2025},
author = {Braun, N},
title = {[A review of security, safety, and duality issues in the field of biology].},
journal = {Comptes rendus biologies},
volume = {348},
number = {},
pages = {265-274},
doi = {10.5802/crbiol.188},
pmid = {41251134},
issn = {1768-3238},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Security Measures ; France/epidemiology ; *Biology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Safety ; Pandemics ; Synthetic Biology ; },
abstract = {At a time when biological research is booming, driven by the explosion in synthetic biology and sequencing capabilities, as well as the phenomenal biological data these fields generate, debates are raging among experts and in society at large.The major pandemic crisis triggered by SARS-CoV-2 has resurrected debates about laboratory safety and our ability to respond to biological risks. Current geopolitical instability is also prompting us to take a closer look at the threats posed by the potential use of biological weapons.Therefore, the question of the acceptable risk of biological research arises, which must take into consideration, on the one hand, the importance of research for our health, environment and quality of life, and, on the other hand, our ability to take into account safety, security and dual-use issues. The aim of this review is to take stock of the risks identified and the measures taken in France to limit them.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Security Measures
France/epidemiology
*Biology
SARS-CoV-2
*Safety
Pandemics
Synthetic Biology

@article {pmid41251047,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiang, S and Lu, Z},
title = {mRNA-LNP vaccines: rational design, delivery optimization, and clinical translation.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5tb01972a},
pmid = {41251047},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines face core challenges including low-delivery efficiency and immunogenicity, limiting their wide-ranging applications in infectious disease prevention and cancer therapy. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the most clinically validated non-viral delivery platform, address these challenges by encapsulating and protecting mRNA, promoting cellular uptake, and mediating endosomal escape. mRNA-LNP vaccines leverage a "rapid design + flexible production" advantage, decisively demonstrated by the success of COVID-19 vaccines such as BNT162b2. This review systematically analyzes mRNA-LNP vaccine development, focusing on core optimization strategies: (1) mRNA sequence engineering (nucleoside modification and UTR/poly(A) tail optimization) to enhance stability and translation efficiency; (2) LNP formulation (component ratio optimization, SPOT strategies, etc.) to modulate immune responses and enable organ targeting; and (3) LNP surface functionalization (with small molecules, peptides, and antibodies) for precise specific cell or organ targeting. Although multiple candidate vaccines for infectious disease prevention and cancer treatment have entered clinical trials, their clinical translation is still limited by insufficient targeting accuracy, potential immunogenicity and toxicity, and the challenge of universal delivery systems. Future breakthroughs require the integration of multidisciplinary innovations, focusing on the development of degradable lipids and novel targeting ligands to improve delivery precision, the application of more biocompatible polymers (such as pSar and POx) to replace PEG to enhance safety, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate LNP formulation design and performance prediction. This review summarizes the key optimization strategies and clinical progress and explores future directions to overcome the existing bottlenecks and promote mRNA-LNP technology as the cornerstone of next-generation precision medicine.},
}

@article {pmid41250010,
year = {2025},
author = {Warigon, C},
title = {Media reporting trends on disease outbreaks of COVID-19, polio, and cholera in Nigeria: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {4005},
pmid = {41250010},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Nigeria/epidemiology ; Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Cholera/epidemiology ; *Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data ; *Mass Media/trends/statistics & numerical data ; *Poliomyelitis/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Disease outbreaks are ubiquitous and pose significant challenges to public health, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, which has a population of over 200 million people with a fragile healthcare system. The outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019, which subsequently became a global pandemic, has had a profoundly adverse impact on Nigeria's public health system. Conversely, until its certification by the WHO African Region in 2020, Nigeria was considered a Polio-endemic country. Similarly, Cholera is a recurrent epidemic in Nigeria. It remains an incessant and seasonal public health issue, bedeviling Nigerian society, especially in regions that struggle with inadequate water and sanitation facilities, which are widespread. In Africa's most populous nation, the media have been indispensable and powerful during emergencies, such as disease outbreaks. Consequently, media coverage and reports of COVID-19, Polio, and Cholera in Nigeria are critical areas that provide clear perspectives and require attention, as the media can inform and shape public perception during such outbreaks. This study, therefore, explored the reporting trends on disease outbreaks of COVID-19, Polio, and Cholera in Nigeria. The study was guided by the Arksey and O'Malley framework for Scoping reviews. Out of 250 articles initially identified, 98 met the inclusion criteria, with 79 accessible for analysis. Findings reveal that 90% of studies focused on COVID-19, with comparatively less attention given to other significant outbreaks such as Cholera (6%) and Polio (4%). It was also found that the majority (76%) of the studies only paid little attention to the intervention strategies for managing Polio, Cholera, and COVID-19 19, which the Nigerian mass media dominantly reported, and that most of the studies were on conventional media (newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV) coverage. Significant gaps were found in the reporting of advocacy and behaviour change to mitigate the spread of diseases. There was inadequate evidence on the patterns and directions of media coverage of Polio and Cholera due to the under-coverage of the two diseases. The study concludes that media coverage of disease outbreaks, when sourced from top-rated journals, undoubtedly provides valuable insights into the media's coverage of public health interventions for managing future epidemics.},
}

Nigeria/epidemiology
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Cholera/epidemiology
*Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data
*Mass Media/trends/statistics & numerical data
*Poliomyelitis/epidemiology

@article {pmid40409286,
year = {2025},
author = {Reisinger, EC and Geerdes-Fenge, H and Wossidlo, C and Arndt, H},
title = {Long/Post-Covid - An Interdisciplinary Challenge.},
journal = {RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin},
volume = {197},
number = {12},
pages = {1388-1394},
doi = {10.1055/a-2578-1363},
pmid = {40409286},
issn = {1438-9010},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/therapy/epidemiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Interdisciplinary Communication ; Patient Care Team ; *Intersectoral Collaboration ; },
abstract = {In this overview we summarize the current state of scientific knowledge on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical symptoms and therapy of post-COVID disease.The study is based on a search of the scientific literature available on PubMed and on our own clinical experience in the post-COVID outpatient clinic.The prevalence of post-COVID disease varies greatly depending on the survey method used. The symptoms of post-COVID are manifold, but fatigue, cardiopulmonary complaints, cognitive deficit, and pain syndromes are prominent. There are currently no surefire symptoms or specific markers that prove the presence of the disease. Therefore, diagnosis is often based on an exclusion of other diagnoses, which requires good interdisciplinary cooperation. Therapy for post-COVID disease is also not specific but is always individual and symptom-oriented. There have been various attempts to explain the pathogenesis of post-COVID, but the mechanisms behind the development of the condition have not yet been conclusively clarified. Persistence of the virus or of viral proteins may cause protracted infection or autoimmunity. Infection and inflammation of the endothelium of the small vessels and the hypercoagulation associated with this may lead to local cytokine dysregulation and organ damage. Further clarification of the pathogenesis of post-COVID and the establishment of effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. · Post-COVID is a commonly reported condition with variable symptoms. · Interdisciplinary exclusion of other diagnoses and therapy planning are important. · Clarification of pathogenesis and establishment of diagnostic markers are urgently needed. · Reisinger EC, Geerdes-Fenge H, Wossidlo C et al. Long/Post-Covid - An Interdisciplinary Challenge. Rofo 2025; 197: 1388-1393.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/therapy/epidemiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Interdisciplinary Communication
Patient Care Team
*Intersectoral Collaboration

@article {pmid41249078,
year = {2025},
author = {Banach, M and Toth, PP and Ahn, HJ and Bielecka-Dabrowa, A and Cicero, AFG and Covic, A and Dalakoti, M and Escobar, C and Fogacci, F and Gaita, D and Gaita, L and Jóźwiak, J and Latkovskis, G and Lewek, J and Ntaios, G and Okopień, B and Pećin, I and Pella, D and Penson, PE and Proietti, M and Sadowski, J and Solnica, B and Sosnowska, B and Viigimaa, M and Lip, GYH and , },
title = {Lipid management for primary and secondary stroke prevention consensus paper of the International Lipid Expert Panel (ILEP).},
journal = {Progress in cardiovascular diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pcad.2025.11.003},
pmid = {41249078},
issn = {1873-1740},
abstract = {Ischemic stroke is a significant global health challenge, accounting for approximately 66 % of all strokes worldwide. Recent data indicates that stroke was the third leading cause of death (10.7 % of all deaths), following ischemic heart disease and COVID-19. In 2021, nearly 94 million people were living with the consequences of a stroke, and about 12 million new cases were reported. Major risk factors for stroke include high systolic blood pressure, exposure to ambient particulate matter, smoking, and elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), with LDL-C contributing to nearly one-third of all ischemic strokes. In primary prevention, many at-risk individuals have undiagnosed or poorly managed lipid disorders, including elevated lipoprotein(a). The challenge persists in secondary prevention, where up to 40 % of individuals at risk of recurrent ischemic stroke experience a recurrence within five years. A key reason for this is the inadequate diagnosis and management of lipid disorders, underscoring the necessity for early and intensive (upfront) combination lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) to meet treatment goals promptly after an event. Unfortunately, data indicates that up to 40 % of post-stroke patients receive no LLT, and many more receive inadequate treatment. Additionally, existing guidelines for LLT in both primary and secondary stroke prevention are often inconsistent and outdated. Similarly, the understanding of the effects of LDL-C and LLT on the risks of haemorrhagic stroke and dementia remains limited, emphasizing the need for clear and practical guidance. Thus, within this Consensus Paper we aimed to provide consistent, easy-to-follow, and practical guidance on lipid targets, along with clear pathways for effectively treating patients with lipid disorders who are at risk for stroke and those who have experienced one. This approach is intended to help reduce the risk of recurrent ischemic strokes and their associated complications.},
}

@article {pmid41248320,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, C and Austin, R and Wurtz, R and Delaney, CW and Rajamani, S},
title = {Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Control of Infectious Diseases in the Post-COVID Era: Scoping Review.},
journal = {JMIR nursing},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {e84242},
doi = {10.2196/84242},
pmid = {41248320},
issn = {2562-7600},
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Communicable Disease Control/methods ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic vulnerabilities in public health infrastructure, underscoring the urgency for innovation in disease surveillance and emergency response. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of public health interventions. Yet, there remains a limited understanding of how AI has been applied in real-world infectious disease control and who is contributing to its development and implementation.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to map current applications of AI in public health practice for infectious disease control since 2020. Specifically, it examined (1) the types of AI tools in use, (2) their purposes and implementation contexts, and (3) the professional and institutional actors leading these efforts, including the role of nurses.

METHODS: Using the Joanna Briggs Institute's population, concept, and context framework, a structured search in Ovid MEDLINE was conducted, which was guided by the "5Cs" framework for health emergency preparedness from the World Health Organization (WHO). The search focused on English-language, peer-reviewed studies from 2020 that used AI tools for infectious disease control within real-world public health practice. Nonoriginal articles, simulation-only studies, and studies that lacked real-world implementation were excluded.

RESULTS: Out of 600 screened studies in Ovid MEDLINE, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Two major AI types were identified: machine learning (ML) algorithms and language-based tools such as chatbots and large language models. ML tools supported outbreak detection, risk stratification, and resource allocation, while language-based tools promoted health communication, particularly around immunization and HIV prevention. Studies were conducted in a diverse range of countries, including several low- and middle-income countries, and used national datasets or surveillance systems. Despite nurses comprising half of the global health workforce, no nursing-affiliated authors were found among first or corresponding authors, and no nurses were represented in the broader authorship of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS: AI technologies are being increasingly applied to support public health responses to infectious diseases, with applications ranging from predictive analytics to real-time public engagement. However, adoption remains limited in scale, scope, and professional diversity. The near-total absence of nursing participation in AI-related public health research is particularly striking and represents a missed opportunity for inclusive innovation. Strengthening implementation research and advancing informatics education among nursing professionals are critical next steps to ensure that AI tools reflect the realities of public health practice and promote equitable outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Communicable Disease Control/methods
Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41247781,
year = {2025},
author = {Henrich, TJ and Montgomery, CP and Graf, J and Ismali, N and Mohandas, S and Suthar, MS and Brim, H and Coffin, JM and Pagaria, A and Guzmán Rivera, J and Vudali, U and Keim, P and Zhong, G and McGrath, R and Edwards, B and García-Sastre, A and Gennaro, ML},
title = {The role of co-infection in the pathogenesis of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of post-acute sequelae: A perspective.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7554/eLife.106308},
pmid = {41247781},
issn = {2050-084X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology ; *Coinfection/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Bacterial Infections/complications ; },
abstract = {A major health challenge resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is the manifestation of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). PASC (or long COVID) is a collective term used for clinical symptoms, various pathologies, and life-quality-changing functional impairment that persist for months to years after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mechanisms underlying PASC are not understood, although advances have been made in identifying factors that may contribute to long-term pathology. Recent data have emerged, showing an association between SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence and non-SARS-CoV-2 infections (pre-existing, viral reactivation, or new infections) in facilitating or mediating PASC. However, the heterogeneous nature and timing of co-infections have made it challenging to understand, interpret, and contextualize their contribution to PASC. Here, we summarize the impact of potential viral, bacterial, and fungal infections on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, with a focus on their possible roles in the development of PASC. We also provide a framework to understand the mechanisms of PASC and inform basic, translational, and clinical research initiatives, including RECOVER, a large and ongoing research initiative to understand, treat, and prevent long COVID.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology
*Coinfection/virology
*SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Bacterial Infections/complications

@article {pmid41246243,
year = {2025},
author = {Kaaniche, FM and Zouari, F and Jerbi, S and Dahech, I and Abdellatif, A and Taher, YB and Feki, W and Hakim, Z and Briki, S and Dlensi, D and Allala, R},
title = {[Specific features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults related to SARS-CoV-2].},
journal = {The Pan African medical journal},
volume = {52},
number = {},
pages = {29},
doi = {10.11604/pamj.2025.52.29.47987},
pmid = {41246243},
issn = {1937-8688},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/complications/therapy/physiopathology ; *Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology/virology ; Adult ; Prognosis ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage ; Immunoglobulins/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a rare and severe entity occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and it is often underrecognized in adults. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and prognostic characteristics of MIS-A through a structured review of the literature. A search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to May 2024. Articles included were clinical case reports or case series of MIS-A in adults. Eighteen (18) articles were included. MIS-A mainly manifests as persistent fever, multiorgan involvement, marked inflammatory response, and frequently negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR but positive serology. Treatment is based on immunoglobulins, corticosteroids, and, in some cases, anti-IL-6 therapy. Although rare, MIS-A represents a medical emergency to be considered in the aftermath of COVID-19 infection, even in asymptomatic cases. Diagnosis is based on nonspecific clinical and biological criteria, which makes recognition challenging. Early immunomodulatory treatment can improve prognosis.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/complications/therapy/physiopathology
*Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology/virology
Adult
Prognosis
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage
Immunoglobulins/administration & dosage

@article {pmid41245505,
year = {2025},
author = {Taylor, HL and Cuadros, P and Gee, M and Menachemi, N},
title = {The unintended health effects of US COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review.},
journal = {Health affairs scholar},
volume = {3},
number = {11},
pages = {qxaf208},
doi = {10.1093/haschl/qxaf208},
pmid = {41245505},
issn = {2976-5390},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: US lockdowns and school closures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were intended to mitigate viral transmission and protect public health. However, the broader health effects of these interventions remain unclear.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies that assessed the impact of US lockdowns and school closures on health-related outcomes excluding COVID-19 transmission and mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 132 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 454 unique outcomes. Lockdowns and school closures were associated with detrimental health effects in the majority of outcomes analyzed, including over 90% of mental health, obesity-related, and health-related social need outcomes (child development/education, employment, access to food, and economic/financial stability). Analyses focused on vulnerable populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and individuals with disabilities, were significantly more likely to report detrimental outcomes than the general population.

CONCLUSION: Given how lockdowns and school closures may affect population well-being, policymakers should carefully weigh both the benefits and harms of these interventions, including how they may affect vulnerable populations. We conclude with policy recommendations to mitigate ongoing harms and inform more evidence-based decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid41245378,
year = {2025},
author = {Al-Aqqad, N and McCarthy, LJ and Roura, M},
title = {The bidirectional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social determinants of health among refugees and internally displaced persons in low and lower-middle income countries: A systematic review of qualitative studies.},
journal = {Journal of migration and health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {100369},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmh.2025.100369},
pmid = {41245378},
issn = {2666-6235},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the bidirectional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social determinants of health among refugees and internally displaced persons in low and lower-middle income countries.

METHODS: A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published in English was conducted in August 2025 using five databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, and ASSIA. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program qualitative studies checklist was used to assess the quality of qualitative and mixed-methods studies. The Dahlgren and Whitehead model of the social determinants of health was used as a reference framework for data extraction and analysis. The themes that emerged during the data extraction process were used to create an adapted framework.

RESULTS: Out of 12,607 studies found, 32 studies were included for review. The COVID-19 pandemic had profound effects on most of the social determinants of health among refugees and internally displaced persons in low and lower-middle income countries. Also, unfavorable health determinants of refugees and internally displaced persons residing in these countries made them more susceptible to COVID-19.

DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had bidirectional effects on refugees' and internally displaced persons' social determinants of health. The pandemic negatively affected their work conditions, economic status, education, and healthcare access. On the other hand, lack of access to clean water, crowded housing, and poor health literacy level affected their compliance with protective measures making them more prone to COVID-19 infection.},
}

@article {pmid41244103,
year = {2025},
author = {Yue, Y and Han, X and Chen, Q and Dai, L and Ai, Q and Zhang, Z and Ma, F and Gao, J},
title = {The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1634351},
doi = {10.3389/fresc.2025.1634351},
pmid = {41244103},
issn = {2673-6861},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also known as long COVID, are characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and reduced functional capacity. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for chronic respiratory conditions, but its effectiveness in PASC, particularly across different delivery modes, remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of PR, including telerehabilitation and in-person modalities, on physical function, dyspnea, pulmonary function, fatigue, and quality of life in patients with PASC.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to March 25 for controlled clinical trials assessing the effects of PR in PASC patients. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and data were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4.1. Effect sizes were reported as mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials involving 673 participants were included. Most studies were judged to have a moderate risk of bias. Compared with usual care, PR significantly improved six-minute walk distance (MD: 76.85 meters; 95% CI: 57.35-96.36; p < 0.001), maximal inspiratory pressure (MD: 17.63 cmH₂O; 95% CI: 4.50-30.76; p = 0.009), fatigue (SMD: -1.15; 95% CI: -1.83 to -0.48; p < 0.001), and quality of life (SMD: 1.73; 95% CI: 0.56-2.91; p = 0.004). No statistically significant improvement was found for dyspnea (MD: -0.41; 95% CI: -1.51 to -0.68; p = 0.46). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences between telerehabilitation and in-person PR across all outcomes, including exercise capacity (p = 0.84), dyspnea (p = 0.86), fatigue (p = 0.93), and quality of life (p = 0.44).

CONCLUSIONS: PR improves physical and functional outcomes in patients with PASC. Telerehabilitation offers a clinically equivalent alternative to in-person PR, supporting its broader implementation.},
}

@article {pmid39221683,
year = {2025},
author = {Malay, S and Madabhavi, IV and Tripathi, A},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant: a short review.},
journal = {Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace},
volume = {95},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4081/monaldi.2024.2981},
pmid = {39221683},
issn = {2532-5264},
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity ; *COVID-19/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Mutation ; },
abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving continuously, and many variants have been detected over the last few years. SARS-CoV-2, as an RNA virus, is more prone to mutating. The continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is due to genetic mutation and recombination during the genomic replication process. Recombination is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which two distinct viral lineages simultaneously infect the same cellular entity in an individual. The evolution rate depends on the rate of mutation. The rate of mutation is variable among the RNA viruses, with the SARS-CoV-2 virus exhibiting a lower rate of mutation than other RNA viruses. The novel 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease proofreading machinery is responsible for a lower rate of mutation. Infections due to SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus have been reported from around the world during the same period of fall and winter, resulting in a "tripledemic". The JN.1 variant, which evolved from the predecessor, the Omicron variant BA.2.86, is currently the most dominant globally. The impact of the JN.1 variant on transmissibility, disease severity, immune evasion, and diagnostic and therapeutic escape will be discussed.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity
*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis
Mutation

@article {pmid41242507,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, R and Pradhan, A and Roy, D and Arya, M and Chakravarti, R and Dutta, D and Kundu, A and Bhaduri, S and Singh, P and Ahmed, KT and Bhattacharya, B},
title = {Emerging Molecular Targets and Natural Therapeutics for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Insights into Mechanisms, Risks, and COVID-19 Links.},
journal = {Respiratory medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108519},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmed.2025.108519},
pmid = {41242507},
issn = {1532-3064},
abstract = {Pulmonary fibrosis, often termed as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is a leading cause of death for patients with lung damage, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even Coronavirus disease. This article focuses on key factors, such as transforming growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, Neurogenic locus notch homolog (Notch), and Sonic hedgehog, involved in the progression of IPF. Historically, our understanding of IPF's impacts on the immune system that was limited due to the complexity. Recent reports, however provided valuable insights into defence mechanisms and factors. We highlight various factors of pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we will discuss the impact of diverse risk factors, including anticancer agents such as bleomycin and methotrexate; mineral silica; and metals like arsenic, aluminium and copper, which have been identified as potential triggers of pulmonary fibrosis. Current treatment strategies for IPF are not fully effective, and the mechanism of the disease remains poorly understood. This review will also discuss the role of natural phytocompounds, including steroidal saponin, stilbenoid polyphenol resveratrol, safflomin of Carthamus tinctorius or safflower yellow, along with several genetic modulation approaches in addressing IPF. Finally, we examine the aspects and associations of IPF and SARS-CoV-2 to better understand disease severity, causes, and associated comorbidities.},
}

@article {pmid41242463,
year = {2025},
author = {Blavier, J and Esposito, G and Twizere, JC and Percipalle, P},
title = {Targeting viral replication complexes with mRNA-encoded nanobodies: a new frontier for antiviral design.},
journal = {Drug discovery today},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104531},
doi = {10.1016/j.drudis.2025.104531},
pmid = {41242463},
issn = {1878-5832},
abstract = {Emerging and re-emerging RNA viruses continue to challenge global health preparedness, underscoring the need for broad-spectrum antivirals that can be rapidly deployed. We propose a family-specific antiviral design strategy that targets conserved replication-transcription complexes (RTCs) using nanobodies delivered as mRNA therapeutics. This approach overcomes the long-standing limitation of intracellular delivery of antibody-based biologics. By expressing antiviral nanobodies directly inside infected cells via lipid-nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA, it becomes possible to disrupt essential protein-protein interactions within viral RTCs. Using SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 9 (NSP9) as a proof-of-concept, we show that stabilizing non-functional NSP9 oligomers can inhibit viral replication. This combined nanobody-mRNA technology provides a versatile platform for rapid antiviral development across virus families.},
}

@article {pmid41242396,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, R and Walia, A and Lakhanpal, D},
title = {Human metapneumovirus: an underdiagnosed public health threat.},
journal = {Infectious diseases now},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105189},
doi = {10.1016/j.idnow.2025.105189},
pmid = {41242396},
issn = {2666-9919},
abstract = {Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a negative-sense RNA virus in the Pneumoviridae family, has emerged as a major yet under-recognized cause of acute respiratory infections worldwide. Since its identification in 2001, hMPV has shown steady genetic evolution into genotypes A and B, with newer sublineages such as A2.2.1, A2.2.2, and B2 currently detected across continents. A recent global rise in hMPV detections, detailed in reports from China, Europe, and the USA, likely reflects both expanded testing and the re-establishment of seasonal circulation following the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-infections with respiratory viruses, including RSV and influenza, contribute to severe clinical outcomes and hospital burden. Multiplex RT-PCR remains the most sensitive and widely used diagnostic method for detection of hMPV, outperforming conventional PCR approaches, while metagenomic sequencing and CRISPR-based assays are primarily research tools. Diagnostic sensitivity also varies with sample source, and access to advanced technologies remains globally uneven. Despite its growing clinical impact, no approved antiviral is available. Promising candidates, including monoclonal antibodies against the fusion protein, siRNA therapies, and mRNA-based vaccines, are in the early stages of development. This review encompasses recent evidence on hMPV epidemiology, molecular evolution, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic and vaccine development, underscoring a need for sustained surveillance, equitable diagnostic capacity, and proactive vaccine research more effectively addressing a largely overlooked respiratory pathogen.},
}

@article {pmid41241149,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, WH},
title = {The Mitochondrial Nexus: Dysfunction, Inhibition, and Therapeutic Frontiers in Lung Disease.},
journal = {Respiratory medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108506},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmed.2025.108506},
pmid = {41241149},
issn = {1532-3064},
abstract = {Mitochondria are increasingly recognized as central arbiters of cellular fate, placing them at the nexus of pulmonary health and disease. Beyond their canonical role in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, these organelles are critical hubs for redox signaling, metabolic homeostasis, and programmed cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction-a multifaceted condition characterized by impaired bioenergetics, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, aberrant dynamics, and defective quality control via mitophagy-is a unifying pathogenic feature in chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This dysfunction is also a critical determinant of severity in acute conditions like acute lung injury (ALI) and COVID-19 and is a key mechanistic driver of Long COVID. This review synthesizes the core mechanisms of mitochondrial impairment, delineates their specific contributions to this spectrum of pulmonary pathologies, and discusses the burgeoning field of mitochondria-targeted therapeutics. Strategies ranging from targeted antioxidants and metabolic modulators to novel regenerative approaches like mitochondrial transplantation are highlighted, with an expanded discussion on their limitations, challenges, and clinical implications. By framing mitochondrial integrity as a critical determinant of pulmonary disease, we underscore a pivotal axis for future diagnostic and therapeutic innovation.},
}

@article {pmid41239836,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Zhang, L and Huang, S and Xu, Y and Jin, C},
title = {Application of Super-Resolution Microscopy in Virology Research: Principles, Technological Advances, and Analysis of the Viral Life Cycle.},
journal = {Journal of biophotonics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202500461},
doi = {10.1002/jbio.202500461},
pmid = {41239836},
issn = {1864-0648},
support = {2021YFF0700305//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024C03218//Zhejiang Provincial Leading Geese Program/ ; },
abstract = {Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has exerted a pivotal influence on virology by surpassing the diffraction limits of conventional optical microscopy, enabling unprecedented visualization of viral structures and dynamics. Techniques such as stimulated emission depletion, photoactivated localization microscopy, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, and structured illumination microscopy facilitate nanoscale imaging of viruses, providing critical insights into the viral life cycle and virus-host interactions. We examine the principles and advancements in SRM techniques and their applications in virology. We discuss the development and selection of fluorescent probes, highlighting specific labeling methods. Key applications of SRM are illustrated through case studies of viruses such as influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating the technology's impact on understanding viral mechanisms. We also explore future developments in SRM, including enhanced spatial and temporal resolution, and integration with technologies such as single-molecule imaging and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, positioning SRM as a pivotal tool for advancing viral research and therapeutic development.},
}

@article {pmid41239485,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, G and Lin, R and Ma, D},
title = {Human metapneumovirus: pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic technologies, and potential intervention strategies.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {376},
pmid = {41239485},
issn = {1743-422X},
support = {ESY-GSP-YXPT-A02//Guangdong High-level Hospital Construction Fund/ ; ESY-GSP-YXPT-A02//Guangdong High-level Hospital Construction Fund/ ; JCYJ20220530155415035//Science and Technology Foundation of Shenzhen City/ ; 2023A1515220134//Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation-Enterprise Joint Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Metapneumovirus/pathogenicity/genetics/immunology ; *Paramyxoviridae Infections/diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention & control/virology/therapy/drug therapy ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Viral Vaccines/immunology ; Molecular Epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a notable viral pathogen that is responsible for respiratory tract infections in infants, young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised individuals. Particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, HMPV has gradually surpassed other respiratory viruses and continues to pose a threat to human health. While substantial progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of HMPV infection in the host, as well as in terms of diagnostic and prevention methods, no effective vaccines or specific antiviral drugs against HMPV have yet been approved. In this review, we summarize the structure of HMPV and its pathogenic mechanisms; discuss the molecular epidemiology and diagnostic techniques related to HMPV; and summarize the latest advances in the prevention and treatment of HMPV infections, particularly the development of neutralizing antibodies, vaccines, and antiviral drugs. Finally, we discuss the prospects and challenges that lie ahead for HMPV research and clinical interventions.},
}

Humans
*Metapneumovirus/pathogenicity/genetics/immunology
*Paramyxoviridae Infections/diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention & control/virology/therapy/drug therapy
*Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/diagnosis/epidemiology/prevention & control
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Viral Vaccines/immunology
Molecular Epidemiology

@article {pmid41239375,
year = {2025},
author = {Twagirumugabe, T and Gashame, DF and Uwamahoro, DL and Riviello, E},
title = {Advanced non-invasive respiratory support in resource-constrained settings: a narrative review.},
journal = {Critical care (London, England)},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {492},
pmid = {41239375},
issn = {1466-609X},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/therapy ; *Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/economics ; Developing Countries ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy ; *Health Resources/supply & distribution ; },
abstract = {Advanced non-invasive respiratory support techniques include high flow oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, and non-invasive ventilation. Given their relative simplicity and lower resource intensity as compared with invasive mechanical ventilation, these mechanisms of respiratory support represent an attractive opportunity for use in patients with acute respiratory failure in resource-constrained settings. High flow oxygen in particular has the potential to provide high levels of respiratory support with relatively low levels of human and other resources to a wide variety of patients with respiratory failure, including those with delirium or obtundation. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, during which utilization of these techniques increased in high-income countries, low and lower-middle income countries still have little access to advanced non-invasive respiratory support. Evidence from high-income countries and limited evidence from low-income countries suggest that these respiratory support methods may be particularly beneficial in resource-constrained settings; however, the evidence also suggests that the populations chosen and particularly the attention and resources invested in implementation are critical in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of non-invasive support. While non-invasive respiratory support does not require the complex training and monitoring needed for invasive support (e.g. specific risks associated with the endotracheal tube, sequelae of sedation, complex ventilator modes), it nonetheless requires resources in order to be applied effectively. Particular domains that need careful consideration are: clinical systems of care; oxygen consumption and connector compatibilities; human resources and training; location within the hospital; acceptability; cost; and device characteristics. In addition, ongoing research is needed that includes randomized controlled trials with attention to context, so that clinicians in resource-constrained settings can apply relevant evidence for non-invasive respiratory support for patients in their settings.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/therapy
*Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/economics
Developing Countries
*Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy
*Health Resources/supply & distribution

@article {pmid41238304,
year = {2025},
author = {Trabocchi, A},
title = {The peptidomimetic approach for the design of viral protease inhibitors.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {93-128},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.007},
pmid = {41238304},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {*Peptidomimetics/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; *Drug Design ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects ; Zika Virus/enzymology/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors ; Dengue Virus/enzymology/drug effects ; Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors ; },
abstract = {The transformation of peptides into drug leads is an established approach in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Peptidomimetics are designed to mimic the bioactivity of peptides while addressing their limitations, such as poor metabolic stability and low bioavailability, thus resulting in improved receptor affinity and selectivity. Over last decades, a range of synthetic strategies has emerged to improve the pharmacological properties of these molecules through local and global conformational restrictions and introducing secondary structure mimetics. Herein the essential tools and methodologies in peptidomimetic design are reported with highlights to their therapeutic relevance, particularly in antiviral drug development. Peptidomimetics have shown notable success in targeting viral proteases as key enzymes involved in the life cycle of several pathogenic viruses. Case studies involving peptidomimetic inhibitors of HIV protease, HCV NS3/4A protease, SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro), and the NS2B-NS3 proteases of Zika and Dengue viruses are reported highlighting the efficacy of this approach, emphasizing the potential of peptidomimetic drugs as powerful tools in the treatment of infectious diseases.},
}

*Peptidomimetics/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
*Drug Design
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects
Zika Virus/enzymology/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
Dengue Virus/enzymology/drug effects
Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors

@article {pmid41238303,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonardi, A},
title = {Computational approaches for designing viral protease inhibitors.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {59-91},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.005},
pmid = {41238303},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {Humans ; *Drug Design ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects ; *Viral Proteases/chemistry/metabolism ; Drug Discovery ; Machine Learning ; Computational Biology/methods ; },
abstract = {Viral proteases are critical enzymes that play essential roles in the replication of viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency, Hepatitis C, SARS-CoV-2, Zika, Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever, Japanese and Saint Louis Encephalitis, Tick-Born Encephalitis, Chikungunya, and others. Designing potent inhibitors against these proteases has been a major therapeutic strategy to control and treat these viral infections. Computational approaches, including structure-based drug design, ligand-based drug design, machine learning and artificial intelligence-based techniques, have significantly accelerated the discovery and optimization of viral protease inhibitors. This chapter provides an in-depth review of the computational methodologies employed in the development of inhibitors for these major viral targets, highlighting case studies for each virus, discussing strategies to overcome resistance, and exploring future directions in antiviral drug discovery.},
}

Humans
*Drug Design
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects
*Viral Proteases/chemistry/metabolism
Drug Discovery
Machine Learning
Computational Biology/methods

@article {pmid41238302,
year = {2025},
author = {Supuran, CT and Pisano, L},
title = {Challenges for developing selective viral protease inhibitors as antiinfectives.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {319-335},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.009},
pmid = {41238302},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {Humans ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology ; Drug Design ; Drug Development ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Viral Proteases/metabolism ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The biochemical machinery of most viruses comprises proteases which are crucial for their life cycle. In the last decades, proteases from pathogenic viruses started to be considered as potential drug targets, and this led to the development of several classes of effective antivirals used for the management of HIV, HCV and SARS CoV 2 infections. More than 25 clinically used protease inhibitors (PIs) are now available for the management of these three infections, but many other viruses encode for proteases which started to be considered only recently as potential drug targets. They include enterovirises, filoviruses such as Zika, Dengue and West Nile viruses, Chikungunya and other togaviruses, Ebola, Marbug and many other hemorrhagic viruses. The proteases of many such pathogens have been cloned, characterized and in some cases also crystallized in complex with inhibitors, but no compounds progressed yet to clinical trials. There are several relevant challenges in designing PIs as novel antivirals, such as: (i) the drug design strategies of peptidomimetic inhibitors, which are many times complex and expensive; (ii) the difficulties in identifying non-peptidomimetic PIs; (iii) the selectivity for the target versus host proteases of the identified PIs; (iv) their metabolism, absorption and in vivo antiviral activity, and, most importantly, (v) the emergence of drug/multidrug resistance due to the high mutation rates of many viruses. Many of these challenges started to be approached by innovative strategies which will be duscussed in the chapter.},
}

Humans
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology
Drug Design
Drug Development
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Viral Proteases/metabolism
Animals

@article {pmid41238299,
year = {2025},
author = {Elsawi, AE and Tawfik, HO and Eldehna, WM},
title = {Coronaviruses papain-like proteases and their inhibitors.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {209-249},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.006},
pmid = {41238299},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {Humans ; *Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; *Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The multipurpose enzyme papain-like protease (PLpro) is crucial for both immune evasion and viral multiplication. The replication-transcription complex is formed when PLpro, encoded by nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3), cleaves the viral polyprotein to release nsp1 through nsp4. Furthermore, by eliminating ubiquitin and ISG15 from key immune signaling proteins, such as IRF3, STING, and MDA5, PLpro impairs host antiviral defenses by reducing type I interferon responses. The catalytic triad and several functional domains, including the flexible BL2 loop that regulates access to the viral polyprotein substrate and inhibitor, as well as the SUb1 and SUb2 binding sites for ISG15/Ub recognition, are structural features of PLpro. Due to these features, PLpro is a desirable target for both allosteric and active-site inhibition. Numerous prospective inhibitors have been identified through drug repurposing and natural product screening, supported by structural and computational analyses that highlight key interaction sites. The biological significance, structural intricacy, and therapeutic potential of PLpro as a dual-action antiviral target, which can inhibit viral replication and restore host immune function, are highlighted in this chapter.},
}

Humans
*Coronavirus Papain-Like Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
Virus Replication/drug effects
*Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals

@article {pmid41238297,
year = {2025},
author = {Supuran, CT and Capasso, C},
title = {Coronaviruses main proteases and their inhibitors.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {183-208},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.07.005},
pmid = {41238297},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; Drug Discovery ; COVID-19/virology ; Peptidomimetics/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M[pro]) plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle by cleaving polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab into functional non-structural proteins (NSPs), including components essential for RNA replication, such as nsp7, nsp8, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. The high sequence conservation across coronaviruses and absence of closely related human proteases make M[pro] an attractive target for selective antiviral interventions. Recent efforts in drug discovery have led to the development of a wide spectrum of M[pro] inhibitors, including covalent peptidomimetics (e.g., nirmatrelvir) and non-covalent small molecules with enhanced pharmacological profiles, such as ensitrelvir. Structure-based drug design, fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), high-throughput screening (HTS), and in silico approaches have contributed to identification of novel scaffolds and optimization of binding interactions within the catalytic pocket. Non-covalent inhibitors offer reversible binding mechanisms that reduce off-target effects and are particularly promising for clinical translation. However, challenges such as the limited oral bioavailability of peptidomimetic compounds, metabolic instability, and emerging resistance highlight the need for further optimization. Ongoing research is exploring prodrug strategies, advanced delivery systems, and combinatorial regimens that integrate M[pro] inhibitors with other antivirals to achieve synergistic effects and suppress resistance. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of M[pro]-targeted therapeutics and emphasizes their potential role in future pandemic preparedness.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
Drug Discovery
COVID-19/virology
Peptidomimetics/pharmacology

@article {pmid41238295,
year = {2025},
author = {Rusconi, S and Paoletti, N and Supuran, CT},
title = {HIV protease and its inhibition.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {129-149},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.001},
pmid = {41238295},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {*HIV Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *HIV Protease/metabolism/chemistry ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; *HIV-1/enzymology/drug effects ; HIV Infections/drug therapy/virology ; },
abstract = {The HIV protease (HPR) is a virus-specific aspartic protease responsible for processing the polyproteins of gag and gag-pol during virion maturation and for the proliferation of HIV. The activity of HPR is essential for virus infectivity, thus it is an important target for the development of anti-HIV drugs. HPR is only one major viral protease, since there are other proteases, which are specific to HCV or SARS-CoV-2 and are therapeutic targets as well. HPR inhibitors in combination with other classes of anti-HIV drugs are one of the main components of an effective anti-HIV therapy. Nevertheless, upon several circumstances, HIV can develop a discrete pattern of resistance towards one or several HPR inhibitors through the phenomenon of cross-resistance. The aim of our work is to illustrate various features of HPR: its structure, the various mechanisms which lead to its inhibition, the HPR inhibitors which are used in the clinical arena, and the pathways involved in drug resistance, plus the mechanisms to overcome it.},
}

*HIV Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
Humans
*HIV Protease/metabolism/chemistry
Drug Resistance, Viral
*HIV-1/enzymology/drug effects
HIV Infections/drug therapy/virology

@article {pmid41238294,
year = {2025},
author = {Pisano, L and Supuran, CT},
title = {Viral proteases as targets for antivirals drugs.},
journal = {The Enzymes},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {1-18},
doi = {10.1016/bs.enz.2025.06.002},
pmid = {41238294},
issn = {0423-2607},
mesh = {*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Viral Proteases/metabolism ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects ; Virus Diseases/drug therapy ; *Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The biochemical machinery of all viruses comprises enzymes able to cleave polyproteins formed after the transcription of the viral genetic material, which belong to the protease class. Viral proteases known so far belong to the aspartic, serine and cysteine protease classes, with no viral metalloprotease described to date. The tridimensional structure, biochemical properties and susceptibility to be inhibited by various classes of compounds for many such enzymes have been investigated in detail in the last decades. Many antiviral drugs target viral proteases which produce diseases in mammals, but such enzymes are also present in viruses which attack plants or bacteria, and potential applications for such enzymes or their inhibition started to be considered in recent years. The aspartic protease encoded in the HIV genome, the serine proteases found in various HCV serotypes and more recently the two cystein proteases from coronaviruses, including SARS CoV 2, are targeted by clinically used drugs belonging to the protease inhibitors, which effectively interrupt the life cycle of the virus, alone or in combination therapies with other antivirals and showed a relevant clinical success. Many other less investigated viruses encode for proteases belonging to the three classes mentioned above and they started to be investigated for obtaining novel antivirals for the management of Dengue, Zika, West Nile and other flaviviruses infections but also Chikungunya, Ebola, Marbug and various other filoviruses, for which few therapeutic options are available to date.},
}

*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
*Viral Proteases/metabolism
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Animals
SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects
Virus Diseases/drug therapy
*Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism

@article {pmid41237896,
year = {2025},
author = {Kolodziej, LM and Grootegoed, LC and van Buul, LW and Spijker, R and Schinkel, CJ and de Jong, MD and Leeflang, MM and Kuil, SD},
title = {The impact of respiratory viruses on older adults in long-term care facilities: a scoping review.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2025.11.002},
pmid = {41237896},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Evidence on the clinical impact of seasonal respiratory viruses in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) is limited.

OBJECTIVES: To provide an overview of the evidence available on the clinical impact of seasonal respiratory viruses on older adults in LTCFs worldwide.

DATA SOURCES: Medline (OVID Medline ALL) and Embase (Embase.com) until 13 May 2025.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Original research articles involving LTCF residents with at least one laboratory-confirmed viral respiratory tract infection (RTI), excluding SARS-CoV-2 and pandemic influenza, reporting any RTI-associated clinical outcome.

PARTICIPANTS: LTCF residents (mean or median age >60 years).

METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: An evidence gap map was created to visualise the distribution of evidence across viruses and outcomes. Where possible, outcome proportions (defined as the number of cases with the outcome divided by the total number of cases) were extracted from the included studies. These were summarised and visualised in dot plots with medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) per virus.

RESULTS: 117 studies were included. The majority of the studies focused on influenza viruses and conventional outcomes including attack rate, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), hospitalisation, and mortality. Evidence was limited for human rhinovirus, parainfluenza viruses, enterovirus, adenovirus, and endemic human coronaviruses, as well as for outcomes such as aggravation of underlying diseases and patient-centred outcomes, including quality of life and functional status. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was associated with the highest rate of LRTI (median 0.50; IQR 0.45-0.75) as well as the highest mortality rate (median 0.17; IQR 0.10-0.37) found in this study, although based on small numbers of confirmed cases.

CONCLUSIONS: Substantial knowledge gaps remain regarding the impact of seasonal respiratory viruses on older adults in LTCFs. In order to inform decision-making regarding viral RTI management in this population, future studies should prioritise underrepresented viruses including hMPV and incorporate patient-centred outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41237560,
year = {2025},
author = {Anson, K and Patel, S},
title = {Misinformaion and its impact on measles vaccine hesitancy in the pediatric population: A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of pediatric nursing},
volume = {86},
number = {},
pages = {136-147},
doi = {10.1016/j.pedn.2025.11.008},
pmid = {41237560},
issn = {1532-8449},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This scoping review is a synthesis of what is known in the literature about the relationship between misinformation and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine hesitancy.

METHODS: A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework was completed. PubMed, Academic Search Complete, CINHAL, and EBSCOHost were searched for literature published from January 2020 to December 2024 in English on MMR vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

RESULTS: Initial search resulted in 141 articles. After removing duplicates and articles not meeting inclusion criteria, 23 studies were retained for analysis. Misinformation promulgated in social and religious groups, social media, internet searches, and movies impacted measles vaccine hesitancy. Declining vaccination rates corresponded with circulating social media posts promoting misinformed beliefs towards the MMR vaccine. Interventions targeting vaccine hesitancy have used a variance of communication strategies with limited success. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic media response decreased institutional trust and increased trust in misinformation, despite evidence to the contrary.

CONCLUSION: Despite scientific demonstration of immunizations benefits, little work has been attempted to understand how and why vaccine decisions are being made, including the effect of misinformation. Research gaps include the pervasiveness of misinformation, the limited efficacy of communication interventions on changing vaccine intention, and the lack of a cohesive theoretical framework.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses remain at the crux of vaccination decisions with a unique role in educating parents. Future research should focus on understanding parental MMR vaccine decisions guided by a theoretical framework examining the impact unique social interactions of common beliefs have on decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid41237540,
year = {2025},
author = {Devsam, B and Bortolussi, K and Tippins, J and Vasiliadis, S and Danchin, M and O'Neill, J and Attwell, K and Kaufman, J},
title = {The experience of seeking & granting special medical exemptions for mandated vaccines: A scoping review.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {127935},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127935},
pmid = {41237540},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Medical exemptions to mandated vaccines are permitted for contraindications, such as anaphylaxis and immunosuppression. However, clinicians encounter 'special medical exemptions' when the medical reason for requiring an exemption falls outside strict criteria. Processes for seeking, assessing, and granting these exemptions are often unclear and vary across jurisdictions.

AIM: To map the published literature on the experiences of parents, caregivers, or individuals seeking special medical exemptions for mandated childhood vaccines, occupational vaccines for healthcare workers, and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the experiences of clinicians assessing and granting such exemptions globally.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR and JBI methodology. Databases searched included Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Qualitative, quantitative, review articles, and grey literature were included. Screening and data extraction were completed in Covidence by two independent reviewers. Data were analysed using descriptive and inductive content analysis.

RESULTS: Eighteen articles met inclusion criteria. Key findings were: (1) special medical exemptions are inconsistently granted; (2) individuals seeking special medical exemptions often support vaccination broadly, but express context-specific health concerns; (3) evidence on how vaccines affect the medical conditions underlying exemption requests were often lacking, leaving key gaps for decision-making not addressed by current criteria; (4) trust in clinicians who prioritised individual health needs over strict policy shaped families' subsequent vaccine decision; and (5) special medical exemptions can have wider implications from an individual or interpersonal level to a broader community and policy level.

CONCLUSION: Special medical exemptions currently lack definitional clarity and standardised criteria, leading to inconsistent and potentially inequitable exemption decisions. More research is needed to inform evidence-based guidance that balances public health protection with individual clinical complexity. Clearer policy frameworks and clinician support are essential to ensure fair and transparent exemptions processes.},
}

@article {pmid41235245,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen-Camaño, R and DeAntonio, R and López-Vergès, S},
title = {T-cell exhaustion in COVID-19: what do we know?.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1678149},
pmid = {41235245},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; T-Cell Exhaustion ; },
abstract = {T-cell exhaustion is a terminal state of immune dysfunction characterized by impaired proliferation and effector functions, diminished cytokine secretion, and sustained expression of inhibitory receptors. In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), increasing evidence links exhausted T-cell phenotypes with poor clinical outcomes, including severe disease, delayed viral clearance, and persistent symptoms associated with Long COVID. Exhaustion results from prolonged antigenic stimulation and inflammatory signals and is marked by transcriptional reprogramming, metabolic and epigenetic dysregulation, and co-expression of inhibitory receptors such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4). Notably, exhausted phenotypes in COVID-19 frequently coexist with hyperactivation, raising the unresolved question of whether inhibitory receptor expression reflects transient activation or irreversible dysfunction. Emerging therapeutic strategies to reverse these dysfunctional states include immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine modulation, metabolic interventions, and epigenetic therapies, although their clinical translation remains at an early stage. Critical research gaps include the scarcity of longitudinal data, incomplete profiling of T-cell subsets across disease stages during COVID-19 and Long COVID-19, and contradictory evidence of vaccine-induced exhaustion with limited understanding of its consequences. This non-systematic literature review synthesizes current advances in COVID-19 immunopathology and therapeutic strategies, underscoring that understanding T-cell exhaustion is crucial to improving outcomes and shaping next-generation immunotherapies and vaccines.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*T-Lymphocytes/immunology
T-Cell Exhaustion

@article {pmid41235244,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, D and Zhang, F},
title = {CKD-related impairment in humoral and cellular immune response and potential correlation with long COVID-19: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1690298},
pmid = {41235244},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; *Immunity, Humoral ; *Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/immunology/therapy ; *Immunity, Cellular ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). However, their immune response to vaccination may vary among individuals. The purpose of this review was to identify characteristics of alterations in humoral and cellular immune responses to the vaccination, and to provide insights into their immune dysfunctions for a better care of acute COVID-19 and prevention of long COVID-19.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of science and Cochrane Central were systematically searched. Eligible publications included clinical studies reporting immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in CKD patients without dialysis or KT, CKD patients undergoing dialysis, as well as CKD patients with KT. Demographics, measurements and results of their humoral and cellular response were evaluated, and the quality of studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS).

RESULTS: A total of 31 eligible studies were identified. A decreased proportion of patients with KT showed anti-S IgG positivity after the 2[nd] (67%) and 3[rd] (56.6%) dose of vaccination. Similarly, a decreased proportion of these patients presented S-specific T-cell response after the 2[nd] (17.7%) and 3[rd] (12.9%) dose. Though lower anti-S IgG titers in patients with CKD or on dialysis, as well as T-cell response in patients on dialysis were reported to be lower after the 2[nd] or 3[rd] dose of vaccination, conflicting results were reported by other studies. Limited studies on correlated change between humoral and cellular immune response revealed a low rate of co-presence of the two in patients with dialysis, though antibody level was correlated with rate of cellular response, while no such correlation was revealed in patients with KT.

CONCLUSION: The study provides crucial information on features of humoral and cellular immune responses to COVID-19 vaccinations in CKD patients, and suggests possible directions for strategy of management such as antibody monitoring, additional booster dose or immunomodulatory therapies not only for acute COVID-19 but also for long COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
*Immunity, Humoral
*Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/immunology/therapy
*Immunity, Cellular
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology
Vaccination

@article {pmid41234979,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y},
title = {What Has SARS-CoV-2 Taught Us About Evolution?.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {e94502},
pmid = {41234979},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Over the past five and a half years, SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated in real time many concepts and principles of evolutionary biology. Soon after it was disseminated globally, the virus underwent adaptive radiation, resulting in the generation of multiple dominant variants. Later variants drove earlier ones to extinction in a series of selective sweeps. The nature of adaptation was shifting molecular specialization, with the spike protein losing binding affinity toward bat cells to gain affinity toward human cells, losing replicative fitness in lung cells to gain fitness in nasal cells. Evolution of the spike protein was constrained between two beneficial results: enhancing receptor binding and evading neutralizing antibodies. Because there are limited ways of functional improvement, multiple variants converged on the same spike mutations, with higher-impact mutations fixed before lower-impact mutations, giving a new meaning to diminishing-returns epistasis. Later genetic changes became repetitive and cyclical. The Delta variant represented an evolutionary dead end. Evolution of the virus also demonstrated punctuated equilibrium, with saltatory changes producing highly mutated variants, which subsequently experienced gradual structural and functional drifts. While structural proteins experienced strong positive and purifying selections, nonstructural and accessory proteins accumulated neutral and deleterious mutations, most of which remain unfixed. Selection of adaptive missense mutations resulted in deoptimization of codon usage. These phenomena point to Muller's ratchet in action. The higher codon usage score in the initial Omicron variant was probably due to long-term preservation of the virus in an immunocompromised host, where low immune pressure prevented genetic degradation.},
}

@article {pmid41234654,
year = {2025},
author = {Kadivarian, S and Rostamian, M and Kooti, S and Dashtbin, S and Hosseinabadi, S and Abiri, R and Alvand, A},
title = {Diagnostic value comparative analysis of the commercial kits for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Iranian journal of microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {669-681},
pmid = {41234654},
issn = {2008-3289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rapid and accurate identification of suspicious SARS-CoV-2 patients is essential in controlling the infection. Numerous commercial kits are developed which target diverse regions of the SARS-CoV-2 virus genome. This systematic review addresses the lack of comprehensive analyses comparing the diagnostic value of commercial kits for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We aimed to compare diagnostic value of commercial SARS-CoV-2 kits in clinical samples using a systematic review and meta-analysis method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on main databases of Medline (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science and Scopus from 2019 to October 2021 using the appropriate keywords. Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guideline PRISMA checklist was used to select eligible studies.

RESULTS: The most frequent introduced kits were from USA (33 cases) and China (27). Among all studies, 11, 9 and 7 papers had assessed FDA -CDC, Sansure and Allplex kits, respectively. The majority of the kits were based on RT-PCR (52 cases) and the most frequent genes target was N protein (63 cases). The overall sensitivity of the kits was 80.5%. The lowest sensitivity was reported for Daan Kit, while the highest sensitivity was seen for many kits. The specificity of the kits ranged from 87.9% to 99.8% and the overall specificity was 97.9%. Both PPV and NPV of the kits ranged from 87.9% to 99.8% for PPV and 82.9% to 99.8% for NPV.

CONCLUSION: Based on DOR obtained from three different formulas, GeneFinder, InBios, NxTAG, Simplexa and FDA-CDC kit have better detection performance. The GeneFinder Kit appears to be among the more suitable options regarding cost-effectiveness for each reaction.},
}

@article {pmid41233199,
year = {2025},
author = {Lertamornkitti, N and Britton, PN},
title = {Measles is misery: A brief update for paediatricians.},
journal = {Paediatric respiratory reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.prrv.2025.10.003},
pmid = {41233199},
issn = {1526-0550},
abstract = {Measles is an important vaccine-preventable disease that has re-emerged in recent years. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, interruptions to routine immunisation programs and declining vaccine coverage have altered the incidence and patterns of respiratory virus infections. Global outbreaks have intensified, and vaccine hesitancy is recognised as major health threat. Revisiting the clinical presentation of measles is crucial for early diagnosis and to reduce transmission of this highly contagious infection. As serious respiratory and neurological complications can follow natural infection and no specific antiviral therapy is available, vaccination remains the most effective strategy for prevention and control.},
}

@article {pmid41232510,
year = {2025},
author = {Korber, B and Fischer, W and Theiler, J},
title = {Real-time monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Cell host & microbe},
volume = {33},
number = {11},
pages = {1802-1806},
doi = {10.1016/j.chom.2025.10.013},
pmid = {41232510},
issn = {1934-6069},
mesh = {*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; Humans ; *Evolution, Molecular ; Pandemics ; Mutation ; },
abstract = {The global response to COVID-19 during the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented view of viral evolution. Here, we discuss both the capacity of the scientific community to monitor viral evolution on a global scale in real time and the mutational mechanisms and selective forces that shaped the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.},
}

*COVID-19/virology/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics
Humans
*Evolution, Molecular
Pandemics
Mutation

@article {pmid41232270,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, B and Liu, C and Sunggip, C and Pu, G and Deng, D},
title = {Viruses in gastrointestinal cancers: Molecular pathogenesis, oncogenic mechanisms, and translational perspectives.},
journal = {Molecular aspects of medicine},
volume = {106},
number = {},
pages = {101415},
doi = {10.1016/j.mam.2025.101415},
pmid = {41232270},
issn = {1872-9452},
abstract = {Viral pathogens are one of the most significant causes of human carcinogenesis, contributing to up to 15-20 % of worldwide cancers. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the most vulnerable human organ system to virus-mediated tumorigenesis as a result of frequent exposure to viral infections and various immunological processes. The present review aims to describe the dual roles of viral infections in the development of gastrointestinal cancers (GICs), with a focus on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). HIV represents an oncological challenge in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), where significant immune dysfunction, persistent inflammation, and gut microbiome disruption render infected patients more susceptible to various GICs. On the other hand, SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging viral pathogen whose potential role in oncogenesis remains controversial yet biologically plausible. In this context, SARS-CoV-2 tropism to the gastrointestinal tissues and its capacity to drive cytokine storms, profound dysbiosis, and immune exhaustion raise significant questions regarding its potential to act as a pro-tumorigenic factor. Discussing mechanistic insights from well-known oncogenic viral pathogens, the present review describes the direct and indirect mechanisms by which these two major viruses may affect GI tumorigenesis. Moreover, this review translates these mechanisms into clinical perspectives, underscoring implications for diagnostics, prevention, and therapeutic strategies, while highlighting urgent research priorities for long-term surveillance and biomarker discovery. It highlights the importance of continuous scientific awareness to address the increasing cancer risks presented by emerging and re-emerging viruses through bridging virology and oncology.},
}

@article {pmid41231197,
year = {2025},
author = {Bermúdez Endrino, LM and Berral García, A and Gómez Peña, B and Uclés-Torrente, MDM and Aparicio-Martinez, P},
title = {Efficacy of technology interventions in preventing depression among older adults experiencing social isolation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Aging & mental health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/13607863.2025.2585501},
pmid = {41231197},
issn = {1364-6915},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The global rise in the aging population, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has increased loneliness, social isolation, and depression among older adults. This review aimed to examine the relationships between these psychological challenges and to assess the effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based interventions in mitigating them.

METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published within the last five years were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINAHL. Methodological quality was assessed using CONSORT and STROBE, and quantitative synthesis was performed with RevMan 5.4.1.

RESULTS: Thirteen studies, including experimental and observational designs, met the inclusion criteria; 61.5% analysed pandemic effects and 38.5% evaluated ICT interventions. Depression, loneliness, and social isolation were strongly associated, with the pandemic worsening outcomes, while pre-pandemic isolation predicted poorer mental health. ICT interventions significantly reduced depression (78% reduction; 95% CI 0.15-0.33; OR = 0.22) and anxiety (80% reduction; 95% CI 0.10-0.32; OR = 0.20), though their impact on social isolation was limited (95% CI 0.87-1.19; OR = 1.07).

CONCLUSION: ICT interventions effectively reduce depression and anxiety but have limited effects on social isolation, highlighting the need for long-term evaluation and community-based strategies to improve emotional well-being in older adults.},
}

@article {pmid41228476,
year = {2025},
author = {Rizzi, M and Manzoni, P and Germano, C and Quevedo, MF and Sainaghi, PP},
title = {Lactoferrin, a Natural Protein with Multiple Functions in Health and Disease.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41228476},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {*Lactoferrin/therapeutic use/metabolism/physiology/pharmacology ; Humans ; COVID-19 ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein showing multiple biological properties (antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antigenotoxic, prebiotic, probiotic) that play an essential role in maintaining host physiological homeostatic condition by exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Thanks to these biological properties, lactoferrin has widely been studied as a therapeutic agent in gastroenteric diseases, neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, lung diseases, and COVID-19, showing very heterogeneous results based on the disease considered and the population studied. Since lactoferrin is one of the main components of neutrophils' secondary granules, it has also been investigated as a potential disease-monitoring biomarker, especially for diseases in which inflammation is a key component. This narrative review offers updated and comprehensive insights into the available literature on lactoferrin biology, biological properties, and clinical utility.},
}

*Lactoferrin/therapeutic use/metabolism/physiology/pharmacology
Humans
COVID-19
Biomarkers/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/drug therapy

@article {pmid41228189,
year = {2025},
author = {Sorina, E and Novacescu, D and Barb, AC and Ciolofan, A and Dumitru, CS and Zara, F and Patrascu, R and Enache, A},
title = {From Burnout to Resilience: Addressing Moral Injury in Nursing Through Organizational Innovation in the Post-Pandemic Era.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41228189},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly amplified burnout and moral injury among nurses, exposing structural vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and accelerating workforce attrition. Beyond the acute crisis, nurses continue to face chronic staff shortages, overwhelming workloads, and unresolved ethical tensions that compromise both well-being and quality of care. Synthesis of recent meta-analyses in this review indicates that nurse burnout during the pandemic ranged between 30% and 50%, illustrating the magnitude of the problem. Particular attention is given to innovative organizational strategies that foster resilience, including workload redistribution, enhanced professional autonomy, supportive leadership, and the integration of digital technologies such as telecare. Comparative perspectives across healthcare systems illustrate how policy reforms, staffing models, and ethical frameworks can mitigate psychological distress and strengthen organizational resilience. By reframing burnout and moral injury not only as individual challenges but as systemic phenomena requiring structural solutions, this review emphasizes the imperative of multilevel interventions. Building resilient nursing workforces through innovation, leadership, and evidence-based policies is essential for sustaining high-quality patient care in the post-pandemic era.},
}

@article {pmid41228128,
year = {2025},
author = {Shah, ST and Ali, Z and Waqar, M and Kim, A},
title = {Federated Learning in Public Health: A Systematic Review of Decentralized, Equitable, and Secure Disease Prevention Approaches.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41228128},
issn = {2227-9032},
support = {TP-2025-RS-2024-00437191//MSIT/ ; SBA-QT240015//National Research Foundation (NRF)/ ; },
abstract = {Background and Objectives: Public health needs collaborative, privacy-preserving analytics, but centralized AI is constrained by data sharing and governance. Federated learning (FL) enables training without moving sensitive data. This review assessed how FL is used for disease prevention in population and public health, and mapped benefits, challenges, and policy implications. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar for peer reviewed English-language studies from January 2020-30 June 2025, applying FL to surveillance, outbreak detection, risk prediction, or policy support. Two reviewers screened and extracted data with third-reviewer arbitration. Quality was appraised with a tool adapted from MMAT and AI reporting frameworks. No meta-analysis was performed. Results: Of 5230 records identified (4720 after deduplication), 200 full texts were assessed and 19 were included. Most used horizontal FL across multiple institutions for communicable diseases, COVID-19, tuberculosis and some chronic conditions. Reported gains included privacy preservation across sites, better generalizability from diverse data, near real-time intelligence, localized risk stratification, and support for resource planning. Common barriers were non-IID data, interoperability gaps, compute and network limits in low-resource settings, unclear legal pathways, and concerns about fairness and transparency. Few studies linked directly to formal public-health policy or low-resource deployments. Conclusions: FL is promising for equitable, secure, and scalable disease-prevention analytics that respect data sovereignty. Priorities include robust methods for heterogeneity, interoperable standards, secure aggregation, routine fairness auditing, clearer legal and regulatory guidance, and capacity building in underrepresented regions.},
}

@article {pmid41228085,
year = {2025},
author = {Lai, YH and Chang, MY and Wang, CC},
title = {Applying Meta-Analytic Structural Equation Modeling to Examine the Relationships Among Work Stress, Job Burnout, and Turnover Intention in Taiwanese Nurses.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41228085},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Nursing staff are essential to healthcare delivery, yet Taiwan has experienced a significant rise in nurse turnover in recent years. Retention has thus become a critical concern for healthcare institutions. Identifying the factors influencing nurses' turnover intentions (TIs) and improving workplace conditions may help to reduce attrition. This study investigates the relationships among TI, work stress (WS), and job burnout (JB), examining variations across healthcare settings and comparing the periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study systematically reviews 28 studies published between 2011 and 2025, retrieved from Taiwan's Master's and Doctoral Thesis Knowledge Value Added System, Airiti Library, and Google Scholar. The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. The data were analyzed using a combined approach of meta-analysis and structural equation modeling. Results: The findings of this study indicate that WS has a statistically significant impact on TI (path coefficient = 0.281, 95% CI: 0.102 to 0.459, p = 0.002). Similarly, JB significantly influences TI (path coefficient = 0.342, 95% CI: 0.163 to 0.520, p < 0.001). WS also has a strong and significant effect on JB (path coefficient = 0.612, 95% CI: 0.485 to 0.739, p < 0.001). These results suggest that WS has a particularly strong effect on JB among nurses working in non-medical center hospitals in Taiwan. Additionally, no significant differences were found in the relationships among TI, WS, and JB before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that healthcare administrators closely monitor the stress experienced by nursing staff and identify the key factors that lead to WS and JB. Developing targeted policies for different healthcare settings may help to reduce nurses' intentions to leave their jobs.},
}

@article {pmid41228047,
year = {2025},
author = {Pizarro-Mena, R and Rotarou, ES and Baracaldo-Campo, HA and Duran-Aguero, S and Parra-Soto, S and Retamal-Walter, F and Wachholz, PA and Maranzano, S and Tirro, V and Aguilar-Navarro, S and Barrientos-Calvo, I and Carpio-Arias, V and Botello, C and López, MF and Mukamal, R and Tieppo, A and Cigarroa, I and Medola, F and Riveros-Basoalto, G},
title = {Implementation of Telehealth Among Older People: A Challenge and Opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean-A Literature Review.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {21},
pages = {},
pmid = {41228047},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Although the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the health and quality of life of older people (OP), it provided an opportunity for the implementation of telehealth in the areas of Gerontology and Geriatrics, globally and in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, which enabled the continuity of healthcare interventions. Therefore, this literature review aimed to (a) conceptualize telehealth in OP through the lens of Gerontology and Geriatrics; (b) analyze the implementation, facilitators, and barriers of telehealth for OP during the COVID-19 pandemic at both global and Latin American and Caribbean regional levels; (c) identify lessons learned and considerations for improving implementation and reducing barriers to telehealth for OP; and (d) discuss challenges related to the integration of telehealth for OP in the region. The databases consulted were PubMed, Scopus, and Scielo; scientific articles in both English and Spanish were considered, including research conducted globally and in Latin American and Caribbean countries that contributed to the objectives of the literature review; the search was conducted from the year 2020 onwards. In addition, government documents and non-governmental technical guidelines from countries in the region were included, whether they focused specifically on older populations or the general population; the search was not limited to a specific time period. Initially, in our search strategy, 1631 scientific articles and 20 governmental and non-governmental documents were identified for the literature review. After eliminating duplicate and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 84 documents were selected for the literature review (46 analyzed the implementation, barriers, and facilitators of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic). This literature review presents a conceptual analysis of the implementation and facilitators of, as well as barriers to, telehealth among OP during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of healthcare providers and OP themselves. The paper synthesizes a number of international and Latin American experiences and proposes several recommendations for the implementation of telehealth for OP in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Despite the ongoing challenges regarding telehealth research and training, this review describes telehealth for OP as an intervention approach that improves the provision of holistic care, favoring OP autonomy, functionality, and overall quality of life. This review also proposes telehealth as a regular intervention approach to clinical practice in Gerontology and Geriatrics in the region. Collaborative endeavors are needed to further regulate and promote public policy on telehealth, telemedicine and telerehabilitation for OP.},
}