@article {pmid40788384,
year = {2025},
author = {Silva, TTSD and de Araújo Aguiar, GJ and Machado Santos, S and Florencio, L},
title = {A review on recent developments in sustainable healthcare waste management.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40788384},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {IBPG-0531-3.01/21//Fundação de Amparo à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco/ ; },
abstract = {This study addresses specific research gaps in the literature regarding HCW management by systematically analyzing the integration of sustainability and material circularity. It employs the PRISMA method and bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer, providing a clear structure for understanding current research trends. In this context, six thematic groups were identified: (i) management for decision-making, (ii) circular economy, (iii) COVID-19 pandemic, (iv) risk analysis, (v) governance, and (vi) disposal and treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp rise in hazardous waste generation, requiring urgent policy adaptations, stricter strategies, and adequate investments to mitigate health risks and environmental impacts. Adopting the circular economy in HCW management requires effective regulation and cross-sector collaboration. To reduce costs, mitigate risks, and enhance resilience in the health sector, reintegrating recoverable HCW into the production cycle is essential. However, challenges remain due to the preference for single-use devices and hazardous waste management.},
}

@article {pmid40788382,
year = {2025},
author = {Fernández-Rojas, MA and Salazar, AM and Ostrosky-Wegman, P and Flisser, A and Mendlovic, F},
title = {A feedback loop between DNA damage, genomic instability, and cytoplasmic DNA sensing contributes to cytokine production in COVID-19.},
journal = {Archives of virology},
volume = {170},
number = {9},
pages = {192},
pmid = {40788382},
issn = {1432-8798},
support = {IN216121//DGAPA PAPIIT UNAM/ ; UNAM Postdoctoral Program//Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/genetics/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology ; *Genomic Instability ; *DNA Damage ; *Cytokines/metabolism/biosynthesis ; Cytoplasm/metabolism/genetics ; *DNA/immunology ; Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology ; Signal Transduction ; Inflammation ; },
abstract = {Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have investigated the inflammatory responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 2021, it was proposed that the cytokine storm observed in patients with severe COVID-19 may be initiated by sensing of cytoplasmic DNA released by micronuclei, which arises as a consequence of virus-induced genomic instability. Subsequent studies have described the presence of micronuclei and other genotoxic and cytotoxic markers in COVID-19 patients. However, the association between the development of a cytokine storm and cytoplasmic DNA sensing remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize current evidence on the dysregulated cytokine production in response to the detection of genetic material during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We focused mainly on the dysregulated production of cytokines induced by the activation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways that promote inflammation. We emphasize the need to analyze the contribution of these signaling complexes to COVID-19 pathophysiology. DNA sensing amplifies the inflammatory response and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of severe disease manifestations observed in infected patients. Understanding this complex interplay can provide insights into potential therapeutic targets aimed at mitigating the hyper-inflammatory responses seen in severe COVID-19 cases.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/genetics/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology
*Genomic Instability
*DNA Damage
*Cytokines/metabolism/biosynthesis
Cytoplasm/metabolism/genetics
*DNA/immunology
Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology
Signal Transduction
Inflammation

@article {pmid40788370,
year = {2025},
author = {Wissmann, IB and Coelho, RCD and Baseggio, L and Cardoso, AM},
title = {Adenosine receptors and acute kidney injury: perspectives for future therapy.},
journal = {Purinergic signalling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40788370},
issn = {1573-9546},
support = {154/GR/UFFS/2024 and 73/GR/UFFS/2023//Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul/ ; },
abstract = {Adenosine is a key modulator in the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly through its influence on inflammatory pathways and renal hemodynamics. This nucleoside exerts its effects via four G protein-coupled receptors-A1, A2A, A2B, and A3-each displaying distinct roles during renal injury. The A1 receptor primarily protects renal tissue under ischemic conditions by reducing metabolic demand, while the A2A receptor promotes anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, improving renal perfusion and attenuating leukocyte infiltration. The A2B receptor, upregulated under hypoxic or injury conditions, is involved in anti-inflammatory actions and vascular integrity, especially in renal tubular and endothelial cells. Conversely, activation of the A3 receptor is generally linked to adverse outcomes, including increased apoptosis and greater tissue damage. Therapeutic strategies targeting adenosine receptors are being actively explored: selective A1 and A2A agonists show potential for promoting renal recovery, while A3 antagonists helped counteract the harmful effects of A3 activation. The review also discusses advances from recent studies (2022-2024), including insights on COVID-19-associated AKI and the nuanced roles of A1 and A3 receptors in different pathological contexts. Additionally, the therapeutic promise of inhibiting adenosine-degrading enzymes, such as ADA and adenosine kinase (ADK), is highlighted. Novel mechanistic insights and recent literature are integrated, providing a comprehensive overview that expands upon previous reviews. Although adenosine receptor modulation holds significant promise as a therapeutic strategy for AKI, further clinical research is necessary to validate efficacy and safety in human populations.},
}

@article {pmid40788115,
year = {2025},
author = {Tomeh, MA and Smith, RK and Watkinson, A},
title = {Recent Developments of RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics: Reagents, Formulations, and Characterization.},
journal = {Molecular pharmaceutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5c00670},
pmid = {40788115},
issn = {1543-8392},
abstract = {The past few years have shown significant clinical success for RNA vaccines in humans. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 into a global pandemic has boosted the transition of many RNAs to clinical trials and accelerated the development process of various types of RNA-based therapeutics, including vaccines, not only for respiratory illnesses but also for a wide range of diseases. Many studies have designed promising RNAs in various forms (small interfering RNA, mRNA, and self-amplifying RNA) or presented novel nanocarriers to maximize the performance of RNA-based therapeutics. There are several crucial aspects that must be covered during RNA vaccine development, including RNA design and synthesis, formulation optimization, and characterization. This paper aims to shed light on RNA vaccines and therapeutics with various properties and applications and provide a comprehensive review of the recent developments of formulation, analytics, and characterization studies.},
}

@article {pmid40787873,
year = {2025},
author = {He, JC and Yang, ZX and Chen, JH and Chen, Y},
title = {[Impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive health: Etiological principles based on traditional Chinese and Western medicines].},
journal = {Zhonghua nan ke xue = National journal of andrology},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {246-251},
pmid = {40787873},
issn = {1009-3591},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *COVID-19/complications ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology ; Infertility, Male/etiology ; *Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; *Reproductive Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is a serious acute infectious disease caused by novel coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) infection, with fever, dry cough and fatigue as the main symptoms. In recent years, studies have suggested that the male reproductive system can be directly invaded by novel coronavirus, with the testis as one of its target organs. Therefore, infection with novel coronavirus can cause the development and aggravation of such diseases as male erectile dysfunction, male infertility, prostatitis, etc. However, no consensus has been reached whether such impacts will be mitigated or remain after recovery from COVID-19, and few reports are available on the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 inducing male reproductive diseases based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine. This review systematically summarizes the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive health and the etiological principles in the perspective of both TCM and Western medicine.},
}

Humans
Male
*COVID-19/complications
Erectile Dysfunction/etiology
Infertility, Male/etiology
*Medicine, Chinese Traditional
*Reproductive Health
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40787318,
year = {2025},
author = {García Ramos, J and de Souza Júnior, RS and Borges, EM},
title = {How Digital Images Are Transforming Chemical Education: A Review of Laboratory-Based Applications.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {30},
pages = {32651-32672},
pmid = {40787318},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {This review explores the transformative role of digital imaging technologies(?)including smartphones, webcams, scanners, and digital cameras(?)in contemporary chemical education and laboratory-based analysis. These tools have emerged as accessible and cost-effective alternatives to traditional spectrophotometric instruments, enabling the capture and quantification of color changes in chemical reactions through RGB value extraction. The review presents a comprehensive overview of the technical principles underlying digital image acquisition, addressing factors such as lighting conditions, device variability, color spaces, and image formats, and examines their impact on analytical accuracy and reproducibility. A wide array of laboratory experiments is discussed, spanning analytical and physical chemistry, with applications in colorimetric assays, fluorescence, flame emission, titrations, and chemical equilibrium studies. Digital imaging has been successfully applied to quantify various analytes, including food dyes, proteins, pharmaceuticals, cations, and anions. The review also emphasizes the pedagogical benefits of these approaches, particularly in remote and resource-limited settings where students can perform meaningful scientific investigations using their own devices. The integration of digital imaging into laboratory instruction promotes student engagement, autonomy, and inquiry-based learning. Its widespread adoption was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated the feasibility of at-home experimentation. As imaging technologies continue to advance, their potential to democratize access to scientific tools and enhance chemical education is expected to expand, fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and effective approach to laboratory science.},
}

@article {pmid40787016,
year = {2025},
author = {Scafe, M and Kanya, M and Flynn, M and Chettiar, R},
title = {Anxiety and Depression in Today's Youth: A Current Look into Assessment and Treatment.},
journal = {Missouri medicine},
volume = {122},
number = {4},
pages = {283-290},
pmid = {40787016},
issn = {0026-6620},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; *Anxiety/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology ; *Depression/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Child ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Mass Screening/methods ; },
abstract = {Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. Rates of anxiety and depression in youth continue at unprecedented levels, contributing to rising numbers of suicide attempts and lowered school attendance. Though many medical providers are trained to assess and provide recommendations for anxiety and depression, many report feeling ill-equipped to address these concerns in a timely, feasible, and effective manner. We review the existing literature on screening for anxiety and depression in the medical setting and provide evidence-based tools for providers to support patients, with acknowledgments of special populations. Additionally, we review multi-disciplinary models of treatment, such as one used by the Depression and Anxiety in Youth (DAY) program at Children's Mercy Kansas City.},
}

Humans
Adolescent
*Anxiety/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology
*Depression/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Child
SARS-CoV-2
Mass Screening/methods

@article {pmid40786362,
year = {2025},
author = {Chowdhury, A and Bhasin, G and Ganti, L},
title = {Bibliometric Analysis of the Epidemiological Research on Alzheimer's Disease Treatment.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {e87484},
pmid = {40786362},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Alzheimer's disease presents a complex global health issue. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive function, starting with memory impairment, and extending to impact reasoning, language abilities, and spatial awareness. Despite decades of research, Alzheimer's disease remains a global challenge lacking long-term treatments. Institutions like the Karolinska Institutet, Columbia University, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and the University of Pittsburgh contribute significantly to Alzheimer's research, with a growth in publications in 2022 post-COVID-19. While current treatments offer symptomatic relief, there's a need for disease-modifying therapies targeting its mechanisms. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available research and medical literature on Alzheimer's disease by employing bibliometric methods to identify publication trends, leading research institutions, and the evolving focus from symptomatic treatments to disease-modifying therapies. This paper seeks to analyze the research papers on Alzheimer's disease and catalog the metadata associated with each paper.},
}

@article {pmid40300093,
year = {2025},
author = {Rane Levendovszky, S and Patel, P and Zhu, C and Rutman, AM and Basha, MM},
title = {Neuroimaging biomarkers of post-acute sequelae of Coronavirus Disease 2019.},
journal = {The British journal of radiology},
volume = {98},
number = {1172},
pages = {1165-1175},
doi = {10.1093/bjr/tqaf090},
pmid = {40300093},
issn = {1748-880X},
support = {R01 HL162743/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; //Chronic Post COVID-19 Infection Neuroimaging and Cerebrovascular Imaging/ ; //Bayer Healthcare LLC/ ; //Long terms effects of COVID-19/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnostic imaging ; *Neuroimaging/methods ; *Brain/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Biomarkers ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging ; },
abstract = {COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to the condition known as Long COVID or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), where individuals experience persistent debilitating symptoms long after the initial infection. We provide here a comprehensive review of findings in the central nervous system associated with PASC. Neuroimaging has been instrumental in identifying brain changes associated with PASC. Structural MRI studies consistently reveal grey matter volume reductions in the frontal and temporal lobes and white matter hyperintensities, particularly in the periventricular regions. Studies especially found these changes to correlate strongly with cognitive deficits. Diffusion tensor imaging has shown increased tissue damage and oedema in the brain's white matter tracts, particularly in the sagittal stratum and thalamic radiation. Resting-state functional MRI studies indicate altered brain connectivity in PASC patients, especially in those with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Reduced connectivity within and between critical networks, such as the default mode network and the executive control network, has been observed. These changes correlate with cognitive impairments, such as attention and memory deficits. Dynamic functional connectivity analyses further reveal that PASC patients spend less time in states with rich inter-regional connectivity, and transitions between connectivity states were linked to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Positron emission tomography scans have shown hypometabolism in the frontal and temporal lobes, particularly in regions associated with memory and executive functions. Hypometabolism in the hippocampus and thalamus is linked to symptoms like anosmia and fatigue. Despite the heterogeneity in clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria, these neuroimaging findings underscore the significant impact of COVID-19 on brain structure and function. Continued research using advanced imaging techniques is essential for a deeper understanding of PASC's neurological effects. This will aid in developing targeted interventions and improving outcomes for those affected by Long COVID and inform studies investigating downstream effects of viral infections on the brain.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/diagnostic imaging
*Neuroimaging/methods
*Brain/diagnostic imaging/pathology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
Biomarkers
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods
Diffusion Tensor Imaging

@article {pmid39039685,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Goyal, R and Gautam, RK and Garg, K and Husain, S and Chopra, H and Dubey, AK and Rayan, RA and Kamal, MA and Mishra, DK and Gundamaraju, R and Shen, B and Singla, RK},
title = {Decoding and Unravelling Mpox, Herpes, and Syphilis Infections: A State of Art Review.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {26},
number = {10},
pages = {1532-1548},
pmid = {39039685},
issn = {1873-4316},
mesh = {Humans ; *Syphilis/transmission/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Herpes Simplex/transmission/epidemiology/diagnosis ; *Smallpox/transmission/epidemiology/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, a resurgence in MPXV cases is causing serious concern. The early clinical similarity of MPXV to common ailments like the flu and cold, coupled with the resemblances of its progressing rash to other infections, underscores the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis. Among the infections, smallpox is clinically closest to MPXV, and rashes similar to MPXV stages also appear in syphilis and varicella zoster. A comprehensive review of MPXV, herpes, and syphilis was carried out, including structural and morphological features, origins, transmission modes, and computational studies. PubMed literature search on MPXV, using MeSH key terms, yielded 1904 results, with the analysis revealing prominent links to sexually transmitted diseases. More in-depth exploration of MPXV, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Syphilis revealed further disease interconnections and geographical correlations. These findings emphasize the need for a holistic understanding of these interconnected infectious agents for better control and management.},
}

Humans
*Syphilis/transmission/diagnosis/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Herpes Simplex/transmission/epidemiology/diagnosis
*Smallpox/transmission/epidemiology/diagnosis

@article {pmid38123660,
year = {2024},
author = {Yuan, X and Ruan, W and Bobrow, B and Carmeliet, P and Eltzschig, HK},
title = {Targeting hypoxia-inducible factors: therapeutic opportunities and challenges.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Drug discovery},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {175-200},
pmid = {38123660},
issn = {1474-1784},
support = {R01 DK122796/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; T32 GM135118/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; R01HL154720-03S1/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL169519/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL165748/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL155950/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL154720/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; Hypoxia/drug therapy/metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; *Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Oxygen ; },
abstract = {Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are highly conserved transcription factors that are crucial for adaptation of metazoans to limited oxygen availability. Recently, HIF activation and inhibition have emerged as therapeutic targets in various human diseases. Pharmacologically desirable effects of HIF activation include erythropoiesis stimulation, cellular metabolism optimization during hypoxia and adaptive responses during ischaemia and inflammation. By contrast, HIF inhibition has been explored as a therapy for various cancers, retinal neovascularization and pulmonary hypertension. This Review discusses the biochemical mechanisms that control HIF stabilization and the molecular strategies that can be exploited pharmacologically to activate or inhibit HIFs. In addition, we examine medical conditions that benefit from targeting HIFs, the potential side effects of HIF activation or inhibition and future challenges in this field.},
}

Humans
*Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
Hypoxia/drug therapy/metabolism
Transcription Factors
*Neoplasms/drug therapy
Oxygen

@article {pmid40786276,
year = {2025},
author = {Zahyan, AM and Alhakami, HH and Khormi, AH and Alhufayyan, NS and AlQarni, MA and Alrashidi, AM},
title = {Cardiovascular Complications of COVID-19 in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {e87675},
pmid = {40786276},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular complications associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library using the terms ("COVID-19" OR "SARS-CoV-2") AND ("athletes" OR "athlete") AND ("pericarditis" OR "myocarditis" OR "pericardial effusion" OR "cardiovascular" OR "cardiac"). Of 671 records, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly reported cardiovascular abnormality was pericardial effusion, with a pooled prevalence of 1.9% (95% CI 0.08-4.4), followed by myocarditis (1.5%; 95% CI 0.9-2.7), pericarditis (1.3%; 95% CI 0.8-2.1), and myopericarditis (0.9%; 95% CI 0.2-3.4). No cases of cardiovascular or all-cause mortality were reported among athletes with COVID-19. These findings suggest that cardiovascular complications are rare in athletic populations following COVID-19 infection, potentially reflecting the protective effect of a robust immune system and high baseline cardiovascular fitness.},
}

@article {pmid40786062,
year = {2025},
author = {Ibrahim, AU and Pwavodi, PC and Oszoz, M and Duwa, BB and Irkham, I and Hartati, YW},
title = {Nano-modified biosensors for detection of pathogenic diseases: The prospect of smart, multiplex and point-of-care testing.},
journal = {ADMET & DMPK},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {2799},
pmid = {40786062},
issn = {1848-7718},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: The world has witnessed several outbreaks, emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases throughout the 21[st] century as a result of climate change, urbanization and migration. Several infectious diseases caused by pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Dengue, Marburg viruses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc. have caused a devastating impact on lives and livelihoods around the world. To counter these diseases, medical experts rely on conventional techniques, which include microscopy and serological testing. However, these conventional methods are hindered by several trade-offs, including high cost, longer processing times, low sensitivity, and a likelihood of false positive results. Biomedical sensors have gained momentum in clinical diagnostics due to their low cost, portability, and sensitivity, among other advantages. To improve their performance, scientists have incorporated nanomaterials. Other techniques used to enhance the performance of nanobiosensors include multiplex testing, point-of-care testing (POCT), and smart sensing.

METHODOLOGY: Thus, in this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art nanobiosensors for detecting infectious diseases. The review covers key topics that are centred around the application of nanotechnology in biosensing, multiplex testing, POCT and smart nano-enhanced biosensors.

FINDINGS: The findings of this review highlighted the advantages of biosensors over conventional approaches, with a limit of detection ranging from nanomolar to attomolar concentrations and a time response ranging from 1 to 3 hours.

CONCLUSION: Despite the prospect of nanobiosensors, several limitations exist, including complexity, extensive processing time, and others. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies in nanobiosensors can offer several benefits, including high accuracy and faster detection and prediction.},
}

@article {pmid40785780,
year = {2025},
author = {Gilmore, NT and Metz, T},
title = {Prevention of Catheter-Related Infections and Complications: A Narrative Literature Review of Vascular Care and Maintenance.},
journal = {International journal of vascular medicine},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {1427129},
pmid = {40785780},
issn = {2090-2824},
abstract = {Objectives: This review assessed the burden of catheter-related infections (CRI), existing gaps in catheter care, and prevention recommendations for catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The review further discusses how the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) influenced CRBSI rates and prevention strategies in the post-COVID-19 era. Methods: A targeted literature search was conducted of Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and EBM Reviews. Where applicable, supplemental hand searches were performed to identify evidence for gaps in the targeted search results. The authors reviewed each study and selected those for inclusion based on the population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) criteria. Relevant studies were assessed for inclusion in the present review. Results: Both "active" methods (scrubbing, flushing, and locking) and "passive" methods (disinfection caps) have consistently been shown to reduce CRBSI risk when assessed individually. These practices have markedly improved CRBSI rates over the past two decades, although there are ongoing gaps in catheter care and adherence to best practices. COVID-19 reversed the trend towards improving CRBSI rates, and persistent challenges for nurse staffing and training have resulted in a failure to return to pre-COVID-19 CRBSI rates in the current post-COVID-19 era. These challenges are further compounded by limited rigorous comparative evidence assessing the relative efficacy of individual CRBSI prevention methods. Conclusions: Improving adherence to hub disinfection, along with catheter care and maintenance protocols, is essential for the prevention of CRIs. Further, innovative approaches for simplifying protocols and "forcing function" may increase compliance with CRBSI prevention strategies. In our practice, we routinely use disinfection caps in addition to standard scrubbing and flushing, alongside increased training and monitoring procedures. Additional studies are needed to assess which individual or combination prevention strategies are most efficacious and feasible in the post-COVID-19 era.},
}

@article {pmid40784940,
year = {2025},
author = {Mazzoni, A and Berrueta, M and Pingray, V and Babinska, M and Nigri, C and Ortega, V and Salva, F and Ciapponi, A and Bonet, M},
title = {A systematic review of maternal and perinatal health outcomes in the context of epidemic threats: towards the development of a core outcome set.},
journal = {Maternal health, neonatology and perinatology},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {23},
pmid = {40784940},
issn = {2054-958X},
support = {INV-041181 WHO//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and classify maternal and perinatal health outcomes reported in research conducted in the epidemic and pandemic context.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a systematic review following Cochrane Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, SCI-EXPANDED, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, AMED, ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP, between January 2015 and March 2023. Experimental, quasi-experimental, observational studies, phase IV trials, and post-marketing studies, published protocols and ongoing registered studies reporting maternal and perinatal health outcomes were included. Studies only reporting coverage of interventions, access to routine health services, clinical presentation of infectious diseases, and reviews were excluded. A sampling strategy was used for COVID-19 studies, due to their very high numbers. Outcome verbatims were extracted and categorized in unique outcome, and further classified into domains and subdomains. Frequency of outcome reporting was calculated.

RESULTS: 94 maternal and pregnancy and 47 unique neonatal outcomes were identified, from a total of 917 and 657 verbatims, respectively, reported across 440 included studies. At least 20% of included studies reported maternal and pregnancy outcomes of mode of delivery (56.1%), stillbirth (33.0%), preterm birth (28.6%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (26.6%), and maternal death (20.7%). These outcomes were identified across all three types of studies identified (epidemiological, product development or post-authorization surveillance). Gestational age at birth (29.8%), congenital malformations of the nervous system (26.1%), birth weight (23.4%), neonatal admission to intensive care unit (23.2%), and neonatal death (19.1%) were the most frequently reported neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the basis for developing a core outcome set to measure maternal and perinatal health during outbreaks, which would help improve data collection of harmonized data, data synthesis, and timely development of informed public health guidance and clinical care responding to the needs of pregnant women.},
}

@article {pmid40781782,
year = {2025},
author = {Sahoo, JK and Agrawal, A},
title = {Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children: Exploring the Role of Adenovirus and Potential Cofactors.},
journal = {Journal of paediatrics and child health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpc.70160},
pmid = {40781782},
issn = {1440-1754},
abstract = {Adenoviruses are a known cause of self-limiting respiratory, ocular, and gastrointestinal infections in children. However, during the recent outbreak in 2021-2022, the identification of human adenoviruses (HAdV), particularly type F41, as a potential cause of severe acute hepatitis in immunocompetent children has sparked global debate. The unusual severity of liver injury and clustering of cases in immunocompetent children have prompted investigations into whether HAdV is truly hepatotropic or merely an incidental finding. Several hypotheses have been proposed, including adenovirus infection, prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or adeno-associated virus-2 (AAV2) with a helper virus (HAdV) co-infection. We aim to review the emerging literature on adenovirus and other cofactors as a potential cause of the recent outbreaks of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children (AHUO).},
}

@article {pmid40781542,
year = {2025},
author = {Goyal, A and Thakkar, K and Abbasi, HQ and Shamim, U and Saeed, H and Hurjkaliani, S and Gil, TE and Rangel, DN and Sohail, AH and Daoud, M and Sheikh, AB},
title = {Utilization of telemedicine in healthcare delivery to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) populations: a scoping review.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {29010},
pmid = {40781542},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; *Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology ; *Delivery of Health Care ; Male ; Female ; HIV Infections/diagnosis ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis ; Health Services Accessibility ; },
abstract = {This scoping review examines how telemedicine addresses healthcare needs in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQIA+) community, focusing on gender-affirming care, mental health, and testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted to identify studies published until March 2024 focusing on telemedicine services for LGBTQIA + individuals. Data extraction captured study characteristics, telemedicine applications, and patient and provider satisfaction, and was synthesized to map current knowledge and identify gaps. Thirty-eight studies, comprising observational studies and one randomized controlled trial, were included, encompassing 21,774 participants. Telemedicine facilitated access to gender-affirming care, reduced mental health disparities, and supported HIV and STI testing, with high satisfaction reported among patients and providers. It was particularly effective in reducing appointment no-show rates, enabling remote initiation of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, and offering mental health support through virtual counseling. The studies also highlighted increased telemedicine adoption for follow-up visits and medication management. However, challenges like digital privacy concerns, technological accessibility, and cultural competence were identified. Telemedicine holds significant potential to improve healthcare access and outcomes for LGBTQIA + populations, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Future efforts should focus on enhancing provider training, ensuring digital equity, and developing culturally competent telehealth models to fully realize these benefits. The findings can inform the design of inclusive telemedicine policies and services tailored to the needs of LGBTQIA + individuals.},
}

Humans
*Telemedicine
*Sexual and Gender Minorities/psychology
*Delivery of Health Care
Male
Female
HIV Infections/diagnosis
Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis
Health Services Accessibility

@article {pmid40780833,
year = {2025},
author = {Avendano, EE and Blackmon, SA and Nirmala, N and Chan, CW and Morin, RA and Balaji, S and McNulty, L and Argaw, SA and Doron, S and Nadimpalli, ML},
title = {Race, ethnicity and risk for colonisation and infection with key bacterial pathogens: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/bmjgh-2024-017404},
pmid = {40780833},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data ; *Bacterial Infections/ethnology/microbiology ; COVID-19/ethnology/epidemiology ; *Racial Groups/statistics & numerical data ; Community-Acquired Infections/ethnology/microbiology ; Risk Factors ; *Health Status Disparities ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in infectious disease burden have been reported in the USA and globally, most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains unclear whether such disparities also exist for priority bacterial pathogens that are increasingly antimicrobial-resistant. We conducted a scoping review to summarise published studies that report on colonisation or community-acquired infection with pathogens among different races and ethnicities.

METHODS: We conducted an electronic literature search of MEDLINE, Daily, Global Health, Embase, Cochrane Central and Web of Science from inception to March 2024 for eligible observational studies. Abstracts and full-text publications were screened in duplicate for studies that reported data for race or ethnicity for at least one of the pathogens of interest.

RESULTS: 62 observational studies in 68 publications met our inclusion criteria. Studies reported results for Staphylococcus aureus (n=61), Escherichia coli (n=9), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=2), Enterobacterales (n=1), Enterococcus faecium (n=1) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=1) and were conducted in the USA (n=48), Israel (n=6), New Zealand (n=4), Australia (n=3) and Brazil (n=1). US studies most often examined Black and Hispanic minority groups and regularly reported a higher risk of these pathogens in Black persons and mixed results for Hispanic persons. Ethnic minority groups were often reported to be at a higher risk in other countries.

CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient evidence was identified to justify systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the relationship between race, ethnicity and community-acquired S. aureus and E. coli, although data were rare for other pathogens. We recommend that future studies clarify whether race and ethnicity data are self-reported, collect race and ethnicity data in conjunction with the social determinants of health and make a concerted effort to include non-English speakers and Indigenous populations from the Americas, when possible.},
}

Humans
*Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data
*Bacterial Infections/ethnology/microbiology
COVID-19/ethnology/epidemiology
*Racial Groups/statistics & numerical data
Community-Acquired Infections/ethnology/microbiology
Risk Factors
*Health Status Disparities

@article {pmid40780723,
year = {2025},
author = {Sultani, K and Smeulers, M and de Vries, R and Zonderhuis, BM and Nanayakkara, PWB},
title = {Transforming acute care: a scoping review on the effectiveness, safety and implementation challenges of Hospital-at-Home models.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {e098411},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2024-098411},
pmid = {40780723},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *Home Care Services, Hospital-Based/organization & administration/standards ; Patient Discharge ; Patient Safety ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The hospital-at-home (HaH) model has gained traction as a viable alternative to traditional inpatient care, allowing patients to receive care in their own homes. Despite its growing popularity, there is a lack of comprehensive research addressing effectiveness, safety and factors critical to the successful implementation of HaH programmes. We conducted a scoping review to comprehensively map and summarise the evidence on both admission avoidance and early-supported discharge up until now.

DESIGN: A scoping review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science were systematically searched up to July 2024 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We included English-language RCTs published from 2005 onwards, involving adults (≥18 years) receiving acute care at home who would otherwise require hospital admission. Eligible studies evaluated admission avoidance or early supported discharge within HaH settings for acutely ill patients. Studies focusing on outpatient care, non-acute conditions or interventions not aligning with the widely accepted HaH definition were excluded. COVID-19-related studies were also excluded to avoid context-specific bias.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, interventions and outcomes including mortality, length of stay, escalation rates, costs and patient and caregiver satisfaction. Implementation facilitators and barriers were also collected. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Results were synthesised descriptively in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

RESULTS: Nine RCTs were identified. The review shows that the HaH model is at least as safe as usual care, with lower or comparable mortality rates. Length of stay varied, with some studies reporting longer stays in the HaH group due to cautious clinical practices. Cost analyses often indicate lower healthcare costs with staffing as the largest expense. Patient and caregiver satisfaction was high, but essential implementation factors were not clearly addressed.

CONCLUSION: The HaH model represents a promising alternative to acute inpatient care for suitable patients. Future research should focus on conducting larger RCTs, expanding the range of conditions suitable for HaH. Despite favourable clinical outcomes, substantial implementation barriers remain underexplored in current RCTs. This underscores the need to identify strategies for successful implementation, including the integration of technological advancements and qualitative insights into patient and caregiver experiences.},
}

Humans
*Home Care Services, Hospital-Based/organization & administration/standards
Patient Discharge
Patient Safety
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

@article {pmid40780538,
year = {2025},
author = {Adediran, E and Ikhoyameh, M and Gbadebo, OS},
title = {From inhibition to degradation: cutting-edge technology in COVID-19 drug discovery.},
journal = {Annales pharmaceutiques francaises},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pharma.2025.08.002},
pmid = {40780538},
issn = {0003-4509},
abstract = {Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) molecules are hetero-bifunctional chemical entities with three different units which include a ligand that binds to a protein of interest; a second ligand that binds to the E3 ubiquitin Ligase; and a linker that conjugates the two ligands together. The technology utilizes the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to target a specific protein and induce its degradation in the cell. PROTAC has drawn the interest of researchers in anti-cancer drug discovery and has yielded a better outcome in degrading regulatory proteins, kinases, nuclear receptors, transcription factors, and enzymes. This paper discusses this technology and its application to COVID-19 drug discovery. In 2019, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2), an infectious agent emerged from Wuhan resulting in millions of deaths worldwide. The WHO declared it a global pandemic because of its fast transmissibility and infectivity across the continents. To curtail this menace, efforts were made to develop therapeutics and inhibitors very quickly. Vaccines and therapeutics discovery were fast-tracked, and already FDA-approved drug molecules were also repurposed - many of which were protein inhibitors. However, PROTAC technology offers a more direct and sustainable contribution to anti-COVID drug discovery than protein inhibition-based therapeutics.},
}

@article {pmid40780504,
year = {2025},
author = {Neumann, JA and Zimmermann, J and Frese, M and Dirksen-Fischer, M and Kleine-Kampmann, S and Harth, V and Heidrich, J and , },
title = {Infectious diseases on passenger ships: Port preparedness and response - A narrative systematic review.},
journal = {Travel medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {67},
number = {},
pages = {102886},
doi = {10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102886},
pmid = {40780504},
issn = {1873-0442},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ships are environments conducive to the spread of infectious diseases among passengers and crew members. In this context, it is essential to establish effective prevention and control measures to protect the health of passengers and crew members while ensuring that shipping minimizes its contribution to the global spread of disease via ship-to-shore interactions. The aim of this review is to provide knowledge on the impact of infectious diseases on board large passenger ships on the port, the port community and other land-based operations.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted, searching the PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases and including additional articles from hand searches up to July 2024. Peer-reviewed studies of infectious disease outbreaks related to large passenger ship travel that described ship-shore interaction, port preparedness and impact on the port community were included. Article selection and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS: A total of 593 publications were initially identified, with 23 articles included in the analysis. Most studies reported COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships; other communicable diseases reported were influenza, gastroenteritis, and varicella. The articles highlighted the importance of comprehensive management plans and proactive risk assessment during infectious disease outbreaks that impact ship-to-shore interactions.

CONCLUSIONS: Effective stakeholder collaboration, ship-to-shore communication, coordination of diagnostic testing and medical transport, isolation, and quarantine measures are essential components of infectious disease prevention, mitigation, and management in passenger shipping within the port environment.},
}

@article {pmid40779079,
year = {2025},
author = {Hemamalani, AU and Thangam, T and Prakashini, RS and Kumar, PA and Parthasarathy, K},
title = {Viral ecology in chiroptera: human-wildlife interactions and pandemic risk.},
journal = {Veterinary research communications},
volume = {49},
number = {5},
pages = {275},
pmid = {40779079},
issn = {1573-7446},
support = {6/9-7(328)/2023/ECD-II, VIR/COVID-19/33/2021/ECD-I//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Chiroptera/virology ; Animals ; Humans ; *Pandemics/veterinary ; Animals, Wild/virology ; Zoonoses/virology/transmission ; *Virome ; *Virus Diseases/veterinary/transmission/epidemiology/virology ; Disease Reservoirs/virology/veterinary ; },
abstract = {Bats (Order Chiroptera) are ecologically essential and evolutionarily unique mammals, acting as a natural reservoir for innumerable viruses, including several with a high degree of zoonotic significance. The complex and intricate ecology of bat viromes results largely from species diversity, roosting patterns, social structures, immunological adaptations, and their remarkable longevity, especially compared to other small mammals such as rodents. These traits allow bats to carry pathogenic viruses without visible clinical symptoms over extended periods. This review delves into the virome of bat populations focusing on major families like Coronaviridae, Filoviridae, Paramyxoviridae and the evolutionary processes leading to their diversity, persistence within populations, and spill-over. The human-induced environmental disturbance in the form of deforestation, cultivation, urbanization, and wildlife trade has increased direct or indirect contact among bats, humans, and domestic animals, increasing the chances of spill-over. The study of historical events in the form of SARS, MERS, Nipah, Ebola is used for practical implications. We also discuss the behavioral and seasonal variations among intra-colony transmission, the role of intermediate hosts, and the critical need of having an effective One Health-based surveillance system. The understanding of ecological and evolutionary drives behind bat virome is necessary for anticipating zoonotic spill-over events, which can be used as a foundation for public health strategies. Finally, the necessity of integrating virology, ecology, and global health policy perspective in human health policy-making is also discussed, in the context of bat virome research, to prevent future pandemics.},
}

*Chiroptera/virology
Animals
Humans
*Pandemics/veterinary
Animals, Wild/virology
Zoonoses/virology/transmission
*Virome
*Virus Diseases/veterinary/transmission/epidemiology/virology
Disease Reservoirs/virology/veterinary

@article {pmid40777633,
year = {2025},
author = {Ogundiran, O and Abbate, JL and Kim, S and Diallo, MSK and Muteba, M and Camara, DCP and Bianchi, L and Balde, T and Oyugi, B and Fortin, A and Baykika-Tusiime, J and Williams, GS and Mboussou, F and Okot, C and Mutoka Banza, F and Laundry, K and Ejiofor, EN and Kanyowa, TM and Kamara, R and Atuhebwe, P and Gumede, N and Herring, BL and Woldetsadik, S and Okeibunor, J and Koua, E and Chamla, D and Braka, F and Gueye, AS},
title = {Assessing the utility of the COVID-19 epidemic Situations of Concern classification system in guiding operational responses to the pandemic in the WHO African region: retrospective analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1562525},
pmid = {40777633},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; World Health Organization ; Africa/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {During a public health emergency, early implementation of response activities is crucial for saving lives and protecting livelihoods. The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, posed a global public health crisis that required timely decision-making despite limited data and capacity. In this context, WHO's Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) developed the Situations of Concern (SOC) classification system to assess and monitor epidemiological risk across its 47 Member States. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the performance and operational utility of the SOC system. Using weekly country-level COVID-19 surveillance data, we found that the system demonstrated strong alignment with epidemic wave patterns, with a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 88%. SOC classifications supported timely operational decision-making in over 70% of documented support instances. Effective management of limited resources through SOC assessments also helped ensure fair distribution of support across communities. Our findings suggest that adaptable classification systems like SOC can provide effective decision-support under conditions of limited data availability, improving outbreak preparedness and response in resource-constrained settings.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Retrospective Studies
World Health Organization
Africa/epidemiology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Public Health

@article {pmid40640033,
year = {2025},
author = {Giunta, S and Giuliani, A and Sabbatinelli, J and Olivieri, F},
title = {A multidimensional immunological perspective on long COVID.},
journal = {Cytokine & growth factor reviews},
volume = {84},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1016/j.cytogfr.2025.07.001},
pmid = {40640033},
issn = {1879-0305},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Inflammation/immunology ; Cytokines/immunology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Autoantibodies/immunology/blood ; },
abstract = {Long COVID is a chronic condition that arises after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is characterized by persistent and often debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction ("brain fog"), dyspnea, and autonomic disturbances. Increasing evidence suggests that Long COVID shares key immunopathological mechanisms with autoimmune diseases, primarily sustained immune dysregulation. In individuals with genetic or immunological susceptibility, SARS-CoV-2 infection can trigger the production of autoantibodies targeting cytokines, membrane receptors, and components of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), thereby disrupting neuroimmune homeostasis. This immune imbalance may impair anti-inflammatory regulatory pathways, such as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), and may contribute to a chronic state of inflammation and autoimmunity. One proposed contributor to this process is inflammaging - a chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with aging - which may not only predispose individuals to Long COVID but may also be amplified by the persistent immune activation seen in this condition. In this perspective, we propose a conceptual framework in which inflammaging, immune-tolerance breakdown, and autonomic dysfunctions interact to sustain the pathophysiology of Long COVID. We discuss emerging biomarkers across these axes, including inflammatory cytokines, circulating autoantibodies, immune cell phenotypes, epigenetic modifications, and heart rate variability. Advances in inflammaging-related biomarkers and biological clocks may support early identification of individuals at higher risk for persistent immune and autonomic dysregulation, ultimately informing more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for Long COVID.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/complications
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Inflammation/immunology
Cytokines/immunology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Autoantibodies/immunology/blood

@article {pmid40777584,
year = {2025},
author = {Yunita, A and Pratama, MI and Almuzakki, MZ and Ramadhan, H and Akhir, EAP and Firdausiah Mansur, AB and Basori, AH},
title = {Performance analysis of neural network architectures for time series forecasting: A comparative study of RNN, LSTM, GRU, and hybrid models.},
journal = {MethodsX},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {103462},
pmid = {40777584},
issn = {2215-0161},
abstract = {Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, and Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) have gained significant popularity in time series forecasting across diverse domains including healthcare, astronomy, and engineering. However, the inherent variability in model performance due to random weight initialization raises questions about the reliability and consistency of these architectures for time series analysis. This study addresses this concern by conducting a comprehensive benchmark evaluation of nine neural network architectures: vanilla RNN, LSTM, GRU, and six hybrid configurations (RNN-LSTM, RNN-GRU, LSTM-RNN, GRU-RNN, LSTM-GRU, and GRU-LSTM). Performance evaluation was conducted using Monte Carlo simulation with 100 iterations across three real-world datasets: sunspot activity, Indonesian COVID-19 cases, and dissolved oxygen concentration measurements. Statistical analysis employed the Friedman test to assess performance differences across architectures. Results showed no statistically significant differences among the nine architectures. Despite the lack of statistical significance, consistent performance patterns emerged favoring LSTM-based hybrid architectures. The LSTM-GRU and LSTM-RNN configurations demonstrated superior performance across multiple evaluation metrics, with LSTM-RNN excelling in sunspot and dissolved oxygen forecasting, while standalone LSTM showed optimal performance for COVID-19 prediction. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for architecture selection in time series forecasting applications, suggesting that while statistical equivalence exists among architectures, LSTM-based hybrids offer practical advantages in terms of consistency and robustness across diverse temporal patterns.},
}

@article {pmid40776715,
year = {2025},
author = {Appel, K and Nackerdien, F and Christian, CS},
title = {Access to tuberculosis care in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.},
journal = {African journal of primary health care & family medicine},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e1-e8},
doi = {10.4102/phcfm.v17i1.4944},
pmid = {40776715},
issn = {2071-2936},
mesh = {Humans ; South Africa/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Health Services Accessibility ; *Tuberculosis/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Delivery of Health Care ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health issue in South Africa, a high-burden TB country. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated challenges in accessing essential TB services. This scoping review explores how access to TB care was impacted during the pandemic.

AIM:  This research aimed to review original studies on access to TB care in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic using a scoping review methodology.

METHOD:  A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched for original peer-reviewed research published between 2020 and 2022. Data were extracted and synthesised using the Penchansky and Thomas framework of healthcare access.

RESULTS:  Three studies met the inclusion criteria. The review identified significant disruptions in TB service delivery during the pandemic, including reduced diagnostic capacity, healthcare facility closures and economic barriers. Patients reported delayed diagnoses and increased stigma, while healthcare workers faced resource shortages and operational challenges.

CONCLUSION:  The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing barriers to TB care in South Africa, highlighting critical gaps in healthcare delivery. This review provides insights into the challenges faced and emphasises the need for resilient health systems to sustain TB care during future health crises. Contribution: This article highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB care access in South Africa, identifying key barriers across healthcare access dimensions and offering recommendations to improve TB care delivery during public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
South Africa/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Health Services Accessibility
*Tuberculosis/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Delivery of Health Care

@article {pmid40776683,
year = {2025},
author = {Davies, T and Hampton, T},
title = {Have we made any undergraduate medical education improvements since COVID-19? A systematic review of undergraduate ENT teaching.},
journal = {The Journal of laryngology and otology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1017/S002221512510296X},
pmid = {40776683},
issn = {1748-5460},
}

@article {pmid40775546,
year = {2025},
author = {Grates, M},
title = {[Influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related digital inequalities].},
journal = {Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40775546},
issn = {1435-1269},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Health impairments in people in the second half of life are generally associated with lower online activities; however, during the COVID-19 pandemic individuals with health-related limitations in daily activities may have perceived an added benefit in internet use, potentially leading to a reduction in health-related digital inequalities.

OBJECTIVE: The study examines whether and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the relationship between limitations in daily activities and online access as well as the use of the internet for information seeking and maintaining social contacts.

METHODS: Linear probability models were estimated using data from the German Ageing Survey (DEAS) from waves 6 (2017) and 7 (2020/2021).

RESULTS: After controlling for gender, age, education, social network and income, it was found that health-related inequalities regarding internet access slightly decreased during the pandemic, while there was no significant effect of the wave on the relationship between health impairments and online activities for information seeking and maintaining contacts.

CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic internet access rates and online activities increased among people with limitations in daily activities; however, health-related inequalities partially persisted. Reducing barriers to internet usage and ensuring social participation through analogue means must continue to be advanced.},
}

@article {pmid40775203,
year = {2025},
author = {Stepanenko, OV and Sulatsky, MI and Sulatskaya, AI and Stepanenko, OV},
title = {An unexpected insight into the cause of olfactory dysfunction: fibrillogenesis of odorant-binding proteins.},
journal = {Cell death discovery},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {370},
pmid = {40775203},
issn = {2058-7716},
support = {NO. 24-24-00247//Russian Science Foundation (RSF)/ ; },
abstract = {Olfactory dysfunction is a common complication of serious pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, bacterial and viral infections, including COVID-19, and others. Despite the widespread prevalence of olfactory disorders, the pathophysiological mechanisms of their development, as well as the molecular basis of their association with the underlying disease, remain incompletely understood. The current work formulates a new concept of the origin of olfactory disorders, linking a decrease in the activation of olfactory neurons and their death to the fibrillogenesis of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), which are the primary participants of olfactory perception. The potential triggers of OBPs' amyloidogenesis in vivo are discussed, such as molecular crowding, components of nasal medications, environmental factors, and cross-seeding with viral and bacterial amyloids. Several ways of impairment of olfactory signaling as a result of fibrillogenesis of OBPs are formulated: complete loss of OBPs functionality following amyloid formation; mechanical blockage of the membranes of sensory neurons and damage to chemoreceptors on their surface, preventing olfactory signaling; cytotoxic effect of OBPs' amyloid on sensory neurons and other cells of the olfactory epithelium. The proposed concept offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis of olfactory dysfunction, as well as its possible association with amyloidoses, including in neurodegenerations, and infectious diseases. It opens prospects for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of olfactory disorders.},
}

@article {pmid40774301,
year = {2025},
author = {Schwicht, C and von Bergwelt-Baildon, M and Spiekermann, K},
title = {[Immunosuppression in Cancer: Strategies for Infection Prevention].},
journal = {Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)},
volume = {150},
number = {17},
pages = {1013-1018},
doi = {10.1055/a-2414-8494},
pmid = {40774301},
issn = {1439-4413},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/immunology/complications/therapy ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Immunocompromised Host ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial prophylaxis is an important cornerstone for reducing morbidity and mortality of cancer patients. Important strides have been made in recent years in vaccination, drug prophylaxes and the use of growth-factor support. We detail these changes to the respective recommendations here.Patients with malignant disease are recommended to receive vaccinations against common respiratory pathogens (COVID-19, influenza, pneumococci, and RSV). For both influenza (now trivalent vaccine) and pneumococci (now PCV20), the preferred vaccine has changed. A VZV vaccination using an inactivated virus-subunit is also recommended to prevent reactivations. The profound B-cell depletion caused by CAR-T cell therapy is increasingly being considered in vaccination recommendations.In high-risk situations, antibiotic prophylaxis using fluoroquinolones can be used. However, due to increasing resistance and significant side effects, this approach is being critically evaluated.Posaconazole is recommended as the standard prophylaxis for patients with neutropenia >7 days (<0,5G/L) and hematologic malignancies. Isavuconazole offers an effective alternative for patients who cannot tolerate posaconazole. Interactions between antifungal agents and oncological therapies are becoming increasingly relevant, with particular attention to the CYP-450-enzyme inducing/inhibiting substances. Non-pharmacological measures to prevent fungal infections are now part of the recommendations. These include smoking cessation.Pharmacological prophylaxis for COVID-19 is generally not recommended.The thresholds for primary growth-factor-support have been lowered: G-CSF is generally recommended if the risk of febrile neutropenia is >20%, or, if patient inherent risk factors are present, >10%. A new long-acting, non-PEG-containing G-CSF preparation was approved in 2024.Good collaboration between oncologists and general practitioners is essential to translate these recommendations into clinical practice.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/immunology/complications/therapy
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Immunocompromised Host

@article {pmid40379243,
year = {2025},
author = {Devonshire, AL and Guilbert, T and Bauer, CS and Schmidt, H and Davis, S and Hernandez, M and Fitzpatrick, AM and Gaffin, JM and Kattan, M and De, A and Jackson, DJ and Mauger, D and Phipatanakul, W and Schwartz, JT and Sheehan, W and Long, D and Juarez, L and Bacharier, LB and Stokes, JR and Teach, SJ and Morgan, WJ and Martinez, FD and , },
title = {Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Asthma Incidence.},
journal = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {1952-1959},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaip.2025.04.056},
pmid = {40379243},
issn = {2213-2201},
support = {UL1 TR001425/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Asthma/epidemiology ; Incidence ; Child ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Pandemics ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Multiple early life environmental exposures are thought to influence childhood asthma incidence. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in changes in air pollution levels and a marked disruption in the circulation of childhood respiratory viruses. Both air pollution and respiratory viruses have been implicated in the development of asthma and early childhood wheeze. Human behavior and daily routine practices, including family gatherings and daycare attendance, were impacted profoundly by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated mitigation measures. The changes to human behavior and social interactions that occurred during the pandemic have and will likely continue to impact chronic diseases, including the development of asthma. This rostrum explores how childhood asthma incidence might be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated public health mitigation measures. Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials being conducted in the infant and toddler population and assessing allergic outcomes may be well positioned to examine the impact of the pandemic on asthma incidence and time to asthma onset.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Asthma/epidemiology
Incidence
Child
SARS-CoV-2
Child, Preschool
Infant
Pandemics
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects

@article {pmid39467573,
year = {2025},
author = {Favaloro, EJ and Pasalic, L and Lippi, G},
title = {Laboratory Testing for ADAMTS13 for Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura and Beyond.},
journal = {Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis},
volume = {51},
number = {6},
pages = {687-697},
doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1792003},
pmid = {39467573},
issn = {1098-9064},
mesh = {Humans ; *ADAMTS13 Protein/blood/deficiency ; *Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/diagnosis/blood ; *COVID-19/blood/complications ; von Willebrand Factor/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), also called von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving protease, acts as a moderator of VWF activity. ADAMTS13 cleaves VWF multimers, thereby reducing VWF activity in blood. When ADAMTS13 is absent (e.g., in patients with TTP [thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura]), accumulation of VWF in plasma can occur, particularly as "ultra-large" VWF multimers, with this leading to adverse outcomes such as thrombosis. Relative ADAMTS13 deficiencies also occur in several other conditions, including secondary thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), cancer, and with severe infections such as in COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). These situations might therefore be accompanied with relative loss of ADAMTS13, thereby potentially also leading to pathological VWF accumulation, with this then generating a prothrombotic milieu, thus contributing to enhance the risk of thrombosis. Laboratory testing for ADAMTS13 can aid in the diagnosis of such disorders (i.e., TTP, TMA), and help guide their management, with testing now accomplished using various assays. As most presentations of TTP reflect an acquired condition due to anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies, there may also be a need to test for these, as this will also influence clinical management. We herein provide an overview of TTP, note other conditions in which low levels of ADAMTS13 may be present, and then detail laboratory testing for both ADAMTS13 and associated inhibitors.},
}

Humans
*ADAMTS13 Protein/blood/deficiency
*Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/diagnosis/blood
*COVID-19/blood/complications
von Willebrand Factor/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39349096,
year = {2025},
author = {Pizzioli, E and Minutolo, A and Balestrieri, E and Matteucci, C and Magiorkinis, G and Horvat, B},
title = {Crosstalk between human endogenous retroviruses and exogenous viruses.},
journal = {Microbes and infection},
volume = {27},
number = {5-6},
pages = {105427},
doi = {10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105427},
pmid = {39349096},
issn = {1769-714X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Endogenous Retroviruses/genetics/physiology ; HIV-1/physiology ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; COVID-19/virology ; RNA, Viral/genetics ; },
abstract = {Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of human germ-line cells, which are mostly silenced during evolution, but could be de-repressed and play a pathological role. Infection with some exogenous viruses, including herpesviruses, HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, was demonstrated to induce the expression of HERV RNAs and proteins.},
}

Humans
*Endogenous Retroviruses/genetics/physiology
HIV-1/physiology
SARS-CoV-2/physiology
COVID-19/virology
RNA, Viral/genetics

@article {pmid38428840,
year = {2025},
author = {Favaloro, EJ and Arunachalam, S and Dean, E},
title = {Variable Performance of D-dimer Testing by Hemostasis Laboratories: The Australasian/Asia-Pacific Experience.},
journal = {Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis},
volume = {51},
number = {6},
pages = {629-640},
doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1781450},
pmid = {38428840},
issn = {1098-9064},
mesh = {*Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism ; Humans ; *COVID-19/blood/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Australasia ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Hemostasis ; Asia ; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/blood/diagnosis ; Laboratories/standards ; },
abstract = {D-dimers represent the breakdown products of fibrin. Thus, elevated plasma D-dimers will arise following a thrombotic event, such as a deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism, and therefore, a nonelevated D-dimer is used to effectively exclude such events. D-dimers are also elevated in a range of other conditions, for example, during disseminated intravascular coagulation. D-dimer levels may also be associated with prognostic value. For example, highly raised D-dimer levels can be associated with worsening clinical features in coronavirus disease 2019. Thus, D-dimer testing represents a commonly requested hemostasis test, often performed in 24/7 laboratories. Unfortunately, D-dimer testing is neither standardized nor harmonized across manufacturers or laboratories. Indeed, considering reporting units and the magnitude of units, up to 28 different combinations may be reported by laboratories. We provide updated findings for D-dimer testing in our geographic region, using recent data from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Quality Assurance Programs, an international external quality assessment program, currently with over 450 participants in the D-dimer module. Data show a wide variety of assays in use and variable outcomes in reported numerical values when assessing proficiency samples. D-dimer testing mostly comprised reagents from three main manufacturing suppliers, with a small number of users of reagents from other manufacturers. Reported results showed important differences in numerical values for the same homogeneous tested samples when normalized to a single reporting unit (e.g., mg/L). Nevertheless, despite using different test reagents and reporting, most participants uniformly identified D-dimer values as below or above a "detection" cut-off for samples that were constructed to be below or above most cut-off values. As expected, mixed findings were reported for samples containing levels around expected cut-off values. We hope that our findings, reflecting on the heterogeneity of test reagents and test data, help improve diagnostic testing for D-dimer testing and facilitate harmonization and standardization, in the future.},
}

*Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis/metabolism
Humans
*COVID-19/blood/diagnosis/epidemiology
Australasia
*SARS-CoV-2
*Hemostasis
Asia
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation/blood/diagnosis
Laboratories/standards

@article {pmid40773381,
year = {2025},
author = {Subramaniam, S and Saville, JW and Feng, F and Freiburger, L},
title = {Therapeutic Antibodies for Infectious Diseases: Recent Past, Present, and Future.},
journal = {Biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00192},
pmid = {40773381},
issn = {1520-4995},
abstract = {A central goal of modern infectious disease research is to discover safe prophylactic vaccines that can prevent infection. When this is not possible, or when preventive vaccines are still in development, it is critical to have interventions that can mitigate the spread of the disease both within infected individuals and in the population. In this short review, we explore the recent history of therapeutic antibody use, highlighting antibodies used over the last five years to treat COVID-19. We outline some of the challenges in developing antibodies rapidly in response to pandemic threats and suggest that emerging technologies for AI-driven design may offer exciting opportunities for the development of a broad class of protein therapies.},
}

@article {pmid40773022,
year = {2025},
author = {Castellana, E and Budau, PM and Chiappetta, MR},
title = {Pharmacovigilance: Overview of Italian and European regulations, tools, and perspectives.},
journal = {The International journal of risk & safety in medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {9246479251366836},
doi = {10.1177/09246479251366836},
pmid = {40773022},
issn = {1878-6847},
abstract = {BackgroundThis study provides a concise overview of the Italian and European pharmacovigilance (PV) systems.ObjectiveTo evaluate the regulatory frameworks of above mentioned systems, operational tools, and recent trends in adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. The primary objective is to highlight the strengths and critical issues of the current system in improving drug safety and protecting public health.MethodsOur analysis confirms a progressive increase in ADR reporting in Italy over the past decade, with a peak in 2021 during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, followed by a subsequent decline.ResultsHospital physicians and pharmacists remain the primary reporters, while patient reports account for around 10%. The causality assessment process continues to rely heavily on tools such as the Naranjo algorithm and the WHO-UMC criteria, although no single gold standard exists. Despite regulatory improvements and digital infrastructure development, key limitations persist, notably underreporting, inconsistent report quality, and lack of population exposure data.ConclusionWhile Italy's PV system has evolved considerably, a more integrated, proactive, and technology-enhanced approach is required to improve the sensitivity and timeliness of signal detection. Future directions should include the use of artificial intelligence, electronic health records, and real-world evidence to enhance pharmacovigilance performance.},
}

@article {pmid40772993,
year = {2025},
author = {Siqueira, IFB and Figueiredo, LA and Fernandes, CEM and Cintra, LP and de Oliveira, GF and Rios, MA and Maciel, R and Ferretjans, R and Guimarães, NS and Magno, LAV},
title = {Metabolic brain changes in post-acute COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis of [18F]-FDG-PET findings.},
journal = {Brain structure & function},
volume = {230},
number = {7},
pages = {128},
pmid = {40772993},
issn = {1863-2661},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/metabolism/diagnostic imaging/complications ; Positron-Emission Tomography/methods ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; *Brain/metabolism/diagnostic imaging ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Radiopharmaceuticals ; Glucose/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Individuals with long COVID exhibit neurological and psychiatric symptoms that often persist well beyond the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studies using [18F]-FDG positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) have revealed diverse abnormalities in brain glucose metabolism during the post-acute phase of COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the spatial distribution and heterogeneity of brain metabolic changes in patients in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 relative to controls. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases in June 2025 for studies reporting FDG-PET data in patients with post-acute COVID-19 who have persistent neurological symptoms. Of the 14 eligible studies (584 scans), 13 reported glucose hypometabolism across frontoparietal regions, with the frontal cortex being the most consistently affected. This finding was confirmed by meta-analysis, which revealed a large and significant effect in the frontal cortex (Hedges' g = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.79-1.88; p < 0.001), despite high heterogeneity (I[2] = 93.6%). The systematic review indicates that brain metabolism generally improves over time, with widely varying recovery timelines, and consistently correlates hypometabolism with neurological symptom burden. These findings underscore the clinical relevance of frontoparietal hypometabolism in post-acute COVID-19 and its association with neurocognitive deficits, highlighting the need for longitudinal, quantitative PET studies to elucidate temporal dynamics and inform therapeutic development.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/metabolism/diagnostic imaging/complications
Positron-Emission Tomography/methods
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
*Brain/metabolism/diagnostic imaging
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
Radiopharmaceuticals
Glucose/metabolism

@article {pmid40772671,
year = {2025},
author = {Trinh, H and Stevens, N and Adams, G and Chee, R and Ha, T and Knesl, M and Mitchell, J and Nagpal, S and Sia, E and Xing, D and , },
title = {Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2022 Workforce Census.},
journal = {Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1754-9485.13883},
pmid = {40772671},
issn = {1754-9485},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This paper reports the key findings of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology 2022 workforce census. This is the first census since the COVID-19 pandemic and questions have been updated to assess the impact on RANZCR trainees and fellows. This report focuses on the analysis of respondents from Australia, New Zealand and overseas members, with a separate paper to follow focusing exclusively on New Zealand respondents.

METHOD: The census was conducted in mid-late 2022 with many questions repeated from previous censuses. New questions were asked about theranostics, working remotely, hypofractionation and the impact of COVID-19 on work practices.

RESULTS: The census was sent to 591 radiation oncologists with an overall response rate of 52%. Almost half of respondents (n = 94/210; 45%) indicated that COVID-19 had no impact on the uptake of hypofractionation. Hypofractionation was most used by respondents in breast and prostate treatment (n = 134/200; 67% and n = 112/194; 58% respectively). Five respondents (n = 5/270; 2%) currently practise in theranostics, with the majority treating thyroid cancers within the public sector. Just under half (n = 81/167; 49%) of invited trainees responded. The majority felt that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their training. There has been a decrease in the number of new fellows seeking to complete further fellowships. Employment remains at very high levels for new fellows (> 98%).

CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID-19 on local practices and workloads was not as significant as seen overseas. There continues to be an increasing trend of radiation oncologists working in the private sector. The lack of indigenous representation within our profession continues to be an area that needs further attention.},
}

@article {pmid40772015,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, S and Chang, J and Zhou, Z},
title = {A Comprehensive Review of Theaflavins: Physiological Activities, Synthesis Techniques, and Future Challenges.},
journal = {Food science & nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {8},
pages = {e70762},
pmid = {40772015},
issn = {2048-7177},
abstract = {Theaflavins (TFs), which are polyphenolic compounds characterized by a benzotropolone structure, serve as the primary quality and health-promoting components in black tea. Recent investigations have disclosed various health advantages linked to TFs, especially their potential to act as lead compounds in the formulation of therapeutic drugs targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), positioning them as a significant area of focus within food science and nutrition research. This review initially examines the primary physiological activities, mechanisms of action, and challenges related to TFs. It subsequently details the formation mechanism of enzyme-catalyzed TFs from catechins. Building upon this groundwork, this review assesses the recent advancements in two in vitro synthesis methods of TFs: enzymatic oxidation and nonenzymatic synthesis. Finally, the challenges that arise during the large-scale industrial implementation of these synthesis techniques are analyzed, and research strategies aimed at mitigating these issues are suggested. The primary goal of this review was to provide insightful perspectives and guidance for prospective research and industrial utilization of TFs.},
}

@article {pmid40771914,
year = {2025},
author = {Wołowiec, Ł and Osiak-Gwiazdowska, J and Jaśniak, A and Janiak, M and Wydeheft, L and Łukasiak, M and Pellowska, M and Grześk, G},
title = {Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, interactions with other drugs, toxicity and clinical effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1507812},
pmid = {40771914},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {The document comprehensively reviews proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), focusing on their pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, toxicity, and clinical efficacy. PPIs irreversibly inhibit the H+/K+-ATPase enzyme in gastric parietal cells, effectively reducing gastric acid secretion. These drugs are widely prescribed for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, eradication of Helicobacter pylori and as a prevention against bleeding from gastrointestinal tract. The review article highlights significant drug interactions associated with PPIs. Omeprazole, for instance, can interfere with the metabolism of clopidogrel, reducing its antiplatelet efficacy, which may have clinical implications. The article also discusses other drug interactions, including anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as the side effects associated with taking PPIs. Long-term use of PPIs is linked to plenty of adverse effects, such as vitamin B12 and calcium deficiencies, which can lead to bone fractures. An increased risk of infections, including Clostridium difficile and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), is also noted. Cardiovascular risks, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, are observed in some patients on high-dose or prolonged PPI therapy. In rare cases, nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity are reported. Additionally, the document examines the potential role of PPIs in exacerbating certain cancers, such as gastric adenocarcinoma, and in influencing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. PPIs are proven effective in treating GERD and preventing complications from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly in reducing the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers. The document stresses the importance of understanding drug interactions and the need for individualized treatment to minimize adverse effects. Ongoing research into PPIs' long-term safety and efficacy remains essential, particularly given their widespread use in clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid40771482,
year = {2025},
author = {Saxena, SG and Tisdell, E and Farace, E and Godfrey, T and Aumiller, B and Dell, E and Razzak, OP and Kumar, BN and Sznajder, KK},
title = {Achieving equity for International Medical Graduates: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1601492},
pmid = {40771482},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Foreign-born and foreign trained International Medical Graduates (FIMGs) face greater challenges in acculturation to their host countries than IMGs who train abroad and return to practice in their home country. As FIMGs are likely to fulfill a shortage of physicians in High Income Countries in the foreseeable future, we conducted a systematic review of literature to identify acculturation interventions that help FIMGs assimilate better in their host country health systems. This improves their productivity and satisfaction, allows health systems to be more accepting of FIMGs, and most importantly, enhances patient outcomes.

METHODS: Following the PRISMA statement, we searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science for all peer-reviewed articles using keywords "international medical graduate", "overseas trained doctor", "overseas trained physician", "foreign trained doctor", "foreign trained physician" (group A); and "discrimination" and "microaggressions" (group B) published between January 1st, 2000 to October 24th, 2021.

RESULTS: The 46 studies included in this review fall into three groups - acculturation interventions for FIMGs, FIMG's perceptions of what they found useful, and trainers' perspectives on 'what works'. This review also includes interventions that pivoted to the online mode during the Covid-19 pandemic, making the findings relevant, as this is likely to the norm in the future. Acculturation requires training on clinical protocols, host country and health system culture and norms and communication, language and self-awareness skills.

DISCUSSION: Much work remains to be done. Interventions need to be tailored to suit the unique needs of FIMGs from 150+ countries, trainings require a foundation of theoretical frameworks, additional professional, personal and social support to be provided, life course related changing needs demand attention and the preparedness of host country health systems to accept FIMGs require enhancement.},
}

@article {pmid40770795,
year = {2025},
author = {Mostafavi Zadeh, SM and Noroozi, E and Gheytanchi, E and Tajik, F and Madjd, Z and Ahmadvand, D},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on melanoma diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global evidence.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {2684},
pmid = {40770795},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *Melanoma/diagnosis/pathology/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Pandemics ; Global Health ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide. Prioritizing emergency responses resulted in the postponement of routine medical care, including melanoma diagnoses. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify the pandemic's effect on diagnosis rates, Breslow thickness, stage at presentation, ulceration, histologic subtypes, and patient age.

METHOD: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to 10 September 2024 for observational studies comparing melanoma outcomes in the pre-COVID era (before March 2020) with the COVID era (March 2020 onwards). Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data on diagnostic counts, patient age, Breslow thickness, ulceration, and histopathological subtype, and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects models pooled rate ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs); fixed-effects models pooled mean differences (MDs). Heterogeneity was evaluated with I², and sensitivity analyses were restricted to high-quality studies (NOS ≥ 7).

RESULTS: Sixty-two studies (38,676 pre-COVID and 46,846 COVID-era melanomas) met inclusion criteria. New melanoma diagnoses fell by 19% during the pandemic (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.86; I² = 98%). Mean age at diagnosis rose by 0.86 years (95% CI 0.58-1.14; I² = 45%). Tumors were thicker (MD = 0.24 mm, 95% CI 0.02-0.47; I² = 92%) and more frequently ulcerated (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.15-1.44; I² = 31%). Nodular melanoma, an aggressive subtype, became more common (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.67; I² = 81%), whereas superficial spreading, acral lentiginous, and lentigo-maligna subtypes showed no significant change. All the key findings persisted in good-quality-only analyses.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19-related service disruptions were associated with fewer melanoma diagnoses but a shift toward older patients and biologically adverse tumor features, signaling delayed detection at the population level. Strengthening resilient, rapid-access skin cancer pathways and integrating tele-dermatology with triaged in-person assessment are public-health priorities for future crises.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42022361569.},
}

Humans
*Melanoma/diagnosis/pathology/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis
Pandemics
Global Health

@article {pmid40770695,
year = {2025},
author = {Ali Sheikhi, R and Heidari, M and Doosti, P},
title = {The role of religious leaders in the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccinations: a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {2683},
pmid = {40770695},
issn = {1471-2458},
support = {6743//Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran/ ; 6743//Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran/ ; 6743//Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Leadership ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; *Vaccination/psychology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The development of COVID-19 vaccines was progressing rapidly, but vaccination acceptance posed many challenges in different communities. This study systematically reviewed the impact of religious leaders on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccinations. It also examined religious leaders' role in shaping their followers' vaccination decisions and explored the strategies religious organizations use to promote vaccination against COVID-19.

METHOD: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary databases used to search the literature were PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. To identify relevant published literature, the title of this systematic review was divided into two key components: keywords related to COVID-19 vaccination and religious leaders, along with their synonyms.

RESULTS: This review analyzed seven articles using content analysis to explore the diverse roles of religious leaders in COVID-19 vaccination acceptance. The analysis identified two key themes: the positive contributions of religious leaders in promoting vaccination and their negative or neutral roles, highlighting differing perspectives on their influence during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION: Engaging religious leaders in disseminating and adopting national and global health initiatives, such as capacity building, training, trust building, collaboration with health providers, and dialogue with the community about the COVID-19 vaccination program, is a powerful strategy to advance the World Health Organization (WHO) goals.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Leadership
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care
*Vaccination/psychology

@article {pmid40770644,
year = {2025},
author = {Shipton, A and Shang, F and Wake, M and Goldfeld, S and Mensah, F},
title = {Lessons for the Next Global Health Crisis: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Women's Experiences of the Perinatal Period During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Australia.},
journal = {The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/ajo.70054},
pmid = {40770644},
issn = {1479-828X},
support = {//Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program/ ; //Murdoch Children's Research Institute/ ; //University of Melbourne/ ; //Royal Australasian College of Physicians/ ; 1160906//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; 2026263//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, pregnant women and new mothers in Australia experienced extreme pandemic societal responses but low SARS-CoV-2 incidence. This offers one of the few opportunities internationally to learn from the pandemic's indirect effects on maternal health, informing future policy.

AIMS: To explore women's qualitative experiences of pregnancy to the 12 postpartum months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search followed PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed were searched from 1 January 2020, to 13 August 2023, using four categories of terms: 'COVID-19', 'perinatal', 'qualitative', 'Australia'. Studies were scored using the CASP checklist and common themes identified from thematic synthesis. The ENTREQ reporting statement was followed.

RESULTS: From eight peer-reviewed studies, four themes were identified: (1) 'No one can give you any answers': Provision of information was inadequate in supporting women to make health-related decisions; (2) 'Very isolated' or 'It brought us closer': Social distancing restrictions caused major changes within women's informal support networks; (3) 'Have they seen enough of me?': Women felt unsupported during disruptions in maternal health services; (4) 'All you want to do is keep safe': Safeguarding family from SARS-CoV-2 added cognitive strain to women's daily decision-making and routine. All studies were of a good or high quality.

CONCLUSIONS: Three lessons were highlighted. First, women need accurate, accessible health information to make informed decisions. Second, policies should support family bonding and social connections during government restrictions. Finally, health services must be strengthened to ensure continuous, high-quality, accessible care during global crises.},
}

@article {pmid40769733,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilson, CM and Boright, LE and Henshaw, AM and Naccarato, A},
title = {Role of rehabilitation in palliative care after the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review.},
journal = {Annals of palliative medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {379-392},
doi = {10.21037/apm-25-6},
pmid = {40769733},
issn = {2224-5839},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/rehabilitation/epidemiology ; *Palliative Care/organization & administration ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in an historic disruption and transformation of the healthcare system, including the management of individuals with serious illness. Rehabilitation for patients facing serious or life-threatening illness is underutilized and poorly understood, resulting in unwarranted suffering, disability, and poorly coordinated care. This narrative review aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the role and scope of rehabilitation within the context of serious illness and palliative care.

METHODS: A focused review of the literature included selected articles identified from three databases published from January 2020 to January 2025. Findings were synthesized narratively, with a focus on identifying themes and gaps in the literature related to two main topics: (I) the evidence related to rehabilitation for those with serious or life-threatening COVID-19 during the pandemic and (II) how rehabilitation for patients with serious illness has been transformed after emerging from the pandemic (including non-COVID diagnoses such as cancer, neurologic conditions, etc.).

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: The key themes identified during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for early rehabilitation, interdisciplinary care, and an emphasis on cardiopulmonary principles for rehabilitation. Themes identified during the pandemic also included the emerging role of telerehabilitation, and need for evidence and clinical guidelines for serious illnesses (including long COVID). Themes related to the transformative effect on palliative rehabilitation after the pandemic included an increased importance and focus on coordination of care and interdisciplinary care for those with serious illness and increased focus on mental health and social determinants of health (SDOH). Additionally, there appears to be increased infrastructure and activity related to research, advocacy, and awareness for palliative rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 global pandemic highlighted the need for high quality, coordinated palliative care, including rehabilitation services, for patients facing a serious or life-threatening illness. Due to the benefits to a person's quality of life (QoL), dignity, and comfort, there is increasing evidence of the importance of seamless, ongoing access to rehabilitation services for patients with serious illness.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/rehabilitation/epidemiology
*Palliative Care/organization & administration
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40769663,
year = {2025},
author = {Shamoun, R and Asirwatham, A and Leftwich, HK},
title = {From Inflammation to Flooding: COVID-19, Asthma, and Pulmonary Edema.},
journal = {Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America},
volume = {52},
number = {3},
pages = {547-563},
doi = {10.1016/j.ogc.2025.05.011},
pmid = {40769663},
issn = {1558-0474},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asthma/therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis ; Pregnancy ; *COVID-19/therapy/physiopathology ; Female ; *Pulmonary Edema/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Pregnancy Complications/therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis ; Risk Factors ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/therapy/physiopathology ; },
abstract = {The respiratory system, like many other body systems, undergoes significant changes during pregnancy to support the needs of the growing fetus. This article begins by providing a detailed overview of these normal physiologic changes, highlighting how the respiratory system adjusts to the increased metabolic demands and altered hormonal environment of pregnancy. The article will then cover updated guidelines for managing asthma, the most common respiratory condition affecting pregnant individuals. Lastly, we will briefly touch on pulmonary edema in pregnancy, reviewing possibly etiologies and risk factors as well as diagnosis and management.},
}

Humans
*Asthma/therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis
Pregnancy
*COVID-19/therapy/physiopathology
Female
*Pulmonary Edema/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Pregnancy Complications/therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis
Risk Factors
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/therapy/physiopathology

@article {pmid40769605,
year = {2025},
author = {Anlacan, VMM and Gabriel, FGC and Jamora, RDG and Villanueva Iii, EQ and Sy, MCC and Lee Yu, MHL and Espiritu, AI},
title = {Association between encephalopathy and clinical outcomes of COVID-19: Findings from the Philippine CORONA Study.},
journal = {Neurologia},
volume = {40},
number = {6},
pages = {567-576},
doi = {10.1016/j.nrleng.2025.06.009},
pmid = {40769605},
issn = {2173-5808},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/mortality/therapy/epidemiology ; Philippines/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; *Brain Diseases/epidemiology/mortality ; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data ; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; Respiratory Insufficiency/epidemiology/etiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Respiration, Artificial/statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine whether encephalopathy is associated with such COVID-19 outcomes as disease severity, mortality, respiratory failure, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, duration of ventilator dependence, and length of ICU and hospital stay.

METHODS: We performed a subgroup analysis comparing outcomes in patients with and without encephalopathy, based on data from a nationwide retrospective cohort study among adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at 37 hospital sites in the Philippines. The patient outcomes included for analysis were disease severity, mortality, respiratory failure, ICU admission, duration of ventilator dependence, and length of ICU and hospital stay.

RESULTS: Of a total of 10881 COVID-19 admissions, 622 patients had encephalopathy. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for mortality among mild and severe cases were 9.26 and 1.63 times greater (P<.001), respectively, in the encephalopathy group compared to the no-encephalopathy group. Encephalopathy was associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 7.95; P<.001), respiratory failure (aHR: 5.40; P<.001), longer hospital stays (aOR: 1.36; P<.001), and admission to the ICU (aOR: 4.26; P<.001). We found no sufficient evidence that encephalopathy was associated with length of ICU stay (aOR: 1.11; P=.522) or duration of ventilator dependence (aOR: 0.88; P=.428).

CONCLUSIONS: Encephalopathy was associated with COVID-19 severity, mortality, respiratory failure, ICU admission, and longer hospital stays.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/mortality/therapy/epidemiology
Philippines/epidemiology
Female
Male
Retrospective Studies
Middle Aged
*Brain Diseases/epidemiology/mortality
Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data
Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data
Aged
Respiratory Insufficiency/epidemiology/etiology
Severity of Illness Index
Respiration, Artificial/statistics & numerical data
Adult
SARS-CoV-2
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid40769540,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Su, S and Wang, Z and Wu, J and Chen, H and Yang, H},
title = {[Research progress in active substances and their mechanisms of action against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus].},
journal = {Sheng wu gong cheng xue bao = Chinese journal of biotechnology},
volume = {41},
number = {7},
pages = {2519-2533},
doi = {10.13345/j.cjb.250129},
pmid = {40769540},
issn = {1872-2075},
mesh = {*Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/drug effects/immunology ; Animals ; Swine ; *Swine Diseases/virology/prevention & control ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology ; *Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/virology ; Viral Vaccines/immunology ; Humans ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an intestinal coronavirus that can cause porcine epidemic diarrhea, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and even death in piglets. Due to the diversity of PEDV strains, traditional vaccines are difficult to sustainably and effectively prevent and control PEDV. This article reviews the strategies and mechanisms of active substances in regulating intracellular signaling pathways, viral proteins, and microbial metabolites to enhance the host immune function against PEDV. It emphasizes the prevention of PEDV resistance and the potential harm of PEDV breaking through interspecies barriers to the human society, aiming to provide reliable theoretical support for the development of new antiviral drugs or vaccines.},
}

*Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/drug effects/immunology
Animals
Swine
*Swine Diseases/virology/prevention & control
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
*Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/virology
Viral Vaccines/immunology
Humans
Signal Transduction

@article {pmid40769234,
year = {2025},
author = {Sterpetti, AV and Miceli, F and Digirolamo, A and Bozzani, A and Arici, V and Ascione, M and Marzo, LD},
title = {INFLAMMATION, ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM ENLARGEMENT AND RUPTURE. LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COVID19 PANDEMIC.},
journal = {Current problems in cardiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103151},
doi = {10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2025.103151},
pmid = {40769234},
issn = {1535-6280},
abstract = {Patients with moderate-severe COVID19 infection suffer from several cardiovascular diseases: heart failure (3%-33%), myocardial ischemia (0.9%-11%), ventricular dysfunction (10%-47%), arrhythmias (9%-17%), venous thrombo-embolism (25%) and arterial thrombosis (1%-3%). Although intracranial and coronary arterial aneurysms have been described in adults and children with COVID19, few reports have correlated COVID19 infection and sudden degeneration of aortic aneurysms and dissections. We analyzed the risk factor for enlargement and rupture of aortic aneurysms in patrients with moderate-severe COVID19 infection. Several COVID19 related mechanisms may impact aortic aneurysm progression: increased elastin and collagen digestion by enzymes triggered by viral spike proteins in ACE2-negative myeloid cells and/or by inflammatory cytokines; hypoxemia related to thrombosis of micro vessels of the aneurismal wall; dysregulation of the immune system. Patients with known arterial aneurysm may be at risk for sudden increase of dimensions and rupture during moderate-severe COVID19 infection.},
}

@article {pmid40769229,
year = {2025},
author = {Amrani, BL and Zawari, NS and Abd Rahman, NZA and Azman, AS and Nor Rashid, N and Khairat, JE},
title = {Unlocking nature's hidden treasures: Actinomycetota's arsenal of potent antiviral compounds against human viral infections.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {107953},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107953},
pmid = {40769229},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The global emergence of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, Mpox, MERS, Ebola, dengue, Zika, and avian influenza, alongside the escalation of antimicrobial resistance, has made the discovery of novel antiviral agents an urgent priority. Actinomycetota, a diverse group of microorganisms known for their medicinal properties and antibiotic production, stand out as a promising source of antiviral compounds. Since the 20th century, studies on the antiviral potential of Actinomycetota-derived secondary metabolites have shown efficacy against various human viruses, such as influenza viruses (IVs), human coronaviruses (hCoVs), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), mosquito-borne viruses such as Zika virusZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)), and monkeypox virus (MPXV). This review provides a comprehensive summary of key findings from the literature, emphasizing the theurapeutic potential of these compounds and the importance of further research to elucidate their mechanisms of action and enhance their production. Unlocking the antiviral arsenal of Actinomycetota may pave the way for the development of novel and effective antiviral therapies to combat human viral diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40768894,
year = {2025},
author = {Ding, J and Liu, Z and Chao, M},
title = {The association between problematic social media use and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of psychiatric research},
volume = {189},
number = {},
pages = {544-553},
doi = {10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.07.009},
pmid = {40768894},
issn = {1879-1379},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Problematic social media use (PSMU) is becoming increasingly common, with various studies highlighting a notable correlation with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptomatology.

METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was employed to identify relevant studies from the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ProQuest. Meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta Analysis software with a random effects model.

RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 15 studies with a total of 35,223 participants. The analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between ADHD symptomatology and PSMU (r = 0.361, 95 % CI [0.297, 0.421]). Subgroup analyses identified several significant moderators: data collection timing (rAfter-COVID-19>rBefore-COVID-19), assessment tools for PSMU (rBSMAS > rSMDS > rOthers), and assessment tools for ADHD (rASRS > rOthers). Additionally, the mean age of participants emerged as a significant moderator in the meta-regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supports a significant association between ADHD symptomatology and PSMU. These findings have implications for future research and clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid40767628,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, J and Luo, J and Fang, Z and Fu, Y and Xu, BB},
title = {Insights Into Effects of Natural Bioactive Components on Inflammatory Diseases in Respiratory Tract.},
journal = {Phytotherapy research : PTR},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ptr.8367},
pmid = {40767628},
issn = {1099-1573},
support = {UICR0400016-24//BNU-HKBU United International College/ ; 2023VPPC-R10//Open Research Project of the Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {The increasing prevalence of inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract worldwide has raised concerns, and due to its high prevalence and poor prognosis, it remains a clinical focus and research hotspot. These inflammatory diseases include airway inflammation, asthma, bacterial antigens-induced tonsil epithelial inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF), COVID-19, acute lung injury, and lung cancer. This review summarizes the relevant molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract and the progress of natural bioactive components in inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract. The natural bioactive components have good therapeutic or intervention effects on inflammatory airway diseases in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. The information on inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract and natural bioactive ingredients in anti-inflammatory diseases were collected from famous literature databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, with keywords including bioactive components, inflammatory diseases, respiratory tract, and so forth. The bioactive phytochemicals, such as curcumin, ginsenoside, safranal, melatonin, could improve inflammatory diseases through the regulation of PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, NRF2/HO-1, MAPK, cAMP-PKA, and MEK/ERK Signaling pathways. Further high-quality studies are still needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of bioactive ingredients. This review provides new insight for future research on functional food or drug-lead compound development on natural products improving inflammatory diseases in the respiratory tract.},
}

@article {pmid40767138,
year = {2025},
author = {Pinte, L and Dumitru, AC and Usurelu, AC and Niculae, CM and Draghici, A and Cotet, MA and Baicus, C},
title = {Low eosinophils and their dynamic as a predictor of death in patients with infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.},
journal = {Annals of medicine},
volume = {57},
number = {1},
pages = {2541084},
doi = {10.1080/07853890.2025.2541084},
pmid = {40767138},
issn = {1365-2060},
mesh = {Humans ; *Eosinophils ; *COVID-19/mortality/blood ; Prognosis ; *Sepsis/mortality/blood ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cohort Studies ; Leukocyte Count ; Clostridium Infections/mortality/blood ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/mortality/blood ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Eosinophils prognostic significance in predicting mortality has become particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of peripheral low eosinophil (eosinopenia) with focus on their dynamics (eosinophil recovery) in patients with infections.

METHODS: We searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) and additional sources from inception to 1 December 2023. Cohort studies involving adult patients hospitalized with infections were evaluated using dual-reviewer methodology.

RESULTS: Out of 15,066 screened papers, 151 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 107 focused on COVID-19, 14 on sepsis, 9 on Clostridioides difficile, 6 on acute COPD exacerbations, and 17 on other infections. The majority of studies reported significantly lower admission eosinophil levels in non-survivors compared to survivors. Random-effects model meta-analysis showed mean eosinophil difference between deceased and survivors -15.31 (95% CI: -18.72 to -11.90) for COVID-19 and -44.6 (95% CI: -95.62 to 6.41) for sepsis (I[2] > 90%). Mortality with eosinopenia showed low certainty of evidence for C. difficile (0 cells/mm³ cut-off: RR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.84-2.99) and very low for COVID-19 when considering different cut-offs (0 cells/mm³: RR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.86-3.01; 20 cells/mm³: RR 2.90; 95% CI: 1.59-5.28; 50 cells/mm³: RR 2.70; 95% CI: 1.33-5.49). Survivors generally showed an increase in eosinophil counts within the first 2-5 days of hospitalization, while the deceased had persistently low levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Eosinopenia, particularly the trajectory of eosinophil recovery, may serve as a cost-effective and accessible prognostic marker for mortality in patients with infections.},
}

Humans
*Eosinophils
*COVID-19/mortality/blood
Prognosis
*Sepsis/mortality/blood
SARS-CoV-2
Cohort Studies
Leukocyte Count
Clostridium Infections/mortality/blood
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/mortality/blood

@article {pmid40765543,
year = {2025},
author = {Reddy, M and Kulkarni, M and Kanakalakshmi, ST and Shenoy, L and KrishnaBhat, RR},
title = {Non-invasive SpO2/FiO2 ratio (SFR) as surrogate for PaO2/FiO2 ratio (PFR): A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of critical care medicine (Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie din Targu-Mures)},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {221-232},
pmid = {40765543},
issn = {2393-1809},
abstract = {Patient oxygenation significantly impacts clinical outcomes, and continuous monitoring is essential, especially in critical care settings where hypoxia is the leading cause of mortality. PFR (PaO2/FiO2 ratio or P/F ratio) is an invasive method for measuring oxygenation requiring arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling, however it carries complications making non-invasive methods more desirable. SFR (SpO2/FiO2 ratio or S/F ratio), a non-invasive tool based on pulse oximetry, provides a cost-effective and rapid way to monitor oxygenation status, especially in settings where advanced methods are unavailable. A total of 575 articles were screened from databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL, with 32 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for this scoping review wherein SFR was used as a surrogate for PFR and a diagnostic tool for acute lung injury and ARDS. A total of 81,637 patient records were analyzed, including ABG values, pulse oximetry readings, mechanical ventilator settings, and patient diagnoses. The study population included adults, pediatric patients, and neonates admitted to critical care units, with common diagnoses including acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, ARDS, and COVID-19. In the context of COVID-19, SFR was used to predict the need for mechanical ventilation, with a cut-off of 300 indicating a threshold for imminent ventilation requirement. The studies demonstrated statistically significant sensitivity and specificity for SFR, highlighting its utility as a non-invasive tool for assessing oxygenation status. SFR has shown potential as a reliable non-invasive surrogate for determining oxygenation status across all populations.},
}

@article {pmid40765331,
year = {2025},
author = {Chavda, VP and Mehta, AA and Zafar, H and Raza, F and Paiva-Santos, AC and Balar, PC and Apostolopoulos, V and Vora, L},
title = {Adenovirus-Based Single-Dose Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2: A Review.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)},
volume = {30},
number = {7},
pages = {25094},
doi = {10.31083/FBL25094},
pmid = {40765331},
issn = {2768-6698},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Adenoviridae/genetics/immunology ; Genetic Vectors ; },
abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has many unexpected implications, but the scientific community remains optimistic about overcoming these obstacles. Adenoviruses (Ad) are considered the most suitable vectors for transferring specific antigens to mammalian cells since they can induce both innate and adaptive immune responses. Ad-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). vaccines were granted emergency use authorization in the COVID-19 pandemic. Many features of the Ad vector render it an appealing vaccine carrier for contagious diseases, including high titer, ease of processing, high effectiveness, low immunogenicity in clinical trials, and consistency in pharmaceutical packaging and shipment processes. Ad-based vaccines are generally effective and have few side effects since Ad induces minor infections in humans, and genetic modifications can block viral replication. These single-dose vaccines are effective not only in young individuals but also in adults. Clinical trials of these single-dose vaccines are commendable and have shown excellent safety and efficacy profiles. This review provides a summary of the development of single-dose vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Adenoviridae/genetics/immunology
Genetic Vectors

@article {pmid40764711,
year = {2025},
author = {Blackmur, JP and Re, C and Stewart, GD},
title = {What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about safety of surgical wait times in urological oncology?.},
journal = {BJU international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/bju.16881},
pmid = {40764711},
issn = {1464-410X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To review papers assessing the impact of surgical delay in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate what has been learnt about the safety of surgical waiting times in urological oncology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medline and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 1 November 2024. Studies included were those reporting treatment delay effects on surgical or oncological outcomes, or patient experience with reference to COVID-19. Priority was given to studies deriving their cohort after the start of the pandemic. Studies were also included in which the cohort was derived before the pandemic, but where recommendations were made on COVID-19 treatment delay. Data were extracted regarding duration of delay and authors' reported impact of delay on outcome (quantified, and simplified as negative/neutral/positive).

RESULTS: A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen studies included data collected after the start of the pandemic and 21 exclusively included cohorts derived prior to the pandemic but made recommendations about COVID-19-related treatment delays. Six studies on urothelial cancer reported negative clinical outcomes for delays between 2 weeks and 3 months, while three reported a neutral impact. Four studies on kidney cancer reported negative outcomes with 1-3-month delay, while two reported a neutral impact. Eleven studies on prostate cancer reported that a 3-12-month delay had neutral effects, while one reported negative outcomes. One study on penile cancer reported worse survival with delays in treatment. No studies on testicular cancer were identified. Five studies reported negative patient experience with delays, while one reported a positive patient experience.

CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have reported the impacts of COVID-19-related delayed treatment; this was a missed opportunity. While most prostate cancer treatment can be deferred up to 180 days, diagnostic cystoscopy, transurethral resection of bladder tumour and nephrectomy for cT2+ renal masses should be expedited to occur within 30 days. Treatment of cT1 renal masses, carcinoma invading bladder muscle, upper tract urothelial carcinoma and high-risk prostate cancer should commence within 90 days.},
}

@article {pmid40764277,
year = {2025},
author = {Pimenta, PDC and de Aquino Lima, TC and Geraldine, VGS and Tourinho, FS and do Nascimento, MC and Novaes, RD and Dias, LMRP},
title = {COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Events by Country Income Level: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.},
journal = {American journal of health promotion : AJHP},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {8901171251365229},
doi = {10.1177/08901171251365229},
pmid = {40764277},
issn = {2168-6602},
abstract = {PurposeTo synthesize evidence on the incidence of COVID-19 vaccine-related adverse events across countries by income level.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials.SettingStudies published 2020-2025, retrieved from EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus.SampleEleven trials with 7841 participants; seven from high-income and four from upper-middle-income countries.MeasuresIncidence per 100 vaccinated. Countries by income: low (≤$1145), lower-middle ($1146-4515), upper-middle ($4516-14,005), high (>$14,005). Inter-reviewer agreement assessed by kappa (0.684). Risk of bias evaluated with Cochrane RoB 2.AnalysisMantel-Haenszel random-effects models estimated relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity assessed by I[2]. Subgroup analyses by income and dose.ResultsAEFI incidence was consistently higher in high-income vs upper-middle-income countries, especially after dose 2. Injection-site pain (68.1 vs 26.3 per 100), headache (45.7 vs 14.1), myalgia (42.5 vs 9.2), and fatigue (33.8 vs 11.4) were most common. Meta-analyses showed higher pooled RR in high-income settings: any AEFI after dose 1, RR = 1.83 (95% CI: 1.39-2.42); local, RR = 3.15; systemic, RR = 2.05. After dose 2, overall RR reached 2.94; local, 4.37; systemic, 2.48. All subgroup differences were significant.ConclusionHigher-income countries showed a greater incidence of mostly mild adverse events, particularly after the second dose. mRNA vaccines had the highest rates. Findings reveal income-based disparities and inform equitable post-vaccination monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid40763909,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, P and Chen, Y and Zhou, S and Li, F},
title = {Microbial modulation of tryptophan metabolism links gut microbiota to disease and its treatment.},
journal = {Pharmacological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107896},
doi = {10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107896},
pmid = {40763909},
issn = {1096-1186},
abstract = {Emerging studies have demonstrated that tryptophan (Trp) metabolism plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal and systemic homeostasis. Trp metabolism is involved in diseases such as metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal cancers, neurological disorders, and viral diseases. The gut microbiota is crucial for regulating Trp metabolism, thereby influencing host health. Conversely, Trp metabolism can also modulate the composition and function of the gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms through which gut microbiota-regulated Trp metabolism contributes to disease development. We also discuss how external factors, such as antibiotics and diet, influence Trp metabolism and may offer protective effects against disease, including Covid-19. These advances have facilitated the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting Trp metabolic dysfunction.},
}

@article {pmid40763823,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, L and Wu, X},
title = {Viral detection using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein and Argonaute nucleases.},
journal = {Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120526},
doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2025.120526},
pmid = {40763823},
issn = {1873-3492},
abstract = {Viral pandemics pose severe threats to human health and societal stability, exemplified by the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019. Conventional viral detection methods such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) typically require trained personnel, expensive equipment, and 2-4 h for processing. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) and Argonaute (Ago) system-based detection methods achieve attomolar sensitivity or single-copy detection limits with single-base specificity within 1 h, without requiring complex or costly instruments. This review firstly introduces the mechanisms and functions of CRISPR/Cas systems (Cas9, Cas12, Cas13) and Ago systems. It also introduces viruses with significant social impact, and continued with reviewing applications of these systems in single and multiplex virus detection. Single viral detection includes recently developed DNA/RNA-activated Cas9 detection (DACD/RACD) using Cas9 trans-cleavage activity, Cas12-based DNA Endonuclease-targeted CRISPR Trans Reporter (DETECTR) with attomolar sensitivity, CRISPR/Cas13a-based Fluorescent Nanoparticle SARS-CoV-2 (CFNS) achieving 1 copy/mL sensitivity with quantum dot reporters, and amplification-free mobile phone detection detecting 31 copies/μL without amplification. Multiplex viral detection includes Microfluidic Device Integrated with CRISPR/Cas12a and Multiplex Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (MiCaR) enabling 30-plex detection through microfluidic chips with spatial discrimination, PfAgo-mediated Nucleic acid Detection (PAND) utilizing Ago-produced guide sequences for 5-plex detection, Specific High-Sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter UnLOCKing v2 (SHERLOCKv2) achieving 4-plex detection with multi-enzyme single-reaction systems, and Multiplexed Evaluation of Nucleic acids (CARMEN) supporting over 100 target assays. Finally, this review discusses challenges in CRISPR/Cas and Ago-based detection methods, including Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) sequence requirements for Cas9/12, prolonged reaction times due to nucleic acid extraction/amplification, and instability of core components like nucleases and crRNAs. Detection specificity and multiplex capabilities could be further improved. Future directions are outlined for improving detection specificity, developing multiplex capabilities and advancing POCT. Developing diagnostic tools using CRISPR/Cas and Ago systems could transform molecular diagnostics, such tools promise to be easily accessible worldwide. They are essential for precise identification and strategic containment of infectious disease transmission.},
}

@article {pmid40762988,
year = {2025},
author = {Gusmão, ACS and Scaléa, ACR and Uehara, SCDSA},
title = {Symptoms of long COVID in children and adolescents: a scoping review.},
journal = {Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P},
volume = {59},
number = {},
pages = {e20240435},
doi = {10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2024-0435en},
pmid = {40762988},
issn = {1980-220X},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology/physiopathology ; Age Factors ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To map the symptoms of Long Covid (LC) presented by children and adolescents.

METHOD: This is a scoping review, using the search engines Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, and PUBMED, following the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies were selected, which showed that fatigue, headache, dyspnea, and cough were the most frequent symptoms of LC. There is a tendency for the development of child-adolescent LC related to the increase in age range, and the correlation between LC and predominant sex proved to be inconclusive. The presence of comorbidities, such as obesity, respiratory, neurological and renal diseases, was the most reported and a study showed an association between Covid-19 vaccine protection and LC.

CONCLUSION: This review points to a plurality of symptomatic manifestations of LC in children and adolescents, changing according to age group and health history.},
}

Humans
Adolescent
Child
*COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology/physiopathology
Age Factors

@article {pmid40762948,
year = {2025},
author = {Palmer, M and Seekins, D and Avigan, M and Marcinak, J and Rockey, DC and Regev, A and Shastri, VK and Lewis, JH and Dash, A},
title = {The Impact of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccination on Detection, Assessment, and Management of Suspected Acute Drug-Induced Liver Injury Occurring during Clinical Trials: Consensus Recommendations from the IQ DILI Initiative.},
journal = {Drug safety},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40762948},
issn = {1179-1942},
abstract = {While the acute impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has waned, implications for clinical trials remain. In particular, guidance for evaluation of elevated liver tests due to COVID-19, its treatments, and COVID-19 vaccination is lacking. The IQ DILI Initiative, composed of experts from academia, regulatory agencies, and industry herein propose recommendations to address this gap. Extensive literature review was conducted and structured discussions were held between IQ DILI industry members, regulators, and academic experts in hepatology and DILI. Liver-related manifestations in nonhospitalized patients with COVID-19 are highly varied. Evidence of liver injury may occur after COVID-19 symptoms resolve and testing is negative. Treatments for COVID-19 may cause liver injury or alter pharmacokinetics. COVID-19 vaccination has been associated with rare but clear hepatotoxicity, typically consistent with drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis, although other presentations, severity, latency, and time to resolution have been reported. Liver injury occurred with mRNA and viral vector vaccines, and in individuals with and without underlying autoimmune or liver diseases. Drug developers and investigators should be aware of the potential liver-related manifestations related to COVID-19, its treatments, and COVID-19 vaccination, as this may impact study eligibility and causality assessment during a trial. COVID-19 testing should be considered part of DILI causality assessment, as a positive test may prevent premature termination of the investigational drug. Since clinical trial participants may not consider vaccinations in their medical history, specific inquiry about their receipt is important when liver tests are abnormal during screening and as part of DILI causality assessment.},
}

@article {pmid40762665,
year = {2025},
author = {Heller, AR and Wurmb, T and Franke, A and , },
title = {[Medical decision-making in clinical disaster medicine and in healthcare crises : Applying ethics and law in resource allocation].},
journal = {Unfallchirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40762665},
issn = {2731-703X},
abstract = {In health crises marked by severe resource scarcity, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic and in anticipated scenarios of national or state defence, hospitals face the challenge of maintaining the best possible medical care under ethically and legally responsible conditions. This article analyzes the ethical, legal and operational foundations of resource allocation in clinical disaster medicine. Central to this are the principles of utility maximization, fairness and transparency, which necessitate a shift from standard individual-centered care to a population-oriented crisis response. Medical indication forms the cornerstone of any treatment and must be evidence-based and patient-centered, even under crisis conditions. Therapeutic goals and prognostic assessment within the given resource constraints serve as key criteria for prioritization and allocation decisions. The use of triage category IV (blue) and the implementation of tertiary (ex-post) triage within hospitals are only conceivable under conditions of existential scarcity and require clear legal and ethical justification. Clinical ethics committees and independent triage teams play a pivotal role in decision-making and communication. The legal interpretation, particularly in the context of § 5c of the German Infection Protection Act, remains controversial and demands nuanced evaluation. The article underlines the necessity of consistent decision-making processes, structured documentation and the inclusion of vulnerable populations in crisis planning. Finally, operational strategies, such as tactical abbreviated surgical care (TASC), are presented as resource-efficient approaches to care. The overarching goal is to enable as many patients as possible to access the best achievable medical care, even under extreme conditions, while upholding ethical standards.},
}

@article {pmid40761748,
year = {2025},
author = {Usher, S and Allin, S and Gautier, L and Fierlbeck, K and Sriram, V and Bodner, A and Trapé, C and Shipton, L and Montecalvo, A and Berman, P},
title = {The influence of public health organization on response to the COVID-19 pandemic in four Canadian provinces: A comparative qualitative analysis.},
journal = {Health policy OPEN},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {100146},
pmid = {40761748},
issn = {2590-2296},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Studies of COVID-19 pandemic responses reveal shortcomings that may relate to the organization of public health systems.

OBJECTIVE: This study uncovers the organizational factors that may strengthen pandemic responses in high-income countries through a comparative analysis of four Canadian provinces.

METHODS: We undertook a qualitative multiple case study, collecting data through document review and 103 interviews with government and non-governmental actors involved in pandemic response. Analysis explored how differences in the organization of provincial public health systems influenced decision-making, advisory, coordination and adaptation processes.

RESULTS: The scale of the pandemic positioned the Premier as legitimate decision-maker in all provinces regardless of the distribution of authority in their public health systems. Capacity for generating public health advice was increased through existing or new organizations and highlighted the advantage of links to university expertise. All public health systems relied on healthcare resources for testing programs despite differences in the integration of public health under healthcare governance structures; centralization of healthcare governance was a facilitator. Adapting pandemic control measures to population needs was supported by linkages between organizations capable of apprehending needs and organizations that made decisions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study builds on the literature of pandemic responses across high-income countries and uncovers organizational factors that may enhance agility to rapidly expand capacities, connect actors for emergency responses, and strengthen public health systems.},
}

@article {pmid40760496,
year = {2025},
author = {Rae, JD and Chen, W and Diarra, S and Nghiem, N and Chisholm, RH and Tran-Duy, A and Shearer, F and Devine, A},
title = {Web-based models to inform health policy: A scoping review.},
journal = {Health research policy and systems},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {99},
pmid = {40760496},
issn = {1478-4505},
support = {2025362//Australian National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Health Policy ; *Internet ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Malaria/epidemiology ; *Models, Theoretical ; *Policy Making ; },
abstract = {Health policies must be continually updated as new evidence is generated to ensure the optimal delivery of health interventions and prevention measures. Models are often used to study health problems, but their complexity limits their use by policy-makers. One way to facilitate their use among non-modellers is to develop user-friendly interfaces and make them available online. We conducted a scoping review of journal articles to identify and describe the currently available, interactive, freely available web-based health models that aim to inform health policy relevant to any disease or health issue affecting human populations. This scoping review included 16 web-based models covering 13 diseases or health issues, of which the most common were coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and malaria. The most common model outputs were epidemiological indicators (14/16), such as case numbers, incidences, or results from diagnostic screening, followed by the cost of implementing the intervention or health measure of interest (10/16). Model validation was performed in 6 of the 16 studies by comparing the model results with the previously published evidence or comparing simulated outcomes with observed data. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted for 62.5% of models (10/16); however, in most cases, the user can perform these analyses by changing the model parameters in the user interface. This review explores the potential of web-based models to support health policy decisions and resource allocation. Despite their limited number, the 16 interactive web-based health models provide valuable insights into various health issues, primarily infectious diseases. The usability of the currently available web-based health models is impacted by the accuracy of the model description, the ability of the user to alter parameter values and the model assumptions that limit their generalizability. Such models must be validated and incorporate appropriate sensitivity analyses to be reliable and helpful to policy-makers.},
}

Humans
*Health Policy
*Internet
COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Malaria/epidemiology
*Models, Theoretical
*Policy Making

@article {pmid40683416,
year = {2025},
author = {Zuch de Zafra, CL and Carosino, CM},
title = {Platform-based opportunities to streamline animal use in support of the 3Rs - recommendations from an antibody-drug conjugate analysis.},
journal = {Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP},
volume = {162},
number = {},
pages = {105912},
doi = {10.1016/j.yrtph.2025.105912},
pmid = {40683416},
issn = {1096-0295},
mesh = {Animals ; *Immunoconjugates/toxicity ; Humans ; COVID-19 ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods ; *Animal Testing Alternatives/methods ; },
abstract = {The field of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) continues to be an active area of development which has greatly evolved over the past 25 years since the first approved ADC in 2000 (Mylotarg). Simultaneously, increasing attention is being given to the use of animals, particularly large animal species, in biopharmaceutical drug development in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic and legislation implemented/pending in the US Congress (the FDA Modernization Act). A recent publication summarizing data from an analysis of 14 antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) provides a springboard for the recommendation of best practices to streamline nonclinical toxicology evaluation for these molecules. Additionally, key principles from the ADC molecule class may be applied to other biologic platforms, such as CD3 bispecific antibodies and possibly cell and gene therapy. Widespread adoption of modernized program strategies should lead both to a reduction in the use of animals in nonclinical toxicology evaluation and to more rapid delivery of new medicines to patients with unmet medical needs. The primary goal of nonclinical toxicology evaluation in the pharmaceutical industry is the identification of hazards and characterization of their monitorability, manageability, and reversibility in support of clinical trials and the eventual marketing of new drugs. An additional key deliverable of a toxicology program is the determination of appropriate dose levels to be evaluated in clinical trials. To accomplish these goals, nonclinical toxicology studies have traditionally utilized animal models in keeping with recommendations of global health authorities (e.g., ICH M3 for small molecule drugs and ICH S6 for biologic drugs). Although the 3Rs of ethical animal use (reduce, refine, replace) have been recognized since the late 1950s (Russell and Burch, 1959), increasing attention is being given to the use of animals in pharmaceutical research. The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying ban on the export of non-human primates (NHPs) from China highlighted the dependence of nonclinical safety evaluation on NHPs, particularly for biologics and other modalities that have limited cross-reactivity. This realization contributed to the passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 and the drafting of additional legislation (FDA Modernization Act 3.0) and the recent 'Roadmap to Reducing Animal Testing in Preclinical Safety Studies' which codify support in the US for the refinement of nonclinical toxicology programs and signal an opportunity for decreased reliance on animal models for safety evaluation. Similarly, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) recently released 'EFPIA Recommendations on Phasing Out Animal Testing for Chemical Safety Assessments' with comparable assessments and recommendations aimed at the evolution of pharmaceutical toxicity testing away from animal studies.},
}

Animals
*Immunoconjugates/toxicity
Humans
COVID-19
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods
*Animal Testing Alternatives/methods

@article {pmid40526084,
year = {2025},
author = {Mellett, M and Lawandi, A and Caya, C and Lee, TC and Babiker, A and Papenburg, J and Yansouni, CP and Cheng, MP},
title = {Antibiotic synergy against Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy},
volume = {69},
number = {8},
pages = {e0119924},
doi = {10.1128/aac.01199-24},
pmid = {40526084},
issn = {1098-6596},
support = {UM1 AI104681/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; //Fonds de Recherche du Québec - Santé/ ; UM1AI104681//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Drug Synergism ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; *Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects ; Humans ; Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial combinations have been extensively evaluated in vitro to identify synergistic combinations for clinical use. Despite the available literature, no studies comprehensively summarize the findings for antimicrobial combinations against Staphylococcus aureus. We performed a systematic review to identify synergistic combinations that may be beneficial for clinical use against S. aureus. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were queried from inception to February 2024 for studies of in vitro assays evaluating two antimicrobials in combination against isolates of S. aureus. Studies were included if they used common methods to determine synergy including time-kill assays, checkerboard assays, or the combined gradient diffusion method. The proportion of isolates for which synergy was identified was compared for different antimicrobial combinations. Two hundred sixty-five studies were included for analysis. One hundred forty-two studies evaluated synergy against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), 31 against methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), and 92 assessed synergy against both MRSA and MSSA, or did not define the methicillin susceptibility profile of the isolates studied. Time-kill assays (n = 176) and checkerboard assays (n = 158) were the most frequently used methods, with few studies evaluating synergy using the combined gradient diffusion method (n = 13). The proportion of synergy varied based on the antimicrobial combination and isolate being evaluated. Antimicrobial synergy has been extensively studied for S. aureus, with combinations of glycopeptides and cephalosporins being studied most frequently. Future evaluations of synergy for S. aureus should focus on antimicrobial combinations with strong rationales and robust potential for clinical use.},
}

*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
Drug Synergism
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
*Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects
Humans
Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy/microbiology

@article {pmid39566535,
year = {2025},
author = {Rafaelian, A and Won, SY and Trnovec, S and Behmanesh, B and Barz, S and Busjahn, C and Reuter, DA and Zhang, L and Mlynski, R and Freiman, T and Gessler, F and Dubinski, D},
title = {Otogenic Brain Abscess and Concomitant Acute COVID-19 Infection: Case Report and Review of the Literature.},
journal = {Journal of neurological surgery. Part A, Central European neurosurgery},
volume = {86},
number = {5},
pages = {494-501},
doi = {10.1055/a-2479-5462},
pmid = {39566535},
issn = {2193-6323},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Brain Abscess/complications/surgery/diagnostic imaging ; *Mastoiditis/surgery/complications ; *Streptococcal Infections/complications/surgery ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Mastoidectomy ; },
abstract = {2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has attracted global attention primarily because of the severe acute respiratory symptoms associated with it. However, nearly one third of the patients also present with neurological symptoms. This report describes a case of a previously healthy woman with acute COVID-19 infection, who developed acute facial nerve palsy and rapid progression to coma due to otogenic brain abscess.A 63-year-old woman with acute COVID-19 infection exhibited acute facial nerve paresis, high fever, and purulent secretion from her left ear within 48 hours after COVID-19 onset. Cranial computed tomography scan confirmed acute mastoiditis, precipitating an urgent mastoidectomy. A postoperative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging on the same day revealed a subdural empyema, which prompted an urgent craniotomy and decompression. Intraoperative microbiological swabs confirmed a Streptococcus pyogenes infection; however, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After immediate intravenous antibiotic treatment, extubation was achieved 4 days after operation, and the patient was discharged without neurological deficits 19 days after postoperatively.This finding adds a layer of insight into the specific nature of the infection, suggesting a potential absence of SARS-CoV-2 involvement in otogenic subdural empyema. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in otogenic brain abscess cannot be excluded to date and should be further prospectively investigated. The complete recovery of neurological status emphasizes the importance of prompt and interdisciplinary interventions in managing rare and severe complications associated with COVID-19.},
}

Humans
Female
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/complications
*Brain Abscess/complications/surgery/diagnostic imaging
*Mastoiditis/surgery/complications
*Streptococcal Infections/complications/surgery
SARS-CoV-2
Mastoidectomy

@article {pmid38646804,
year = {2025},
author = {Ternes, S and Lavin, L and Vakkalanka, JP and Healy, HS and Merchant, KA and Ward, MM and Mohr, NM},
title = {The role of increasing synchronous telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic on disparities in access to healthcare: A systematic review.},
journal = {Journal of telemedicine and telecare},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {1091-1113},
doi = {10.1177/1357633X241245459},
pmid = {38646804},
issn = {1758-1109},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Telemedicine/statistics & numerical data/organization & administration ; *Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data ; *Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Health Equity ; Minority Groups/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {IntroductionThe COVID-19 public health emergency led to an unprecedented rapid increase in telehealth use, but the role of telehealth in reducing disparities in access to care has been questioned. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to summarize the available evidence on how telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with telehealth utilization for minority groups and its role in health disparities.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review focused on health equity and access to care by searching for interventional and observational studies using the following four search domains: telehealth, COVID-19, health equity, and access to care. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, telehealth.hhs.gov, and the Rural Health Research Gateway, and included any study that reported quantitative results with a control group.ResultsOur initial search yielded 1970 studies, and we included 48 in our final review. The most common dimensions of health equity studied were race/ethnicity, rurality, insurance status, language, and socioeconomic status, and the telehealth applications studied were diverse. Included studies had a moderate risk of bias. In aggregate, most studies reported increased telehealth use during the pandemic, with the greatest increase in non-minority populations, including White, younger, English-speaking people from urban areas.DiscussionWe found that despite rapid adoption and increased telehealth use during the public health emergency, telehealth did not reduce existing disparities in access to care. We recommend that future work measuring the impact of telehealth focus on equity so that features of telehealth innovation can reduce disparities in health outcomes.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Telemedicine/statistics & numerical data/organization & administration
*Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data
*Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Health Equity
Minority Groups/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid40760361,
year = {2025},
author = {Alshehri, S and Almutawif, YA and Khan, NU},
title = {Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on cancer patients: safety, efficacy, and long-term effects.},
journal = {Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer},
volume = {33},
number = {8},
pages = {753},
pmid = {40760361},
issn = {1433-7339},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/immunology/complications ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage/immunology/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), led to a worldwide pandemic in 2020. Cancer patients represent a highly vulnerable group for COVID-19 infection and are associated with poor outcomes due to their immunosuppressive status, owing to malignancy itself or anticancer therapies. Several approved COVID-19 vaccines were assessed for their effectiveness in the general population. However, initially, cancer patients were excluded from large landmark trials, leading to a paucity of data. This article presents a narrative review that synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed clinical trials, real-world cohort studies, and expert guidelines to assess the current evidence. This review assesses the safety, efficacy, and long-term effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with cancer. Accumulated evidence from multiple clinical trials and real-world data suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are generally well-tolerated, safe, and efficacious in patients with both solid and hematologic types of cancer, eliciting moderate adverse reactions and rare severe reactions, including immune-related adverse events, thrombotic events, and anaphylaxis. Vaccine-induced humoral response and cellular response are often weakened in cancer patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies, compared to those of non-cancerous individuals. However, the immunogenicity in cancer patients improves significantly with booster doses. Further, seroresponse against SARS-CoV-2 variants increases with additional booster doses, signifying the importance of personalized booster approaches. Despite this, vaccinated cancer patients develop breakthrough infections, which are associated with hospitalization and higher mortality compared to the general population. Moreover, long-term follow-up of vaccinated cancer patients suggests that they demonstrate durable immune responses, with rare reports of cancer recurrence or remission that require further evaluation. Collectively, COVID-19 vaccination is a practical and valuable approach for alleviating risk and improving outcomes in patients with cancer.},
}

Humans
*Neoplasms/immunology/complications
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage/immunology/therapeutic use
*COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccination

@article {pmid40759382,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, J and Qian, X and Bai, S and Wu, L and Zhao, X},
title = {Lesser-known non-apoptotic programmed cell death in viral infections.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {199612},
doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2025.199612},
pmid = {40759382},
issn = {1872-7492},
abstract = {Non-apoptotic programmed cell death (NAPCD) represents a diverse set of cell death mechanisms that differ from classical apoptosis and have recently gained attention in the context of viral infections. This review focuses on four key NAPCD types, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, NETosis (neutrophil extracellular trap formation), and PANoptosis (a combination of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis), and summarizes their distinct molecular pathways and roles during viral infections. We emphasize their functional relevance in SARS-CoV-2 infection, revealing how they significantly impact viral replication, host immune responses, and tissue damage. Furthermore, we explore the interaction between NAPCDs and specific immune responses. Specifically, ferroptosis influences macrophage polarization. Cuproptosis activates innate immunity via the cGAS-STING pathway. NETosis contributes to Th17 responses, and PANoptosis interacts with Th1, Th22, and Thαβ pathways. Understanding the interplay among these cell death pathways provides new insights into host-virus dynamics and uncovers potential therapeutic targets for viral diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40759363,
year = {2025},
author = {Qureshi, S and Khan, TM and Salim, H and Uddin, MS and Imran, Z and Ali, D and Sajid, M and Siddiqui, H and Waqas, SA},
title = {Trends and Disparities in Hypertension-Related Mortality among Adults with Obesity in the United States from 2000-2023.},
journal = {The American journal of the medical sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjms.2025.08.003},
pmid = {40759363},
issn = {1538-2990},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Obesity and hypertension are major public health concerns in the United States, significantly contributing to mortality. Despite their well-established association, long-term trends and demographic disparities in hypertension-related mortality among individuals with obesity remain underexamined. This study evaluates these trends, focusing on variations by sex, race, geographic region, and urbanization level.

METHODS: Mortality data from individuals aged ≥25 years with obesity (ICD-10-CM: E66) and hypertension (ICD-10-CM: I10-I15) as underlying or contributing causes of death were extracted from the CDC WONDER database (2000-2023). Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated across demographic subgroups. Joinpoint regression estimated the annual percentage change (APC). Sensitivity analyses assessed trends when hypertension was the primary cause of death.

RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2023, 410,416 hypertension-related deaths occurred in individuals with obesity. AAMR increased from 2.58 per 100,000 in 2000 to 13.23 in 2023 (AAPC: +7.16%, 95% CI: 6.66-8.52, p < 0.001). Males had higher AAMRs than females, with NH Black individuals experiencing the highest mortality rates. Nonmetropolitan areas and Southern US had significantly higher AAMRs. Mortality spiked between 2019 and 2021, likely due to COVID-19, before declining in 2023.

DISCUSSION: The rising hypertension-related mortality in individuals with obesity highlights the growing burden of cardiometabolic disease. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these trends, but recent declines suggest potential benefits from improved public health measures.

CONCLUSION: Hypertension-related mortality in individuals with obesity has risen substantially, with significant disparities by sex, race, and geography. Targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities and reduce obesity-related hypertension mortality.},
}

@article {pmid40759007,
year = {2025},
author = {Baduashvili, A and Radonovich, L and Leslie, L and Pease, S and Brickson, C and Chockalingam, L and Banacos, N and Fitzgerald, B and Wagner, J and Bahnfleth, WP and Cox-Ganser, J and Mead, KR and Olsiewski, P and Gregory, CO and Stone, E and Taliano, J and Weissman, DN and Bero, L},
title = {Engineering Infection Controls to Reduce Indoor Transmission of Respiratory Infections : A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-25-00577},
pmid = {40759007},
issn = {1539-3704},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Engineering infection controls include a wide range of interventions used indoors to reduce occupants' exposure to respiratory pathogens.

PURPOSE: To identify and describe primary studies evaluating the effects of engineering infection control interventions designed to reduce the spread of respiratory infections transmitted through indoor air.

DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and Environmental Science Collection from database inception to 12 December 2023.

STUDY SELECTION: English-language primary research articles evaluating engineering infection control interventions.

DATA EXTRACTION: Publication information, population characteristics, intervention details, and all relevant outcomes were abstracted by a reviewer and verified by a second, senior reviewer.

DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 672 studies published between 1929 and 2024 were identified. Most (n = 606) evaluated environmental samples only, 57 included human participants, and 9 included sentinel animal subjects. About half of the studies included at least 1 intervention classified as pathogen inactivation (n = 405), with fewer involving pathogen removal (n = 200) or air exchange or dilution (n = 143). Across all studies, about half (n = 332) measured the quantity of viable nonpathogenic organisms from air samples, followed by the quantity of nonbiological particulates (n = 197) or viable pathogenic organisms (n = 149). Harms, such as toxic byproducts, were rarely measured.

LIMITATION: Exclusion of non-English-language publications and gray literature.

CONCLUSION: There is substantial heterogeneity in the available evidence. Gaps in evidence include studies measuring efficacy outcomes that are highly relevant for human infection transmission or harms. Refinements in classification of interventions and outcomes could strengthen reporting of these evaluations.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Registered on Open Science Framework [https://osf.io/5zmhd]).},
}

@article {pmid40757741,
year = {2025},
author = {Butterfield, JA and Gunn, KJ and Sweitzer, K and Catanzaro, M and McHenry, L and Ketonis, C},
title = {Parsonage-Turner Syndrome Following COVID-19 Exposures: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Hand (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15589447251352003},
doi = {10.1177/15589447251352003},
pmid = {40757741},
issn = {1558-9455},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is an uncommon neuropathy classically characterized by acute onset shoulder pain followed by muscle weakness and usually eventual resolution. In the post-COVID-19 era with large portions of the population experiencing viral infection and vaccination, multiple case reports of PTS surfaced in medical literature, with only 1 case report in hand literature.

METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify all reported cases of PTS related to COVID-19 infection or vaccination. Trends in diagnostic modalities and treatment options were recorded.

RESULTS: Thirty-two reports on 54 patients were identified detailing PTS cases following COVID-19 vaccination, and 21 reports on 26 patients following COVID-19 infection. Patients presented an average of 9.5 days following vaccination versus 18.8 days postinfection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on 82.5% of patients, with the most common findings being normal, hourglass-like constrictions, intramuscular edema on T2-weighted images, and enlargement of regional lymph nodes. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of patients had nerve conductive study (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) performed an average of 6.6 weeks following musculoskeletal symptom onset.

CONCLUSIONS: As more patients are routinely vaccinated against and/or contract COVID-19, an increase of these patients presenting to hand clinics is possible. Electrodiagnostic studies and MRI may best be obtained 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, after symptom onset. In addition, repeat EMG/NCX should be obtained 9 to 12 months after symptom onset to assess if surgical interventions are indicated. Hand surgeons should be prepared to diagnose and institute therapies to optimize recovery.},
}

@article {pmid40757657,
year = {2025},
author = {Kavruk, M and Ercan, M and Borsa, BA and Özalp, VC and Hernandez, FJ},
title = {Biotechnological Preparedness for Novel Pandemics: Diagnostic Performance of IVDS Against SARS-CoV-2.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e70042},
pmid = {40757657},
issn = {2045-8827},
support = {//This study was supported by the Diputacion Foral de Gipuzkoa (EB-EP-BI-2024-0280), the Swedish Research Council (VR-2024-016121), and HORIZON-MSCA-2022-COFUND-101126600-SmartBRAIN3./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Biotechnology/methods ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; COVID-19 Testing/methods ; },
abstract = {Although the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges and negative impacts around the world, some of which will persist into the future, its technological challenge has created a unique opportunity in a globalized world. It is a rare event that almost all of humanity to be directed towards a single goal and to try to produce solutions, but the necessity of a similar global action in the future has begun to enter the agenda again. The predictions made on the basis of countries and institutions against the possibility of a pandemic, which is defined as Disease X, are shaped by the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. Technologically, one of the know-how we have gained in this pandemic is the performance of IVD and test systems in terms of quality and quantity. A comprehensive analysis of the products produced by combining biotechnology with different strategies has not been conducted. In this context, we have analyzed the technical preferences, limitations, and other performance parameters of IVDs and test kits that could be developed against a future Disease X. The performance parameters of 2,882 biotechnological products listed for use in the European Union have been analyzed, and areas that could be targeted for increased effectiveness have been identified. Our study is the first of its kind in this field and can serve as a guide for those who want to work on detection methods, diagnostics, and novel technologies for deployment in future pandemics.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Biotechnology/methods
Pandemics/prevention & control
Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
COVID-19 Testing/methods

@article {pmid40757469,
year = {2025},
author = {Sui, Y and Hou, X and Zhang, J and Hong, X and Wang, H and Xiao, Y and Zeng, X},
title = {Lipid nanoparticle-mediated targeted mRNA delivery and its application in cancer therapy.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5tb01556a},
pmid = {40757469},
issn = {2050-7518},
abstract = {mRNA technology has gained significant attention due to its successful application in COVID-19 vaccines, becoming a vital research area in disease treatment. Achieving therapeutic efficacy requires mRNA to efficiently enter target cells and express functional proteins, highlighting the urgent need for effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a crucial enabler for the clinical translation of mRNA therapies, thanks to their remarkable delivery capabilities. Several mRNA-based therapies have now been approved or are in clinical trials, underscoring the vast potential of mRNA technology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the application of mRNA-LNP in cancer therapy. It systematically summarizes strategies for optimizing LNP composition, introduces innovative synthesis methods and AI-driven formula optimization, and explores targeted delivery strategies. Additionally, it delves into the various applications of mRNA in cancer treatment, including mRNA tumor vaccines, adoptive cell transfer therapies, restoration of tumor suppressors, immunomodulatory factors, combination therapies, and other emerging treatments. By addressing current challenges and future directions, this review aims to offer valuable insights for further research in this field.},
}

@article {pmid40756880,
year = {2025},
author = {Mithen, R and Todd, J and Madden, H and Brown, T and Surtida, BE and Mullaney, J},
title = {The High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge programme: facilitating collaboration between academia and the food and beverage industry to develop healthier foods.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand},
volume = {55},
number = {6},
pages = {2513-2525},
pmid = {40756880},
issn = {1175-8899},
abstract = {The High-Value Nutrition | Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge (HVN NSC) was the first of the 11 National Science Challenges (NSCs) to be launched in April 2014. We provide an overview of the background to the Challenge, its overarching objective, a summary of the evolution of the research programme over its 10-year duration, its resilience and adaptation of its research programme during and after the Covid19 pandemic, and its potential impact. We consider the HVN NSC to be an exemplar of how to facilitate constructive engagement between academia and the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry for the benefit of scientists, businesses and consumers.},
}

@article {pmid40756606,
year = {2025},
author = {Sofroniou, A and Ridley, A},
title = {A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Using mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases other than COVID-19.},
journal = {British journal of biomedical science},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {14557},
pmid = {40756606},
issn = {2474-0896},
mesh = {Humans ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; *mRNA Vaccines/therapeutic use ; *Vaccines, Synthetic/therapeutic use ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Communicable Diseases/immunology ; RNA, Messenger/immunology ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although mRNA-based vaccines have been in development for over two decades, their widespread use only emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The success of these vaccines has brought mRNA technology to the forefront of efforts to develop novel vaccines. However, as this is a rapidly evolving field, there is a need for a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the current evidence base to guide further research and development. This study, therefore, systematically reviewed the literature on clinical trials using mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases other than COVID-19.

METHODS: A systematic review of the literature, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, identified clinical trials in infectious diseases other than COVID-19. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened for such clinical trials using search terms related to mRNA vaccines, and the results of the two independent searches were combined. Clinical trials using mRNA vaccines against either COVID-19 or non-communicable diseases were removed, as were duplicated studies. The remaining clinical trials were then stratified based on pathogen, status, and phase.

RESULTS: Nine hundred and seventy-six clinical trials were identified, of which 83 met the inclusion criteria. These included candidate mRNA vaccines against 14 viral, two bacterial and one protozoan infection. Of these, 43 trials have concluded, 21 are active, and a further 12 are recruiting, with the remaining not yet recruiting, enrolling by invitation, or withdrawn. Of the 43 completed clinical trials, 26 were phase I trials, eight were phase I/II trials, three were phase II trials, and six were phase III trials. The clinical trials captured in this systematic review included combined vaccines, with two or more vaccines administered at the same time, and mRNA vaccines designed to encode pathogen structural components, in addition to pathogen-specific antibodies.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review identified clinical trials investigating mRNA vaccine candidates against multiple infectious diseases, other than COVID-19, with the majority targeting viral infections. Despite the lack of long-term data, this systematic review suggests that these mRNA vaccine candidates are safe and effective with the potential to shape the field of preventive medicine. Beyond the prevention of infectious diseases, mRNA vaccines are showing promise against cancer and potential applications in autoimmune and other diseases.},
}

Humans
Clinical Trials as Topic
*mRNA Vaccines/therapeutic use
*Vaccines, Synthetic/therapeutic use
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Communicable Diseases/immunology
RNA, Messenger/immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39995122,
year = {2025},
author = {Babbar, R and Kaur, J and Kaur, K and Swikriti, and Vagh, VD and Sachdeva, M and Behl, T and Gulati, M and Gasmi, A},
title = {Unfurling the Potential of Antiviral Agents Aimed for RNA Virus Ailment.},
journal = {Current drug targets},
volume = {26},
number = {8},
pages = {534-550},
pmid = {39995122},
issn = {1873-5592},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *RNA Viruses/drug effects ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *RNA Virus Infections/drug therapy/virology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Globally, high mortality is brought on by RNA viruses, which are linked to chronic human disorders. Viruses dominate the WHO's current ranking of the top 10 global health hazards, especially RNA viruses. RNA viruses, like HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, which are among the most prevalent and frequently encountered RNA viruses, use RNA as their genetic material, making them prone to quick changes. They adapt rapidly, complicating the body's immune responses. HIV, a significant retrovirus, infiltrates the immune system, causing AIDS by compromising defenses against infections. SARS-CoV-2, which led to COVID-19, sparked a worldwide pandemic with respiratory symptoms, emphasizing the need for research and therapeutic innovations. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the insufficiency of available resources in effectively addressing emerging viral infections. Influenza, a seasonal RNA virus, triggers flu outbreaks, impacting public health. Research is crucial to understanding how these viruses interact with hosts, aiding the development of effective treatments and strengthening our ability to face new viral threats. The most effective defenses against viral illnesses are virus-specific vaccinations and antiviral drugs. The present review emphasizes the prevalence of the three most pathogenic and widespread RNA viruses, namely HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV2, their pathophysiology, and the current treatment with FDA-approved drugs. It also incorporates novel analogs that are under clinical trials as there is an urgent need for innovative antiviral medications, and enormous global efforts are required to find secure and efficient cures for these viral infections.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*RNA Viruses/drug effects
COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*RNA Virus Infections/drug therapy/virology
Animals

@article {pmid39779563,
year = {2025},
author = {Vosoughi, P and Naghib, SM and Rahmanian, M and Mozafari, MR},
title = {A Comprehensive Review of mRNA-based Vaccines for COVID-19, A New Era in Pharmaceuticals: Unspecified and Unknown Aspects, Effects and Challenges.},
journal = {Current topics in medicinal chemistry},
volume = {25},
number = {12},
pages = {1467-1491},
pmid = {39779563},
issn = {1873-4294},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/genetics ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics ; *Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/genetics ; *RNA, Messenger/immunology/genetics ; mRNA Vaccines ; Vaccine Development ; },
abstract = {Ongoing research and development efforts are currently focused on creating COVID-19 vaccines using a variety of platforms. Among these, mRNA technology stands out as a cuttingedge method for vaccine development. There is a growing public awareness of mRNA and its potential in vaccine development. Despite being relatively recent, extensive scientific research has been dedicated to vaccines for a considerable period. mRNA vaccines are created by synthesizing the spike protein from a DNA template. This review delves into the various aspects of these vaccines and thoroughly explores the intricacies of COVID-19 vaccinations. It is essential to choose a reliable, efficient, and widely accessible vaccine to combat COVID-19. However, due to the possibility of virus mutations, developing a dependable and safe vaccine is crucial to prepare for future outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Meanwhile, concerns remain regarding the potential risks associated with these vaccines.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/genetics
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics
*Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/genetics
*RNA, Messenger/immunology/genetics
mRNA Vaccines
Vaccine Development

@article {pmid39419055,
year = {2024},
author = {Jamison, DT and Summers, LH and Chang, AY and Karlsson, O and Mao, W and Norheim, OF and Ogbuoji, O and Schäferhoff, M and Watkins, D and Adeyi, O and Alleyne, G and Alwan, A and Anand, S and Belachew, R and Berkley, SF and Bertozzi, SM and Bolongaita, S and Bundy, D and Bustreo, F and Castro, MC and Chen, S and Fan, VY and Fawole, A and Feachem, R and Gebremedhin, L and Ghosh, J and Goldie, SJ and Gonzalez-Pier, E and Guo, Y and Gupta, S and Jha, P and Knaul, FM and Kruk, ME and Kurowski, C and Liu, GG and Makimoto, S and Mataria, A and Nugent, R and Oshitani, H and Pablos-Mendez, A and Peto, R and Sekhri Feachem, N and Reddy, S and Salti, N and Saxenian, H and Seyi-Olajide, J and Soucat, A and Verguet, S and Zimmerman, A and Yamey, G},
title = {Global health 2050: the path to halving premature death by mid-century.},
journal = {Lancet (London, England)},
volume = {404},
number = {10462},
pages = {1561-1614},
pmid = {39419055},
issn = {1474-547X},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; },
abstract = {Global health 2050 (GH2050), a new report from the Lancet Commission on Investing in Health, finds that dramatic improvements in human welfare are achievable by mid-century with focused health investments. By 2050, countries that choose to do so can halve their probability of premature death (PPD)—the probability of dying before age 70—from their pre-pandemic level in 2019. We call this goal “50 by 50”: a 50% reduction in PPD by 2050. The interventions for achieving “50 by 50” will also reduce morbidity and disability at all ages. Historical experience and continued scientific advance indicate that this is a feasible aspiration. Eight of the 30 most populous countries reduced their PPD over the last decade at a rate that would halve PPD before 2050, including countries as diverse as Bangladesh, Iran, Tanzania, and Turkey. These focused gains can be achieved relatively early on the pathway to full universal health coverage (UHC). The path to achieving “50 by 50” runs through control of a remarkably narrow set of just 15 conditions. For currently high mortality countries, eight infectious diseases and maternal conditions are the highest priority. Seven clusters of noncommunicable diseases and injuries are important everywhere and addressing them will prove central to achieving “50 by 50” in most countries with lower initial levels of mortality. Focused attention to health system strengthening (HSS) for primary care and first level hospitals will generate capacity to better tackle the 15 priority conditions and will be a critical step on the way to improving capacity to address all the conditions in a UHC package. Packaging interventions into 19 modules (e.g., a childhood immunization module, a module on cardiovascular disease prevention and low-cost, widely available treatment) will address the 15 priority conditions. Adopting this focused approach also invests in key areas of HSS and addresses major morbidities, such as psychiatric illness, not already covered by mortality-reducing interventions. Value for money can be assessed through a two-step process: technical cost effectiveness to assess how best to achieve module-specific goals (e.g., reduction in child mortality, reduction in cardiovascular mortality) and political evaluation of trade-offs in investing in expanding module coverage. In many countries seeking reform, standard budgetary mechanisms have failed to successfully reorient systems toward priority interventions that improve health. This mechanism of blanket budget transfers from ministries of finance to ministries of health has not been fit to support such reorientation. The Commission concluded that this problem could be addressed by directing a substantial and increasing fraction of budget transfers to making available and affordable the specific drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and other commodities that are currently available for control of the 15 priority conditions. Drug availability and affordability will typically require four complementary components: (i) redirecting general budget transfers to line item transfers (subsidies) for specific priority drugs; (ii) centralized procurement by government (or perhaps internationally); (iii) procurement in sufficient volumes to ensure availability when needed; and (iv) use and strengthening of existing supply chains, public and private. Of the many intersectoral policies that governments can adopt to help achieve “50 by 50,” tobacco control is by far the most important, given the number of deaths caused by tobacco and the established and improving capacity of governments to implement tobacco policy. A high level of tobacco taxation is essential, and valuable in the short to medium term for public finance, and should be accompanied by a package of other effective tobacco control policies. Background research conducted for the Commission points to exceptionally high ongoing levels of mortality risk from pandemics. Country performance against COVID-19 varied greatly, although eventual vaccine availability attenuated, but far from eliminated, this variability by the end of COVID-19’s emergency phase. National implementation of public health fundamentals—early action, isolation of infected individuals, quarantining of those exposed, and social and financial support for people isolating or quarantining—accounted for much of the success of the best-performing nations, such as Japan. In the next pandemic, these fundamentals will help to avert mortality while waiting for vaccine development and deployment. The conclusions above are primarily aimed at national governments. Our final conclusion is aimed at the development assistance community. We conclude that such assistance should focus on two broad purposes. The first is to provide direct financial and technical support to countries with the least resources—to help develop health systems to better control diseases. The second is to finance global public goods, including strengthening data systems; reducing the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance; preventing and responding to pandemics; fostering global health leadership and advocacy; identifying and spreading best practices; and developing and deploying new health technologies. For both purposes, focusing efforts on the 15 priority conditions would best contribute to “50 by 50.” A decade ago, there were no malaria vaccines and the only available tuberculosis vaccine had low efficacy. Today, two partially successful malaria vaccines have been approved and three promising tuberculosis vaccine candidates are in late stage trials. These successes exemplify the enormous value in funding development of new medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and operational research against the 15 priority conditions. The prize of “50 by 50,” with an interim milestone of “30 by 2035” (a 30% reduction in PPD by 2035), remains a prize within reach. The most efficient route is to focus resources against a narrow set of conditions and scale up financing to develop and deploy new health technologies. Our economic analyses have shown that the value of achievable mortality declines remains high and indeed is often a substantial fraction of the value of gains in gross domestic product. Today, the case is better than ever for the value of investing in health for reducing mortality and morbidity, alleviating poverty, growing economies, and improving human welfare.},
}

@article {pmid40756549,
year = {2025},
author = {Ruth Saunders, N and Kawamura, A and MacLeod, O and Nieuwesteeg, A and De Souza, C},
title = {Somatic symptom and related disorders: Guidance on assessment and management for paediatric health care providers.},
journal = {Paediatrics & child health},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {331-337},
pmid = {40756549},
issn = {1205-7088},
abstract = {Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) pose significant challenges in paediatric health care due to their impacts on child and adolescent well-being, functioning, and family systems. This statement offers comprehensive guidance to health care providers on the assessment and management of SSRDs as well as communication strategies for clinical encounters. Specific SSRD diagnoses are outlined along with common clinical presentations and recommended approaches to medical investigations and patient/family communication early in the diagnostic journey. Evidence-based treatments for SSRDs once a diagnosis has been established are delineated. Psychoeducational approaches that help to shift the onus of care from unnecessary medical testing and procedures, thereby shortening the diagnostic journey and promoting more functional, rehabilitative care therapies, are reviewed. Specific strategies to support patients and their families and validate their perspectives are outlined.},
}

@article {pmid40756213,
year = {2025},
author = {El-Khoury, G and Hajjar, C and Geitani, R and Karam Sarkis, D and Butel, MJ and Barbut, F and Abifadel, M and Kapel, N},
title = {Gut microbiota and viral respiratory infections: microbial alterations, immune modulation, and impact on disease severity: a narrative review.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1605143},
pmid = {40756213},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Respiratory viral infections are a major public health concern, accounting for millions of infections annually and contributing significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have long been recognized as critical pathogens, while the recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the COVID-19 pandemic. These viruses typically affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts and can cause a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild symptoms to severe respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also frequently reported, suggesting a potential link between respiratory viruses and gut microbiota alterations. This connection highlights the role of the gut microbiota in disease pathophysiology. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on gut microbiota changes associated with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV infections. It further explores the microbiota's role in immune regulation and host homeostasis, and discusses the potential of microbiota-targeted strategies in the prevention and management of acute respiratory syndromes.},
}

@article {pmid40755283,
year = {2025},
author = {Ward, M and Richardson, M and Metkar, M},
title = {mRNA folding algorithms for structure and codon optimization.},
journal = {Briefings in bioinformatics},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/bib/bbaf386},
pmid = {40755283},
issn = {1477-4054},
mesh = {*Algorithms ; *RNA, Messenger/chemistry/genetics ; *Codon/genetics ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; *RNA Folding ; Nucleic Acid Conformation ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {mRNA technology has revolutionized vaccine development, protein replacement therapies, and cancer immunotherapies, offering rapid production and precise control over sequence and efficacy. However, the inherent instability of mRNA poses significant challenges for drug storage and distribution, particularly in resource-limited regions. Co-optimizing RNA structure and codon choice has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance mRNA stability while preserving efficacy. Given the vast sequence and structure design space, specialized algorithms are essential to achieve these qualities. Recently, several effective algorithms have been developed to tackle this challenge that all use similar underlying principles. We call these specialized methods mRNA folding algorithms as they generalize classical RNA folding algorithms. Initial laboratory testing of mRNA folding optimized mRNA vaccines, such as those encoding SARS-CoV-2 spike and VZV gE, has shown promising improvements in both in-solution stability and immunogenicity. While these biological properties are beginning to be evaluated experimentally, a comprehensive in silico analysis of the underlying principles, performance, and limitations of these design algorithms is equally essential. Thus, this review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these algorithms, identify opportunities for improvement, and benchmark existing software implementations in terms of scalability, correctness, and feature support.},
}

*Algorithms
*RNA, Messenger/chemistry/genetics
*Codon/genetics
Humans
SARS-CoV-2/genetics
*RNA Folding
Nucleic Acid Conformation
COVID-19

@article {pmid40755019,
year = {2025},
author = {Liang, J and Horvath, D and Luz, S and Li, Y and Nair, H},
title = {Respiratory viral infections: when and where? A scoping review of spatiotemporal methods.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {04213},
doi = {10.7189/jogh.15.04213},
pmid = {40755019},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology/transmission ; *Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; *Virus Diseases/epidemiology/transmission ; COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory viral infections pose a substantial disease burden worldwide. Spatiotemporal techniques help identify transmission patterns of these infections, thereby supporting timely control and prevention efforts. We aimed to synthesise the current state of evidence on quantitative methodologies for investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of respiratory viral infections.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched three biomedical bibliographic databases, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, identifying studies that analysed spatiotemporal transmission of viral respiratory infectious diseases (published before 1 March 2023).

RESULTS: We identified 8466 articles from database searches, of which 152 met our inclusion criteria and were qualitatively synthesised. Most included articles (n = 140) were published during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 131 articles specifically analysing COVID-19. Exploratory research (n = 77) investigated the spatiotemporal transmission characteristics of respiratory infectious diseases, focussing on transmission patterns (n = 16), and influencing factors (n = 61). Forecasting research (n = 75) aimed to predict the disease trends using either univariate (n = 57) or multivariate models (n = 18), predominantly using machine learning methods (n = 41). The application of advanced deep learning models (n = 20) in disease forecasting analysis was often constrained by the quality of the available disease data.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing body of research on spatiotemporal analyses of respiratory viral infections, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The acquisition of high-quality data remains important for effectively leveraging sophisticated models in disease forecasting research. Concurrently, although advanced modelling techniques are widely applied, future studies should consider capturing the complex spatiotemporal interactions in disease trajectory modelling.},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology/transmission
*Spatio-Temporal Analysis
*Virus Diseases/epidemiology/transmission
COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40754154,
year = {2025},
author = {Schamoni-Kast, K and Uetrecht, C},
title = {From Science to Fiction - connecting in vivo and in vitro results in polyprotein processing of coronaviruses.},
journal = {Journal of molecular biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {169370},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmb.2025.169370},
pmid = {40754154},
issn = {1089-8638},
abstract = {Polyprotein processing is a common strategy in many positive sense single-stranded RNA ((+)ssRNA) viruses. This highly regulated process is crucial for viral progeny and ensures the release of functional replicase proteins in the correct location and at the right time. Coronaviruses (CoVs) have one of the largest genomes on average among (+)ssRNA viruses requiring a unique replication-transcription complex (RTC) with proofreading function that prevents error catastrophe. Two thirds of the CoV genome encode for the non-structural proteins (nsps) that drive replication. These are directly synthesized by RNA genome translation after infection as two large polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab. A regulated polyprotein proteolytic auto-processing is essential for viral growth and always has been an interesting target for therapeutics. Here, we present an overview of polyprotein processing and RTC research in CoVs in vitro and in vivo over the last 30 years. We highlight cutting-edge methodologies such as super resolution microscopy or structural mass spectrometry approaches and demonstrate how these have contributed to polyprotein research, e.g. by providing comprehensive structural models. We illustrate exciting examples of polyprotein processing in other viruses that could be transferred to CoVs, too. Additionally, we identify critical knowledge gaps in polyprotein processing and RTC assembly, proposing future perspectives to address these limitations.},
}

@article {pmid40754067,
year = {2025},
author = {Peine, C and Stoliaroff-Pepin, A and Reinacher, U and Heldt, K and Sarganas, G and Piechotta, V and Mikolajewska, A and Pilic, A and Barkowski, N and Bleve, D and Giebeler, MH and Poser, S and Searle, L and Kißner, E and Nitsche, L and Bayram, F and Siemens, W and Ziegler, A and Meerpohl, JJ and Sandmann, F and Wichmann, O and Harder, T},
title = {Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against post COVID-19 condition/long COVID: systematic review and meta-analysis.},
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.2025.07.026},
pmid = {40754067},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Persons infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop long-term symptoms known as post-COVID-19-condition (PCC; symptoms ≥three months after infection) or long-COVID (LC; symptoms ≥one month after infection). Vaccination against COVID-19 might prevent PCC/LC, but the extent of protection is unclear.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of this systematic review was to evaluate vaccine efficacy/effectiveness (VE) of COVID-19 vaccines given prior to SARS-CoV-2-infection in preventing PCC or LC.

METHODS DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified in Embase, MEDLINE, PreView, COVID-19 L.OVE repository and Cochrane Library up to August 1, 2024.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) that investigated immunization with a COVID-19 vaccine before SARS-CoV-2-infection were eligible, irrespective of participant age and sex.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I.

METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Primary outcome was PCC, secondary outcomes were LC, time until reconvalescence, limitations in every day activity, and quality of life. Meta-analyses were primarily conducted using the random-effects model.

RESULTS: 6423 records were screened and 65 non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI) reporting adjusted estimates were included, comprising >5.7 mio.

PARTICIPANTS: VE for ≥one vaccine dose against PCC was 41.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 27.8%; 51.7%; 22 NRSI, certainty of evidence: low). VE after one, two or three doses versus unvaccinated was 19.1% (-119.4%; 70.2%, three NRSI), 43.2% (4.5%; 66.2%; four NRSI) and 70.0% (30.0%; 87.0%; one NRSI), respectively. In <18-years-olds, VE against PCC was 26% for ≥one dose (-4%; 48%, one NRSI) and in >60-years-olds 41% (17%; 59%, one NRSI). VE after pre-Omicron-SARS-CoV-2 infection was 32.1% (-54.3%; 70.1%, three NRSI) and 20.9% (-10.1%; 43.3%, two NRSI) after Omicron-infection. Sensitivity analyses indicated no influence of risk of bias and effect measure.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccines may be moderately effective in preventing PCC/LC. VE may increase with number of vaccine doses administered.},
}

@article {pmid40753657,
year = {2025},
author = {Fan, ZR and Chong, MC and Zhang, L and Ren, Y and Liu, Y and Che, CC},
title = {Mental health challenges and associated factors among nursing home caregivers: A scoping review.},
journal = {Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {103598},
doi = {10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.103598},
pmid = {40753657},
issn = {1528-3984},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and low subjective well-being, are prevalent among nursing home caregivers. However, comprehensive reviews addressing these issues are lacking.

AIM: To identify the prevalence of these psychological conditions and their associated factors among nursing home caregivers across various countries.

METHODS: A scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines were conducted, including 26 articles identified through databases such as CINHAL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, WANFANG, VIP, and CNKI.

RESULTS: Caregivers face significant mental health challenges exacerbated by workplace conditions, demographic factors, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and stress interact, whereas stress and subjective well-being exhibit bidirectional relationships.

CONCLUSION: Comprehensive policies are urgently needed to address the mental health needs of nursing home caregivers and enhance their subjective well-being, thereby ensuring quality long-term care.},
}

@article {pmid40752304,
year = {2025},
author = {Campanaro, G and Centini, FR and Sicca, C and Davico, J and Musella, E and Chebaro, K and Totis, F and Cannizzaro, D},
title = {Spinal neurosurgery: Trends in female authorship contribution over 5-Year publication history.},
journal = {Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia},
volume = {140},
number = {},
pages = {111523},
doi = {10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111523},
pmid = {40752304},
issn = {1532-2653},
abstract = {In the last few years, more efforts have been made to increase gender equity in medical specialties. Nevertheless, spinal neurosurgery continues to be one of the most male-dominated subspecialties in neurosurgery. This bibliometric analysis sought to explore the representation of female authors in major neurosurgical publications between September 2017 and August 2022, with a focus on first and last authorship roles across journals and countries. The paper analyzed 3171 unique publications within a framework of 93 high-impact neurosurgery-related journals. Results showed that female authors were 14,25 % of first authors and 7,88 % of last authors, and that only 2,11 % of articles had both female first and last authors. Country of affiliation and the journal of publication significantly influenced the author's gender representations, with Scandinavian states and certain journals, like Neurocritical Care, showing relatively high percentages of female authorship. Even if there has been minor progress over the recent past, disparities nowadays persist, potentially limiting diversity in perspectives and advancements in this field. These disparities underline the presence and the influence of systemic and cultural factors impeding gender equity, and underscoring the critical need for proactive measures to foster it, including mentorship programs, institutional support, and policies for balanced opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified inequities in this field, disproportionately impacting female academics due to increased domestic responsibilities without the corresponding implementation of support systems. The significant role of mentorship in improving female representation was also highlighted by this analysis: our data indicated higher collaboration rates between female first and last authors in the field of spinal neurosurgery. To address these challenges, efforts must be made starting during residency, with the aim of targeting systemic barriers and cultural biases. The implementation of inclusive policies, like on-site childcare programs, and fostering international collaboration, might help to reduce these disparities and to ensure that diversity drives innovation in spinal neurosurgery. Such an approach is essential for addressing inequity, which is not merely a matter of fairness but is central to advancing the field. This would ensure that only talent and hard work are what determine success in spinal neurosurgery, which is imperative for the progress of the speciality, enabling diverse perspectives to shape the future of patient care, research, and academic leadership.},
}

@article {pmid40751192,
year = {2025},
author = {Mulumba, M and Oga, J and Koomson, N and Kara, TA and Cynthia, AN and Forman, L},
title = {Decolonizing global health: Africa's pursuit of pharmaceutical sovereignty.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1015},
pmid = {40751192},
issn = {1472-6963},
mesh = {Humans ; Africa ; *Global Health ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/supply & distribution/economics ; *Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Africa's continued reliance on imported medicines, vaccines, and active pharmaceutical ingredients is the direct legacy of colonial extraction, intensified by the structural-adjustment era's dismantling of state-owned drug plants and cemented by intellectual-property regimes that keep critical know-how offshore. The COVID-19 vaccine scramble exposed the full cost of this vulnerability and has triggered a continent-wide push for pharmaceutical sovereignty-an explicit, decolonizing agenda to localize research, regulation, and production. This review distils the latest evidence on the barriers that still block that transition and maps the regulatory, financial, technological, and civic opportunities most likely to accelerate it.

METHODOLOGY: A critical narrative literature review was conducted. Six databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, BMJ Global Health and the Institute for Economic Justice repository) were searched for English-language records published January 2000-May 2025 using the terms Africa AND (pharmaceutic OR vaccine OR API) AND (sovereign OR manufactur OR decoloni). Grey literature from AU agencies, Africa CDC, WHO and UNIDO was added. Forty-five documents met inclusion criteria and were included in the article. Reflexive thematic analysis identified recurrent barriers and enabling pathways; intercoder reliability was ensured through independent coding and consensus meetings.

RESULTS: Four structurally reinforcing barriers dominate the evidence base: (i) TRIPS-based patent exclusivities that restrict technology transfer; (ii) fragmented and immature regulatory capacity (iii) chronic under-investment; and (iv) import-biased procurement. The countervailing opportunities center on (i) AMA-led regulatory harmonization, (ii) pooled-demand instruments (iii) technology-transfer partnerships and (iv) civic-sector mobilization.

CONCLUSION: Africa now possesses the regulatory blueprint, pooled-demand incentives, and emerging technology platforms to localize production of medicines and vaccines. However, its realization is dependent on synchronizing these levers by easing IP constraints, completing AMA-led regulatory convergence, mobilizing concessional finance for API and bulk-drug capacity, and reforming procurement to reward local value. If pursued in concert, these steps can convert pharmaceutical sovereignty from a political slogan into a resilient, continent-wide industrial reality- anchoring Africa's wider agenda to decolonize global health.},
}

Humans
Africa
*Global Health
COVID-19/prevention & control
*COVID-19 Vaccines/supply & distribution/economics
*Drug Industry/legislation & jurisprudence

@article {pmid40749962,
year = {2025},
author = {Shao, Q and Liu, T and Hu, B and Chen, L},
title = {Interplay Between Autophagy and Apoptosis in Human Viral Pathogenesis.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {199611},
doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2025.199611},
pmid = {40749962},
issn = {1872-7492},
abstract = {Autophagy and apoptosis are two pivotal programmed cell death pathways that regulate vital physiological processes, ranging from cellular development to intracellular homeostasis. These pathways also act as key battlegrounds in host-pathogen interactions during viral infection. This comprehensive review explores the dual regulatory mechanisms controlling autophagy and apoptosis triggered by clinically significant human viruses. These include DNA viruses-such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human bocavirus (HBoV)-and RNA viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), enterovirus 71 (EV71), influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Coxsackievirus B (CVB), rabies virus (RABV), and dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2). We specifically highlight the dynamic crosstalk between autophagic and apoptotic pathways during viral pathogenesis, analyzing how viruses strategically co-opt both cellular processes to facilitate infection. By systematically elucidating these viral manipulation strategies, this review aims to provide a reference for developing targeted antiviral strategies and identifying novel therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid40749835,
year = {2025},
author = {Cattoir, V and Dinh, A and Jarraud, S and Monnier, AL and Loubet, P},
title = {Value of molecular biology tests in community-acquired acute pneumonia.},
journal = {Infectious diseases now},
volume = {55},
number = {6S},
pages = {105128},
doi = {10.1016/j.idnow.2025.105128},
pmid = {40749835},
issn = {2666-9919},
abstract = {For patients hospitalized with community-acquired acute pneumonia (CAP), molecular tools (especially multiplex PCR syndromic panels) are associated with a significant improvement of microbiological diagnosis yield, compared with conventional methods. Two main families of tests are currently available: targeted viral PCR tests (influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV) performed on nasopharyngeal swabs and adapted to epidemic situations; and "upper respiratory tract" (nasopharyngeal) or "lower respiratory tract" (deep swabs) syndromic panels to detect a broad spectrum of viral and bacterial agents, sometimes including resistance genes. These tests are not recommended for routine use in CAP patients treated in ambulatory settings. In hospitalized CAP patients, their use must be guided by severity, epidemic context, and therapeutic implications. "Upper respiratory tract" panels can be useful when an atypical agent or a virus undetected by targeted PCR tests is suspected. "Lower respiratory tract" panels must only be used in case of severe forms or complex situations. Clinical trials showed real diagnostic value but variable clinical impact, which is often limited in the absence of an optimization strategy for the antibiotic therapy. Multiplex PCR syndromic panels represent a promising step forward in the management of patients hospitalized with CAP, but their clinical value still depends on several factors: type of panel and swab, quick results, presence of mobile teams of infectious diseases specialists, and capacity to correctly interpret results to guide treatment decisions.},
}

@article {pmid40749507,
year = {2025},
author = {Alape, JMR and Bandeira, CCS and Bonano, G and Nogueira, JJ and da Silva Martinho, H},
title = {Vibrational and electronic spectral analysis of Hepcidin-25 hormone: Perspectives for hyperinflammation diagnosis.},
journal = {Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy},
volume = {344},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {126717},
doi = {10.1016/j.saa.2025.126717},
pmid = {40749507},
issn = {1873-3557},
abstract = {The hormone hepcidin-25 is a molecule that regulates iron metabolism. It is present in biofluids and it is a hyperinflammation marker for critical pathological states such as anaphylaxis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, and COVID-19, among others. Its fast detection and quantification are of key importance in health strategies for fatality prediction. Vibrational spectroscopy techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies are potential options for point-of-care detection of this key hormone. Here, we present FTIR and Raman experimental and spectral simulation data for hepcidin-25. Vibrational calculations were computed by static Gaussian plane-wave density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The agreement between experimental and calculated by static Gaussian plane-wave DFT calculations for hepcidin-25 in the fingerprint region enabled the assignment of all experimental observed bands. We also determined the limit of detection of hepcidin-25 in FTIR and Raman which enabled us to concluded that its hormone detection in serum using FTIR or Raman is a viable option. On the other hand for its determination in saliva, a ∼1000× enhancement is needed.},
}

@article {pmid40571116,
year = {2025},
author = {Chapman, A and Barouch, DH and Lip, GYH and Pliakas, T and Polverino, E and Sourij, H and Abduljawad, S},
title = {Risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 in comorbid populations in the Omicron era: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {107958},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107958},
pmid = {40571116},
issn = {1878-3511},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/mortality/epidemiology ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Comorbidity ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Factors ; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This is the first meta-analysis assessing mortality and hospitalization risk from COVID-19 in individuals with comorbidities versus those without during the Omicron era.

METHODS: A systematic search (Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Europe PMC, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, WHO COVID-19 Database) identified studies published between January 2022 and March 2024. Studies included people with at least one of the following comorbidities: cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, chronic lung conditions, diabetes, and obesity. Studies were synthesized quantitatively using random-effect models. Evaluated outcomes were risk of death, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and any combination of these outcomes.

RESULTS: Of 72 studies, 68 were meta-analyzed. Participant numbers per comorbidity ranged from 328,870 to 13,720,480. Risks of death, hospitalization, and the combined outcome were increased in individuals with cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and heart failure (pooled relative risk [RR] range: 1.27 [heart disease, hospitalization; 95% CI: 1.17-1.38] to 1.78 [heart failure, death: 95% CI: 1.46-2.16]). Diabetes and obesity were associated with increased ICU admission risk (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38; RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.57, respectively).

CONCLUSION: During the Omicron era, individuals with comorbidities faced increased risks of severe outcomes from COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/mortality/epidemiology
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Comorbidity
SARS-CoV-2
Risk Factors
Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid40311684,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, VC and Wong, SC and Ma, ES and Chen, H and Chiu, KH and Chen, JH and So, SY and Lung, DC and Ho, PL and Yuen, KY},
title = {Antimicrobial resistance situation and control measures in Hong Kong: from a One Health perspective.},
journal = {The Journal of hospital infection},
volume = {162},
number = {},
pages = {174-185},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.019},
pmid = {40311684},
issn = {1532-2939},
mesh = {Hong Kong/epidemiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *One Health ; Swine ; Chickens/microbiology ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Prevalence ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Food Microbiology ; *Infection Control/methods ; Escherichia coli/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Multi-drug-resistant organisms pose a critical public health challenge globally, particularly in densely populated Hong Kong with a rapidly aging population, where over 90% of food is imported. This review examines the targeted surveillance and control efforts implemented under the One Health framework to combat antimicrobial resistance. Between 2010 and 2023, surveillance revealed the prevalence rates of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in tested pigs (51.5%) and chickens (86.3%). Alarmingly, carbapenemase-producing E. coli was increasingly detected in pigs (<5-19.2% from 2017 to 2023). For other food items, ESBL-producing Enterobacterales were found in sashimi (11.5%), sushi (4.8%), ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables (26.9%), RTE cut fruits (5.6%), braised dishes (19.8%) and roast meat (2.4%). Mean antimicrobial consumption in food animals was 113.4 mg/kg target animal biomass for pigs from 2019 to 2022. Antimicrobial consumption in hospitals and the community, expressed as defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day, declined from 20.4 to 13.8 during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and gradually rebounded to 17.1 in 2023. In residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), the prevalence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) escalated rapidly from 2.8% to 48.7% between 2005 and 2021, triggering a pilot MRSA decolonization programme in 257 RCHEs, which led to a significant reduction in community-onset MRSA infections (from 3.526 to 2.632 per 1000 resident-days; P<0.005) and MRSA bacteraemia (from 0.322 to 0.197 per 1000 resident-days; P=0.025). These findings highlight the challenges in the control of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing E. coli in animals, compliance with food hygiene measures, and infection control in overcrowded and understaffed RCHEs or hospitals in perpetuating MRSA infections in healthcare settings.},
}

Hong Kong/epidemiology
Animals
Humans
*One Health
Swine
Chickens/microbiology
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Prevalence
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
COVID-19/epidemiology
Food Microbiology
*Infection Control/methods
Escherichia coli/drug effects

@article {pmid40749193,
year = {2025},
author = {Agarwal, G and Singh, MM and Jan, R and Purohit, SD},
title = {Nonlinear Dynamics and Stability Analysis of a Pandemic Model Using Homotopy Perturbation.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biomedical engineering},
volume = {53},
number = {3},
pages = {13-21},
doi = {10.1615/CritRevBiomedEng.2025055055},
pmid = {40749193},
issn = {1943-619X},
mesh = {*Nonlinear Dynamics ; Humans ; *Pandemics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Computer Simulation ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Models, Biological ; Algorithms ; },
abstract = {In this paper, we gave the numerical solution of the various population categories of susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered (SEIR) mathematical models by using homotopy perturbation method, which is a technique that combines the perturbation and homotopy methods to solve nonlinear problems. Also, we discuss the susceptible population category and explore the graphical solution of all populations (SEIR) using the parameters α and β for both fractional and integer order. In the end, the stability analysis is also shown in the population graphs.},
}

*Nonlinear Dynamics
Humans
*Pandemics
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Computer Simulation
SARS-CoV-2
*Models, Biological
Algorithms

@article {pmid40748111,
year = {2025},
author = {Frey, J},
title = {Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders.},
journal = {Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {1120-1151},
doi = {10.1212/cont.0000000000001595},
pmid = {40748111},
issn = {1538-6899},
mesh = {Humans ; *Tourette Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology ; *Tic Disorders/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology ; Male ; Female ; Behavior Therapy/methods ; Deep Brain Stimulation/methods ; Adult ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This article describes the clinical features of Tourette syndrome and its diagnostic criteria, etiology, and pathophysiology, as well as common myths associated with tic disorders. It discusses the behavioral, pharmacologic, neuromodulation, and alternative treatment approaches to tic disorders.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: With the significant increase in functional ticlike behavior, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic criteria for functional ticlike behavior have been delineated to separate these ticlike movements from the tics observed in Tourette syndrome. Although behavioral therapy such as comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics remains the first-line treatment for tics, modifications to comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics have been developed to make this type of treatment more accessible. Pharmacologic trials for vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors have failed to meet the primary endpoint of tic reduction; however, they may still be helpful as add-on therapy for select individuals. A first-in-class compound called ecopipam met the primary endpoint for tic reduction and was well-tolerated, and may be a promising new treatment for Tourette syndrome. Deep brain stimulation may be considered for tics refractory to more conservative approaches.

ESSENTIAL POINTS: Tourette syndrome and tic disorders can substantially affect quality of life. Educating patients about the natural history and expected course of the disease is the most important first step in management. Choosing a treatment based on comorbidities, tic severity, and patient preference is crucial for a beneficial outcome.},
}

Humans
*Tourette Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology
*Tic Disorders/therapy/diagnosis/physiopathology
Male
Female
Behavior Therapy/methods
Deep Brain Stimulation/methods
Adult

@article {pmid39532557,
year = {2025},
author = {Burlacu, R and Bourdin, V and Blin, P and Camaioni, F and Clairaz, B and Lantéri-Minet, M and Laroche, F and Raineri, F and Perrot, S and Stahl, JP and Thurin, NH and Mouly, S},
title = {[Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications: Focus on the management of acute pain].},
journal = {Therapie},
volume = {80},
number = {4},
pages = {449-468},
doi = {10.1016/j.therap.2024.10.061},
pmid = {39532557},
issn = {1958-5578},
mesh = {Humans ; *Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; *Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; *Acute Pain/drug therapy ; France ; COVID-19/complications ; *Pain Management/methods ; Pharmacists ; },
abstract = {Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the second most widely used class of analgesics in France, after paracetamol. Some NSAIDs are available over the counter (OTC), without a prescription, on the advice of a pharmacist. NSAIDs have recently been the subject of safety alerts from France's Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM), highlighting a risk of worsening certain bacterial infections. This signal has not been confirmed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) although a "risk of complications due to masking of symptoms of infection" has not been ruled out. These divergent messages can be confusing for healthcare professionals. This literature review, based on an analysis of nearly 200 scientific publications, considers the place of NSAIDs in the OTC management of migraine, tension headaches, postoperative analgesia, acute musculoskeletal and joint pain, dysmenorrhea, viral respiratory infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and their toxicity. The role of the pharmacist in dispensing NSAIDs without a prescription is also addressed. NSAIDs offer rapid and effective pain management in a context of increasingly challenging access to care. Their safety profile is reassuring and generally well established but could be strengthened by conducting an ad hoc study to rule on the safety signal issued by the ANSM definitively. Pharmacists have the knowledge and tools to ensure the safe dispensing and rational use of NSAIDs, with or without a prescription. The introduction of risk minimization measures, such as decision-support tools, could enable further progress in ensuring the safe dispensing of OTC NSAIDs.},
}

Humans
*Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use/adverse effects
*Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use/adverse effects
*Acute Pain/drug therapy
France
COVID-19/complications
*Pain Management/methods
Pharmacists

@article {pmid40748057,
year = {2025},
author = {Foley, DA and Smith, DW and Barr, I and Moore, HC and Nicol, M and Blyth, CC},
title = {Determinants of respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus transmission.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0020324},
doi = {10.1128/cmr.00203-24},
pmid = {40748057},
issn = {1098-6618},
abstract = {SUMMARYRespiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus are major causes of respiratory illness globally, particularly affecting children and older adults. Despite their clinical significance, substantial gaps persist in understanding the determinants of their transmission. This review examines the multifaceted factors shaping RSV and hMPV transmission, including viral structure and evolution, host behaviors and viral shedding dynamics, the influence of environmental conditions on viral survival, the roles of population- and community-level transmission networks, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, we explore prevention strategies, including immunizations and non-pharmaceutical interventions, to reduce transmission in high-risk settings.},
}

@article {pmid40747829,
year = {2025},
author = {Kakehbaraei, S and Arab-Zozani, M and Kakebaraei, S},
title = {Emerging trends in viral infection inhibition using a chitosan-based drug delivery system.},
journal = {Journal of drug targeting},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-16},
doi = {10.1080/1061186X.2025.2540858},
pmid = {40747829},
issn = {1029-2330},
abstract = {Viral diseases damage the host's cells and weaken the host's immunity, leading to multiple relapses or lasting a long time. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a prevalent infection that can cause immunostimulation, serious medical complications or even promote the risk of side effects and fatality, especially among older adults. Due to the replication process of the viral genome, it is significant to design and develop new pharmaceuticals to alleviate the illness and global death rates attributed to infection. Chitosan, a versatile biopolymer derived from natural sources, possesses cationic properties and has been employed to produce nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs exhibit biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial and anticancer properties, non-toxicity, ready availability, and the ability to function as drug delivery systems (DDSs). The physicochemical attributes of chitosan and its NPs in the transfer of bioactive agents are detected in nanotechnology, which can enhance anti-viral efficacy. This review highlights progressions in nanoscience for chitosan-based drug delivery in treating viral diseases. New research is expected to suggest new strategies in the field of DDS for the therapeutics of infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40747640,
year = {2025},
author = {DeVuono, IR and Posa, S and Lafond, NMC and Woodley, BD and Coroiu, A and Chaiton, MO and Evans, WK and Veldhuizen, S and Zawertailo, LA and Melamed, OC and Eng, L and George, MM and Halligan, MH and Silverman, CB and Stewart, A and Krames, L and Bradley, M and Hussain, S and Selby, P and Minian, N},
title = {Exploring Practices for Implementing Smoking Cessation in Oncology Settings: A Rapid Systematic Review Update.},
journal = {Cancer control : journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {10732748251359835},
doi = {10.1177/10732748251359835},
pmid = {40747640},
issn = {1526-2359},
mesh = {Humans ; *Smoking Cessation/methods/statistics & numerical data ; *Neoplasms/therapy ; *Medical Oncology/methods ; Ontario ; },
abstract = {IntroductionSmoking cessation among individuals with cancer increases the effectiveness of cancer treatments and reduces the risks of death. However, individuals receiving cancer treatments in Ontario's 14 regional cancer centres are provided advice on the benefits of quitting smoking and referrals to smoking cessation treatments at different rates. This rapid systematic review was conducted, with funding from the Canadian Cancer Society, to update a published systematic review (Young et al, 2023) and to (1) identify implementation strategies and related implementation outcomes used in oncology settings; (2) describe the characteristics of these implementation strategies and implementation outcomes; and (3) determine whether specific implementation strategies are associated with increased smoking cessation efforts, referred to as the 3As (Ask, Advise, and Act) approach to smoking cessation.MethodsThis rapid systematic review was registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD42023491391). Three databases were searched for relevant studies: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The quality of included studies was assessed based on their study design and narrative synthesis was used to summarize the data extracted.Results3158 studies were found, and eighteen new studies met our inclusion criteria. All eighteen studies had a low to moderate risk of bias. The implementation strategies training and educating stakeholders, using evaluative and iterative strategies, providing interactive assistance, supporting clinicians, and developing stakeholder interrelationships were associated with increased asking, advising, and acting, although these associations do not imply causality. Only 5 studies measured implementation outcomes; however, heterogeneity in the measurement tools used prevented analysis.ConclusionAlthough abundant data on implementation strategies was found, implementation outcomes were sparse and connections between the implementation strategies and implementation outcomes could not be drawn. Future studies should pilot the implementation strategies associated with increased asking, advising, and acting, and measure their success, considering both implementation strategies and implementation outcomes, as this information is lacking in the current literature.},
}

Humans
*Smoking Cessation/methods/statistics & numerical data
*Neoplasms/therapy
*Medical Oncology/methods
Ontario