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Bibliography on: covid-19

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Robert J. Robbins is a biologist, an educator, a science administrator, a publisher, an information technologist, and an IT leader and manager who specializes in advancing biomedical knowledge and supporting education through the application of information technology. More About:  RJR | OUR TEAM | OUR SERVICES | THIS WEBSITE

RJR: Recommended Bibliography 02 Dec 2025 at 01:45 Created: 

covid-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2), a virus closely related to the SARS virus. The disease was discovered and named during the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak. Those affected may develop a fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A sore throat, runny nose or sneezing is less common. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some can progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The infection is spread from one person to others via respiratory droplets produced from the airways, often during coughing or sneezing. Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between 2 and 14 days, with an average of 5 days. The standard method of diagnosis is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample, with results within a few hours to 2 days. Antibody assays can also be used, using a blood serum sample, with results within a few days. The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia. Correct handwashing technique, maintaining distance from people who are coughing and not touching one's face with unwashed hands are measures recommended to prevent the disease. It is also recommended to cover one's nose and mouth with a tissue or a bent elbow when coughing. Those who suspect they carry the virus are recommended to wear a surgical face mask and seek medical advice by calling a doctor rather than visiting a clinic in person. Masks are also recommended for those who are taking care of someone with a suspected infection but not for the general public. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, with management involving treatment of symptoms, supportive care and experimental measures. The case fatality rate is estimated at between 1% and 3%. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of 29 February 2020, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United States are areas having evidence of community transmission of the disease.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR (wuhan AND coronavirus) AND review[SB] )NOT 40982904[pmid] NOT 40982965[pmid] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Honeyman DA, Heslop DJ, Lim S, et al (2025)

Chemical Warfare Through the Ages: A Systematic Review From Antiquity to the Present.

Journal of toxicology, 2025:7363632.

Chemical warfare means the use of chemical agents that have direct toxic effects on animals, plants and humans, as weapons. The first documented use of a chemical agent for warfare purposes occurred in ancient times around 10,000 BCE in South Africa when weapons were dipped in chemicals and then used to attack and defend from enemies. However, much of the evidence lacks detail to provide thorough accounts of such events. Nevertheless, we aimed to systematically gather the most comprehensive account of all publicly known incidents involving chemical weapons throughout history. We identified 121 instances of chemical weapon use between 10,000 BCE and October 2023 spanning 49 countries and causing at minimum 2,110,360 injuries and 2,930,769 deaths. Across the 121 incidents, at least 165 chemical agents were used. Of the known chemical agents, the top three were sulphur mustard (n = 16, 12.1%), hydrogen cyanide (n = 12, 7.3%) and chlorine gas (n = 11, 6.7%). Of the known chemical classes, the top three used were vesicants (blistering agents) (n = 31, 18.8%), choking (pulmonary) agents (n = 18, 10.9%) and nerve agents (n = 18, 10.9%). If a chemical agent was not reported, the chemical class was reported as unknown (n = 35, 21.2%). A small number of chemical weapons were used that fell outside of the main categories of agents (n = 20, 12.1%). Chemical weapons remain a serious concern locally and globally, and there are few data on the global epidemiology of such incidents. Prevention, early detection and rapid response are key and can be enabled by global surveillance for chemical incidents.

RevDate: 2025-12-01

Aamir J, Afridi MK, Sajid M, et al (2025)

Obesity mortality on the rise: A 54-year US perspective.

Diabetes, obesity & metabolism [Epub ahead of print].

Obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern in the US over the past five decades. This study analyses obesity mortality trends from 1968 to 2021, focusing on disparities across age, sex, race, and geographic regions. This population-based descriptive study used national mortality data from the CDC WONDER. Obesity deaths among individuals aged ≥25 years, recorded as the underlying cause, were identified using ICD codes from 1968 to 2021. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100 000 individuals were calculated. Temporal trends were analysed using Joinpoint regression. From 1968 to 2021, 174 625 obesity deaths were recorded. AAMRs increased from 1.15 (95% CI: 1.09-1.22) in 1968 to 3.39 (95% CI: 3.31-3.46) in 2019; AAMR rates increased from 3.39 (95% CI: 3.31-3.46) in 2019 to 4.54 (95% CI: 4.45-4.62) in 2021. The decline was noted from 1968 to 1985, followed by an increase until 2019; there was a substantial increase from 2019 to 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males had higher AAMRs than females during the latter part of the study period. Racial disparities persisted, with Black or African American individuals having higher AAMRs than White individuals during the study period. Between 1999 and 2019, obesity mortality rates ranged from 1.62 (95% CI: 1.44-1.80) in Hawaii to a high of 4.46 (95% CI: 4.21-4.72) in West Virginia. After a decline from 1968 to 1985, obesity AAMRs rose until 2019, and spiked during the pandemic, reaching their highest recorded level in 2021. Disparities persist across sex, race, and geography, warranting targeted public health strategies.

RevDate: 2025-12-01

Lee SK, Kim JH, HS Kim (2025)

Seasonal Trends of Major Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Other Viral Infections in Korea: An Analysis Before, During, and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

Annals of laboratory medicine pii:alm.2025.0226 [Epub ahead of print].

Some viral infections display distinct seasonal patterns influenced by factors such as climate, human behavior, and viral characteristics. In this review, we investigated the seasonality of 15 viral infections in Korea. We analyzed viruses for which national surveillance data are available from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, seasonal coronaviruses, enterovirus, adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Hantaan virus, varicella-zoster virus, and mumps virus. In temperate climates, such as that in Korea, winter peaks are commonly observed for influenza, RSV, and norovirus infections, whereas enteroviruses are more prevalent in summer and early autumn. Parainfluenza viruses exhibit type-specific seasonality (circulating in warmer months from spring to autumn). During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (2020-2021), the incidence of most respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infections analyzed in this study declined substantially owing to non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing. After the preventive measures were relaxed, many viruses initially exhibited delayed or atypical seasonal peaks. However, by 2024, the seasonality of most, but not all, viral infections had largely returned to their pre-pandemic patterns. We also reviewed factors influencing viral seasonality, including climatic conditions, vector activity, human behavior, immunity, and viral genetic variation. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of viral seasonality and reinforce the importance of timely surveillance and flexible public health responses tailored to each country's epidemiological landscape.

RevDate: 2025-11-30
CmpDate: 2025-11-30

Uemura K (2025)

[2-Thiouridine is a Broad-spectrum Antiviral Ribonucleoside Analogue Against Positive-strand RNA Viruses].

Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, 145(12):937-944.

Emerging and reemerging viral infections, such as the dengue virus (DENV), continue to cause public health concerns, affecting millions of people worldwide annually. The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, seriously impacting human health and the global economy. Given the lack of effective and specific therapeutics against most emerging or reemerging viruses, the development of effective therapeutic measures against such viruses is urgently needed. Most RNA viruses have RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is indispensable for the replication and transcription of viral genomes. Moreover, the core structural features of viral RdRps are functionally essential and conserved across a wide range of viruses. Thus, viral RdRp serves as a promising target for broad-spectrum antivirals. In this study, we screened nucleoside analogues from a compound library of Hokkaido University, identifying 2-thiouridine (s2U) as a broad-spectrum antiviral ribonucleoside analogue. In particular, s2U exhibited potent antiviral activity against several positive-strand RNA [ssRNA(+)] viruses, including orthoflaviviruses such as DENV and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. s2U inhibited RNA synthesis catalyzed by viral RdRp, thereby reducing viral RNA replication and improving the survival rate of mice challenged with lethal DENV2 or SARS-CoV-2 in our animal models. In addition to the potent antiviral activities in vitro and in vivo, s2U exhibited no significant toxicity, suggesting its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent against ssRNA(+) viruses, including orthoflaviviruses and coronaviruses.

RevDate: 2025-11-30
CmpDate: 2025-11-30

Emdin F, Orubu ESF, Rogers Van Katwyk S, et al (2025)

COVID-19 impact on AMR: a rapid scoping review, equity analysis and evidence gap map study.

BMJ global health, 10(11): pii:bmjgh-2024-018118.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have impacted many drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and compounded existing societal and health inequities. This rapid scoping review examined how three selected healthcare system factors, which we have called 'drivers'-antimicrobial use, infection prevention and control and health system use-were affected by COVID-19 and how they have impacted resistance.

METHODS: Peer-reviewed searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane on 19 December 2022 and updated on 25 February 2023 and 1 September 2023. Results of these searches were integrated with an initial search run on 19 October 2022, using the WHO COVID-19 Research Database. References of included studies were also searched to identify any additional relevant studies. Data on the three drivers from included studies were assessed to determine whether they influenced the emergence, spread or number of resistant infections due to antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Studies were then mapped to identify literature gaps and assessed for equity considerations and quality of evidence.

RESULTS: 63 studies were analysed. Reported COVID-19 changes to antimicrobial use were associated with increased AMR burden in hospital settings. Conversely, the infection prevention and control measures implemented to reduce COVID spread may have decreased resistance in community settings. Differences in health system use during the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased resistance, although we identified knowledge gaps on COVID-19-related changes in health system use. Few studies considered equity in their analyses and no studies directly mentioned equity. All included studies had a moderate to high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 led to mixed effects on AMR, which depended on the setting and context. There is a need for more rigorous studies that examine how COVID-19 impacted the health system as well as socioeconomic determinants to provide evidence for future pandemics or health crises. Our findings also underscore the importance of integrating antimicrobial stewardship, robust infection prevention and equity-focused surveillance into pandemic preparedness to mitigate AMR risks in future public health emergencies.

RevDate: 2025-11-30

Xu R, Ying S, Luo Y, et al (2025)

Triclosan in contaminated environment: A comprehensive review of source, distribution, toxic effects and removal technologies.

Journal of environmental management, 396:128127 pii:S0301-4797(25)04103-9 [Epub ahead of print].

Triclosan (TCS) is an effective antibacterial agent widely used in personal care products and medical items. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of TCS has significantly increased, leading to a growing pollution issue that has attracted considerable attention. Therefore, assessing the current TCS pollution status is vital. This review discusses distribution and migration of TCS across various environmental matrices and wastewater treatment systems. Especially, the study summarizes the concentration differences of TCS in human and biological tissues across different countries, finding higher TCS pollution levels in economically developed and densely populated regions. TCS detection methods provide technical support for assessing the distribution of TCS pollution. This paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of various pretreatment methods while exploring the development of different detection techniques. Optimized methods are now capable of analyzing TCS in complex matrices, with some methods achieving detection limits in the nanogram range. Notably, TCS has toxic hazards, and can be transformed into more toxic substances in the environment. It induces adverse effects on organismal growth, development, and reproduction, including inhibiting photosynthesis, reducing hatch rates, and increasing cancer incidence. Therefore, developing effective TCS removal technologies is important for environmental protection and human health. This paper systematically analyzes degradation pathways and removal efficiencies of various TCS removal technologies, offering theoretical guidance for TCS pollution management. In summary, this study offers new theoretical insights and practical solutions for tackling TCS pollution, supporting environmental management and public health policy development.

RevDate: 2025-11-30

Miller M, Almomani Y, Hopwood P, et al (2025)

The impact of staffing structures in long-term care homes on the quality of work-life and work outcomes of care-workers: A narrative scoping review.

International journal of nursing studies, 174:105304 pii:S0020-7489(25)00314-1 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Chronic underfunding of the long-term care sector, coupled with increased complexity of care, has deteriorated working conditions and contributed to severe staffing shortages of healthcare workers globally. While previous reviews have examined the association between long-term care staffing and care outcomes for residents, none have examined specifically how staffing structures affect the care-workers themselves.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to investigate how staffing structures impact the quality of work-life, work-related outcomes of care-workers and the context that affects staffing decisions.

METHODS: A narrative scoping review of primary empirical peer-reviewed literature was conducted to examine how long-term care staffing structures impact quality of work-life and work outcomes of care-workers in OECD countries. PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published within the past 10 years. Searches yielded 4561 unique articles, which were independently screened by pairs of reviewers, of which 76 articles were included. Data were extracted and synthesized to examine the ways in which staffing structures impact the workforce, what structures existed, and how they came to be.

RESULTS: Contextual factors shaped staffing decisions in long-term care, including both organizational/regulatory practices and external issues. These included market-based ideologies, increased care complexity, regulatory requirements, COVID-19, and organizational fiscal austerity, which affected the quality of work-life and work outcomes for care-workers. These factors contributed to chronic understaffing, restructuring of skill mix, and greater reliance on agency workers. Consequences for care-workers included work intensification, unpaid labour, and strained team dynamics, particularly where registered nurse oversight was limited. While some homes developed adaptive strategies to buffer these effects, inadequate staffing often eroded job quality, undermined teamwork, and contributed to job dissatisfaction, turnover, presenteeism, and adverse physical and psychological health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that staffing structures have consequences for quality of work-life and work outcomes. A reliance on lean staffing eventually destabilizes the workforce, perpetuating recruitment and retention issues. This review suggests that to create and maintain a strong long-term care workforce, sufficient staffing with the right skills and competencies need to be a priority in improvement initiatives.

REGISTRATION: Not registered.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Yadav JP, Yadav S, Dubey NK, et al (2025)

Lingering echoes of SARS-CoV-2: mechanistic insights and management of long COVID syndrome.

Inflammopharmacology [Epub ahead of print].

Throughout the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, there has arisen a significant and a sustained public-health issue, whereby a significant proportion of individuals report persistent symptoms, well beyond the acute period of infection. The non-united array of chronic, multisystemic events, such as fatigue, cognitive deficit, respiratory dysfunction, cardiovascular abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric disorders characterize this sequela, which is referred to as LCS. LCS is much more than the starting viral insult, as it causes long-term complications that impact various organ systems. The current review questions the pathophysiological mechanisms of LCS, including scrutinizing the importance of the dysregulation of immunity, the persistence of viral reservoirs, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic imbalance, and mitochondrial injury. We highlight the heterogeneity of the syndrome and the associated diagnostic and treatment difficulties. In addition, we stress the urgency of powerful biomarkers that will be used to diagnose LCS as early as possible and monitor it over time. Present treatment strategies, including pharmacologic therapy (immunomodulators, anticoagulants, antiviral medications, etc.) and non-pharmacologic treatment (rehabilitative programs, etc.) are discussed against the backdrop of recent clinical findings. This review incorporates the recent literature and presents a review of potential treatment options that alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of LCS patients. Finally, this integrated synthesis can be used by both clinicians and researchers to gain practical information on the diagnosis, treatment, and future treatment directions of LCS.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Wild U, Herman S, König M, et al (2025)

Burnout, anxiety and depression in secondary school teachers in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic scoping review & perspective of preventive occupational medicine.

Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England) pii:10.1186/s12995-025-00488-z [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Rafique QT, Gogoi V, P Barah (2025)

Beyond the Gut: Integrating Oral Microbiota into the Microbiota-Brain Axis in Depression.

Molecular neurobiology, 63(1):207.

Depression, a major contributor to years lived with disability (YLD), affects nearly 300 million people worldwide. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression have risen by 28% particularly among women and young adults. Characterized by persistent low mood, cognitive impairment, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue, depression continues to impose a profound public health burden, compounded by the limited efficacy of current treatments and the lack of reliable diagnostic or predictive biomarkers. While the gut microbiota has been extensively implicated in depression's pathophysiology, emerging evidence indicates that the oral microbiome which ranks second only to the gut in microbial diversity also plays a significant role in neuropsychiatric health. Oral microbial dysbiosis may contribute to depression through immune, inflammatory, and neuroactive pathways, positioning the oral microbiome as both a potential non-invasive biomarker and a novel therapeutic target. Incorporating oral microbial profiling into clinical research could not only refine our understanding of depression's underlying mechanisms but also facilitate the development of microbiome-based strategies in precision psychiatry. This growing recognition highlights the importance of expanding research beyond the gut-brain axis to encompass the oral-brain axis as an integral component in the quest for effective diagnostics and interventions.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Moghoofei M, Pajavand H, Shahbazi R, et al (2025)

The Role of Viral and Bacterial Infections in the Etiology of Behçet's Disease.

Journal of clinical laboratory analysis [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is a complex systemic vasculitis with a poorly understood etiology that involves genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Increasing evidence suggests that viral and bacterial infections may trigger or exacerbate BD through immune-mediated pathways. This review aims to clarify how different infectious agents may contribute to BD pathogenesis.

METHODS: For this review, articles addressing microbial involvement in BD were collected from established databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Priority was given to studies evaluating classical pathogens-including Herpes simplex virus and Streptococcus spp.-as well as more recent agents such as SARS-CoV-2, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Helicobacter pylori. Findings from immunological, molecular, and clinical research were integrated to highlight shared mechanisms related to host-pathogen interactions.

RESULTS: The reviewed literature shows that microbial infections may influence BD through multiple interconnected mechanisms. A central concept is the possible cross-reactivity between microbial and human heat shock proteins (HSPs), which may activate Th1/Th17 cytokine pathways and enhance neutrophil activity. The review also highlights the dual functions of TRIM proteins in antiviral responses and inflammatory dysregulation, as well as the involvement of inflammasome activation and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These combined processes may help explain how infections initiate or intensify immune responses in BD.

CONCLUSION: By synthesizing current microbial and immune evidence, this review provides an updated perspective on BD immunopathogenesis and outlines testable mechanisms for future research. Understanding these links may support the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Siva N, Samantaray KK, Krishnapriya K, et al (2025)

Health-seeking behavior and healthcare utilization among patients with non-communicable diseases in India: insights from a systematic review.

BMC health services research, 25(1):1548.

OBJECTIVE: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of mortality in India, imposing a significant healthcare and economic burden. This study evaluates the health-seeking behaviour, healthcare utilization, and financial impact of major NCDs hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across global health databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and J-Gate. Simultaneously, searches were performed on Indian databases, journal websites, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. A total of 1,462 studies were identified and exported to Rayyan software for screening. Two independent reviewers screened the studies based on predefined eligibility criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, while data extraction was performed using Cochrane data collection forms. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity in the included studies. This review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS: A total of 44 observational survey-based studies were included in this review. Financial constraints, geographical barriers, and awareness gaps influenced healthcare utilization for NCDs. While 60.5% relied on government services for affordability, 39.4% preferred private care for faster access. Out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for hemodialysis and cardiac interventions, posed a major financial burden. Treatment adherence varied by 70.1% among diabetic patients but only 32.4% among hypertensive women. Stockouts of essential medications in public hospitals and high costs of branded drugs in private facilities further restricted access. Emergency care utilisation was high for ischemic heart disease, while CKD patients faced long-term financial strain due to dialysis and frequent hospitalisations. Despite an increase in telemedicine use during COVID-19, accessibility challenges persisted. Systemic inefficiencies, cultural beliefs, and transportation issues further delayed timely care.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights critical gaps in NCD care in India, particularly in treatment adherence, financial accessibility, and healthcare infrastructure. Strengthening public healthcare services, expanding insurance coverage for long-term NCD management, and integrating community-based interventions are key policy directions. Additionally, targeted strategies to improve health literacy and promote early disease detection are essential to improving health outcomes and reducing inequities in NCD care in India.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42024576994.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Ibrahim SA, Ghosh I, Lai SY, et al (2025)

Health and wellbeing experiences of women informal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic review.

BMC public health pii:10.1186/s12889-025-25728-z [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Lacking social safety nets, women informal workers were adversely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with their over-representation in hard-hit sectors and poor prospect of alternative employment. Differential needs of women informal workers during the pandemic must be explored to address health inequalities and inform pandemic preparedness. This systematic review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on the health and wellbeing experiences of women informal workers during the recent pandemic.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO were systematically searched in November 2024, along with supplementary searches in Google Scholar and WHO COVID-19 research database. Citation tracking of included studies and grey literature search were also performed. Eligible studies explored first-person accounts of women informal workers about their health and wellbeing during the pandemic, and collected data using interviews, focus groups, or observations. Quality assessment of included studies was completed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Drawing from the concept of determinants of health, thematic approach was used to synthesise findings, taking a holistic perspective of health and wellbeing experiences during the pandemic.

RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included, majority conducted in low-and middle-income countries. Studies explored the experiences of women in various forms of informal work including sex workers, domestic workers, traders/vendors and home-based workers. Four themes were generated: (1) exacerbation of existing vulnerabilities; (2) negotiation of risks and resilience; (3) interconnectedness of health and wellbeing stressors; and (4) variable experiences across social locations. Financial strain from livelihood loss was the primary stressor during the pandemic, and through cascading effect impacted other health and wellbeing domains. Stressors experienced were deeply interrelated and shaped by structural determinants - socioeconomic, political and cultural - as well as pandemic response policies. The experiences of women informal workers were mediated by intersecting social identities such as occupation type, caste/class and migration status, which influenced both their vulnerabilities and capacities to respond, resulting in diverse and unequal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the health and wellbeing of woman informal workers. In the groundwork for future development and pandemic planning, equity-centred approach informed by intersectionality must be applied.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Liu J, Lai H, Zhao W, et al (2025)

Association between COVID-19 infection and risk of mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

General hospital psychiatry, 97:130-143.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyse the association between COVID-19 and the risk of mental disorders.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the reference lists of systematic reviews and included cohort studies assessing the association between COVID-19 and mental disorders. Two reviewers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and the risk of bias assessment. We conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to assess the association and calculated the pooled risk ratio with 95 % confidence interval.

RESULTS: Twenty-eight cohorts with a total of 977,434,207 participants proved eligible. We revealed a 40 % increased risk (RR = 1.40, 95 %CI: 1.23 to 1.59; absolute risk difference = 31 more per 1000 persons, 18 more to 45 more) of mental disorders in patients with COVID-19 compared with non-exposed individuals. Moreover, COVID-19 may be related to the risks of anxiety or fear-related disorders, mood disorders, bipolar or related disorders, depressive disorders, unspecified mood disorders, neurocognitive disorders, dementia, mild cognitive disorders, unspecified neurocognitive disorders, psychotic disorders, stress and adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified stress and adjustment disorders, and prescriptions for psychotropic medications.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an association between COVID-19 and risk of mental disorders, as well as the prescriptions for psychotropic medications. It is imperative for individuals to become vigilant of mental health problems that may arise following COVID-19.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Gram EG, Moynihan R, Copp T, et al (2025)

Addressing misleading medical information on social media: a scoping review of current interventions.

BMJ evidence-based medicine, 30(6):420-433 pii:bmjebm-2025-113704.

BACKGROUND: Misleading information about medical products on social media may cause overuse.

OBJECTIVES: Explore interventions targeting the problem of misleading medical information and marketing on social media, with a focus on preventing medical overuse including overdiagnosis.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included peer-reviewed studies with original data on an intervention targeting misleading medical information on social media and governmental/institutional responses with and without evaluation. We excluded responses relating to COVID-19.

SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: four electronic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete and Web of Science, and searches of grey literature on Google and Google Scholar. Search date: 9 June 2025.

DATA CHARTING: We used prespecified data forms populated in duplicate by two reviewers.

RESULTS: We identified 27 peer-reviewed articles and 25 organisational and governmental responses (grey literature). 20 (74%) of the peer-reviewed interventions targeted the consumer to enhance 'media literacy', support decision-making or warn about misinformation trends. Approaches included education, such as videos or information materials, to improve detection of misinformation, as well as correcting misinformation and rebutting claims. Only two (7.4%) of the peer-reviewed approaches were sensitive to the problem of medical overuse: a risk-of-deception tool and an informed decision-making service. The grey literature about government and organisational responses chiefly comprised general advertising regulations and other educational resources for consumers to identify and navigate misinformation. The advertising regulations ranged from self-regulatory codes of practice to mandatory regulations, requiring pre-approval of social media marketing material. Most regulations stated advertising should be truthful, presenting both benefits and harms and not be misleading. Most of the grey literature (64%) was sensitive to medical overuse, though none referred explicitly to the problem.

CONCLUSIONS: Current efforts to address misleading medical marketing on social media often overlook the critical issue of medical overuse and fail to provide sufficient consumer protections in this rapidly evolving digital landscape of social media, such as the speed of dissemination, reach and the role of third-party advertising. These gaps in research, regulation and practice present significant opportunities to strengthen evidence-based policies and public health responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION DETAILS: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/2NJSH.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Masoudi MR, Sadeghi R, Salehi S, et al (2025)

Lessons from the field: a systematic review of global and continental prevalence and challenges of People Living with HIV (COVID-19).

AIDS care, 37(12):2085-2093.

ABSTRACTCOVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, accounts for 186 million infections and more than 4 million deaths globally. This systematic review concentrates on the epidemiological profiling of HIV/AIDS, along with the unique challenges posed by COVID-19 in delivering health services across different regions of the world. This review includes 16 studies and documents from various world regions that show the negative effects of the pandemic on HIV treatment and services. A reduction in medication compliance, missing appointments, and interruption of both clinical and non-clinical HIV-related services has been reported. Additional barriers to obtaining HIV care include fear of infection, lack of transportation and poverty. The review calls for formal agreements between governments, health systems and public health expert communities to make health systems more responsive to the needs of PLWH during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RevDate: 2025-12-01
CmpDate: 2025-12-01

Zhang L, Srisawat N, Lee CC, et al (2025)

Extracorporeal Blood Purification with the oXiris® Filter for Patients with Sepsis and Hyperinflammatory Conditions: The Asia-Pacific oXiris Expert Meeting 2024 Consensus Statements.

Blood purification, 54(11):621-638.

Extracorporeal blood purification is a technique for reducing elevated levels of inflammatory mediators and/or endotoxins in critically ill patients with sepsis or other hyperinflammatory conditions. The oXiris filter combines endotoxin adsorption, cytokine adsorption, hemofiltration, and anti-thrombosis, and an emerging body of evidence demonstrates its use in critical care patients with hyperinflammatory conditions and acute kidney injury (AKI). A group of Asia-Pacific experts convened to formulate consensus statements for the use of the oXiris filter based on a comprehensive review of publications. After evaluation using a Delphi methodology, 17 statements achieved consensus (three recommendations and 14 practice points). These offer guidance on the initiation, monitoring, and evaluation of treatment with the oXiris filter in patients with sepsis, septic shock, severe COVID-19, or other hyperinflammatory states. We also recommend using the oXiris filter in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery who are at risk for developing AKI. Other statements discuss modality, dosage, filter lifespan, anticoagulation, and combining the oXiris filter set with other extracorporeal therapies. Taken together, our statements offer targeted guidance for clinicians on the use of the oXiris filter across different patient populations. Additionally, we highlight the limitations of the current evidence base and identify key areas requiring further research.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Mautner Wizentier M, Williams D, Choi J, et al (2025)

COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC.

Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education [Epub ahead of print].

Preventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample (n = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.

RevDate: 2025-11-28

Lin Y, Choi Y, W Park (2025)

Mapping the Knowledge Landscape of Mobile Teledentistry: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on the Web of Science Database.

Journal of dentistry pii:S0300-5712(25)00708-0 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Teledentistry has rapidly grown; yet, the role of mobile devices remains under-investigated. We performed an analysis of mobile teledentistry to elucidate its historical development, collaboration networks, thematic hotspots, and future directions.

METHODS: We searched the Web of Science; 99 articles, published between January 2013 and April 2025, were included. Publication trends, collaboration networks, and research themes were analysed using co-occurrence, clustering, and co-citation analyses with CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mobile teledentistry research, primarily in high-income countries. A core group of prolific authors and institutions is not yet established; however, some nations have emerged as significant contributors. Keyword analysis revealed three primary research hotspots: diagnostic accuracy, care accessibility, and oral hygiene applications. Eleven thematic clusters revealed three principal research themes: comparisons with traditional methods, investigations of specific time periods or populations, and studies of mobile dental products. Co-citation analysis identified a foundational literature base centred on the feasibility and validity of mobile teledentistry diagnostics.

CONCLUSIONS: The static panorama and dynamic evolution of mobile teledentistry were comprehensively elucidated, highlighting the urgent need for international collaboration to support implementation, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Future research should further evaluate diagnostic accuracy and explore sustainable strategies that may enhance health equity and help reduce global dental disparities.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Existing studies on mobile teledentistry consistently report the potential to support diagnostic accuracy and suggest improved access to care, particularly in underserved settings. Evidence from the analysed studies reflects the use of mobile devices for remote screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Therefore, this cumulative evidence base suggests the possibility of integrating mobile teledentistry into routine clinical practice, intending to reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes pending further validation.

RevDate: 2025-11-28

Gloyn T, Seo C, Godinho A, et al (2025)

Using artificial intelligence to predict patient wait times in the emergency department: A scoping review.

Artificial intelligence in medicine, 171:103316 pii:S0933-3657(25)00251-9 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to comprehensively explore the landscape of recently published literature on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting individualized patient waiting times in an emergency department (ED) and identify pertinent considerations for practitioners and hospital decision-makers.

INTRODUCTION: ED overcrowding is being experienced by hospitals around the globe and has worsened in the post COVID-19 era. The negative patient and staff experiences and poor clinical outcomes from overcrowding are evident and necessitate solutions to address this ongoing problem. Hospitals providing ED waiting time estimates to patients and staff are becoming popular; however, the more common methods, such as using rolling averages, suffer from an inability to capture the nuanced relationships within an ED. Recent applications of AI and machine learning (ML) in healthcare raises the possibility of applying these techniques to individualized waiting time predictions in the ED; although, literature on the topic is sparse.

METHODS: A systematized search was conducted on November 10th, 2025, using the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE (OVID), Medline (OVID), PsychINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed. Articles were considered for review if written in English, peer-reviewed, published after 2014, and used AI techniques. Descriptive analysis was performed on the final extracted data to facilitate the identification of common themes across studies. Themes were inferred from the proportional usage among studies, of different data preparation, feature selection, and modeling strategies.

RESULTS: The search identified 8613 citations that, after a rigorous screening process and critical appraisal, were narrowed down to 15 studies for final review. Most included studies were observational, using historical medical record data to compare modeling techniques or demonstrate a proof of concept. Studies commonly used one or more of ED queue-based, staff/resource-based, patient-based, and time-based feature categories. Incorporated AI methods included Random Forest, Linear Regression, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) techniques, among several others. All forms of AI and ML outperformed traditional rolling average estimates used by hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS: This review identified applications of AI in predicting individualized patient waiting times in the ED that outperform current waiting time estimate strategies. The use of nonlinear techniques, such as the Random Forest method, or incorporating queue-based feature categories, appeared to provide better performance in predictive estimates. Depending on the end user and modality in which the wait time estimate is conveyed, the importance of model selection is highlighted as a consideration to be made if overestimates or underestimates are preferred.

RevDate: 2025-11-30
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Huang G, Hung WK, Ngolombe R, et al (2025)

Overview of the prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention among emergency medical services personnel: a meta-analysis.

Journal of global health, 15:04320.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters are subjected to substantial occupational stressors that diminish job satisfaction and increase turnover rate, ultimately affecting efficient delivery of pre-hospital emergency care. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention among EMS personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters.

METHODS: We comprehensively searched Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and EBSCOhost until March 2025. The pooled prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention was analysed using the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation model in R software. Cochran's Q and statistics assessed heterogeneity and subgroup analysis explored moderator variables.

RESULTS: A total of 25 studies with 59 562 EMS personnel were included. The pooled prevalence of job satisfaction was 63% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 53%, 72%), with estimates of 71% for EMTs, 62% for firefighters, and 54% for paramedics. Job satisfaction was 56% during the COVID-19 pandemic and 65% in the pre-pandemic period. The pooled prevalence of turnover intention was 29% (95% CI = 24%, 36%), with estimates of 28% for paramedics, 22% for EMTs, and 17% for firefighters. Turnover intention was 34% during COVID-19 pandemic and 27% in the pre-pandemic period.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 63% of EMS personnel report job satisfaction, while 29% express intent to leave the profession. Mental health support, workload management, and professional development opportunities should be promoted among EMS personnel to further enhance job satisfaction and mitigate turnover intention.

REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD420251027283.

RevDate: 2025-11-30
CmpDate: 2025-11-19

Allegue F, Zulaica A, Pastor-Nieto MA, et al (2025)

[Translated article] Erythema Papulatum Centrifugum: A Clinically Distinct Dermatosis. CLINI-AEDV Case Series.

Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 116(10):T1126-T1130.

Erythema papulatum centrifugum is a rare condition marked by a centrifugally growing border dotted with small papules and a relapsing course, often worse in spring and summer. There are not any specific diagnostic tests to confirm it. This study analyzes the clinical characteristics of seven cases, representing the largest series of non-oriental patients to date. Our findings confirm the pruritic and seasonally relapsing nature of this condition. Lesions are typically few, primarily located on the trunk, and generally exceed 5cm in diameter. Interestingly, in one patient, two outbreaks correlated temporally with the COVID-19 vaccine. In two other cases, the condition was linked to hematological malignancies: multiple myeloma and Hodgkin lymphoma. These observations, along with other neoplasm-associated cases reported in the literature, suggest that this entity might function as a paraneoplastic syndrome.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Malden S, McGill K, Guthrie B, et al (2025)

Patient and Carer-Related Facilitators and Barriers to the Adoption of Assistive Technologies for the Care of Older Adults: Systematic Review.

JMIR aging, 8:e73917.

BACKGROUND: Assistive technologies (ATs) are used increasingly in community settings to assist in the care of older adults. Despite a rapid increase in the capabilities and uptake of these technologies, gaps remain in understanding the main barriers to their usage.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review investigated the barriers and facilitators to the use of AT in the care of older adults.

METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched from January 2011 to March 2024. Primary studies were included if they used qualitative methods reporting findings related to barriers or facilitators to the implementation of AT (eg, ambient and wearable sensors, alarms, telehealth or mobile health [mHealth]) for older adults (from the perspective of either carers or older adults) in community settings. All data were screened independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Data from each included study were synthesized using thematic synthesis, before barriers were mapped against the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

RESULTS: Ninety-five studies were included in the review. The number of studies published in the field of barriers to AT use has increased 3-fold post-COVID-19 in comparison to the previous decade. Ten barriers-privacy, cost, insufficient knowledge, fear of misuse, usability, poor functionality, perceived lack of need, stigma, and lack of human interaction-were identified, as well as three facilitators-awareness of health benefits, targeted training, and user-centered design. Persistent barriers relating to all domains of the TAM were identified, with the majority of these relating to the "behavioral intention to use" domain (cost, privacy, stigma, and fear of misuse). The majority of studies had a moderate/high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS: There remain distinct barriers to sustained usage of AT for the care of older adults, particularly concerning adoption as defined by the TAM. Further studies investigating the acceptability of ATs are needed to increase the understanding of optimization strategies.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Dinnes J, Berhane S, Walsh J, et al (2025)

Rapid, point-of-care antigen tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11):CD013705.

BACKGROUND: Accurate rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by potentially increasing access to testing and speed detection of infection, as well as informing clinical and public health management decisions to reduce transmission. Previous iterations of this review provided clear and conclusive evidence of superior test performance in those experiencing possible signs and symptoms of Covid-19. However, test performance in asymptomatic individuals and sensitivity by setting and indication for testing remains unclear. This is the fourth iteration of this review, first published in 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of rapid, point-of-care antigen tests (Ag-RDTs) for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic population groups.

SEARCH METHODS: We searched the COVID-19 Open Access Project living evidence database from the University of Bern (which includes daily updates from MEDLINE and Embase and preprints from medRxiv and bioRxiv) on 17 February 2022. We included independent evaluations from national reference laboratories, FIND and the Diagnostics Global Health website. We did not apply language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included test accuracy studies of any design that evaluated commercially produced, rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic people tested because of known or suspected contact with SARS-CoV-2 infection, known SARS-CoV-2 infection or known absence of infection, or those who were being screened for infection. We included evaluations of single applications of a test (one test result reported per person). Reference standards for presence or absence of infection were any laboratory-based molecular test (primarily reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard screening procedures with three reviewers. Two reviewers independently carried out quality assessment (using the QUADAS-2 tool) and extracted study results. Other study characteristics were extracted by one review author and checked by a second. We present sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each test, and pooled data using the bivariate model. We investigated heterogeneity by including indicator variables in the random-effects logistic regression models. We tabulated results by test manufacturer and compliance with manufacturer instructions for use and according to symptom status.

MAIN RESULTS: We included 146 study cohorts (described in 130 study reports). The main results relate to 164 evaluations of single test applications including 144,250 unique samples (7104 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2) obtained from asymptomatic or mainly asymptomatic populations. Studies were mainly conducted in Europe (85/146, 58%), and evaluated 41 different commercial antigen assays (test kit). Only six studies compared two or more brands of test. Nearly all studies (96%) used RT-PCR alone to define presence or absence of infection. Risk of bias was high because of participant selection (13, 9%); interpretation of the index test (3, 2%); weaknesses in the reference standard for absence of infection (3, 2%); and participant flow and timing (46, 32%). Characteristics of participants (11, 8%) and index test delivery (117, 80%) differed from the way in which and in whom the test was intended to be used. Estimates of sensitivity varied considerably between studies, with consistently high specificities. Average sensitivity was 55.0% (95% CI 50.9%, 59.0%) and average specificity was 99.5% (95% CI 99.5%, 99.6%) across the 147 evaluations of Ag-RDTs reporting both sensitivity and specificity (149,251 samples, 7636 cases). Average sensitivity was higher when epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was suspected (58.6%, 95% CI 51.4% to 65.5%; 43 evaluations; 15,516 samples, 1483 cases) compared to where COVID-19 testing was reported to be widely available to anyone on presentation for testing (53.0%, 95% CI 48.4% to 57.5%; 103 evaluations; 129,032 samples, 5660 cases); however CIs overlapped, limiting the inference that can be drawn from these data. Average specificity was similarly high for both groups (99.4% and 99.6%). Sensitivity was generally lower when used in a screening context (summary values from 40.6% to 42.1% for three of four screening settings) compared to testing asymptomatic individuals at Covid-19 test centres (56.7%) or emergency departments (54.7%). We observed a decline in summary sensitivities as measures of sample viral load decreased. Sensitivity varied between brands. When tests were used according to manufacturer instructions, average sensitivities by brand ranged from 36.3% to 78.8% in asymptomatic participants (14 assays with sufficient data for pooling). None of the assays met the WHO acceptable performance standard for sensitivity (of 80%) based on meta-analysis; however, sensitivities from individual studies (where meta-analysis was not possible) exceeded 80% for three assays. The WHO acceptable performance criterion of 97% specificity was met by all but four assays (based on individual studies or meta-analysis) when tests were used according to manufacturer instructions. At 0.5% prevalence using summary data for asymptomatic people, where testing was widely available and where epidemiological exposure to COVID-19 was suspected, resulting PPVs would be 40% and 33%, meaning that 3 in 5 or 2 in 3 positive results will be false positives, and between 1 in 2 and 2 in 5 cases will be missed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for antigen testing in asymptomatic cohorts has increased considerably since the publication of the previous update of this review. Average sensitivities remain lower for testing of asymptomatic when compared to symptomatic individuals; however, there is an indication that sensitivities may be higher where epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is suspected compared to testing any asymptomatic individual regardless of indication. Sensitivities were particularly low when antigen tests were used in screening settings. Assays from different manufacturers also vary in sensitivity, indicating the need for appropriate clinical validation of a particular antigen test in a given intended use setting prior to more widespread deployment. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of screening programmes at reducing transmission of infection, whether mass screening or targeted approaches, including schools, healthcare setting and traveller screening.

FUNDING: This paper presents independent research supported by the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Birmingham. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

REGISTRATION: Protocol (2020) doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013596.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Sorrentino M, Fiorilla C, Rubba F, et al (2025)

Does COVID-19 vaccination affect risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviors? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Frontiers in public health, 13:1661015.

INTRODUCTION: Since the COVID-19 pandemic onset, preventive measures (e.g., social distancing, hand hygiene, mask usage) and vaccines have been pivotal in mitigating transmission and reducing public health burdens. Although adherence to these measures, influenced by factors such as ventilation and exposure duration, has been extensively validated, their long-term sustainability faces socio-economic challenges.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviors and conduct a meta-analysis comparing these behaviors in vaccinated versus unvaccinated subgroups.

METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines identified studies (2021-2024) analyzing risk perception and preventive behaviors. Potential biases were assessed using the MMAT tool. A meta-analysis calculated pooled effect sizes across subgroups.

RESULTS: Of 1,594 screened studies, 10 met inclusion criteria (six for meta-analysis, n = 9,115). Populations included adults, students, and healthcare professionals across 24 countries. Most vaccinated individuals maintained preventive behaviors despite stable or declining risk perception, though social distancing and hand hygiene adherence decreased over time. Booster-vaccinated individuals exhibited higher compliance than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated counterparts. Unvaccinated individuals intending to vaccinate reported higher risk perception than those refusing vaccination. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in risk perception between vaccinated (70.3, 95% CI 60.8-79.8) and unvaccinated subgroups (70.8, 95% CI 61.9-79.6; I [2] = 17.5%), suggesting limited influence on behavior maintenance.

CONCLUSION: While vaccination and preventive measures curbed COVID-19 transmission, risk perception alone does not robustly predict sustained adherence, potentially due to risk compensation. Future research should prioritize determinants of long-term behavioral retention in public health strategies.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Hussain D, MJ Iqbal (2025)

Post-COVID-19 Barriers to Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Attendance: An Updated Systematic Review.

Cureus, 17(11):e96550.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a preventable cause of vision loss; with screening, there is the capability to recognise and treat the condition early. However, screening compliance remains sub-optimal, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to the screening programme. This review aims to update prior systematic reviews to identify barriers that remain, as well as identify new barriers that may have occurred due to the pandemic. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we searched seven databases (January 2020-July 2025) for English language primary studies on DR screening non-attendance, yielding 16 relevant studies across diverse regions. Key barriers fell into patient-related, health system, and environmental categories. Although there was evidence to suggest the same barriers remained, there is evidence to suggest the pandemic exacerbated prior barriers and introduced new barriers. These findings suggest the need for context-specific interventions to improve DR screening in the post-pandemic era.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Khan GA, Huwaikem M, Chowdhury K, et al (2025)

The Role of Sterile Inflammation in Thrombosis: Consequences for Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19.

Mediators of inflammation, 2025:8054886.

Sterile inflammation (SI) is an inflammatory response triggered by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cells, distinct from normal inflammation in its origin from tissue injury and necrosis rather than microbial invasion. Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and S100b protein are notable markers of SI, indicative of tissue damage and implicated in thrombotic disorders. Innate immunity, involving cells like macrophages and dendritic cells, recognizes DAMPs via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors, initiating inflammatory signaling cascades central to SI and its cardiovascular consequences. Thrombosis, a common outcome of SI, underscores the intricate interplay between inflammation and hemostasis, with hypoxia exacerbating thrombotic risk through platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction. The established link between inflammation and thrombosis highlights the clinical significance of SI, where molecules like HMGB1, extracellular RNA (eRNA), and eDNA actively participate in thromboembolic disorders. SI's relevance is particularly evident in COVID-19-induced thrombotic disorders, where dysregulated immune responses and endothelial dysfunction contribute to systemic inflammation and heightened thrombotic risk. Understanding SI's mechanisms in these contexts is vital for developing targeted therapies to mitigate vascular complications and enhance patient outcomes in cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19-associated thrombosis.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Baharlouei Z, Aminjavaheri S, Vajhadin F, et al (2025)

Nano-engineered biomimetic materials: toward point-of-care diagnosis of infectious diseases.

Mikrochimica acta, 192(12):859.

This review emphasizes the advantages of nano-engineered antibodies (nanobodies), nanozymes, and nano-imprinted polymers (nano-MIPs) in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to conventional receptors. Infectious diseases have led to significant economic and social challenges, prompting the urgent development of reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tools, particularly POC biosensors. Current POC biosensors utilizing enzymes and antibodies have proven useful, although limitations such as low sensitivity, stability, and complex fabrication affect their performance. With advancements in nanomaterials, biomimetic elements such as nanobodies, nanozymes, and nano-MIPs they have shown great potential as alternatives to natural receptors. Recent advances in these biomimetic element materials applied to POC sensing platforms, such as paper-based devices and microfluidics, as the physical platforms are reviewed and discussed. This work also highlights the integration of electrochemical and optical detection systems with novel readout technologies, including smartphone-based devices, and represents an updated overview that encompasses all the advancements in this domain. Emphasis is placed on COVID-19 as a pivotal case study. Key primary sensor performances, such as linear detection range and limit of detection, are evaluated and compared. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed to illustrate the potential impact of these nano-based materials on future biosensor applications.

RevDate: 2025-11-29

Wang W, Wazny VK, Mahadzir MDA, et al (2025)

Multivitamin and mineral use: A rapid review of meta-analyses on health outcomes.

Ageing research reviews, 114:102965 pii:S1568-1637(25)00311-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements are among the most widely used dietary supplements globally, however, their role in promoting healthspan and longevity remains unclear. This review evaluated comprehensive findings from meta-analyses to clarify their health effects. A rapid review of MEDLINE and EMBASE identified 19 eligible meta-analyses published from 2000 to 2025, encompassing 5535,426 participants, including over 333,943 pregnancies and 904,947 children exposed to maternal MVM supplementation. Randomized controlled trials indicated that MVM use improved global cognition, episodic memory, and immediate recall in older or cognitively intact adults, reduced psychological symptoms in healthy individuals, and lowered systolic blood pressure in at-risk populations. However, no benefits were found for all-cause mortality, COVID-19 outcomes, visual acuity, or multiple cognitive domains, and a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration progression was reported. Observational studies found associations between MVM use and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease, cataracts, and fragility hip fractures, but not breast or prostate cancer, stroke, or overall mortality. During pregnancy, MVM supplementation was linked to reduced risks of small-for-gestational-age births and pediatric cancers, but not to preterm birth, stillbirth, or low birth weight. Overall, the findings revealed a lack of consistency in the definition of MVM supplementation, and substantial variability in MVM effectiveness depending on population, age, and health status. These results highlighted the importance of shifting from generalized supplementation approaches to more targeted, personalized nutritional strategies to support healthspan and longevity.

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Esfandiari AH, Mobarezi Z, Afarande H, et al (2025)

Electrode Modification in Viral Biosensors: A Review.

Current medicinal chemistry, 32(36):8011-8034.

Infectious diseases are extremely common worldwide. Among them, viral infections are important because of their high transmissibility and rapid replication. Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of emerging viral diseases, timely diagnosis of viral infections has become very important. In addition to reducing clinical complications and preventing the spread of the disease, timely diagnosis of viral diseases also reduces the socio-economic consequences of the disease. Therefore, there is a remarkable demand to identify viruses in a rapid, accurate, and selective way. The development of highly sensitive, selective, and accessible biosensors based on nanoparticles and nanotubes for pathogenic virus detection has been a significant progress. Biosensors can be modified with various materials to enhance their electrochemical performance. Precious metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum, are commonly employed due to their ability to significantly increase the electrochemical current intensity. Additionally, other materials, including copper, carbon nanotubes, iron, and thiols, have been successfully utilized as modifying agents to improve biosensor sensitivity and selectivity. The aim of this review article is to analyse the prominent compounds that are widely used in the biosensor method to detect viruses and also to highlight their significance in improving electrode performance.

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Lakshmipriya T, Gopinath SCB, Chen Y, et al (2025)

Current Scenario in Associating Clinical COVID-19 Biomarkers for Developing Surveillance Platforms.

Current medicinal chemistry, 32(35):7790-7803.

The novel coronavirus that caused the epidemic and pandemic resulting in the acute respiratory illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has plagued the world. This is unlike other coronavirus outbreaks that have occurred in the past, such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 has spread more quickly and posed special challenges due to the lack of appropriate treatments and vaccines. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and rapid antibody tests (surveillance tests) are the two most used tests (confirmation tests). However, the latter takes hours to complete, and the former may produce false positives. Scientists have invested significant effort to create a COVID-19 diagnostic system that is both highly sensitive and reasonably priced. Early detection of COVID-19 is a major area of focus for sensing devices based on nanomaterials. This overview enhanced insights into potential coronavirus biomarkers and, compared to earlier studies, introduced new avenues. Further, it covers the development of COVID-19 diagnostic systems from an analytical point of view, including clinical markers and their subsequent applications with biosensors.

RevDate: 2025-11-29
CmpDate: 2025-11-29

Mao X, Wu Y, Zhang X, et al (2025)

TLR2 Activation as a Marker of Severe COVID-19 and a Potential Therapeutic Target.

Current medicinal chemistry, 32(36):7992-8010.

SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19 has been a serious public health problem, resulting in millions of lives lost over the previous three years. Although the direct infection caused by virus invasion is important for the pathobiology of COVID-19, the hyperinflammatory response and tissue injury are major contributors in critically ill patients. As a host sensor, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) recognizes multiple pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), producing various inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cell death signals, which are central to the inflammatory pathology observed in COVID-19. The objectives of this narrative review are to summarize the role of TLR2 activation during SARS-CoV-2 infection and emphasize the importance of SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins in TLR2 activation. Additionally, we presented some compounds related to TLR2 regulation clinically or experimentally, which may provide new insights into targets for pharmaceutical discovery and development.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Parr J, Chen YF, Damery S, et al (2025)

Sub-national public health intelligence responses to disease outbreaks: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Public health, 250:106055 pii:S0033-3506(25)00501-3 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 provided an impetus to improve infectious disease emergency preparedness. Provision of public health intelligence (PHI) during outbreaks by sub-national public health authorities (PHAs) supports decision making during these events. We synthesised studies describing such responses to elucidate transferable influencing factors.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a mixed methods systematic review.

METHODS: Literature searches of eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Applied Social Sciences Indexes and Abstracts [ASSIA], Scopus, Health Management Information Consortium [HMIC], WHO Global Health Library, Health Systems Evidence, and PDQ Evidence) were undertaken in March 2022. We selected peer-reviewed, primary research in English, published in or after January 2019 relating to sub-national PHA PHI activities during a disease outbreak. Studies were quality assessed using appropriate tools and analysed by thematic analysis and pillar integration.

RESULTS: Forty studies from 24 countries, 31 COVID-19 related, were included. Six themes summarise factors influencing responses: 1) appropriate data infrastructure, 2) effective intelligence products, 3) multisector collaboration, 4) obtaining public support, 5) strong and supportive management and leadership and 6) the capacity and capability to respond. Synthesis of empirical studies increases the review's reliability, but evidence mainly relates to countries with very high levels of human development limiting its transferability to countries with lower levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Public health systems should ensure adequate data infrastructure and PHI staff capability and capacity, plan for strong but supportive leadership and effective intelligence production, encourage multisector intelligence collaborations and ongoing communication with the public at a sub-national level. PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Ref. CRD42022308042.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Sharma S, Sharma L, TK Gandhi (2025)

Integration of quantum artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis: A review of methods and applications.

Computer methods and programs in biomedicine, 274:109175 pii:S0169-2607(25)00590-5 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Accurate disease diagnosis is vital for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. While artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced medical diagnostics, conventional AI approaches often face limitations in real-time data processing, scalability, and managing high-dimensional biomedical data. Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) integrates quantum computing with AI to address these challenges. This study explores QAI models in disease diagnosis, highlighting their advantages over classical AI, their applications across diseases, and integration possibilities within diagnostic workflows.

METHODS: A structured literature review was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 37 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and focus on QAI applications in diagnostics. The review analyzed key quantum machine learning (QML) models, including hybrid and quantum inspired techniques.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that QAI demonstrates promising applications in diagnosing cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other conditions. Quantum algorithms enable faster and more accurate pattern recognition in complex medical datasets. Additionally, QAI can be integrated into various stages of the diagnostic pipeline, from feature engineering to optimization to provide clinical decision support. However, technical challenges such as quantum noise, hardware instability, and limited algorithm maturity were frequently noted.

CONCLUSIONS: QAI has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis by overcoming many limitations of classical AI systems. While significant progress has been made, real-world clinical integration requires further advancements in algorithm development and hardware scalability. Future research should focus on closing the gap between theoretical models and clinical implementation to fully realize the benefits of QAI in healthcare.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Wong AKC, Zhou SY, Tao X, et al (2025)

The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Telecare Consultations Among Patients Who Have Experienced a Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of medical Internet research, 27:e74149 pii:v27i1e74149.

BACKGROUND: Nurse-led telecare consultations have emerged as a promising approach for the long-term management of stroke survivors, particularly in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions. While several studies have explored its use, the effectiveness of nurse-led telecare consultations in post-acute stroke care remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led telecare consultation for poststroke management among stroke survivors who were discharged from the hospital and lived in the community.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across 6 databases-CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL-for randomized controlled trials published from inception to February 2025. Included studies examined nurse-led telecare consultations compared to usual care among stroke survivors living in the community. Studies involving individuals who were hospitalized or institutionalized were excluded, along with reviews, abstracts without full texts, non-English or non-Chinese articles, and studies not meeting the criteria for randomized controlled trials. Primary and secondary outcomes included blood pressure (BP), psychological burden, quality of life, medication adherence, health care service use, stroke recurrence, survivor functioning, and coping. Continuous outcomes were analyzed using mean differences (MDs) or standardized MDs with 95% CIs under a random-effects model and dichotomous outcomes using odds ratios with 95% CIs via the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square test and I[2] statistics.

RESULTS: In total, 9 studies involving 2524 participants were included. Ischemic stroke was the most common type (n=1568, 62.13%) of stroke. Meta-analysis showed that nurse-led telecare significantly increased the likelihood of achieving target BP (odds ratio 2.33, 95% CI: 1.83-2.98; P<.001). For continuous outcomes, pooled analyses showed nonsignificant but directionally favorable reductions in systolic BP (MD -4.83, 95% CI -12.51 to 2.85; I[2] =92%), diastolic BP (MD -6.41, 95% CI -13.76 to 0.93; I[2]=97%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.09; I[2]=97%). Heterogeneity was substantial for several key outcomes (I[2]>90% for systolic BP and diastolic BP). Some outcomes, such as medication adherence and stroke recurrence, were reported by only 1 (11.11%) study. Additional benefits were observed in coping ability and reduced hospital readmissions, but findings for psychological well-being and quality of life were mixed.

CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led telecare consultations may support better BP management and coping and reduce hospital readmissions among community-dwelling stroke survivors. However, the pooled effects for continuous outcomes were inconclusive, and heterogeneity remained high. Therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality trials with standardized outcome measures and longer-term follow-up are warranted to confirm effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023492692; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023492692.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Fishman A, Grinin P, V Riljak (2025)

The (un-)Social Brain in Isolation.

Physiological research, 74(5):711-727.

The Social Brain is a distributed network of neuroanatomical regions and neurochemical systems that underpins the human capacity for social cognition, empathy, and interpersonal behavior. Social isolation (SI), defined as the objective reduction in social interaction, poses a significant threat to the integrity of this system. In this review, we synthesize evidence from human and animal studies to elucidate the biological, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of SI on the social brain. We describe how SI acts as a chronic stressor, disrupting structural connectivity, and altering neurotransmitter systems critical for social cognition. These disruptions manifest in altered social behavior, mentalization processes, and emotional reactivity, significantly contributing to increased vulnerability to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Converging findings from studies of evolutionarily conserved mechanisms in rodent and primate models demonstrate that SI compromises neurodevelopment, attenuates neuroplasticity, and triggers maladaptive stress responses, highlighting that social deprivation has profound neurobiological and behavioral consequences that greatly overlap with the pathophysiological changes seen in neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we explore the role of indirect stressors resulting from SI such as touch deprivation and digital-era social disconnection as contemporary amplifiers of SI's neurobiological impact. In light of public health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that SI should be recognized not only as a psychosocial condition but as a modifiable risk factor with transdiagnostic significance across psychiatry, neurology, and preventive medicine. Addressing SI through targeted interventions and policy measures is essential for promoting mental resilience and well-being. Key words Chronic Stress " Loneliness " Social Cognition " Socialization " Social Stress.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Panico F, De Biase R, Catalano L, et al (2025)

A systematic review on the psychological factors behind vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 era.

Frontiers in public health, 13:1711428.

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy may represent a global threat because of its inherent consequences for health, social and economic systems. Understanding the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy is fundamental to developing effective healthcare policies. While previous studies have mainly focused on sociological and cultural variables and transient illness-specific fears and beliefs, the present systematic review focuses on the psychological factors (such as emotional dispositions, cognitive functioning and expectations, and stable personality traits) associated with vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 era.

METHODS: A systematic review using a systematic search of PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science databases was performed with a time frame ranging between 1 January 2020 to 31 January 2025 focusing on psychological factors and vaccine hesitancy. Studies targeting the general population and employing validated instruments to assess emotional, cognitive and personality factors and vaccine hesitancy were selected, while investigations on context-specific, psycho-social, cultural and political factors were excluded. Quality and risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and main studies' characteristics, variables and outcomes were synthesised using a narrative approach and table.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. The results showed that some variables such as depressive and anxiety levels, as well as emotion regulation strategies may affect vaccination behaviour, although some cultural and generational differences were also observed. Differences in cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and personal expectations may influence vaccine hesitancy. Notably, some personality factors, like extraversion, openness, conscientiousness and dark personality traits, may influence hesitancy to vaccinate.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights emotional, cognitive, and personality factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, providing evidence for personalised, evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting adherence to national vaccination policies.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Ross KE, McMillan KM, Bowell V, et al (2025)

The canine welfare, public health and environmental impact of systemic under-regulation within the UK puppy trade: A scoping review.

Animal welfare (South Mimms, England), 34:e72.

Almost a decade has passed since a DEFRA consultation concluded that existing legislation governing the UK puppy trade was "outdated, inflexible, incompatible with current welfare legislation and cumbersome for both enforcers and businesses". The rapid outgrowth of the trade's governing legislature, fuelled by contemporary consumer culture and the high degree of trader anonymity provided by the internet, has enabled a high-volume, untraceable and profit-driven market to evolve. Increased demand for puppies, exacerbated by social media trends and the COVID-19 pandemic, is sustained by an online medium that both encourages and capitalises upon modern-day 'click-and-collect' purchase behaviour. Moreover, the internet has only intensified the demand for pedigree and designer crossbreeds, many of which are shown to suffer lifelong physiological disorders caused by the positive phenotyping selection necessary to achieve breed standards. These factors have made puppies an attractively lucrative, low-risk commodity. Evidence of multi-level fraud and organised crime involvement has been revealed along the supply chain, resulting in systemic canine health and welfare issues. Whilst large-scale breeding operations reportedly smuggle unvaccinated puppies onto the British market from endemic (rabies, Leishmania) countries, high densities of pet dogs in urban areas is reportedly leaving high faecal-saturation levels, spreading anthelmic- and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Meanwhile, unsafe concentrations of ectoparasiticides are detected in rivers and lakes. This review collates evidence from available sources that illustrate the current nature and impact of inadequate regulation in the UK puppy trade, aiming to support stakeholders in their efforts for essential and comprehensive regulatory reform.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Li J, Xu S, S Guo (2025)

Exploring SARS-CoV-2 impact on blood-brain barrier and its composition: A review.

Medicine, 104(47):e46093.

Inflammatory responses including glial activation, and upregulated inflammatory factors occurred after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected central nervous system. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption has been implicated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis and may predispose to the long-lasting neurological damage even after the epidemic ends. The BBB is a highly selective dynamic interface to protects the brain from neurotoxins and the elimination of byproducts of brain metabolism via efflux transporters. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, and understanding SARS-CoV-2 journey through BBB and the interconnections between the members of BBB is crucial. This review aims to summarize and elucidate the damage to the main constituent cells of BBB, including brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia and its contribution to COVID-19. Further understanding of these interactions may facilitate the development of improved treatment options and preventative measures of central nervous system injury due to COVID-19.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Gamito M, Pereira DR, Delgado M, et al (2025)

How Do Nutritionists/Dietitians Use Social Media to Communicate with Their Public? Global Perspectives on Social Media Practices: A Systematic Review.

Nutrients, 17(22):.

Background: Social media has emerged as a powerful communication tool for healthcare professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that their online presence can enhance nutritional literacy and play a crucial role in countering misinformation. Objective: This systematic review aims to investigate how and why Registered Nutritionists and Dietitians (RNDs) use social media in their professional practice, focusing on benefits, challenges, and impact. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted between 1 January 2019 and 28 February 2024, in PubMed, Scopus, Scholar, and SciELO databases using terms such as 'nutritionist', 'dietitian', and 'social media'. Quality was assessed using the MMAT tool. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The included studies were analysed with respect to their content, professional practices, and patterns of social media use. Results: Of the 359 articles identified through the systematic search, 10 cross-sectional studies conducted using questionnaires were included in this review. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 2542 participants across nine countries. Instagram and Twitter were the most frequently used platforms among RDNs, primarily for sharing evidence-based nutritional information, counselling content, and professional promotion. Reported usage ranged from 37.5% to 100%, with a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among younger professionals. Key enablers included enhanced communication, professional visibility, and cost-effective outreach, while main challenges involved limited digital literacy and difficulties replicating face-to-face counselling online. Although ethical concerns were reported, many RNDs maintained compliance with professional standards, particularly in regions with strict marketing regulations. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence that social media is a valuable tool for RNDs, particularly in the context of food and/or nutritional education. RNDs would benefit from training in content creation, knowledge dissemination and ethical digital communication. However, clearer guidelines from professional organisations are also recommended.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Gentilotti E, Górska A, E Tacconelli (2025)

Research on post-COVID syndrome: current gaps and future perspectives.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, 161:108129.

While it is generally assumed that the outcome of an infectious disease is either recovery or death, post-acute infection syndromes have long been documented, representing a substantial healthcare burden with biological drivers remaining poorly understood. Among post-acute infection sequelae, post-COVID syndrome has proved to be an elusive condition with a complex and dynamic presentation. Over the past 3 years, multiple cohorts have been created to understand, prevent, and treat post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Drawing upon the substantial experience gathered during the pandemic, this viewpoint undertakes a rigorous examination of the methodological challenges inherent in current PCC observational research. By analyzing "real-life" hurdles, we aim to provide clear guidance for future investigations into post-acute infection syndromes and enhance global preparedness for emerging health threats.

RevDate: 2025-11-14
CmpDate: 2025-10-01

Yang X, He Y, Guo T, et al (2025)

The efficacy analysis of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery in stage III locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC cancer, 25(1):1443.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the potential for surgical cure after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the era of immunotherapy. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of published data to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for stage III NSCLC.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from January, 2000 to September, 2024 to identify studies concentrated on neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery for treating stage III NSCLC. The effectiveness and safety data were collected for meta-analysis. Study endpoints included resection rate, major pathological response (MPR), pathological complete response (pCR), objective response rate (ORR), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), severe adverse events (SAEs). Data analysis was conducted using R 4.1.3 software, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 1043 patients from 22 studies were included in this meta-analysis, of whom 892 cases underwent surgery. The pooled MPR rate, pCR rate, and ORR rate were 65%, 38%, and 73%, respectively. The pooled incidence of TRAEs was 84% and the pooled incidence of SAEs was 13%. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that nivolumab- and pembrolizumab-based neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy showed a higher MPR rate (nivolumab 69%, pembrolizumab 68%) and pCR rate (nivolumab 51%, pembrolizumab 38%) than other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy demonstrates clinical benefits for patients with stage III NSCLC.

RevDate: 2025-09-08
CmpDate: 2025-09-08

Ruqa WA, Romeo M, Cipolloni G, et al (2025)

Nasal Cytology and Clinical Rhinology Support a Translational Integrative Neuroscience Perspective.

Journal of integrative neuroscience, 24(8):33392.

Nasal cytology is evolving into a promising tool for diagnosing neurological and psychiatric disorders, especially those such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, recent research has indicated that biomarkers differ greatly between samples taken before and after death. Nasal cytology might help to identify the early stages of cognitive decline. The association of olfactory disturbances with a host of these neurological disorders is remarkable. This means that the nose, something we probably take for granted, could well be the best means of establishing important biomarkers for earlier diagnoses in these conditions. The nose is a source of epithelial and neuroepithelial cells that can be used in in vitro cultured models and nasal cytology provides new avenues for translational, integrative neuroscientific research. The future incorporation of artificial intelligence into cytological analyses would facilitate the acceptance of nasal cytology as a screening platform for neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, facilitating early diagnosis and better management for patients.

RevDate: 2025-09-05
CmpDate: 2025-08-28

Umar K, Sutradhar T, Prakash P, et al (2025)

Dengue virus: structure, genome, evolution and challenges to control and prevent transmission.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, 118(9):139.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a major global health threat, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It manifests in mild to severe forms, including dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, causing significant morbidity and mortality. With four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), the virus exhibits rapid genetic evolution, complicating vaccine development and disease control. This review explores the structural and genomic characteristics of DENV, emphasizing its evolutionary pressures, immune evasion mechanisms, and emerging strains. The virus's adaptation to environmental and host factors has led to increased outbreaks, notably in tropical regions. Global warming and urbanization have exacerbated the spread, challenging current vector control strategies. Laboratory diagnosis remains complex, relying on molecular and serological techniques with varying sensitivity. The lack of effective antiviral drugs and universally protective vaccines highlights critical gaps in disease management. Ongoing genomic surveillance and integrated control strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of new DENV variants. This review highlights the importance of investigating the effect of emerging dengue strains on society, as well as how environmental factors exacerbate their severity.

RevDate: 2025-10-21
CmpDate: 2025-08-08

Hemamalani AU, Thangam T, Prakashini RS, et al (2025)

Viral ecology in chiroptera: human-wildlife interactions and pandemic risk.

Veterinary research communications, 49(5):275.

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.

RevDate: 2025-07-18
CmpDate: 2025-07-18

Mohanty B, Mohan M, Nanjappa DP, et al (2025)

Biomedical Models: Use of Zebrafish as a Multi-Utility In Vivo Tool Box.

WIREs mechanisms of disease, 17(4):e70002.

Molecular research has gradually revealed the biological significance of genetically encoded information and how this information is transmitted and utilized in a cell. The scientific advances of the last few decades have brought about paradigm shifts in the strategies traditionally used to decipher biological information. From unidirectional approaches, we now have multidirectional model-system-based integrated OMICs that aim to describe the pathophysiology of diseases through a combination of genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. Compared to other vertebrate models, zebrafish have a wealth of advantages that make them a powerful tool with a wide range of applications in biomedical research. The high degree of genetic conservation with humans, coupled with the availability of various gene manipulation techniques, has made zebrafish an immensely popular multi-utility genetic toolbox. This review describes the advances in the field of zebrafish-based biomedical research with a focus on its applications in disease modeling, functional omics, toxicology, and pharmacology. This article is categorized under: Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Congenital Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Mojgani N, Dadar M, Shahali Y, et al (2025)

Antioxidant Nutraceuticals: Their Adjunct Role in the Management of COVID-19 Infections and Post-COVID Syndrome.

Infectious disorders drug targets, 25(6):e18715265320091.

The COVID-19 epidemic in recent years has been produced by various coronavirus strains that nearly destroyed world health policies and economics. Emerging viral strains exacerbated the pandemic. Huge investments have been made in preventative vaccines to combat the disease, but the genetic instability of these viruses has hampered their usefulness. However, in addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, nutraceuticals have been considered efficacious in preventing and or treating COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome. In this context, nutraceuticals such as vitamins or dietary supplements including multiple vitamins and minerals and propolis have been widely studied for their significant impact on viral respiratory diseases like SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. Some of these nutraceuticals having antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties have been highly recommended for use as an adjunct option to moderate the adverse effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we intend to present the recent understanding and converse scientific implications for the use of nutraceutical antioxidants such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and polyphenols like bee propolis, in the management of viral respiratory diseases and post-COVID-19 syndrome. Future challenges and limitations regarding the use and bioavailability of these ingredients, and dose-response studies are further emphasized.

RevDate: 2025-11-28
CmpDate: 2025-11-28

Danao KR, Rokde VV, UN Mahajan (2025)

The Severity of COVID-19 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient.

Infectious disorders drug targets, 25(6):e18715265326851.

As of early October 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, resulted in approximately 35 million cases and one million fatalities worldwide. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease marked by the generation of pathogenic autoantibodies and a lack of tolerance to nuclear self-antigens. Hypocomplementemia, or an abnormal blood complement deficit, is a reliable predictor of infection in SLE patients. Moreover, it has been found that immunoglobulin (Ig), particularly IgG and IgM, is lowered in SLE patients, which may be a factor in their heightened susceptibility to infection. Bloodstream autoantibodies, lymphopenia, aberrant T-cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and impaired regulatory systems all lead to an immune response that is aberrant in lupus patients. SLE patients exhibit impaired CD8 T-cell responses, including abnormal phagocytosis and chemotaxis. Recent study has shown that COVID-19 infections significantly boost type I interferon responses. Patients with SLE and Covid-19 infection typically get immune-suppressing drugs viz corticosteroids, Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK), and tocilizumab, which improve their immune systems and diminution susceptible to COVID-19 infections.

RevDate: 2025-07-20
CmpDate: 2024-12-24

Nuytemans K, Franzen S, Broce IJ, et al (2024)

Gaps in biomedical research in frontotemporal dementia: A call for diversity and disparities focused research.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 20(12):9014-9036.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the leading causes of young-onset dementia before age 65, typically manifesting as abnormal behavior (in behavioral variant FTD) or language impairment (in primary progressive aphasia). Although FTD affects all populations across the globe, knowledge regarding the pathophysiology and genetics derives primarily from studies conducted in North America and Western Europe. Globally, biomedical research for FTD is hindered by variable access to diagnosis, discussed in this group's earlier article, and by reduced access to expertise, funding, and infrastructure. This perspective paper was produced by two professional interest areas of the Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART) and discusses the field's current status on the cross-cultural aspects of basic and translational research in FTD (including that focused on epidemiology, genetics, biomarkers, and treatment). It subsequently provides a summary of gaps and needs to address the disparities and advance global FTD biomedical research.

RevDate: 2025-07-19
CmpDate: 2025-01-31

Volkmer A, Alves EV, Bar-Zeev H, et al (2025)

An international core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia (COS-PPA): Consensus-based recommendations for communication interventions across research and clinical settings.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 21(1):e14362.

INTRODUCTION: Interventions to treat speech-language difficulties in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often use word accuracy as a highly comparable outcome. However, there are more constructs of importance to people with PPA that have received less attention.

METHODS: Following Core Outcome Set Standards for Development Recommendations (COSSTAD), this study comprised: Stage 1 - systematic review to identify measures; Stage 2 - consensus groups to identify important outcome constructs for people with PPA (n = 82) and care partners (n = 91); Stage 3 - e-Delphi consensus with 57 researchers.

RESULTS: The systematic review identified 84 Outcome Measurement Instruments. Core outcome constructs identified included: (1) Participate in conversations with family and friends, (2) get words out, (3) be more fluent, (4) convey a message by any means, and (5) understand what others are saying. Researchers were unable to reach a consensus on measurement instruments.

DISCUSSION: Further work is required to develop appropriate measurement instruments that address all core outcome constructs important to key stakeholders.

HIGHLIGHTS: We introduce new symptom-led perspectives on primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The focus is on non-fluent/agrammatic (nfvPPA) and semantic (svPPA) variants. Foregrounding of early and non-verbal features of PPA and clinical trajectories is featured. We introduce a symptom-led staging scheme for PPA. We propose a prototype for a functional impairment scale, the PPA Progression Planning Aid.

RevDate: 2024-09-30

Stopa V, Lileikyte G, Bakochi A, et al (2024)

Multiomic biomarkers after cardiac arrest.

Intensive care medicine experimental, 12(1):83.

Cardiac arrest is a sudden cessation of heart function, leading to an abrupt loss of blood flow and oxygen to vital organs. This life-threatening emergency requires immediate medical intervention and can lead to severe neurological injury or death. Methods and biomarkers to predict neurological outcome are available but lack accuracy. Such methods would allow personalizing healthcare and help clinical decisions. Extensive research has been conducted to identify prognostic omic biomarkers of cardiac arrest. With the emergence of technologies allowing to combine different levels of omics data, and with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, there is a potential to use multiomic signatures as prognostic biomarkers after cardiac arrest. This review article delves into the current knowledge of cardiac arrest biomarkers across various omic fields and suggests directions for future research aiming to integrate multiple omics data layers to improve outcome prediction and cardiac arrest patient's care.

RevDate: 2024-06-29
CmpDate: 2024-06-27

Suárez-González A, Savage SA, Alladi S, et al (2024)

Rehabilitation Services for Young-Onset Dementia: Examples from High- and Low-Middle-Income Countries.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 21(6):.

The WHO Dementia Global Action Plan states that rehabilitation services for dementia are required to promote health, reduce disability, and maintain quality of life for those living with dementia. Current services, however, are scarce, particularly for people with young-onset dementia (YOD). This article, written by an international group of multidisciplinary dementia specialists, offers a three-part overview to promote the development of rehabilitation services for YOD. Firstly, we provide a synthesis of knowledge on current evidence-based rehabilitative therapies for early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Secondly, we discuss the characteristics of rehabilitation services for YOD, providing examples across three continents for how these services can be embedded in existing settings and the different roles of the rehabilitation multidisciplinary team. Lastly, we conclude by highlighting the potential of telehealth in making rehabilitation services more accessible for people with YOD. Overall, with this paper, we aim to encourage clinical leads to begin introducing at least some rehabilitation into their services, leveraging existing resources and finding support in the collective expertise of the broader multidisciplinary dementia professional community.

RevDate: 2024-12-17
CmpDate: 2024-12-11

Bibi A, Bartekova M, Gandhi S, et al (2025)

Circular RNA regulatory role in pathological cardiac remodelling.

British journal of pharmacology, 182(2):316-339.

Cardiac remodelling involves structural, cellular and molecular alterations in the heart after injury, resulting in progressive loss of heart function and ultimately leading to heart failure. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently rediscovered class of non-coding RNAs that play regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. Thus, a more comprehensive understanding of the role of circRNAs in the processes governing cardiac remodelling may set the ground for the development of circRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, the current knowledge about circRNA origin, conservation, characteristics and function is summarized. Bioinformatics and wet-lab methods used in circRNA research are discussed. The regulatory function of circRNAs in cardiac remodelling mechanisms such as cell death, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, inflammation, fibrosis and metabolism is highlighted. Finally, key challenges and opportunities in circRNA research are discussed, and orientations for future work to address the pharmacological potential of circRNAs in heart failure are proposed. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non-coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc.

RevDate: 2025-05-30
CmpDate: 2024-12-11

Sopić M, Vladimirov S, Munjas J, et al (2025)

Targeting noncoding RNAs to treat atherosclerosis.

British journal of pharmacology, 182(2):220-245.

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are pivotal for various pathological processes, impacting disease progression. The potential for leveraging ncRNAs to prevent or treat atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular diseases is of great significance, especially given the increasing prevalence of atherosclerosis in an ageing and sedentary population. Together, these diseases impose a substantial socio-economic burden, demanding innovative therapeutic solutions. This review explores the potential of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis treatment. We commence by examining approaches for identifying and characterizing atherosclerosis-associated ncRNAs. We then delve into the functional aspects of ncRNAs in atherosclerosis development and progression. Additionally, we review current RNA and RNA-targeting molecules in development or under approval for clinical use, offering insights into their pharmacological potential. The importance of improved ncRNA delivery strategies is highlighted. Finally, we suggest avenues for advanced research to accelerate the use of ncRNAs in treating atherosclerosis and mitigating its societal impact. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Non-coding RNA Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v182.2/issuetoc.

RevDate: 2024-10-15
CmpDate: 2024-02-22

Montagud-Martínez R, Márquez-Costa R, Heras-Hernández M, et al (2024)

On the ever-growing functional versatility of the CRISPR-Cas13 system.

Microbial biotechnology, 17(2):e14418.

CRISPR-Cas systems evolved in prokaryotes to implement a powerful antiviral immune response as a result of sequence-specific targeting by ribonucleoproteins. One of such systems consists of an RNA-guided RNA endonuclease, known as CRISPR-Cas13. In very recent years, this system is being repurposed in different ways in order to decipher and engineer gene expression programmes. Here, we discuss the functional versatility of the CRISPR-Cas13 system, which includes the ability for RNA silencing, RNA editing, RNA tracking, nucleic acid detection and translation regulation. This functional palette makes the CRISPR-Cas13 system a relevant tool in the broad field of systems and synthetic biology.

RevDate: 2025-02-21
CmpDate: 2024-02-15

Dey S, A Mondal (2024)

Unveiling the role of host kinases at different steps of influenza A virus life cycle.

Journal of virology, 98(1):e0119223.

Influenza viruses remain a major public health concern causing contagious respiratory illnesses that result in around 290,000-650,000 global deaths every year. Their ability to constantly evolve through antigenic shifts and drifts leads to the emergence of newer strains and resistance to existing drugs and vaccines. To combat this, there is a critical need for novel antiviral drugs through the introduction of host-targeted therapeutics. Influenza viruses encode only 14 gene products that get extensively modified through phosphorylation by a diverse array of host kinases. Reversible phosphorylation at serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues dynamically regulates the structure, function, and subcellular localization of viral proteins at different stages of their life cycle. In addition, kinases influence a plethora of signaling pathways that also regulate virus propagation by modulating the host cell environment thus establishing a critical virus-host relationship that is indispensable for executing successful infection. This dependence on host kinases opens up exciting possibilities for developing kinase inhibitors as next-generation anti-influenza therapy. To fully capitalize on this potential, extensive mapping of the influenza virus-host kinase interaction network is essential. The key focus of this review is to outline the molecular mechanisms by which host kinases regulate different steps of the influenza A virus life cycle, starting from attachment-entry to assembly-budding. By assessing the contributions of different host kinases and their specific phosphorylation events during the virus life cycle, we aim to develop a holistic overview of the virus-host kinase interaction network that may shed light on potential targets for novel antiviral interventions.

RevDate: 2025-05-30
CmpDate: 2022-04-19

Ahmed N, Baker MR, J Bashford (2022)

The landscape of neurophysiological outcome measures in ALS interventional trials: A systematic review.

Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 137:132-141.

OBJECTIVE: We collated all interventional clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which utilised at least one neurophysiological technique as a primary or secondary outcome measure. By identifying the strengths and limitations of these studies, we aim to guide study design in future trials.

METHODS: We conducted and reported this systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eight databases were searched from inception. In total, 703 studies were retrieved for screening and eligibility assessment.

RESULTS: Dating back to 1986, 32 eligible interventional clinical trials were identified, recruiting a median of 30 patients per completed trial. The most widely employed neurophysiological techniques were electromyography, motor unit number estimation (including motor unit number index), neurophysiological index and transcranial magnetic stimulation (including resting motor threshold and short-interval intracortical inhibition). Almost 40% of trials reported a positive outcome with respect to at least one neurophysiological measure. The interventions targeted either ion channels, immune mechanisms or neuronal metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS: Neurophysiology offers many promising biomarkers that can be utilised as outcome measures in interventional clinical trials in ALS. When selecting the most appropriate technique, key considerations include methodological standardisation, target engagement and logistical burden.

SIGNIFICANCE: Future trial design in ALS would benefit from a standardised, updated and easily accessible repository of neurophysiological outcome measures.

RevDate: 2025-05-30
CmpDate: 2021-12-30

Kamdar A, Sykes R, Morrow A, et al (2021)

Cardiovascular outcomes of glucose lowering therapy in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Reviews in cardiovascular medicine, 22(4):1479-1490.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Patients with CKD carry a high burden of cardiovascular disease and may be excluded from clinical trials on the basis of safety. There are an increasing number of clinical trials which predefine sub-group analysis for CKD. This systematic review with fixed-effect meta-analysis investigates glucose lowering therapy and cardiovascular outcomes in relation to CKD. We included randomized controlled trials (RCT) of glucose lowering treatments performed in adults (aged ≥18 years), humans, with no restriction on date, and English-language restriction in patients with pre-existing CKD regardless of diabetes status. Embase & Ovid Medline databases were searched up to April 2021. Risk of bias was assessed according to Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We included 7 trials involving a total of 48,801 participants. There were 4 sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), 2 glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists and 1 Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitor identified. SGLT2i (relative risk (RR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.79-1.02]) and GLP-1R agonists (RR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.72-0.96]) were associated with a reduction in cardiovascular death. SGLT2i (RR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.63-0.75]) are also associated with a reduction in hospitalization for heart failure. In summary, this meta-analysis of large, RCTs of glucose lowering therapies has demonstrated that treatment with SGLT2i or GLP-1R agonists may improve 3 point-MACE and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic renal failure compared with placebo. This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO network (registration number: CRD42021268563) and follows the PRISMA guidelines on systematic reviews and metanalysis.

RevDate: 2025-05-30
CmpDate: 2021-08-09

Pringle J, Mellado ASAV, Haraldsdottir E, et al (2021)

Pain assessment and management in care homes: understanding the context through a scoping review.

BMC geriatrics, 21(1):431.

BACKGROUND: Internationally, 2-5% of people live in residential or nursing homes, many with multi-morbidities, including severe cognitive impairment. Pain is frequently considered an expected part of old age and morbidity, and may often be either under-reported by care home residents, or go unrecognized by care staff. We conducted a systematic scoping review to explore the complexity of pain recognition, assessment and treatment for residents living in care homes, and to understand the contexts that might influence its management.

METHODS: Scoping review using the methodological framework of Levac and colleagues. Articles were included if they examined pain assessment and/or management, for care or nursing home residents. We searched Medline, CINAHL, ASSIA, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar; reference lists were also screened, and website searches carried out of key organisations. Conversations with 16 local care home managers were included to gain an understanding of their perspective.

RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 109 studies. Three overarching themes were identified: Staff factors and beliefs - in relation to pain assessment and management (e.g. experience, qualifications) and beliefs and perceptions relating to pain. Pain assessment - including use of pain assessment tools and assessment/management for residents with cognitive impairment. Interventions - including efficacy/effects (pharmaceutical/non pharmaceutical), and pain training interventions and their outcomes. Overall findings from the review indicated a lack of training and staff confidence in relation to pain assessment and management. This was particularly the case for residents with dementia.

CONCLUSIONS: Further training and detailed guidelines for the appropriate assessment and treatment of pain are required by care home staff. Professionals external to the care home environment need to be aware of the issues facing care homes staff and residents in order to target their input in the most appropriate way.

RevDate: 2023-11-07
CmpDate: 2021-08-27

Machado MG, Sencio V, F Trottein (2021)

Short-Chain Fatty Acids as a Potential Treatment for Infections: a Closer Look at the Lungs.

Infection and immunity, 89(9):e0018821.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by the gut microbiota via the fermentation of complex carbohydrates and fibers. Evidence suggests that SCFAs play a role in the control of infections through direct action both on microorganisms and on host signaling. This review summarizes the main microbicidal effects of SCFAs and discusses studies highlighting the effect of SCFAs in the virulence and viability of microorganisms. We also describe the diverse and complex modes of action of the SCFAs on the immune system in the face of infections with a specific focus on bacterial and viral respiratory infections. A growing body of evidence suggests that SCFAs protect against lung infections. Finally, we present potential strategies that may be leveraged to exploit the biological properties of SCFAs for increasing effectiveness and optimizing patient benefits.

RevDate: 2021-07-08
CmpDate: 2021-07-08

Hornung F, Rogal J, Loskill P, et al (2021)

The Inflammatory Profile of Obesity and the Role on Pulmonary Bacterial and Viral Infections.

International journal of molecular sciences, 22(7):.

Obesity is a globally increasing health problem, entailing diverse comorbidities such as infectious diseases. An obese weight status has marked effects on lung function that can be attributed to mechanical dysfunctions. Moreover, the alterations of adipocyte-derived signal mediators strongly influence the regulation of inflammation, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. Our review summarizes the known effects regarding pulmonary bacterial and viral infections. For this, we discuss model systems that allow mechanistic investigation of the interplay between obesity and lung infections. Overall, obesity gives rise to a higher susceptibility to infectious pathogens, but the pathogenetic process is not clearly defined. Whereas, viral infections often show a more severe course in obese patients, the same patients seem to have a survival benefit during bacterial infections. In particular, we summarize the main mechanical impairments in the pulmonary tract caused by obesity. Moreover, we outline the main secretory changes within the expanded adipose tissue mass, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. Finally, we connect these altered host factors to the influence of obesity on the development of lung infection by summarizing observations from clinical and experimental data.

RevDate: 2022-09-02

Polyak SJ, Crispe IN, TF Baumert (2021)

Liver Abnormalities after Elimination of HCV Infection: Persistent Epigenetic and Immunological Perturbations Post-Cure.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 10(1):.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. While directly acting antiviral (DAA) drugs are now able to cure virtually all hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, even in subjects with advanced liver disease, what happens to the liver and progression of the disease after DAA-induced cure of viremia is only beginning to emerge. Several large-scale clinical studies in different patient populations have shown that patients with advanced liver disease maintain a risk for developing HCC even when the original instigator, the virus, is eliminated by DAAs. Here we review emerging studies derived from multiple, complementary experimental systems involving patient liver tissues, human liver cell cultures, human liver slice cultures, and animal models, showing that HCV infection induces epigenetic, signaling, and gene expression changes in the liver associated with altered hepatic innate immunity and liver cancer risk. Of critical importance is the fact that these virus-induced abnormalities persist after DAA cure of HCV. These nascent findings portend the discovery of pathways involved in post-HCV immunopathogenesis, which may be clinically actionable targets for more comprehensive care of DAA-cured individuals.

RevDate: 2023-11-11
CmpDate: 2020-09-15

Besson S, Vragniau C, Vassal-Stermann E, et al (2020)

The Adenovirus Dodecahedron: Beyond the Platonic Story.

Viruses, 12(7):.

Many geometric forms are found in nature, some of them adhering to mathematical laws or amazing aesthetic rules. One of the best-known examples in microbiology is the icosahedral shape of certain viruses with 20 triangular facets and 12 edges. What is less known, however, is that a complementary object displaying 12 faces and 20 edges called a 'dodecahedron' can be produced in huge amounts during certain adenovirus replication cycles. The decahedron was first described more than 50 years ago in the human adenovirus (HAdV3) viral cycle. Later on, the expression of this recombinant scaffold, combined with improvements in cryo-electron microscopy, made it possible to decipher the structural determinants underlying their architecture. Recently, this particle, which mimics viral entry, was used to fish the long elusive adenovirus receptor, desmoglein-2, which serves as a cellular docking for some adenovirus serotypes. This breakthrough enabled the understanding of the physiological role played by the dodecahedral particles, showing that icosahedral and dodecahedral particles live more than a simple platonic story. All these points are developed in this review, and the potential use of the dodecahedron in therapeutic development is discussed.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Vitiello F, Lan R, Orsini G, et al (2025)

The Role of Saliva and Mouthwashes in the Detection and Reduction of Oral Viral Load: A Scoping Review.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111509.

Background: The oral cavity is an entry site and a reservoir for viruses. Viral particles accumulate in saliva, which serves as a diagnostic fluid and vehicle for transmission (droplets and aerosols). Antiseptic mouthwashes were proposed as adjunctive measures to temporarily reduce oral viral load. Objectives: This scoping review aims to investigate the role of the oral cavity in viral infections, focusing on saliva and the use of antiseptic mouthwashes to reduce salivary viral load. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for human studies (2015-2025) investigating oral viral infections, saliva, or mouthwashes. Eligible studies were classified and analyzed for population, intervention, and outcomes. Results: Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria (sixteen randomized controlled trials and seven systematic reviews). All included studies focused exclusively on SARS-CoV-2, as no clinical evidence on other oral viruses met the eligibility criteria. Saliva was consistently identified as a reliable, non-invasive specimen reflecting disease dynamics and transmission potential. Mouthwashes containing povidone-iodine, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide or β-cyclodextrin-citrox produced measurable but short-lived reductions in salivary viral load. Heterogeneity and lack of standardized outcomes limited comparability. Conclusions: Antiseptic mouthwashes can provide a transient and complementary reduction in salivary viral load, particularly before aerosol-generating procedures; however, they should be regarded only as adjunctive measures and not as substitutes for standard infection-control protocols.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Tana C, Soloperto M, Giuliano G, et al (2025)

Artificial Intelligence for Predicting Lung Immune Responses to Viral Infections: From Mechanistic Insights to Clinical Applications.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111482.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly transforming biomedical research and patient care by integrating complex biological, radiological, and healthcare information. In the field of viral respiratory infections, AI-driven approaches have shown great promise in elucidating the complexity of lung immune responses and the dynamic interplay between host and pathogen. Applications include predicting cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), integrating imaging findings with immunological and laboratory data, and identifying molecular and cellular signatures through single-cell and multi-omics analyses. Similar methodologies have been applied to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), providing insights into the mechanisms distinguishing protective from maladaptive pulmonary immunity. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on how AI can evolve into a form of translational intelligence, capable of bridging mechanistic immunology with clinical application. The review explores AI-based models for disease severity prediction, patient stratification, and therapeutic response assessment, as well as emerging approaches in drug repurposing and vaccine response prediction. By integrating biological complexity with clinical context, AI offers new opportunities to uncover immune signatures predictive of antiviral or immunomodulatory efficacy and to guide personalized management strategies.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Cao G, Xu C, Wang L, et al (2025)

Global Surveillance and Biological Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 Variant: An Emerging VUM Lineage Under Scrutiny.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111457.

The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants poses persistent challenges to global public health. As a sublineage of the XDV.1 variant, NB.1.8.1 has rapidly emerged as a dominant strain worldwide, triggering a new wave of infections. Representing a product of viral adaptation, this variant has acquired several critical amino acid mutations-including A435S and T478I-which enhance its transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities compared to the ancestral XDV.1 lineage. This review systematically summarizes the genomic characteristics, epidemiological features, and immune escape potential of NB.1.8.1. It emphasizes that sustained genomic surveillance and serological assessments are crucial for informing public health response strategies, guiding vaccine development, and optimizing containment measures.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Miftahof J, Bernauer B, CS Tan (2025)

Neurological Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111432.

Neurocognitive symptoms have emerged as notable sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Although primarily a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2 has been associated with central nervous system (CNS) changes observed in both clinical and experimental settings. To better understand these effects and their pathological mechanisms, we conducted a systematic literature search of published studies and employed a qualitative, analytical approach to identify and synthesize key findings from peer-reviewed studies, including large-scale retrospective clinical cohorts, human autopsy reports, animal models (murine, non-human primate), and in vitro brain organoid systems. While viral components were detected in post mortem central nervous system tissues, COVID-19 neuropathology appears to stem primarily from immune-mediated inflammation and vascular injury rather than direct CNS infection. Persistent glial activation and BBB disruption may underlie the long-term neurological symptoms reported in long COVID-19. Although animal models offer mechanistic insight, species-specific differences necessitate cautious extrapolation to human pathology. Further investigation into the chronic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the brain is essential to guide long-term clinical management and therapeutic development.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Chiang KC, Chiu CEN, Altaf M, et al (2025)

Mechanisms of Cell-Cell Fusion in SARS-CoV-2: An Evolving Strategy for Transmission and Immune Evasion.

Viruses, 17(11): pii:v17111405.

Early studies on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 revealed mutations that favored host transmission of the virus and more efficient viral entry. However, cell-free virus spread is vulnerable to host-neutralizing antibodies. As population immunity developed, mutations that confer escape from neutralization were selected. Notably, cell syncytia formation wherein an infected cell fuses with a noninfected cell is a more efficient route of transmission that bypasses humoral immunity. Cell syncytia formation has been implicated in the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 infection whilst compromising host transmission due to impaired whole virion release. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of virus-mediated cell-cell fusion will aid in identifying and targeting more pathogenic strains of SARS-CoV-2. Whilst the general kinetics of cell-cell fusion have been known for decades, the specific mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 induces fusion are beginning to be elucidated. This is partially due to emergence of more reliable, high throughput methods of quantifying and comparing fusion efficiency in experimental models. Moreover, the ongoing inflammatory response and emerging health burden of long COVID may point to cell-cell fusion in the pathogenesis. In this review, we synthesize current understanding of SARS-CoV-2-mediated cell-cell fusion and its consequences on immune escape, viral persistence, and the innate immune response.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Chen L, QH Meng (2025)

Advancing Laboratory Diagnostics for Future Pandemics: Challenges and Innovations.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(11): pii:pathogens14111135.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, major epidemics and pandemics such as SARS, H1N1pdm09, Ebola, and COVID-19 have repeatedly challenged global systems of disease diagnostics and control. These crises exposed the weaknesses of traditional diagnostic models, including long turnaround times, uneven resource distribution, and supply chain bottlenecks. As a result, there is an urgent need for more advanced diagnostic technologies and integrated diagnostics strategies. Our review summarizes key lessons learned from four recent major outbreaks and highlights advances in diagnostic technologies. Among these, molecular techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) have demonstrated significant advantages and are increasingly becoming core components of the detection framework. Antigen testing plays a critical role in rapid screening, particularly in settings such as schools, workplaces, and communities. Serological assays provide unique value for retrospective outbreak analysis and assessing population immunity. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a powerful tool for identifying novel pathogens and monitoring viral mutations. Furthermore, point-of-care testing (POCT), enhanced by miniaturization, biosensing, and artificial intelligence (AI), has extended diagnostic capacity to the front lines of epidemic control. In summary, the future of epidemic and pandemic response will not depend on a single technology, but rather on a multi-layered and complementary system. By combining laboratory diagnostics, distributed screening, and real-time monitoring, this system will form a global diagnostic network capable of rapid response, ensuring preparedness for the next global health crisis.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Calvo H, Islas-Díaz D, E Hernández-Laureano (2025)

Pattern Recognition Algorithms in Pharmacogenomics and Drug Repurposing-Case Study: Ribavirin and Lopinavir.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(11): pii:ph18111649.

Pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms have become integral to modern drug discovery, offering powerful tools to uncover complex patterns in biomedical data. This article provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art pattern recognition techniques-including traditional machine learning (e.g., support vector machines), deep learning approaches, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and biomarker discovery methods-as applied in pharmacogenomics and computational drug repurposing. We discuss how these methods facilitate the identification of genetic factors that influence drug response, as well as the in silico screening of existing drugs for new therapeutic uses. Two antiviral agents, ribavirin and lopinavir, are examined as extended case studies in the context of COVID-19, illustrating practical applications of pattern recognition algorithms in analyzing pharmacogenomic data and guiding drug repurposing efforts during a pandemic. We highlight successful approaches such as the machine learning-driven prediction of responders and the AI-assisted identification of repurposed drugs (exemplified by the case of baricitinib for COVID-19), alongside current limitations, including data scarcity, model interpretability, and translational gaps. Finally, we outline future directions for integrating multi-omics data, improving algorithmic interpretability, and enhancing the synergy between computational predictions and experimental validation. The insights presented highlight the promising role of pattern recognition algorithms in advancing precision medicine and accelerating drug discovery, while recognizing the challenges that must be addressed to fully realize their potential.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Kayembe-Mulumba B, N'gattia AK, MRD Belizaire (2025)

One Health, Many Gaps: Rethinking Epidemic Intelligence in Resource-Limited Settings to Prepare for the Global Threat of Disease X.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112615.

The emergence of high-threat pathogens-such as Ebola, Lassa fever, and most recently SARS-CoV-2-has highlighted critical weaknesses in global surveillance systems, particularly in resource-limited settings where many zoonotic spillovers originate. Despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) prioritization of these diseases for research and development (R&D), the current surveillance infrastructures in these regions remain under-resourced, fragmented, and often reactive rather than anticipatory. This narrative review explored the literature and structured relevant findings in three key dimensions: (i) the structural and operational limitations of existing surveillance systems for the WHO priority diseases in resource-limited settings including challenges in data integration, laboratory capacity, workforce, and community engagement; (ii) how these surveillance gaps could delay detection and hinder the response to future emerging threats, particularly a hypothetical but inevitable Disease X; and (iii) innovative and context-adapted strategies to strengthen epidemic intelligence including integrated One Health surveillance, digital and genomic tools, participatory approaches, and regional data-sharing mechanisms. We argue that building agile, equity-centered, and decentralized surveillance systems is not only essential for managing known threats, but also foundational to the early detection and rapid containment of the next public health emergency in resource-limited settings. This review uniquely frames surveillance limitations in resource-limited settings as a global security concern and outlines context-adapted, equity-centered innovations to strengthen epidemic intelligence in preparation for Disease X.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Mateescu DM, Ilie AC, Cotet I, et al (2025)

Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diversity Indices, Taxa Alterations, and Mortality Risk.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112570.

COVID-19 is associated with gut microbiome alterations that may influence disease outcomes through immune and inflammatory pathways. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated global evidence on gut dysbiosis in COVID-19. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to 5 October 2025 (PROSPERO CRD420251160970). Alpha-diversity indices and microbial taxa log-fold changes (logFC) were analyzed using random-effects models. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for the Shannon index was -0.69 (95% CI -0.84 to -0.54; I[2] = 42%), confirming reduced microbial diversity. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii showed a significant pooled depletion (logFC = -1.24; 95% CI -1.68 to -0.80; k = 10; I[2] = 74%), while Enterococcus spp. was increased (logFC = 1.45; 95% CI 1.12-1.78). Egger's test did not suggest publication bias (p = 0.32). Gut dysbiosis was consistently associated with reduced microbial diversity and enrichment of pathogenic taxa, correlating with increased disease severity and mortality (HR = 1.67). These findings highlight the potential of microbiome profiling as a prognostic tool in COVID-19, although clinical translation requires further validation.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Arruda ISA, Cavalcante CDS, Rubens RS, et al (2025)

Changes in the Gut Microbiota of Patients After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Do We Know?.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112529.

COVID-19 can cause long-term symptoms, such as a post-infection syndrome, known as Long-COVID. Among the symptoms present during this period, the most reported are gastrointestinal symptoms. This study discusses the effects of changes in the gut microbiota of post-COVID-19 patients. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with significant alterations in gut microbial composition, disturbing its homeostasis and promoting a reduction in the abundance of beneficial symbiotic bacteria and an increase in the abundance of opportunistic pathogens. Furthermore, the composition of the gut microbiota may play a role in the prognosis of patients with post-COVID-19 infection. The microbiota of the intestinal tract and the respiratory tract influence each other; therefore, the gut-lung axis has attracted increasing interest in understanding COVID-19. Moreover, the brain-gut axis has been studied, since there have been reports of anxiety and depression along with post-COVID-19 gastrointestinal symptoms. Treatments options for intestinal dysbiosis in Long-COVID patients include probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These treatments may serve as an approach to improve gastrointestinal symptoms during Long-COVID, increasing microbiome diversity, strengthening the integrity of intestinal barrier functions, and consequently influencing the treatment of COVID-19.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Yazici O, Vanetti C, Clerici M, et al (2025)

Experimental Models to Investigate Viral and Cellular Dynamics in Respiratory Viral Co-Infections.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112444.

Respiratory viral co-infections by viruses such as influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are a significant clinical issue in high-risk populations such as children, elderly patients, and immunocompromised individuals. Sequential and simultaneous co-infections exacerbate disease severity, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), prolonged hospitalization, and increased mortality. Molecular and immunological interactions are complex, context-dependent, and largely unknown. Experimental models of infection that accurately mimic human respiratory physiology are required for the study of viral dynamics, virus-virus interactions, and virus-host interactions. This review outlines a range of complex in vitro and ex vivo models, including organoids, air-liquid interface cultures, lung-on-a-chip platforms, and in vivo animal models, highlighting their ability to simulate the complexity of respiratory co-infections and their limitations. The field has developed significantly, despite challenges like variability across viral strains, timing of infection, and non-standardization of models. Integration of multi-omics technologies and application of highly translational models such as non-human primates and lung-on-a-chip technology are promising avenues to uncover the molecular determinants of co-infection and guide development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Interrelatedness of experimental models and clinical outcomes is highly critical to improve prevention and treatment of respiratory viral co-infections mainly among high-risk populations.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Ramirez-Plascencia HHF, Colima-Fausto AG, Licona-Lasteros KC, et al (2025)

Presence of Microorganisms in the Environment: One Health Approach.

Microorganisms, 13(11): pii:microorganisms13112435.

The One Health approach offers an integrative framework to understand infectious threats, environmental factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how their interactions affect the human-animal-environment interface. This review examines the epidemiology, transmission pathways, and mechanisms of microorganisms of public health importance (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses). It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, where the environment plays a central role in the dissemination of pathogens, driven by climate change, globalization, agricultural intensification, and habitat degradation. AMR is a major concern, driven by the indiscriminate use of pharmaceuticals in human, veterinary, and agricultural settings, horizontal gene transfer through mobile genetic elements, and microbial evolution. The study of different pathogens is of great importance due to their high prevalence in different ecosystems, their virulence, clinical interest, and mortality rates produced. Some of them are ESKAPE bacteria, Candida auris, Plasmodium falciparum, and emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which present complex transmission dynamics influenced by ecological and health determinants. The review also addresses the effects of climate change on the persistence and geographic spread of pathogens. Successful implementation of the One Health program requires intersectoral policies, integrated surveillance systems, prudent use of antimicrobials and investment in translational science. Coordinating these strategies is essential to limit the spread of pathogens, protect biodiversity, and save global health in the face of the growing threat of infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Styczeń A, Krysa M, Mertowska P, et al (2025)

The Role of Toll-like Receptors and Viral Infections in the Pathogenesis and Progression of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension-A Narrative Review.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(22): pii:ijms262211143.

Aberrant activation of innate immunity promotes the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); however, the role of pattern recognition by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) within the pulmonary vasculature remains unclear. To consolidate knowledge (as of June 2025) about TLRs and their interactions with viruses in PAH and to identify therapeutic implications. A narrative review of experimental and clinical studies investigating ten TLRs in the context of the pulmonary vascular microenvironment and viral infections. Activation of TLR1/2, TLR4, TLR5/6, TLR7/8, and TLR9 converges on the MyD88-NF-κB/IL-6 axis, thereby enhancing endothelial-mesenchymal transition, smooth muscle proliferation, oxidative stress, thrombosis, and maladaptive inflammation, ultimately increasing pulmonary vascular resistance. Conversely, TLR3, through TRIF-IFN-I, preserves endothelial integrity and inhibits vascular remodeling; its downregulation correlates with PAH severity, and poly (I:C) restitution has been shown to improve hemodynamics and right ventricular function. HIV-1, EBV, HCV, endogenous retrovirus K, and SARS-CoV-2 infections modulate TLR circuits, either amplifying pro-remodeling cascades or attenuating protective pathways. The "TLR rheostat" is shaped by polymorphisms, ligand biochemistry, compartmentalization, and biomechanical forces. The balance between MyD88-dependent signaling and the TRIF-IFN-I axis determines the trajectory of PAH. Prospective therapeutic strategies may include TLR3 agonists, MyD88/NF-κB inhibitors, modulation of IL-6, and combination approaches integrating antiviral therapy with targeted immunomodulation in a precision approach.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Kononova SV, Bobkova NV, Poltavtseva RA, et al (2025)

ACE2: Friend or Foe in Post-COVID-19 Neurodegeneration?.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(22): pii:ijms262211104.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key component of the renin-angiotensin system's counter-regulatory pathway. ACE2 is a multifunctional protein whose location and form determine its catalytic and non-catalytic functions, including amino acid transport, the creation of structural complexes, adhesion, and involvement in signaling pathways. In addition, ACE2 influences neurotransmitter systems in the brain. As the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2, ACE2 has been the subject of increasing research interest. Although ACE2 levels in the brain are low, brain damage from SARS-CoV-2 increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to clarify an important issue: does the temporary inactivation of ACE2 by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein play a role in Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration, meaning that the protein may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target?

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Wilkinson L, Arjomandi Rad A, Oliver J, et al (2025)

From Pandemic to Practice: How COVID-19 Has Reshaped Haemostasis in Cardiac Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(22): pii:jcm14228109.

The utilisation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiac surgery is often associated with complex haemostatic perturbations, frequently manifesting as a paradoxical risk of both bleeding and thrombosis. This is postulated to be driven by systemic inflammation, endothelial activation and contact activation of the coagulation cascade due to extracorporeal circulation. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic revealed a unique hypercoagulable state, termed COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), also observed in those vaccinated against COVID-19. CAC displays similar physiological manifestations to those of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), characterised by elevated fibrinogen and D-dimer values. The precise pathogenesis of CAC requires further elucidation though proposed mechanisms include: an exaggerated inflammatory response to COVID-19 infection or antibody proliferation due to vaccination, direct epithelial cell damage mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2, and 'hypoxithrombosis'. CAC has since provided a unique framework to understand and potentially mitigate coagulation complications encountered during CPB in the post-pandemic era, as it is no longer sufficient to view COVID-19 as a transient influence on surgical risk. Rather, it must be recognized as a persistent modifier of the haemostatic environment across the population, with direct implications upon patient selection, intraoperative management and postoperative care in cardiac surgery. This review examines the pathological drivers behind CAC alongside the insights obtained from CAC management during ECMO deployment, to investigate the potential translation of such knowledge into improved anticoagulation strategies and monitoring during cardiac surgery. The use of alternative anticoagulants including factor XI inhibitors and the modulation of heparinase activity offers promising avenues to attenuate coagulopathies more commonly observed during CPB in the post-pandemic climate, whilst anti-Xa assays and viscoelastic testing have offered applicability to modern perfusion practices. By bridging the knowledge gained during the pandemic with that of conventional CPB, this review aims to inform future strategies for haemostasis management in cardiac surgery in a novel cohort of surgical patients.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Adegoke K, Kayode T, Singh M, et al (2025)

Remote Work, Well-Being, and Healthy Labor Force Participation Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(11): pii:ijerph22111719.

Background: Aging populations make expanded workforce participation among older adults an economic and public health priority. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of virtual work, providing new opportunities for healthy aging in the workplace through increased flexibility and less physical strain. However, digital exclusion, ergonomically challenging tasks, and social isolation can limit these opportunities for older populations. Objective: This scoping review aimed to synthesize interdisciplinary research on the relationship between remote work and labor force participation among adults aged 45 years and older, focusing on health-related outcomes, barriers, and facilitators. Methods: Following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across seven databases for peer-reviewed and gray literature published between 2000 and 2025. Of 2108 records screened, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized charting tool and analyzed thematically. Results: Most studies were published after 2020 and originated in North America (45%) and Europe (40%). Core barriers included digital exclusion, ageism, and adverse ergonomic environments. Facilitators involved flexible working hours, a supportive organizational environment, and digital skills. Health-related outcomes such as stress reduction and improved well-being were commonly reported. However, only 18% of studies assessed policy effects, and very few examined intersectionality (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status). Conclusions: Remote and flexible work options can improve the health and participation of older adults in the workforce, but technology, infrastructure, and social barriers remain. Age-inclusive policies, digital equity efforts, and inclusive workplace practices are necessary to maximize the benefits of remote arrangements for aging populations.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Sui SX, L Yu (2025)

Patient and Professional Perspectives on Long COVID: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Synthesis.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(11): pii:ijerph22111620.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 condition ('long COVID') involves fluctuating symptoms across multiple organ systems and disability or functional loss, which may be episodic, continuous, or permanent. Qualitative research is essential to capture lived experiences and explain how social and health system contexts may influence improvement, recovery, and service use. We synthesised perspectives from people living with long COVID and healthcare professionals to inform service design and policy.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 19 August 2025. Eligible studies reported qualitative data from adults with long COVID (≥12 weeks after acute infection) and/or healthcare professionals in any setting. We excluded non-qualitative, non-primary, or non-English reports. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted, and appraised studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data were synthesised thematically. The protocol was registered with the Open Science Framework.

FINDINGS: Of 1544 records screened, 49 studies met the inclusion criteria: 41 involving patients, two involving professionals, and six involving both. Eight patient themes (including symptom burden, identity disruption and stigma) and four professional themes (including recognition, care coordination and holistic care models) were identified. Recognition emerged as a cross-cutting mechanism: validation and consistent pacing guidance facilitated engagement and safer activity, whereas invalidation and inconsistent advice were associated with distress, avoidance, and disengagement. Trajectories showed gradual expansion of multidisciplinary care models, but major capacity and equity gaps persisted. Most studies had low methodological concerns, although heterogeneity in populations and settings was substantial.

INTERPRETATION: Long COVID is a chronic, biological condition that also intersects with social and psychological dimensions, and may present with episodic, continuous, or progressive trajectories. Healthcare services must prioritise early validation, provide consistent pacing and relapse prevention guidance, expand access to multidisciplinary and peer-supported rehabilitation, integrate mental healthcare, strengthen coordinated pathways, and support graded return to work. Explicit attention to equity is required to avoid widening disparities.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Nikolova S, T Aleksandrova (2025)

Geospatial Insights into Healthcare Accessibility in Europe: A Scoping Review of GIS Applications.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(22): pii:healthcare13222865.

Background: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as a critical tool in healthcare research, facilitating the assessment of healthcare accessibility through spatial analysis and data visualisation. This scoping review synthesises literature published between 2020 and 2024, a period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid methodological innovation, providing a timely overview of how GIS has been applied to evaluate healthcare access across European countries. Methods: The review underscores the role of GIS methodologies in identifying geographic disparities, optimising resource distribution, and informing policy decisions. Results: Key findings highlight significant urban-rural differences in healthcare access, shaped by factors such as transportation infrastructure, population density, and healthcare facility distribution. Additionally, GIS has proven valuable in examining the link between healthcare accessibility and utilisation, with better access generally correlating with higher service use. Conclusions: Despite its potential, challenges including data availability, methodological variability, and uneven adoption across regions limit its broader implementation. The review emphasises the need for integrating advanced technologies to foster more equitable healthcare access throughout Europe.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Ivanovska M, Homadi MS, Angelova G, et al (2025)

Differential Characteristics and Comparison Between Long-COVID Syndrome and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Biomedicines, 13(11): pii:biomedicines13112797.

Long-COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are disabling diseases characterised by ongoing fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome typically follows viral infections, whereas Long-COVID exclusively follows SARS-CoV-2 infection, with overlapping but distinct features. This review uses comprehensive searches of online databases to compare their clinical presentations, pathophysiologies, and treatments. Both Long-COVID and ME/CFS appear to involve multifactorial mechanisms, including viral persistence, immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and autoimmunity, though their relative contributions remain uncertain. Symptom management strategies are consistent, however. Cognitive behaviour therapy has been successful, and there are minimal drug treatments. Graded exercise therapy occupies a contested place, recommending individualised pacing and multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Common and exclusive mechanisms must be identified to formulate valuable therapies. A more significant body of research focusing on immune dysfunction as a pathogenic mechanism for advancing the disease and enabling more effective therapies and diagnostics is needed.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Silva-Ríos AA, Mora-Ornelas CE, Flores-Medina LG, et al (2025)

Beyond Processing: Furin as a Central Hub in Viral Pathogenesis and Genetic Susceptibility.

Biomolecules, 15(11): pii:biom15111530.

Furin, a calcium-dependent serine endoprotease of the proprotein convertase family, plays a pivotal role in both physiological homeostasis and viral pathogenesis. By cleaving polybasic motifs within viral glycoproteins, furin enables the maturation of structural proteins essential for viral entry, fusion, and replication. This mechanism has been documented across a broad spectrum of human pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, flaviviruses, herpesviruses, and paramyxoviruses, highlighting furin as a conserved molecular hub in host-virus interactions. Genetic variability within the FURIN gene further modulates infection outcomes. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), such as rs6226 and rs1981458, are associated with altered COVID-19 severity, whereas variants like rs17514846 confer protection against human papilloma virus infection. Conversely, mutations predicted to reduce enzymatic activity have been linked to attenuated SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in certain populations. These findings underscore the importance of considering population genetics when evaluating viral susceptibility and disease progression. Despite advances, unresolved questions remain regarding furin's non-canonical roles in viral life cycles, tissue-specific regulation, and interactions with other host proteases and immune modulators. Targeted inhibition of furin and related convertases represents a promising avenue for broad-spectrum antiviral interventions. Collectively, current evidence positions furin as a central node at the intersection of viral pathogenesis, host genetic variability, and translational therapeutic potential.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Yamamoto Y, K Noguchi (2025)

Structural Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Its Implications for Antibody Resistance.

Biomolecules, 15(11): pii:biom15111489.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly affected global health and the economy. The emergence of variants with spike mutations, particularly within the receptor-binding domain (RBD), has reduced the efficacy of many neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), and recent variants, including KP.3 and other circulating strains, show partial escape from infection- or vaccine-induced immunity. To overcome this, developing broad-spectrum nAbs that target the conserved S2 subunit of the spike protein is crucial. Unlike the highly mutable RBD, the S2 region remains structurally conserved, providing a promising foundation for universal protection. Deeper insight into S2 structure and function, together with advances in bispecific antibody design, could facilitate the development of next-generation therapeutics resilient to viral evolution. This review examines the structural evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 spike, focusing on the therapeutic potential of S2-targeting antibodies and strategies to overcome antibody resistance.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Codru IR, L Vecerzan (2025)

When and for Whom Does Intensive Care Unit Admission Change the Prognosis in Oncology?-A Scoping Review.

Cancers, 17(22): pii:cancers17223636.

Background: The intersection between oncology and intensive care has shifted from predominantly end-of-life care to a therapeutic bridge that can preserve anticancer trajectories in carefully selected patients. Yet, criteria separating benefit from futility remain fragmented. Objective: This paper seeks to map contemporary evidence (2015-2025) on outcomes after Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission in adults with cancer and to identify clinical constellations in which ICU-level care still changes prognosis. Methods: PRISMA-ScR scoping review (PCC framework). PubMed search (2015-2025), dual screening, standardized extraction; narrative/thematic synthesis across six clusters (hematologic, solid tumors, sepsis/non-COVID-19 infection, COVID-19/viral pneumonia, novel/targeted-therapy toxicities, end-of-life/aggressive ICU) were used. No meta-analysis given heterogeneity. Results: Seventy-three studies (>170,000 ICU admissions) were included, mostly cohort designs across 27 countries. ICU mortality ranged 8-72% (weighted mean ≈ 41%); hospital ≈ 38%; 90-day ≈ 46%; 1-year ≈ 62%. About one third of ICU survivors resumed systemic therapy. Benefit concentrated in early admissions, single-organ failure, controlled/remission disease, postoperative/elective monitoring, and reversible treatment-related toxicities (e.g., ICI pneumonitis, CAR-T CRS/ICANS). Futility clustered around ≥3 organ supports, RRT > 7 days, refractory/progressive disease, and ECOG ≥ 3. Sepsis outcomes averaged 45-55% ICU mortality but improved with rapid recognition and source control; COVID-19 mortality was particularly high in hematologic malignancies early in the pandemic, with subsequent declines post-vaccination. Conclusions: In modern oncologic practice, ICU care changes prognosis when the acute physiological insult is reversible and cancer control remains plausible; conversely, high organ-support burden and refractory disease define practical futility thresholds. These signals support time-limited ICU trials, earlier ICU involvement for sepsis/irAEs, and embedded palliative care to align intensity with goals.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Kardjadj M (2025)

Advances in Point-of-Care Infectious Disease Diagnostics: Integration of Technologies, Validation, Artificial Intelligence, and Regulatory Oversight.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 15(22): pii:diagnostics15222845.

Point-of-care (POC) infectious disease diagnostics are reshaping global health by delivering rapid, decentralized, and clinically actionable results that link bedside testing to population-level surveillance. Valued at approximately USD 53 billion in 2024 and projected to nearly double by 2033, the global POC diagnostics market is driven by infectious disease assays and accelerated by innovations in molecular amplification, biosensors, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence (AI). This review integrates current evidence across technological, clinical, regulatory, and public health domains. Immunoassays remain the backbone of volume deployment, while molecular nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and emerging CRISPR-based platforms achieve laboratory-grade sensitivity at the point of care. AI has transitioned from an experimental tool to an embedded analytical layer that enhances image interpretation, multiplex signal deconvolution, and automated quality control. Rigorous validation, including analytical accuracy, clinical performance in intended-use settings, and usability testing under CLIA guidance, remains central to ensuring reliability in decentralized environments. Regulatory frameworks are adapting in parallel: FDA's lifecycle oversight of AI-enabled devices, the European IVDR's expanded evidence requirements, and the WHO Prequalification all emphasize continuous post-market surveillance. From a public health perspective, POC diagnostics have improved early case detection, treatment initiation, and outbreak containment for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Yet persistent challenges (including limited harmonization of standards, uneven reimbursement, and scarce real-world data from low- and middle-income countries) continue to constrain equitable adoption. POC infectious disease diagnostics are thus entering a pivotal phase of digitization and regulatory maturity. Addressing remaining gaps in validation, lifecycle monitoring, and implementation equity will determine whether these technologies achieve their full promise as clinical accelerators and as cornerstones of global infectious disease preparedness.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Chung A, Chong S, Chung D, et al (2025)

Addressing Social Determinants of Health Service Gaps in Chinese American Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Children (Basel, Switzerland), 12(11): pii:children12111499.

Background/Objectives: This study aims to understand gaps and strategies in Chinese Americans' utilization of SDOH services in the pediatric primary care context in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, from a patient-provider partnership perspective. Methods: The study was guided by an integrated Patient-Provider Partnership, Engagement, and Collaboration (PEC) framework that influenced patient-provider interaction during the provision of SDOH services. A qualitative study design was applied, and eight quality improvement interviews with healthcare providers were conducted to understand the existing community and health service system context. Six in-depth interviews were conducted with Mandarin-speaking Chinese American caregivers. Interviews were transcribed and coded in Mandarin and then translated into English. Results: Consistent with the PEC framework, we identified cognitive, affective, and communication gaps from both the patient and provider. Caregivers reported unaddressed needs in food, financial security, and mental health. Providers identified gaps in patient workflow, staffing, and the intake form process. Conclusions: Addressing social determinants of health among Chinese American immigrant populations is crucial for mitigating poor health outcomes in children and families. Multi-level community-engaged strategies are needed to alleviate the challenges facing this community. Recommendations for future research should consider the importance of language and cultural affinity, digital intake forms translated into the patient's language, and regular on-site staffing during SDOH screenings.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Dong T, Lucifora C, Massimino S, et al (2025)

Fight, Flight, or Vote Right? A Systematic Review of Threat Sensitivity in Political Conservatism.

Brain sciences, 15(11): pii:brainsci15111191.

BACKGROUND: Within the framework of social cognition, conservatism can be conceptualized as a strategy for addressing fundamental psychological needs. Therefore, it is hypothesized that individuals with conservative orientations exhibit stronger reactions to perceived threats compared to their less conservative counterparts.

AIM: To perform an exploratory scoping systematic review of existing literature examining behavioral, physiological, neurophysiological, and emotional responses associated with the relationship between conservatism and threat perception.

METHOD: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar primary databases, resulting in the inclusion of 19 relevant articles.

RESULTS: Approximately three-fifths (11 of 19 studies; 57.9%) provided empirical support for the hypothesis that conservatism is positively associated with threat sensitivity. These findings reveal a complex and nuanced relationship between conservatism and threat perception, with recent evidence-including large-scale longitudinal data and experimental manipulations of COVID-19-related threats-indicating weak or context-dependent associations. The overall pattern highlights substantial heterogeneity across methodological approaches, with mixed results particularly among physiological and priming studies.

CONCLUSIONS: While the majority of evidence supports a relationship between political conservatism and threat sensitivity, the magnitude of this association appears modest, emphasizing the importance of considering moderating variables such as cultural context, the type of threat, and methodological variations in measurement in future research.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Mishra N, Goel T, Gangani N, et al (2025)

The virology of Omicron: pathophysiology, immune regulation, and clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 sub variants.

Virology journal pii:10.1186/s12985-025-03020-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Since its emergence in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved into multiple variants with distinct genetic and clinical features. Among them, the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) and its sublineages BA.2.75, JN.1.8, and KP.2 have shown enhanced transmissibility and immune evasion, while generally exhibiting reduced lower respiratory tract pathogenicity compared to earlier variants, thereby continuing to pose significant challenges to public health. In India, these variants have significantly shaped the trajectory of the pandemic, necessitating focused evaluation of their biological and clinical impact. This review aims to provide a comprehensive study on the virology, pathophysiology, and systemic manifestations of Omicron and its emerging subvariants upto July 2025. We discuss their mechanisms of entry and replication, interaction with ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors, and evasion of host immune responses. Particular emphasis is placed on multi-organ involvement beyond the respiratory system, including neuro-respiratory dysregulation, cardiovascular complications, hepatic injury, gastrointestinal disturbances, and renal dysfunction. Furthermore, we evaluate the effectiveness of available vaccines, antiviral therapies, and diagnostic tools, alongside emerging clinical strategies such as vagus nerve stimulation, thermal modulation, and respiratory muscle training. By integrating molecular insights with clinical outcomes, this review highlights the multifaceted and systemic nature of Omicron-induced disease. We underscore the urgent need for variant-specific immunisation, early intervention strategies, and robust genomic surveillance to mitigate long-term sequelae and guide preparedness for future outbreaks.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Lee H, Kim Y, Chung MA, et al (2025)

Effectiveness and strategies of social prescribing in Korea using a machine learning topic modeling.

BMC health services research, 25(1):1530.

RevDate: 2025-11-27

Trombetta CM, E Montomoli (2025)

High-dose influenza vaccine: enhanced protection for the elderly.

Expert review of vaccines [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal influenza causes up to 50 million symptomatic cases and 15,000- 70,000 deaths annually within the European Union. While influenza affects all age groups, adults aged ≥65 years disproportionately experience high rates of influenza-related hospitalizations and complications. Vaccination remains the cornerstone of influenza prevention and the most effective intervention for reducing morbidity and mortality.

AREA COVERED: This review focuses on the high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine, an enhanced formulation recommended for the immunization of adults aged 60/65 and older. The high dose vaccine contains four times the hemagglutinin antigen compared to the standard dose vaccine, resulting in significantly higher and more sustained antibody responses. This increased immunogenicity is especially pronounced in adults aged ≥75 years and in those with cardiopulmonary diseases or immunocompromised states.

EXPERT OPINION: Expanding the use of the high-dose vaccine to adults aged 50-64 years may proactively address immunosenescence and enhance protection in this population. Moreover, the development of multicomponent vaccines targeting both influenza and COVID-19 within a single formulation could enhance vaccine uptake and streamline immunization programs. Ultimately, the high-dose vaccine has the potential to replace the standard-dose formulation in older adults, thereby optimizing influenza prevention and reducing disease burden.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Warke S, Katari O, S Jain (2025)

Current Status on the Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Formulation Development in Industry: A Review.

AAPS PharmSciTech, 27(1):44.

Since Pfizer developed the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for designing the vaccine, integrating AI and allied domains in the drug development process has escalated at an unimaginable rate. Owing to the complex and time-consuming process of drug development, many firms, including big pharma and medium-scale industries, are constantly looking for ways to reduce the time for providing lifesaving medications to patients in need without compromising the safety and efficacy of the product. Formulation of novel drug products in a pharmaceutical R&D and scaling up the process to a large-scale production involves a huge investment and an eye for detail in the intricacies of the processes. Intervention of AI and machine learning (ML) can solve many problems in this aspect. With the rise of Industry 4.0, the relative shift of industry towards process automation, accelerated development has become vital in all domains. The investments in R&D by the large pharmaceutical companies reached up to $190 bn in 2024, according to a report by IQVIA. There is a noted upsurge in investments in the domains interlinking AI and ML with pharmaceutical research. Pharmaceutical formulation development can excel in the early stages, and the productivity can witness a steady growth if AI and ML tools are utilized. Most of the research in this domain remains in the budding stages, and its adoption in the industry needs further refinement by delineating structured guidance from the experts and regulatory agencies. The current review speaks about the current studies reported in the arena of formulation development and also sheds light on some of the areas where the pharmaceutical product development on a larger scale can benefit from AI and ML.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Hedrich CM (2025)

Importance and Potential of Rare Disease Research in Pediatric Rheumatology and Beyond: Pushing Frontiers.

ACR open rheumatology, 7(12):e70138.

Although individually occurring in less than 1 in 2,000 people, cumulatively, more than 7,000 rare diseases affect approximately 6% of the population worldwide. Children and young people are disproportionally challenged in number and severity, which may be explained by the large proportion of genetic conditions among rare diseases (70%-80%). Indeed, an estimated 30% of children with rare diseases do not survive past their fifth birthday. Because rare diseases are frequently missed or diagnosed with a delay of several years and <5% of rare diseases have a licensed treatment, the impact of rare diseases on the indivual affected (independent of age) and wider society is significant. To address these challenges sufficiently, rare disease expert centers combining research activity with patient care are needed to develop diagnostic tests, prognostic tools, and new treatments. This expert-driven approach promises expedited diagnosis and efficacious treatment and care. Although restricted by chronic underfunding, rare disease research keeps delivering new exciting treatment options and technologies, some of which have revolutionized care not only in niche areas of medicine but also common diseases (the use of interleukin-1 blockers in gout or COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation, etc). However, rare disease research and care will only be successful in collaborative, mutidisciplinary and multiprofessional teams that involve patients and families as equal partners and span across institutional and national borders. Lastly, the use of state-of-the-art computational approaches to share knowledge and associate molecular with clinical phenotypes, treatment responses, and disease outcomes will amplify our ability to serve patients and the society.

RevDate: 2025-11-26

Kumar R, Kommineni N, Aadil KR, et al (2025)

Lipid Nanoparticle-based mRNA therapeutics for infectious diseases.

International journal of pharmaceutics pii:S0378-5173(25)01257-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Infectious diseases remain one of the most pressing global health challenges, despite decades of therapeutic research. Many existing treatments are constrained by limited efficacy, adverse effects, and reduced adaptability to rapidly evolving pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in vaccine development, leading to the swift creation of mRNA vaccines delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNP-mRNA). Developed within a year and deployed globally, these vaccines demonstrated exceptional safety, efficacy, and scalability. Their success has driven significant interest in LNP-mRNA platforms for a broader range of infectious diseases. This manuscript presents a comprehensive overview of recent progress in LNP-mRNA therapeutics targeting Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Zika virus, Rabies virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Key strategies to enhance mRNA stability, improve intracellular delivery, and enable controlled or targeted release are discussed. Advances in lipid nanoparticle formulation and mRNA sequence engineering are also examined, with emphasis on cell-specific and tissue-specific targeting. The manuscript further outlines current translational challenges, including optimization of LNP composition, biocompatibility, immune system interactions, and clinical development hurdles, supported by recent preclinical and clinical findings. Collectively, the findings discussed highlight the transformative potential of LNP-mRNA therapeutics in the development of next-generation, personalized treatments for infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-26

Hempel H, Xue H, La Shu S, et al (2025)

Cancer and COVID-19: A review of Immune Insights and Partnerships to Inform Public Health Strategy.

International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases pii:S1201-9712(25)00474-6 [Epub ahead of print].

Cancer populations are highly vulnerable to respiratory viral infections (RVIs) due to disease- and treatment-related immunosuppression. SARS-CoV-2 is a particularly severe threat in this population and COVID-19 is associated with higher rates of hospitalization and mortality compared to immunocompetent individuals. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive method. However, immune responses to vaccination in cancer patients are often heterogeneous and weaker than healthy populations. While booster doses can improve the protection, vaccine effectiveness wanes over time, and some patients may not respond well, with significant variability across cancer types, cancer status and treatment regimens. These observations highlight the importance of more personalized vaccination strategies informed by a thorough understanding of immune correlates of protection, including humoral, cellular, and mucosal immunity. Assessing different layers of immunity requires different experimental approaches, robust assay standardization and data harmonization. The collaborative efforts of consortia and the development of large, well-annotated biospecimen repositories can support high-resolution immune profiling, advance next-generation vaccine strategies and improve sustained protection against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in cancer populations.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Malebana LF, Sepadi MM, MI Mokgobu (2025)

Communicable Disease Surveillance in South Africa and LMICs: A Systematic Review of Systems, Challenges, and Integration with Environmental Health.

Tropical medicine and infectious disease, 10(11):.

Communicable disease surveillance systems are crucial for global health security, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where infectious disease burdens remain high. Despite disease surveillance systems being in place, the evidence on their implementation, challenges, and integration with environmental health remains fragmented. This systematic review assesses the design, implementation, and challenges of these systems across LMICs, with a focus on South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan African region. Using PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, searches across four databases identified 325 articles published between 2010 and 2025, of which 56 (17%) were included for analysis. Thematic synthesis revealed key trends, disease priorities, and surveillance tools. South Africa contributed the highest number of articles (25%), while Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 54% overall. COVID-19 was the most frequently studied disease (20%), followed by cholera, typhoid, and measles. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework appeared in 25% of articles, while District Health Information Systems 2 (DHIS2) was referenced in 11%, reflecting modest adoption of digital platforms. Reported challenges included underreporting, inconsistent case definitions, limited digital infrastructure, and weak feedback mechanisms. Although integration of environmental health was widely recommended, it was marginally implemented. Overall, LMICs surveillance systems remain constrained by operational and structural limitations, underscoring the need for digital investment, environmental indicators integration, and community-based approaches to strengthen epidemic preparedness.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Zhang B, Liu Y, Chen T, et al (2025)

Current Status and Challenges of Vaccine Development for Seasonal Human Coronaviruses.

Vaccines, 13(11):.

Seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs), including HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1, circulate globally in an epidemic pattern and account for a substantial proportion of common cold cases, particularly in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Although clinical manifestations are typically mild, these HCoVs exhibit ongoing antigenic drift and have demonstrated the potential to cause severe diseases in certain populations, underscoring the importance of developing targeted and broad-spectrum vaccines. This review systematically examines the pathogenesis, epidemiology, genomic architecture, and major antigenic determinants of seasonal HCoVs, highlighting key differences in receptor usage and the roles of structural proteins in modulating viral tropism and host immunity. We summarize recent advances across various vaccine platforms, including inactivated, DNA, mRNA, subunit, viral-vectored, and virus-like particle (VLP) approaches, in the development of seasonal HCoV vaccines. We specifically summarize preclinical and clinical findings demonstrating variable cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal HCoV vaccines. Evidence indicates that cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination predominantly target conserved epitopes of structural proteins, supporting strategies that incorporate conserved regions to achieve broad-spectrum protection. Finally, we discuss current challenges in pathogenesis research and vaccine development for seasonal HCoVs. We propose future directions for the development of innovative pan-coronavirus vaccines that integrate both humoral and cellular antigens, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate future zoonotic spillover threats.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Guedes-da-Silva FH, Roncaglia-Pereira VA, Torres S, et al (2025)

Antiviral Inactivated Vaccines: Looking to the Past to Face the Future-A Narrative Review.

Vaccines, 13(11):.

Throughout human history, contagious infectious diseases have significantly impacted societies, shaping the fate of great dynasties and challenging economic and political systems, social relations, and the overall well-being of the human species. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, emerging in the context of extreme globalization and rapid technological development. The speed of viral spread, the highest absolute mortality rate caused by a viral agent in the last 100 years, and the severe economic and social consequences imposed an urgent need for vaccine development on a previously unimaginable timescale. The proven safety and efficacy of inactivated vaccines enabled the development and large-scale application of the first immunizer against SARS-CoV-2 in less than a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic. In this review, we discuss the importance of inactivated antiviral vaccines and their historical impact in containing highly harmful diseases affecting humanity. We also explore the cellular mechanisms by which inactivated vaccines may induce immunogenic responses against viral pathogens. In addition, we bring to light a discussion about a fast, cost-effective, potentially efficient technology for large-scale immunizer production: High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), a method long supported by decades of preclinical studies and which is especially effective in the context of enveloped viruses. Finally, we discuss the role of inactivated antiviral vaccines in the face of advances in biotechnology and, therefore, the emergence of vaccines that use genetic engineering in their production, such as RNA, DNA and viral vaccines, which have gained special prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RevDate: 2025-11-26
CmpDate: 2025-11-26

Iwu-Jaja C, Nkereuwem O, Iwu CD, et al (2025)

Mapping Eight Decades of Vaccination Social Science: Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends.

Vaccines, 13(11):.

BACKGROUND: Despite growing recognition of vaccination social science as essential to immunization strategies, the field's evolution, geographic distribution, and research patterns remain poorly characterized. This study provides the first comprehensive mapping of the social science literature on vaccination over eight decades.

METHODS: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed from their inception, using a systematic search strategy that combined vaccination and social science terms. Publications were analyzed using the Bibliometrix R package (version 5.0) to examine temporal trends, author productivity, institutional contributions, geographic distribution, and thematic evolution globally.

RESULTS: We retrieved 8005 eligible publications. Analysis highlighted three chronological research phases: sporadic early work (1945-1980, n = 85), sustained growth (1981-2019, n = 2743), and unprecedented expansion since the COVID-19 era (2020-2024, n = 4563). Annual publications reached a peak in 2022 (n = 1686). Research spans 146 countries but remains concentrated in high-income countries, with the United States (n = 10,230), China (n = 3796), and Canada (n = 2288) leading production. The top 20 institutions were from the United States (n = 8), United Kingdom (n = 4), and Canada (n = 3), with a few institutions from African countries. International collaboration was moderate (19.44%). Thematic analysis revealed a clear evolution from biological science (1963-1999) to socio-behavioural science, with an emphasis on vaccine hesitancy, trust, communication, and health equity (2015-2024).

CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination social science has grown steadily over the decades, with a sharp rise in research during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most studies were from high-income countries, underscoring the need for enhanced social science capacity in low- and middle-income countries. As the focus of immunization efforts shifts toward issues like vaccine hesitancy and trust, broader collaboration and inclusion will be key to improving vaccine uptake worldwide.

RevDate: 2025-11-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-27

Parpa K, Michaelides MA, Paludo AC, et al (2025)

Impact of COVID-19 infection on physical performance of soccer players: a systematic review.

International journal of sports medicine, 46(14):1037-1048.

This review sought to identify the impact of COVID-19 infection on the physical performance parameters of soccer players. The systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were searched up to the end of October 2024: MEDLINE, Scopus, Mendeley, SPORTDiscus, and Google Scholar. Studies conducted on professional and semi-professional adult male soccer players were considered. For a study to be included, it had to report at least one outcome measure both before and after COVID-19 infection. At the end of the screening procedure, a total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. The reviewed studies on V̇O2 max showed mixed results. One study reported a significant (p<0.01) decrease 60 days post-infection, while others found no change or even an increase 1-year post-pandemic. Pulmonary function assessment revealed a significant (p<0.01) increase in respiratory work, whereas one study found no significant changes at rest. GPS (Global Positioning System) -based studies reported a significant (p<0.05) reduction in high-intensity accelerations, decelerations, and high-speed running post-COVID-19, while one study found no differences between infected and non-infected players. Strength, power, and anaerobic power showed no significant decline. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample sizes and limited number of studies.

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RJR Experience and Expertise

Researcher

Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.

Educator

Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.

Administrator

Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.

Technologist

Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.

Publisher

While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.

Speaker

Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.

Facilitator

Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.

Designer

Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.

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With the world now in the middle of a new and rapidly spreading pandemic, now is the time to read this book, originally published in 2012, that describes animal infections and the next human pandemic (that's actually the book's subtitle). You would be hard pressed to find a more relevant explanation of how this got started and why there will be more after this one. R. Robbins

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Collection of publications by R J Robbins

Reprints and preprints of publications, slide presentations, instructional materials, and data compilations written or prepared by Robert Robbins. Most papers deal with computational biology, genome informatics, using information technology to support biomedical research, and related matters.

Research Gate page for R J Robbins

ResearchGate is a social networking site for scientists and researchers to share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators. According to a study by Nature and an article in Times Higher Education , it is the largest academic social network in terms of active users.

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

short personal version

Curriculum Vitae for R J Robbins

long standard version

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