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RJR: Recommended Bibliography 10 Feb 2026 at 05:30 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 35908569[pmid] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2026-02-09
Outpatient Treatment of Confirmed COVID-19: A Living, Rapid Review for the American College of Physicians (Version 3).
Annals of internal medicine [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Clinicians and patients need updated information on antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
PURPOSE: To provide a final update on the benefits and harms of COVID-19 antiviral treatments in adult outpatients.
DATA SOURCES: Ovid/MEDLINE, Epistemonikos COVID-19 L·OVE platform, and iSearch COVID-19 portfolio (22 January 2025); Ovid/MEDLINE (24 September 2025).
STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers screened 20% of abstracts and full texts, then single screening. Randomized controlled trials were included for benefits and harms, and cohort studies were included for harms.
DATA EXTRACTION: One reviewer extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence (CoE); a second reviewer verified.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven studies from the Omicron period were included. 125 mg of ensitrelvir may not reduce time to recovery and may result in no difference in serious adverse events (both low CoE) but may increase adverse events (44.2% vs. 24.8%; low CoE). Molnupiravir probably improves recovery (31.8% vs. 22.6%) and reduces time to recovery (9 vs. 15 median days) and persistent symptoms from 3 to 6 months (8.5% vs. 11.0%), with no effect on mortality, hospitalization, serious adverse events, and adverse events (all moderate CoE). Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may increase recovery (70.7% vs. 53.6%; low CoE) and reduce time to recovery (no data, P = 0.011; low CoE) but probably increases adverse events (1.3% vs. 1.0%; moderate CoE). Simnotrelvir-ritonavir reduces time to recovery (-35.8 median hours; high CoE) and probably increases adverse events (28.9% vs. 21.6%; moderate CoE). There was no difference in recovery between molnupiravir and favipiravir (high CoE) and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir (low CoE).
LIMITATION: Evidence for many outcomes is limited.
CONCLUSION: Three COVID-19 antivirals improved or accelerated recovery, with varying adverse event profiles. Molnupiravir probably offers long-term benefits.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD420251029146; OSF: https://osf.io/ywp6u).
Additional Links: PMID-41662710
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41662710,
year = {2026},
author = {Sommer, I and Dobrescu, A and Gadinger, A and Sharifan, A and Pinte, L and Fangmeyer, M and Klerings, I and Gartlehner, G},
title = {Outpatient Treatment of Confirmed COVID-19: A Living, Rapid Review for the American College of Physicians (Version 3).},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-25-03691},
pmid = {41662710},
issn = {1539-3704},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Clinicians and patients need updated information on antiviral treatments for COVID-19.
PURPOSE: To provide a final update on the benefits and harms of COVID-19 antiviral treatments in adult outpatients.
DATA SOURCES: Ovid/MEDLINE, Epistemonikos COVID-19 L·OVE platform, and iSearch COVID-19 portfolio (22 January 2025); Ovid/MEDLINE (24 September 2025).
STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers screened 20% of abstracts and full texts, then single screening. Randomized controlled trials were included for benefits and harms, and cohort studies were included for harms.
DATA EXTRACTION: One reviewer extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence (CoE); a second reviewer verified.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven studies from the Omicron period were included. 125 mg of ensitrelvir may not reduce time to recovery and may result in no difference in serious adverse events (both low CoE) but may increase adverse events (44.2% vs. 24.8%; low CoE). Molnupiravir probably improves recovery (31.8% vs. 22.6%) and reduces time to recovery (9 vs. 15 median days) and persistent symptoms from 3 to 6 months (8.5% vs. 11.0%), with no effect on mortality, hospitalization, serious adverse events, and adverse events (all moderate CoE). Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may increase recovery (70.7% vs. 53.6%; low CoE) and reduce time to recovery (no data, P = 0.011; low CoE) but probably increases adverse events (1.3% vs. 1.0%; moderate CoE). Simnotrelvir-ritonavir reduces time to recovery (-35.8 median hours; high CoE) and probably increases adverse events (28.9% vs. 21.6%; moderate CoE). There was no difference in recovery between molnupiravir and favipiravir (high CoE) and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and molnupiravir (low CoE).
LIMITATION: Evidence for many outcomes is limited.
CONCLUSION: Three COVID-19 antivirals improved or accelerated recovery, with varying adverse event profiles. Molnupiravir probably offers long-term benefits.
PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD420251029146; OSF: https://osf.io/ywp6u).},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
Banting memorial lecture 2025: Aligning clinical practice, policy and research.
Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association [Epub ahead of print].
National clinical leadership, on a background of clinical practice and clinical research, provides unique perspectives. I have focused the Banting Memorial Lecture 2025 on the implementation of national programmes across England since 2013, for which, along with colleagues at NHS England, I successfully made the case for investment, led the implementation of interventions applied at scale across the country and used routinely collected healthcare data to demonstrate clinical effectiveness in the real world. Through specific examples of implemented programmes, including the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme and the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, I highlight important fundamental principles when making the case for, and implementing, national policy. First, ensure granular data collection to support evaluation and exploit data linkages to harness the power of real-world datasets. Second, where good evidence exists, implement evidence-based policy; where good evidence does not exist but political pressures to implement are being brought to bear, pilot and evaluate. Third, when the opportunity arises, rapidly translate new high-quality evidence into policy and practice. And fourth, support and protect the workload of healthcare professionals, particularly of those working in primary care. Then, through an epidemiological lens, I highlight: how the COVID-19 pandemic further unlocked the potential of national routinely collected electronic healthcare datasets; how, through application of these datasets, it has been possible to demonstrate improvements in diabetes complications and mortality through routine care delivery; and how it has been possible to demonstrate the next epidemiological transition in the global diabetes epidemic to multimorbidity/multiple long-term conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-41662535
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41662535,
year = {2026},
author = {Valabhji, J},
title = {Banting memorial lecture 2025: Aligning clinical practice, policy and research.},
journal = {Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70245},
doi = {10.1111/dme.70245},
pmid = {41662535},
issn = {1464-5491},
abstract = {National clinical leadership, on a background of clinical practice and clinical research, provides unique perspectives. I have focused the Banting Memorial Lecture 2025 on the implementation of national programmes across England since 2013, for which, along with colleagues at NHS England, I successfully made the case for investment, led the implementation of interventions applied at scale across the country and used routinely collected healthcare data to demonstrate clinical effectiveness in the real world. Through specific examples of implemented programmes, including the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme and the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, I highlight important fundamental principles when making the case for, and implementing, national policy. First, ensure granular data collection to support evaluation and exploit data linkages to harness the power of real-world datasets. Second, where good evidence exists, implement evidence-based policy; where good evidence does not exist but political pressures to implement are being brought to bear, pilot and evaluate. Third, when the opportunity arises, rapidly translate new high-quality evidence into policy and practice. And fourth, support and protect the workload of healthcare professionals, particularly of those working in primary care. Then, through an epidemiological lens, I highlight: how the COVID-19 pandemic further unlocked the potential of national routinely collected electronic healthcare datasets; how, through application of these datasets, it has been possible to demonstrate improvements in diabetes complications and mortality through routine care delivery; and how it has been possible to demonstrate the next epidemiological transition in the global diabetes epidemic to multimorbidity/multiple long-term conditions.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
The resurgence of Tuberculosis in the United States: Health implications, pathophysiological and clinical insights, emerging trends, strategic responses, and post-COVID-19 challenges.
Chronic illness [Epub ahead of print].
ObjectivesTo address the challenges of tuberculosis (TB) control in the United States post-COVID-19, focusing on high-risk populations, current diagnostic and treatment strategies, and the importance of addressing clinical and social determinants of health to achieve TB elimination goals.MethodsA review of the latest evidence-based guidelines and literature on TB diagnostics, treatment regimens, and latent TB infection (LTBI) management was conducted. Key public health challenges and interventions targeting socioeconomic disparities, stigma, and healthcare access among high-risk populations were analyzed.ResultsHigh-risk groups, including immigrants and ethnic minorities, continue to bear a disproportionate burden of TB due to socioeconomic disparities and comorbidities. Advancements in diagnostic modalities and treatment regimens offer promising outcomes, but gaps remain in LTBI screening and management. Addressing social determinants, such as healthcare access and stigma, is essential for enhancing TB control efforts.DiscussionEffective TB elimination requires collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement evidence-based strategies. Prioritizing both clinical precision and social interventions is critical for overcoming barriers and achieving national TB control and elimination goals.
Additional Links: PMID-41662196
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41662196,
year = {2026},
author = {Sirohi, A and Trivedi, YV and Katoch, T and Walters, B and Bansal, V and Pahal, S and Jain, R},
title = {The resurgence of Tuberculosis in the United States: Health implications, pathophysiological and clinical insights, emerging trends, strategic responses, and post-COVID-19 challenges.},
journal = {Chronic illness},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17423953261417345},
doi = {10.1177/17423953261417345},
pmid = {41662196},
issn = {1745-9206},
abstract = {ObjectivesTo address the challenges of tuberculosis (TB) control in the United States post-COVID-19, focusing on high-risk populations, current diagnostic and treatment strategies, and the importance of addressing clinical and social determinants of health to achieve TB elimination goals.MethodsA review of the latest evidence-based guidelines and literature on TB diagnostics, treatment regimens, and latent TB infection (LTBI) management was conducted. Key public health challenges and interventions targeting socioeconomic disparities, stigma, and healthcare access among high-risk populations were analyzed.ResultsHigh-risk groups, including immigrants and ethnic minorities, continue to bear a disproportionate burden of TB due to socioeconomic disparities and comorbidities. Advancements in diagnostic modalities and treatment regimens offer promising outcomes, but gaps remain in LTBI screening and management. Addressing social determinants, such as healthcare access and stigma, is essential for enhancing TB control efforts.DiscussionEffective TB elimination requires collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to implement evidence-based strategies. Prioritizing both clinical precision and social interventions is critical for overcoming barriers and achieving national TB control and elimination goals.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Vaccine safety for individuals receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A narrative review of current literature and recommendations for future research.
Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 22(1):2607893.
Some individuals with cancer may receive immunomodulatory treatment such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs are now part of standard of care for many cancers and have improved survival for cancer patients. However, they are also associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can affect any organ or system, and can range from mild to severe. It has been hypothesized that vaccination of these individuals could increase the risk of irAEs or other vaccine-associated adverse events. This narrative review of 28 primary research articles presents findings from existing literature on vaccine safety for individuals receiving ICIs, and makes recommendations for future research on this topic. The existing evidence suggests that influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals receiving ICIs and do not pose additional risks of irAEs beyond baseline risks associated with ICI therapy.
Additional Links: PMID-41661551
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41661551,
year = {2026},
author = {Sundaram, ME},
title = {Vaccine safety for individuals receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A narrative review of current literature and recommendations for future research.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {2607893},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2025.2607893},
pmid = {41661551},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; *Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage/immunology ; *Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Some individuals with cancer may receive immunomodulatory treatment such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs are now part of standard of care for many cancers and have improved survival for cancer patients. However, they are also associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can affect any organ or system, and can range from mild to severe. It has been hypothesized that vaccination of these individuals could increase the risk of irAEs or other vaccine-associated adverse events. This narrative review of 28 primary research articles presents findings from existing literature on vaccine safety for individuals receiving ICIs, and makes recommendations for future research on this topic. The existing evidence suggests that influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are safe for individuals receiving ICIs and do not pose additional risks of irAEs beyond baseline risks associated with ICI therapy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects/therapeutic use
*Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage/immunology
*Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage
COVID-19/prevention & control
Vaccination/adverse effects
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
RevDate: 2026-02-09
Infection-associated Opsoclonus: A Systematic Review.
Cerebellum (London, England), 25(1):16.
Additional Links: PMID-41661491
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41661491,
year = {2026},
author = {Garg, RK and Jain, A and Pandey, S and Paliwal, V and Suresh, V and Singhal, S},
title = {Infection-associated Opsoclonus: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Cerebellum (London, England)},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {41661491},
issn = {1473-4230},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Agnostic capture of pathogens for the detection and diagnostics of emerging threats.
iScience, 29(2):114684.
The continued emergence of pathogens, whether novel, re-emerging, or engineered, poses a persistent global biosecurity and public health challenge. Recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, Lassa fever, Marburg virus, mpox, and avian influenza, underscore the urgent need for robust systems that enable rapid surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely countermeasures before widespread human transmission occurs. In this article, we focus on early detection technologies and systematically evaluate current diagnostic and sensing modalities. We highlight sequencing and spectroscopy as two complementary approaches capable of providing broad, agnostic detection and rich biological insight. Our analysis emphasizes that scientific innovation alone is insufficient: effective preparedness also requires improved data curation, integration, and sharing to build AI-ready resources that accelerate future responses. We argue for coordinated advances in both technological capabilities and supporting infrastructure to enable the rapid identification and characterization of emerging pathogens and to fully leverage modern science against evolving infectious threats.
Additional Links: PMID-41660233
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41660233,
year = {2026},
author = {Sakkos, A and Saint-John, B and Tyml, T and Myskova, E and Aureli, L and Inman, JL and Snijders, AM and Mouncey, NJ and Mukundan, H and Schulz, F},
title = {Agnostic capture of pathogens for the detection and diagnostics of emerging threats.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {114684},
pmid = {41660233},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {The continued emergence of pathogens, whether novel, re-emerging, or engineered, poses a persistent global biosecurity and public health challenge. Recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, Lassa fever, Marburg virus, mpox, and avian influenza, underscore the urgent need for robust systems that enable rapid surveillance, early diagnosis, and timely countermeasures before widespread human transmission occurs. In this article, we focus on early detection technologies and systematically evaluate current diagnostic and sensing modalities. We highlight sequencing and spectroscopy as two complementary approaches capable of providing broad, agnostic detection and rich biological insight. Our analysis emphasizes that scientific innovation alone is insufficient: effective preparedness also requires improved data curation, integration, and sharing to build AI-ready resources that accelerate future responses. We argue for coordinated advances in both technological capabilities and supporting infrastructure to enable the rapid identification and characterization of emerging pathogens and to fully leverage modern science against evolving infectious threats.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
New-Onset and Flare Episodes of Adult-Onset Still's Disease Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports.
Cureus, 18(1):e100889.
This systematic review provides a descriptive synthesis of published case reports documenting new-onset or flare episodes of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) temporally occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 13 eligible case reports published between 2020 and 2024. Because all available evidence consisted solely of individual case descriptions without comparator groups, the review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and employed qualitative narrative synthesis rather than meta-analysis. Across the included cases, patients consistently presented with hallmark features of AOSD, including high spiking fever, arthritis or arthralgia, markedly elevated ferritin levels, and, in several instances, the characteristic salmon-colored rash. Symptom onset typically occurred within four to fifteen days following vaccination. Although these cases demonstrate recognisable clinical patterns, the absence of denominator data, lack of population-based studies, and inherent publication bias prevent estimation of incidence or risk, and no causal relationship with vaccination can be inferred. All reported patients responded favorably to corticosteroids, with some requiring biologic therapy for disease control. These findings highlight the importance of clinician awareness when evaluating persistent febrile or inflammatory symptoms in recently vaccinated individuals, while emphasising that COVID-19 vaccination remains overwhelmingly safe. Larger registries, pharmacovigilance data, and controlled studies are needed to clarify potential risk factors and guide future revaccination decisions.
Additional Links: PMID-41658735
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41658735,
year = {2026},
author = {Lakhani, HA and Baidya, OP and Alex, A and Binorkar, SV and Das, D and Hazra, A},
title = {New-Onset and Flare Episodes of Adult-Onset Still's Disease Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e100889},
pmid = {41658735},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {This systematic review provides a descriptive synthesis of published case reports documenting new-onset or flare episodes of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) temporally occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar identified 13 eligible case reports published between 2020 and 2024. Because all available evidence consisted solely of individual case descriptions without comparator groups, the review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and employed qualitative narrative synthesis rather than meta-analysis. Across the included cases, patients consistently presented with hallmark features of AOSD, including high spiking fever, arthritis or arthralgia, markedly elevated ferritin levels, and, in several instances, the characteristic salmon-colored rash. Symptom onset typically occurred within four to fifteen days following vaccination. Although these cases demonstrate recognisable clinical patterns, the absence of denominator data, lack of population-based studies, and inherent publication bias prevent estimation of incidence or risk, and no causal relationship with vaccination can be inferred. All reported patients responded favorably to corticosteroids, with some requiring biologic therapy for disease control. These findings highlight the importance of clinician awareness when evaluating persistent febrile or inflammatory symptoms in recently vaccinated individuals, while emphasising that COVID-19 vaccination remains overwhelmingly safe. Larger registries, pharmacovigilance data, and controlled studies are needed to clarify potential risk factors and guide future revaccination decisions.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Computational methods for the identification of suicidal ideation: a systematic review.
Frontiers in artificial intelligence, 9:1704818.
INTRODUCTION: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, to the extent that in many countries it is considered a public health issue. It is important to attempt to reduce the growth of this trend, especially among susceptible individuals, considering that it increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Natural language processing (NLP) provides various tools that allow for the analysis of texts to predict the presence of suicidal ideation. This work aims to conduct a systematic literature review to extract the computational techniques for identifying suicidal ideation in texts written in natural language.
METHODS: The PRISMA 2020 method was used, which was divided into nine phases, and three inclusion criteria and two exclusion criteria were established for the selection of studies. The searches were conducted through high-level academic databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Springer, and Web of Science. The risk of bias was assessed using AMSTAR 2. Potential biases identified include a lack of linguistic and cultural diversity and the predominance of data from social networks. A narrative synthesis was used to analyze and compare the findings qualitatively.
RESULTS: In the end, 25 studies related to computational methods for detecting suicidal ideation in texts written in natural language were identified. The techniques mainly focus on transformer-based models such as BERT and hybrid methods, which combine this architecture with neural networks such as CNN and LSTM. There are also approaches with hierarchical attention mechanisms. Some studies employed additional techniques such as feature extraction with TF-IDF and pre-trained embeddings to improve model performance.
DISCUSSION: Limitations in the evidence include the lack of linguistic and cultural diversity and the predominance of data from social networks. These results indicate that computational techniques have high potential to support early prevention strategies for suicidal ideation. However, expanding the diversity of linguistic contexts and improving understanding of the models among non-experts, such as physicians and other interested individuals, is necessary.
Additional Links: PMID-41658241
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41658241,
year = {2026},
author = {Gil Arias, BS and Blandón Andrade, JC and Sidorov, G and Morales-RÃos, A},
title = {Computational methods for the identification of suicidal ideation: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in artificial intelligence},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {1704818},
pmid = {41658241},
issn = {2624-8212},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people, to the extent that in many countries it is considered a public health issue. It is important to attempt to reduce the growth of this trend, especially among susceptible individuals, considering that it increased because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Natural language processing (NLP) provides various tools that allow for the analysis of texts to predict the presence of suicidal ideation. This work aims to conduct a systematic literature review to extract the computational techniques for identifying suicidal ideation in texts written in natural language.
METHODS: The PRISMA 2020 method was used, which was divided into nine phases, and three inclusion criteria and two exclusion criteria were established for the selection of studies. The searches were conducted through high-level academic databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital Library, Springer, and Web of Science. The risk of bias was assessed using AMSTAR 2. Potential biases identified include a lack of linguistic and cultural diversity and the predominance of data from social networks. A narrative synthesis was used to analyze and compare the findings qualitatively.
RESULTS: In the end, 25 studies related to computational methods for detecting suicidal ideation in texts written in natural language were identified. The techniques mainly focus on transformer-based models such as BERT and hybrid methods, which combine this architecture with neural networks such as CNN and LSTM. There are also approaches with hierarchical attention mechanisms. Some studies employed additional techniques such as feature extraction with TF-IDF and pre-trained embeddings to improve model performance.
DISCUSSION: Limitations in the evidence include the lack of linguistic and cultural diversity and the predominance of data from social networks. These results indicate that computational techniques have high potential to support early prevention strategies for suicidal ideation. However, expanding the diversity of linguistic contexts and improving understanding of the models among non-experts, such as physicians and other interested individuals, is necessary.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Global landscape of mRNA vaccine clinical trials: a systematic analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov data.
Frontiers in public health, 14:1738942.
mRNA vaccines, as a novel vaccine platform, have rapidly become a global research hotspot driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a systematic analysis method based on clinical trial registries to conduct a descriptive statistical analysis of mRNA vaccine-related trials registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database from March 2000 to July 2025. We compared characteristics such as the number of trials, geographical distribution, study type, funding sources, trial design, and indications, and used chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests for inter-group difference analysis. The results show that the number of mRNA vaccine clinical trials has experienced explosive growth after the pandemic, presenting obvious pandemic-driven characteristics and geographical differences. There are significant differences in registration characteristics and trial design among China, the United States, and Europe (p<0.01). Indications have rapidly expanded from infectious diseases to multiple fields such as tumors, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic diseases, indicating that mRNA technology is transforming from an infectious disease prevention tool into a platform technology with broad therapeutic potential. From the perspective of clinical trial registration, this study provides empirical evidence for understanding the global research status, regional strategy differences, and future development directions of mRNA vaccines. It offers insights for vaccine development planning, international regulatory coordination, and global clinical trial strategic planning, assisting researchers, enterprises, and policymakers in making optimal decisions.
Additional Links: PMID-41657702
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41657702,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, S and Zhou, T and Wang, M and Xiang, W and Wu, J},
title = {Global landscape of mRNA vaccine clinical trials: a systematic analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov data.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1738942},
pmid = {41657702},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *Clinical Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Registries/statistics & numerical data ; *COVID-19 Vaccines ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Global Health ; *mRNA Vaccines ; },
abstract = {mRNA vaccines, as a novel vaccine platform, have rapidly become a global research hotspot driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a systematic analysis method based on clinical trial registries to conduct a descriptive statistical analysis of mRNA vaccine-related trials registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database from March 2000 to July 2025. We compared characteristics such as the number of trials, geographical distribution, study type, funding sources, trial design, and indications, and used chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests for inter-group difference analysis. The results show that the number of mRNA vaccine clinical trials has experienced explosive growth after the pandemic, presenting obvious pandemic-driven characteristics and geographical differences. There are significant differences in registration characteristics and trial design among China, the United States, and Europe (p<0.01). Indications have rapidly expanded from infectious diseases to multiple fields such as tumors, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic diseases, indicating that mRNA technology is transforming from an infectious disease prevention tool into a platform technology with broad therapeutic potential. From the perspective of clinical trial registration, this study provides empirical evidence for understanding the global research status, regional strategy differences, and future development directions of mRNA vaccines. It offers insights for vaccine development planning, international regulatory coordination, and global clinical trial strategic planning, assisting researchers, enterprises, and policymakers in making optimal decisions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Clinical Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Registries/statistics & numerical data
*COVID-19 Vaccines
SARS-CoV-2
Global Health
*mRNA Vaccines
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Psychological impact and intervention strategies for unaccompanied patients in pediatric intensive care units: a narrative review.
Translational pediatrics, 15(1):20.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a high-stress medical environment. Family-Centered Care (FCC), which ensures parental presence and participation, is recognized as the standard of practice to mitigate psychological distress and trauma in critically ill children. However, infection control mandates [most notably during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic] and resource limitations often necessitate restrictive visitation policies, leaving children in an "unaccompanied" state. This separation from parents constitutes a significant deviation from the standard care model and poses a unique psychological risk. A systematic synthesis of the specific psychological impacts of this parental absence and adaptive strategies to effectively intervene within this context remains underdeveloped. This narrative review aims to analyze the primary psychological consequences of parental absence for children in the PICU and to explore the intervention strategies adapted to mitigate these effects.
METHODS: We reviewed journal articles from the past 15 years (2010-2024) that analyze and discuss the psychological impact and intervention strategies of unaccompanied patients in pediatric intensive care units.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Our analysis indicates that an unaccompanied state is a significant, independent risk factor for psychological morbidity in PICU patients, markedly exacerbating separation anxiety, fear, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, which may also impede physiological recovery. Effective interventions must focus on mitigating the trauma of separation. The core strategy identified is "Virtual Family-Centered Care" (e.g., re-establishing family connection and participation in rounds via video technology). Other critical interventions include alternative socio-emotional support from the healthcare team (especially Child Life Specialists), professional psychological therapies, and environmental optimization to reduce threat perception.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that while parental presence is irreplaceable, PICUs must adopt innovative interventions, particularly technology-assisted virtual connections, to protect the psychological well-being of unaccompanied children whenever visitation is necessarily restricted.
Additional Links: PMID-41657453
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@article {pmid41657453,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, T and Hu, Y and Bao, Y},
title = {Psychological impact and intervention strategies for unaccompanied patients in pediatric intensive care units: a narrative review.},
journal = {Translational pediatrics},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {20},
pmid = {41657453},
issn = {2224-4344},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a high-stress medical environment. Family-Centered Care (FCC), which ensures parental presence and participation, is recognized as the standard of practice to mitigate psychological distress and trauma in critically ill children. However, infection control mandates [most notably during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic] and resource limitations often necessitate restrictive visitation policies, leaving children in an "unaccompanied" state. This separation from parents constitutes a significant deviation from the standard care model and poses a unique psychological risk. A systematic synthesis of the specific psychological impacts of this parental absence and adaptive strategies to effectively intervene within this context remains underdeveloped. This narrative review aims to analyze the primary psychological consequences of parental absence for children in the PICU and to explore the intervention strategies adapted to mitigate these effects.
METHODS: We reviewed journal articles from the past 15 years (2010-2024) that analyze and discuss the psychological impact and intervention strategies of unaccompanied patients in pediatric intensive care units.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: Our analysis indicates that an unaccompanied state is a significant, independent risk factor for psychological morbidity in PICU patients, markedly exacerbating separation anxiety, fear, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, which may also impede physiological recovery. Effective interventions must focus on mitigating the trauma of separation. The core strategy identified is "Virtual Family-Centered Care" (e.g., re-establishing family connection and participation in rounds via video technology). Other critical interventions include alternative socio-emotional support from the healthcare team (especially Child Life Specialists), professional psychological therapies, and environmental optimization to reduce threat perception.
CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that while parental presence is irreplaceable, PICUs must adopt innovative interventions, particularly technology-assisted virtual connections, to protect the psychological well-being of unaccompanied children whenever visitation is necessarily restricted.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
Chemical engineering strategies to enhance mRNA-LNP stability for therapeutic applications.
Biomaterials science [Epub ahead of print].
The inception of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has catalyzed a transformative shift in the field of vaccination, offering expeditious, scalable, and potent countermeasures to a global health emergency. Despite significant advances, mRNA remains inherently unstable under physiological conditions due to its susceptibility to degradation by ubiquitous ribonucleases and physicochemical factors, making its storage, transport and clinical application challenging. This review explores the critical determinants influencing mRNA stability and discusses how chemical engineering strategies are suited to enhance mRNA stability, including 5' cap modification, poly(A) tail engineering, optimization of untranslated regions, as well as coding sequence refinements, reversible 2'-OH acylation, the development of circular RNA constructs and self-amplifying RNA systems. We also discuss efforts towards mRNA immunogenicity regulation and advanced mRNA delivery systems, along with progress in storage and transport solutions, which have further contributed to addressing stability concerns. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges in clinical translation and provide forward-looking perspectives on emerging mRNA-based technologies.
Additional Links: PMID-41657321
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@article {pmid41657321,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Z and Ong, YH and Yang, B and Fan, B and Yang, YY and Ni, Q},
title = {Chemical engineering strategies to enhance mRNA-LNP stability for therapeutic applications.},
journal = {Biomaterials science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1039/d5bm01635e},
pmid = {41657321},
issn = {2047-4849},
abstract = {The inception of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has catalyzed a transformative shift in the field of vaccination, offering expeditious, scalable, and potent countermeasures to a global health emergency. Despite significant advances, mRNA remains inherently unstable under physiological conditions due to its susceptibility to degradation by ubiquitous ribonucleases and physicochemical factors, making its storage, transport and clinical application challenging. This review explores the critical determinants influencing mRNA stability and discusses how chemical engineering strategies are suited to enhance mRNA stability, including 5' cap modification, poly(A) tail engineering, optimization of untranslated regions, as well as coding sequence refinements, reversible 2'-OH acylation, the development of circular RNA constructs and self-amplifying RNA systems. We also discuss efforts towards mRNA immunogenicity regulation and advanced mRNA delivery systems, along with progress in storage and transport solutions, which have further contributed to addressing stability concerns. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges in clinical translation and provide forward-looking perspectives on emerging mRNA-based technologies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Waning immunity and the future of booster vaccination strategies in global vaccine programs post COVID-19.
Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 22(1):2626088.
The problem of waning immunity is a major global concern of vaccine programs, with immunity against diseases such as COVID-19 (reduction in efficacy by ~25% in six months), pertussis (waning in 4-12 y), and influenza (annual updates needed) expected to decrease with time. While boosters reduce serious results in high-risk categories, these effects are short-term (4-6 months) and encourage global imbalances, where low-income areas lag in primary vaccination (<2%). Computational models have shown that primary vaccination in underserved regions prevents ~60% of hospitalizations worldwide, surpassing booster-focused measures (~47%). To maintain protection, variant-responsive boosters, rapid booster-design pipelines, universal vaccine platforms (including pan-coronavirus vaccines), and equity-based solutions (decentralized production) need to be integrated. Aligning with frameworks like the Immunization Agenda 2030 of the World Health Organization, plans should balance the expansion of high-risk groups while broadening primary access, providing infrastructure investment, and real-time surveillance to address evolving pathogens and systemic disparities.
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@article {pmid41656902,
year = {2026},
author = {Biswas, R and Roy, A and Kayal, T and Basu, S and Ghosh, S and Ramaiah, S and Anbarasu, A},
title = {Waning immunity and the future of booster vaccination strategies in global vaccine programs post COVID-19.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {2626088},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2026.2626088},
pmid = {41656902},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *Immunization, Secondary/methods/trends ; *Immunization Programs ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Global Health ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {The problem of waning immunity is a major global concern of vaccine programs, with immunity against diseases such as COVID-19 (reduction in efficacy by ~25% in six months), pertussis (waning in 4-12 y), and influenza (annual updates needed) expected to decrease with time. While boosters reduce serious results in high-risk categories, these effects are short-term (4-6 months) and encourage global imbalances, where low-income areas lag in primary vaccination (<2%). Computational models have shown that primary vaccination in underserved regions prevents ~60% of hospitalizations worldwide, surpassing booster-focused measures (~47%). To maintain protection, variant-responsive boosters, rapid booster-design pipelines, universal vaccine platforms (including pan-coronavirus vaccines), and equity-based solutions (decentralized production) need to be integrated. Aligning with frameworks like the Immunization Agenda 2030 of the World Health Organization, plans should balance the expansion of high-risk groups while broadening primary access, providing infrastructure investment, and real-time surveillance to address evolving pathogens and systemic disparities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*Immunization, Secondary/methods/trends
*Immunization Programs
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Global Health
Vaccine Efficacy
Vaccination
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-09
Best Practices in Preparing for the Worst Case.
Disaster medicine and public health preparedness, 20:e34 pii:S1935789325102012.
The convergence of nuclear and radiological preparedness with epidemic and pandemic response, reveals valuable opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and capability development. Insights from the extensive career of Dr. C. Norman Coleman illustrate how methodologies from radiation medical countermeasures can inform strategies for managing emerging infectious diseases. While nuclear incidents are infrequent, infectious disease outbreaks occur regularly, underscoring the need for sustained, adaptable capabilities to detect and respond to such threats. To draw on some examples, case studies on the development and deployment of vaccines against filoviruses highlight measurable advances in response speed and efficacy, while persistent challenges related to equitable access to medical countermeasures during public health emergencies can be addressed drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Iterative improvement, strategic planning and performance optimization is very important, as is, the value of understanding the structure of a problem to find its solution.
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@article {pmid41656850,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatchett, RJ},
title = {Best Practices in Preparing for the Worst Case.},
journal = {Disaster medicine and public health preparedness},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {e34},
doi = {10.1017/dmp.2025.10201},
pmid = {41656850},
issn = {1938-744X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Disaster Planning/methods/standards/trends ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Civil Defense/methods/standards/trends ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The convergence of nuclear and radiological preparedness with epidemic and pandemic response, reveals valuable opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and capability development. Insights from the extensive career of Dr. C. Norman Coleman illustrate how methodologies from radiation medical countermeasures can inform strategies for managing emerging infectious diseases. While nuclear incidents are infrequent, infectious disease outbreaks occur regularly, underscoring the need for sustained, adaptable capabilities to detect and respond to such threats. To draw on some examples, case studies on the development and deployment of vaccines against filoviruses highlight measurable advances in response speed and efficacy, while persistent challenges related to equitable access to medical countermeasures during public health emergencies can be addressed drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Iterative improvement, strategic planning and performance optimization is very important, as is, the value of understanding the structure of a problem to find its solution.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*Disaster Planning/methods/standards/trends
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Civil Defense/methods/standards/trends
Pandemics/prevention & control
RevDate: 2026-02-09
Who is worthy of protection? Revisiting a theoretical model on the social origins of health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scandinavian journal of public health [Epub ahead of print].
AIMS: This article examines how the Diderichsen model has been used and adapted in research on health inequalities during COVID-19, and explores how the pandemic has prompted further theoretical development. This review therefore addresses the question of how a well-established theoretical framework has helped researchers understand pandemic-related health inequalities and what opportunities exist for its continued refinement.
METHODS: A narrative literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus. Included studies cited a key publication presenting the Diderichsen model and addressed COVID-19 as a central topic. After screening 298 articles, 24 were included for full analysis. The studies were categorised by how they engaged with the model - conceptually, empirically or through further development.
RESULTS: The Diderichsen model was commonly used to frame discussions of health inequality or to interpret pandemic-related disparities in exposure, vulnerability and outcomes. Several studies emphasised occupational and housing-related exposure, class-based comorbidities and the unequal social consequences of COVID-19. A smaller number of studies proposed expanded frameworks, incorporating multilevel and temporal dimensions and introducing new mechanisms related to pandemic responses. These adaptations often focused on migrants, ethnic minorities and other particularly affected groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The review confirms the ongoing relevance of the Diderichsen model in pandemic health inequality research. It argues that the model can be further strengthened by explicitly incorporating concepts of political decision-making, symbolic recognition and social justice. This would improve its capacity to capture the full complexity of health inequalities in times of crisis.
Additional Links: PMID-41656612
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@article {pmid41656612,
year = {2026},
author = {Gauffin, K},
title = {Who is worthy of protection? Revisiting a theoretical model on the social origins of health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Scandinavian journal of public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {14034948261415806},
doi = {10.1177/14034948261415806},
pmid = {41656612},
issn = {1651-1905},
abstract = {AIMS: This article examines how the Diderichsen model has been used and adapted in research on health inequalities during COVID-19, and explores how the pandemic has prompted further theoretical development. This review therefore addresses the question of how a well-established theoretical framework has helped researchers understand pandemic-related health inequalities and what opportunities exist for its continued refinement.
METHODS: A narrative literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus. Included studies cited a key publication presenting the Diderichsen model and addressed COVID-19 as a central topic. After screening 298 articles, 24 were included for full analysis. The studies were categorised by how they engaged with the model - conceptually, empirically or through further development.
RESULTS: The Diderichsen model was commonly used to frame discussions of health inequality or to interpret pandemic-related disparities in exposure, vulnerability and outcomes. Several studies emphasised occupational and housing-related exposure, class-based comorbidities and the unequal social consequences of COVID-19. A smaller number of studies proposed expanded frameworks, incorporating multilevel and temporal dimensions and introducing new mechanisms related to pandemic responses. These adaptations often focused on migrants, ethnic minorities and other particularly affected groups.
CONCLUSIONS: The review confirms the ongoing relevance of the Diderichsen model in pandemic health inequality research. It argues that the model can be further strengthened by explicitly incorporating concepts of political decision-making, symbolic recognition and social justice. This would improve its capacity to capture the full complexity of health inequalities in times of crisis.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-08
Primary Care Clinics and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases.
Primary care, 53(1):17-29.
Public health surveillance for infectious diseases is highly compatible with the practice of primary care medicine and is enhanced by contextual and population-based elements when grounded in primary care. Moreover, there have been long and successful partnerships between primary care and public health for influenza monitoring. Surveillance programs can be based on sentinel, laboratory, or mechanistic approaches and need to reflect the needs of clinicians and the realities of the primary care environment. Participation in, and access to, surveillance information improves patient care through situational awareness, improving diagnostic acuity, and improving antimicrobial stewardship.
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@article {pmid41656017,
year = {2026},
author = {Temte, JL},
title = {Primary Care Clinics and Surveillance of Infectious Diseases.},
journal = {Primary care},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {17-29},
doi = {10.1016/j.pop.2025.09.003},
pmid = {41656017},
issn = {1558-299X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Primary Health Care/organization & administration ; *Communicable Diseases/epidemiology ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology ; *Public Health Surveillance/methods ; *Ambulatory Care Facilities/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {Public health surveillance for infectious diseases is highly compatible with the practice of primary care medicine and is enhanced by contextual and population-based elements when grounded in primary care. Moreover, there have been long and successful partnerships between primary care and public health for influenza monitoring. Surveillance programs can be based on sentinel, laboratory, or mechanistic approaches and need to reflect the needs of clinicians and the realities of the primary care environment. Participation in, and access to, surveillance information improves patient care through situational awareness, improving diagnostic acuity, and improving antimicrobial stewardship.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Primary Health Care/organization & administration
*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology
Influenza, Human/epidemiology
*Public Health Surveillance/methods
*Ambulatory Care Facilities/organization & administration
RevDate: 2026-02-08
Cytokine storm divergence in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.
Cytokine & growth factor reviews, 88:108-123 pii:S1359-6101(26)00016-X [Epub ahead of print].
Cytokine storm (CS) is a pathological state of dysregulated, hyperactive host immunity that arises in the context of infection, malignancy, or immunotherapy. CS is characterized by the sustained, markedly elevated release of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators, ultimately leading to tissue damage and multi-organ dysfunction. Upper respiratory viral infections, including SARS, MERS, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are among the most prominent CS triggers. Inflammatory storms triggered by different pathogens exhibit distinct variations in their cytokine profiles and downstream immune signaling pathways. Underlying comorbidities-such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease-together with complications such as coagulopathies and secondary infections, can profoundly alter both the threshold and the magnitude of the cytokine storm. This review systematically compares cytokine profiles elicited by distinct upper respiratory pathogens, with population stratification by age and underlying comorbidities, to clarify how these patterns relate to disease severity and complication risk. Collectively, the available evidence supports a shared inflammatory backbone across respiratory virus-induced cytokine storms, overlaid by pathogen-specific cytokine fingerprints and host-dependent plasticity that shapes clinical trajectories and outcomes.
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@article {pmid41655454,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, K and Xu, Q and Li, J and Wu, G and Wu, H and Tie, X and Xu, J and Li, J and Zhang, Y},
title = {Cytokine storm divergence in viral infections of the upper respiratory tract.},
journal = {Cytokine & growth factor reviews},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {108-123},
doi = {10.1016/j.cytogfr.2026.01.008},
pmid = {41655454},
issn = {1879-0305},
abstract = {Cytokine storm (CS) is a pathological state of dysregulated, hyperactive host immunity that arises in the context of infection, malignancy, or immunotherapy. CS is characterized by the sustained, markedly elevated release of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators, ultimately leading to tissue damage and multi-organ dysfunction. Upper respiratory viral infections, including SARS, MERS, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are among the most prominent CS triggers. Inflammatory storms triggered by different pathogens exhibit distinct variations in their cytokine profiles and downstream immune signaling pathways. Underlying comorbidities-such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease-together with complications such as coagulopathies and secondary infections, can profoundly alter both the threshold and the magnitude of the cytokine storm. This review systematically compares cytokine profiles elicited by distinct upper respiratory pathogens, with population stratification by age and underlying comorbidities, to clarify how these patterns relate to disease severity and complication risk. Collectively, the available evidence supports a shared inflammatory backbone across respiratory virus-induced cytokine storms, overlaid by pathogen-specific cytokine fingerprints and host-dependent plasticity that shapes clinical trajectories and outcomes.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
Advances in human respiratory organoid models for studying the pathogenesis and intervention strategies of COVID-19.
Virologica Sinica pii:S1995-820X(26)00014-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affects multiple organ systems, with the respiratory system being the primary target. Respiratory organoids, which closely mimic the structure and function of the human respiratory tract, have emerged as essential tools for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review summarizes current methods for generating various respiratory organoids, including nasal, tonsil, airway, bronchial, and alveolar organoids, and highlights their application in investigating the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluating potential therapeutic agents. Meanwhile, this review also introduces respiratory organoid-on-a-chip technology, which can precisely regulate culture conditions and incorporate vascularization and immune cells to enhance physiological complexity, thereby providing crucial support for investigating SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury, immune responses, and conducting high-throughput drug screening. The aim of this review is to provide valuable insights for further research into the pathogenesis and intervention strategies of COVID-19.
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@article {pmid41654195,
year = {2026},
author = {Shan, Z and Li, J and Ye, Z and Chen, Y and Chen, J and Chen, Y and Wang, X and Gao, C and Jiang, S and Zhang, N},
title = {Advances in human respiratory organoid models for studying the pathogenesis and intervention strategies of COVID-19.},
journal = {Virologica Sinica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.virs.2026.02.002},
pmid = {41654195},
issn = {1995-820X},
abstract = {Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), affects multiple organ systems, with the respiratory system being the primary target. Respiratory organoids, which closely mimic the structure and function of the human respiratory tract, have emerged as essential tools for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review summarizes current methods for generating various respiratory organoids, including nasal, tonsil, airway, bronchial, and alveolar organoids, and highlights their application in investigating the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and evaluating potential therapeutic agents. Meanwhile, this review also introduces respiratory organoid-on-a-chip technology, which can precisely regulate culture conditions and incorporate vascularization and immune cells to enhance physiological complexity, thereby providing crucial support for investigating SARS-CoV-2-induced lung injury, immune responses, and conducting high-throughput drug screening. The aim of this review is to provide valuable insights for further research into the pathogenesis and intervention strategies of COVID-19.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
Pelargonium sidoides - from ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine: a systematic review.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, 153:157880 pii:S0944-7113(26)00119-4 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Pelargonium sidoides DC. (Geraniaceae) has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples of Southern Africa for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Its transformation into the modern pharmaceutical product Umckaloabo (EPs® 7630) exemplifies the transition from traditional medicine to evidence-based therapeutics.
PURPOSE: To provide a systematic analysis of P. sidoides, spanning from its botanical characteristics and ethnobotanical roots to its development as a regulated phytomedicine. The review focuses on the plant's unique phytochemical profile and provides a detailed synthesis of its molecular and systems-biological mechanisms of action, cultivation sustainability, and clinical efficacy in managing respiratory tract infections.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to December 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Sources included scientific articles, pharmacopoeias, patents, and ethnobotanical records in English and Ukrainian.
RESULTS: The systematic synthesis of identified records characterizes the chemical diversity of P. sidoides, focusing on specialized metabolites such as highly substituted benzopyranones, prodelphinidins, and unique coumarin sulfates. The review discusses modern cultivation practices, sustainability issues, and comparative extraction techniques, while analytical methods such as HPLC, LC-MS, and TLC for standardization are summarized. The pharmacological profile is defined by multi-target activity, encompassing immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, including studies on SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens. Analysis of available clinical data validates the therapeutic use of P. sidoides root preparations for managing acute bronchitis, rhinosinusitis, and tonsillopharyngitis.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the integration of P. sidoides into modern healthcare is supported by the synergy between traditional knowledge and molecular and clinical validation. By mapping the developmental trajectory - from wild harvesting to systems-biological evidence - this review identifies P. sidoides as a model for the pharmaceutical translation of ethnobotanical resources into standardized, evidence-based phytomedicines.
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@article {pmid41653615,
year = {2026},
author = {Honchar, O and Мykhailenko, O and Holovchenko, O and Georgiyants, V},
title = {Pelargonium sidoides - from ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine: a systematic review.},
journal = {Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology},
volume = {153},
number = {},
pages = {157880},
doi = {10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157880},
pmid = {41653615},
issn = {1618-095X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pelargonium sidoides DC. (Geraniaceae) has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples of Southern Africa for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Its transformation into the modern pharmaceutical product Umckaloabo (EPs® 7630) exemplifies the transition from traditional medicine to evidence-based therapeutics.
PURPOSE: To provide a systematic analysis of P. sidoides, spanning from its botanical characteristics and ethnobotanical roots to its development as a regulated phytomedicine. The review focuses on the plant's unique phytochemical profile and provides a detailed synthesis of its molecular and systems-biological mechanisms of action, cultivation sustainability, and clinical efficacy in managing respiratory tract infections.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to December 2025 following PRISMA guidelines. Sources included scientific articles, pharmacopoeias, patents, and ethnobotanical records in English and Ukrainian.
RESULTS: The systematic synthesis of identified records characterizes the chemical diversity of P. sidoides, focusing on specialized metabolites such as highly substituted benzopyranones, prodelphinidins, and unique coumarin sulfates. The review discusses modern cultivation practices, sustainability issues, and comparative extraction techniques, while analytical methods such as HPLC, LC-MS, and TLC for standardization are summarized. The pharmacological profile is defined by multi-target activity, encompassing immunomodulatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, including studies on SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens. Analysis of available clinical data validates the therapeutic use of P. sidoides root preparations for managing acute bronchitis, rhinosinusitis, and tonsillopharyngitis.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the integration of P. sidoides into modern healthcare is supported by the synergy between traditional knowledge and molecular and clinical validation. By mapping the developmental trajectory - from wild harvesting to systems-biological evidence - this review identifies P. sidoides as a model for the pharmaceutical translation of ethnobotanical resources into standardized, evidence-based phytomedicines.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
Trained Immunity Empowers Vaccine Design and Application.
ACS infectious diseases [Epub ahead of print].
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations of traditional vaccine development models: these approaches rely excessively on pathogen-specific antigen design, feature lengthy development cycles, and struggle to address threats from rapidly mutating pathogens and emerging pathogens. Even before the pandemic, certain traditional vaccines (such as BCG) demonstrated "cross-protection" effects beyond their target diseases. The trained immunity (TRIM) theory offers a promising path to develop broad-spectrum, effective, and durable vaccines. This review summarizes core advances in TRIM within vaccinology, systematically outlining vaccine design strategies based on this concept for the first time. These strategies encompass vaccine-mediated cross-protection, methods to enhance vaccine potency and persistence, pathways to achieve broad-spectrum effects, and regulatory characteristics involving immune recognition, antigen delivery, safety, and tolerability. This study explores the synergistic effects and application prospects of TRIM adjuvants such as β-glucan and Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. The impact of transgenerational immune effects on offspring immune function provides a crucial direction for future research. It also highlights current limitations in studies regarding persistence, individual variability, and risks of excessive inflammation. Existing vaccines capable of inducing TRIM will inspire next-generation vaccine development. Innovative applications of this vaccine category can propel the advancement of trained immunity-based vaccines (TIbVs). This review proposes an innovative approach─the "Vaccine Immunity Foundation Hypothesis." This lays the groundwork for designing next-generation vaccines and advancing the clinical translation of TRIM therapies, establishing a theoretical foundation for developing broad-spectrum, highly effective, durable, and safe immune protection strategies.
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@article {pmid41653115,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, Q and Mai, Z and Wang, B and Sun, N and Zhu, W and Wang, J and Ge, J and Gao, M},
title = {Trained Immunity Empowers Vaccine Design and Application.},
journal = {ACS infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acsinfecdis.5c00840},
pmid = {41653115},
issn = {2373-8227},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations of traditional vaccine development models: these approaches rely excessively on pathogen-specific antigen design, feature lengthy development cycles, and struggle to address threats from rapidly mutating pathogens and emerging pathogens. Even before the pandemic, certain traditional vaccines (such as BCG) demonstrated "cross-protection" effects beyond their target diseases. The trained immunity (TRIM) theory offers a promising path to develop broad-spectrum, effective, and durable vaccines. This review summarizes core advances in TRIM within vaccinology, systematically outlining vaccine design strategies based on this concept for the first time. These strategies encompass vaccine-mediated cross-protection, methods to enhance vaccine potency and persistence, pathways to achieve broad-spectrum effects, and regulatory characteristics involving immune recognition, antigen delivery, safety, and tolerability. This study explores the synergistic effects and application prospects of TRIM adjuvants such as β-glucan and Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. The impact of transgenerational immune effects on offspring immune function provides a crucial direction for future research. It also highlights current limitations in studies regarding persistence, individual variability, and risks of excessive inflammation. Existing vaccines capable of inducing TRIM will inspire next-generation vaccine development. Innovative applications of this vaccine category can propel the advancement of trained immunity-based vaccines (TIbVs). This review proposes an innovative approach─the "Vaccine Immunity Foundation Hypothesis." This lays the groundwork for designing next-generation vaccines and advancing the clinical translation of TRIM therapies, establishing a theoretical foundation for developing broad-spectrum, highly effective, durable, and safe immune protection strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
The double threat: bacterial and fungal co-/superinfection in viral pneumonia.
Expert review of respiratory medicine [Epub ahead of print].
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory viral pneumonias are a leading cause of severe respiratory failure and intensive care unit (ICU) admission worldwide. Although viral infection itself drives significant morbidity and mortality, secondary bacterial and fungal superinfections represent a critical 'double threat' in critically ill adults, exacerbating lung injury, prolonging organ dysfunction, and complicating antimicrobial management. Experience from the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics highlights a persistent mismatch between low documented bacterial co-infection rates and widespread empiric antibiotic exposure, underscoring diagnostic uncertainty and antimicrobial stewardship challenges in the ICU.
AREAS COVERED: This review examines the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches to bacterial and fungal superinfection in adult ICU patients with severe viral pneumonia. Evidence is synthesized from large ICU cohorts, pandemic data, and established consensus definitions for influenza- and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA, CAPA). The review discusses advances in molecular diagnostics, lower respiratory tract sampling, bronchoalveolar lavage - based mycology, and biomarker-guided strategies, with a focused literature search of ICU-specific studies.
EXPERT OPINION: Bacterial and fungal superinfections, while infrequent, carry substantial clinical impact in severe viral pneumonia. A multimodal, ICU-adapted diagnostic strategy integrating pathogen detection with host-response assessment is essential to support timely therapy, enable antimicrobial de-escalation, and align superinfection management with stewardship principles.
Additional Links: PMID-41653012
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41653012,
year = {2026},
author = {Asis, A and RodrÃguez, A and Reyes, LF and DÃaz, E and Nseir, S and MartÃn-Loeches, I},
title = {The double threat: bacterial and fungal co-/superinfection in viral pneumonia.},
journal = {Expert review of respiratory medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1080/17476348.2026.2629003},
pmid = {41653012},
issn = {1747-6356},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Respiratory viral pneumonias are a leading cause of severe respiratory failure and intensive care unit (ICU) admission worldwide. Although viral infection itself drives significant morbidity and mortality, secondary bacterial and fungal superinfections represent a critical 'double threat' in critically ill adults, exacerbating lung injury, prolonging organ dysfunction, and complicating antimicrobial management. Experience from the Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 and SARS-CoV-2 pandemics highlights a persistent mismatch between low documented bacterial co-infection rates and widespread empiric antibiotic exposure, underscoring diagnostic uncertainty and antimicrobial stewardship challenges in the ICU.
AREAS COVERED: This review examines the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches to bacterial and fungal superinfection in adult ICU patients with severe viral pneumonia. Evidence is synthesized from large ICU cohorts, pandemic data, and established consensus definitions for influenza- and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA, CAPA). The review discusses advances in molecular diagnostics, lower respiratory tract sampling, bronchoalveolar lavage - based mycology, and biomarker-guided strategies, with a focused literature search of ICU-specific studies.
EXPERT OPINION: Bacterial and fungal superinfections, while infrequent, carry substantial clinical impact in severe viral pneumonia. A multimodal, ICU-adapted diagnostic strategy integrating pathogen detection with host-response assessment is essential to support timely therapy, enable antimicrobial de-escalation, and align superinfection management with stewardship principles.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
Cell entry mechanisms of porcine enteric coronaviruses.
The Journal of biological chemistry pii:S0021-9258(26)00120-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Porcine enteric coronaviruses, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and high mortality in piglets, leading to enormous economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. They have the capability to infect a variety of cell lines from pigs, humans, and other animals, with high risks of interspecies transmission and potential threats to public health. These viruses employ their spike glycoproteins to engage with various receptors, coreceptors, cofactors, and other host factors that further mediate membrane fusion to accomplish the entry process. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding the pathways, receptors, coreceptors, cofactors, and other host factors utilized by TGEV, PEDV, SADS-CoV, and PDCoV for cellular entry. Several important targets for antiviral therapeutics and some key aspects of the entry process for these viruses that await discovery are highlighted. A comprehensive understanding of the entry mechanisms of porcine enteric coronaviruses will provide new insight into the development of novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41651428
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41651428,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Y and Zhao, F and Zhao, Q and Du, S and Wen, Y and Wu, R and Cao, S and Cong, F and Huang, X},
title = {Cell entry mechanisms of porcine enteric coronaviruses.},
journal = {The Journal of biological chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111250},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbc.2026.111250},
pmid = {41651428},
issn = {1083-351X},
abstract = {Porcine enteric coronaviruses, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), cause severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and high mortality in piglets, leading to enormous economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. They have the capability to infect a variety of cell lines from pigs, humans, and other animals, with high risks of interspecies transmission and potential threats to public health. These viruses employ their spike glycoproteins to engage with various receptors, coreceptors, cofactors, and other host factors that further mediate membrane fusion to accomplish the entry process. This review summarizes the recent findings regarding the pathways, receptors, coreceptors, cofactors, and other host factors utilized by TGEV, PEDV, SADS-CoV, and PDCoV for cellular entry. Several important targets for antiviral therapeutics and some key aspects of the entry process for these viruses that await discovery are highlighted. A comprehensive understanding of the entry mechanisms of porcine enteric coronaviruses will provide new insight into the development of novel antiviral therapeutic strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
Megakaryocytes and afucosylated IgG in post-acute COVID-19: Bridging immune dysregulation and vascular pathology - A narrative review.
Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 196:119049 pii:S0753-3322(26)00081-8 [Epub ahead of print].
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also referred to as long COVID, encompasses a constellation of persistent symptoms lasting for at least three months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and not explained by alternative diagnoses. The multifactorial pathophysiology underlying PASC remains incompletely understood, limiting the development of effective management strategies. Increasing evidence suggests that both immune dysregulation and hemostatic imbalance play central roles in post-COVID-19 complications. Megakaryocytes, key regulators of platelet production and coagulation, have emerged as potential contributors to sustained thrombo-inflammatory processes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In parallel, afucosylated IgG antibodies have been strongly implicated in exaggerated immune activation and hyperinflammatory responses during acute COVID-19. The persistence of such antibody glycosylation patterns beyond the acute phase raises the possibility that they may also contribute to chronic immune and vascular alterations observed in PASC. This narrative review explores the potential interplay between megakaryocyte dysfunction and afucosylated IgG antibodies in the pathogenesis of PASC. By examining mechanisms identified during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, we discuss how prolonged immune-hemostatic crosstalk may promote persistent inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities. Understanding these interconnected pathways may provide mechanistic insight into the heterogeneity of PASC manifestations and help identify novel therapeutic targets for long-term post-COVID-19 sequelae.
Additional Links: PMID-41650532
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41650532,
year = {2026},
author = {Labied, S and Atifi, F and Wahnou, H and Mabrouk, M and Jeddoub, O and Allaoui, A and Jalali, F and Zaid, Y},
title = {Megakaryocytes and afucosylated IgG in post-acute COVID-19: Bridging immune dysregulation and vascular pathology - A narrative review.},
journal = {Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie},
volume = {196},
number = {},
pages = {119049},
doi = {10.1016/j.biopha.2026.119049},
pmid = {41650532},
issn = {1950-6007},
abstract = {Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), also referred to as long COVID, encompasses a constellation of persistent symptoms lasting for at least three months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and not explained by alternative diagnoses. The multifactorial pathophysiology underlying PASC remains incompletely understood, limiting the development of effective management strategies. Increasing evidence suggests that both immune dysregulation and hemostatic imbalance play central roles in post-COVID-19 complications. Megakaryocytes, key regulators of platelet production and coagulation, have emerged as potential contributors to sustained thrombo-inflammatory processes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In parallel, afucosylated IgG antibodies have been strongly implicated in exaggerated immune activation and hyperinflammatory responses during acute COVID-19. The persistence of such antibody glycosylation patterns beyond the acute phase raises the possibility that they may also contribute to chronic immune and vascular alterations observed in PASC. This narrative review explores the potential interplay between megakaryocyte dysfunction and afucosylated IgG antibodies in the pathogenesis of PASC. By examining mechanisms identified during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, we discuss how prolonged immune-hemostatic crosstalk may promote persistent inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and microvascular abnormalities. Understanding these interconnected pathways may provide mechanistic insight into the heterogeneity of PASC manifestations and help identify novel therapeutic targets for long-term post-COVID-19 sequelae.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
Clinical benefits of prolonged versus standard prone positioning in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial-sequential analysis.
Australian critical care : official journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses, 39(2):101531 pii:S1036-7314(26)00001-9 [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVES: The optimal duration of prone positioning for improving outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome remains uncertain. This meta-analysis compared clinical outcomes of prolonged versus standard prone positioning in adult coronavirus disease 2019 patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Prolonged prone positioning was defined as a mean duration >24 h per session and standard as ≤ 24 h. Outcomes included mortality, pressure injuries, oxygenation, and respiratory parameters. A trial sequential analysis was conducted for mortality and pressure injuries.
RESULTS: Seven studies (six observational and one RCT) involving 996 patients (592 prolonged and 404 standard) were included in the study. Prolonged prone positioning showed a nonsignificant trend towards lower mortality (33.8% vs. 39.8%, RR: 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.60-1.09; P = 0.16) and a borderline increase in pressure injuries (30.2% vs. 26.2%; relative risk (RR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.62; P = 0.05). The trial sequential analysis indicated that current evidence is insufficient to confirm benefit or harm. No significant differences were observed in intensive care unit length of stay (mean difference [MD]: 2.74 days; P = 0.13) or changes in positive end-expiratory pressure or driving pressure in both groups. Oxygenation improved significantly during (partial pressure of arterial oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio MD: 17.42 mmHg; P = 0.003) and after prone positioning (partial pressure of arterial oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio MD: 23.83 mmHg; P = 0.008).
CONCLUSION: Prolonged prone positioning was associated with trends towards lower mortality and higher frequency of pressure injury risk, but evidence remains inconclusive. While oxygenation improved, clinical outcomes of intensive care unit length of stay and respiratory parameters were unchanged. Additional high-quality RCTs are needed to clarify the balance of benefits and risks and guide future recommendations.
Additional Links: PMID-41650498
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41650498,
year = {2026},
author = {Keenan Chong, WH and Dan Ong, WJ and Khan, FA and Sajeed, S and Souza, JD and Kansal, MG and Kansal, A},
title = {Clinical benefits of prolonged versus standard prone positioning in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial-sequential analysis.},
journal = {Australian critical care : official journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {101531},
doi = {10.1016/j.aucc.2026.101531},
pmid = {41650498},
issn = {1036-7314},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The optimal duration of prone positioning for improving outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome remains uncertain. This meta-analysis compared clinical outcomes of prolonged versus standard prone positioning in adult coronavirus disease 2019 patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
METHODS: PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Prolonged prone positioning was defined as a mean duration >24 h per session and standard as ≤ 24 h. Outcomes included mortality, pressure injuries, oxygenation, and respiratory parameters. A trial sequential analysis was conducted for mortality and pressure injuries.
RESULTS: Seven studies (six observational and one RCT) involving 996 patients (592 prolonged and 404 standard) were included in the study. Prolonged prone positioning showed a nonsignificant trend towards lower mortality (33.8% vs. 39.8%, RR: 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.60-1.09; P = 0.16) and a borderline increase in pressure injuries (30.2% vs. 26.2%; relative risk (RR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.62; P = 0.05). The trial sequential analysis indicated that current evidence is insufficient to confirm benefit or harm. No significant differences were observed in intensive care unit length of stay (mean difference [MD]: 2.74 days; P = 0.13) or changes in positive end-expiratory pressure or driving pressure in both groups. Oxygenation improved significantly during (partial pressure of arterial oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio MD: 17.42 mmHg; P = 0.003) and after prone positioning (partial pressure of arterial oxygen-to-fraction of inspired oxygen ratio MD: 23.83 mmHg; P = 0.008).
CONCLUSION: Prolonged prone positioning was associated with trends towards lower mortality and higher frequency of pressure injury risk, but evidence remains inconclusive. While oxygenation improved, clinical outcomes of intensive care unit length of stay and respiratory parameters were unchanged. Additional high-quality RCTs are needed to clarify the balance of benefits and risks and guide future recommendations.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-09
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors of asthenopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of global health, 16:04053.
BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to determine the clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors of asthenopia across diverse populations.
METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed up to April 2024 for studies published within the last five years on asthenopia, without language or design restrictions. Reference lists were also reviewed. The study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate proportions, prevalence rates, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: Overall, 63 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of asthenopia detected via questionnaires or symptom report was 51% (95% CI = 50%, 52%). Subgroup analyses showed high prevalence among digital device users (90%) and computer workers (77%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence rose among adults (39%-45%), university students (36%-57%), and school-aged children (45%-64%). The most frequent ocular symptoms were eye tiredness (65%, 95% CI = 46%, 84%), eye strain (47%, 95% CI = 37%, 58%), and burning/irritation (43%, 95% CI = 35%, 51%). Musculoskeletal symptoms, including neck pain (45%, 95% CI = 28%, 62%) and shoulder pain (30%, 95% CI = 12%, 48%) were also prevalent. Neuropsychological symptoms included headache (50%, 95% CI = 41%, 59%) and difficulty concentrating (44%, 95% CI = 32%, 56%). Risk factors included short sleep duration (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.57), prior eye disease (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.43, 4.69), prolonged screen time (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.21), and ambient conditions like air conditioning use (OR = 23.02; 95% CI = 4.94, 107.18). Protective measures included anti-glare filters (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.64), regular breaks (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.51), and computer use knowledge (OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.30).
CONCLUSIONS: Asthenopia is prevalent across diverse populations, characterised by a wide range of symptoms and influenced by modifiable risk factors. Our findings support a unified definition to improve clinical recognition and offer preliminary evidence to help shape future research on preventive strategies.
REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42024536841.
Additional Links: PMID-41648943
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41648943,
year = {2026},
author = {Song, F and Liu, Y and Zhao, Z and Shang, X and Wang, Y and Lai, M and He, M and Chen, Y},
title = {Clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors of asthenopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {04053},
pmid = {41648943},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; Risk Factors ; Prevalence ; *Asthenopia/epidemiology/etiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to determine the clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors of asthenopia across diverse populations.
METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed up to April 2024 for studies published within the last five years on asthenopia, without language or design restrictions. Reference lists were also reviewed. The study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate proportions, prevalence rates, odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS: Overall, 63 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of asthenopia detected via questionnaires or symptom report was 51% (95% CI = 50%, 52%). Subgroup analyses showed high prevalence among digital device users (90%) and computer workers (77%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, prevalence rose among adults (39%-45%), university students (36%-57%), and school-aged children (45%-64%). The most frequent ocular symptoms were eye tiredness (65%, 95% CI = 46%, 84%), eye strain (47%, 95% CI = 37%, 58%), and burning/irritation (43%, 95% CI = 35%, 51%). Musculoskeletal symptoms, including neck pain (45%, 95% CI = 28%, 62%) and shoulder pain (30%, 95% CI = 12%, 48%) were also prevalent. Neuropsychological symptoms included headache (50%, 95% CI = 41%, 59%) and difficulty concentrating (44%, 95% CI = 32%, 56%). Risk factors included short sleep duration (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.57), prior eye disease (OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.43, 4.69), prolonged screen time (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.21), and ambient conditions like air conditioning use (OR = 23.02; 95% CI = 4.94, 107.18). Protective measures included anti-glare filters (OR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.19, 0.64), regular breaks (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.51), and computer use knowledge (OR = 0.20; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.30).
CONCLUSIONS: Asthenopia is prevalent across diverse populations, characterised by a wide range of symptoms and influenced by modifiable risk factors. Our findings support a unified definition to improve clinical recognition and offer preliminary evidence to help shape future research on preventive strategies.
REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42024536841.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Risk Factors
Prevalence
*Asthenopia/epidemiology/etiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Adult
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Local and systemic host responses to influenza and concurrent or sequential SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1725731.
Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, which has been circulating in humans for over a century. In contrast, COVID-19, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2, emerged recently in December 2019. Following nearly four years of pandemic, the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 has transitioned towards an endemic state, suggesting a trend of long-term coexistence with humans. Concurrent or sequential coinfection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 has been clinically observed to exacerbate pulmonary pathology and systemic inflammation in affected individuals. This review discusses the impact and elucidates the potential underlying mechanisms by which influenza and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection aggravates local lung injury and systemic host responses, aiming to inform improved prevention and clinical management strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41648868
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@article {pmid41648868,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, T and Wang, L and Yan, C},
title = {Local and systemic host responses to influenza and concurrent or sequential SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1725731},
pmid = {41648868},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/pathology/complications ; *Influenza, Human/immunology/complications/pathology/virology ; *Coinfection/immunology/virology/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Lung/pathology/virology/immunology ; Inflammation ; },
abstract = {Influenza is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, which has been circulating in humans for over a century. In contrast, COVID-19, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2, emerged recently in December 2019. Following nearly four years of pandemic, the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 has transitioned towards an endemic state, suggesting a trend of long-term coexistence with humans. Concurrent or sequential coinfection with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 has been clinically observed to exacerbate pulmonary pathology and systemic inflammation in affected individuals. This review discusses the impact and elucidates the potential underlying mechanisms by which influenza and SARS-CoV-2 coinfection aggravates local lung injury and systemic host responses, aiming to inform improved prevention and clinical management strategies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/pathology/complications
*Influenza, Human/immunology/complications/pathology/virology
*Coinfection/immunology/virology/pathology
SARS-CoV-2
Lung/pathology/virology/immunology
Inflammation
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Neurological and Neuropsychological Manifestations of COVID-19.
Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 22(10-12):14-23.
OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with a wide range of neurological symptoms and neuropsychiatric conditions. SARS-CoV-2 shows various degrees of neurotropism. SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts; however, it can affect other organs. Neurological and neuropsychological manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported. Several mechanisms are involved in these manifestations in COVID-19. Therefore, the present narrative review will take account of mechanisms underlying the neurological and neuropsychological manifestations in COVID-19.
METHODS: A literature search for relevant articles in different databases was made with a focus on recent publications for this narrative review.
RESULTS: Inflammation and thrombosis have been suggested to be mechanisms contributing to these manifestations. Also, renin-angiotensin system (RAS), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), cathepsin B and L, furin, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), and sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) have been proposed to be involved in pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) have been suggested to have a role in SARS-CoV-2 entry into the central nervous system (CNS).
CONCLUSION: Further investigation on the underlying mechanisms leading to SARS-CoV-2-associated neurological and neuropsychological manifestations is pivotal. Insights into these mechanisms will help the treatment strategies for patients with COVID-19 and such manifestations.
Additional Links: PMID-41647062
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41647062,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghorbani Shirkouhi, S and Khatami, SS and Niroomand, Z and Sadigh-Eteghad, S and Yousefzadeh-Chabok, S and Andalib, S},
title = {Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Neurological and Neuropsychological Manifestations of COVID-19.},
journal = {Innovations in clinical neuroscience},
volume = {22},
number = {10-12},
pages = {14-23},
pmid = {41647062},
issn = {2158-8333},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with a wide range of neurological symptoms and neuropsychiatric conditions. SARS-CoV-2 shows various degrees of neurotropism. SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts; however, it can affect other organs. Neurological and neuropsychological manifestations of COVID-19 have been reported. Several mechanisms are involved in these manifestations in COVID-19. Therefore, the present narrative review will take account of mechanisms underlying the neurological and neuropsychological manifestations in COVID-19.
METHODS: A literature search for relevant articles in different databases was made with a focus on recent publications for this narrative review.
RESULTS: Inflammation and thrombosis have been suggested to be mechanisms contributing to these manifestations. Also, renin-angiotensin system (RAS), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), cathepsin B and L, furin, neuropilin-1 (NRP1), and sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) have been proposed to be involved in pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) have been suggested to have a role in SARS-CoV-2 entry into the central nervous system (CNS).
CONCLUSION: Further investigation on the underlying mechanisms leading to SARS-CoV-2-associated neurological and neuropsychological manifestations is pivotal. Insights into these mechanisms will help the treatment strategies for patients with COVID-19 and such manifestations.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Advances in our understanding of anti-PF4 related immunothrombosis.
Frontiers in immunology, 16:1724207.
This article focuses on the central role of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) in mediating immunothrombosis, from classical heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) to vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The latter condition gained international attention during the rollout of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Since then, an increased awareness for anti-PF4 mediated disorders arose and patients were recognized with anti-PF4 disorders occurring without prior heparin or adenoviral vector vaccine exposure. These disorders include various acute and chronic VITT-like conditions, i.e. post-viral VITT, diaplacentally transmitted anti-PF4 antibodies in neonatal stroke, monoclonal gammopathies of thrombotic significance (MGTS) and chronic autoimmune VITT of unknown origin. All anti-PF4 related disorders share key serological and immunopathological features with VITT, such as the formation of immune complexes and platelet activation via the Fcγ receptor IIA (FcγRIIA). Via their activation, platelets form procoagulant, aggregatory and secretory phenotypes shaping their interplay with neutrophils, monocytes, and coagulation factors to amplify thrombotic responses. Integrating recent mechanistic insights, clinical observations and diagnostic developments, this review proposes an updated conceptual framework for anti PF4-related immunothrombosis. We aim to raise awareness among clinicians and researchers, to promote early diagnosis and encourage further translational research towards improved therapeutic strategies in this clinically significant area.
Additional Links: PMID-41646984
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41646984,
year = {2025},
author = {Müller, L and Gebicka, P and Handtke, S and Schönborn, L and Thiele, T},
title = {Advances in our understanding of anti-PF4 related immunothrombosis.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1724207},
pmid = {41646984},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Platelet Factor 4/immunology ; *Thrombosis/immunology ; *Autoantibodies/immunology/blood ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology ; *Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology ; COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology ; Blood Platelets/immunology ; Receptors, IgG/immunology ; *Thrombocytopenia/immunology ; Platelet Activation/immunology ; Animals ; Heparin/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {This article focuses on the central role of antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) in mediating immunothrombosis, from classical heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) to vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The latter condition gained international attention during the rollout of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Since then, an increased awareness for anti-PF4 mediated disorders arose and patients were recognized with anti-PF4 disorders occurring without prior heparin or adenoviral vector vaccine exposure. These disorders include various acute and chronic VITT-like conditions, i.e. post-viral VITT, diaplacentally transmitted anti-PF4 antibodies in neonatal stroke, monoclonal gammopathies of thrombotic significance (MGTS) and chronic autoimmune VITT of unknown origin. All anti-PF4 related disorders share key serological and immunopathological features with VITT, such as the formation of immune complexes and platelet activation via the Fcγ receptor IIA (FcγRIIA). Via their activation, platelets form procoagulant, aggregatory and secretory phenotypes shaping their interplay with neutrophils, monocytes, and coagulation factors to amplify thrombotic responses. Integrating recent mechanistic insights, clinical observations and diagnostic developments, this review proposes an updated conceptual framework for anti PF4-related immunothrombosis. We aim to raise awareness among clinicians and researchers, to promote early diagnosis and encourage further translational research towards improved therapeutic strategies in this clinically significant area.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Platelet Factor 4/immunology
*Thrombosis/immunology
*Autoantibodies/immunology/blood
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology
*Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology
Blood Platelets/immunology
Receptors, IgG/immunology
*Thrombocytopenia/immunology
Platelet Activation/immunology
Animals
Heparin/adverse effects
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Systematic Review of Dyspnea and Chronic Fatigue in Patients With Long COVID: Clinical Characteristics and Associated Laboratory Parameters.
Pulmonary medicine, 2026:5426125.
ABSTRACT: Dyspnea and chronic fatigue stand out as prevalent manifestations in the postacute phase of COVID, resulting in substantial adverse effects on patients' quality of life and functional capacity. Although these symptoms have been widely documented, there is no clear consensus on the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie them. The available literature reveals a dispersion of clinical and laboratory data, and the variability in the methods of assessment of fatigue and dyspnea, as well as in the laboratory variables examined, limits the standardized understanding of this complex condition.
OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at identifying and synthesizing the evidence on the main clinical and laboratory characteristics related to dyspnea and fatigue in patients during long COVID from 2021 onwards.
METHODS: The main databases used to select the studies were PubMed and Medline, also using LitCovid and Embase.
RESULTS: A total of 42 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included, covering a total population of 30,682 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The findings underscore the significant impact of long COVID on patients' quality of life, with persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea affecting a considerable proportion of individuals for durations ranging from 1 to 24 months.
CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity in research approaches highlights the urgent need for collaborative initiatives to elucidate the determinants of long COVID symptomatology and create more consistent evaluation protocols.
Additional Links: PMID-41646510
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41646510,
year = {2026},
author = {Melo-Oliveira, MES and Lourenço, RA and Louzada, EB and Moutinho, M and Barbosa, AF and Moreira, VG and Porto, LC},
title = {Systematic Review of Dyspnea and Chronic Fatigue in Patients With Long COVID: Clinical Characteristics and Associated Laboratory Parameters.},
journal = {Pulmonary medicine},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {5426125},
pmid = {41646510},
issn = {2090-1844},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dyspnea/etiology/physiopathology/virology/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/complications/physiopathology ; Quality of Life ; *Fatigue/etiology/physiopathology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/etiology ; },
abstract = {ABSTRACT: Dyspnea and chronic fatigue stand out as prevalent manifestations in the postacute phase of COVID, resulting in substantial adverse effects on patients' quality of life and functional capacity. Although these symptoms have been widely documented, there is no clear consensus on the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie them. The available literature reveals a dispersion of clinical and laboratory data, and the variability in the methods of assessment of fatigue and dyspnea, as well as in the laboratory variables examined, limits the standardized understanding of this complex condition.
OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at identifying and synthesizing the evidence on the main clinical and laboratory characteristics related to dyspnea and fatigue in patients during long COVID from 2021 onwards.
METHODS: The main databases used to select the studies were PubMed and Medline, also using LitCovid and Embase.
RESULTS: A total of 42 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included, covering a total population of 30,682 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The findings underscore the significant impact of long COVID on patients' quality of life, with persistent symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea affecting a considerable proportion of individuals for durations ranging from 1 to 24 months.
CONCLUSION: The heterogeneity in research approaches highlights the urgent need for collaborative initiatives to elucidate the determinants of long COVID symptomatology and create more consistent evaluation protocols.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Dyspnea/etiology/physiopathology/virology/epidemiology
*COVID-19/complications/physiopathology
Quality of Life
*Fatigue/etiology/physiopathology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
*Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/etiology
RevDate: 2026-02-06
An evaluation of sipavibart for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in immunocompromised individuals.
Expert review of anti-infective therapy [Epub ahead of print].
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected immunocompromised individuals, who remain at risk for severe disease despite widespread vaccination efforts. Poor vaccine-induced humoral responses in this population necessitate additional preventive strategies. Sipavibart (AZD3152) is a next-generation long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and provide broad-spectrum neutralization against divergent variants.
AREAS COVERED: This review evaluates sipavibart's preclinical pharmacology, pivotal and supportive clinical trial data, and early real-world evidence, including the SUPERNOVA Phase 3 trial and national early-access programs. We discuss its safety profile, variant-specific activity, and resistance challenges.
EXPERT OPINION: Sipavibart was the first monoclonal antibody to show efficacy and safety in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 among immunocompromised individuals, protecting for up to six months. However, the widespread circulation of variants harboring S:F456L currently limits its clinical utility, and use should be restricted. Maintaining access to Sipavibart remains justified, as future antigenic shifts could restore its activity. Its deployment should rely on genomic surveillance and local epidemiology. At the same time, next-generation mAbs should prioritize conserved spike regions and multi-epitope cocktails to counter viral evolution and prolong therapeutic value.
Additional Links: PMID-41645649
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41645649,
year = {2026},
author = {Loubet, P and Fourati, S},
title = {An evaluation of sipavibart for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in immunocompromised individuals.},
journal = {Expert review of anti-infective therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1080/14787210.2026.2624614},
pmid = {41645649},
issn = {1744-8336},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected immunocompromised individuals, who remain at risk for severe disease despite widespread vaccination efforts. Poor vaccine-induced humoral responses in this population necessitate additional preventive strategies. Sipavibart (AZD3152) is a next-generation long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and provide broad-spectrum neutralization against divergent variants.
AREAS COVERED: This review evaluates sipavibart's preclinical pharmacology, pivotal and supportive clinical trial data, and early real-world evidence, including the SUPERNOVA Phase 3 trial and national early-access programs. We discuss its safety profile, variant-specific activity, and resistance challenges.
EXPERT OPINION: Sipavibart was the first monoclonal antibody to show efficacy and safety in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 among immunocompromised individuals, protecting for up to six months. However, the widespread circulation of variants harboring S:F456L currently limits its clinical utility, and use should be restricted. Maintaining access to Sipavibart remains justified, as future antigenic shifts could restore its activity. Its deployment should rely on genomic surveillance and local epidemiology. At the same time, next-generation mAbs should prioritize conserved spike regions and multi-epitope cocktails to counter viral evolution and prolong therapeutic value.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
CmpDate: 2026-02-06
Cervical cancer elimination in India: Repurposing diagnostics, vaccination, and accelerating policy for the 2030 target.
Cancer, 132(4):e70292.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant yet preventable causes of cancer-related mortality among women in India. Current estimates indicate that the country reports approximately 127,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths annually, accounting for about one fifth of the global burden. Despite advances in vaccination, screening, and molecular diagnostics, coverage remains critically low: fewer than 2% of women undergo screening, and less than 1% have received a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The introduction of the indigenous quadrivalent vaccine Cervavac in 2023 has provided renewed momentum; however, limitations in infrastructure, public awareness, and stratic barrier to implementation continue to hinder progress toward achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination targets. This opinion article highlights the epidemiological landscape, diagnostic and programmatic barriers, and emphasis to repurpose India's vast coronavirus disease-era reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction network for HPV molecular testing. Integrating HPV vaccination into the Universal Immunization Program and incorporating the HPV Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) into the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) are critical steps for accelerating India's pathway to cervical cancer elimination by 2030.
Additional Links: PMID-41645272
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41645272,
year = {2026},
author = {Tamrakar, VK and Sharma, K and Singh, P and Bhargava, A and Negi, SS},
title = {Cervical cancer elimination in India: Repurposing diagnostics, vaccination, and accelerating policy for the 2030 target.},
journal = {Cancer},
volume = {132},
number = {4},
pages = {e70292},
doi = {10.1002/cncr.70292},
pmid = {41645272},
issn = {1097-0142},
support = {IIRP-2023-3960/F1.//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; India/epidemiology ; Female ; *Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; *Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Vaccination ; Early Detection of Cancer/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Health Policy ; Disease Eradication ; },
abstract = {Cervical cancer remains one of the most significant yet preventable causes of cancer-related mortality among women in India. Current estimates indicate that the country reports approximately 127,000 new cases and nearly 80,000 deaths annually, accounting for about one fifth of the global burden. Despite advances in vaccination, screening, and molecular diagnostics, coverage remains critically low: fewer than 2% of women undergo screening, and less than 1% have received a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The introduction of the indigenous quadrivalent vaccine Cervavac in 2023 has provided renewed momentum; however, limitations in infrastructure, public awareness, and stratic barrier to implementation continue to hinder progress toward achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination targets. This opinion article highlights the epidemiological landscape, diagnostic and programmatic barriers, and emphasis to repurpose India's vast coronavirus disease-era reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction network for HPV molecular testing. Integrating HPV vaccination into the Universal Immunization Program and incorporating the HPV Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) into the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) are critical steps for accelerating India's pathway to cervical cancer elimination by 2030.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/prevention & control/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology
India/epidemiology
Female
*Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology
*Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage
Vaccination
Early Detection of Cancer/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Health Policy
Disease Eradication
RevDate: 2026-02-05
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
[Evaluation of reproductive and developmental toxicity: its importance in the preclinical phase of new vaccines].
Medicina, 86(1):166-178.
Preclinical trials in laboratory animals, particularly those aimed at evaluating potential effects on reproduction and offspring development, have gained importance in recent years due to the development of new drugs and vaccines intended for both children and individuals of reproductive age. The current challenge lies in the need for reliable and rapidly obtainable data to enable the transition of new compounds to clinical phases and eventual approval. Since pregnant and breastfeeding women are often excluded from clinical vaccine trials, including those assessing toxicity, there is limited knowledge about this vulnerable population and their offspring. In this context, preclinical studies designed to assess the effects of vaccine and therapeutic candidates on reproduction and development must rely on in vivo models that accurately replicate key aspects of the pathogenesis observed in human disease. When evaluating the reproductive toxicity of vaccines, it is essential not only to assess potential effects on fertility, embryogenesis, development, and reproduction, but also to consider the interactions of the vaccine with the immune system of both the mother and her offspring. This review updates and describes preclinical studies in laboratory animals for new vaccines, particularly those developed against COVID-19, highlighting published studies on reproductive and developmental toxicity, as well as the current regulatory framework governing such studies.
Additional Links: PMID-41643088
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41643088,
year = {2026},
author = {Beltramino, MF and Gasser, FB and Stassi, AF and Ortega, HH and Baravalle, ME},
title = {[Evaluation of reproductive and developmental toxicity: its importance in the preclinical phase of new vaccines].},
journal = {Medicina},
volume = {86},
number = {1},
pages = {166-178},
pmid = {41643088},
issn = {1669-9106},
mesh = {Animals ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods ; Female ; *Reproduction/drug effects ; Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/toxicity ; Pregnancy ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Embryonic Development/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Preclinical trials in laboratory animals, particularly those aimed at evaluating potential effects on reproduction and offspring development, have gained importance in recent years due to the development of new drugs and vaccines intended for both children and individuals of reproductive age. The current challenge lies in the need for reliable and rapidly obtainable data to enable the transition of new compounds to clinical phases and eventual approval. Since pregnant and breastfeeding women are often excluded from clinical vaccine trials, including those assessing toxicity, there is limited knowledge about this vulnerable population and their offspring. In this context, preclinical studies designed to assess the effects of vaccine and therapeutic candidates on reproduction and development must rely on in vivo models that accurately replicate key aspects of the pathogenesis observed in human disease. When evaluating the reproductive toxicity of vaccines, it is essential not only to assess potential effects on fertility, embryogenesis, development, and reproduction, but also to consider the interactions of the vaccine with the immune system of both the mother and her offspring. This review updates and describes preclinical studies in laboratory animals for new vaccines, particularly those developed against COVID-19, highlighting published studies on reproductive and developmental toxicity, as well as the current regulatory framework governing such studies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods
Female
*Reproduction/drug effects
Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/toxicity
Pregnancy
COVID-19/prevention & control
Embryonic Development/drug effects
RevDate: 2026-02-05
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
[Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults - Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases].
Medicina, 86(1):145-165.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological surveillance indicates that Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most frequent etiological agent and the leading cause of mortality. However, with the advent of new diagnostic techniques, viral etiology has gained priority. Chest X-ray is considered mandatory to confirm the diagnosis and establish the spread. Microbiological, antigen, molecular, biomarker, and carriage tests have specific indications and a role to play in reconsidering empirical treatments. Severity scales are useful for defining the site of care, and the most validated prognostic models are PSI and CURB-65. When antibacterial treatment is appropriate, aminopenicillins ± beta-lactamase inhibitors are the preferred treatment, with the addition of a macrolide in severe cases. Pseudomonas and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be considered primarily in patients with a history of prior infection/colonization or severe structural lung disease. Shortened courses have gained support in the literature, and once clinical stability is achieved, it is suggested that treatment be continued for 3-5 days for CAP managed in an outpatient/general ward setting, and 5-7 days for CAP requiring intensive care. The role of corticosteroids in reducing mortality has been documented in severe forms. The benefit of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza is of low certainty and relatively marginal. Treatments that have had an impact on reducing mortality from severe-critical COVID-19 are corticosteroids, IL-6 receptor blockers, and baricitinib.
Additional Links: PMID-41643087
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41643087,
year = {2026},
author = {Di LÃbero, E and Duarte, A and Kaneshiro, V and Gañete, M and Aronson, S and López Furst, MJ},
title = {[Management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults - Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases].},
journal = {Medicina},
volume = {86},
number = {1},
pages = {145-165},
pmid = {41643087},
issn = {1669-9106},
mesh = {Humans ; *Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy/diagnosis/therapy/microbiology ; Argentina ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Adult ; *Pneumonia/drug therapy/diagnosis ; Community-Acquired Pneumonia ; },
abstract = {Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological surveillance indicates that Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most frequent etiological agent and the leading cause of mortality. However, with the advent of new diagnostic techniques, viral etiology has gained priority. Chest X-ray is considered mandatory to confirm the diagnosis and establish the spread. Microbiological, antigen, molecular, biomarker, and carriage tests have specific indications and a role to play in reconsidering empirical treatments. Severity scales are useful for defining the site of care, and the most validated prognostic models are PSI and CURB-65. When antibacterial treatment is appropriate, aminopenicillins ± beta-lactamase inhibitors are the preferred treatment, with the addition of a macrolide in severe cases. Pseudomonas and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be considered primarily in patients with a history of prior infection/colonization or severe structural lung disease. Shortened courses have gained support in the literature, and once clinical stability is achieved, it is suggested that treatment be continued for 3-5 days for CAP managed in an outpatient/general ward setting, and 5-7 days for CAP requiring intensive care. The role of corticosteroids in reducing mortality has been documented in severe forms. The benefit of neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza is of low certainty and relatively marginal. Treatments that have had an impact on reducing mortality from severe-critical COVID-19 are corticosteroids, IL-6 receptor blockers, and baricitinib.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy/diagnosis/therapy/microbiology
Argentina
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Adult
*Pneumonia/drug therapy/diagnosis
Community-Acquired Pneumonia
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
Natural Products as Potential Resource Library for Control of Major Swine Enteric Viruses.
Transboundary and emerging diseases, 2026:4368881.
Major swine enteric viruses (SEVs), including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), and porcine rotavirus (PoRV), cause severe gastrointestinal diseases in pigs, leading to huge economic losses to the swine industry around the world. In the absence of specific drugs and vaccines for controlling SEVs in the pig production, this review summarizes the inhibitory effects of natural products against these major porcine enteric viruses. Specifically, it focuses on recent studies regarding the anti-SEVS activities of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas, herbal extracts, pharmaceutical monomers, and natural metabolites. The review elaborates on how these natural products exert antiviral activities against SEVs, highlighting their potential as alternative or complementary agents for controlling porcine enteric viral infections. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress in natural products against porcine enteric viruses and demonstrates the new strategies for medicine discovery, which will be helpful for further development of effective antiviral strategies in the swine industry.
Additional Links: PMID-41641375
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41641375,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Liu, Y and Ren, S and Wang, Z and Li, Y and Peng, L and Fang, R},
title = {Natural Products as Potential Resource Library for Control of Major Swine Enteric Viruses.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {4368881},
pmid = {41641375},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Biological Products/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Swine Diseases/virology/prevention & control/drug therapy ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology ; Transmissible gastroenteritis virus/drug effects ; Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/drug effects ; Rotavirus/drug effects ; Deltacoronavirus/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Major swine enteric viruses (SEVs), including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), and porcine rotavirus (PoRV), cause severe gastrointestinal diseases in pigs, leading to huge economic losses to the swine industry around the world. In the absence of specific drugs and vaccines for controlling SEVs in the pig production, this review summarizes the inhibitory effects of natural products against these major porcine enteric viruses. Specifically, it focuses on recent studies regarding the anti-SEVS activities of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formulas, herbal extracts, pharmaceutical monomers, and natural metabolites. The review elaborates on how these natural products exert antiviral activities against SEVs, highlighting their potential as alternative or complementary agents for controlling porcine enteric viral infections. Overall, this work provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress in natural products against porcine enteric viruses and demonstrates the new strategies for medicine discovery, which will be helpful for further development of effective antiviral strategies in the swine industry.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
Swine
*Biological Products/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Swine Diseases/virology/prevention & control/drug therapy
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus/drug effects
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/drug effects
Rotavirus/drug effects
Deltacoronavirus/drug effects
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
From tradition to healing: the promise of acupuncture in managing chronic fatigue syndrome.
Frontiers in medicine, 12:1724290.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a global public health problem affecting more than 65 million patients worldwide. The combined prevalence rate of CFS was 45.2% after 4 weeks in patients with novel coronavirus. Women, people over 40 years of age, and low-income people are susceptible groups, which have a significant impact on immune, nervous, endocrine, and other system functions. First, from the perspective of epidemiology, this paper reviews the global epidemic trend of CFS, the differences in incidence and prevalence in different regions and populations, and risk factors such as heredity, infection, and childhood trauma. Second, the development of diagnostic techniques for CFS, including the evolution of clinical diagnostic criteria, research progress on immune and metabolic biomarkers, and the application of MRI and other imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CFS, is described, followed by an in-depth discussion of the genetics of CFS, including genetic susceptibility, genomic association, and familial aggregation. The pathophysiological mechanism of CFS was also analyzed, revealing abnormalities in NK cell function and immune factors in the immune system, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the neuroendocrine system, and disorders of energy and lipid metabolism in the metabolic system. This paper focuses on the study of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS, traces back to the historical application of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS, analyzes the relationship between the pathological mechanism of CFS and acupuncture and moxibustion intervention, expounds the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine and modern mechanism of action of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, and introduces the results of clinical trials, efficacy evaluation methods, and individualized treatment strategies for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS. The innovative application of acupuncture techniques, such as electroacupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding, as well as the synergistic effect of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine and psychotherapy, are shown. At the same time, disputes and challenges in the efficacy, safety, and ethics of acupuncture treatment for CFS were pointed out, and future research directions, potential breakthroughs, and international cooperation opportunities of acupuncture treatment for CFS are discussed. This study provides a comprehensive reference for clinical treatment and research on CFS.
Additional Links: PMID-41641244
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41641244,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, D and Yang, T and Cui, Y and Qu, Y and Feng, C and Sun, Z and Zhang, M},
title = {From tradition to healing: the promise of acupuncture in managing chronic fatigue syndrome.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1724290},
pmid = {41641244},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a global public health problem affecting more than 65 million patients worldwide. The combined prevalence rate of CFS was 45.2% after 4 weeks in patients with novel coronavirus. Women, people over 40 years of age, and low-income people are susceptible groups, which have a significant impact on immune, nervous, endocrine, and other system functions. First, from the perspective of epidemiology, this paper reviews the global epidemic trend of CFS, the differences in incidence and prevalence in different regions and populations, and risk factors such as heredity, infection, and childhood trauma. Second, the development of diagnostic techniques for CFS, including the evolution of clinical diagnostic criteria, research progress on immune and metabolic biomarkers, and the application of MRI and other imaging techniques in the diagnosis of CFS, is described, followed by an in-depth discussion of the genetics of CFS, including genetic susceptibility, genomic association, and familial aggregation. The pathophysiological mechanism of CFS was also analyzed, revealing abnormalities in NK cell function and immune factors in the immune system, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the neuroendocrine system, and disorders of energy and lipid metabolism in the metabolic system. This paper focuses on the study of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS, traces back to the historical application of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS, analyzes the relationship between the pathological mechanism of CFS and acupuncture and moxibustion intervention, expounds the theoretical basis of traditional Chinese medicine and modern mechanism of action of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, and introduces the results of clinical trials, efficacy evaluation methods, and individualized treatment strategies for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of CFS. The innovative application of acupuncture techniques, such as electroacupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding, as well as the synergistic effect of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine and psychotherapy, are shown. At the same time, disputes and challenges in the efficacy, safety, and ethics of acupuncture treatment for CFS were pointed out, and future research directions, potential breakthroughs, and international cooperation opportunities of acupuncture treatment for CFS are discussed. This study provides a comprehensive reference for clinical treatment and research on CFS.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
Intestinal barrier compromise, viral persistence, and immune dysregulation converge on neurological sequelae in Long COVID.
Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 17:1744415.
Long COVID (LC) is a multisystem, post-infectious conditions diagnosed ≥3 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and marked by relapsing, persistent, or progressive symptoms, especially fatigue, post-exertional symptom exacerbation and neuropsychiatric syndromes. We synthesized evidence suggesting that LC arises from intersecting pathways including viral persistence, intestinal dysbiosis and barrier compromise with microbial translocation, innate immune activation with neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and thromboinflammation, and immune dysregulation with features of exhaustion and autoimmunity. These processes adversely impact blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and lead to neuroinflammation. We propose a mechanistic model in which viral antigens and translocated microbial products amplify pro-inflammatory networks promoting immunothrombosis and tissue hypoperfusion. Hematogenous and gut-brain pathways may then deliver inflammatory mediators to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in BBB disruption and glial activation that underpin nervous system disorders in LC. Treatment regimens aimed at lowering antigen load, restoring mucosal barrier integrity and modulating myeloid/coagulation pathways may warrant investigation as novel therapeutic strategies to treat LC.
Additional Links: PMID-41641003
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41641003,
year = {2025},
author = {Leclerc, L and Poudrier, J and Power, C and Lam, GY and Falcone, EL},
title = {Intestinal barrier compromise, viral persistence, and immune dysregulation converge on neurological sequelae in Long COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in aging neuroscience},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1744415},
pmid = {41641003},
issn = {1663-4365},
abstract = {Long COVID (LC) is a multisystem, post-infectious conditions diagnosed ≥3 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and marked by relapsing, persistent, or progressive symptoms, especially fatigue, post-exertional symptom exacerbation and neuropsychiatric syndromes. We synthesized evidence suggesting that LC arises from intersecting pathways including viral persistence, intestinal dysbiosis and barrier compromise with microbial translocation, innate immune activation with neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and thromboinflammation, and immune dysregulation with features of exhaustion and autoimmunity. These processes adversely impact blood-brain barrier (BBB) function and lead to neuroinflammation. We propose a mechanistic model in which viral antigens and translocated microbial products amplify pro-inflammatory networks promoting immunothrombosis and tissue hypoperfusion. Hematogenous and gut-brain pathways may then deliver inflammatory mediators to the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in BBB disruption and glial activation that underpin nervous system disorders in LC. Treatment regimens aimed at lowering antigen load, restoring mucosal barrier integrity and modulating myeloid/coagulation pathways may warrant investigation as novel therapeutic strategies to treat LC.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
Interplay between viral infections and gut microbiota dysbiosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential.
World journal of gastroenterology, 32(3):112437.
Viral infections, particularly those triggered by emerging pathogens like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, are increasingly recognized for their profound impact on the gut microbiota, causing dysbiosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance in microbial communities. Recent studies suggest that alterations in gut microbiota can influence disease progression, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. The bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and the host immune system is crucial in shaping responses to infection. Furthermore, dysbiosis has been linked to exacerbated inflammation, impaired mucosal barrier function, and altered drug metabolism, thereby complicating both disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. This review examines the interplay between viral infections and gut microbiota dysbiosis, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies to modulate host immunity. We also evaluate the potential of microbiome-based interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as therapeutic strategies for restoring microbial balance and mitigating the severity of infections. The paper underscores the need for further research to optimize microbiota-targeted therapies and integrate them into clinical practice, offering a comprehensive approach to managing dysbiosis in viral infectious diseases.
Additional Links: PMID-41640608
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41640608,
year = {2026},
author = {Velikova, T and Ali, H and Batselova, H and Chervenkov, L and Miteva, D and Peruhova, M and Gulinac, M and Tomov, L and Mitova-Mineva, Y and Velev, V},
title = {Interplay between viral infections and gut microbiota dysbiosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential.},
journal = {World journal of gastroenterology},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {112437},
pmid = {41640608},
issn = {2219-2840},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dysbiosis/therapy/immunology/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; *COVID-19/immunology/microbiology/complications/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; *Virus Diseases/immunology/microbiology/therapy ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Viral infections, particularly those triggered by emerging pathogens like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, are increasingly recognized for their profound impact on the gut microbiota, causing dysbiosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance in microbial communities. Recent studies suggest that alterations in gut microbiota can influence disease progression, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. The bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and the host immune system is crucial in shaping responses to infection. Furthermore, dysbiosis has been linked to exacerbated inflammation, impaired mucosal barrier function, and altered drug metabolism, thereby complicating both disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. This review examines the interplay between viral infections and gut microbiota dysbiosis, with a focus on the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies to modulate host immunity. We also evaluate the potential of microbiome-based interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, as therapeutic strategies for restoring microbial balance and mitigating the severity of infections. The paper underscores the need for further research to optimize microbiota-targeted therapies and integrate them into clinical practice, offering a comprehensive approach to managing dysbiosis in viral infectious diseases.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Dysbiosis/therapy/immunology/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology
Probiotics/therapeutic use
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
*COVID-19/immunology/microbiology/complications/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Prebiotics/administration & dosage
*Virus Diseases/immunology/microbiology/therapy
Animals
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
The COVID-19 pandemic: an underlying factor for increased Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections-A literature review and case study analysis.
Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1746742.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasingly recognized as a major cause of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units. It presents serious risks for immunocompromised patients and can cause severe lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Recent studies have documented a rising occurrence of S. maltophilia infections among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, understanding of these infections in this setting remains limited or inconsistent, with only one review specifically examining S. maltophilia infections in COVID-19 patients. This review critically evaluates all relevant studies from the literature, along with a case series, to explore the clinical significance of S. maltophilia infections in patients with COVID-19. In particular, the review discusses the prevalence, risk factors, phenotypic traits, clinical consequences, and treatment options for S. maltophilia infections in this clinical context.
Additional Links: PMID-41640416
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41640416,
year = {2025},
author = {Pompilio, A and Di Bonaventura, G},
title = {The COVID-19 pandemic: an underlying factor for increased Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections-A literature review and case study analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1746742},
pmid = {41640416},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasingly recognized as a major cause of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units. It presents serious risks for immunocompromised patients and can cause severe lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Recent studies have documented a rising occurrence of S. maltophilia infections among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, understanding of these infections in this setting remains limited or inconsistent, with only one review specifically examining S. maltophilia infections in COVID-19 patients. This review critically evaluates all relevant studies from the literature, along with a case series, to explore the clinical significance of S. maltophilia infections in patients with COVID-19. In particular, the review discusses the prevalence, risk factors, phenotypic traits, clinical consequences, and treatment options for S. maltophilia infections in this clinical context.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-05
Corticosteroids in severe community-acquired pneumonia: friend, foe or both?.
Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.), 18(1):5.
In most patients with CAP, corticosteroids should be avoided due to complications such as immunosuppression and hyperglycaemia. Studies of hydrocortisone have shown corticosteroids might be of benefit in patients with severe CAP and high inflammation measured by CRP. Differences in results between trials of corticosteroid therapy suggest heterogenicity in study populations and the need for future studies in standardized populations. Scientific evidence shows corticosteroid use can reduce short-term mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with severe CAP. However, this approach should not be generalized to all patients with CAP. Use should be guided by biomarkers such as CRP to identify patients who will benefit the most. Corticosteroids should not be routinelly used in viral pneumonia, with the exception of hypoxemic SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, in which their benefit is well established.
Additional Links: PMID-41639918
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41639918,
year = {2026},
author = {Carpenteri, F and Cilloniz, C and Torres, A},
title = {Corticosteroids in severe community-acquired pneumonia: friend, foe or both?.},
journal = {Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.)},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {41639918},
issn = {2200-6133},
support = {CIBERES CB06/06/0028//Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública/ ; },
abstract = {In most patients with CAP, corticosteroids should be avoided due to complications such as immunosuppression and hyperglycaemia. Studies of hydrocortisone have shown corticosteroids might be of benefit in patients with severe CAP and high inflammation measured by CRP. Differences in results between trials of corticosteroid therapy suggest heterogenicity in study populations and the need for future studies in standardized populations. Scientific evidence shows corticosteroid use can reduce short-term mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with severe CAP. However, this approach should not be generalized to all patients with CAP. Use should be guided by biomarkers such as CRP to identify patients who will benefit the most. Corticosteroids should not be routinelly used in viral pneumonia, with the exception of hypoxemic SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, in which their benefit is well established.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-08
New onset of severe and long-term hepatobiliary diseases post-COVID-19 infection: a systematic review.
BMC infectious diseases, 26(1):253.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge of reports linking the virus to various systemic complications, including hepatobiliary disorders. Understanding the spectrum and severity of hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection is crucial for comprehensive patient management and long-term health outcomes.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies reporting on hepatobiliary manifestations post-COVID-19 infection. PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane Library databases were searched in October 2023, with set inclusion and exclusion criteria in place to select papers documenting new onset hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection.
RESULTS: A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a diverse range of hepatobiliary conditions such as acute hepatitis, cholestasis, autoimmune liver diseases, and gallbladder pathology.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review underscores the emerging evidence of severe and long-term hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for hepatobiliary complications in patients recovering from COVID-19, emphasizing the need for prolonged monitoring and specialized management strategies to mitigate long-term morbidity and mortality."
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-025-11840-3.
Additional Links: PMID-41639776
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41639776,
year = {2026},
author = {Aboulwafa, A and Lebbe, A and Khalil, A and Bayraktar, N and Mushannen, B and Ayoub, S and Sarker, S and Abdalla, MN and Laws, S and Mohammed, I and Yagan, L and Mushannen, M and Zakaria, D},
title = {New onset of severe and long-term hepatobiliary diseases post-COVID-19 infection: a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {253},
pmid = {41639776},
issn = {1471-2334},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a surge of reports linking the virus to various systemic complications, including hepatobiliary disorders. Understanding the spectrum and severity of hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection is crucial for comprehensive patient management and long-term health outcomes.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies reporting on hepatobiliary manifestations post-COVID-19 infection. PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane Library databases were searched in October 2023, with set inclusion and exclusion criteria in place to select papers documenting new onset hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection.
RESULTS: A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering a diverse range of hepatobiliary conditions such as acute hepatitis, cholestasis, autoimmune liver diseases, and gallbladder pathology.
CONCLUSION: This systematic review underscores the emerging evidence of severe and long-term hepatobiliary diseases following COVID-19 infection. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion for hepatobiliary complications in patients recovering from COVID-19, emphasizing the need for prolonged monitoring and specialized management strategies to mitigate long-term morbidity and mortality."
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-025-11840-3.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
CmpDate: 2026-02-04
The therapeutic potential of high-dose inhaled nitric oxide for antimicrobial effects: a narrative review and future directions.
Intensive care medicine experimental, 14(1):13.
Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), long used as a selective pulmonary vasodilator, has demonstrated potential antimicrobial and antiviral properties when administered at high concentrations (> 20 parts per million, ppm). While definitive evidence is still lacking, this narrative review synthesizes the emerging clinical and mechanistic properties supporting high-dose iNO as a potential therapeutic strategy for lower respiratory tract infections, including drug-resistant bacterial pneumonias, COVID-19, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and bronchiolitis. We summarize safety data from laboratory studies, Phase I trials, clinical findings from 27 predominantly early-phase studies, and highlight its as both hospital-based and home-based therapy. High-dose iNO acts through multiple pathways, including direct microbial killing, biofilm disruption, immune modulation, and mucociliary enhancement, and holds promise in addressing unmet needs in respiratory infection management. We also propose a roadmap for future research to optimize dosing, delivery, and efficacy endpoints in well-defined patient populations.
Additional Links: PMID-41639496
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41639496,
year = {2026},
author = {Berra, L and Kamenshchikov, N and Tal, A and Safaee Fakhr, B and Rezoagli, E and Thomson, R and Yu, B and , },
title = {The therapeutic potential of high-dose inhaled nitric oxide for antimicrobial effects: a narrative review and future directions.},
journal = {Intensive care medicine experimental},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {13},
pmid = {41639496},
issn = {2197-425X},
abstract = {Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), long used as a selective pulmonary vasodilator, has demonstrated potential antimicrobial and antiviral properties when administered at high concentrations (> 20 parts per million, ppm). While definitive evidence is still lacking, this narrative review synthesizes the emerging clinical and mechanistic properties supporting high-dose iNO as a potential therapeutic strategy for lower respiratory tract infections, including drug-resistant bacterial pneumonias, COVID-19, nontuberculous mycobacteria, and bronchiolitis. We summarize safety data from laboratory studies, Phase I trials, clinical findings from 27 predominantly early-phase studies, and highlight its as both hospital-based and home-based therapy. High-dose iNO acts through multiple pathways, including direct microbial killing, biofilm disruption, immune modulation, and mucociliary enhancement, and holds promise in addressing unmet needs in respiratory infection management. We also propose a roadmap for future research to optimize dosing, delivery, and efficacy endpoints in well-defined patient populations.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
Immune-Cognitive Relationships Across Viral Infections: A Transnosological Systematic Review.
Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews pii:S0149-7634(26)00043-6 [Epub ahead of print].
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has renewed interest in the relationship between immunity and cognition. Despite decades of work, the impact of viral exposure, mainly in the field of HIV, herpes and hepatitis infections, on distinct cognitive processes remains unclear, as most studies use global screening tools (e.g., MoCA) in isolation in each infectious context. This systematic narrative review adopts a transnosological approach, summarizing previously reported immune-cognition relationships across viral infections. Of 931 studies, 32 met inclusion criteria (N=25,325) spanning SARS-CoV-2, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, and multiple infections. Reported studies on immuno-cognitive relationships reveal several consistent findings. Elevated circulating CD14[+]CD16[+] intermediate monocytes correlated with slower processing speed, reduced episodic memory and mental flexibility. Higher CD4[+] T cells were associated with better processing efficiency, while reduced T cells and B cells levels together with elevated IgG predicted deficits in memory and attention. Most proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were associated with impairments in overlapping cognitive domains (e.g., memory), whereas IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, consistently supported executive and memory performance.
Additional Links: PMID-41638540
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41638540,
year = {2026},
author = {Nuber-Champier, A and Breville, G and Lalive, PH and Assal, F and Péron, JA},
title = {Immune-Cognitive Relationships Across Viral Infections: A Transnosological Systematic Review.},
journal = {Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106588},
doi = {10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106588},
pmid = {41638540},
issn = {1873-7528},
abstract = {The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has renewed interest in the relationship between immunity and cognition. Despite decades of work, the impact of viral exposure, mainly in the field of HIV, herpes and hepatitis infections, on distinct cognitive processes remains unclear, as most studies use global screening tools (e.g., MoCA) in isolation in each infectious context. This systematic narrative review adopts a transnosological approach, summarizing previously reported immune-cognition relationships across viral infections. Of 931 studies, 32 met inclusion criteria (N=25,325) spanning SARS-CoV-2, HIV, herpes, hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus, and multiple infections. Reported studies on immuno-cognitive relationships reveal several consistent findings. Elevated circulating CD14[+]CD16[+] intermediate monocytes correlated with slower processing speed, reduced episodic memory and mental flexibility. Higher CD4[+] T cells were associated with better processing efficiency, while reduced T cells and B cells levels together with elevated IgG predicted deficits in memory and attention. Most proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) were associated with impairments in overlapping cognitive domains (e.g., memory), whereas IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, consistently supported executive and memory performance.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-07
A review of targeting microRNAs as potential therapeutic strategies against respiratory viruses: Current insights and future directions.
Microbial pathogenesis, 213:108346 pii:S0882-4010(26)00072-0 [Epub ahead of print].
Respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses continue to impose a global health burden due to their high transmissibility and limited antiviral options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of host pathogen interactions by modulating innate immunity, inflammatory signaling, and viral replication. This review focuses on respiratory RNA and DNA viruses that primarily infect the airways, including influenza viruses, RSV, human metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2. Several miRNAs, including miR-155 and miR-146a, are upregulated during infections with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, where they fine-tune interferon and NF-κB signaling pathways. In contrast, downregulation of miR-21, miR-223, and let-7 family members has been linked to enhanced viral replication and dysregulated immune responses. Moreover, miR-122, miR-29a, and miR-124 have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers due to their roles in modulating viral load, cytokine production, and tissue injury. This review synthesizes current evidence on miRNA-mediated regulation of respiratory viruses, evaluates their promise as therapeutic candidates and diagnostic tools, and discusses delivery systems designed for targeted miRNA modulation. Despite promising advances, challenges remain in achieving tissue-specific delivery, avoiding immune off-target effects, and validating efficacy in clinical settings. Most of the available data are derived from in vitro or animal models and heterogeneous clinical cohorts, so conclusions about causality and therapeutic efficacy should be viewed as provisional and highlight significant translational gaps. Finally, we outline major challenges and future research directions needed to translate miRNA-targeted therapies into clinically viable antiviral strategies. Insights from these emerging studies position miRNA-targeted interventions as a potential new class of antiviral therapeutics and underscore the need for rigorous, translational research to realize their clinical utility.
Additional Links: PMID-41638514
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41638514,
year = {2026},
author = {Jalili, M and Jalilian, FA},
title = {A review of targeting microRNAs as potential therapeutic strategies against respiratory viruses: Current insights and future directions.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {213},
number = {},
pages = {108346},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108346},
pmid = {41638514},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses continue to impose a global health burden due to their high transmissibility and limited antiviral options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of host pathogen interactions by modulating innate immunity, inflammatory signaling, and viral replication. This review focuses on respiratory RNA and DNA viruses that primarily infect the airways, including influenza viruses, RSV, human metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, and SARS-CoV-2. Several miRNAs, including miR-155 and miR-146a, are upregulated during infections with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, where they fine-tune interferon and NF-κB signaling pathways. In contrast, downregulation of miR-21, miR-223, and let-7 family members has been linked to enhanced viral replication and dysregulated immune responses. Moreover, miR-122, miR-29a, and miR-124 have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets or prognostic biomarkers due to their roles in modulating viral load, cytokine production, and tissue injury. This review synthesizes current evidence on miRNA-mediated regulation of respiratory viruses, evaluates their promise as therapeutic candidates and diagnostic tools, and discusses delivery systems designed for targeted miRNA modulation. Despite promising advances, challenges remain in achieving tissue-specific delivery, avoiding immune off-target effects, and validating efficacy in clinical settings. Most of the available data are derived from in vitro or animal models and heterogeneous clinical cohorts, so conclusions about causality and therapeutic efficacy should be viewed as provisional and highlight significant translational gaps. Finally, we outline major challenges and future research directions needed to translate miRNA-targeted therapies into clinically viable antiviral strategies. Insights from these emerging studies position miRNA-targeted interventions as a potential new class of antiviral therapeutics and underscore the need for rigorous, translational research to realize their clinical utility.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-04
Lessons Learned About Digital Health Tool Acceptability Among Rural Older Adults: Systematic Review Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model.
JMIR aging, 9:e70012 pii:v9i1e70012.
BACKGROUND: Digital health tools are increasingly vital in rural health care due to widespread hospital closures and the rapid adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural older adults, a uniquely vulnerable population, face barriers to accessing these tools due to rurality and usability challenges. Although a growing body of literature examines the acceptability and usability of digital tools among rural older adults, no study has synthesized this research to establish best practices.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review existing literature on digital health tools for rural older adults, highlighting key lessons learned about their acceptability and identifying strategies to improve usability for this population.
METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, this study reviewed literature that investigated the role of digital health tools on the health outcomes of rural older adults (ie, at least 60 years old). The literature was retrieved from 5 electronic databases through June 2023. This study and all reviewed literature were conducted in the United States. Guided by a systematic process, 2 reviewers assessed relevant articles for eligibility, analyzed data, and extracted relevant content. The extracted findings were organized according to the evidence-based technology acceptance model, which assesses the acceptability of a technology by its usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use.
RESULTS: The preliminary title review produced 7728 results, and 38 eligible manuscripts were included in the final review. Studies included both rural older adults and providers of rural older adults as participants. Digital health tools included, but were not limited to, videoconferencing, phone calls, telehealth monitoring, telemedicine appointments, and computer-based interventions. Findings on the usefulness of digital health tools by rural older adults were mixed. While digital health tools were useful for overcoming barriers to accessing care, these tools were less useful for rural older adults with limited digital literacy. Additionally, some studies described that the technology was easy but difficult to use when faced with environmental barriers, equipment issues, and discomfort with the technology. Rural older adults often reported an intention to use the technology after the study. Yet, on a few occasions, participants who preferred in-person care visits or did not have buy-in on the technology reported no intention to use the technology again.
CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights that rural older adults and their providers generally view digital health tools as acceptable for delivering care and, in some cases, as a viable alternative to in-person clinic visits. While certain barriers impacted the acceptance of these tools among rural older adults, many of these challenges were not directly linked to their age or rural location; thus, they are potentially applicable to urban older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021287924; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42021287924.
Additional Links: PMID-41637737
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41637737,
year = {2026},
author = {Siegel, ZM and Quinkert, E and Pai, J and Miller, CH and Lewis, MW},
title = {Lessons Learned About Digital Health Tool Acceptability Among Rural Older Adults: Systematic Review Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model.},
journal = {JMIR aging},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e70012},
doi = {10.2196/70012},
pmid = {41637737},
issn = {2561-7605},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; Aged ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Middle Aged ; Digital Health ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital health tools are increasingly vital in rural health care due to widespread hospital closures and the rapid adoption of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural older adults, a uniquely vulnerable population, face barriers to accessing these tools due to rurality and usability challenges. Although a growing body of literature examines the acceptability and usability of digital tools among rural older adults, no study has synthesized this research to establish best practices.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to review existing literature on digital health tools for rural older adults, highlighting key lessons learned about their acceptability and identifying strategies to improve usability for this population.
METHODS: Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, this study reviewed literature that investigated the role of digital health tools on the health outcomes of rural older adults (ie, at least 60 years old). The literature was retrieved from 5 electronic databases through June 2023. This study and all reviewed literature were conducted in the United States. Guided by a systematic process, 2 reviewers assessed relevant articles for eligibility, analyzed data, and extracted relevant content. The extracted findings were organized according to the evidence-based technology acceptance model, which assesses the acceptability of a technology by its usefulness, ease of use, and intention to use.
RESULTS: The preliminary title review produced 7728 results, and 38 eligible manuscripts were included in the final review. Studies included both rural older adults and providers of rural older adults as participants. Digital health tools included, but were not limited to, videoconferencing, phone calls, telehealth monitoring, telemedicine appointments, and computer-based interventions. Findings on the usefulness of digital health tools by rural older adults were mixed. While digital health tools were useful for overcoming barriers to accessing care, these tools were less useful for rural older adults with limited digital literacy. Additionally, some studies described that the technology was easy but difficult to use when faced with environmental barriers, equipment issues, and discomfort with the technology. Rural older adults often reported an intention to use the technology after the study. Yet, on a few occasions, participants who preferred in-person care visits or did not have buy-in on the technology reported no intention to use the technology again.
CONCLUSIONS: Our review highlights that rural older adults and their providers generally view digital health tools as acceptable for delivering care and, in some cases, as a viable alternative to in-person clinic visits. While certain barriers impacted the acceptance of these tools among rural older adults, many of these challenges were not directly linked to their age or rural location; thus, they are potentially applicable to urban older adults.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021287924; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42021287924.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Telemedicine
Aged
*Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data
SARS-CoV-2
Middle Aged
Digital Health
RevDate: 2026-02-04
Psychological adjustment in parents of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic - a meta-analysis.
Health psychology review [Epub ahead of print].
Caring for a child with a chronic health condition (CC) involves numerous challenges, which may have multiplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed (1) to quantify the prevalence of clinically elevated anxiety, depression, general stress, and parenting stress symptoms in afflicted parents, (2) to examine potential moderator variables, and (3) to compare the outcomes between parents of children with and without CCs. A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, CENTRAL, PSYNdex). A total of 79 studies were included. The pooled prevalence estimates of clinically elevated anxiety, depression, general and parenting stress symptoms were 31.04%, 27.37%, 64.27%, and 26.70%, respectively. Significant moderators were identified only for anxiety symptoms, namely geopolitical region, child CC, and child age. Anxiety and depression, but not general and parenting stress, were significantly higher in parents of children with than without CCs. Compared to published data from before the pandemic, prevalence rates of clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms decreased, while stress levels no longer differed between parents of children with and without CCs. We hypothesise that parents of children with CCs experienced some beneficial effects during the COVID-19 pandemic and had already acquired resilience to buffer its psychosocial impact.
Additional Links: PMID-41637169
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41637169,
year = {2026},
author = {Göldel, JM and Warschburger, P},
title = {Psychological adjustment in parents of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic - a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Health psychology review},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-29},
doi = {10.1080/17437199.2026.2616461},
pmid = {41637169},
issn = {1743-7202},
abstract = {Caring for a child with a chronic health condition (CC) involves numerous challenges, which may have multiplied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed (1) to quantify the prevalence of clinically elevated anxiety, depression, general stress, and parenting stress symptoms in afflicted parents, (2) to examine potential moderator variables, and (3) to compare the outcomes between parents of children with and without CCs. A systematic literature search was conducted across four databases (PsycInfo, PubMed, CENTRAL, PSYNdex). A total of 79 studies were included. The pooled prevalence estimates of clinically elevated anxiety, depression, general and parenting stress symptoms were 31.04%, 27.37%, 64.27%, and 26.70%, respectively. Significant moderators were identified only for anxiety symptoms, namely geopolitical region, child CC, and child age. Anxiety and depression, but not general and parenting stress, were significantly higher in parents of children with than without CCs. Compared to published data from before the pandemic, prevalence rates of clinically elevated anxiety and depression symptoms decreased, while stress levels no longer differed between parents of children with and without CCs. We hypothesise that parents of children with CCs experienced some beneficial effects during the COVID-19 pandemic and had already acquired resilience to buffer its psychosocial impact.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
CmpDate: 2026-02-04
Influenza surveillance and vaccine policy in Thailand-a historical perspective.
The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia, 41:100663.
Prior to 2000, influenza burden in Thailand and other low- and middle-income countries was underappreciated, and influenza vaccination was uncommon. For the last two decades, Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have collaborated to understand influenza burden and the costs and benefits of influenza vaccination in Thailand. Built on a long-standing national disease notification system, Thailand MOPH established robust surveillance platforms for pneumonia and influenza, which provided insights into seasonality, disease incidence, and populations at risk for severe disease. In 2004, human cases of avian influenza brought attention to influenza's pandemic potential. Concern for an influenza pandemic combined with evidence of the cost effectiveness of influenza vaccination accelerated vaccine policy. Surveillance and vaccination policy were leveraged for and strengthened by the 2009 influenza H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics. This personal view documents Thailand's experience in developing influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination policy.
Additional Links: PMID-41635704
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41635704,
year = {2025},
author = {Montgomery, MP and Praphasiri, P and Ditsungnoen, D and Akarasewi, P and Chittaganpitch, M and Puthavathana, P and Limpakarnjanarat, K and Wirachwong, P and Chotpitayasunondh, T and Sawanpanyalert, N and Sonthichai, C and Davis, WW and Olsen, SJ and Chunsuttiwat, S},
title = {Influenza surveillance and vaccine policy in Thailand-a historical perspective.},
journal = {The Lancet regional health. Southeast Asia},
volume = {41},
number = {},
pages = {100663},
pmid = {41635704},
issn = {2772-3682},
abstract = {Prior to 2000, influenza burden in Thailand and other low- and middle-income countries was underappreciated, and influenza vaccination was uncommon. For the last two decades, Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have collaborated to understand influenza burden and the costs and benefits of influenza vaccination in Thailand. Built on a long-standing national disease notification system, Thailand MOPH established robust surveillance platforms for pneumonia and influenza, which provided insights into seasonality, disease incidence, and populations at risk for severe disease. In 2004, human cases of avian influenza brought attention to influenza's pandemic potential. Concern for an influenza pandemic combined with evidence of the cost effectiveness of influenza vaccination accelerated vaccine policy. Surveillance and vaccination policy were leveraged for and strengthened by the 2009 influenza H1N1 and COVID-19 pandemics. This personal view documents Thailand's experience in developing influenza surveillance and influenza vaccination policy.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
CmpDate: 2026-02-04
A Comprehensive Review of Vaccine Development: From Traditional Platforms to Messenger RNA (mRNA) Technologies.
Cureus, 18(1):e100608.
The trend of vaccine development over the last few years is that the traditional platform has been abandoned and moved towards newer modalities, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift. Classical approaches (such as inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant) can be shown to have reduced the burden of infectious diseases; however, they are also limited by their inability to scale production and prolonged development, as well as cold-chain limitations. The lacks became apparent through the pandemic and drove the demand for more agile, adaptive technology that COVID-19 has highlighted. The current review questions the goal of streamlining the immunization approaches in the face of emerging pathogens through a structured narrative comparison of immunogenicity, safety, efficacy, and platform stability of modern vaccination platforms within a narrative review framework. This analysis is anchored by a narrative synthesis of immunological, regulatory, and clinical literature between 2018 and 2025. Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines have demonstrated strong immunogenicity and practical efficacy in the real world, as well as varying safety profiles across platforms and the potential of new modalities that will be developed both to treat infectious diseases and to be applied in other contexts. The discussion also dwells upon the flexibility of regulation, unequal distribution, and surveillance-based pharmacovigilance. This review can be used to compile a thoroughly comparative view of modern vaccines, based on bringing together mechanistic insights and implementation barriers, which can guide future innovation and policy reconciliation and global resilience. It makes inferences in support of the more progressive, equity-based paradigm of pandemic preparedness and immunization strategy in the 21st century. This review highlights how mRNA technology has transformed the landscape of vaccinology, offering a foundation for faster, safer, and more equitable global immunization strategies in the post-pandemic era.
Additional Links: PMID-41635346
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41635346,
year = {2026},
author = {Pawar, B and Loganathan, S and Mukkatira Belliappa, K and Ranganathan, LB and Thekdi, KP and Hiware, SD},
title = {A Comprehensive Review of Vaccine Development: From Traditional Platforms to Messenger RNA (mRNA) Technologies.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e100608},
pmid = {41635346},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The trend of vaccine development over the last few years is that the traditional platform has been abandoned and moved towards newer modalities, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift. Classical approaches (such as inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant) can be shown to have reduced the burden of infectious diseases; however, they are also limited by their inability to scale production and prolonged development, as well as cold-chain limitations. The lacks became apparent through the pandemic and drove the demand for more agile, adaptive technology that COVID-19 has highlighted. The current review questions the goal of streamlining the immunization approaches in the face of emerging pathogens through a structured narrative comparison of immunogenicity, safety, efficacy, and platform stability of modern vaccination platforms within a narrative review framework. This analysis is anchored by a narrative synthesis of immunological, regulatory, and clinical literature between 2018 and 2025. Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based vaccines have demonstrated strong immunogenicity and practical efficacy in the real world, as well as varying safety profiles across platforms and the potential of new modalities that will be developed both to treat infectious diseases and to be applied in other contexts. The discussion also dwells upon the flexibility of regulation, unequal distribution, and surveillance-based pharmacovigilance. This review can be used to compile a thoroughly comparative view of modern vaccines, based on bringing together mechanistic insights and implementation barriers, which can guide future innovation and policy reconciliation and global resilience. It makes inferences in support of the more progressive, equity-based paradigm of pandemic preparedness and immunization strategy in the 21st century. This review highlights how mRNA technology has transformed the landscape of vaccinology, offering a foundation for faster, safer, and more equitable global immunization strategies in the post-pandemic era.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-06
CmpDate: 2026-02-04
Advances in the development of infectious clones of human coronaviruses and related applications.
Biosafety and health, 7(1):59-73.
Coronaviruses can infect humans, mammals, and birds, leading to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological diseases. These viruses are significant zoonotic pathogens with nine known types capable of infecting humans. The coronavirus genome, approximately 30 kb in size, is the largest known ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus genome, and its complexity makes assembly and manipulation time-consuming and labor-intensive. Reverse genetic systems are widely used to engineer recombinant viruses that can be adapted at Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) for studying viral gene function, replication, pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutics. The infectious clones, which enabled the recovery of various viruses after DNA recombinant technology, were indispensable tools for the reverse genetics of viruses. Various techniques for constructing infectious clones of human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been developed, encompassing methods such as vaccinia virus vectors method, in vitro ligation, bacterial artificial chromosome systems, yeast artificial chromosome systems, circular polymerase extension reaction, and the recently reported infectious sub-genomic amplicons technology. This review summarizes the status of various techniques for constructing infectious clones of human coronaviruses and related applications.
Additional Links: PMID-41635308
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41635308,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, G and Tan, R and Wu, Y and Wang, M and Huang, B and Tan, W},
title = {Advances in the development of infectious clones of human coronaviruses and related applications.},
journal = {Biosafety and health},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {59-73},
pmid = {41635308},
issn = {2590-0536},
abstract = {Coronaviruses can infect humans, mammals, and birds, leading to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological diseases. These viruses are significant zoonotic pathogens with nine known types capable of infecting humans. The coronavirus genome, approximately 30 kb in size, is the largest known ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus genome, and its complexity makes assembly and manipulation time-consuming and labor-intensive. Reverse genetic systems are widely used to engineer recombinant viruses that can be adapted at Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) for studying viral gene function, replication, pathogenesis, vaccines, and therapeutics. The infectious clones, which enabled the recovery of various viruses after DNA recombinant technology, were indispensable tools for the reverse genetics of viruses. Various techniques for constructing infectious clones of human coronaviruses (HCoV) have been developed, encompassing methods such as vaccinia virus vectors method, in vitro ligation, bacterial artificial chromosome systems, yeast artificial chromosome systems, circular polymerase extension reaction, and the recently reported infectious sub-genomic amplicons technology. This review summarizes the status of various techniques for constructing infectious clones of human coronaviruses and related applications.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
Lung cancer vaccines to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: evidence and future perspectives.
Journal of hematology & oncology pii:10.1186/s13045-026-01778-7 [Epub ahead of print].
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape of lung cancer over the past decade, markedly improving antitumor responses, overall survival, and quality of life. However, durable clinical benefit is achieved in only a subset of patients, and resistance to ICIs remains a major clinical challenge. Mechanistically, resistance arises from multiple, often overlapping processes, including inadequate tumor antigen presentation, dysfunctional T-cell priming and expansion, and the presence of physical and immunosuppressive barriers within the tumor microenvironment that limit immune cell infiltration and effector function. Cancer vaccines have re-emerged as a rational immunotherapeutic strategy to overcome these obstacles by inducing de novo or amplifying pre-existing tumor-specific immune responses, thereby enhancing long-term immunological memory while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Advances in antigen discovery, neoantigen prediction, and vaccine platforms have accelerated the development of both personalized and off-the-shelf neoantigen vaccines. Although personalized neoantigen vaccines have gained considerable attention following the success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, off-the-shelf approaches offer advantages in scalability, cost, and manufacturing timelines, facilitating broader clinical implementation. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that cancer vaccines are more effective in the adjuvant setting than in the metastatic setting, where high tumor burden and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constrain vaccine-induced immune responses. Consistent with their limited efficacy as monotherapy, contemporary clinical trials increasingly evaluate cancer vaccines in combination with ICIs or other immunotherapeutic agents to enhance T-cell activation, reverse immune suppression, and restore antitumor immunity. This review synthesizes current mechanistic insights, highlights ongoing clinical efforts, and discusses future directions for rational cancer vaccine development in lung cancer, with an emphasis on overcoming resistance to ICI.
Additional Links: PMID-41634728
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41634728,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, Z and Zha, L and Liang, R and Li, T},
title = {Lung cancer vaccines to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: evidence and future perspectives.},
journal = {Journal of hematology & oncology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13045-026-01778-7},
pmid = {41634728},
issn = {1756-8722},
support = {I01BX003895//Office of Research and Development/ ; CU000157/L0008//VA-Lung Precision Oncology Program/ ; },
abstract = {Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape of lung cancer over the past decade, markedly improving antitumor responses, overall survival, and quality of life. However, durable clinical benefit is achieved in only a subset of patients, and resistance to ICIs remains a major clinical challenge. Mechanistically, resistance arises from multiple, often overlapping processes, including inadequate tumor antigen presentation, dysfunctional T-cell priming and expansion, and the presence of physical and immunosuppressive barriers within the tumor microenvironment that limit immune cell infiltration and effector function. Cancer vaccines have re-emerged as a rational immunotherapeutic strategy to overcome these obstacles by inducing de novo or amplifying pre-existing tumor-specific immune responses, thereby enhancing long-term immunological memory while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Advances in antigen discovery, neoantigen prediction, and vaccine platforms have accelerated the development of both personalized and off-the-shelf neoantigen vaccines. Although personalized neoantigen vaccines have gained considerable attention following the success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, off-the-shelf approaches offer advantages in scalability, cost, and manufacturing timelines, facilitating broader clinical implementation. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that cancer vaccines are more effective in the adjuvant setting than in the metastatic setting, where high tumor burden and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment constrain vaccine-induced immune responses. Consistent with their limited efficacy as monotherapy, contemporary clinical trials increasingly evaluate cancer vaccines in combination with ICIs or other immunotherapeutic agents to enhance T-cell activation, reverse immune suppression, and restore antitumor immunity. This review synthesizes current mechanistic insights, highlights ongoing clinical efforts, and discusses future directions for rational cancer vaccine development in lung cancer, with an emphasis on overcoming resistance to ICI.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
Real-world untreated risk of hospitalization and death in a nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment-eligible population with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in the United States: a systematic literature review.
BMC infectious diseases pii:10.1186/s12879-026-12674-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41634606
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41634606,
year = {2026},
author = {Migliaccio-Walle, K and Mugwagwa, T and Cha-Silva, AS and Gong, CL and Campbell, D and Quercia, R and Bergroth, T and Veenstra, DL and Moran, MM and Dzingina, M},
title = {Real-world untreated risk of hospitalization and death in a nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment-eligible population with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in the United States: a systematic literature review.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-12674-3},
pmid = {41634606},
issn = {1471-2334},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Functional tics and tic-like behaviors.
Handbook of clinical neurology, 215:55-62.
Functional tics and tic-like behaviors belong to the wide spectrum of functional movement disorders. Until the early 2010s, functional tic disorders were rather uncommon in the differential diagnosis of tics, and only few cases describing their features had been published. However, over the past 10 years there has been a steady increase in the frequency of these cases that peaked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On the one hand, the rise in functional tic cases created new challenges of diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it also pushed the field forward to delineate helpful clinical clues, as well as to work toward specific consensus diagnostic criteria for functional tics and tic-like behaviors. Here, we first provide a historical summary on the debate between neurodevelopmental and functional tics. We then track relevant literature on functional tics and tic-like cases and discuss their salient features, such as an acute onset with severe symptoms and complex repetitive behaviors that typically occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, a large variability of symptoms including spontaneous symptom remissions and re-emergence, and a high prevalence of phonations and vocalizations with the common use of swearwords or variable sentences. In addition, it is common to see an overlap with additional functional neurologic symptoms, such as functional tremor or nonepileptic seizures. In diagnostically challenging cases, neurophysiologic evaluation, including surface electromyography and electroencephalography, may be useful, and markers such as the premotor potential (Bereitschaftspotential) and event-related desynchronization/synchronization may hold promise. Effective management of functional tics begins with an accurate diagnosis and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics may be particularly useful, alongside addressing comorbid psychiatric conditions. Currently there is an absence of standardized treatment protocols; individualized care plans tailored to each patient's specific needs are generally the most effective approach.
Additional Links: PMID-41633747
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@article {pmid41633747,
year = {2026},
author = {Alruwaita, AA and Lang, AE and Ganos, C},
title = {Functional tics and tic-like behaviors.},
journal = {Handbook of clinical neurology},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {55-62},
doi = {10.1016/B978-0-443-13554-5.00017-1},
pmid = {41633747},
issn = {0072-9752},
mesh = {Humans ; *Tic Disorders/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology ; *Tics/diagnosis/therapy ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Functional tics and tic-like behaviors belong to the wide spectrum of functional movement disorders. Until the early 2010s, functional tic disorders were rather uncommon in the differential diagnosis of tics, and only few cases describing their features had been published. However, over the past 10 years there has been a steady increase in the frequency of these cases that peaked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. On the one hand, the rise in functional tic cases created new challenges of diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it also pushed the field forward to delineate helpful clinical clues, as well as to work toward specific consensus diagnostic criteria for functional tics and tic-like behaviors. Here, we first provide a historical summary on the debate between neurodevelopmental and functional tics. We then track relevant literature on functional tics and tic-like cases and discuss their salient features, such as an acute onset with severe symptoms and complex repetitive behaviors that typically occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, a large variability of symptoms including spontaneous symptom remissions and re-emergence, and a high prevalence of phonations and vocalizations with the common use of swearwords or variable sentences. In addition, it is common to see an overlap with additional functional neurologic symptoms, such as functional tremor or nonepileptic seizures. In diagnostically challenging cases, neurophysiologic evaluation, including surface electromyography and electroencephalography, may be useful, and markers such as the premotor potential (Bereitschaftspotential) and event-related desynchronization/synchronization may hold promise. Effective management of functional tics begins with an accurate diagnosis and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics may be particularly useful, alongside addressing comorbid psychiatric conditions. Currently there is an absence of standardized treatment protocols; individualized care plans tailored to each patient's specific needs are generally the most effective approach.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Tic Disorders/diagnosis/therapy/physiopathology
*Tics/diagnosis/therapy
COVID-19
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Clinical presentation of tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
Handbook of clinical neurology, 215:11-27.
Tics are the most common hyperkinetic manifestations during development. The clinical phenomenology of motor tics ranges from mild twitches affecting a single facial muscle to orchestrated contractions of different muscular districts resembling purposeful behaviors. Likewise, the repertoire of vocal tics (also called phonic tics) covers the whole spectrum between isolated grunting noises and meaningful strings of words. Simple and complex tics arguably sit on a continuum of symptom severity and respond to the same treatment interventions. The diagnosis of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is based on the presence of multiple motor tics plus at least one vocal tic, with onset before the age of 18 years and chronic course. It has been argued that the different tic disorders belong to a spectrum of increasing complexity, from the transient form (provisional tic disorder), through persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, to GTS. However, the clinical phenotype of GTS stands out because of the frequent association with specific behavioral problems, ranging from tic-related obsessive-compulsive disorder to other neurodevelopmental conditions. The diagnosis of tic disorders is based on clinical observation and requires expertise. The recent outbreak of functional tics, documented across several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced unprecedented challenges to the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental tics.
Additional Links: PMID-41633725
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41633725,
year = {2026},
author = {Cavanna, AE},
title = {Clinical presentation of tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.},
journal = {Handbook of clinical neurology},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {11-27},
doi = {10.1016/B978-0-443-13554-5.00013-4},
pmid = {41633725},
issn = {0072-9752},
mesh = {Humans ; *Tourette Syndrome/diagnosis/physiopathology ; *Tics/diagnosis ; *Tic Disorders/diagnosis ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Tics are the most common hyperkinetic manifestations during development. The clinical phenomenology of motor tics ranges from mild twitches affecting a single facial muscle to orchestrated contractions of different muscular districts resembling purposeful behaviors. Likewise, the repertoire of vocal tics (also called phonic tics) covers the whole spectrum between isolated grunting noises and meaningful strings of words. Simple and complex tics arguably sit on a continuum of symptom severity and respond to the same treatment interventions. The diagnosis of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is based on the presence of multiple motor tics plus at least one vocal tic, with onset before the age of 18 years and chronic course. It has been argued that the different tic disorders belong to a spectrum of increasing complexity, from the transient form (provisional tic disorder), through persistent motor or vocal tic disorder, to GTS. However, the clinical phenotype of GTS stands out because of the frequent association with specific behavioral problems, ranging from tic-related obsessive-compulsive disorder to other neurodevelopmental conditions. The diagnosis of tic disorders is based on clinical observation and requires expertise. The recent outbreak of functional tics, documented across several countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced unprecedented challenges to the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental tics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Tourette Syndrome/diagnosis/physiopathology
*Tics/diagnosis
*Tic Disorders/diagnosis
COVID-19
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Neurologic Complications of Drug and Alcohol Use.
Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 32(1):277-309.
OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the neurologic syndromes associated with substance use and suggests an approach for identifying and managing substance use disorders.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Substance use and overdose mortality, largely associated with fentanyl, rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although recent data indicate modest decreases, current rates of overdose remain higher than before the pandemic. A wide variety of opioid-related toxic encephalopathies have been identified recently. Many novel psychoactive substances are unregulated and easily obtained online or in stores; several have been associated with seizures and other neurologic complications. The use of cannabis and hallucinogens is rising as more states legalize or decriminalize their use, and some studies suggest an independent association between cannabis use and ischemic stroke.
ESSENTIAL POINTS: Neurologists often encounter severe complications of substance use and have an opportunity to guide patients with substance use disorders toward treatment.
Additional Links: PMID-41631916
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@article {pmid41631916,
year = {2026},
author = {Goss, AL},
title = {Neurologic Complications of Drug and Alcohol Use.},
journal = {Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.)},
volume = {32},
number = {1},
pages = {277-309},
doi = {10.1212/cont.0000000000001676},
pmid = {41631916},
issn = {1538-6899},
mesh = {Humans ; *Substance-Related Disorders/complications ; *Nervous System Diseases/etiology/chemically induced ; COVID-19 ; Male ; Female ; *Alcoholism/complications ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the neurologic syndromes associated with substance use and suggests an approach for identifying and managing substance use disorders.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Substance use and overdose mortality, largely associated with fentanyl, rose sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although recent data indicate modest decreases, current rates of overdose remain higher than before the pandemic. A wide variety of opioid-related toxic encephalopathies have been identified recently. Many novel psychoactive substances are unregulated and easily obtained online or in stores; several have been associated with seizures and other neurologic complications. The use of cannabis and hallucinogens is rising as more states legalize or decriminalize their use, and some studies suggest an independent association between cannabis use and ischemic stroke.
ESSENTIAL POINTS: Neurologists often encounter severe complications of substance use and have an opportunity to guide patients with substance use disorders toward treatment.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*Substance-Related Disorders/complications
*Nervous System Diseases/etiology/chemically induced
COVID-19
Male
Female
*Alcoholism/complications
RevDate: 2026-02-03
Extended Prone Positioning in ARDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Respiratory care [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Prone positioning is a recommended therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS; however, the optimal duration of this maneuver is still unknown.
METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes of extended (≥24 h) versus traditional prone positioning (16-24 h) of adults with moderate-to-severe ARDS receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.
RESULTS: Ten studies involving 2,412 subjects met the inclusion criteria, including one randomized controlled trial and 9 observational studies, all with COVID-19-related ARDS. Extended prone positioning was associated with reduced mortality compared with the traditional approach (risk ratio [RR]: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.86, I[2] = 12.8%). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed consistency across risk of bias, baseline PaO2/FiO2, and PEEP levels. No differences were found in duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference [MD]: 2.43 days, 95% CI -1.06 to 5.92, I[2] = 70%) or ICU stay (MD: 1.31 days, 95% CI -1.07 to 3.68, I[2] = 55%). The extended strategy was associated with a higher incidence of pressure injuries (RR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.65, I[2] = 56%) but no differences in device displacement or hemodynamic instability. Certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low.
CONCLUSIONS: Extended prone positioning was associated with reduced mortality in ARDS but increased risk of pressure injuries, without impact on ventilator duration or ICU stay. While this strategy appears feasible and potentially beneficial, further randomized trials are warranted to confirm its role in routine practice.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO no. CRD42024529311.
Additional Links: PMID-41631378
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41631378,
year = {2026},
author = {Berger do Rosário, M and da Silva, DW and Wawrzeniak, IC and Ziegelmann, PK and Rios Vieira, SR and Boniatti, MM and Teixeira, C and Oliveira, VM},
title = {Extended Prone Positioning in ARDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Respiratory care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {19433654251405270},
doi = {10.1177/19433654251405270},
pmid = {41631378},
issn = {1943-3654},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prone positioning is a recommended therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe ARDS; however, the optimal duration of this maneuver is still unknown.
METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes of extended (≥24 h) versus traditional prone positioning (16-24 h) of adults with moderate-to-severe ARDS receiving invasive mechanical ventilation.
RESULTS: Ten studies involving 2,412 subjects met the inclusion criteria, including one randomized controlled trial and 9 observational studies, all with COVID-19-related ARDS. Extended prone positioning was associated with reduced mortality compared with the traditional approach (risk ratio [RR]: 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.86, I[2] = 12.8%). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses confirmed consistency across risk of bias, baseline PaO2/FiO2, and PEEP levels. No differences were found in duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference [MD]: 2.43 days, 95% CI -1.06 to 5.92, I[2] = 70%) or ICU stay (MD: 1.31 days, 95% CI -1.07 to 3.68, I[2] = 55%). The extended strategy was associated with a higher incidence of pressure injuries (RR: 1.30, 95% CI 1.02-1.65, I[2] = 56%) but no differences in device displacement or hemodynamic instability. Certainty of evidence was rated as low to very low.
CONCLUSIONS: Extended prone positioning was associated with reduced mortality in ARDS but increased risk of pressure injuries, without impact on ventilator duration or ICU stay. While this strategy appears feasible and potentially beneficial, further randomized trials are warranted to confirm its role in routine practice.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO no. CRD42024529311.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-05
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Unraveling the complexities: A scoping review of the collateral effects on informal caregivers during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palliative care and social practice, 20:26323524251399233.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various infection control measures were introduced that had a profound effect on caregiving dynamics and created burdens in the daily lives of informal caregivers (ICs). A scoping review was conducted to identify burden and support factors for ICs during and beyond the pandemic. Studies were included when they examined ICs' care work during the official time period of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-May 2023) and care hours worked per day or week were specified. Only studies with adult participants and studies in German or English language were incorporated. The scoping review considered quantitative cross-sectional and longitudinal studies involving randomized/quasi-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case studies, mixed-methods, and qualitative studies as well as reviews and meta-analyses. The electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and EBSCO Host were systematically searched. The search was limited to articles published between 2020 and 2024. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Overall, 42 studies with 51,183individuals met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review. Main findings suggested that the pandemic-related measures caused additional care burden for ICs and worsened the already poor situation of informal care. In particular, the lack of support from health services and the increase in care hours were described as burdensome. Additionally, studies indicated an increase in rates of depression and overall poor mental health, particularly affecting female ICs. Social and formal care support were mentioned as main support factors. Consequently, preparation of future crises should focus on formal health services and structures to promote social support and mental health of ICs during pandemics.
Additional Links: PMID-41630899
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41630899,
year = {2026},
author = {Nicolai, M and Ullrich, A and Ruck, J and Jaspers, B and Bialobrzeski, A and Degutsch, R and Oechsle, K and Radbruch, L and Gágyor, I and Hettich-Damm, N},
title = {Unraveling the complexities: A scoping review of the collateral effects on informal caregivers during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Palliative care and social practice},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {26323524251399233},
pmid = {41630899},
issn = {2632-3524},
abstract = {Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various infection control measures were introduced that had a profound effect on caregiving dynamics and created burdens in the daily lives of informal caregivers (ICs). A scoping review was conducted to identify burden and support factors for ICs during and beyond the pandemic. Studies were included when they examined ICs' care work during the official time period of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-May 2023) and care hours worked per day or week were specified. Only studies with adult participants and studies in German or English language were incorporated. The scoping review considered quantitative cross-sectional and longitudinal studies involving randomized/quasi-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case studies, mixed-methods, and qualitative studies as well as reviews and meta-analyses. The electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and EBSCO Host were systematically searched. The search was limited to articles published between 2020 and 2024. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Overall, 42 studies with 51,183individuals met the inclusion criteria and were included in the scoping review. Main findings suggested that the pandemic-related measures caused additional care burden for ICs and worsened the already poor situation of informal care. In particular, the lack of support from health services and the increase in care hours were described as burdensome. Additionally, studies indicated an increase in rates of depression and overall poor mental health, particularly affecting female ICs. Social and formal care support were mentioned as main support factors. Consequently, preparation of future crises should focus on formal health services and structures to promote social support and mental health of ICs during pandemics.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
From RNA to DNA: How Cargo Identity Reprograms Lipid Nanoparticle Architecture and Function.
Advanced healthcare materials [Epub ahead of print].
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have become the leading platform for delivering genetic material, gaining global recognition through the success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines such as mRNA-1273 (SpikeVax, Moderna) and BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, BioNTech/Pfizer). Yet, while RNA-LNPs have reached clinical maturity, their DNA counterparts remain comparatively underexplored, despite holding great promise for gene replacement and genome-editing therapies. In this review, we turn the spotlight on DNA-loaded LNPs, examining how their structure, composition, and biological behavior differ from RNA-LNPs, their natural point of reference, and from earlier lipid-based systems such as cationic liposome/DNA complexes (lipoplexes). DNA-LNPs tend to form larger, more heterogeneous, and often multilamellar particles due to the intrinsic stiffness and high charge density of DNA. These distinctive features call for dedicated design strategies, including the use of cationic lipids, pre-condensation agents, and optimized PEGylation schemes. Moreover, DNA profoundly influences the biomolecular corona that forms in biological fluids, which in turn shapes immune recognition, circulation, and tissue targeting. By highlighting these unique physical and biological challenges, this review underscores the need to move beyond simply adapting RNA-based formulations. Instead, a cargo-informed design approach will be key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of DNA-LNPs in next-generation gene delivery.
Additional Links: PMID-41630161
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41630161,
year = {2026},
author = {Quagliarini, E and Pozzi, D and Caracciolo, G},
title = {From RNA to DNA: How Cargo Identity Reprograms Lipid Nanoparticle Architecture and Function.},
journal = {Advanced healthcare materials},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e05261},
doi = {10.1002/adhm.202505261},
pmid = {41630161},
issn = {2192-2659},
abstract = {Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have become the leading platform for delivering genetic material, gaining global recognition through the success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines such as mRNA-1273 (SpikeVax, Moderna) and BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, BioNTech/Pfizer). Yet, while RNA-LNPs have reached clinical maturity, their DNA counterparts remain comparatively underexplored, despite holding great promise for gene replacement and genome-editing therapies. In this review, we turn the spotlight on DNA-loaded LNPs, examining how their structure, composition, and biological behavior differ from RNA-LNPs, their natural point of reference, and from earlier lipid-based systems such as cationic liposome/DNA complexes (lipoplexes). DNA-LNPs tend to form larger, more heterogeneous, and often multilamellar particles due to the intrinsic stiffness and high charge density of DNA. These distinctive features call for dedicated design strategies, including the use of cationic lipids, pre-condensation agents, and optimized PEGylation schemes. Moreover, DNA profoundly influences the biomolecular corona that forms in biological fluids, which in turn shapes immune recognition, circulation, and tissue targeting. By highlighting these unique physical and biological challenges, this review underscores the need to move beyond simply adapting RNA-based formulations. Instead, a cargo-informed design approach will be key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of DNA-LNPs in next-generation gene delivery.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
No fault vaccine injury compensation after COVID-19: A systematic literature review and proposed typology.
Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 22(1):2620849.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a unique and rapid period of global vaccine innovation. It revealed structural challenges not only in global vaccine affordability and distribution but in the liability and indemnity structures that can both impede access and affect fair outcomes for the small number of people who suffer severe side effects. This review examines vaccine injury and compensation mechanisms, including no-fault compensation schemes, aimed at addressing both the liability and indemnity concerns of developers and the compensation due those suffering severe side effects. The ultimate aim of the review is to provide a classification of systems for those countries that are considering adopting NFCS as part of their broader public health readiness and preparedness strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41630128
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41630128,
year = {2026},
author = {Halabi, S and Arora, N and Durran, A and Qian, Q and Ummer, S and Ginsbach, K and Aneja, K},
title = {No fault vaccine injury compensation after COVID-19: A systematic literature review and proposed typology.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {2620849},
pmid = {41630128},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Compensation and Redress/legislation & jurisprudence ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/economics ; *Liability, Legal ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a unique and rapid period of global vaccine innovation. It revealed structural challenges not only in global vaccine affordability and distribution but in the liability and indemnity structures that can both impede access and affect fair outcomes for the small number of people who suffer severe side effects. This review examines vaccine injury and compensation mechanisms, including no-fault compensation schemes, aimed at addressing both the liability and indemnity concerns of developers and the compensation due those suffering severe side effects. The ultimate aim of the review is to provide a classification of systems for those countries that are considering adopting NFCS as part of their broader public health readiness and preparedness strategies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Compensation and Redress/legislation & jurisprudence
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/economics
*Liability, Legal
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-02-07
The role of extended reality technologies in hygiene education and training: a systematic review of applications, benefits, and challenges.
BMC infectious diseases, 26(1):272.
BACKGROUND: The emergence of the Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), has created innovative opportunities for healthcare education and training. These immersive technologies show promise in enhancing infection prevention and control, especially during infectious disease outbreaks.
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the current application of XR technologies in infection control education, identifying key trends, benefits, and limitations of VR and AR-based interventions.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on January 12, 2025, for the Web of Science and PubMed databases using keywords related to hygiene, infection prevention, and XR technologies. An initial pool of 162 articles was screened, resulting in 38 studies that met inclusion criteria. These studies were descriptively analyzed to assess their contributions, focus areas, and outcomes.
RESULTS: The review indicates most studies show XR tools effectively improve practical skills, behaviors, or attitudes, while a smaller number reveal limited or no significant gains, especially in knowledge and compliance. This result shows that XR tools have the potential to improve knowledge retention, practical skills, and provide real-time feedback, outperforming traditional training methods. XR tools specifically enhanced hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency response training, areas critical during outbreaks like COVID-19. Nevertheless, widespread adoption remains limited due to the need for more long-term efficacy data and strategies for integrating XR into standard curricula. To fully realize this potential, it is essential to address existing limitations related to cost, safety, and validation, while establishing robust frameworks for curriculum integration and policy implementation.
CONCLUSION: XR technologies play a crucial role in advancing infection control education by offering potential benefits for healthcare training and education. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term outcomes and developing effective implementation strategies to facilitate broader adoption, maximize their educational impact and, and mitigate potential barriers.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.
Additional Links: PMID-41629862
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41629862,
year = {2026},
author = {Meşe, EA and Basmaci, F and Bulut, AC and Topallı, D and Şenel, F and Cagiltay, NE},
title = {The role of extended reality technologies in hygiene education and training: a systematic review of applications, benefits, and challenges.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {272},
pmid = {41629862},
issn = {1471-2334},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The emergence of the Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), has created innovative opportunities for healthcare education and training. These immersive technologies show promise in enhancing infection prevention and control, especially during infectious disease outbreaks.
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the current application of XR technologies in infection control education, identifying key trends, benefits, and limitations of VR and AR-based interventions.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on January 12, 2025, for the Web of Science and PubMed databases using keywords related to hygiene, infection prevention, and XR technologies. An initial pool of 162 articles was screened, resulting in 38 studies that met inclusion criteria. These studies were descriptively analyzed to assess their contributions, focus areas, and outcomes.
RESULTS: The review indicates most studies show XR tools effectively improve practical skills, behaviors, or attitudes, while a smaller number reveal limited or no significant gains, especially in knowledge and compliance. This result shows that XR tools have the potential to improve knowledge retention, practical skills, and provide real-time feedback, outperforming traditional training methods. XR tools specifically enhanced hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and emergency response training, areas critical during outbreaks like COVID-19. Nevertheless, widespread adoption remains limited due to the need for more long-term efficacy data and strategies for integrating XR into standard curricula. To fully realize this potential, it is essential to address existing limitations related to cost, safety, and validation, while establishing robust frameworks for curriculum integration and policy implementation.
CONCLUSION: XR technologies play a crucial role in advancing infection control education by offering potential benefits for healthcare training and education. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term outcomes and developing effective implementation strategies to facilitate broader adoption, maximize their educational impact and, and mitigate potential barriers.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-08
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Implementation of health and health-related sustainable development goals: progress, challenges and opportunities-a systematic literature review update.
BMJ global health, 11(2):.
INTRODUCTION: A prior systematic review assessed progress in health and health-related sustainable development goals (HHSDGs) from 2015 to 2019, identifying an important need for countries to strengthen implementation of multisectoral work, capacity building, financial stability and data availability. We undertook an updated systematic review to assess additional progress, challenges and opportunities for HHSDG implementation from 2019 to 2025, including the pandemic periods. This update aims to assess where countries are presently in HHSDG implementation and if further recommendations can be made in the final stretch to the 2030 targets.
METHODS: We followed a comparable comprehensive search strategy as the first review, focusing on implementation and acceleration strategies for HHSDGs. We undertook a qualitative synthesis from peer-reviewed and grey literature for specific databases, including studies and reports published from June 2019 to January 2025.
RESULTS: A total of 192 publications were included in the review of which 150 provided national-level information and 42 provided multicountry or regional information. Findings suggest a high level of political commitment in most countries and many HHSDG efforts being aligned with existing national development strategies. There was a noteworthy shift towards decentralised, subnational approaches to provide contextually relevant interventions. Multisectoral, multistakeholder, integrated approaches for implementation are increasing and proving to be effective. Diverse monitoring and evaluation strategies were employed, and (cross-country) knowledge sharing was instrumental to SDG policy and programme planning. Service disruptions incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of quality data and obtaining sustainable funding were frequently cited challenges to implementation.
CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring continuous financial investments and strengthening data availability are essential to accelerate HHSDG implementation. Recommendations for progress include strengthening primary healthcare, fostering multisectoral collaboration and addressing deep-rooted societal perceptions around gender inequity. Future research should examine the interplay of multiple SDGs, and the impact of factors such as cost-effective cross-regional approaches for project implementation.
Additional Links: PMID-41629068
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41629068,
year = {2026},
author = {Kshatriya, M and Syal, R and Als, D and Muralidharan, O and Akindole, B and Padhani, ZA and Das, J and Bhutta, ZA},
title = {Implementation of health and health-related sustainable development goals: progress, challenges and opportunities-a systematic literature review update.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41629068},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {*Sustainable Development ; Humans ; *Global Health ; COVID-19 ; Goals ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: A prior systematic review assessed progress in health and health-related sustainable development goals (HHSDGs) from 2015 to 2019, identifying an important need for countries to strengthen implementation of multisectoral work, capacity building, financial stability and data availability. We undertook an updated systematic review to assess additional progress, challenges and opportunities for HHSDG implementation from 2019 to 2025, including the pandemic periods. This update aims to assess where countries are presently in HHSDG implementation and if further recommendations can be made in the final stretch to the 2030 targets.
METHODS: We followed a comparable comprehensive search strategy as the first review, focusing on implementation and acceleration strategies for HHSDGs. We undertook a qualitative synthesis from peer-reviewed and grey literature for specific databases, including studies and reports published from June 2019 to January 2025.
RESULTS: A total of 192 publications were included in the review of which 150 provided national-level information and 42 provided multicountry or regional information. Findings suggest a high level of political commitment in most countries and many HHSDG efforts being aligned with existing national development strategies. There was a noteworthy shift towards decentralised, subnational approaches to provide contextually relevant interventions. Multisectoral, multistakeholder, integrated approaches for implementation are increasing and proving to be effective. Diverse monitoring and evaluation strategies were employed, and (cross-country) knowledge sharing was instrumental to SDG policy and programme planning. Service disruptions incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of quality data and obtaining sustainable funding were frequently cited challenges to implementation.
CONCLUSIONS: Ensuring continuous financial investments and strengthening data availability are essential to accelerate HHSDG implementation. Recommendations for progress include strengthening primary healthcare, fostering multisectoral collaboration and addressing deep-rooted societal perceptions around gender inequity. Future research should examine the interplay of multiple SDGs, and the impact of factors such as cost-effective cross-regional approaches for project implementation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Sustainable Development
Humans
*Global Health
COVID-19
Goals
Pandemics
RevDate: 2026-02-05
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Screening in Persons with and Without HIV: Evidence, Challenges, and Future Directions.
Current HIV/AIDS reports, 23(1):3.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with implications for HIV acquisition, transmission, and disease progression. This review synthesizes current evidence and guidance on HSV-2 serologic screening, emphasizing its relevance for HIV prevention and care.
RECENT FINDINGS: International guidelines advise against routine general population-level serologic screening for HSV-2 in asymptomatic persons. Key limitations include poor test specificity, the absence of potent antivirals or therapeutic vaccines, lack of curative therapy, no demonstrated population-level benefit, and psychosocial harms associated with diagnosis. Current practice instead emphasizes diagnostic testing in symptomatic persons and targeted screening in defined contexts—such as among people with HIV in specific clinical situations, sex partners of those with HSV-2 infection, certain pregnant women, persons seeking sexual health care, and persons with recurrent or atypical symptoms—where results may directly inform management. Emerging technologies, including highly specific assays, novel potent antivirals, therapeutic vaccines, and curative strategies, may eventually shift the cost–benefit balance of general screening.
SUMMARY: Evidence supports targeted rather than general population-level screening to maximize clinical benefit while minimizing harm. New evidence demonstrating that interventions can achieve measurable population-level reductions in disease burden or transmission, together with future advances in diagnostics and therapeutics, may eventually justify integrating routine HSV-2 screening into broader contexts, including into HIV prevention and care.
Additional Links: PMID-41627575
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41627575,
year = {2026},
author = {Abu-Raddad, LJ and Chemaitelly, H and Wald, A and Johnston, C},
title = {Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Screening in Persons with and Without HIV: Evidence, Challenges, and Future Directions.},
journal = {Current HIV/AIDS reports},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {3},
pmid = {41627575},
issn = {1548-3576},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with implications for HIV acquisition, transmission, and disease progression. This review synthesizes current evidence and guidance on HSV-2 serologic screening, emphasizing its relevance for HIV prevention and care.
RECENT FINDINGS: International guidelines advise against routine general population-level serologic screening for HSV-2 in asymptomatic persons. Key limitations include poor test specificity, the absence of potent antivirals or therapeutic vaccines, lack of curative therapy, no demonstrated population-level benefit, and psychosocial harms associated with diagnosis. Current practice instead emphasizes diagnostic testing in symptomatic persons and targeted screening in defined contexts—such as among people with HIV in specific clinical situations, sex partners of those with HSV-2 infection, certain pregnant women, persons seeking sexual health care, and persons with recurrent or atypical symptoms—where results may directly inform management. Emerging technologies, including highly specific assays, novel potent antivirals, therapeutic vaccines, and curative strategies, may eventually shift the cost–benefit balance of general screening.
SUMMARY: Evidence supports targeted rather than general population-level screening to maximize clinical benefit while minimizing harm. New evidence demonstrating that interventions can achieve measurable population-level reductions in disease burden or transmission, together with future advances in diagnostics and therapeutics, may eventually justify integrating routine HSV-2 screening into broader contexts, including into HIV prevention and care.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-02
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Therapeutic milestones against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: from legacy antibiotics to Zosurabalpin.
Archives of microbiology, 208(4):177.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Acinetobacter baumannii represents a critical global health challenge, particularly in intensive care settings where the pathogen causes severe, refractory infections. As a leading member of the ESKAPE group, A. baumannii has accumulated extensive resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, including carbapenems, resulting in the widespread emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) strains. This review provides a chronological overview of the evolution of antimicrobial therapies used against A. baumannii, spanning the early era of penicillins and tetracyclines to contemporary agents such as eravacycline and ceftazidime-avibactam. We delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance development, including carbapenemase production, robust RND efflux systems, horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and the global dissemination of high-risk international clones (IC1-IC9). The compounding impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) is also examined. A special emphasis is placed on Zosurabalpin, a first-in-class macrocyclic peptide antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action that targets the LptB2FG complex essential for lipooligosaccharide (LOS) transport and outer membrane assembly. Preclinical data and emerging clinical findings highlight its potent activity against highly resistant CRAB strains and its ability to circumvent conventional resistance pathways, marking it as a promising candidate in the antimicrobial pipeline. Finally, we evaluate the limitations of current treatment modalities and explore emerging strategies, including phage therapy, novel target discovery, and non-traditional therapeutics, offering a forward-looking perspective on restoring and sustaining effective anti-Acinetobacter interventions.
Additional Links: PMID-41627487
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41627487,
year = {2026},
author = {Malik, J and Singh, S and Shrivastav, D and Verma, VV and Pal, RK and Mishra, MK and Sharma, VK},
title = {Therapeutic milestones against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: from legacy antibiotics to Zosurabalpin.},
journal = {Archives of microbiology},
volume = {208},
number = {4},
pages = {177},
pmid = {41627487},
issn = {1432-072X},
mesh = {*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics ; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects ; *Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Humans ; *Acinetobacter Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; },
abstract = {Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Acinetobacter baumannii represents a critical global health challenge, particularly in intensive care settings where the pathogen causes severe, refractory infections. As a leading member of the ESKAPE group, A. baumannii has accumulated extensive resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, including carbapenems, resulting in the widespread emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) strains. This review provides a chronological overview of the evolution of antimicrobial therapies used against A. baumannii, spanning the early era of penicillins and tetracyclines to contemporary agents such as eravacycline and ceftazidime-avibactam. We delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance development, including carbapenemase production, robust RND efflux systems, horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and the global dissemination of high-risk international clones (IC1-IC9). The compounding impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) is also examined. A special emphasis is placed on Zosurabalpin, a first-in-class macrocyclic peptide antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action that targets the LptB2FG complex essential for lipooligosaccharide (LOS) transport and outer membrane assembly. Preclinical data and emerging clinical findings highlight its potent activity against highly resistant CRAB strains and its ability to circumvent conventional resistance pathways, marking it as a promising candidate in the antimicrobial pipeline. Finally, we evaluate the limitations of current treatment modalities and explore emerging strategies, including phage therapy, novel target discovery, and non-traditional therapeutics, offering a forward-looking perspective on restoring and sustaining effective anti-Acinetobacter interventions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Acinetobacter baumannii/drug effects/genetics
*Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/drug effects
*Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Humans
*Acinetobacter Infections/drug therapy/microbiology
RevDate: 2026-02-05
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
How to conduct an individual participant data meta-analysis in response to an emerging pathogen: Lessons learned from Zika and COVID-19.
Research synthesis methods, 17(1):1-29.
Sharing, harmonizing, and analyzing participant-level data is of central importance in the rapid research response to emerging pathogens. Individual participant data meta-analyses (IPD-MAs), which synthesize participant-level data from related primary studies, have several advantages over pooling study-level effect estimates in a traditional meta-analysis. IPD-MAs enable researchers to more effectively separate spurious heterogeneity related to differences in measurement from clinically relevant heterogeneity from differences in underlying risk or distribution of factors that modify disease progression. This tutorial describes the steps needed to conduct an IPD-MA of an emerging pathogen and how IPD-MAs of emerging pathogens differ from those of well-studied exposures and outcomes. We discuss key statistical issues, including participant- and study-level missingness and complex measurement error, and present recommendations. We review how IPD-MAs conducted during the COVID-19 response addressed these statistical challenges when harmonizing and analyzing participant-level data related to an emerging pathogen. The guidance presented here is based on lessons learned in our conduct of IPD-MAs in the research response to emerging pathogens, including Zika virus and COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-41626890
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41626890,
year = {2026},
author = {Maxwell, L and Shreedhar, P and Merson, L and Levis, B and Debray, TPA and de Jong, VMT and Ximenes, RAA and Jaenisch, T and Gustafson, P and Carabali, M},
title = {How to conduct an individual participant data meta-analysis in response to an emerging pathogen: Lessons learned from Zika and COVID-19.},
journal = {Research synthesis methods},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {1-29},
pmid = {41626890},
issn = {1759-2887},
support = {01886-000//Institute of Genetics/ ; 825746//H2020 Health/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology/virology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Zika Virus ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Meta-Analysis as Topic ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Research Design ; *Communicable Diseases, Emerging ; },
abstract = {Sharing, harmonizing, and analyzing participant-level data is of central importance in the rapid research response to emerging pathogens. Individual participant data meta-analyses (IPD-MAs), which synthesize participant-level data from related primary studies, have several advantages over pooling study-level effect estimates in a traditional meta-analysis. IPD-MAs enable researchers to more effectively separate spurious heterogeneity related to differences in measurement from clinically relevant heterogeneity from differences in underlying risk or distribution of factors that modify disease progression. This tutorial describes the steps needed to conduct an IPD-MA of an emerging pathogen and how IPD-MAs of emerging pathogens differ from those of well-studied exposures and outcomes. We discuss key statistical issues, including participant- and study-level missingness and complex measurement error, and present recommendations. We review how IPD-MAs conducted during the COVID-19 response addressed these statistical challenges when harmonizing and analyzing participant-level data related to an emerging pathogen. The guidance presented here is based on lessons learned in our conduct of IPD-MAs in the research response to emerging pathogens, including Zika virus and COVID-19.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology/virology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Zika Virus
SARS-CoV-2
*Meta-Analysis as Topic
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Research Design
*Communicable Diseases, Emerging
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Public health actions in response to pathogen detection in wastewater and the environment: a scoping review.
Frontiers in public health, 13:1675742.
INTRODUCTION: Rapid detection of infectious disease agents is crucial for timely public health responses. Wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) offers a complementary approach by detecting pathogens shed by infected individuals, including asymptomatic cases. This scoping review provides an overview of reported public health actions in response to WES for human pathogens. It also summarizes sampling and analysis methods and offers insights for future implementation.
METHODS: The protocol for this review was registered in the PROCEED open-access registry. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed literature published up to 31 July 2024. Studies were included if they reported public health actions in response to WES related to infectious diseases in human populations. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data on public health responses, sampling, and analytical methods.
RESULTS: Of the 6,630 articles screened, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (92%) were published between 2021 and 2024, with SARS-CoV-2 as the primary focus (82%), followed by poliovirus (16%). Research was largely conducted in high-income regions: North America (51%), Asia (22%), and Europe (14%). Target populations included urban residents (57%) and on-campus students (31%) and local authorities were more often involved in WES efforts than national agencies (51% vs. 33%). In 75% of studies, at least two public health actions were implemented, and 20% reported five or more. The most common actions related to reactive disease control (n = 69), including testing, isolation, and contact tracing. Proactive disease control actions (n = 33) and public health communication (n = 22) were also described. Weekly sampling (57%) and composite methods (67%) were most used. Manhole sampling, despite equal frequency with treatment plant sampling (35%), led to significantly more public health actions (61 vs. 35). Long-term surveillance was often reported but rarely sustained. Quantitative and molecular analyses dominated; sequencing was rarely used (4%).
CONCLUSION: While reporting on public health actions following WES remains limited, this review illustrates its potential to inform timely, local interventions. Future studies should broaden pathogen targets, embed public health action planning in study design, and expand WES use in low-resource settings.
Additional Links: PMID-41626364
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41626364,
year = {2025},
author = {de Jong, M and de Korne-Elenbaas, J and Fanoy, E and Medema, G and de Graaf, M and Prins, M and van der Loeff, MFS and Daams, J and Husman, AMR and Heijne, JCM},
title = {Public health actions in response to pathogen detection in wastewater and the environment: a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1675742},
pmid = {41626364},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *Wastewater/microbiology/virology ; *Public Health ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Rapid detection of infectious disease agents is crucial for timely public health responses. Wastewater and environmental surveillance (WES) offers a complementary approach by detecting pathogens shed by infected individuals, including asymptomatic cases. This scoping review provides an overview of reported public health actions in response to WES for human pathogens. It also summarizes sampling and analysis methods and offers insights for future implementation.
METHODS: The protocol for this review was registered in the PROCEED open-access registry. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed literature published up to 31 July 2024. Studies were included if they reported public health actions in response to WES related to infectious diseases in human populations. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data on public health responses, sampling, and analytical methods.
RESULTS: Of the 6,630 articles screened, 49 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (92%) were published between 2021 and 2024, with SARS-CoV-2 as the primary focus (82%), followed by poliovirus (16%). Research was largely conducted in high-income regions: North America (51%), Asia (22%), and Europe (14%). Target populations included urban residents (57%) and on-campus students (31%) and local authorities were more often involved in WES efforts than national agencies (51% vs. 33%). In 75% of studies, at least two public health actions were implemented, and 20% reported five or more. The most common actions related to reactive disease control (n = 69), including testing, isolation, and contact tracing. Proactive disease control actions (n = 33) and public health communication (n = 22) were also described. Weekly sampling (57%) and composite methods (67%) were most used. Manhole sampling, despite equal frequency with treatment plant sampling (35%), led to significantly more public health actions (61 vs. 35). Long-term surveillance was often reported but rarely sustained. Quantitative and molecular analyses dominated; sequencing was rarely used (4%).
CONCLUSION: While reporting on public health actions following WES remains limited, this review illustrates its potential to inform timely, local interventions. Future studies should broaden pathogen targets, embed public health action planning in study design, and expand WES use in low-resource settings.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Wastewater/microbiology/virology
*Public Health
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
The Landscape on Access to Maternal and Child Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa: A Scoping Review.
Interdisciplinary perspectives on infectious diseases, 2026:9065224.
BACKGROUND: In early March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In South Africa, the first case was confirmed in early March 2020. According to the WHO, disruptions in essential services due to the COVID-19 pandemic occurred worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic affected access to maternal and child health (MCH) services in many countries, including South Africa. The study aimed to map and describe the existing evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the access to and delivery of maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services in South Africa.
METHODOLOGY: This was a scoping review of studies published between 2020 and 2023. We searched databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar. Data were exported to the Rayyan software, where screening, checking of duplicates, and selection of final studies for review were performed. The information from the identified studies was exported to ATLAS.ti 23.1 software for analysis. Content analysis was performed, and data were presented in predetermined themes using the MCH cascade.
RESULTS: The results from 25 articles showed a mixed view, whereby some studies showed a decrease at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020, in the uptake of family planning, antenatal care, labor and delivery, postnatal care, under-five immunizations, and cervical cancer screening services. However, other studies found increased uptake of family planning, antenatal care, labor and delivery, and under-five immunization services. Some studies showed resilience in the overall first antenatal visits, adolescents' visits to family planning, and postnatal care, as they remained constant.
CONCLUSION: The findings show both positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on MNCH services in South Africa. While the pandemic significantly disrupted access to essential services, some areas demonstrated resilience, with increased visits for antenatal care, adolescent family planning, and postnatal services. These insights are critical for guiding decision-makers, health managers, and frontline healthcare workers in preparing for future public health emergencies. Ensuring continuity of MNCH services during crises must be a priority. Strengthening the health system and building resilience are essential to safeguard MCH, even in the face of disruptions.
Additional Links: PMID-41626197
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41626197,
year = {2026},
author = {Chikuse, D and Badacho, AS and Uwimana-Nicol, J and Hendricks, L and Nyasulu, JCY},
title = {The Landscape on Access to Maternal and Child Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Interdisciplinary perspectives on infectious diseases},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {9065224},
pmid = {41626197},
issn = {1687-708X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In early March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. In South Africa, the first case was confirmed in early March 2020. According to the WHO, disruptions in essential services due to the COVID-19 pandemic occurred worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic affected access to maternal and child health (MCH) services in many countries, including South Africa. The study aimed to map and describe the existing evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the access to and delivery of maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services in South Africa.
METHODOLOGY: This was a scoping review of studies published between 2020 and 2023. We searched databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar. Data were exported to the Rayyan software, where screening, checking of duplicates, and selection of final studies for review were performed. The information from the identified studies was exported to ATLAS.ti 23.1 software for analysis. Content analysis was performed, and data were presented in predetermined themes using the MCH cascade.
RESULTS: The results from 25 articles showed a mixed view, whereby some studies showed a decrease at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020, in the uptake of family planning, antenatal care, labor and delivery, postnatal care, under-five immunizations, and cervical cancer screening services. However, other studies found increased uptake of family planning, antenatal care, labor and delivery, and under-five immunization services. Some studies showed resilience in the overall first antenatal visits, adolescents' visits to family planning, and postnatal care, as they remained constant.
CONCLUSION: The findings show both positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on MNCH services in South Africa. While the pandemic significantly disrupted access to essential services, some areas demonstrated resilience, with increased visits for antenatal care, adolescent family planning, and postnatal services. These insights are critical for guiding decision-makers, health managers, and frontline healthcare workers in preparing for future public health emergencies. Ensuring continuity of MNCH services during crises must be a priority. Strengthening the health system and building resilience are essential to safeguard MCH, even in the face of disruptions.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
The research progress of ferroptosis in acute lung injury.
Biochemistry and biophysics reports, 45:102434.
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its core molecular machinery, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc-, becomes dysregulated across various ALI subtypes, such as sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion, and COVID-19.This review delineates how ferroptosis contributes to ALI through iron overload, uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, and failure of antioxidant defenses, ultimately leading to pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cell death. We further summarize subtype-specific mechanisms and evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies, including ferroptosis inhibitors (e.g., liproxstatin-1), Nrf2 activators, and iron chelators, highlighting their potential for targeted intervention in ALI/ARDS.
Additional Links: PMID-41625593
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41625593,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, Y and Ma, Y and Li, X},
title = {The research progress of ferroptosis in acute lung injury.},
journal = {Biochemistry and biophysics reports},
volume = {45},
number = {},
pages = {102434},
pmid = {41625593},
issn = {2405-5808},
abstract = {Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its core molecular machinery, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc-, becomes dysregulated across various ALI subtypes, such as sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion, and COVID-19.This review delineates how ferroptosis contributes to ALI through iron overload, uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, and failure of antioxidant defenses, ultimately leading to pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cell death. We further summarize subtype-specific mechanisms and evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies, including ferroptosis inhibitors (e.g., liproxstatin-1), Nrf2 activators, and iron chelators, highlighting their potential for targeted intervention in ALI/ARDS.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Programmable lipid nanoparticles for RNA therapeutics: Design principles and clinical translation.
Materials today. Bio, 37:102774.
RNA therapeutics have come of age as clinically validated modalities including mRNA, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and in vivo genome editing, with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as the main non-viral delivery system. This review defines programmable LNPs as systems whose composition and interfacial chemistry are tuned to control organ tropism, cell specificity, intracellular trafficking, and immune interactions. We summarize design rules across four core components (ionizable lipid, phospholipid, cholesterol, PEG-lipid) and highlight levers like apparent pKa optimization (∼6-7 for hepatic delivery), biodegradable linkers, PEG-anchor-dependent shedding, ligands (e.g., GalNAc), and selective organ-targeting (SORT) lipids that redirect biodistribution beyond the liver. We survey advances in data-guided formulation, including DNA-barcoded in vivo libraries, machine learning, and physics-based prediction, plus scalable manufacturing (microfluidics, confined impinging-jet mixing, tangential-flow filtration) and Quality-by-Design with process-analytical technologies. A comprehensive characterization toolkit (size/ζ-potential, cryo-EM/SAXS, RNA encapsulation and integrity, apparent pKa, in vivo barcoding) maps to critical quality attributes. Applications span vaccines, protein replacement, siRNA/ASO delivery, and CRISPR platforms, with clinical examples like patisiran, COVID-19 and RSV mRNA vaccines, in-human transthyretin (TTR) editing, and individualized melanoma vaccination. We analyze translational constraints like endosomal escape, reactogenicity and anti-PEG immunity, complement activation, and lot-to-lot control, plus success factors: corona-aware design, dose-efficient potency at low lipid burden, redosing strategies, and fit-for-purpose biomarkers. Together, programmable LNPs offer a generalizable path to extrahepatic, cell-aware RNA medicine when coupled to rigorous analytics and platform manufacturing.
Additional Links: PMID-41624517
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41624517,
year = {2026},
author = {Navid Talemi, M and Ramezani Farani, M and Alipour Eskandani, N and Mirzaee, D and Alipourfard, I and Huh, YS},
title = {Programmable lipid nanoparticles for RNA therapeutics: Design principles and clinical translation.},
journal = {Materials today. Bio},
volume = {37},
number = {},
pages = {102774},
pmid = {41624517},
issn = {2590-0064},
abstract = {RNA therapeutics have come of age as clinically validated modalities including mRNA, siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and in vivo genome editing, with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as the main non-viral delivery system. This review defines programmable LNPs as systems whose composition and interfacial chemistry are tuned to control organ tropism, cell specificity, intracellular trafficking, and immune interactions. We summarize design rules across four core components (ionizable lipid, phospholipid, cholesterol, PEG-lipid) and highlight levers like apparent pKa optimization (∼6-7 for hepatic delivery), biodegradable linkers, PEG-anchor-dependent shedding, ligands (e.g., GalNAc), and selective organ-targeting (SORT) lipids that redirect biodistribution beyond the liver. We survey advances in data-guided formulation, including DNA-barcoded in vivo libraries, machine learning, and physics-based prediction, plus scalable manufacturing (microfluidics, confined impinging-jet mixing, tangential-flow filtration) and Quality-by-Design with process-analytical technologies. A comprehensive characterization toolkit (size/ζ-potential, cryo-EM/SAXS, RNA encapsulation and integrity, apparent pKa, in vivo barcoding) maps to critical quality attributes. Applications span vaccines, protein replacement, siRNA/ASO delivery, and CRISPR platforms, with clinical examples like patisiran, COVID-19 and RSV mRNA vaccines, in-human transthyretin (TTR) editing, and individualized melanoma vaccination. We analyze translational constraints like endosomal escape, reactogenicity and anti-PEG immunity, complement activation, and lot-to-lot control, plus success factors: corona-aware design, dose-efficient potency at low lipid burden, redosing strategies, and fit-for-purpose biomarkers. Together, programmable LNPs offer a generalizable path to extrahepatic, cell-aware RNA medicine when coupled to rigorous analytics and platform manufacturing.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Workplace Safety Management Practices, Fear, Resources, and Employee Involvement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.
AJPM focus, 5(2):100456.
INTRODUCTION: There are important workplace health lessons to be learned from the pandemic.
METHODS: This study summarizes the relationships between workplace safety practices, fear, resources, and employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic through a narrative review on articles published between January 2020 and June 2025 using a primary literature search base.
RESULTS: Organizations have had to implement workplace safety management practices aligned with their occupational safety and health management systems in response to COVID-19. Safety management practices include safety initiatives and training as well as employee involvement. Methods to increase employee involvement include fear and anxiety. However, although fear and anxiety promote safety compliance and safe behavior, they also wear down employees and increase their work distraction and turnover intentions. Therefore, social and psychological resources need to be strengthened to overcome this dilemma. These resources can also help safety management practices today as the pandemic begins to wind down.
CONCLUSIONS: Future research should focus on identifying ways to strengthen employees' social and psychological resources without relying on disasters. To this end, an integration of conservation of resource theory and behavioral theory may be useful.
Additional Links: PMID-41624230
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41624230,
year = {2026},
author = {Kokubun, K},
title = {Workplace Safety Management Practices, Fear, Resources, and Employee Involvement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {AJPM focus},
volume = {5},
number = {2},
pages = {100456},
pmid = {41624230},
issn = {2773-0654},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: There are important workplace health lessons to be learned from the pandemic.
METHODS: This study summarizes the relationships between workplace safety practices, fear, resources, and employee engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic through a narrative review on articles published between January 2020 and June 2025 using a primary literature search base.
RESULTS: Organizations have had to implement workplace safety management practices aligned with their occupational safety and health management systems in response to COVID-19. Safety management practices include safety initiatives and training as well as employee involvement. Methods to increase employee involvement include fear and anxiety. However, although fear and anxiety promote safety compliance and safe behavior, they also wear down employees and increase their work distraction and turnover intentions. Therefore, social and psychological resources need to be strengthened to overcome this dilemma. These resources can also help safety management practices today as the pandemic begins to wind down.
CONCLUSIONS: Future research should focus on identifying ways to strengthen employees' social and psychological resources without relying on disasters. To this end, an integration of conservation of resource theory and behavioral theory may be useful.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Rethinking the digital divide in health: a critical interpretive synthesis of research literature.
Frontiers in digital health, 7:1683565.
BACKGROUND: The digital divide in health has rapidly expanded during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with fragmented understanding and an unclear implementation process, for the formal integration of digital health into the healthcare system, which challenges actionable policy development.
METHODS: This critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) of the literature aimed to capture the complexity of the digital divide in health. This began with a scoping review of literature published between 2013 and 2023 describing the digital divide in health within the WHO's European Region, in Web of Science, Medline (via Ovid), PsycInfo (via Ovid), and Sociological Abstract (via ProQuest). Three sets of two reviewers independently conducted the selection, and all contributed to the synthesis process.
RESULTS: Of 4,967 original articles identified, 49 articles were included for review. Results revealed a synthesizing argument that the digital divide should be considered as more of a dynamic, entangled, and reciprocal collection of "areas" of phenomenon affecting service users, rather than "levels". Results describe the three synthetic constructs that describe this synthesizing argument.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that digital health solutions should respectfully consider the pace of human healing, long-term user engagement and adaptability. We call for the importance of inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure effective and context-sensitive implementation in future studies.
Additional Links: PMID-41623887
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41623887,
year = {2025},
author = {Bradway, M and Wang, B and Nybakke, HL and Ingebrigtsen, SA and Dyb, K and Rødseth, E},
title = {Rethinking the digital divide in health: a critical interpretive synthesis of research literature.},
journal = {Frontiers in digital health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {1683565},
pmid = {41623887},
issn = {2673-253X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The digital divide in health has rapidly expanded during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with fragmented understanding and an unclear implementation process, for the formal integration of digital health into the healthcare system, which challenges actionable policy development.
METHODS: This critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) of the literature aimed to capture the complexity of the digital divide in health. This began with a scoping review of literature published between 2013 and 2023 describing the digital divide in health within the WHO's European Region, in Web of Science, Medline (via Ovid), PsycInfo (via Ovid), and Sociological Abstract (via ProQuest). Three sets of two reviewers independently conducted the selection, and all contributed to the synthesis process.
RESULTS: Of 4,967 original articles identified, 49 articles were included for review. Results revealed a synthesizing argument that the digital divide should be considered as more of a dynamic, entangled, and reciprocal collection of "areas" of phenomenon affecting service users, rather than "levels". Results describe the three synthetic constructs that describe this synthesizing argument.
CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that digital health solutions should respectfully consider the pace of human healing, long-term user engagement and adaptability. We call for the importance of inter- and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure effective and context-sensitive implementation in future studies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Digital interventions to promote vaccine uptake among older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Digital health, 12:20552076261416313.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of digital intervention on improving routine vaccination in the elderly and to conduct a comparative analysis of different intervention modalities using network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and WanFang Data were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using digital interventions to promote vaccination in older populations from inception to 15 June 2024. We performed a final update of the literature search in May 2025; no additional eligible studies were identified. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and an NMA was performed using RevMan 5.4 and R Studio, PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024527483.
RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included. The traditional meta-analysis demonstrated a small but statistically significant increase in influenza vaccination rates (RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.01], P < 0.00001), accompanied by substantial heterogeneity (I [2] = 86%). Pneumococcal vaccine uptake was significantly enhanced (RR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.03, 1.18], P < 0.01), with moderate heterogeneity (I [2] = 46%). The single study on the herpes zoster vaccine reported a statistically significant effect, whereas COVID-19 vaccine reminder interventions showed no significant efficacy. In the NMA, video-based interventions ranked first based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, but all pairwise comparisons between different intervention modes crossed the null value.
CONCLUSION: Digital interventions show a significant, yet highly heterogeneous, positive impact on vaccination rates in older adults. While video-based education showed the highest ranking probability, the current evidence is insufficient to conclude that any specific digital modality is statistically superior to others. Due to the limited included studies, the findings need to be supplemented by more high-quality studies. Future research should focus on newer digital technologies to help the older population keep up with the "digital intelligence era."
Additional Links: PMID-41623712
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41623712,
year = {2026},
author = {Shang, S and Wang, X and Zhang, E and Zhang, Y and Li, Y and Fang, Q},
title = {Digital interventions to promote vaccine uptake among older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.},
journal = {Digital health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {20552076261416313},
pmid = {41623712},
issn = {2055-2076},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of digital intervention on improving routine vaccination in the elderly and to conduct a comparative analysis of different intervention modalities using network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and WanFang Data were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using digital interventions to promote vaccination in older populations from inception to 15 June 2024. We performed a final update of the literature search in May 2025; no additional eligible studies were identified. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies, and an NMA was performed using RevMan 5.4 and R Studio, PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42024527483.
RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included. The traditional meta-analysis demonstrated a small but statistically significant increase in influenza vaccination rates (RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.01], P < 0.00001), accompanied by substantial heterogeneity (I [2] = 86%). Pneumococcal vaccine uptake was significantly enhanced (RR = 1.11, 95% CI [1.03, 1.18], P < 0.01), with moderate heterogeneity (I [2] = 46%). The single study on the herpes zoster vaccine reported a statistically significant effect, whereas COVID-19 vaccine reminder interventions showed no significant efficacy. In the NMA, video-based interventions ranked first based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, but all pairwise comparisons between different intervention modes crossed the null value.
CONCLUSION: Digital interventions show a significant, yet highly heterogeneous, positive impact on vaccination rates in older adults. While video-based education showed the highest ranking probability, the current evidence is insufficient to conclude that any specific digital modality is statistically superior to others. Due to the limited included studies, the findings need to be supplemented by more high-quality studies. Future research should focus on newer digital technologies to help the older population keep up with the "digital intelligence era."},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
"Bridging the clinical, molecular and genetic perspectives on myocarditis in post-COVID-19 era".
International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention, 28:200576.
Myocarditis is a non-familial inflammatory manifestation of the myocardium, primarily induced by viral infections, but it may also stem from bacterial pathogens, autoimmune disorders, or adverse drug reactions. Its diagnosis remains challenging due to heterogeneous and often non-specific clinical presentations. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated a markedly increased incidence of myocarditis following SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations (to a lesser extent) compared to pre-pandemic statistics. While a significant number of cases follow a mild and self-limiting disease course, severe manifestations can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death. Importantly, accumulating evidence indicates that even mild myocarditis confers an elevated long-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Beyond clinical and imaging-based observations, recent advances highlight a critical role for host genetic susceptibility in modulating immune responses, myocardial injury, and disease severity. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical spectrum, diagnostic approaches, and evidence-based management of COVID-19-associated myocarditis, while critically integrating emerging genetic and transcriptomic insights that may explain disease heterogeneity, variable inter-individual susceptibility, and long-term prognosis. By bridging clinical aspects with molecular and genetic frameworks, this review underscores the importance of personalized risk stratification, vigilant post-recovery surveillance, and targeted preventive strategies in the post-pandemic era.
Additional Links: PMID-41623576
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41623576,
year = {2026},
author = {Birla, S and Angural, A and Madathumchalil, A and Shende, RV and Shastry, SV and Shekar, PK and Mahadevappa, M and Vishwanath, P and Prashant, A},
title = {"Bridging the clinical, molecular and genetic perspectives on myocarditis in post-COVID-19 era".},
journal = {International journal of cardiology. Cardiovascular risk and prevention},
volume = {28},
number = {},
pages = {200576},
pmid = {41623576},
issn = {2772-4875},
abstract = {Myocarditis is a non-familial inflammatory manifestation of the myocardium, primarily induced by viral infections, but it may also stem from bacterial pathogens, autoimmune disorders, or adverse drug reactions. Its diagnosis remains challenging due to heterogeneous and often non-specific clinical presentations. Recent epidemiological studies have indicated a markedly increased incidence of myocarditis following SARS-CoV-2 infection and mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations (to a lesser extent) compared to pre-pandemic statistics. While a significant number of cases follow a mild and self-limiting disease course, severe manifestations can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden cardiac death. Importantly, accumulating evidence indicates that even mild myocarditis confers an elevated long-term risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Beyond clinical and imaging-based observations, recent advances highlight a critical role for host genetic susceptibility in modulating immune responses, myocardial injury, and disease severity. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical spectrum, diagnostic approaches, and evidence-based management of COVID-19-associated myocarditis, while critically integrating emerging genetic and transcriptomic insights that may explain disease heterogeneity, variable inter-individual susceptibility, and long-term prognosis. By bridging clinical aspects with molecular and genetic frameworks, this review underscores the importance of personalized risk stratification, vigilant post-recovery surveillance, and targeted preventive strategies in the post-pandemic era.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Use of Blockchain Technology to Accelerate Digital Health Transformation Programs.
Blockchain in healthcare today, 8:.
Disruptive digital health technologies are reshaping how patients interact with health professionals, how data are shared among providers, and how treatment plans and health outcomes are determined. While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, challenges remain in realizing the potential of digital transformation programs in healthcare. Specifically, health data need to remain secure, usable, and shareable across multiple stakeholder groups in a world where silos between organizations and information systems persist. The implementation of innovative and disruptive digital technologies such as blockchain can offer a solution to these challenges. This article explores how blockchain technology can be used to accelerate digital health transformation programs. It provides an overview of the technology applications (i.e. data management, Internet of Medical Things [IoMT], supply chain management, and health insurance) and key players based on a literature review and secondary data. It also identifies challenges and success factors in implementing blockchain in healthcare. At the organizational level, we discuss the careful planning and specialized expertise required to overcome the technical, regulatory, and adoption-related hurdles associated with implementing blockchain technology. At the system level, the authors discuss the regulatory constraints, standardization and interoperability issues, and stakeholder engagement challenges linked to implementing blockchain technology.
Additional Links: PMID-41623340
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41623340,
year = {2025},
author = {Sumo, R and Jong, S},
title = {Use of Blockchain Technology to Accelerate Digital Health Transformation Programs.},
journal = {Blockchain in healthcare today},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41623340},
issn = {2573-8240},
abstract = {Disruptive digital health technologies are reshaping how patients interact with health professionals, how data are shared among providers, and how treatment plans and health outcomes are determined. While the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies, challenges remain in realizing the potential of digital transformation programs in healthcare. Specifically, health data need to remain secure, usable, and shareable across multiple stakeholder groups in a world where silos between organizations and information systems persist. The implementation of innovative and disruptive digital technologies such as blockchain can offer a solution to these challenges. This article explores how blockchain technology can be used to accelerate digital health transformation programs. It provides an overview of the technology applications (i.e. data management, Internet of Medical Things [IoMT], supply chain management, and health insurance) and key players based on a literature review and secondary data. It also identifies challenges and success factors in implementing blockchain in healthcare. At the organizational level, we discuss the careful planning and specialized expertise required to overcome the technical, regulatory, and adoption-related hurdles associated with implementing blockchain technology. At the system level, the authors discuss the regulatory constraints, standardization and interoperability issues, and stakeholder engagement challenges linked to implementing blockchain technology.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-02
Effects of different exercise training modalities in post-COVID-19 individuals: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Disability and rehabilitation [Epub ahead of print].
PURPOSE: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, long-term effects persist. Exercise training (ET) supports recovery, but evidence on optimal modalities is limited. This study evaluated the effects of different ET modalities in post-COVID-19 individuals.
METHODS: A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 23 September 2025, involving adults with COVID-19. Studies compared ≥4-week interventions-aerobic training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or combined training (aerobic plus resistance training)-with usual care (UC). Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2.0 and GRADE.
RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs (N = 1171) were included. Interventions varied in intensity and duration. Most studies had "some concerns" regarding bias, and overall certainty of evidence was low to very low. Overall, ET modalities were associated with improvements in functional capacity (VO2peak or six-minute walk distance) and muscle strength, although not all studies showed significant differences vs. UC. HIIT demonstrated the greatest VO2peak gain (mean difference: 6.17 ml.kg[-1].min[-1]). Effects on quality of life, anxiety, and depression were inconsistent. Most cardiopulmonary parameters (VE/VCO2 slope, OUES) showed no significant changes, with mixed results for O2 pulse and ventilation.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite heterogeneous protocols and low certainty of evidence, structured ET appears beneficial for post-COVID-19 recovery. Multiple ET approaches may be effective rather than a single "optimal" approach.
Additional Links: PMID-41622853
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41622853,
year = {2026},
author = {Ferrari, F and Goulart, CDL and Franzoni, LT and Cipriano, G and Stein, R},
title = {Effects of different exercise training modalities in post-COVID-19 individuals: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Disability and rehabilitation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/09638288.2026.2619815},
pmid = {41622853},
issn = {1464-5165},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, long-term effects persist. Exercise training (ET) supports recovery, but evidence on optimal modalities is limited. This study evaluated the effects of different ET modalities in post-COVID-19 individuals.
METHODS: A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 23 September 2025, involving adults with COVID-19. Studies compared ≥4-week interventions-aerobic training, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or combined training (aerobic plus resistance training)-with usual care (UC). Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using RoB 2.0 and GRADE.
RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs (N = 1171) were included. Interventions varied in intensity and duration. Most studies had "some concerns" regarding bias, and overall certainty of evidence was low to very low. Overall, ET modalities were associated with improvements in functional capacity (VO2peak or six-minute walk distance) and muscle strength, although not all studies showed significant differences vs. UC. HIIT demonstrated the greatest VO2peak gain (mean difference: 6.17 ml.kg[-1].min[-1]). Effects on quality of life, anxiety, and depression were inconsistent. Most cardiopulmonary parameters (VE/VCO2 slope, OUES) showed no significant changes, with mixed results for O2 pulse and ventilation.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite heterogeneous protocols and low certainty of evidence, structured ET appears beneficial for post-COVID-19 recovery. Multiple ET approaches may be effective rather than a single "optimal" approach.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-02
Lariciresinol: a potent natural compound with diverse therapeutic and health benefits.
Natural product research [Epub ahead of print].
Scientific research has identified lariciresinol among lignan types, which shows potential against cancer development and bacterial infections in addition to serving as an antioxidant that affects oestrogen activity while blocking inflammation. The review analyses the detailed medical and biological properties of lariciresinol. The two Brassicaceae plant genera Isatis indigotica and Brassica oleracea contain this substance, which exists in various plant types. The compound demonstrated anticancer properties through its mechanisms of stopping cancer cell multiplication and triggering programmed cell death. Recent research found that lariciresinol can block the function of the virus that causes COVID-19 by reducing its ability to enter the cells and proliferate. Lariciresinol antiviral actions have been shown to reduce RNA and viral protein production. The diverse impacts indicate that lariciresinol is a potential compound for novel health solutions and future therapeutic innovations.
Additional Links: PMID-41622815
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41622815,
year = {2026},
author = {Hussain, I and Rasul, A and Hassan, M and Rawat, R and Tutar, Y},
title = {Lariciresinol: a potent natural compound with diverse therapeutic and health benefits.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-16},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2025.2611424},
pmid = {41622815},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {Scientific research has identified lariciresinol among lignan types, which shows potential against cancer development and bacterial infections in addition to serving as an antioxidant that affects oestrogen activity while blocking inflammation. The review analyses the detailed medical and biological properties of lariciresinol. The two Brassicaceae plant genera Isatis indigotica and Brassica oleracea contain this substance, which exists in various plant types. The compound demonstrated anticancer properties through its mechanisms of stopping cancer cell multiplication and triggering programmed cell death. Recent research found that lariciresinol can block the function of the virus that causes COVID-19 by reducing its ability to enter the cells and proliferate. Lariciresinol antiviral actions have been shown to reduce RNA and viral protein production. The diverse impacts indicate that lariciresinol is a potential compound for novel health solutions and future therapeutic innovations.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-02-01
Open Visitation: Enabling Family Presence, Centered Care, and Engagement in Intensive Care Unit.
Critical care nursing clinics of North America, 38(1):151-164.
Family-centered care (FCC) emphasizes collaboration, dignity, respect, and shared decision-making between families and health care teams. In the ICU, FCC relies on family presence at the bedside, facilitated by open visitation policies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this model, as restrictive visitation policies eliminated family presence, leading to adverse outcomes such as loneliness and delirium in patients, distress and grief among families, and moral injury and burnout in staff. As health systems recover, there is a need to reestablish FCC by prioritizing open visitation while balancing infection control and operational demands.
Additional Links: PMID-41621991
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41621991,
year = {2026},
author = {Milner, KA and Marmo, S},
title = {Open Visitation: Enabling Family Presence, Centered Care, and Engagement in Intensive Care Unit.},
journal = {Critical care nursing clinics of North America},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {151-164},
doi = {10.1016/j.cnc.2025.10.007},
pmid = {41621991},
issn = {1558-3481},
mesh = {Humans ; *Visitors to Patients/psychology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Intensive Care Units/organization & administration ; *Family/psychology ; *Patient-Centered Care ; *Professional-Family Relations ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Family-centered care (FCC) emphasizes collaboration, dignity, respect, and shared decision-making between families and health care teams. In the ICU, FCC relies on family presence at the bedside, facilitated by open visitation policies. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this model, as restrictive visitation policies eliminated family presence, leading to adverse outcomes such as loneliness and delirium in patients, distress and grief among families, and moral injury and burnout in staff. As health systems recover, there is a need to reestablish FCC by prioritizing open visitation while balancing infection control and operational demands.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Visitors to Patients/psychology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Intensive Care Units/organization & administration
*Family/psychology
*Patient-Centered Care
*Professional-Family Relations
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-02-05
Higher physical activity is associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms among university students: A meta-analysis of over 66,000 participants.
Journal of affective disorders, 401:121319 pii:S0165-0327(26)00170-9 [Epub ahead of print].
Depression is highly prevalent among university students, who also exhibit low levels of physical activity. Although physical activity is associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms, the magnitude of its effect in this population has not been systematically assessed. This study reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students. The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to January 24, 2025, for relevant studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate adjusted (aOR) and unadjusted (OR) odds ratios for depressive symptoms based on physical activity levels. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024591429). Twenty-two studies, involving 66,683 students (median age: 21 years, 56.5% female), were included. Students with higher levels of physical activity had lower odds of depressive symptoms compared to those with lower levels (adjusted OR = 0.614, 95% CI: 0.540-0.698, I[2] = 47.5%). Subgroup analyses revealed no differences between studies conducted during or outside the COVID-19 pandemic. Among students in health sciences programs, higher physical activity was associated with a 34% lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.88, I[2] = 33.2%). These findings indicate that increased physical activity is associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in university students, supporting its promotion as a mental health intervention.
Additional Links: PMID-41621452
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@article {pmid41621452,
year = {2026},
author = {Waclawovsky, AJ and de Oliveira, J and de Carvalho, CP and Adornes, ME and Dos Santos, E and Wolf, S and Cristi-Montero, C and Teychenne, M and Stubbs, B and Deslandes, AC and Schuch, FB},
title = {Higher physical activity is associated with reduced odds of depressive symptoms among university students: A meta-analysis of over 66,000 participants.},
journal = {Journal of affective disorders},
volume = {401},
number = {},
pages = {121319},
doi = {10.1016/j.jad.2026.121319},
pmid = {41621452},
issn = {1573-2517},
abstract = {Depression is highly prevalent among university students, who also exhibit low levels of physical activity. Although physical activity is associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms, the magnitude of its effect in this population has not been systematically assessed. This study reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of the association between physical activity and depressive symptoms in university students. The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to January 24, 2025, for relevant studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate adjusted (aOR) and unadjusted (OR) odds ratios for depressive symptoms based on physical activity levels. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024591429). Twenty-two studies, involving 66,683 students (median age: 21 years, 56.5% female), were included. Students with higher levels of physical activity had lower odds of depressive symptoms compared to those with lower levels (adjusted OR = 0.614, 95% CI: 0.540-0.698, I[2] = 47.5%). Subgroup analyses revealed no differences between studies conducted during or outside the COVID-19 pandemic. Among students in health sciences programs, higher physical activity was associated with a 34% lower likelihood of depressive symptoms (adjusted OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49-0.88, I[2] = 33.2%). These findings indicate that increased physical activity is associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in university students, supporting its promotion as a mental health intervention.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
Evidence of point-of-care diagnostics in forensic death investigations: A scoping review.
Journal of forensic and legal medicine, 118:103086 pii:S1752-928X(26)00018-1 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics represent promising health-technology tools capable of providing rapid, on-site analytical support for forensic investigations. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available evidence on applying POC diagnostics in forensic investigations. The focus is on their potential ability to act as rapid screening and triage tools to assist in determining the cause of death and exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation on a global scale.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, ProQuest Central, Academic Search Complete, Africa Wide, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Out of the 7603 records screened, four studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Reporting adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
RESULTS: These studies demonstrated the expanding role of POC devices in various aspects of forensic investigations, including rapid triage in overdose cases, malaria diagnosis in travel-related deaths, SARS-CoV-2 screening, and hemoglobin testing in child deaths. These studies also highlighted the limitations of POC devices in the postmortem context, emphasizing the need for careful calibration, confirmation, and interpretation of the results. This review identified POC diagnostics as a potential bridge between forensic investigations and public health surveillance, with findings indicating both cause-of-death determination and broader public health strategies. Operational, ethical, and policy considerations for using POC devices in forensic investigations were also discussed.
CONCLUSION: This review revealed challenges in ensuring the standardization, accuracy, and integration of POC diagnostics into established forensic practices. Further research is required to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and performance of POC tools in forensic settings. Comprehensive guidelines and standardized operating procedures should be developed to ensure the successful implementation of POC diagnostics in forensic investigations. Given the limited and heterogeneous evidence, POC devices in forensic death investigations should be seen as preliminary aids rather than diagnostic instruments.
Additional Links: PMID-41621401
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41621401,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramatsokotla, S and Soul, B and Duah, E and Sekwele, L and Thompson, G and Maluleke, K and Mbonambi, L and Mashamba-Thompson, T},
title = {Evidence of point-of-care diagnostics in forensic death investigations: A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of forensic and legal medicine},
volume = {118},
number = {},
pages = {103086},
doi = {10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103086},
pmid = {41621401},
issn = {1878-7487},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics represent promising health-technology tools capable of providing rapid, on-site analytical support for forensic investigations. This scoping review aimed to systematically map the available evidence on applying POC diagnostics in forensic investigations. The focus is on their potential ability to act as rapid screening and triage tools to assist in determining the cause of death and exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation on a global scale.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, ProQuest Central, Academic Search Complete, Africa Wide, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science. Out of the 7603 records screened, four studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Reporting adhered to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
RESULTS: These studies demonstrated the expanding role of POC devices in various aspects of forensic investigations, including rapid triage in overdose cases, malaria diagnosis in travel-related deaths, SARS-CoV-2 screening, and hemoglobin testing in child deaths. These studies also highlighted the limitations of POC devices in the postmortem context, emphasizing the need for careful calibration, confirmation, and interpretation of the results. This review identified POC diagnostics as a potential bridge between forensic investigations and public health surveillance, with findings indicating both cause-of-death determination and broader public health strategies. Operational, ethical, and policy considerations for using POC devices in forensic investigations were also discussed.
CONCLUSION: This review revealed challenges in ensuring the standardization, accuracy, and integration of POC diagnostics into established forensic practices. Further research is required to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and performance of POC tools in forensic settings. Comprehensive guidelines and standardized operating procedures should be developed to ensure the successful implementation of POC diagnostics in forensic investigations. Given the limited and heterogeneous evidence, POC devices in forensic death investigations should be seen as preliminary aids rather than diagnostic instruments.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
Inborn errors of autophagy underlying severe viral infections in humans.
Current opinion in virology, 75:101510 pii:S1879-6257(26)00002-7 [Epub ahead of print].
Inborn errors of immunity can underlie susceptibility to severe viral infection in humans. and the majority relate to defective induction of or response to antiviral type I interferon (IFN). However there is increasing awareness of defects in other cellular processes, that can predispose to severe infectious disease. Recently, defects in autophagy-related genes or -processes have been demonstrated to predispose to life-threatening viral diseases, including defects in autophagy-related genes in patients with herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections in the central nervous system, as well as impairment of noncanonical antiviral immunity in critical COVID-19. However, the molecular mechanisms and complex intersections between autophagy, metabolism, cell death, and inflammation, and how defects in autophagy-related proteins may interfere with these cellular processes, are only now starting to emerge. This review presents the current knowledge on inborn errors of autophagy discovered in patients with severe viral infection and discusses some of the remaining knowledge gaps in our understanding of how autophagy processes act against viruses, how immunopathology and lack of viral control ensues when they fail, and how these insights may be translated into clinical medicine.
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@article {pmid41621370,
year = {2026},
author = {Mogensen, TH},
title = {Inborn errors of autophagy underlying severe viral infections in humans.},
journal = {Current opinion in virology},
volume = {75},
number = {},
pages = {101510},
doi = {10.1016/j.coviro.2026.101510},
pmid = {41621370},
issn = {1879-6265},
abstract = {Inborn errors of immunity can underlie susceptibility to severe viral infection in humans. and the majority relate to defective induction of or response to antiviral type I interferon (IFN). However there is increasing awareness of defects in other cellular processes, that can predispose to severe infectious disease. Recently, defects in autophagy-related genes or -processes have been demonstrated to predispose to life-threatening viral diseases, including defects in autophagy-related genes in patients with herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus infections in the central nervous system, as well as impairment of noncanonical antiviral immunity in critical COVID-19. However, the molecular mechanisms and complex intersections between autophagy, metabolism, cell death, and inflammation, and how defects in autophagy-related proteins may interfere with these cellular processes, are only now starting to emerge. This review presents the current knowledge on inborn errors of autophagy discovered in patients with severe viral infection and discusses some of the remaining knowledge gaps in our understanding of how autophagy processes act against viruses, how immunopathology and lack of viral control ensues when they fail, and how these insights may be translated into clinical medicine.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
Lack of improvements in youth psychotherapies or lack of investments in detecting improvements? Future directions in psychological assessment.
Clinical psychology review, 124:102705 pii:S0272-7358(26)00014-0 [Epub ahead of print].
Youth were experiencing mental health crises before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this onset, their needs for mental health services have only increased. Yet, researchers encounter barriers to confronting these crises. The effects of therapies tested in controlled trials in the present day appear to be no more potent than those of their predecessors tested in trials conducted decades ago. Across these decades of scholarly work, researchers have invested far more of their efforts toward improving technologies for therapies than they have toward improving technologies for the assessment tools used to estimate therapeutic effects. The tools used today look a lot like those used in the 1970s-mainly surveys and interviews-and our strategies for integrating the data these tools produce focus on the sliver of their data that converge or yield the same results about youth mental health. Decades of work reveal that these integration strategies are incompatible with the data conditions that typify youth mental health assessments. We must invest in innovative assessment tools and integration strategies that capitalize on all the valid data produced by these conditions. This paper details pioneering directions in future research about psychological assessment. We describe the conceptual foundations underlying these research directions and highlight recent work by the authors and others supporting this pursuit. If we empower the assessment researchers of today to develop technologically innovative assessment tools and integration strategies, then we equip the therapy researchers of tomorrow to demonstrate that investing in therapy technologies pays off.
Additional Links: PMID-41621349
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41621349,
year = {2026},
author = {De Los Reyes, A and Talbott, E and Yusuf, A and Dryburgh, NSJ and Goodman, KL},
title = {Lack of improvements in youth psychotherapies or lack of investments in detecting improvements? Future directions in psychological assessment.},
journal = {Clinical psychology review},
volume = {124},
number = {},
pages = {102705},
doi = {10.1016/j.cpr.2026.102705},
pmid = {41621349},
issn = {1873-7811},
abstract = {Youth were experiencing mental health crises before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this onset, their needs for mental health services have only increased. Yet, researchers encounter barriers to confronting these crises. The effects of therapies tested in controlled trials in the present day appear to be no more potent than those of their predecessors tested in trials conducted decades ago. Across these decades of scholarly work, researchers have invested far more of their efforts toward improving technologies for therapies than they have toward improving technologies for the assessment tools used to estimate therapeutic effects. The tools used today look a lot like those used in the 1970s-mainly surveys and interviews-and our strategies for integrating the data these tools produce focus on the sliver of their data that converge or yield the same results about youth mental health. Decades of work reveal that these integration strategies are incompatible with the data conditions that typify youth mental health assessments. We must invest in innovative assessment tools and integration strategies that capitalize on all the valid data produced by these conditions. This paper details pioneering directions in future research about psychological assessment. We describe the conceptual foundations underlying these research directions and highlight recent work by the authors and others supporting this pursuit. If we empower the assessment researchers of today to develop technologically innovative assessment tools and integration strategies, then we equip the therapy researchers of tomorrow to demonstrate that investing in therapy technologies pays off.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-31
Antifungal prophylaxis among critically ill COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review.
BMC infectious diseases pii:10.1186/s12879-026-12694-z [Epub ahead of print].
Additional Links: PMID-41620714
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41620714,
year = {2026},
author = {Xie, H and Pan, S and Zhang, Z and Fan, J and Zhang, H and Wang, J and Tian, X},
title = {Antifungal prophylaxis among critically ill COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-12694-z},
pmid = {41620714},
issn = {1471-2334},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-31
Telemonitoring in Respiratory Diseases: Current Evidence, Clinical Experience, and Future Challenges.
Archivos de bronconeumologia pii:S0300-2896(26)00013-X [Epub ahead of print].
This narrative review summarizes current evidence and clinical experience regarding telemonitoring across major respiratory diseases and care settings, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, as well as non-invasive ventilation and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. Advances in connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and wearable devices are facilitating the early detection of clinical deterioration, personalized interventions, and improved self-management, thereby optimizing the use of healthcare resources. Strong evidence supports the benefits of telemonitoring in COPD, particularly in reducing exacerbations and hospital admissions, whereas results are more heterogeneous in asthma and emerging conditions such as interstitial lung diseases. Telemonitoring systems leverage AI-driven analytical frameworks and interoperable digital platforms to process and interpret large volumes of patient data, enabling both automated responses and targeted human interventions. Key challenges include ensuring patient engagement, addressing digital literacy and inequities in access, safeguarding data privacy, and integrating digital solutions into standard care and reimbursement frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemonitoring, confirming its feasibility and acceptability, but also revealed persistent gaps in long-term cost-effectiveness and implementation strategies. Future directions should focus on integrating telemonitoring with AI-supported, coordinated clinical decision-making, enhancing system interoperability, and above all, prioritizing equitable access to digital care. Telemonitoring is poised to become a central component of respiratory patient management, although its large-scale implementation will require overcoming existing technical, ethical, and organizational barriers to fully realize its clinical potential.
Additional Links: PMID-41620360
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41620360,
year = {2026},
author = {López-Padilla, D and Poberezhets, V and Roche, N and Moor, CC and Bruyneel, M and Ribeiro, C and Pinnock, H},
title = {Telemonitoring in Respiratory Diseases: Current Evidence, Clinical Experience, and Future Challenges.},
journal = {Archivos de bronconeumologia},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.arbres.2026.01.001},
pmid = {41620360},
issn = {1579-2129},
abstract = {This narrative review summarizes current evidence and clinical experience regarding telemonitoring across major respiratory diseases and care settings, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung diseases, obstructive sleep apnea, as well as non-invasive ventilation and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. Advances in connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and wearable devices are facilitating the early detection of clinical deterioration, personalized interventions, and improved self-management, thereby optimizing the use of healthcare resources. Strong evidence supports the benefits of telemonitoring in COPD, particularly in reducing exacerbations and hospital admissions, whereas results are more heterogeneous in asthma and emerging conditions such as interstitial lung diseases. Telemonitoring systems leverage AI-driven analytical frameworks and interoperable digital platforms to process and interpret large volumes of patient data, enabling both automated responses and targeted human interventions. Key challenges include ensuring patient engagement, addressing digital literacy and inequities in access, safeguarding data privacy, and integrating digital solutions into standard care and reimbursement frameworks. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemonitoring, confirming its feasibility and acceptability, but also revealed persistent gaps in long-term cost-effectiveness and implementation strategies. Future directions should focus on integrating telemonitoring with AI-supported, coordinated clinical decision-making, enhancing system interoperability, and above all, prioritizing equitable access to digital care. Telemonitoring is poised to become a central component of respiratory patient management, although its large-scale implementation will require overcoming existing technical, ethical, and organizational barriers to fully realize its clinical potential.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-01-31
Advances and challenges in single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis: a comprehensive review.
Briefings in bioinformatics, 27(1):.
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed the resolution of cellular heterogeneity, offering insights into dynamic biological processes from tumor evolution to immune regulation. However, its clinical translation is limited by challenges such as data sparsity, batch effects (differences caused by technical variation rather than biology), and the absence of standardized benchmarks for core pipelines like Seurat and Scanpy. This review outlines emerging computational strategies that address these limitations: (A) robust preprocessing, including SCTransform for zero-inflation(an excess of zero counts in gene-expression data) correction and Harmony for batch integration-achieving 30% faster alignment than BBKNN in cohorts exceeding 100,000 cells; (B) transformer-based annotation tools such as scGPT and CellTypist, which reach >95% accuracy in immune profiling using models pretrained on 33 million cells; and (C) multimodal integration with spatial transcriptomics (e.g., 10x Visium, cell2location v2), which delineate microenvironmental niches and rare CX3CR1+ T-cell subsets in disease contexts like glioblastoma and severe COVID-19. We further assess how scANVI bridges scRNA-seq and ATAC-seq to uncover epigenetic mechanisms underlying therapy resistance, and how spatial methods elucidate tumor-immune crosstalk at subcellular resolution. Despite these advances, ethical risks remain, particularly around re-identification of rare patient-derived clones such as pre-metastatic cells. To promote clinical adoption, we propose a roadmap that prioritizes benchmarked workflows (e.g., scverse ecosystem), privacy-aware data sharing via federated learning, and causal AI approaches to disentangle biological signal from technical artifact. By synthesizing computational innovations with translational case studies, this review equips researchers to navigate both the analytical and ethical complexities of scRNA-seq in pursuit of actionable diagnostics.
Additional Links: PMID-41619215
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41619215,
year = {2026},
author = {Nesari, AM and MotieGhader, H and Ghorbian, S},
title = {Advances and challenges in single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Briefings in bioinformatics},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41619215},
issn = {1477-4054},
mesh = {Humans ; *Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; *Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods ; Computational Biology/methods ; COVID-19/genetics ; Neoplasms/genetics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has transformed the resolution of cellular heterogeneity, offering insights into dynamic biological processes from tumor evolution to immune regulation. However, its clinical translation is limited by challenges such as data sparsity, batch effects (differences caused by technical variation rather than biology), and the absence of standardized benchmarks for core pipelines like Seurat and Scanpy. This review outlines emerging computational strategies that address these limitations: (A) robust preprocessing, including SCTransform for zero-inflation(an excess of zero counts in gene-expression data) correction and Harmony for batch integration-achieving 30% faster alignment than BBKNN in cohorts exceeding 100,000 cells; (B) transformer-based annotation tools such as scGPT and CellTypist, which reach >95% accuracy in immune profiling using models pretrained on 33 million cells; and (C) multimodal integration with spatial transcriptomics (e.g., 10x Visium, cell2location v2), which delineate microenvironmental niches and rare CX3CR1+ T-cell subsets in disease contexts like glioblastoma and severe COVID-19. We further assess how scANVI bridges scRNA-seq and ATAC-seq to uncover epigenetic mechanisms underlying therapy resistance, and how spatial methods elucidate tumor-immune crosstalk at subcellular resolution. Despite these advances, ethical risks remain, particularly around re-identification of rare patient-derived clones such as pre-metastatic cells. To promote clinical adoption, we propose a roadmap that prioritizes benchmarked workflows (e.g., scverse ecosystem), privacy-aware data sharing via federated learning, and causal AI approaches to disentangle biological signal from technical artifact. By synthesizing computational innovations with translational case studies, this review equips researchers to navigate both the analytical and ethical complexities of scRNA-seq in pursuit of actionable diagnostics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Single-Cell Analysis/methods
*Sequence Analysis, RNA/methods
Computational Biology/methods
COVID-19/genetics
Neoplasms/genetics
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-01-31
Impact of opt-in versus opt-out organ donation legislation on donation rates: A systematic review.
Journal of perioperative practice [Epub ahead of print].
PURPOSE: This systematic review analyses existing studies on organ donation rates from various countries to provide insights that may inform policy decisions and improve organ donation rates globally.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A systematic search was initially conducted on 3 October 2024 and updated on 20 October 2024 across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Science Direct. Following an initial pilot screening, all unique references were screened by title and abstract, then full text, by at least two independent reviewers against predefined inclusion criteria. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by double-checking at each step. Extracted data were compiled and summarised.
FINDING: Fifteen studies on organ donation policies were identified, with 13 high-quality studies included after rigorous screening. Based on these studies, opt-out consent systems show mixed outcomes across countries. Policy effectiveness varies significantly between nations. The COVID-19 pandemic substantially disrupted organ donation rates. Factors beyond legislation, such as public awareness, cultural attitudes, media campaigns, and health care infrastructure, also influence donation success.Practical impact:While presumed consent may increase deceased donor rates, it is not a universal solution. Effective organ donation strategies require a holistic approach involving public education, trust-building, and nuanced policy implementation tailored to specific national contexts.
Additional Links: PMID-41618506
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41618506,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbasi, M and Najafizadeh, K and Latifi, M and Ghobadi, O and Sadeghi, MH and Zali, A},
title = {Impact of opt-in versus opt-out organ donation legislation on donation rates: A systematic review.},
journal = {Journal of perioperative practice},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17504589251390742},
doi = {10.1177/17504589251390742},
pmid = {41618506},
issn = {2515-7949},
abstract = {PURPOSE: This systematic review analyses existing studies on organ donation rates from various countries to provide insights that may inform policy decisions and improve organ donation rates globally.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A systematic search was initially conducted on 3 October 2024 and updated on 20 October 2024 across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Science Direct. Following an initial pilot screening, all unique references were screened by title and abstract, then full text, by at least two independent reviewers against predefined inclusion criteria. Disagreements between reviewers were resolved by double-checking at each step. Extracted data were compiled and summarised.
FINDING: Fifteen studies on organ donation policies were identified, with 13 high-quality studies included after rigorous screening. Based on these studies, opt-out consent systems show mixed outcomes across countries. Policy effectiveness varies significantly between nations. The COVID-19 pandemic substantially disrupted organ donation rates. Factors beyond legislation, such as public awareness, cultural attitudes, media campaigns, and health care infrastructure, also influence donation success.Practical impact:While presumed consent may increase deceased donor rates, it is not a universal solution. Effective organ donation strategies require a holistic approach involving public education, trust-building, and nuanced policy implementation tailored to specific national contexts.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-31
Comparison of febrile seizures associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pre-Omicron and Omicron-predominant periods: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
European journal of pediatrics, 185(2):115.
UNLABELLED: Emerging studies suggest increased febrile seizures during the Omicron period of SARS-CoV-2. This study compares the incidence of seizures before and during the Omicron variant period to determine if certain variants increase risk. Using PRISMA-P protocol, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched. Cohort studies reporting febrile seizures in children (up to 18 years of age) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. We provide descriptive summaries of the incidence of febrile seizures across hospital, emergency, and community settings, as well as a meta-analysis between Omicron-predominant and pre-Omicron periods. We included 36 studies comprising 82,591 children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 2051 experienced febrile seizures. In 29 studies of hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of febrile seizures varied widely, with a median of 7 per 100 (range 1.06-25.54) children. High heterogeneity was observed, and studies from emergency and community settings were underpowered. Seven studies found that unvaccinated children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 had more febrile seizures during the Omicron-predominant (median 11.8 per 100) than during the pre-Omicron period (median 0.7 per 100). The pooled incidence was 11.27 per 100 cases for the Omicron-predominant and 0.66 per 100 for the pre-Omicron period (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: There was a trend toward more reported febrile seizures among hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron-predominant than the pre-Omicron period. However, estimates are limited by small samples and moderate heterogeneity and should not be considered population-based incidences. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 variants may influence febrile seizure risk in children; larger studies are needed to better understand this association. PROSPERO registration: CRD420251054193.
WHAT IS KNOWN: • Neurological complications, including febrile seizures, occur in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. • Prior to the Omicron variant, febrile seizures were relatively uncommon in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
WHAT IS NEW: • There was a trend toward more reported febrile seizures among hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron-predominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period. • There are potential associations between SARS-CoV-2 variants and febrile seizure risks.
Additional Links: PMID-41618047
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41618047,
year = {2026},
author = {Seet, SM and Tan, YZ and Koh, BMS and Koh, YZ and Aoyama, R and Leow, O and Wang, F and Lin, JB and Ong, HT and Ramasamy, Y and Saini, AG and Ng, NBH and Han, VX},
title = {Comparison of febrile seizures associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in pre-Omicron and Omicron-predominant periods: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {European journal of pediatrics},
volume = {185},
number = {2},
pages = {115},
pmid = {41618047},
issn = {1432-1076},
mesh = {Humans ; *Seizures, Febrile/epidemiology/virology/etiology ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; Incidence ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Emerging studies suggest increased febrile seizures during the Omicron period of SARS-CoV-2. This study compares the incidence of seizures before and during the Omicron variant period to determine if certain variants increase risk. Using PRISMA-P protocol, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched. Cohort studies reporting febrile seizures in children (up to 18 years of age) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. We provide descriptive summaries of the incidence of febrile seizures across hospital, emergency, and community settings, as well as a meta-analysis between Omicron-predominant and pre-Omicron periods. We included 36 studies comprising 82,591 children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, of whom 2051 experienced febrile seizures. In 29 studies of hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of febrile seizures varied widely, with a median of 7 per 100 (range 1.06-25.54) children. High heterogeneity was observed, and studies from emergency and community settings were underpowered. Seven studies found that unvaccinated children hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 had more febrile seizures during the Omicron-predominant (median 11.8 per 100) than during the pre-Omicron period (median 0.7 per 100). The pooled incidence was 11.27 per 100 cases for the Omicron-predominant and 0.66 per 100 for the pre-Omicron period (p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: There was a trend toward more reported febrile seizures among hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron-predominant than the pre-Omicron period. However, estimates are limited by small samples and moderate heterogeneity and should not be considered population-based incidences. We hypothesize that SARS-CoV-2 variants may influence febrile seizure risk in children; larger studies are needed to better understand this association. PROSPERO registration: CRD420251054193.
WHAT IS KNOWN: • Neurological complications, including febrile seizures, occur in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. • Prior to the Omicron variant, febrile seizures were relatively uncommon in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
WHAT IS NEW: • There was a trend toward more reported febrile seizures among hospitalized children with SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron-predominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period. • There are potential associations between SARS-CoV-2 variants and febrile seizure risks.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Seizures, Febrile/epidemiology/virology/etiology
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
Incidence
*SARS-CoV-2
Child
Child, Preschool
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Challenges in delivering healthcare services among immigrants from Southeast Asia: A scoping review.
The Medical journal of Malaysia, 81(1):163-171.
INTRODUCTION: Cross-border migration presents increasing challenges to healthcare systems globally. Ensuring equitable healthcare access for immigrant populations, particularly in Southeast Asia, requires a thorough understanding of the barriers to effective service delivery. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the challenges related to the delivery of healthcare services to immigrant communities from Southeast Asia. While previous studies (e.g., Brandenberger et al., 2019) applied the 3C framework to migrants and refugees globally, this review generates new insights by focusing specifically on Southeast Asia, a region underrepresented in the literature. By applying the 3C model in this context, our review identifies region-specific challenges, such as immigration policies, financial barriers, and COVID-19 impacts, that extend beyond the findings of earlier global reviews.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases on October 13, 2024, for studies published between January 1, 2011, and October 13, 2024. The search strategy used tailored keywords, including "challenges," "healthcare services," "immigrants," and "Asia." Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, English-language articles reporting on challenges in healthcare service delivery among immigrant populations in Southeast Asia. Data extraction and synthesis were guided by the 3C model: communication, continuation of care, and confidence in the healthcare system.
RESULTS: The search identified 656 records, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria after a multi-stage screening process. Key challenges identified across the included studies were: Communication barriers, including language differences, cultural misunderstandings, and limited health literacy; Issues with continuation of care, such as poor health literacy, difficulties navigating healthcare systems, barriers to accessing services (e.g., due to legal status or financial constraints), and lack of coordination between healthcare and social services; and Lack of confidence in the healthcare system, stemming from distrust, lack of understanding, and negative experiences, including perceived discrimination.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complex challenges in delivering healthcare services to immigrants from Southeast Asia. These challenges, encompassing communication, continuation of care, and confidence, necessitate targeted and multifaceted interventions. Addressing these issues through culturally competent care, enhanced communication strategies, and policy reforms that promote equitable access is crucial for improving the health and well-being of immigrant populations and fostering more inclusive healthcare systems within the region.
Additional Links: PMID-41617522
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41617522,
year = {2026},
author = {Alias, A and Idrus, IAM and Daring, D and Azhar, N and Lotfi, WHWM and Ramdzan, AR and Rahim, AIA},
title = {Challenges in delivering healthcare services among immigrants from Southeast Asia: A scoping review.},
journal = {The Medical journal of Malaysia},
volume = {81},
number = {1},
pages = {163-171},
pmid = {41617522},
issn = {0300-5283},
mesh = {Humans ; *Emigrants and Immigrants ; Asia, Southeastern ; *Delivery of Health Care ; *Health Services Accessibility ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Cross-border migration presents increasing challenges to healthcare systems globally. Ensuring equitable healthcare access for immigrant populations, particularly in Southeast Asia, requires a thorough understanding of the barriers to effective service delivery. This scoping review aimed to synthesize the existing literature on the challenges related to the delivery of healthcare services to immigrant communities from Southeast Asia. While previous studies (e.g., Brandenberger et al., 2019) applied the 3C framework to migrants and refugees globally, this review generates new insights by focusing specifically on Southeast Asia, a region underrepresented in the literature. By applying the 3C model in this context, our review identifies region-specific challenges, such as immigration policies, financial barriers, and COVID-19 impacts, that extend beyond the findings of earlier global reviews.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases on October 13, 2024, for studies published between January 1, 2011, and October 13, 2024. The search strategy used tailored keywords, including "challenges," "healthcare services," "immigrants," and "Asia." Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, English-language articles reporting on challenges in healthcare service delivery among immigrant populations in Southeast Asia. Data extraction and synthesis were guided by the 3C model: communication, continuation of care, and confidence in the healthcare system.
RESULTS: The search identified 656 records, of which 7 studies met the inclusion criteria after a multi-stage screening process. Key challenges identified across the included studies were: Communication barriers, including language differences, cultural misunderstandings, and limited health literacy; Issues with continuation of care, such as poor health literacy, difficulties navigating healthcare systems, barriers to accessing services (e.g., due to legal status or financial constraints), and lack of coordination between healthcare and social services; and Lack of confidence in the healthcare system, stemming from distrust, lack of understanding, and negative experiences, including perceived discrimination.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complex challenges in delivering healthcare services to immigrants from Southeast Asia. These challenges, encompassing communication, continuation of care, and confidence, necessitate targeted and multifaceted interventions. Addressing these issues through culturally competent care, enhanced communication strategies, and policy reforms that promote equitable access is crucial for improving the health and well-being of immigrant populations and fostering more inclusive healthcare systems within the region.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Emigrants and Immigrants
Asia, Southeastern
*Delivery of Health Care
*Health Services Accessibility
COVID-19/epidemiology
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
The last ten years with inosine pranobex - from an "old" therapeutic agent to vaccine research, including anti-cancer vaccines.
Casopis lekaru ceskych, 164(7-8):321-323.
Inosine pranobex (IP), also known as inosine pranobex dimepranol, is an immunomodulatory drug with a history spanning more than fifty years. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since been licensed in more than 50 countries around the world. It was originally considered a potential drug for AIDS, which raised high hopes at the time of the discovery of the HIV virus. However, after initial interest, its use in this area declined, and for a long time, IP was no longer discussed significantly in professional literature or clinical practice. Renewed interest came only in the last decade, when IP began to reappear in connection with the treatment of acute respiratory infections, diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and other viral diseases, including COVID-19. It also began to be used as an adjuvant in the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, and research began on an IP-based anti-tumor vaccine.
Additional Links: PMID-41615790
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41615790,
year = {2025},
author = {Beran, J and SlÃva, J},
title = {The last ten years with inosine pranobex - from an "old" therapeutic agent to vaccine research, including anti-cancer vaccines.},
journal = {Casopis lekaru ceskych},
volume = {164},
number = {7-8},
pages = {321-323},
pmid = {41615790},
issn = {0008-7335},
mesh = {Humans ; *Inosine Pranobex/therapeutic use/history ; *Cancer Vaccines ; },
abstract = {Inosine pranobex (IP), also known as inosine pranobex dimepranol, is an immunomodulatory drug with a history spanning more than fifty years. It was first introduced in the 1970s and has since been licensed in more than 50 countries around the world. It was originally considered a potential drug for AIDS, which raised high hopes at the time of the discovery of the HIV virus. However, after initial interest, its use in this area declined, and for a long time, IP was no longer discussed significantly in professional literature or clinical practice. Renewed interest came only in the last decade, when IP began to reappear in connection with the treatment of acute respiratory infections, diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and other viral diseases, including COVID-19. It also began to be used as an adjuvant in the foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, and research began on an IP-based anti-tumor vaccine.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Inosine Pranobex/therapeutic use/history
*Cancer Vaccines
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Pediatric Infections: A Systematic Review.
Current issues in molecular biology, 47(12):.
BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are granule- and nucleus-derived structures that support innate immunity. While the contribution of NETs to adult infections and autoimmune diseases is well studied, evidence in children is still inconsistent. This review aimed to summarize current findings on NETs in pediatric infections.
METHODS: This study followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in major databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus) from inception until 5 September 2025. The study quality was evaluated using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the systematic review. In respiratory disease, the role of NETs was well described and their formation correlated with severity. Patients with febrile urinary tract infections showed elevated urinary NET-associated markers. In COVID-19 infection, NET levels were unchanged in uncomplicated cases but elevated in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Findings in sepsis were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review presents the published evidence on NET formation in the pediatric population, assessing the current knowledge and identifying the gaps to guide research. Future studies should aim to standardize NET detection methods, evaluate their prognostic value in large prospective cohorts, and explore the various NET-associated mechanisms in children.
Additional Links: PMID-41614763
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41614763,
year = {2025},
author = {Stoimeni, A and Gkiourtzis, N and Karatisidou, V and Charitakis, N and Makedou, K and Tramma, D and Panagopoulou, P},
title = {Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Pediatric Infections: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {47},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41614763},
issn = {1467-3045},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are granule- and nucleus-derived structures that support innate immunity. While the contribution of NETs to adult infections and autoimmune diseases is well studied, evidence in children is still inconsistent. This review aimed to summarize current findings on NETs in pediatric infections.
METHODS: This study followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in major databases (MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus) from inception until 5 September 2025. The study quality was evaluated using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the systematic review. In respiratory disease, the role of NETs was well described and their formation correlated with severity. Patients with febrile urinary tract infections showed elevated urinary NET-associated markers. In COVID-19 infection, NET levels were unchanged in uncomplicated cases but elevated in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Findings in sepsis were inconsistent.
CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review presents the published evidence on NET formation in the pediatric population, assessing the current knowledge and identifying the gaps to guide research. Future studies should aim to standardize NET detection methods, evaluate their prognostic value in large prospective cohorts, and explore the various NET-associated mechanisms in children.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Contribution of [18]F-Fluorodeoxyglucose to the Identification of Dubious Lesions Caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Current issues in molecular biology, 47(12):.
Coronavirus disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has caused a global health crisis. While RT-PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosis, its limited sensitivity, especially in the early stages, has highlighted the need for complementary diagnostic tools. Among these, [[18]F]FDG PET/CT has gained attention for its potential role in detecting inflammation and metabolic activity associated with COVID-19. This review aims to provide an overview of current diagnostic techniques for COVID-19 and to explore the application of [[18]F]FDG PET/CT imaging in the detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on molecular, serological, and imaging-based diagnostic techniques for COVID-19, with a focus on the biological mechanism, clinical applications, and diagnostic performance of [[18]F]FDG PET/CT in COVID-19 patients. [[18]F]FDG PET/CT has demonstrated the ability to detect increased metabolic activity in COVID-19 associated pulmonary lesions, particularly ground-glass opacities, often preceding detectable morphological changes on CT. The imaging also revealed uptake in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and extrapulmonary tissues, reflecting systemic inflammation. [[18]F]FDG PET/CT represents a promising additional tool for the evaluation of inflammation and disease progression in COVID-19. However, further studies are required to define its role, optimize protocols, and assess its risk-benefit profile in the clinical setting.
Additional Links: PMID-41614748
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41614748,
year = {2025},
author = {Altamura, C and Marinaccio, L and Dimiccoli, V and Mollica, A and Stefanucci, A},
title = {Contribution of [18]F-Fluorodeoxyglucose to the Identification of Dubious Lesions Caused by SARS-CoV-2.},
journal = {Current issues in molecular biology},
volume = {47},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41614748},
issn = {1467-3045},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has caused a global health crisis. While RT-PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosis, its limited sensitivity, especially in the early stages, has highlighted the need for complementary diagnostic tools. Among these, [[18]F]FDG PET/CT has gained attention for its potential role in detecting inflammation and metabolic activity associated with COVID-19. This review aims to provide an overview of current diagnostic techniques for COVID-19 and to explore the application of [[18]F]FDG PET/CT imaging in the detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive literature review was conducted on molecular, serological, and imaging-based diagnostic techniques for COVID-19, with a focus on the biological mechanism, clinical applications, and diagnostic performance of [[18]F]FDG PET/CT in COVID-19 patients. [[18]F]FDG PET/CT has demonstrated the ability to detect increased metabolic activity in COVID-19 associated pulmonary lesions, particularly ground-glass opacities, often preceding detectable morphological changes on CT. The imaging also revealed uptake in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and extrapulmonary tissues, reflecting systemic inflammation. [[18]F]FDG PET/CT represents a promising additional tool for the evaluation of inflammation and disease progression in COVID-19. However, further studies are required to define its role, optimize protocols, and assess its risk-benefit profile in the clinical setting.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-30
Egypt's innovations in mental health: bridging cultural heritage and digital psychiatry.
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England) [Epub ahead of print].
Egypt's mental-health landscape represents a unique continuum in which ancient cultural heritage, community-based healing traditions, and contextually adapted psychiatric strategies intersect with modern psychiatric innovations. This review explores how deeply rooted explanatory models continue to define help-seeking pathways and patient expectations. These cultural foundations exist alongside contemporary systemic challenges. In response, Egypt has pioneered contextually grounded adaptive approaches, such as task shifting, integrating mental health into primary care, and developing culturally-adapted psychosocial interventions led by trained non-specialists. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trajectory of modernization. Telepsychiatry services, nationwide psychosocial support hotlines, AI-driven tools, and the establishment of Egypt's dedicated psychiatric COVID-19 hospital highlight the country's capacity for rapid, context-sensitive adaptation to innovate while remaining anchored in its cultural fabric. Together, these developments illustrate how mental health systems can evolve by embracing tradition as a resource rather than a barrier, and by leveraging technology to expand equity, accessibility, and cultural relevance. This review positions Egypt as a powerful case study of how cultural heritage and adaptive, problem-driven strategies can be innovatively harmonized to shape the future of mental health care in the region, where originality lies in contextual responses rather than technological novelty.
Additional Links: PMID-41614579
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41614579,
year = {2026},
author = {Okasha, T and Shaker, NM and Abdel Aziz, K and Aly El-Gabry, D},
title = {Egypt's innovations in mental health: bridging cultural heritage and digital psychiatry.},
journal = {International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1080/09540261.2026.2621823},
pmid = {41614579},
issn = {1369-1627},
abstract = {Egypt's mental-health landscape represents a unique continuum in which ancient cultural heritage, community-based healing traditions, and contextually adapted psychiatric strategies intersect with modern psychiatric innovations. This review explores how deeply rooted explanatory models continue to define help-seeking pathways and patient expectations. These cultural foundations exist alongside contemporary systemic challenges. In response, Egypt has pioneered contextually grounded adaptive approaches, such as task shifting, integrating mental health into primary care, and developing culturally-adapted psychosocial interventions led by trained non-specialists. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trajectory of modernization. Telepsychiatry services, nationwide psychosocial support hotlines, AI-driven tools, and the establishment of Egypt's dedicated psychiatric COVID-19 hospital highlight the country's capacity for rapid, context-sensitive adaptation to innovate while remaining anchored in its cultural fabric. Together, these developments illustrate how mental health systems can evolve by embracing tradition as a resource rather than a barrier, and by leveraging technology to expand equity, accessibility, and cultural relevance. This review positions Egypt as a powerful case study of how cultural heritage and adaptive, problem-driven strategies can be innovatively harmonized to shape the future of mental health care in the region, where originality lies in contextual responses rather than technological novelty.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-04
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Global research trends on depression-related stigma in the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis.
Global health action, 19(1):2612390.
BACKGROUND: Depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of diseases. Stigma associated with mental illness significantly hinders help-seeking, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. While research on mental health stigma has expanded over the past two decades, a systematic examination of its evolution, particularly in the context of depression, is almost non-existent.
OBJECTIVE: To map and analyze global research on depression stigma, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, international collaborations, and thematic developments.
METHODS: We analyzed 947 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database using bibliometric software in R-studio. Quantitative indicators included annual publication growth, citation analysis, leading countries, institutions, and authors, as well as international collaboration patterns. Additionally, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses were conducted to explore conceptual developments within the field.
RESULTS: The number of publications steadily increased from 2013 to 2025. The United States, China, the UK, and Canada accounted for the highest research and citation impact, while contributions from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remained limited despite these regions carrying most of the global disease burden. Thematic mapping revealed a strong focus on clinical and psychosocial dimensions, with increasing attention to concepts such as resilience, social support, and the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.
CONCLUSIONS: The volume of research on depression stigma has grown, yet significant geographical and conceptual disparities continue to persist. Strengthening collaboration, supporting LMIC research capacity, and integrating stigma reduction into global mental health frameworks are essential to achieving equitable mental health outcomes worldwide.
Additional Links: PMID-41614415
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41614415,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhamaliyeva, L and Batyrova, A and Ablakimova, N and Veklenko, G and Malsova, B and Tautanova, A and Grjibovski, AM},
title = {Global research trends on depression-related stigma in the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis.},
journal = {Global health action},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {2612390},
pmid = {41614415},
issn = {1654-9880},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; *Social Stigma ; *Depression/psychology ; *Global Health ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Depression is a leading contributor to the global burden of diseases. Stigma associated with mental illness significantly hinders help-seeking, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. While research on mental health stigma has expanded over the past two decades, a systematic examination of its evolution, particularly in the context of depression, is almost non-existent.
OBJECTIVE: To map and analyze global research on depression stigma, focusing on publication trends, leading contributors, international collaborations, and thematic developments.
METHODS: We analyzed 947 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Scopus database using bibliometric software in R-studio. Quantitative indicators included annual publication growth, citation analysis, leading countries, institutions, and authors, as well as international collaboration patterns. Additionally, keyword co-occurrence and thematic evolution analyses were conducted to explore conceptual developments within the field.
RESULTS: The number of publications steadily increased from 2013 to 2025. The United States, China, the UK, and Canada accounted for the highest research and citation impact, while contributions from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remained limited despite these regions carrying most of the global disease burden. Thematic mapping revealed a strong focus on clinical and psychosocial dimensions, with increasing attention to concepts such as resilience, social support, and the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.
CONCLUSIONS: The volume of research on depression stigma has grown, yet significant geographical and conceptual disparities continue to persist. Strengthening collaboration, supporting LMIC research capacity, and integrating stigma reduction into global mental health frameworks are essential to achieving equitable mental health outcomes worldwide.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Bibliometrics
*Social Stigma
*Depression/psychology
*Global Health
COVID-19
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Xuebijing injection in the treatment of COVID-19: An update on clinical studies, potentially active metabolites and mechanisms.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 16:1667022.
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic respiratory disease caused due to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In China, the National Health Commission of China announced that patients with COVID-19 who were treated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) combined with antiviral drugs effectively alleviated their symptoms and recovered. Among these TCMs, Xuebijing (XBJ) injection plays an important role in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. However, this was a puzzle that what will be the clinical efficacy and safety of XBJ injection for COVID-19 treatment, and what are the potential mechanisms behind XBJ injection?
METHODS: To search for articles on "Xuebijing injection in the treatment of COVID-19" in PubMed, use the following query: (Xuebijing injection OR Xuebijing) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR severe pneumonia). We added filters for "Clinical Trial," "Randomized Controlled Trial," or "Review" to focus on specific study types, and limit the search to recent years (2010-2025) and English-language articles for more targeted results.
RESULTS: XBJ injection in combination with regular therapy has been shown to improve overall efficacy, reduce 28-day mortality, improve lung CT recovery and reduce pro-inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19. The high affinity for angiotensin converting enzyme 2, inhibition of neutrophil extracellular trap release and prevention of cell death and inflammation may be the main molecular mechanisms of XBJ injection in the treatment of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: This review synthesizes the current evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of XBJ injection in the treatment of COVID-19. Our analysis indicates that XBJ injection, when used in combination with standard therapy, significantly improves overall efficacy, reduces 28-day mortality, enhances lung CT recovery, and decreases pro-inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These findings suggest that Xuebijing injection is a promising adjunctive treatment for COVID-19, particularly in severe cases, although it must be confirmed through rigorous pharmacological and clinical studies.
Additional Links: PMID-41614075
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41614075,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Li, X and Zhou, J and Li, Y},
title = {Xuebijing injection in the treatment of COVID-19: An update on clinical studies, potentially active metabolites and mechanisms.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1667022},
pmid = {41614075},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic respiratory disease caused due to the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In China, the National Health Commission of China announced that patients with COVID-19 who were treated with traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) combined with antiviral drugs effectively alleviated their symptoms and recovered. Among these TCMs, Xuebijing (XBJ) injection plays an important role in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. However, this was a puzzle that what will be the clinical efficacy and safety of XBJ injection for COVID-19 treatment, and what are the potential mechanisms behind XBJ injection?
METHODS: To search for articles on "Xuebijing injection in the treatment of COVID-19" in PubMed, use the following query: (Xuebijing injection OR Xuebijing) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 OR severe pneumonia). We added filters for "Clinical Trial," "Randomized Controlled Trial," or "Review" to focus on specific study types, and limit the search to recent years (2010-2025) and English-language articles for more targeted results.
RESULTS: XBJ injection in combination with regular therapy has been shown to improve overall efficacy, reduce 28-day mortality, improve lung CT recovery and reduce pro-inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19. The high affinity for angiotensin converting enzyme 2, inhibition of neutrophil extracellular trap release and prevention of cell death and inflammation may be the main molecular mechanisms of XBJ injection in the treatment of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: This review synthesizes the current evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of XBJ injection in the treatment of COVID-19. Our analysis indicates that XBJ injection, when used in combination with standard therapy, significantly improves overall efficacy, reduces 28-day mortality, enhances lung CT recovery, and decreases pro-inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These findings suggest that Xuebijing injection is a promising adjunctive treatment for COVID-19, particularly in severe cases, although it must be confirmed through rigorous pharmacological and clinical studies.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on men's reproductive health.
Biophysical reviews, 17(5):1643-1650.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health; key questions remain regarding its effects on male reproductive function. Male infertility represents both a biomedical challenge and a societal concern. Our review considers COVID-19's biophysical mechanisms affecting the male reproductive system and focuses on the prognostic implication. Current evidence highlights two primary pathways of SARS-CoV-2 impact: hyperthermia and oxidative stress. The first pathway, as reported, significantly increases sperm aneuploidy and, as a result, has adverse effects on spermatogenesis and causes sperm DNA breaks. The second pathway of coronavirus impact on infertility is oxidative stress. During it, the level of formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases and damages sperm membrane by lipid peroxidation. These mechanisms are interrelated, as fever-induced oxidative stress may alter redox-active metal homeostasis, further exacerbating cellular damage. Understanding these pathogenic processes enables targeted therapeutic development and preventive strategies for COVID-19-related male reproductive dysfunction.
Additional Links: PMID-41613884
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41613884,
year = {2025},
author = {Rozhnova, TM and Starynina, DV and Bubnova, AM and Vinnik, YY and Moiseeva, AV and Kostyuk, SV and Rozhnova, KS and Nikolenko, VN and Orlov, YL},
title = {The COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on men's reproductive health.},
journal = {Biophysical reviews},
volume = {17},
number = {5},
pages = {1643-1650},
pmid = {41613884},
issn = {1867-2450},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health; key questions remain regarding its effects on male reproductive function. Male infertility represents both a biomedical challenge and a societal concern. Our review considers COVID-19's biophysical mechanisms affecting the male reproductive system and focuses on the prognostic implication. Current evidence highlights two primary pathways of SARS-CoV-2 impact: hyperthermia and oxidative stress. The first pathway, as reported, significantly increases sperm aneuploidy and, as a result, has adverse effects on spermatogenesis and causes sperm DNA breaks. The second pathway of coronavirus impact on infertility is oxidative stress. During it, the level of formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases and damages sperm membrane by lipid peroxidation. These mechanisms are interrelated, as fever-induced oxidative stress may alter redox-active metal homeostasis, further exacerbating cellular damage. Understanding these pathogenic processes enables targeted therapeutic development and preventive strategies for COVID-19-related male reproductive dysfunction.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Contemporary surgical treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: insights from the Ukrainian National Referral Center.
Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, 42(2):282-290.
PURPOSE: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remains a prevalent and clinically significant condition with a global prevalence of 1:200 to 1:500. In Ukraine, the estimated burden is approximately 75,000 patients, although national data remain limited. Since 2016, the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv has been a leading center for HOCM surgery, primarily performing septal myectomy (SM) with concomitant mitral valve (MV) repair. This review summarizes the evolution of the Institute's surgical program, outcomes, and challenges faced under extraordinary circumstances.
METHODS: Institutional experience with SM and MV repair between 2016 and 2025 was reviewed. Preoperative evaluation included transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and/or computed tomography (CT). A refined transaortic SM technique was applied to optimize septal resection, relieve left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and address dynamic mitral regurgitation (MR).
RESULTS: SM consistently reduced LVOT gradients and eliminated MR in the majority of patients. In-hospital mortality remained below 1%, with a low incidence of major complications directly attributable to myectomy. Despite significant external pressures, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, surgical activity continued without interruption. Innovations in operative techniques and perioperative management further enhanced safety and outcomes.
CONCLUSION: The Amosov Institute has established a high-performing national program for HOCM surgery, demonstrating durable results despite unprecedented challenges. Ongoing refinement of minimally invasive strategies and strengthened international collaboration remain essential to address the global shortage of experienced myectomy surgeons and ensure wider access to advanced surgical care.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-025-02125-0.
Additional Links: PMID-41613493
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41613493,
year = {2026},
author = {Danchenko, P and Rudenko, K and Rzhanyi, M and Hrubiak, L and Ishchenko, M and Kozhanov, M},
title = {Contemporary surgical treatment of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: insights from the Ukrainian National Referral Center.},
journal = {Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {282-290},
pmid = {41613493},
issn = {0970-9134},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) remains a prevalent and clinically significant condition with a global prevalence of 1:200 to 1:500. In Ukraine, the estimated burden is approximately 75,000 patients, although national data remain limited. Since 2016, the Amosov National Institute of Cardiovascular Surgery in Kyiv has been a leading center for HOCM surgery, primarily performing septal myectomy (SM) with concomitant mitral valve (MV) repair. This review summarizes the evolution of the Institute's surgical program, outcomes, and challenges faced under extraordinary circumstances.
METHODS: Institutional experience with SM and MV repair between 2016 and 2025 was reviewed. Preoperative evaluation included transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, and/or computed tomography (CT). A refined transaortic SM technique was applied to optimize septal resection, relieve left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction, and address dynamic mitral regurgitation (MR).
RESULTS: SM consistently reduced LVOT gradients and eliminated MR in the majority of patients. In-hospital mortality remained below 1%, with a low incidence of major complications directly attributable to myectomy. Despite significant external pressures, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the ongoing full-scale war in Ukraine, surgical activity continued without interruption. Innovations in operative techniques and perioperative management further enhanced safety and outcomes.
CONCLUSION: The Amosov Institute has established a high-performing national program for HOCM surgery, demonstrating durable results despite unprecedented challenges. Ongoing refinement of minimally invasive strategies and strengthened international collaboration remain essential to address the global shortage of experienced myectomy surgeons and ensure wider access to advanced surgical care.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-025-02125-0.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy vs. standard of care in patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Frontiers in medicine, 12:1674720.
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies as compared to the standard of care (SOC) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS: Search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials was performed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023467612). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality on day 28 and serious adverse events. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences were pooled using Stata software version 17.0. Quality of the evidence was assessed by GRADE approach.
RESULTS: Out of 5,537 articles screened, 17 were included. Treatment with stem cells led to no significant difference in the risk of 28-day mortality [RR, 0.809 (95% CI: 0.651-1.005), p = 0.06; I [2] = 0%] or the risk of serious adverse events [RR, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.80-1.12), p = 0.36; I [2]= 8.58%] as compared to treatment with SOC. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the duration of hospitalization, the number of ventilator-free days till day 28, 60-day all-cause mortality, intensive care unit (ICU)-free days till day 28, change in quality-of-life (QoL) score, and the duration of ICU stay, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, change in SOFA score, and change in serum interleukin 6 and 8 levels. The GRADE of evidence was low or very low for the critical outcomes.
CONCLUSION: There was no significant improvement in critical outcomes following stem cell therapy as compared to the SOC in ARDS. The certainty of evidence was low to very low, indicating limited confidence in the findings.
SYSTEMATIC TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023467612).
Additional Links: PMID-41613329
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41613329,
year = {2025},
author = {Cherian, JJ and Das, S and Bagepally, BS and Eerike, M and Nath, S and Khadwal, A},
title = {Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy vs. standard of care in patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1674720},
pmid = {41613329},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies as compared to the standard of care (SOC) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
METHODS: Search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials was performed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023467612). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality on day 28 and serious adverse events. Risk ratios (RR) and mean differences were pooled using Stata software version 17.0. Quality of the evidence was assessed by GRADE approach.
RESULTS: Out of 5,537 articles screened, 17 were included. Treatment with stem cells led to no significant difference in the risk of 28-day mortality [RR, 0.809 (95% CI: 0.651-1.005), p = 0.06; I [2] = 0%] or the risk of serious adverse events [RR, 0.94 (95% CI: 0.80-1.12), p = 0.36; I [2]= 8.58%] as compared to treatment with SOC. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the duration of hospitalization, the number of ventilator-free days till day 28, 60-day all-cause mortality, intensive care unit (ICU)-free days till day 28, change in quality-of-life (QoL) score, and the duration of ICU stay, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, change in SOFA score, and change in serum interleukin 6 and 8 levels. The GRADE of evidence was low or very low for the critical outcomes.
CONCLUSION: There was no significant improvement in critical outcomes following stem cell therapy as compared to the SOC in ARDS. The certainty of evidence was low to very low, indicating limited confidence in the findings.
SYSTEMATIC TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023467612).},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-01-30
Understanding the performance of HIV-1 viral vector vaccines: adenovirus and poxvirus case studies.
Frontiers in immunology, 16:1720342.
Despite decades of research, HIV-1 continues to infect millions annually, underscoring the urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine to curb the ongoing global pandemic. Among the many strategies explored, viral vectors have been the most intensively studied, with adenoviral and poxviral platforms serving as the leading approaches. These vectors have advanced through extensive preclinical evaluation and multiple large-scale clinical trials, demonstrating safety and the ability to induce cellular and humoral responses. Yet, they have also revealed key challenges, including pre-existing vector immunity, limited durability of responses, and in some cases, increased susceptibility to infection. Importantly, these trials clarified the limitations of Env-focused immunity, highlighted the value of heterologous prime-boost regimens, and reinforced the dual need for broadly neutralizing antibodies and functional T cell responses. While vector-based COVID vaccines achieved protective efficacy, lessons learned from adenoviral and poxviral efforts continue to shape the field, directly informing the design of next-generation platforms such as mRNA and engineered viral vectors.
Additional Links: PMID-41613135
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41613135,
year = {2025},
author = {Manafi, MM and Farzani, T and Espinoza, N and Ozonoff, A and Sabeti, PC},
title = {Understanding the performance of HIV-1 viral vector vaccines: adenovirus and poxvirus case studies.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1720342},
pmid = {41613135},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *AIDS Vaccines/immunology/genetics ; *Adenoviridae/genetics/immunology ; *Genetic Vectors/immunology ; *HIV-1/immunology/genetics ; *Poxviridae/genetics/immunology ; *HIV Infections/prevention & control/immunology ; Animals ; COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {Despite decades of research, HIV-1 continues to infect millions annually, underscoring the urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine to curb the ongoing global pandemic. Among the many strategies explored, viral vectors have been the most intensively studied, with adenoviral and poxviral platforms serving as the leading approaches. These vectors have advanced through extensive preclinical evaluation and multiple large-scale clinical trials, demonstrating safety and the ability to induce cellular and humoral responses. Yet, they have also revealed key challenges, including pre-existing vector immunity, limited durability of responses, and in some cases, increased susceptibility to infection. Importantly, these trials clarified the limitations of Env-focused immunity, highlighted the value of heterologous prime-boost regimens, and reinforced the dual need for broadly neutralizing antibodies and functional T cell responses. While vector-based COVID vaccines achieved protective efficacy, lessons learned from adenoviral and poxviral efforts continue to shape the field, directly informing the design of next-generation platforms such as mRNA and engineered viral vectors.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*AIDS Vaccines/immunology/genetics
*Adenoviridae/genetics/immunology
*Genetic Vectors/immunology
*HIV-1/immunology/genetics
*Poxviridae/genetics/immunology
*HIV Infections/prevention & control/immunology
Animals
COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
RevDate: 2026-01-30
Vaccination Coverage and Factors Associated With Incomplete Vaccination Schedules in Children Under 5 in a Peripheral Area of the Federal District of Brazil.
Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.) [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVE: To estimate vaccination coverage (VC) and analyze the factors associated with the incomplete vaccination schedule (IVS) in children under 5 years of age in two Basic Health Units in the Federal District of Brazil.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
SAMPLE: The study included 162 children in two Basic Health Units; 54.94% were male, and all were under 5 years of age.
MEASUREMENTS: Guardians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their vaccination booklets were photographed. VC was estimated and prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression analysis.
RESULTS: Twenty percent of the children had an IVS. None of the vaccines evaluated reached the VC considered correct in terms of age and interval between doses. Factors associated with IVS were age under 2 years (adjusted PR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.53-4.24), difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (adjusted PR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.51-4.86) and a negative response when asked whether all vaccines were administered in the same location (adjusted PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.13-3.44).
CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of children presented IVS, associated with factors such as age, lack of continuity of vaccination in the same location and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Links: PMID-41612572
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41612572,
year = {2026},
author = {Viana, IRMN and Peixoto, HM},
title = {Vaccination Coverage and Factors Associated With Incomplete Vaccination Schedules in Children Under 5 in a Peripheral Area of the Federal District of Brazil.},
journal = {Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/phn.70066},
pmid = {41612572},
issn = {1525-1446},
support = {//Institute for Health Assessment and Translation for Chronic and Neglected Diseases of High Relevance/ ; //Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel/ ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To estimate vaccination coverage (VC) and analyze the factors associated with the incomplete vaccination schedule (IVS) in children under 5 years of age in two Basic Health Units in the Federal District of Brazil.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
SAMPLE: The study included 162 children in two Basic Health Units; 54.94% were male, and all were under 5 years of age.
MEASUREMENTS: Guardians were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and their vaccination booklets were photographed. VC was estimated and prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression analysis.
RESULTS: Twenty percent of the children had an IVS. None of the vaccines evaluated reached the VC considered correct in terms of age and interval between doses. Factors associated with IVS were age under 2 years (adjusted PR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.53-4.24), difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (adjusted PR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.51-4.86) and a negative response when asked whether all vaccines were administered in the same location (adjusted PR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.13-3.44).
CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of children presented IVS, associated with factors such as age, lack of continuity of vaccination in the same location and difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-29
Value of Emerging and Existing Pre-prophylaxis and Therapeutic Options for COVID-19 in Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.
PharmacoEconomics - open [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: High-risk populations, including transplant recipients, are at increased risk of severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Certain treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been approved to reduce the risk of severe illness. However, data on the cost effectiveness of currently approved COVID-19 therapeutics and preventative treatments are limited for those at high-risk of severe disease.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the cost effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments and PrEP in high-risk, immunocompromised, and transplant populations.
METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2025 for studies comparing costs and effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies PrEP or COVID-19 therapeutics in high-risk, immunocompromised or transplant populations. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and critically appraised them using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for economic evaluations. Cost data are presented in 2025 US dollars.
RESULTS: Of 8905 studies identified, 60 met inclusion criteria, with seven focused on or including transplant populations. Most studies were cost-utility analyses published between 2020 and 2025. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, tixagevimab-cilgavimab, casirivimab-imdevimab, sotrovimab, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and fluvoxamine were compared with no prophylaxis or standard of care. Among transplant populations, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for tixagevimab-cilgavimab PrEP following vaccination was US$76,024 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), while ICERs for COVID-19 therapeutics ranged from US$440 to US$126,676 per QALY.
CONCLUSION: Cost effectiveness varied widely across studies due to differences in variant periods, population risk profiles, model assumptions, and healthcare systems. Future research should integrate variant-specific effectiveness, real-world vaccine responsiveness, long-term COVID-19 outcomes, and adverse events to better inform resource allocation for transplant and other high-risk populations.
Additional Links: PMID-41612083
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41612083,
year = {2026},
author = {Grant, A and Kabbani, D and Vuong, A and Skidmore, B and Hsu, AT and Sanmugalingham, G and de Vries, R and Logan, S and Gongal, P and Piotrowski, CC and Thavorn, K and , },
title = {Value of Emerging and Existing Pre-prophylaxis and Therapeutic Options for COVID-19 in Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations.},
journal = {PharmacoEconomics - open},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41612083},
issn = {2509-4254},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: High-risk populations, including transplant recipients, are at increased risk of severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Certain treatments and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been approved to reduce the risk of severe illness. However, data on the cost effectiveness of currently approved COVID-19 therapeutics and preventative treatments are limited for those at high-risk of severe disease.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically review the cost effectiveness of COVID-19 treatments and PrEP in high-risk, immunocompromised, and transplant populations.
METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2025 for studies comparing costs and effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies PrEP or COVID-19 therapeutics in high-risk, immunocompromised or transplant populations. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and critically appraised them using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for economic evaluations. Cost data are presented in 2025 US dollars.
RESULTS: Of 8905 studies identified, 60 met inclusion criteria, with seven focused on or including transplant populations. Most studies were cost-utility analyses published between 2020 and 2025. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, tixagevimab-cilgavimab, casirivimab-imdevimab, sotrovimab, remdesivir, molnupiravir, and fluvoxamine were compared with no prophylaxis or standard of care. Among transplant populations, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for tixagevimab-cilgavimab PrEP following vaccination was US$76,024 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), while ICERs for COVID-19 therapeutics ranged from US$440 to US$126,676 per QALY.
CONCLUSION: Cost effectiveness varied widely across studies due to differences in variant periods, population risk profiles, model assumptions, and healthcare systems. Future research should integrate variant-specific effectiveness, real-world vaccine responsiveness, long-term COVID-19 outcomes, and adverse events to better inform resource allocation for transplant and other high-risk populations.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-30
CmpDate: 2026-01-29
[2025 scientific breakthroughs in ambulatory general internal medicine].
Revue medicale suisse, 22(947):204-209.
In this article, we present eight studies published in the last 2 years that are likely to influence the practice of general practitioners in 2026. The key messages highlight the effectiveness of metformin for knee pain treatment, recent advances in the management of poorly controlled asthma, and the absence of contraindications to administering influenza and Covid-19 vaccines simultaneously. In addition, several articles describe the association between sleep duration and hypertension, blood pressure measurement protocols, the effects of vitamin K2 on nocturnal leg cramps, and the effects of intermittent fasting on weight loss. Finally, the Thrombosis Risk Prediction in Patients with Cast Immobilization Score can be used to assess whether therapeutic anticoagulation is indicated in cases of lower-limb immobilization.
Additional Links: PMID-41609696
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41609696,
year = {2026},
author = {Gouveia, A and Buclin, CP and Hibbert, D and Mbadu Mbuzi, E and Mussard, L and Kokkinakis, I and Selby, K and Von Plessen, C and Clair, C and Bodenmann, P},
title = {[2025 scientific breakthroughs in ambulatory general internal medicine].},
journal = {Revue medicale suisse},
volume = {22},
number = {947},
pages = {204-209},
doi = {10.53738/REVMED.2026.22.947.48272},
pmid = {41609696},
issn = {1660-9379},
mesh = {Humans ; *Internal Medicine/trends ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *General Practice/trends ; *Ambulatory Care/trends/methods ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {In this article, we present eight studies published in the last 2 years that are likely to influence the practice of general practitioners in 2026. The key messages highlight the effectiveness of metformin for knee pain treatment, recent advances in the management of poorly controlled asthma, and the absence of contraindications to administering influenza and Covid-19 vaccines simultaneously. In addition, several articles describe the association between sleep duration and hypertension, blood pressure measurement protocols, the effects of vitamin K2 on nocturnal leg cramps, and the effects of intermittent fasting on weight loss. Finally, the Thrombosis Risk Prediction in Patients with Cast Immobilization Score can be used to assess whether therapeutic anticoagulation is indicated in cases of lower-limb immobilization.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Internal Medicine/trends
COVID-19/prevention & control
*General Practice/trends
*Ambulatory Care/trends/methods
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
RevDate: 2026-01-31
CmpDate: 2026-01-29
Cardiovascular burden of long coronavirus disease: Clinical challenges and emerging biomarkers.
World journal of cardiology, 18(1):112466.
Long coronavirus disease (LC) is a condition characterized by a persistent state, with recurrent/remitting or progressive episodes, that may affect one or multiple organ systems following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The cardiovascular system is particularly impacted by this condition. This review aims to discuss the cardiovascular implications in LC and its potential mechanisms. We offer an updated summary of established and emerging biomarkers with clinical potential for diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy monitoring. Conventional markers with established clinical roles, such as cardiac troponins, natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), D-dimer, and inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6), coexist with less established but promising biomarkers, such as growth differentiation factor-15, galectin-3, von Willebrand factor, endothelin-1, and circulating microRNAs. The incomplete understanding of the mechanisms and their diverse clinical manifestations, underscores the urgent need for efficient diagnostic tests and predictive models. In this context, besides the lack of standardization in biomarker testing and the absence of validated longitudinal predictive models, the use of biomarker-based strategies represents a potential tool to improve early detection of high-risk patients, enable personalized follow-up, and support more effective prevention of cardiovascular complications in LC patients in clinical practice.
Additional Links: PMID-41607619
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41607619,
year = {2026},
author = {Aguiar, CEO and Costa, JMC and Oliveira, MMGL and Lopes, CF and Lima, PHM and Dietrich, VC and Grenfell, RFQ and de Melo, FF},
title = {Cardiovascular burden of long coronavirus disease: Clinical challenges and emerging biomarkers.},
journal = {World journal of cardiology},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {112466},
pmid = {41607619},
issn = {1949-8462},
abstract = {Long coronavirus disease (LC) is a condition characterized by a persistent state, with recurrent/remitting or progressive episodes, that may affect one or multiple organ systems following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The cardiovascular system is particularly impacted by this condition. This review aims to discuss the cardiovascular implications in LC and its potential mechanisms. We offer an updated summary of established and emerging biomarkers with clinical potential for diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapy monitoring. Conventional markers with established clinical roles, such as cardiac troponins, natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), D-dimer, and inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6), coexist with less established but promising biomarkers, such as growth differentiation factor-15, galectin-3, von Willebrand factor, endothelin-1, and circulating microRNAs. The incomplete understanding of the mechanisms and their diverse clinical manifestations, underscores the urgent need for efficient diagnostic tests and predictive models. In this context, besides the lack of standardization in biomarker testing and the absence of validated longitudinal predictive models, the use of biomarker-based strategies represents a potential tool to improve early detection of high-risk patients, enable personalized follow-up, and support more effective prevention of cardiovascular complications in LC patients in clinical practice.},
}
RevDate: 2026-02-05
CmpDate: 2026-01-29
Advancing Precision Medicine in Adult-Onset Still's Disease: Insights into Biomarkers, Therapies, and COVID-19 Impacts.
Mediterranean journal of rheumatology, 36(4):509-523.
Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by spiking fevers, arthralgia, and a transient salmon-pink rash, with an incidence of 0.16-0.4 per 100,000. AOSD shares overlapping clinical and immunological features with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), supporting a disease continuum and shared treatment approaches. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted AOSD care, with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination occasionally triggering disease flares, necessitating adaptive management strategies. Driven by innate immune dysregulation and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-18), AOSD presents in systemic and articular phenotypes, with severe complications like macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), fulminant hepatitis, and parenchymal lung disease. Diagnosis, based on Yamaguchi or Fautrel criteria and biomarkers (ferritin, IL-18), is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Biologic therapies (anakinra, canakinumab, tocilizumab) achieve remission in 80-90% of systemic cases. This review synthesises diagnostic challenges, novel biomarkers (e.g., gasdermin D), and emerging therapies (e.g., IL-18 binding protein), emphasising precision medicine and future research needs.
Additional Links: PMID-41607599
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41607599,
year = {2025},
author = {Sahoo, DP},
title = {Advancing Precision Medicine in Adult-Onset Still's Disease: Insights into Biomarkers, Therapies, and COVID-19 Impacts.},
journal = {Mediterranean journal of rheumatology},
volume = {36},
number = {4},
pages = {509-523},
pmid = {41607599},
issn = {2529-198X},
abstract = {Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare autoinflammatory disorder characterized by spiking fevers, arthralgia, and a transient salmon-pink rash, with an incidence of 0.16-0.4 per 100,000. AOSD shares overlapping clinical and immunological features with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), supporting a disease continuum and shared treatment approaches. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted AOSD care, with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination occasionally triggering disease flares, necessitating adaptive management strategies. Driven by innate immune dysregulation and overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-18), AOSD presents in systemic and articular phenotypes, with severe complications like macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), fulminant hepatitis, and parenchymal lung disease. Diagnosis, based on Yamaguchi or Fautrel criteria and biomarkers (ferritin, IL-18), is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Biologic therapies (anakinra, canakinumab, tocilizumab) achieve remission in 80-90% of systemic cases. This review synthesises diagnostic challenges, novel biomarkers (e.g., gasdermin D), and emerging therapies (e.g., IL-18 binding protein), emphasising precision medicine and future research needs.},
}
RevDate: 2026-01-29
CmpDate: 2026-01-29
Research Progress of Coronavirus Reverse Genetics Technology.
Journal of medical virology, 98(2):e70792.
In recent years, coronavirus, a kind of virus with a wide host range and high variability, has a large and complex genome. Research on the reverse genetics of coronaviruses has always been a hot spot. Coronavirus cannot only infect mammals, but also infect humans, showing its wide host adaptability. The mutation ability of the coronavirus is extremely strong. Recently, the rapid mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 has made the development of vaccines and therapeutic methods face great challenges. At present, reverse genetics technology is a molecular biology tool. This process primarily involves cloning the full-length genome cDNA of the virus onto a vector, and then reproducing the modified progeny virus in the cell to achieve accurate modification of the virus's genetic characteristics. This technology can explore the external characteristics of mutants and the evolution of their traits through artificial operations, such as knockout and site-directed mutagenesis of specific genes, and then reveal the biological functions of genes. This article will review the research progress of the coronavirus reverse genetic operating system. In the past research, reverse genetics technology has made remarkable progress in the field of coronavirus research. Researchers have successfully constructed various reverse genetic systems for coronaviruses, including IBV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV. In addition, the reverse genetic system has also been used to study the cross-species transmission capacity of the virus, which is of great significance for preventing possible future novel coronavirus epidemics.
Additional Links: PMID-41607097
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41607097,
year = {2026},
author = {Han, Z and Han, J and Zhao, Y and Xu, C and Leng, X and Jia, B and Diao, N and Liu, F and Cui, C and Liang, J and Jiang, Y and Du, R},
title = {Research Progress of Coronavirus Reverse Genetics Technology.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {98},
number = {2},
pages = {e70792},
doi = {10.1002/jmv.70792},
pmid = {41607097},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {2023DJ07//Research and Demonstration on Key Technologies for Prevention and Control of Important Diseases and Antibiotic-Free Breeding of Sika Deer/ ; 20230204010YY//Jilin Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security - Innovative and Entrepreneurial Talents and the Analysis of Pathogen Diversity in Sika Deer Breeding Environment and Integration and Demonstration of Supporting Prevention and Control Technology System/ ; //Jilin Provincial Department of Science and Technology - Key Research and Development/ ; },
mesh = {*Reverse Genetics/methods ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; Genome, Viral ; Animals ; *Coronavirus/genetics ; COVID-19/virology ; },
abstract = {In recent years, coronavirus, a kind of virus with a wide host range and high variability, has a large and complex genome. Research on the reverse genetics of coronaviruses has always been a hot spot. Coronavirus cannot only infect mammals, but also infect humans, showing its wide host adaptability. The mutation ability of the coronavirus is extremely strong. Recently, the rapid mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 has made the development of vaccines and therapeutic methods face great challenges. At present, reverse genetics technology is a molecular biology tool. This process primarily involves cloning the full-length genome cDNA of the virus onto a vector, and then reproducing the modified progeny virus in the cell to achieve accurate modification of the virus's genetic characteristics. This technology can explore the external characteristics of mutants and the evolution of their traits through artificial operations, such as knockout and site-directed mutagenesis of specific genes, and then reveal the biological functions of genes. This article will review the research progress of the coronavirus reverse genetic operating system. In the past research, reverse genetics technology has made remarkable progress in the field of coronavirus research. Researchers have successfully constructed various reverse genetic systems for coronaviruses, including IBV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV. In addition, the reverse genetic system has also been used to study the cross-species transmission capacity of the virus, which is of great significance for preventing possible future novel coronavirus epidemics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Reverse Genetics/methods
Humans
SARS-CoV-2/genetics
Genome, Viral
Animals
*Coronavirus/genetics
COVID-19/virology
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-01-28
Mechanistic insights into the impact of prenatal viral infections on maternal and offspring immunity.
Npj viruses, 4(1):7.
Global outbreaks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and respiratory viruses - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza, accounted for ~50 million infections in 2024. Prenatal exposure to these viruses poses substantial risks to maternal and fetal health, yet the underlying immunological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Despite differences in viral biology and transmission, mounting evidence reveals a convergent theme of maternal immune activation during pregnancy. Even without vertical transmission, virus-elicted maternal immune responses alter the maternal-fetal interface and gut microbiome, reshaping fetal immunity and birth outcomes. These immune perturbations increase susceptibility to infections, neurodevelopmental disorders, and immune-mediated diseases later in life. Here, we discuss viral immune evasion strategies that modulate maternal immunity and review current clinical and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating long-term consequences in exposed children. Understanding how prenatal viral exposure shapes lifelong health is critical for developing targeted interventions and reducing postnatal disease burden.
Additional Links: PMID-41606239
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41606239,
year = {2026},
author = {Salem, GM and Azamor, T and Familiar-Macedo, D and Onwubueke, C and Cambou, MC and Chen, W and Nielsen-Saines, K and Foo, SS},
title = {Mechanistic insights into the impact of prenatal viral infections on maternal and offspring immunity.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {7},
pmid = {41606239},
issn = {2948-1767},
support = {N/A//Cleveland Clinic/ ; },
abstract = {Global outbreaks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and respiratory viruses - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza, accounted for ~50 million infections in 2024. Prenatal exposure to these viruses poses substantial risks to maternal and fetal health, yet the underlying immunological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Despite differences in viral biology and transmission, mounting evidence reveals a convergent theme of maternal immune activation during pregnancy. Even without vertical transmission, virus-elicted maternal immune responses alter the maternal-fetal interface and gut microbiome, reshaping fetal immunity and birth outcomes. These immune perturbations increase susceptibility to infections, neurodevelopmental disorders, and immune-mediated diseases later in life. Here, we discuss viral immune evasion strategies that modulate maternal immunity and review current clinical and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating long-term consequences in exposed children. Understanding how prenatal viral exposure shapes lifelong health is critical for developing targeted interventions and reducing postnatal disease burden.},
}
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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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