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RJR: Recommended Bibliography 05 Feb 2026 at 01:42 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: 2026-02-03
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
Publisher:
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
Publisher:
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},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2026.2620849},
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: 2026-02-02
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): pii:bmjgh-2025-021623.
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
Publisher:
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 = {},
doi = {10.1136/bmjgh-2025-021623},
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:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Sustainable Development
Humans
*Global Health
COVID-19
Goals
Pandemics
RevDate: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-04
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
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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: 2026-02-04
Including nonrandomized evidence in living systematic reviews: lessons learned from the COVID-NMA initiative.
Journal of clinical epidemiology, 190:112071.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are more likely to be included in evidence syntheses of health interventions due to their methodological rigor. However, the integration of nonrandomized studies (NRSs) may be necessary, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the emergence of variants of concern. We aimed to examine the body of evidence, randomized and nonrandomized, on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) during the emergence of the Delta variant and to share lessons learned from including nonrandomized evidence alongside randomized evidence in the COVID-NMA living systematic review.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The COVID-NMA initiative is an international, living systematic review and meta-analysis that continually synthesized evidence on COVID-19 interventions. For this study, we identified all RCTs and comparative NRSs reporting on VE against the Delta variant from December 2020 (its initial detection) through November 2021 (date of last COVID-NMA NRS search). We conducted two parallel systematic reviews: one focusing on RCTs and the other on NRSs to compare available evidence on VE against the Delta variant. We also compared the publication timelines of the included studies with the global prevalence of the Delta variant, and documented the specific methodological challenges and solutions when including NRSs in living systematic reviews.
RESULTS: From December 2020 to November 2021, only one RCT reported vaccine efficacy against Delta in a subgroup of 6325 participants, while, during the same period, 52 NRSs including 68,010,961 participants reported VE against this variant. Nevertheless, including NRSs in our living systematic review posed several challenges. We faced difficulties in identifying eligible studies, encountered overlapping studies (ie, NRSs using the same database), and inconsistent definitions of Delta variant cases. Moreover, multiple analyses and metrics for the same outcome were reported without a pre-specified primary analysis in a registry or protocol. In addition, assessing the risk of bias required expertise, standardization, and training.
CONCLUSION: To remain responsive during public health emergencies, living systematic reviews should implement processes that enable the timely identification, evaluation, and integration of both randomized and nonrandomized evidence where appropriate.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: When new health treatments are tested, the best way to see how well they work is through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These are carefully designed studies that help reduce bias. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists also had to rely on other types of studies called nonrandomized studies (NRS) based on real-world data because the virus was changing quickly and required urgent action. Our living systematic review examined how effective COVID-19 vaccines were against the Delta variant, which spread widely from late 2020 to 2021. We wanted to understand what both RCTs and NRSs revealed about vaccine protection at that time. We also aimed to learn about the benefits and challenges of including different kinds of studies. From December 2020 to November 2021, we found that only one RCT reported results specifically for the Delta variant, including just over 6000 people. However, during the same period, 52 NRSs, involving over 68 million people, shared results about vaccine effectiveness against Delta in real-world settings. Including these NRSs were important for answering questions quickly, but it also created challenges. For instance, it was sometimes unclear how studies should be included, as many used the same data sources. Different studies defined "Delta cases" in various ways and often reported several kinds of results without stating which one was most significant. Evaluating the quality of these studies was complex and required special training. We developed rules to handle each of these challenges. In this study, we found that while RCTs remain the gold standard, NRSs provided crucial information during a fast-moving public health emergency. To help patients, doctors, and policymakers get timely answers in the future, living systematic reviews should be designed to include both types of evidence when appropriate, using clear methods to address challenges.
Additional Links: PMID-41276090
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41276090,
year = {2026},
author = {Bonnet, H and Higgins, JPT and Chaimani, A and Evrenoglou, T and Ghosn, L and Graña, C and Perrodeau, E and Yaacoub, S and Rada, G and Bergman, H and Buckley, B and Cogo, E and Villanueva, G and Henschke, N and Assi, R and Riveros, C and Cornish, R and Spiga, F and Minozzi, S and Tovey, D and Ravaud, P and Boutron, I},
title = {Including nonrandomized evidence in living systematic reviews: lessons learned from the COVID-NMA initiative.},
journal = {Journal of clinical epidemiology},
volume = {190},
number = {},
pages = {112071},
doi = {10.1016/j.jclinepi.2025.112071},
pmid = {41276090},
issn = {1878-5921},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Systematic Reviews as Topic ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Vaccine Efficacy ; Meta-Analysis as Topic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are more likely to be included in evidence syntheses of health interventions due to their methodological rigor. However, the integration of nonrandomized studies (NRSs) may be necessary, as was seen during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the emergence of variants of concern. We aimed to examine the body of evidence, randomized and nonrandomized, on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) during the emergence of the Delta variant and to share lessons learned from including nonrandomized evidence alongside randomized evidence in the COVID-NMA living systematic review.
STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The COVID-NMA initiative is an international, living systematic review and meta-analysis that continually synthesized evidence on COVID-19 interventions. For this study, we identified all RCTs and comparative NRSs reporting on VE against the Delta variant from December 2020 (its initial detection) through November 2021 (date of last COVID-NMA NRS search). We conducted two parallel systematic reviews: one focusing on RCTs and the other on NRSs to compare available evidence on VE against the Delta variant. We also compared the publication timelines of the included studies with the global prevalence of the Delta variant, and documented the specific methodological challenges and solutions when including NRSs in living systematic reviews.
RESULTS: From December 2020 to November 2021, only one RCT reported vaccine efficacy against Delta in a subgroup of 6325 participants, while, during the same period, 52 NRSs including 68,010,961 participants reported VE against this variant. Nevertheless, including NRSs in our living systematic review posed several challenges. We faced difficulties in identifying eligible studies, encountered overlapping studies (ie, NRSs using the same database), and inconsistent definitions of Delta variant cases. Moreover, multiple analyses and metrics for the same outcome were reported without a pre-specified primary analysis in a registry or protocol. In addition, assessing the risk of bias required expertise, standardization, and training.
CONCLUSION: To remain responsive during public health emergencies, living systematic reviews should implement processes that enable the timely identification, evaluation, and integration of both randomized and nonrandomized evidence where appropriate.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: When new health treatments are tested, the best way to see how well they work is through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These are carefully designed studies that help reduce bias. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists also had to rely on other types of studies called nonrandomized studies (NRS) based on real-world data because the virus was changing quickly and required urgent action. Our living systematic review examined how effective COVID-19 vaccines were against the Delta variant, which spread widely from late 2020 to 2021. We wanted to understand what both RCTs and NRSs revealed about vaccine protection at that time. We also aimed to learn about the benefits and challenges of including different kinds of studies. From December 2020 to November 2021, we found that only one RCT reported results specifically for the Delta variant, including just over 6000 people. However, during the same period, 52 NRSs, involving over 68 million people, shared results about vaccine effectiveness against Delta in real-world settings. Including these NRSs were important for answering questions quickly, but it also created challenges. For instance, it was sometimes unclear how studies should be included, as many used the same data sources. Different studies defined "Delta cases" in various ways and often reported several kinds of results without stating which one was most significant. Evaluating the quality of these studies was complex and required special training. We developed rules to handle each of these challenges. In this study, we found that while RCTs remain the gold standard, NRSs provided crucial information during a fast-moving public health emergency. To help patients, doctors, and policymakers get timely answers in the future, living systematic reviews should be designed to include both types of evidence when appropriate, using clear methods to address challenges.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines
*Systematic Reviews as Topic
SARS-CoV-2
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*Vaccine Efficacy
Meta-Analysis as Topic
RevDate: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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
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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
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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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@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.
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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: 2026-02-01
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 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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PubMed:
Citation:
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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 = {},
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: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Biochemical Interface Engineering for Transistor-Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics.
Accounts of chemical research, 59(3):411-423.
ConspectusPoint-of-care (POC) testing holds great promise for transforming clinical diagnostics by enabling rapid, convenient, and accurate analysis outside of centralized laboratories. Among various emerging technologies, biological field-effect transistors (bio-FETs), which directly convert molecular binding events into electrical signals, are gaining attention as strong candidates for next-generation POC diagnostic platforms due to their label-free operation, fast response, and ease of integration. The core functionality of bio-FETs lies at the solution-solid interface, where molecular recognition and signal transduction occur simultaneously. The physicochemical characteristics of this interface determine whether low-abundance molecular binding events can be effectively distinguished from background noise. However, under real clinical conditions, this interface is often compromised by strong ionic shielding and nonspecific adsorption, leading to signal attenuation and instability, factors that significantly hinder the clinical translation of bio-FET technology. In this Account, we summarize our group's advances in biochemical interface engineering for bio-FETs, with a focus on improving molecular recognition and signal transduction to enhance device performance in POC diagnostic applications. For molecular recognition, interfaces were designed that enhance probe-target binding affinity while minimizing nonspecific interactions. Nuclease-mediated recognition mechanisms were introduced to achieve sequence-specific detection with single-nucleotide resolution. These strategies enable bio-FETs to capture molecular binding events more efficiently and convert them into reliable electrical signals. In terms of signal transduction, multiple approaches were employed to localize binding events within the Debye length, enrich analytes at the sensing surface, and stabilize weak or transient molecular interactions, effectively transforming them into quantifiable electrical outputs. These methods improve recognition sensitivity while reducing background noise and signal drift in complex biological media, resulting in clearer and more consistent readouts. Interface-engineered bio-FETs have successfully detected a wide range of clinically relevant biomarkers, including nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and reactive oxygen species, with limits of detection (LoDs) as low as 10[-18] M, response times under 5 min, and operational stability in undiluted clinical samples. We have further developed portable POC diagnostic prototypes that integrate bio-FETs with the accompanying software, supporting parallel, multitarget detection and data analysis. These platforms have demonstrated rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, and diabetes in complex clinical matrices, highlighting their strong potential for practical deployment. Collectively, these advances underscore the pivotal role of biochemical interface engineering in translating bio-FETs from proof-of-concept studies into clinically relevant diagnostic platforms. Finally, we outline the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing bio-FETs as comprehensive biodetection platforms for future applications. We believe that continued progress in biochemical interface engineering will further enhance the practical capabilities of bio-FETs and provide essential technical support for developing a new generation of high-performance bioelectronic diagnostic systems.
Additional Links: PMID-41542860
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41542860,
year = {2026},
author = {Kong, D and Xu, Z and Chen, C and Liu, Y and Wei, D},
title = {Biochemical Interface Engineering for Transistor-Based Point-of-Care Diagnostics.},
journal = {Accounts of chemical research},
volume = {59},
number = {3},
pages = {411-423},
doi = {10.1021/acs.accounts.5c00732},
pmid = {41542860},
issn = {1520-4898},
mesh = {*Transistors, Electronic ; Humans ; *Point-of-Care Systems ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods/instrumentation ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; COVID-19/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {ConspectusPoint-of-care (POC) testing holds great promise for transforming clinical diagnostics by enabling rapid, convenient, and accurate analysis outside of centralized laboratories. Among various emerging technologies, biological field-effect transistors (bio-FETs), which directly convert molecular binding events into electrical signals, are gaining attention as strong candidates for next-generation POC diagnostic platforms due to their label-free operation, fast response, and ease of integration. The core functionality of bio-FETs lies at the solution-solid interface, where molecular recognition and signal transduction occur simultaneously. The physicochemical characteristics of this interface determine whether low-abundance molecular binding events can be effectively distinguished from background noise. However, under real clinical conditions, this interface is often compromised by strong ionic shielding and nonspecific adsorption, leading to signal attenuation and instability, factors that significantly hinder the clinical translation of bio-FET technology. In this Account, we summarize our group's advances in biochemical interface engineering for bio-FETs, with a focus on improving molecular recognition and signal transduction to enhance device performance in POC diagnostic applications. For molecular recognition, interfaces were designed that enhance probe-target binding affinity while minimizing nonspecific interactions. Nuclease-mediated recognition mechanisms were introduced to achieve sequence-specific detection with single-nucleotide resolution. These strategies enable bio-FETs to capture molecular binding events more efficiently and convert them into reliable electrical signals. In terms of signal transduction, multiple approaches were employed to localize binding events within the Debye length, enrich analytes at the sensing surface, and stabilize weak or transient molecular interactions, effectively transforming them into quantifiable electrical outputs. These methods improve recognition sensitivity while reducing background noise and signal drift in complex biological media, resulting in clearer and more consistent readouts. Interface-engineered bio-FETs have successfully detected a wide range of clinically relevant biomarkers, including nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, and reactive oxygen species, with limits of detection (LoDs) as low as 10[-18] M, response times under 5 min, and operational stability in undiluted clinical samples. We have further developed portable POC diagnostic prototypes that integrate bio-FETs with the accompanying software, supporting parallel, multitarget detection and data analysis. These platforms have demonstrated rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, and diabetes in complex clinical matrices, highlighting their strong potential for practical deployment. Collectively, these advances underscore the pivotal role of biochemical interface engineering in translating bio-FETs from proof-of-concept studies into clinically relevant diagnostic platforms. Finally, we outline the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing bio-FETs as comprehensive biodetection platforms for future applications. We believe that continued progress in biochemical interface engineering will further enhance the practical capabilities of bio-FETs and provide essential technical support for developing a new generation of high-performance bioelectronic diagnostic systems.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Transistors, Electronic
Humans
*Point-of-Care Systems
*Biosensing Techniques/methods/instrumentation
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
COVID-19/diagnosis
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Advances in Microbiome Research: Implications for Infectious Disease Management and Treatment.
Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery, 20(4):251-266.
INTRODUCTION: The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in health and disease, with microbial imbalances (dysbiosis) increasingly linked to heightened susceptibility to infections and exacerbated disease severity. This review explores how the microbiome confers protection through mechanisms, such as colonization resistance, immune modulation, and antimicrobial metabolite production, while also examining its potential as a predictive tool for infection risk and outcomes, as exemplified in COVID-19.
METHODS: This article synthesizes current literature on microbiome dynamics, leveraging advances in high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and machine learning to analyze microbial profiles and identify biomarkers. It evaluates microbiome-based therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and engineered microbes, and assesses challenges in translating these approaches into clinical practice.
RESULTS: Microbiome profiles demonstrate prognostic value in predicting infection risk and severity, supported by enhanced analytical tools that enable precise biomarker discovery for diagnostics and personalized medicine. Therapeutic interventions show promise in restoring microbial balance and combating infections, though clinical adoption is hindered by variability, regulatory hurdles, and the need for standardized methodologies.
CONCLUSION: Integrating microbiome insights into clinical practice requires rigorous clinical trials, standardized protocols, and resolution of ethical and regulatory challenges. Future research should focus on elucidating microbiome-host-pathogen interactions and developing targeted interventions, and advanced computational models are critical to unlocking the full potential of microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for infectious disease management.
Additional Links: PMID-40611411
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40611411,
year = {2025},
author = {Islam, A},
title = {Advances in Microbiome Research: Implications for Infectious Disease Management and Treatment.},
journal = {Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {251-266},
doi = {10.2174/0127724344384934250624040634},
pmid = {40611411},
issn = {2772-4352},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/microbiology/therapy ; *Microbiota ; Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; *Communicable Diseases/therapy/microbiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Dysbiosis/therapy/microbiology ; Precision Medicine ; Machine Learning ; Disease Management ; Biomarkers ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in health and disease, with microbial imbalances (dysbiosis) increasingly linked to heightened susceptibility to infections and exacerbated disease severity. This review explores how the microbiome confers protection through mechanisms, such as colonization resistance, immune modulation, and antimicrobial metabolite production, while also examining its potential as a predictive tool for infection risk and outcomes, as exemplified in COVID-19.
METHODS: This article synthesizes current literature on microbiome dynamics, leveraging advances in high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and machine learning to analyze microbial profiles and identify biomarkers. It evaluates microbiome-based therapeutic strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and engineered microbes, and assesses challenges in translating these approaches into clinical practice.
RESULTS: Microbiome profiles demonstrate prognostic value in predicting infection risk and severity, supported by enhanced analytical tools that enable precise biomarker discovery for diagnostics and personalized medicine. Therapeutic interventions show promise in restoring microbial balance and combating infections, though clinical adoption is hindered by variability, regulatory hurdles, and the need for standardized methodologies.
CONCLUSION: Integrating microbiome insights into clinical practice requires rigorous clinical trials, standardized protocols, and resolution of ethical and regulatory challenges. Future research should focus on elucidating microbiome-host-pathogen interactions and developing targeted interventions, and advanced computational models are critical to unlocking the full potential of microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics for infectious disease management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/microbiology/therapy
*Microbiota
Probiotics/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
Prebiotics/administration & dosage
*Communicable Diseases/therapy/microbiology
SARS-CoV-2
Dysbiosis/therapy/microbiology
Precision Medicine
Machine Learning
Disease Management
Biomarkers
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Antiviral Bioactive Compounds: Their Activities and Underlying Mechanisms Against Human Viral Infections.
Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery, 20(4):267-325.
BACKGROUND: Viral infections continue to be a major global health issue, causing over five million fatalities and millions of hospitalizations every year. Existing vaccines and commonly used antiviral drugs often exhibit significant side effects and limited efficacy. In contrast, recent studies have shown that plant extracts and their bioactive compounds possess considerable antiviral activity, along with a favourable safety profile for long-term use. These findings have spurred increased interest in the discovery and development of novel plant-derived antiviral agents.
AIM: This review emphasizes the significance of plant-derived antiviral compounds and their corresponding therapeutic targets. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on phytochemicals with potential antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses. By consolidating current findings, this review serves as a unified and up-to-date resource on contemporary plant-based antiviral bioactive compounds used in the treatment of human viral infections.
METHODS: The antiviral efficacy of selected phytoactive compounds was analysed through detailed molecular mechanism studies, supported by in vitro and/or in vivo experimental models. Key herbs were reviewed for their active compounds and antiviral activities against specific viruses like influenza, HIV, HBV, HCV, HSV SARS-CoV-2, and measles. The study also analyzed the results, comparing their mechanisms of action, such as immune modulation, inhibition of viral entry, or interference with replication, while also discussing limitations and gaps in current research.
RESULTS: Evidence from the literature suggests that the notable selectivity of herbal bioactive compounds toward viral target proteins may underlie their antiviral activity. Additionally, findings from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies indicate that these compounds exert their effects by binding to specific host cell components, thereby protecting the host from viral infection. This review identifies and summarizes over 150 plant-derived antiviral bioactive compounds, along with their respective mechanisms of action, that have demonstrated efficacy against various selected viruses.
CONCLUSION: Plant-derived compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and coumarins, exhibit significant antiviral potential. Given the limited number of approved antiviral drugs, cellular and molecular evidence supports herbal bioactives as promising alternatives for developing effective antiviral therapies, offering a natural and safer approach to combating viral infections.
Additional Links: PMID-40265436
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40265436,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghosh, S and Jana, K and Parua, P and Seth, A and Bishal, A and Debnath, B and Kumar Rout, S and Halder, J and Rai, VK and Dash, P and Das, C and Kar, B and Ghosh, G and Rath, G},
title = {Antiviral Bioactive Compounds: Their Activities and Underlying Mechanisms Against Human Viral Infections.},
journal = {Recent advances in anti-infective drug discovery},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {267-325},
doi = {10.2174/0127724344376918250328054623},
pmid = {40265436},
issn = {2772-4352},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Virus Diseases/drug therapy/virology ; *Phytochemicals/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Animals ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viral infections continue to be a major global health issue, causing over five million fatalities and millions of hospitalizations every year. Existing vaccines and commonly used antiviral drugs often exhibit significant side effects and limited efficacy. In contrast, recent studies have shown that plant extracts and their bioactive compounds possess considerable antiviral activity, along with a favourable safety profile for long-term use. These findings have spurred increased interest in the discovery and development of novel plant-derived antiviral agents.
AIM: This review emphasizes the significance of plant-derived antiviral compounds and their corresponding therapeutic targets. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on phytochemicals with potential antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses. By consolidating current findings, this review serves as a unified and up-to-date resource on contemporary plant-based antiviral bioactive compounds used in the treatment of human viral infections.
METHODS: The antiviral efficacy of selected phytoactive compounds was analysed through detailed molecular mechanism studies, supported by in vitro and/or in vivo experimental models. Key herbs were reviewed for their active compounds and antiviral activities against specific viruses like influenza, HIV, HBV, HCV, HSV SARS-CoV-2, and measles. The study also analyzed the results, comparing their mechanisms of action, such as immune modulation, inhibition of viral entry, or interference with replication, while also discussing limitations and gaps in current research.
RESULTS: Evidence from the literature suggests that the notable selectivity of herbal bioactive compounds toward viral target proteins may underlie their antiviral activity. Additionally, findings from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies indicate that these compounds exert their effects by binding to specific host cell components, thereby protecting the host from viral infection. This review identifies and summarizes over 150 plant-derived antiviral bioactive compounds, along with their respective mechanisms of action, that have demonstrated efficacy against various selected viruses.
CONCLUSION: Plant-derived compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and coumarins, exhibit significant antiviral potential. Given the limited number of approved antiviral drugs, cellular and molecular evidence supports herbal bioactives as promising alternatives for developing effective antiviral therapies, offering a natural and safer approach to combating viral infections.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Virus Diseases/drug therapy/virology
*Phytochemicals/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Animals
RevDate: 2026-02-03
CmpDate: 2026-02-03
Perspectives of Therapeutic Alliance Using Telemental Health for Adolescents: A Scoping Review.
Computers, informatics, nursing : CIN, 44(2):.
The purpose of this article is to conduct a scoping review, which examines research evidence on therapeutic alliance development in adolescents while using telehealth during mental health encounters (telemental health). Thirty-seven percent of all high school students in the United States reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and 44% reported sadness and/or hopelessness in the past year. Therapeutic alliance is a collaborative relationship between patient and provider with a strong affective bond and agreement on treatment tasks and goals. Telehealth may facilitate access, but preliminary research demonstrates provider challenges for building therapeutic alliance during telehealth visits in adolescents. CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched through June 2023. Inclusion studies examined therapeutic alliance in mental health patients with a mean age of 14 to 18 years and synchronous telehealth use. Articles published in English; publication dates and geographic location were not excluded. A total of 1091 articles were obtained after duplications were discarded. Three reviewers, working in pairs, independently reviewed each citation against predetermined criteria. Joanna Briggs Scoping Review Methodology, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review process organized the findings. The 9 articles that met the criteria were case reports, descriptive, qualitative, mixed methods, and a partially randomized patient preference pilot study. There were 416 adolescent participants (mean age = 15.74 years). Five themes synthesized the findings: "established relationship prior to telemental health," "diagnoses best suited for telemental health," "role of technology," "therapeutic space and privacy," and "appointment attendance." A recommendation emerged in offering a hybrid approach. However, many barriers still exist in the complex, high-risk, and geographically challenged patient. Telemental health can bridge the divide between those who traditionally cannot access treatment, but providers must learn how to develop relationships virtually. Another recommendation is to allow adolescents alone time and privacy with the provider. Further research is needed to assess therapeutic alliance using telehealth between adolescents and clinicians in the postpandemic era, particularly from the adolescents' perspective. Limitations included that three studies occurred before March 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic started, and the remaining articles occurred during the pandemic when social distancing measures were in place. Therefore, this limited study methods to single-group designs, and many of the participants already established a relationship with their provider before shifting to telehealth, so there was less focus on the initiation of therapeutic alliance via telehealth.
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@article {pmid40080654,
year = {2026},
author = {Ercole, A and Morgan, D and Shea, K},
title = {Perspectives of Therapeutic Alliance Using Telemental Health for Adolescents: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Computers, informatics, nursing : CIN},
volume = {44},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40080654},
issn = {1538-9774},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; *Telemedicine ; *Therapeutic Alliance ; COVID-19 ; Mental Health Services ; Male ; Mental Health Teletherapy ; },
abstract = {The purpose of this article is to conduct a scoping review, which examines research evidence on therapeutic alliance development in adolescents while using telehealth during mental health encounters (telemental health). Thirty-seven percent of all high school students in the United States reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and 44% reported sadness and/or hopelessness in the past year. Therapeutic alliance is a collaborative relationship between patient and provider with a strong affective bond and agreement on treatment tasks and goals. Telehealth may facilitate access, but preliminary research demonstrates provider challenges for building therapeutic alliance during telehealth visits in adolescents. CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest were searched through June 2023. Inclusion studies examined therapeutic alliance in mental health patients with a mean age of 14 to 18 years and synchronous telehealth use. Articles published in English; publication dates and geographic location were not excluded. A total of 1091 articles were obtained after duplications were discarded. Three reviewers, working in pairs, independently reviewed each citation against predetermined criteria. Joanna Briggs Scoping Review Methodology, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses-Scoping Review process organized the findings. The 9 articles that met the criteria were case reports, descriptive, qualitative, mixed methods, and a partially randomized patient preference pilot study. There were 416 adolescent participants (mean age = 15.74 years). Five themes synthesized the findings: "established relationship prior to telemental health," "diagnoses best suited for telemental health," "role of technology," "therapeutic space and privacy," and "appointment attendance." A recommendation emerged in offering a hybrid approach. However, many barriers still exist in the complex, high-risk, and geographically challenged patient. Telemental health can bridge the divide between those who traditionally cannot access treatment, but providers must learn how to develop relationships virtually. Another recommendation is to allow adolescents alone time and privacy with the provider. Further research is needed to assess therapeutic alliance using telehealth between adolescents and clinicians in the postpandemic era, particularly from the adolescents' perspective. Limitations included that three studies occurred before March 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic started, and the remaining articles occurred during the pandemic when social distancing measures were in place. Therefore, this limited study methods to single-group designs, and many of the participants already established a relationship with their provider before shifting to telehealth, so there was less focus on the initiation of therapeutic alliance via telehealth.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Adolescent
*Telemedicine
*Therapeutic Alliance
COVID-19
Mental Health Services
Male
Mental Health Teletherapy
RevDate: 2026-02-02
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Changing Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and Actions Taken in the World and Türkiye.
Journal of clinical practice and research, 46(5):421-430.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne, contagious illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can affect all tissues and organs, primarily the lungs. Tuberculosis remains a significant public health problem worldwide, with 10 million people contracting the disease and 1.5 million deaths annually. It is the second most common cause of death from communicable diseases globally, following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To combat tuberculosis globally, the Global Tuberculosis Program is carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO began the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy in 1995, the Stop Tuberculosis Strategy in 2006, and the End Tuberculosis Strategy in 2015. The End Tuberculosis Strategy aims to end the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global tuberculosis goals were missed or off-target. The fight against TB requires continuity. The National Tuberculosis Control Program, which includes the End Tuberculosis Strategy, has been implemented successfully for many years in alignment with global targets in Türkiye. In this article, the changing epidemiology of TB in the world and Türkiye is evaluated, and control activities carried out within the scope of combating TB are included.
Additional Links: PMID-41625501
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41625501,
year = {2024},
author = {Avcı, E and Muharremoğlu, ZD and Bozkurt, ENN and Kaygusuz, S},
title = {Changing Epidemiology of Tuberculosis and Actions Taken in the World and Türkiye.},
journal = {Journal of clinical practice and research},
volume = {46},
number = {5},
pages = {421-430},
pmid = {41625501},
issn = {2980-2156},
abstract = {Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne, contagious illness caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can affect all tissues and organs, primarily the lungs. Tuberculosis remains a significant public health problem worldwide, with 10 million people contracting the disease and 1.5 million deaths annually. It is the second most common cause of death from communicable diseases globally, following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). To combat tuberculosis globally, the Global Tuberculosis Program is carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO began the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy in 1995, the Stop Tuberculosis Strategy in 2006, and the End Tuberculosis Strategy in 2015. The End Tuberculosis Strategy aims to end the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2035. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, global tuberculosis goals were missed or off-target. The fight against TB requires continuity. The National Tuberculosis Control Program, which includes the End Tuberculosis Strategy, has been implemented successfully for many years in alignment with global targets in Türkiye. In this article, the changing epidemiology of TB in the world and Türkiye is evaluated, and control activities carried out within the scope of combating TB are included.},
}
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.
Additional Links: PMID-41621370
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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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PubMed:
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
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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
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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: 2026-01-31
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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Citation:
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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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-02-02
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: 2026-01-30
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
Publisher:
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},
doi = {10.1080/16549716.2025.2612390},
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
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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: 2026-02-02
CmpDate: 2026-02-02
Vaccine development for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine Deltacoronavirus: Updated progress, challenges, and future perspectives.
Microbial pathogenesis, 212:108286.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) are considered the greatest threats to the world swine industry since they cause a very high morbidity rate in piglets. Although vaccines with various formulations have been tested and validated in different settings, they still cannot be considered to provide long-lasting, comprehensive protection against these pathogens under real-world conditions. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of parallel efforts to develop vaccines against PEDV and PDCoV, with particular emphasis on vaccine formulation strategies, virus strains used in challenge studies, and the geographical applicability of these vaccines. Recent advances in vaccine development are discussed, highlighting the use of newly developed adjuvants and advanced delivery systems to enhance vaccine efficacy, especially in terms of inducing mucosal immune responses. Rather than merely summarizing progress in vaccine development to date, this review presents challenges, including viral diversity, lack of cross-protection, and maternal antibody interference, which reduce vaccine efficacy. Additionally, we discuss novel directions for future research on broadly protective next-generation antigen-detection systems and integrated approaches targeting different porcine coronaviruses. Thus, this review offers an up-to-date, in-depth overview of the current state of PEDV and PDCoV vaccine research, while also outlining future perspectives to drive innovation toward practical and sustainable disease control.
Additional Links: PMID-41506494
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41506494,
year = {2026},
author = {Tran, MT and Doan, TD and Wu, HC and Chu, CY},
title = {Vaccine development for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine Deltacoronavirus: Updated progress, challenges, and future perspectives.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {212},
number = {},
pages = {108286},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108286},
pmid = {41506494},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {Animals ; *Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/immunology ; Swine ; *Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control/veterinary/immunology ; *Viral Vaccines/immunology ; *Swine Diseases/prevention & control/virology/immunology ; *Vaccine Development/trends ; *Deltacoronavirus/immunology ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology ; Adjuvants, Vaccine ; Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage ; Cross Protection ; },
abstract = {Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and Porcine Deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) are considered the greatest threats to the world swine industry since they cause a very high morbidity rate in piglets. Although vaccines with various formulations have been tested and validated in different settings, they still cannot be considered to provide long-lasting, comprehensive protection against these pathogens under real-world conditions. This review provides a comprehensive and critical overview of parallel efforts to develop vaccines against PEDV and PDCoV, with particular emphasis on vaccine formulation strategies, virus strains used in challenge studies, and the geographical applicability of these vaccines. Recent advances in vaccine development are discussed, highlighting the use of newly developed adjuvants and advanced delivery systems to enhance vaccine efficacy, especially in terms of inducing mucosal immune responses. Rather than merely summarizing progress in vaccine development to date, this review presents challenges, including viral diversity, lack of cross-protection, and maternal antibody interference, which reduce vaccine efficacy. Additionally, we discuss novel directions for future research on broadly protective next-generation antigen-detection systems and integrated approaches targeting different porcine coronaviruses. Thus, this review offers an up-to-date, in-depth overview of the current state of PEDV and PDCoV vaccine research, while also outlining future perspectives to drive innovation toward practical and sustainable disease control.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
*Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus/immunology
Swine
*Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control/veterinary/immunology
*Viral Vaccines/immunology
*Swine Diseases/prevention & control/virology/immunology
*Vaccine Development/trends
*Deltacoronavirus/immunology
Vaccine Efficacy
Antibodies, Viral/immunology
Adjuvants, Vaccine
Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
Cross Protection
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-10-17
The Care Continuum of Patients With Influenza in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Position Paper.
The Journal of infectious diseases, 232(Supplement_3):S333-S346.
This position paper addresses the evolving care continuum for patients with respiratory viral infections in the context of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic phase. We emphasize the need to place the patient at the center of attention from the first signs of influenza-like illness to recovery. Current practices have revealed several deficiencies, such as timely access to healthcare, fragmentation of care, and inadequate follow-up instructions. This article proposes means to address these deficiencies and discusses diagnostic and management considerations for patients with suspected influenza infection.
Additional Links: PMID-41102611
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41102611,
year = {2025},
author = {Karakonstantis, S and Lytras, T and Keske, S and Tsiodras, S and Papst, L and Ioannou, P and Velikov, P and Berg, LP and De Angelis, G and Prendki, V and Adlhoch, C and Penttinen, P and Rello, J and Gavazzi, G and Malhotra-Kumar, S and Skevaki, C and Slafkosky, M and Rath, B},
title = {The Care Continuum of Patients With Influenza in the Post-COVID-19 Era: A Position Paper.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {232},
number = {Supplement_3},
pages = {S333-S346},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiaf333},
pmid = {41102611},
issn = {1537-6613},
mesh = {Humans ; *Influenza, Human/therapy/diagnosis ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Continuity of Patient Care ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Services Accessibility ; },
abstract = {This position paper addresses the evolving care continuum for patients with respiratory viral infections in the context of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic phase. We emphasize the need to place the patient at the center of attention from the first signs of influenza-like illness to recovery. Current practices have revealed several deficiencies, such as timely access to healthcare, fragmentation of care, and inadequate follow-up instructions. This article proposes means to address these deficiencies and discusses diagnostic and management considerations for patients with suspected influenza infection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Influenza, Human/therapy/diagnosis
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Continuity of Patient Care
SARS-CoV-2
Health Services Accessibility
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-02-01
Comparison of Fresh Versus Frozen Allogenic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Grafts in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.
Transplantation and cellular therapy, 32(2):215.e1-215.e14.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread adoption of cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), diverging from the traditional preference for fresh grafts. Although cryopreservation ensures graft availability during logistical disruptions, its impact on transplantation outcomes remains uncertain. Existing studies report mixed findings, and no consensus has been established regarding long-term outcomes. In the present study, we compared clinical outcomes of fresh versus cryopreserved allogeneic PBSC grafts in patients undergoing HSCT, with a focus on engraftment and survival outcomes, and evaluated the consistency of reported effects across studies, through a meta-analysis and systematic review of retrospective cohort studies published between 2005 and 2025. PubMed and Embase were searched through May 10, 2025. Primary outcomes included composite, primary, and secondary graft failure; secondary outcomes included engraftment times, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS). Random-effects and fixed-effects models were conducted using R, and Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized when necessary. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, and 19 studies were included in the systematic review. Fresh grafts were associated with significantly lower odds of composite graft failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.58), primary graft failure (OR, 0.60), and secondary graft failure (OR, 0.46), all with low heterogeneity. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were similar, although platelet engraftment showed a nonsignificant trend favoring fresh grafts (-1.34 days; P = .058). One-year and 2-year OS favored fresh grafts in fixed-effects models (OR, 1.15 and 1.16, respectively), but these associations were not significant under random-effects models owing to substantial heterogeneity. One-year RFS also favored fresh grafts in the fixed-effects model (OR, 1.25) but lost significance in the random-effects model. In contrast, 2-year RFS consistently favored fresh grafts across both models (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.35; I[2] = 0%). Our findings indicate that fresh PBSC grafts are associated with significantly lower rates of graft failure and may confer long-term survival benefits compared to cryopreserved grafts. While survival outcomes varied by statistical model because of heterogeneity, no studies reported superior outcomes with cryopreserved products. These findings support the preferential use of fresh grafts when feasible. Preclinical and clinical studies are needed to further improve the cryopreservation process. Subgroup analyses also may help identify patient populations most likely to benefit from fresh grafts.
Additional Links: PMID-40998263
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40998263,
year = {2026},
author = {Wijaya, D and Bittar, R and Shah, P and Al-Manaseer, F and Hagele, A and Courtad, I and Guo, M and Akhtari, M},
title = {Comparison of Fresh Versus Frozen Allogenic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Grafts in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.},
journal = {Transplantation and cellular therapy},
volume = {32},
number = {2},
pages = {215.e1-215.e14},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtct.2025.09.035},
pmid = {40998263},
issn = {2666-6367},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cryopreservation/methods ; *Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods ; *Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation/methods ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Graft Survival ; COVID-19 ; *Peripheral Blood Stem Cells/cytology ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic led to the widespread adoption of cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), diverging from the traditional preference for fresh grafts. Although cryopreservation ensures graft availability during logistical disruptions, its impact on transplantation outcomes remains uncertain. Existing studies report mixed findings, and no consensus has been established regarding long-term outcomes. In the present study, we compared clinical outcomes of fresh versus cryopreserved allogeneic PBSC grafts in patients undergoing HSCT, with a focus on engraftment and survival outcomes, and evaluated the consistency of reported effects across studies, through a meta-analysis and systematic review of retrospective cohort studies published between 2005 and 2025. PubMed and Embase were searched through May 10, 2025. Primary outcomes included composite, primary, and secondary graft failure; secondary outcomes included engraftment times, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS). Random-effects and fixed-effects models were conducted using R, and Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized when necessary. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, and 19 studies were included in the systematic review. Fresh grafts were associated with significantly lower odds of composite graft failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.58), primary graft failure (OR, 0.60), and secondary graft failure (OR, 0.46), all with low heterogeneity. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were similar, although platelet engraftment showed a nonsignificant trend favoring fresh grafts (-1.34 days; P = .058). One-year and 2-year OS favored fresh grafts in fixed-effects models (OR, 1.15 and 1.16, respectively), but these associations were not significant under random-effects models owing to substantial heterogeneity. One-year RFS also favored fresh grafts in the fixed-effects model (OR, 1.25) but lost significance in the random-effects model. In contrast, 2-year RFS consistently favored fresh grafts across both models (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.35; I[2] = 0%). Our findings indicate that fresh PBSC grafts are associated with significantly lower rates of graft failure and may confer long-term survival benefits compared to cryopreserved grafts. While survival outcomes varied by statistical model because of heterogeneity, no studies reported superior outcomes with cryopreserved products. These findings support the preferential use of fresh grafts when feasible. Preclinical and clinical studies are needed to further improve the cryopreservation process. Subgroup analyses also may help identify patient populations most likely to benefit from fresh grafts.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cryopreservation/methods
*Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
*Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
Transplantation, Homologous
Graft Survival
COVID-19
*Peripheral Blood Stem Cells/cytology
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-16
Chinese expert consensus on the combined use of antiviral drugs for novel coronavirus infection.
Bioscience trends, 19(5):484-494.
The persistent mutation of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not only remains a threat to human health but also continues to challenge existing antiviral therapeutic strategies. In current clinical practice, the resistance of novel coronavirus to antivirals, the rebound of viral load after treatment with drugs such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NTV/r), and the urgent need for rapid clearance of the virus in the management of critically and emergently ill patients suggest that the existing single-drug regimens may have limitations and that the intensity of suppression may be insufficient in some cases. In clinical practice, we have observed that a combination of antivirals with different mechanisms of action can result in better efficacy and not significantly increase adverse drug reactions (ADRs). For some immunosuppressed, post-transplantation, or other special patients in particular, such as those in whom COVID-19 nucleic acids tended not to be negative after conventional treatment, when virus clearance is still the main goal, the combination of small-molecule antivirals can help to clear the virus as early as possible and attempt to improve the success rate of salvage. Based on evidence-based medicine and in light of the current situation of China, we assembled experts from disciplines such as infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, critical care medicine, and clinical pharmacy into a group to carry out a systematic literature search and identify key issues and to put forward relevant recommendations to reach an Expert Consensus on Combined Use of Oral Small-molecule Antivirals to Treat COVID-19, which is intended to serve as a reference for clinical practice.
Additional Links: PMID-40866234
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40866234,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, G and Yuan, J and Wei, Y and Wu, Y and Zhang, Q and Li, X and Fu, L and Gao, Y and Zheng, Y and Sun, H and Weng, W and Chen, J and Chong, Y and Wu, T and Wu, G and Gong, Z and Deng, X and Mao, L and Huang, C and Qu, Z and Qin, B and Jiang, Y and Lin, F and Lin, B and Liu, X and Xu, K and Peng, J and Wu, Z and Liu, C and Li, W and Qiao, K and Yang, L and Ye, C and Huang, J and Xu, Y and Zhang, J and Sun, Y and Lai, X and Liu, B and Qian, W and Li, X and Yu, H and Yang, X and Hu, Z and Lu, H and , },
title = {Chinese expert consensus on the combined use of antiviral drugs for novel coronavirus infection.},
journal = {Bioscience trends},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {484-494},
doi = {10.5582/bst.2025.01244},
pmid = {40866234},
issn = {1881-7823},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; China ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Ritonavir/therapeutic use ; Consensus ; COVID-19 ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {The persistent mutation of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) not only remains a threat to human health but also continues to challenge existing antiviral therapeutic strategies. In current clinical practice, the resistance of novel coronavirus to antivirals, the rebound of viral load after treatment with drugs such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NTV/r), and the urgent need for rapid clearance of the virus in the management of critically and emergently ill patients suggest that the existing single-drug regimens may have limitations and that the intensity of suppression may be insufficient in some cases. In clinical practice, we have observed that a combination of antivirals with different mechanisms of action can result in better efficacy and not significantly increase adverse drug reactions (ADRs). For some immunosuppressed, post-transplantation, or other special patients in particular, such as those in whom COVID-19 nucleic acids tended not to be negative after conventional treatment, when virus clearance is still the main goal, the combination of small-molecule antivirals can help to clear the virus as early as possible and attempt to improve the success rate of salvage. Based on evidence-based medicine and in light of the current situation of China, we assembled experts from disciplines such as infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, critical care medicine, and clinical pharmacy into a group to carry out a systematic literature search and identify key issues and to put forward relevant recommendations to reach an Expert Consensus on Combined Use of Oral Small-molecule Antivirals to Treat COVID-19, which is intended to serve as a reference for clinical practice.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
China
Drug Therapy, Combination
Ritonavir/therapeutic use
Consensus
COVID-19
East Asian People
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-11-16
Expert consensus on combination antiviral therapy for high-risk COVID-19 patients: A timely call to action.
Bioscience trends, 19(5):479-483.
On May 5, 2023, the WHO declared that the COVID-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve on a global scale. The WHO reported that COVID-19 still poses a threat to humanity, and especially in some areas with large numbers of infected people. For some high-risk COVID-19 patients, such as those with underlying conditions, elderly patients, patients who need long-term immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation, patients with immunosuppressive diseases, patients who tend not to test negative for SARS-CoV-2 despite standard antiviral therapy, and cancer patients, special attention is still required after infection with SARS-CoV-2. How to clear SARS-CoV-2 in a timely manner is the key to treating such patients. Based on the demands of clinical practice and medical evidence, the National Center for Infectious Diseases of China assembled experts from relevant disciplines to reach the Chinese expert consensus on the combined use of antivirals to treat COVID-19, providing timely suggestions to resolve the medication issues that have been plaguing clinical practice. The consensus suggests that for special patients, combined medication can promptly eliminate the virus without increasing the risk to patient safety.
Additional Links: PMID-40850755
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40850755,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, G and Lu, H},
title = {Expert consensus on combination antiviral therapy for high-risk COVID-19 patients: A timely call to action.},
journal = {Bioscience trends},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {479-483},
doi = {10.5582/bst.2025.01254},
pmid = {40850755},
issn = {1881-7823},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Consensus ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; China/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {On May 5, 2023, the WHO declared that the COVID-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), but SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve on a global scale. The WHO reported that COVID-19 still poses a threat to humanity, and especially in some areas with large numbers of infected people. For some high-risk COVID-19 patients, such as those with underlying conditions, elderly patients, patients who need long-term immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation, patients with immunosuppressive diseases, patients who tend not to test negative for SARS-CoV-2 despite standard antiviral therapy, and cancer patients, special attention is still required after infection with SARS-CoV-2. How to clear SARS-CoV-2 in a timely manner is the key to treating such patients. Based on the demands of clinical practice and medical evidence, the National Center for Infectious Diseases of China assembled experts from relevant disciplines to reach the Chinese expert consensus on the combined use of antivirals to treat COVID-19, providing timely suggestions to resolve the medication issues that have been plaguing clinical practice. The consensus suggests that for special patients, combined medication can promptly eliminate the virus without increasing the risk to patient safety.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Consensus
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Drug Therapy, Combination
China/epidemiology
RevDate: 2026-02-01
CmpDate: 2026-02-01
Therapeutic Mechanisms of Traditional Kampo Medicines in the Management of Mild COVID-19 through Gut Microbiota Modulation.
Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan), 65(3):362-367.
Despite antiviral administration, a small number of patients still suffer from prolonged and severe COVID-19 owing to excessive inflammation. Traditional Kampo medicines (TKMs) with a heat-clearing effect have anti-inflammatory effects, such as a reduced NF-κB activity, and rarely cause serious side effects when administered for a short period of time. After oral administration, TKMs interact with the gut microbiota, producing two types of metabolites: metabolites from the gut microbiota (of food and host origin) and TKM compounds transformed by the gut microbiota. Both metabolites decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TKM compounds transformed by the gut microbiota may exhibit superior bioavailability compared with their precursors. In this review, we assessed the mechanism by which bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory effects, such as berberine, baicalin, saikosaponin, kaempferol, and short-chain fatty acids, are effective in treating respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infection.
Additional Links: PMID-40634102
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid40634102,
year = {2026},
author = {Chiba, S and Niwa, Y and Furukata, M and Morishita, K and Shinohara, K},
title = {Therapeutic Mechanisms of Traditional Kampo Medicines in the Management of Mild COVID-19 through Gut Microbiota Modulation.},
journal = {Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan)},
volume = {65},
number = {3},
pages = {362-367},
doi = {10.2169/internalmedicine.5851-25},
pmid = {40634102},
issn = {1349-7235},
mesh = {Humans ; *Medicine, Kampo/methods ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Pandemics ; *Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {Despite antiviral administration, a small number of patients still suffer from prolonged and severe COVID-19 owing to excessive inflammation. Traditional Kampo medicines (TKMs) with a heat-clearing effect have anti-inflammatory effects, such as a reduced NF-κB activity, and rarely cause serious side effects when administered for a short period of time. After oral administration, TKMs interact with the gut microbiota, producing two types of metabolites: metabolites from the gut microbiota (of food and host origin) and TKM compounds transformed by the gut microbiota. Both metabolites decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. TKM compounds transformed by the gut microbiota may exhibit superior bioavailability compared with their precursors. In this review, we assessed the mechanism by which bioactive substances with anti-inflammatory effects, such as berberine, baicalin, saikosaponin, kaempferol, and short-chain fatty acids, are effective in treating respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Medicine, Kampo/methods
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects/physiology
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Pandemics
*Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Betacoronavirus
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-09-17
Management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients: an European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases consensus document.
Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 31(10):1655-1666.
INTRODUCTION: Data on treatment of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients emerged recently; however, published guidelines for the management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients are lacking.
AIM AND METHODS: To develop consensus statements derived from evidence and expert opinion on management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients, an expert panel was convened by European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The expert panel developed a list of questions which are of general interest for clinicians and readers with backgrounds in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. Six questions were selected. For each question, systematic literature searches were undertaken. We considered most study types, including clinical trials, observational studies with or without a control group, systematic reviews, case series, and case reports. Detailed inclusion criteria were defined for each research question using the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome format. Immunocompromised patients included patients with (a) primary immune deficiencies; (b) active malignancy or malignancy diagnosed or received cancer therapies within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis, (c) HIV with a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm[3] or percentage <14%; (d) receipt of solid organ transplant within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis; (e) receipt of haematopoietic cell transplant or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis; (f) receipt of systemic corticosteroid therapy with a dose of ≥20 mg prednisone or equivalent daily for ≥14 days or a cumulative dose of >600 mg of prednisone; (g) receipt of biological immune modulators; or (h) receipt of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or other immunosuppressive drugs. The panel's consensus statements were based on evidence, supplemented by experience and expert opinion, especially in cases when evidence was limited or scarce. This document is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standard.
Additional Links: PMID-40562174
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40562174,
year = {2025},
author = {Bartoletti, M and Azap, O and Barac, A and Ben Selma, M and Ergonul, O and Gkrania-Klotsas, E and Grossi, PA and Krause, R and Nagavci, B and Paño-Pardo, JR and Pierrotti, LC and Power, N and RodrÃguez-Baño, J and Sibani, M and Slavin, MA and Szabo, BG and Tazza, B and Yung Tsang, NN and Tsiodras, S and Zollner-Schwetz, I and Chemaly, RF and , },
title = {Management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients: an European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases consensus document.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {1655-1666},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2025.05.032},
pmid = {40562174},
issn = {1469-0691},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Europe ; *Immunocompromised Host ; Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Data on treatment of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients emerged recently; however, published guidelines for the management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients are lacking.
AIM AND METHODS: To develop consensus statements derived from evidence and expert opinion on management of COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients, an expert panel was convened by European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. The expert panel developed a list of questions which are of general interest for clinicians and readers with backgrounds in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. Six questions were selected. For each question, systematic literature searches were undertaken. We considered most study types, including clinical trials, observational studies with or without a control group, systematic reviews, case series, and case reports. Detailed inclusion criteria were defined for each research question using the Population Intervention Comparison Outcome format. Immunocompromised patients included patients with (a) primary immune deficiencies; (b) active malignancy or malignancy diagnosed or received cancer therapies within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis, (c) HIV with a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <200 cells/mm[3] or percentage <14%; (d) receipt of solid organ transplant within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis; (e) receipt of haematopoietic cell transplant or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy within 1 year of COVID-19 diagnosis; (f) receipt of systemic corticosteroid therapy with a dose of ≥20 mg prednisone or equivalent daily for ≥14 days or a cumulative dose of >600 mg of prednisone; (g) receipt of biological immune modulators; or (h) receipt of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or other immunosuppressive drugs. The panel's consensus statements were based on evidence, supplemented by experience and expert opinion, especially in cases when evidence was limited or scarce. This document is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standard.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/therapy
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Europe
*Immunocompromised Host
Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-04-20
Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus.
Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, 24(1):27.
BACKGROUND: Long COVID is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome affecting over four hundred million people globally. There are few recommendations, and no formal training exists for medical professionals to assist with clinical evaluation and management of patients with Long COVID. More research into the pathology, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Long COVID, and treatments is needed. The goal of this work is to disseminate essential information about Long COVID and recommendations about definition, diagnosis, treatment, research and social issues to physicians, researchers, and policy makers to address this escalating global health crisis.
METHODS: A 3-round modified Delphi consensus methodology was distributed internationally to 179 healthcare professionals, researchers, and persons with lived experience of Long COVID in 28 countries. Statements were combined into specific areas: definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society.
RESULTS: The survey resulted in 187 comprehensive statements reaching consensus with the strongest areas being diagnosis and clinical assessment, and general research. We establish conditions for diagnosis of different subgroups within the Long COVID umbrella. Clear consensus was reached that the impacts of COVID-19 infection on children should be a research priority, and additionally on the need to determine the effects of Long COVID on societies and economies. The consensus on COVID and Long COVID is that it affects the nervous system and other organs and is not likely to be observed with initial symptoms. We note, biomarkers are critically needed to address these issues.
CONCLUSIONS: This work forms initial guidance to address the spectrum of Long COVID as a disease and reinforces the need for translational research and large-scale treatment trials for treatment protocols.
Additional Links: PMID-40254579
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40254579,
year = {2025},
author = {Ewing, AG and Joffe, D and Blitshteyn, S and Brooks, AES and Wist, J and Bar-Yam, Y and Bilodeau, S and Curtin, J and Duncan, R and Faghy, M and Galland, L and Pretorius, E and Salamon, S and Buonsenso, D and Hastie, C and Kane, B and Khan, MA and Lal, A and Lau, D and MacIntyre, R and McFarland, S and Munblit, D and Nicholson, J and Ollila, HM and Putrino, D and Rosario, A and Tan, T and , },
title = {Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus.},
journal = {Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {40254579},
issn = {1476-0711},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/therapy/complications/epidemiology ; Consensus ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Delphi Technique ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Global Health ; Child ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome affecting over four hundred million people globally. There are few recommendations, and no formal training exists for medical professionals to assist with clinical evaluation and management of patients with Long COVID. More research into the pathology, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Long COVID, and treatments is needed. The goal of this work is to disseminate essential information about Long COVID and recommendations about definition, diagnosis, treatment, research and social issues to physicians, researchers, and policy makers to address this escalating global health crisis.
METHODS: A 3-round modified Delphi consensus methodology was distributed internationally to 179 healthcare professionals, researchers, and persons with lived experience of Long COVID in 28 countries. Statements were combined into specific areas: definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society.
RESULTS: The survey resulted in 187 comprehensive statements reaching consensus with the strongest areas being diagnosis and clinical assessment, and general research. We establish conditions for diagnosis of different subgroups within the Long COVID umbrella. Clear consensus was reached that the impacts of COVID-19 infection on children should be a research priority, and additionally on the need to determine the effects of Long COVID on societies and economies. The consensus on COVID and Long COVID is that it affects the nervous system and other organs and is not likely to be observed with initial symptoms. We note, biomarkers are critically needed to address these issues.
CONCLUSIONS: This work forms initial guidance to address the spectrum of Long COVID as a disease and reinforces the need for translational research and large-scale treatment trials for treatment protocols.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/therapy/complications/epidemiology
Consensus
SARS-CoV-2
Delphi Technique
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Global Health
Child
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-04-10
Expert consensus on implementing patient-reported outcomes in telehealth: findings from an international Delphi study.
Journal of patient-reported outcomes, 9(1):40.
BACKGROUND: Using Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) in clinical care can reduce healthcare service utilization by improving the quality of care. Telehealth, defined by WHO, as the use of "telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare outside of traditional healthcare facilities", can facilitate a dynamic dialogue between patients and healthcare providers for timely interventions. With the increased use of telehealth facilitated by the infrastructure development during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an opportunity to utilize telehealth for PRO implementation and a need for guidelines for using PROs via telehealth. This study aimed to generate expert consensus on the utilization of PROs in telehealth.
METHODS: Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus among international experts with a predetermined consensus threshold of 70%. Experts were mainly identified through the ISOQOL Clinical Practice SIG. Surveys asked a combination of structured and open-ended questions about the conceptualization of PROs in telehealth, its applicability, target population, implementation challenges and successful strategies, evaluation approaches, and the essential stakeholders. Data from each round were iteratively analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and content analysis (qualitative data).
RESULTS: Out of 24 invitations sent, 17 completed the first round, and 11 completed all three rounds. Respondents were equally distributed between clinicians and researchers and 70% had used PROs via telehealth before the pandemic. Consensus was achieved and some of the relevant aspects are monitoring patients for applicability; individuals with chronic diseases as the target population; resources, staff buy-in, and clinical workflow as the implementation challenges and strategies; utilization metrics for evaluation; and clinicians and patients as essential stakeholders. Though consensus was not reached for the conceptualization of PROs using telehealth, the modified FDA definition of telehealth with the addition of its purpose, and the mode of administration was the most acceptable version. See attached table.
CONCLUSION: The expert consensus achieved provides important insights from an international perspective on how PROs are currently used via telehealth and the needed implementation support to advance their expansion in research and practice. Lack of consensus on the definition of PROs in telehealth signals the continued rapid evolution of their use and the need for additional research.
Additional Links: PMID-40205292
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40205292,
year = {2025},
author = {Unni, EJ and Schougaard, LMV and Aiyegbusi, OL and Mate, KKV and Austin, EJ and Greffin, K and Roberts, N and Grove, BE and Muehlan, H and , },
title = {Expert consensus on implementing patient-reported outcomes in telehealth: findings from an international Delphi study.},
journal = {Journal of patient-reported outcomes},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {40},
pmid = {40205292},
issn = {2509-8020},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; Delphi Technique ; *Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Consensus ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Using Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) in clinical care can reduce healthcare service utilization by improving the quality of care. Telehealth, defined by WHO, as the use of "telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver healthcare outside of traditional healthcare facilities", can facilitate a dynamic dialogue between patients and healthcare providers for timely interventions. With the increased use of telehealth facilitated by the infrastructure development during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an opportunity to utilize telehealth for PRO implementation and a need for guidelines for using PROs via telehealth. This study aimed to generate expert consensus on the utilization of PROs in telehealth.
METHODS: Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus among international experts with a predetermined consensus threshold of 70%. Experts were mainly identified through the ISOQOL Clinical Practice SIG. Surveys asked a combination of structured and open-ended questions about the conceptualization of PROs in telehealth, its applicability, target population, implementation challenges and successful strategies, evaluation approaches, and the essential stakeholders. Data from each round were iteratively analyzed using descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and content analysis (qualitative data).
RESULTS: Out of 24 invitations sent, 17 completed the first round, and 11 completed all three rounds. Respondents were equally distributed between clinicians and researchers and 70% had used PROs via telehealth before the pandemic. Consensus was achieved and some of the relevant aspects are monitoring patients for applicability; individuals with chronic diseases as the target population; resources, staff buy-in, and clinical workflow as the implementation challenges and strategies; utilization metrics for evaluation; and clinicians and patients as essential stakeholders. Though consensus was not reached for the conceptualization of PROs using telehealth, the modified FDA definition of telehealth with the addition of its purpose, and the mode of administration was the most acceptable version. See attached table.
CONCLUSION: The expert consensus achieved provides important insights from an international perspective on how PROs are currently used via telehealth and the needed implementation support to advance their expansion in research and practice. Lack of consensus on the definition of PROs in telehealth signals the continued rapid evolution of their use and the need for additional research.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Telemedicine
Delphi Technique
*Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Consensus
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-12
[Chinese expert consensus on prevention and treatment of immunotherapeutic and molecular targeted agents-related infections in patients with hematological malignancies (2025)].
Zhonghua xue ye xue za zhi = Zhonghua xueyexue zazhi, 46(1):18-30.
As novel therapeutic agents continue to emerge, immunotherapy and molecular-targeted drugs demonstrate expanding application prospects in hematological malignancy treatment. This expert consensus revision incorporates the latest evidence-based medicine from domestic and international sources, updating recommendations for infection diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The document integrates recommendations for recently launched or imminent antibodies and small molecule targeted compounds, including COVID-19 considerations. This format of recommendations is modified according to the levels of evidence of The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM).
Additional Links: PMID-40059678
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40059678,
year = {2025},
author = {, and , and , },
title = {[Chinese expert consensus on prevention and treatment of immunotherapeutic and molecular targeted agents-related infections in patients with hematological malignancies (2025)].},
journal = {Zhonghua xue ye xue za zhi = Zhonghua xueyexue zazhi},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
pages = {18-30},
pmid = {40059678},
issn = {0253-2727},
mesh = {Humans ; Consensus ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; *Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/drug therapy/complications ; *Immunotherapy ; *Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; China ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {As novel therapeutic agents continue to emerge, immunotherapy and molecular-targeted drugs demonstrate expanding application prospects in hematological malignancy treatment. This expert consensus revision incorporates the latest evidence-based medicine from domestic and international sources, updating recommendations for infection diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The document integrates recommendations for recently launched or imminent antibodies and small molecule targeted compounds, including COVID-19 considerations. This format of recommendations is modified according to the levels of evidence of The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (CEBM).},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Consensus
COVID-19/prevention & control
Evidence-Based Medicine
*Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/drug therapy/complications
*Immunotherapy
*Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects
SARS-CoV-2
China
East Asian People
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-09
[Interpretation of the Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction 2023 (PPOD-23)].
Zhonghua er bi yan hou tou jing wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery, 60(2):212-216.
Additional Links: PMID-40010790
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid40010790,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, JG and Chen, CY and Zhu, K and Ren, XY and Li, HB},
title = {[Interpretation of the Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction 2023 (PPOD-23)].},
journal = {Zhonghua er bi yan hou tou jing wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {212-216},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn115330-20240428-00246},
pmid = {40010790},
issn = {1673-0860},
support = {2024SF-YBXM-345//Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province/ ; xzy012020046//Basic Research Fund for the Central Universities/ ; 2021JQ-418//Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province Youth Project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 ; *Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/therapy ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Coronavirus Infections/complications ; *Pneumonia, Viral ; Betacoronavirus ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; },
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
COVID-19
*Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/therapy
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
*Coronavirus Infections/complications
*Pneumonia, Viral
Betacoronavirus
Practice Guidelines as Topic
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-08
Reconstruction of a resilient and secure community and medical care system in the coronavirus era - English translation of the Japanese opinion released from the Science Council of Japan.
Geriatrics & gerontology international, 25(4):481-490.
BACKGROUND: Over 3 years have passed since the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease associated with a high risk of severe illness and death among older individuals. This period has brought to light regional and social issues, including issues in overall and regional healthcare, that existed before the epidemic. "COVID-19-related frailty" is defined as secondary damage to health caused by inactivity and disconnection from human interaction owing to prolonged isolation among older individuals. Now in its fourth year, COVID-19 cannot be taken lightly, even though it is now a Category 5 infectious disease. Looking at it from the perspective of the Corona (COVID-19)/post-Corona (COVID-19) era and society, it is necessary to reconstruct regional communities in which active residents can resume their activities, a resilient regional society from multiple perspectives, and a medical and care system that can give the public a sense of security, all of which will lead to the development of local communities.
Weak healthcare systems in emergencies such as emerging infectious diseases and disasters The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges in the management of older individuals in Japan. These challenges are common to those encountered with other emerging infectious diseases and disasters; however, the pandemic has emphasized the vulnerability of older adults. End-of-life care and advance care planning do not function during a contingency The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the end-of-life (EOL) care of older adults, with the lack of implementation and dysfunction of advance care planning (ACP) identified as the biggest factors. This has made it difficult for this population to share their values, intentions, and life goals with their families and healthcare providers. Inadequate use of information and communication technology and the latest technologies Disparity in the digital field (digital divide) is more pronounced among older individuals. Consequently, the benefits of new technologies, such as digitalization and robotics, have not fully reached older individuals, leading to social isolation and frailty in this population. Various secondary health outcomes have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic The influence of misinformation and disinformation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated secondary health outcomes, as excessive isolation in life has become prolonged. The inability of older individuals to screen information is a source of major concern. Furthermore, older adults are generally vulnerable to information technology and often face difficulty in accessing correct information. Lack of human resources in the field of public health The promotion of vaccine development, therapeutic drug development, and measures to prevent serious illnesses among older adults remain major challenges, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Information gathering and analysis during normal times are also important issues in the public health, medical care, and nursing care sectors. A shortage of human resources for this purpose has also become evident.
CONTENT OF OPINION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the compilation of a vision for the future of the aging Japanese society from the viewpoint of individual health as well as from a broader viewpoint of the systems in the medical community, local community, and environment. These views will be reflected in the policies (including cross-ministerial flow) of academic associations such as the Japan Geriatrics Society; the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; the Cabinet Office; and various professional organizations. Healthcare systems that respond promptly to other emerging infectious diseases, disasters, and contingencies should be reconstructed As an issue that can commonly arise during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, disasters, and other contingencies, a healthcare system designed for the older population, the most vulnerable segment of the population, must be developed. EOL care and ACP that is fully respected even in a contingency should be accelerated ACP should be implemented from an early stage, so that all parties involved can share values, intentions, and life goals with family members and healthcare personnel such that they are reflected in EOL care. This will enable older individuals to live as they desire until EOL. Use of information and communication technology and new technologies should be promoted to actively build new regional communication Disparities in the digital field (digital divide) must be eliminated to create an environment that enables everyone to benefit from digitalization. Furthermore, new regional communication systems, wherein the perspective of mobility support is key, must be created to prevent social isolation. The secondary health outcomes caused by the COVID-19 disaster among older individuals should be prevented through a multifaceted approach Utmost attention must be paid to preventing the occurrence of secondary health outcomes through a multifaceted approach that includes raising awareness regarding health maintenance and providing appropriate information related to health maintenance. Research in the field of public health must be promoted to strengthen human resource development in this area, with a focus on analyzing information on health, medical care, and long-term care from ordinary times Continuous support must be provided even before the occurrence of emergencies to facilitate basic research that will lead to clinical applications. Researchers at universities and research organizations, in particular, must strive to promote these activities. In addition, the government (local and national governments that have data and the national government that supports research and human resource development) must also commit to playing an important role in such research activities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 481-490.
Additional Links: PMID-39970940
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39970940,
year = {2025},
author = {Iijima, K and Akishita, M and Endo, T and Ichikawa, T and Ozaki, N and Ogasawara, K and Kihara, Y and Kuzuya, M and Komatsu, H and Terasaki, H and Doki, Y and Noguchi, H and Nishi, K and Nishimura, Y and Haga, N and Miyachi, M and Yasumura, S and Wake, J and Arai, H},
title = {Reconstruction of a resilient and secure community and medical care system in the coronavirus era - English translation of the Japanese opinion released from the Science Council of Japan.},
journal = {Geriatrics & gerontology international},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {481-490},
pmid = {39970940},
issn = {1447-0594},
mesh = {Aged ; Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; Japan/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over 3 years have passed since the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease associated with a high risk of severe illness and death among older individuals. This period has brought to light regional and social issues, including issues in overall and regional healthcare, that existed before the epidemic. "COVID-19-related frailty" is defined as secondary damage to health caused by inactivity and disconnection from human interaction owing to prolonged isolation among older individuals. Now in its fourth year, COVID-19 cannot be taken lightly, even though it is now a Category 5 infectious disease. Looking at it from the perspective of the Corona (COVID-19)/post-Corona (COVID-19) era and society, it is necessary to reconstruct regional communities in which active residents can resume their activities, a resilient regional society from multiple perspectives, and a medical and care system that can give the public a sense of security, all of which will lead to the development of local communities.
Weak healthcare systems in emergencies such as emerging infectious diseases and disasters The COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges in the management of older individuals in Japan. These challenges are common to those encountered with other emerging infectious diseases and disasters; however, the pandemic has emphasized the vulnerability of older adults. End-of-life care and advance care planning do not function during a contingency The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the end-of-life (EOL) care of older adults, with the lack of implementation and dysfunction of advance care planning (ACP) identified as the biggest factors. This has made it difficult for this population to share their values, intentions, and life goals with their families and healthcare providers. Inadequate use of information and communication technology and the latest technologies Disparity in the digital field (digital divide) is more pronounced among older individuals. Consequently, the benefits of new technologies, such as digitalization and robotics, have not fully reached older individuals, leading to social isolation and frailty in this population. Various secondary health outcomes have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic The influence of misinformation and disinformation following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated secondary health outcomes, as excessive isolation in life has become prolonged. The inability of older individuals to screen information is a source of major concern. Furthermore, older adults are generally vulnerable to information technology and often face difficulty in accessing correct information. Lack of human resources in the field of public health The promotion of vaccine development, therapeutic drug development, and measures to prevent serious illnesses among older adults remain major challenges, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Information gathering and analysis during normal times are also important issues in the public health, medical care, and nursing care sectors. A shortage of human resources for this purpose has also become evident.
CONTENT OF OPINION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the compilation of a vision for the future of the aging Japanese society from the viewpoint of individual health as well as from a broader viewpoint of the systems in the medical community, local community, and environment. These views will be reflected in the policies (including cross-ministerial flow) of academic associations such as the Japan Geriatrics Society; the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; the Cabinet Office; and various professional organizations. Healthcare systems that respond promptly to other emerging infectious diseases, disasters, and contingencies should be reconstructed As an issue that can commonly arise during the COVID-19 pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, disasters, and other contingencies, a healthcare system designed for the older population, the most vulnerable segment of the population, must be developed. EOL care and ACP that is fully respected even in a contingency should be accelerated ACP should be implemented from an early stage, so that all parties involved can share values, intentions, and life goals with family members and healthcare personnel such that they are reflected in EOL care. This will enable older individuals to live as they desire until EOL. Use of information and communication technology and new technologies should be promoted to actively build new regional communication Disparities in the digital field (digital divide) must be eliminated to create an environment that enables everyone to benefit from digitalization. Furthermore, new regional communication systems, wherein the perspective of mobility support is key, must be created to prevent social isolation. The secondary health outcomes caused by the COVID-19 disaster among older individuals should be prevented through a multifaceted approach Utmost attention must be paid to preventing the occurrence of secondary health outcomes through a multifaceted approach that includes raising awareness regarding health maintenance and providing appropriate information related to health maintenance. Research in the field of public health must be promoted to strengthen human resource development in this area, with a focus on analyzing information on health, medical care, and long-term care from ordinary times Continuous support must be provided even before the occurrence of emergencies to facilitate basic research that will lead to clinical applications. Researchers at universities and research organizations, in particular, must strive to promote these activities. In addition, the government (local and national governments that have data and the national government that supports research and human resource development) must also commit to playing an important role in such research activities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 481-490.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Aged
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
Japan/epidemiology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
East Asian People
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Sharing reliable information worldwide: healthcare strategies based on artificial intelligence need external validation. Position paper.
BMC medical informatics and decision making, 25(1):56.
Training machine learning models using data from severe COVID-19 patients admitted to a central hospital, where entire wards are specifically dedicated to COVID-19, may yield predictions that differ significantly from those generated using data collected from patients admitted to a high-volume specialized hospital for orthopedic surgery, where COVID-19 is only a secondary diagnosis. This disparity arises despite the two hospitals being geographically close (within20 kilometers). While machine learning can facilitate rapid public health responses, rigorous external validation and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure reliability and safety.
Additional Links: PMID-39905337
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39905337,
year = {2025},
author = {Pennestrì, F and Cabitza, F and Picerno, N and Banfi, G},
title = {Sharing reliable information worldwide: healthcare strategies based on artificial intelligence need external validation. Position paper.},
journal = {BMC medical informatics and decision making},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {56},
pmid = {39905337},
issn = {1472-6947},
support = {Ricerca Corrente//Ministero della Salute/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *COVID-19 ; *Information Dissemination/methods ; *Machine Learning ; Reproducibility of Results ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Training machine learning models using data from severe COVID-19 patients admitted to a central hospital, where entire wards are specifically dedicated to COVID-19, may yield predictions that differ significantly from those generated using data collected from patients admitted to a high-volume specialized hospital for orthopedic surgery, where COVID-19 is only a secondary diagnosis. This disparity arises despite the two hospitals being geographically close (within20 kilometers). While machine learning can facilitate rapid public health responses, rigorous external validation and continuous monitoring are essential to ensure reliability and safety.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*COVID-19
*Information Dissemination/methods
*Machine Learning
Reproducibility of Results
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-05-03
[Expert consensus on flow cytometry-based assays for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and related operating procedure].
Zhonghua yi xue za zhi, 105(4):261-270.
T-cell immune response is an important component of antiviral immunity, it is of great significance to determine their absolute counts, relative frequencies and functionalities for evaluating protective immunity in individuals and population. However, there is a lack of guidelines or a consensus on assays for antigen-specific T cells. It is necessary to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in population during and after COVID-19 epidemic. To standardize the detection method for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, the Chinese Society for Immunology organized experts and reached a consensus on the detection method, biomarker combination scheme, technical points of SOP, quality control, data analysis and interpretation of results, personnel training, etc. The consensus is of guiding significance to establish standard detection methods and operating procedures for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, which is beneficial for the consistency and comparability of results from different laboratories, and also provides reference for antigen-specific T cell standard detection methods for other pathogens (such as influenza) infection.
Additional Links: PMID-39865009
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39865009,
year = {2025},
author = {, },
title = {[Expert consensus on flow cytometry-based assays for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells and related operating procedure].},
journal = {Zhonghua yi xue za zhi},
volume = {105},
number = {4},
pages = {261-270},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20240923-02164},
pmid = {39865009},
issn = {0376-2491},
support = {EKPG21-30-3//Emergency Key Program of Guangzhou Laboratory/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Flow Cytometry/methods ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Consensus ; COVID-19/immunology ; *T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; },
abstract = {T-cell immune response is an important component of antiviral immunity, it is of great significance to determine their absolute counts, relative frequencies and functionalities for evaluating protective immunity in individuals and population. However, there is a lack of guidelines or a consensus on assays for antigen-specific T cells. It is necessary to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in population during and after COVID-19 epidemic. To standardize the detection method for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, the Chinese Society for Immunology organized experts and reached a consensus on the detection method, biomarker combination scheme, technical points of SOP, quality control, data analysis and interpretation of results, personnel training, etc. The consensus is of guiding significance to establish standard detection methods and operating procedures for SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells, which is beneficial for the consistency and comparability of results from different laboratories, and also provides reference for antigen-specific T cell standard detection methods for other pathogens (such as influenza) infection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Flow Cytometry/methods
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Consensus
COVID-19/immunology
*T-Lymphocytes/immunology
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2025-01-06
[Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in the elderly (2024 Edition)].
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, 48(1):18-34.
China is experiencing a demographic shift as its population ages. The elderly population becomes increasingly susceptible to pneumonia. Pneumonia in the elderly is characterized by its insidious onset, rapid progression, multiple comorbidities, poor prognosis, and high morbidity and mortality. Physicians need to pay attention to developing more comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and treatment strategies, and ensuring personalized care to the greatest extent. In order to improve the prevention and management of pneumonia in elderly, this consensus incorporates the latest guidelines and consensus from both domestic and international sources. The latest progress in this research field is also included. The document addresses 17 clinical issues in a question-and-answer format and provides 13 recommendations on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pneumonia in older adults. It provides reference for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia in elderly, improving their quality of life, reducing hospitalization and mortality, and promoting healthy aging. The specific recommendations are as follows.Recommendation 1:The main risk factors for pneumonia in the elderly include age (Recommended Level â… A), age-related systemic factors (such as poor physical condition, underlying diseases, and concomitant medications), and specific factors (specifically dysphagia and aspiration). The risk increases progressively with age (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 2:Pneumonia in elderly individuals often presents with an insidious onset and atypical respiratory symptoms, especially in super-elderly patients. Initially, symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and disturbance of consciousness. Moreover, elderly patients often have underlying conditions such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders, which can lead to rapid deterioration, multiple complications and sequelae. Pneumonia-related laboratory parameters in the elderly lack typical characteristic changes (Recommended Level â…¢A). The high proportion of comorbidities significantly increases the risk of pneumonia, especially pneumonia caused by drug-resistant bacteria, and the likelihood of a worse prognosis in elderly patients (Recommended Level â…¡-2A). Neurological or psychiatric disorders and therapeutic drugs such as antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of pneumonia including aspiration pneumonia, necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, hypostatic pneumonia and atelectasis in elderly patients (Recommended Level â…¡-2B).Recommendation 3:For elderly patients with suspected pneumonia, chest CT should be performed as early as possible in cases of long-term bed-ridden patients, aspiration pneumonia, or viral pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A). If conventional tests fails to identify the pathogen and empirical treatment proves to be ineffective, or if special pathogen infection such as viruses, severe or complex infection, or immunosuppression is suspected, it is advised to use invasive procedures to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pleural effusion, or lung biopsy, and to conduct molecular biology testing (PCR, mNGS, tNGS, etc.) concurrently with conventional pathogen tests (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 4:The pharmacokinetics (PK) changes of antimicrobial drugs in elderly patients and necessity of dosage reduction should be evaluated according to the unique physiological characteristics of the elderly, such as declining body function, the presence of multiple diseases, and potential medication interactions. It is recommended to combine the PK/PD characteristics of antimicrobial drugs and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) methods to guide the individualized and precise prescription for elderly patients with pneumonia. This approach aims to ensure efficacy, minimizing the risk of bacterial resistance, and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions (Recommended Level â…¡-2B).Recommendation 5:Timing of treatment: Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is made. Except for outpatient clinic visitors with mild symptoms, properly collected respiratory secretions and blood samples should be sent without delay for pathogenic microorganisms testing. During the influenza season, timely empiric antiviral therapy should be initiated without positive result (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 6:Coverage of possible pathogens: Due to the increased detection rate of various pathogens such as gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, fungi, etc., the initial treatment should cover the possible pathogens. Individualized treatment should be started according to the estimation of drug resistance risk, the of PK/PD principle, and potential drug side effects (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 7:Appropriate treatments for promoting sputum drainage and airway clearance in elderly pneumonia patients should be chosen after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition. It is crucial to assess the patient's coughing efficacy to avoid asphyxia (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 8:We recommend cautious use of glucocorticoids in elderly pneumonia patients. When it is indeed necessary to use glucocorticoids in severe pneumonia cases accompanied by septic shock and hemodynamic instability, it's crucial to tailor drug regimens carefully, monitor closely for adverse reactions, and avoid excessive or prolonged glucocorticoid use (Recommended Level â…¢B).Recommendation 9:Assessing the swallowing abilities of elderly patients is important, and individuals with dysphagia should undergo swallowing rehabilitation. These measures can help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, such as adopting a semi-recumbent posture, thickened fluids and soft foods, proper dental care, tube feeding, and discontinuing medications that increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia in older patients (Recommended Level â…¡A).Recommendation 10:We recommend that elderly individuals get an annual influenza virus vaccine (Recommended Level â… A), 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV 23) or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 13) to prevent CAP (Recommended Level â… B), and COVID-19 vaccine should also be recommended in accordance with national guidelines (Recommended Level â… A).Recommendation 11:Older individuals should quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, participate in moderate-intensity physical activity (Recommended Level â…¡-1A), have regular dental examinations, maintain good nutritional status and personal hygiene, and avoid close contact with children with acute viral respiratory infections (Recommended Level â…¡-2A).Recommendation 12:The super-elderly are more likely to experience geriatric syndromes, particularly sarcopenia and frailty, which are closely associated with the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia. Preventing and improving sarcopenia and weakness through nutrition supplement, exercise, cognitive training, etc., can effectively reduce the incidence of pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 13:We recommend that older adults with chronic underlying medical conditions, who are at increased risk of developing pneumonia, should receive personalized management and comprehensive preventive measures to strengthen the management of underlying diseases. Perioperative care for older patients should be optimized to reduce the risk of postoperative pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A).
Additional Links: PMID-39757093
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39757093,
year = {2025},
author = {, },
title = {[Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in the elderly (2024 Edition)].},
journal = {Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {18-34},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20240611-00328},
pmid = {39757093},
issn = {1001-0939},
support = {2023YFC0872500//National Key Research and Development Program Sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; 2022YFC2303200//National Key Research and Development Program Sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Pneumonia/diagnosis/therapy ; Aged ; China/epidemiology ; *Consensus ; Quality of Life ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {China is experiencing a demographic shift as its population ages. The elderly population becomes increasingly susceptible to pneumonia. Pneumonia in the elderly is characterized by its insidious onset, rapid progression, multiple comorbidities, poor prognosis, and high morbidity and mortality. Physicians need to pay attention to developing more comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and treatment strategies, and ensuring personalized care to the greatest extent. In order to improve the prevention and management of pneumonia in elderly, this consensus incorporates the latest guidelines and consensus from both domestic and international sources. The latest progress in this research field is also included. The document addresses 17 clinical issues in a question-and-answer format and provides 13 recommendations on the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pneumonia in older adults. It provides reference for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia in elderly, improving their quality of life, reducing hospitalization and mortality, and promoting healthy aging. The specific recommendations are as follows.Recommendation 1:The main risk factors for pneumonia in the elderly include age (Recommended Level â… A), age-related systemic factors (such as poor physical condition, underlying diseases, and concomitant medications), and specific factors (specifically dysphagia and aspiration). The risk increases progressively with age (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 2:Pneumonia in elderly individuals often presents with an insidious onset and atypical respiratory symptoms, especially in super-elderly patients. Initially, symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and disturbance of consciousness. Moreover, elderly patients often have underlying conditions such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders, which can lead to rapid deterioration, multiple complications and sequelae. Pneumonia-related laboratory parameters in the elderly lack typical characteristic changes (Recommended Level â…¢A). The high proportion of comorbidities significantly increases the risk of pneumonia, especially pneumonia caused by drug-resistant bacteria, and the likelihood of a worse prognosis in elderly patients (Recommended Level â…¡-2A). Neurological or psychiatric disorders and therapeutic drugs such as antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of pneumonia including aspiration pneumonia, necrotizing pneumonia, lung abscess, hypostatic pneumonia and atelectasis in elderly patients (Recommended Level â…¡-2B).Recommendation 3:For elderly patients with suspected pneumonia, chest CT should be performed as early as possible in cases of long-term bed-ridden patients, aspiration pneumonia, or viral pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A). If conventional tests fails to identify the pathogen and empirical treatment proves to be ineffective, or if special pathogen infection such as viruses, severe or complex infection, or immunosuppression is suspected, it is advised to use invasive procedures to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pleural effusion, or lung biopsy, and to conduct molecular biology testing (PCR, mNGS, tNGS, etc.) concurrently with conventional pathogen tests (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 4:The pharmacokinetics (PK) changes of antimicrobial drugs in elderly patients and necessity of dosage reduction should be evaluated according to the unique physiological characteristics of the elderly, such as declining body function, the presence of multiple diseases, and potential medication interactions. It is recommended to combine the PK/PD characteristics of antimicrobial drugs and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) methods to guide the individualized and precise prescription for elderly patients with pneumonia. This approach aims to ensure efficacy, minimizing the risk of bacterial resistance, and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions (Recommended Level â…¡-2B).Recommendation 5:Timing of treatment: Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis is made. Except for outpatient clinic visitors with mild symptoms, properly collected respiratory secretions and blood samples should be sent without delay for pathogenic microorganisms testing. During the influenza season, timely empiric antiviral therapy should be initiated without positive result (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 6:Coverage of possible pathogens: Due to the increased detection rate of various pathogens such as gram-negative bacteria, anaerobic bacteria, fungi, etc., the initial treatment should cover the possible pathogens. Individualized treatment should be started according to the estimation of drug resistance risk, the of PK/PD principle, and potential drug side effects (Recommended Level â…¡-1A).Recommendation 7:Appropriate treatments for promoting sputum drainage and airway clearance in elderly pneumonia patients should be chosen after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition. It is crucial to assess the patient's coughing efficacy to avoid asphyxia (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 8:We recommend cautious use of glucocorticoids in elderly pneumonia patients. When it is indeed necessary to use glucocorticoids in severe pneumonia cases accompanied by septic shock and hemodynamic instability, it's crucial to tailor drug regimens carefully, monitor closely for adverse reactions, and avoid excessive or prolonged glucocorticoid use (Recommended Level â…¢B).Recommendation 9:Assessing the swallowing abilities of elderly patients is important, and individuals with dysphagia should undergo swallowing rehabilitation. These measures can help reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia, such as adopting a semi-recumbent posture, thickened fluids and soft foods, proper dental care, tube feeding, and discontinuing medications that increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia in older patients (Recommended Level â…¡A).Recommendation 10:We recommend that elderly individuals get an annual influenza virus vaccine (Recommended Level â… A), 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV 23) or the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV 13) to prevent CAP (Recommended Level â… B), and COVID-19 vaccine should also be recommended in accordance with national guidelines (Recommended Level â… A).Recommendation 11:Older individuals should quit smoking, limit alcohol intake, participate in moderate-intensity physical activity (Recommended Level â…¡-1A), have regular dental examinations, maintain good nutritional status and personal hygiene, and avoid close contact with children with acute viral respiratory infections (Recommended Level â…¡-2A).Recommendation 12:The super-elderly are more likely to experience geriatric syndromes, particularly sarcopenia and frailty, which are closely associated with the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia. Preventing and improving sarcopenia and weakness through nutrition supplement, exercise, cognitive training, etc., can effectively reduce the incidence of pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A).Recommendation 13:We recommend that older adults with chronic underlying medical conditions, who are at increased risk of developing pneumonia, should receive personalized management and comprehensive preventive measures to strengthen the management of underlying diseases. Perioperative care for older patients should be optimized to reduce the risk of postoperative pneumonia (Recommended Level â…¢A).},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Pneumonia/diagnosis/therapy
Aged
China/epidemiology
*Consensus
Quality of Life
East Asian People
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-12-31
Evaluation of the Development, Implementation, Maintenance, and Impact of 3 Digital Surveillance Tools Deployed in Malawi During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Modified Delphi Expert Consensus Study.
JMIR research protocols, 13:e58389.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of strengthening national monitoring systems to safeguard a globally connected society, especially those in low- and middle-income countries. Africa's rapid adoption of digital technological interventions created a new frontier of digital advancement during crises or pandemics. The use of digital tools for disease surveillance can assist with rapid outbreak identification and response, handling duties such as diagnosis, testing, contact tracing, and risk communication. Malawi was one of the first countries in the region to launch a government-led coordinated effort to harmonize and streamline the necessary COVID-19 digital health implementation through an integrated system architecture.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to seek expert consensus using the Delphi methodology to examine Malawi's COVID-19 digital surveillance response strategy and to assess the digital tools using the World Health Organization mHealth (mobile health) Assessment and Planning for Scale (MAPS) toolkit.
METHODS: This protocol follows the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies. Participants must have first-hand experience on the design, implementation or maintenance with COVID-19 digital surveillance systems. There will be no restrictions on the level of expertise or years of experience. The panel will consist of approximately 40 participants. We will use a modified Delphi process whereby rounds 1 and 2 will be hosted online by Qualtrics and round 3 will encompass a face-to-face workshop held in Malawi. Consensus will be defined as ≥70% of participants strongly disagree, disagree, or somewhat disagree, or strongly agree, agree, or somewhat agree. During round 3, the face-to-face workshop, participants will be asked to complete, the MAPS toolkit assessment on the digital tool on which they are experts. The MAPS toolkit will enable the panel members to assess the digital tools from a sustainable perspective from six distinct, yet complementary axes: (1) groundwork, (2) partnerships, (3) financial health, (4) technology and architecture, (5) operations, and (6) monitoring and evaluation.
RESULTS: The ability of a country to collate, diagnose, monitor, and analyze data forms the cornerstone of an efficient surveillance system, allowing countries to plan and implement appropriate control actions. Malawi was one of the first countries in the African region to launch a government-led coordinated effort to harmonize and streamline the necessary COVID-19 digital health implementation through an integrated system architecture.
CONCLUSIONS: We anticipate findings from this Delphi study will provide insights into how and why Malawi was successful in deploying digital surveillance systems. In addition, findings should produce recommendations and guidance for the rapid development, implementation, maintenance, and impact of digital surveillance tools during a health crisis.
DERR1-10.2196/58389.
Additional Links: PMID-39740220
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39740220,
year = {2024},
author = {Denny, A and Ndemera, I and Chirwa, K and Wu, JTS and Chirambo, GB and Yosefe, S and Chilima, B and Kagoli, M and Lee, HY and Yu, KLJ and O'Donoghue, J},
title = {Evaluation of the Development, Implementation, Maintenance, and Impact of 3 Digital Surveillance Tools Deployed in Malawi During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Modified Delphi Expert Consensus Study.},
journal = {JMIR research protocols},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e58389},
pmid = {39740220},
issn = {1929-0748},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/diagnosis ; Malawi/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Delphi Technique ; *Consensus ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; Telemedicine/standards ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of strengthening national monitoring systems to safeguard a globally connected society, especially those in low- and middle-income countries. Africa's rapid adoption of digital technological interventions created a new frontier of digital advancement during crises or pandemics. The use of digital tools for disease surveillance can assist with rapid outbreak identification and response, handling duties such as diagnosis, testing, contact tracing, and risk communication. Malawi was one of the first countries in the region to launch a government-led coordinated effort to harmonize and streamline the necessary COVID-19 digital health implementation through an integrated system architecture.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to seek expert consensus using the Delphi methodology to examine Malawi's COVID-19 digital surveillance response strategy and to assess the digital tools using the World Health Organization mHealth (mobile health) Assessment and Planning for Scale (MAPS) toolkit.
METHODS: This protocol follows the Guidance on Conducting and REporting DElphi Studies. Participants must have first-hand experience on the design, implementation or maintenance with COVID-19 digital surveillance systems. There will be no restrictions on the level of expertise or years of experience. The panel will consist of approximately 40 participants. We will use a modified Delphi process whereby rounds 1 and 2 will be hosted online by Qualtrics and round 3 will encompass a face-to-face workshop held in Malawi. Consensus will be defined as ≥70% of participants strongly disagree, disagree, or somewhat disagree, or strongly agree, agree, or somewhat agree. During round 3, the face-to-face workshop, participants will be asked to complete, the MAPS toolkit assessment on the digital tool on which they are experts. The MAPS toolkit will enable the panel members to assess the digital tools from a sustainable perspective from six distinct, yet complementary axes: (1) groundwork, (2) partnerships, (3) financial health, (4) technology and architecture, (5) operations, and (6) monitoring and evaluation.
RESULTS: The ability of a country to collate, diagnose, monitor, and analyze data forms the cornerstone of an efficient surveillance system, allowing countries to plan and implement appropriate control actions. Malawi was one of the first countries in the African region to launch a government-led coordinated effort to harmonize and streamline the necessary COVID-19 digital health implementation through an integrated system architecture.
CONCLUSIONS: We anticipate findings from this Delphi study will provide insights into how and why Malawi was successful in deploying digital surveillance systems. In addition, findings should produce recommendations and guidance for the rapid development, implementation, maintenance, and impact of digital surveillance tools during a health crisis.
DERR1-10.2196/58389.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/diagnosis
Malawi/epidemiology
Humans
*Delphi Technique
*Consensus
*Pandemics/prevention & control
Telemedicine/standards
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-11-29
Healthy ageing in long-term care? Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: a position paper.
Primary health care research & development, 25:e66.
AIM: This position paper focuses on healthy ageing for the frailest and institutionalized older adults in the context of the recent pandemic. The paper aims to identify and discuss hindering and promoting factors for healthy ageing in this context, taking both health safety and a meaningful social life into account, in a pandemic situation and beyond.
BACKGROUND: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of frail older adults residing in long-term care institutions. This is a segment of the older population that does not seem to align well with the recent policy trend of healthy and active ageing. The need for healthy ageing in this population has been voiced by professionals and interest organizations alike, alluding to inadequate support systems during the pandemic, conditioned by both previous and newly emerging contextual factors. Supporting healthy ageing in older adults in nursing homes and other residential care settings calls for attending to meaningful social life as well as to disease control.
METHODS: Findings and early conclusions leading up to the position paper were presented with peer discussions involving healthcare professionals and researchers at two joint EFPC PRIMORE workshops 2021 and 2022, as well as other international research seminars on long-term care. The following aspects of long-term care and COVID-19 were systematically discussed in those events, with reference to relevant research literature: 1. Long-term care policies, 2. pre-COVID state of long-term care facilities and vulnerability to the pandemic, 3. factors influencing the extent of spread of infection in long-term care facilities, and 4. the challenge of balancing between strict measures for infection control and maintaining a meaningful social life for residents and their significant others.
FINDINGS: A policy shift towards ageing at home and supporting the healthiest of older adults seems to have had unwarranted effects both for frail older adults, their significant others, and professional care staff attending to their needs. Resulting insufficient investment in primary health care staff and in the built environment for frail older adults in nursing homes were detrimental both for the older adults living in nursing homes, their significant others, and staff. More investment in staff and in physical surroundings might improve the quality of care and the social life of older adults in nursing homes in a non-pandemic situation and be a resource for primary health care staff ensuring both protection from health hazards and a meaningful social life for frail older adults in a pandemic or epidemic situation. As for investing in the physical surroundings, smaller nursing homes are advantageous, with singular resident rooms and for developing out-and indoor spaces for socializing and for meeting with families and other visitors. Regarding investment in staff, there is a documented need for educated staff in full-time positions. Use of part-time or temporary staff should be limited.
Additional Links: PMID-39610162
PubMed:
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@article {pmid39610162,
year = {2024},
author = {Jacobsen, FF and Glasdam, S and Haukelien, H and van den Muijsenbergh, METC and Ã…gotnes, G},
title = {Healthy ageing in long-term care? Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: a position paper.},
journal = {Primary health care research & development},
volume = {25},
number = {},
pages = {e66},
pmid = {39610162},
issn = {1477-1128},
mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Frail Elderly ; *Healthy Aging ; *Long-Term Care/organization & administration ; Nursing Homes ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {AIM: This position paper focuses on healthy ageing for the frailest and institutionalized older adults in the context of the recent pandemic. The paper aims to identify and discuss hindering and promoting factors for healthy ageing in this context, taking both health safety and a meaningful social life into account, in a pandemic situation and beyond.
BACKGROUND: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of frail older adults residing in long-term care institutions. This is a segment of the older population that does not seem to align well with the recent policy trend of healthy and active ageing. The need for healthy ageing in this population has been voiced by professionals and interest organizations alike, alluding to inadequate support systems during the pandemic, conditioned by both previous and newly emerging contextual factors. Supporting healthy ageing in older adults in nursing homes and other residential care settings calls for attending to meaningful social life as well as to disease control.
METHODS: Findings and early conclusions leading up to the position paper were presented with peer discussions involving healthcare professionals and researchers at two joint EFPC PRIMORE workshops 2021 and 2022, as well as other international research seminars on long-term care. The following aspects of long-term care and COVID-19 were systematically discussed in those events, with reference to relevant research literature: 1. Long-term care policies, 2. pre-COVID state of long-term care facilities and vulnerability to the pandemic, 3. factors influencing the extent of spread of infection in long-term care facilities, and 4. the challenge of balancing between strict measures for infection control and maintaining a meaningful social life for residents and their significant others.
FINDINGS: A policy shift towards ageing at home and supporting the healthiest of older adults seems to have had unwarranted effects both for frail older adults, their significant others, and professional care staff attending to their needs. Resulting insufficient investment in primary health care staff and in the built environment for frail older adults in nursing homes were detrimental both for the older adults living in nursing homes, their significant others, and staff. More investment in staff and in physical surroundings might improve the quality of care and the social life of older adults in nursing homes in a non-pandemic situation and be a resource for primary health care staff ensuring both protection from health hazards and a meaningful social life for frail older adults in a pandemic or epidemic situation. As for investing in the physical surroundings, smaller nursing homes are advantageous, with singular resident rooms and for developing out-and indoor spaces for socializing and for meeting with families and other visitors. Regarding investment in staff, there is a documented need for educated staff in full-time positions. Use of part-time or temporary staff should be limited.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Humans
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Frail Elderly
*Healthy Aging
*Long-Term Care/organization & administration
Nursing Homes
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-11-01
Transforming respiratory tract infection diagnosis in the kingdom of saudi arabia through point-of-care testing: A white paper for policy makers.
Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease, 110(4):116530.
With the evident increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, Group A Streptococcus (GAS), and COVID-19, the conventional diagnostic methods are considered sub-optimal in providing timely management to patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Gaps in current diagnostics are magnified by the Kingdom's unique demographic composition, comprising 11.9 million foreign workers, and the annual influx of over 10 million pilgrims. Current gaps in timely diagnosis leads to delays in treatment, misuse of antibiotics, and protracted hospital stays, subsequently compromising patient care, and escalating healthcare costs. KSA healthcare stakeholders suggest that the integration of rapid molecular Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) into the Kingdom's healthcare infrastructure is an absolute necessity. This publication serves as an urgent call for action aimed at healthcare policymakers in Saudi Arabia, to review the existing diagnostic challenges and include rapid POCTs in the Saudi healthcare strategy for respiratory infections.
Additional Links: PMID-39321629
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@article {pmid39321629,
year = {2024},
author = {Assiri, AM and Alshahrani, AM and Sakkijha, H and AlGeer, A and Zeitouni, M and AlGohary, M and Dhaini, L and Verma, R and Singh, H},
title = {Transforming respiratory tract infection diagnosis in the kingdom of saudi arabia through point-of-care testing: A white paper for policy makers.},
journal = {Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease},
volume = {110},
number = {4},
pages = {116530},
doi = {10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116530},
pmid = {39321629},
issn = {1879-0070},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Health Policy ; *Point-of-Care Testing/organization & administration ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis/drug therapy/epidemiology ; Saudi Arabia/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {With the evident increased prevalence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, Group A Streptococcus (GAS), and COVID-19, the conventional diagnostic methods are considered sub-optimal in providing timely management to patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Gaps in current diagnostics are magnified by the Kingdom's unique demographic composition, comprising 11.9 million foreign workers, and the annual influx of over 10 million pilgrims. Current gaps in timely diagnosis leads to delays in treatment, misuse of antibiotics, and protracted hospital stays, subsequently compromising patient care, and escalating healthcare costs. KSA healthcare stakeholders suggest that the integration of rapid molecular Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) into the Kingdom's healthcare infrastructure is an absolute necessity. This publication serves as an urgent call for action aimed at healthcare policymakers in Saudi Arabia, to review the existing diagnostic challenges and include rapid POCTs in the Saudi healthcare strategy for respiratory infections.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
COVID-19/diagnosis/epidemiology
Health Policy
*Point-of-Care Testing/organization & administration
*Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis/drug therapy/epidemiology
Saudi Arabia/epidemiology
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-08-30
Clinical research in endometrial cancer: consensus recommendations from the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup.
The Lancet. Oncology, 25(9):e420-e431.
The Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) Endometrial Cancer Consensus Conference on Clinical Research (ECCC) was held in Incheon, South Korea, Nov 2-3, 2023. The aims were to develop consensus statements for future trials in endometrial cancer to achieve harmonisation on design elements, select important questions, and identify unmet needs. All 33 GCIG member groups participated in the development, refinement, and finalisation of 18 statements within four topic groups, addressing adjuvant treatment in high-risk disease; treatment for metastatic and recurrent disease; trial designs for rare endometrial cancer subgroups and special circumstances; and specific methodology and adaptation for trials in low-resource settings. In addition, eight areas of unmet need were identified. This was the first GCIG Consensus Conference to include patient advocates and an expert on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to take part in all aspects of the process and output. Four early-career investigators were also selected for participation, ensuring that they represented different GCIG member groups and regions. Unanimous consensus was obtained for 16 of the 18 statements, with 97% concordance for the remaining two. Using the described methodology from previous Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conferences, this conference did not require even one minority statement. The high acceptance rate following active involvement in the preparation, discussion, and refinement of the statements by all representatives confirmed the consensus progress within a global academic setting, and the expectation that the ECCC will lead to greater harmonisation, actualisation, inclusion, and resolution of unmet needs in clinical research for individuals living with and beyond endometrial cancer worldwide.
Additional Links: PMID-39214113
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@article {pmid39214113,
year = {2024},
author = {Creutzberg, CL and Kim, JW and Eminowicz, G and Allanson, E and Eberst, L and Kim, SI and Nout, RA and Park, JY and Lorusso, D and Mileshkin, L and Ottevanger, PB and Brand, A and Mezzanzanica, D and Oza, A and Gebski, V and Pothuri, B and Batley, T and Gordon, C and Mitra, T and White, H and Howitt, B and Matias-Guiu, X and Ray-Coquard, I and Gaffney, D and Small, W and Miller, A and Concin, N and Powell, MA and Stuart, G and Bookman, MA and , },
title = {Clinical research in endometrial cancer: consensus recommendations from the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup.},
journal = {The Lancet. Oncology},
volume = {25},
number = {9},
pages = {e420-e431},
doi = {10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00192-X},
pmid = {39214113},
issn = {1474-5488},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Biomedical Research/standards ; Clinical Trials as Topic/standards ; *Consensus ; *Endometrial Neoplasms/therapy/pathology ; Republic of Korea ; },
abstract = {The Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) Endometrial Cancer Consensus Conference on Clinical Research (ECCC) was held in Incheon, South Korea, Nov 2-3, 2023. The aims were to develop consensus statements for future trials in endometrial cancer to achieve harmonisation on design elements, select important questions, and identify unmet needs. All 33 GCIG member groups participated in the development, refinement, and finalisation of 18 statements within four topic groups, addressing adjuvant treatment in high-risk disease; treatment for metastatic and recurrent disease; trial designs for rare endometrial cancer subgroups and special circumstances; and specific methodology and adaptation for trials in low-resource settings. In addition, eight areas of unmet need were identified. This was the first GCIG Consensus Conference to include patient advocates and an expert on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to take part in all aspects of the process and output. Four early-career investigators were also selected for participation, ensuring that they represented different GCIG member groups and regions. Unanimous consensus was obtained for 16 of the 18 statements, with 97% concordance for the remaining two. Using the described methodology from previous Ovarian Cancer Consensus Conferences, this conference did not require even one minority statement. The high acceptance rate following active involvement in the preparation, discussion, and refinement of the statements by all representatives confirmed the consensus progress within a global academic setting, and the expectation that the ECCC will lead to greater harmonisation, actualisation, inclusion, and resolution of unmet needs in clinical research for individuals living with and beyond endometrial cancer worldwide.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Female
Humans
Biomedical Research/standards
Clinical Trials as Topic/standards
*Consensus
*Endometrial Neoplasms/therapy/pathology
Republic of Korea
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-20
Management of patients with neurological diseases considering post-pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related risks and dangers - An updated European Academy of Neurology consensus statement.
European journal of neurology, 31(10):e16408.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In October 2020, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was published. Due to important changes and developments that have happened since then, the need has arisen to critically reassess the original recommendations and address new challenges.
METHODS: In step 1, the original items were critically reviewed by the EAN COVID-19 Task Force. In addition, new recommendations were defined. In step 2, an online survey with the recommendations forged in step 1 was sent to the Managing Groups of all Scientific and Coordinating Panels of EAN. In step 3, the final set of recommendations was made.
RESULTS: In step 1, out of the original 36 recommendations, 18 were judged still relevant. They were edited to reflect the advances in knowledge and practice. In addition, 21 new recommendations were formulated to address the new knowledge and challenges. In step 2, out of the 39 recommendations sent for the survey, nine were approved as they were, whilst suggestions for improvement were given for the rest. In step 3, the recommendations were further edited, and some new items were formed to accommodate the participants' suggestions, resulting in a final set of 41 recommendations.
CONCLUSION: This revision of the 2020 EAN Statement provides updated comprehensive and structured guidance on good clinical practice in people with neurological disease faced with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It now covers the issues from the more recent domains of COVID-19-related care, vaccine complications and post-COVID-19 conditions.
Additional Links: PMID-39088330
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@article {pmid39088330,
year = {2024},
author = {Filipović, SR and Özturk, S and Bereczki, D and Bodini, B and Cavallieri, F and Fanciulli, A and Guekht, A and Helbok, R and Hochmeister, S and Martinelli Boneschi, F and Priori, A and Rakusa, M and Romoli, M and Willekens, B and Zedde, M and Sellner, J and Moro, E and , },
title = {Management of patients with neurological diseases considering post-pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related risks and dangers - An updated European Academy of Neurology consensus statement.},
journal = {European journal of neurology},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {e16408},
pmid = {39088330},
issn = {1468-1331},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Nervous System Diseases/therapy/etiology ; *Pandemics ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Neurology/standards ; *Consensus ; Europe ; Pneumonia, Viral/complications/epidemiology ; Coronavirus Infections/complications/therapy ; Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In October 2020, the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was published. Due to important changes and developments that have happened since then, the need has arisen to critically reassess the original recommendations and address new challenges.
METHODS: In step 1, the original items were critically reviewed by the EAN COVID-19 Task Force. In addition, new recommendations were defined. In step 2, an online survey with the recommendations forged in step 1 was sent to the Managing Groups of all Scientific and Coordinating Panels of EAN. In step 3, the final set of recommendations was made.
RESULTS: In step 1, out of the original 36 recommendations, 18 were judged still relevant. They were edited to reflect the advances in knowledge and practice. In addition, 21 new recommendations were formulated to address the new knowledge and challenges. In step 2, out of the 39 recommendations sent for the survey, nine were approved as they were, whilst suggestions for improvement were given for the rest. In step 3, the recommendations were further edited, and some new items were formed to accommodate the participants' suggestions, resulting in a final set of 41 recommendations.
CONCLUSION: This revision of the 2020 EAN Statement provides updated comprehensive and structured guidance on good clinical practice in people with neurological disease faced with SARS-CoV-2 infection. It now covers the issues from the more recent domains of COVID-19-related care, vaccine complications and post-COVID-19 conditions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Nervous System Diseases/therapy/etiology
*Pandemics
*SARS-CoV-2
*Neurology/standards
*Consensus
Europe
Pneumonia, Viral/complications/epidemiology
Coronavirus Infections/complications/therapy
Betacoronavirus
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-16
Ethics and Academic Discourse, Scientific Integrity, Uncertainty, and Disinformation in Medicine: An American College of Physicians Position Paper.
Annals of internal medicine, 177(9):1244-1250.
Respect for the scientific process and a diversity of views; open discourse and debate based on principles of ethics, best available evidence, and scientific inquiry and integrity; and an understanding of evidence gaps and uncertainty and how to communicate about them are important values in the advancement of science and the practice of medicine. Physicians often must make decisions about their recommendations to patients in the face of scarce or conflicting data. Are these characteristics of medicine and science widely understood and effectively communicated among members of the profession and to patients and the public? Issues of scientific integrity are longstanding, but COVID-19 brought them to the forefront, in an environment that was sometimes characterized by communication missteps as guidance came and went-or changed-quickly. Today, is open debate flourishing? Have some debates shed more heat than light? Are people losing confidence in science and medicine? In health care institutions? The American College of Physicians explores these issues and offers guidance in this position paper.
Additional Links: PMID-39074368
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@article {pmid39074368,
year = {2024},
author = {Snyder Sulmasy, L and Burnett, JR and Carney, JK and DeCamp, M and , },
title = {Ethics and Academic Discourse, Scientific Integrity, Uncertainty, and Disinformation in Medicine: An American College of Physicians Position Paper.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {177},
number = {9},
pages = {1244-1250},
doi = {10.7326/M24-0648},
pmid = {39074368},
issn = {1539-3704},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Uncertainty ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Ethics, Medical ; *Pandemics ; United States ; Communication ; Pneumonia, Viral ; Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {Respect for the scientific process and a diversity of views; open discourse and debate based on principles of ethics, best available evidence, and scientific inquiry and integrity; and an understanding of evidence gaps and uncertainty and how to communicate about them are important values in the advancement of science and the practice of medicine. Physicians often must make decisions about their recommendations to patients in the face of scarce or conflicting data. Are these characteristics of medicine and science widely understood and effectively communicated among members of the profession and to patients and the public? Issues of scientific integrity are longstanding, but COVID-19 brought them to the forefront, in an environment that was sometimes characterized by communication missteps as guidance came and went-or changed-quickly. Today, is open debate flourishing? Have some debates shed more heat than light? Are people losing confidence in science and medicine? In health care institutions? The American College of Physicians explores these issues and offers guidance in this position paper.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*COVID-19
Uncertainty
*SARS-CoV-2
*Ethics, Medical
*Pandemics
United States
Communication
Pneumonia, Viral
Betacoronavirus
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-10-23
ACPM Position Statement: Air Pollution and Environmental Justice.
American journal of preventive medicine, 67(5):792-800.
The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" 2023 report reveals almost 36% of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Studies link air pollution with acute respiratory symptoms and exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Differential air pollution exposures between white and nonwhite communities are significant components of environmental injustices. Even during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, when the United States experienced significant decreases in polluting activities, these differences persisted. The American College of Preventive Medicine's Science and Translation Committee conducted a nonsystematic literature review to explore initiatives addressing air pollution as a key component of environmental justice, the state of the science regarding health impacts, and evidence supporting mitigations to reduce those impacts. We recommend advocacy for cleaner energy sources and increasing green space; and increasing research, surveillance, and education and training on linkages between air pollutants and health. We recommend preventive medicine physicians raise awareness about increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, and reduced lung function with air pollution exposure. Preventive medicine physicians may also educate patients and other practitioners about exposures, and how "conventional" disease prevention strategies may have unintended consequences; and influence healthcare leaders to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. We also recommend physicians utilize social determinants of health Z-Codes to capture environmental factors. Private payers should incorporate pollution exposure data into social determinants of health risk adjustments for Medicare Advantage programs. Medicaid agencies should develop provider recommendations for pediatric populations, and states should finance in-home interventions for asthma.
Additional Links: PMID-39002887
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@article {pmid39002887,
year = {2024},
author = {Freeman, RJ and States, LJ and Lewandowski, SA and Singer, DE and Patankar, SN and Niebuhr, DW},
title = {ACPM Position Statement: Air Pollution and Environmental Justice.},
journal = {American journal of preventive medicine},
volume = {67},
number = {5},
pages = {792-800},
doi = {10.1016/j.amepre.2024.07.003},
pmid = {39002887},
issn = {1873-2607},
mesh = {Humans ; *Air Pollution/adverse effects ; United States ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Environmental Justice ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control ; Preventive Medicine ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" 2023 report reveals almost 36% of Americans live with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Studies link air pollution with acute respiratory symptoms and exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Differential air pollution exposures between white and nonwhite communities are significant components of environmental injustices. Even during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, when the United States experienced significant decreases in polluting activities, these differences persisted. The American College of Preventive Medicine's Science and Translation Committee conducted a nonsystematic literature review to explore initiatives addressing air pollution as a key component of environmental justice, the state of the science regarding health impacts, and evidence supporting mitigations to reduce those impacts. We recommend advocacy for cleaner energy sources and increasing green space; and increasing research, surveillance, and education and training on linkages between air pollutants and health. We recommend preventive medicine physicians raise awareness about increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, asthma, and reduced lung function with air pollution exposure. Preventive medicine physicians may also educate patients and other practitioners about exposures, and how "conventional" disease prevention strategies may have unintended consequences; and influence healthcare leaders to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. We also recommend physicians utilize social determinants of health Z-Codes to capture environmental factors. Private payers should incorporate pollution exposure data into social determinants of health risk adjustments for Medicare Advantage programs. Medicaid agencies should develop provider recommendations for pediatric populations, and states should finance in-home interventions for asthma.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*Air Pollution/adverse effects
United States
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Environmental Justice
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects/prevention & control
Preventive Medicine
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-27
SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: pandemic data collection, maintenance, and release.
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 45(7):821-825.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology in America (SHEA) strongly supports modernization of data collection processes and the creation of publicly available data repositories that include a wide variety of data elements and mechanisms for securely storing both cleaned and uncleaned data sets that can be curated as clinical and research needs arise. These elements can be used for clinical research and quality monitoring and to evaluate the impacts of different policies on different outcomes. Achieving these goals will require dedicated, sustained and long-term funding to support data science teams and the creation of central data repositories that include data sets that can be "linked" via a variety of different mechanisms and also data sets that include institutional and state and local policies and procedures. A team-based approach to data science is strongly encouraged and supported to achieve the goal of a sustainable, adaptable national shared data resource.
Additional Links: PMID-38835230
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@article {pmid38835230,
year = {2024},
author = {Branch-Elliman, W and Banach, DB and Batshon, LJ and Dumyati, G and Haessler, S and Hsu, VP and Jump, RLP and Malani, AN and Mathew, TA and Murthy, RK and Pergam, SA and Shenoy, ES and Weber, DJ},
title = {SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: pandemic data collection, maintenance, and release.},
journal = {Infection control and hospital epidemiology},
volume = {45},
number = {7},
pages = {821-825},
doi = {10.1017/ice.2024.65},
pmid = {38835230},
issn = {1559-6834},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Data Collection/methods/standards ; United States ; COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Societies, Medical ; Information Dissemination/methods ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology in America (SHEA) strongly supports modernization of data collection processes and the creation of publicly available data repositories that include a wide variety of data elements and mechanisms for securely storing both cleaned and uncleaned data sets that can be curated as clinical and research needs arise. These elements can be used for clinical research and quality monitoring and to evaluate the impacts of different policies on different outcomes. Achieving these goals will require dedicated, sustained and long-term funding to support data science teams and the creation of central data repositories that include data sets that can be "linked" via a variety of different mechanisms and also data sets that include institutional and state and local policies and procedures. A team-based approach to data science is strongly encouraged and supported to achieve the goal of a sustainable, adaptable national shared data resource.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Data Collection/methods/standards
United States
COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Societies, Medical
Information Dissemination/methods
Pandemic Preparedness
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-27
Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: mitigating supply shortages.
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 45(7):813-817.
The COVID-19 has had major direct (e.g., deaths) and indirect (e.g., social inequities) effects in the United States. While the public health response to the epidemic featured some important successes (e.g., universal masking ,and rapid development and approval of vaccines and therapeutics), there were systemic failures (e.g., inadequate public health infrastructure) that overshadowed these successes. Key deficiency in the U.S. response were shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and supply chain deficiencies. Recommendations are provided for mitigating supply shortages and supply chain failures in healthcare settings in future pandemics. Some key recommendations for preventing shortages of essential components of infection control and prevention include increasing the stockpile of PPE in the U.S. National Strategic Stockpile, increased transparency of the Stockpile, invoking the Defense Production Act at an early stage, and rapid review and authorization by FDA/EPA/OSHA of non-U.S. approved products. Recommendations are also provided for mitigating shortages of diagnostic testing, medications and medical equipment.
Additional Links: PMID-38835229
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@article {pmid38835229,
year = {2024},
author = {Weber, DJ and Malani, AN and Shenoy, ES and Banach, DB and Batshon, LJ and Branch-Elliman, W and Dumyati, G and Haessler, S and Hsu, VP and Jump, RLP and Mathew, TA and Murthy, RK and Pergam, SA},
title = {Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: mitigating supply shortages.},
journal = {Infection control and hospital epidemiology},
volume = {45},
number = {7},
pages = {813-817},
doi = {10.1017/ice.2024.67},
pmid = {38835229},
issn = {1559-6834},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; United States ; *Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Infection Control/methods/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Strategic Stockpile ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 has had major direct (e.g., deaths) and indirect (e.g., social inequities) effects in the United States. While the public health response to the epidemic featured some important successes (e.g., universal masking ,and rapid development and approval of vaccines and therapeutics), there were systemic failures (e.g., inadequate public health infrastructure) that overshadowed these successes. Key deficiency in the U.S. response were shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and supply chain deficiencies. Recommendations are provided for mitigating supply shortages and supply chain failures in healthcare settings in future pandemics. Some key recommendations for preventing shortages of essential components of infection control and prevention include increasing the stockpile of PPE in the U.S. National Strategic Stockpile, increased transparency of the Stockpile, invoking the Defense Production Act at an early stage, and rapid review and authorization by FDA/EPA/OSHA of non-U.S. approved products. Recommendations are also provided for mitigating shortages of diagnostic testing, medications and medical equipment.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
United States
*Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution
Pandemics/prevention & control
Infection Control/methods/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2
Strategic Stockpile
Pandemic Preparedness
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-27
SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: building a strong and resilient healthcare workforce.
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 45(7):804-807.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas in the United States experienced healthcare personnel (HCP) shortages tied to a variety of factors. Infection prevention programs, in particular, faced increasing workload demands with little opportunity to delegate tasks to others without specific infectious diseases or infection control expertise. Shortages of clinicians providing inpatient care to critically ill patients during the early phase of the pandemic were multifactorial, largely attributed to increasing demands on hospitals to provide care to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and furloughs.[1] HCP shortages and challenges during later surges, including the Omicron variant-associated surges, were largely attributed to HCP infections and associated work restrictions during isolation periods and the need to care for family members, particularly children, with COVID-19. Additionally, the detrimental physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on HCP has led to attrition, which further exacerbates shortages.[2] Demands increased in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings, which already faced critical staffing challenges difficulty with recruitment, and high rates of turnover. Although individual healthcare organizations and state and federal governments have taken actions to mitigate recurring shortages, additional work and innovation are needed to develop longer-term solutions to improve healthcare workforce resiliency. The critical role of those with specialized training in infection prevention, including healthcare epidemiologists, was well-demonstrated in pandemic preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to support growth in these fields.[3] This commentary outlines the need to develop the US healthcare workforce in preparation for future pandemics.
Additional Links: PMID-38835227
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@article {pmid38835227,
year = {2024},
author = {Banach, DB and Mathew, TA and Batshon, LJ and Branch-Elliman, W and Dumyati, G and Haessler, S and Hsu, VP and Jump, RLP and Malani, AN and Murthy, RK and Pergam, SA and Shenoy, ES and Weber, DJ},
title = {SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: building a strong and resilient healthcare workforce.},
journal = {Infection control and hospital epidemiology},
volume = {45},
number = {7},
pages = {804-807},
pmid = {38835227},
issn = {1559-6834},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; United States/epidemiology ; *Health Workforce ; *Health Personnel ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Infection Control/methods/organization & administration ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many areas in the United States experienced healthcare personnel (HCP) shortages tied to a variety of factors. Infection prevention programs, in particular, faced increasing workload demands with little opportunity to delegate tasks to others without specific infectious diseases or infection control expertise. Shortages of clinicians providing inpatient care to critically ill patients during the early phase of the pandemic were multifactorial, largely attributed to increasing demands on hospitals to provide care to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and furloughs.[1] HCP shortages and challenges during later surges, including the Omicron variant-associated surges, were largely attributed to HCP infections and associated work restrictions during isolation periods and the need to care for family members, particularly children, with COVID-19. Additionally, the detrimental physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on HCP has led to attrition, which further exacerbates shortages.[2] Demands increased in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings, which already faced critical staffing challenges difficulty with recruitment, and high rates of turnover. Although individual healthcare organizations and state and federal governments have taken actions to mitigate recurring shortages, additional work and innovation are needed to develop longer-term solutions to improve healthcare workforce resiliency. The critical role of those with specialized training in infection prevention, including healthcare epidemiologists, was well-demonstrated in pandemic preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need to support growth in these fields.[3] This commentary outlines the need to develop the US healthcare workforce in preparation for future pandemics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
United States/epidemiology
*Health Workforce
*Health Personnel
Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Infection Control/methods/organization & administration
Pandemic Preparedness
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-09-27
SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: introduction and overview.
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, 45(7):801-803.
Throughout history, pandemics and their aftereffects have spurred society to make substantial improvements in healthcare. After the Black Death in 14[th] century Europe, changes were made to elevate standards of care and nutrition that resulted in improved life expectancy.[1] The 1918 influenza pandemic spurred a movement that emphasized public health surveillance and detection of future outbreaks and eventually led to the creation of the World Health Organization Global Influenza Surveillance Network.[2] In the present, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the pre-existing problems within the US healthcare system, which included (1) a lack of capacity to manage a large influx of contagious patients while simultaneously maintaining routine and emergency care to non-COVID patients; (2) a "just in time" supply network that led to shortages and competition among hospitals, nursing homes, and other care sites for essential supplies; and (3) longstanding inequities in the distribution of healthcare and the healthcare workforce. The decades-long shift from domestic manufacturing to a reliance on global supply chains has compounded ongoing gaps in preparedness for supplies such as personal protective equipment and ventilators. Inequities in racial and socioeconomic outcomes highlighted during the pandemic have accelerated the call to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our communities. The pandemic accelerated cooperation between government entities and the healthcare system, resulting in swift implementation of mitigation measures, new therapies and vaccinations at unprecedented speeds, despite our fragmented healthcare delivery system and political divisions. Still, widespread misinformation or disinformation and political divisions contributed to eroded trust in the public health system and prevented an even uptake of mitigation measures, vaccines and therapeutics, impeding our ability to contain the spread of the virus in this country.[3] Ultimately, the lessons of COVID-19 illustrate the need to better prepare for the next pandemic. Rising microbial resistance, emerging and re-emerging pathogens, increased globalization, an aging population, and climate change are all factors that increase the likelihood of another pandemic.[4].
Additional Links: PMID-38835222
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Citation:
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@article {pmid38835222,
year = {2024},
author = {Hsu, VP and Haessler, S and Banach, DB and Batshon, LJ and Branch-Elliman, W and Dumyati, G and Jump, RLP and Malani, AN and Mathew, TA and Murthy, RK and Pergam, SA and Shenoy, ES and Weber, DJ},
title = {SHEA position statement on pandemic preparedness for policymakers: introduction and overview.},
journal = {Infection control and hospital epidemiology},
volume = {45},
number = {7},
pages = {801-803},
pmid = {38835222},
issn = {1559-6834},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; United States/epidemiology ; Health Policy ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {Throughout history, pandemics and their aftereffects have spurred society to make substantial improvements in healthcare. After the Black Death in 14[th] century Europe, changes were made to elevate standards of care and nutrition that resulted in improved life expectancy.[1] The 1918 influenza pandemic spurred a movement that emphasized public health surveillance and detection of future outbreaks and eventually led to the creation of the World Health Organization Global Influenza Surveillance Network.[2] In the present, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed many of the pre-existing problems within the US healthcare system, which included (1) a lack of capacity to manage a large influx of contagious patients while simultaneously maintaining routine and emergency care to non-COVID patients; (2) a "just in time" supply network that led to shortages and competition among hospitals, nursing homes, and other care sites for essential supplies; and (3) longstanding inequities in the distribution of healthcare and the healthcare workforce. The decades-long shift from domestic manufacturing to a reliance on global supply chains has compounded ongoing gaps in preparedness for supplies such as personal protective equipment and ventilators. Inequities in racial and socioeconomic outcomes highlighted during the pandemic have accelerated the call to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our communities. The pandemic accelerated cooperation between government entities and the healthcare system, resulting in swift implementation of mitigation measures, new therapies and vaccinations at unprecedented speeds, despite our fragmented healthcare delivery system and political divisions. Still, widespread misinformation or disinformation and political divisions contributed to eroded trust in the public health system and prevented an even uptake of mitigation measures, vaccines and therapeutics, impeding our ability to contain the spread of the virus in this country.[3] Ultimately, the lessons of COVID-19 illustrate the need to better prepare for the next pandemic. Rising microbial resistance, emerging and re-emerging pathogens, increased globalization, an aging population, and climate change are all factors that increase the likelihood of another pandemic.[4].},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
United States/epidemiology
Health Policy
Pandemic Preparedness
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-06-04
Expert Consensus on the Structure, Role, and Procedures of the Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices.
Journal of Korean medical science, 39(21):e166.
BACKGROUND: The Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
METHODS: This study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP.
RESULTS: The majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP's term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers' perspectives, and the chairperson's role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee.
CONCLUSION: This study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP's capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.
Additional Links: PMID-38832476
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38832476,
year = {2024},
author = {Kang, CR and Ahn, B and Choe, YJ and Lim, SY and Kim, HW and Kang, HM and Park, JY and Lee, H and Lee, S and Jeong, S and Kwon, S and Choi, EH},
title = {Expert Consensus on the Structure, Role, and Procedures of the Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices.},
journal = {Journal of Korean medical science},
volume = {39},
number = {21},
pages = {e166},
pmid = {38832476},
issn = {1598-6357},
support = {2023-10-019/KDCA/Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency/Korea ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Republic of Korea ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Consensus ; Immunization ; Advisory Committees ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Policy ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
METHODS: This study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP.
RESULTS: The majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP's term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers' perspectives, and the chairperson's role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee.
CONCLUSION: This study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP's capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Republic of Korea
*COVID-19/prevention & control
Surveys and Questionnaires
*Consensus
Immunization
Advisory Committees
SARS-CoV-2
Health Policy
COVID-19 Vaccines
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-06-15
Methadone's Resurgence in Bridging the Treatment Gap in the Overdose Crisis: Position Statement of AMERSA, Inc (Association for Multidisciplinary Education, Research, Substance Use, and Addiction).
Substance use & addiction journal, 45(3):337-345.
BACKGROUND: The United States is grappling with an unprecedented overdose crisis, exacerbated by the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Despite the efficacy of methadone treatment in managing opioid use disorder, regulatory barriers hinder its widespread utilization. This article examines the complex landscape of methadone regulation across federal, state, and local levels, highlighting disparities and opportunities for reform.
ISSUE: The COVID-19 public health emergency prompted temporary flexibility in methadone regulations, including expanded take-home doses and telehealth counseling, leading to improved treatment experiences and retention. Permanent revisions to federal guidelines have since been introduced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, reflecting a progressive shift toward patient-centered care and streamlined access. State regulations, managed by Single State Agencies and State Opioid Treatment Authorities, vary widely, often imposing additional restrictions that impede access to methadone treatment. Local OTP clinics further exacerbate barriers through stringent policies, despite federal and state guidelines advocating for flexibility.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Coordinated efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities are needed to promote the development of accountability measures, incentives, and community involvement to ensure equitable access and quality of care. To truly meet the demand needed to end the existing overdose crisis and enhance accessibility and comprehensive healthcare services, methadone treatment expansion beyond traditional OTP settings into primary care offices and community pharmacies should take place.
Additional Links: PMID-38804606
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38804606,
year = {2024},
author = {Suen, LW and Incze, M and Simon, C and Englander, H and Bratberg, J and Groves Scott, G and Winograd, R},
title = {Methadone's Resurgence in Bridging the Treatment Gap in the Overdose Crisis: Position Statement of AMERSA, Inc (Association for Multidisciplinary Education, Research, Substance Use, and Addiction).},
journal = {Substance use & addiction journal},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {337-345},
doi = {10.1177/29767342241255480},
pmid = {38804606},
issn = {2976-7350},
mesh = {Humans ; *Methadone/therapeutic use/poisoning ; *Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods ; United States ; *Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy ; *COVID-19 ; *Drug Overdose/drug therapy ; Analgesics, Opioid/poisoning/adverse effects ; Health Services Accessibility ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The United States is grappling with an unprecedented overdose crisis, exacerbated by the proliferation of potent synthetic opioids like illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Despite the efficacy of methadone treatment in managing opioid use disorder, regulatory barriers hinder its widespread utilization. This article examines the complex landscape of methadone regulation across federal, state, and local levels, highlighting disparities and opportunities for reform.
ISSUE: The COVID-19 public health emergency prompted temporary flexibility in methadone regulations, including expanded take-home doses and telehealth counseling, leading to improved treatment experiences and retention. Permanent revisions to federal guidelines have since been introduced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, reflecting a progressive shift toward patient-centered care and streamlined access. State regulations, managed by Single State Agencies and State Opioid Treatment Authorities, vary widely, often imposing additional restrictions that impede access to methadone treatment. Local OTP clinics further exacerbate barriers through stringent policies, despite federal and state guidelines advocating for flexibility.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Coordinated efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities are needed to promote the development of accountability measures, incentives, and community involvement to ensure equitable access and quality of care. To truly meet the demand needed to end the existing overdose crisis and enhance accessibility and comprehensive healthcare services, methadone treatment expansion beyond traditional OTP settings into primary care offices and community pharmacies should take place.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Methadone/therapeutic use/poisoning
*Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods
United States
*Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy
*COVID-19
*Drug Overdose/drug therapy
Analgesics, Opioid/poisoning/adverse effects
Health Services Accessibility
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-05-23
[Expert consensus on the clinical application of oral small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19].
Zhonghua yi xue za zhi, 104(20):1812-1824.
Although COVID-19 no longer constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern", which still has being spreading around the world at a low level. Small molecule drugs are the main antiviral treatment for novel coronavirus recommended in China. Although a variety of small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19 have been listed in China, there is no specific drug recommendation for special populations. Society of Bacterial Infection and Resistance of Chinese Medical Association, together with the National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, and the National Center for Respiratory Medicine, organized domestic experts in various fields such as respiratory, virology, infection, critical care, emergency medicine and pharmacy to release Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Oral Small-Molecule Antiviral Drugs against COVID-19. The main content of this consensus includes the introduction of seven small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19, focusing on the drug recommendations for 14 special groups such as the elderly, patients with complicated chronic diseases, tumor patients, pregnant women, and children, and providing suggestions for clinicians to standardize drug use.
Additional Links: PMID-38782749
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38782749,
year = {2024},
author = {, and , and , },
title = {[Expert consensus on the clinical application of oral small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19].},
journal = {Zhonghua yi xue za zhi},
volume = {104},
number = {20},
pages = {1812-1824},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112137-20240124-00177},
pmid = {38782749},
issn = {0376-2491},
support = {EKPG21-06//Emergency Key Program of Guangzhou Laboratory/ ; 0022/2021/A1//the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund/ ; 2021TQ060189//the Young Top Talent of Science and Technology Innovation Department of Guangdong Province/ ; ZYYCXTU-D-202201//National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Interdisciplinary Innovation Team Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy ; Consensus ; Betacoronavirus ; Administration, Oral ; China ; Pregnancy ; },
abstract = {Although COVID-19 no longer constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern", which still has being spreading around the world at a low level. Small molecule drugs are the main antiviral treatment for novel coronavirus recommended in China. Although a variety of small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19 have been listed in China, there is no specific drug recommendation for special populations. Society of Bacterial Infection and Resistance of Chinese Medical Association, together with the National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, and the National Center for Respiratory Medicine, organized domestic experts in various fields such as respiratory, virology, infection, critical care, emergency medicine and pharmacy to release Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Oral Small-Molecule Antiviral Drugs against COVID-19. The main content of this consensus includes the introduction of seven small-molecule antiviral drugs against COVID-19, focusing on the drug recommendations for 14 special groups such as the elderly, patients with complicated chronic diseases, tumor patients, pregnant women, and children, and providing suggestions for clinicians to standardize drug use.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Humans
*COVID-19
*SARS-CoV-2
*Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
Consensus
Betacoronavirus
Administration, Oral
China
Pregnancy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-05-28
Post-COVID-19 syndrome in everyday clinical practice: interdisciplinary expert position statement endorsed by the Polish Society of Civilization Diseases.
Polish archives of internal medicine, 134(5):.
Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID-19 syndrome, is a complex set of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after recovery from an acute phase of COVID-19. These symptoms can affect various body systems, including the respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. The most common complaints are fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, taste and smell disorders, as well as problems with memory and concentration. Pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 syndrome is complicated and not fully understood, but it is likely related to an overactive immune system, disturbances in the intestinal microbiome, and cell and tissue damage caused by the virus. Incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to treating and rehabilitating patients and further research into this syndrome's underlying mechanisms and therapy are crucial for understanding and effectively treating this complex and multifaceted condition.
Additional Links: PMID-38619233
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@article {pmid38619233,
year = {2024},
author = {Tomasiewicz, K and Woron, J and Kobayashi, A and Krasinski, Z and Rydzewska, G and Szymanski, FM},
title = {Post-COVID-19 syndrome in everyday clinical practice: interdisciplinary expert position statement endorsed by the Polish Society of Civilization Diseases.},
journal = {Polish archives of internal medicine},
volume = {134},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.20452/pamw.16728},
pmid = {38619233},
issn = {1897-9483},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/therapy ; Poland ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID-19 syndrome, is a complex set of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after recovery from an acute phase of COVID-19. These symptoms can affect various body systems, including the respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. The most common complaints are fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, taste and smell disorders, as well as problems with memory and concentration. Pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 syndrome is complicated and not fully understood, but it is likely related to an overactive immune system, disturbances in the intestinal microbiome, and cell and tissue damage caused by the virus. Incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to treating and rehabilitating patients and further research into this syndrome's underlying mechanisms and therapy are crucial for understanding and effectively treating this complex and multifaceted condition.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/complications/therapy
Poland
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-08-07
Periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory diseases: Summary of the consensus report by the European Federation of Periodontology and WONCA Europe.
The European journal of general practice, 30(1):2320120.
BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory non-communicable disease (NCD) characterised by the destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus (periodontium), including alveolar bone, the presence of periodontal pockets, and bleeding on probing.
OBJECTIVES: To outline, for family doctors, the implications of the association between periodontal and systemic diseases; to explore the role of family doctors in managing periodontitis as an ubiquitous non-communicable disease (NCD).
METHODS: The consensus reports of previous focused collaborative workshops between WONCA Europe and the European Federation of Periodontology (using previously undertaken systematic reviews), and a specifically commissioned systematic review formed the technical papers to underpin discussions. Working groups prepared proposals independently, and the proposals were subsequently discussed and approved at plenary meetings.
RESULTS: Periodontitis is independently associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and COVID-19 complications. Treatment of periodontitis has been associated with improvements in systemic health outcomes. The article also presents evidence gaps. Oral health care professionals (OHPs) and family doctors should collaborate in managing these conditions, including implementing strategies for early case detection of periodontitis in primary medical care centres and of systemic NCDs in oral/dental care settings. There is a need to raise awareness of periodontal diseases, their consequences, and the associated risk factors amongst family doctors.
CONCLUSION: Closer collaboration between OHPs and family doctors is important in the early case detection and management of NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases. Strategies for early case detection/prevention of NCDs, including periodontitis, should be developed for family doctors, other health professionals (OHPs), and healthcare funders. Evidence-based information on the reported associations between periodontitis and other NCDs should be made available to family doctors, OHPs, healthcare funders, patients, and the general population.
Additional Links: PMID-38511739
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38511739,
year = {2024},
author = {Herrera, D and Sanz, M and Shapira, L and Brotons, C and Chapple, I and Frese, T and Graziani, F and Hobbs, FDR and Huck, O and Hummers, E and Jepsen, S and Kravtchenko, O and Madianos, P and Molina, A and Ungan, M and Vilaseca, J and Windak, A and Vinker, S},
title = {Periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory diseases: Summary of the consensus report by the European Federation of Periodontology and WONCA Europe.},
journal = {The European journal of general practice},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {2320120},
pmid = {38511739},
issn = {1751-1402},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases ; *Consensus ; COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; Diabetes Mellitus/therapy/epidemiology ; Europe ; Periodontal Diseases/therapy ; Periodontitis/therapy/epidemiology ; Respiratory Tract Diseases ; *Systematic Reviews as Topic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory non-communicable disease (NCD) characterised by the destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus (periodontium), including alveolar bone, the presence of periodontal pockets, and bleeding on probing.
OBJECTIVES: To outline, for family doctors, the implications of the association between periodontal and systemic diseases; to explore the role of family doctors in managing periodontitis as an ubiquitous non-communicable disease (NCD).
METHODS: The consensus reports of previous focused collaborative workshops between WONCA Europe and the European Federation of Periodontology (using previously undertaken systematic reviews), and a specifically commissioned systematic review formed the technical papers to underpin discussions. Working groups prepared proposals independently, and the proposals were subsequently discussed and approved at plenary meetings.
RESULTS: Periodontitis is independently associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, and COVID-19 complications. Treatment of periodontitis has been associated with improvements in systemic health outcomes. The article also presents evidence gaps. Oral health care professionals (OHPs) and family doctors should collaborate in managing these conditions, including implementing strategies for early case detection of periodontitis in primary medical care centres and of systemic NCDs in oral/dental care settings. There is a need to raise awareness of periodontal diseases, their consequences, and the associated risk factors amongst family doctors.
CONCLUSION: Closer collaboration between OHPs and family doctors is important in the early case detection and management of NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory diseases. Strategies for early case detection/prevention of NCDs, including periodontitis, should be developed for family doctors, other health professionals (OHPs), and healthcare funders. Evidence-based information on the reported associations between periodontitis and other NCDs should be made available to family doctors, OHPs, healthcare funders, patients, and the general population.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cardiovascular Diseases
*Consensus
COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
Diabetes Mellitus/therapy/epidemiology
Europe
Periodontal Diseases/therapy
Periodontitis/therapy/epidemiology
Respiratory Tract Diseases
*Systematic Reviews as Topic
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-01-26
[ANMCO Position paper - 2023 ANMCO States General: Towards a modern Cardiological Community Care].
Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006), 25(2):121-125.
Over the last two decades, cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of chronic disease morbidity and mortality in Italy. Therefore, the chronic cardiovascular care landscape has evolved rapidly in an era of unprecedented demand. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant deficiencies in existing health and social care systems, especially in the management of chronic cardiovascular disease. In this scenario, the National Reform for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR) may represent a unique opportunity for the development of a new integrated care system between hospital and community. The Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) recognizes the need for a statement on the integrated cardiological community care to guide health professionals caring for people with chronic cardiovascular conditions. The aim of the present statement is to outline the evidence for a modern integrated cardiological community care identifying challenges and offering advice for a future transdisciplinary and multi-organizational approach to ensure best practice in the management of chronic cardiovascular disease.
Additional Links: PMID-38270369
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid38270369,
year = {2024},
author = {Zuin, M and Di Fusco, SA and Zilio, F and Bilato, C and Corda, M and De Luca, L and Di Marco, M and Geraci, G and Iacovoni, A and Milli, M and Navazio, A and Pascale, V and Riccio, C and Scicchitano, P and Urbinati, S and Caldarola, P and Tizzani, E and Gabrielli, D and Colivicchi, F and Grimaldi, M and Oliva, F},
title = {[ANMCO Position paper - 2023 ANMCO States General: Towards a modern Cardiological Community Care].},
journal = {Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {121-125},
doi = {10.1714/4187.41762},
pmid = {38270369},
issn = {1972-6481},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy ; Pandemics ; *Cardiovascular System ; *Cardiology ; *Cardiologists ; },
abstract = {Over the last two decades, cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of chronic disease morbidity and mortality in Italy. Therefore, the chronic cardiovascular care landscape has evolved rapidly in an era of unprecedented demand. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted significant deficiencies in existing health and social care systems, especially in the management of chronic cardiovascular disease. In this scenario, the National Reform for Recovery and Resilience (PNRR) may represent a unique opportunity for the development of a new integrated care system between hospital and community. The Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) recognizes the need for a statement on the integrated cardiological community care to guide health professionals caring for people with chronic cardiovascular conditions. The aim of the present statement is to outline the evidence for a modern integrated cardiological community care identifying challenges and offering advice for a future transdisciplinary and multi-organizational approach to ensure best practice in the management of chronic cardiovascular disease.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy
Pandemics
*Cardiovascular System
*Cardiology
*Cardiologists
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-01-18
[Expert consensus on vaccinations in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in China (2023 Edition)].
Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine], 58(1):1-10.
Vaccination is one of the critical tools to prevent infections among individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), ultimately improving the quality of life and reducing mortality. The incorporation of vaccination strategies into clinical decision-making processes has been recognized as pivotal. However, the absence of clinical guidelines and consensus on vaccination for ARDs patients still persists in China. Drawing from existing clinical evidence, this expert consensus encompasses eight prevalent vaccines: Influenza vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, herpes zoster vaccine, human papillomavirus vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, and rabies virus vaccine. This initiative aims to furnish highly practical technical directives for vaccination personnel and rheumatologists, thereby fostering standardized vaccination practices to combat infectious diseases among adult ARDs patients in China.
Additional Links: PMID-38228543
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid38228543,
year = {2024},
author = {, and , and , },
title = {[Expert consensus on vaccinations in adult patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases in China (2023 Edition)].},
journal = {Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20231018-00274},
pmid = {38228543},
issn = {0253-9624},
mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Consensus ; Quality of Life ; Vaccination ; *Influenza Vaccines ; *Rheumatic Diseases ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome ; },
abstract = {Vaccination is one of the critical tools to prevent infections among individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), ultimately improving the quality of life and reducing mortality. The incorporation of vaccination strategies into clinical decision-making processes has been recognized as pivotal. However, the absence of clinical guidelines and consensus on vaccination for ARDs patients still persists in China. Drawing from existing clinical evidence, this expert consensus encompasses eight prevalent vaccines: Influenza vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, herpes zoster vaccine, human papillomavirus vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, and rabies virus vaccine. This initiative aims to furnish highly practical technical directives for vaccination personnel and rheumatologists, thereby fostering standardized vaccination practices to combat infectious diseases among adult ARDs patients in China.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Adult
Humans
COVID-19 Vaccines
Consensus
Quality of Life
Vaccination
*Influenza Vaccines
*Rheumatic Diseases
*Respiratory Distress Syndrome
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-01-03
Chinese expert consensus on the management of patients with hematologic malignancies infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Journal of cancer research and therapeutics, 19(6):1495-1500.
In December 2022, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became dominant in China due to its high infectivity and lower mortality rate. The risk of critical illness and mortality among patients with hematologic malignancies who contracted SARS-CoV-2 was particularly high. The aim of this study was to draft a consensus to facilitate effective treatments for these patients based on the type and severity of the disease. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China, a steering committee consisting of experienced hematologists was formed by the Specialized Committee of Oncology and Microecology of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. The expert group drafted a consensus on the management and intervention measures for different types of hematologic malignancies based on the clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with relevant guidelines and literature. The expert group drafted independent recommendations on several important aspects based on the epidemiology of the Omicron variant in China and the unique vulnerability of patients with hematologic malignancies. These included prophylactic vaccinations for those with hematologic malignancies, the use of plasma from blood donors who recovered from the novel coronavirus infection, the establishment of negative pressure wards, the use of steady-state mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells, the provision of psychological support for patients and medical staff, and a focus on maintaining a healthy intestinal microecology.
Additional Links: PMID-38156914
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38156914,
year = {2023},
author = {Wang, J and Shao, L and Liang, J and Wu, Q and Zhu, B and Deng, Q and Liu, Z and Liu, L and Wang, D and Yu, Z and Tan, X and Wang, F and Meng, J and Xu, X and Xia, Z and Li, Z and Wang, H and Wang, L and Wu, W and Xie, Q and Huang, X and Sun, Z and Zhang, Y and Zhou, H and Zhou, H and Yang, W and Ren, H and Liu, Z and Qiao, M and Tang, F and Qi, X and Wu, H and Deng, L and Gao, L and Zhang, H and Chen, P and Zhang, H and Zhang, X and Zhou, J and Chuanqing, TU and Guan, L and Yin, Q and Shu, R and Chen, F and He, M and Wang, Q and Guo, Z and , and , },
title = {Chinese expert consensus on the management of patients with hematologic malignancies infected with SARS-CoV-2.},
journal = {Journal of cancer research and therapeutics},
volume = {19},
number = {6},
pages = {1495-1500},
doi = {10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_782_23},
pmid = {38156914},
issn = {1998-4138},
mesh = {Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *COVID-19 ; Consensus ; *Hematologic Neoplasms/complications/therapy ; China/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {In December 2022, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) became dominant in China due to its high infectivity and lower mortality rate. The risk of critical illness and mortality among patients with hematologic malignancies who contracted SARS-CoV-2 was particularly high. The aim of this study was to draft a consensus to facilitate effective treatments for these patients based on the type and severity of the disease. Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in China, a steering committee consisting of experienced hematologists was formed by the Specialized Committee of Oncology and Microecology of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. The expert group drafted a consensus on the management and intervention measures for different types of hematologic malignancies based on the clinical characteristics of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with relevant guidelines and literature. The expert group drafted independent recommendations on several important aspects based on the epidemiology of the Omicron variant in China and the unique vulnerability of patients with hematologic malignancies. These included prophylactic vaccinations for those with hematologic malignancies, the use of plasma from blood donors who recovered from the novel coronavirus infection, the establishment of negative pressure wards, the use of steady-state mobilization of peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells, the provision of psychological support for patients and medical staff, and a focus on maintaining a healthy intestinal microecology.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
*COVID-19
Consensus
*Hematologic Neoplasms/complications/therapy
China/epidemiology
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-02-15
Australia and New Zealand consensus position statement: use of COVID-19 therapeutics in patients with haematological malignancies.
Internal medicine journal, 54(2):328-336.
Despite widespread vaccination rates, we are living with high transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2. Although overall hospitalisation rates are falling, the risk of serious infection remains high for patients who are immunocompromised because of haematological malignancies. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the development of multiple agents for treatment, representatives from the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand and infectious diseases specialists have collaborated on this consensus position statement regarding COVID-19 management in patients with haematological disorders. It is our recommendation that both patients with haematological malignancies and treating specialists be educated regarding the preventive and treatment options available and that patients continue to receive adequate vaccinations, keeping in mind the suboptimal vaccine responses that occur in haematology patients, in particular, those with B-cell malignancies and on B-cell-targeting or depleting therapy. Patients with haematological malignancies should receive treatment for COVID-19 in accordance with the severity of their symptoms, but even mild infections should prompt early treatment with antiviral agents. The issue of de-isolation following COVID-19 infection and optimal time to treatment for haematological malignancies is discussed but remains an area with evolving data. This position statement is to be used in conjunction with advice from infectious disease, respiratory and intensive care specialists, and current guidelines from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce and the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Cancer Agency Te Aho o Te Kahu COVID-19 Guidelines.
Additional Links: PMID-38146232
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38146232,
year = {2024},
author = {Campbell, A and Teh, B and Mulligan, S and Ross, DM and Weinkove, R and Gilroy, N and Gangatharan, S and Prince, HM and Szer, J and Trotman, J and Lane, S and Dickinson, M and Quach, H and Enjeti, AK and Ku, M and Gregory, G and Hapgood, G and Ho, PJ and Cochrane, T and Cheah, C and Greenwood, M and Latimer, M and Berkahn, L and Wight, J and Armytage, T and Diamond, P and Tam, CS and Hamad, N},
title = {Australia and New Zealand consensus position statement: use of COVID-19 therapeutics in patients with haematological malignancies.},
journal = {Internal medicine journal},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {328-336},
doi = {10.1111/imj.16303},
pmid = {38146232},
issn = {1445-5994},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Consensus ; New Zealand/epidemiology ; *Hematologic Neoplasms/complications/therapy ; },
abstract = {Despite widespread vaccination rates, we are living with high transmission rates of SARS-CoV-2. Although overall hospitalisation rates are falling, the risk of serious infection remains high for patients who are immunocompromised because of haematological malignancies. In light of the ongoing pandemic and the development of multiple agents for treatment, representatives from the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand and infectious diseases specialists have collaborated on this consensus position statement regarding COVID-19 management in patients with haematological disorders. It is our recommendation that both patients with haematological malignancies and treating specialists be educated regarding the preventive and treatment options available and that patients continue to receive adequate vaccinations, keeping in mind the suboptimal vaccine responses that occur in haematology patients, in particular, those with B-cell malignancies and on B-cell-targeting or depleting therapy. Patients with haematological malignancies should receive treatment for COVID-19 in accordance with the severity of their symptoms, but even mild infections should prompt early treatment with antiviral agents. The issue of de-isolation following COVID-19 infection and optimal time to treatment for haematological malignancies is discussed but remains an area with evolving data. This position statement is to be used in conjunction with advice from infectious disease, respiratory and intensive care specialists, and current guidelines from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce and the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Cancer Agency Te Aho o Te Kahu COVID-19 Guidelines.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Consensus
New Zealand/epidemiology
*Hematologic Neoplasms/complications/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-03-13
Diagnosis and treatment of right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale): a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology.
European heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care, 13(3):304-312.
Acute right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale) is a life-threatening condition that may arise in different clinical settings. Patients at risk of developing or with manifest acute cor pulmonale usually present with an acute pulmonary disease (e.g. pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome) and are managed initially in emergency departments and later in intensive care units. According to the clinical setting, other specialties are involved (cardiology, pneumology, internal medicine). As such, coordinated delivery of care is particularly challenging but, as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a major impact on prognosis. A common framework for the management of acute cor pulmonale with inclusion of the perspectives of all involved disciplines is urgently needed.
Additional Links: PMID-38135288
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38135288,
year = {2024},
author = {Arrigo, M and Price, S and Harjola, VP and Huber, LC and Schaubroeck, HAI and Vieillard-Baron, A and Mebazaa, A and Masip, J},
title = {Diagnosis and treatment of right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale): a clinical consensus statement of the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care of the European Society of Cardiology.},
journal = {European heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care},
volume = {13},
number = {3},
pages = {304-312},
pmid = {38135288},
issn = {2048-8734},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pulmonary Heart Disease/diagnosis/etiology/therapy ; Pandemics ; *Heart Failure/diagnosis/etiology/therapy ; Heart Ventricles ; *Cardiology ; },
abstract = {Acute right ventricular failure secondary to acutely increased right ventricular afterload (acute cor pulmonale) is a life-threatening condition that may arise in different clinical settings. Patients at risk of developing or with manifest acute cor pulmonale usually present with an acute pulmonary disease (e.g. pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome) and are managed initially in emergency departments and later in intensive care units. According to the clinical setting, other specialties are involved (cardiology, pneumology, internal medicine). As such, coordinated delivery of care is particularly challenging but, as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a major impact on prognosis. A common framework for the management of acute cor pulmonale with inclusion of the perspectives of all involved disciplines is urgently needed.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Pulmonary Heart Disease/diagnosis/etiology/therapy
Pandemics
*Heart Failure/diagnosis/etiology/therapy
Heart Ventricles
*Cardiology
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-03-01
Flow-based basophil activation test in immediate drug hypersensitivity. An EAACI task force position paper.
Allergy, 79(3):580-600.
Diagnosing immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs) can pose a significant challenge and there is an urgent need for safe and reliable tests. Evidence has emerged that the basophil activation test (BAT), an in vitro assay that mirrors the in vivo response, can be a complementary test for many drugs. In this position paper, members of Task Force (TF) "Basophil activation test in the evaluation of Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions" from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) present the data from a survey about the use and utility of BAT in IDHRs in Europe. The survey results indicate that there is a great interest for using BAT especially for diagnosing IDHRs. However, there are still main needs, mainly in the standardization of the protocols. Subsequently consensus-based recommendations were formulated for: (i) Technical aspects of BAT in IDHRs including type of sample, management of drugs, flow cytometry protocols, interpretation of the results; and (ii) Drug-specific aspects that should be taken into account when performing BAT in relation to betalactams, neuromuscular blocking agents, fluoroquinolones, chlorhexidine, opioids, radio contrast media, chemotherapeutics, biological agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, COVID vaccine, and excipients. Moreover, aspects in the evaluation of pediatric population have also been considered. All this indicates that BAT offers the clinician and laboratory a complementary tool for a safe diagnostic for IDHRs, although its place in the diagnostic algorithm depends on the drug class and patient population (phenotype, geography, and age). The standardization of BAT is important for generalizing this method beyond the individual laboratory.
Additional Links: PMID-38084472
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38084472,
year = {2024},
author = {Mayorga, C and Çelik, GE and Pascal, M and Hoffmann, HJ and Eberlein, B and Torres, MJ and Brockow, K and Garvey, LH and Barbaud, A and Madrigal-Burgaleta, R and Caubet, JC and Ebo, DG},
title = {Flow-based basophil activation test in immediate drug hypersensitivity. An EAACI task force position paper.},
journal = {Allergy},
volume = {79},
number = {3},
pages = {580-600},
doi = {10.1111/all.15957},
pmid = {38084472},
issn = {1398-9995},
support = {//European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Basophil Degranulation Test/methods ; Basophils ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; *Drug Hypersensitivity/diagnosis ; *Hypersensitivity ; },
abstract = {Diagnosing immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs) can pose a significant challenge and there is an urgent need for safe and reliable tests. Evidence has emerged that the basophil activation test (BAT), an in vitro assay that mirrors the in vivo response, can be a complementary test for many drugs. In this position paper, members of Task Force (TF) "Basophil activation test in the evaluation of Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions" from the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) present the data from a survey about the use and utility of BAT in IDHRs in Europe. The survey results indicate that there is a great interest for using BAT especially for diagnosing IDHRs. However, there are still main needs, mainly in the standardization of the protocols. Subsequently consensus-based recommendations were formulated for: (i) Technical aspects of BAT in IDHRs including type of sample, management of drugs, flow cytometry protocols, interpretation of the results; and (ii) Drug-specific aspects that should be taken into account when performing BAT in relation to betalactams, neuromuscular blocking agents, fluoroquinolones, chlorhexidine, opioids, radio contrast media, chemotherapeutics, biological agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, COVID vaccine, and excipients. Moreover, aspects in the evaluation of pediatric population have also been considered. All this indicates that BAT offers the clinician and laboratory a complementary tool for a safe diagnostic for IDHRs, although its place in the diagnostic algorithm depends on the drug class and patient population (phenotype, geography, and age). The standardization of BAT is important for generalizing this method beyond the individual laboratory.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Child
Basophil Degranulation Test/methods
Basophils
COVID-19 Vaccines
*Hypersensitivity, Immediate
*Drug Hypersensitivity/diagnosis
*Hypersensitivity
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-01-01
[Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of severe COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis].
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, 47(1):10-23.
The incidence and mortality of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are high in critically ill patients. Although COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAPM) is relatively rare, its severity and often a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis lead to its high mortality. The diagnosis and treatment of CAPA and CAPM in critically ill patients are challenging. Early diagnosis and a standardized therapy are the two most important factors for a good outcome. Therefore, a working group of experts from Chinese Thoracic Society and Chinese Association of Chest Physicians Critical Care Group was organized to develop this consensus based on the current medical evidence and clinical practice, in order to improve the ability of clinical treatment for critically ill patients with CAPA and CAPM. The working group drafted a preliminary text based on the literature and clinical practice experience. Following two rounds of discussion, 16 final recommendations were made, with the recommendation strength divided into recommend, suggest and not recommend.-Utilization of chest images and bronchoscopy1. Chest CT, rather than chest X-ray, is recommended for possible CAPA or CAPM patients to provide diagnostic evidence and localization for bronchoscopy to obtain microbiological specimens. A diagnosis of CAPA could not be made on the basis of positive signs on chest CT alone. Chest contrast CT or pulmonary artery CT (CTPA) is recommended in patients with probable CAPM.2. In the case of possible CAPA or CAPM, it is recommended that bronchoscopy and BALF collection for microbiological examinations be pereformed as soon as possible.-The selection strategies of microbiological examinations3. Microscopic examination, culture, GM testing and PCR for aspergillus Spp. of BALF are recommended in patients with probable CAPA. Fungal staining and culture of BALF are suggested for possible CAPM. Selected appropriate specimens for molecular biological detection are suggested in critically ill patients and possible CAPM.-Diagnostic critieria4. The revised ECMM/ISHAM consensus statement is recommended as the diagnostic criteria for CAPA and the Delphi consensus statement is recommended as the diagnostic criteria for CAPM.-Appropriate time for antifungal therapy5. Prophylactic therapy of CAPA with amphotericin B or its liposomes is suggested for patients with severe COVID-19, especially those with risk factors for CAPA.6. It is recommended to start the empirical anti-Aspergillus therapy as soon as possible for possible CAPA, and obtain the microbiological evidence for aspergillosis at the same time.7. Prophylactic therapy for CAPM is not recommended for severe COVID-19 patients.8. Early initiation of empirical therapy for possible CAPM is recommended, and microbiological evidence should be obtained at the same time.-Clinical applications for antifungal agents9.Voriconazole or isavuconazole are recommended as initial treatment for CAPA. Amphotericin B liposomes are suggested as the initial treatment for CAPM. Isavuconazole or posaconazole may be an option in patients with renal insufficiency or amphotericin B liposome intolerance/unavailability.10. In CAPA patients with tracheobronchitis, antifungal drug inhalation is recommended in addition to systemic antifungal medication.11. Combination therapy is not recommended as initial therapy for CAPA, but may be used as a salvage therapy strategy. Triazole or amphotericin B in combination with caspofungin or micafungin is recommended; whereas amphotericin B in combination with triazole is not recommended. For CAPM patients with extensive lesions, rapid progression or poor general condition, a combination of amphotericin B liposome with isavuconazole or posaconazole is suggested.-Response assessment and treatment duration12. It is recommended that treatment response be assessed comprehensively according to the clinical symptoms/signs, imaging and microbiological examination of patients. CAPA can be evaluated in combination with the dynamic change in serum GM.13. The recommended treatment duration of CAPA is at least 6-12 weeks. A total course of at least 3-6 months is suggested for CAPM, and the sequential treatment should be considered according to the response to 4-6 weeks of intravenous therapy.-How to adjust the anti-inflammatory therapy14. In patients with severe COVID-19 combined with possible or probable filamentous fungal infection, it is suggested that of anti-inflammatory therapy be stopped or reduced appropriately, taking into account of the severity of the infection and inflammation of the disease course. The combination of baritinib and/or tozzizumab based on glucocorticoids is not suggested in these patients.-How to treat the underlying diseases15. In patients with diabetes, strict glycaemic control is suggested. In patients with long-term use of glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants, it is suggested to reduce the intensity of immunosuppression. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is suggested to use to improve the circulating granulocyte levels in patients with granulocyte deficiency due to various causes.-When an operation should be considered16. In patients with CAPA, surgery is not recommended unless large blood vessels, pericardium, or chest wall are involved, or the patient has recurrent or massive hemoptysis. For CAPM patients, early surgical removal of lesions after diagnosis is recommended. Surgery is a high-risk procedure in patients with severe COVID-19, and a multidisciplinary team discuss is suggested.
Additional Links: PMID-38062689
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38062689,
year = {2024},
author = {, and , },
title = {[Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of severe COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis].},
journal = {Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {10-23},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20230823-00098},
pmid = {38062689},
issn = {1001-0939},
support = {2022-NHLHCRF-LX-01-01//National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding/ ; 2022-I2M-JB-016//CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Amphotericin B/therapeutic use ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use ; *Mucormycosis/therapy/drug therapy ; Liposomes/therapeutic use ; Critical Illness ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/therapy ; Triazoles/therapeutic use ; *Pulmonary Aspergillosis ; Aspergillus ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; COVID-19 Testing ; Nitriles ; Pyridines ; },
abstract = {The incidence and mortality of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are high in critically ill patients. Although COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAPM) is relatively rare, its severity and often a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis lead to its high mortality. The diagnosis and treatment of CAPA and CAPM in critically ill patients are challenging. Early diagnosis and a standardized therapy are the two most important factors for a good outcome. Therefore, a working group of experts from Chinese Thoracic Society and Chinese Association of Chest Physicians Critical Care Group was organized to develop this consensus based on the current medical evidence and clinical practice, in order to improve the ability of clinical treatment for critically ill patients with CAPA and CAPM. The working group drafted a preliminary text based on the literature and clinical practice experience. Following two rounds of discussion, 16 final recommendations were made, with the recommendation strength divided into recommend, suggest and not recommend.-Utilization of chest images and bronchoscopy1. Chest CT, rather than chest X-ray, is recommended for possible CAPA or CAPM patients to provide diagnostic evidence and localization for bronchoscopy to obtain microbiological specimens. A diagnosis of CAPA could not be made on the basis of positive signs on chest CT alone. Chest contrast CT or pulmonary artery CT (CTPA) is recommended in patients with probable CAPM.2. In the case of possible CAPA or CAPM, it is recommended that bronchoscopy and BALF collection for microbiological examinations be pereformed as soon as possible.-The selection strategies of microbiological examinations3. Microscopic examination, culture, GM testing and PCR for aspergillus Spp. of BALF are recommended in patients with probable CAPA. Fungal staining and culture of BALF are suggested for possible CAPM. Selected appropriate specimens for molecular biological detection are suggested in critically ill patients and possible CAPM.-Diagnostic critieria4. The revised ECMM/ISHAM consensus statement is recommended as the diagnostic criteria for CAPA and the Delphi consensus statement is recommended as the diagnostic criteria for CAPM.-Appropriate time for antifungal therapy5. Prophylactic therapy of CAPA with amphotericin B or its liposomes is suggested for patients with severe COVID-19, especially those with risk factors for CAPA.6. It is recommended to start the empirical anti-Aspergillus therapy as soon as possible for possible CAPA, and obtain the microbiological evidence for aspergillosis at the same time.7. Prophylactic therapy for CAPM is not recommended for severe COVID-19 patients.8. Early initiation of empirical therapy for possible CAPM is recommended, and microbiological evidence should be obtained at the same time.-Clinical applications for antifungal agents9.Voriconazole or isavuconazole are recommended as initial treatment for CAPA. Amphotericin B liposomes are suggested as the initial treatment for CAPM. Isavuconazole or posaconazole may be an option in patients with renal insufficiency or amphotericin B liposome intolerance/unavailability.10. In CAPA patients with tracheobronchitis, antifungal drug inhalation is recommended in addition to systemic antifungal medication.11. Combination therapy is not recommended as initial therapy for CAPA, but may be used as a salvage therapy strategy. Triazole or amphotericin B in combination with caspofungin or micafungin is recommended; whereas amphotericin B in combination with triazole is not recommended. For CAPM patients with extensive lesions, rapid progression or poor general condition, a combination of amphotericin B liposome with isavuconazole or posaconazole is suggested.-Response assessment and treatment duration12. It is recommended that treatment response be assessed comprehensively according to the clinical symptoms/signs, imaging and microbiological examination of patients. CAPA can be evaluated in combination with the dynamic change in serum GM.13. The recommended treatment duration of CAPA is at least 6-12 weeks. A total course of at least 3-6 months is suggested for CAPM, and the sequential treatment should be considered according to the response to 4-6 weeks of intravenous therapy.-How to adjust the anti-inflammatory therapy14. In patients with severe COVID-19 combined with possible or probable filamentous fungal infection, it is suggested that of anti-inflammatory therapy be stopped or reduced appropriately, taking into account of the severity of the infection and inflammation of the disease course. The combination of baritinib and/or tozzizumab based on glucocorticoids is not suggested in these patients.-How to treat the underlying diseases15. In patients with diabetes, strict glycaemic control is suggested. In patients with long-term use of glucocorticoids and/or immunosuppressants, it is suggested to reduce the intensity of immunosuppression. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is suggested to use to improve the circulating granulocyte levels in patients with granulocyte deficiency due to various causes.-When an operation should be considered16. In patients with CAPA, surgery is not recommended unless large blood vessels, pericardium, or chest wall are involved, or the patient has recurrent or massive hemoptysis. For CAPM patients, early surgical removal of lesions after diagnosis is recommended. Surgery is a high-risk procedure in patients with severe COVID-19, and a multidisciplinary team discuss is suggested.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Amphotericin B/therapeutic use
Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use
*Mucormycosis/therapy/drug therapy
Liposomes/therapeutic use
Critical Illness
*COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/therapy
Triazoles/therapeutic use
*Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Aspergillus
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
COVID-19 Testing
Nitriles
Pyridines
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-12-05
[Expert consensus on the management of interstitial lung disease during the COVID-19 epidemic].
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, 46(12):1204-1218.
Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) is prevalent around the world, and pre-existing ILD is associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, the current knowledge on the management strategy for COVID-19 patients with pre-existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is very limited. There is still a need for consensus on treatments for these patients. In addition, ILD that occurs after the acute phase of COVID-19 (Post-acute Covid-19 ILD, PC-ILD) is also very common, and how to manage PC-ILD is also under debate. Therefore, a consensus was established by experts from the related disciplines in the field of ILD based on available scientific evidence and experience of the expert working group. This consensus elucidated 22 practical questions for practicing physicians, such as clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD patients. Finally, 15 recommendations were made regarding the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD patients. We hope to assist physicians in making appropriate decisions, thereby improving the management of COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD.Recommendation 1: It is recommended to differentiate COVID-19 from ILD with acute/subacute onset based on duration, exposure history, symptoms and signs, chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) features, and laboratory tests.Recommendation 2: According to the guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia (version 10) issued by the National Health Commission of China on January 6[th], 2023, we recommended the following disease severity definition and management for the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD.Recommendation 3: ILD is an independent risk factor for severe/critical COVID-19. We recommend antiviral treatment for COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD as early as possible after symptoms onset, ideally within 5 days.Recommendation 4: We recommend that the use of systemic corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD who had no indications for corticosteroids therapy should follow the guidelines of COVID-19 for the general population. Those with pre-existing ILD who need to start or are already on systemic corticosteroids are recommended to start or continue corticosteroids if they develop COVID-19. The dose adjustment is based on the severity of COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD: For the patients with severe/critical COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD but no AE-ILD, the use of corticosteroids should follow the guidelines of COVID-19 in the general population; the patients with AE-ILD are recommended to follow the use of corticosteroids in AE-ILD.Recommendation 5: There is no evidence available for the use of interleukin-6 receptor blockers in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD. Recommendations regarding interleukin-6 receptor blockers in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD may follow the guideline of COVID-19 in the general population.Recommendation 6: There is no evidence to support the use of Janus kinase inhibitors in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD. The use of Janus kinase inhibitors in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD is recommended to follow the guideline of COVID-19 in the general population.Recommendation 7: For patients who have not started immunosuppressants/biological agents for pre-existing ILD at the time of COVID-19, delayed initiation of immunosuppressants/biological agents is recommended, if the risk of ILD progression in the short term is low. For patients who are already on immunosuppressants/biological agents, a multidisciplinary discussion with rheumatologists is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks of discontinuing immunosuppressants/biological agents. It is recommended to discontinue immunosuppressants/biological agents for pre-existing ILD in acute phase of COVID-19 unless short-term discontinuation affects control of underlying ILD or connective tissue disease.Recommendation 8: It is recommended that the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD who are on anti-fibrotic medication should continue to take anti-fibrotic medication. For COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed fibrotic ILD who need to start anti-fibrotic therapy, it is recommended to start anti-fibrotic treatment as early as possible.Recommendation 9: It is recommended to investigate and monitor co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD, and to promptly prevent and treat co-infections and secondary infections such as bacteria, fungi, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and cytomegalovirus.Recommendation 10: Anticoagulation therapy for the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD is recommended to be used in accordance with guideline of COVID-19 in general population.Recommendation 11: For COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD, we recommend follow-up at 4 weeks after recovery (non-hospitalized patients) or 4 weeks after discharge (hospitalized patients), and then the routine monitoring frequency for ILD once stable, i.e. every 3 to 6 months. Pulmonary function testing is a routine investigation. Chest HRCT is suggested when clinically indicated. Arterial blood gas analysis, echocardiography, CT pulmonary angiography, and blood examinations can be selected when necessary.Recommendation 12: Severe/critical COVID-19 survivors are the main target population for rehabilitation intervention. Rehabilitation therapy should be administered individualized.Recommendation 13: Healthcare providers should fully inform patients with pre-existing ILD about the benefits and risks of vaccination, and involve patients in a shared decision-making process to discuss whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Recommendation 14: For PC-ILD patients with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms, persistent interstitial lung abnormalities and lung function impairment following acute COVID-19 pneumonia, may be treated with glucocorticoids after exclusion of other causes such as infection.Recommendation 15: For PC-ILD patients who have recovered from severe/critical COVID-19, anti-fibrotic medications may be administered after discussing disease-and treatment-related factors with patients. The optimal timing and duration of anti-fibrotic treatment are still uncertain. We conditionally recommend against anti-fibrotic medications in patients who have recovered from mild or moderate COVID-19. This recommendation does not apply to patients with pre-existing fibrotic ILD.
Additional Links: PMID-38044048
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38044048,
year = {2023},
author = {, },
title = {[Expert consensus on the management of interstitial lung disease during the COVID-19 epidemic].},
journal = {Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases},
volume = {46},
number = {12},
pages = {1204-1218},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20230922-00187},
pmid = {38044048},
issn = {1001-0939},
support = {2022-PUMCH-B-108, 2022-PUMCH-A-130, 2022-PUMCH-C-069//National High Level Hospital Clinical Reseach Funding/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Coinfection ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Consensus ; *Janus Kinase Inhibitors ; *Lung Diseases, Interstitial/therapy ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use ; Receptors, Interleukin-6 ; Biological Factors ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) is prevalent around the world, and pre-existing ILD is associated with increased severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, the current knowledge on the management strategy for COVID-19 patients with pre-existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is very limited. There is still a need for consensus on treatments for these patients. In addition, ILD that occurs after the acute phase of COVID-19 (Post-acute Covid-19 ILD, PC-ILD) is also very common, and how to manage PC-ILD is also under debate. Therefore, a consensus was established by experts from the related disciplines in the field of ILD based on available scientific evidence and experience of the expert working group. This consensus elucidated 22 practical questions for practicing physicians, such as clinical characteristics, risk factors and treatment of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD patients. Finally, 15 recommendations were made regarding the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD patients. We hope to assist physicians in making appropriate decisions, thereby improving the management of COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD and PC-ILD.Recommendation 1: It is recommended to differentiate COVID-19 from ILD with acute/subacute onset based on duration, exposure history, symptoms and signs, chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) features, and laboratory tests.Recommendation 2: According to the guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus pneumonia (version 10) issued by the National Health Commission of China on January 6[th], 2023, we recommended the following disease severity definition and management for the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD.Recommendation 3: ILD is an independent risk factor for severe/critical COVID-19. We recommend antiviral treatment for COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD as early as possible after symptoms onset, ideally within 5 days.Recommendation 4: We recommend that the use of systemic corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD who had no indications for corticosteroids therapy should follow the guidelines of COVID-19 for the general population. Those with pre-existing ILD who need to start or are already on systemic corticosteroids are recommended to start or continue corticosteroids if they develop COVID-19. The dose adjustment is based on the severity of COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD: For the patients with severe/critical COVID-19 with pre-existing ILD but no AE-ILD, the use of corticosteroids should follow the guidelines of COVID-19 in the general population; the patients with AE-ILD are recommended to follow the use of corticosteroids in AE-ILD.Recommendation 5: There is no evidence available for the use of interleukin-6 receptor blockers in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD. Recommendations regarding interleukin-6 receptor blockers in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD may follow the guideline of COVID-19 in the general population.Recommendation 6: There is no evidence to support the use of Janus kinase inhibitors in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD. The use of Janus kinase inhibitors in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD is recommended to follow the guideline of COVID-19 in the general population.Recommendation 7: For patients who have not started immunosuppressants/biological agents for pre-existing ILD at the time of COVID-19, delayed initiation of immunosuppressants/biological agents is recommended, if the risk of ILD progression in the short term is low. For patients who are already on immunosuppressants/biological agents, a multidisciplinary discussion with rheumatologists is recommended to weigh the benefits and risks of discontinuing immunosuppressants/biological agents. It is recommended to discontinue immunosuppressants/biological agents for pre-existing ILD in acute phase of COVID-19 unless short-term discontinuation affects control of underlying ILD or connective tissue disease.Recommendation 8: It is recommended that the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD who are on anti-fibrotic medication should continue to take anti-fibrotic medication. For COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed fibrotic ILD who need to start anti-fibrotic therapy, it is recommended to start anti-fibrotic treatment as early as possible.Recommendation 9: It is recommended to investigate and monitor co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD, and to promptly prevent and treat co-infections and secondary infections such as bacteria, fungi, Pneumocystis jirovecii, and cytomegalovirus.Recommendation 10: Anticoagulation therapy for the COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD is recommended to be used in accordance with guideline of COVID-19 in general population.Recommendation 11: For COVID-19 patients with pre-existing ILD, we recommend follow-up at 4 weeks after recovery (non-hospitalized patients) or 4 weeks after discharge (hospitalized patients), and then the routine monitoring frequency for ILD once stable, i.e. every 3 to 6 months. Pulmonary function testing is a routine investigation. Chest HRCT is suggested when clinically indicated. Arterial blood gas analysis, echocardiography, CT pulmonary angiography, and blood examinations can be selected when necessary.Recommendation 12: Severe/critical COVID-19 survivors are the main target population for rehabilitation intervention. Rehabilitation therapy should be administered individualized.Recommendation 13: Healthcare providers should fully inform patients with pre-existing ILD about the benefits and risks of vaccination, and involve patients in a shared decision-making process to discuss whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Recommendation 14: For PC-ILD patients with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms, persistent interstitial lung abnormalities and lung function impairment following acute COVID-19 pneumonia, may be treated with glucocorticoids after exclusion of other causes such as infection.Recommendation 15: For PC-ILD patients who have recovered from severe/critical COVID-19, anti-fibrotic medications may be administered after discussing disease-and treatment-related factors with patients. The optimal timing and duration of anti-fibrotic treatment are still uncertain. We conditionally recommend against anti-fibrotic medications in patients who have recovered from mild or moderate COVID-19. This recommendation does not apply to patients with pre-existing fibrotic ILD.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19
*Coinfection
COVID-19 Vaccines
Consensus
*Janus Kinase Inhibitors
*Lung Diseases, Interstitial/therapy
Immunosuppressive Agents
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use
Receptors, Interleukin-6
Biological Factors
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-04-01
Telemedicine with special focus on allergic diseases and asthma-Status 2022: An EAACI position paper.
Allergy, 79(4):777-792.
Efficacious, effective and efficient communication between healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients is essential to achieve a successful therapeutic alliance. Telemedicine (TM) has been used for decades but during the COVID-19 pandemic its use has become widespread. This position paper aims to describe the terminology and most important forms of TM among HCP and patients and review the existing studies on the uses of TM for asthma and allergy. Besides, the advantages and risks of TM are discussed, concluding that TM application reduces costs and time for both, HCP and patients, but cannot completely replace face-to-face visits for physical examinations and certain tests that are critical in asthma and allergy. From an ethical point of view, it is important to identify those involved in the TM process, ensure confidentiality and use communication channels that fully guarantee the security of the information. Unmet needs and directions for the future regarding implementation, data protection, privacy regulations, methodology and efficacy are described.
Additional Links: PMID-38041429
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38041429,
year = {2024},
author = {Smolinska, S and Popescu, FD and Izquierdo, E and AntolÃn-Amérigo, D and Price, OJ and Alvarez-Perea, A and EguÃluz Gracia, I and Papadopoulos, NG and Pfaar, O and Fassio, F and Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K and Dramburg, S and Agache, I and Jutel, M and Brough, HA and Fonseca, JA and Angier, E and Boccabella, C and Bonini, M and Dunn Galvin, A and Gibson, PG and Gawlik, R and Hannachi, F and Kalayci, Ö and Klimek, L and Knibb, R and Matricardi, P and Chivato, T},
title = {Telemedicine with special focus on allergic diseases and asthma-Status 2022: An EAACI position paper.},
journal = {Allergy},
volume = {79},
number = {4},
pages = {777-792},
doi = {10.1111/all.15964},
pmid = {38041429},
issn = {1398-9995},
support = {//European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Pandemics ; *Telemedicine/methods ; Confidentiality ; *Hypersensitivity/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy ; *Asthma/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy ; },
abstract = {Efficacious, effective and efficient communication between healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients is essential to achieve a successful therapeutic alliance. Telemedicine (TM) has been used for decades but during the COVID-19 pandemic its use has become widespread. This position paper aims to describe the terminology and most important forms of TM among HCP and patients and review the existing studies on the uses of TM for asthma and allergy. Besides, the advantages and risks of TM are discussed, concluding that TM application reduces costs and time for both, HCP and patients, but cannot completely replace face-to-face visits for physical examinations and certain tests that are critical in asthma and allergy. From an ethical point of view, it is important to identify those involved in the TM process, ensure confidentiality and use communication channels that fully guarantee the security of the information. Unmet needs and directions for the future regarding implementation, data protection, privacy regulations, methodology and efficacy are described.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Pandemics
*Telemedicine/methods
Confidentiality
*Hypersensitivity/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy
*Asthma/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-01-26
Quality of life measurement in teledermatology. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Teledermatology.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 38(2):254-264.
Many events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient-oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health-related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face-to-face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face-to-face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology-specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease-specific instruments.
Additional Links: PMID-37877648
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37877648,
year = {2024},
author = {Chernyshov, PV and Finlay, AY and Tomas-Aragones, L and Tognetti, L and Moscarella, E and Pasquali, P and Manolache, L and Pustisek, N and Svensson, A and Marron, SE and Bewley, A and Salavastru, C and Suru, A and Koumaki, D and Linder, D and Abeni, D and Augustin, M and Blome, C and Salek, SS and Evers, AWM and Poot, F and Sampogna, F and Szepietowski, JС},
title = {Quality of life measurement in teledermatology. Position statement of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Task Forces on Quality of Life and Patient Oriented Outcomes and Teledermatology.},
journal = {Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV},
volume = {38},
number = {2},
pages = {254-264},
doi = {10.1111/jdv.19570},
pmid = {37877648},
issn = {1468-3083},
mesh = {Child ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; *Venereology ; *Dermatology/methods ; Pandemics ; *Skin Diseases/diagnosis/therapy ; },
abstract = {Many events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have accelerated the implementation of teledermatology pathways within dermatology departments and across healthcare organizations. Quality of Life (QoL) assessment in dermatology is also a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice. The purpose of this paper organized jointly by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Task Force (TF) on QoL and patient-oriented outcomes and the EADV TF on teledermatology is to present current knowledge about QoL assessment during the use of teledermatology approaches, including data on health-related (HR) QoL instruments used in teledermatology, comparison of influence of different treatment methods on HRQoL after face-to-face and teledermatology consultations and to make practical recommendations concerning the assessment of QoL in teledermatology. The EADV TFs made the following position statements: HRQoL assessment may be an important part in most of teledermatology activities; HRQoL assessment may be easily and effectively performed during teledermatology consultations. It is especially important to monitor HRQoL of patients with chronic skin diseases during lockdowns or in areas where it is difficult to reach a hospital for face-to-face consultation; regular assessment of HRQoL of patients with skin diseases during teledermatology consultations may help to monitor therapy efficacy and visualize individual patient's needs; we recommend the use of the DLQI in teledermatology, including the use of the DLQI app which is available in seven languages; it is important to develop apps for dermatology-specific HRQoL instruments for use in children (for example the CDLQI and InToDermQoL) and for disease-specific instruments.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Child
Humans
Quality of Life
*Venereology
*Dermatology/methods
Pandemics
*Skin Diseases/diagnosis/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-11-27
Evaluation and treatment approaches for neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A consensus statement and scoping review from the global COVID-19 neuro research coalition.
Journal of the neurological sciences, 454:120827.
Post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 affect millions of people worldwide, yet little data is available to guide treatment strategies for the most common symptoms. We conducted a scoping review of PubMed/Medline from 1/1/2020-4/1/2023 to identify studies addressing diagnosis and treatment of the most common post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 including: cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, numbness/pain, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Utilizing the available literature and international disease-specific society guidelines, we constructed symptom-based differential diagnoses, evaluation and management paradigms. This pragmatic, evidence-based consensus document may serve as a guide for a holistic approach to post-COVID neurological care and will complement future clinical trials by outlining best practices in the evaluation and treatment of post-acute neurological signs/symptoms.
Additional Links: PMID-37856998
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid37856998,
year = {2023},
author = {Frontera, JA and Guekht, A and Allegri, RF and Ashraf, M and Baykan, B and Crivelli, L and Easton, A and Garcia-Azorin, D and Helbok, R and Joshi, J and Koehn, J and Koralnik, I and Netravathi, M and Michael, B and Nilo, A and Özge, A and Padda, K and Pellitteri, G and Prasad, K and Romozzi, M and Saylor, D and Seed, A and Thakur, K and Uluduz, D and Vogrig, A and Welte, TM and Westenberg, E and Zhuravlev, D and Zinchuk, M and Winkler, AS},
title = {Evaluation and treatment approaches for neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A consensus statement and scoping review from the global COVID-19 neuro research coalition.},
journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences},
volume = {454},
number = {},
pages = {120827},
doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2023.120827},
pmid = {37856998},
issn = {1878-5883},
mesh = {Humans ; Anxiety/etiology/therapy ; *Cognitive Dysfunction ; Consensus ; *COVID-19/complications ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Disease Progression ; Dizziness/diagnosis/etiology/therapy ; },
abstract = {Post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 affect millions of people worldwide, yet little data is available to guide treatment strategies for the most common symptoms. We conducted a scoping review of PubMed/Medline from 1/1/2020-4/1/2023 to identify studies addressing diagnosis and treatment of the most common post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 including: cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, numbness/pain, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Utilizing the available literature and international disease-specific society guidelines, we constructed symptom-based differential diagnoses, evaluation and management paradigms. This pragmatic, evidence-based consensus document may serve as a guide for a holistic approach to post-COVID neurological care and will complement future clinical trials by outlining best practices in the evaluation and treatment of post-acute neurological signs/symptoms.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Anxiety/etiology/therapy
*Cognitive Dysfunction
Consensus
*COVID-19/complications
Diagnosis, Differential
Disease Progression
Dizziness/diagnosis/etiology/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-03-22
Improving Sepsis Outcomes in the Era of Pay-for-Performance and Electronic Quality Measures: A Joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIDP Position Paper.
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 78(3):505-513.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1) as a pay-for-reporting measure in 2015 and is now planning to make it a pay-for-performance measure by incorporating it into the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program. This joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIPD position paper highlights concerns with this change. Multiple studies indicate that SEP-1 implementation was associated with increased broad-spectrum antibiotic use, lactate measurements, and aggressive fluid resuscitation for patients with suspected sepsis but not with decreased mortality rates. Increased focus on SEP-1 risks further diverting attention and resources from more effective measures and comprehensive sepsis care. We recommend retiring SEP-1 rather than using it in a payment model and shifting instead to new sepsis metrics that focus on patient outcomes. CMS is developing a community-onset sepsis 30-day mortality electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) that is an important step in this direction. The eCQM preliminarily identifies sepsis using systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, antibiotic administrations or diagnosis codes for infection or sepsis, and clinical indicators of acute organ dysfunction. We support the eCQM but recommend removing SIRS criteria and diagnosis codes to streamline implementation, decrease variability between hospitals, maintain vigilance for patients with sepsis but without SIRS, and avoid promoting antibiotic use in uninfected patients with SIRS. We further advocate for CMS to harmonize the eCQM with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Adult Sepsis Event surveillance metric to promote unity in federal measures, decrease reporting burden for hospitals, and facilitate shared prevention initiatives. These steps will result in a more robust measure that will encourage hospitals to pay more attention to the full breadth of sepsis care, stimulate new innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately bring us closer to our shared goal of improving outcomes for patients.
Additional Links: PMID-37831591
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37831591,
year = {2024},
author = {Rhee, C and Strich, JR and Chiotos, K and Classen, DC and Cosgrove, SE and Greeno, R and Heil, EL and Kadri, SS and Kalil, AC and Gilbert, DN and Masur, H and Septimus, EJ and Sweeney, DA and Terry, A and Winslow, DL and Yealy, DM and Klompas, M},
title = {Improving Sepsis Outcomes in the Era of Pay-for-Performance and Electronic Quality Measures: A Joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIDP Position Paper.},
journal = {Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America},
volume = {78},
number = {3},
pages = {505-513},
pmid = {37831591},
issn = {1537-6591},
mesh = {Aged ; Adult ; Humans ; United States ; Reimbursement, Incentive ; Medicare ; *Sepsis/diagnosis/drug therapy ; Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; *Shock, Septic/diagnosis/therapy ; },
abstract = {The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1) as a pay-for-reporting measure in 2015 and is now planning to make it a pay-for-performance measure by incorporating it into the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program. This joint IDSA/ACEP/PIDS/SHEA/SHM/SIPD position paper highlights concerns with this change. Multiple studies indicate that SEP-1 implementation was associated with increased broad-spectrum antibiotic use, lactate measurements, and aggressive fluid resuscitation for patients with suspected sepsis but not with decreased mortality rates. Increased focus on SEP-1 risks further diverting attention and resources from more effective measures and comprehensive sepsis care. We recommend retiring SEP-1 rather than using it in a payment model and shifting instead to new sepsis metrics that focus on patient outcomes. CMS is developing a community-onset sepsis 30-day mortality electronic clinical quality measure (eCQM) that is an important step in this direction. The eCQM preliminarily identifies sepsis using systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, antibiotic administrations or diagnosis codes for infection or sepsis, and clinical indicators of acute organ dysfunction. We support the eCQM but recommend removing SIRS criteria and diagnosis codes to streamline implementation, decrease variability between hospitals, maintain vigilance for patients with sepsis but without SIRS, and avoid promoting antibiotic use in uninfected patients with SIRS. We further advocate for CMS to harmonize the eCQM with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Adult Sepsis Event surveillance metric to promote unity in federal measures, decrease reporting burden for hospitals, and facilitate shared prevention initiatives. These steps will result in a more robust measure that will encourage hospitals to pay more attention to the full breadth of sepsis care, stimulate new innovations in diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately bring us closer to our shared goal of improving outcomes for patients.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Aged
Adult
Humans
United States
Reimbursement, Incentive
Medicare
*Sepsis/diagnosis/drug therapy
Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
*Shock, Septic/diagnosis/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-11-01
[Expert consensus on the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with Coronavirus infection (2023 version)].
Zhonghua shao shang yu chuang mian xiu fu za zhi, 39(8):701-712.
With China downgrading the management of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from Category A to Category B, a large number of COVID-19 patients have occurred in multiple waves across the country. Meanwhile, the long-term impact of Coronavirus on the body has gradually been noticed. However, the clinical treatment of burns complicated with COVID-19 is still a major challenge in Chinese burn centers. It is then essential to standardize the clinical treatment of such patients, improve the prognosis to the greatest extent, and provide valuable experiences for similar infectious diseases in future. Therefore, Chinese Burn Association, Burn Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds jointly initiated and organized multidisciplinary experts to develop this expert consensus based on the current medical evidence, clinical practice, and authoritative guidelines of other disciplines, in order to standardize the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-37805779
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37805779,
year = {2023},
author = {, and , and , },
title = {[Expert consensus on the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with Coronavirus infection (2023 version)].},
journal = {Zhonghua shao shang yu chuang mian xiu fu za zhi},
volume = {39},
number = {8},
pages = {701-712},
pmid = {37805779},
issn = {2097-1109},
support = {2021YFA1101100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; cstc2019jcyj-cxttX0001//Innovation Group Science Foundation of Chongqing Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Consensus ; *COVID-19 ; Delivery of Health Care ; China ; Burn Units ; },
abstract = {With China downgrading the management of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from Category A to Category B, a large number of COVID-19 patients have occurred in multiple waves across the country. Meanwhile, the long-term impact of Coronavirus on the body has gradually been noticed. However, the clinical treatment of burns complicated with COVID-19 is still a major challenge in Chinese burn centers. It is then essential to standardize the clinical treatment of such patients, improve the prognosis to the greatest extent, and provide valuable experiences for similar infectious diseases in future. Therefore, Chinese Burn Association, Burn Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds jointly initiated and organized multidisciplinary experts to develop this expert consensus based on the current medical evidence, clinical practice, and authoritative guidelines of other disciplines, in order to standardize the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with COVID-19.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Consensus
*COVID-19
Delivery of Health Care
China
Burn Units
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-03-22
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in children: experts' consensus statement updated for the Omicron variant.
World journal of pediatrics : WJP, 20(3):272-286.
Additional Links: PMID-37676610
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Citation:
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@article {pmid37676610,
year = {2024},
author = {Jiang, RM and Xie, ZD and Jiang, Y and Lu, XX and Jin, RM and Zheng, YJ and Shang, YX and Xu, BP and Liu, ZS and Lu, G and Deng, JK and Liu, GH and Wang, XC and Wang, JS and Feng, LZ and Liu, W and Zheng, Y and Shu, SN and Lu, M and Luo, WJ and Liu, M and Cui, YX and Ye, LP and Shen, AD and Liu, G and Gao, LW and Xiong, LJ and Bai, Y and Lin, LK and Wei, Z and Xue, FX and Wang, TY and Zhao, DC and Shao, JB and Ng, DK and Wong, GW and Zhao, ZY and Li, XW and Yang, YH and Shen, KL},
title = {Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in children: experts' consensus statement updated for the Omicron variant.},
journal = {World journal of pediatrics : WJP},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {272-286},
pmid = {37676610},
issn = {1867-0687},
support = {72174138//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022-2-002//Project of High-level Teachers in Beijing Municipal Universities in the Period of 13th Five-year Plan/ ; },
mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Testing ; },
}
MeSH Terms:
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Child
Humans
*COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 Testing
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-09-07
[Expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome].
Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases, 46(9):897-908.
Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by diffuse pulmonary cysts often leading to recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, cutaneous fibrofolliculomas or trichodiscomas, and a variety of renal cell cancers. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene located on chromosome 17p11.2. Although an increasing number of patients with BHD syndrome are being recognized in China, the missed diagnosis and delayed diagnosis are still common. In addition, appropriate management is difficult for most of them. Pulmonary cysts and pneumothorax are the main presenting features, but skin and renal lesions appear to be less common in Chinese subjects than those reported from European and American countries. Therefore, the consensus is established by experts from the related disciplines to improve the diagnosis and management of BHD syndrome. This consensus consists of 15 recommendations related to BHD syndrome, including clinical assessments, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and family management. In particular, it provides revised diagnostic criteria based on the Chinese situation. We hope to promote scientific and clinical progress in this rare disease and improve the prognosis of the patients.Summary of recommendations[Recommendation 1] The folliculin (FLCN) gene is currently the only affirmative causative gene for Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, and the pedigree analysis of genetic testing of family members' samples can assist in the rapid identification of causative gene variants. The genetic testing methods, including Sanger sequencing, Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), can be chosen based on individual patient's care needs. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 2] Patients with BHD syndrome should undergo chest CT scan to evaluate cystic lesions in the lungs, and routine evaluation of the kidneys for tumor foci, using ultrasound, enhanced CT, or MR as appropriate. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 3] Clinicians should establish a diagnosis based on the appropriate clinical presentation and in conjunction with genetic test results and/or a family history of BHD syndrome. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 4] Lung histopathological biopsy is not recommended as the first choice for patients with suspected BHD syndrome based on clinical and pulmonary imaging manifestations. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 5] BHD syndrome should be particularly distinguished from other diffuse cystic lung diseases, such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), lymphocyte interstitial pneumonia (LIP), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), etc. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 6] BHD syndrome is clinically rare and often involves multiple disciplines, such as respiratory and critical care medicine, radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, urology, genetics, and dermatology, and multidisciplinary discussions are recommended to improve the diagnosis of BHD syndrome. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions).[Recommendation 7] Patients with BHD syndrome should avoid smoking, and are recommended to be vaccinated with influenza, pneumococcal, and SARS-Cov-2 vaccines to prevent infections. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions).[Recommendation 8] Air travel is not recommended for patients with BHD syndrome who have experienced pneumothorax until it has been recovered. (43 voting experts; 42 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention).[Recommendation 9] In patients with BHD syndrome complicated by pneumothorax, early pleurodesis is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 10] Observation or topical treatment may be chosen for patients with BHD syndrome complicated by fibrofolliculoma or trichodiscoma. (43 voting experts; 42 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention).[Recommendation 11] For patients with BHD syndrome complicated by renal tumors, annual abdominal MR examination is recommended when tumors are <1 cm in diameter; when tumors are 1-3 cm in diameter, abdominal MR examination at every 6 months or ablation surgery is recommended; when renal tumors are >3 cm in diameter, local excision of renal tumors with preservation of renal function is recommended. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 12] Patients with BHD syndrome are associated with significantly increased risks of kidney cancer, and routine screenings of kidney cancer during their lifetime are recommended. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 13] Couples with BHD syndrome are advised to undergo prenatal genetic counseling when preparing for pregnancy, to work with a prenatal diagnostician to assess genetic risk, and to discuss the feasibility of prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 14] Family members of patients with BHD syndrome should receive health education, and FLCN gene testing is recommended for asymptomatic adults to rule out BHD syndrome in a timely manner. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 15] Improvements in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BHD syndrome and overall management are needed. Due to the scarcity of effective therapeutic drugs, multicenter, prospective clinical trials are recommended. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).
Additional Links: PMID-37670643
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@article {pmid37670643,
year = {2023},
author = {, and , and , and , },
title = {[Expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome].},
journal = {Zhonghua jie he he hu xi za zhi = Zhonghua jiehe he huxi zazhi = Chinese journal of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases},
volume = {46},
number = {9},
pages = {897-908},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112147-20230705-00362},
pmid = {37670643},
issn = {1001-0939},
support = {2022YFC2703901//National Key Reseach and Development Program of China/ ; 2021-I2M-1-003//CAMS Innovation Fund of Medical Sciences/ ; 2021szdzk05//Key Medical and Health Specialty Construction Project of Anhui Province/ ; 2021A1515011352, 2023A1515010308//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; ZNSA-2020013//Independent Project Funding for Key Projects of Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Zhongnanshan Medical Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {Adult ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; *Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Consensus ; *Pneumothorax ; Prospective Studies ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Kidney Neoplasms ; COVID-19 Testing ; },
abstract = {Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by diffuse pulmonary cysts often leading to recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, cutaneous fibrofolliculomas or trichodiscomas, and a variety of renal cell cancers. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene located on chromosome 17p11.2. Although an increasing number of patients with BHD syndrome are being recognized in China, the missed diagnosis and delayed diagnosis are still common. In addition, appropriate management is difficult for most of them. Pulmonary cysts and pneumothorax are the main presenting features, but skin and renal lesions appear to be less common in Chinese subjects than those reported from European and American countries. Therefore, the consensus is established by experts from the related disciplines to improve the diagnosis and management of BHD syndrome. This consensus consists of 15 recommendations related to BHD syndrome, including clinical assessments, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and family management. In particular, it provides revised diagnostic criteria based on the Chinese situation. We hope to promote scientific and clinical progress in this rare disease and improve the prognosis of the patients.Summary of recommendations[Recommendation 1] The folliculin (FLCN) gene is currently the only affirmative causative gene for Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome, and the pedigree analysis of genetic testing of family members' samples can assist in the rapid identification of causative gene variants. The genetic testing methods, including Sanger sequencing, Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA), and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), can be chosen based on individual patient's care needs. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 2] Patients with BHD syndrome should undergo chest CT scan to evaluate cystic lesions in the lungs, and routine evaluation of the kidneys for tumor foci, using ultrasound, enhanced CT, or MR as appropriate. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 3] Clinicians should establish a diagnosis based on the appropriate clinical presentation and in conjunction with genetic test results and/or a family history of BHD syndrome. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 4] Lung histopathological biopsy is not recommended as the first choice for patients with suspected BHD syndrome based on clinical and pulmonary imaging manifestations. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 5] BHD syndrome should be particularly distinguished from other diffuse cystic lung diseases, such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), lymphocyte interstitial pneumonia (LIP), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), etc. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 6] BHD syndrome is clinically rare and often involves multiple disciplines, such as respiratory and critical care medicine, radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, urology, genetics, and dermatology, and multidisciplinary discussions are recommended to improve the diagnosis of BHD syndrome. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions).[Recommendation 7] Patients with BHD syndrome should avoid smoking, and are recommended to be vaccinated with influenza, pneumococcal, and SARS-Cov-2 vaccines to prevent infections. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstentions).[Recommendation 8] Air travel is not recommended for patients with BHD syndrome who have experienced pneumothorax until it has been recovered. (43 voting experts; 42 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention).[Recommendation 9] In patients with BHD syndrome complicated by pneumothorax, early pleurodesis is recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 10] Observation or topical treatment may be chosen for patients with BHD syndrome complicated by fibrofolliculoma or trichodiscoma. (43 voting experts; 42 in favor, 0 against, 1 abstention).[Recommendation 11] For patients with BHD syndrome complicated by renal tumors, annual abdominal MR examination is recommended when tumors are <1 cm in diameter; when tumors are 1-3 cm in diameter, abdominal MR examination at every 6 months or ablation surgery is recommended; when renal tumors are >3 cm in diameter, local excision of renal tumors with preservation of renal function is recommended. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 12] Patients with BHD syndrome are associated with significantly increased risks of kidney cancer, and routine screenings of kidney cancer during their lifetime are recommended. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 13] Couples with BHD syndrome are advised to undergo prenatal genetic counseling when preparing for pregnancy, to work with a prenatal diagnostician to assess genetic risk, and to discuss the feasibility of prenatal diagnosis during pregnancy. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 14] Family members of patients with BHD syndrome should receive health education, and FLCN gene testing is recommended for asymptomatic adults to rule out BHD syndrome in a timely manner. (43 voting experts; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).[Recommendation 15] Improvements in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BHD syndrome and overall management are needed. Due to the scarcity of effective therapeutic drugs, multicenter, prospective clinical trials are recommended. (43 experts voted; 43 in favor, 0 against, 0 abstention).},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Adult
Female
Pregnancy
Humans
*Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome
COVID-19 Vaccines
Consensus
*Pneumothorax
Prospective Studies
*COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
*Kidney Neoplasms
COVID-19 Testing
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-09-20
Preparing for Future Pandemics and Public Health Emergencies: An American College of Physicians Policy Position Paper.
Annals of internal medicine, 176(9):1240-1244.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant gaps in the United States' pandemic and public health emergency response system. At the federal level, government responses were undercut by a lack of centralized coordination, inadequately defined responsibilities, and an under-resourced national stockpile. Contradictory and unclear guidance throughout the early months of the pandemic, along with inconsistent funding to public health agencies, also created notable variance in state and local responses. The lack of a coordinated response added pressure to an already overwhelmed health care system, which was forced to resort to rationing care and personal protective equipment, creating moral distress and trauma for health care workers and their patients. Despite these severe shortcomings, the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted successful policies and approaches, such as Operation Warp Speed, which led to the fastest development and distribution of a vaccine in history. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) offers several policy recommendations for enhancing federal, state, and local preparedness for future pandemic and public health emergencies. This policy paper builds on various statements produced by ACP throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the ethical distribution of vaccinations and resources, conditions to resume economic and social activity, and efforts to protect the health and well-being of medical professionals, among others.
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@article {pmid37487216,
year = {2023},
author = {Serchen, J and Cline, K and Mathew, S and Hilden, D and , },
title = {Preparing for Future Pandemics and Public Health Emergencies: An American College of Physicians Policy Position Paper.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {176},
number = {9},
pages = {1240-1244},
doi = {10.7326/M23-0768},
pmid = {37487216},
issn = {1539-3704},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Emergencies ; Pandemics ; Public Health ; Policy ; *Physicians ; },
abstract = {The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant gaps in the United States' pandemic and public health emergency response system. At the federal level, government responses were undercut by a lack of centralized coordination, inadequately defined responsibilities, and an under-resourced national stockpile. Contradictory and unclear guidance throughout the early months of the pandemic, along with inconsistent funding to public health agencies, also created notable variance in state and local responses. The lack of a coordinated response added pressure to an already overwhelmed health care system, which was forced to resort to rationing care and personal protective equipment, creating moral distress and trauma for health care workers and their patients. Despite these severe shortcomings, the COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted successful policies and approaches, such as Operation Warp Speed, which led to the fastest development and distribution of a vaccine in history. In this position paper, the American College of Physicians (ACP) offers several policy recommendations for enhancing federal, state, and local preparedness for future pandemic and public health emergencies. This policy paper builds on various statements produced by ACP throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the ethical distribution of vaccinations and resources, conditions to resume economic and social activity, and efforts to protect the health and well-being of medical professionals, among others.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Emergencies
Pandemics
Public Health
Policy
*Physicians
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-08-25
e-Delphi Study: Expert Consensus on the Needs and Resources Available to Family Caregivers of Individuals with Substance Use Disorder.
Substance use & misuse, 58(12):1560-1573.
Family caregivers of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience a significant burden and have few evidence-based resources available. To obtain a consensus of expert views on the needs, and resources available, to family caregivers of individuals with SUD given the COVID-19 pandemic and other sociopolitical factors. Quantitative design using the Classic e-Delphi method of multiple iterations of questioning to reach a consensus among expert panelists. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a multidisciplinary, nationwide panel of SUD experts from professional contacts, professional organization list servers, websites relevant to support groups for family caregivers, flyers, and word of mouth. In round 1 panelists (n = 96) responded to open-ended questions about the support provided to family caregivers, and the additional needs of family caregivers. In subsequent rounds, the panel rated collated responses in terms of agreement (n = 54) and importance (n = 48). Thematic content analysis identified ten needs in the resources available to family caregivers. Consensus was obtained across thematic categories and the remaining items were ranked according to importance. Participatory-based SUD research that includes the expertise of healthcare providers, support leaders, and family caregivers is necessary to develop evidence-based interventions to increase caregiver resilience and facilitate coping. Several clear conclusions that address social and structural determinants of health emerged, including the need for increased access to healthcare and community services, more self-care strategies for families, and focused public advocacy to reduce SUD-related stigma.
Additional Links: PMID-37466079
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@article {pmid37466079,
year = {2023},
author = {Tyo, MB and McCurry, MK},
title = {e-Delphi Study: Expert Consensus on the Needs and Resources Available to Family Caregivers of Individuals with Substance Use Disorder.},
journal = {Substance use & misuse},
volume = {58},
number = {12},
pages = {1560-1573},
doi = {10.1080/10826084.2023.2236203},
pmid = {37466079},
issn = {1532-2491},
mesh = {Humans ; Caregivers ; Consensus ; Delphi Technique ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; *Substance-Related Disorders/therapy ; },
abstract = {Family caregivers of individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) experience a significant burden and have few evidence-based resources available. To obtain a consensus of expert views on the needs, and resources available, to family caregivers of individuals with SUD given the COVID-19 pandemic and other sociopolitical factors. Quantitative design using the Classic e-Delphi method of multiple iterations of questioning to reach a consensus among expert panelists. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a multidisciplinary, nationwide panel of SUD experts from professional contacts, professional organization list servers, websites relevant to support groups for family caregivers, flyers, and word of mouth. In round 1 panelists (n = 96) responded to open-ended questions about the support provided to family caregivers, and the additional needs of family caregivers. In subsequent rounds, the panel rated collated responses in terms of agreement (n = 54) and importance (n = 48). Thematic content analysis identified ten needs in the resources available to family caregivers. Consensus was obtained across thematic categories and the remaining items were ranked according to importance. Participatory-based SUD research that includes the expertise of healthcare providers, support leaders, and family caregivers is necessary to develop evidence-based interventions to increase caregiver resilience and facilitate coping. Several clear conclusions that address social and structural determinants of health emerged, including the need for increased access to healthcare and community services, more self-care strategies for families, and focused public advocacy to reduce SUD-related stigma.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Caregivers
Consensus
Delphi Technique
Pandemics
*COVID-19
*Substance-Related Disorders/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-04-18
Position paper on olfactory dysfunction: 2023.
Rhinology, 61(33):1-108.
BACKGROUND: Since publication of the original Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction in 2017 (PPOD-17), the personal and societal burden of olfactory disorders has come sharply into focus through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians, scientists and the public are now more aware of the importance of olfaction, and the impact of its dysfunction on quality of life, nutrition, social relationships and mental health. Accordingly, new basic, translational and clinical research has resulted in significant progress since the PPOD-17. In this updated document, we present and discuss currently available evidence for the diagnosis and management of olfactory dysfunction. Major updates to the current version include, amongst others: new recommendations on olfactory related terminology; new imaging recommendations; new sections on qualitative OD and COVID-19 OD; updated management section. Recommendations were agreed by all co-authors using a modified Delphi process.
CONCLUSIONS: We have provided an overview of current evidence and expert-agreed recommendations for the definition, investigation, and management of OD. As for our original Position Paper, we hope that this updated document will encourage clinicians and researchers to adopt a common language, and in so doing, increase the methodological quality, consistency, and generalisability of work in this field.
Additional Links: PMID-37454287
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@article {pmid37454287,
year = {2023},
author = {Whitcroft, KL and Altundag, A and Balungwe, P and Boscolo-Rizzo, P and Douglas, R and Enecilla, MLB and Fjaeldstad, AW and Fornazieri, MA and Frasnelli, J and Gane, S and Gudziol, H and Gupta, N and Haehner, A and Hernandez, AK and Holbrook, EH and Hopkins, C and Hsieh, JW and Huart, C and Husain, S and Kamel, R and Kim, JK and Kobayashi, M and Konstantinidis, I and Landis, BN and Lechner, M and Macchi, A and Mazal, PP and Miri, I and Miwa, T and Mori, E and Mullol, J and Mueller, CA and Ottaviano, G and Patel, ZM and Philpott, C and Pinto, JM and Ramakrishnan, VR and Roth, Y and Schlosser, RJ and Stjärne, P and Van Gerven, L and Vodicka, J and Welge-Luessen, A and Wormald, PJ and Hummel, T},
title = {Position paper on olfactory dysfunction: 2023.},
journal = {Rhinology},
volume = {61},
number = {33},
pages = {1-108},
doi = {10.4193/Rhin22.483},
pmid = {37454287},
issn = {0300-0729},
mesh = {Humans ; Smell ; Quality of Life ; Pandemics ; *Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since publication of the original Position Paper on Olfactory Dysfunction in 2017 (PPOD-17), the personal and societal burden of olfactory disorders has come sharply into focus through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinicians, scientists and the public are now more aware of the importance of olfaction, and the impact of its dysfunction on quality of life, nutrition, social relationships and mental health. Accordingly, new basic, translational and clinical research has resulted in significant progress since the PPOD-17. In this updated document, we present and discuss currently available evidence for the diagnosis and management of olfactory dysfunction. Major updates to the current version include, amongst others: new recommendations on olfactory related terminology; new imaging recommendations; new sections on qualitative OD and COVID-19 OD; updated management section. Recommendations were agreed by all co-authors using a modified Delphi process.
CONCLUSIONS: We have provided an overview of current evidence and expert-agreed recommendations for the definition, investigation, and management of OD. As for our original Position Paper, we hope that this updated document will encourage clinicians and researchers to adopt a common language, and in so doing, increase the methodological quality, consistency, and generalisability of work in this field.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Smell
Quality of Life
Pandemics
*Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology
*COVID-19
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-07-14
[Expert Consensus on the prevention and treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with novel coronavirus infection].
Zhonghua yi xue za zhi, 103(26):1980-1985.
Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-iNHL) is a group of mature B-cell lymphomas that develop slowly. It is characterized by low immune function and could be risky when complicated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In order to guide the prevention and treatment of B-iNHL combined with COVID-19, China Anti-Cancer Association Hematological malignancies Committee, the Chinese Society of Hematology Medical Association and Chinese Chronic lymphoproliferative Diseases Working Group formed consensus on COVID-19 vaccination, prognosis, treatment and follow-up of B-iNHL patients for clinician reference.
Additional Links: PMID-37438079
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@article {pmid37438079,
year = {2023},
author = {, and , and , },
title = {[Expert Consensus on the prevention and treatment of indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with novel coronavirus infection].},
journal = {Zhonghua yi xue za zhi},
volume = {103},
number = {26},
pages = {1980-1985},
pmid = {37438079},
issn = {0376-2491},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Consensus ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Lymphoma, B-Cell/therapy ; *Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/therapy ; },
abstract = {Indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-iNHL) is a group of mature B-cell lymphomas that develop slowly. It is characterized by low immune function and could be risky when complicated with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). In order to guide the prevention and treatment of B-iNHL combined with COVID-19, China Anti-Cancer Association Hematological malignancies Committee, the Chinese Society of Hematology Medical Association and Chinese Chronic lymphoproliferative Diseases Working Group formed consensus on COVID-19 vaccination, prognosis, treatment and follow-up of B-iNHL patients for clinician reference.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccines
Consensus
SARS-CoV-2
*Lymphoma, B-Cell/therapy
*Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/therapy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-08-07
Timing of elective surgery and risk assessment after SARS-CoV-2 infection: 2023 update: A multidisciplinary consensus statement on behalf of the Association of Anaesthetists, Federation of Surgical Specialty Associations, Royal College of Anaesthetists and Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Anaesthesia, 78(9):1147-1152.
Guidance for the timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection needed reassessment given widespread vaccination, less virulent variants, contemporary evidence and a need to increase access to safe surgery. We, therefore, updated previous recommendations to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and, most importantly, patients. Patients who develop symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 7 weeks of planned surgery, including on the day of surgery, should be screened for SARS-CoV-2. Elective surgery should not usually be undertaken within 2 weeks of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and who are low risk or having low-risk surgery, most elective surgery can proceed 2 weeks following a SARS-CoV-2 positive test. For patients who are not low risk or having anything other than low-risk surgery between 2 and 7 weeks following infection, an individual risk assessment must be performed. This should consider: patient factors (age; comorbid and functional status); infection factors (severity; ongoing symptoms; vaccination); and surgical factors (clinical priority; risk of disease progression; grade of surgery). This assessment should include the use of an objective and validated risk prediction tool and shared decision-making, taking into account the patient's own attitude to risk. In most circumstances, surgery should proceed unless risk assessment indicates that the risk of proceeding exceeds the risk of delay. There is currently no evidence to support delaying surgery beyond 7 weeks for patients who have fully recovered from or have had mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Additional Links: PMID-37337416
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid37337416,
year = {2023},
author = {El-Boghdadly, K and Cook, TM and Goodacre, T and Kua, J and Denmark, S and Mercer, N and Moonesinghe, SR and Summerton, DJ},
title = {Timing of elective surgery and risk assessment after SARS-CoV-2 infection: 2023 update: A multidisciplinary consensus statement on behalf of the Association of Anaesthetists, Federation of Surgical Specialty Associations, Royal College of Anaesthetists and Royal College of Surgeons of England.},
journal = {Anaesthesia},
volume = {78},
number = {9},
pages = {1147-1152},
doi = {10.1111/anae.16061},
pmid = {37337416},
issn = {1365-2044},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Assessment ; England/epidemiology ; *Surgeons ; Anesthetists ; },
abstract = {Guidance for the timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection needed reassessment given widespread vaccination, less virulent variants, contemporary evidence and a need to increase access to safe surgery. We, therefore, updated previous recommendations to assist policymakers, administrative staff, clinicians and, most importantly, patients. Patients who develop symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 7 weeks of planned surgery, including on the day of surgery, should be screened for SARS-CoV-2. Elective surgery should not usually be undertaken within 2 weeks of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For patients who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection and who are low risk or having low-risk surgery, most elective surgery can proceed 2 weeks following a SARS-CoV-2 positive test. For patients who are not low risk or having anything other than low-risk surgery between 2 and 7 weeks following infection, an individual risk assessment must be performed. This should consider: patient factors (age; comorbid and functional status); infection factors (severity; ongoing symptoms; vaccination); and surgical factors (clinical priority; risk of disease progression; grade of surgery). This assessment should include the use of an objective and validated risk prediction tool and shared decision-making, taking into account the patient's own attitude to risk. In most circumstances, surgery should proceed unless risk assessment indicates that the risk of proceeding exceeds the risk of delay. There is currently no evidence to support delaying surgery beyond 7 weeks for patients who have fully recovered from or have had mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Risk Assessment
England/epidemiology
*Surgeons
Anesthetists
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-06-15
Searching for evidence in public health emergencies: a white paper of best practices.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA, 111(1-2):566-578.
OBJECTIVES: Information professionals have supported medical providers, administrators and decision-makers, and guideline creators in the COVID-19 response. Searching COVID-19 literature presented new challenges, including the volume and heterogeneity of literature and the proliferation of new information sources, and exposed existing issues in metadata and publishing. An expert panel developed best practices, including recommendations, elaborations, and examples, for searching during public health emergencies.
METHODS: Project directors and advisors developed core elements from experience and literature. Experts, identified by affiliation with evidence synthesis groups, COVID-19 search experience, and nomination, responded to an online survey to reach consensus on core elements. Expert participants provided written responses to guiding questions. A synthesis of responses provided the foundation for focus group discussions. A writing group then drafted the best practices into a statement. Experts reviewed the statement prior to dissemination.
RESULTS: Twelve information professionals contributed to best practice recommendations on six elements: core resources, search strategies, publication types, transparency and reproducibility, collaboration, and conducting research. Underlying principles across recommendations include timeliness, openness, balance, preparedness, and responsiveness.
CONCLUSIONS: The authors and experts anticipate the recommendations for searching for evidence during public health emergencies will help information specialists, librarians, evidence synthesis groups, researchers, and decision-makers respond to future public health emergencies, including but not limited to disease outbreaks. The recommendations complement existing guidance by addressing concerns specific to emergency response. The statement is intended as a living document. Future revisions should solicit input from a broader community and reflect conclusions of meta-research on COVID-19 and health emergencies.
Additional Links: PMID-37312802
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37312802,
year = {2023},
author = {Brody, S and Loree, S and Sampson, M and Mensinkai, S and Coffman, J and Mueller, MH and Askin, N and Hamill, C and Wilson, E and McAteer, MB and Staines, H and , },
title = {Searching for evidence in public health emergencies: a white paper of best practices.},
journal = {Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA},
volume = {111},
number = {1-2},
pages = {566-578},
pmid = {37312802},
issn = {1558-9439},
mesh = {Humans ; *Public Health ; *COVID-19 ; Emergencies ; Reproducibility of Results ; Disease Outbreaks ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Information professionals have supported medical providers, administrators and decision-makers, and guideline creators in the COVID-19 response. Searching COVID-19 literature presented new challenges, including the volume and heterogeneity of literature and the proliferation of new information sources, and exposed existing issues in metadata and publishing. An expert panel developed best practices, including recommendations, elaborations, and examples, for searching during public health emergencies.
METHODS: Project directors and advisors developed core elements from experience and literature. Experts, identified by affiliation with evidence synthesis groups, COVID-19 search experience, and nomination, responded to an online survey to reach consensus on core elements. Expert participants provided written responses to guiding questions. A synthesis of responses provided the foundation for focus group discussions. A writing group then drafted the best practices into a statement. Experts reviewed the statement prior to dissemination.
RESULTS: Twelve information professionals contributed to best practice recommendations on six elements: core resources, search strategies, publication types, transparency and reproducibility, collaboration, and conducting research. Underlying principles across recommendations include timeliness, openness, balance, preparedness, and responsiveness.
CONCLUSIONS: The authors and experts anticipate the recommendations for searching for evidence during public health emergencies will help information specialists, librarians, evidence synthesis groups, researchers, and decision-makers respond to future public health emergencies, including but not limited to disease outbreaks. The recommendations complement existing guidance by addressing concerns specific to emergency response. The statement is intended as a living document. Future revisions should solicit input from a broader community and reflect conclusions of meta-research on COVID-19 and health emergencies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Public Health
*COVID-19
Emergencies
Reproducibility of Results
Disease Outbreaks
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2024-12-09
Virtual hospitals: The future of the healthcare system? An expert consensus.
Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 31(1):121-133.
Today, social and healthcare systems at a global level are facing constant challenges dictated by an increasing mismatch between the demand for care services and the supply of human and economic resources. Such a situation has been exacerbated in the past two years by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has led to an increase in the leverage of digitalisation, which has proved to be a crucial tool for the development and application of new organisational models at both hospital and territorial levels, thus addressing the various criticalities already present in the system. In this sense, the Virtual Hospital has emerged as a potential model for increasing effectiveness and efficiency in delivering sociomedical services. Starting from these premises, an EFTE (estimate, feedback, talk, estimate) approach was used to acquire an expert consensus within a multidisciplinary panel of academics and healthcare managers of the Veneto Region in Italy. This article reports the expert opinion on the possible application of the Virtual Hospital model in the national context, starting from the existing international evidence and good practices, highlighting the potential advantages and barriers to its implementation. Furthermore, the article analyses the most relevant areas of investment for the development of intangible assets and the acquisition of tangible assets necessary for its implementation.
Additional Links: PMID-37226478
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37226478,
year = {2025},
author = {Bidoli, C and Pegoraro, V and Dal Mas, F and Bagnoli, C and Bert, F and Bonin, M and Butturini, G and Cobianchi, L and Cordiano, C and Minto, G and Pilerci, C and Stocco, P and Zantedeschi, M and Campostrini, S},
title = {Virtual hospitals: The future of the healthcare system? An expert consensus.},
journal = {Journal of telemedicine and telecare},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
pages = {121-133},
doi = {10.1177/1357633X231173006},
pmid = {37226478},
issn = {1758-1109},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Telemedicine/organization & administration/standards ; *Consensus ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration/standards ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Italy ; Pandemics ; Hospitals/standards ; },
abstract = {Today, social and healthcare systems at a global level are facing constant challenges dictated by an increasing mismatch between the demand for care services and the supply of human and economic resources. Such a situation has been exacerbated in the past two years by the Covid-19 pandemic. This has led to an increase in the leverage of digitalisation, which has proved to be a crucial tool for the development and application of new organisational models at both hospital and territorial levels, thus addressing the various criticalities already present in the system. In this sense, the Virtual Hospital has emerged as a potential model for increasing effectiveness and efficiency in delivering sociomedical services. Starting from these premises, an EFTE (estimate, feedback, talk, estimate) approach was used to acquire an expert consensus within a multidisciplinary panel of academics and healthcare managers of the Veneto Region in Italy. This article reports the expert opinion on the possible application of the Virtual Hospital model in the national context, starting from the existing international evidence and good practices, highlighting the potential advantages and barriers to its implementation. Furthermore, the article analyses the most relevant areas of investment for the development of intangible assets and the acquisition of tangible assets necessary for its implementation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Telemedicine/organization & administration/standards
*Consensus
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration/standards
*SARS-CoV-2
Italy
Pandemics
Hospitals/standards
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-05-17
The Italian Society of Cardiology and Working Group on Telecardiology and Informatics 2023 updated position paper on telemedicine and artificial intelligence in cardiovascular disease.
Journal of cardiovascular medicine (Hagerstown, Md.), 24(Suppl 2):e168-e177.
In 2015, the Italian Society of Cardiology and its Working Group on Telemedicine and Informatics issued a position paper on Telecardiology, resuming the most eminent evidence supporting the use of information and communication technology in principal areas of cardiovascular care, ranked by level of evidence. More than 5 years later and after the global shock inflicted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an update on the topic is warranted. Recent evidence and studies on principal areas of cardiovascular disease will be therefore reported and discussed, with particular focus on telemedicine for cardiovascular care in the COVID-19 context. Novel perspectives and opportunities disclosed by artificial intelligence and its applications in cardiovascular disease will also be discussed. Finally, modalities by which machine learning have realized remote patient monitoring and long-term care in recent years, mainly filtering critical clinical data requiring selective hospital admission, will be provided.
Additional Links: PMID-37186567
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid37186567,
year = {2023},
author = {Brunetti, ND and Curcio, A and Nodari, S and Parati, G and Carugo, S and Molinari, M and Acquistapace, F and Gensini, G and Molinari, G and , },
title = {The Italian Society of Cardiology and Working Group on Telecardiology and Informatics 2023 updated position paper on telemedicine and artificial intelligence in cardiovascular disease.},
journal = {Journal of cardiovascular medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)},
volume = {24},
number = {Suppl 2},
pages = {e168-e177},
doi = {10.2459/JCM.0000000000001447},
pmid = {37186567},
issn = {1558-2035},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis/therapy ; Artificial Intelligence ; *COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Cardiology ; *Telemedicine ; Informatics ; },
abstract = {In 2015, the Italian Society of Cardiology and its Working Group on Telemedicine and Informatics issued a position paper on Telecardiology, resuming the most eminent evidence supporting the use of information and communication technology in principal areas of cardiovascular care, ranked by level of evidence. More than 5 years later and after the global shock inflicted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, an update on the topic is warranted. Recent evidence and studies on principal areas of cardiovascular disease will be therefore reported and discussed, with particular focus on telemedicine for cardiovascular care in the COVID-19 context. Novel perspectives and opportunities disclosed by artificial intelligence and its applications in cardiovascular disease will also be discussed. Finally, modalities by which machine learning have realized remote patient monitoring and long-term care in recent years, mainly filtering critical clinical data requiring selective hospital admission, will be provided.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis/therapy
Artificial Intelligence
*COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
*Cardiology
*Telemedicine
Informatics
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-08-31
Telehealth Policy, Practice, and Education: a Position Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine.
Journal of general internal medicine, 38(11):2613-2620.
Telehealth services, specifically telemedicine audio-video and audio-only patient encounters, expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic through temporary waivers and flexibilities tied to the public health emergency. Early studies demonstrate significant potential to advance the quintuple aim (patient experience, health outcomes, cost, clinician well-being, and equity). Supported well, telemedicine can particularly improve patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and equity. Implemented poorly, telemedicine can facilitate unsafe care, worsen disparities, and waste resources. Without further action from lawmakers and agencies, payment will end for many telemedicine services currently used by millions of Americans at the end of 2024. Policymakers, health systems, clinicians, and educators must decide how to support, implement, and sustain telemedicine, and long-term studies and clinical practice guidelines are emerging to provide direction. In this position statement, we use clinical vignettes to review relevant literature and highlight where key actions are needed. These include areas where telemedicine must be expanded (e.g., to support chronic disease management) and where guidelines are needed (e.g., to prevent inequitable offering of telemedicine services and prevent unsafe or low-value care). We provide policy, clinical practice, and education recommendations for telemedicine on behalf of the Society of General Internal Medicine. Policy recommendations include ending geographic and site restrictions, expanding the definition of telemedicine to include audio-only services, establishing appropriate telemedicine service codes, and expanding broadband access to all Americans. Clinical practice recommendations include ensuring appropriate telemedicine use (for limited acute care situations or in conjunction with in-person services to extend longitudinal care relationships), that the choice of modality be done through patient-clinician shared decision-making, and that health systems design telemedicine services through community partnerships to ensure equitable implementation. Education recommendations include developing telemedicine-specific educational strategies for trainees that align with accreditation body competencies and providing educators with protected time and faculty development resources.
Additional Links: PMID-37095331
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid37095331,
year = {2023},
author = {Chen, A and Ayub, MH and Mishuris, RG and Rodriguez, JA and Gwynn, K and Lo, MC and Noronha, C and Henry, TL and Jones, D and Lee, WW and Varma, M and Cuevas, E and Onumah, C and Gupta, R and Goodson, J and Lu, AD and Syed, Q and Suen, LW and Heiman, E and Salhi, BA and Khoong, EC and Schmidt, S},
title = {Telehealth Policy, Practice, and Education: a Position Statement of the Society of General Internal Medicine.},
journal = {Journal of general internal medicine},
volume = {38},
number = {11},
pages = {2613-2620},
pmid = {37095331},
issn = {1525-1497},
support = {K23 HL157750/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; United States ; Pandemics ; *COVID-19 ; *Telemedicine ; Internal Medicine ; Policy ; },
abstract = {Telehealth services, specifically telemedicine audio-video and audio-only patient encounters, expanded dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic through temporary waivers and flexibilities tied to the public health emergency. Early studies demonstrate significant potential to advance the quintuple aim (patient experience, health outcomes, cost, clinician well-being, and equity). Supported well, telemedicine can particularly improve patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and equity. Implemented poorly, telemedicine can facilitate unsafe care, worsen disparities, and waste resources. Without further action from lawmakers and agencies, payment will end for many telemedicine services currently used by millions of Americans at the end of 2024. Policymakers, health systems, clinicians, and educators must decide how to support, implement, and sustain telemedicine, and long-term studies and clinical practice guidelines are emerging to provide direction. In this position statement, we use clinical vignettes to review relevant literature and highlight where key actions are needed. These include areas where telemedicine must be expanded (e.g., to support chronic disease management) and where guidelines are needed (e.g., to prevent inequitable offering of telemedicine services and prevent unsafe or low-value care). We provide policy, clinical practice, and education recommendations for telemedicine on behalf of the Society of General Internal Medicine. Policy recommendations include ending geographic and site restrictions, expanding the definition of telemedicine to include audio-only services, establishing appropriate telemedicine service codes, and expanding broadband access to all Americans. Clinical practice recommendations include ensuring appropriate telemedicine use (for limited acute care situations or in conjunction with in-person services to extend longitudinal care relationships), that the choice of modality be done through patient-clinician shared decision-making, and that health systems design telemedicine services through community partnerships to ensure equitable implementation. Education recommendations include developing telemedicine-specific educational strategies for trainees that align with accreditation body competencies and providing educators with protected time and faculty development resources.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
United States
Pandemics
*COVID-19
*Telemedicine
Internal Medicine
Policy
RevDate: 2026-01-27
CmpDate: 2023-05-17
Performance Measures for Physicians Providing Clinical Care Using Telemedicine: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians.
Annals of internal medicine, 176(5):694-698.
There has been an exponential growth in the use of telemedicine services to provide clinical care, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical care delivered via telemedicine has become a major and accepted method of health care delivery for many patients. There is an urgent need to understand quality of care in the telemedicine environment. This American College of Physicians position paper presents 6 recommendations to ensure the appropriate use of performance measures to evaluate quality of clinical care provided in the telemedicine environment.
Additional Links: PMID-37068276
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid37068276,
year = {2023},
author = {Qaseem, A and MacLean, CH and Tierney, S and Cross, JT and MacDonald, ST and Goldzweig, CL and Fitterman, N and , and Andrews, R and Basch, P and Mathew, SM and McLean, RM and Mount, CA and Powell, RE and Saini, SD},
title = {Performance Measures for Physicians Providing Clinical Care Using Telemedicine: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {176},
number = {5},
pages = {694-698},
doi = {10.7326/M23-0140},
pmid = {37068276},
issn = {1539-3704},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Pandemics ; *Telemedicine/methods ; Delivery of Health Care ; *Physicians ; },
abstract = {There has been an exponential growth in the use of telemedicine services to provide clinical care, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical care delivered via telemedicine has become a major and accepted method of health care delivery for many patients. There is an urgent need to understand quality of care in the telemedicine environment. This American College of Physicians position paper presents 6 recommendations to ensure the appropriate use of performance measures to evaluate quality of clinical care provided in the telemedicine environment.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19
Pandemics
*Telemedicine/methods
Delivery of Health Care
*Physicians
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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.
RJR Picks from Around the Web (updated 11 MAY 2018 )
Old Science
Weird Science
Treating Disease with Fecal Transplantation
Fossils of miniature humans (hobbits) discovered in Indonesia
Paleontology
Dinosaur tail, complete with feathers, found preserved in amber.
Astronomy
Mysterious fast radio burst (FRB) detected in the distant universe.
Big Data & Informatics
Big Data: Buzzword or Big Deal?
Hacking the genome: Identifying anonymized human subjects using publicly available data.