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RJR: Recommended Bibliography 19 Feb 2025 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 pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2025-02-10
CmpDate: 2025-02-07
Facial Nerve Palsy Amid the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Pooled Analysis.
Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale, 54:19160216251315057.
IMPORTANCE: Idiopathic facial nerve palsy (FNP) has devastating sequelae and is potentially linked to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).
OBJECTIVE: The rate of FNP was compared in the pandemic versus pre-pandemic periods. Furthermore, the risk of FNP was estimated among the COVID-19 vaccinated group.
DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING: An electronic search was conducted in 7 databases: Scopus, Web of Science core collection, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL.
PARTICIPANTS: English observational studies investigating an association between idiopathic FNP and COVID-19 or its vaccination were included, irrespective of patients' demographics.
EXPOSURES: COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccine.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in FNP incidence between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods; risk of developing FNP in individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19.
RESULTS: After excluding duplicates, the search yielded 906 related articles, of which 118 articles were included. The risk of FNP was statistically significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than the pre-pandemic period (RR: 1.68, [95% CI: 1.16-2.43], P = .01). A nonsignificant increase in FNP risk was identified among COVID-19 vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals (overall OR: 1.07, [95% CI: 0.85-1.35], P = .55).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A remarkable increase in FNP rates was identified during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, which seemed unlikely to be attributed to COVID-19 vaccination.
Additional Links: PMID-39916377
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39916377,
year = {2025},
author = {Mirza, AA and Almalki, AH and Noori, FA and Neazy, SA and Dahm, V and Bajin, MD and Lin, VY},
title = {Facial Nerve Palsy Amid the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Pooled Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale},
volume = {54},
number = {},
pages = {19160216251315057},
pmid = {39916377},
issn = {1916-0216},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Facial Paralysis/epidemiology/etiology ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Incidence ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Idiopathic facial nerve palsy (FNP) has devastating sequelae and is potentially linked to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).
OBJECTIVE: The rate of FNP was compared in the pandemic versus pre-pandemic periods. Furthermore, the risk of FNP was estimated among the COVID-19 vaccinated group.
DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING: An electronic search was conducted in 7 databases: Scopus, Web of Science core collection, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL.
PARTICIPANTS: English observational studies investigating an association between idiopathic FNP and COVID-19 or its vaccination were included, irrespective of patients' demographics.
EXPOSURES: COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccine.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in FNP incidence between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods; risk of developing FNP in individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19.
RESULTS: After excluding duplicates, the search yielded 906 related articles, of which 118 articles were included. The risk of FNP was statistically significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than the pre-pandemic period (RR: 1.68, [95% CI: 1.16-2.43], P = .01). A nonsignificant increase in FNP risk was identified among COVID-19 vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated individuals (overall OR: 1.07, [95% CI: 0.85-1.35], P = .55).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A remarkable increase in FNP rates was identified during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, which seemed unlikely to be attributed to COVID-19 vaccination.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Facial Paralysis/epidemiology/etiology
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
SARS-CoV-2
Incidence
Pandemics
RevDate: 2025-02-10
CmpDate: 2025-02-07
Prevalence of cardiovascular symptoms in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: a meta-analysis.
BMC medicine, 23(1):70.
BACKGROUND: Since its emergence in 2019, COVID-19 has continued to pose significant threats to both the physical and mental health of the global population, as well as to healthcare systems worldwide (Raman et al., Eur Heart J 43:1157-1172, 2022). Emerging evidence indicates that COVID-19 may lead to post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) with cardiovascular implications, potentially driven by factors such as ACE2 interaction with viruses, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. However, there remains a limited amount of research on the cardiovascular manifestations of PACS, which may delay the development of optimal treatment strategies for affected patients. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular sequelae in COVID-19 patients and to determine whether COVID-19 infection acts as an independent risk factor for these outcomes.
METHODS: This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024524290). A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to March 17, 2024. The primary outcomes included hypertension, palpitations, and chest pain, with pooled effect estimate reported as proportions and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the results and to identify sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS: A total of 37 studies, encompassing 2,965,467 patients, were included in the analysis. Pooled results from case-control studies revealed that, compared to the control group, the ORs of chest pain in the COVID-19 group was 4.0 (95% CI: 1.6, 10.0). The ORs for palpitation and hypertension were 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 10.2) and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.6, 1.8), respectively. The proportions of PACS patients experiencing chest pain, palpitation, and hypertension as sequelae were 22% (95% CI: 14%, 33%), 18% (95% CI: 13%, 24%), and 19% (95% CI: 12%, 31%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that 15% of COVID-19 patients experience cardiovascular sequelae. Furthermore, COVID-19 infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing these sequelae compared to uninfected individuals. Future research should prioritize investigating the underlying pathological mechanisms and developing targeted preventive and management strategies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42024524290.
Additional Links: PMID-39915795
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39915795,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, LW and Li, HM and He, B and Wang, XB and Zhang, QZ and Peng, WX},
title = {Prevalence of cardiovascular symptoms in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {39915795},
issn = {1741-7015},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Prevalence ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since its emergence in 2019, COVID-19 has continued to pose significant threats to both the physical and mental health of the global population, as well as to healthcare systems worldwide (Raman et al., Eur Heart J 43:1157-1172, 2022). Emerging evidence indicates that COVID-19 may lead to post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) with cardiovascular implications, potentially driven by factors such as ACE2 interaction with viruses, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. However, there remains a limited amount of research on the cardiovascular manifestations of PACS, which may delay the development of optimal treatment strategies for affected patients. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular sequelae in COVID-19 patients and to determine whether COVID-19 infection acts as an independent risk factor for these outcomes.
METHODS: This meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024524290). A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted up to March 17, 2024. The primary outcomes included hypertension, palpitations, and chest pain, with pooled effect estimate reported as proportions and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the results and to identify sources of heterogeneity.
RESULTS: A total of 37 studies, encompassing 2,965,467 patients, were included in the analysis. Pooled results from case-control studies revealed that, compared to the control group, the ORs of chest pain in the COVID-19 group was 4.0 (95% CI: 1.6, 10.0). The ORs for palpitation and hypertension were 3.4 (95% CI: 1.1, 10.2) and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.6, 1.8), respectively. The proportions of PACS patients experiencing chest pain, palpitation, and hypertension as sequelae were 22% (95% CI: 14%, 33%), 18% (95% CI: 13%, 24%), and 19% (95% CI: 12%, 31%), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that 15% of COVID-19 patients experience cardiovascular sequelae. Furthermore, COVID-19 infection significantly increases the likelihood of developing these sequelae compared to uninfected individuals. Future research should prioritize investigating the underlying pathological mechanisms and developing targeted preventive and management strategies.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42024524290.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Prevalence
*Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Risk Factors
RevDate: 2025-02-08
CmpDate: 2025-02-07
A theory-based analysis of the implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms into primary care practices using Normalisation Process Theory.
BMC primary care, 26(1):27.
BACKGROUND: Online asynchronous telemedicine platforms are effective and have been implemented in primary care practices, but it is unclear whether implementation was successful. Implementation has not been studied on a large scale in primary care practice. Normalisation Process Theory is a sociological theory used to understand how complex practices can be embedded into routine practice. We aimed to identify and evaluate factors affecting, and make recommendations for, implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms in primary care practice using Normalisation Process Theory.
METHODS: A systematic search was carried out across four databases. Studies included were empirical research, published between January 2015 and November 2022, of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods designs, focusing on implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms designed for two-way secure communication between patients and healthcare professionals to give or receive medical advice in primary care. Data extraction was guided by the domains of Normalisation Process Theory: context, mechanisms, outcomes.
RESULTS: 25 reports from 21 primary studies were obtained. COVID-19 changed the context in which asynchronous platforms were implemented into primary care, due to restrictions on face-to-face contact. Coherence is supported by online platforms providing benefits for patients. Healthcare staff felt confident using platforms and better teamworking added to cognitive participation, however patient 'misuse' of platforms hindered this. Collective action was negatively affected by poor usability and integration of platforms into practice systems. Reflexive action through large- and small-scale studies had allowed improvements to be made, but poor response rates inhibit this. Outcomes include changed roles and responsibilities for staff and patients and high patient satisfaction. There are concerns regarding confidentiality and health inequities.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased workload, lack of integration into existing systems and poor usability affect implementation. Widespread implementation of online platforms in primary care practices can be supported by policy-makers through consistent guidelines to improve platforms' content, functionality and compatibility with clinical systems to try to enable improvements in practice. Further research should explore patient groups or needs for which online platforms are most suitable, reasons why online platforms work better for different patients and how different patient groups can be supported to benefit from asynchronous telemedicine.
Additional Links: PMID-39915751
PubMed:
Citation:
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hide bibtex listing
@article {pmid39915751,
year = {2025},
author = {Leighton, C and Joseph-Williams, N and Porter, A and Edwards, A and Cooper, A},
title = {A theory-based analysis of the implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms into primary care practices using Normalisation Process Theory.},
journal = {BMC primary care},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {39915751},
issn = {2731-4553},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; *Primary Health Care/organization & administration ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Online asynchronous telemedicine platforms are effective and have been implemented in primary care practices, but it is unclear whether implementation was successful. Implementation has not been studied on a large scale in primary care practice. Normalisation Process Theory is a sociological theory used to understand how complex practices can be embedded into routine practice. We aimed to identify and evaluate factors affecting, and make recommendations for, implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms in primary care practice using Normalisation Process Theory.
METHODS: A systematic search was carried out across four databases. Studies included were empirical research, published between January 2015 and November 2022, of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods designs, focusing on implementation of online asynchronous telemedicine platforms designed for two-way secure communication between patients and healthcare professionals to give or receive medical advice in primary care. Data extraction was guided by the domains of Normalisation Process Theory: context, mechanisms, outcomes.
RESULTS: 25 reports from 21 primary studies were obtained. COVID-19 changed the context in which asynchronous platforms were implemented into primary care, due to restrictions on face-to-face contact. Coherence is supported by online platforms providing benefits for patients. Healthcare staff felt confident using platforms and better teamworking added to cognitive participation, however patient 'misuse' of platforms hindered this. Collective action was negatively affected by poor usability and integration of platforms into practice systems. Reflexive action through large- and small-scale studies had allowed improvements to be made, but poor response rates inhibit this. Outcomes include changed roles and responsibilities for staff and patients and high patient satisfaction. There are concerns regarding confidentiality and health inequities.
CONCLUSIONS: Increased workload, lack of integration into existing systems and poor usability affect implementation. Widespread implementation of online platforms in primary care practices can be supported by policy-makers through consistent guidelines to improve platforms' content, functionality and compatibility with clinical systems to try to enable improvements in practice. Further research should explore patient groups or needs for which online platforms are most suitable, reasons why online platforms work better for different patients and how different patient groups can be supported to benefit from asynchronous telemedicine.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Telemedicine
*Primary Health Care/organization & administration
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Tabata training in perspective.
Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme, 50:1-10.
Originally developed as a specific form of exhaustive intermittent training involving 6-8 × 20 s of supramaximal-intensity cycling exercises with 10 s of recovery for athletes, Tabata training has become universally recognized around the world. The purpose of this review article is to provide a perspective on Tabata training and discuss how this popular style of intermittent training has evolved and been applied over the last ∼30 years. The article will review the original motivation behind Tabata training with relevance to concepts such as maximal accumulated oxygen deficit and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and discuss how Tabata training has been adapted to involve sport-specific training and cross training. Studies of Tabata training on physiological responses and adaptations in muscle, blood vessels, bone, and brain across different populations will be reviewed. Finally, research on how Tabata-style training was applied to counteract inactivity during the COVID19 pandemic will be discussed. Evolving from the study of athletes, Tabata training represents an example of how high-intensity intermittent/interval training can be adapted and applied in various settings to enhance performance and health.
Additional Links: PMID-39700481
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39700481,
year = {2025},
author = {Tabata, I},
title = {Tabata training in perspective.},
journal = {Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie appliquee, nutrition et metabolisme},
volume = {50},
number = {},
pages = {1-10},
doi = {10.1139/apnm-2023-0506},
pmid = {39700481},
issn = {1715-5320},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Oxygen Consumption/physiology ; Adaptation, Physiological ; High-Intensity Interval Training/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Athletic Performance/physiology ; Athletes ; Physical Conditioning, Human/methods/physiology ; },
abstract = {Originally developed as a specific form of exhaustive intermittent training involving 6-8 × 20 s of supramaximal-intensity cycling exercises with 10 s of recovery for athletes, Tabata training has become universally recognized around the world. The purpose of this review article is to provide a perspective on Tabata training and discuss how this popular style of intermittent training has evolved and been applied over the last ∼30 years. The article will review the original motivation behind Tabata training with relevance to concepts such as maximal accumulated oxygen deficit and maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and discuss how Tabata training has been adapted to involve sport-specific training and cross training. Studies of Tabata training on physiological responses and adaptations in muscle, blood vessels, bone, and brain across different populations will be reviewed. Finally, research on how Tabata-style training was applied to counteract inactivity during the COVID19 pandemic will be discussed. Evolving from the study of athletes, Tabata training represents an example of how high-intensity intermittent/interval training can be adapted and applied in various settings to enhance performance and health.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19
*Oxygen Consumption/physiology
Adaptation, Physiological
High-Intensity Interval Training/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Athletic Performance/physiology
Athletes
Physical Conditioning, Human/methods/physiology
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2024-12-19
Developing a digital phenotype to subdivide adult immunosuppressed COVID-19 outcomes within the English Primary Care Sentinel Network.
Frontiers in immunology, 15:1491565.
BACKGROUND: Adults classified as immunosuppressed have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the immunocompetent, certain patients are at increased risk of suboptimal vaccine response and adverse health outcomes if infected. However, there has been insufficient work to pinpoint where these risks concentrate within the immunosuppressed spectrum; surveillance efforts typically treat the immunosuppressed as a single entity, leading to wide confidence intervals. A clinically meaningful and computerised medical record (CMR) compatible method to subdivide immunosuppressed COVID-19 data is urgently needed.
METHODS: We conducted a rapid scoping review into COVID-19 mortality across UK immunosuppressed categories to assess if differential mortality risk was a viable means of subdivision. We converted the risk hierarchy that surfaced into a pilot digital phenotype-a valueset and series of ontological rules ready to extract immunosuppressed patients from CMR data and stratify outcomes of interest in COVID-19 surveillance dataflows.
RESULTS: The rapid scoping review returned COVID-19 mortality data for all immunosuppressed subgroups assessed and revealed significant heterogeneity across the spectrum. There was a clear distinction between heightened COVID-19 mortality in haematological malignancy and transplant patients and mortality that approached the immunocompetent baseline amongst cancer therapy recipients, autoimmune patients, and those with HIV. This process, complemented by expert clinical input, informed the curation of the five-part digital phenotype now ready for testing in real-world data; its ontological rules will enable mutually exclusive, hierarchical extraction with nuanced time and treatment conditions. Unique categorisations have been introduced, including 'Bone Marrow Compromised' and those dedicated to differentiating prescriptions related and unrelated to cancer. Codification was supported by existing reference sets of medical codes; absent or redundant codes had to be resolved manually.
DISCUSSION: Although this work is in its earliest phases, the development process we report has been highly informative. Systematic review, clinical consensus building, and implementation studies will test the validity of our results and address criticisms of the rapid scoping exercise they are predicated on.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive testing for COVID-19 has differentiated mortality risks across the immunosuppressed spectrum. This risk hierarchy has been codified into a digital phenotype for differentiated COVID-19 surveillance; this marks a step towards the needs-based management of these patients that is urgently required.
Additional Links: PMID-39697345
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39697345,
year = {2024},
author = {Leston, M and Kar, D and Forbes, A and Jamie, G and Wimalaratna, R and Jiwani, G and Ordóñez-Mena, JM and Stewart, DE and Whitaker, H and Joy, M and Lee, LYW and Hobbs, FDR and de Lusignan, S},
title = {Developing a digital phenotype to subdivide adult immunosuppressed COVID-19 outcomes within the English Primary Care Sentinel Network.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1491565},
pmid = {39697345},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Adult ; Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/mortality ; England/epidemiology ; *Immunocompromised Host ; *Phenotype ; *Primary Health Care ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Sentinel Surveillance ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Adults classified as immunosuppressed have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the immunocompetent, certain patients are at increased risk of suboptimal vaccine response and adverse health outcomes if infected. However, there has been insufficient work to pinpoint where these risks concentrate within the immunosuppressed spectrum; surveillance efforts typically treat the immunosuppressed as a single entity, leading to wide confidence intervals. A clinically meaningful and computerised medical record (CMR) compatible method to subdivide immunosuppressed COVID-19 data is urgently needed.
METHODS: We conducted a rapid scoping review into COVID-19 mortality across UK immunosuppressed categories to assess if differential mortality risk was a viable means of subdivision. We converted the risk hierarchy that surfaced into a pilot digital phenotype-a valueset and series of ontological rules ready to extract immunosuppressed patients from CMR data and stratify outcomes of interest in COVID-19 surveillance dataflows.
RESULTS: The rapid scoping review returned COVID-19 mortality data for all immunosuppressed subgroups assessed and revealed significant heterogeneity across the spectrum. There was a clear distinction between heightened COVID-19 mortality in haematological malignancy and transplant patients and mortality that approached the immunocompetent baseline amongst cancer therapy recipients, autoimmune patients, and those with HIV. This process, complemented by expert clinical input, informed the curation of the five-part digital phenotype now ready for testing in real-world data; its ontological rules will enable mutually exclusive, hierarchical extraction with nuanced time and treatment conditions. Unique categorisations have been introduced, including 'Bone Marrow Compromised' and those dedicated to differentiating prescriptions related and unrelated to cancer. Codification was supported by existing reference sets of medical codes; absent or redundant codes had to be resolved manually.
DISCUSSION: Although this work is in its earliest phases, the development process we report has been highly informative. Systematic review, clinical consensus building, and implementation studies will test the validity of our results and address criticisms of the rapid scoping exercise they are predicated on.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive testing for COVID-19 has differentiated mortality risks across the immunosuppressed spectrum. This risk hierarchy has been codified into a digital phenotype for differentiated COVID-19 surveillance; this marks a step towards the needs-based management of these patients that is urgently required.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Adult
Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/mortality
England/epidemiology
*Immunocompromised Host
*Phenotype
*Primary Health Care
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Sentinel Surveillance
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines.
RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin, 197(3):288-297.
Axillary lymphadenopathy (LA) after COVID-19 vaccination is now known to be a common side effect. In these cases, malignancy cannot always be excluded on the basis of morphological imaging criteria.Narrative review for decision-making regarding control and follow-up intervals for axillary LA according to currently published research. This article provides a practical overview of the management of vaccine-associated LA using image examples and a flowchart and provides recommendations for follow-up intervals. A particular focus is on patients presenting for diagnostic breast imaging. The diagnostic criteria for pathological lymph nodes (LN) are explained.Axillary LA is a common adverse effect after COVID-19 vaccination (0.3-53%). The average duration of LA is more than 100 days. LA is also known to occur after other vaccinations, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine. Systematic studies on this topic are missing. Other causes of LA after vaccination (infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancies) should be considered for the differential diagnosis. If the LA persists for more than 3 months after COVID-19 vaccination, a primarily sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after another 3 months. A minimally invasive biopsy of the LA is recommended if a clinically suspicious LN persists or progresses. In the case of histologically confirmed breast cancer, a core biopsy without a follow-up interval is recommended regardless of the vaccination, as treatment appropriate to the stage should not be influenced by follow-up intervals. For follow-up after breast cancer, the procedure depends on the duration of the LA and the woman's individual risk of recurrence.Vaccination history should be well documented and taken into account when evaluating suspicious LN. Biopsy of abnormal, persistent, or progressive LNs is recommended. Preoperative staging of breast cancer should not be delayed by follow-up. The risk of false-positive findings is accepted, and the suspicious LNs are histologically examined in a minimally invasive procedure. · The vaccination history must be documented (vaccine, date, place of application).. · If axillary LA persists for more than 3 months after vaccination, a sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after 3 months.. · Enlarged LNs that are persistent, progressive in size, or are suspicious on control sonography should be biopsied.. · Suspicious LNs should be clarified before starting oncological therapy, irrespective of the vaccination status, according to the guidelines and without delaying therapy.. · Wilpert C, Wenkel E, Baltzer PA et al. Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. Rofo 2025; DOI 10.1055/a-2328-7536.
Additional Links: PMID-38906159
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38906159,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilpert, C and Wenkel, E and Baltzer, PAT and Fallenberg, EM and Preibsch, H and Sauer, ST and Siegmann-Luz, K and Weigel, S and Wunderlich, P and Wessling, D},
title = {Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines.},
journal = {RoFo : Fortschritte auf dem Gebiete der Rontgenstrahlen und der Nuklearmedizin},
volume = {197},
number = {3},
pages = {288-297},
doi = {10.1055/a-2328-7536},
pmid = {38906159},
issn = {1438-9010},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lymphadenopathy/diagnostic imaging/etiology/chemically induced/pathology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Axilla/diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Lymph Nodes/pathology/diagnostic imaging ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging/pathology ; },
abstract = {Axillary lymphadenopathy (LA) after COVID-19 vaccination is now known to be a common side effect. In these cases, malignancy cannot always be excluded on the basis of morphological imaging criteria.Narrative review for decision-making regarding control and follow-up intervals for axillary LA according to currently published research. This article provides a practical overview of the management of vaccine-associated LA using image examples and a flowchart and provides recommendations for follow-up intervals. A particular focus is on patients presenting for diagnostic breast imaging. The diagnostic criteria for pathological lymph nodes (LN) are explained.Axillary LA is a common adverse effect after COVID-19 vaccination (0.3-53%). The average duration of LA is more than 100 days. LA is also known to occur after other vaccinations, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine. Systematic studies on this topic are missing. Other causes of LA after vaccination (infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancies) should be considered for the differential diagnosis. If the LA persists for more than 3 months after COVID-19 vaccination, a primarily sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after another 3 months. A minimally invasive biopsy of the LA is recommended if a clinically suspicious LN persists or progresses. In the case of histologically confirmed breast cancer, a core biopsy without a follow-up interval is recommended regardless of the vaccination, as treatment appropriate to the stage should not be influenced by follow-up intervals. For follow-up after breast cancer, the procedure depends on the duration of the LA and the woman's individual risk of recurrence.Vaccination history should be well documented and taken into account when evaluating suspicious LN. Biopsy of abnormal, persistent, or progressive LNs is recommended. Preoperative staging of breast cancer should not be delayed by follow-up. The risk of false-positive findings is accepted, and the suspicious LNs are histologically examined in a minimally invasive procedure. · The vaccination history must be documented (vaccine, date, place of application).. · If axillary LA persists for more than 3 months after vaccination, a sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after 3 months.. · Enlarged LNs that are persistent, progressive in size, or are suspicious on control sonography should be biopsied.. · Suspicious LNs should be clarified before starting oncological therapy, irrespective of the vaccination status, according to the guidelines and without delaying therapy.. · Wilpert C, Wenkel E, Baltzer PA et al. Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. Rofo 2025; DOI 10.1055/a-2328-7536.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Lymphadenopathy/diagnostic imaging/etiology/chemically induced/pathology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
*Axilla/diagnostic imaging
Female
Diagnosis, Differential
Lymph Nodes/pathology/diagnostic imaging
COVID-19/prevention & control
Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging/pathology
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Medicinal Chemistry of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Therapeutic Use in SARS-CoV-2: Design Strategies and Challenges for Targeted Delivery.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(6):1144-1167.
BACKGROUND: The evolution of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains with greater degrees of infectivity, resistance to vaccine-induced acquired immunity, and more severe morbidity have contributed to the recent spread of COVID-19. In light of this, novel therapeutic alternatives with improved effectiveness and fewer side effects have become a necessity. Despite many new or repurposed antiviral agents recommended for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) therapy, this objective remains unfulfilled. Under these circumstances, the scientific community holds the significant responsibility to develop classes of novel therapeutic modalities to combat SARS-CoV-2 with the least harmful side effects.
OBJECTIVE: Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that allow the specific targeting of RNA, leading to its degradation. They may also prevent cellular factors or machinery from binding to the target RNA. It is possible to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ASOs by chemical modification or bioconjugation, which may provide conditions for customization of a particular clinical target. This study aimed to outline the potential use of ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19 disease, along with the use of antisense stabilization and transfer methods, as well as future challenges and limitations.
METHODS: We have reviewed the structure and properties of ASOs containing nucleobase, sugar, or backbone modifications, and provided an overview of the therapeutic potential, delivery challenges, and strategies of ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19.
RESULTS: The first-line therapy for COVID-19-infected individuals, as well as the development of oligonucleotide- based drugs, warrants further investigation. Chemical changes in the oligonucleotide structure can affect the biological processes. These chemical alterations may lead to enhanced potency, while changing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
CONCLUSION: ASOs can be designed to target both coding and non-coding regions of the viral genome to disrupt or completely degrade the genomic RNA and thereby eliminate SARS-CoV-2. They may be very effective in areas, where vaccine distribution is challenging, and they may be helpful for future coronavirus pandemics.
Additional Links: PMID-38860908
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38860908,
year = {2025},
author = {Nedaeinia, R and Ranjbar, M and Goli, M and Etebari, M and Safabakhsh, S and Bayram, H and Ferns, GA and Tehrani, HM and Salehi, R},
title = {Medicinal Chemistry of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Therapeutic Use in SARS-CoV-2: Design Strategies and Challenges for Targeted Delivery.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {6},
pages = {1144-1167},
doi = {10.2174/0109298673300236240529195835},
pmid = {38860908},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {2401214//Vice Chancellery for Research, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran/ ; 9900327//National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD) of Iran/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use/chemistry ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19/virology/therapy ; *Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Pandemics ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/virology/therapy ; Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology ; Drug Design ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The evolution of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains with greater degrees of infectivity, resistance to vaccine-induced acquired immunity, and more severe morbidity have contributed to the recent spread of COVID-19. In light of this, novel therapeutic alternatives with improved effectiveness and fewer side effects have become a necessity. Despite many new or repurposed antiviral agents recommended for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) therapy, this objective remains unfulfilled. Under these circumstances, the scientific community holds the significant responsibility to develop classes of novel therapeutic modalities to combat SARS-CoV-2 with the least harmful side effects.
OBJECTIVE: Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that allow the specific targeting of RNA, leading to its degradation. They may also prevent cellular factors or machinery from binding to the target RNA. It is possible to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ASOs by chemical modification or bioconjugation, which may provide conditions for customization of a particular clinical target. This study aimed to outline the potential use of ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19 disease, along with the use of antisense stabilization and transfer methods, as well as future challenges and limitations.
METHODS: We have reviewed the structure and properties of ASOs containing nucleobase, sugar, or backbone modifications, and provided an overview of the therapeutic potential, delivery challenges, and strategies of ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19.
RESULTS: The first-line therapy for COVID-19-infected individuals, as well as the development of oligonucleotide- based drugs, warrants further investigation. Chemical changes in the oligonucleotide structure can affect the biological processes. These chemical alterations may lead to enhanced potency, while changing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
CONCLUSION: ASOs can be designed to target both coding and non-coding regions of the viral genome to disrupt or completely degrade the genomic RNA and thereby eliminate SARS-CoV-2. They may be very effective in areas, where vaccine distribution is challenging, and they may be helpful for future coronavirus pandemics.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use/chemistry
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19/virology/therapy
*Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Pandemics
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Betacoronavirus/drug effects
Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/virology/therapy
Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology
Drug Design
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis, Human Papillomavirus, and microRNA.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(4):771-787.
BACKGROUND: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (Anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease, which is caused by antibodies attacking NMDA receptors in the brain. Previous studies revealed that this disorder might be induced by vaccination. Vaccination is the most useful strategy to prevent human or animal infectious diseases. Although vaccines can produce immunity against diseases, at low risk, they may trigger serious adverse events. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis has been studied to be related to the H1N1 (influenza A virus subtype H1N1), tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis and polio vaccine, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Several cases have been reported that anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis could also be triggered by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. However, there is a lack of studies to investigate the underlying mechanism.
METHODS: In this paper, the association between anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and HPV vaccination is discussed in terms of their microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. Phylogenetic tree and distance similarity analyses are used to explore the relationship between their miRNA biomarkers.
RESULTS: The results show a higher degree of similarity between miRNA biomarkers associated with HPV and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis or related vaccines when compared to the overall miRNAs. It indicates that while the risk of HPV triggering anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is low, a connection between anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and HPV vaccination cannot be ruled out.
CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that in cases where individuals receiving HPV vaccination experience psychiatric or neurological symptoms, it should be considered to diagnose anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, given the exclusion of other possible complications.
Additional Links: PMID-38549528
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38549528,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H},
title = {Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis, Human Papillomavirus, and microRNA.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {771-787},
pmid = {38549528},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {109-2118-M-009-005-MY2//ministry of science and technology, Taiwan/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/immunology ; *MicroRNAs/genetics ; Papillomavirus Vaccines/immunology ; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; Biomarkers/metabolism ; Human Papillomavirus Viruses ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (Anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease, which is caused by antibodies attacking NMDA receptors in the brain. Previous studies revealed that this disorder might be induced by vaccination. Vaccination is the most useful strategy to prevent human or animal infectious diseases. Although vaccines can produce immunity against diseases, at low risk, they may trigger serious adverse events. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis has been studied to be related to the H1N1 (influenza A virus subtype H1N1), tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis and polio vaccine, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Several cases have been reported that anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis could also be triggered by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. However, there is a lack of studies to investigate the underlying mechanism.
METHODS: In this paper, the association between anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and HPV vaccination is discussed in terms of their microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers. Phylogenetic tree and distance similarity analyses are used to explore the relationship between their miRNA biomarkers.
RESULTS: The results show a higher degree of similarity between miRNA biomarkers associated with HPV and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis or related vaccines when compared to the overall miRNAs. It indicates that while the risk of HPV triggering anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is low, a connection between anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and HPV vaccination cannot be ruled out.
CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that in cases where individuals receiving HPV vaccination experience psychiatric or neurological symptoms, it should be considered to diagnose anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, given the exclusion of other possible complications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis/immunology
*MicroRNAs/genetics
Papillomavirus Vaccines/immunology
Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/immunology/metabolism/genetics
Biomarkers/metabolism
Human Papillomavirus Viruses
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Long-term Damage of Tissues and Organs, the Underestimated Role of Retrotransposons and Stem Cells, a Working Hypothesis.
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets, 25(2):85-98.
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease in which Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in transferring virus genomic code into target cells. Spike protein, which is found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, latches onto angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2r) on target cells. The RNA genome of coronaviruses, with an average length of 29 kb, is the longest among all RNA viruses and comprises six to ten open reading frames (ORFs) responsible for encoding replicase and structural proteins for the virus. Each component of the viral genome is inserted into a helical nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid bilayer. The Spike protein is responsible for damage to several organs and tissues, even leading to severe impairments and long-term disabilities. Spike protein could also be the cause of the long-term post-infectious conditions known as Long COVID-19, characterized by a group of unresponsive idiopathic severe neuro- and cardiovascular disorders, including strokes, cardiopathies, neuralgias, fibromyalgia, and Guillaume- Barret's like-disease. In this paper, we suggest a pervasive mechanism whereby the Spike proteins either from SARS-CoV-2 mRNA or mRNA vaccines, tend to enter the mature cells, and progenitor, multipotent, and pluripotent stem cells (SCs), altering the genome integrity. This will eventually lead to the production of newly affected clones and mature cells. The hypothesis presented in this paper proposes that the mRNA integration into DNA occurs through several components of the evolutionarily genetic mechanism such as retrotransposons and retrotransposition, LINE-1 or L1 (long interspersed element-1), and ORF-1 and 2 responsible for the generation of retrogenes. Once the integration phase is concluded, somatic cells, progenitor cells, and SCs employ different silencing mechanisms. DNA methylation, followed by histone modification, begins to generate unlimited lines of affected cells and clones that form affected tissues characterized by abnormal patterns that become targets of systemic immune cells, generating uncontrolled inflammatory conditions, as observed in both Long COVID-19 syndrome and the mRNA vaccine.
Additional Links: PMID-38468535
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38468535,
year = {2025},
author = {Balzanelli, MG and Rastmanesh, R and Distratis, P and Lazzaro, R and Inchingolo, F and Del Prete, R and Pham, VH and Aityan, SK and Cong, TT and Nguyen, KCD and Isacco, CG},
title = {The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Long-term Damage of Tissues and Organs, the Underestimated Role of Retrotransposons and Stem Cells, a Working Hypothesis.},
journal = {Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {85-98},
pmid = {38468535},
issn = {2212-3873},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/metabolism/virology/immunology ; *Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism/genetics ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/metabolism ; *Retroelements/genetics ; Stem Cells/metabolism/virology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease in which Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in transferring virus genomic code into target cells. Spike protein, which is found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, latches onto angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2r) on target cells. The RNA genome of coronaviruses, with an average length of 29 kb, is the longest among all RNA viruses and comprises six to ten open reading frames (ORFs) responsible for encoding replicase and structural proteins for the virus. Each component of the viral genome is inserted into a helical nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid bilayer. The Spike protein is responsible for damage to several organs and tissues, even leading to severe impairments and long-term disabilities. Spike protein could also be the cause of the long-term post-infectious conditions known as Long COVID-19, characterized by a group of unresponsive idiopathic severe neuro- and cardiovascular disorders, including strokes, cardiopathies, neuralgias, fibromyalgia, and Guillaume- Barret's like-disease. In this paper, we suggest a pervasive mechanism whereby the Spike proteins either from SARS-CoV-2 mRNA or mRNA vaccines, tend to enter the mature cells, and progenitor, multipotent, and pluripotent stem cells (SCs), altering the genome integrity. This will eventually lead to the production of newly affected clones and mature cells. The hypothesis presented in this paper proposes that the mRNA integration into DNA occurs through several components of the evolutionarily genetic mechanism such as retrotransposons and retrotransposition, LINE-1 or L1 (long interspersed element-1), and ORF-1 and 2 responsible for the generation of retrogenes. Once the integration phase is concluded, somatic cells, progenitor cells, and SCs employ different silencing mechanisms. DNA methylation, followed by histone modification, begins to generate unlimited lines of affected cells and clones that form affected tissues characterized by abnormal patterns that become targets of systemic immune cells, generating uncontrolled inflammatory conditions, as observed in both Long COVID-19 syndrome and the mRNA vaccine.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/metabolism/virology/immunology
*Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism/genetics
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/metabolism
*Retroelements/genetics
Stem Cells/metabolism/virology
Animals
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Concept and Evolution in 3D Printing for Excellence in Healthcare.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(5):831-879.
Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained popularity among scientists and researchers in every field due to its potential to drastically reduce energy costs for the production of customized products by utilizing less energy-intensive machines as well as minimizing material waste. The 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing approach that uses material layer-by-layer fabrication to produce the digitally specified 3D model. The use of 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical sector has the potential to revolutionize research and development by providing a quick and easy means to manufacture personalized one-off batches, each with unique dosages, distinct substances, shapes, and sizes, as well as variable release rates. This overview addresses the concept of 3D printing, its evolution, and its operation, as well as the most popular types of 3D printing processes utilized in the health care industry. It also discusses the application of these cutting-edge technologies to the pharmaceutical industry, advancements in various medical fields and medical equipment, 3D bioprinting, the most recent initiatives to combat COVID-19, regulatory frameworks, and the major challenges that this technology currently faces. In addition, we attempt to provide some futuristic approaches to 3DP applications.
Additional Links: PMID-38265395
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38265395,
year = {2025},
author = {Sinha, P and Lahare, P and Sahu, M and Cimler, R and Schnitzer, M and Hlubenova, J and Hudak, R and Singh, N and Gupta, B and Kuca, K},
title = {Concept and Evolution in 3D Printing for Excellence in Healthcare.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {5},
pages = {831-879},
pmid = {38265395},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {2216/2023-2024//Excellence project PrF UHK/ ; 1/0387/22//VEGA/ ; 050TUKE-4/2022//KEGA/ ; ITMS2014+: 313011V358//CEMBAM/ ; },
mesh = {*Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Humans ; *COVID-19 ; Bioprinting/methods ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Drug Industry ; Delivery of Health Care ; },
abstract = {Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has gained popularity among scientists and researchers in every field due to its potential to drastically reduce energy costs for the production of customized products by utilizing less energy-intensive machines as well as minimizing material waste. The 3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing approach that uses material layer-by-layer fabrication to produce the digitally specified 3D model. The use of 3D printing technology in the pharmaceutical sector has the potential to revolutionize research and development by providing a quick and easy means to manufacture personalized one-off batches, each with unique dosages, distinct substances, shapes, and sizes, as well as variable release rates. This overview addresses the concept of 3D printing, its evolution, and its operation, as well as the most popular types of 3D printing processes utilized in the health care industry. It also discusses the application of these cutting-edge technologies to the pharmaceutical industry, advancements in various medical fields and medical equipment, 3D bioprinting, the most recent initiatives to combat COVID-19, regulatory frameworks, and the major challenges that this technology currently faces. In addition, we attempt to provide some futuristic approaches to 3DP applications.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Printing, Three-Dimensional
Humans
*COVID-19
Bioprinting/methods
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Drug Industry
Delivery of Health Care
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Systematic Review.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(4):753-770.
BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms regulating coronavirus pathogenesis are complex, including virus-host interactions associated with replication and innate immune control. However, some genetic and epigenetic conditions associated with comorbidities increase the risk of hospitalization and can prove fatal in infected patients. This systematic review will provide insight into host genetic and epigenetic factors that interfere with COVID-19 expression in light of available evidence.
METHODS: This study conducted a systematic review to examine the genetic and epigenetic susceptibility to COVID-19 using a comprehensive approach. Through systematic searches and applying relevant keywords across prominent online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, we compiled all pertinent papers and reports published in English between December 2019 and June 2023.
RESULTS: The findings reveal that the host's HLA genotype plays a substantial role in determining how viral protein antigens are showcased and the subsequent immune system reaction to these antigens. Within females, genes responsible for immune system regulation are found on the X chromosome, resulting in reduced viral load and inflammation levels when contrasted with males. Possessing blood group A may contribute to an increased susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 as well as a heightened risk of mortality associated with the disease. The capacity of SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting the antiviral interferon (IFN) reactions, resulting in uncontrolled viral multiplication.
CONCLUSION: There is a notable absence of research into the gender-related predisposition to infection, necessitating a thorough examination. According to the available literature, a significant portion of individuals affected by the ailment or displaying severe ramifications already had suppressed immune systems, categorizing them as a group with elevated risk.
Additional Links: PMID-38251695
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38251695,
year = {2025},
author = {Gasmi, A and Kassym, L and Menzel, A and Anzar, W and Dadar, M and Semenova, Y and Arshad, M and Bihunyak, T and Meguid, NA and Peana, M and Bekbergenova, Z and Bjørklund, G},
title = {Genetic and Epigenetic Determinants of COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {753-770},
pmid = {38251695},
issn = {1875-533X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/genetics/virology/immunology ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology ; *Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms regulating coronavirus pathogenesis are complex, including virus-host interactions associated with replication and innate immune control. However, some genetic and epigenetic conditions associated with comorbidities increase the risk of hospitalization and can prove fatal in infected patients. This systematic review will provide insight into host genetic and epigenetic factors that interfere with COVID-19 expression in light of available evidence.
METHODS: This study conducted a systematic review to examine the genetic and epigenetic susceptibility to COVID-19 using a comprehensive approach. Through systematic searches and applying relevant keywords across prominent online databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct, we compiled all pertinent papers and reports published in English between December 2019 and June 2023.
RESULTS: The findings reveal that the host's HLA genotype plays a substantial role in determining how viral protein antigens are showcased and the subsequent immune system reaction to these antigens. Within females, genes responsible for immune system regulation are found on the X chromosome, resulting in reduced viral load and inflammation levels when contrasted with males. Possessing blood group A may contribute to an increased susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 as well as a heightened risk of mortality associated with the disease. The capacity of SARS-CoV-2 involves inhibiting the antiviral interferon (IFN) reactions, resulting in uncontrolled viral multiplication.
CONCLUSION: There is a notable absence of research into the gender-related predisposition to infection, necessitating a thorough examination. According to the available literature, a significant portion of individuals affected by the ailment or displaying severe ramifications already had suppressed immune systems, categorizing them as a group with elevated risk.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/genetics/virology/immunology
*Epigenesis, Genetic
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology
*Genetic Predisposition to Disease
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
Natural and Synthetic Coumarins as Potential Drug Candidates against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(3):539-562.
COVID-19, an airborne disease caused by a betacoronavirus named SARS-- CoV-2, was officially declared a pandemic in early 2020, resulting in more than 770 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths by September 2023. Although the introduction of vaccines in late 2020 helped reduce the number of deaths, the global effort to fight COVID-19 is far from over. While significant progress has been made in a short period, the fight against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other potential pandemic threats continues. Like AIDS and hepatitis C epidemics, controlling the spread of COVID-19 will require the development of multiple drugs to weaken the virus's resistance to different drug treatments. Therefore, it is essential to continue developing new drug candidates derived from natural or synthetic small molecules. Coumarins are a promising drug design and development scaffold due to their synthetic versatility and unique physicochemical properties. Numerous examples reported in scientific literature, mainly by in silico prospection, demonstrate their potential contribution to the rapid development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other emergent and reemergent viruses.
Additional Links: PMID-38243979
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38243979,
year = {2025},
author = {da Silva Santos, I and Magalhaes, LO and Marra, RKF and da Silva Lima, CH and Hamerski, L and Albuquerque, MG and da Silva, BV},
title = {Natural and Synthetic Coumarins as Potential Drug Candidates against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {539-562},
pmid = {38243979},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {001//CAPES, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; SEI-260003/007043/2022, SEI-260003/003788/2022, E-26/010.002270/2019//FAPERJ, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis/therapeutic use ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *Coumarins/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use/chemical synthesis ; *COVID-19/virology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/virology ; Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology ; Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis ; },
abstract = {COVID-19, an airborne disease caused by a betacoronavirus named SARS-- CoV-2, was officially declared a pandemic in early 2020, resulting in more than 770 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths by September 2023. Although the introduction of vaccines in late 2020 helped reduce the number of deaths, the global effort to fight COVID-19 is far from over. While significant progress has been made in a short period, the fight against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other potential pandemic threats continues. Like AIDS and hepatitis C epidemics, controlling the spread of COVID-19 will require the development of multiple drugs to weaken the virus's resistance to different drug treatments. Therefore, it is essential to continue developing new drug candidates derived from natural or synthetic small molecules. Coumarins are a promising drug design and development scaffold due to their synthetic versatility and unique physicochemical properties. Numerous examples reported in scientific literature, mainly by in silico prospection, demonstrate their potential contribution to the rapid development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other emergent and reemergent viruses.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis/therapeutic use
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*Coumarins/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use/chemical synthesis
*COVID-19/virology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Pandemics
Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/virology
Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology
Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis
RevDate: 2025-02-18
CmpDate: 2025-02-18
SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Natural Product Repository as Therapeutic Candidates for the Treatment of Coronaviridae Infections.
Current medicinal chemistry, 32(4):688-719.
BACKGROUND: The main protease (M[pro]) is a crucial enzyme for the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and a validated target for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Natural products have been a proper alternative for treating viral diseases by modulating different steps of the life cycle of many viruses.
OBJECTIVE: This review article is designed to summarize the cumulative information of natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors that are validated by experimental biological testing.
METHODS: The natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 that have been discovered since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic are reviewed in this article. Only natural products with experimental validation are reported in this article. Collected compounds are classified according to their chemical identity into flavonoids, phenolic acids, quinones, alkaloids, chromones, stilbenes, tannins, lignans, terpenes, and other polyphenolic and miscellaneous natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors.
CONCLUSION: These compounds could serve as scaffolds for further lead-structure optimization for desirable potency, a larger margin of safety, and better oral activity.
Additional Links: PMID-38013440
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38013440,
year = {2025},
author = {Khanfar, MA and Saleh, MI},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Natural Product Repository as Therapeutic Candidates for the Treatment of Coronaviridae Infections.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {4},
pages = {688-719},
pmid = {38013440},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {23520//College of Pharmacy and Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) at Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; COVID-19/virology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The main protease (M[pro]) is a crucial enzyme for the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2 and a validated target for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Natural products have been a proper alternative for treating viral diseases by modulating different steps of the life cycle of many viruses.
OBJECTIVE: This review article is designed to summarize the cumulative information of natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors that are validated by experimental biological testing.
METHODS: The natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 that have been discovered since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic are reviewed in this article. Only natural products with experimental validation are reported in this article. Collected compounds are classified according to their chemical identity into flavonoids, phenolic acids, quinones, alkaloids, chromones, stilbenes, tannins, lignans, terpenes, and other polyphenolic and miscellaneous natural-derived M[pro] inhibitors.
CONCLUSION: These compounds could serve as scaffolds for further lead-structure optimization for desirable potency, a larger margin of safety, and better oral activity.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Biological Products/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
COVID-19/virology
RevDate: 2025-02-06
Advancing local manufacturing capacities for vaccines within Africa - Opportunities, priorities and challenges.
Vaccine, 50:126829 pii:S0264-410X(25)00126-4 [Epub ahead of print].
Our viewpoint focuses on the paradox that Africa represents 25 % of total global vaccine usage, yet 99 % of these vaccines are manufactured overseas. In view of the iniquitous supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Africa during the pandemic, we emphasize the need for scaling up local vaccine manufacturing capacities across Africa. We review current vaccine manufacturing capacities within Africa, highlight priority vaccines needs, and describe opportunities and challenges of advancing local manufacturing capacities within Africa. Of 11 manufacturers in Africa, ten have operational formulation/fill/finish capacities. However, capacities to produce active vaccine components locally are very limited and leveraging of vaccine technology platforms such as live-attenuated virus, inactivated virus, and mRNA remain scanty. South Africa and Senegal are the only countries with end-to-end manufacturing capacities. Based on market demand, manufacturing complexity, target population, disease burden and vaccination regimen, the top 5 priority vaccines identified for local manufacturing in Africa were measles-rubella, yellow fever, cholera, rotavirus, and meningococcal vaccines. Enablers identified for Africa's vaccine manufacturing initiatives include: a preferential procurement of African-made vaccines for sustainable and reliable volumes through GAVI and UNICEF; deal preparation to target investments avoiding overproduction; technology transfers; regulatory systems strengthening; R&D capacities and infrastructure. Thus, African vaccine manufacturers and all stakeholders should focus taking forward the portfolio of activities required for continental vaccine manufacturing, including regulatory strengthening capacities, training and workforce development, rather than only focus on efforts that benefit a particular manufacturer or country. Optimism for advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa comes from the announcement in December 2023 by GAVI for the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financing mechanism of USD 1 billion aimed at creating a sustainable vaccine manufacturing industry in Africa. However, many challenges need to be overcome including that of having secure funding for sustaining what is developed.
Additional Links: PMID-39914258
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39914258,
year = {2025},
author = {Doua, J and Ndembi, N and Auerbach, J and Kaseya, J and Zumla, A},
title = {Advancing local manufacturing capacities for vaccines within Africa - Opportunities, priorities and challenges.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {50},
number = {},
pages = {126829},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126829},
pmid = {39914258},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {Our viewpoint focuses on the paradox that Africa represents 25 % of total global vaccine usage, yet 99 % of these vaccines are manufactured overseas. In view of the iniquitous supply and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Africa during the pandemic, we emphasize the need for scaling up local vaccine manufacturing capacities across Africa. We review current vaccine manufacturing capacities within Africa, highlight priority vaccines needs, and describe opportunities and challenges of advancing local manufacturing capacities within Africa. Of 11 manufacturers in Africa, ten have operational formulation/fill/finish capacities. However, capacities to produce active vaccine components locally are very limited and leveraging of vaccine technology platforms such as live-attenuated virus, inactivated virus, and mRNA remain scanty. South Africa and Senegal are the only countries with end-to-end manufacturing capacities. Based on market demand, manufacturing complexity, target population, disease burden and vaccination regimen, the top 5 priority vaccines identified for local manufacturing in Africa were measles-rubella, yellow fever, cholera, rotavirus, and meningococcal vaccines. Enablers identified for Africa's vaccine manufacturing initiatives include: a preferential procurement of African-made vaccines for sustainable and reliable volumes through GAVI and UNICEF; deal preparation to target investments avoiding overproduction; technology transfers; regulatory systems strengthening; R&D capacities and infrastructure. Thus, African vaccine manufacturers and all stakeholders should focus taking forward the portfolio of activities required for continental vaccine manufacturing, including regulatory strengthening capacities, training and workforce development, rather than only focus on efforts that benefit a particular manufacturer or country. Optimism for advancing vaccine manufacturing in Africa comes from the announcement in December 2023 by GAVI for the establishment of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, a financing mechanism of USD 1 billion aimed at creating a sustainable vaccine manufacturing industry in Africa. However, many challenges need to be overcome including that of having secure funding for sustaining what is developed.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-08
CmpDate: 2025-02-06
Sustaining the adequacy and competency of CDC Staff in China after COVID-19.
Journal of global health, 15:03003.
We examine the significant increase in staffing at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it to the staffing changes post-2003 SARS outbreak. This analysis views the surge not only as compensation for long-term understaffing, but also as a response to the immediate demands of the COVID-19 crisis. We explore the implications of this increase, addressing the financial burden it imposes on the government, the challenges in maintaining a balanced human resource structure, and the potential long-term effects on public health infrastructure. Additionally, we propose strategic recommendations including reforming the income model for CDC employees, implementing strategic workforce planning, and making infrastructure improvements. These measures aim to support a more effective and resilient public health system in China.
Additional Links: PMID-39913534
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39913534,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, Q and Lv, Y and Han, R and Tangcharoensathien, V and Yang, L},
title = {Sustaining the adequacy and competency of CDC Staff in China after COVID-19.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {03003},
pmid = {39913534},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; China/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling/organization & administration ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {We examine the significant increase in staffing at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) following the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it to the staffing changes post-2003 SARS outbreak. This analysis views the surge not only as compensation for long-term understaffing, but also as a response to the immediate demands of the COVID-19 crisis. We explore the implications of this increase, addressing the financial burden it imposes on the government, the challenges in maintaining a balanced human resource structure, and the potential long-term effects on public health infrastructure. Additionally, we propose strategic recommendations including reforming the income model for CDC employees, implementing strategic workforce planning, and making infrastructure improvements. These measures aim to support a more effective and resilient public health system in China.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
China/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Personnel Staffing and Scheduling/organization & administration
Pandemics
RevDate: 2025-02-17
CmpDate: 2025-02-17
Remote workers' life quality and stress during COVID-19: a systematic review.
European journal of public health, 35(1):141-152.
COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of a different working approach: "The remote working." Evidence about the association of remote working with stress outcomes and life quality is lacking. This systematic review provides an overview of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on remote-workers' stress and life quality. We conducted systematic literature searches in databases including Pubmed, Scopus and Web of science, from September 2020 to September 2023. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The review highlighted possible predictors (work-family conflict or a condition of social isolation) associated with improvement or worsening of quality of life and stress. The results highlighted the association between stress and family difficulties (β: -0.02, P-value <0.05), isolation during the first (β: -0.22, P-value <0.05) and second pandemic waves (β: -0.40, P-value <0.05) or due to the advancing age of workers (β:0.19, P-value <0.05) and (β: -0.05, P-value <0.05), furthermore some job categories presented greater stress such as teachers (16.94 ± 5.46). Conversely, remote working positively affected life quality, enhancing factors such as creativity (Average Variance Extracted, AVE: 0.41, R2: 0.17) and self-efficacy (AVE: 0.60, R2: 0.36). Future research should focus more on the relationship between work and family and on interventions that counteract social isolation.
Additional Links: PMID-39913399
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39913399,
year = {2025},
author = {Elisabetta, C and Paola, R and Acquadro Maran, D and Filippetti, S and Marco, P and Pellegrino, E and Ferrante, M and Giuseppe, T and Fiore, M},
title = {Remote workers' life quality and stress during COVID-19: a systematic review.},
journal = {European journal of public health},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {141-152},
doi = {10.1093/eurpub/ckae167},
pmid = {39913399},
issn = {1464-360X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Quality of Life/psychology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Stress, Psychological/psychology ; Teleworking ; Pandemics ; Social Isolation/psychology ; Occupational Stress/psychology ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 pandemic led to the adoption of a different working approach: "The remote working." Evidence about the association of remote working with stress outcomes and life quality is lacking. This systematic review provides an overview of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on remote-workers' stress and life quality. We conducted systematic literature searches in databases including Pubmed, Scopus and Web of science, from September 2020 to September 2023. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The review highlighted possible predictors (work-family conflict or a condition of social isolation) associated with improvement or worsening of quality of life and stress. The results highlighted the association between stress and family difficulties (β: -0.02, P-value <0.05), isolation during the first (β: -0.22, P-value <0.05) and second pandemic waves (β: -0.40, P-value <0.05) or due to the advancing age of workers (β:0.19, P-value <0.05) and (β: -0.05, P-value <0.05), furthermore some job categories presented greater stress such as teachers (16.94 ± 5.46). Conversely, remote working positively affected life quality, enhancing factors such as creativity (Average Variance Extracted, AVE: 0.41, R2: 0.17) and self-efficacy (AVE: 0.60, R2: 0.36). Future research should focus more on the relationship between work and family and on interventions that counteract social isolation.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Quality of Life/psychology
*SARS-CoV-2
Stress, Psychological/psychology
Teleworking
Pandemics
Social Isolation/psychology
Occupational Stress/psychology
RevDate: 2025-02-10
CmpDate: 2025-02-06
Exploring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: from peptidomimetics to novel scaffolds.
Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry, 40(1):2460045.
Peptidomimetic inhibitors mimic natural peptide substrates, employing electrophilic warheads to covalently interact with the catalytic Cys145 of M[pro]. Examples include aldehydes, α-ketoamides, and aza-peptides, with discussions on their mechanisms of action, potency, and structural insights. Non-peptidomimetic inhibitors utilise diverse scaffolds and mechanisms, achieving covalent modification of M[pro].
Additional Links: PMID-39912405
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39912405,
year = {2025},
author = {Atatreh, N and Mahgoub, RE and Ghattas, MA},
title = {Exploring covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: from peptidomimetics to novel scaffolds.},
journal = {Journal of enzyme inhibition and medicinal chemistry},
volume = {40},
number = {1},
pages = {2460045},
pmid = {39912405},
issn = {1475-6374},
mesh = {*Peptidomimetics/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology ; *Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Molecular Structure ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; },
abstract = {Peptidomimetic inhibitors mimic natural peptide substrates, employing electrophilic warheads to covalently interact with the catalytic Cys145 of M[pro]. Examples include aldehydes, α-ketoamides, and aza-peptides, with discussions on their mechanisms of action, potency, and structural insights. Non-peptidomimetic inhibitors utilise diverse scaffolds and mechanisms, achieving covalent modification of M[pro].},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Peptidomimetics/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology
*Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
Humans
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Structure-Activity Relationship
Molecular Structure
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
RevDate: 2025-02-07
Zinc Deficiency Associated With an Increase in Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis.
Cureus, 17(1):e77011.
The exact role of zinc in COVID-19-infected patients is not well understood. We examined the effects and outcomes of zinc deficiency on COVID-19-infected patients. We focused on patient outcomes: severity, symptomatology, and mortality. The meta-analysis was performed to examine whether COVID-19-infected individuals suffered greater symptomology and mortality. Secondary outcomes explored included severity and hospital length of stay. For mortality, we found that COVID-19-infected individuals with zinc deficiency had a greater risk of mortality than individuals without zinc deficiency (risk ratio (RR)=5.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.48, 9.54; p=0.004). For symptomology, we found that COVID-19-infected individuals with zinc deficiency had a greater risk of symptomatology than individuals without a zinc deficiency (RR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.70; p=0.020). Zinc-deficient individuals are at a greater risk for mortality and symptomatology. Our findings further reinforce the importance of supplementation as a prophylactic agent against viral infections such as COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-39912051
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39912051,
year = {2025},
author = {Raval, C and Rheingold, SZ and Gordon, AM and Hardigan, P},
title = {Zinc Deficiency Associated With an Increase in Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {e77011},
pmid = {39912051},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The exact role of zinc in COVID-19-infected patients is not well understood. We examined the effects and outcomes of zinc deficiency on COVID-19-infected patients. We focused on patient outcomes: severity, symptomatology, and mortality. The meta-analysis was performed to examine whether COVID-19-infected individuals suffered greater symptomology and mortality. Secondary outcomes explored included severity and hospital length of stay. For mortality, we found that COVID-19-infected individuals with zinc deficiency had a greater risk of mortality than individuals without zinc deficiency (risk ratio (RR)=5.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.48, 9.54; p=0.004). For symptomology, we found that COVID-19-infected individuals with zinc deficiency had a greater risk of symptomatology than individuals without a zinc deficiency (RR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.70; p=0.020). Zinc-deficient individuals are at a greater risk for mortality and symptomatology. Our findings further reinforce the importance of supplementation as a prophylactic agent against viral infections such as COVID-19.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-07
Global insights into MRSA bacteremia: a bibliometric analysis and future outlook.
Frontiers in microbiology, 15:1516584.
BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) pose a significant challenge to global public health, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Despite extensive research, the rapid development of MRSA antibiotic resistance has outpaced current treatment methods, increasing the difficulty of treatment. Therefore, reviewing research on MRSA BSIs is crucial.
METHODS: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis, retrieving and analyzing 1,621 publications related to MRSA BSIs from 2006 to 2024. The literature was sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and data visualization and trend analysis were performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix software packages.
RESULTS: The bibliometric analysis showed that research on MRSA BSIs was primarily concentrated in the United States, China, and Japan. The United States leads in research output and influence, with significant contributions from institutions such as the University of California system and the University of Texas system. The journal with the most publications is Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, while the most cited global publication is Vincent JL's article "Sepsis in European Intensive Care Units: Results of the SOAP Study" published in Critical Care Medicine in 2006. Cosgrove SE's article "Comparison of Mortality Associated with Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Meta-analysis" had the most co-citations. Key trends in the research include MRSA's antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the application of new diagnostic technologies, and the impact of COVID-19 on MRSA studies. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly applied in MRSA diagnosis and treatment, and phage therapy and vaccine development have become future research hotspots.
CONCLUSION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus BSIs remain a major global public health challenge, especially with the increasing severity of antibiotic resistance. Although progress has been made in new treatments and diagnostic technologies, further validation is required. Future research will rely on integrating genomics, AI, and machine learning to drive personalized treatment. Strengthening global cooperation, particularly in resource-limited countries, will be key to effectively addressing MRSA BSIs.
Additional Links: PMID-39911705
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39911705,
year = {2024},
author = {Lin, JY and Lai, JK and Chen, JY and Cai, JY and Yang, ZD and Yang, LQ and Zheng, ZT and Guo, XG},
title = {Global insights into MRSA bacteremia: a bibliometric analysis and future outlook.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1516584},
pmid = {39911705},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) pose a significant challenge to global public health, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Despite extensive research, the rapid development of MRSA antibiotic resistance has outpaced current treatment methods, increasing the difficulty of treatment. Therefore, reviewing research on MRSA BSIs is crucial.
METHODS: This study conducted a bibliometric analysis, retrieving and analyzing 1,621 publications related to MRSA BSIs from 2006 to 2024. The literature was sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC), and data visualization and trend analysis were performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix software packages.
RESULTS: The bibliometric analysis showed that research on MRSA BSIs was primarily concentrated in the United States, China, and Japan. The United States leads in research output and influence, with significant contributions from institutions such as the University of California system and the University of Texas system. The journal with the most publications is Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, while the most cited global publication is Vincent JL's article "Sepsis in European Intensive Care Units: Results of the SOAP Study" published in Critical Care Medicine in 2006. Cosgrove SE's article "Comparison of Mortality Associated with Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Meta-analysis" had the most co-citations. Key trends in the research include MRSA's antibiotic resistance mechanisms, the application of new diagnostic technologies, and the impact of COVID-19 on MRSA studies. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are increasingly applied in MRSA diagnosis and treatment, and phage therapy and vaccine development have become future research hotspots.
CONCLUSION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus BSIs remain a major global public health challenge, especially with the increasing severity of antibiotic resistance. Although progress has been made in new treatments and diagnostic technologies, further validation is required. Future research will rely on integrating genomics, AI, and machine learning to drive personalized treatment. Strengthening global cooperation, particularly in resource-limited countries, will be key to effectively addressing MRSA BSIs.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-06
Advancements in Liposomal Nanomedicines: Innovative Formulations, Therapeutic Applications, and Future Directions in Precision Medicine.
International journal of nanomedicine, 20:1213-1262.
Liposomal nanomedicines have emerged as a pivotal approach for the treatment of various diseases, notably cancer and infectious diseases. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of recent advancements in liposomal formulations, highlighting their composition, targeted delivery strategies, and mechanisms of action. We explore the evolution of liposomal products currently in clinical trials, emphasizing their potential in addressing diverse medical challenges. The integration of immunotherapeutic agents within liposomes marks a paradigm shift, enabling the design of 'immuno-modulatory hubs' capable of orchestrating precise immune responses while facilitating theranostic applications. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research in liposomal-based vaccines and antiviral therapies, underscoring the need for improved delivery mechanisms to overcome challenges like rapid clearance and organ toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of "smart" liposomes, which can respond to specific disease microenvironments, enhancing treatment efficacy and precision. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing liposomal designs promises to revolutionize personalized medicine, paving the way for innovative strategies in disease detection and therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review underscores the significance of ongoing research in liposomal technologies, with implications for future clinical applications and enhanced patient outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-39911259
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39911259,
year = {2025},
author = {Izadiyan, Z and Misran, M and Kalantari, K and Webster, TJ and Kia, P and Basrowi, NA and Rasouli, E and Shameli, K},
title = {Advancements in Liposomal Nanomedicines: Innovative Formulations, Therapeutic Applications, and Future Directions in Precision Medicine.},
journal = {International journal of nanomedicine},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1213-1262},
pmid = {39911259},
issn = {1178-2013},
mesh = {Humans ; *Liposomes/chemistry ; *Precision Medicine/methods ; *Nanomedicine/methods ; Neoplasms/drug therapy ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; Immunotherapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Liposomal nanomedicines have emerged as a pivotal approach for the treatment of various diseases, notably cancer and infectious diseases. This manuscript provides an in-depth review of recent advancements in liposomal formulations, highlighting their composition, targeted delivery strategies, and mechanisms of action. We explore the evolution of liposomal products currently in clinical trials, emphasizing their potential in addressing diverse medical challenges. The integration of immunotherapeutic agents within liposomes marks a paradigm shift, enabling the design of 'immuno-modulatory hubs' capable of orchestrating precise immune responses while facilitating theranostic applications. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated research in liposomal-based vaccines and antiviral therapies, underscoring the need for improved delivery mechanisms to overcome challenges like rapid clearance and organ toxicity. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of "smart" liposomes, which can respond to specific disease microenvironments, enhancing treatment efficacy and precision. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in optimizing liposomal designs promises to revolutionize personalized medicine, paving the way for innovative strategies in disease detection and therapeutic interventions. This comprehensive review underscores the significance of ongoing research in liposomal technologies, with implications for future clinical applications and enhanced patient outcomes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Liposomes/chemistry
*Precision Medicine/methods
*Nanomedicine/methods
Neoplasms/drug therapy
Drug Delivery Systems/methods
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
Immunotherapy/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-08
CmpDate: 2025-02-06
[Cognition and Long COVID: A PRISMA Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies].
Revista de neurologia, 79(12):37385.
INTRODUCTION: Long COVID is defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the set of signs and symptoms that develop during or after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and continue for more than twelve weeks without any alternative diagnosis. One of the most frequent persistent symptoms reported by patients and verified in neuroimaging studies is cognitive dysfunction, due to a generalized hypoconnectivity and a diffuse axonal lesion in white matter. Therefore, the objectives of the present review are to determine how long cognitive functions remain affected during Long COVID and to explore which cognitive functions are most affected beyond three months of follow-up in patients up to 65 years of age without previous neuropsychological or psychiatric complications.
METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PRISMA criteria and 11 articles were included through a comprehensive search of five different databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, WOS and ProQuest. The risk of bias of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
RESULTS: Cognitive problems in Long COVID persist over time and improve slowly, although studies seem to agree that most areas improved significantly after one year. The cognitive functions that remained impaired the longest were processing speed and attention.
CONCLUSIONS: These cognitive alterations cause a reduction in the quality of life of the patients and a reduction in work capacity and manifest the need for a cognitive intervention.
Additional Links: PMID-39910970
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39910970,
year = {2025},
author = {Tudorache Pantazi, MA and Gadea-Doménech, M and Espert Tortajada, R},
title = {[Cognition and Long COVID: A PRISMA Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies].},
journal = {Revista de neurologia},
volume = {79},
number = {12},
pages = {37385},
pmid = {39910970},
issn = {1576-6578},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Longitudinal Studies ; Cognition ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Long COVID is defined by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the set of signs and symptoms that develop during or after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and continue for more than twelve weeks without any alternative diagnosis. One of the most frequent persistent symptoms reported by patients and verified in neuroimaging studies is cognitive dysfunction, due to a generalized hypoconnectivity and a diffuse axonal lesion in white matter. Therefore, the objectives of the present review are to determine how long cognitive functions remain affected during Long COVID and to explore which cognitive functions are most affected beyond three months of follow-up in patients up to 65 years of age without previous neuropsychological or psychiatric complications.
METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PRISMA criteria and 11 articles were included through a comprehensive search of five different databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, WOS and ProQuest. The risk of bias of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
RESULTS: Cognitive problems in Long COVID persist over time and improve slowly, although studies seem to agree that most areas improved significantly after one year. The cognitive functions that remained impaired the longest were processing speed and attention.
CONCLUSIONS: These cognitive alterations cause a reduction in the quality of life of the patients and a reduction in work capacity and manifest the need for a cognitive intervention.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/complications
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Longitudinal Studies
Cognition
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology
Time Factors
RevDate: 2025-02-05
Hepatic phenomena associated with SARS-CoV-2: Acute liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis and post-vaccination.
Medicina clinica pii:S0025-7753(25)00011-9 [Epub ahead of print].
The infection with SARS-CoV-2, primarily recognized for its respiratory effects, reveals itself as a multifaceted clinical phenomenon, extending beyond the pulmonary realm. Accompanied by gastrointestinal, neurological, thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and immune-related manifestations, the complexity of the systemic repercussions of the disease becomes apparent. Genetic predisposition is a significant factor in the development of autoimmune hepatitis, as both viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, and drugs, including vaccines, can act as triggers in genetically susceptible individuals. A profound understanding of these mechanisms is essential to effectively address the clinical complexity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Additional Links: PMID-39909769
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@article {pmid39909769,
year = {2025},
author = {Mataix, RP and Morillo, JSG and Martín, JMS},
title = {Hepatic phenomena associated with SARS-CoV-2: Acute liver injury, autoimmune hepatitis and post-vaccination.},
journal = {Medicina clinica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.medcli.2024.12.006},
pmid = {39909769},
issn = {1578-8989},
abstract = {The infection with SARS-CoV-2, primarily recognized for its respiratory effects, reveals itself as a multifaceted clinical phenomenon, extending beyond the pulmonary realm. Accompanied by gastrointestinal, neurological, thromboembolic, cardiovascular, and immune-related manifestations, the complexity of the systemic repercussions of the disease becomes apparent. Genetic predisposition is a significant factor in the development of autoimmune hepatitis, as both viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, and drugs, including vaccines, can act as triggers in genetically susceptible individuals. A profound understanding of these mechanisms is essential to effectively address the clinical complexity of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-08
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
The role of vascularity and the fibrovascular interface in interstitial lung diseases.
European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 34(175):.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a clinical term that refers to a diverse group of non-neoplastic lung diseases. This group includes idiopathic and secondary pulmonary entities that are often associated with progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, therapeutic approaches based on specific structural targeting of pulmonary fibrosis are limited to nintedanib and pirfenidone, which can only slow down disease progression leading to a lower mortality rate. Lung transplantation is currently the only available curative treatment, but it is associated with high perioperative mortality. The pulmonary vasculature plays a central role in physiological lung function, and vascular remodelling is considered a hallmark of the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Different patterns of pulmonary fibrosis commonly exhibit detectable pathological features such as morphomolecular changes, including intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis, vascular morphometry, broncho-systemic anastomoses, and aberrant angiogenesis-related gene expression patterns. Dynamic cellular interactions within the fibrovascular interface, such as endothelial activation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition, are also observed. This review aims to summarise the current clinical, radiological and pathological diagnostic algorithm for different ILDs, including usual interstitial pneumonia/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, non-specific interstitial pneumonia, alveolar fibroelastosis/pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, systemic sclerosis-related ILD and coronavirus disease 2019 injury. It emphasises an interdisciplinary clinicopathological perspective. Additionally, the review covers current therapeutic strategies and knowledge about associated vascular abnormalities.
Additional Links: PMID-39909504
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@article {pmid39909504,
year = {2025},
author = {Dietrich, J and Kang, A and Tielemans, B and Verleden, SE and Khalil, H and Länger, F and Bruners, P and Mentzer, SJ and Welte, T and Dreher, M and Jonigk, DD and Ackermann, M},
title = {The role of vascularity and the fibrovascular interface in interstitial lung diseases.},
journal = {European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society},
volume = {34},
number = {175},
pages = {},
pmid = {39909504},
issn = {1600-0617},
support = {F32 HL134229/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL094567/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Lung Diseases, Interstitial/physiopathology/therapy ; *Lung/blood supply/physiopathology/pathology ; *Vascular Remodeling ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prognosis ; COVID-19/complications ; },
abstract = {Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a clinical term that refers to a diverse group of non-neoplastic lung diseases. This group includes idiopathic and secondary pulmonary entities that are often associated with progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Currently, therapeutic approaches based on specific structural targeting of pulmonary fibrosis are limited to nintedanib and pirfenidone, which can only slow down disease progression leading to a lower mortality rate. Lung transplantation is currently the only available curative treatment, but it is associated with high perioperative mortality. The pulmonary vasculature plays a central role in physiological lung function, and vascular remodelling is considered a hallmark of the initiation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. Different patterns of pulmonary fibrosis commonly exhibit detectable pathological features such as morphomolecular changes, including intussusceptive and sprouting angiogenesis, vascular morphometry, broncho-systemic anastomoses, and aberrant angiogenesis-related gene expression patterns. Dynamic cellular interactions within the fibrovascular interface, such as endothelial activation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition, are also observed. This review aims to summarise the current clinical, radiological and pathological diagnostic algorithm for different ILDs, including usual interstitial pneumonia/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, non-specific interstitial pneumonia, alveolar fibroelastosis/pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, systemic sclerosis-related ILD and coronavirus disease 2019 injury. It emphasises an interdisciplinary clinicopathological perspective. Additionally, the review covers current therapeutic strategies and knowledge about associated vascular abnormalities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Lung Diseases, Interstitial/physiopathology/therapy
*Lung/blood supply/physiopathology/pathology
*Vascular Remodeling
Neovascularization, Pathologic
Predictive Value of Tests
Prognosis
COVID-19/complications
RevDate: 2025-02-06
Serotonergic psychedelics as potential therapeutics for post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID): A comprehensive review.
Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry pii:S0278-5846(25)00033-8 [Epub ahead of print].
RATIONALE: In our ongoing battle against the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a major challenge is the enduring symptoms that continue after acute infection. Also known as Long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) often comes with debilitating symptoms like fatigue, disordered sleep, olfactory dysfunction, and cognitive issues ("brain fog"). Currently, there are no approved treatments for PCS. Recent research has uncovered that the severity of PCS is inversely linked to circulating serotonin levels, highlighting the potential of serotonin-modulating therapeutics for PCS. Therefore, we propose that serotonergic psychedelics, acting mainly via the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, hold promise for treating PCS.
OBJECTIVES: Our review aims to elucidate potential mechanisms by which serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate the symptoms of PCS.
RESULTS: Potential mechanisms through which serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate PCS symptoms are discussed, with emphasis on their effects on inflammation, neuroplasticity, and gastrointestinal function. Additionally, this review explores the potential of serotonergic psychedelics in mitigating endothelial dysfunction, a pivotal aspect of PCS pathophysiology implicated in organ dysfunction. This review also examines the potential role of serotonergic psychedelics in alleviating specific PCS symptoms, which include olfactory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges.
CONCLUSIONS: Emerging evidence suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate PCS symptoms. However, further high-quality research is needed to thoroughly assess their safety and efficacy in treating patients with PCS.
Additional Links: PMID-39909170
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@article {pmid39909170,
year = {2025},
author = {Low, ZXB and Yong, SJ and Alrasheed, HA and Al-Subaie, MF and Al Kaabi, NA and Alfaresi, M and Albayat, H and Alotaibi, J and Al Bshabshe, A and Alwashmi, ASS and Sabour, AA and Alshiekheid, MA and Almansour, ZH and Alharthi, H and Al Ali, HA and Almoumen, AA and Alqasimi, NA and AlSaihati, H and Rodriguez-Morales, AJ and Rabaan, AA},
title = {Serotonergic psychedelics as potential therapeutics for post-COVID-19 syndrome (or Long COVID): A comprehensive review.},
journal = {Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {111279},
doi = {10.1016/j.pnpbp.2025.111279},
pmid = {39909170},
issn = {1878-4216},
abstract = {RATIONALE: In our ongoing battle against the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a major challenge is the enduring symptoms that continue after acute infection. Also known as Long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) often comes with debilitating symptoms like fatigue, disordered sleep, olfactory dysfunction, and cognitive issues ("brain fog"). Currently, there are no approved treatments for PCS. Recent research has uncovered that the severity of PCS is inversely linked to circulating serotonin levels, highlighting the potential of serotonin-modulating therapeutics for PCS. Therefore, we propose that serotonergic psychedelics, acting mainly via the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor, hold promise for treating PCS.
OBJECTIVES: Our review aims to elucidate potential mechanisms by which serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate the symptoms of PCS.
RESULTS: Potential mechanisms through which serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate PCS symptoms are discussed, with emphasis on their effects on inflammation, neuroplasticity, and gastrointestinal function. Additionally, this review explores the potential of serotonergic psychedelics in mitigating endothelial dysfunction, a pivotal aspect of PCS pathophysiology implicated in organ dysfunction. This review also examines the potential role of serotonergic psychedelics in alleviating specific PCS symptoms, which include olfactory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges.
CONCLUSIONS: Emerging evidence suggests that serotonergic psychedelics may alleviate PCS symptoms. However, further high-quality research is needed to thoroughly assess their safety and efficacy in treating patients with PCS.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
A Structural Voyage Toward the Landscape of Humoral and Cellular Immune Escapes of SARS-CoV-2.
Immunological reviews, 330(1):e70000.
The genome-based surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the past nearly 5 years since its emergence has refreshed our understanding of virus evolution, especially on convergent co-evolution with the host. SARS-CoV-2 evolution has been characterized by the emergence of sets of mutations that affect the functional properties of the virus by altering its infectivity, virulence, transmissibility, and interactions with host immunity. This poses a huge challenge to global prevention and control measures based on drug treatment and vaccine application. As one of the key evasion strategies in response to the immune profile of the human population, there are overwhelming amounts of evidence for the reduced antibody neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, data also suggest that the levels of CD4[+] and CD8[+] T-cell responses against variants or sub-variants decrease in the populations, although non-negligible cross-T-cell responses are maintained. Herein, from the perspectives of structural immunology, we outline the characteristics and mechanisms of the T cell and antibody responses to SARS-CoV and its variants/sub-variants. The molecular bases for the impact of the immune escaping variants on the interaction of the epitopes with the key receptors in adaptive immunity, that is, major histocompatibility complex (MHC), T-cell receptor (TCR), and antibody are summarized and discussed, the knowledge of which will widen our understanding of this pandemic-threatening virus and assist the preparedness for Pathogen X in the future.
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@article {pmid39907512,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, J and Wu, Y and Gao, GF},
title = {A Structural Voyage Toward the Landscape of Humoral and Cellular Immune Escapes of SARS-CoV-2.},
journal = {Immunological reviews},
volume = {330},
number = {1},
pages = {e70000},
doi = {10.1111/imr.70000},
pmid = {39907512},
issn = {1600-065X},
support = {M23009//Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality/ ; 92269203//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2022YFC2604100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology ; *Immune Evasion ; *Immunity, Humoral ; *Immunity, Cellular ; *Antibodies, Viral/immunology ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology ; Animals ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The genome-based surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the past nearly 5 years since its emergence has refreshed our understanding of virus evolution, especially on convergent co-evolution with the host. SARS-CoV-2 evolution has been characterized by the emergence of sets of mutations that affect the functional properties of the virus by altering its infectivity, virulence, transmissibility, and interactions with host immunity. This poses a huge challenge to global prevention and control measures based on drug treatment and vaccine application. As one of the key evasion strategies in response to the immune profile of the human population, there are overwhelming amounts of evidence for the reduced antibody neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Additionally, data also suggest that the levels of CD4[+] and CD8[+] T-cell responses against variants or sub-variants decrease in the populations, although non-negligible cross-T-cell responses are maintained. Herein, from the perspectives of structural immunology, we outline the characteristics and mechanisms of the T cell and antibody responses to SARS-CoV and its variants/sub-variants. The molecular bases for the impact of the immune escaping variants on the interaction of the epitopes with the key receptors in adaptive immunity, that is, major histocompatibility complex (MHC), T-cell receptor (TCR), and antibody are summarized and discussed, the knowledge of which will widen our understanding of this pandemic-threatening virus and assist the preparedness for Pathogen X in the future.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology
*Immune Evasion
*Immunity, Humoral
*Immunity, Cellular
*Antibodies, Viral/immunology
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
Animals
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/metabolism
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Autoantibodies as potential prognostic factors for clinical outcomes related to COVID-19: a systematic review of inception prospective cohort studies with GRADE recommendations.
Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas, 58:e13965.
This systematic review of inception prospective cohort studies aimed to investigate whether autoantibodies are potential prognostic factors for short- and long-term clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, GLOBAL HEALTH, and COCHRANE databases from 2019 to 2022. When possible, meta-analysis was conducted, otherwise findings from individual studies were reported using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Quality of evidence was summarized using the GRADE criteria. We identified 2292 references, 18 inception prospective cohort studies (3178 patients) were included in the systematic review, and 12 studies reached criteria for meta-analysis. Studies achieved, in general, low to moderate risk of bias. Moderate quality of evidence showed that anti-interferon (IFN) was associated with increased risk of severity (OR=7.75; CI=1.79-33.61) and mechanical ventilation (OR=4.19; CI=2.06-8.53), but not with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.68; CI=0.63-4.44). Antiphospholipids were not associated with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.42; CI=0.85-2.37; P=0.18; I2=3.21) nor with thrombosis risk (OR=1.41; CI: 0.71-2.8; P=0.33). Antinuclear antibody level was not associated with risk of mortality or severity (risk for mortality: OR=3.8; CI=0.78-18.6; P=0.1; I2: 32.3; severity: OR=1.74; CI=0.96-3.16; P=0.07). Evidence currently available is insufficient for a quantitative analysis of autoantibodies association with long COVID-19. Anti-IFN measurement should be considered in COVID-19 follow-up. In a population-based rational, optimized vaccination strategies should be considered for individuals with anti-IFN antibodies since it could represent a risk for a worse prognosis. High-quality prospective studies for short- and long-term disease effects and autoantibody evaluation are still needed.
Additional Links: PMID-39907423
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@article {pmid39907423,
year = {2025},
author = {Araújo, FC and Amaral, ACD and Silva, HJ and Santos, JNV and Mendonça, VA and Oliveira, VC and Rocha-Vieira, E},
title = {Autoantibodies as potential prognostic factors for clinical outcomes related to COVID-19: a systematic review of inception prospective cohort studies with GRADE recommendations.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {e13965},
pmid = {39907423},
issn = {1414-431X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/mortality ; *Autoantibodies/blood ; Prognosis ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Prospective Studies ; },
abstract = {This systematic review of inception prospective cohort studies aimed to investigate whether autoantibodies are potential prognostic factors for short- and long-term clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, GLOBAL HEALTH, and COCHRANE databases from 2019 to 2022. When possible, meta-analysis was conducted, otherwise findings from individual studies were reported using odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Quality of evidence was summarized using the GRADE criteria. We identified 2292 references, 18 inception prospective cohort studies (3178 patients) were included in the systematic review, and 12 studies reached criteria for meta-analysis. Studies achieved, in general, low to moderate risk of bias. Moderate quality of evidence showed that anti-interferon (IFN) was associated with increased risk of severity (OR=7.75; CI=1.79-33.61) and mechanical ventilation (OR=4.19; CI=2.06-8.53), but not with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.68; CI=0.63-4.44). Antiphospholipids were not associated with COVID-19 mortality (OR=1.42; CI=0.85-2.37; P=0.18; I2=3.21) nor with thrombosis risk (OR=1.41; CI: 0.71-2.8; P=0.33). Antinuclear antibody level was not associated with risk of mortality or severity (risk for mortality: OR=3.8; CI=0.78-18.6; P=0.1; I2: 32.3; severity: OR=1.74; CI=0.96-3.16; P=0.07). Evidence currently available is insufficient for a quantitative analysis of autoantibodies association with long COVID-19. Anti-IFN measurement should be considered in COVID-19 follow-up. In a population-based rational, optimized vaccination strategies should be considered for individuals with anti-IFN antibodies since it could represent a risk for a worse prognosis. High-quality prospective studies for short- and long-term disease effects and autoantibody evaluation are still needed.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/mortality
*Autoantibodies/blood
Prognosis
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Prospective Studies
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Prevalent symptoms and characteristics of the Long COVID-19 population: a scoping review.
Revista latino-americana de enfermagem, 33:e4479.
UNLABELLED: to map the scientific literature on the clinical and demographic characteristics of Long COVID-19. this is a scoping review based on the principles recommended by the JBI and the PRISMA guidelines for data extraction, carried out on four databases. The PCC strategy was used for data collection, and the results were described and diagrammed. The studies were selected after removing duplicates, individual and peer review. an analysis of the 13 articles selected showed that Long COVID affects all age groups and people of both sexes, presenting a multiplicity of symptoms, such as fatigue (61.5%), dyspnea (46.1%), changes in smell and/or taste (38.6%), anxiety (15.3%) and cognitive impairment (30.7%). Females were found to be at increased risk of developing Long COVID. identifying the symptoms prevalent in Long COVID contributes to public health strategies for diagnosing and assisting people affected by the disease. Future studies are recommended on the approach to the persistence of symptoms in Long COVID and the relationship between adherence to the vaccination schedule against COVID-19, gender, race/ethnicity, degree of susceptibility in the different age groups, level of education and income, as well as the most recurrent comorbidities in the population.
BACKGROUND: (1) It was found that Long COVID affects all age groups of both sexes. (2) Most common symptoms: fatigue, dyspnea and altered sense of smell and/or taste. (3) Risk factors: female gender, COVID-19 severity and comorbidities.
Additional Links: PMID-39907353
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@article {pmid39907353,
year = {2025},
author = {Prediger, KM and Ribeiro, AC and Uehara, SCDSA},
title = {Prevalent symptoms and characteristics of the Long COVID-19 population: a scoping review.},
journal = {Revista latino-americana de enfermagem},
volume = {33},
number = {},
pages = {e4479},
pmid = {39907353},
issn = {1518-8345},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Dyspnea/epidemiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Sex Factors ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: to map the scientific literature on the clinical and demographic characteristics of Long COVID-19. this is a scoping review based on the principles recommended by the JBI and the PRISMA guidelines for data extraction, carried out on four databases. The PCC strategy was used for data collection, and the results were described and diagrammed. The studies were selected after removing duplicates, individual and peer review. an analysis of the 13 articles selected showed that Long COVID affects all age groups and people of both sexes, presenting a multiplicity of symptoms, such as fatigue (61.5%), dyspnea (46.1%), changes in smell and/or taste (38.6%), anxiety (15.3%) and cognitive impairment (30.7%). Females were found to be at increased risk of developing Long COVID. identifying the symptoms prevalent in Long COVID contributes to public health strategies for diagnosing and assisting people affected by the disease. Future studies are recommended on the approach to the persistence of symptoms in Long COVID and the relationship between adherence to the vaccination schedule against COVID-19, gender, race/ethnicity, degree of susceptibility in the different age groups, level of education and income, as well as the most recurrent comorbidities in the population.
BACKGROUND: (1) It was found that Long COVID affects all age groups of both sexes. (2) Most common symptoms: fatigue, dyspnea and altered sense of smell and/or taste. (3) Risk factors: female gender, COVID-19 severity and comorbidities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Female
Humans
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Dyspnea/epidemiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Prevalence
Risk Factors
SARS-CoV-2
Sex Factors
RevDate: 2025-02-05
Which is superior, the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or the threshold, Discrimination and Identification Test for testing human olfaction? A systematic review.
Acta oto-laryngologica [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: The awareness and prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) has increased significantly in recent years, with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic being a major catalyzer. Consequently, demands for reliable OD tests have also risen.
AIMS: This systematic review compares two commonly used tests for olfactory assessment: the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification test (TDI). The correlation between UPSIT, TDI, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for olfaction is also examined.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE identified articles validating UPSIT or TDI and comparing these to self-reported OD via VAS. The outcome of interest was test-retest validity and correlation.
RESULTS: The search identified 1536 studies, with nine meeting inclusion criteria. UPSIT showed a 'very strong' test-retest correlation, while TDI showed a 'strong' correlation. One study addressed VAS in relation to UPSIT and five for TDI. Correlation coefficients varied between VAS and TDI/UPSIT.
CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANS: UPSIT and TDI exhibited strong to very strong test-retest reliability. Due to the limited number of studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible, and neither test was found to be superior in reliability. VAS did not correlate significantly with either TDI or UPSIT.
Additional Links: PMID-39907253
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39907253,
year = {2025},
author = {Bech, M and Jakobsen, KK and Andersen, ISB and Pedersen, CK and Grønlund, MW and von Buchwald, C},
title = {Which is superior, the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test or the threshold, Discrimination and Identification Test for testing human olfaction? A systematic review.},
journal = {Acta oto-laryngologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-4},
doi = {10.1080/00016489.2025.2458170},
pmid = {39907253},
issn = {1651-2251},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The awareness and prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) has increased significantly in recent years, with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic being a major catalyzer. Consequently, demands for reliable OD tests have also risen.
AIMS: This systematic review compares two commonly used tests for olfactory assessment: the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification test (TDI). The correlation between UPSIT, TDI, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for olfaction is also examined.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE identified articles validating UPSIT or TDI and comparing these to self-reported OD via VAS. The outcome of interest was test-retest validity and correlation.
RESULTS: The search identified 1536 studies, with nine meeting inclusion criteria. UPSIT showed a 'very strong' test-retest correlation, while TDI showed a 'strong' correlation. One study addressed VAS in relation to UPSIT and five for TDI. Correlation coefficients varied between VAS and TDI/UPSIT.
CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANS: UPSIT and TDI exhibited strong to very strong test-retest reliability. Due to the limited number of studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible, and neither test was found to be superior in reliability. VAS did not correlate significantly with either TDI or UPSIT.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
The youth mental health crisis: analysis and solutions.
Frontiers in psychiatry, 15:1517533.
BACKGROUND: Since the mid-20th century, mental illness has become a leading cause of health burden, particularly among adolescents and emerging adults, with most disorders emerging before the age of 25. Over the past two decades, mental ill health has surged to alarming levels, with evidence confirming that the increase is not just due to better awareness or diagnosis but reflects a genuine public health crisis.
STUDY DESIGN/METHOD: We explore the evolving landscape of youth mental health and its contributing factors, including family dynamics, educational pressures, climate change, social media, and socio-economic challenges, potentially linked to neoliberal policies. A narrative review methodology was employed to analyze these factors and their role in the trends of mental ill-health among young people.
STUDY RESULTS: We document mental health trends since the mid-1990s, focusing on mental and substance use disorders among young people and their current needs. Potential new explanatory factors and megatrends, potentially flowing from a paradigm shift in the global political economy which has largely passed under the radar, yet which has produced fragmentation and inequality, are identified, with the COVID-19 pandemic further intensifying these trends. We discuss methodologies to estimate the contribution of these megatrends and outline potential barriers to implementation, along with strategies to overcome them.
CONCLUSION: This review calls for a comprehensive global action plan, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and improved treatment strategies. In addition to strengthening prevention, which may take time and be elusive, immediate action is needed to innovate and expand services, which are currently under-resourced and overwhelmed.
Additional Links: PMID-39906686
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39906686,
year = {2024},
author = {McGorry, P and Gunasiri, H and Mei, C and Rice, S and Gao, CX},
title = {The youth mental health crisis: analysis and solutions.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1517533},
pmid = {39906686},
issn = {1664-0640},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since the mid-20th century, mental illness has become a leading cause of health burden, particularly among adolescents and emerging adults, with most disorders emerging before the age of 25. Over the past two decades, mental ill health has surged to alarming levels, with evidence confirming that the increase is not just due to better awareness or diagnosis but reflects a genuine public health crisis.
STUDY DESIGN/METHOD: We explore the evolving landscape of youth mental health and its contributing factors, including family dynamics, educational pressures, climate change, social media, and socio-economic challenges, potentially linked to neoliberal policies. A narrative review methodology was employed to analyze these factors and their role in the trends of mental ill-health among young people.
STUDY RESULTS: We document mental health trends since the mid-1990s, focusing on mental and substance use disorders among young people and their current needs. Potential new explanatory factors and megatrends, potentially flowing from a paradigm shift in the global political economy which has largely passed under the radar, yet which has produced fragmentation and inequality, are identified, with the COVID-19 pandemic further intensifying these trends. We discuss methodologies to estimate the contribution of these megatrends and outline potential barriers to implementation, along with strategies to overcome them.
CONCLUSION: This review calls for a comprehensive global action plan, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and improved treatment strategies. In addition to strengthening prevention, which may take time and be elusive, immediate action is needed to innovate and expand services, which are currently under-resourced and overwhelmed.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
The Advantages and Challenges of Electronic Exams: A Qualitative Research based on Shannon Entropy Technique.
Journal of advances in medical education & professionalism, 13(1):1-11.
INTRODUCTION: The electronic exam is one of the foremost imperative instruments for evaluating students' execution. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the advantages and challenges of electronic exams based on Iranian and international studies.
METHODS: The present qualitative study used meta-synthesis in the first phase. Thus, keywords such as electronic exams, online exams, electronic assessment, and online assessment in Iranian and international databases for 2005-2021 were searched. In the second phase, using the Shannon entropy technique, the advantages and challenges of electronic exams were weighted.
RESULTS: Challenges of e-exams were classified into seven sub-categories (poor technical knowledge, security challenges, complexity and challenges in designing examination, complexity and challenges during examination, complexity and challenges after examination, lack of infrastructure, socio-cultural challenges). The advantages of e-exams were also classified into five sub-categories, including improvement of teaching and learning process, effectiveness of student performance assessment, advantages in designing exams, advantages during examinations, and advantages after examinations. In Shannon's entropy findings, challenges (complexity and challenges after examination and poor infrastructure) and advantages (advantage after exams implementation) had the largest weight.
CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of electronic exams, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the inevitable movement of university systems, increasing concerns about student performance assessment, and improving educational performance in the current situation, decision-makers are expected to emphasize the advantages of this kind of exam and address its challenges to help improve the student assessment mechanisms.
Additional Links: PMID-39906078
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39906078,
year = {2025},
author = {Keykha, A and Imanipour, M and Shahrokhi, J and Amiri, M},
title = {The Advantages and Challenges of Electronic Exams: A Qualitative Research based on Shannon Entropy Technique.},
journal = {Journal of advances in medical education & professionalism},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {1-11},
pmid = {39906078},
issn = {2322-2220},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The electronic exam is one of the foremost imperative instruments for evaluating students' execution. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the advantages and challenges of electronic exams based on Iranian and international studies.
METHODS: The present qualitative study used meta-synthesis in the first phase. Thus, keywords such as electronic exams, online exams, electronic assessment, and online assessment in Iranian and international databases for 2005-2021 were searched. In the second phase, using the Shannon entropy technique, the advantages and challenges of electronic exams were weighted.
RESULTS: Challenges of e-exams were classified into seven sub-categories (poor technical knowledge, security challenges, complexity and challenges in designing examination, complexity and challenges during examination, complexity and challenges after examination, lack of infrastructure, socio-cultural challenges). The advantages of e-exams were also classified into five sub-categories, including improvement of teaching and learning process, effectiveness of student performance assessment, advantages in designing exams, advantages during examinations, and advantages after examinations. In Shannon's entropy findings, challenges (complexity and challenges after examination and poor infrastructure) and advantages (advantage after exams implementation) had the largest weight.
CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of electronic exams, especially with the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, the inevitable movement of university systems, increasing concerns about student performance assessment, and improving educational performance in the current situation, decision-makers are expected to emphasize the advantages of this kind of exam and address its challenges to help improve the student assessment mechanisms.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Dissecting the COVID-19 Immune Response: Unraveling the Pathways of Innate Sensing and Response to SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins.
Journal of molecular recognition : JMR, 38(2):e70002.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the virus responsible for COVID-19, interacts with the host immune system through complex mechanisms that significantly influence disease outcomes, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. These interactions are crucial in determining the disease's severity and the host's ability to clear the virus. Given the virus's substantial socioeconomic impact, high morbidity and mortality rates, and public health importance, understanding these mechanisms is essential. This article examines the diverse innate immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2's structural proteins, including the spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, along with nonstructural proteins (NSPs) and open reading frames. These proteins play pivotal roles in immune modulation, facilitating viral replication, evading immune detection, and contributing to severe inflammatory responses such as cytokine storms and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The virus employs strategies like suppressing type I interferon production and disrupting key antiviral pathways, including MAVS, OAS-RNase-L, and PKR. This study also explores the immune pathways that govern the activation and suppression of immune responses throughout COVID-19. By analyzing immune sensing receptors and the responses initiated upon recognizing SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, this review elucidates the complex pathways associated with the innate immune response in COVID-19. Understanding these mechanisms offers valuable insights for therapeutic interventions and informs public health strategies, contributing to a deeper understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.
Additional Links: PMID-39905998
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39905998,
year = {2025},
author = {de Oliveira Silva Pinto, M and de Paula Pereira, L and de Mendonça Angelo, ALP and Xavier, MAP and de Magalhães Vieira Machado, A and Castro Russo, R},
title = {Dissecting the COVID-19 Immune Response: Unraveling the Pathways of Innate Sensing and Response to SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins.},
journal = {Journal of molecular recognition : JMR},
volume = {38},
number = {2},
pages = {e70002},
doi = {10.1002/jmr.70002},
pmid = {39905998},
issn = {1099-1352},
support = {ResearchProductivityGrant313839/2023-9//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)/ ; UniversalAPQ-02571-21//Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)/ ; RED-00031-21//Rede Mineira de Pesquisa Translacional em Imunobiológicos e Biofármacos no Câncer-REMITRIBIC/ ; ProgramaCAPES-PrInt/UFMGedital05/2022//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)/ ; ProgramaEstratégicoEmergencialdePrevençãoeCombateaSurtos,Endemias,EpidemiasePandemias(CAPES-EPIDEMIAS)Editaln°09/2020//Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunity, Innate ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology ; Viral Structural Proteins/immunology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the virus responsible for COVID-19, interacts with the host immune system through complex mechanisms that significantly influence disease outcomes, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. These interactions are crucial in determining the disease's severity and the host's ability to clear the virus. Given the virus's substantial socioeconomic impact, high morbidity and mortality rates, and public health importance, understanding these mechanisms is essential. This article examines the diverse innate immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2's structural proteins, including the spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, along with nonstructural proteins (NSPs) and open reading frames. These proteins play pivotal roles in immune modulation, facilitating viral replication, evading immune detection, and contributing to severe inflammatory responses such as cytokine storms and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The virus employs strategies like suppressing type I interferon production and disrupting key antiviral pathways, including MAVS, OAS-RNase-L, and PKR. This study also explores the immune pathways that govern the activation and suppression of immune responses throughout COVID-19. By analyzing immune sensing receptors and the responses initiated upon recognizing SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, this review elucidates the complex pathways associated with the innate immune response in COVID-19. Understanding these mechanisms offers valuable insights for therapeutic interventions and informs public health strategies, contributing to a deeper understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*Immunity, Innate
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology
Viral Structural Proteins/immunology/metabolism
RevDate: 2025-02-05
Global perspectives to enhance strategies for advancing women in healthcare and STEMM leadership.
Immunology and cell biology [Epub ahead of print].
The discourse surrounding gender equity has intensified recently, amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across various sectors including the media and healthcare. In medical research, this disparity is particularly pronounced, with women often excluded from senior positions despite their substantial presence in the workforce. This review seeks to explore the multifaceted issue of gender inequity in medical research leadership, examining the systemic barriers that women face, the socioeconomic factors that compound these challenges and the global variations in leadership representation of women. Diverse leadership teams are essential for fostering medical innovation, improving patient outcomes and ensuring that clinical trials and medical research are effective, inclusive and representative. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is not merely a matter of gender bias; it is intricately linked to socioeconomic factors that hinder their advancement. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face additional obstacles, such as limited access to education and professional networks, which further exacerbate their underrepresentation in leadership positions. Moreover, cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping the career trajectories of women. As a group of immunologists, including representatives of the International Union of Immunological Sciences (IUIS) Gender Equity Committee, we review the causes of these inequities. We examine the impact of gender-diverse leadership on pre-clinical and medical research, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership to drive progress in medical research and resulting healthcare. Finally, the review proposes strategies for improving gender equity in medical research leadership, including policy changes, organizational initiatives and societal shifts. By addressing these critical issues, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in medical research, ultimately enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of scientific inquiry and its impact on healthcare delivery.
Additional Links: PMID-39905982
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@article {pmid39905982,
year = {2025},
author = {Borger, JG and Longley, RJ and Taylor, MF and Motrich, R and Payne, JA and Kemp, RA},
title = {Global perspectives to enhance strategies for advancing women in healthcare and STEMM leadership.},
journal = {Immunology and cell biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imcb.12854},
pmid = {39905982},
issn = {1440-1711},
abstract = {The discourse surrounding gender equity has intensified recently, amplified by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical underrepresentation of women in leadership roles across various sectors including the media and healthcare. In medical research, this disparity is particularly pronounced, with women often excluded from senior positions despite their substantial presence in the workforce. This review seeks to explore the multifaceted issue of gender inequity in medical research leadership, examining the systemic barriers that women face, the socioeconomic factors that compound these challenges and the global variations in leadership representation of women. Diverse leadership teams are essential for fostering medical innovation, improving patient outcomes and ensuring that clinical trials and medical research are effective, inclusive and representative. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles is not merely a matter of gender bias; it is intricately linked to socioeconomic factors that hinder their advancement. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face additional obstacles, such as limited access to education and professional networks, which further exacerbate their underrepresentation in leadership positions. Moreover, cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping the career trajectories of women. As a group of immunologists, including representatives of the International Union of Immunological Sciences (IUIS) Gender Equity Committee, we review the causes of these inequities. We examine the impact of gender-diverse leadership on pre-clinical and medical research, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership to drive progress in medical research and resulting healthcare. Finally, the review proposes strategies for improving gender equity in medical research leadership, including policy changes, organizational initiatives and societal shifts. By addressing these critical issues, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in medical research, ultimately enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of scientific inquiry and its impact on healthcare delivery.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-17
CmpDate: 2025-02-17
Social Vulnerability Index and Health Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review.
Family & community health, 48(2):81-96.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) for the purpose of allocating resources in times of emergency based on social determinants of health (SDOH). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate how the SVI tool has been applied in health care literature focused on health in the United States (US). A systematic literature review was conducted in 7 research databases with an 11-year time frame reflecting the launch of SVI, with the last search completed on September 29, 2022. Studies were included that involved humans, health, SVI, and conducted in the US. Articles were excluded if the SVI was used in COVID-19, disaster, pandemic, environment, or hazards. A total of 47 articles were included in the systematic review. The majority of studies analyzed individual/population health outcomes in clinical, surgical, mortality, or health promotion areas. The majority of studies showed a relationship between neighborhood-level SDOH and health outcomes. Study authors reported strengths, limitations, and recommendations of the SVI tool. A potential limitation of the study was the exclusion of studies that used the SVI related to disaster. The SVI represents a powerful tool to assess neighborhood-level SDOH and examine upstream drivers health outcomes with direct implications for research, policy, and practice.
Additional Links: PMID-39807786
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@article {pmid39807786,
year = {2025},
author = {Higginbotham, JK and Segovia, LM and Rohm, KL and Anderson, CM and Breitenstein, SM},
title = {Social Vulnerability Index and Health Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Family & community health},
volume = {48},
number = {2},
pages = {81-96},
pmid = {39807786},
issn = {1550-5057},
mesh = {Humans ; United States/epidemiology ; *Social Determinants of Health ; *Social Vulnerability ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; },
abstract = {The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) for the purpose of allocating resources in times of emergency based on social determinants of health (SDOH). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate how the SVI tool has been applied in health care literature focused on health in the United States (US). A systematic literature review was conducted in 7 research databases with an 11-year time frame reflecting the launch of SVI, with the last search completed on September 29, 2022. Studies were included that involved humans, health, SVI, and conducted in the US. Articles were excluded if the SVI was used in COVID-19, disaster, pandemic, environment, or hazards. A total of 47 articles were included in the systematic review. The majority of studies analyzed individual/population health outcomes in clinical, surgical, mortality, or health promotion areas. The majority of studies showed a relationship between neighborhood-level SDOH and health outcomes. Study authors reported strengths, limitations, and recommendations of the SVI tool. A potential limitation of the study was the exclusion of studies that used the SVI related to disaster. The SVI represents a powerful tool to assess neighborhood-level SDOH and examine upstream drivers health outcomes with direct implications for research, policy, and practice.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
United States/epidemiology
*Social Determinants of Health
*Social Vulnerability
COVID-19/epidemiology
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies for viral acute respiratory failure: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic reviews, 14(1):33.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a critical shortage of respiratory ventilators, highlighting the urgent need to explore alternative treatment options for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by respiratory viruses, as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in future pandemics.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of alternative noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies in comparison to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with virus-induced acute respiratory failure (ARF). The primary outcome was the all-cause ICU mortality rate.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA reporting guidelines. The search encompassed databases such as Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase to identify relevant indexed literature. Additionally, gray literature was included by consulting regulatory agencies. The included studies compared various oxygenation and ventilatory alternatives, such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) with IMV. An exploratory meta-analysis was performed by calculating the risk ratio (RR) by random effects and meta-regression to explore possible sources of heterogeneity and to compare ventilatory alternatives against IMV to reduce mortality, length of stay (LOS) days in ICU, nosocomial infection, and barotrauma.
RESULTS: A total of forty-seven studies were included in this systematic review. NIMV had an RR of 0.70 (0.58-0.85), HFNC had an RR of 0.54 (0.42-0.71), and CPAP had an RR of 0.80 (0.71-0.90), with meta-regression models that reduced heterogeneity to 0%. For LOS days in ICU, NIMV had 0.38 (- 0.69: - 0.08) lower days and HFNC 0.29 (- 0.64: 0.06) lower days with meta-regression models that reduction heterogeneity to 0% for HFNC and 50% for NIMV. Not enough studies reported nosocomial infection or barotrauma to evaluate them in a meta-analysis. The overall quality of evidence, as assessed by GRADE evaluation, was determined to be from very low to medium certainty depending on the ventilatory strategy and outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review support the use of alternative noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies as viable alternatives to conventional respiratory ventilation for managing viral-induced ARF. Although it is essential to interpret these findings with caution given the overall low to medium certainty of the evidence, the integration of these modalities as part of the management strategies of these patients could help reduce the utilization of ICU beds, invasive ventilators, and costs in both developed and developing countries.
Additional Links: PMID-39905526
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39905526,
year = {2025},
author = {Carreño-Hernández, FL and Prieto, S and Abondando, D and Gaitán, JA and Cárdenas-Bolívar, YR and Beltrán, A and Alvarado-Sánchez, JI and Nates, JL},
title = {Noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies for viral acute respiratory failure: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {33},
pmid = {39905526},
issn = {2046-4053},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy/complications ; *Noninvasive Ventilation/methods ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy ; Respiration, Artificial/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods ; Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy ; Intensive Care Units ; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a critical shortage of respiratory ventilators, highlighting the urgent need to explore alternative treatment options for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by respiratory viruses, as an alternative to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in future pandemics.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of alternative noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies in comparison to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with virus-induced acute respiratory failure (ARF). The primary outcome was the all-cause ICU mortality rate.
METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA reporting guidelines. The search encompassed databases such as Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase to identify relevant indexed literature. Additionally, gray literature was included by consulting regulatory agencies. The included studies compared various oxygenation and ventilatory alternatives, such as high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) with IMV. An exploratory meta-analysis was performed by calculating the risk ratio (RR) by random effects and meta-regression to explore possible sources of heterogeneity and to compare ventilatory alternatives against IMV to reduce mortality, length of stay (LOS) days in ICU, nosocomial infection, and barotrauma.
RESULTS: A total of forty-seven studies were included in this systematic review. NIMV had an RR of 0.70 (0.58-0.85), HFNC had an RR of 0.54 (0.42-0.71), and CPAP had an RR of 0.80 (0.71-0.90), with meta-regression models that reduced heterogeneity to 0%. For LOS days in ICU, NIMV had 0.38 (- 0.69: - 0.08) lower days and HFNC 0.29 (- 0.64: 0.06) lower days with meta-regression models that reduction heterogeneity to 0% for HFNC and 50% for NIMV. Not enough studies reported nosocomial infection or barotrauma to evaluate them in a meta-analysis. The overall quality of evidence, as assessed by GRADE evaluation, was determined to be from very low to medium certainty depending on the ventilatory strategy and outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review support the use of alternative noninvasive oxygenation and ventilation strategies as viable alternatives to conventional respiratory ventilation for managing viral-induced ARF. Although it is essential to interpret these findings with caution given the overall low to medium certainty of the evidence, the integration of these modalities as part of the management strategies of these patients could help reduce the utilization of ICU beds, invasive ventilators, and costs in both developed and developing countries.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/therapy/complications
*Noninvasive Ventilation/methods
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy
Respiration, Artificial/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods
Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy
Intensive Care Units
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure/methods
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-05
Overview of styles, content, learning effects and attitudes of students towards digitally enhanced physiotherapy education - a scoping review.
BMC medical education, 25(1):176.
BACKGROUND: Digital competences are essential for lifelong learning, as highlighted by the European Commission and emphasized in the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift to online education, profoundly impacting fields like physiotherapy that heavily rely on practical skills. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of currently applied digitally enhanced learning methods, content, effect on knowledge gain and student perceptions in physiotherapy education.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and ERIC, incorporating hand searches and expert consultations. Studies were included if they reported on any digitally enhanced educational methods in physiotherapy education, involving qualitative studies, clinical trials, observational studies, or case reports published in English or German from 2010 to February 2024. Data extraction focused on the digital tools that were used, the educational contents, individually measured outcomes, and the impact of digital education.
RESULTS: Out of 2988 screened studies, 67 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 7160 participants. These sources of evidence primarily used quantitative methods (n = 51), with a minority using qualitative (n = 7) or mixed methods (n = 6). Nearly half employed hybrid educational approaches. Outcome measures included knowledge, performance, perception, satisfaction, and attitudes. Most sources of evidence reported positive impacts of digitally enhanced education, particularly in knowledge transfer and skill performance. Synchronous and asynchronous methods were used, with varying success across theoretical and practical courses. Gamification and virtual reality emerged as promising tools for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. However, challenges included the limited direct interaction and perceived self-efficacy among students.
CONCLUSION: Digitally enhanced learning formats in physiotherapy education can enhance learning experiences and is generally welcomed by students, especially when blended with traditional methods. The integration of innovative digital strategies holds promise for the future of physiotherapy training, contingent on comprehensive support and training for educators and students alike.
Additional Links: PMID-39905432
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39905432,
year = {2025},
author = {Pagels, L and Schindler, O and Luedtke, K},
title = {Overview of styles, content, learning effects and attitudes of students towards digitally enhanced physiotherapy education - a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC medical education},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {176},
pmid = {39905432},
issn = {1472-6920},
mesh = {Humans ; Attitude of Health Personnel ; *COVID-19 ; *Education, Distance ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Physical Therapy Modalities/education ; Physical Therapy Specialty/education ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Students, Health Occupations/psychology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital competences are essential for lifelong learning, as highlighted by the European Commission and emphasized in the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift to online education, profoundly impacting fields like physiotherapy that heavily rely on practical skills. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of currently applied digitally enhanced learning methods, content, effect on knowledge gain and student perceptions in physiotherapy education.
METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and ERIC, incorporating hand searches and expert consultations. Studies were included if they reported on any digitally enhanced educational methods in physiotherapy education, involving qualitative studies, clinical trials, observational studies, or case reports published in English or German from 2010 to February 2024. Data extraction focused on the digital tools that were used, the educational contents, individually measured outcomes, and the impact of digital education.
RESULTS: Out of 2988 screened studies, 67 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 7160 participants. These sources of evidence primarily used quantitative methods (n = 51), with a minority using qualitative (n = 7) or mixed methods (n = 6). Nearly half employed hybrid educational approaches. Outcome measures included knowledge, performance, perception, satisfaction, and attitudes. Most sources of evidence reported positive impacts of digitally enhanced education, particularly in knowledge transfer and skill performance. Synchronous and asynchronous methods were used, with varying success across theoretical and practical courses. Gamification and virtual reality emerged as promising tools for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. However, challenges included the limited direct interaction and perceived self-efficacy among students.
CONCLUSION: Digitally enhanced learning formats in physiotherapy education can enhance learning experiences and is generally welcomed by students, especially when blended with traditional methods. The integration of innovative digital strategies holds promise for the future of physiotherapy training, contingent on comprehensive support and training for educators and students alike.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Attitude of Health Personnel
*COVID-19
*Education, Distance
Learning
Pandemics
Physical Therapy Modalities/education
Physical Therapy Specialty/education
SARS-CoV-2
Students, Health Occupations/psychology
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Recent Trends in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based In Vitro Diagnostics for Translational Biomedical Research.
Annual review of analytical chemistry (Palo Alto, Calif.) [Epub ahead of print].
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has gained prominence in in vitro diagnostics due to its high sensitivity and multiplex detection capabilities. This review highlights recent advances in translational biomedical research using SERS techniques, with a focus on the rapid and accurate diagnosis of intractable diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The review examines SERS-based assays for liquid biopsy biomarkers such as exosomes, circulating tumor cells, and circulating tumor DNAs that have emerged as promising tools in cancer diagnostics and are currently under active investigation in clinical research. Additionally, it explores SERS-based diagnostic techniques developed to overcome the limitations of existing COVID-19 diagnostic methods, including real-time polymerase chain reaction and lateral flow assay immunodiagnostics. Finally, the review addresses the challenges of translating SERS techniques from laboratory research to clinical practice.
Additional Links: PMID-39903857
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@article {pmid39903857,
year = {2025},
author = {Joung, Y and Park, S and Joo, SW and Choo, J},
title = {Recent Trends in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based In Vitro Diagnostics for Translational Biomedical Research.},
journal = {Annual review of analytical chemistry (Palo Alto, Calif.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-anchem-070524-093950},
pmid = {39903857},
issn = {1936-1335},
abstract = {Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy has gained prominence in in vitro diagnostics due to its high sensitivity and multiplex detection capabilities. This review highlights recent advances in translational biomedical research using SERS techniques, with a focus on the rapid and accurate diagnosis of intractable diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases such as COVID-19. The review examines SERS-based assays for liquid biopsy biomarkers such as exosomes, circulating tumor cells, and circulating tumor DNAs that have emerged as promising tools in cancer diagnostics and are currently under active investigation in clinical research. Additionally, it explores SERS-based diagnostic techniques developed to overcome the limitations of existing COVID-19 diagnostic methods, including real-time polymerase chain reaction and lateral flow assay immunodiagnostics. Finally, the review addresses the challenges of translating SERS techniques from laboratory research to clinical practice.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-05
Medium- to long-term health condition of patients post-COVID-19, exercise intolerance and potential mechanisms: A narrative review and perspective.
SAGE open medicine, 12:20503121241296701.
BACKGROUND: Patients recovering from COVID-19 often present with impaired health and persisting symptoms such as exercise intolerance ⩾3 months post-infection. Uncertainty remains about long-term recovery. We aimed to review studies examining cardiac function, macro- or microvascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in adult patients post-COVID-19 and highlight current knowledge gaps.
RESULTS: Using echocardiography, persistent cardiac involvement of the left ventricle was observed in a fraction of patients both hospitalized and non-hospitalized. Ventricular dysfunction was often subclinical but may partly contribute to exercise intolerance post-COVID-19. Endothelial dysfunction was seen on micro- and macrovascular levels using retinal vessel imaging methods and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, respectively. Studies reporting blood biomarkers of disease-specific impairment and endothelial dysfunction yielded upregulated inflammation, hypercoagulability, organ and endothelial damage up to several months after infection. Omics' scale lipid profiling studies provide preliminary evidence of alterations in several lipid subspecies, mostly during acute COVID-19, which might contribute to subsequent endothelial and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Yet, more robust evidence is warranted. Physical activity may be reduced up to 6 months post-COVID-19. However, studies measuring physical activity more precisely using accelerometry are sparse. Overall, there is growing evidence for long-term multiple organ dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: Research combining all the above methods in the search for underlying mechanisms of post-COVID-19 symptoms is mostly missing. Moreover, studies with longer follow-ups (i.e. ⩾18 months) and well-matched control groups are lacking. The findings may aid the development of rehabilitation regimes for post-COVID-19 syndrome.
CONDENSED ABSTRACT: This review examined cardiac function, vascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in patients post-COVID-19. Evidence suggests long-term dysfunction in multiple organ systems and exercise intolerance due to various factors, including endothelial damage and, in some patients, subclinical ventricular dysfunction. We highlight knowledge gaps for further research to aid post-COVID-19 rehabilitation.
Additional Links: PMID-39902344
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39902344,
year = {2024},
author = {Schwendinger, F and Infanger, D and Maurer, DJ and Radtke, T and Carrard, J and Kröpfl, JM and Emmenegger, A and Hanssen, H and Hauser, C and Schwehr, U and Hirsch, HH and Ivanisevic, J and Leuzinger, K and Martinez, AE and Maurer, M and Sigrist, T and Streese, L and von Känel, R and Hinrichs, T and Schmidt-Trucksäss, A},
title = {Medium- to long-term health condition of patients post-COVID-19, exercise intolerance and potential mechanisms: A narrative review and perspective.},
journal = {SAGE open medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {20503121241296701},
pmid = {39902344},
issn = {2050-3121},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients recovering from COVID-19 often present with impaired health and persisting symptoms such as exercise intolerance ⩾3 months post-infection. Uncertainty remains about long-term recovery. We aimed to review studies examining cardiac function, macro- or microvascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in adult patients post-COVID-19 and highlight current knowledge gaps.
RESULTS: Using echocardiography, persistent cardiac involvement of the left ventricle was observed in a fraction of patients both hospitalized and non-hospitalized. Ventricular dysfunction was often subclinical but may partly contribute to exercise intolerance post-COVID-19. Endothelial dysfunction was seen on micro- and macrovascular levels using retinal vessel imaging methods and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, respectively. Studies reporting blood biomarkers of disease-specific impairment and endothelial dysfunction yielded upregulated inflammation, hypercoagulability, organ and endothelial damage up to several months after infection. Omics' scale lipid profiling studies provide preliminary evidence of alterations in several lipid subspecies, mostly during acute COVID-19, which might contribute to subsequent endothelial and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Yet, more robust evidence is warranted. Physical activity may be reduced up to 6 months post-COVID-19. However, studies measuring physical activity more precisely using accelerometry are sparse. Overall, there is growing evidence for long-term multiple organ dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: Research combining all the above methods in the search for underlying mechanisms of post-COVID-19 symptoms is mostly missing. Moreover, studies with longer follow-ups (i.e. ⩾18 months) and well-matched control groups are lacking. The findings may aid the development of rehabilitation regimes for post-COVID-19 syndrome.
CONDENSED ABSTRACT: This review examined cardiac function, vascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in patients post-COVID-19. Evidence suggests long-term dysfunction in multiple organ systems and exercise intolerance due to various factors, including endothelial damage and, in some patients, subclinical ventricular dysfunction. We highlight knowledge gaps for further research to aid post-COVID-19 rehabilitation.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
Closing the gap in dementia research by community-based cohort studies in the Chinese population.
The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific, 55:101465.
China accounts for 1/5 of the global population and China faces a particularly heavy dementia burden due to its rapidly ageing population. Unique historical events, genetic background, sociocultural factors, lifestyle, and the COVID-19 pandemic further influence cognitive outcomes in the Chinese population. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for community-based cohort studies related to dementia in the Chinese population, and summarized the characteristics, methodologies, and major findings published over the last 25 years from 39 cohorts. We identified critical research gaps and propose future directions, including enhancing sample representativeness, investigating China-specific risk factors, expanding exposure measurements to the whole life-span, collecting objective data, conducting administer-friendly domain-specific cognitive assessments, adopting pathological diagnostic criteria, standardizing biobank construction, verifying multi-modal biomarkers, examining social and genetic-environmental aspects, and monitoring post-COVID cognitive health, to approach high quality of dementia studies that can provide solid evidence to policy making and promote global brain health research.
Additional Links: PMID-39902152
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39902152,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, X and Xiao, Z and Wu, W and Chen, Y and Yuan, C and Leng, Y and Yao, Y and Zhao, Q and Hofman, A and Brunner, E and Ding, D},
title = {Closing the gap in dementia research by community-based cohort studies in the Chinese population.},
journal = {The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific},
volume = {55},
number = {},
pages = {101465},
pmid = {39902152},
issn = {2666-6065},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {China accounts for 1/5 of the global population and China faces a particularly heavy dementia burden due to its rapidly ageing population. Unique historical events, genetic background, sociocultural factors, lifestyle, and the COVID-19 pandemic further influence cognitive outcomes in the Chinese population. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for community-based cohort studies related to dementia in the Chinese population, and summarized the characteristics, methodologies, and major findings published over the last 25 years from 39 cohorts. We identified critical research gaps and propose future directions, including enhancing sample representativeness, investigating China-specific risk factors, expanding exposure measurements to the whole life-span, collecting objective data, conducting administer-friendly domain-specific cognitive assessments, adopting pathological diagnostic criteria, standardizing biobank construction, verifying multi-modal biomarkers, examining social and genetic-environmental aspects, and monitoring post-COVID cognitive health, to approach high quality of dementia studies that can provide solid evidence to policy making and promote global brain health research.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-03
Safety of Hydroxychloroquine: What a Dermatologist Should Know.
American journal of clinical dermatology [Epub ahead of print].
The unique immunomodulatory properties of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have attracted considerable interest beyond its use for malaria and rheumatological diseases, including a variety of dermatological conditions. Over recent years, especially after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prescription of HCQ has also significantly expanded, sometimes inappropriately, thus posing additional challenges on its optimal use, due to emerging safety issues. In this review, we provide dermatologists with the latest advancements on selected clinically relevant toxicities, namely retinopathy, pro-arrhythmia, cutaneous reactions, and neuropsychiatric effects. It is hoped this update can assist dermatologists to identify high-risk patients for tailored monitoring, screening, and risk minimization strategies, thus supporting safer HCQ prescribing.
Additional Links: PMID-39899183
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39899183,
year = {2025},
author = {Rapparini, L and Cedirian, S and La Placa, M and Piraccini, BM and Raschi, E and Starace, M},
title = {Safety of Hydroxychloroquine: What a Dermatologist Should Know.},
journal = {American journal of clinical dermatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39899183},
issn = {1179-1888},
abstract = {The unique immunomodulatory properties of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have attracted considerable interest beyond its use for malaria and rheumatological diseases, including a variety of dermatological conditions. Over recent years, especially after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prescription of HCQ has also significantly expanded, sometimes inappropriately, thus posing additional challenges on its optimal use, due to emerging safety issues. In this review, we provide dermatologists with the latest advancements on selected clinically relevant toxicities, namely retinopathy, pro-arrhythmia, cutaneous reactions, and neuropsychiatric effects. It is hoped this update can assist dermatologists to identify high-risk patients for tailored monitoring, screening, and risk minimization strategies, thus supporting safer HCQ prescribing.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-03
Integrative practices to address stress in nursing professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic: scoping review.
Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P, 58:e20240108.
OBJECTIVE: To map integrative practices used to address occupational stress in nursing professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
METHOD: This is a scoping review following the recommendations of the JBI Institute and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search was performed between March and April 2024 in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS via BVS, and CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science via the CAPES Journal Portal. The selection, stratification and organization of the studies were carried out on the Rayyan platform. The results were presented in a synoptic table, with a descriptive and comparative analysis of the findings, highlighting the integrative practices and their evidence of effectiveness.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included, most of which were published in the United States in 2021. The most common practices were: mindfulness (16.6%), wobble rooms (11%), psychoeducation (11%), peer support (11%), and nonviolent communication (11%). All were effective in reducing stress, promoting well-being, and improving the quality of life of nursing professionals. Conclusions: The most widely used integrative practices were mindfulness and psychoeducation programs, with encouragement of nonviolent communication, all demonstrating effectiveness as interventions to reduce stress in nursing professionals during the pandemic. These practices emerge as viable and effective strategies to promote the mental health and well-being of these professionals.
Additional Links: PMID-39898781
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39898781,
year = {2025},
author = {Costa, GRD and Gouveia, MTO and Gherardi-Donato, ECDS and Lima, PC},
title = {Integrative practices to address stress in nursing professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic: scoping review.},
journal = {Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {e20240108},
pmid = {39898781},
issn = {1980-220X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Occupational Stress/epidemiology ; Mindfulness ; Quality of Life ; Nurses/psychology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To map integrative practices used to address occupational stress in nursing professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
METHOD: This is a scoping review following the recommendations of the JBI Institute and PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search was performed between March and April 2024 in the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, IBECS via BVS, and CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science via the CAPES Journal Portal. The selection, stratification and organization of the studies were carried out on the Rayyan platform. The results were presented in a synoptic table, with a descriptive and comparative analysis of the findings, highlighting the integrative practices and their evidence of effectiveness.
RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included, most of which were published in the United States in 2021. The most common practices were: mindfulness (16.6%), wobble rooms (11%), psychoeducation (11%), peer support (11%), and nonviolent communication (11%). All were effective in reducing stress, promoting well-being, and improving the quality of life of nursing professionals. Conclusions: The most widely used integrative practices were mindfulness and psychoeducation programs, with encouragement of nonviolent communication, all demonstrating effectiveness as interventions to reduce stress in nursing professionals during the pandemic. These practices emerge as viable and effective strategies to promote the mental health and well-being of these professionals.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Occupational Stress/epidemiology
Mindfulness
Quality of Life
Nurses/psychology
RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-03
Antiphospholipid Antibodies and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Clinical Implications.
Immunity, inflammation and disease, 13(2):e70134.
INTRODUCTION: As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions, understanding the intricate dynamics of the disease becomes paramount. This systematic review explores the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in COVID-19, focusing on their potential clinical implications.
METHODS: This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, assesses studies exploring the link between antiphospholipid antibodies and COVID-19. PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published up to December 22, 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised studies involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and reporting on the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The risk of bias in individual studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool.
RESULTS: Our Study includes 59 records involving a total of 28,489 COVID-19 patients. Antiphospholipid antibodies were tested in 14,498 COVID-19 patients. It was observed that 50.84% of patients tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Various types of antiphospholipid antibodies, including Anticardiolipin, Anti beta2 glycoproteins, and Lupus anticoagulant antibody, displayed prevalence rates in the patients with thrombosis. The overall frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in thrombosis patients was 38.55%.
CONCLUSION: The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients underscores the need for a detailed investigation into their role in thrombotic events. Our study highlights potential avenues for targeted interventions. However, the evolving nature of COVID-19 necessitates continued research efforts to clarify clinical implications and optimize management strategies in this complex landscape of thrombosis and immunology. The review reveals some limitations, such as variability in study designs and demographics and inherent differences in methodologies among included studies. Future studies should address these limitations with standardized methodologies for more conclusive findings.
Additional Links: PMID-39898621
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39898621,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabaghian, T and Kharazmi, AB and Omidi, F and Hajikhani, B and Tehrani, S and Mardani, S and Shahidi Bonjar, AH and Centis, R and D'Ambrosio, L and Sotgiu, G and Fabio, A and Nasiri, MJ and Migliori, GB},
title = {Antiphospholipid Antibodies and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {e70134},
pmid = {39898621},
issn = {2050-4527},
support = {//This study received a grant supported by the Research Department of the School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (Grant number: 43009294)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/blood/epidemiology ; *Antibodies, Antiphospholipid/blood/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Thrombosis/immunology/blood ; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor/blood/immunology ; Antibodies, Anticardiolipin/blood/immunology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions, understanding the intricate dynamics of the disease becomes paramount. This systematic review explores the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in COVID-19, focusing on their potential clinical implications.
METHODS: This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, assesses studies exploring the link between antiphospholipid antibodies and COVID-19. PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies published up to December 22, 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised studies involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and reporting on the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The risk of bias in individual studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal tool.
RESULTS: Our Study includes 59 records involving a total of 28,489 COVID-19 patients. Antiphospholipid antibodies were tested in 14,498 COVID-19 patients. It was observed that 50.84% of patients tested positive for antiphospholipid antibodies. Various types of antiphospholipid antibodies, including Anticardiolipin, Anti beta2 glycoproteins, and Lupus anticoagulant antibody, displayed prevalence rates in the patients with thrombosis. The overall frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies in thrombosis patients was 38.55%.
CONCLUSION: The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients underscores the need for a detailed investigation into their role in thrombotic events. Our study highlights potential avenues for targeted interventions. However, the evolving nature of COVID-19 necessitates continued research efforts to clarify clinical implications and optimize management strategies in this complex landscape of thrombosis and immunology. The review reveals some limitations, such as variability in study designs and demographics and inherent differences in methodologies among included studies. Future studies should address these limitations with standardized methodologies for more conclusive findings.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/blood/epidemiology
*Antibodies, Antiphospholipid/blood/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Thrombosis/immunology/blood
Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor/blood/immunology
Antibodies, Anticardiolipin/blood/immunology
RevDate: 2025-02-14
The Multifaceted Chemistry of Chili Peppers: A Biodiversity Treasure for Nutrition and Biomedicine.
Chemistry & biodiversity [Epub ahead of print].
Due to its biodiversity, traditional medicine has been recognized worldwide for centuries and continues to affect the development of complementary and alternative therapies. A wide variety of spices, herbs, and trees are known for their curative effects. Chili pepper (Ch-p), a spice-utilizing fruit, is rich in natural medicinally bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, capsaicinoids, and many other phytochemicals and phytonutrients. Operating in synergy and consortium, these compounds demonstrate their functionality, in comparison to lonely treatment, as active agents in handling many disorders. These may include abnormal coagulation, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and microbe-inducing diseases. Recently, capsaicinoids, particularly capsaicin, have been shown to manage the symptoms of significant viral diseases, including COVID-19. Capsaicin also has the potential to be an effective anesthetic agent and enables Ch-p to be expandedly employed as a topical preparation in relieving pain as well. The phytochemicals of Ch-p are not only beneficial and inexpensive phyto-alternatives in disease management, but they can also be used as scaffolds for the production of novel medicines. The study also substantiates the role of the TRPV1 receptor in the mitigation of chronic diseases in conjunction with capsaicin. Nevertheless, the consumption of Ch-p is the subject of limited medicinal research, necessitating the confirmation of the results from animal studies. The nutritional and biomedical prospection of Ch-p-derived products has been addressed in an accessible format in this artifact, with the potential to precisely enhance and enrich our pharmaceutical industries in the pursuit of human well-being.
Additional Links: PMID-39898594
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39898594,
year = {2025},
author = {Faisal, AF and Mustafa, YF},
title = {The Multifaceted Chemistry of Chili Peppers: A Biodiversity Treasure for Nutrition and Biomedicine.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202402690},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202402690},
pmid = {39898594},
issn = {1612-1880},
abstract = {Due to its biodiversity, traditional medicine has been recognized worldwide for centuries and continues to affect the development of complementary and alternative therapies. A wide variety of spices, herbs, and trees are known for their curative effects. Chili pepper (Ch-p), a spice-utilizing fruit, is rich in natural medicinally bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, capsaicinoids, and many other phytochemicals and phytonutrients. Operating in synergy and consortium, these compounds demonstrate their functionality, in comparison to lonely treatment, as active agents in handling many disorders. These may include abnormal coagulation, oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, cancer, and microbe-inducing diseases. Recently, capsaicinoids, particularly capsaicin, have been shown to manage the symptoms of significant viral diseases, including COVID-19. Capsaicin also has the potential to be an effective anesthetic agent and enables Ch-p to be expandedly employed as a topical preparation in relieving pain as well. The phytochemicals of Ch-p are not only beneficial and inexpensive phyto-alternatives in disease management, but they can also be used as scaffolds for the production of novel medicines. The study also substantiates the role of the TRPV1 receptor in the mitigation of chronic diseases in conjunction with capsaicin. Nevertheless, the consumption of Ch-p is the subject of limited medicinal research, necessitating the confirmation of the results from animal studies. The nutritional and biomedical prospection of Ch-p-derived products has been addressed in an accessible format in this artifact, with the potential to precisely enhance and enrich our pharmaceutical industries in the pursuit of human well-being.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-03
Differences of the Chest Images Between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients and Influenza Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
International journal of medical sciences, 22(3):641-650.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza are two infectious diseases that can pose a great threat to human health. We aimed to compare the differences in chest images between patients with COVID-19 and influenza to deepen the understanding of these two diseases. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for articles published before December 25, 2023, and performed a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 with a random-effects model. The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Twenty-six articles with 2,159 COVID-19 patients and 1,568 influenza patients were included in the meta-analysis. By comparing chest computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray, we found that COVID-19 patients had more peripheral lung lesions (OR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.84-7.31). Although COVID-19 patients had more bilateral lung involvement (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 0.90-3.38) and less unilateral lung involvement (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.44-1.02), these two results were not statistically significant. Patients with COVID-19 showed more ground-glass opacities (OR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.85-4.32), reverse halo signs (OR=3.47, 95% CI: 2.37-5.08), interlobular septal thickening (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.55-3.01), vascular enlargement (OR=5.00, 95% CI: 1.80-13.85) and crazy-paving patterns (OR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) on chest images than patients with influenza. We also found that compared with influenza patients, pleural effusion was rare in COVID-19 patients (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.31). Conclusions: There are some differences in the manifestations and distributions of lesions between patients with COVID-19 and influenza on chest images, which is helpful to distinguish these two infectious diseases.
Additional Links: PMID-39898255
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39898255,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Wang, Z and Li, X and Zhong, Z},
title = {Differences of the Chest Images Between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients and Influenza Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.},
journal = {International journal of medical sciences},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {641-650},
pmid = {39898255},
issn = {1449-1907},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnostic imaging/complications ; *Influenza, Human/diagnostic imaging/complications ; *Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; *Lung/diagnostic imaging ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Radiography, Thoracic ; },
abstract = {Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza are two infectious diseases that can pose a great threat to human health. We aimed to compare the differences in chest images between patients with COVID-19 and influenza to deepen the understanding of these two diseases. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science for articles published before December 25, 2023, and performed a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 with a random-effects model. The study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: Twenty-six articles with 2,159 COVID-19 patients and 1,568 influenza patients were included in the meta-analysis. By comparing chest computed tomography (CT) and chest X-ray, we found that COVID-19 patients had more peripheral lung lesions (OR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.84-7.31). Although COVID-19 patients had more bilateral lung involvement (OR=1.74, 95% CI: 0.90-3.38) and less unilateral lung involvement (OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.44-1.02), these two results were not statistically significant. Patients with COVID-19 showed more ground-glass opacities (OR=2.83, 95% CI: 1.85-4.32), reverse halo signs (OR=3.47, 95% CI: 2.37-5.08), interlobular septal thickening (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.55-3.01), vascular enlargement (OR=5.00, 95% CI: 1.80-13.85) and crazy-paving patterns (OR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.57-4.41) on chest images than patients with influenza. We also found that compared with influenza patients, pleural effusion was rare in COVID-19 patients (OR=0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.31). Conclusions: There are some differences in the manifestations and distributions of lesions between patients with COVID-19 and influenza on chest images, which is helpful to distinguish these two infectious diseases.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/diagnostic imaging/complications
*Influenza, Human/diagnostic imaging/complications
*Tomography, X-Ray Computed
*Lung/diagnostic imaging
*SARS-CoV-2
Radiography, Thoracic
RevDate: 2025-02-15
CmpDate: 2025-02-15
White paper: Understanding, informing and defining the regulatory science of microneedle-based dosage forms that are applied to the skin.
Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society, 378:402-415.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated pre-clinical and clinical development of microneedle-based drug delivery technology. However the regulatory science of this emerging dosage form is immature and explicit regulatory guidance is limited. A group of international stakeholders has formed to identify and address key issues for the regulatory science of future products that combine a microneedle device and active pharmaceutical ingredient (in solid or semi-solid state) in a single entity that is designed for application to the skin. Guided by the principles of Quality by Design (QbD) and informed by consultation with wider stakeholders, this 'White Paper' describes fundamental elements of the work in an effort to harmonise understanding, stimulate discussion and guide innovation. The paper discusses classification of the dosage form (combination/medicinal product), the regulatory nomenclature that is likely to be adopted and the technical vocabulary that best describes its form and function. More than twenty potential critical quality attributes (CQAs) are identified for the dosage form, and a prioritisation exercise identifies those CQAs that are most pertinent to the dosage form and that will likely require bespoke test methods (delivered dose, puncture performance) or major adaptions to established compendial test methods (dissolution). Hopefully the work will provide a platform for the development of dosage form specific guidance (from regulatory authorities and/or international pharmacopoeias), that expedites clinical translation of safe and effective microneedle-based products.
Additional Links: PMID-39603537
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39603537,
year = {2025},
author = {Dul, M and Alali, M and Ameri, M and Burke, MD and Creelman, BP and Dick, L and Donnelly, RF and Eakins, MN and Frivold, C and Forster, AH and Gilbert, PA and Henke, S and Henry, S and Hunt, D and Lewis, H and Mistilis, JJ and Park, JH and Prausnitz, MR and Robinson, DK and Hernandez, CAR and Shin, J and Speaker, TJ and Strasinger, C and Taylor, KMG and Zehrung, D and Birchall, JC and Jarrahian, C and Coulman, SA},
title = {White paper: Understanding, informing and defining the regulatory science of microneedle-based dosage forms that are applied to the skin.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {378},
number = {},
pages = {402-415},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.11.056},
pmid = {39603537},
issn = {1873-4995},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; },
mesh = {*Needles ; Humans ; *Drug Delivery Systems ; *Administration, Cutaneous ; *Microinjections/instrumentation ; Skin/metabolism ; COVID-19 ; Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage ; Dosage Forms ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated pre-clinical and clinical development of microneedle-based drug delivery technology. However the regulatory science of this emerging dosage form is immature and explicit regulatory guidance is limited. A group of international stakeholders has formed to identify and address key issues for the regulatory science of future products that combine a microneedle device and active pharmaceutical ingredient (in solid or semi-solid state) in a single entity that is designed for application to the skin. Guided by the principles of Quality by Design (QbD) and informed by consultation with wider stakeholders, this 'White Paper' describes fundamental elements of the work in an effort to harmonise understanding, stimulate discussion and guide innovation. The paper discusses classification of the dosage form (combination/medicinal product), the regulatory nomenclature that is likely to be adopted and the technical vocabulary that best describes its form and function. More than twenty potential critical quality attributes (CQAs) are identified for the dosage form, and a prioritisation exercise identifies those CQAs that are most pertinent to the dosage form and that will likely require bespoke test methods (delivered dose, puncture performance) or major adaptions to established compendial test methods (dissolution). Hopefully the work will provide a platform for the development of dosage form specific guidance (from regulatory authorities and/or international pharmacopoeias), that expedites clinical translation of safe and effective microneedle-based products.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Needles
Humans
*Drug Delivery Systems
*Administration, Cutaneous
*Microinjections/instrumentation
Skin/metabolism
COVID-19
Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage
Dosage Forms
RevDate: 2025-02-04
SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and therapeutic approaches.
Heliyon, 11(2):e41980.
In light of the transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic phase, there is still a dire need to address challenges associated with drug resistance, particularly among immunocompromised and high-risk populations. This review explores the current state of research on SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and underscores the ongoing need for effective therapeutic strategies. It critically evaluates existing knowledge on resistance mechanisms and therapeutic options, aiming to consolidate information and highlight areas for future research. By examining the complex interactions between the virus and its host, the review advocates for a multifaceted approach, including combination therapies, targeted drug development, and continuous surveillance of viral mutations. It also emphasizes the impact of evolving viral variants on antiviral efficacy and suggests adaptive treatment protocols. This review aims to enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and contribute to more effective management of COVID-19 through a discussion of promising strategies such as drug repurposing and combination therapies.
Additional Links: PMID-39897928
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39897928,
year = {2025},
author = {Batool, S and Chokkakula, S and Jeong, JH and Baek, YH and Song, MS},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and therapeutic approaches.},
journal = {Heliyon},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {e41980},
pmid = {39897928},
issn = {2405-8440},
abstract = {In light of the transition of COVID-19 from a pandemic to an endemic phase, there is still a dire need to address challenges associated with drug resistance, particularly among immunocompromised and high-risk populations. This review explores the current state of research on SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and underscores the ongoing need for effective therapeutic strategies. It critically evaluates existing knowledge on resistance mechanisms and therapeutic options, aiming to consolidate information and highlight areas for future research. By examining the complex interactions between the virus and its host, the review advocates for a multifaceted approach, including combination therapies, targeted drug development, and continuous surveillance of viral mutations. It also emphasizes the impact of evolving viral variants on antiviral efficacy and suggests adaptive treatment protocols. This review aims to enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 drug resistance and contribute to more effective management of COVID-19 through a discussion of promising strategies such as drug repurposing and combination therapies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Nucleic acid therapeutics: Past, present, and future.
Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids, 36(1):102440.
Nucleic acid therapeutics have become increasingly recognized in recent years for their capability to target both coding and non-coding sequences. Several types of nucleic acid modalities, including siRNA, mRNA, aptamer, along with antisense oligo, have been approved by regulatory bodies for therapeutic use. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has been brought to the forefront by the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19, followed by a number of approvals for clinical use including much anticipated CRISPR-Cas9. However, obstacles such as the difficulty of achieving efficient and targeted delivery to diseased sites remain. This review provides an overview of nucleic acid therapeutics and highlights substantial advancements, including critical engineering, conjugation, and delivery strategies, that are paving the way for their growing role in modern medicine.
Additional Links: PMID-39897578
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39897578,
year = {2025},
author = {Naeem, S and Zhang, J and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y},
title = {Nucleic acid therapeutics: Past, present, and future.},
journal = {Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {102440},
pmid = {39897578},
issn = {2162-2531},
abstract = {Nucleic acid therapeutics have become increasingly recognized in recent years for their capability to target both coding and non-coding sequences. Several types of nucleic acid modalities, including siRNA, mRNA, aptamer, along with antisense oligo, have been approved by regulatory bodies for therapeutic use. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has been brought to the forefront by the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19, followed by a number of approvals for clinical use including much anticipated CRISPR-Cas9. However, obstacles such as the difficulty of achieving efficient and targeted delivery to diseased sites remain. This review provides an overview of nucleic acid therapeutics and highlights substantial advancements, including critical engineering, conjugation, and delivery strategies, that are paving the way for their growing role in modern medicine.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Gender and sex differences in adherence to a Mediterranean diet and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.
Frontiers in nutrition, 11:1501646.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant lifestyle changes, including alterations in dietary habits and increases in sedentary behavior. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with various health benefits, which are especially important given the health challenges posed by the pandemic. During the pandemic, an overall shift towards consuming more highly processed foods has been observed.
METHODS: This systematic review investigated adherence to MD during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on gender differences and factors influencing adherence to MD in the general public. The literature search focused on papers published between January 1, 2019, and July 8, 2024, across various databases such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PubMed MEDLINE, and PsycINFO.
RESULTS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, this search identified 14,347 references, of which 5,734 were duplicates. After a thorough multi-level screening process, 29 studies, encompassing 55,242 participants, met the inclusion criteria. While seven studies reported that men adhered to a MD more than women during the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 studies also indicated that women had higher adherence to a MD compared to men. Nine studies, however, found no significant gender differences in MD adherence. Additionally, older age, higher education levels, higher socioeconomic status, and increased physical activity were linked to greater adherence to a MD in the pandemic context.
CONCLUSION: Gender-specific differences in dietary behavior are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, gender roles, and pandemic phases as well as biases in sample composition and methodological weaknesses. Significant gaps in the evidence, particularly concerning sexual and gender minorities, are highlighted.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=421727.
Additional Links: PMID-39897533
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@article {pmid39897533,
year = {2024},
author = {Brandt, G and Pahlenkemper, M and Ballero Reque, C and Sabel, L and Zaiser, C and Laskowski, NM and Paslakis, G},
title = {Gender and sex differences in adherence to a Mediterranean diet and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1501646},
pmid = {39897533},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant lifestyle changes, including alterations in dietary habits and increases in sedentary behavior. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been associated with various health benefits, which are especially important given the health challenges posed by the pandemic. During the pandemic, an overall shift towards consuming more highly processed foods has been observed.
METHODS: This systematic review investigated adherence to MD during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on gender differences and factors influencing adherence to MD in the general public. The literature search focused on papers published between January 1, 2019, and July 8, 2024, across various databases such as Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, PubMed MEDLINE, and PsycINFO.
RESULTS: Following the PRISMA guidelines, this search identified 14,347 references, of which 5,734 were duplicates. After a thorough multi-level screening process, 29 studies, encompassing 55,242 participants, met the inclusion criteria. While seven studies reported that men adhered to a MD more than women during the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 studies also indicated that women had higher adherence to a MD compared to men. Nine studies, however, found no significant gender differences in MD adherence. Additionally, older age, higher education levels, higher socioeconomic status, and increased physical activity were linked to greater adherence to a MD in the pandemic context.
CONCLUSION: Gender-specific differences in dietary behavior are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, gender roles, and pandemic phases as well as biases in sample composition and methodological weaknesses. Significant gaps in the evidence, particularly concerning sexual and gender minorities, are highlighted.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=421727.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Exploring Zika's dynamics: A scoping review journey from epidemic to equations through mathematical modelling.
Infectious Disease Modelling, 10(2):536-558.
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, along with the concurrent circulation of other arboviruses, presents a great public health challenge, reminding the utilization of mathematical modelling as a crucial tool for explaining its intricate dynamics and interactions with co-circulating pathogens. Through a scoping review, we aimed to discern current mathematical models investigating ZIKV dynamics, focusing on its interplay with other pathogens, and to identify underlying assumptions and deficiencies supporting attention, particularly regarding the epidemiological attributes characterizing Zika outbreaks. Following the PRISMA-Sc guidelines, a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and MathSciNet provided 137 pertinent studies from an initial pool of 2446 papers, showing a diversity of modelling approaches, predominantly centered on vector-host compartmental models, with a notable concentration on the epidemiological landscapes of Colombia and Brazil during the 2015-2016 Zika epidemic. While modelling studies have been important in explaining Zika transmission dynamics and their intersections with diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and COVID-19 so far, future Zika models should prioritize robust data integration and rigorous validation against diverse datasets to improve the accuracy and reliability of epidemic prediction. In addition, models could benefit from adaptable frameworks incorporating human behavior, environmental factors, and stochastic parameters, with an emphasis on open-access tools to foster transparency and research collaboration.
Additional Links: PMID-39897087
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@article {pmid39897087,
year = {2025},
author = {Romero-Leiton, JP and Laison, EKE and Alfaro, R and Parmley, EJ and Arino, J and Acharya, KR and Nasri, B},
title = {Exploring Zika's dynamics: A scoping review journey from epidemic to equations through mathematical modelling.},
journal = {Infectious Disease Modelling},
volume = {10},
number = {2},
pages = {536-558},
pmid = {39897087},
issn = {2468-0427},
abstract = {Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, along with the concurrent circulation of other arboviruses, presents a great public health challenge, reminding the utilization of mathematical modelling as a crucial tool for explaining its intricate dynamics and interactions with co-circulating pathogens. Through a scoping review, we aimed to discern current mathematical models investigating ZIKV dynamics, focusing on its interplay with other pathogens, and to identify underlying assumptions and deficiencies supporting attention, particularly regarding the epidemiological attributes characterizing Zika outbreaks. Following the PRISMA-Sc guidelines, a systematic search across PubMed, Web of Science, and MathSciNet provided 137 pertinent studies from an initial pool of 2446 papers, showing a diversity of modelling approaches, predominantly centered on vector-host compartmental models, with a notable concentration on the epidemiological landscapes of Colombia and Brazil during the 2015-2016 Zika epidemic. While modelling studies have been important in explaining Zika transmission dynamics and their intersections with diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and COVID-19 so far, future Zika models should prioritize robust data integration and rigorous validation against diverse datasets to improve the accuracy and reliability of epidemic prediction. In addition, models could benefit from adaptable frameworks incorporating human behavior, environmental factors, and stochastic parameters, with an emphasis on open-access tools to foster transparency and research collaboration.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-03
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Viral Pneumonia Therapy: Pharmacological Basis and Mechanistic Insights.
International journal of biological sciences, 21(3):989-1013.
Different respiratory viruses might cause similar symptoms, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract involvement to severe respiratory distress, which can rapidly progress to septic shock, coagulation disorders, and multiorgan failure, ultimately leading to death. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that predicting clinical outcomes can be challenging because of the complex interactions between the virus and the host. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has distinct benefits in the treatment of respiratory viral illnesses due to its adherence to the principles of "different treatments for the same disease" and "same treatment for different diseases". This paper examines the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of key TCM treatments for viral pneumonia in recent years. The aim of this study was to discover and confirm the active substances of TCM with potential therapeutic effects on viral pneumonia and their integrative effects and synergistic mechanisms and to provide a scientific basis for elucidating the effectiveness of TCM treatment and drug discovery. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of previous research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of TCM in treating viral pneumonia.
Additional Links: PMID-39897040
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@article {pmid39897040,
year = {2025},
author = {Bai, Y and Liu, T and Zhang, S and Shi, Y and Yang, Y and Ding, M and Yang, X and Guo, S and Xu, X and Liu, Q},
title = {Traditional Chinese Medicine for Viral Pneumonia Therapy: Pharmacological Basis and Mechanistic Insights.},
journal = {International journal of biological sciences},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {989-1013},
pmid = {39897040},
issn = {1449-2288},
mesh = {*Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods ; Humans ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; COVID-19 ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Different respiratory viruses might cause similar symptoms, ranging from mild upper respiratory tract involvement to severe respiratory distress, which can rapidly progress to septic shock, coagulation disorders, and multiorgan failure, ultimately leading to death. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that predicting clinical outcomes can be challenging because of the complex interactions between the virus and the host. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has distinct benefits in the treatment of respiratory viral illnesses due to its adherence to the principles of "different treatments for the same disease" and "same treatment for different diseases". This paper examines the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of key TCM treatments for viral pneumonia in recent years. The aim of this study was to discover and confirm the active substances of TCM with potential therapeutic effects on viral pneumonia and their integrative effects and synergistic mechanisms and to provide a scientific basis for elucidating the effectiveness of TCM treatment and drug discovery. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of previous research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of TCM in treating viral pneumonia.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods
Humans
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
COVID-19
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pelvic floor signs and symptoms: a scoping review of the literature.
Archives of physiotherapy, 15:1-8.
INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a substantial global health challenge. While the disease is known to impact multiple systems, leading to long-term consequences that require monitoring and rehabilitation, its effects on the pelvic floor remain unclear.This study aims to explore COVID-19-related signs and symptoms affecting pelvic floor functions through a scoping review.
METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases up to March 19, 2024, to identify studies examining pelvic floor-related signs and symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Two independent reviewers extracted the study and participant characteristics, areas involved (e.g., anorectal, sexual, urogenital), and signs and symptoms using an ad-hoc data extraction form. Signs and symptoms were classified as direct (e.g., directly impacting the pelvic floor) or indirect (e.g., indirectly affecting the pelvic floor with potential long-term consequences).
RESULTS: We included 104 studies, primarily a systematic review (N = 40; 38.46%) and focused on adult populations (N = 80; 76.92%), investigating 140 signs and symptoms from various regions worldwide. Most (N = 124; 88.57%) were indirect signs and symptoms, while the minority were direct (N = 16; 11.43%). The most prevalent indirect symptom was diarrhea (n = 81; 70,43%) in the anorectal bowel area (n = 115). The most prevalent direct were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (n = 16; 84.21%) in the urogenital area (n = 19).
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant prevalence of both direct and indirect pelvic floor symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Clinicians should be aware of the potential link between COVID-19 and pelvic floor dysfunction.
Additional Links: PMID-39896896
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39896896,
year = {2025},
author = {Di Tommaso, V and Rossi, M and Gianola, S and Castellini, G and Bargeri, S and Rossettini, G and Bortolami, A},
title = {Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and pelvic floor signs and symptoms: a scoping review of the literature.},
journal = {Archives of physiotherapy},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
pmid = {39896896},
issn = {2057-0082},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a substantial global health challenge. While the disease is known to impact multiple systems, leading to long-term consequences that require monitoring and rehabilitation, its effects on the pelvic floor remain unclear.This study aims to explore COVID-19-related signs and symptoms affecting pelvic floor functions through a scoping review.
METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases up to March 19, 2024, to identify studies examining pelvic floor-related signs and symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Two independent reviewers extracted the study and participant characteristics, areas involved (e.g., anorectal, sexual, urogenital), and signs and symptoms using an ad-hoc data extraction form. Signs and symptoms were classified as direct (e.g., directly impacting the pelvic floor) or indirect (e.g., indirectly affecting the pelvic floor with potential long-term consequences).
RESULTS: We included 104 studies, primarily a systematic review (N = 40; 38.46%) and focused on adult populations (N = 80; 76.92%), investigating 140 signs and symptoms from various regions worldwide. Most (N = 124; 88.57%) were indirect signs and symptoms, while the minority were direct (N = 16; 11.43%). The most prevalent indirect symptom was diarrhea (n = 81; 70,43%) in the anorectal bowel area (n = 115). The most prevalent direct were lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (n = 16; 84.21%) in the urogenital area (n = 19).
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant prevalence of both direct and indirect pelvic floor symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Clinicians should be aware of the potential link between COVID-19 and pelvic floor dysfunction.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
Post infectious fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption in long-COVID and other infections: a need for further research.
EClinicalMedicine, 80:103073.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains a subject of scientific research specifically with regards to its association with infections, including the more recently described Long COVID condition. Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances in Long COVID are intricately linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms, driven by distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This can be driven by various mechanisms including dysregulation of key clock genes (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER2), mitochondrial dysfunction impairing oxidative phosphorylation, and cytokine-induced neuroinflammation (e.g., interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation at clock-related loci, particularly in peripheral tissues, further contribute to systemic circadian dysregulation. This work underscores the multifaceted molecular and systemic disruptions to circadian regulation in relation to fatigue and sleep disturbances identified as post-infectious sequelae, focusing on the Long COVID condition.
Additional Links: PMID-39896874
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39896874,
year = {2025},
author = {Livieratos, A and Lockley, SW and Tsiodras, S},
title = {Post infectious fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption in long-COVID and other infections: a need for further research.},
journal = {EClinicalMedicine},
volume = {80},
number = {},
pages = {103073},
pmid = {39896874},
issn = {2589-5370},
abstract = {Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains a subject of scientific research specifically with regards to its association with infections, including the more recently described Long COVID condition. Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances in Long COVID are intricately linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms, driven by distinct molecular and cellular mechanisms triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This can be driven by various mechanisms including dysregulation of key clock genes (CLOCK, BMAL1, PER2), mitochondrial dysfunction impairing oxidative phosphorylation, and cytokine-induced neuroinflammation (e.g., interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation at clock-related loci, particularly in peripheral tissues, further contribute to systemic circadian dysregulation. This work underscores the multifaceted molecular and systemic disruptions to circadian regulation in relation to fatigue and sleep disturbances identified as post-infectious sequelae, focusing on the Long COVID condition.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
The JN.1 variant of COVID-19: immune evasion, transmissibility, and implications for global health.
Therapeutic advances in infectious disease, 12:20499361251314763.
The emergence of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant has raised global health concerns as it gains prevalence in several regions worldwide. First identified in August 2023, JN.1 evolved from the Omicron lineage's BA.2.86 subvariant. Patients infected with JN.1 commonly exhibit symptoms such as sore throat, fever, dry cough, nausea, and vomiting. While the World Health Organization has labeled JN.1 a Variant of Interest, it currently presents a low global health risk. However, its increased transmissibility, particularly in cold, dry climates, is concerning. This review provides a comprehensive overview of JN.1's biological characteristics, epidemiology, transmissibility, immune evasion, and the efficacy of existing antiviral treatments and vaccination strategies. A literature search across key databases targeted studies from January 2023 to August 2024, emphasizing recent insights into JN.1's spread and clinical impact. Findings reveal that JN.1 exhibits higher infectivity and immune evasion than previous variants, largely due to the L4555 mutation. From November 2023 to March 2024, JN.1 showed an increasing trend in transmission. Previously approved antivirals, including Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, demonstrate effectiveness against JN.1, and current vaccines still protect against severe illness from this variant. However, vaccination rates remain low. Monitoring efforts include genomic assessments, wastewater surveillance, and digital tracking to contain the variant's spread. It is essential to encourage the public to maintain vaccination and preventive measures to reduce JN.1's impact. Continued research is critical for understanding and managing the evolving landscape of COVID-19 and its emerging variants.
Additional Links: PMID-39896217
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39896217,
year = {2025},
author = {Naveed Siddiqui, A and Musharaf, I and Gulumbe, BH},
title = {The JN.1 variant of COVID-19: immune evasion, transmissibility, and implications for global health.},
journal = {Therapeutic advances in infectious disease},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {20499361251314763},
pmid = {39896217},
issn = {2049-9361},
abstract = {The emergence of the COVID-19 JN.1 variant has raised global health concerns as it gains prevalence in several regions worldwide. First identified in August 2023, JN.1 evolved from the Omicron lineage's BA.2.86 subvariant. Patients infected with JN.1 commonly exhibit symptoms such as sore throat, fever, dry cough, nausea, and vomiting. While the World Health Organization has labeled JN.1 a Variant of Interest, it currently presents a low global health risk. However, its increased transmissibility, particularly in cold, dry climates, is concerning. This review provides a comprehensive overview of JN.1's biological characteristics, epidemiology, transmissibility, immune evasion, and the efficacy of existing antiviral treatments and vaccination strategies. A literature search across key databases targeted studies from January 2023 to August 2024, emphasizing recent insights into JN.1's spread and clinical impact. Findings reveal that JN.1 exhibits higher infectivity and immune evasion than previous variants, largely due to the L4555 mutation. From November 2023 to March 2024, JN.1 showed an increasing trend in transmission. Previously approved antivirals, including Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, demonstrate effectiveness against JN.1, and current vaccines still protect against severe illness from this variant. However, vaccination rates remain low. Monitoring efforts include genomic assessments, wastewater surveillance, and digital tracking to contain the variant's spread. It is essential to encourage the public to maintain vaccination and preventive measures to reduce JN.1's impact. Continued research is critical for understanding and managing the evolving landscape of COVID-19 and its emerging variants.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-14
CmpDate: 2025-02-14
Comparison of augmented reality with other teaching methods in learning anatomy: A systematic review.
Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.), 38(2):168-185.
Augmented reality (AR) has been investigated as an engaging educational tool that motivates undergraduate health science students to learn human anatomy. AR technology is developing rapidly, supporting medical education by presenting models of human anatomy as digital objects overlaid in the real world via mobile or head-mounted display (HMD). The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a post-pandemic analysis of AR compared with other methods for teaching anatomy and to determine the effects of AR on learning outcomes (LOs). Original research published between January 2020 and April 2024 was obtained from the WOS, Scopus, MEDLINE(Ovid), EMBASE, and PubMed databases, following PRISMA 2020 protocols. Articles included for analysis compared AR with alternative pedagogical methods of teaching undergraduate human anatomy. Studies that described AR as "mixed reality" (MR) were included, while those describing "virtual reality" (VR) were not considered. Risk of bias and limitations in individual studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach with LOs tabulated for visual analysis. A total of 17 articles were eligible for review: nine studies comparing AR via HMD hardware, and eight comparing mobile AR. The LOs of 12 studies were overwhelmingly reported as non-significant. Insufficient data precluded an accurate meta-analysis of LOs, and critical analysis revealed a considerable risk of bias and lack of justified methodology. While AR holds potential for supporting undergraduate students in learning anatomy, definitive outcomes from the current literature are limited by the heterogeneous nature of the studies and inconsistent use of terminology. It is recommended that future research employs professional AR technologies and incorporates the perspectives of university educators to ensure reliable outcomes that can direct the further development of AR technology in medical education.
Additional Links: PMID-39535319
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@article {pmid39535319,
year = {2025},
author = {Williams, A and Sun, Z and Vaccarezza, M},
title = {Comparison of augmented reality with other teaching methods in learning anatomy: A systematic review.},
journal = {Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {38},
number = {2},
pages = {168-185},
doi = {10.1002/ca.24234},
pmid = {39535319},
issn = {1098-2353},
mesh = {*Anatomy/education ; Humans ; *Augmented Reality ; *Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods ; COVID-19 ; Learning ; },
abstract = {Augmented reality (AR) has been investigated as an engaging educational tool that motivates undergraduate health science students to learn human anatomy. AR technology is developing rapidly, supporting medical education by presenting models of human anatomy as digital objects overlaid in the real world via mobile or head-mounted display (HMD). The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a post-pandemic analysis of AR compared with other methods for teaching anatomy and to determine the effects of AR on learning outcomes (LOs). Original research published between January 2020 and April 2024 was obtained from the WOS, Scopus, MEDLINE(Ovid), EMBASE, and PubMed databases, following PRISMA 2020 protocols. Articles included for analysis compared AR with alternative pedagogical methods of teaching undergraduate human anatomy. Studies that described AR as "mixed reality" (MR) were included, while those describing "virtual reality" (VR) were not considered. Risk of bias and limitations in individual studies were assessed using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data were synthesized using a convergent integrated approach with LOs tabulated for visual analysis. A total of 17 articles were eligible for review: nine studies comparing AR via HMD hardware, and eight comparing mobile AR. The LOs of 12 studies were overwhelmingly reported as non-significant. Insufficient data precluded an accurate meta-analysis of LOs, and critical analysis revealed a considerable risk of bias and lack of justified methodology. While AR holds potential for supporting undergraduate students in learning anatomy, definitive outcomes from the current literature are limited by the heterogeneous nature of the studies and inconsistent use of terminology. It is recommended that future research employs professional AR technologies and incorporates the perspectives of university educators to ensure reliable outcomes that can direct the further development of AR technology in medical education.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Anatomy/education
Humans
*Augmented Reality
*Education, Medical, Undergraduate/methods
COVID-19
Learning
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-04
Cerebral Blood Flow in Orthostatic Intolerance.
Journal of the American Heart Association, 14(3):e036752.
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Many forms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) involve impaired regulation of CBF in the upright posture, which results in disabling symptoms that decrease quality of life. Because CBF is not easy to measure, rises in heart rate or drops in blood pressure are used as proxies for abnormal CBF. These result in diagnoses such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension. However, in many other OI syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, heart rate and blood pressure are frequently normal despite significant drops in CBF. This often leads to the incorrect conclusion that there is nothing hemodynamically abnormal in these patients and thus no explanation or treatment is needed. There is a need to measure CBF, as orthostatic hypoperfusion is the shared pathophysiology for all forms of OI. In this review, we examine the literature studying CBF dysfunction in various syndromes with OI and evaluate methods of measuring CBF including transcranial Doppler ultrasound, extracranial cerebral blood flow ultrasound, near infrared spectroscopy, and wearable devices.
Additional Links: PMID-39895557
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@article {pmid39895557,
year = {2025},
author = {Khan, MS and Miller, AJ and Ejaz, A and Molinger, J and Goyal, P and MacLeod, DB and Swavely, A and Wilson, E and Pergola, M and Tandri, H and Mills, CF and Raj, SR and Fudim, M},
title = {Cerebral Blood Flow in Orthostatic Intolerance.},
journal = {Journal of the American Heart Association},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {e036752},
doi = {10.1161/JAHA.124.036752},
pmid = {39895557},
issn = {2047-9980},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology ; *Orthostatic Intolerance/physiopathology/diagnosis ; COVID-19/complications/physiopathology ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared ; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome/physiopathology/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Many forms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) involve impaired regulation of CBF in the upright posture, which results in disabling symptoms that decrease quality of life. Because CBF is not easy to measure, rises in heart rate or drops in blood pressure are used as proxies for abnormal CBF. These result in diagnoses such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension. However, in many other OI syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, heart rate and blood pressure are frequently normal despite significant drops in CBF. This often leads to the incorrect conclusion that there is nothing hemodynamically abnormal in these patients and thus no explanation or treatment is needed. There is a need to measure CBF, as orthostatic hypoperfusion is the shared pathophysiology for all forms of OI. In this review, we examine the literature studying CBF dysfunction in various syndromes with OI and evaluate methods of measuring CBF including transcranial Doppler ultrasound, extracranial cerebral blood flow ultrasound, near infrared spectroscopy, and wearable devices.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Cerebrovascular Circulation/physiology
*Orthostatic Intolerance/physiopathology/diagnosis
COVID-19/complications/physiopathology
Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome/physiopathology/diagnosis
RevDate: 2025-02-02
Incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, histopathology, and outcomes of COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury: a narrative review.
Microbial pathogenesis pii:S0882-4010(25)00085-3 [Epub ahead of print].
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a significant burden on global healthcare systems. COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is among one of the complications, that has emerged as a critical and frequent condition in COVID-19 patients . This AKI among COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, and high mortality rates, especially in those with severe AKI or requiring renal replacement therapy. COVID-19-induced AKI represents a significant complication with complex pathophysiology and multifactorial risk factors. Indeed, several pathophysiological mechanisms, including direct viral invasion of renal cells, systemic inflammation, endothelial and thrombotic abnormalities as well as nephrotoxic drugs and rhabdomyolysis are believed to underlie this condition. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and the presence of viral particles within renal tissue and urine. Identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, depending on regions, underlying conditions, and the severity of the diseaseMoreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include show acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and viral particles within renal tissue and urine. While, identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, according to regions, underlying conditions, and the gravity of the disease. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, histopathology, and outcomes of AKI induced by COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-39894232
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39894232,
year = {2025},
author = {Hachimi, A and El-Mansoury, B and Merzouki, M},
title = {Incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, histopathology, and outcomes of COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury: a narrative review.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107360},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107360},
pmid = {39894232},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a significant burden on global healthcare systems. COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is among one of the complications, that has emerged as a critical and frequent condition in COVID-19 patients . This AKI among COVID-19 patients is associated with poor outcomes, and high mortality rates, especially in those with severe AKI or requiring renal replacement therapy. COVID-19-induced AKI represents a significant complication with complex pathophysiology and multifactorial risk factors. Indeed, several pathophysiological mechanisms, including direct viral invasion of renal cells, systemic inflammation, endothelial and thrombotic abnormalities as well as nephrotoxic drugs and rhabdomyolysis are believed to underlie this condition. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and the presence of viral particles within renal tissue and urine. Identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, depending on regions, underlying conditions, and the severity of the diseaseMoreover, histopathological and immunohistopathological findings commonly observed in postmortem studies include show acute tubular necrosis, glomerular injury, and viral particles within renal tissue and urine. While, identified risk factors for developing AKI vary among studies, according to regions, underlying conditions, and the gravity of the disease. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on the incidence, pathophysiology, risk factors, histopathology, and outcomes of AKI induced by COVID-19.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-02
CmpDate: 2025-02-02
A Concise Review on Different Aspects of Influences of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Liver and Metabolic Changes.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 73(1):49-57.
PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease, causing a deadly situation around the world. Significant cases need hospitalization and intensive care. Obese, diabetic, and immunosuppressed people have poor prognosis. Here, we are establishing the link between liver disease and COVID-19.
METHODS: A thorough investigation was performed across several articles and databases from 2020 to 2022 to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the liver.
RESULTS: As of June 2022, we identified 75 articles in electronic databases discussing the hepatic impact of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: This review delves into the impact of COVID-19 on liver metabolism, specifically how it exacerbates morbidity and mortality in individuals with preexisting chronic liver disease (CLD).
Additional Links: PMID-39893528
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid39893528,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghosh, R and Yarlagadda, LC and Mondal, C and Paruchuri, T and Ghosh, D and Rudra, A and Chattopadhyay, G and Sarkar, J},
title = {A Concise Review on Different Aspects of Influences of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Liver and Metabolic Changes.},
journal = {The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India},
volume = {73},
number = {1},
pages = {49-57},
doi = {10.59556/japi.73.0782},
pmid = {39893528},
issn = {0004-5772},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 ; *Liver Diseases/metabolism ; Liver/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease, causing a deadly situation around the world. Significant cases need hospitalization and intensive care. Obese, diabetic, and immunosuppressed people have poor prognosis. Here, we are establishing the link between liver disease and COVID-19.
METHODS: A thorough investigation was performed across several articles and databases from 2020 to 2022 to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the liver.
RESULTS: As of June 2022, we identified 75 articles in electronic databases discussing the hepatic impact of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION: This review delves into the impact of COVID-19 on liver metabolism, specifically how it exacerbates morbidity and mortality in individuals with preexisting chronic liver disease (CLD).},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19
*Liver Diseases/metabolism
Liver/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-07
[Pneumonia and pregnancy].
Revue des maladies respiratoires, 42(2):104-116.
Acute community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during pregnancy is a frequently encountered and potentially severe condition. CAP incidence and ecology are unchanged during pregnancy as compared with the overall young adult population. Risk factors specifically identified in pregnant women include advanced gestational age, asthma, anemia and repeated courses of corticosteroid therapy for fetal lung maturation. The clinical presentation of CAP is not altered during pregnancy. Key points in the pregnant host encompass: (i) reduced maternal tolerance to hypoxia, due to physiological adaptations during pregnancy; (ii) heightened severity of some infections, notably viral pneumonias such as influenza, varicella or SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia; (iii) potentially deleterious fetal repercussions of infection and maternal hypoxia, with an increased risk of premature delivery and prematurity; (iv) the need for specific attention to the risk of fetal irradiation in the performance of possibly repeated radiological examinations and (v) therapeutic specificities arising from the possible embryo-fetal toxicity of certain anti-infectious agents. CAP prevention is premised on compliance with universal hygiene measures and on vaccination, which guarantees protection against severe forms of pneumonia not only in the mother (Streptococcus pneumoniae, seasonal flu, chickenpox, COVID-19), but also in the child during the first few months of life (whooping cough, RSV).
Additional Links: PMID-39893062
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39893062,
year = {2025},
author = {Shalaby, A and Lachâtre, M and Charlier, C},
title = {[Pneumonia and pregnancy].},
journal = {Revue des maladies respiratoires},
volume = {42},
number = {2},
pages = {104-116},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmr.2025.01.002},
pmid = {39893062},
issn = {1776-2588},
mesh = {Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology/diagnosis/therapy/etiology ; *Pneumonia/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/therapy/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/complications/diagnosis/therapy ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; Infant, Newborn ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Acute community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during pregnancy is a frequently encountered and potentially severe condition. CAP incidence and ecology are unchanged during pregnancy as compared with the overall young adult population. Risk factors specifically identified in pregnant women include advanced gestational age, asthma, anemia and repeated courses of corticosteroid therapy for fetal lung maturation. The clinical presentation of CAP is not altered during pregnancy. Key points in the pregnant host encompass: (i) reduced maternal tolerance to hypoxia, due to physiological adaptations during pregnancy; (ii) heightened severity of some infections, notably viral pneumonias such as influenza, varicella or SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia; (iii) potentially deleterious fetal repercussions of infection and maternal hypoxia, with an increased risk of premature delivery and prematurity; (iv) the need for specific attention to the risk of fetal irradiation in the performance of possibly repeated radiological examinations and (v) therapeutic specificities arising from the possible embryo-fetal toxicity of certain anti-infectious agents. CAP prevention is premised on compliance with universal hygiene measures and on vaccination, which guarantees protection against severe forms of pneumonia not only in the mother (Streptococcus pneumoniae, seasonal flu, chickenpox, COVID-19), but also in the child during the first few months of life (whooping cough, RSV).},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Pregnancy
Female
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology
*Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology/diagnosis/therapy/etiology
*Pneumonia/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/therapy/prevention & control
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/complications/diagnosis/therapy
Risk Factors
Adult
Infant, Newborn
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-02-01
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
A Meta-analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Anti-spike Immunoglobulin G Antibody Durability up to 9 Months After Full Vaccination in Adults.
Clinics in laboratory medicine, 45(1):111-136.
This meta-analysis aims to estimate temporal decline in vaccine-induced antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 up to 9 months after full vaccination contributing to overall understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 infection protection. We identified 15 eligible studies and calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) between antibody concentrations at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after full vaccination. Overall SMD between 1 month after vaccination and 3 months was -1.14 (95% CI -1.52, -0.76), at 6 months was -1.06 (95% CI -1.30, -0.81), and at 9 months, it was -0.77 (95% CI -0.94, -0.60) suggesting a moderate decline over time.
Additional Links: PMID-39892931
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39892931,
year = {2025},
author = {Dodge, MC and Ellervik, C and Kataria, Y},
title = {A Meta-analysis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Anti-spike Immunoglobulin G Antibody Durability up to 9 Months After Full Vaccination in Adults.},
journal = {Clinics in laboratory medicine},
volume = {45},
number = {1},
pages = {111-136},
doi = {10.1016/j.cll.2024.10.007},
pmid = {39892931},
issn = {1557-9832},
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *Immunoglobulin G/blood/immunology ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology ; Adult ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {This meta-analysis aims to estimate temporal decline in vaccine-induced antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 up to 9 months after full vaccination contributing to overall understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 infection protection. We identified 15 eligible studies and calculated standardized mean differences (SMD) between antibody concentrations at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after full vaccination. Overall SMD between 1 month after vaccination and 3 months was -1.14 (95% CI -1.52, -0.76), at 6 months was -1.06 (95% CI -1.30, -0.81), and at 9 months, it was -0.77 (95% CI -0.94, -0.60) suggesting a moderate decline over time.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Antibodies, Viral/blood
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*Immunoglobulin G/blood/immunology
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
Adult
Vaccination
RevDate: 2025-02-01
Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised patients: A targeted literature review.
Vaccine, 49:126777 pii:S0264-410X(25)00074-X [Epub ahead of print].
Individuals who are immunocompromised (IIC) may have impaired infection prevention/resolution, potentially causing increased disease severity, complications, and healthcare-system strain. Exclusion of IIC from COVID-19 vaccine trials and limited real-world Novavax COVID-19 vaccine assessments have resulted in a data gap. This article provides a review of literature on IIC who received the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. A targeted literature search of BIOSIS Previews®, Embase®, Embase Preprints, MEDLINE®, and publicly available content was performed to identify published clinical data assessing efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in IIC, with predefined terms for immune-modifying diseases/conditions and medications. Identified publications were screened to ensure they described study data from IIC who received the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The search (through October 2024) identified 137 reports indicating use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in IIC. Screening resulted in 10 publications for review; exclusionary reasons included a lack of vaccine-specific data (i.e., limited [<0.2% or n < 3] vaccine recipients, pooled/aggregated cohorts) and/or IIC population. Conditions described include HIV, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, transplant recipients, and hematologic malignancies. Overall, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine was immunogenic and had a tolerable safety profile across diverse populations of IIC; some outcomes varied based on condition, disease, and/or concomitant medication(s). Limited efficacy data indicates that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine may help protect IIC against symptomatic/severe COVID-19; however, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Future research should include disease-specific populations to assess how individual characteristics (e.g., disease state, concomitant medications, prior COVID-19 vaccination) impact vaccine response.
Additional Links: PMID-39892114
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39892114,
year = {2025},
author = {Gschwend, MH and Marchese, AM and Poelaert, D and Warren, B and Rousculp, MD and Caldera, F},
title = {Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised patients: A targeted literature review.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {49},
number = {},
pages = {126777},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126777},
pmid = {39892114},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {Individuals who are immunocompromised (IIC) may have impaired infection prevention/resolution, potentially causing increased disease severity, complications, and healthcare-system strain. Exclusion of IIC from COVID-19 vaccine trials and limited real-world Novavax COVID-19 vaccine assessments have resulted in a data gap. This article provides a review of literature on IIC who received the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. A targeted literature search of BIOSIS Previews®, Embase®, Embase Preprints, MEDLINE®, and publicly available content was performed to identify published clinical data assessing efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in IIC, with predefined terms for immune-modifying diseases/conditions and medications. Identified publications were screened to ensure they described study data from IIC who received the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The search (through October 2024) identified 137 reports indicating use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in IIC. Screening resulted in 10 publications for review; exclusionary reasons included a lack of vaccine-specific data (i.e., limited [<0.2% or n < 3] vaccine recipients, pooled/aggregated cohorts) and/or IIC population. Conditions described include HIV, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory rheumatic diseases, transplant recipients, and hematologic malignancies. Overall, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine was immunogenic and had a tolerable safety profile across diverse populations of IIC; some outcomes varied based on condition, disease, and/or concomitant medication(s). Limited efficacy data indicates that the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine may help protect IIC against symptomatic/severe COVID-19; however, additional studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Future research should include disease-specific populations to assess how individual characteristics (e.g., disease state, concomitant medications, prior COVID-19 vaccination) impact vaccine response.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-01
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
Immunological Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use: A Review of Current Evidence.
Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 68(1):9.
Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products, but their impact on immune function has raised significant health concerns. This review explores the immunological effects of EC exposure, focusing on innate and adaptive immune responses. Electronic cigarette aerosol (ECA) induces widespread inflammation. These changes compromise immune cell function, impairing neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst while increasing macrophage and dendritic cell recruitment and activation. ECA also disrupts epithelial barriers, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Studies show enhanced biofilm formation in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and impaired antiviral responses against pathogens like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, EC exposure modulates adaptive immunity, affecting T and B cell function and increasing systemic inflammatory markers. The long-term consequences of these immunological disruptions include heightened risks for chronic inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, and potentially autoimmune conditions. The widespread adoption of EC, particularly among younger users, poses a growing public health challenge. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, these immunological disruptions could result in increased healthcare burdens in the future, with higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and immune system-related disorders among those who begin using e-cigarettes at a young age. Understanding the full scope of EC-related health risks is essential for informing public health policies and protecting future generations from the potential long-term effects of vaping.
Additional Links: PMID-39891861
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39891861,
year = {2025},
author = {Zima, K and Bogucka, A and Wojtas, M and Zabielska-Kaczorowska, M},
title = {Immunological Effects of Electronic Cigarette Use: A Review of Current Evidence.},
journal = {Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology},
volume = {68},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {39891861},
issn = {1559-0267},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaping/adverse effects ; *Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems ; Immunity, Innate ; Adaptive Immunity ; COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Inflammation/immunology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Electronic cigarettes (EC) have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional tobacco products, but their impact on immune function has raised significant health concerns. This review explores the immunological effects of EC exposure, focusing on innate and adaptive immune responses. Electronic cigarette aerosol (ECA) induces widespread inflammation. These changes compromise immune cell function, impairing neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst while increasing macrophage and dendritic cell recruitment and activation. ECA also disrupts epithelial barriers, increasing susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections. Studies show enhanced biofilm formation in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae and impaired antiviral responses against pathogens like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, EC exposure modulates adaptive immunity, affecting T and B cell function and increasing systemic inflammatory markers. The long-term consequences of these immunological disruptions include heightened risks for chronic inflammatory diseases, respiratory infections, and potentially autoimmune conditions. The widespread adoption of EC, particularly among younger users, poses a growing public health challenge. As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, these immunological disruptions could result in increased healthcare burdens in the future, with higher rates of infections, chronic inflammatory diseases, and immune system-related disorders among those who begin using e-cigarettes at a young age. Understanding the full scope of EC-related health risks is essential for informing public health policies and protecting future generations from the potential long-term effects of vaping.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Vaping/adverse effects
*Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
Immunity, Innate
Adaptive Immunity
COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Inflammation/immunology
Animals
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
The Impact of Diet Quality on COVID-19 Severity and Outcomes-A Scoping Review.
Current nutrition reports, 14(1):27.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has highlighted the potential role of nutrition in modifying disease susceptibility and severity. This review aims to systematically evaluate the current evidence on associations between dietary patterns, assessed using diet quality scores (DQS), and COVID-19 severity and outcomes.
RECENT FINDINGS: A comprehensive literature search identified 15 studies across diverse populations. Prospective cohort studies generally found higher diet quality associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates. Case-control studies consistently showed reduced odds of COVID-19 infection and severe illness with adherence to anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet. Cross-sectional data revealed associations between higher DQS and reduced COVID-19 symptom burden and improved prognostic biomarkers. An ecological study demonstrated inverse relationships between national-level diet quality and COVID-19 caseloads. Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and plant-based diet scores were notably predictive of favourable outcomes, even after adjusting for confounders. Conversely, consumption of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugars, and additives was linked to increased COVID-19 complications. Despite these findings, research gaps remain, including the impacts of specific dietary components, effect modifiers across populations, and establishing causality through interventional trials. This review highlights the observational evidence supporting the potential integration of optimal nutrition into pandemic preparedness strategies. Further research is needed to strengthen these findings and inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for COVID-19 prevention and management.
Additional Links: PMID-39891806
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39891806,
year = {2025},
author = {Tassakos, A and Kloppman, A and Louie, JCY},
title = {The Impact of Diet Quality on COVID-19 Severity and Outcomes-A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Current nutrition reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {39891806},
issn = {2161-3311},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Severity of Illness Index ; *Diet ; Diet, Mediterranean ; Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension ; Pandemics ; Diet, Healthy ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has highlighted the potential role of nutrition in modifying disease susceptibility and severity. This review aims to systematically evaluate the current evidence on associations between dietary patterns, assessed using diet quality scores (DQS), and COVID-19 severity and outcomes.
RECENT FINDINGS: A comprehensive literature search identified 15 studies across diverse populations. Prospective cohort studies generally found higher diet quality associated with lower COVID-19 infection rates. Case-control studies consistently showed reduced odds of COVID-19 infection and severe illness with adherence to anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, particularly the Mediterranean diet. Cross-sectional data revealed associations between higher DQS and reduced COVID-19 symptom burden and improved prognostic biomarkers. An ecological study demonstrated inverse relationships between national-level diet quality and COVID-19 caseloads. Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and plant-based diet scores were notably predictive of favourable outcomes, even after adjusting for confounders. Conversely, consumption of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugars, and additives was linked to increased COVID-19 complications. Despite these findings, research gaps remain, including the impacts of specific dietary components, effect modifiers across populations, and establishing causality through interventional trials. This review highlights the observational evidence supporting the potential integration of optimal nutrition into pandemic preparedness strategies. Further research is needed to strengthen these findings and inform evidence-based dietary recommendations for COVID-19 prevention and management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
*Severity of Illness Index
*Diet
Diet, Mediterranean
Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension
Pandemics
Diet, Healthy
RevDate: 2025-02-06
Global Systematic Scoping Review of Adolescent Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.
The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine pii:S1054-139X(24)00528-7 [Epub ahead of print].
Although COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for adolescents aged 12-17 years, they remain one of the least commonly vaccinated age groups. Therefore, studies investigating the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among adolescents are needed. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards from inception to October 23, 2022, for adolescent-reported factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Titles and abstracts of articles were screened, full-text articles were reviewed for eligibility, and eligible articles were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022363411). Of 4,140 articles screened, 302 were selected for full-text review, 27 of which met the eligibility criteria. Most studies evaluated age (n = 20 studies) and sex (n = 21 studies) in relation to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, yet these were uncommonly linked with vaccine hesitancy among adolescents. Adolescents consistently reported the impact of the pandemic on social activities, social and parental norms, and a sense of communal responsibility as reasons for vaccinating. Although fewer studies (n = 18 studies) evaluated theoretical-based factors, the studies conducted showed that perceived vaccine safety and efficacy (n = 6 studies), risks from vaccination (n = 5 studies), and social and parental norms (n = 3) were consistently linked with vaccine hesitancy. To address low vaccination rates, adolescent-engaged research remains needed that considers their perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines.
Additional Links: PMID-39891620
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39891620,
year = {2025},
author = {Agnew, B and Couture, MC and Uwimana, H and Callaghan, T and Olsanksa, EJ and Arah, OA and Baker, J and Regan, AK},
title = {Global Systematic Scoping Review of Adolescent Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy.},
journal = {The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.10.027},
pmid = {39891620},
issn = {1879-1972},
support = {L40 AI178819/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 HD109536/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Although COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for adolescents aged 12-17 years, they remain one of the least commonly vaccinated age groups. Therefore, studies investigating the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy among adolescents are needed. We conducted a systematic review of the literature in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards from inception to October 23, 2022, for adolescent-reported factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Titles and abstracts of articles were screened, full-text articles were reviewed for eligibility, and eligible articles were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Results were summarized using a narrative synthesis. The review protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022363411). Of 4,140 articles screened, 302 were selected for full-text review, 27 of which met the eligibility criteria. Most studies evaluated age (n = 20 studies) and sex (n = 21 studies) in relation to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, yet these were uncommonly linked with vaccine hesitancy among adolescents. Adolescents consistently reported the impact of the pandemic on social activities, social and parental norms, and a sense of communal responsibility as reasons for vaccinating. Although fewer studies (n = 18 studies) evaluated theoretical-based factors, the studies conducted showed that perceived vaccine safety and efficacy (n = 6 studies), risks from vaccination (n = 5 studies), and social and parental norms (n = 3) were consistently linked with vaccine hesitancy. To address low vaccination rates, adolescent-engaged research remains needed that considers their perspectives on COVID-19 vaccines.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
Inflammasome Activation by RNA Respiratory Viruses: Mechanisms, Viral Manipulation, and Therapeutic Insights.
Immunological reviews, 330(1):e70003.
Respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are pathogens responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Upon infection, these viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors, leading to the activation of inflammasomes, which are essential for mediating inflammatory responses. This review discusses the mechanisms by which these RNA respiratory viruses activate inflammasomes, emphasizing the roles of various signaling pathways and components involved in this process. Additionally, we highlight the specific interactions between viral proteins and inflammasome sensors, elucidating how these viruses manipulate the host immune response to facilitate infection. Understanding the dynamics of inflammasome activation in response to respiratory viruses provides critical insights for developing immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation and improving outcomes in respiratory tract infections.
Additional Links: PMID-39891396
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39891396,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodrigues, TS and Zamboni, DS},
title = {Inflammasome Activation by RNA Respiratory Viruses: Mechanisms, Viral Manipulation, and Therapeutic Insights.},
journal = {Immunological reviews},
volume = {330},
number = {1},
pages = {e70003},
doi = {10.1111/imr.70003},
pmid = {39891396},
issn = {1600-065X},
support = {//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; 2013/08216-2//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 2019/11342-6//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Inflammasomes/metabolism/immunology ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/virology/therapy ; Animals ; *RNA Viruses/immunology/physiology ; Signal Transduction ; RNA Virus Infections/immunology ; Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism ; COVID-19/immunology/virology/therapy ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology ; },
abstract = {Respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are pathogens responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Upon infection, these viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors, leading to the activation of inflammasomes, which are essential for mediating inflammatory responses. This review discusses the mechanisms by which these RNA respiratory viruses activate inflammasomes, emphasizing the roles of various signaling pathways and components involved in this process. Additionally, we highlight the specific interactions between viral proteins and inflammasome sensors, elucidating how these viruses manipulate the host immune response to facilitate infection. Understanding the dynamics of inflammasome activation in response to respiratory viruses provides critical insights for developing immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation and improving outcomes in respiratory tract infections.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Inflammasomes/metabolism/immunology
*Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/virology/therapy
Animals
*RNA Viruses/immunology/physiology
Signal Transduction
RNA Virus Infections/immunology
Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism
COVID-19/immunology/virology/therapy
Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
Strategies and resources used by public health units to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among priority groups: a behavioural science-informed review of three urban centres in Canada.
BMC public health, 25(1):403.
BACKGROUND: Ensuring widespread COVID-19 vaccine uptake is a public health priority in Canada and globally, particularly within communities that exhibit lower uptake rates and are at a higher risk of infection. Public health units (PHUs) have leveraged many resources to promote the uptake of recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Understanding barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake, and which strategies/resources have been used to address them to date, may help identify areas where further support could be provided. We sought to identify the strategies/resources used by PHUs to promote the uptake of the first and third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine among priority groups in their jurisdictions. We examined the alignment of these existing strategies/resources with behavioral science principles, to inform potential complementary strategies/resources.
METHODS: We reviewed the online and in-person strategies/resources used by three PHUs in Ontario, Canada to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake among priority groups (Black and Eastern European populations, and/or neighbourhoods with low vaccine uptake or socioeconomic status). Strategies/resources were identified from PHU websites, social media, and PHU liaison. We used the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy - which describes 93 different ways of supporting behaviour change - to categorise the types of strategies/resources used, and the Theoretical Domains Framework - which synthesises 14 factors that can be barriers or facilitators to decisions and actions - to categorise the barriers and facilitators addressed by strategies/resources.
RESULTS: PHUs operationalised 21 out of 93 BCTs, ranging from 15 to 20 BCTs per PHU. The most frequently operationalised BCTs were found in strategies/resources that provided information about COVID-19 infection and vaccines, increased access to COVID-19 vaccination, and integrated social supports such as community ambassadors and engagement sessions with healthcare professionals. Identified BCTs aligned most frequently with addressing barriers and facilitators related to Knowledge, Environmental context and resources, and Beliefs about consequences domains.
CONCLUSION: PHUs have used several BCTs to address different barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake for priority groups. Opportunities should be pursued to broaden the scope of BCTs used (e.g., operationalizing the pros and cons BCT) and barriers/facilitators addressed in strategies/resources for ongoing and future COVID-19 vaccine uptake efforts among general and prioritised populations.
Additional Links: PMID-39891139
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@article {pmid39891139,
year = {2025},
author = {Langmuir, T and Wilson, M and McCleary, N and Patey, AM and Mekki, K and Ghazal, H and Estey Noad, E and Buchan, J and Dubey, V and Galley, J and Gibson, E and Fontaine, G and Smith, M and Alghamyan, A and Thompson, K and Crawshaw, J and Grimshaw, JM and Arnason, T and Brehaut, J and Michie, S and Brouwers, M and Presseau, J},
title = {Strategies and resources used by public health units to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among priority groups: a behavioural science-informed review of three urban centres in Canada.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {403},
pmid = {39891139},
issn = {1471-2458},
support = {EG3 179446/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Ontario ; Behavioral Sciences ; Public Health ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data/psychology ; Canada ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ensuring widespread COVID-19 vaccine uptake is a public health priority in Canada and globally, particularly within communities that exhibit lower uptake rates and are at a higher risk of infection. Public health units (PHUs) have leveraged many resources to promote the uptake of recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Understanding barriers and facilitators to vaccine uptake, and which strategies/resources have been used to address them to date, may help identify areas where further support could be provided. We sought to identify the strategies/resources used by PHUs to promote the uptake of the first and third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine among priority groups in their jurisdictions. We examined the alignment of these existing strategies/resources with behavioral science principles, to inform potential complementary strategies/resources.
METHODS: We reviewed the online and in-person strategies/resources used by three PHUs in Ontario, Canada to promote COVID-19 vaccine uptake among priority groups (Black and Eastern European populations, and/or neighbourhoods with low vaccine uptake or socioeconomic status). Strategies/resources were identified from PHU websites, social media, and PHU liaison. We used the Behaviour Change Techniques (BCT) Taxonomy - which describes 93 different ways of supporting behaviour change - to categorise the types of strategies/resources used, and the Theoretical Domains Framework - which synthesises 14 factors that can be barriers or facilitators to decisions and actions - to categorise the barriers and facilitators addressed by strategies/resources.
RESULTS: PHUs operationalised 21 out of 93 BCTs, ranging from 15 to 20 BCTs per PHU. The most frequently operationalised BCTs were found in strategies/resources that provided information about COVID-19 infection and vaccines, increased access to COVID-19 vaccination, and integrated social supports such as community ambassadors and engagement sessions with healthcare professionals. Identified BCTs aligned most frequently with addressing barriers and facilitators related to Knowledge, Environmental context and resources, and Beliefs about consequences domains.
CONCLUSION: PHUs have used several BCTs to address different barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake for priority groups. Opportunities should be pursued to broaden the scope of BCTs used (e.g., operationalizing the pros and cons BCT) and barriers/facilitators addressed in strategies/resources for ongoing and future COVID-19 vaccine uptake efforts among general and prioritised populations.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
*COVID-19/prevention & control
Ontario
Behavioral Sciences
Public Health
Vaccination/statistics & numerical data/psychology
Canada
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-01
Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B among patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMC infectious diseases, 25(1):145.
BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health problem and may result in co-infection with other pathogens such as influenza virus. This review investigates the co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B among patients with COVID-19.
METHODS: This meta- analysis included 38 primary studies investigating co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with influenza in confirmed cases of COVID-19. The global online databases were used to identify relevant studies published between December 2019 and July 2024. Data analysis was performed using STATA Ver. 17 software, and standard errors of prevalence were calculated using the binomial distribution formula. Heterogeneity of study results was evaluated using the I-square and Q index, and publication bias was examined using the Begg's and Egger's tests, as well as funnel plot. A random effects model was used to determine prevalence rates, and a forest plot diagram was used to present results with 95% confidence intervals. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to check the impact of each primary study on the overall estimate.
RESULT: The analysis found that the prevalence of influenza in co-infected patients at 95% confidence interval using a random effect model was 14% (95% CI: 8-20%). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the random-effects model for influenza A, 11% (95% CI: 5-18%) and B, 4% (95% CI: 2-7%) in co-infected patients. The highest prevalence of influenza A/B (21%), influenza A (17%) and influenza B (20%) was shown in Asia and Europe respectively. Subgroup analysis by study year showed that the co-prevalence of COVID-19 and influenza A/B was similar in the pre-2021 and post-2021 time periods, at 14% (95% CI: 5-23%) for pre-2021 and 6-22% for 2021 and post-2021. Also, the overall prevalence of influenza A and B in COVID-19 patients is 11% and 4%, and there was no significant difference between the time periods before and after 2021. Meta-regression with a random-effects model showed that the variables location, year group, and total patients showed only 2.71% of very high heterogeneity (I² = 99.92%), and none of these variables had a significant effect on the co-prevalence of COVID-19 and influenza A/B (p > 0.05). Also, meta-regression results showed that these variables had no significant effect on influenza A and B prevalence (p > 0.05) and showed only a small proportion of the very high heterogeneity (I² = 99.72%), (I² = 68.78%). In our study, Egger's test indicated that there was publication bias or small study effects in this meta-analysis (p = 0.0000).
CONCLUSION: The combination of SARS-CoV-2 with influenza and other respiratory viruses requires the best treatment protocols to reduce the severity of the disease. In this approach, high vaccination coverage against seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 could reduce the risk of co-infection in the recent pandemic.
Additional Links: PMID-39891054
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39891054,
year = {2025},
author = {Golpour, M and Jalali, H and Alizadeh-Navaei, R and Talarposhti, MR and Mousavi, T and Ghara, AAN},
title = {Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B among patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {145},
pmid = {39891054},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology/virology/complications ; *Coinfection/epidemiology/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; Prevalence ; Influenza B virus/isolation & purification ; Influenza A virus ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health problem and may result in co-infection with other pathogens such as influenza virus. This review investigates the co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B among patients with COVID-19.
METHODS: This meta- analysis included 38 primary studies investigating co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with influenza in confirmed cases of COVID-19. The global online databases were used to identify relevant studies published between December 2019 and July 2024. Data analysis was performed using STATA Ver. 17 software, and standard errors of prevalence were calculated using the binomial distribution formula. Heterogeneity of study results was evaluated using the I-square and Q index, and publication bias was examined using the Begg's and Egger's tests, as well as funnel plot. A random effects model was used to determine prevalence rates, and a forest plot diagram was used to present results with 95% confidence intervals. In addition, sensitivity analyses were performed to check the impact of each primary study on the overall estimate.
RESULT: The analysis found that the prevalence of influenza in co-infected patients at 95% confidence interval using a random effect model was 14% (95% CI: 8-20%). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the random-effects model for influenza A, 11% (95% CI: 5-18%) and B, 4% (95% CI: 2-7%) in co-infected patients. The highest prevalence of influenza A/B (21%), influenza A (17%) and influenza B (20%) was shown in Asia and Europe respectively. Subgroup analysis by study year showed that the co-prevalence of COVID-19 and influenza A/B was similar in the pre-2021 and post-2021 time periods, at 14% (95% CI: 5-23%) for pre-2021 and 6-22% for 2021 and post-2021. Also, the overall prevalence of influenza A and B in COVID-19 patients is 11% and 4%, and there was no significant difference between the time periods before and after 2021. Meta-regression with a random-effects model showed that the variables location, year group, and total patients showed only 2.71% of very high heterogeneity (I² = 99.92%), and none of these variables had a significant effect on the co-prevalence of COVID-19 and influenza A/B (p > 0.05). Also, meta-regression results showed that these variables had no significant effect on influenza A and B prevalence (p > 0.05) and showed only a small proportion of the very high heterogeneity (I² = 99.72%), (I² = 68.78%). In our study, Egger's test indicated that there was publication bias or small study effects in this meta-analysis (p = 0.0000).
CONCLUSION: The combination of SARS-CoV-2 with influenza and other respiratory viruses requires the best treatment protocols to reduce the severity of the disease. In this approach, high vaccination coverage against seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 could reduce the risk of co-infection in the recent pandemic.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
*Influenza, Human/epidemiology/virology/complications
*Coinfection/epidemiology/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Prevalence
Influenza B virus/isolation & purification
Influenza A virus
RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Vaccines and Other Preventative Strategies for Immunocompromised Pneumonia.
Clinics in chest medicine, 46(1):21-35.
Immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to infections. Although they have reduced immune response to vaccines, it is still essential to prioritize immunizations as one strategy to potentially reduce the impact of pneumonia in this vulnerable population. Response to immunizations in immunocompromised patients can be enhanced by increasing the dose of vaccines (eg, influenza) or by increasing the number of doses (eg, coronavirus disease 2019). Prophylactic use of antimicrobials, control of risk factors (avoidance of smoking), and stabilization of underlying conditions (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can also have a beneficial effect to reduce the likelihood of pneumonia in the immunocompromised host.
Additional Links: PMID-39890290
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@article {pmid39890290,
year = {2025},
author = {File, TM},
title = {Vaccines and Other Preventative Strategies for Immunocompromised Pneumonia.},
journal = {Clinics in chest medicine},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
pages = {21-35},
doi = {10.1016/j.ccm.2024.10.002},
pmid = {39890290},
issn = {1557-8216},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunocompromised Host/immunology ; COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; Pneumonia/prevention & control/immunology ; Risk Factors ; Vaccines/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {Immunocompromised patients are more susceptible to infections. Although they have reduced immune response to vaccines, it is still essential to prioritize immunizations as one strategy to potentially reduce the impact of pneumonia in this vulnerable population. Response to immunizations in immunocompromised patients can be enhanced by increasing the dose of vaccines (eg, influenza) or by increasing the number of doses (eg, coronavirus disease 2019). Prophylactic use of antimicrobials, control of risk factors (avoidance of smoking), and stabilization of underlying conditions (eg, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can also have a beneficial effect to reduce the likelihood of pneumonia in the immunocompromised host.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Immunocompromised Host/immunology
COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
Pneumonia/prevention & control/immunology
Risk Factors
Vaccines/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccination
RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Emerging Lung Infections in the Immunocompromised Patient.
Clinics in chest medicine, 46(1):203-216.
The immunocompromised are at higher risk of COVID-19 and lung infections, and these are associated with more severe presentations and greater risk of complication, increasing the risks of intensive care unit admission and poor outcomes. However, only limited high-quality data are available about the diagnosis and management of lung infections in this population, with many clinical trials and other large studies excluding the immunocompromised. Well-designed studies are needed to better understand the optimal diagnostic and management options to improve outcomes in the increasingly heterogeneous group of immunocompromised patients.
Additional Links: PMID-39890289
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@article {pmid39890289,
year = {2025},
author = {Cilloniz, C and Torres, A},
title = {Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Emerging Lung Infections in the Immunocompromised Patient.},
journal = {Clinics in chest medicine},
volume = {46},
number = {1},
pages = {203-216},
doi = {10.1016/j.ccm.2024.10.015},
pmid = {39890289},
issn = {1557-8216},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunocompromised Host ; *COVID-19/complications/immunology/therapy/diagnosis ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The immunocompromised are at higher risk of COVID-19 and lung infections, and these are associated with more severe presentations and greater risk of complication, increasing the risks of intensive care unit admission and poor outcomes. However, only limited high-quality data are available about the diagnosis and management of lung infections in this population, with many clinical trials and other large studies excluding the immunocompromised. Well-designed studies are needed to better understand the optimal diagnostic and management options to improve outcomes in the increasingly heterogeneous group of immunocompromised patients.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Immunocompromised Host
*COVID-19/complications/immunology/therapy/diagnosis
*SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
The Impact of AI-driven Remote Patient Monitoring on Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.
Anticancer research, 45(2):407-418.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a shift in healthcare delivery, emphasizing the need for remote patient monitoring (RPM) to minimize infection risks. This review aimed to evaluate the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in RPM for cancer patients, exploring its impact on patient outcomes and implications for future healthcare practices. A qualitative systematic review was conducted using keyword searches across four databases: Embase OVID, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected studies underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools and a risk of bias assessment. A thematic analysis was then performed using Delve, an application that facilitates deductive coding, to identify and explore themes related to AI in RPM. The search yielded 170 papers, from which 11 quantitative studies were selected for detailed analysis. Deductive coding resulted in the generation of 12 codes, leading to the identification of six subthemes and the construction of two primary themes: Efficacy of the RPM intervention and patient factors. AI systems in RPM show significant potential for enhancing cancer patient care and outcomes. However, this review could not conclusively determine that RPM provides superior outcomes compared to traditional face-to-face care. The findings underscore the preliminary nature of AI in medicine, highlighting the need for larger-scale, long-term studies to fully understand the benefits and limitations of AI in RPM for cancer care.
Additional Links: PMID-39890180
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39890180,
year = {2025},
author = {Aziz, F and Bianchini, D and Olawade, DB and Boussios, S},
title = {The Impact of AI-driven Remote Patient Monitoring on Cancer Care: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Anticancer research},
volume = {45},
number = {2},
pages = {407-418},
doi = {10.21873/anticanres.17430},
pmid = {39890180},
issn = {1791-7530},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neoplasms/therapy ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Telemedicine ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Delivery of Health Care ; Monitoring, Physiologic/methods ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated a shift in healthcare delivery, emphasizing the need for remote patient monitoring (RPM) to minimize infection risks. This review aimed to evaluate the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in RPM for cancer patients, exploring its impact on patient outcomes and implications for future healthcare practices. A qualitative systematic review was conducted using keyword searches across four databases: Embase OVID, PubMed, PsychInfo, and Web of Science. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected studies underwent quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools and a risk of bias assessment. A thematic analysis was then performed using Delve, an application that facilitates deductive coding, to identify and explore themes related to AI in RPM. The search yielded 170 papers, from which 11 quantitative studies were selected for detailed analysis. Deductive coding resulted in the generation of 12 codes, leading to the identification of six subthemes and the construction of two primary themes: Efficacy of the RPM intervention and patient factors. AI systems in RPM show significant potential for enhancing cancer patient care and outcomes. However, this review could not conclusively determine that RPM provides superior outcomes compared to traditional face-to-face care. The findings underscore the preliminary nature of AI in medicine, highlighting the need for larger-scale, long-term studies to fully understand the benefits and limitations of AI in RPM for cancer care.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Neoplasms/therapy
*Artificial Intelligence
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Telemedicine
SARS-CoV-2
Delivery of Health Care
Monitoring, Physiologic/methods
RevDate: 2025-01-31
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac related emergency department presentations: A scoping review.
International emergency nursing, 79:101574 pii:S1755-599X(25)00004-7 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Acute cardiac conditions require timely assessment and management to optimise patient outcomes. It is important to understand whether changes in acute cardiac ED visits occurred in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive synthesis of published articles regarding the impact of the pandemic on acute cardiac-related ED presentations in terms of rates, patient demographics, ED clinical characteristics, and outcomes.
METHODS: A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was undertaken. Four databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Public Health Database (ProQuest)) were searched for articles published in English between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2022 that reported on acute cardiac-related ED presentation rates, comparing COVID-19 pandemic and non-pandemic time periods, for adult patients (18 years and over), and demographics, and/or presentation characteristics, and/or outcomes.
RESULTS: Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant decline in ED presentations for heart failure and myocardial infarction during 2020. Demographic, presentation characteristics and outcomes were inconsistently reported.
CONCLUSION: While there is variation and heterogeneity in the current available evidence, this data is helpful for informing clinicians and policy makers for future pandemics as well as providing a reference point for COVID-19 related research.
Additional Links: PMID-39889613
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Citation:
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@article {pmid39889613,
year = {2025},
author = {Hall, EJ and Ranse, J and Keijzers, G and Crilly, J},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiac related emergency department presentations: A scoping review.},
journal = {International emergency nursing},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {101574},
doi = {10.1016/j.ienj.2025.101574},
pmid = {39889613},
issn = {1878-013X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acute cardiac conditions require timely assessment and management to optimise patient outcomes. It is important to understand whether changes in acute cardiac ED visits occurred in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive synthesis of published articles regarding the impact of the pandemic on acute cardiac-related ED presentations in terms of rates, patient demographics, ED clinical characteristics, and outcomes.
METHODS: A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was undertaken. Four databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Public Health Database (ProQuest)) were searched for articles published in English between 1 January 2020 and 30 April 2022 that reported on acute cardiac-related ED presentation rates, comparing COVID-19 pandemic and non-pandemic time periods, for adult patients (18 years and over), and demographics, and/or presentation characteristics, and/or outcomes.
RESULTS: Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. There was a significant decline in ED presentations for heart failure and myocardial infarction during 2020. Demographic, presentation characteristics and outcomes were inconsistently reported.
CONCLUSION: While there is variation and heterogeneity in the current available evidence, this data is helpful for informing clinicians and policy makers for future pandemics as well as providing a reference point for COVID-19 related research.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-31
Transformative approaches in SARS-CoV-2 management: Vaccines, therapeutics and future direction.
Virology, 604:110394 pii:S0042-6822(25)00006-6 [Epub ahead of print].
The global healthcare and economic challenges caused by the pandemic of COVID-19 reinforced the urgent demand for quick and effective therapeutic and preventative interventions. While vaccines served as the frontline of defense, antivirals emerged as adjunctive countermeasures, especially for people who developed infection, were immunocompromised, or were reluctant to be vaccinated. Beyond the serious complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the threats of long-COVID and the potential for zoonotic spillover continue to be significant health concerns that cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the incessant viral evolution, clinical safety issues, waning immune responses, and the emergence of drug-resistant variants pinpoint towards more severe viral threats in the future and call for broad-spectrum innovative therapies as a pre-pandemic preparedness measure. The present review provides a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the strategies utilized in the development of classical and next-generation vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the clinical and experimental data obtained from clinical trials, while addressing safety risks that may arise. Besides vaccines, the review also covers recent breakthroughs in anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery, emphasizing druggable viral and host targets, virus- and host-targeting antivirals, and highlighting mechanistically representative molecules that are either approved or are under clinical investigation. In conclusion, the integration of both vaccines and antiviral therapies, along with swift innovative strategies to address viral evolution and drug resistance is crucial to strengthen our preparedness against future viral outbreaks.
Additional Links: PMID-39889481
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39889481,
year = {2025},
author = {Saha, A and Choudhary, S and Walia, P and Kumar, P and Tomar, S},
title = {Transformative approaches in SARS-CoV-2 management: Vaccines, therapeutics and future direction.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {604},
number = {},
pages = {110394},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2025.110394},
pmid = {39889481},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {The global healthcare and economic challenges caused by the pandemic of COVID-19 reinforced the urgent demand for quick and effective therapeutic and preventative interventions. While vaccines served as the frontline of defense, antivirals emerged as adjunctive countermeasures, especially for people who developed infection, were immunocompromised, or were reluctant to be vaccinated. Beyond the serious complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the threats of long-COVID and the potential for zoonotic spillover continue to be significant health concerns that cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the incessant viral evolution, clinical safety issues, waning immune responses, and the emergence of drug-resistant variants pinpoint towards more severe viral threats in the future and call for broad-spectrum innovative therapies as a pre-pandemic preparedness measure. The present review provides a comprehensive up-to-date overview of the strategies utilized in the development of classical and next-generation vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the clinical and experimental data obtained from clinical trials, while addressing safety risks that may arise. Besides vaccines, the review also covers recent breakthroughs in anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery, emphasizing druggable viral and host targets, virus- and host-targeting antivirals, and highlighting mechanistically representative molecules that are either approved or are under clinical investigation. In conclusion, the integration of both vaccines and antiviral therapies, along with swift innovative strategies to address viral evolution and drug resistance is crucial to strengthen our preparedness against future viral outbreaks.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-31
[Geriatric medicine in Spain's healthcare system: Past and future].
Revista espanola de geriatria y gerontologia, 60(2):101626 pii:S0211-139X(25)00006-X [Epub ahead of print].
Geriatrics is the medical specialty that cares for health problems of older persons, including acute care, chronic care and rehabilitation, in various settings such as the community, hospitals and long-term care. This article analyzes the situation of geriatric medicine in Spain before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges and changes needed to improve geriatric care in the future. The first part of this paper describes the main landmarks of the Spanish health system. In 1986, a key law (Ley General de Sanidad) was approved by the Spanish Parliament, launching the development of the national health care system. In parallel, we describe and comment the development of geriatrics in Spain along this period is described. Later, the interactions between the health system and geriatrics along the next decades is reported, using 2020 (when started the COVID-19 pandemic started) as deadline of our past history. In the second part, the most important characteristics of the current situation of Spanish and European geriatric medicine are described, in order to propose ideas on how geriatric care can be designed and reimagined in the future.
Additional Links: PMID-39889365
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39889365,
year = {2025},
author = {Ribera Casado, JM and Cruz Jentoft, AJ},
title = {[Geriatric medicine in Spain's healthcare system: Past and future].},
journal = {Revista espanola de geriatria y gerontologia},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {101626},
doi = {10.1016/j.regg.2025.101626},
pmid = {39889365},
issn = {1578-1747},
abstract = {Geriatrics is the medical specialty that cares for health problems of older persons, including acute care, chronic care and rehabilitation, in various settings such as the community, hospitals and long-term care. This article analyzes the situation of geriatric medicine in Spain before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the challenges and changes needed to improve geriatric care in the future. The first part of this paper describes the main landmarks of the Spanish health system. In 1986, a key law (Ley General de Sanidad) was approved by the Spanish Parliament, launching the development of the national health care system. In parallel, we describe and comment the development of geriatrics in Spain along this period is described. Later, the interactions between the health system and geriatrics along the next decades is reported, using 2020 (when started the COVID-19 pandemic started) as deadline of our past history. In the second part, the most important characteristics of the current situation of Spanish and European geriatric medicine are described, in order to propose ideas on how geriatric care can be designed and reimagined in the future.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Challenges and Strategies Adopted for Remote Teaching of Biochemistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Scoping Review.
JMIR research protocols, 14:e59552 pii:v14i1e59552.
BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the global landscape witnessed widespread upheavals in both socioeconomic and educational spheres due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With measures imposed to control the virus's spread, educational institutions around the world embraced digital learning, introducing challenges in the adaptation to virtual education. This shift proved especially daunting in resource-limited nations with limited digital infrastructure.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to explore the experiences of biochemistry educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on successful pedagogical strategies used to overcome challenges in remote teaching. The goal is to compile valuable information applicable to health-related undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
METHODS: This review considers studies and experiences related to the transition to remote biochemistry education during the pandemic. It encompasses a variety of pedagogical approaches, including online teaching tools, interactive methods, and alternatives to practical laboratory classes. The search spans databases such as MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence Synthesis, with a focus on identifying systematic or scoping reviews; however, none were identified in the preliminary search.
RESULTS: Starting in February 2022, the scoping review protocol was scheduled for completion by July 2024. From an initial pool of 1171 results, 85 articles were selected, with duplicate verification pending for the subsequent phase of the project. The findings from this review on biochemistry teaching strategies will be communicated using a combination of descriptive narrative, graphical, and tabular formats, emphasizing diverse pedagogical approaches pertinent to the subject. Dissemination will occur through regional and national scientific conference presentations, alongside publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
CONCLUSIONS: This review aims to generate innovative pedagogical approaches and pinpoint learning activities, materials, and tools that support social and collaborative learning across various subjects, including biochemistry. Moreover, it will offer perspectives from students and educators on the implemented activities, with the intention of integrating them as supplementary methods to boost student participation, and thereby, improve learning outcomes and skill development.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework VZSA7; https://osf.io/VZSA7/.
DERR1-10.2196/59552.
Additional Links: PMID-39889289
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39889289,
year = {2025},
author = {Iembo, T and Cristóvão, HLG and Santos, ERD and Cristóvão, ABG and Cristóvão, NBG and Martins, CC and Castro, NAASR and Facio Júnior, FN and Oliani, AH and Lima, ARA and Brienze, VMS and Souza, DRS and André, JC},
title = {Challenges and Strategies Adopted for Remote Teaching of Biochemistry During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Scoping Review.},
journal = {JMIR research protocols},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e59552},
doi = {10.2196/59552},
pmid = {39889289},
issn = {1929-0748},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Education, Distance/methods ; *Biochemistry/education ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Teaching ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the global landscape witnessed widespread upheavals in both socioeconomic and educational spheres due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With measures imposed to control the virus's spread, educational institutions around the world embraced digital learning, introducing challenges in the adaptation to virtual education. This shift proved especially daunting in resource-limited nations with limited digital infrastructure.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to explore the experiences of biochemistry educators during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on successful pedagogical strategies used to overcome challenges in remote teaching. The goal is to compile valuable information applicable to health-related undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
METHODS: This review considers studies and experiences related to the transition to remote biochemistry education during the pandemic. It encompasses a variety of pedagogical approaches, including online teaching tools, interactive methods, and alternatives to practical laboratory classes. The search spans databases such as MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence Synthesis, with a focus on identifying systematic or scoping reviews; however, none were identified in the preliminary search.
RESULTS: Starting in February 2022, the scoping review protocol was scheduled for completion by July 2024. From an initial pool of 1171 results, 85 articles were selected, with duplicate verification pending for the subsequent phase of the project. The findings from this review on biochemistry teaching strategies will be communicated using a combination of descriptive narrative, graphical, and tabular formats, emphasizing diverse pedagogical approaches pertinent to the subject. Dissemination will occur through regional and national scientific conference presentations, alongside publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
CONCLUSIONS: This review aims to generate innovative pedagogical approaches and pinpoint learning activities, materials, and tools that support social and collaborative learning across various subjects, including biochemistry. Moreover, it will offer perspectives from students and educators on the implemented activities, with the intention of integrating them as supplementary methods to boost student participation, and thereby, improve learning outcomes and skill development.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework VZSA7; https://osf.io/VZSA7/.
DERR1-10.2196/59552.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Humans
*Education, Distance/methods
*Biochemistry/education
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Teaching
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Measures to Prevent and Control COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Scoping Review.
JAMA health forum, 6(1):e245175.
IMPORTANCE: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) experienced high mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading them to adopt preventive measures to counteract viral spread. A critical appraisal of these measures is essential to support SNFs in managing future infectious disease outbreaks.
OBJECTIVE: To perform a scoping review of data and evidence on the use and effectiveness of preventive measures implemented from 2020 to 2024 to prevent COVID-19 infection in SNFs in the US.
EVIDENCE REVIEW: Two analyses were performed. First, an analysis of the federal COVID-19 SNF Database was conducted to describe time trends in COVID-19 incidence, deaths, testing, vaccination, and treatment among SNF residents and staff, as well as shortages in staff and personal protective equipment (PPE). Then, a comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2023 to April 2024 to identify high-quality evidence on the use and effectiveness of modifiable preventive measures used among SNF residents. Both nonpharmacologic (facility characteristics, PPE, cohorting, and isolation, visitation, staffing, testing) and pharmacologic (vaccination, treatment) measures were reviewed.
FINDINGS: Nationwide data indicated early shortages of PPE, infrequent testing, and persistent staff shortages in SNFs. Other nonpharmacologic measures, such as visitor restrictions or ventilation modifications, were widely adopted but there were no available national data to quantify their effectiveness. These nonpharmacologic measures lacked high-quality studies to verify effectiveness. In contrast, the effectiveness of vaccination and antiviral treatment was shown in multiple studies. Evidence also showed associations between COVID-19 outcomes in residents and crowding, staff size, hours per residents and networks, and surveillance testing of residents and staff. Despite high initial uptake, up-to-date vaccination status was suboptimal in residents and staff from 2022 to 2024. Only a minority of infected residents received antiviral treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This scoping review found that although many preventive measures were implemented in SNFs in the US throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, few were based on clear evidence of their effectiveness. Pharmacologic measures, such as vaccination and antiviral treatment, had more robust evidence supporting their efficacy than nonpharmacologic interventions. Using the scarce resources and staff of SNFs on measures of questionable effectiveness could distract from known effective ones such as vaccination and antiviral treatment. When possible, implementation efforts should be commensurate with the demonstrated effectiveness of available preventive measures.
Additional Links: PMID-39888638
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39888638,
year = {2025},
author = {Canter, BE and Ulyte, A and McGarry, BE and Barnett, ML},
title = {Measures to Prevent and Control COVID-19 in Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {JAMA health forum},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {e245175},
pmid = {39888638},
issn = {2689-0186},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Skilled Nursing Facilities ; United States/epidemiology ; Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Infection Control/methods/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) experienced high mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading them to adopt preventive measures to counteract viral spread. A critical appraisal of these measures is essential to support SNFs in managing future infectious disease outbreaks.
OBJECTIVE: To perform a scoping review of data and evidence on the use and effectiveness of preventive measures implemented from 2020 to 2024 to prevent COVID-19 infection in SNFs in the US.
EVIDENCE REVIEW: Two analyses were performed. First, an analysis of the federal COVID-19 SNF Database was conducted to describe time trends in COVID-19 incidence, deaths, testing, vaccination, and treatment among SNF residents and staff, as well as shortages in staff and personal protective equipment (PPE). Then, a comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2023 to April 2024 to identify high-quality evidence on the use and effectiveness of modifiable preventive measures used among SNF residents. Both nonpharmacologic (facility characteristics, PPE, cohorting, and isolation, visitation, staffing, testing) and pharmacologic (vaccination, treatment) measures were reviewed.
FINDINGS: Nationwide data indicated early shortages of PPE, infrequent testing, and persistent staff shortages in SNFs. Other nonpharmacologic measures, such as visitor restrictions or ventilation modifications, were widely adopted but there were no available national data to quantify their effectiveness. These nonpharmacologic measures lacked high-quality studies to verify effectiveness. In contrast, the effectiveness of vaccination and antiviral treatment was shown in multiple studies. Evidence also showed associations between COVID-19 outcomes in residents and crowding, staff size, hours per residents and networks, and surveillance testing of residents and staff. Despite high initial uptake, up-to-date vaccination status was suboptimal in residents and staff from 2022 to 2024. Only a minority of infected residents received antiviral treatment.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This scoping review found that although many preventive measures were implemented in SNFs in the US throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, few were based on clear evidence of their effectiveness. Pharmacologic measures, such as vaccination and antiviral treatment, had more robust evidence supporting their efficacy than nonpharmacologic interventions. Using the scarce resources and staff of SNFs on measures of questionable effectiveness could distract from known effective ones such as vaccination and antiviral treatment. When possible, implementation efforts should be commensurate with the demonstrated effectiveness of available preventive measures.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Skilled Nursing Facilities
United States/epidemiology
Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution
SARS-CoV-2
Infection Control/methods/organization & administration
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Quantitative Benefit-Risk Assessment of Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review.
Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety, 34(2):e70099.
PURPOSE: With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, there has been a proliferation of quantitative benefit-risk assessments (qBRAs). Prior work on other types of vaccines has found that published qBRAs have not always clearly reported methods and/or results needed to assist in the application of the qBRA findings. The aim was to systematically identify, review, and critically assess published COVID-19 vaccine qBRA. The ultimate goal is to support the future development of robust qBRA for existing, new, and updated vaccines.
METHODS: We systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs identified from multiple sources through April 17, 2023, including literature databases, selected Health Authority websites, and a grey literature search. We critically assessed whether key features typical of qBRA were presented in these reports.
RESULTS: We identified 37 COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs from screening 2220 publications and 18 other sources. The qBRAs were conducted on two mRNA and two adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines. Only one qBRA represented low- and middle-income countries. Although many qBRAs used simple calculations (n = 25), more complex models were presented in 15 reports. Simple approaches were able to employ stratification by age and/or sex to highlight safety issues affecting specific demographic groups and scenarios to account for changes in viral transmission and vaccine effectiveness over time. Details regarding data sources and analytic methods were missing or limited in some reports.
CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive description and critical assessment of COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs together with available guidance can be used to support the development of robust and transparent future vaccine qBRAs.
Additional Links: PMID-39887891
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39887891,
year = {2025},
author = {Newbern, EC and Wildisen, L and Verstraeten, R and Willame, C and Haynes, K and Levitan, B and Praet, N},
title = {Quantitative Benefit-Risk Assessment of Vaccination Against COVID-19: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety},
volume = {34},
number = {2},
pages = {e70099},
pmid = {39887891},
issn = {1099-1557},
support = {//Janssen Pharmaceuticals/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Risk Assessment ; *Vaccination/adverse effects/methods ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: With the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, there has been a proliferation of quantitative benefit-risk assessments (qBRAs). Prior work on other types of vaccines has found that published qBRAs have not always clearly reported methods and/or results needed to assist in the application of the qBRA findings. The aim was to systematically identify, review, and critically assess published COVID-19 vaccine qBRA. The ultimate goal is to support the future development of robust qBRA for existing, new, and updated vaccines.
METHODS: We systematically reviewed COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs identified from multiple sources through April 17, 2023, including literature databases, selected Health Authority websites, and a grey literature search. We critically assessed whether key features typical of qBRA were presented in these reports.
RESULTS: We identified 37 COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs from screening 2220 publications and 18 other sources. The qBRAs were conducted on two mRNA and two adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccines. Only one qBRA represented low- and middle-income countries. Although many qBRAs used simple calculations (n = 25), more complex models were presented in 15 reports. Simple approaches were able to employ stratification by age and/or sex to highlight safety issues affecting specific demographic groups and scenarios to account for changes in viral transmission and vaccine effectiveness over time. Details regarding data sources and analytic methods were missing or limited in some reports.
CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive description and critical assessment of COVID-19 vaccine qBRAs together with available guidance can be used to support the development of robust and transparent future vaccine qBRAs.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Risk Assessment
*Vaccination/adverse effects/methods
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
RevDate: 2025-01-31
Research Review: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions - a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.
Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews have suggested mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people. However, most included studies focused on the general population and were cross-sectional. The long-term impact on those with pre-existing mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the longitudinal impact of the pandemic on the mental health of this clinical population and potential explanatory factors.
METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo and Global Health databases were searched between 1 January 2020 and 3 August 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022383546). We included longitudinal studies that compared mental health symptoms between pre- and during pandemic and/or during pandemic timepoints in children and young people (≤18 years old) with pre-existing mental and/or neurodevelopmental conditions. Outcomes included internalising, externalising and other symptoms. Risk of bias was rated using an adapted tool. Included studies were narratively synthesised and multi-level meta-analyses were conducted where the number of studies was sufficient.
RESULTS: We identified 21 studies (N = 2,617) from 6,083 records. Studies differed across countries, diagnoses, measures, informants and timepoints. All had overall moderate-to-high risk of bias. Narrative synthesis found mixed evidence of symptom change, with individual studies showing increase/reduction/no change. Factors such as diagnosis, baseline symptom severity, age and sex/gender may explain variation in outcomes. Multi-level meta-analyses were feasible for a limited number of outcomes and found no significant changes in internalising and externalising symptoms pre- versus during pandemic or internalising symptoms between 2020 pandemic phases, and high heterogeneity was noted.
CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing conditions varied according to individual and contextual vulnerabilities, which were not fully captured in pooled analyses. Further research needs to investigate longer-term impacts and better stratify this vulnerable population.
Additional Links: PMID-39887362
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39887362,
year = {2025},
author = {Ching, BCF and Downs, J and Zhang, S and Abdul Cader, H and Penhallow, J and Voraite, E and Popnikolova, T and Wickersham, A and Parlatini, V and Simonoff, E},
title = {Research Review: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions - a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.},
journal = {Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jcpp.14117},
pmid = {39887362},
issn = {1469-7610},
support = {MR/W006820/1/MRF/MRF/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews have suggested mixed effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people. However, most included studies focused on the general population and were cross-sectional. The long-term impact on those with pre-existing mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the longitudinal impact of the pandemic on the mental health of this clinical population and potential explanatory factors.
METHODS: Ovid Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo and Global Health databases were searched between 1 January 2020 and 3 August 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022383546). We included longitudinal studies that compared mental health symptoms between pre- and during pandemic and/or during pandemic timepoints in children and young people (≤18 years old) with pre-existing mental and/or neurodevelopmental conditions. Outcomes included internalising, externalising and other symptoms. Risk of bias was rated using an adapted tool. Included studies were narratively synthesised and multi-level meta-analyses were conducted where the number of studies was sufficient.
RESULTS: We identified 21 studies (N = 2,617) from 6,083 records. Studies differed across countries, diagnoses, measures, informants and timepoints. All had overall moderate-to-high risk of bias. Narrative synthesis found mixed evidence of symptom change, with individual studies showing increase/reduction/no change. Factors such as diagnosis, baseline symptom severity, age and sex/gender may explain variation in outcomes. Multi-level meta-analyses were feasible for a limited number of outcomes and found no significant changes in internalising and externalising symptoms pre- versus during pandemic or internalising symptoms between 2020 pandemic phases, and high heterogeneity was noted.
CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing conditions varied according to individual and contextual vulnerabilities, which were not fully captured in pooled analyses. Further research needs to investigate longer-term impacts and better stratify this vulnerable population.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-07
Progression of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.
Clinical microbiology reviews [Epub ahead of print].
SUMMARYThe human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is the causative agent of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), usually presenting as meningitis, bacteremia, or sepsis. Unlike Neisseria gonorrhoeae, antibiotic resistance in Nm has developed slowly. However, in the last two decades and with the reemergence of IMD following the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic-resistant Nm isolates, especially to penicillin and fluoroquinolones, have progressively increased. Recent worldwide studies of penicillin intermediate and resistant Nm isolates and the PubMLST global database reveal a notable increase in fully penicillin-resistant isolates since 2016, mediated by mosaic penA alleles or the β-lactamase genes blaROB-1 and blaTEM-1. Fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, mediated by gyrA mutations, have increased since 2005. Also, while still exceptionally rare, four Nm isolates have been identified with third-generation cephalosporin-resistance since 2011. We review the emergence of antibiotic resistance determinants and lineages in Nm, the resistance to agents previously or currently used in treatment or chemoprophylaxis, and summarize updated treatment and prevention guidelines for IMD. Special populations (e.g., individuals on complement inhibitors) and antibiotic resistance in Nm urethritis isolates are also reviewed. The increasing number of resistant Nm isolates worldwide affects chemoprophylaxis and treatment options for IMD and emphasizes the need for enhanced global surveillance of antibiotic resistance in Nm.
Additional Links: PMID-39887238
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39887238,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodriguez, E and Tzeng, Y-L and Berry, I and Howie, R and McNamara, L and Stephens, DS},
title = {Progression of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0021524},
doi = {10.1128/cmr.00215-24},
pmid = {39887238},
issn = {1098-6618},
support = {R21 AI164733/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {SUMMARYThe human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is the causative agent of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), usually presenting as meningitis, bacteremia, or sepsis. Unlike Neisseria gonorrhoeae, antibiotic resistance in Nm has developed slowly. However, in the last two decades and with the reemergence of IMD following the COVID-19 pandemic, antibiotic-resistant Nm isolates, especially to penicillin and fluoroquinolones, have progressively increased. Recent worldwide studies of penicillin intermediate and resistant Nm isolates and the PubMLST global database reveal a notable increase in fully penicillin-resistant isolates since 2016, mediated by mosaic penA alleles or the β-lactamase genes blaROB-1 and blaTEM-1. Fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates, mediated by gyrA mutations, have increased since 2005. Also, while still exceptionally rare, four Nm isolates have been identified with third-generation cephalosporin-resistance since 2011. We review the emergence of antibiotic resistance determinants and lineages in Nm, the resistance to agents previously or currently used in treatment or chemoprophylaxis, and summarize updated treatment and prevention guidelines for IMD. Special populations (e.g., individuals on complement inhibitors) and antibiotic resistance in Nm urethritis isolates are also reviewed. The increasing number of resistant Nm isolates worldwide affects chemoprophylaxis and treatment options for IMD and emphasizes the need for enhanced global surveillance of antibiotic resistance in Nm.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
Post-pandemic insights on COVID-19 and premature ovarian insufficiency.
Open life sciences, 20(1):20221028.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This overview examines the possible interactions between COVID-19 and POI, while also suggesting preventive measures. The viral infection's inflammatory response and immune dysregulation may adversely affect ovarian tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Additionally, alterations in vascular function could impair ovarian blood flow and hormonal imbalances may disrupt normal ovarian function. Long-term health effects, such as "long COVID," may exacerbate these issues through chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Public health measures, such as vaccination and home isolation, may indirectly protect ovarian health by reducing systemic inflammation. Vaccines could mitigate the severity of COVID-19's impact on ovarian function, while isolation may reduce stress and inflammation. However, further research is needed to validate these mechanisms.
Additional Links: PMID-39886482
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39886482,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Dai, Y and Wang, K and Zhang, X and Shao, Z and Zhu, X},
title = {Post-pandemic insights on COVID-19 and premature ovarian insufficiency.},
journal = {Open life sciences},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {20221028},
pmid = {39886482},
issn = {2391-5412},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). This overview examines the possible interactions between COVID-19 and POI, while also suggesting preventive measures. The viral infection's inflammatory response and immune dysregulation may adversely affect ovarian tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. Additionally, alterations in vascular function could impair ovarian blood flow and hormonal imbalances may disrupt normal ovarian function. Long-term health effects, such as "long COVID," may exacerbate these issues through chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Public health measures, such as vaccination and home isolation, may indirectly protect ovarian health by reducing systemic inflammation. Vaccines could mitigate the severity of COVID-19's impact on ovarian function, while isolation may reduce stress and inflammation. However, further research is needed to validate these mechanisms.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-02
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Global infectious disease surveillance: bridge a 30-metre gap between the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Journal of global health, 15:03010.
The global aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the international civil aviation industry now has strong incentives to prevent and control future pandemics. It is almost unbelievable that the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is located right next to the headquarters of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). While the vision and mission of these two organizations may seem completely different, we propose that ICAO could adopt a system similar to that of WADA to enhance its contribution to global infectious disease surveillance.
Additional Links: PMID-39885814
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39885814,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, J and Güllüoğlu, M and Döring, O and Wang, H and Li, J and Liu, Y},
title = {Global infectious disease surveillance: bridge a 30-metre gap between the International Civil Aviation Organization and the World Anti-Doping Agency.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {03010},
pmid = {39885814},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; *Doping in Sports/prevention & control ; *Aviation ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Global Health ; International Agencies/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {The global aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the international civil aviation industry now has strong incentives to prevent and control future pandemics. It is almost unbelievable that the headquarters of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is located right next to the headquarters of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). While the vision and mission of these two organizations may seem completely different, we propose that ICAO could adopt a system similar to that of WADA to enhance its contribution to global infectious disease surveillance.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Doping in Sports/prevention & control
*Aviation
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Global Health
International Agencies/organization & administration
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-31
Invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMC infectious diseases, 25(1):141.
BACKGROUND: In the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive aspergillosis (IA) has a poor prognosis. Some studies report a positive association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and IA in critically ill patients, but the relationship between DM and IA in the ICU remains controversial. We aimed to clarify the relationship between DM and IA among patients in the ICU in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: We retrieved all reports published in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases before July 12, 2023. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the relationship between DM and IA. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further analyze sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test and I[2] statistic. Additionally, we evaluated publication bias using funnel plots, Egger's test, and Begg's test. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.
RESULTS: Twenty studies with 6155 participants were included in this meta-analysis. We found a positive association between DM and IA among patients in the ICU (OR = 1.18, 95% CI:1.01 to 1.39; p = 0.04). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 5%; p = 0.39) and publication bias was not significant (Egger's test: p = 0.654; Begg's test: p = 0.417). The results of sensitivity analysis supported a stable association between DM and IA. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients' comorbidities might be a potential source of heterogeneity. Additionally, patients with DM had a significantly higher risk of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) than those without DM (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.70; p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 0%; p = 0.91). In the subgroup with influenza, the OR of the relationship between DM and IA was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.23; p = 0.32; heterogeneity: p = 0.36; I² = 8%).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM in the ICU showed a higher risk of developing IA than patients in the ICU without DM. DM was a significant risk factor for IA, with the highest risk observed in critically ill patients diagnosed with CAPA.
Additional Links: PMID-39885384
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39885384,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Zhang, Z and Zhou, L and Lin, T and Zhang, R and Li, M and Chen, S and Liu, X and Liu, X},
title = {Invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {141},
pmid = {39885384},
issn = {1471-2334},
support = {82070084//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82070084//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2020B1111340001//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 2020B1111340001//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Critical Illness ; *Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data ; *Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology ; Aspergillosis/epidemiology/complications ; Diabetes Complications/microbiology ; Risk Factors ; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/epidemiology/complications ; Odds Ratio ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the intensive care unit (ICU), invasive aspergillosis (IA) has a poor prognosis. Some studies report a positive association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and IA in critically ill patients, but the relationship between DM and IA in the ICU remains controversial. We aimed to clarify the relationship between DM and IA among patients in the ICU in a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS: We retrieved all reports published in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases before July 12, 2023. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the relationship between DM and IA. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further analyze sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran's Q test and I[2] statistic. Additionally, we evaluated publication bias using funnel plots, Egger's test, and Begg's test. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.
RESULTS: Twenty studies with 6155 participants were included in this meta-analysis. We found a positive association between DM and IA among patients in the ICU (OR = 1.18, 95% CI:1.01 to 1.39; p = 0.04). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 5%; p = 0.39) and publication bias was not significant (Egger's test: p = 0.654; Begg's test: p = 0.417). The results of sensitivity analysis supported a stable association between DM and IA. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients' comorbidities might be a potential source of heterogeneity. Additionally, patients with DM had a significantly higher risk of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) than those without DM (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.70; p < 0.001). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 0%; p = 0.91). In the subgroup with influenza, the OR of the relationship between DM and IA was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.23; p = 0.32; heterogeneity: p = 0.36; I² = 8%).
CONCLUSIONS: Patients with DM in the ICU showed a higher risk of developing IA than patients in the ICU without DM. DM was a significant risk factor for IA, with the highest risk observed in critically ill patients diagnosed with CAPA.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Critical Illness
*Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data
*Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology
Aspergillosis/epidemiology/complications
Diabetes Complications/microbiology
Risk Factors
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/epidemiology/complications
Odds Ratio
RevDate: 2025-01-30
The immunopathogenesis of a cytokine storm: The key mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19.
Cytokine & growth factor reviews pii:S1359-6101(24)00104-7 [Epub ahead of print].
A cytokine storm is marked by excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and has emerged as a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases - making it a critical therapeutic target. However, its pathophysiology was poorly understood, which hindered effective treatment. SARS-CoV-2 initially disrupts angiotensin signalling, promoting inflammation through ACE-2 downregulation. Some patients' immune systems then fail to shift from innate to adaptive immunity, suppressing interferon responses and leading to excessive pyroptosis and neutrophil activation. This amplifies tissue damage and inflammation, creating a pro-inflammatory loop. The result is the disruption of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balances, lymphocyte exhaustion, and extensive blood clotting. Cytokine storm treatments include glucocorticoids to suppress the immune system, monoclonal antibodies to neutralize specific cytokines, and JAK inhibitors to block cytokine receptor signalling. However, the most effective treatment options for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection remain vaccines as a preventive measure and antiviral drugs for the early stages of infection. This article synthesizes insights into immune dysregulation in COVID-19, offering a framework to better understand cytokine storms and to improve monitoring, biomarker discovery, and treatment strategies for COVID-19 and other conditions involving cytokine storms.
Additional Links: PMID-39884914
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39884914,
year = {2025},
author = {Hiti, L and Markovič, T and Lainscak, M and Farkaš Lainščak, J and Pal, E and Mlinarič-Raščan, I},
title = {The immunopathogenesis of a cytokine storm: The key mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19.},
journal = {Cytokine & growth factor reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.12.003},
pmid = {39884914},
issn = {1879-0305},
abstract = {A cytokine storm is marked by excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and has emerged as a key factor in severe COVID-19 cases - making it a critical therapeutic target. However, its pathophysiology was poorly understood, which hindered effective treatment. SARS-CoV-2 initially disrupts angiotensin signalling, promoting inflammation through ACE-2 downregulation. Some patients' immune systems then fail to shift from innate to adaptive immunity, suppressing interferon responses and leading to excessive pyroptosis and neutrophil activation. This amplifies tissue damage and inflammation, creating a pro-inflammatory loop. The result is the disruption of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balances, lymphocyte exhaustion, and extensive blood clotting. Cytokine storm treatments include glucocorticoids to suppress the immune system, monoclonal antibodies to neutralize specific cytokines, and JAK inhibitors to block cytokine receptor signalling. However, the most effective treatment options for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infection remain vaccines as a preventive measure and antiviral drugs for the early stages of infection. This article synthesizes insights into immune dysregulation in COVID-19, offering a framework to better understand cytokine storms and to improve monitoring, biomarker discovery, and treatment strategies for COVID-19 and other conditions involving cytokine storms.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-13
CmpDate: 2025-02-13
Features and results availability of non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials: a systematic review of clinical trial registers and corresponding literature.
European journal of clinical pharmacology, 81(3):429-439.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials and to determine the availability of results. Differences in outcomes according to the interventions assessed (medicines, non-medicines) will also be determined.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in March 2024 by searching non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials on four registers (EUCTR, Clinical.
TRIALS: gov, ISRCTN, DRKS) and the WHO ICTRP. Phase-1 medicines trials were excluded. Several variables were retrieved from registers. Publication of main trial results were searched on PubMed, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and Google Scholar. Journals' impact factor and articles' citations on Google Scholar were also registered. Results from medicines and non-medicines trials extracted from registers and articles were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 170 trials (57.1% medicines trials) were identified. These 170 trials were randomized (87.1%), masked (41.8%), or multicenter (39.4%); a total of 15,555 participants were enrolled, mostly in small trials (median, n = 88). Only 8.8% (15/170) of trials posted results on the registers; only 47.6% (81/170) of trials had either published results or posted them on registers. Publications accounted for 92.6% (75/81) of these. Articles were published in 56 different journals, had a median impact factor of 4.4 and a median of 10 citations. Most (58.7%, 44/75) described negative results. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between medicines and non-medicines trials on timely registration and on being multicenter. This was also the case among published trials with respect to negative results of the primary endpoint.
CONCLUSION: Although most trials were randomized, a minority were multicenter, large, or masked. Trial results should be posted on the registers to make them accessible to everyone.
Additional Links: PMID-39789343
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39789343,
year = {2025},
author = {Dal-Ré, R and García-Méndez, E and Mahillo-Fernández, I},
title = {Features and results availability of non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials: a systematic review of clinical trial registers and corresponding literature.},
journal = {European journal of clinical pharmacology},
volume = {81},
number = {3},
pages = {429-439},
pmid = {39789343},
issn = {1432-1041},
mesh = {Humans ; *Registries ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Clinical Trials as Topic ; Spain ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials and to determine the availability of results. Differences in outcomes according to the interventions assessed (medicines, non-medicines) will also be determined.
METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in March 2024 by searching non-commercial Spanish COVID-19 trials on four registers (EUCTR, Clinical.
TRIALS: gov, ISRCTN, DRKS) and the WHO ICTRP. Phase-1 medicines trials were excluded. Several variables were retrieved from registers. Publication of main trial results were searched on PubMed, Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, and Google Scholar. Journals' impact factor and articles' citations on Google Scholar were also registered. Results from medicines and non-medicines trials extracted from registers and articles were compared.
RESULTS: A total of 170 trials (57.1% medicines trials) were identified. These 170 trials were randomized (87.1%), masked (41.8%), or multicenter (39.4%); a total of 15,555 participants were enrolled, mostly in small trials (median, n = 88). Only 8.8% (15/170) of trials posted results on the registers; only 47.6% (81/170) of trials had either published results or posted them on registers. Publications accounted for 92.6% (75/81) of these. Articles were published in 56 different journals, had a median impact factor of 4.4 and a median of 10 citations. Most (58.7%, 44/75) described negative results. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) between medicines and non-medicines trials on timely registration and on being multicenter. This was also the case among published trials with respect to negative results of the primary endpoint.
CONCLUSION: Although most trials were randomized, a minority were multicenter, large, or masked. Trial results should be posted on the registers to make them accessible to everyone.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Registries
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Clinical Trials as Topic
Spain
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
RevDate: 2025-02-01
Boosting and broadening recruitment to UK cancer trials: towards a blueprint for action.
BMJ oncology, 2(1):e000092.
Recruitment and retention in cancer trials are long-standing issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK National Institute of Health Research and leading clinicians have emphasised the urgency to achieve and surpass prepandemic levels of participation. Data from a recent UK trial demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 and highlighted factors that limited recruitment. In response to this worldwide problem, studies have identified strategies for remediation at the levels of funding, the research environment, study design and trial team-related aspects, yet evidence of progress is lacking. Equality, diversity and inclusivity have become central to UK health and social policy during the 2000s. The need for greater inclusivity in trials has become a particular concern for cancer researchers and funders in the UK and in the USA, in recognition of potential bias in results. In the UK trials, the lack of standardised recording of ethnicity data renders interpretation difficult and caution is required in comparisons with the USA. Recently, the focus of concern has shifted away from the impact of deprivation and low socioeconomic status on trial participation. Barriers created by these factors and their frequent intersection with ethnicity should not be overlooked. The UK has adopted an advisory approach to broadening recruitment, publishing policy documents, guidance and toolkits. In the USA, by contrast, action on inclusion is increasingly mandated. Within the UK paradigm, the cancer research community is strongly encouraged to adopt a coordinated approach towards standardised digital data collection and embed and evaluate innovative, cocreated, locally relevant strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-39886495
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39886495,
year = {2023},
author = {Nanton, V and Bryan, RT and Pope, AM and Hughes, A and Jefferson, K and Catto, JWF and Knight, A and Gallagher, J and Mintz, HP and Pirrie, SJ and Liu, W and Young, A and Patel, P and James, ND},
title = {Boosting and broadening recruitment to UK cancer trials: towards a blueprint for action.},
journal = {BMJ oncology},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {e000092},
pmid = {39886495},
issn = {2752-7948},
abstract = {Recruitment and retention in cancer trials are long-standing issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK National Institute of Health Research and leading clinicians have emphasised the urgency to achieve and surpass prepandemic levels of participation. Data from a recent UK trial demonstrated the impact of COVID-19 and highlighted factors that limited recruitment. In response to this worldwide problem, studies have identified strategies for remediation at the levels of funding, the research environment, study design and trial team-related aspects, yet evidence of progress is lacking. Equality, diversity and inclusivity have become central to UK health and social policy during the 2000s. The need for greater inclusivity in trials has become a particular concern for cancer researchers and funders in the UK and in the USA, in recognition of potential bias in results. In the UK trials, the lack of standardised recording of ethnicity data renders interpretation difficult and caution is required in comparisons with the USA. Recently, the focus of concern has shifted away from the impact of deprivation and low socioeconomic status on trial participation. Barriers created by these factors and their frequent intersection with ethnicity should not be overlooked. The UK has adopted an advisory approach to broadening recruitment, publishing policy documents, guidance and toolkits. In the USA, by contrast, action on inclusion is increasingly mandated. Within the UK paradigm, the cancer research community is strongly encouraged to adopt a coordinated approach towards standardised digital data collection and embed and evaluate innovative, cocreated, locally relevant strategies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-30
Implications of conflict on vaccination in the Sahel region.
BMJ global health, 10(1):.
The Sahel region is a geographical belt in Africa that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, between the Sahara Desert in the north and the Savannah in the south. It is characterised by challenging environmental crises and conflicts. This analysis highlights the potential implications of conflict on vaccination across five Sahel countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Sudan, from 2019 to 2023. It also presents recommendations to improve vaccination coverage in these settings. The WHO Immunisation Data Portal was used to extract data about vaccination coverage and disease outbreaks. With the increasing complexity of humanitarian access in the Sahel, there has been an accumulation of the number of zero-dose and underimmunised children. In 2023 alone, most of these countries had a significant proportion of zero-dose children, particularly Sudan (43%), Mali (22%) and Chad (16%). Nearly half of children in Sudan (49%), 33% in Chad and 23% in Mali are underimmunised. Measles vaccine coverage was consistently below 90% in these countries, except for Burkina Faso. The trend of polio outbreaks (circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus) across these countries showed fluctuations in the number of cases, with Niger having reported several cases over this period, and Chad having 101 cases reported in 2020 alone. Despite relatively high coverage, there were significant outbreaks of polio in Burkina Faso, Sudan and Mali in 2020, which reflects the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons can be learnt from past diplomatic and programmatic successes, while investments in innovative and flexible approaches may help increase the reach of vaccination programmes in inaccessible areas.
Additional Links: PMID-39884724
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39884724,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabahelzain, MM and Dwyer, H and Abimbola, S and Leask, J},
title = {Implications of conflict on vaccination in the Sahel region.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39884724},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination/statistics & numerical data ; Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data ; Mali ; Armed Conflicts ; Poliomyelitis/prevention & control ; Sudan ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Chad ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; Niger ; Immunization Programs ; Burkina Faso ; Africa ; },
abstract = {The Sahel region is a geographical belt in Africa that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, between the Sahara Desert in the north and the Savannah in the south. It is characterised by challenging environmental crises and conflicts. This analysis highlights the potential implications of conflict on vaccination across five Sahel countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Sudan, from 2019 to 2023. It also presents recommendations to improve vaccination coverage in these settings. The WHO Immunisation Data Portal was used to extract data about vaccination coverage and disease outbreaks. With the increasing complexity of humanitarian access in the Sahel, there has been an accumulation of the number of zero-dose and underimmunised children. In 2023 alone, most of these countries had a significant proportion of zero-dose children, particularly Sudan (43%), Mali (22%) and Chad (16%). Nearly half of children in Sudan (49%), 33% in Chad and 23% in Mali are underimmunised. Measles vaccine coverage was consistently below 90% in these countries, except for Burkina Faso. The trend of polio outbreaks (circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus) across these countries showed fluctuations in the number of cases, with Niger having reported several cases over this period, and Chad having 101 cases reported in 2020 alone. Despite relatively high coverage, there were significant outbreaks of polio in Burkina Faso, Sudan and Mali in 2020, which reflects the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons can be learnt from past diplomatic and programmatic successes, while investments in innovative and flexible approaches may help increase the reach of vaccination programmes in inaccessible areas.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Vaccination/statistics & numerical data
Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data
Mali
Armed Conflicts
Poliomyelitis/prevention & control
Sudan
COVID-19/prevention & control
Chad
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
Niger
Immunization Programs
Burkina Faso
Africa
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-30
Risk of long covid in patients with pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMJ open respiratory research, 12(1):.
BACKGROUND: An estimated 10-30% of people with COVID-19 experience debilitating long-term symptoms or long covid. Underlying health conditions associated with chronic inflammation may increase the risk of long covid.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether long covid risk was altered by pre-existing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. We identified studies by searching the PubMed and Embase databases from inception to 13 September 2024. We excluded studies that focused on children or defined long covid only in terms of respiratory symptoms. We used random-effects, restricted maximum likelihood models to analyse data pooled from 51 studies, which included 43 analyses of asthma and 30 analyses of COPD. The risk of bias was assessed using a ROBINS-E table.
RESULTS: We found 41% increased odds of long covid with pre-existing asthma (95% CI 1.29 to 1.54); pre-existing COPD was associated with 32% increased odds (95% CI 1.16 to 1.51). Pre-existing asthma, but not COPD, was associated with increased odds of long covid-associated fatigue. We observed heterogeneity in the results of studies of asthma related to hospitalisation status. Potential confounding and inconsistent measurement of exposure and outcome variables were among the identified limitations.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that pre-existing asthma and COPD increase the risk of long covid, including chronic fatigue outcomes in patients with asthma. Because COVID-19 targets the respiratory tract, these inflammatory conditions of the lower respiratory tract could provide mechanistic clues to a common pathway for the development of long-term sequelae in patients with long covid.
Additional Links: PMID-39884720
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39884720,
year = {2025},
author = {Terry, P and Heidel, RE and Wilson, AQ and Dhand, R},
title = {Risk of long covid in patients with pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMJ open respiratory research},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39884720},
issn = {2052-4439},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; *Asthma/epidemiology/complications ; *Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology/complications ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Factors ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: An estimated 10-30% of people with COVID-19 experience debilitating long-term symptoms or long covid. Underlying health conditions associated with chronic inflammation may increase the risk of long covid.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine whether long covid risk was altered by pre-existing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. We identified studies by searching the PubMed and Embase databases from inception to 13 September 2024. We excluded studies that focused on children or defined long covid only in terms of respiratory symptoms. We used random-effects, restricted maximum likelihood models to analyse data pooled from 51 studies, which included 43 analyses of asthma and 30 analyses of COPD. The risk of bias was assessed using a ROBINS-E table.
RESULTS: We found 41% increased odds of long covid with pre-existing asthma (95% CI 1.29 to 1.54); pre-existing COPD was associated with 32% increased odds (95% CI 1.16 to 1.51). Pre-existing asthma, but not COPD, was associated with increased odds of long covid-associated fatigue. We observed heterogeneity in the results of studies of asthma related to hospitalisation status. Potential confounding and inconsistent measurement of exposure and outcome variables were among the identified limitations.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the hypothesis that pre-existing asthma and COPD increase the risk of long covid, including chronic fatigue outcomes in patients with asthma. Because COVID-19 targets the respiratory tract, these inflammatory conditions of the lower respiratory tract could provide mechanistic clues to a common pathway for the development of long-term sequelae in patients with long covid.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
*Asthma/epidemiology/complications
*Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology/complications
*SARS-CoV-2
Risk Factors
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
RevDate: 2025-01-30
The prevalence and outcomes of viremia in patients with acute respiratory viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases pii:S1198-743X(25)00035-7 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Viremia has been detected in a significant proportion of patients with acute respiratory viral infection, yet its clinical value remains underappreciated.
OBJECTIVES: This study synthesized available evidence to comprehensively assess the prevalence of viremia and its impact on clinical outcomes.
DATA SOURCES: Data were retrieved from Medline (via Ovid), Embase, and the WHO COVID-19 database.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review included original clinical studies analyzing the prevalence of viremia in patients with acute respiratory viral infection or its association with clinical outcomes, while excluding non-original research, insufficiently detailed studies, inconsistent pathogen observations, or those with inadequate sample sizes.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients with acute respiratory viral infection.
EXPOSURE: Respiratory viral infection-related viremia METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Data synthesis utilized random-effects models to pool prevalence and hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and adjusted HR/OR for clinical outcomes.
RESULTS: In the comprehensive analysis of viremia prevalence, data were pooled from 101 studies, which included a total of 16,388 non-overlapping patients. Viremia was present in 34% (95% CI: 28%-41%) of patients with acute respiratory viral infection. 45 studies provided information on the clinical outcomes of 2,002 patients with viremia and 3,907 patients without viremia. Viremia was associated with increased risks of mortality (OR 6.83, 95% CI: 4.92-9.48; aHR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.87-4.53; aOR 3.68, 95% CI: 2.37-5.71), ICU admission (OR 4.74, 95% CI: 2.66-8.46; aOR 4.89, 95% CI: 1.61-14.91), mechanical ventilation (OR 4.12, 95% CI: 2.25-7.52), and hepatic complications (OR 3.10, 95% CI: 1.30-7.40).
CONCLUSIONS: Viremia is prevalent in patients with respiratory viral infection and is associated with elevated risks of adverse clinical outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-39884502
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39884502,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, Y and Shang, L and Xu, J and Gu, X and Fan, G and Wang, Y and Cao, B},
title = {The prevalence and outcomes of viremia in patients with acute respiratory viral infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2025.01.027},
pmid = {39884502},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viremia has been detected in a significant proportion of patients with acute respiratory viral infection, yet its clinical value remains underappreciated.
OBJECTIVES: This study synthesized available evidence to comprehensively assess the prevalence of viremia and its impact on clinical outcomes.
DATA SOURCES: Data were retrieved from Medline (via Ovid), Embase, and the WHO COVID-19 database.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: This review included original clinical studies analyzing the prevalence of viremia in patients with acute respiratory viral infection or its association with clinical outcomes, while excluding non-original research, insufficiently detailed studies, inconsistent pathogen observations, or those with inadequate sample sizes.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients with acute respiratory viral infection.
EXPOSURE: Respiratory viral infection-related viremia METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: Data synthesis utilized random-effects models to pool prevalence and hazard ratios (HR), odds ratios (OR), and adjusted HR/OR for clinical outcomes.
RESULTS: In the comprehensive analysis of viremia prevalence, data were pooled from 101 studies, which included a total of 16,388 non-overlapping patients. Viremia was present in 34% (95% CI: 28%-41%) of patients with acute respiratory viral infection. 45 studies provided information on the clinical outcomes of 2,002 patients with viremia and 3,907 patients without viremia. Viremia was associated with increased risks of mortality (OR 6.83, 95% CI: 4.92-9.48; aHR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.87-4.53; aOR 3.68, 95% CI: 2.37-5.71), ICU admission (OR 4.74, 95% CI: 2.66-8.46; aOR 4.89, 95% CI: 1.61-14.91), mechanical ventilation (OR 4.12, 95% CI: 2.25-7.52), and hepatic complications (OR 3.10, 95% CI: 1.30-7.40).
CONCLUSIONS: Viremia is prevalent in patients with respiratory viral infection and is associated with elevated risks of adverse clinical outcomes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-30
Current trends and future potential in the detection of avian coronaviruses: An emphasis on sensors-based technologies.
Virology, 604:110399 pii:S0042-6822(25)00011-X [Epub ahead of print].
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, member of the genus Gammacoronavirus, poses significant threats to poultry health, causing severe respiratory, reproductive, and renal infections. The genetic diversity of IBV, driven by mutations, recombination and deletions, has led to the emergence of numerous serotypes and genotypes, complicating both diagnosis and control measures. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for effective disease management and minimizing economic losses. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as PCR, virus isolation, and serological assays, are hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. In contrast, innovative biosensor platforms employing advanced detection mechanisms-including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors-offer a transformative solution. These technologies provide portable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnostic platforms for IBV detection. Beyond addressing the challenges of conventional methods, these biosensor-based approaches facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance disease surveillance. This review highlights the transformative potential of biosensors and their integration into diagnostic strategies for avian coronavirus infections, presenting them as a promising alternative for precise and efficient IBV detection.
Additional Links: PMID-39884161
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39884161,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhuiyan, MSA and Gupta, SD and Silip, JJ and Talukder, S and Haque, MH and Forwood, JK and Sarker, S},
title = {Current trends and future potential in the detection of avian coronaviruses: An emphasis on sensors-based technologies.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {604},
number = {},
pages = {110399},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2025.110399},
pmid = {39884161},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, member of the genus Gammacoronavirus, poses significant threats to poultry health, causing severe respiratory, reproductive, and renal infections. The genetic diversity of IBV, driven by mutations, recombination and deletions, has led to the emergence of numerous serotypes and genotypes, complicating both diagnosis and control measures. Rapid and accurate diagnostic tools are essential for effective disease management and minimizing economic losses. Conventional diagnostic methods, such as PCR, virus isolation, and serological assays, are hindered by limitations in sensitivity, specificity, and turnaround time. In contrast, innovative biosensor platforms employing advanced detection mechanisms-including electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric sensors-offer a transformative solution. These technologies provide portable, highly sensitive, and rapid diagnostic platforms for IBV detection. Beyond addressing the challenges of conventional methods, these biosensor-based approaches facilitate real-time monitoring and enhance disease surveillance. This review highlights the transformative potential of biosensors and their integration into diagnostic strategies for avian coronavirus infections, presenting them as a promising alternative for precise and efficient IBV detection.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-30
Pathogenesis of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection at the extremes of age: decipher the ominous tales of immune vulnerability.
Advanced biotechnology, 3(1):5.
The co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 has led to co-infection events, primarily affecting children and older adults, who are at higher risk for severe disease. Although co-infection prevalence is relatively low, it is associated with worse outcomes compared to mono-infections. Previous studies have shown that the outcomes of co-infection depend on multiple factors, including viral interference, virus-host interaction and host response. Children and the elderly exhibit distinct patterns of antiviral response, which involve airway epithelium, mucociliary clearance, innate and adaptive immune cells, and inflammatory mediators. This review explores the pathogeneses of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza co-infection, focusing on the antiviral responses in children and the elderly. By comparing immature immunity in children and immune senescence in older adults, we aim to provide insights for the clinical management of severe co-infection cases.
Additional Links: PMID-39883362
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39883362,
year = {2025},
author = {Mai, KL and Pan, WQ and Lin, ZS and Wang, Y and Yang, ZF},
title = {Pathogenesis of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection at the extremes of age: decipher the ominous tales of immune vulnerability.},
journal = {Advanced biotechnology},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {39883362},
issn = {2948-2801},
support = {82361168672//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82174053//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82341099//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; FDCT0111/2023/AFJ//Science and Technology Development Fund of Macau SAR, China/ ; 005/2022/ALC//Science and Technology Development Fund of Macau SAR, China/ ; 0045/2021/A//Science and Technology Development Fund of Macau SAR, China/ ; SKLRD-OP-202209//Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease/ ; SRPG22-007//Self-supporting Program of Guangzhou Laboratory/ ; },
abstract = {The co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 has led to co-infection events, primarily affecting children and older adults, who are at higher risk for severe disease. Although co-infection prevalence is relatively low, it is associated with worse outcomes compared to mono-infections. Previous studies have shown that the outcomes of co-infection depend on multiple factors, including viral interference, virus-host interaction and host response. Children and the elderly exhibit distinct patterns of antiviral response, which involve airway epithelium, mucociliary clearance, innate and adaptive immune cells, and inflammatory mediators. This review explores the pathogeneses of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza co-infection, focusing on the antiviral responses in children and the elderly. By comparing immature immunity in children and immune senescence in older adults, we aim to provide insights for the clinical management of severe co-infection cases.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-30
An Update on Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
Current rheumatology reports, 27(1):16.
PURPOSE: To summarize the latest research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
RECENT FINDINGS: The epidemiology of MIS-C has been dynamic since its initial description. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Case definitions of MIS-C have evolved over time, and practice patterns for treating MIS-C are variable with generally positive long-term outcomes yet persistent changes noted. MIS-C has become less prevalent and less severe over time, yet racial and ethnic disparities persist, and vaccination against COVID-19 is highly effective in preventing this disease. The link between acute infection and subsequent inflammation is not well understood, with growing evidence describing its immunologic signature. Newer case definitions require excluding other inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki Disease (KD), before diagnosing MIS-C. Corticosteroid monotherapy may be non-inferior to IVIg alone or combination IVIg plus corticosteroids for initial treatment, distinguishing the approaches to MIS-C and KD. A wide range of biologic therapies have been employed for rescue therapy with general success and no clear benefit of one over another. Despite reports of a high rate of coronary artery abnormality regression and resolution of heart failure, long-term studies suggest persistent changes to cardiac function. The long-term effects of MIS-C continue to be active areas of research.
Additional Links: PMID-39883190
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39883190,
year = {2025},
author = {Goel, AR and Yalcindag, A},
title = {An Update on Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.},
journal = {Current rheumatology reports},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {39883190},
issn = {1534-6307},
mesh = {Humans ; *Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology ; Child ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To summarize the latest research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).
RECENT FINDINGS: The epidemiology of MIS-C has been dynamic since its initial description. The pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Case definitions of MIS-C have evolved over time, and practice patterns for treating MIS-C are variable with generally positive long-term outcomes yet persistent changes noted. MIS-C has become less prevalent and less severe over time, yet racial and ethnic disparities persist, and vaccination against COVID-19 is highly effective in preventing this disease. The link between acute infection and subsequent inflammation is not well understood, with growing evidence describing its immunologic signature. Newer case definitions require excluding other inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki Disease (KD), before diagnosing MIS-C. Corticosteroid monotherapy may be non-inferior to IVIg alone or combination IVIg plus corticosteroids for initial treatment, distinguishing the approaches to MIS-C and KD. A wide range of biologic therapies have been employed for rescue therapy with general success and no clear benefit of one over another. Despite reports of a high rate of coronary artery abnormality regression and resolution of heart failure, long-term studies suggest persistent changes to cardiac function. The long-term effects of MIS-C continue to be active areas of research.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/epidemiology
Child
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use
RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-30
Growing Pains: The Incidence and Prevalence of Myopia from 1950 to 2050.
Journal of binocular vision and ocular motility, 74(4):118-121.
Myopia has been included as one of the five serious ocular conditions leading to blindness. Prevalence of myopia (between -0.50D and -5.75D) is only of concern because it tends to progress. The incidence of high myopia and pathologic myopia are directly correlated to the prevalence of myopia. Recent studies have concluded that the mean age of onset of myopia is decreasing, the progression interval and the rate of progression is increasing, and the prevalence of high myopia is increasing in older age groups. These epidemiological changes have been associated with global urbanization. High myopia and older age are two primary risk factors for potentially blinding pathologic myopia. The prevalence of myopia by the year 2050 has been estimated to be 50%. Twenty-percent of those myopic individuals are projected to have high myopia. However, these calculations were made in 2016, prior to the COVID-19 quarantine and the increase in extreme climate events. Recent global events have resulted in permanent shifts in lifestyle that may accelerate the development and progression of myopia.
Additional Links: PMID-39882636
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39882636,
year = {2024},
author = {Arnoldi, K},
title = {Growing Pains: The Incidence and Prevalence of Myopia from 1950 to 2050.},
journal = {Journal of binocular vision and ocular motility},
volume = {74},
number = {4},
pages = {118-121},
doi = {10.1080/2576117X.2024.2387379},
pmid = {39882636},
issn = {2576-1218},
mesh = {Humans ; Prevalence ; Incidence ; *Myopia/epidemiology ; Disease Progression ; Risk Factors ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Global Health ; Myopia, Degenerative/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Myopia has been included as one of the five serious ocular conditions leading to blindness. Prevalence of myopia (between -0.50D and -5.75D) is only of concern because it tends to progress. The incidence of high myopia and pathologic myopia are directly correlated to the prevalence of myopia. Recent studies have concluded that the mean age of onset of myopia is decreasing, the progression interval and the rate of progression is increasing, and the prevalence of high myopia is increasing in older age groups. These epidemiological changes have been associated with global urbanization. High myopia and older age are two primary risk factors for potentially blinding pathologic myopia. The prevalence of myopia by the year 2050 has been estimated to be 50%. Twenty-percent of those myopic individuals are projected to have high myopia. However, these calculations were made in 2016, prior to the COVID-19 quarantine and the increase in extreme climate events. Recent global events have resulted in permanent shifts in lifestyle that may accelerate the development and progression of myopia.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Prevalence
Incidence
*Myopia/epidemiology
Disease Progression
Risk Factors
COVID-19/epidemiology
Global Health
Myopia, Degenerative/epidemiology
RevDate: 2025-01-31
Prevalence and risk factors for long COVID among cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Frontiers in oncology, 14:1506366.
OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of long COVID among cancer patients remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long COVID and explore potential risk factors among cancer patients.
METHODS: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception until 21 March 2024, to identify studies that reported long COVID in cancer patients. Two investigators independently screened the studies and extracted all information about long COVID in cancer patients for subsequent analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the "Joannagen Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data".
RESULTS: A total of 13 studies involving 6,653 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of long COVID was 23.52% [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.14% to 40.64%] among cancer patients reported experiencing long COVID after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The pooled prevalence of any long COVID in cancer patients was 20.51% (95% CI, 15.91% to 26.03%), 15.79% (95% CI, 11.39% to 21.47%), and 12.54% (95% CI, 6.38% to 23.18%) in 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up duration. Fatigue was the most common symptom, followed by respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance. Patients with comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of experiencing long COVID [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.70; p = 0.019]. No statistically significant differences in sex, primary tumor, or tumor stage were detected.
CONCLUSION: Nearly a quarter of cancer patients will experience long COVID after surviving from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this would even last for 1 year or longer. Fatigue, respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance need to be more addressed and managed to reduce symptom burden on cancer patients and improve quality of life. Patients with comorbidities are at a high risk of developing long COVID. Further randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodological designs and large sample sizes are needed for future validation.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023456665.
Additional Links: PMID-39882453
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39882453,
year = {2024},
author = {Xu, H and Lu, T and Liu, Y and Yang, J and Ren, S and Han, B and Lai, H and Ge, L and Liu, J},
title = {Prevalence and risk factors for long COVID among cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in oncology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1506366},
pmid = {39882453},
issn = {2234-943X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of long COVID among cancer patients remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long COVID and explore potential risk factors among cancer patients.
METHODS: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from database inception until 21 March 2024, to identify studies that reported long COVID in cancer patients. Two investigators independently screened the studies and extracted all information about long COVID in cancer patients for subsequent analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using the "Joannagen Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data".
RESULTS: A total of 13 studies involving 6,653 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of long COVID was 23.52% [95% confidence interval (CI), 12.14% to 40.64%] among cancer patients reported experiencing long COVID after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The pooled prevalence of any long COVID in cancer patients was 20.51% (95% CI, 15.91% to 26.03%), 15.79% (95% CI, 11.39% to 21.47%), and 12.54% (95% CI, 6.38% to 23.18%) in 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up duration. Fatigue was the most common symptom, followed by respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance. Patients with comorbidities had a significantly higher risk of experiencing long COVID [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.70; p = 0.019]. No statistically significant differences in sex, primary tumor, or tumor stage were detected.
CONCLUSION: Nearly a quarter of cancer patients will experience long COVID after surviving from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and this would even last for 1 year or longer. Fatigue, respiratory symptoms, myalgia, and sleep disturbance need to be more addressed and managed to reduce symptom burden on cancer patients and improve quality of life. Patients with comorbidities are at a high risk of developing long COVID. Further randomized controlled trials with rigorous methodological designs and large sample sizes are needed for future validation.
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023456665.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-31
Oral medications for the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; a systematic review of studies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frontiers in neurology, 15:1515486.
BACKGROUND: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex form of dysautonomia that presents with abnormal autonomic reflexes upon standing, leading to symptoms such as lightheadedness, tachycardia, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to POTS due to its overlap with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Studies have found that a substantial percentage of COVID-19 survivors exhibit symptoms resembling POTS, elevating POTS diagnoses to previously unseen levels. We systematically reviewed the literature for existing high-quality evidence on potential interventions.
METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies of oral medications for the management of POTS. We searched for published manuscripts on the medical management of POTS through 6 April 2024 which met pre-specified inclusion criteria. We conducted quality appraisal and assessed risk of bias before extracting the data and performing synthesis to determine the current state of the evidence; particularly in the context of PASC.
RESULTS: The study search and selection process identified 32 studies that met inclusion criteria, comprising randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Most included studies were judged to be of moderate to high quality, with largely low risk of bias. The most frequently studied medications were beta-blockers, ivabradine, and midodrine. Ivabradine and midodrine demonstrated the highest rate of symptomatic improvement, while beta-blockers showed the largest reduction in heart rate variability. Limited evidence was available for PASC-associated POTS, but findings suggest that treatments may have similar efficacy in both PASC and non-PASC cases.
CONCLUSION: Ivabradine, midodrine, and beta-blockers currently appear to be reasonable front-line choices in pharmacologic management of POTS (PASC associated and otherwise). Further RCTs that evaluate long term outcomes of medications are needed to further establish evidence based pharmacologic treatment approaches for POTS. Particular areas of inquiry include differential efficacy of recommended therapies based on POTS subtypes, and a need for treatments directly targeting the underlying autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024505967, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=505967.
Additional Links: PMID-39882369
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39882369,
year = {2024},
author = {Pierson, BC and Apilado, K and Franzos, MA and Allard, R and Mancuso, JD and Tribble, D and Saunders, D and Koehlmoos, TP},
title = {Oral medications for the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; a systematic review of studies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Frontiers in neurology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1515486},
pmid = {39882369},
issn = {1664-2295},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex form of dysautonomia that presents with abnormal autonomic reflexes upon standing, leading to symptoms such as lightheadedness, tachycardia, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to POTS due to its overlap with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Studies have found that a substantial percentage of COVID-19 survivors exhibit symptoms resembling POTS, elevating POTS diagnoses to previously unseen levels. We systematically reviewed the literature for existing high-quality evidence on potential interventions.
METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies of oral medications for the management of POTS. We searched for published manuscripts on the medical management of POTS through 6 April 2024 which met pre-specified inclusion criteria. We conducted quality appraisal and assessed risk of bias before extracting the data and performing synthesis to determine the current state of the evidence; particularly in the context of PASC.
RESULTS: The study search and selection process identified 32 studies that met inclusion criteria, comprising randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews. Most included studies were judged to be of moderate to high quality, with largely low risk of bias. The most frequently studied medications were beta-blockers, ivabradine, and midodrine. Ivabradine and midodrine demonstrated the highest rate of symptomatic improvement, while beta-blockers showed the largest reduction in heart rate variability. Limited evidence was available for PASC-associated POTS, but findings suggest that treatments may have similar efficacy in both PASC and non-PASC cases.
CONCLUSION: Ivabradine, midodrine, and beta-blockers currently appear to be reasonable front-line choices in pharmacologic management of POTS (PASC associated and otherwise). Further RCTs that evaluate long term outcomes of medications are needed to further establish evidence based pharmacologic treatment approaches for POTS. Particular areas of inquiry include differential efficacy of recommended therapies based on POTS subtypes, and a need for treatments directly targeting the underlying autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024505967, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=505967.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-30
Population dynamics and digitalization: implications for COVID-19 data sources in South Africa-a scoping review.
Frontiers in public health, 12:1537057.
OBJECTIVES: The study explores how humanity influences the development of digitalization on population dynamics during the changing times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen full-text articles were selected from 40 identified studies (2020-2023).
RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) influence of humanity on the development of digitalization on population dynamics during changing times, (2) technical and ethical challenges, and (3) solutions to these challenges.
CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the need for new opportunities for distinctive technical and ethical challenges in creating larger digital databases for population dynamics and how these databases may contribute to the advancement of population fields.
Additional Links: PMID-39882125
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39882125,
year = {2024},
author = {Akokuwebe, ME and Palamuleni, ME and Idemudia, ES},
title = {Population dynamics and digitalization: implications for COVID-19 data sources in South Africa-a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1537057},
pmid = {39882125},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; South Africa/epidemiology ; *Population Dynamics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Information Sources ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The study explores how humanity influences the development of digitalization on population dynamics during the changing times of the Covid-19 pandemic.
METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Fifteen full-text articles were selected from 40 identified studies (2020-2023).
RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) influence of humanity on the development of digitalization on population dynamics during changing times, (2) technical and ethical challenges, and (3) solutions to these challenges.
CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the need for new opportunities for distinctive technical and ethical challenges in creating larger digital databases for population dynamics and how these databases may contribute to the advancement of population fields.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
South Africa/epidemiology
*Population Dynamics
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Information Sources
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
Characteristics of Vaccine Safety Observational Studies and Authors' Attitudes: A Systematic Review.
The American journal of medicine, 138(2):254-261.e5.
BACKGROUND: Postlicensure observational studies are the mainstay of vaccine safety evaluation. However, these studies have well-known methodological limitations, rendering them particularly vulnerable to unmeasured confounding. We sought to describe high-impact observational studies of vaccine safety, investigate the authors' attitudes toward their study's findings and limitations, and report on spin practices.
METHODS: We conducted a PubMed systematic review of comparative observational studies of vaccine safety published in the 6 top medical journals from inception to March 2024.
RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included, spanning publications from 1995 to 2024. Most studies focused on COVID-19 and influenza vaccines (n = 11, 30%, and n = 10, 27%, respectively). Study designs and methodologies varied. Electronic health records (54%), passive surveillance databases (32%), and national registries (27%) were the most common data sources. Negative control outcomes were used in a single study. Residual confounding was conceded in 54% of studies, and an additional 24% did so implicitly. Spin was noted in 48.6% of the studies. This systematic review found that authors of observational vaccine safety studies in high-impact medical journals often acknowledge residual confounding, but rarely use methods like negative control outcomes to better detect unmeasured confounding. Furthermore, spin is common, occurring in approximately 50% of the studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings are somewhat limited by subjectivity in study assessments, they suggest that editors and reviewers of high-impact journals should ensure that the language used in reporting observational studies accurately reflects the findings and their limitations.
Additional Links: PMID-39419248
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39419248,
year = {2025},
author = {Barosa, M and Prasad, V},
title = {Characteristics of Vaccine Safety Observational Studies and Authors' Attitudes: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {The American journal of medicine},
volume = {138},
number = {2},
pages = {254-261.e5},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.10.007},
pmid = {39419248},
issn = {1555-7162},
mesh = {Humans ; *Observational Studies as Topic ; Vaccines/adverse effects ; Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postlicensure observational studies are the mainstay of vaccine safety evaluation. However, these studies have well-known methodological limitations, rendering them particularly vulnerable to unmeasured confounding. We sought to describe high-impact observational studies of vaccine safety, investigate the authors' attitudes toward their study's findings and limitations, and report on spin practices.
METHODS: We conducted a PubMed systematic review of comparative observational studies of vaccine safety published in the 6 top medical journals from inception to March 2024.
RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies were included, spanning publications from 1995 to 2024. Most studies focused on COVID-19 and influenza vaccines (n = 11, 30%, and n = 10, 27%, respectively). Study designs and methodologies varied. Electronic health records (54%), passive surveillance databases (32%), and national registries (27%) were the most common data sources. Negative control outcomes were used in a single study. Residual confounding was conceded in 54% of studies, and an additional 24% did so implicitly. Spin was noted in 48.6% of the studies. This systematic review found that authors of observational vaccine safety studies in high-impact medical journals often acknowledge residual confounding, but rarely use methods like negative control outcomes to better detect unmeasured confounding. Furthermore, spin is common, occurring in approximately 50% of the studies.
CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings are somewhat limited by subjectivity in study assessments, they suggest that editors and reviewers of high-impact journals should ensure that the language used in reporting observational studies accurately reflects the findings and their limitations.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Observational Studies as Topic
Vaccines/adverse effects
Influenza Vaccines/adverse effects
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
New Clinical and Public Health Challenges in Vaccinations in US Adults.
The American journal of medicine, 138(2):185-189.
During the past decade, growing recidivism has threatened the enormous beneficial impacts of vaccinations in the United States. The barriers are multifactorial and include increasing vaccine hesitancy. The continuing dedicated efforts of all healthcare professionals, along with advancements in vaccine technology and the resilience of public health systems, offers promise for the future. The ultimate goals of eradication and elimination of infectious diseases are within reach. The sustained commitments and collaborations of dedicated and conscientious individual healthcare providers and public health officials are important components. Healthcare providers and public health officials should remain cognizant that increasing vaccination rates are essential but not sufficient. Surveillance containment entails rapid detection and reporting of cases with prompt immunization of household members and close contacts of confirmed cases, combined with judicious use of isolation, prompt antiviral or antibiotic medications, social distancing, respiratory etiquette, home or large-scale quarantines, and masking. The continuing and expanded efforts of US healthcare providers are vital to these successes.
Additional Links: PMID-39357693
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39357693,
year = {2025},
author = {Dunn, J and Davis, BR and Matarazzo, A and Willett, Y and Al-Farauki, S and Maki, DG and Hennekens, CH},
title = {New Clinical and Public Health Challenges in Vaccinations in US Adults.},
journal = {The American journal of medicine},
volume = {138},
number = {2},
pages = {185-189},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.09.025},
pmid = {39357693},
issn = {1555-7162},
mesh = {Humans ; United States ; *Vaccination ; Public Health ; Vaccination Hesitancy ; Adult ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {During the past decade, growing recidivism has threatened the enormous beneficial impacts of vaccinations in the United States. The barriers are multifactorial and include increasing vaccine hesitancy. The continuing dedicated efforts of all healthcare professionals, along with advancements in vaccine technology and the resilience of public health systems, offers promise for the future. The ultimate goals of eradication and elimination of infectious diseases are within reach. The sustained commitments and collaborations of dedicated and conscientious individual healthcare providers and public health officials are important components. Healthcare providers and public health officials should remain cognizant that increasing vaccination rates are essential but not sufficient. Surveillance containment entails rapid detection and reporting of cases with prompt immunization of household members and close contacts of confirmed cases, combined with judicious use of isolation, prompt antiviral or antibiotic medications, social distancing, respiratory etiquette, home or large-scale quarantines, and masking. The continuing and expanded efforts of US healthcare providers are vital to these successes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
United States
*Vaccination
Public Health
Vaccination Hesitancy
Adult
COVID-19/prevention & control
RevDate: 2025-02-12
CmpDate: 2025-02-12
A Critical Review on the Long-Term COVID-19 Impacts on Patients With Diabetes.
The American journal of medicine, 138(2):308-329.
BACKGROUND: The world is currently grappling with the potentially life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), marking it as the most severe health crisis in the modern era. COVID-19 has led to a pandemic, with the World Health Organization (WHO) predicting that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting the virus compared to the general population. This review aims to provide a practical summary of the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on patients with diabetes. Specifically, it focuses on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on different types of diabetic patients, the associated mortality rate, the underlying mechanisms, related complications, and the role of vitamin D and zinc in therapeutic and preventive approaches.
METHODS: Relevant literature was identified through searches on PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct in English, up to April 2023.
RESULTS: COVID-19 can lead to distressing symptoms and pose a significant challenge for individuals living with diabetes. Older individuals and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, coronary illness, and asthma are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Managing COVID-19 in individuals with diabetes presents challenges, as it not only complicates the fight against the infection but also potentially prolongs the recovery time. Moreover, the virus may thrive in individuals with high blood glucose levels. Various therapeutic approaches, including antidiabetic drugs, are available to help prevent COVID-19 in diabetic patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes increases the morbidity and mortality risk for patients with COVID-19. Efforts are globally underway to explore therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the impact of diabetes on COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-38485111
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid38485111,
year = {2025},
author = {Ashique, S and Mishra, N and Garg, A and Garg, S and Farid, A and Rai, S and Gupta, G and Dua, K and Paudel, KR and Taghizadeh-Hesary, F},
title = {A Critical Review on the Long-Term COVID-19 Impacts on Patients With Diabetes.},
journal = {The American journal of medicine},
volume = {138},
number = {2},
pages = {308-329},
doi = {10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.02.029},
pmid = {38485111},
issn = {1555-7162},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/therapy/mortality ; *Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Diabetes Complications ; Vitamin D/therapeutic use ; Zinc/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The world is currently grappling with the potentially life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), marking it as the most severe health crisis in the modern era. COVID-19 has led to a pandemic, with the World Health Organization (WHO) predicting that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting the virus compared to the general population. This review aims to provide a practical summary of the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on patients with diabetes. Specifically, it focuses on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on different types of diabetic patients, the associated mortality rate, the underlying mechanisms, related complications, and the role of vitamin D and zinc in therapeutic and preventive approaches.
METHODS: Relevant literature was identified through searches on PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct in English, up to April 2023.
RESULTS: COVID-19 can lead to distressing symptoms and pose a significant challenge for individuals living with diabetes. Older individuals and those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, coronary illness, and asthma are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Managing COVID-19 in individuals with diabetes presents challenges, as it not only complicates the fight against the infection but also potentially prolongs the recovery time. Moreover, the virus may thrive in individuals with high blood glucose levels. Various therapeutic approaches, including antidiabetic drugs, are available to help prevent COVID-19 in diabetic patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes increases the morbidity and mortality risk for patients with COVID-19. Efforts are globally underway to explore therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the impact of diabetes on COVID-19.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/therapy/mortality
*Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
Diabetes Complications
Vitamin D/therapeutic use
Zinc/therapeutic use
RevDate: 2025-01-31
SARS-CoV-2 infection in microglia and its sequelae: What do we know so far?.
Brain, behavior, & immunity - health, 42:100888.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic. After the success of therapeutics and worldwide vaccination, the long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections are yet to be determined. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include the loss of taste and smell, suggesting SARS-CoV-2 infection has a potentially detrimental effect on neurons within the olfactory/taste pathways, with direct access to the central nervous system (CNS). This could explain the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in the brains of COVID-19 patients. Different viruses display neurotropism that causes impaired neurodevelopment and/or neurodegeneration. Hence, it is plausible that COVID-19-associated neuropathologies are directly driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS. Microglia, resident immune cells of the brain, are constantly under investigation as their surveillance role has been suggested to act as a friend or a foe impacting the progression of neurological disorders. Herein, we review the current literature suggesting microglia potentially been a susceptible target by SARS-CoV-2 virions and their role in viral dissemination within the CNS. Particular attention is given to the different experimental models and their translational potential.
Additional Links: PMID-39881814
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39881814,
year = {2024},
author = {Luo, EY and Chuen-Chung Chang, R and Gilbert-Jaramillo, J},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 infection in microglia and its sequelae: What do we know so far?.},
journal = {Brain, behavior, & immunity - health},
volume = {42},
number = {},
pages = {100888},
pmid = {39881814},
issn = {2666-3546},
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic. After the success of therapeutics and worldwide vaccination, the long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections are yet to be determined. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include the loss of taste and smell, suggesting SARS-CoV-2 infection has a potentially detrimental effect on neurons within the olfactory/taste pathways, with direct access to the central nervous system (CNS). This could explain the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens in the brains of COVID-19 patients. Different viruses display neurotropism that causes impaired neurodevelopment and/or neurodegeneration. Hence, it is plausible that COVID-19-associated neuropathologies are directly driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS. Microglia, resident immune cells of the brain, are constantly under investigation as their surveillance role has been suggested to act as a friend or a foe impacting the progression of neurological disorders. Herein, we review the current literature suggesting microglia potentially been a susceptible target by SARS-CoV-2 virions and their role in viral dissemination within the CNS. Particular attention is given to the different experimental models and their translational potential.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-30
Harnessing viral internal proteins to combat flu and beyond.
Virology, 604:110414 pii:S0042-6822(25)00026-1 [Epub ahead of print].
This mini-review examines the strategy of combining viral protein sequence conservation with drug-binding potential to identify novel antiviral targets, focusing on internal proteins of influenza A and other RNA viruses. The importance of combating viral genetic variability and reducing the likelihood of resistance development is emphasised in the context of sequence redundancy in viral datasets. It covers recent structural and functional updates, as well as drug targeting efforts for three internal influenza A viral proteins: Basic Polymerase 2, Nuclear Export Protein, and Nucleoprotein. The review discusses new insights into protein interactions, potential inhibitors, and recent drug discovery efforts. Similar approaches beyond influenza including Hepatitis E, SARS-CoV-2, Dengue, and the HIV-1 virus are also covered briefly.
Additional Links: PMID-39881469
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39881469,
year = {2025},
author = {Patel, H and Kukol, A},
title = {Harnessing viral internal proteins to combat flu and beyond.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {604},
number = {},
pages = {110414},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2025.110414},
pmid = {39881469},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {This mini-review examines the strategy of combining viral protein sequence conservation with drug-binding potential to identify novel antiviral targets, focusing on internal proteins of influenza A and other RNA viruses. The importance of combating viral genetic variability and reducing the likelihood of resistance development is emphasised in the context of sequence redundancy in viral datasets. It covers recent structural and functional updates, as well as drug targeting efforts for three internal influenza A viral proteins: Basic Polymerase 2, Nuclear Export Protein, and Nucleoprotein. The review discusses new insights into protein interactions, potential inhibitors, and recent drug discovery efforts. Similar approaches beyond influenza including Hepatitis E, SARS-CoV-2, Dengue, and the HIV-1 virus are also covered briefly.},
}
RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-01-29
Acute appendicitis and its treatment: a historical overview.
International journal of colorectal disease, 40(1):28.
PURPOSE: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the leading cause of acute abdomen worldwide, with an incidence of 90-100 cases per 100,000 individuals annually and a lifetime risk of 7-12%. Despite its prevalence, historical accounts of AA are limited, particularly when compared to conditions like haemorrhoids, likely due to the appendix's internal location. This article traces the historical evolution of AA treatment from ancient times to the present, highlighting key contributions.
METHODS: A review of common research databases and relevant literature on AA was conducted.
RESULTS: Evidence from ancient Egypt suggests early recognition of the appendix, referring to it as the "worm of the bowel." However, detailed anatomical descriptions and treatment approaches for AA did not emerge until the Renaissance, particularly with contributions from Leonardo da Vinci and Berengario da Carpi. The article traces the progression of AA management, including the first autopsies and surgeries, the development of surgical techniques predating anaesthesia and antisepsis, and advancements achieved from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. The shift from conservative to surgical approaches is discussed, alongside innovations such as laparoscopic appendicectomy, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), and endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AA treatment, including adaptations in medical practices, is also explored.
CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the significant historical developments in AA treatment and its pivotal role in advancing abdominal surgery.
Additional Links: PMID-39881071
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39881071,
year = {2025},
author = {Selvaggi, L and Pata, F and Pellino, G and Podda, M and Di Saverio, S and De Luca, GM and Sperlongano, P and Selvaggi, F and Nardo, B},
title = {Acute appendicitis and its treatment: a historical overview.},
journal = {International journal of colorectal disease},
volume = {40},
number = {1},
pages = {28},
pmid = {39881071},
issn = {1432-1262},
mesh = {Humans ; *Appendicitis/history/surgery/therapy ; History, Ancient ; History, 20th Century ; History, 19th Century ; History, 21st Century ; History, 16th Century ; History, 17th Century ; History, Medieval ; History, 18th Century ; Appendectomy/history ; History, 15th Century ; Acute Disease ; Laparoscopy/history ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the leading cause of acute abdomen worldwide, with an incidence of 90-100 cases per 100,000 individuals annually and a lifetime risk of 7-12%. Despite its prevalence, historical accounts of AA are limited, particularly when compared to conditions like haemorrhoids, likely due to the appendix's internal location. This article traces the historical evolution of AA treatment from ancient times to the present, highlighting key contributions.
METHODS: A review of common research databases and relevant literature on AA was conducted.
RESULTS: Evidence from ancient Egypt suggests early recognition of the appendix, referring to it as the "worm of the bowel." However, detailed anatomical descriptions and treatment approaches for AA did not emerge until the Renaissance, particularly with contributions from Leonardo da Vinci and Berengario da Carpi. The article traces the progression of AA management, including the first autopsies and surgeries, the development of surgical techniques predating anaesthesia and antisepsis, and advancements achieved from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century. The shift from conservative to surgical approaches is discussed, alongside innovations such as laparoscopic appendicectomy, single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), and endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AA treatment, including adaptations in medical practices, is also explored.
CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the significant historical developments in AA treatment and its pivotal role in advancing abdominal surgery.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Appendicitis/history/surgery/therapy
History, Ancient
History, 20th Century
History, 19th Century
History, 21st Century
History, 16th Century
History, 17th Century
History, Medieval
History, 18th Century
Appendectomy/history
History, 15th Century
Acute Disease
Laparoscopy/history
RevDate: 2025-01-29
Longer term psychological trauma following the COVID-19 pandemic for children and families.
Paediatric respiratory reviews pii:S1526-0542(25)00001-6 [Epub ahead of print].
The psychological trauma following COVID-19 has been lengthy and fraught for some children and their families. The specific problems encountered by children rendered helpless and hopeless by watching others suffer, vicarious traumatisation, is explained in brief as it represents a central motif in clinical work in psychology. This paper will focus on what is known of the nature of psychological trauma in children and families with a focus on the individual clinical manifestations of personal significance. As a backdrop, consideration will be given to the epidemiological trends of psychological morbidity in and around the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the article seeks to provide readers with an appreciation of the dimensions of the neural legacy of COVID-19, a form of neurodisability developing in vulnerable children at a point in time, that is likely to emerge in children suffering an enduring trauma response.
Additional Links: PMID-39880701
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39880701,
year = {2025},
author = {Nunn, K and Fitzgerald, DA},
title = {Longer term psychological trauma following the COVID-19 pandemic for children and families.},
journal = {Paediatric respiratory reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.prrv.2024.12.002},
pmid = {39880701},
issn = {1526-0550},
abstract = {The psychological trauma following COVID-19 has been lengthy and fraught for some children and their families. The specific problems encountered by children rendered helpless and hopeless by watching others suffer, vicarious traumatisation, is explained in brief as it represents a central motif in clinical work in psychology. This paper will focus on what is known of the nature of psychological trauma in children and families with a focus on the individual clinical manifestations of personal significance. As a backdrop, consideration will be given to the epidemiological trends of psychological morbidity in and around the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the article seeks to provide readers with an appreciation of the dimensions of the neural legacy of COVID-19, a form of neurodisability developing in vulnerable children at a point in time, that is likely to emerge in children suffering an enduring trauma response.},
}
RevDate: 2025-01-29
CmpDate: 2025-01-29
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pregnancy and the post-partum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, 38(1):2457002.
OBJECTIVE: There is an increase in the application data of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in perinatal women, particularly since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Therefore, we reviewed publications on the use of ECMO in pregnant and postpartum women and analyzed the maternal and fetal outcomes, updated the progress of ECMO in perinatal women.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP), yielding 30 eligible clinical studies that investigated the application of ECMO during pregnancy. A comprehensive data extraction process was implemented to retrieve information from these selected studies. A single rate analysis on material survival, material harmonic compilations, and fetus survival were performed by R software.
RESULTS: Of the 1460 women included, our primary outcome was maternal survival: 74.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.8%-81.1%). Among them, the survival rate of VV ECMO patients was 83.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.4%-90.8%); the survival rate of VA ECMO patients was 62.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 48.7%-76.8%). The secondary outcomes were maternal hemorrhagic complications: 34.8% (95% [CI]: 24.1%-45.5%), and fetal survival: 73.2% (95% [CI]: 62.0%-84.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis revealed that the outcomes of ECMO (both type) use in pregnant patients may be comparable or superior to those observed in non-pregnant cohorts. Moreover, patients treated with VV ECMO exhibited a significantly higher survival rate compared to those on VA ECMO.
DETAILS OF REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was registered on INPLASY (2022110036) in 11 November 2022.
Additional Links: PMID-39880582
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39880582,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, S and Zhang, Y and Wei, S and Li, J and Li, M and Ying, J and Mu, D and Shi, Y and Li, Y and Wu, X},
title = {Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pregnancy and the post-partum period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {2457002},
doi = {10.1080/14767058.2025.2457002},
pmid = {39880582},
issn = {1476-4954},
mesh = {Humans ; *Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/methods/statistics & numerical data ; Pregnancy ; Female ; COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications/therapy/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: There is an increase in the application data of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in perinatal women, particularly since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019. Therefore, we reviewed publications on the use of ECMO in pregnant and postpartum women and analyzed the maternal and fetal outcomes, updated the progress of ECMO in perinatal women.
METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the International Clinical Trials Registry (ICTRP), yielding 30 eligible clinical studies that investigated the application of ECMO during pregnancy. A comprehensive data extraction process was implemented to retrieve information from these selected studies. A single rate analysis on material survival, material harmonic compilations, and fetus survival were performed by R software.
RESULTS: Of the 1460 women included, our primary outcome was maternal survival: 74.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.8%-81.1%). Among them, the survival rate of VV ECMO patients was 83.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.4%-90.8%); the survival rate of VA ECMO patients was 62.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 48.7%-76.8%). The secondary outcomes were maternal hemorrhagic complications: 34.8% (95% [CI]: 24.1%-45.5%), and fetal survival: 73.2% (95% [CI]: 62.0%-84.4%).
CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis revealed that the outcomes of ECMO (both type) use in pregnant patients may be comparable or superior to those observed in non-pregnant cohorts. Moreover, patients treated with VV ECMO exhibited a significantly higher survival rate compared to those on VA ECMO.
DETAILS OF REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was registered on INPLASY (2022110036) in 11 November 2022.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/methods/statistics & numerical data
Pregnancy
Female
COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy Complications/therapy/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
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RJR Experience and Expertise
Researcher
Robbins holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in the life sciences. He served as a tenured faculty member in the Zoology and Biological Science departments at Michigan State University. He is currently exploring the intersection between genomics, microbial ecology, and biodiversity — an area that promises to transform our understanding of the biosphere.
Educator
Robbins has extensive experience in college-level education: At MSU he taught introductory biology, genetics, and population genetics. At JHU, he was an instructor for a special course on biological database design. At FHCRC, he team-taught a graduate-level course on the history of genetics. At Bellevue College he taught medical informatics.
Administrator
Robbins has been involved in science administration at both the federal and the institutional levels. At NSF he was a program officer for database activities in the life sciences, at DOE he was a program officer for information infrastructure in the human genome project. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he served as a vice president for fifteen years.
Technologist
Robbins has been involved with information technology since writing his first Fortran program as a college student. At NSF he was the first program officer for database activities in the life sciences. At JHU he held an appointment in the CS department and served as director of the informatics core for the Genome Data Base. At the FHCRC he was VP for Information Technology.
Publisher
While still at Michigan State, Robbins started his first publishing venture, founding a small company that addressed the short-run publishing needs of instructors in very large undergraduate classes. For more than 20 years, Robbins has been operating The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project, a web site dedicated to the digital publishing of critical works in science, especially classical genetics.
Speaker
Robbins is well-known for his speaking abilities and is often called upon to provide keynote or plenary addresses at international meetings. For example, in July, 2012, he gave a well-received keynote address at the Global Biodiversity Informatics Congress, sponsored by GBIF and held in Copenhagen. The slides from that talk can be seen HERE.
Facilitator
Robbins is a skilled meeting facilitator. He prefers a participatory approach, with part of the meeting involving dynamic breakout groups, created by the participants in real time: (1) individuals propose breakout groups; (2) everyone signs up for one (or more) groups; (3) the groups with the most interested parties then meet, with reports from each group presented and discussed in a subsequent plenary session.
Designer
Robbins has been engaged with photography and design since the 1960s, when he worked for a professional photography laboratory. He now prefers digital photography and tools for their precision and reproducibility. He designed his first web site more than 20 years ago and he personally designed and implemented this web site. He engages in graphic design as a hobby.
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Fossils of miniature humans (hobbits) discovered in Indonesia
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Dinosaur tail, complete with feathers, found preserved in amber.
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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.