@article {pmid41987304,
year = {2026},
author = {Alhumaid, S and Sabr, Z and Alshehri, SM and Alhashem, HA and Alnajjad, Q and Alsaadoun, DS and Algrafi, AS and Aborshaid, FA and Alsaidalani, AA and Noorsaeed, S and Al Nasser, DA and Majzoub, RA and Alkhars, O and Al Dossary, N and Banjar, SS and ALMuhaini, IA and Ismail, FA and Al Alawi, Z and Alalwan, QM},
title = {Asthma control and exacerbation risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection in the post-acute COVID-19 phase: a systematic review.},
journal = {Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13223-026-01027-z},
pmid = {41987304},
issn = {1710-1484},
}

@article {pmid41987944,
year = {2026},
author = {Mesquita da Fonseca, L},
title = {Commentary: A cross-continental comparative analysis of the neurological manifestations of Long COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1798243},
pmid = {41987944},
issn = {1662-5161},
}

@article {pmid41990057,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, J and Zhao, W and Zhang, T and Wu, Q and Di, J and Mao, X},
title = {Impact of COVID-19 on the treatment outcomes of secretory otitis media.},
journal = {Journal of infection in developing countries},
volume = {20},
number = {3},
pages = {327-331},
doi = {10.3855/jidc.21341},
pmid = {41990057},
issn = {1972-2680},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; *Otitis Media with Effusion/therapy/complications/drug therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Audiometry, Pure-Tone ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) officially lifted the global emergency designation for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in May 2023. Nonetheless, the long-term repercussions of the pandemic-referred to as 'long COVID'-have persisted. It is also highly likely for the disease to be complicated by secretory otitis media (SOM). This study aimed to determine if there is anything particularly distinctive about SOM associated with long-COVID, and could it affect the therapeutic outcomes of the latter.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 102 patients diagnosed with COVID-19-associated SOM between December 2022 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and post-treatment pure-tone audiometry thresholds were assessed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Follow-up assessments were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months' post treatment, and the findings were compared with those of a control group of 98 patients who had SOM but not COVID-19 infection during the same time frame.

RESULTS: All patients showed normal hearing thresholds post treatment. A comparative analysis using a two-sample t-test revealed no statistically significant difference in the average speech-hearing thresholds between the two groups post-treatment (t = 0.099, p = 0.92). No recurrence was observed in either group during the year-long follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Although COVID-19 is commonly associated with SOM, patients can expect satisfactory recovery of their hearing function with proactive treatment strategies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
Male
Female
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Outcome
Middle Aged
Adult
*Otitis Media with Effusion/therapy/complications/drug therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Audiometry, Pure-Tone

@article {pmid41991929,
year = {2026},
author = {Saak, TM and Tervo, JP and Jacobson, PT and Vilarello, BJ and Caruana, FF and Gallagher, LW and Gary, JB and Gudis, DA and Motter, JN and Goldberg, TE and Devanand, DP and Overdevest, JB},
title = {Longitudinal evaluation of neurocognitive outcomes in a cohort with persistent post-COVID olfactory dysfunction.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41991929},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Persistent COVID-19-associated olfactory dysfunction (C19OD), along with other neurologic and cognitive deficits are common features of long COVID. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal trends in neurocognitive performance within a cohort with C19OD. In individuals with perceived C19OD we performed serial psychophysical olfactory and neurocognitive assessments at baseline and follow-up one year later. At baseline evaluation, individuals with C19OD were found to have diminished cognitive functioning compared to normosmic counterparts across several domains, including attention, executive functioning, language, learning and memory, and psychomotor speed. At subsequent one-year follow-up assessment, C19OD participants demonstrated cognitive recovery, with performance comparable to normosmic counterparts. These findings suggest that early associations between C19OD and certain neurocognitive domains may dissipate upon repeated longitudinal evaluation, with partial resolution of cognitive deficits despite persistent C19OD.},
}

@article {pmid41982416,
year = {2026},
author = {Doenyas-Barak, K and Elman Shina, K and Lang, E and Finci, S and Elkarif, V and Shorer, R and Efrati, S},
title = {The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on sleep quality across diverse patient populations.},
journal = {Frontiers in neurology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1690633},
pmid = {41982416},
issn = {1664-2295},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in aging, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and long COVID, often linked to neuroinflammation, autonomic dysregulation, and neurodegeneration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) promotes neuroplasticity through the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox, improving cerebral perfusion, mitochondrial function, and reducing inflammation. While HBOT benefits sleep in certain conditions, its general effects across clinical populations remain unclear.

METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal study evaluated Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) changes in patients undergoing 60 HBOT sessions (2.0 ATA, 100% oxygen, 90 min, 5 days/week) at the Sagol Center. Participants included individuals treated for healthy aging (n = 180), long COVID (n = 92), or PTSD (n = 123). Pre- and post-treatment PSQI total and component scores were compared using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for PSQI components. Regression analysis identified predictors of improvement.

RESULTS: Among 395 patients (mean age at baseline 57.9 ± 14.6 years, 31% female), baseline PSQI scores were highest in PTSD. Post-HBOT, total PSQI scores improved significantly in all groups (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.37-0.91). Significant gains were observed in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, and disturbances in all groups; daytime dysfunction improved in aging and long COVID but not PTSD. Medication use was unchanged. Baseline PSQI was a strong predictor of improvement (B = 0.494, p < 0.001, r = 0.46). Those with disturbed sleep (PSQI>5) showed broad, statistically significant gains, while normal sleepers exhibited minimal changes.

CONCLUSION: HBOT was associated with improvement in sleep quality across diverse conditions, with greatest benefit in patients with poorer baseline sleep. Findings support HBOT's potential as a sleep-modulating therapy, warranting controlled trials to characterize the patients that can benefit the most and elucidate mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid41984770,
year = {2026},
author = {Abbas, U and Laghari, RN and Ahmed, I and Musawwir, UA and Riaz, H and Anwar, K and Hussain, N and Mubeen, M and Khan, M and Khalid, MU and Ashraf, S},
title = {Acute SARS-CoV-2 viral load and systemic inflammation are associated with neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal symptoms in long COVID.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e0346978},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0346978},
pmid = {41984770},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/virology/blood/psychology ; *Viral Load ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Inflammation/blood/virology ; Adult ; Biomarkers/blood ; Aged ; *Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Interleukin-6/blood ; *Mental Disorders ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long after recovery from acute-COVID illness, many patients show persistent multi-organ dysfunction consistent with Long COVID. Biochemical profile and measurements of inflammatory markers in these individuals can help to understand the underlying pathophysiology. This study aims to evaluate biochemical markers and their association with symptoms of Long COVID. We, in a retrospective analysis, also examined whether the Long COVID symptom persistence is associated with the SARS-CoV-2 viral load documented during the acute infection.

METHODS: A total of 300 participants with previously diagnosed mild COVID-19 were recruited at 10 months post-infection. Brief clinical history was taken based on persistent symptoms after COVID-19 and categorized as Long COVID (n = 177) and controls group (n = 123) based on WHO defined criteria. Biochemical parameters in blood like complete blood count (RBC and WBC indices) were compared between the groups. Other measurements including inflammatory markers such as IL-6, IL-10, ferritin and C-reactive protein along with electrolytes, vitamin D3 and B12, and lipid profile, were also compared. SARS-CoV-2 viral load was assessed retrospectively. Data was analyzed through SPSS v.26.

RESULTS: The findings of our study revealed that 59% (177) of individuals had symptoms of Long COVID. The most frequently reported symptoms of Long COVID were related to neuropsychiatry (35%), followed by musculoskeletal system (32.2%). The Hemoglobin, RBC counts and MCHC were decreased in Long COVID as compared to control group (p < 0.05). While Lymphocytes, IL-6 and ferritin levels were raised in Long COVID group (p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and sex, neuropsychiatric symptoms were independently associated with higher lymphocyte counts (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12-1.51), IL-6 (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.86), ferritin (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10-1.53), and vitamin D deficiency (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22-2.01). Musculoskeletal symptoms were strongly associated with vitamin D deficiency (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.20-4.50) and ferritin levels (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99). Moreover, higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load (CT ≤ 20) during acute infection was also associated with neuropsychiatric and musculoskeletal symptoms of Long COVID.

CONCLUSION: We identified Long COVID in 59% of the participants, the highest reported percentage in studies in the middle-aged individuals. Compared to controls, we found differential biochemical markers in the Long COVID group indicating a different metabolic status in these individuals. Moreover, the association of raised inflammatory markers at ten months follow up and acute-phase SARS-CoV-2 viral load were also seen to be associated with musculoskeletal and neuropsychiatric symptoms of the Long COVID. These significant clinical and biochemical changes warrant thorough monitoring and follow-ups for extended time.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/virology/blood/psychology
*Viral Load
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Inflammation/blood/virology
Adult
Biomarkers/blood
Aged
*Musculoskeletal Diseases
Interleukin-6/blood
*Mental Disorders
C-Reactive Protein/metabolism
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid41984971,
year = {2026},
author = {Jason, LA and Furst, J and Katz, BZ},
title = {Comparing ME/CFS following mononucleosis with Long COVID.},
journal = {Chronic illness},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17423953251347108},
doi = {10.1177/17423953251347108},
pmid = {41984971},
issn = {1745-9206},
abstract = {ObjectivesLong COVID following SARS-CoV-2 and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) following infectious mononucleosis (IM) are examples of post-infectious chronic illnesses. Behavioral and pathophysiological underpinnings of both ME/CFS following IM and Long COVID are not well understood.MethodsWe studied ME/CFS development following IM in a diverse group of college students who were enrolled before the onset of IM. We categorized those meeting either moderate or severe ME/CFS criteria. We subsequently recruited a matched sample of those infected with SARS-CoV-2, some of whom recovered and others of whom developed Long COVID. We compared and contrasted ME/CFS and Long COVID following IM and SARS-CoV-2 infection in terms of somatic symptoms, coping strategies, depression and anxiety symptoms, and functional status.ResultsIn general, the Long COVID group's symptom burden was less than that of the Severe ME/CFS group but more than that of the Moderate ME/CFS group.DiscussionThese findings may allow investigators a better understanding of these post-viral illness pathophysiologies.},
}

@article {pmid41985377,
year = {2026},
author = {Sekendiz, Z and Caliendo, M and Taboada, D and An, T and Palekar, N and Weisenbach, S and Kim, MJ},
title = {The neuropsychiatric features of Long COVID in older adults and the potential association with neuroinflammation: Preliminary observations in a small cohort.},
journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences},
volume = {486},
number = {},
pages = {125915},
doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2026.125915},
pmid = {41985377},
issn = {1878-5883},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanism of neuropsychiatric features of Long COVID remains unclear; however, the most compelling hypothesis is the contribution of excessive neuroinflammation induced by a systemic inflammatory response or cytokine storm. We aimed to investigate the neuropsychiatric features of Long COVID in older adults and the potential association with neuroinflammation measured by [[18]F]FEPPA positron emission tomography (PET) targeting translocator protein (TSPO).

METHODS: A total of 24 individuals aged 60 or older participated in the study: those with Long COVID symptoms and persistent subjective or objective cognitive impairments for more than six months (n = 12) and age-matched healthy adults without Long COVID (n = 12). After assessments with neuropsychiatric scales and cognitive testing batteries, three Long COVID and three healthy control participants, who were high-affinity binders to TSPO, underwent additional brain [[18]F]FEPPA PET scans.

RESULTS: Long COVID group (n = 12) showed significantly higher levels of depression and fatigue compared to the healthy control group (n = 12). With [[18]F]FEPPA PET, the Long COVID group (n = 3) showed significantly higher binding levels in all compared brain regions, such as the prefrontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital neocortices, and the hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum, compared to the healthy control group (n = 3).

CONCLUSION: Older adults with Long COVID showed greater neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as depression and fatigue, compared to healthy older adults. The [[18]F]FEPPA PET findings suggest that their persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms could potentially be associated with chronic neuroinflammation.},
}

@article {pmid41975732,
year = {2026},
author = {Fanò-Illic, G and Coscia, F and Gigliotti, PV and Checcaglini, F and Carraro, U and Fulle, S and Mancinelli, R},
title = {Pathophysiological, Translational, and Diagnostic Aspects of ME/CFS: A Focus on Skeletal Muscle Involvement.},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975732},
issn = {2075-4418},
abstract = {Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, multisystemic disorder characterized by severe, persistent fatigue not alleviated by rest and worsened by minimal exertion, often accompanied by post-exertional malaise (PEM), unrefreshing sleep, cognitive dysfunction, and autonomic disturbances. Despite decades of research, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood, and skeletal muscle involvement has only recently gained attention. This review aims to provide a historical and pathophysiological synthesis of ME/CFS, emphasizing the pivotal role of skeletal muscle in the onset and persistence of symptoms, and to integrate molecular, cellular, and pathophysiological evidence into a coherent explanatory framework. This is a narrative review of published literature (1990-2025) with critical integration of clinical, biochemical, and experimental data on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Excitation-Contraction (E-C coupling) dysregulation, and muscle secretome alterations in ME/CFS also in relation to post-viral syndromes (e.g., Long COVID). Evidence consistently points to mitochondrial oxidative stress, redox imbalance, impaired Ca[2+] handling, and altered signaling pathways in skeletal muscle of patients with ME/CFS. Historical milestones show an evolution from psychogenic interpretations toward recognition of ME/CFS as a biological disorder with neuromuscular and metabolic underpinnings. ME/CFS can be interpreted as a skeletal muscle-metabolic disorder characterized by oxidative distress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired energy regulation, leading to the clinical picture of exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise. Integrating basic and clinical research through a translational approach provides the foundation for new diagnostic tools, targeted therapies, and biomarkers.},
}

@article {pmid41976810,
year = {2026},
author = {Barr, J and Marsden, L and Dassanayake, T and Almutairi, N and McKeever, V and Gaber, T and Tarrant, R and Godfrey, B and Witton, S and Sivan, M},
title = {Testing a Personalised Dysautonomia Management Protocol in Patients with Orthostatic Intolerance and a Diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Long COVID.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41976810},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {133038//The ME Association/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID (LC) are complex multisystem conditions with significant functional disability. Many patients experience symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, which can be captured in some cases as Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) or Postural orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) on objective testing. Conservative treatments are recommended for first-line symptom management, but there is a lack of efficacy evidence. This study aims to assess the feasibility of an 8-week clinically supervised, personalised Dysautonomia Management Protocol (DMP) in a cohort of ME/CFS and LC patients with subjective and objective evidence of orthostatic intolerance (dysautonomia). Methods: ME/CFS and LC patients with objective dysautonomia on the 10 min active Lean Test (LT) were recruited to an 8-week DMP, with interventions introduced cumulatively every two weeks. Interventions included increasing daily fluid intake to 3 litres and salt intake to 10 g, pacing to avoid crashes and calf activation. Baseline and weekly data collection included the LT, Composite Autonomic Symptom Score questionnaire (COMPASS-31) and Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (YRS). Results: Sixteen participants completed the 8-week program, five discontinued during the program, and one was withdrawn following a severe crash. The COMPASS-31 improved by 7.7 points from week 1 to week 8 (p = 0.045), with a medium Cohen's d effect size of 0.55. For the same period, there was a non-significant (p = 0.16) improvement in the YRS symptom severity score by 2 points. Comparing the final two weeks of the program with the first two weeks, mean heart rate during the LT decreased by 4.8 beats per minute (p = 0.032), with a medium Cohen's d effect size of 0.44. Adherence to the interventions was highly variable, with none of the patients able to fully employ all four recommendations. Conclusions: The results suggest that targeted conservative interventions could influence autonomic function and symptom reduction. However, the magnitude of change was limited, and statistical significance might not necessarily relate to a clinically significant improvement in symptoms.},
}

@article {pmid41976966,
year = {2026},
author = {Mihai, AM and Marc, M and Lucaciu, F and Sima, A},
title = {Incident Heart Failure Risk Following COVID-19 Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41976966},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {We would like to acknowledge the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, for paying the APC. The funder had no role in study design, data collection/analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation//Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: While acute cardiac injury during COVID-19 is well-documented, the long-term risk of new-onset heart failure (HF) in survivors remains a critical clinical concern. This study aims to quantify the risk of new-onset heart failure during a 25 months prognostic follow-up period following recovery from SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine high-quality studies (n > 400,000 survivors) in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched through January 2026. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed on six studies using a random-effects model to pool adjusted hazard ratios (aHR). Results: The pooled analysis revealed a significant 35% increased risk of new-onset heart failure following COVID-19 recovery (aHR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.14-1.60; p = 0.001). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I[2] = 92.62%), reflecting diverse risk profiles among survivors. The risk was most pronounced in immunocompromised kidney transplant recipients (aHR 2.32) and younger adults under the age of 65 (aHR 1.53). Subclinical myocardial damage, characterized by reduced left ventricular longitudinal strain, was identified even in survivors who experienced mild initial infections. Conclusions: COVID-19 recovery serves as a significant independent risk factor for chronic heart failure, emphasizing that cardiovascular impact extends far beyond the acute phase. These findings necessitate the implementation of structured cardiovascular monitoring and biomarker screening for at least one year post-infection to address this emerging chronic disease burden.},
}

@article {pmid41977143,
year = {2026},
author = {Jaishankar, S and Schaeper, D and Janga, SC and Srinivasan, M},
title = {Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Salivary Epithelial Cells Reveals Large-Scale Dysregulation in Bitter Taste Dysfunction.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27072953},
pmid = {41977143},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {4476254//Delta Dental Research and Development Committee/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Epithelial Cells/metabolism ; Single-Cell Analysis/methods ; *Saliva/cytology/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; *Transcriptome ; Female ; *COVID-19/complications/genetics ; Male ; *Taste/genetics ; Middle Aged ; *Dysgeusia/genetics/metabolism ; Adult ; Toll-Like Receptor 2/genetics/metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics/metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Taste dysfunction, or dysgeusia, is a frequent symptom associated with infections and systemic diseases, yet its cellular and molecular basis remains poorly understood. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to study dysgeusia as a "natural experiment" due to its high prevalence in those with acute and long COVID (LC). We investigated salivary epithelial cells (SECs) using single-cell RNA sequencing to elucidate molecular changes underlying taste dysfunction in LC. Functional enrichment analysis of SEC transcriptomes from individuals with bitter taste dysfunction (LC-D) revealed downregulation of genes involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and taste cell-nerve synapse assembly. Further, specific Type II and III taste receptor genes, critical for bitter taste perception, were reduced. Microbial defense markers such as Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4 were also downregulated, suggesting chronic inflammation. These findings support a model of sustained dysregulated epithelial turnover due to impaired taste in LC-D. Saliva-based single-cell approaches offer promising tools for future diagnostics and mechanistic studies of taste systems.},
}

Humans
*Epithelial Cells/metabolism
Single-Cell Analysis/methods
*Saliva/cytology/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling
*Transcriptome
Female
*COVID-19/complications/genetics
Male
*Taste/genetics
Middle Aged
*Dysgeusia/genetics/metabolism
Adult
Toll-Like Receptor 2/genetics/metabolism
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics/metabolism
Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid41978821,
year = {2026},
author = {Miller, DW and Rodgers-Melnick, SN and Deraz, NT and Dusek, JA and Segall, TL and Edwards, AM},
title = {Interdisciplinary Pediatric Long-COVID Care: A Descriptive Study of Interventions and Health-Related Quality of Life.},
journal = {Open forum infectious diseases},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {ofag155},
pmid = {41978821},
issn = {2328-8957},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Data on pediatric long-COVID is limited to descriptive reports of symptom prevalence and incidence, with few studies describing integrative care or including patient-reported quality of life. This study describes demographic, clinical, symptom severity, and intervention characteristics within a pediatric long-COVID clinic involving collaboration between infectious disease and integrative medicine physicians.

METHODS: Clinical data were extracted from the electronic health records for patients aged 4-25 with long-COVID seen within this clinic. A subset of patients completed validated PROs of wellbeing, fatigue, sleep-related impairment and disturbance, depression, and anxiety.

RESULTS: A cohort of 214 patients (mean age 14.7, 61% female, 83% White) were seen between March 2021 and June 2023, with 39.7% providing Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and 30.3% providing Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures. Common documented conditions included fatigue (85%), headache (75.2%), dizziness (64.5%), anxiety (62.1%), and nausea (59.3%). Common interventions included diet changes (81.8%), pacing (65.9%), sleep hygiene (61.2%), and other self-care techniques (46.7%). The long-COVID cohort reported elevated PROMIS sleep disturbance (61.79), sleep-related impairment (63.9), anxiety (58.1), and depression (58.1) as well as PedsQL total fatigue (40.19). These scores were more severe than national norms as well as compared with other pediatric chronic disease cohorts (eg, chronic pain, cancer, sickle cell disease, autism).

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients with long-COVID report high symptom burden. This study describes patient characteristics, care delivered and provides a novel description of symptom severity. Future research among more diverse populations is needed to evaluate outcomes of this integrative care.},
}

@article {pmid41979136,
year = {2026},
author = {Kleeman, M and Nau, C and Su, J and Young, DR and Butler, R and Yang, LS and Batteate, C and Eng, S and Burnett, RT and Jerrett, M},
title = {Ambient Air Pollution and COVID-19 in California.},
journal = {Research report (Health Effects Institute)},
volume = {},
number = {238},
pages = {1-97},
pmid = {41979136},
issn = {1041-5505},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality ; *Air Pollution/adverse effects/analysis/statistics & numerical data ; California/epidemiology ; Particulate Matter/analysis/adverse effects ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; *Air Pollutants/analysis/adverse effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; Incidence ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: As of December 2023, more than 6.9 million people globally had died from COVID-19, including more than 1.165 million deaths in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 18.8 million people in the United States have experienced post-acute COVID-19 conditions, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) or long COVID, in the first 3 years after the pandemic. Although some initial cases of long COVID have resolved, with the ongoing incidence of COVID-19, roughly 17.8 million persons in the United States continue to suffer from long COVID at the time of this writing.[1-3] Preliminary evidence early in the COVID-19 pandemic suggested that exposure to air pollution increased the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and worsened outcomes for those who became ill. The validity of these findings was uncertain, however, as few studies used highly accurate exposure models incorporating individual-level data on patient characteristics and risk factors. Although the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, the disease continues to pose substantial risks to individual and population health. At the time of this writing, nearly 35,000 individuals per week are hospitalized with COVID-19 in the United States, and the weekly number of COVID-19-related deaths ranges from 900 to 1,400.[4].

METHODS: In this study, we investigated relationships between ambient air pollution and COVID-19-related outcomes, including incidence, severity, mortality, and long COVID conditions. We used advanced models to estimate exposures, incorporating numerous air pollutants, particle species, and wildfire emissions. We used administrative COVID-19 data and several cohorts of patients from a large health system, and each was formed to evaluate different hypotheses.

UNLABELLED: Daily air pollution exposures for Southern California were estimated with high spatial and chemical resolution, using a combination of land use regression and chemical transport models for the years 2016, 2019, and 2020. Exposure variables included ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM) ≤2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5mass), ultrafine PM ≤0.1 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM0.1), and major sources or chemical components of PM in each size fraction. Exposures for multiple study populations were investigated using statistical analysis methods to test for associations with COVID-19-related outcomes, including the following.

UNLABELLED: • COVID-19 cases (N = 773,374) and deaths (N = 14,311), by age, race, and sex, for 308 ZIP codes in Los Angeles County between June 19 and January 3, 2021. A negative binomial regression was performed for both individual and multiple ambient air pollutants to evaluate their associations with COVID-19 incidence and mortality.

UNLABELLED: • Patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) hospitals between June 1, 2020, and January 30, 2021 (N = 21,415). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate associations between ambient air pollutant exposure and COVID-19 mortality. A subset was of KPSC patients with COVID-19 who received care exclusively in KPSC hospitals (N = 15,978). A multistate survival model was used to examine how air pollution affects the transition to recovery or deterioration to more severe COVID-19 states (e.g., intensive care admission or death). A subset was of KPSC patients with COVID-19 who maintained membership with KPSC for 1 year after hospital discharge (N = 12,634). We combined a set of 45 diagnoses of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) into categories based on organ systems and then studied a subset of these PASC categories that could be affected by air pollution, including cardiac, cardiometabolic, pulmonary, and neurological conditions. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between 30-day air pollution exposure before hospital admission and PASC conditions diagnosed at 3 months and 12 months post-discharge.

RESULTS: PM0.1, O3, NO2, and PM2.5 elemental carbon exposures were identified as risk factors for COVID-19 incidence and mortality in the general population of Los Angeles County. Air pollution exposures were also significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality in the cohort of hospitalized KPSC patients, controlling for other individual health risks. Incremental increases equivalent to the interquartile range for several pollution exposure concentrations were significantly associated with increased mortality, including PM2.5 mass (hazard ratio [HR], 1.12), PM0.1(HR, 1.06), PM2.5 nitrate (HR, 1.12), PM2.5 elemental carbon (HR, 1.07), PM2.5 on-road diesel (HR, 1.06), and PM2.5 on-road gasoline (HR, 1.07). Humidity and temperature in the month of diagnosis were significant negative predictors of COVID-19 mortality and negative modifiers of the air pollution effects. Results of the multistate analysis were consistent with these findings and further suggested that O3, NO2, and PM2.5 each were associated with deteriorating health states. Increased PM2.5 concentration was associated with increased risk of deterioration to both intensive care admission (HR, 1.16) and death (HR = 1.11). Effects of O3 were similar to those of PM2.5, but O3 also affected the transition from recovery to death (HR, 1.24). Several air pollutants - particularly O3, PM0.1, and PM2.5 nitrate - were significantly associated with several long COVID outcomes, including cardiac, cardiometabolic, and pulmonary conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Broadly, we concluded that several common air pollutants are associated with COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and progression to more severe states of illness, including long COVID conditions. Air pollution is a modifiable environmental risk factor that could be altered to improve the prognosis of COVID-19, thereby also reducing the public health impacts of coronaviruses now and in the future. This is particularly important for preventing long COVID, as evidence suggests that PASC conditions can occur even in vaccinated individuals. Given that 10% to 30% of individuals with COVID-19 will experience some form of PASC, which can have lifelong debilitating effects,[5] the importance of addressing modifiable environmental risk factors, such as air pollution, cannot be underestimated. A recent Lancet editorial noted that societal investment in understanding the pathogenesis of long COVID and preventive measures has lagged well behind the levels needed to effectively treat and mitigate this complex disease.[6] Our research focused mostly on hospitalized patients, but it also included one study on the general population effects. The results of both analyses were generally concordant, although our most important findings likely apply only to patients hospitalized with COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality
*Air Pollution/adverse effects/analysis/statistics & numerical data
California/epidemiology
Particulate Matter/analysis/adverse effects
*Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Middle Aged
*Air Pollutants/analysis/adverse effects
SARS-CoV-2
Male
Female
Aged
Adult
Risk Factors
Incidence

@article {pmid41979291,
year = {2026},
author = {Abid, S and Jannath, H},
title = {Cardiac Effects in Post-COVID-19 Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Imaging- and Biomarker-Based Structural and Functional Remodeling.},
journal = {Annals of cardiac anaesthesia},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {157-168},
pmid = {41979291},
issn = {0974-5181},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology ; Biomarkers/blood ; *Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/etiology ; *Ventricular Remodeling/physiology ; Echocardiography ; Longitudinal Studies ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 has been linked to persistent cardiovascular sequelae, yet the trajectory of structural and functional cardiac changes beyond the acute phase remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes longitudinal evidence on post-COVID cardiac remodeling assessed by imaging and biomarkers. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed and Cochrane Library (January 2020-April 2025) for peer-reviewed studies enrolling adults (≥18 years) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/antigen-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and reporting cardiac outcomes ≥ 12 weeks post-infection. Eligible outcomes included imaging-based abnormalities (cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR]: T1/T2 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]; echocardiography: left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], LV/RV strain). Longitudinal trends of biomarkers (troponin, NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein [CRP]) were also studied. Risk of bias was assessed using joanna briggs institute (JBI) tools; synthesis followed synthesis without metaanalysis (SWiM) principles. Fifteen studies (n ≈ 166,000; 14 cohorts, 1 case report) were included. Across CMR cohorts, global systolic function was largely preserved, but tissue abnormalities were frequent early and improved over time: edema indices normalized by ~ 12 months, while LGE prevalence declined (e.g. 50%→19% in paired scans). However, residual non-ischemic scars and elevated T1/T2 persisted in symptomatic subgroups. Echocardiography showed normal LVEF, but subtle left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) impairment versus controls (e.g. -18.5% vs - 19.3%). Biomarker trends were heterogeneous: natriuretic peptide positivity persisted in patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), while troponin and CRP generally normalized. Large population-based cohorts demonstrated sustained 12-month risk for heart failure, myocarditis, and major cardiovascular events, graded by acute severity. Most patients recover gross systolic function, yet subclinical myocardial changes and elevated population-level cardiovascular risk persist up to 1 year. These findings support risk-stratified follow-up, judicious use of advanced imaging, and preventive cardiology strategies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology
Biomarkers/blood
*Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/etiology
*Ventricular Remodeling/physiology
Echocardiography
Longitudinal Studies
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

@article {pmid41969525,
year = {2026},
author = {Abdullah, M and Naz, A and Reznikov, LR and Qureshi, JA and Hasnain, A and Obaid, A and Ali, A},
title = {Neuropeptide and cytokines expression in long COVID-19 related neuropsychological sequelae: insights into NK1R-mediated neuroinflammation and in silico therapeutic targeting.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1763029},
pmid = {41969525},
issn = {1662-5102},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID-19 causes neurophysiological, cardiopulmonary, and musculoskeletal issues. Increased neuropeptides and cytokines lead to neuroinflammation, resulting in neurocognitive impairments, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and severe cognitive deficits. The Neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) is a cellular receptor for the neuropeptide Substance P, and its dysregulation links to neuropsychological issues despite antipsychotic use.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, neuropsychological sequelae related to long COVID-19 were screened and the expression of related neuropeptides and cytokines was evaluated. Additionally, potential drugs have been evaluated computationally to reduce neuroinflammation in long COVID-19.

METHODS: After informed consent, subjects were screened by a medical physician for long COVID-19 in an outdoor patient clinic. Various biological scales were used to assess and categorize the severity of neuropsychological symptoms related to long COVID-19. After that, peripheral blood samples were collected from subjects using ELISA and RT-qPCR. Nine drugs were selected and subjected to virtual screening to identify potential drug antagonists for NK1R. The key drug-like properties, safety profile, pharmacokinetic analysis, and biological activity of the identified hits were assessed.

RESULTS: In this study the mean age of 90 patients (60% males and 40% females), was 33 ± 5 years in the symptomatic group and 31 ± 6 years in the asymptomatic long COVID-19 group for <40 years age-group. Whereas, the mean age of >40 years age-group was 58 ± 10 years in the symptomatic group and 54 ± 11 years in the asymptomatic long COVID-19 group. The minimum persistence of duration of long COVID-19 related symptoms in the <30 weeks group was observed to be 19 ± 6 weeks, while 44 ± 6 weeks in the >30 weeks group of symptomatic long COVID-19. A total of 48% patients had fatigue, 47% complained about headache, 28% had anxiety, 25% faced depression, 20% had psychosocial distress, 20% felt discomfort, and 13% had cognitive impairment. A total of 10% had reported dizziness sequelae among long COVID-19 survivors. Experimental data showed upregulation of IL-6, IL-10, and SP in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals compared with controls (p < 0.001). Drug screening analyses revealed aprepitant (-9.3 kcal/mol) and N- acetyl- L- tryptophan (-8.7 kcal/mol) stable interactions with NK1R and maintaining molecular dynamics stability (RMSD: 1.5-2.2 Å; RMSF 0.8-1.4 Å; Rg approximately 21.6 Å). These compounds also demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability and pharmacokinetic profiles, suggesting their potential as therapeutic antagonists for treating prolonged COVID-related neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION: IL-6, IL-10, and SP are found to be deregulated in long COVID-19 leading to neurophysiological sequelae. To overcome neuropsychological sequelae, binding of SP to NK1R can be hindered using aprepitant and N-Acetyl-L tryptophan which has been evaluated computationally and may require further in vivo and in vitro studies for validation.},
}

@article {pmid41969541,
year = {2023},
author = {Northstone, K and Suarez-Perez, A and Matthews, S and Crawford, M and Timpson, NJ},
title = {The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - a resource for COVID-19 research: questionnaire data capture July 2021 to December 2021, with a focus on long COVID.},
journal = {Wellcome open research},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {292},
doi = {10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19596.2},
pmid = {41969541},
issn = {2398-502X},
abstract = {ALSPAC, the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is a prospective population-based cohort study. Pregnant women were recruited in 1990-1992 and the study has followed them, their partners (Generation 0; G0) and their offspring (Generation 1; G1) for over 30 years. During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ALSPAC deployed a series of online questionnaires to capture participant experiences during this unprecedented time. In July 2021, a fifth questionnaire was deployed which primarily focussed on the symptoms of long COVID, also known as post-COVID syndrome. G0 and G1 participants were offered both online and paper questionnaires between 21 [st] July 2021 and 11 [th] December 2021. Of 21,138 invitations, 11,148 (52.8%) participants returned the questionnaire (4,763 original mothers [mean age 59.1 years], 2,074 original fathers/partners [mean age 62.0 years] and 4,311 offspring [mean age 29.0 years]). Of these 11,148 participants, 2835 (25.4%) had not completed any of the previous COVID-19 questionnaires, while 3480 (31.2%) had returned all four previous questionnaires. In this questionnaire, 1077 participants (9.8%) reported a previous positive COVID-19 test over the course of the pandemic. Of these, 109 (1.0%) had received medical advice that they likely had COVID-19, and 838 (7.6%) suspected that they had had COVID-19. Almost a third of participants (n=796, 31.1%) reported possible long COVID (experiencing symptoms for at least 4 weeks), whilst 351 (13.7%) reported symptom duration of 12 weeks or more (post-COVID syndrome). G0 mothers were more likely to report a longer duration of symptoms compared to their partners and their children. The fifth COVID-19 questionnaire deployed by ALSPAC and the data obtained from are described in this data note.},
}

@article {pmid41971233,
year = {2026},
author = {Adebisi, YA},
title = {Prepandemic Risk Factors for Disabling Long COVID: A Prospective Cohort Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of tropical medicine},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {9396282},
pmid = {41971233},
issn = {1687-9686},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Disabling long COVID, characterised by persistent symptoms that limit daily functioning, has emerged as an important public health concern. However, prospective evidence on predisposing risk factors remains limited.

METHODS: This study used prospective data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, linking prepandemic baseline information collected in Wave 10 (2018-19) with follow-up data from Wave 14 (2022-23). The analytic sample comprised 12,033 adults aged ≥ 16 years who participated in both waves and self-reported a positive COVID-19 test at follow-up. The primary outcome, disabling long COVID, was defined as symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks that impaired day-to-day activities. Prepandemic sociodemographic, health and psychosocial factors assessed at baseline were included as predictors. Associations were estimated using modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors to calculate adjusted relative risks (RRs).

RESULTS: Disabling long COVID was reported by 690 individuals (5.7%). Higher risk was observed among women (RR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08-1.48) and adults aged 30-49 (RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.10-1.73) or 50-69 (RR 1.28; 95% CI 1.01-1.62) years, compared with those aged 16-29 years. Additional risk factors included pre-existing health conditions (RR 1.31; 95% CI 1.10-1.56), poor self-rated health (RR 1.78; 95% CI 1.40-2.25), psychological distress (RR 1.44; 95% CI 1.21-1.72) and poorer sleep quality (fairly bad: RR 1.92; 95% CI 1.45-2.56; very bad: RR 1.96; 95% CI 1.37-2.81), compared with very good sleep quality. Compared with non-White participants, White participants had lower risk (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61-0.92), while moderate (RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.93) and high (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.98) income satisfaction, compared with low-income satisfaction, were protective. Stratified analyses showed that the effects of rural residence (p for interaction = 0.011) and income satisfaction (p = 0.009) differed significantly by sex, with weaker evidence for age (p = 0.095) and self-rated health (p = 0.061).

CONCLUSION: Prepandemic health, socioeconomic and psychological vulnerabilities were independently associated with disabling long COVID, with distinct sex-specific patterns of risk.},
}

@article {pmid41971988,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, S and Koplin, E and Shilts, MH and Voehler, M and Rachakonda, G and Gil-Redondo, R and Rajagopala, SV and Sabaté Del Río, J and Botta-Orfila, T and Sibila, O and Asad, M and Sehanobish, E and Jerschow, E and Phillips, E and Millet, Ó and Mallal, SA and Das, SR},
title = {A quantitative metabolic signature of host response during SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery.},
journal = {iScience},
volume = {29},
number = {4},
pages = {115390},
pmid = {41971988},
issn = {2589-0042},
abstract = {COVID-19 has individualized disease trajectories during both acute infection and long-term recovery ("long COVID"), highlighting the need for biomarkers for the disease's heterogeneity. In this study, we introduce "metabo-time," a quantitative metabolic signature derived from serum metabolites and lipoproteins measured via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Metabo-time was stablished across two longitudinal and demographically diverse cohorts and validated in independent populations. It captures patient-specific metabolic states throughout the disease course. Longitudinally, it is disrupted during acute infection and normalizes during recovery, mirroring systemic oxidative stress and immune response dynamics. Importantly, metabo-time outperforms actual recovery time in predicting patients' individualized normalization of oxidative stress. At baseline, it distinguishes infection severity and is associated with transcriptional activity in the upper airway. These findings establish metabo-time as a robust marker for tracking COVID-19 heterogeneity and progression, with potential utility for stratifying patients and informing therapeutic strategies, particularly in the context of SARS-CoV-2 recovery.},
}

@article {pmid41972671,
year = {2026},
author = {Asaba, CN and Gwanyama, BN and Ayuk, HS and Odo, TI and Bitazar, R and Noumi, T and Labonté, P and Bukong, TN},
title = {Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Viral Infections: Regulation, Immune Consequences, and Pathogenic Outcomes.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/cells15070580},
pmid = {41972671},
issn = {2073-4409},
support = {Relance 2024//The INRS-Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre/ ; 363424//A doctoral scholarship from the Fonds de Recherche du Québec./ ; },
mesh = {*Extracellular Traps/immunology ; Humans ; *Neutrophils/immunology ; *Virus Diseases/immunology/pathology ; Animals ; COVID-19/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; Signal Transduction ; },
abstract = {Neutrophils are among the early responders of the innate immune system and play a key role in host defense against viral infections. Beyond their classical antimicrobial functions, neutrophils can engage in a specialized defense mechanism by releasing web-like extracellular DNA known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These extracellular traps are a mesh-like network of chromatin DNA decorated with cellular components, including histones, proteases, and antimicrobial enzymes, that function to contain and limit the spread of pathogens. While NET formation contributes to antiviral immunity, accumulating evidence indicates that excessive or dysregulated NET formation can significantly contribute to immunopathology during viral infections. Thus, depending on the context and outcome, NET formation may be viewed as a double-edged sword. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing NET formation and its harmful effects is critical for developing therapeutic strategies that enhance antiviral defense while minimizing tissue damage. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms that drive NET formation and clearance, with a particular focus on how viruses modulate these processes to influence disease outcome. We also discuss the pathways underlying NET formation and subsequent neutrophil cell death (NETosis), including canonical and non-canonical pathways, and highlight key signaling axes involving SYK, MAPKs, and NF-κB. Using SARS-CoV-2 and hepatitis B virus as representative models, we examine how different viral components trigger, exploit, or evade NET targeting and how persistent accumulation of NETs can contribute to hyperinflammation, progressive tissue injury, and post-viral syndromes. We further explore emerging evidence linking impaired NET clearance and neutrophil heterogeneity, particularly low-density neutrophils (LDNs), to chronic inflammation and post-viral sequelae such as long COVID and autoimmune hepatitis. Finally, we summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating NET formation or enhancing NET clearance. Altogether, this review underscores the dual nature of NETs in viral infections, highlighting their potential roles in antiviral defense and tissue injury, and provides a framework for the development of targeted interventions to limit virus-induced immunopathology.},
}

*Extracellular Traps/immunology
Humans
*Neutrophils/immunology
*Virus Diseases/immunology/pathology
Animals
COVID-19/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Immunity, Innate
Signal Transduction

@article {pmid41973314,
year = {2026},
author = {Peddireddy, S and VanWingerden, N and Patel, P and Howard, G and Berger, J},
title = {Stellate Ganglion Block in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Current pain and headache reports},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41973314},
issn = {1534-3081},
mesh = {Humans ; *Stellate Ganglion ; *COVID-19/complications/therapy ; *Autonomic Nerve Block/methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This review evaluates stellate ganglion block as a treatment for long COVID, seeking to evaluate the treatment's efficacy by various symptoms and the limitations of the current literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review.

SETTING: Ambulatory or Outpatient Setting.

METHODS, SUBJECTS: A systematic review of the current literature regarding use of stellate ganglion block in patients with long COVID was conducted. 2 databases were searched on August 28th, 2025. Search terms were "long COVID" and "stellate ganglion block", yielding 45 results. Studies examining patient outcomes after stellate ganglion block were included. Case reports, case series, basic science studies and previous reviews were excluded. Seven studies met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Patients received a single stellate ganglion block in some studies and multiple stellate ganglion blocks in others. All studies reported symptomatic improvement without control groups. Response rates ranged from 55.8% to 100%. The most robust improvements (> 80% patients reporting relief) were seen in cough, dyspnea, headache, joint pain, pain interference/intensity, pins/needles, subjective relief.

CONCLUSION: Stellate ganglion block is a promising treatment that appears to generate substantive benefit for many of the symptoms seen in long COVID. However, the current literature has small, uncontrolled studies with heterogenous study designs and follow-up periods. Standardized research with larger sample sizes, control groups, and longer-term follow up is necessary to elucidate the degree of benefit. IRB approval and clinical trial registration not required.},
}

Humans
*Stellate Ganglion
*COVID-19/complications/therapy
*Autonomic Nerve Block/methods
Treatment Outcome
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid41973786,
year = {2026},
author = {O'Loughlin, KM and Herring, TE and Gentile, NL and Bender, JA and Friedly, JL and Knowles, LM},
title = {Correlates of patient interest in rehabilitation psychology services among individuals with long COVID: A cross-sectional analysis.},
journal = {Rehabilitation psychology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1037/rep0000671},
pmid = {41973786},
issn = {1939-1544},
support = {/HS/AHRQ HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Long COVID is a complex chronic condition, affecting approximately 18% of adults in the United States and commonly involves fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain, and psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and insomnia). Despite high psychiatric burden, many individuals do not receive mental health care, and little is known about their interest in psychological services. This study characterized symptom profiles of long COVID and examined correlates of patients' interest in rehabilitation psychology services.

RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of routinely collected clinical data. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and logistic regression analyses examined associations of interest.

RESULTS: Participants in the full sample (N = 1,789) were predominantly White, non-Hispanic, and female, with high rates of fatigue (84.9%), cognitive difficulties (55.3%-74.3%), and psychiatric history (51.8%). Over half (56.8%) expressed interest in rehabilitation psychology services, including individual (50.2%) and group (32.1%) formats. Two participants were excluded from regression analyses due to sparse cell size, yielding a final analytic sample of n = 1,787. Interest in individual services was associated with not having a mental health provider, greater depression and anxiety, poor sleep, and lower cognitive functioning. Interest in group services was associated with psychiatric history, greater anxiety, lower cognitive and social functioning, and better physical functioning.

CONCLUSION/IMPLICATIONS: Anxiety symptoms and cognitive difficulties are key correlates of interest in rehabilitation psychology services, underscoring the value of early screening and targeted intervention. Stigma and prioritization of medical concerns may limit engagement, highlighting the importance of psychoeducation and stigma-reduction efforts to support engagement in care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).},
}

@article {pmid41975034,
year = {2026},
author = {Matthews, R and Alam, A and Bullmore, E and Michael, BD},
title = {Understanding the long-term neurological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Neurology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975034},
issn = {1759-4766},
abstract = {Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), also known as long COVID, is a heterogeneous condition marked by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. As approximately 6% of people who have experienced acute COVID-19 are estimated to develop PCC, the potential population is vast. Many of the key symptoms of PCC reflect involvement of the nervous system, ranging from cognitive impairment ('brain fog'), headaches and fatigue to anxiety and depression. This Review summarizes the spectrum of neurological and psychological symptoms that occur following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a particular focus on the international consensus-based core outcome set for PCC. We also explore the proposed underlying mechanisms, including evidence for immune system dysregulation, microvascular dysfunction and volumetric changes on neuroimaging. In addition, we review ongoing and completed large-scale treatment trials. Growing evidence suggests a bidirectional interaction between symptoms traditionally considered neurobiological in origin, such as cognitive deficits and headache, and those within the purview of psychiatry, such as anxiety and depression. PCC represents an opportunity to better understand the long-term consequences of acute infection and improve management strategies and outcomes, not only for people with the condition but also for those with other post-viral syndromes that affect brain health.},
}

@article {pmid41975235,
year = {2026},
author = {Bansal, A and Olechnowicz, SWZ and Kiernan-Walker, N and Cumming, J and Abdul Azeez, I and Mazhari, R and , and Cox, RJ and Mueller, I and Bowden, R and Eriksson, EM},
title = {Divergent inflammatory and neurology-related protein levels in long COVID following primary and breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s43856-026-01541-6},
pmid = {41975235},
issn = {2730-664X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID is a complex condition where symptoms persist for more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection and affects an estimated 5-30% of individuals. While persistent inflammation has emerged as an important feature of this condition, it is unclear if immune responses from COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 re-infection exacerbate or mirror the initial inflammatory responses.

METHODS: We quantified 182 inflammatory and neurology-related proteins in plasma using multiplexed affinity proteomics. Plasma samples from the COVID PROFILE cohort conducted in Victoria, Australia, were collected 6-9 months after first infection, but before COVID-19 vaccination from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 (n = 21) or from individuals with long COVID (n = 12). To establish baseline plasma profiles, protein levels were benchmarked against unvaccinated, SARS-CoV-2 naive individuals (n = 24). In addition, we performed longitudinal analysis in a subset of individuals (n = 34), where paired samples collected 2-4 weeks after a third COVID-19 vaccine dose and after SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection were available to assess inflammatory and neurology protein plasma levels after antigen exposure in these contexts.

RESULTS: In this cohort Boruta feature selection and lasso regression models identified IL-20, HAGH, NAAA, CLEC10A, LXN, and MCP-1, TRAIL, G-CSF, NBL1, and CCL23 as best discriminating proteins when comparing the long COVID group to groups of either healthy or COVID-19 recovered. Notably, longitudinal analysis indicated differences in the levels of a subset of plasma proteins following primary infection compared to after COVID-19 booster vaccination and breakthrough infection within the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there is an altered immune response outcome primarily observed in individuals with long COVID upon re-exposure.},
}

@article {pmid41965722,
year = {2026},
author = {Magnúsdóttir, I and Nygaard, AB and Hoffart, A and Murphy, G and Kõiv, K and Barker, MM and Lovik, A and Unnarsdóttir, AB and Kähler, AK and Hauksdóttir, A and Thordardottir, EB and Eyþórsson, E and Gísladóttir, EU and Joyce, EE and Frans, EM and Tómasson, G and Hjördísar Jónsdóttir, HL and Rúnarsdóttir, H and Harðardóttir, H and Dahl, JA and Jakobsdóttir, J and Kalleberg, KT and Ásbjörnsdóttir, KH and Ellingjord-Dale, M and Istre, MS and Landrø, NI and Shen, Q and Bø, R and Mägi, R and Pálsson, R and Brunvoll, SH and Johnson, SU and Søraas, A and Fang, F and Lehto, K and Ebrahimi, OV and Aspelund, T and Valdimarsdóttir, UA},
title = {Acute COVID-19 severity and impaired cognitive function up to 32 months after diagnosis: an observational study.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12916-026-04856-2},
pmid = {41965722},
issn = {1741-7015},
support = {2022-00597//Forskningsrådet för hälsa, arbetsliv och välfärd/ ; PSG615//Eesti Teadusagentuur/ ; 138929//NordForsk/ ; 847776//Horizon 2020/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction ("brain fog") is a commonly reported post-COVID-19 symptom. Leveraging data from five general population cohorts across four European countries (Estonia, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), we assessed long-term prevalence of impaired subjective cognitive function among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 by acute illness severity.

METHODS: The included cohorts consisted of adult participants recruited from March 2020 and followed with self-report measures of cognitive function and past COVID-19 infection (except one cohort consisting of clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases) through February 2023. In a cross-sectional analysis we contrasted the prevalence of impaired cognitive function among individuals with and without a COVID-19 diagnosis, overall and by illness severity up to 32 months post-diagnosis. We adjusted for age, gender, education, relationship status, binge drinking, body mass index, previous psychiatric diagnosis, number of chronic medical conditions, and response period. In a longitudinal analysis, we assessed potential changes in cognitive function scores before and after COVID-19 diagnosis.

RESULTS: The study population consisted of 153,841 participants (71% women), with 31,359 (20.4%) reporting a positive COVID-19 test. Overall, a COVID-19 diagnosis was not statistically significantly associated with increased prevalence ratio (PR) of impaired cognitive function (PR 1.30 [95% CI: 0.98-1.71]). Individuals bedridden due to COVID-19 for 1-6 days (PR 1.38 [95% CI 0.96-1.99]) or ≥ 7 days (2.59 [1.55-4.33]) had higher prevalence of impaired cognitive function compared to those never diagnosed, while individuals never bedridden had a lower prevalence to those never diagnosed with COVID-19 (0.89 [0.80-1.00]). These findings were corroborated in the longitudinal analysis where a pre- to post diagnosis decline in cognitive function was observed among individuals bedridden due to COVID-19 (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: The data indicates that a severe COVID-19 acute illness course is associated with impaired cognitive function up to 18-32 months after COVID-19 diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid41965729,
year = {2026},
author = {Springe, ML and Vaivode, K and Saksis, R and Vainšeļbauma, NM and Ansone, L and Brīvība, M and Niedra, H and Rovite, V},
title = {Immune dysregulation in prolonged Long-COVID: lymphocytes emerge as key mediators of persistent inflammation, exhaustion and cytotoxicity.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12967-026-08081-6},
pmid = {41965729},
issn = {1479-5876},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-COVID affects at least 10% of COVID-19 survivors, displaying debilitating symptoms across multiple organ systems. Despite the widespread prevalence, Long-COVID aetiology remains poorly understood, but emerging evidence points to immune dysregulation as a potential mechanism involved in its development or persistence.

METHODS: This study presents a unique analysis of the peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptomic profile of COVID-19 and Long-COVID patients at single-cell resolution. We reconstructed the cell state and intercellular communication using differentially expressed gene profiling and ligand-receptor interaction analyses.

RESULTS: Our results reveal altered T and natural killer cell subset proportions, diminished proliferating lymphocyte and B cell signalling capacity, and the expression of exhaustion and cytotoxicity associated genes 1.5-2 years post-infection, suggesting incomplete immune recovery. Distinct interferon responses in these cell populations at the acute phase for patients who go on to develop Long-COVID indicate early disease mediator potential.

CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these findings provide insight into the immune processes underlying the progression of COVID-19 into a chronic Long-COVID state. The observed changes in immune cell subsets at the acute phase of the infection may be predictive of Long-COVID progression and could be useful in understanding disease aetiology while the observed long-term effects are crucial to developing therapeutic and diagnostic tools.},
}

@article {pmid41966515,
year = {2026},
author = {Gardiner, LE and Lozano-Rojas, D and Smith, N and Espley, J and Stewart, ID and Ntotsis, K and Aul, R and Bakerly, ND and Beirne, P and Bolton, CE and Brown, JS and Briggs, A and Chalder, T and Chalmers, JD and Choudhury, G and Davies, MJ and De Soyza, A and Docherty, AB and Easom, N and Echevarria, C and Efstathiou, CM and Elneima, O and Fuld, J and Geddes, JR and Goemans, AF and Greenhalf, W and Greening, NJ and Guillen-Guio, B and Harris, VC and Harrison, EM and Hart, N and Heaney, LG and Heller, S and Ho, LP and Horsley, A and Houchen-Wolloff, L and Howard, L and Hurst, JR and Iqbal, MM and Jacob, J and Jenkins, RG and Jolley, C and Jones, M and Kerr, S and Khunti, K and Leavy, OC and Lewis, K and Lone, NI and Lord, JM and Man, WD and Marks, M and McAuley, HJC and McCann, GP and Neubauer, S and Openshaw, PJ and Parekh, D and Pfeffer, P and Poinasamy, K and Porter, JC and Quint, JK and Rahman, NM and Raman, B and Richardson, M and Rowland-Jones, SD and Rowland, MJ and Saunders, RM and Scott, JT and Semple, MG and Sereno, M and Shah, AM and Sheikh, A and Shikotra, A and Singapuri, A and Taquet, M and Thomas, D and Thompson, AAR and Thorpe, M and Toshner, M and Wang, L and Wootton, DG and Zheng, B and Wain, LV and Brightling, CE and Singh, SJ and Taylor, RS and Evans, RA and , },
title = {Investigating prognostic classifications of pre-existing multiple long-term conditions for health outcomes one-year after COVID-19 hospitalisation: a UK prospective observational study.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108695},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108695},
pmid = {41966515},
issn = {1878-3511},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pre-existing multiple (two or more) long-term conditions (MLTCs) may negatively affect recovery after COVID-19. We investigated how pre-existing MLTCs, including different categorisation and patterns of MLTCs, affect one-year health outcomes after severe COVID-19.

METHODS: Adults post-hospitalisation following COVID-19 were recruited during 2020 -2021. We compared recovery at one-year after discharge using adjusted multivariable logistic regression in 1:1 propensity matched adults (for age, sex, ethnicity, social deprivation, obesity, and smoking history) with and without pre-existing MLTCs. In adults with MLTCs, different categorisation such as number of conditions, number and types of body systems involved (e.g., respiratory, cardiovascular), and latent class analysis derived patterns of condition co-occurrence were assessed for their association with recovery at one-year.

FINDINGS: 647 adults with MLTCs were matched with 647 adults without MLTCs (n=1294; 61.9% male, 79.6% of white ethnicity, median age 59 [IQR 52-67] years). The presence of MLTCs were associated with lower odds of feeling fully recovered (odds ratio (OR) 0.66 [95% CI 0.51 to 0.85], p=0.001). In those with MLTCs, recovery was negatively affected by number and type of body systems involved (e.g., respiratory (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.69], p<0.001)) but not by the number of conditions (p>0.1). Four latent classes of MLTCs co-occurrence were estimated with different risks of recovery (p<0.01).

INTERPRETATION: Adults with pre-existing MLTCs were 34% less likely to feel fully recovered at one-year after COVID-19 hospitalisation compared with adults without MLTCs. We describe prognostic classifications of MLTCs with future work needed to understand if they have prognostication in broader post-acute infection sequalae.},
}

@article {pmid41966782,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, H and Zhang, Y and Yao, Z and Song, W and Xu, X and Tang, X and Cui, L and Song, H and Shu, R and Wang, J and You, X},
title = {Aminopeptides ameliorate long COVID symptoms in immunocompromised rheumatic patients through immune reconstitution.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {179},
number = {},
pages = {116630},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116630},
pmid = {41966782},
issn = {1878-1705},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of aminopeptide nutritional support on immune reconstitution and antiviral capacity in immunocompromised patients with rheumatic diseases.

METHODS: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients with rheumatic diseases and concomitant immunocompromised conditions who received treatments at the outpatient department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between December 2021 and October 2024. Participants were divided into an experimental group (aminopeptide supplementation) and a control group according to whether they received aminopeptide treatment, with a treatment duration of 2-3 months. Data regarding SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, specific Long COVID symptoms, and outcomes were collected via questionnaire. TB lymphocyte subsets were recorded before and after treatment or at 3-6-month intervals.

RESULTS: A total of 171 patients with rheumatic diseases were enrolled, including 102 in the experimental group and 69 in the control group. Eighty-eight patients exhibited Long COVID symptoms, with fatigue being the most prevalent (67%). The experimental group showed a significantly higher rate of Long COVID symptom remission compared to the control group (64.2% vs. 22.9%), with a notable improvement in fatigue (68.3% vs. 27.8). Significant post-treatment increases were observed in peripheral blood CD3[+] T cells and CD8[+] T cells. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that aminopeptide supplementation increased the rate of Long COVID symptom remission by 8.46-fold and the rate of fatigue improvement by 9.19-fold.

CONCLUSION: Supplementation with aminopeptides may improve nutritional status and enhance TB lymphocyte subsets levels in immunocompromised patients with rheumatic diseases, potentially contributing to better antiviral immunity and alleviation of Long COVID symptoms.},
}

@article {pmid41967005,
year = {2026},
author = {Iskander, JK and Haridopolos, S},
title = {Making Invisible Illnesses Visible: Recognizing and Responding to Infection Associated Chronic Conditions.},
journal = {Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/cid/ciag240},
pmid = {41967005},
issn = {1537-6591},
abstract = {The emergence of post-COVID conditions (PCC) has renewed attention to infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCI), including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Lyme disease-associated chronic symptoms. Millions of Americans are affected by these debilitating, misunderstood conditions, which share symptom profiles and pathophysiologic abnormalities. IACCI have received insufficient clinical attention and research investment. We outline elements of a patient-centered approach to care, emphasizing validation of patients' experiences, multidisciplinary management, and symptom-focused treatment. Opportunities to strengthen clinical practice include a new CMS code for chronic condition management, extended visits, and creation of welcoming care environments. Advances in PCC and ME/CFS research provide a foundation for exploring shared mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Improved surveillance, harmonized research, and inclusive trial designs are needed to define disease burden and accelerate therapeutic progress. Coordinated action by clinicians, researchers, and policymakers can help address longstanding gaps and improve outcomes for all individuals with IACCI.},
}

@article {pmid41964305,
year = {2026},
author = {Rosemberg, MS and Park, S},
title = {Covid Is Gone but Not Fully: Addressing Long Covid Among Workers.},
journal = {Workplace health & safety},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {21650799261434057},
doi = {10.1177/21650799261434057},
pmid = {41964305},
issn = {2165-0969},
}

@article {pmid41958356,
year = {2026},
author = {Bohlin, J and Lee, Y and Caspersen, IH and Hayman Robertson, A and Page, CM and Gjessing, HK and Jugessur, A and Magnus, P and Mjaaland, S and Trogstad, L},
title = {Longitudinal study of genome-wide DNA methylation in individuals with and without post-acute symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Epigenomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/17501911.2026.2656361},
pmid = {41958356},
issn = {1750-192X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, referred to as Long-COVID, have been reported since the pandemic. We investigated whether COVID-19 or Long-COVID is associated with persistent genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) changes in whole blood using a longitudinal design.

METHODS: DNAm was measured using the Illumina EPIC V2 platform (859,651 CpGs) in 297 adult participants (594 samples in total) from two Norwegian population-based cohorts, with samples collected pre-infection (2020) and during the pandemic (2023). Participants were classified as Long-COVID, COVID-19 (no persistent symptoms), or not infected.

RESULTS: No significant DNAm differences were observed between Long-COVID and not infected at either time point (p = 0.745(FDR)) or during the pandemic specifically (p = 0.629(FDR)). Likewise, no differences were detected between COVID-19 and not infected across both time points (p = 0.883(FDR)) or during the pandemic (p = 0.287(FDR)). Sex-stratified analyses of the X chromosome revealed no significant DNAm differences for Long-COVID or COVID-19 in males (both p = 0.999(FDR)) or females (both p = 0.999(FDR)). Epigenetic age acceleration was also evaluated using DunedinPACE (DP) and PhenoAge (PA), but no significant differences were detected for Long-COVID (p = 0.695 [DP], p = 0.528 [PA]) or COVID-19 (p = 0.624 [DP], p = 0.348 [PA]).

CONCLUSION: No persistent epigenetic age- or DNAm based differences due to Long-COVID or SARS-CoV-2 infection were detected in our cohorts.},
}

@article {pmid41959563,
year = {2026},
author = {Waters, M and Vlok, M and Kroon, EE and Kotze, MJ and Moremi, KE and Oladejo, SO and Rajaratnam, K and Nunes, JM and Venter, C and Scott, CJ and Kell, DB and Pretorius, E},
title = {Proteomic signatures of COVID-19 Post-Vaccination/Post-Infection Syndrome (PV/PIS): insights into immune dysregulation and coagulopathy.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1753348},
pmid = {41959563},
issn = {2235-2988},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/blood ; Proteomics ; Male ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Female ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; Adult ; Aged ; *Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology ; *Proteome/analysis ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Post-Infectious Disorders ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: During the global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, a subset of individuals reported persistent symptoms following vaccination, with clinical presentations overlapping those of Long COVID and requiring individualised treatment strategies. Distinguishing between vaccine-related adverse events and post-infectious sequelae is challenging, particularly given the potential for unrecognised asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection before or after vaccination. To address this complexity, we defined our disease cohort as individuals experiencing persistent symptoms (≥ 12 weeks) following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, without a confirmed history of prolonged symptoms after acute infection; for clarity, we refer to this group as presenting with Post-Vaccination/Post-Infection Syndrome (PV/PIS).

METHODS: In this study, we conducted a plasma proteomic analysis of digested microclot deposits isolated from platelet-poor plasma samples of 14 individuals with PV/PIS compared to 16 healthy controls, using liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTS: We identified significant alterations in coagulation factors, acute phase proteins, and immune response modulators in the PV/PIS group compared to controls. Notably, elevated levels of serum amyloid A1 and A2, attractin, and coagulation factors X and XI were observed, alongside downregulation of immune-regulatory proteins. These findings suggest that PV/PIS is characterised by persistent immune dysregulation and coagulopathy.

CONCLUSIONS: This proteomic signature was found to only partially overlap with that previously reported in a proteomics analysis on Long COVID samples, collected prior to vaccination availability. Our results highlight the complex interplay between immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulation pathologies in PV/PIS, with distinct differences detected between these systems in Long COVID and PV/PIS, paving the way for more targeted protein research in these conditions.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/blood
Proteomics
Male
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
Middle Aged
Female
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Vaccination/adverse effects
Adult
Aged
*Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology
*Proteome/analysis
Chromatography, Liquid
Post-Infectious Disorders

@article {pmid41960594,
year = {2026},
author = {Leverty, R and Sutton, S and Jackson, C and Cerda, M and Chang, A and Zimmerman, K},
title = {Engaging patients and researchers in RECOVER clinical trial protocol development: Key lessons.},
journal = {Journal of clinical and translational science},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {e49},
pmid = {41960594},
issn = {2059-8661},
abstract = {The RECOVER Clinical Trials Protocol Working Groups (PWGs) were established to rapidly design trials addressing Long COVID by incorporating the complementary expertise of researchers, clinicians, and patients, caregivers, and community representatives (Representatives). This paper explores the engagement of Representatives in protocol development, highlighting their contributions, challenges faced, and lessons learned. A survey of PWG members revealed that while most Representatives felt their input was valued, gaps in role clarity, communication, and integration of feedback persisted. Representatives emphasized the importance of understanding patient burden and lived experience, while researchers and project leaders noted the value of inclusive perspectives. Findings underscore the need for structured engagement practices, clear expectations, and ongoing support to ensure meaningful participation. These insights offer a roadmap for future clinical trial networks seeking to integrate patient voices in research design.},
}

@article {pmid41962975,
year = {2026},
author = {Dai, Y and Luo, H and Liu, X and Hu, BM and Wang, M and Cheng, LX and Luo, Y and Ma, XY and Cao, G and Mao, Q and Li, L},
title = {Health outcomes and reinfection among COVID-19 survivors 4 years after hospital discharge in Wuhan, China: a cohort study.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {e113446},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2025-113446},
pmid = {41962975},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology ; Female ; Longitudinal Studies ; Risk Factors ; Patient Discharge ; Aged ; *Reinfection/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Fatigue/epidemiology ; *Survivors/statistics & numerical data ; Adult ; Anxiety ; Depression/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To evaluate health outcomes and identify risk factors for reinfection and persistent symptoms among COVID-19 survivors 4 years after hospital discharge.

DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING: Two hospitals in Wuhan, China.

PARTICIPANTS: 1076 COVID-19 survivors discharged from hospital.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported symptom questionnaire, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Checklist Individual Strength (CIS) fatigue subscale. Long covid was defined according to WHO criteria.

RESULTS: Median age was 58 years and 50.2% were male. Reinfection during December 2022-April 2023 occurred in 36.1%; 21 developed pneumonia and 14 required hospitalisation. At least 12 months after reinfection, 12.1% reported sequelae compared with 46.9% after the initial infection. At 4 years, 16.7% reported long covid symptoms, commonly fatigue, chest tightness, cough and dyspnoea. In multivariable analysis, risk factors for abnormal fatigue (CIS ≥27) included age (OR 1.020, 95% CI 1.007 to 1.034; p=0.003), reinfection (OR 2.393, 95% CI 1.708 to 3.352; p<0.001), severe disease (OR 1.553, 95% CI 1.088 to 2.218; p=0.015) and tumour (OR 3.420, 95% CI 1.177 to 9.936; p=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS: At 4 years post discharge, symptom burden was lower than at earlier follow-up time points for most survivors. Reinfection and older age were associated with persistent symptoms.},
}

Humans
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Middle Aged
China/epidemiology
Female
Longitudinal Studies
Risk Factors
Patient Discharge
Aged
*Reinfection/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Fatigue/epidemiology
*Survivors/statistics & numerical data
Adult
Anxiety
Depression/epidemiology

@article {pmid41952397,
year = {2026},
author = {Mavroudis, P and Ragia, G and Pantazis, N and Dermitzaki, E and Stamati, A and Pallikarou, M and Velentza, L and Paflioti, E and Zarkotou, O and Gerakari, S and Giannitsioti, E and Gravanis, A and Manolopoulos, VG},
title = {Association of ADIPOQ rs1501299 with long-COVID syndrome: a single-center cross-sectional study.},
journal = {Annals of medicine},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {2654244},
doi = {10.1080/07853890.2026.2654244},
pmid = {41952397},
issn = {1365-2060},
mesh = {Humans ; *Adiponectin/genetics/blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *COVID-19/genetics/complications/blood ; Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long-COVID syndrome is a public health issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the syndrome's sequelae are still under investigation. Adiponectin has been implicated with acute SARS-CoV2 infection, while its role in Long-COVID remains obscure. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential association of adiponectin and SNPs of adiponectin pathway with Long-COVID.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center cross-sectional observational study was conducted, investigating the potential association of adiponectin and SNPs of adiponectin pathway with Long-COVID in 159 individuals, who were presented at the COVID-19 outpatient re-evaluation office. Adiponectin blood levels and detection of SNPs ADIPOQ rs1501299, ADIPOQ rs2241766, ADIPOR2 rs16928751, PPARA rs1800206 and PPARG rs1801282 were measured 3 months after acute COVID-19.

RESULTS: ADIPOQ rs1501299 was the only SNP significantly associated with the progression of symptoms after the acute SARS-CoV2 infection and the development of Long-COVID syndrome. Homozygous GG genotype individuals exhibited increased risk for sequelae of Long-COVID (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.7, p = 0.023), particularly fatigue (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2, 5.0, p = 0.014), compared to the T allele carriers, independently of age, sex, BMI, waist to hip ratio, comorbidities and severity of acute infection (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.3, p = 0.013 and OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.4, 6.7, p = 0.004 respectively). Adiponectin levels were correlated with obesity and severity of acute SARS-CoV2 infection, but not with Long-COVID symptoms.

CONCLUSION: ADIPOQ rs1501299 could potentially serve as a genetic marker, contributing to risk stratification of developing Long-COVID syndrome.},
}

Humans
*Adiponectin/genetics/blood
Cross-Sectional Studies
Male
Female
Middle Aged
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*COVID-19/genetics/complications/blood
Adult
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genotype
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid41953516,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, HQ and Kao, C and Hakonarson, H},
title = {Redefining the role of the thiol-based agent N-acetylcysteine in human health and disease and elucidating potential advantages of its amide derivative.},
journal = {RSC medicinal chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41953516},
issn = {2632-8682},
abstract = {N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is the established antidote for acetaminophen toxicity and an approved mucolytic agent. Beyond these traditional uses, increasing evidence highlights its broader role as a modulator of thiol-redox biology. Rather than functioning as a nonspecific antioxidant, NAC modulates glutathione metabolism, redox-sensitive signaling, immune checkpoints, thiol-based post-translational modifications, ferroptosis susceptibility, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. This review synthesizes mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence across pulmonary, hepatic, neuropsychiatric, metabolic, cardiovascular, and oncologic disorders, emphasizing how variability in baseline redox state, pharmacogenetics, and delivery contributes to heterogeneous outcomes. Strategies to improve pharmacokinetics and tissue targeting include structural derivatives such as N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA), and combination regimens such as NAC with probenecid or GlyNAC. Emerging applications span long COVID, neurodegeneration, psychiatric disorders, microbiome-redox interactions, environmental toxicology, and cancer immunotherapy. NAC and NACA exemplify the evolution of redox-targeted therapeutics. NAC is well established for safety and clinical utility, but its pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution properties constrain broader efficacy. NACA, a lipophilic amide derivative, enhances membrane permeability and cellular uptake, suggesting it may achieve higher tissue exposure at lower doses. Future progress will rely on biomarker-guided, precision approaches that optimize dosing, formulation, and delivery while exploring rational combinations across disease contexts defined by redox biology.},
}

@article {pmid41955274,
year = {2026},
author = {Wu, D and Dasgupta, A and Hora, JS and Chen, KH and Banerjee, A and Archer, SL},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 targets mitochondria, exacerbating COVID-19 pneumonia.},
journal = {The Journal of physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1113/JP290297},
pmid = {41955274},
issn = {1469-7793},
support = {SEA-20-015//Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization/ ; MM1181122/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; },
abstract = {Mitochondrial damage is a conserved feature of coronavirus infection, occurring with human (SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-OC43) and murine (MHV-1) coronaviruses. Coronaviruses damage mitochondria in airway epithelial cells (AEC), pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC), pulmonary artery endothelial cells, immune cells and cardiomyocytes by causing rapid transcriptomic changes in nuclear-encoded genes regulating mitochondria and by viral proteins interacting with host mitochondrial proteins. Coronavirus infection causes mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial transition pore (MTP) opening, inhibition of the electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthetic apparatus, increased mitochondrial fission, apoptosis, and impaired mitochondrial oxygen sensing. Within hours of infection, SARS-CoV-2 induces transcriptional reprogramming of genes relevant to the mitochondrial matrix in AECs, downregulating mRNA encoding ETC complex I components and the ATP synthesis complex. These bioenergetic consequences of SARS-CoV-2 mitochondriopathy may contribute to long COVID. Infection also upregulates dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), activating mitochondrial fission while promoting apoptosis by activating apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and caspase 7. Even without infection, transfection with specific coronaviral proteins opens the MTP and depolarizes the mitochondria, or activates DRP1 and AIF, promoting AEC damage or apoptosis, thereby contributing to diffuse alveolar damage. In human PASMCs, coronaviral M and Nsp9 proteins suppress hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV), a homeostatic mechanism in PASMCs that uses a mitochondrial oxygen sensor to redistribute blood flow to well-ventilated lung regions during pneumonia. Impairment of HPV, seen as intrapulmonary shunting, contributes to the profound hypoxaemia in COVID-19 pneumonia. Coronavirus-induced mitochondriopathy may have therapeutic relevance as blocking AIF-induced apoptosis or enhancing HPV appears beneficial in a MHV-1 model of COVID-19 pneumonia.},
}

@article {pmid41947189,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, L and Sun, Y and Yang, R and Zhao, Q and Xiao, M},
title = {Latent profile analysis of the symptoms for posttraumatic stress disorder and psychological resilience in Chinese adolescents experiencing post Covid-19: a quantetative study.},
journal = {BMC psychology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40359-026-03987-8},
pmid = {41947189},
issn = {2050-7283},
support = {2024CQ059//Humanities and Social Science Fund of Ministry of Education of China/ ; JY20240202//Chongqing Medical University/ ; CYYY-DSTDXM-202409//The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41951239,
year = {2026},
author = {Casassus, B},
title = {Long covid's £8bn bill: OECD report warns pandemic continues to cast a "long shadow".},
journal = {BMJ (Clinical research ed.)},
volume = {393},
number = {},
pages = {s662},
doi = {10.1136/bmj.s662},
pmid = {41951239},
issn = {1756-1833},
}

@article {pmid41951431,
year = {2026},
author = {Tamariz, L and Rozenfeld, I and Iglesias, R and Bast, E and Avecillas, S and Shehadeh, L and Klimas, N and Palacio, A},
title = {Dysautonomia in Long COVID is Prevalent and Could Explain the Frequency of Symptoms.},
journal = {Clinical medicine & research},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {28-34},
doi = {10.3121/cmr.2025.2054},
pmid = {41951431},
issn = {1554-6179},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology ; *Primary Dysautonomias/epidemiology/physiopathology/diagnosis ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Prevalence ; Heart Rate ; Aged ; Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Blood Pressure ; },
abstract = {Background: Long COVID presents with a variety of symptoms, some of which could be related to autonomic dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of autonomic dysfunction in long COVID patients.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and included all consecutive patients enrolled in several clinical research studies. We performed the following autonomic dysfunction markers: heart rate variability, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure changes during NASA Lean Test, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and a Composite-Autonomic-Symptom-Score (COMPASS)-31 scale. We used linear regression to calculate the contribution of each dysautonomia measure on symptom burden as measured by the modified COVID-19 Yorkshire scale.Results: We included 100 patients for this study. Our sample population had a mean age of 56+/-11 years, included 53% minorities, and 32% were women. Dysautonomia, as defined by an abnormal COMPASS-31, was seen in 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72-89) of our study population, while cardiovascular resting dysautonomia, as represented by an abnormal heart rate variability, was seen in 60% (95% CI 48-70) of our study population. Orthostatic hypotension was observed in 12% of our study population, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) was found in 10% of our study population. In our adjusted analysis, we found that the beta coefficient for the COMPASS-31 score (0.37) was significant on changes in a self-reported long COVID symptom burden. The orthostatic intolerance and gastrointestinal domains of the COMPASS-31 were associated with the highest long COVID symptom burden.Conclusion: Dysautonomia is common in long COVID patients and contributes to the overall symptoms seen in long COVID. Identifying dysautonomia has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.},
}

Humans
Female
Male
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology
*Primary Dysautonomias/epidemiology/physiopathology/diagnosis
Cross-Sectional Studies
Prevalence
Heart Rate
Aged
Adult
SARS-CoV-2
Blood Pressure

@article {pmid41951954,
year = {2026},
author = {King, R and Ford, T and Coleman, Z and Hammond, E and Henley, D and Hirschtick, JL},
title = {Racial Disparities in Long COVID: Why Black Americans are Likely Underrepresented in Long COVID Estimates.},
journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41951954},
issn = {2196-8837},
}

@article {pmid41943185,
year = {2026},
author = {Maziero, MP and Lee, EA and Colpo, GD and Couture, L and Merrill, LC and Baskin, L and Cahuiche, AE and Petway, A and Fan, H and Reese, E and Anderson, KM and McCullough, LD and Schulz, PE and Ortiz, GJ},
title = {Cognitive Trajectories After Hospitalization for COVID-19: A 36-Month Longitudinal Study.},
journal = {The Journal of neuropsychiatry and clinical neurosciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {appineuropsych20250267},
doi = {10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20250267},
pmid = {41943185},
issn = {1545-7222},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Neurological symptoms are commonly reported among individuals with postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), with cognitive impairment being the most common feature, but cognitive trajectories in PASC have not been clearly defined. The authors determined long-term cognitive changes in a cohort of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, characterized their distinct cognitive trajectories, and identified factors associated with each trajectory at 36 months posthospitalization.

METHODS: The sample comprised 630 patients who were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms; 214 patients returned for at least one follow-up assessment over a 36-month period. Cognitive function, including attention, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and memory, was evaluated by using BrainCheck, a validated digital platform, at 3-6, 12, 24, and 36 months posthospitalization. Longitudinal changes in cognitive performance and their associations with demographic factors, medical history, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS: Four distinct cognitive trajectories over 36 months were identified and characterized. Group 1 (N=103, 48%) exhibited consistent normal cognitive function, group 2 (N=14, 7%) transitioned from unimpaired to impaired, group 3 (N=29, 14%) changed from impaired to unimpaired, and group 4 (N=68, 32%) showed persistent impairment across all domains. Poorer cognitive outcomes were associated with Hispanic ethnicity, although effects varied across domains.

CONCLUSIONS: As with many viral encephalitides, some patients showed stable normal or abnormal cognition or improved cognition over time. Surprisingly, however, a fourth subset exhibited delayed cognitive decline. This observation suggests that PASC-associated mechanisms, perhaps including chronic cerebral inflammation, may cause progressive cognitive impairment well after the initial infection clears.},
}

@article {pmid41944489,
year = {2026},
author = {Jóźwiak, A and Lewandowska, A and Sawicka, D and Jędrzejewska, A and Braczko, A and Romanowska-Kocejko, M and Żarczyńska-Buchowiecka, M and Deptuła, M and Zawrzykraj, M and Pikuła, M and Kutryb-Zając, B and Hellmann, M and Mierzejewska, P},
title = {Post-COVID increase in N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (Met2PY) and N-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (Met4PY) associates with inflammatory and endothelial activation markers.},
journal = {Nucleosides, nucleotides & nucleic acids},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
doi = {10.1080/15257770.2026.2650677},
pmid = {41944489},
issn = {1532-2335},
abstract = {COVID-19 is associated with long-term vascular complications, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. During infection, NAD[+] homeostasis becomes dys-regulated, with excessive NAD[+] consumption and enhanced catabolic flux through nicotinamide methylation pathways. This imbalance leads to NAD[+] depletion accompanied by accumulation of pyridone metabolites, including N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide (Met2PY) and N-methyl-4-pyridone-3-carboxamide (Met4PY). These derivatives have been linked to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk, yet their role in long COVID remains unclear. We enrolled 26 post-COVID patients with persistent cardiovascular symptoms and 8 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of Met2PY and Met4PY were quantified by LC/MS. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) were measured to assess systemic inflammation and endothelial activation. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and correlation analyses. We observed significantly elevated Met2PY levels (0.770 ± 0.08 vs. 0.389 ± 0.09 µmol/l) and a trend toward increased Met4PY (0.095 ± 0.01 vs. 0.055 ± 0.01 µmol/l) in post-COVID patients compared with controls. Both metabolites positively correlated with hsCRP. Importantly, Met2PY was associated with an unfavorable cytokine profile (higher TNFα/IL-10 ratio) and increased sICAM-1 levels, whereas no such associations were observed for Met4PY. Persistent dysregulation of NAD[+] metabolism and accumulation of pyridone metabolites, particularly Met2PY, are associated with markers of chronic endothelial activation and inflammation in long COVID. These findings support the potential utility of Met2PY as a biomarker to identify patients at higher risk for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events, enabling more personalized risk stratification and follow-up.},
}

@article {pmid41946631,
year = {2026},
author = {Bartels, W and Kümpel, L and Ledebur, M and Jeitler, M and Heintze, C and Döpfmer, S},
title = {[Challenges and needs in the care for post-COVID patients in primary care practices in Berlin and Brandenburg - A qualitative study].},
journal = {Zeitschrift fur Evidenz, Fortbildung und Qualitat im Gesundheitswesen},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.zefq.2026.02.004},
pmid = {41946631},
issn = {2212-0289},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: General practitioners (GPs) play a central role as the first point of contact for patients with post-COVID. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore challenges and needs in the care for post-COVID patients from the perspective of GPs.

METHODS: Between October 2023 and May 2024, one face-to-face and two online focus groups were conducted with a total of 17 GPs from Berlin and Brandenburg. A self-developed guide was used, and data were analysed using framework analysis. In October 2024, results were validated in follow-up discussions with seven of these GPs.

RESULTS: Across all focus groups, GPs reported multiple challenges. These included diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties, a lack of robust evidence, and gaps in service provision, such as long waiting times in specialised care facilities and feelings of helplessness in dealing with affected patients. Several care needs emerged from these challenges: low-threshold access to specialised outpatient clinics, the development of tailored rehabilitation concepts, and structured, up-to-date information for patients. In addition, GPs highlighted the need for stronger recognition and support of their role in post-COVID care.

DISCUSSION: GPs provide the lion's share of care for people affected by post-COVID, and thus their perspective should be given greater consideration in order to strengthen ambulatory care. The findings uncover genuine opportunities to address gaps in care and improve patient support.

CONCLUSION: GPs require support through structured care pathways and closer collaboration with specialised services. Further research is needed to develop cross-sectoral models of care that both improve patient outcomes and alleviate the burden on primary care.},
}

@article {pmid41947042,
year = {2026},
author = {Sahu, D and Van Nynatten, LR and Tweddell, D and Daley, M and Fraser, DD},
title = {Computational proteomics to enhance personalized treatment of COVID-19 and Long COVID.},
journal = {Clinical proteomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12014-026-09601-8},
pmid = {41947042},
issn = {1542-6416},
}

@article {pmid41938337,
year = {2026},
author = {Saranya, K and Joseph, ER and Kalaiarasi, T and Karthiga, M},
title = {Generative AI in drug repurposing and biomarker discovery: a multimodal approach.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioinformatics},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1755412},
pmid = {41938337},
issn = {2673-7647},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Computational drug repurposing has been widely explored using similarity-based methods, network diffusion, matrix factorization, deep learning, and graph neural networks (GNNs). However, recent heterogeneous GNN models, such as TxGNN and GAT-based models, demonstrate serious limitations for real-world biomedical applications, including poor generalization to sparsely annotated diseases, limited disease-level adaptation, and inability to effectively combine heterogeneous evidence from curated databases, multi-omics profiles, and unstructured biomedical literature.

METHODS: This article proposes a heterogeneous attention-based meta-learning graph neural network named HAMGNN, which employs three major innovations: (i) relation-sensitive multi-head attention to prioritize biologically significant interactions among heterogeneous edge types, (ii) a disease-focused meta-learning framework enabling rapid adaptation to newly observed or under-informed diseases, and (iii) a literature-enhanced knowledge graph construction pipeline encoding high-confidence, LLM-extracted therapeutic information. The model was tested on a large multimodal biomedical knowledge graph assembled from DrugBank, DisGeNET, and Hetionet, comprising more than 2.2 million edges, using a stringent disjoint disease-based (cold-start) evaluation protocol.

RESULTS: HAMGNN achieved a receiver operating characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.98 and precision of 0.95, representing a 10%-15% improvement over TxGNN and GAT-GNN on unseen disease generalization. Translational applicability was demonstrated through Alzheimer's disease and Long COVID case studies, identifying clinically plausible repurposing candidates and disease-associated biomarker signatures via mechanistic pathways.

DISCUSSION: HAMGNN offers a generalized, biologically grounded, and unified framework for evidence-based drug repurposing and biomarker discovery in complex and emerging diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41938682,
year = {2026},
author = {Lam, KS and Suryadi, T and Su, DC and Suhaimi, A and Allam, AE and Yoon, Y},
title = {Novel Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Simultaneous Hydrodissection of the Cervical Sympathetic Chain and Vagus Nerves: A Detailed Technical Description With Anatomical Correlation.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {e106250},
pmid = {41938682},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The vagus nerve and cervical sympathetic chain regulate autonomic function and are implicated in chronic pain and post-viral autonomic syndromes. Hydrodissection with 5% dextrose is established for peripheral nerves, but simultaneous ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of both cervical autonomic nerves has not been described. We describe a reproducible ultrasound-guided technique for bilateral simultaneous hydrodissection of the cervical sympathetic chain and vagus nerves using 5% dextrose without local anesthetic. The procedure uses a high-frequency linear transducer at C6-C7 and an in-plane lateral 25-gauge needle approach, performing the deeper sympathetic chain hydrodissection first (prevertebral fascia superficial to the longus colli), followed by vagus nerve hydrodissection within the carotid sheath. Injection is performed slowly (12-18 minutes per side) to permit full delivery and patient comfort. We report procedural outcomes in 10 patients (30 sessions) treated for post-COVID-related autonomic dysfunction. All procedures were completed successfully. Total injectate was 60 mL of 5% dextrose per side (approximately 30 mL for the sympathetic chain and 30 mL for the vagus nerve). The deep-to-superficial sequence preserved sonographic visualization and avoided air-bubble artifact. No procedural complications occurred (including bradycardia, hypotension, voice changes, dysphagia, hematoma, or infection). At a minimum 12-month follow-up, patients maintained clinical improvement without additional interventions. Ultrasound-guided bilateral simultaneous hydrodissection of the cervical sympathetic chain and vagus nerves with 5% dextrose is technically feasible and well tolerated. A deep-to-superficial injection sequence and very slow administration optimize visualization and delivery. Detailed clinical outcomes are presented separately.},
}

@article {pmid41939132,
year = {2026},
author = {Wunderle, M and Ribeiro, A and Lethen, I and Wicklein, R and Feneberg, E and Wöhnl, A and Negele, J and Kesseler, V and Niedermayer, S and Lech, M and Wallraven, T and Schmaderer, C},
title = {Serum NfL and GFAP in post-COVID syndrome: minimal evidence of CNS injury after adjusting for confounders.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1750121},
pmid = {41939132},
issn = {1662-5102},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) often includes neurological symptoms, but evidence for persistent CNS injury remains inconsistent. Serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are biomarkers of neuronal and astroglial injury. We investigated whether serum NfL and GFAP differ between PCS patients and recovered controls after adjusting for age and renal function.

METHODS: In this prospective single-center case-control study, serum NfL and GFAP were quantified using Simoa® (Quanterix) in 102 PCS patients and 102 recovered controls. Group comparisons employed Mann-Whitney tests and ANCOVA-style multivariable linear regression of log-transformed biomarkers adjusted for age, sex, and eGFR. Associations with eGFR were examined in multivariable models, and findings were validated in an age- and sex-matched cohort.

RESULTS: Age emerged as the primary determinant of NfL and GFAP concentrations. The inverse correlations with renal function (NfL ρ = -0.23; GFAP ρ = -0.33) and the initially higher GFAP in PCS (60.4 vs. 52.3 pg/mL; p = 0.002) were largely explained by age. After adjustment for age, sex, and eGFR, neither biomarker showed independent differences between groups (adjusted GMRs: NfL 1.04 [0.91-1.18], p = 0.59; GFAP 1.10 [0.96-1.26], p = 0.15). In an age- and sex-matched cohort (71 pairs), adjusted analyses confirmed no difference in NfL (p = 0.48), while GFAP demonstrated a significant increase in PCS (β = 0.15, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION: GFAP concentrations were modestly elevated in PCS in an age- and sex-matched cohort and persisted after adjustment for kidney function, whereas NfL showed no group differences. These findings argue against widespread neuroaxonal injury in PCS and suggest only a subtle astroglial signal in a subset of patients. Rigorous adjustment for confounders-particularly age, sex, and renal function-is essential for valid interpretation of serum neuroinjury biomarkers in PCS.},
}

@article {pmid41939224,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, AI and Byrne, KC and Pollak, L and Gundry, K and Manousakis, GE and Metzler, AI and Lenglet, C and Eberly, LE and Kendall-Thomas, J and Kantarci, OH and Zeydan, B and Mukerji, SS and Yasar, S and Ashizawa, T and Kantarci, K and Ratai, EM and Öz, G and , },
title = {Factors associated with severe neurological sequelae of COVID-19: findings from the multicenter COVID-BRAIN imaging cohort.},
journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1754342},
pmid = {41939224},
issn = {1662-5161},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (neuroPASC) are associated with persistent cognitive dysfunction and quality-of-life decline. We aimed to identify clinical, behavioral and sociodemographic factors associated with neuroPASC symptom burden two years after COVID-19 among individuals without prior neurological disease.

METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, individuals with neuroPASC (n = 102) and controls without symptomatic COVID-19 (n = 74), all without prior neurological, psychiatric, or post-viral conditions, were enrolled between February 2022 and June 2024 across five academic sites. An unsupervised algorithm identified clusters with differing self-reported neurological symptom burden within the neuroPASC group. Functional differences between clusters were evaluated using quality-of-life, neurological and cognitive evaluations. Demographics, behavioral history, comorbidities, and blood biomarkers were compared across clusters and controls. Multivariable logistic regression assessed predictors of neuroPASC severity, including demographics, body-mass-index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Framingham Risk Score, pre-existing endocrine/metabolic and/or gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary conditions, COVID-19 vaccination prior to infection, hospitalization during acute infection, and cumulative alcohol use.

RESULTS: Two clusters emerged based on neurological symptom burden, labeled "high-burden" and "low-burden" neuroPASC, reflecting differences in the number and frequency of symptoms. Both clusters had deficits in quality-of-life and cognitive function compared to controls, with greater impairment in high-burden than low-burden neuroPASC. The clusters did not differ by sex, education, tobacco and cannabis use, blood pressure, body-mass-index, HbA1C, days since infection, hospitalization during COVID-19, pre-COVID vaccination rate, antibody-positivity, inflammation, and neurodegeneration biomarkers. The high-burden cluster was older and exhibited higher comorbidity burden and greater cumulative alcohol use compared with the low-burden cluster and controls. Pre-existing endocrine/metabolic and gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary conditions were more common in high-burden (63%) than in low-burden neuroPASC (35%). After adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, these pre-existing conditions remained the only independent predictor of severity, conferring a 3.5-fold increase in the odds of high-burden versus low-burden neuroPASC.

DISCUSSION: Older age, higher comorbidity burden, greater cumulative alcohol use, and endocrine/metabolic and gastrointestinal conditions, rather than acute COVID-19 severity, were observed in the high-burden neuroPASC cluster. After multivariable adjustment, only pre-existing endocrine/metabolic and/or gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary conditions remained independently associated with high-burden neuroPASC, conferring a 3.5-fold increase in odds and highlighting the need for targeted post-infection monitoring in at-risk patients.},
}

@article {pmid41939860,
year = {2026},
author = {Limongelli, A and Bozzano, F and Hajabbas Farshchi, A and Bellucci, M and Bavastro, M and Castellano, C and Pesce, G and Antonini, F and Incensi, A and Giannoccaro, MP and Uccelli, A and Del Zotto, G and Moretta, L and Donadio, V and Benedetti, L and De Maria, A},
title = {Immune correlates underlying small fiber neuropathy presenting as vaccine-associated post-acute SARS- coronavirus syndrome.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1752120},
pmid = {41939860},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Female ; *Small Fiber Neuropathy/immunology/etiology/diagnosis ; Middle Aged ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Adult ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology ; Aged ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/immunology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Neuropilin-1/immunology ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A spectrum of adverse events overlapping with Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) occurs in some patients following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination including small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and cognitive symptoms.

AIMS: Accruing information regarding disease course and immune response imbalances in these patients.

METHODS: We studied 71 previously healthy patients with neurological symptoms following SARS-CoV-vaccination. All had negative neurological workup for central/peripheral involvement (MR, EMG/EN). Cutaneous biopsy (21pts.) and peripheral blood sampling (20pts) were performed for anti-idiotype Ab analysis (ACE-2,NRP-1) (ELISA, IF) and for Flowcytometric analysis.

RESULTS: Paresthesia, cognitive impairment and autonomic symptoms agreed with SFN international definition. Comparative differences included abrupt onset, presence of simultaneous diverse paresthesia across multiple body regions frequently affecting the facial and cervical regions (44%) and the trunk (26%), associated to dysautonomia. Median time from vaccination to symptom manifestation was 3 days (mean ± SD: 8.76 ± 17.4 days). Symptom severity was still high (5.9 ± 1.9 mean+SD) at the time of evaluation and sampling, (382 ± 133 days from onset. Reduced small fiber density was observed in 19/21 biopsies. Anti-ACE-2 antibodies in 9/71pts. (12%) and 4/19 (21%) vaccinated HD sera and NRP-1 reactivity in 14/71 (20%) patient and 1/19 (5%) HD sera were not significantly increased. Peripheral NKG2D+CD8+ and NKG2D+DNAM-1+CD4+ T-cells were increased. Circulating inflammatory CD34+ cells were increased and generated in vitro a prevalence of NKG2D+DNAM-1+ T-cells.

CONCLUSION: PASC-vac SFN is associated with persistent immune imbalances common to other immune-mediated diseases. Additional effort to identify immune mechanisms unleashing PASC-vac SFN will contribute to modulate future early interventions for these patients and refine vaccine design.},
}

Humans
Male
Female
*Small Fiber Neuropathy/immunology/etiology/diagnosis
Middle Aged
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Adult
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology
Aged
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/immunology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Neuropilin-1/immunology
Vaccination/adverse effects

@article {pmid41940032,
year = {2026},
author = {Cazzola, M and Rogliani, P and Calzetta, L and van Haren, FMP and Page, C and Matera, MG},
title = {Redox signaling in chronic airway diseases: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in physiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1734890},
pmid = {41940032},
issn = {1664-042X},
abstract = {Chronic airway diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiectasis, impose a significant global health burden. A central unifying feature of these diseases is redox imbalance, which is characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) that overwhelms the body's antioxidant defenses, causing cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and tissue damage. Physiological ROS/RNS are essential for immune regulation and transcriptional control, but chronic oxidative stress disrupts these processes, driving disease progression. In asthma, eosinophil- and epithelial-derived ROS worsen airway hyperresponsiveness, induce mucus overproduction, and reduce steroid effects. COPD involves neutrophil-dominated inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, protease- and oxidant-mediated extracellular matrix degradation, and accelerated senescence. Bronchiectasis features persistent neutrophilic oxidative injury, microbial colonization, impaired mucociliary clearance, and progressive airway destruction. Exogenous oxidants, cigarette smoke, biomass fuels, pollutants, and pathogens further burden antioxidant systems, including superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and Nrf2-regulated pathways. Redox dysregulation also contributes to post-COVID sequelae, promoting ongoing airway inflammation, fibrosis, and systemic complications. Therapeutic strategies targeting redox imbalance, mainly thiol-based antioxidants, Nrf2 activators, NADPH oxidase inhibitors, and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants, show mechanistic promise but face challenges in specificity, bioavailability, and clinical translation. Advancing precision redox medicine requires biomarker-guided patient stratification, high-resolution redox proteomics, single-cell and organoid models, and spatial imaging to identify disease-specific redox endotypes. Modulating pathological oxidative stress while preserving physiological signaling offers a novel avenue to improve outcomes. Understanding redox biology in airway disease highlights the potential of precision antioxidant strategies as adjuncts to conventional therapies, representing a paradigm shift in managing chronic airway disorders.},
}

@article {pmid41941235,
year = {2026},
author = {Alhasawi, MAI and Farwa, U and Muteeb, G and Aatif, M and El Oirdi, M and Raza, MA and Farhan, M},
title = {Neuropsychiatric Sequelae of COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Acute and Prolonged Effects.},
journal = {CNS & neurological disorders drug targets},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/0118715273424823260119063256},
pmid = {41941235},
issn = {1996-3181},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Following the global emergence of SARS-CoV-2, it has become evident that COVID-19 can produce persistent, multisystemic symptoms known as "long COVID." Neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms are reported in approximately 40% of patients, often resulting in significant difficulties with daily functioning, workplace challenges, increased healthcare consumption, and a substantial economic burden. This condition is further linked to serious neurological complications, such as encephalitis, stroke, seizures, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

METHODS: This study comprised a comprehensive literature review to identify and understand existing research on the long-term neurological impacts of COVID-19. The process involved evaluating investigations into multisystemic symptoms and reviewing documented clinical cases of neurological complications by searching relevant databases for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024.

RESULTS: The work identified that while the neurological burden of long COVID-19 is high, there are currently very few treatments described in the literature. Furthermore, the treatments that do exist are often inadequately defined, leaving a gap in standardized clinical protocols for managing neurocognitive decline post-infection.

DISCUSSION: The persistence of these symptoms suggests a need for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of post-viral neurological damage. The discussion centres on the intersection of cognitive impairment and economic impact, emphasizing that the lack of defined therapeutic pathways hinders recovery and increases the long-term societal burden of the pandemic.

CONCLUSION: This review summarizes current evidence on the neurological and neuropsychiatric sequelae of long COVID-19. It highlights the urgent need for emerging therapeutic approaches and structured management strategies to alleviate cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairments in this patient population effectively.},
}

@article {pmid41941341,
year = {2026},
author = {Kulkarni, C and Haase, E and Esparza, E and Blancke, A and Sathyamoorthy, M},
title = {Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Repurposing of Dipyridamole and L-Arginine for Treatment of Long COVID Endothelitis.},
journal = {Current cardiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2174/011573403X435762251202114307},
pmid = {41941341},
issn = {1875-6557},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The effect of treatment with L-arginine and dipyridamole for the reduction of symptoms of fatigue, difficulty performing activities of daily living (ADLs), dyspnea, and mental health decline in patients with Long COVID endothelitis was studied in this research, leading to conclusions that are presented.

METHODS: Forty-four patients with documented Long COVID endothelitis were enrolled in this retrospective, IRB-approved analysis evaluating clinician-directed treatment strategies initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients received either dipyridamole alone, L-arginine alone, or combination therapy. Clinical responses were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months postinitiation, and a subset of nine patients also completed a structured, patient-reported outcomes survey approximately two years after starting treatment.

RESULTS: Of the 44 subjects identified, clinical follow-up at 6 weeks demonstrated a significant overall symptom improvement (p=0.0115). At 6 months, symptom improvement remained substantial but lost statistical significance (p=0.09). Combination therapy (dipyridamole and Larginine) showed sustained improvement at both 6 weeks (68.8%) and 6 months (62.5%). Dipyridamole alone demonstrated high early response (80%) but markedly reduced efficacy at 6 months (20%). Statistical comparisons between combination therapy and monotherapy groups did not yield significant results, likely due to limited sample sizes. Patient-reported outcomes supported clinical findings, with combination therapy yielding the lowest symptom burden in fatigue, dyspnea, and depression, and the highest functional capacity.

DISCUSSION: This study addressed a critical unmet need in Long COVID management, a condition affecting middle-aged and older adults with substantial symptom burden, including fatigue (reported in up to 45% of patients), dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction. The therapeutic benefit observed with dipyridamole and L-arginine likely stems from their complementary mechanisms: dipyridamole's antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects may reduce microvascular dysfunction and microthrombosis, while L-arginine enhances nitric oxide production, supporting endothelial function and vascular homeostasis. Both agents possess favorable safety profiles, making them reasonable options in the absence of validated alternatives for Long COVID endothelitis.

CONCLUSION: Treatment with dipyridamole and L-arginine, particularly in combination, was associated with meaningful improvements in fatigue, dyspnea, ability to perform ADLs, and mental health symptoms in patients with Long COVID. These preliminary findings underscore the potential benefit of these therapeutic agents, though larger, randomized controlled studies are necessary to confirm efficacy and enhance statistical power.},
}

@article {pmid41936816,
year = {2026},
author = {Reeder, HT and Kleinman, LC and Stockwell, MS and Thaweethai, T and Pant, DB and Rhee, KE and Jernigan, TL and Snowden, JN and Salisbury, AL and Kinser, PA and Milner, JD and Tantisira, KG and Warburton, D and Mohandas, S and Wood, JC and Fitzgerald, ML and Carmilani, M and Krishnamoorthy, A and Foulkes, AS and Gross, RS and , },
title = {School Difficulties and Long COVID in Children and Adolescents.},
journal = {Academic pediatrics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103314},
doi = {10.1016/j.acap.2026.103314},
pmid = {41936816},
issn = {1876-2867},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Pediatric Long COVID (LC) is an infection-associated chronic condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection. While research has begun to elucidate clinical phenotypes, functional impacts are not well described.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data from the NIH-funded Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) pediatric observational cohort was analyzed to assess associations in school-age children (6 to 11 years) and adolescents (12 to 17 years) between LC and caregiver-reported school-related functional outcomes. LC was defined using RECOVER age group-specific symptom-based LC research indices. The primary outcome was worsening of child grades. Secondary outcomes included difficulty paying attention, limited fun with friends, and having an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Using age-stratified analyses, children with and without LC were matched based on age, sex, and dates of infection and enrollment, to estimate risk ratios (RRs) between LC and each outcome.

RESULTS: The cohort included 1,976 children (406 school-age, 1,570 adolescent). 18% of school-age children and 29% of adolescents with LC had reported worsened grades, compared to 7% and 11% without LC, respectively [school-age: adjusted RR 2.18 (95% CI: 1.15-4.11); adolescent: adjusted RR 2.39 (95% CI: 1.86-3.06)]. In both age groups, children with LC were more likely to have difficulty paying attention, limited fun with friends, and IEPs.

CONCLUSIONS: LC in school-age children and adolescents was negatively associated with functional school-related outcomes, including academic performance, attention, and peer interactions. As LC affects a substantial proportion of U.S. children, these findings highlight the urgent need to develop, provide, and evaluate school-related services for children and adolescents with LC.},
}

@article {pmid41933948,
year = {2026},
author = {Nygren-Bonnier, M and Holland, AE},
title = {Physiotherapy management of long COVID in adults.},
journal = {Journal of physiotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jphys.2026.03.001},
pmid = {41933948},
issn = {1836-9561},
}

@article {pmid41934421,
year = {2026},
author = {Shakeel, A and Sircar, K and Popli, DB},
title = {Xerostomia after COVID-19 recovery: A preliminary investigation.},
journal = {The Indian journal of medical research},
volume = {163},
number = {1},
pages = {122-125},
doi = {10.25259/IJMR_1570_2025},
pmid = {41934421},
issn = {0971-5916},
mesh = {Humans ; *Xerostomia/epidemiology/virology/etiology/physiopathology ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/virology/physiopathology ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {Background and objectives Xerostomia, or dry mouth, was frequently reported during COVID-19 infection, but its persistence after recovery remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and duration of xerostomia following recovery from COVID-19 infection. Methods This observational study included 50 participants who had recovered from COVID-19. They were surveyed using a xerostomia assessment questionnaire and underwent the modified Schirmer test (MST) to measure their salivary flow rate. Results Overall, n=31(62%) of participants reported one or more xerostomia-related symptoms after recovery. "Feeling of dry mouth" (n=22, 44%) was the most common, followed by nocturnal water intake (n=18, 36%), difficulty swallowing dry food (n=7, 14%), and reliance on liquids during swallowing (n=6, 12%). Hyposalivation (MST <15 mm at 3 min) was observed in 10% (n=5) of participants, all of whom were infected during the second wave (Delta variant). A significant association was noted between self-reported dry mouth and MST findings (P=0.029). Symptoms persisted up to 15 months post-recovery. Interpretation and conclusions Xerostomia may persist after COVID-19 recovery, with potential implications for oral health. Early recognition and management are warranted.},
}

Humans
*Xerostomia/epidemiology/virology/etiology/physiopathology
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/virology/physiopathology
Male
Female
Middle Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Aged
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid41928318,
year = {2026},
author = {Atkins, T and Glasziou, P and Chakraborty, S and Turner, T and Rada, G and Byambasuren, O},
title = {Living evidence syntheses for long COVID therapeutics: combining rigorous protocols to build efficiency while maintaining rigour.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13643-026-03178-x},
pmid = {41928318},
issn = {2046-4053},
support = {2035160//Australian Government 2023 Medical Research Future fund PASC grant/ ; 2034238//Australian Government 2023 Medical Research Future fund PASC grant/ ; 2032847//Australian Government 2023 Medical Research Future fund PASC grant/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Given the rapidly changing evidence, the creation and maintenance of a living systematic review database of therapeutics for long COVID is an ideal and necessary approach considering the rapidly changing evidence that continues to be identified. This paper describes methods and results of a collaboration between three teams who produced a living literature review on long COVID therapeutics-Australian Living Evidence Collaboration (ALEC), Bond University, and Epistemonikos COVID-19 L.OVE (Living Overview of Evidence) database.

METHODS: We took a collaborative and iterative approach to analyse the commonalities and differences between each project and develop an agreed comprehensive, collective approach. A plan for ongoing (monthly) updates and dissemination was built.

RESULTS: Despite minor differences, there was also a clear alignment of goals between the three teams. Differences in search strategy, search methods and screening criteria were identified, investigated, and resolved. A comparison of overlaps helped establish a common collaborative approach. A combined library of 218 randomised controlled trials and 56 systematic reviews was created which led to the optimised search strategy. The combined 218 RCT library covered 20 different treatment categories of which 14 were pharmacological and 6 were non-pharmacological. Further refinements and collaborations led to a transformed initial database library of 102 randomised controlled trials as of June 2024 before the team commenced monthly updates.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite initial differences, a comprehensive search strategy based on the collaboration of the three teams was developed. Ongoing monthly updates were initiated and are now planned for well into the future to make continual and rapid updates to the library of evidence surrounding therapeutics for long COVID. Where global public health is concerned, it is valuable to review and refine processes in the early stages, so that they can be reliable. We recommend open collaboration to achieve the goal of creating accessible, efficient, and reliable evidence syntheses.},
}

@article {pmid41930109,
year = {2026},
author = {Friedberg, F and LeBaron, TW},
title = {Molecular hydrogen as a treatment for ME/CFS: a mini-review of clinical evidence and mechanistic rationale.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1760210},
pmid = {41930109},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multisystem illness characterized by profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, and autonomic dysfunction, yet it currently lacks FDA-approved treatments. Molecular hydrogen (H2), administered primarily as hydrogen-rich water (HRW), has emerged as a potential therapeutic candidate due to its selective antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory activity, and support of mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. These mechanisms align with several biological abnormalities implicated in ME/CFS, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and impaired energy metabolism. This narrative mini-review summarizes mechanistic evidence relevant to ME/CFS and evaluates three developmental clinical studies of HRW in this population. Although early trials are small and methodologically limited, moderate-dose HRW consumed over extended durations has demonstrated feasibility and preliminary benefits in reducing fatigue and improving physical function, with generally mild side effects. Overlapping findings in Long COVID further suggest potential applicability across related post-viral fatigue conditions. Key limitations include small sample sizes, reliance on self-report outcomes, and the absence of objective biomarkers. Future research should prioritize larger, rigorously controlled trials incorporating remote biometric and biochemical assessments to clarify mechanisms of action and identify responsive subgroups. Overall, molecular hydrogen represents a promising, low-burden adjunctive therapy warranting further investigation in ME/CFS.},
}

@article {pmid41932118,
year = {2026},
author = {Juszczyk, M and Nawaz, S and Mahdi, A and Lewinter, C and Ricci, F and Ståhlberg, M and Fedorowski, A},
title = {Post-COVID Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia: Prevalence, Overlap, and Clinical Characteristics.},
journal = {JACC. Advances},
volume = {5},
number = {5},
pages = {102702},
doi = {10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102702},
pmid = {41932118},
issn = {2772-963X},
}

@article {pmid41932346,
year = {2026},
author = {Soares, L and Romatowski, CH and Assaf, G and de Canson, C},
title = {The case for routine patient review in long COVID research.},
journal = {The Lancet. Infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00134-9},
pmid = {41932346},
issn = {1474-4457},
}

@article {pmid41932347,
year = {2026},
author = {Camici, M and Piano Mortari, E and Del Duca, G and Cimini, E and Mazzotta, V and De Ponte, C and Mastrorosa, I and Mazzotta, S and Pinnetti, C and Notari, S and Bordoni, V and Gili, S and Prencipe, G and Maggi, F and Carsetti, R and Girardi, E and Antinori, A and Agrati, C},
title = {Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for long COVID: a case report of clinical and immunological findings.},
journal = {The Lancet. Infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00063-0},
pmid = {41932347},
issn = {1474-4457},
abstract = {A previously healthy 39-year-old man developed highly symptomatic post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) marked by cognitive dysfunction, disabling fatigue, and autonomic symptoms unresponsive to multiple multidisciplinary interventions. Given the presence of markedly elevated serum autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated at 400 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days. After 4 weeks, a maintenance dose of 500 mg/kg was administered for 1 day, followed by two further maintenance cycles consisting of 500 mg/kg per day for 3 consecutive days, each given at 4-week intervals. In parallel, the patient underwent a cognitive stimulation intervention. Neurological symptoms were assessed with the Fatigue Assessment Scale and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and the immunological profile was longitudinally analysed during intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Fatigue scores normalised, neurocognitive performance returned to normal value, and quality of life improved after the first infusion and fully recovered within 1 year. Immunological profiling revealed the presence of an inverted CD4 to CD8 T-cell ratio that persisted during the whole follow-up. We also identified a CD8[+] T cell-monocyte complex and spontaneous IFNγ release. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction of these complexes, spontaneous IFNγ and TNF production, markers of endothelial inflammation, and circulating autoantibody titres. This patient provides exploratory evidence that high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was associated with sustained clinical recovery from long COVID over 1 year of follow-up, accompanied by immunological changes consistent with modulation of post-viral immune dysregulation, including a reduction in pathogenic T cell-monocyte synapses. Although causal inference cannot be established from a single patient, these findings suggest that this cellular interaction can contribute to long COVID and that immunomodulation could represent a rational therapeutic approach to be evaluated in selected patients.},
}

@article {pmid41933012,
year = {2026},
author = {Haack, M and Chan, J and Engert, LC and Dang, R and Wang, H and Borducchi, EN and Shah, K and Liu, J and Sun, H and Ganglberger, W and Karlson, EW and Prather, AA and Barouch, DH and Mullington, JM},
title = {The effect of pre-existing sleep disturbance on T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants, pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators, and glucocorticoid sensitivity in Long COVID.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-47039-y},
pmid = {41933012},
issn = {2045-2322},
}

@article {pmid41933051,
year = {2026},
author = {Moreels, S and Smith, P and Charafeddine, R and Castanares-Zapatero, D and van Cauteren, D and Speybroeck, N},
title = {Identifying Long Covid phenotypes and their association with personal characteristics, healthcare use, and daily life burden: population-based study in Belgium.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-47228-9},
pmid = {41933051},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Long Covid (LC), a multisystem disorder with persistent symptoms > 4 weeks post COVID-19, has impacted healthcare systems substantially. As information is scarce for Belgium, this study aimed to identify LC phenotypes and assess participant characteristics, healthcare use and daily life burden by phenotype. The last survey wave of COVimpact (a longitudinal online cohort study among Belgian adults recruited after SARS-CoV-2 infection) focused on LC with questions on healthcare utilization and perceived daily impact. A latent class analysis (LCA) identified phenotypes, based on symptom type, disease duration, and LC-related disability. Backward multivariable multinomial logistic regression explored predictors of LC class membership. Among 1,840 respondents self-reporting LC, four phenotypes emerged. Class 1 presented mild clinical outcomes, class 2 and 3 presented moderate clinical outcomes, differentiated by symptoms of memory problems and brain fog (class 2), and respiratory problems and muscle/joint pain (class 3), and class 4 included the most severe clinical outcomes. Compared to class 1, being older, female, lower educated, non-European, obese and experiencing moderate to severe acute COVID-19 symptoms predicted higher class severity. Diagnosis, healthcare use and support differed among adults with moderate and severe LC, many reported insufficient healthcare access and major disruption to daily life, including absenteeism from work/school. People with severe LC were the most financially impacted. By distinguishing LC phenotypes, this study enhances understanding of varying healthcare trajectories and daily life impacts. Healthcare planning and support should be more effectively tailored to the specific needs of those affected by LC.},
}

@article {pmid41933338,
year = {2026},
author = {Ostojic, SM},
title = {Beyond plasma signatures: reframing bioenergetic disruption in long COVID as a neurological disorder.},
journal = {Journal of translational medicine},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41933338},
issn = {1479-5876},
}

@article {pmid41924624,
year = {2026},
author = {Hasan, H and Hohmann, D and Hysko, K and Ibahrine, S and Skeries, V and Dold, K and Pöhler, GH and Wetzke, M and Hansmann, G},
title = {Cardiovascular phenotyping of children and adolescents with post-COVID syndrome (PCS) at initial diagnosis - a prospective observational single-center study.},
journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1665734},
pmid = {41924624},
issn = {2297-055X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) is an emerging, highly relevant topic in public health as it negatively affects quality of life and educational/work performance at all ages. To date, there is hardly any robust data on cardiac function in PCS (Long-COVID) available, particularly not in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to conduct deep cardiovascular phenotyping in pediatric patients with PCS at initial presentation using cardiac MRI and echocardiography, including strain/tissue tracking analysis.

METHODS: Prospective, single center cohort study at Hannover Medical School, Germany (10207_BO_K_2022). PCS was defined as follows: persistent symptoms such as reduced physical performance, poor concentration, mood symptoms, headaches, sleep disorders and dysosmia, for at least 12 weeks after PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 100 pediatric patients (age 7-18 years, 56 female) and 20 age/gender matched healthy controls (age 8-18 years, 12 female) were enrolled between 03/2022 and 11/2023. Data collection consisted of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), protocol-driven echocardiography (Echo; Philips EPIQ 7 ultrasound system, Philips Medical Systems), including tissue Doppler Echo and biventricular strain analysis (TOMTEC, Philips). 42 of the 100 PCS patients (age 9-18 years, 26 female) and 28 age/gender matched healthy controls (age 8-18 years, 14 female) received comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR; 3.0 T MRI system Magnetom Vida, Siemens Healthineers), including cine mass/volumes quantification in short axis (SAX) and tissue tracking (strain) analysis of the RV and LV (cvi 42). Laboratory studies included serum NTproBNP and Troponin c. Data are presented as mean ± SEM.

RESULTS: CMR-derived RV global radial strain (RVGRS) (22.6 ± 1.00% vs. 27.1 ± 1.13%; p = 0.003), and RV global circumferential strain (RVGCS) (-13.5 ± 0.55 vs. -15.2 ± 0.51%; p = 0.045) were significantly decreased in PCS vs. CON. Children with PCS also tended to have mildly reduced RVEF (50.9 ± 0.80 vs. 53.5 ± 0.66%; p = 0.259). RV mass index was increased in PCS compared to CON (19.06 ± 0.47 vs. 16.4 ± 0.53 g/m[2]; p = 0.0002), though in normal range referred to age-appropriate normal values. In contrast, CMR-derived LV variables (LVEF, LVEDV, LVESV, LV mass), including tissue tracking (strain) analysis (LVGLS, LVGCS, LVGRS), revealed similar values in PCS and control subjects. ECG and Echo data analysis did not show significant differences in PCS vs. CON.

CONCLUSION: PCS is associated with decreased CMR-based radial and circumferential RV contractility (RVGRS, RVGCS) and slightly increased RV mass in children with PCS compared to healthy, age/gender matched controls. In contrast, LV contractility (strain) and mass were not affected. CMR feature tracking (strain) appears to be more sensitive than echocardiographic strain analysis. Whether the aforementioned RV alterations are causal for the reported cardiopulmonary exercise limitations in pediatric PCS is unknown, and should be investigated further.},
}

@article {pmid41924648,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Qerem, W and Baaj, R and Jarab, A and Al Bawab, AQ and Hasan Agha, MI and Eberhardt, J and Al-Sa'di, L and Obidat, R and Abu Hour, S},
title = {Validation of the Arabic Version Post-COVID-19 Symptom Scale (PCSS-Ar) for Assessing Long COVID-19 Severity Among Arabic-Speaking Populations: A Factor Analysis and Rasch Analysis Study.},
journal = {Risk management and healthcare policy},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {572130},
pmid = {41924648},
issn = {1179-1594},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to long COVID-19, a condition characterized by persistent, multisystemic symptoms. This study validated the Arabic version of the Post-COVID-19 Symptom Scale (PCSS-Ar) to assess long COVID-19 severity in Jordan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 582 Jordanian adults (aged ≥18 years), recruited via social media. The PCSS-Ar underwent content validity evaluation by an expert panel, followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch analysis to assess its psychometric properties.

RESULTS: The final 24-item, five-factor model demonstrated an excellent fit (CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.02) and strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α ≥ 0.97). Rasch analysis confirmed the tool's ability to differentiate symptom severity levels effectively. Key findings indicated that higher frequencies of COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with more severe long COVID-19 symptoms, whereas mild initial infections were linked to lower symptom severity. Notably, lower income was associated with higher PCSS-Ar scores, suggesting socioeconomic disparities in post-COVID-19 recovery. Female participants had lower PCSS-Ar scores, contrasting with previous studies, indicating a potential population-specific effect.

CONCLUSION: The PCSS-Ar is a validated and reliable tool for assessing long COVID-19 symptoms in Arabic-speaking populations. Its application in both clinical and research settings can help monitor symptom progression and guide targeted interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41926033,
year = {2026},
author = {Gierthmuehlen, M and Schmieder, K and Thon, N and Gierthmuehlen, PC},
title = {Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Against Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID: Results of the Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial COVIVA.},
journal = {Neurology and therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41926033},
issn = {2193-8253},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is the most prevalent symptom in "long COVID", affecting 6-7% of patients after COVID-19 infection. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, with viral persistence, immune dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction among proposed mechanisms. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a non-invasive neuromodulatory approach, has been suggested as a potential treatment.

METHODS: We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled, single-blinded pilot study to evaluate adherence and clinical effects of taVNS in long COVID-related fatigue. Forty-five patients were randomized 1:1:1 to sham stimulation, sub-threshold taVNS, or above-threshold taVNS for 4 weeks using the Conformité Européenne (CE)-certified tVNS-L device (25 Hz, 250 µs, 4 h/day). The primary co-endpoints were fatigue severity (MFI-20) and adherence, defined as mean daily stimulation duration. Secondary endpoints included depressive symptoms (BDI-II), health-related quality of life (SF-36), and post-COVID symptom burden (PCS).

RESULTS: Of 45 enrolled patients (mean age 42.4 years; 73% female), 4 (8.9%) dropped out early. Mean stimulation time was 236 min/day, fulfilling the adherence criterion in > 80% of participants. Adverse events were mild, including skin irritation (6.7%) and vertigo (6.7%). Across all groups, questionnaire scores improved over time; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between the sham and active stimulation groups. Baseline fatigue and quality-of-life scores were markedly impaired compared with normative data.

CONCLUSION: taVNS was safe, feasible, and associated with high adherence in long COVID-related fatigue, but showed no superiority over sham stimulation. Larger multicenter trials with more homogeneous populations and objective biomarkers are required to determine whether taVNS confers therapeutic benefit in this condition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was approved by the ethics committee (23/7798) and registered at the German Clinical Trials Register, identifier DRKS00031974.},
}

@article {pmid41926871,
year = {2026},
author = {Palacio, AM},
title = {Owning the moment: A call for humanism in medicine to address complex chronic illness.},
journal = {Patient education and counseling},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {109609},
doi = {10.1016/j.pec.2026.109609},
pmid = {41926871},
issn = {1873-5134},
}

@article {pmid41918009,
year = {2026},
author = {Raine, G and Khouja, C},
title = {Exploring duplication in reviews of Long COVID: 2020-2023.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13643-026-03174-1},
pmid = {41918009},
issn = {2046-4053},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The unnecessary duplication of reviews is a recognised problem in the field of evidence synthesis. This paper reports findings from a study exploring potential duplication of effort in reviews on the frequency and/or risk of Long COVID that were published during the first 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: We extracted and summarised the aims and key characteristics of 112 reviews identified from 5 published evidence summaries commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), England, which covered the period from January 2020 to January 2023.

RESULTS: There was significant similarity in the aims and characteristics of the 112 reviews. We identified 43 reviews reporting on any persistent symptoms/effects and 69 that focused on specific symptoms/effects; overlap in the conditions studied was common. The majority of reviews focused on individuals of any age (n = 62); where restrictions were applied (n = 50), all but six reviews focused on adults. Most reviews focused on both hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients (n = 97), and authors searched the same time periods. Half of authors reported publishing a protocol prospectively (n = 58), and only a minority received specific review funding (n = 39).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise concerns about unnecessary duplication of effort and the extent to which all reviews we assessed will have added substantially to the Long COVID evidence base. Researchers should seek to minimise research redundancy and only conduct new reviews when a genuine knowledge gap exists.},
}

@article {pmid41918727,
year = {2026},
author = {Stallmach, A and Layer, P and Katzer, K and Reuken, PA},
title = {Lessons from irritable bowel syndrome: potential for understanding and managing post-COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1717324},
pmid = {41918727},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/etiology ; *COVID-19/complications ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Post-COVID presents a complex medical challenge characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarities between post-COVID and post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS) suggest that the latter can serve as a useful model for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches. Both conditions are functional disorders triggered by an acute infection, with multifactorial etiology and limited biomarker-based diagnostics. The variability of symptoms and the high frequency of comorbidities make these disorders particularly difficult to diagnose. Diagnostic efforts may be further hindered by the stigmatization of such disorders among healthcare providers, the health insurance industry, and the general public. This article explores the parallels between PI-IBS and post-COVID, highlighting, on the one hand, what can be learned from the management of IBS to better address the needs of patients with post-COVID long-term sequelae, and, on the other hand, raising doubts-based on decades of research into drug therapy development for IBS-about the likelihood of a rapidly available treatment for post-COVID.},
}

Humans
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/etiology
*COVID-19/complications
*SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41919824,
year = {2026},
author = {Modesto, MMO and Oliveira, NN and Pereira, ND and Baccon, WC and Carreira, L and Salci, MA},
title = {Influence of alcohol on the worsening of COVID-19 and the occurrence of long COVID.},
journal = {Revista latino-americana de enfermagem},
volume = {34},
number = {},
pages = {e4813},
doi = {10.1590/1518-8345.7679.4813},
pmid = {41919824},
issn = {1518-8345},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; *Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology/adverse effects ; Adult ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Brazil/epidemiology ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: to analyze the alcohol consumption patterns of adults and older adults before the development of COVID-19 and the influence of alcohol consumption on the outcomes and complications of long COVID.

METHOD: cross-sectional study based on data from a retrospective cohort conducted with adults and older adult who had COVID-19 and who consumed alcohol before infection with the disease. A standardized electronic form was used to collect sample data and a path model was adjusted to prove the theoretical model on the influence of alcohol consumption on negative outcomes for COVID-19.

RESULTS: sample of 1,171 participants who responded to the question about alcohol. Of these, 408 (34.84%) reported alcohol consumption prior to the disease. The majority were male, younger, highly educated, and had children over the age of 18. The presence of chronic noncommunicable diseases leads to an 11% increase in the chance of hospitalization and a 12% increase in the chance of long COVID. The age of the participants affected alcohol use and directly affected the need for hospitalization.

CONCLUSION: It is important to adopt intervention strategies aimed at reducing alcohol consumption, especially in contexts of syndemic, to mitigate the associated risks.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Male
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
*Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology/adverse effects
Adult
Aged
Young Adult
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Brazil/epidemiology
Adolescent

@article {pmid41920383,
year = {2026},
author = {Buchholz, I and Lüdtke, L and Härter, M and Janssen, MFB},
title = {Psychometric validation of a cognition and social participation bolt-on for the EQ-5D-5L in SARS-CoV-2 infected German healthcare workers.},
journal = {Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {},
pmid = {41920383},
issn = {1573-2649},
}

@article {pmid41921919,
year = {2026},
author = {Welfordsson, P and Brodén, M and Niemi, M and Diwan, V and Shah, K and Pattanadara, V and Hallgren, M},
title = {Feasibility and preliminary effects of a yoga program developed for adults with post COVID-19 condition (Breathe Easy): pilot randomized controlled trial.},
journal = {Complementary therapies in medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103367},
doi = {10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103367},
pmid = {41921919},
issn = {1873-6963},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Effective medical management of post COVID-19 condition (post COVID) remains challenging. Symptoms are heterogenous, debilitating, and impact health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Complementary treatments are needed that can be self-managed and improve health. Yoga is a promising strategy that may help reduce post-COVID symptoms but remains understudied.

METHODS: We co-designed a unique yoga intervention for adults with post COVID and evaluated its feasibility and preliminary effects. Two-group parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial with blinded follow-up. Participants were randomized (1:1) to the 12-week yoga program or a health promotion (HP) intervention. All participants received usual medical treatment for post COVID. Twenty-nine participants aged 30-65 years were recruited and randomized (86% follow-up). The primary outcome was feasibility and the secondary outcome was HR-QoL (SF-36). Data were analysed as intention-to-treat using linear mixed modelling. The trial was prospectively registered and approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (2023/06518-01).

RESULTS: Through a consensus development process involving yoga experts in India and Sweden, post COVID researchers, and patient advocates, we successfully co-designed and pilot tested a yoga program developed for adults with post COVID. The intervention was feasible with high adherence (≥2 sessions/week = 65%; ≥1 session/week = 95%) and no serious adverse events reported. Preliminary (underpowered) analyses showed no pre-to-post intervention group differences (SF-36 physical health: B = -1.30, 95% CI = -3.60, 1.00, p =.269; mental health: B = 3.49, 95% CI = -0.06, 7.04, p =.054).

CONCLUSION: Participation in a yoga program developed for patients with post COVID was feasible. Adequately powered trials are needed to assess whether yoga may help to improve symptoms associated with the condition.},
}

@article {pmid41922885,
year = {2026},
author = {van der Bie, J and Bakker, J and Verschoor, EJ and Nutma, E and Middeldorp, J and Beaino, W and Kassiou, M and Danon, JJ and Langermans, JAM and Windhorst, AD and Stammes, MA},
title = {Comparison of [[18]F]DPA-814 with [[18]F]DPA-714 for TSPO Imaging in an Experimental Model.},
journal = {Molecular imaging and biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41922885},
issn = {1860-2002},
abstract = {PURPOSE: [[18]F]DPA-714 is a valuable tracer for studying (neuro)inflammation, with well-characterized tracer kinetics and an established imaging window. However, its clinical utility is restricted by the TSPO polymorphism (rs6971), which influences binding affinity in humans. The newly developed tracer [[18]F]DPA-814 overcomes this limitation and has shown promising results in a preclinical rat model. To further assess its clinical potential, we compared [[18]F]DPA-814 to [[18]F]DPA-714 for inflammation imaging in SARS-CoV-2-infected macaques in a longitudinal setting.

PROCEDURES: Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was conducted in four healthy macaques to identify the optimal imaging window for [[18]F]DPA-814. Four additional macaques were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and monitored for 12 months using whole-body PET-computed tomography (CT) with both tracers. Baseline scans were compared to PET-CTs obtained at 4, 9 and 16 days and at 6 and 12 months post-infection, covering the head, thorax and abdomen. Tracer uptake was assessed in several organs.

RESULTS: At baseline, [[18]F]DPA-814 showed higher lung uptake with minimal washout compared to [[18]F]DPA-714. Although lung lesions developed after infection, [[18]F]DPA-814 did not demonstrate lesion-specific uptake, unlike [[18]F]DPA-714. In the brain, the tracers also displayed divergent uptake patterns despite comparable TSPO levels across animals and regions.

CONCLUSIONS: [[18]F]DPA-814 exhibits a distinct whole-body distribution, particularly in the lungs and brain, in both naïve and SARS-CoV-2-infected macaques compared with [[18]F]DPA-714, likely reflecting differences in tracer kinetics. Based on these data, [[18]F]DPA-814 may not fully replace [[18]F]DPA-714 for lung and brain imaging, and further studies are required to evaluate its suitability in other anatomical regions.},
}

@article {pmid41913858,
year = {2026},
author = {Shahid, MM and Neequaye, NN and Shifera, AS},
title = {Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS) Following COVID-19 Infection: A Presumed Recurrence.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e104405},
pmid = {41913858},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) is a transient self-limiting likely post-viral inflammatory condition involving the outer retina and inner choroid and has been reported following several vaccinations and viral infections, including COVID-19. Photopsias are a common presenting symptom but rarely persist after the acute phase of MEWDS. We present a case of an otherwise healthy 29-year-old woman who developed persistent photopsias of the right eye following COVID-19 infection. These photopsias persisted for several months and worsened after a second COVID-19 infection, which is atypical of MEWDS. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrated several characteristic punctate hyperautofluorescent spots. Her symptoms and fundus lesions resolved after a few weeks of diagnosis without treatment. COVID-19 has several reported ocular manifestations, including MEWDS. While most cases of MEWDS following COVID-19 infection are singular instances, our case was a presumed recurrence. MEWDS is often self-limiting, but in this case, symptoms persisted for several months, suggesting the possibility of long COVID, which is a poorly understood phenomenon.},
}

@article {pmid41914122,
year = {2026},
author = {Singhal, A and Patle, A and Patil, S and Lakkireddy, M and Raja, S and Pyati, A and Arora, A and Dhole, S and Varathrajan, S and Patil, P and Sahoo, D and Taranikanti, M and John, NA and Ravi, N},
title = {Covid-19 and Its Arthritic Footprint: Clinical, Laboratory and Imaging Insights from a Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center in Telangana.},
journal = {Mymensingh medical journal : MMJ},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {641-648},
pmid = {41914122},
issn = {2408-8757},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/complications ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Adult ; Tertiary Care Centers ; *Arthritis/etiology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis/virology ; Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Arthralgia/etiology ; },
abstract = {The post-Covid-19 syndrome, also referred to as "Long Covid", can present with arthritic symptoms. A cross-sectional, prospective study was done on post Covid-19 patients at a tertiary centre in Telangana. This study included a total of 139 RT-PCR-confirmed Covid-19 patients, who were diagnosed with arthritis in the time interval between 1 to 6 months post Covid recovery. Demographic data, clinical data, blood investigations, inflammatory markers and imaging investigations were recorded. Majority of the patients (65.5%; n=91) were women and the mean age of the participants was 50.8 years. 77.0% (n=107) had arthralgia, 44.6% (n=62) had joint swelling, 25.2% (n=35) had myalgia and 5.8% (n=8) had fatigue. The most common joint affected was the knee (92.0%; n=128), followed by wrist (10.25%; n=4) and ankle (n=1). Abnormal Hb levels (43.9%; n=61), RBC counts (9.4%; n=13), WBC counts (13.7%; n=19) and ESR (26.6%; n=37), D-dimer (50.4%; n=70), LDH levels (49.6%; n=69), uric acid (36.0%; n=50), ferritin (35.5%; n=49) and rheumatoid factor (10.8%; n=15), were recorded in participants. Joint arthritic changes on radiographs and ultrasoundwere recorded in 77.0% had 95.7% of the participants respectively. Covid arthritis is one of the common features of Long Covid patients. Many patients suffer from joint aches and swelling which cause sufficient impairment causing majority of the individuals.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19/complications
Cross-Sectional Studies
Middle Aged
Male
Prospective Studies
Adult
Tertiary Care Centers
*Arthritis/etiology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis/virology
Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Arthralgia/etiology

@article {pmid41914490,
year = {2026},
author = {Koberssy, Z and Daher, J and Durieux, JC and Atieh, O and Baissary, J and Abboud, M and Ailstock, K and Cummings, M and Funderburg, N and McComsey, GA},
title = {Comparison of Immune Activation and Gut Barrier Dysfunction between Long COVID and HIV infection.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiag146},
pmid = {41914490},
issn = {1537-6613},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is characterized by persistent immune dysregulation and inflammation, with emerging evidence suggesting overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms with Long COVID. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation and gut integrity may provide insight into shared and distinct pathways underlying these conditions. The status of the anti-inflammatory vitamin K may play a role in sustained inflammation in these conditions.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled participants belonging to one of 3 groups: individuals with Long COVID (Long COVID; n=108) without HIV, participants with HIV (PWH), virologically suppressed with no previous COVID-19 infection (HIV+; n=256), and controls without Long COVID or HIV (controls; n=193). Plasma samples were analyzed for inflammatory, gut integrity biomarkers, and dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) as an established marker of vitamin K status. Associations were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, metabolic, and lifestyle covariates.

RESULTS: 557 participants were included. Long COVID was independently associated with elevated oxLDL (β=0.39 vs. HIV, β=0.54 vs. controls; P<0.001 for both). PWH had higher odds of worse vitamin K status [OR: 1.5; 95% CIs (1.02-2.2), P=0.04]. Independent of Long COVID or HIV status, worse vitamin K status was strongly associated with higher levels of inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION: Long COVID and HIV share chronic immune dysregulation features but demonstrate distinct inflammatory profiles. Those findings highlight the importance of large longitudinal studies to delineate shared versus unique inflammatory pathways to guide potential Long COVID therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41914537,
year = {2026},
author = {Nezamdoust, B},
title = {Rethinking Risk: Intersectional Inequalities in Long COVID in the United States.},
journal = {Sociology of health & illness},
volume = {48},
number = {4},
pages = {e70174},
doi = {10.1111/1467-9566.70174},
pmid = {41914537},
issn = {1467-9566},
mesh = {Humans ; United States/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology/complications ; Female ; Male ; *Health Status Disparities ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Socioeconomic Factors ; *Social Class ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Sex Factors ; Black or African American/statistics & numerical data ; White People/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; *Health Inequities ; Risk Factors ; Prevalence ; White ; },
abstract = {Post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (PASC), also known as Long COVID, is a chronic, multisystem condition affecting millions of U.S. adults, with profound social, medical and economic consequences. Despite its widespread impact, disparities in who is most affected remain poorly understood, especially through an intersectional sociological lens. Using a sociological and intersectional framework, this study analyses a national sample (N = 535,300) from the Household Pulse Survey to explain disparities in Long COVID risk across race, gender and socioeconomic status. The analysis demonstrates that socioeconomic advantage does not equally protect all groups; specifically, higher-SES Black women show significantly elevated Long COVID prevalence compared to White counterparts, challenging claims of racial parity in Long COVID rates. Moreover, although women generally show higher Long COVID risk, intersectional analysis uncovers that the gender gap narrows among high-SES White women, suggesting that social privilege can mitigate health risks. These findings emphasise that structural inequalities, rather than biology, may primarily drive Long COVID inequities and highlight the importance of intersectional sociological analyses for understanding health disparities. The results call for equity-focused interventions addressing the unequal social burden of Long COVID and advancing sociological theory on the social determinants of health.},
}

Humans
United States/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology/complications
Female
Male
*Health Status Disparities
Adult
Middle Aged
Socioeconomic Factors
*Social Class
SARS-CoV-2
Sex Factors
Black or African American/statistics & numerical data
White People/statistics & numerical data
Aged
*Health Inequities
Risk Factors
Prevalence
White

@article {pmid41914684,
year = {2026},
author = {Brüssow, H},
title = {Antivirals Targeting Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase and Main Protease: From Mechanisms of Action to Outcomes in COVID-19 Clinical Trials.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {e70342},
doi = {10.1111/1751-7915.70342},
pmid = {41914684},
issn = {1751-7915},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; COVID-19/virology ; Hydroxylamines/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors ; Cytidine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Animals ; Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors ; },
abstract = {The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 triggered an unprecedented effort to develop effective antivirals. Among the first approved agents was remdesivir, an injectable nucleoside analogue developed by Gilead Sciences, that led to chain termination of viral RNA synthesis and showed broad antiviral activity against RNA viruses. Early clinical results were mixed: The US ACTT-1 trial reported an accelerated recovery and reduced mortality in treated patients, while the WHO Solidarity and a European trial revealed no impact of remdesivir on mortality. In contrast, a US trial in outpatients demonstrated a clear clinical benefit when treatment was administered early. Molnupiravir, an orally applicable nucleoside analogue developed by Merck, induces lethal mutations in the viral genome rather than chain termination. Molnupiravir showed in vivo antiviral activity against coronaviruses in different animals. In MOVe-OUT trials, molnupiravir reduced the rate of hospitalisation in treated outpatients. In the PANORAMIC trial, molnupiravir reduced the time to recovery in outpatients but not their rate of hospitalisation. No drug effect of molnupiravir was seen in the RECOVERY trial with hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Using structural biology and medicinal chemistry approaches, Pfizer developed nirmatrelvir, an oral inhibitor of the major coronavirus protease. In high-risk but not in standard-risk COVID-19 patients, the combination nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduced the rate of hospitalisation (EPIC HR and SR trials). Retrospective cohort studies showed treatment effects in defined patient groups. This review compares the efficacy and clinical performance of different antivirals, including emerging drugs such as obeldesivir and alternative protease inhibitors (lopinavir, simnotrelvir). It further examines their roles in prophylaxis, treatment of long covid symptoms, pharmacological considerations and antiviral resistance. Particular attention is given to factors underlying variable outcome of the trials, including viral variant evolution, population immunity increases, disease severity changes and timing of therapy initiation.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology
Clinical Trials as Topic
COVID-19/virology
Hydroxylamines/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors
Cytidine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Animals
Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors

@article {pmid41915390,
year = {2026},
author = {Wee, LE and Abdul Malek, MIB and Tan, YY and Lim, JT and Tan, WC and Ngiam, JN and Lee, M and Vong, EKY and Chiew, CJ and Li, RJ and Tan, IBH and Lye, DC and Tan, KB},
title = {Postacute Sequelae Following Omicron COVID-19 in Patients With Cancer.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {9},
number = {3},
pages = {e264037},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.4037},
pmid = {41915390},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; *Neoplasms/complications/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Singapore/epidemiology ; Adult ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Severity of Illness Index ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Information on the burden of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (or long COVID) in patients with cancer during endemicity is limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of postacute diagnoses and/or symptoms compatible with long COVID in a population-based cohort of patients with cancer and high rates of vaccination and/or boosting who were infected during Omicron predominance compared with those with negative test results (hereinafter, noninfected patients). Results were additionally stratified by COVID-19 severity and receipt of therapeutics.

This retrospective, population-based cohort study used health care claims databases to construct cohorts of adult patients with cancer in Singapore who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during Omicron predominance (January 1 through December 31, 2022), and contemporaneous noninfected patients. Patients were followed up to 300 days from the index date and data were analyzed from February 1, 2022, through October 27, 2023.

EXPOSURE: SARS-CoV-2 infection.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Competing risks regression (death as a competing risk), with overlap weights applied, was used to estimate risks of new-incident diagnoses and/or symptoms compatible with long COVID following SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with cancer compared with noninfected patients. Risks of postacute sequelae following COVID-19 hospitalization in patients with cancer were further contrasted against influenza hospitalizations (January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022).

RESULTS: A total of 76 807 patients with cancer were included in the analysis (48 279 [62.9%] female); 39 256 had SARS-CoV-2 infection and 37 551 were noninfected patients. The mean (SD) age was 63.9 (13.7) years. The mean (SD) follow-up time was 263.1 (36.2) days for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and 264.8 (32.5) days for noninfected patients. Most patients had solid-organ cancer (72 497 of 76 807 [94.4%]) and were boosted (71 550 of 76 807 [93.2%]); only a minority with SARS-CoV-2 infection (3571 of 39 256 [9.1%]) required acute hospitalization. No significant difference in risk of postacute diagnoses compatible with long COVID was observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (hazard ratio [HR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.92-1.04) compared with noninfected patients. While risk of postacute symptoms following COVID-19 was modestly increased (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.19; P = .048), statistical significance was not attained after adjustment for multiple comparisons. However, significantly increased risk of postacute sequelae was observed among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 compared with noninfected patients (HR for any diagnosis, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.18-1.56]; HR for any symptom, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.22-1.76]; P < .001 for both); risks remained elevated even among hospitalized cases receiving COVID-19 therapeutics. Risks of postacute sequelae following COVID-19 hospitalization in patients with cancer did not significantly differ from those associated with seasonal influenza hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings of this cohort study suggest that among highly boosted patients with cancer, the overall risk of postacute sequelae following Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly elevated compared with noninfected patients; however, patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 remained at increased risk of postacute sequelae despite administration of COVID-19 therapeutics. These findings further suggest that COVID-19 vaccination and boosting remain important in mitigating the risk of long COVID among immunocompromised patients during endemicity.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
*Neoplasms/complications/epidemiology
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Singapore/epidemiology
Adult
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Severity of Illness Index

@article {pmid41917225,
year = {2026},
author = {Bonuck, K and Gao, Q and Congdon, S and Kim, RS},
title = {Long COVID disability burden in US adults.},
journal = {Communications medicine},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41917225},
issn = {2730-664X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Five years since the scientific and patient communities first identified the syndrome now known as Long COVID, affected individuals lack treatments, and the US lacks population-based data on its disability burden and correlation with National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding. Moreover, akin to other debilitating conditions it often co-occurs with, e.g., Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and dysautonomia, Long COVID disproportionately impacts females whose concerns are often marginalized.

METHODS: We quantify Long COVID years lived with disability (YLDs= prevalence x disability weight) in US adults and its actual/YLD-commensurate average annual NIH FY2022-2024 funding versus 68 comparator conditions, by sex predominance. We derive Long COVID prevalence from Census Bureau surveys (9/2022-8/2023) and apply disability weights from the Global Burden of Disease Study.

RESULTS: Long COVID YLDs approximate those of Alzheimer's and Asthma. Long COVID received 14% of its disability commensurate funding: $106 million vs. $739.8 million. ME/CFS is the most under-funded condition, receiving <1% of its YLD proportionate funding. Among conditions analyzed, 24 are female-predominant (we estimate Long COVID funding two ways), 12 male-predominant, and 33 show no sex predominance. Among the 12 below-median funded/above-median YLD conditions, 7/12 are female-predominant, none are male-predominant. Median funding/per YLD is 5.2 times higher for male- vs. female-predominant conditions (7.0 vs 1.3 million per YLD, p = 0.007). Overall, YLDs explain 6.5% of funding variance in a linear regression model using YLD as the sole predictor (Adjusted R-squared: 0.065).

CONCLUSIONS: With chronic conditions like Long COVID rising, disability burden merits greater consideration in funding decisions, as does biological sex.},
}

@article {pmid41907807,
year = {2026},
author = {Kaleem, S and Sawano, M and Arun, AS and Warner, F and Zhou, T and Huang, C and Bhattacharjee, B and Lu, Y and Iwasaki, A and Nwanyanwu, K and Ahmed, IIK and Krumholz, HM},
title = {Ocular Symptoms in Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study.},
journal = {Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {565596},
pmid = {41907807},
issn = {1177-5467},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study compared demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, pre-pandemic health conditions, newly diagnosed health conditions, and long COVID symptoms between participants with and without self-reported new-onset ocular symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Listen to Immune, Symptom, and Treatment Experiences Now (LISTEN) study. Adults who self-reported long COVID, completed surveys between May 2022 and October 2023, and did not report post-vaccination syndrome were included. Ocular symptoms were defined as self-reported new-onset blurring or loss of vision, dry eyes, or floaters/flashes of light attributed to long COVID. Group comparisons used percentages for categorical variables and median and interquartile range (IQR) for continuous variables as well as Bonferroni-adjusted P-values. A gradient-boosted tree model was used to identify symptoms that differentiated groups.

RESULTS: Among 595 participants (median age 46 years [IQR 38-56]; 73% female), 341 (57%) reported ocular symptoms. Pre-pandemic comorbidities were similar between groups. Participants with ocular symptoms had lower EuroQoL visual analogue scale health scores (median 40 [IQR 30-59] vs 51 [IQR 39-70], P < 0.001), greater financial difficulties (20% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001), increased worry about housing stability (16% vs 5.4%, P < 0.001), and higher rates of new-onset dysautonomia (38% vs 15%, P < 0.001) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (21% vs 9.1%, P = 0.005). Key differentiating symptoms included dizziness, cold intolerance, pressure at the base of the head, tinnitus, and tremors.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with long COVID with self-reported new-onset ocular symptoms after infection may represent a more severe phenotype, with poorer health status and greater socioeconomic challenges despite similar pre-pandemic health profiles.},
}

@article {pmid41908724,
year = {2026},
author = {Zavala-Arciniega, L and Lisabeth, L and Slocum, EM and Orellana, RC and Fleischer, NL},
title = {Sex differences in the prospective associations of long COVID with incident cardiometabolic and respiratory diseases from a population-based longitudinal study in Michigan.},
journal = {Preventive medicine reports},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {103449},
pmid = {41908724},
issn = {2211-3355},
abstract = {AIM: To evaluate longitudinal associations of Long COVID with incident cardiometabolic and respiratory outcomes among adults.

METHODS: We used the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study, a population-based longitudinal study of adults with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in Michigan. We included adults with COVID-19 who responded to the baseline (data collection: 06/2020-12/2022) and follow-up survey (data collection: 01/2022-11/2023) and were free of each outcome at baseline. Long COVID was defined as recovery taking ≥90 days after infection or no recovery. We evaluated four self-reported incident outcomes: 1) diabetes, 2) hypertension, 3) heart disease, and 4) asthma. We conducted modified Poisson models to examine longitudinal exposures-outcomes association separately, overall and stratified by sex.

RESULTS: Long COVID was associated with higher past-year incidence of heart disease and asthma in multivariable models, when we stratified the models by sex, we observed statistically significant associations for females only between Long COVID and all measured outcomes, except hypertension (Females = diabetes: Incidence Risk Ratio (IRR) = 2.33 95% CI 1.15,4.73; heart disease: IRR = 1.98 95% CI 1.10,3.57; asthma: IRR = 2.99 95% CI 1.60,5.57).

CONCLUSION: Study findings reinforce the importance of preventing Long COVID and to monitor sequelae including incident disease outcomes for those who are experiencing Long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid41909842,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Li, B and Yang, J},
title = {Editorial: Therapeutic targets and strategies for long COVID and post-viral syndrome.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1820002},
doi = {10.3389/fcimb.2026.1820002},
pmid = {41909842},
issn = {2235-2988},
}

@article {pmid41911553,
year = {2026},
author = {Reis, G and Dos Santos Moreira Silva, EA and Medeiros Silva, DC and Thabane, L and Ferreira, TS and Reis, LLF and Figueiredo Guimaraes Almeida, AP and Menezes Amaral, M and Savassi, LCM and de Souza Campos, VH and Campos Simplicio, MI and Barra Ribeiro, L and de Souza Medeiros, T and Campos Siqueira, T and Vieira, TS and Drumond Rausse, N and Garofolo, TC and Fagundes Silva, EC and Harari, O and D'Urso, G and Forrest, JI and Park, J and Nachega, JB and Lindsell, C and Glenn, JS and Thorlund, K and Dybul, M and Mills, EJ and , },
title = {The Effect of Fluvoxamine and Metformin for Fatigue in Patients With Long COVID : An Adaptive Randomized Trial.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-25-03959},
pmid = {41911553},
issn = {1539-3704},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or long COVID, presents a major therapeutic challenge, with fatigue being a prevalent and debilitating symptom.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of fluvoxamine and metformin for long COVID fatigue.

DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled, adaptive trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06128967).

SETTING: Outpatient sites in Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS: 399 adults with fatigue persisting 90 or more days after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.

INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to fluvoxamine (100 mg twice daily), metformin (750 mg twice daily), or matching placebo for 60 days.

MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was change in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score.

RESULTS: Fluvoxamine showed a significant reduction in fatigue compared with placebo at day 60 (mean difference, -0.43 [95% credible interval {CrI},
-0.80 to -0.07]), with a sustained effect at day 90 (mean difference, -0.58 [CrI, -0.98 to -0.16]). Fluvoxamine also improved quality-of-life scores with high posterior probability. Metformin showed no significant benefit. Adverse events were less frequent with fluvoxamine (20.0%) than with metformin (28.8%) or placebo (29.7%). Grade 3 and higher adverse events were rare across all groups.

LIMITATIONS: The 90-day follow-up period limits conclusions about the durability of treatment effects, and the exclusive focus on fatigue as the primary outcome does not address other prevalent long COVID symptoms, leaving fluvoxamine's broader therapeutic utility uncertain.

CONCLUSION: Fluvoxamine, but not metformin, may be an effective treatment for reducing fatigue and improving quality of life in patients with long COVID.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: The Latona Foundation.},
}

@article {pmid41911555,
year = {2026},
author = {},
title = {Summary for Patients: Fluvoxamine and Metformin for Fatigue in Patients With Long COVID.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-25-03959-PS},
pmid = {41911555},
issn = {1539-3704},
}

@article {pmid41903103,
year = {2026},
author = {Thakkar, K and Thamaree, R and Kyaw, MH and Chirila, I and Mendoza, CF and Dodd, J and Yarnoff, B and Kiertiburanakul, S},
title = {Potential Public Health Impact of Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Strategies in Thailand: Epidemiological Data Update.},
journal = {Pulmonary therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41903103},
issn = {2364-1746},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the anticipated health and economic effects of multiple COVID-19 vaccination strategies using an updated vaccine in Thailand.

METHODS: A previously published hybrid decision tree and Markov model, originally developed for the USA, was calibrated using Thailand-specific epidemiological, demographic, and economic data from 2024. The model assessed several age- and risk-based vaccination strategies assuming vaccine uptake ranging from 20% to 50%. Health outcomes (cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and long COVID cases) and economic outcomes (long COVID costs, direct medical costs, and productivity losses) were projected from payer and societal perspectives. Vaccine effectiveness was assumed to be 50% against infection, 60% against symptoms, and 70% against severe disease, with a 6-month duration of protection.

RESULTS: Vaccinating individuals aged 60 years and above and high-risk individuals aged 6 months to 59 years was projected to prevent 318,700 infections, 9147 hospitalizations, and 1061 deaths in 1 year. This strategy was estimated to yield THB 3300 million in direct medical cost savings and THB 2695 million in productivity loss savings. Increasing coverage in this population to 50% could amplify these reductions by up to 150%.

CONCLUSIONS: With updated Thai data, analyses suggest that use of an adapted COVID-19 vaccine could continue to generate considerable public-health and economic gains, particularly when coverage among older adults and high-risk groups is expanded. These findings carry implications for sustaining preparedness and guiding national vaccination policy.},
}

@article {pmid41903617,
year = {2026},
author = {Katsarou, MS and Papasavva, M and Tsolakou, A and Christodoulou, A and Antonoglou, A and Raptis, A and Kontaxakis, A and Gavrielatos, M and Michalopoulos, I and Vassiliou, AG and Stefanatou, M and Pappas, G and Moschos, SA and Drakoulis, N and Katsaounou, P},
title = {Clinically Confirmed Cohort Reveals Antioxidant Genetic Polymorphisms as Potential Susceptibility Factors for Long COVID After Mild or Asymptomatic COVID-19.},
journal = {Free radical biology & medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2026.03.064},
pmid = {41903617},
issn = {1873-4596},
abstract = {Although the COVID-19 pandemic has now been down-graded, long COVID (LC) presents an ongoing risk of long-term disease for a significant percentage of the population, even after mild or no symptoms upon infection. LC post-viral effects have been associated with oxidative stress (OS), impacting canonical cell function. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of eight OS-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on LC susceptibility among patients with mild or no symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with emphasis on a clinically homogeneous population free from bias and overlap with other conditions. Blood samples were collected from 85 clinically confirmed LC patients and 96 unvaccinated controls (observational case control study) all with mild/asymptomatic infection, and analysed by targeted SNP genotyping in the GSTP1, SELENOS, CAT, SOD2, and EPHX1 OS-related genes. Τhe control individuals had been infected at least 6 months prior to enrollment and had not developed any symptoms related to long COVID. Our analysis revealed associations between SOD2 and EPHX1 polymorphisms and disease progression, with pre-existing thyroid disease and acute phase symptoms being significant aggravating factors. Machine Learning (ML) analysis produced a 10-factor predictive model for LC with a balanced accuracy over 0.74, released herein as an open-access LC risk rating webtool. Our findings suggest that individuals' genetic antioxidant capacity may plays an important role in long covid, fitting with current ideas of mitochondrial dysfunction and viral persistence. It is also shown how well diagnosed and bias free cohorts can reveal patterns often missed in self-reported cases and the potential for predictive tools that combine genetic and clinical data.},
}

@article {pmid41904442,
year = {2026},
author = {Martoreli Júnior, JF and Sousa, LRM and Pedroso, AO and Lima, LDES and Gusmão, CMP and Zamarioli, CM and Menegueti, MG and de Oliveira E Silva, AC and Ferreira, GRON and Gir, E and Reis, RK},
title = {Prevalence and predictive factors of long COVID in nurses in Brazil.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-13176-y},
pmid = {41904442},
issn = {1471-2334},
}

@article {pmid41905866,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiu, W},
title = {Comment on "association of symptoms of neuropsychological long COVID with imaging and plasma biomarkers".},
journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {125883},
doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2026.125883},
pmid = {41905866},
issn = {1878-5883},
}

@article {pmid41898534,
year = {2026},
author = {Krüger, AL and Schmidt, F and Bloch, W and Haiduk, B and Grau, M},
title = {Personalized Exercise Training Modulates Red Blood Cell Rheology and Morphology in Long COVID.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27062671},
pmid = {41898534},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/blood/therapy/physiopathology ; Male ; Female ; *Erythrocytes/pathology/cytology ; Middle Aged ; Erythrocyte Deformability ; *Exercise/physiology ; Adult ; Pilot Projects ; Longitudinal Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Erythrocyte Aggregation ; Rheology ; Aged ; Hemorheology ; *Exercise Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Long COVID is associated with persistent fatigue, exercise intolerance, and microcirculatory dysfunction. Altered red blood cell (RBC) rheology, including impaired deformability and increased aggregation, may contribute to these symptoms, yet the effects of exercise interventions remain unclear. This longitudinal pilot study tested whether an individualized, symptom-responsive exercise program improves RBC rheology in Long COVID. A total of 170 (110 f/60 m) participants entered a five-phase training protocol; 15 completed all phases and formed a predefined finisher subgroup. RBC aggregation and deformability, hematological parameters, and coagulation- and iron-related markers were assessed across phases; RBC morphology was additionally analyzed in finishers at baseline and completion. In the total cohort, aggregation indices decreased across training phases, accompanied by prolonged aggregation half-time, while hematological, coagulation, and iron markers remained largely unchanged. The deformability changes were not uniform in the full cohort; however, finishers showed a deformability shift after completion. Importantly, morphologically abnormal RBC decreased in finishers, and these changes correlated with deformability, suggesting that improved rheology is linked to reduced RBC abnormalities. Prospectively, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm these results and to evaluate whether exercise-induced rheological improvements translate into functional and symptomatic benefits.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/blood/therapy/physiopathology
Male
Female
*Erythrocytes/pathology/cytology
Middle Aged
Erythrocyte Deformability
*Exercise/physiology
Adult
Pilot Projects
Longitudinal Studies
SARS-CoV-2
Erythrocyte Aggregation
Rheology
Aged
Hemorheology
*Exercise Therapy/methods

@article {pmid41899098,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, J and Liu, L and Zhou, N and Zhang, Y and Liu, H and Xu, C and Wu, Y and Zhang, J},
title = {The Clinical Research of the Chronic Cough After COVID-19 Infection.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm15062174},
pmid = {41899098},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Objective: To investigate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and potential risk factors of chronic cough following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: A total of 1434 patients with post-COVID-19 cough were categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic subgroups by cough duration, with clinical data analyzed across subgroups. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in chronic cough patients, followed by an 18-21-month follow-up. Results: 1. Significant intergroup differences were observed among the three groups in: the number of patients with rhinitis and/or pharyngitis history, cough with chest tightness, cough with pharyngeal symptoms, and sensitivity to irritating odors and cold air. 2. The chronic group had a significantly lower platelet count but higher eosinophil and basophil percentages than the acute group. 3. The chronic group showed significantly lower values than the subacute group in multiple pulmonary function indices: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MEF25, MEF75, MEF50, MMEF75/25, MEF75%, MEF50%, MEF25%, MMEF75/25%, DLCO, and DLCO%. 4. Chest CT findings: the chronic group had significantly lower rates of infected lesions, cord-like opacities, and ground-glass shadows than the acute group, but a higher rate of micro-nodules than the subacute group. 5. At follow-up, the cough and non-cough groups differed significantly in nighttime cough scores and the proportion of cough with chest tightness, as well as in pulmonary function parameters: FVC, FEV1, PEF, PEF%, MEF75, DLCO, RV% and TLC. 6. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the nocturnal cough symptom score and cough accompanied by chest tightness as independent factors influencing persistent cough 18-21 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions: Patients with pre-existing upper airway inflammation, laryngeal symptoms, chemical hypersensitivity, elevated eosinophil/basophil percentages, and pulmonary micro-nodules are more likely to develop chronic post-COVID cough, presenting with partial ventilatory impairment and diffusing capacity impairments.},
}

@article {pmid41899187,
year = {2026},
author = {Miwa, K},
title = {Disequilibrium, Rather than Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Is the Primary Determinant of Orthostatic Intolerance in Patients with Long COVID.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm15062263},
pmid = {41899187},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is an important factor affecting daily functional capacity in patients with long COVID. Traditionally, most OI symptoms have been attributed to exaggerated sympathetic nervous system activation associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Disequilibrium, also referred to as postural instability, may contribute to the development of OI in patients with long COVID. Methods: This study evaluated 32 patients with long COVID using neurological examinations and the active 10-min standing test. Disequilibrium was assessed using the Romberg and tandem gait tests. OI was defined as the inability to complete the active 10-min standing test. Results: Seven patients (22%) were diagnosed with OI. None of them had POTS, whereas six (86%) demonstrated disequilibrium, as detected by the Romberg and/or tandem gait test. POTS was observed in eight patients (25%), none of whom had OI. Disequilibrium was observed in nine patients (28%), six of whom (67%) had OI. Multiple regression analysis revealed that disequilibrium was positively associated with OI (r = 0.64, p < 0.001), whereas POTS was inversely associated (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of oral minocycline treatment in six patients and 2 weeks of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy following minocycline in the other one patient, symptom amelioration was reported in six patients with OI. OI concomitant with disequilibrium recovered in five of the six patients treated and tested, although one patient who experienced symptom recovery failed to undergo the repeated standing test. Conclusions: Disequilibrium, rather than POTS, was the primary determinant of OI in patients with long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid41899272,
year = {2026},
author = {Suárez-Moreno, N and Gómez-Sánchez, L and Arroyo-Romero, S and Navarro-Cáceres, A and Domínguez-Martín, A and Lugones-Sánchez, C and González-Sánchez, S and Sánchez-Moreno, A and Rodríguez-Sánchez, E and García-Ortiz, L and Gómez-Marcos, MA and Gómez-Sánchez, M and Navarro-Matias, E},
title = {Association Between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Vascular Structure and Function in Subjects with a Diagnosis of Long COVID: The BioICOPER Study.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm15062348},
pmid = {41899272},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {PI25/00071//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; GRS 2707/C/24; GRS 3007/C/2024//The government of Castilla y León/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Long COVID is characterised by persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and its impact on cardiovascular health is a growing concern. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome and vascular structural and functional in patients with long COVID. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 304 adults diagnosed with long COVID. Vascular health was assessed using carotid intima-media thickness to evaluate arterial structure, and pulse wave velocity to assess arterial stiffness. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to international criteria. Multiple regression models were performed to analyse the association between the number of metabolic syndrome components and vascular parameters, adjusting for age, sex, lifestyle and pharmacological treatments. Results: All vascular measures show a positive association with artery pressure. All measures except cardio-ankle vascular index were positively associated with the number of metabolic syndrome components. Carotid intima-media thickness, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity and vascular ageing index were positively associated with waist circumference. Brachial-ankle pulse wave was positively associated with all metabolic syndrome components and showed an inverse association with HDL-cholesterol. Cardio-ankle vascular index was inversely associated with waist circumference. Conclusions: In conclusion, among adults with long COVID, metabolic syndrome and the accumulation of its components are associated with poorer vascular structure, function, and vascular ageing.},
}

@article {pmid41900303,
year = {2026},
author = {Hommos, L and Gohil, H and Rob, M and Manyama, J and Ramy, H and Naseem, N and Nishan, H and Ibrahim, RS and Ibrahim, SS and Njoku, VCE and Al-Mutawa, I and Khan, AF and Holroyd, S and Zakaria, D},
title = {Long-Term Thyroid Complications Post-COVID-19: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms14030543},
pmid = {41900303},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly shown to be a multisystem disorder with long-term complications, including endocrine system complications. The thyroid gland is also susceptible, as it contains ACE2 receptors, making it exposed to both direct viral damage and autoimmune-mediated dysfunction. Recent reports document the various thyroid complications that persist well after the acute infection phase. This systematic review investigates the long-term thyroid complications in individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive literature search across several databases was conducted. Eligible studies reported new onset long-term thyroid complications occurring post-COVID-19 infection. Abstract and full-text screening as well as data extraction and quality assessment was performed by two independent reviewers. Only 28 studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting 419 patients from 18 countries. These studies included case reports, case series, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. Reported thyroid disorders included subacute thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism (including Graves' disease), isolated high T3/T4, hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, and non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). While many of these eventually resolved, a significant portion persisted or recurred, especially autoimmune thyroiditis. COVID-19 is associated with a range of long-term thyroid complications. Although some cases are temporary, others last, especially autoimmune thyroid disorders. Proposed mechanisms include direct viral cytotoxicity, cytokine-mediated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis suppression, post-viral autoimmunity, vascular injury, and neuroendocrine disruption. Routine thyroid function monitoring in COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with severe disease or persistent symptoms is recommended, and larger prospective studies are needed to better understand incidence and outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41890193,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, B and Qu, S and Li, J and Deng, W and Shen, WJ and Chen, J},
title = {The mechanisms underlying COVID-19 induced insulin resistance: a narrative review.},
journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1781679},
pmid = {41890193},
issn = {1664-2392},
mesh = {Humans ; *Insulin Resistance/physiology ; *COVID-19/complications/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Diabetes Mellitus/etiology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in a significant increase in insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes among recovered individuals. This review examines the multifactorial mechanisms underlying these metabolic complications, including activation of the immune system and inflammatory cascades, lifestyle changes, nutritional deficiencies, imbalances in amino acid metabolism, alterations in ketogenesis, disruptions in the gut microbiome, psychological impacts, and COVID-19 vaccines. We discuss how these factors collectively contribute to insulin resistance, particularly in the context of COVID-19, and highlight potential therapeutic strategies, such as dietary interventions and ACE2 activators, that may mitigate these effects. Our analysis underscores the need for targeted approaches to prevent and treat insulin resistance in post-COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pandemic's long-term metabolic consequences.},
}

Humans
*Insulin Resistance/physiology
*COVID-19/complications/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Diabetes Mellitus/etiology/metabolism

@article {pmid41890992,
year = {2026},
author = {Chakravarty, D and Dandekar, R and Lashkari, VD and Tilton, I and McAlpine, L and Chiarella, J and Nelson, A and Ngo, T and Chen, P and Wang, G and Saxena, A and Castillo-Rojas, B and Zorn, K and Tribble, DR and Burgess, TH and Rubin, LH and Richard, SA and Agan, BK and Pollett, SD and Farhadian, S and Spudich, S and Pleasure, SJ and Wilson, MR},
title = {Autoantibody landscapes in neurological Long COVID and post-COVID cognitive impairment show heterogeneity without a shared disease signature.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.64898/2026.03.19.26348833},
pmid = {41890992},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neurological Long COVID (n-LC) includes persistent cognitive and autonomic symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prior studies of post-COVID conditions have described diverse humoral autoreactivity, but findings are heterogeneous, and it remains unclear whether n-LC is associated with a consistent CNS-directed humoral signature.

METHODS: We performed a cross-cohort case-control analysis to detect autoantibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum from n-LC participants. In the Yale COVID Mind Study cohort, CSF from n-LC participants and from pre-pandemic and post-COVID asymptomatic controls was assessed by mouse brain immunofluorescence and proteome-wide phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq), with candidate reactivities evaluated by orthogonal assays and supervised modeling. In the Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (IDCRP EPICC) cohort, post-COVID sera collected prior to iPhone- or iPad-based cognitive screening were profiled by PhIP-Seq and compared between participants with and without cognitive impairment.

RESULTS: CSF immunoreactivity on mouse brain tissue was observed in both n-LC and controls, with similar overall frequencies, although n-LC participants more often showed nuclear-predominant staining patterns. PhIP-Seq identified sparse, largely patient-specific peptide reactivities to nuclear and neuronal proteins in CSF and serum. Supervised models provided limited discrimination between cases and controls. Candidate autoantigens had limited disease specificity on orthogonal testing. EPICC serum autoantibody profiling similarly failed to distinguish individuals with and without cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSIONS: Across cohorts and compartments, n-LC did not exhibit a shared autoantibody signature. These findings support the absence of a dominant, common CNS autoantibody-mediated mechanism in n-LC.

FUNDING: Grants HU00012020067, HU00012120103, HU00011920111, R01NS125693, R01MH125737, R01AI157488 from Defense health program and NIH.},
}

@article {pmid41891379,
year = {2026},
author = {Babaeipour, R and Fox, MS and Parraga, G and Ouriadov, A},
title = {Benchmarking Hybrid CNN-Transformer Versus Pure Transformer Architectures for Accelerated Hyperpolarized [129]Xe MRI Reconstruction.},
journal = {Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/jmri.70314},
pmid = {41891379},
issn = {1522-2586},
support = {R9245A04//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Hyperpolarized [129]Xe MRI faces technical challenges including low signal-to-noise ratio and breath-hold constraints. Current literature focuses on proprietary deep learning methods or image-domain enhancements.

PURPOSE: To present a comprehensive evaluation of transformer and hybrid CNN-transformer architectures integrating dual-domain (k-space and image) processing for HP [129]Xe MRI reconstruction.

STUDY TYPE: Retrospective.

POPULATION: Two hundred five participants (22 healthy [male and female, 18-85 years], 26 COPD [male and female, 50-85 years], 90 asthma [male and female, 18-70 years], 67 long-COVID [male and female, 18-70 years]) yielding 1640 2D slices. Dataset split: 80% training (1312 slices), 10% validation (164 slices), 10% test (164 slices).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3 T; 3D fast gradient-recalled echo.

ASSESSMENT: Five architectures were compared: KTMR (hybrid transformer-CNN), KIKI-net (pure CNN), ReconFormer, SwinMR, and MR-IPT (pure transformer) at acceleration factors of 3, 7, and 10. Performance was assessed using peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and normalized mean squared error (NMSE). Ventilation defect percentage (VDP) agreement with semi-automated analysis was evaluated.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Friedman test with post hoc Dunn's test and Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. Significance level: p < 0.05.

RESULTS: At 10-fold acceleration, KTMR produced PSNR of 36.4 ± 2.8 dB and SSIM of 0.88 ± 0.12, significantly outperforming KIKI-net (32.5 ± 3.4 dB, 0.81 ± 0.12), ReconFormer (29.7 ± 2.6 dB, 0.76 ± 0.12), SwinMR (30.5 ± 2.8 dB, 0.76 ± 0.09), and MR-IPT (28.8 ± 2.4 dB, 0.74 ± 0.11). VDP measurements showed mean bias of 1.94% at 3-fold, 2.12% at 7-fold, and 2.69% at 10-fold acceleration.

DATA CONCLUSION: KTMR demonstrated superior performance for HP [129]Xe MRI reconstruction at high acceleration factors.

EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3.

TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.},
}

@article {pmid41892619,
year = {2026},
author = {Guzmán Priego, CG and Villalpando, JMG and Baeza Flores, GDC and Ble Castillo, JL and Celorio Méndez, KDS and Juárez Rojop, IE and Martínez López, MC and López Villarreal, SM and Rodríguez Luis, OE and Quiroz Gómez, S and Romero Tapia, SJ and García Orozco, JM and López Nácar, WS and Salinas Terrazas, OO and Jiménez Aragón, KA},
title = {Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Sequelae After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review and Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study of Neurofilament Light Chain and GFAP.},
journal = {Brain sciences},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/brainsci16030276},
pmid = {41892619},
issn = {2076-3425},
abstract = {Background: Persistent cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms have been increasingly reported as part of the post-COVID-19 condition. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) are circulating biomarkers of neuronal and astrocytic injury that increase during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, their role in long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae remains unclear. Objective: To provide a narrative overview of cognitive and neuropsychiatric sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection and to explore the association of plasma NfL and GFAP concentrations with cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, followed by an exploratory cross-sectional study including 41 adults recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were classified according to acute disease severity into two groups. Cognitive function was assessed using MoCA, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were evaluated using DASS-21. Plasma NfL and GFAP concentrations were measured by ELISA. Group comparisons and Spearman correlation analyses were performed. Results: A total of 41 individuals were studied; they recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and exhibited a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms compared with those who recovered from mild or asymptomatic infection. Plasma NfL and GFAP concentrations did not differ significantly between severity groups. NfL showed a weak association with the presence of post-COVID-19 condition. Conclusions: This study highlights the high burden of persistent cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms following moderate and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The absence of sustained elevations in circulating NfL and GFAP nearly two years after infection suggests that ongoing symptoms may involve mechanisms beyond overt neuronal or astrocytic injury.},
}

@article {pmid41895458,
year = {2026},
author = {Fehrer, A and Windzio, L and Schoening, S and Steiner, S and Aschenbrenner, AC and Babel, N and Behrends, U and Bellmann-Strobl, J and Cammà, G and Cash, A and Doehner, W and den Dunnen, J and Fluge, Ø and Franke, C and Hoffmann, K and Kedor, C and Kim, L and Löhden, W and Mella, O and Mihatsch, LL and Peluso, MJ and Puta, C and Putrino, D and Ramoji, A and Sato, W and Sawitzki, B and Schlieper, G and Schoenfeld, Y and Seifert, M and Sigurdsson, F and Slaghekke, A and Sommerfelt, K and Sotzny, F and Stein, E and Steinacker, JM and Stingl, M and Systrom, DM and Tronstad, KJ and Wirth, K and Wörmann, B and Wüst, RCI and Yamamura, T and Scheibenbogen, C},
title = {Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3[rd] International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.},
journal = {Autoimmunity reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {104043},
doi = {10.1016/j.autrev.2026.104043},
pmid = {41895458},
issn = {1873-0183},
abstract = {Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystemic disorder mostly triggered by viral infections, with core symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Its prevalence has increased significantly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its severity and impact on patients' quality of life, ME/CFS remains poorly understood. On May 12 and 13, 2025, the 3[rd] International Conference hosted by the Charité Fatigue Center brought together nearly 200 researchers from various disciplines on-site, and around 3,700 participants online to discuss recent advances in ME/CFS research, diagnostics, clinical care, and therapeutic trials. The program featured 33 lectures by international experts on key topics such as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), care structures, and pathophysiological mechanisms including cardiovascular dysregulation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic dysfunction. In addition, results from clinical trials addressing disease mechanisms, including those specifically targeting autoantibodies, were presented. While public awareness and funding opportunities have increased in the wake of the pandemic and the emergence of PCS, ME/CFS remains severely underresearched. Sustained and adequately funded research efforts are urgently required to advance understanding, identify diagnostic markers, and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.},
}