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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 02 Oct 2025 at 01:43 Created:
covid-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2), a virus closely related to the SARS virus. The disease was discovered and named during the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak. Those affected may develop a fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A sore throat, runny nose or sneezing is less common. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some can progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The infection is spread from one person to others via respiratory droplets produced from the airways, often during coughing or sneezing. Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between 2 and 14 days, with an average of 5 days. The standard method of diagnosis is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample, with results within a few hours to 2 days. Antibody assays can also be used, using a blood serum sample, with results within a few days. The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia. Correct handwashing technique, maintaining distance from people who are coughing and not touching one's face with unwashed hands are measures recommended to prevent the disease. It is also recommended to cover one's nose and mouth with a tissue or a bent elbow when coughing. Those who suspect they carry the virus are recommended to wear a surgical face mask and seek medical advice by calling a doctor rather than visiting a clinic in person. Masks are also recommended for those who are taking care of someone with a suspected infection but not for the general public. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, with management involving treatment of symptoms, supportive care and experimental measures. The case fatality rate is estimated at between 1% and 3%. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of 29 February 2020, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United States are areas having evidence of community transmission of the disease.
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Created with PubMed® Query: ( SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR (wuhan AND coronavirus) AND review[SB] )NOT 40982904[pmid] NOT 40982965[pmid] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion
Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)
RevDate: 2025-10-01
Immunological Insights and Vaccine Advances Against Apicomplexan Parasites: Emerging Concepts and Innovations.
Microbial pathogenesis pii:S0882-4010(25)00799-5 [Epub ahead of print].
The apicomplexan parasites are globally considered as the major cause of numerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. Apicomplexan parasites include Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Eimeria and Babesia. The rise in the drug resistance have made the traditional control measures, such as chemotherapy and vector management, inadequate against them. These are the intracellular infectious agent and possess complex life cycles, antigenic variability, and immune evasion abilities. These different abilities hinder the development of vaccines against them. Hence, there is urgent need for development of effective vaccines by novel measures. However, notable progress has been made in past years due to the advancements in immunology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Different types of vaccines including subunit vaccines have been developed and have demonstrated favorable efficiency. In the meantime, live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) continue to provide protection in animals. Apart from that, there are different innovations like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing that have enabled the creation of genetically attenuated strains for T. gondii and Eimeria. These attenuated strains are used for the development of vaccines. Furthermore, mRNA vaccine technology, which was successfully utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being used against parasitic infections. It is now offering fast and rapid development along with vigorous cellular immunity. The use of nanoparticles and novel adjuvants such as TLR agonists and saponins has improved the stability and effectiveness of vaccines. Approaches like mucosal delivery, especially for enteric parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Eimeria, is achieving attention for their ability to provide the localized protection. In spite of these advancements some challenges still persist. Antigenic diversity, short-lived immunity, regulatory barriers, and limited funding need to be addressed. Some of the emerging technologies including systems vaccinology, reverse vaccinology, and vectored delivery platforms, are paving the way for more targeted and effective vaccination. There is need for concerted effort incorporating multidisciplinary research, One Health integration, and scalable manufacturing methodologies for effective translation of these scientific innovations into solutions. By harnessing these emerging technologies within a One Health framework, the next generation of vaccines has the potential to transform the management of apicomplexan diseases worldwide.
Additional Links: PMID-41033372
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41033372,
year = {2025},
author = {Alshammari, A},
title = {Immunological Insights and Vaccine Advances Against Apicomplexan Parasites: Emerging Concepts and Innovations.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108074},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.108074},
pmid = {41033372},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {The apicomplexan parasites are globally considered as the major cause of numerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. Apicomplexan parasites include Plasmodium, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Eimeria and Babesia. The rise in the drug resistance have made the traditional control measures, such as chemotherapy and vector management, inadequate against them. These are the intracellular infectious agent and possess complex life cycles, antigenic variability, and immune evasion abilities. These different abilities hinder the development of vaccines against them. Hence, there is urgent need for development of effective vaccines by novel measures. However, notable progress has been made in past years due to the advancements in immunology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Different types of vaccines including subunit vaccines have been developed and have demonstrated favorable efficiency. In the meantime, live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) continue to provide protection in animals. Apart from that, there are different innovations like CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing that have enabled the creation of genetically attenuated strains for T. gondii and Eimeria. These attenuated strains are used for the development of vaccines. Furthermore, mRNA vaccine technology, which was successfully utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being used against parasitic infections. It is now offering fast and rapid development along with vigorous cellular immunity. The use of nanoparticles and novel adjuvants such as TLR agonists and saponins has improved the stability and effectiveness of vaccines. Approaches like mucosal delivery, especially for enteric parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Eimeria, is achieving attention for their ability to provide the localized protection. In spite of these advancements some challenges still persist. Antigenic diversity, short-lived immunity, regulatory barriers, and limited funding need to be addressed. Some of the emerging technologies including systems vaccinology, reverse vaccinology, and vectored delivery platforms, are paving the way for more targeted and effective vaccination. There is need for concerted effort incorporating multidisciplinary research, One Health integration, and scalable manufacturing methodologies for effective translation of these scientific innovations into solutions. By harnessing these emerging technologies within a One Health framework, the next generation of vaccines has the potential to transform the management of apicomplexan diseases worldwide.},
}
RevDate: 2025-10-01
Extended reality in the changing landscape of cranial neurosurgery: Role of image fusions and connectomics in precision and safety.
Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 142:111652 pii:S0967-5868(25)00625-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Recently, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, collectively termed Extended Reality (XR), have been adopted to support enhanced visualizations for neurosurgeons by augmenting the clinical environment with relevant digital content. These groundbreaking technologies, including connectomics, have been successfully integrated into neurosurgery as tools for preoperative rehearsals, surgical simulation, and intraoperative augmentation. Adaptation of XR within the surgical field has assisted neurosurgeons with preoperative planning using connectomics and anticipation of potential complications. XR enables neurosurgeons to explore operative fields from various angles and visualize hidden neurovascular anatomy, enhancing precision in keyhole approaches. It also addresses resident work hour restrictions and challenges like COVID-19, offering advanced training tools for novices and experts alike. Additionally, XR facilitates telecasting, patient education, remote telecollaboration, and helps bridge global educational gaps in neurosurgery, including credentialing and recertification. This paper outlays the conceptual differences between AR, VR, and MR, emphasizing the benefits and limitations of XR, along with the growing role of connectomics in micro-neurosurgery and endoscopic neurosurgery. The role of 2D versus 3D imaging, merger of preoperative versus real-time imaging, fusion of additional imaging data such as ICG, 5-ALA, or fluorescein angiography, and utilization of emerging technologies like Surgical Theater, QuickTome, etc. are highlighted. We also bring forth the pivotal role of visuo-spatial orientation of co-participants, apart from shared intentions and varied competence during the use of MR in neurosurgery. We explore the latest XR applications in neurosurgery and discuss exciting future directions, limitations, and ethical implications for the trailblazing technology.
Additional Links: PMID-41033120
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41033120,
year = {2025},
author = {Singh, G and Singh, A and Kainth, T and Menon, SS and Jain, S and Spektor, V and Prasanna, P and Manjila, S},
title = {Extended reality in the changing landscape of cranial neurosurgery: Role of image fusions and connectomics in precision and safety.},
journal = {Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia},
volume = {142},
number = {},
pages = {111652},
doi = {10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111652},
pmid = {41033120},
issn = {1532-2653},
abstract = {Recently, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies, collectively termed Extended Reality (XR), have been adopted to support enhanced visualizations for neurosurgeons by augmenting the clinical environment with relevant digital content. These groundbreaking technologies, including connectomics, have been successfully integrated into neurosurgery as tools for preoperative rehearsals, surgical simulation, and intraoperative augmentation. Adaptation of XR within the surgical field has assisted neurosurgeons with preoperative planning using connectomics and anticipation of potential complications. XR enables neurosurgeons to explore operative fields from various angles and visualize hidden neurovascular anatomy, enhancing precision in keyhole approaches. It also addresses resident work hour restrictions and challenges like COVID-19, offering advanced training tools for novices and experts alike. Additionally, XR facilitates telecasting, patient education, remote telecollaboration, and helps bridge global educational gaps in neurosurgery, including credentialing and recertification. This paper outlays the conceptual differences between AR, VR, and MR, emphasizing the benefits and limitations of XR, along with the growing role of connectomics in micro-neurosurgery and endoscopic neurosurgery. The role of 2D versus 3D imaging, merger of preoperative versus real-time imaging, fusion of additional imaging data such as ICG, 5-ALA, or fluorescein angiography, and utilization of emerging technologies like Surgical Theater, QuickTome, etc. are highlighted. We also bring forth the pivotal role of visuo-spatial orientation of co-participants, apart from shared intentions and varied competence during the use of MR in neurosurgery. We explore the latest XR applications in neurosurgery and discuss exciting future directions, limitations, and ethical implications for the trailblazing technology.},
}
RevDate: 2025-10-01
COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease - what to know.
Current opinion in immunology, 97:102661 pii:S0952-7915(25)00137-2 [Epub ahead of print].
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that arises from a complex interplay between a dysregulated immune response in genetically predisposed individuals. IBD can further be classified into its two main subtypes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both subtypes have shown increasing prevalence and incidence rates worldwide, and IBD is now considered a global epidemic. About three million patients are estimated to suffer from this disease, both in the US and Europe, with most of them requiring maintenance treatment including immunosuppressive agents, putting them at risk for opportunistic infections. In 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the world with a long pandemic period resulting in dramatic numbers of hospitalizations, Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and deaths. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as IBD, were rapidly considered to be at an increased risk for both infection and infection-related complications. For IBD and its treatment, however, evidence over the last few years showed no increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-related complications. In this review, we will discuss the latest insights about COVID-19 in IBD patients with a particular focus on the disease course of COVID-19 and on IBD-related adverse outcomes.
Additional Links: PMID-41033047
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41033047,
year = {2025},
author = {Godat, A and Chistoforidis, D and Greuter, T},
title = {COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel disease - what to know.},
journal = {Current opinion in immunology},
volume = {97},
number = {},
pages = {102661},
doi = {10.1016/j.coi.2025.102661},
pmid = {41033047},
issn = {1879-0372},
abstract = {Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that arises from a complex interplay between a dysregulated immune response in genetically predisposed individuals. IBD can further be classified into its two main subtypes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both subtypes have shown increasing prevalence and incidence rates worldwide, and IBD is now considered a global epidemic. About three million patients are estimated to suffer from this disease, both in the US and Europe, with most of them requiring maintenance treatment including immunosuppressive agents, putting them at risk for opportunistic infections. In 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the world with a long pandemic period resulting in dramatic numbers of hospitalizations, Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and deaths. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as IBD, were rapidly considered to be at an increased risk for both infection and infection-related complications. For IBD and its treatment, however, evidence over the last few years showed no increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-related complications. In this review, we will discuss the latest insights about COVID-19 in IBD patients with a particular focus on the disease course of COVID-19 and on IBD-related adverse outcomes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-10-01
CmpDate: 2025-10-01
Mitochondrial Disruption in Viral-Mediated Neuronal Injury: A Mechanistic Perspective.
Journal of medical virology, 97(10):e70626.
Neuronal injury is a major pathological issue that cannot be ignored during viral infections. Mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell, play a unique role in this scenario and are severely impacted when viruses infect host cells. Viruses invade and infect cells via specific mechanisms, causing changes in cellular structure and function. These changes not only directly affect mitochondria but also disrupt their normal function through indirect pathways. This paper reviews the mechanisms of mitochondrial damage induced by infections with SARS-CoV-2, herpesviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), providing new insights and strategies for preventing and treating neuronal injury.
Additional Links: PMID-41031563
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41031563,
year = {2025},
author = {Shi, S and Zhai, M and Wu, B and Sun, W},
title = {Mitochondrial Disruption in Viral-Mediated Neuronal Injury: A Mechanistic Perspective.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {97},
number = {10},
pages = {e70626},
doi = {10.1002/jmv.70626},
pmid = {41031563},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {//This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82171378, 82401438), Shenzhen Municipal Science, Technology and Innovation Commission (No. JCYJ20240813114512016, and No. JCYJ20240813152049062), Shenzhen Nanshan District Healthcare System Science and Technology Key Projects (No. NSZD2023003), Medical-Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Foundation of Shenzhen University (2023YG031)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Mitochondria/pathology/virology/metabolism ; *Neurons/virology/pathology ; COVID-19/virology/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity ; Hepacivirus/pathogenicity ; HIV Infections/virology/pathology ; },
abstract = {Neuronal injury is a major pathological issue that cannot be ignored during viral infections. Mitochondria, the energy factories of the cell, play a unique role in this scenario and are severely impacted when viruses infect host cells. Viruses invade and infect cells via specific mechanisms, causing changes in cellular structure and function. These changes not only directly affect mitochondria but also disrupt their normal function through indirect pathways. This paper reviews the mechanisms of mitochondrial damage induced by infections with SARS-CoV-2, herpesviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), providing new insights and strategies for preventing and treating neuronal injury.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Mitochondria/pathology/virology/metabolism
*Neurons/virology/pathology
COVID-19/virology/pathology
SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity
Hepacivirus/pathogenicity
HIV Infections/virology/pathology
RevDate: 2025-10-01
CmpDate: 2025-10-01
"In-Flu-Enza and Out-Flew Hair:" Post-Epidemic Health and the Importance of the History of Epidemics.
The Yale journal of biology and medicine, 98(3):341-348.
When COVID-19 survivors reported ongoing symptoms or new health concerns following their infections in 2020 and early 2021, many medical practitioners and health agencies questioned the connection between novel viruses and long-term health impacts. Medical historians studying epidemics understand the connection between viral infection and health complications emerging immediately or years or decades later. In this essay, I explore the similarities between the medical fallout of the 1918 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics. Despite the differences between the viruses, these novel strains produced similar medium- and long-term health difficulties, including cardiovascular dysfunction and crushing fatigue. As I demonstrate, a significant difference between these two pandemics is in the response by medical practitioners. Following influenza, practitioners expected new and worsening health issues and took their patients' complaints seriously, offering support through food delivery, convalescent care, specialist oversight, and in-home nursing. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, many practitioners characterized ongoing or new symptoms as anxiety. Patients led efforts to recognize Long COVID as an authentic medical condition, and today, physicians around the country refer their patients to Long COVID clinics. The value of medical history is apparent in this comparison-if practitioners understand how historical epidemics impacted various populations, they expect that in the epidemic aftermath or the period following an acute epidemic crisis, not all patients get well. Including the history of epidemics in public health education, continuing education programming, and even medical school curricula can resist epidemic erasure and empower medical practitioners to expect the unexpected.
Additional Links: PMID-41030634
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41030634,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, BL},
title = {"In-Flu-Enza and Out-Flew Hair:" Post-Epidemic Health and the Importance of the History of Epidemics.},
journal = {The Yale journal of biology and medicine},
volume = {98},
number = {3},
pages = {341-348},
pmid = {41030634},
issn = {1551-4056},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/history ; History, 20th Century ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology/history ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Epidemics/history ; Pandemics/history ; History, 21st Century ; Influenza Pandemic, 1918-1919/history ; },
abstract = {When COVID-19 survivors reported ongoing symptoms or new health concerns following their infections in 2020 and early 2021, many medical practitioners and health agencies questioned the connection between novel viruses and long-term health impacts. Medical historians studying epidemics understand the connection between viral infection and health complications emerging immediately or years or decades later. In this essay, I explore the similarities between the medical fallout of the 1918 influenza and COVID-19 pandemics. Despite the differences between the viruses, these novel strains produced similar medium- and long-term health difficulties, including cardiovascular dysfunction and crushing fatigue. As I demonstrate, a significant difference between these two pandemics is in the response by medical practitioners. Following influenza, practitioners expected new and worsening health issues and took their patients' complaints seriously, offering support through food delivery, convalescent care, specialist oversight, and in-home nursing. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, many practitioners characterized ongoing or new symptoms as anxiety. Patients led efforts to recognize Long COVID as an authentic medical condition, and today, physicians around the country refer their patients to Long COVID clinics. The value of medical history is apparent in this comparison-if practitioners understand how historical epidemics impacted various populations, they expect that in the epidemic aftermath or the period following an acute epidemic crisis, not all patients get well. Including the history of epidemics in public health education, continuing education programming, and even medical school curricula can resist epidemic erasure and empower medical practitioners to expect the unexpected.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/history
History, 20th Century
*Influenza, Human/epidemiology/history
SARS-CoV-2
*Epidemics/history
Pandemics/history
History, 21st Century
Influenza Pandemic, 1918-1919/history
RevDate: 2025-10-01
CmpDate: 2025-10-01
Post-steroid rebound in COVID-19 pneumonitis: a case series and review of the literature.
BMC pulmonary medicine, 25(1):440.
UNLABELLED: We report a retrospective case series of COVID-19 pneumonitis (C19P) patients in hypoxic respiratory failure who experienced a symptom rebound upon cessation or weaning of steroids following an initial positive response. The post-steroid rebound phenomenon in C19P is not well described in the literature and we aim to add to the body of evidence exploring this pathology.
METHODS: Post-steroid rebound COVID-19 pneumonitis (PSRCP) cases at our institution were identified for notes review from respiratory department follow-up records. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1. Hospital admissions with radiologically and PCR-confirmed C19P. 2. Administration of a corticosteroid course for the indication of hypoxia due to C19P. 3. An objective relapse of the index presentation with differential diagnoses other than post-steroid rebound excluded by appropriate clinicians. A literature search was performed using Medline, Ovid and Google Scholar and the search terms "rebound and COVID-19", "rebound and COVID-19 and pneumonitis" "post-COVID and pneumonitis" "relapse and COVID-19", "relapse and coronavirus and pneumonitis".
RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified between 2021 and 2024 with ages ranging from 48 to 80 years. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (50%) and obesity (39%) while 89% had a history of regular smoking. Seventeen of the 18 had evidence of hyperinflammation at first C19P presentation with a C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 75 mg/dl. Notably, 15 patients had a CRP blood test at least 48 h prior to discharge, steroid cessation or weaning and of these, 11 (73%) showed persisting CRP elevation. Seventeen of the 18 responded upon diagnosis of PSRCP to steroid rechallenge with survival to discharge.
CONCLUSIONS: As COVID-19 becomes endemic, clinicians should remain wary of the risk of PSRCP. Greater recognition of the importance of steroid weans and rechallenges in C19P narratives will help avoid poor outcomes, readmissions and the risk of post-C19P sequelae. Awareness of the PSRCP phenomenon should lower the threshold for slow steroid weans upon an initial C19P diagnosis over the standard UK regimen of a 10-day duration or less dexamethasone course. A definition for PSRCP is proposed as well as a decision aid around steroid strategies in patients both with and at risk of PSRCP.
Additional Links: PMID-41029595
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41029595,
year = {2025},
author = {Numbere, NK},
title = {Post-steroid rebound in COVID-19 pneumonitis: a case series and review of the literature.},
journal = {BMC pulmonary medicine},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {440},
pmid = {41029595},
issn = {1471-2466},
mesh = {Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Male ; *COVID-19/complications ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Recurrence ; *Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use ; *Pneumonia/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {UNLABELLED: We report a retrospective case series of COVID-19 pneumonitis (C19P) patients in hypoxic respiratory failure who experienced a symptom rebound upon cessation or weaning of steroids following an initial positive response. The post-steroid rebound phenomenon in C19P is not well described in the literature and we aim to add to the body of evidence exploring this pathology.
METHODS: Post-steroid rebound COVID-19 pneumonitis (PSRCP) cases at our institution were identified for notes review from respiratory department follow-up records. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1. Hospital admissions with radiologically and PCR-confirmed C19P. 2. Administration of a corticosteroid course for the indication of hypoxia due to C19P. 3. An objective relapse of the index presentation with differential diagnoses other than post-steroid rebound excluded by appropriate clinicians. A literature search was performed using Medline, Ovid and Google Scholar and the search terms "rebound and COVID-19", "rebound and COVID-19 and pneumonitis" "post-COVID and pneumonitis" "relapse and COVID-19", "relapse and coronavirus and pneumonitis".
RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified between 2021 and 2024 with ages ranging from 48 to 80 years. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (50%) and obesity (39%) while 89% had a history of regular smoking. Seventeen of the 18 had evidence of hyperinflammation at first C19P presentation with a C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 75 mg/dl. Notably, 15 patients had a CRP blood test at least 48 h prior to discharge, steroid cessation or weaning and of these, 11 (73%) showed persisting CRP elevation. Seventeen of the 18 responded upon diagnosis of PSRCP to steroid rechallenge with survival to discharge.
CONCLUSIONS: As COVID-19 becomes endemic, clinicians should remain wary of the risk of PSRCP. Greater recognition of the importance of steroid weans and rechallenges in C19P narratives will help avoid poor outcomes, readmissions and the risk of post-C19P sequelae. Awareness of the PSRCP phenomenon should lower the threshold for slow steroid weans upon an initial C19P diagnosis over the standard UK regimen of a 10-day duration or less dexamethasone course. A definition for PSRCP is proposed as well as a decision aid around steroid strategies in patients both with and at risk of PSRCP.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Middle Aged
Aged
Male
*COVID-19/complications
Female
Retrospective Studies
Aged, 80 and over
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
SARS-CoV-2
Recurrence
*Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
*Pneumonia/drug therapy
RevDate: 2025-10-01
CmpDate: 2025-10-01
The efficacy analysis of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery in stage III locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMC cancer, 25(1):1443.
BACKGROUND: Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the potential for surgical cure after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the era of immunotherapy. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of published data to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for stage III NSCLC.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from January, 2000 to September, 2024 to identify studies concentrated on neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery for treating stage III NSCLC. The effectiveness and safety data were collected for meta-analysis. Study endpoints included resection rate, major pathological response (MPR), pathological complete response (pCR), objective response rate (ORR), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), severe adverse events (SAEs). Data analysis was conducted using R 4.1.3 software, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 1043 patients from 22 studies were included in this meta-analysis, of whom 892 cases underwent surgery. The pooled MPR rate, pCR rate, and ORR rate were 65%, 38%, and 73%, respectively. The pooled incidence of TRAEs was 84% and the pooled incidence of SAEs was 13%. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that nivolumab- and pembrolizumab-based neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy showed a higher MPR rate (nivolumab 69%, pembrolizumab 68%) and pCR rate (nivolumab 51%, pembrolizumab 38%) than other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy demonstrates clinical benefits for patients with stage III NSCLC.
Additional Links: PMID-41029573
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41029573,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, X and He, Y and Guo, T and Fang, J and Chen, S and Zhang, Q and Lin, Y and Xu, N and Pan, X and Li, H},
title = {The efficacy analysis of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery in stage III locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC cancer},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1443},
pmid = {41029573},
issn = {1471-2407},
support = {2021CXA001//Research on intelligent recommendation decision model of geriatrics based on big data/ ; 00902409//Research on the development and prevention and control strategies of key viral infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era/ ; 82002457//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2019-ZQNB-1//the Young and Middle-aged Backbone Research Fund of Fujian Provincial Health Care Commission/ ; 2023J01117//the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province/ ; 2020Y9023//Fujian Provincial Medical Science and Technology Innovation Joint Fund Project/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology/therapy/drug therapy/mortality/surgery ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology/therapy/drug therapy/mortality ; *Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods ; Neoplasm Staging ; Treatment Outcome ; Immunotherapy/methods ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Pneumonectomy ; *Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the potential for surgical cure after neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the era of immunotherapy. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of published data to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for stage III NSCLC.
METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted on the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from January, 2000 to September, 2024 to identify studies concentrated on neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy followed by surgery for treating stage III NSCLC. The effectiveness and safety data were collected for meta-analysis. Study endpoints included resection rate, major pathological response (MPR), pathological complete response (pCR), objective response rate (ORR), treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), severe adverse events (SAEs). Data analysis was conducted using R 4.1.3 software, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 1043 patients from 22 studies were included in this meta-analysis, of whom 892 cases underwent surgery. The pooled MPR rate, pCR rate, and ORR rate were 65%, 38%, and 73%, respectively. The pooled incidence of TRAEs was 84% and the pooled incidence of SAEs was 13%. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that nivolumab- and pembrolizumab-based neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy showed a higher MPR rate (nivolumab 69%, pembrolizumab 68%) and pCR rate (nivolumab 51%, pembrolizumab 38%) than other immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy demonstrates clinical benefits for patients with stage III NSCLC.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology/therapy/drug therapy/mortality/surgery
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology/therapy/drug therapy/mortality
*Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods
Neoplasm Staging
Treatment Outcome
Immunotherapy/methods
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Pneumonectomy
*Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Effects of home-based exercise on the mental and physical health of older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Aging & mental health, 29(10):1746-1763.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effects of home-based exercise programs on the mental and physical health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and Embase until June 2024. In total, 14 Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) were included.
RESULTS: Home-based exercise presented a small effect on depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.38; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -0.65 to -0.12) and a large effect on dynamic balance [SMD]: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.13). No effects were found for home-based exercise on other outcomes.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that home-based exercise was effective in reducing depression and improving dynamic balance in older adults. However, further studies are needed due to methodological issues related to the intervention and some concerns identified about the risk of bias.
PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42023397441.
Additional Links: PMID-41027462
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027462,
year = {2025},
author = {Nunes Nóra de Souza, L and Coimbra, DR and Bueno, JCA and Andrade, A},
title = {Effects of home-based exercise on the mental and physical health of older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.},
journal = {Aging & mental health},
volume = {29},
number = {10},
pages = {1746-1763},
doi = {10.1080/13607863.2025.2541186},
pmid = {41027462},
issn = {1364-6915},
mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Depression/therapy/prevention & control ; *Exercise Therapy/methods ; *Mental Health ; Postural Balance/physiology ; *Exercise ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the effects of home-based exercise programs on the mental and physical health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and Embase until June 2024. In total, 14 Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) were included.
RESULTS: Home-based exercise presented a small effect on depressive symptoms (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.38; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -0.65 to -0.12) and a large effect on dynamic balance [SMD]: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.13). No effects were found for home-based exercise on other outcomes.
CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that home-based exercise was effective in reducing depression and improving dynamic balance in older adults. However, further studies are needed due to methodological issues related to the intervention and some concerns identified about the risk of bias.
PROSPERO NUMBER: CRD42023397441.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
Aged
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19/psychology
*Depression/therapy/prevention & control
*Exercise Therapy/methods
*Mental Health
Postural Balance/physiology
*Exercise
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Crisis and Post-Crisis Virtual Mental Health Care: A Scoping Review.
Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association [Epub ahead of print].
Objectives: Crisis services are often a first point of contact for individuals needing mental health assessment and intervention. The rapid expansion of virtual care in recent years has enabled remote assessment and introduced novel ways to support crisis stabilization in the community. This scoping review aims to summarize the extent of the literature on virtual crisis assessment and intervention models. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched for English- and French-language literature published between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2024. Database search results were imported into the online Covidence review management program. A minimum of two reviewers screened titles and abstracts. Target information was extracted from included full texts and summarized thematically across study characteristics and outcomes. Results: A total of 5,345 titles were reviewed, with 45 publications included. Publications represented models from around the globe supporting youth and/or adult service users. Data synthesis highlighted the feasibility and potential for virtual care models supporting comprehensive crisis assessment (services that go beyond hotline de-escalation and triage), inpatient admission alternatives, and post-crisis follow-up. Conclusion: The available literature suggests that virtual crisis care options are growing, especially during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although few rigorous evaluations exist, there is strong evidence of feasibility with emerging and encouraging evidence for effectiveness. Further research focused on outcomes, comparisons of virtual and in-person models, and cost-effectiveness is warranted. Additional research could focus on virtual care models for the geriatric population, which is underrepresented in the available literature.
Additional Links: PMID-41027405
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027405,
year = {2025},
author = {Lemoine, J and Svenne, S and Ulrich, R and Hensel, J},
title = {Crisis and Post-Crisis Virtual Mental Health Care: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1177/15305627251381632},
pmid = {41027405},
issn = {1556-3669},
abstract = {Objectives: Crisis services are often a first point of contact for individuals needing mental health assessment and intervention. The rapid expansion of virtual care in recent years has enabled remote assessment and introduced novel ways to support crisis stabilization in the community. This scoping review aims to summarize the extent of the literature on virtual crisis assessment and intervention models. Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases were searched for English- and French-language literature published between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2024. Database search results were imported into the online Covidence review management program. A minimum of two reviewers screened titles and abstracts. Target information was extracted from included full texts and summarized thematically across study characteristics and outcomes. Results: A total of 5,345 titles were reviewed, with 45 publications included. Publications represented models from around the globe supporting youth and/or adult service users. Data synthesis highlighted the feasibility and potential for virtual care models supporting comprehensive crisis assessment (services that go beyond hotline de-escalation and triage), inpatient admission alternatives, and post-crisis follow-up. Conclusion: The available literature suggests that virtual crisis care options are growing, especially during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although few rigorous evaluations exist, there is strong evidence of feasibility with emerging and encouraging evidence for effectiveness. Further research focused on outcomes, comparisons of virtual and in-person models, and cost-effectiveness is warranted. Additional research could focus on virtual care models for the geriatric population, which is underrepresented in the available literature.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Brazilian guide for the diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 80:100793 pii:S1807-5932(25)00211-X [Epub ahead of print].
UNLABELLED: Pneumonia is one of the main causes of intensive care unit admission and death in Brazil. There is a need to standardize the use of microbiological tests for the diagnosis of pneumonia.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate microbiological diagnostic data for severe pneumonia.
METHOD: Comparative studies that evaluated the microbiological diagnosis of community pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia were analyzed. The literature review was guided by two questions and used flowcharts prepared by experts.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Diagnostic tests for pneumonia should be requested based on the severity of the disease, the patient´s immune status, and the risk of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Gram staining may aid in excluding S. aureus pneumonia and evaluating the quality of respiratory samples, while culture of these clinical samples may identify the infectious agent in up to half of the cases and allow antimicrobial susceptibility testing to be carried out. Blood cultures have a low sensitivity but may be useful for diagnosing extrapulmonary infections or situations involving sepsis or septic shock. Rapid molecular panels have high sensitivity and specificity for viral and bacterial targets for both types of pneumonia, and their use can reduce the length of hospital and intensive care stays and allow optimization of antimicrobial therapy. RT-PCR is highly accurate in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
CONCLUSION: The rational use of molecular panels for the diagnosis of severe pneumonia can reduce the length of hospital and intensive care stays and 90-day mortality.
Additional Links: PMID-41027283
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027283,
year = {2025},
author = {Mello Sampaio, JL and Cunha, A and Lima Santos, DWC and Junior, AP},
title = {Brazilian guide for the diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia.},
journal = {Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil)},
volume = {80},
number = {},
pages = {100793},
doi = {10.1016/j.clinsp.2025.100793},
pmid = {41027283},
issn = {1980-5322},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Pneumonia is one of the main causes of intensive care unit admission and death in Brazil. There is a need to standardize the use of microbiological tests for the diagnosis of pneumonia.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate microbiological diagnostic data for severe pneumonia.
METHOD: Comparative studies that evaluated the microbiological diagnosis of community pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia were analyzed. The literature review was guided by two questions and used flowcharts prepared by experts.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Diagnostic tests for pneumonia should be requested based on the severity of the disease, the patient´s immune status, and the risk of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Gram staining may aid in excluding S. aureus pneumonia and evaluating the quality of respiratory samples, while culture of these clinical samples may identify the infectious agent in up to half of the cases and allow antimicrobial susceptibility testing to be carried out. Blood cultures have a low sensitivity but may be useful for diagnosing extrapulmonary infections or situations involving sepsis or septic shock. Rapid molecular panels have high sensitivity and specificity for viral and bacterial targets for both types of pneumonia, and their use can reduce the length of hospital and intensive care stays and allow optimization of antimicrobial therapy. RT-PCR is highly accurate in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
CONCLUSION: The rational use of molecular panels for the diagnosis of severe pneumonia can reduce the length of hospital and intensive care stays and 90-day mortality.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
MAP4K3/GLK: Structure, molecular pharmacology and drug development.
Bioorganic chemistry, 165:109043 pii:S0045-2068(25)00923-X [Epub ahead of print].
GLK (also known as MAP4K3), classified as a member of the MAP4K family, is a Ste20-like serine/threonine kinase. GLK plays a pivotal role in multiple cellular signaling pathways, including TCR-mediated immune responses, as well as the JNK, mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Due to its critical role in these key regulatory networks, GLK has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, aging, and COVID-19 infection. Consequently, GLK represents a promising molecular target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for immunotherapy and oncotherapy. This review comprehensively summarizes the signaling pathways and human diseases regulated by GLK, focusing on GLK protein kinase structure, GLK-specific regulators, and profiling strategies for developing GLK-specific small-molecule inhibitors.
Additional Links: PMID-41027235
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027235,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Yan, X and Li, H and Shen, Y and Yun, C and Zhang, J},
title = {MAP4K3/GLK: Structure, molecular pharmacology and drug development.},
journal = {Bioorganic chemistry},
volume = {165},
number = {},
pages = {109043},
doi = {10.1016/j.bioorg.2025.109043},
pmid = {41027235},
issn = {1090-2120},
abstract = {GLK (also known as MAP4K3), classified as a member of the MAP4K family, is a Ste20-like serine/threonine kinase. GLK plays a pivotal role in multiple cellular signaling pathways, including TCR-mediated immune responses, as well as the JNK, mTOR, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Due to its critical role in these key regulatory networks, GLK has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, aging, and COVID-19 infection. Consequently, GLK represents a promising molecular target for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for immunotherapy and oncotherapy. This review comprehensively summarizes the signaling pathways and human diseases regulated by GLK, focusing on GLK protein kinase structure, GLK-specific regulators, and profiling strategies for developing GLK-specific small-molecule inhibitors.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Always on duty - Fostering climate resilience in the nursing profession: A discussion paper.
International journal of nursing studies, 172:105227 pii:S0020-7489(25)00237-8 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: As with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, climate change is a global phenomenon reshaping the nursing profession. While nursing organizations have produced numerous position statements on nursing and climate change, these tend to focus exclusively on the profession's important role in mitigating and adapting health systems and providing climate-informed patient care. However, to adequately prepare for the acceleration of climate change impacts, we also need to focus on supporting the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce. The purpose of this discussion paper is to examine key areas of climate vulnerability for nursing and provide recommendations that address these factors.
DISCUSSION: We consider three factors that may negatively impact on nurses' health and well-being in relation to climate change. First, there are social locations at the individual and population level, in particular gender, as the majority of nurses are women, and age, as the global workforce is aging. Both of these social locations are well documented areas of climate vulnerability. Second, the aging infrastructure of healthcare facilities puts nurses at risk by exposing them to harmful environments, such as extreme heat and poor air quality. Third, there are consequences for nurses' mental health as a result of providing care during climate-related weather emergencies and growing awareness of the impacts of climate change.
RECOMMENDATIONS: In response to these risk factors, we recommend urgent actions that will support and promote nurses' health and well-being. For example, workplace policies and environments should be adjusted to address the unique healthcare issues of an aging workforce that is primarily women. As well, actions that promote climate-resilient healthcare systems are needed. These actions include updating physical infrastructures as well as ensuring adequate staffing during climate-related weather emergencies. There is also a pressing need for interventions that provide mental health supports and psychological safety in the workplace for nurses.
Additional Links: PMID-41027126
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027126,
year = {2025},
author = {Baumbusch, J and Sloan Yip, I and Bandara, NA},
title = {Always on duty - Fostering climate resilience in the nursing profession: A discussion paper.},
journal = {International journal of nursing studies},
volume = {172},
number = {},
pages = {105227},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2025.105227},
pmid = {41027126},
issn = {1873-491X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: As with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, climate change is a global phenomenon reshaping the nursing profession. While nursing organizations have produced numerous position statements on nursing and climate change, these tend to focus exclusively on the profession's important role in mitigating and adapting health systems and providing climate-informed patient care. However, to adequately prepare for the acceleration of climate change impacts, we also need to focus on supporting the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce. The purpose of this discussion paper is to examine key areas of climate vulnerability for nursing and provide recommendations that address these factors.
DISCUSSION: We consider three factors that may negatively impact on nurses' health and well-being in relation to climate change. First, there are social locations at the individual and population level, in particular gender, as the majority of nurses are women, and age, as the global workforce is aging. Both of these social locations are well documented areas of climate vulnerability. Second, the aging infrastructure of healthcare facilities puts nurses at risk by exposing them to harmful environments, such as extreme heat and poor air quality. Third, there are consequences for nurses' mental health as a result of providing care during climate-related weather emergencies and growing awareness of the impacts of climate change.
RECOMMENDATIONS: In response to these risk factors, we recommend urgent actions that will support and promote nurses' health and well-being. For example, workplace policies and environments should be adjusted to address the unique healthcare issues of an aging workforce that is primarily women. As well, actions that promote climate-resilient healthcare systems are needed. These actions include updating physical infrastructures as well as ensuring adequate staffing during climate-related weather emergencies. There is also a pressing need for interventions that provide mental health supports and psychological safety in the workplace for nurses.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Emerging and Re-emerging viral infections and their ocular manifestations: A focus on ocular neovascularization.
Molecular aspects of medicine, 106:101396 pii:S0098-2997(25)00060-3 [Epub ahead of print].
Emerging and re-emerging viral infections represent a significant and escalating global health concern, frequently associated with a spectrum of systemic complications. Among these, ocular manifestations are increasingly recognized, contributing substantially to visual morbidity. The present review aims to provide an overview of the ocular sequelae of major emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens, highlighting their suggested and established roles in ocular neovascularization (ONV). It discusses the virological and immunological mechanisms, including direct viral cytopathic effects, virally-induced inflammation, dysregulation of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors (e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), and activation of hypoxia-inducible pathways, which can contribute to neovascular processes in various ocular compartments such as the cornea, iris, retina, and choroid. The major viral agents addressed in this review are Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), West Nile virus (WNV), Dengue Virus (DENV), and other viruses with known or suspected ONV association. This study reviewed and summarized the literature regarding case reports and experimental models describing the association of these viral agents with ONV. Furthermore, it addresses diagnostic considerations and therapeutic strategies. Understanding the intricate interplay between these viral infections and ocular neovascular pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent vision loss in affected populations.
Additional Links: PMID-41027080
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41027080,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, D and Ye, Q and Bai, J and Wan, W},
title = {Emerging and Re-emerging viral infections and their ocular manifestations: A focus on ocular neovascularization.},
journal = {Molecular aspects of medicine},
volume = {106},
number = {},
pages = {101396},
doi = {10.1016/j.mam.2025.101396},
pmid = {41027080},
issn = {1872-9452},
abstract = {Emerging and re-emerging viral infections represent a significant and escalating global health concern, frequently associated with a spectrum of systemic complications. Among these, ocular manifestations are increasingly recognized, contributing substantially to visual morbidity. The present review aims to provide an overview of the ocular sequelae of major emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens, highlighting their suggested and established roles in ocular neovascularization (ONV). It discusses the virological and immunological mechanisms, including direct viral cytopathic effects, virally-induced inflammation, dysregulation of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors (e.g., Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), and activation of hypoxia-inducible pathways, which can contribute to neovascular processes in various ocular compartments such as the cornea, iris, retina, and choroid. The major viral agents addressed in this review are Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), West Nile virus (WNV), Dengue Virus (DENV), and other viruses with known or suspected ONV association. This study reviewed and summarized the literature regarding case reports and experimental models describing the association of these viral agents with ONV. Furthermore, it addresses diagnostic considerations and therapeutic strategies. Understanding the intricate interplay between these viral infections and ocular neovascular pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent vision loss in affected populations.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Methods of Pediatric Post-COVID Condition Studies in High-Impact Journals: A Systematic Review.
JAMA network open, 8(9):e2529659 pii:2839486.
IMPORTANCE: Preexisting health conditions complicate post-COVID condition diagnosis in children and adolescents, while the lack of standardized clinical phenotypes challenges its definition and epidemiological estimates. Prospective studies with robust methodologies are needed to minimize bias and confounders, yet they remain scarce in high-impact factor journals.
OBJECTIVE: To review, characterize, and assess the methodology used in studies examining post-COVID condition in children and pediatric populations in highly cited studies, which have greater visibility and are likely to be used in informing policy.
EVIDENCE REVIEW: Studies on PubMed and studies with high citations on Web of Science published through July 2024 were reviewed. Pediatric studies from journals with an impact factor of 5 or higher were included if they employed observational or risk-benefit designs. Studies were classified based on whether they included a SARS-CoV-2 test-negative control group or a non-test-negative group, which included studies with either no comparator or a different type of comparator. Joanna Briggs Institute and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Exposures tools assessed the risk of bias.
FINDINGS: Of 426 publications, 24 were analyzed; 9 studies (38%) used test-negative controls, while 15 studies (63%) did not (P < .001). Among studies with test-negative groups, 4 (44%) used prospective cohort designs vs 5 (33%) studies without a test-negative group. Demographic reporting of post-COVID condition cases varied. Sex was reported in 12 studies (50%), but the median (IQR) sample size was small (27 female patients [14-110]; 21 male patients [10-79]). Psychiatric history was often not reported (20 patients [83%]), as well as a lack of history of comorbidities (16 patients [67%]) or body mass index (15 patients [63%]). Among 9 test-negative control studies, 4 (44%) used matched control design, while only 1 (11%) accounted for confounders by sex-stratifying results.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These findings highlight the need for rigorous study designs that minimize bias and confounding, ensuring a clearer definition of pediatric post-COVID condition and its sequelae. Employing true test-negative matched controls is essential for distinguishing common symptoms and assessing risk factors, while standardizing demographic reporting strengthens comparability and ensures consistency in patient selection.
Additional Links: PMID-41026493
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41026493,
year = {2025},
author = {Rozelle, M and Haslam, A and Prasad, V},
title = {Methods of Pediatric Post-COVID Condition Studies in High-Impact Journals: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {8},
number = {9},
pages = {e2529659},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.29659},
pmid = {41026493},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; Child ; Adolescent ; *Journal Impact Factor ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Female ; *Research Design ; Male ; Pediatrics ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Preexisting health conditions complicate post-COVID condition diagnosis in children and adolescents, while the lack of standardized clinical phenotypes challenges its definition and epidemiological estimates. Prospective studies with robust methodologies are needed to minimize bias and confounders, yet they remain scarce in high-impact factor journals.
OBJECTIVE: To review, characterize, and assess the methodology used in studies examining post-COVID condition in children and pediatric populations in highly cited studies, which have greater visibility and are likely to be used in informing policy.
EVIDENCE REVIEW: Studies on PubMed and studies with high citations on Web of Science published through July 2024 were reviewed. Pediatric studies from journals with an impact factor of 5 or higher were included if they employed observational or risk-benefit designs. Studies were classified based on whether they included a SARS-CoV-2 test-negative control group or a non-test-negative group, which included studies with either no comparator or a different type of comparator. Joanna Briggs Institute and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Exposures tools assessed the risk of bias.
FINDINGS: Of 426 publications, 24 were analyzed; 9 studies (38%) used test-negative controls, while 15 studies (63%) did not (P < .001). Among studies with test-negative groups, 4 (44%) used prospective cohort designs vs 5 (33%) studies without a test-negative group. Demographic reporting of post-COVID condition cases varied. Sex was reported in 12 studies (50%), but the median (IQR) sample size was small (27 female patients [14-110]; 21 male patients [10-79]). Psychiatric history was often not reported (20 patients [83%]), as well as a lack of history of comorbidities (16 patients [67%]) or body mass index (15 patients [63%]). Among 9 test-negative control studies, 4 (44%) used matched control design, while only 1 (11%) accounted for confounders by sex-stratifying results.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These findings highlight the need for rigorous study designs that minimize bias and confounding, ensuring a clearer definition of pediatric post-COVID condition and its sequelae. Employing true test-negative matched controls is essential for distinguishing common symptoms and assessing risk factors, while standardizing demographic reporting strengthens comparability and ensures consistency in patient selection.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
Child
Adolescent
*Journal Impact Factor
SARS-CoV-2
Female
*Research Design
Male
Pediatrics
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Communicating wastewater-based surveillance data to drive action.
Journal of water and health, 23(9):1095-1108.
As exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) can deliver near real-time, population-level pathogen data to guide public health action. Its impact, however, hinges on timely, transparent, and context-specific communication to stakeholders, including health authorities, policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and the public. This review examines current WBS communication practices, identifies persistent challenges, and proposes strategies to enhance relevance. Key challenges include data complexity, lack of standardised communication frameworks, ethical and privacy concerns, and variable stakeholder capabilities. The strategic use of digital platforms, such as dashboards, reports, press releases, and social media, alongside traditional media, can broaden reach and aid interpretation. Rapid, accurate, and empathetic communication is essential during health crises to maintain trust and counter misinformation. Standardised messaging, simplified data visualisations, and integration with clinical surveillance systems enhance credibility and usability. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration, improving data interpretation, and translating findings into actionable insights are essential to maximising the public health benefits of WBS. Immediate efforts should prioritise building globally coordinated, adaptive communication networks that can evolve alongside surveillance technologies and emerging health threats. Overall, the review underscores the key role of strategic communication in advancing WBS for global health preparedness and optimising public health actions.
Additional Links: PMID-41026135
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41026135,
year = {2025},
author = {Farkas, K and Kaya, D and Maal-Bared, R and Al-Mustapha, AI and Tandukar, S and Keenum, I and Gunnar, T and Bivins, A and J Wade, M and Bibby, K and Pitkänen, TM and Tiwari, A},
title = {Communicating wastewater-based surveillance data to drive action.},
journal = {Journal of water and health},
volume = {23},
number = {9},
pages = {1095-1108},
pmid = {41026135},
issn = {1477-8920},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Wastewater/virology ; *Communication ; Public Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring ; *Information Dissemination ; },
abstract = {As exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) can deliver near real-time, population-level pathogen data to guide public health action. Its impact, however, hinges on timely, transparent, and context-specific communication to stakeholders, including health authorities, policymakers, scientists, clinicians, and the public. This review examines current WBS communication practices, identifies persistent challenges, and proposes strategies to enhance relevance. Key challenges include data complexity, lack of standardised communication frameworks, ethical and privacy concerns, and variable stakeholder capabilities. The strategic use of digital platforms, such as dashboards, reports, press releases, and social media, alongside traditional media, can broaden reach and aid interpretation. Rapid, accurate, and empathetic communication is essential during health crises to maintain trust and counter misinformation. Standardised messaging, simplified data visualisations, and integration with clinical surveillance systems enhance credibility and usability. Strengthening cross-sector collaboration, improving data interpretation, and translating findings into actionable insights are essential to maximising the public health benefits of WBS. Immediate efforts should prioritise building globally coordinated, adaptive communication networks that can evolve alongside surveillance technologies and emerging health threats. Overall, the review underscores the key role of strategic communication in advancing WBS for global health preparedness and optimising public health actions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Wastewater/virology
*Communication
Public Health
SARS-CoV-2
*Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Monitoring
*Information Dissemination
RevDate: 2025-10-01
CmpDate: 2025-10-01
The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Current diabetes reviews, 21(10):95-107.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess how the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the glycaemic control of adolescents aged 10-19 with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Published articles up to September 2022 were included. The Glucose Monitoring Index (GMI) and HbA1c level were defined as outcome variables. Average glucose level was found to be a common variable in both HbA1c levels and GMI; therefore, HbA1c and GMI were converted to average glucose (mg/dL) using appropriate formulas. Studies reported the outcomes in two or three periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown) were included in the analysis. A paired wise meta-analysis was performed among the studies that reported all three periods. Homogeneity across studies was assessed using I2 statistic.
RESULT: Fourteen studies were included in the study. The pooled average glucose during the lockdown decreased to 166.9 mg/dL (95% CI, 153.78, 180.02) from 205.793 mg/dL (95% CI, 188.412, 223.173) during the pre-lockdown period, then it increased to 204.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 186.17, 222.29) during the post-lockdown period. A paired wise meta-analysis indicated a reduction in average glucose levels. However, it was not statistically significant, possibly due to the small number of studies that reported data from all three periods.
CONCLUSION: Although the descriptive analysis of our study showed that the lockdown had affected (decreased) the average glucose level among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, this was not statistically significant in the pooled analysis.
Additional Links: PMID-39360539
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid39360539,
year = {2025},
author = {Momani, A and Halimi, A and Nazari, SSH and Al-Marzouqi, Z and Jarrahi, AM and Al-Yateem, N and Rahman, SA and Al-Marzouqi, A},
title = {The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Current diabetes reviews},
volume = {21},
number = {10},
pages = {95-107},
pmid = {39360539},
issn = {1875-6417},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Adolescent ; Blood Glucose/analysis/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis/metabolism ; Child ; *Quarantine ; Glycemic Control ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess how the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic had affected the glycaemic control of adolescents aged 10-19 with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS: A comprehensive search of literature was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest. Published articles up to September 2022 were included. The Glucose Monitoring Index (GMI) and HbA1c level were defined as outcome variables. Average glucose level was found to be a common variable in both HbA1c levels and GMI; therefore, HbA1c and GMI were converted to average glucose (mg/dL) using appropriate formulas. Studies reported the outcomes in two or three periods (pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown) were included in the analysis. A paired wise meta-analysis was performed among the studies that reported all three periods. Homogeneity across studies was assessed using I2 statistic.
RESULT: Fourteen studies were included in the study. The pooled average glucose during the lockdown decreased to 166.9 mg/dL (95% CI, 153.78, 180.02) from 205.793 mg/dL (95% CI, 188.412, 223.173) during the pre-lockdown period, then it increased to 204.23 mg/dL (95% CI, 186.17, 222.29) during the post-lockdown period. A paired wise meta-analysis indicated a reduction in average glucose levels. However, it was not statistically significant, possibly due to the small number of studies that reported data from all three periods.
CONCLUSION: Although the descriptive analysis of our study showed that the lockdown had affected (decreased) the average glucose level among adolescents with type 1 diabetes, this was not statistically significant in the pooled analysis.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/blood/epidemiology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Adolescent
Blood Glucose/analysis/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis/metabolism
Child
*Quarantine
Glycemic Control
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Real-life practice of Kelleni's protocol in treatment and post exposure prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 HV.1 and JN.1 subvariants.
World journal of virology, 14(3):107903.
This article discusses the evolving real-world practice using nitazoxanide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or azithromycin (Kelleni's protocol) to manage the evolving manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron EG.5.1, its descendant HV.1 as well as BA.2.86 and its descendant JN.1 subvariants in Egypt in 2024. These subvariants are well-known for their highly evolved immune-evasive properties and the manifestations include some peculiar manifestations as persistent cough besides high fever in young children as well as high fever, persistent severe cough, change of voice, loss of taste and smell, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized malaise and marked bone aches in adults including the high-risk groups. It's suggested that the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution is continuing to mostly affect the high-risk groups of patients, to some of whom we've also successfully prescribed nitazoxanide and/or NSAIDs for post-exposure prophylaxis of all household contacts. We also continue to recommend starting the immune-modulatory antiviral Kelleni's protocol as soon as possible in the course of infection and adjusting it in a personalized manner to be more aggressive from the beginning for the high risk patients, at least until the currently encountered surge of infections subsides.
Additional Links: PMID-41025094
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@article {pmid41025094,
year = {2025},
author = {Kelleni, MT},
title = {Real-life practice of Kelleni's protocol in treatment and post exposure prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 HV.1 and JN.1 subvariants.},
journal = {World journal of virology},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {107903},
doi = {10.5501/wjv.v14.i3.107903},
pmid = {41025094},
issn = {2220-3249},
abstract = {This article discusses the evolving real-world practice using nitazoxanide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or azithromycin (Kelleni's protocol) to manage the evolving manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron EG.5.1, its descendant HV.1 as well as BA.2.86 and its descendant JN.1 subvariants in Egypt in 2024. These subvariants are well-known for their highly evolved immune-evasive properties and the manifestations include some peculiar manifestations as persistent cough besides high fever in young children as well as high fever, persistent severe cough, change of voice, loss of taste and smell, epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized malaise and marked bone aches in adults including the high-risk groups. It's suggested that the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution is continuing to mostly affect the high-risk groups of patients, to some of whom we've also successfully prescribed nitazoxanide and/or NSAIDs for post-exposure prophylaxis of all household contacts. We also continue to recommend starting the immune-modulatory antiviral Kelleni's protocol as soon as possible in the course of infection and adjusting it in a personalized manner to be more aggressive from the beginning for the high risk patients, at least until the currently encountered surge of infections subsides.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Gut microbiome and viral infections: A hidden nexus for immune protection.
World journal of virology, 14(3):111912.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses, influencing susceptibility to viral infections, shaping disease progression, and its outcomes. Emerging research highlights the intricate relationship between gut microbial communities and viral pathogenesis, demonstrating that dysbiosis can compromise antiviral defenses while a balanced microbiome enhances immune resilience. This review explores key microbial mechanisms, including microbiome-mediated immune modulation, interactions with viral replication, and the impact of microbiome on systemic inflammation, highlighting how dietary interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and bioactive compounds, offer potential strategies to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate viral infections. Special emphasis is placed on viruses affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, norovirus, and influenza. Furthermore, we explore how nutrition-driven microbiome interventions may serve as adjunct therapeutic strategies, improving vaccine efficacy and post-viral recovery. Understanding the role of gut microbiome in viral infections can pave the way for microbiome-driven strategies to combat viral diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
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@article {pmid41025090,
year = {2025},
author = {Gavkare, AM and Nanaware, NL and Sonar, MN and Dhotre, SV and Mumbre, SS and Nagoba, BS},
title = {Gut microbiome and viral infections: A hidden nexus for immune protection.},
journal = {World journal of virology},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {111912},
doi = {10.5501/wjv.v14.i3.111912},
pmid = {41025090},
issn = {2220-3249},
abstract = {The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses, influencing susceptibility to viral infections, shaping disease progression, and its outcomes. Emerging research highlights the intricate relationship between gut microbial communities and viral pathogenesis, demonstrating that dysbiosis can compromise antiviral defenses while a balanced microbiome enhances immune resilience. This review explores key microbial mechanisms, including microbiome-mediated immune modulation, interactions with viral replication, and the impact of microbiome on systemic inflammation, highlighting how dietary interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and bioactive compounds, offer potential strategies to modulate gut microbiota and mitigate viral infections. Special emphasis is placed on viruses affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, norovirus, and influenza. Furthermore, we explore how nutrition-driven microbiome interventions may serve as adjunct therapeutic strategies, improving vaccine efficacy and post-viral recovery. Understanding the role of gut microbiome in viral infections can pave the way for microbiome-driven strategies to combat viral diseases and improve overall health outcomes.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
The role of corticosteroids in the management of non-COVID-19 severe community-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit: A narrative review.
Journal of the Intensive Care Society pii:10.1177_17511437251374816 [Epub ahead of print].
Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) is associated with a significant health burden, both in the UK and globally, with intensive care support needed for many patients. The high morbidity and mortality associated with sCAP has led to the exploration of adjunctive therapies that may help reduce disease burden and improve clinical outcomes. One such proposed treatment is corticosteroids, aiming to moderate the disproportionate inflammation caused by sCAP. Despite several studies suggesting potential benefits, the use of corticosteroids in patients with sCAP remains contentious, with recent large trials producing conflicting results. These variations in trial outcomes have resulted in conflicting national and international guidelines. Such discrepancies align with findings from a recent national survey that indicated ongoing clinical uncertainty regarding the use of corticosteroids for sCAP in UK intensive care units. Several factors contribute to these conflicting outcomes, including patient population, the severity classification utilised, the type and duration of interventions provided, and, perhaps most importantly, the lack of pre-phenotyping to identify patients who may benefit most from the treatment. This narrative review aims to examine the recent literature, current guidelines, and evidence for using corticosteroids in sCAP, while exploring the candidate phenotypes of relevance in the design of clinical trials.
Additional Links: PMID-41025000
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@article {pmid41025000,
year = {2025},
author = {Terrington, I and Cox, O and Copley, P and Eastwood, B and Webb, E and McKenzie, C and Saeed, K and Conway-Morris, A and Grocott, MPW and Dushianthan, A},
title = {The role of corticosteroids in the management of non-COVID-19 severe community-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit: A narrative review.},
journal = {Journal of the Intensive Care Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {17511437251374816},
doi = {10.1177/17511437251374816},
pmid = {41025000},
issn = {1751-1437},
abstract = {Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) is associated with a significant health burden, both in the UK and globally, with intensive care support needed for many patients. The high morbidity and mortality associated with sCAP has led to the exploration of adjunctive therapies that may help reduce disease burden and improve clinical outcomes. One such proposed treatment is corticosteroids, aiming to moderate the disproportionate inflammation caused by sCAP. Despite several studies suggesting potential benefits, the use of corticosteroids in patients with sCAP remains contentious, with recent large trials producing conflicting results. These variations in trial outcomes have resulted in conflicting national and international guidelines. Such discrepancies align with findings from a recent national survey that indicated ongoing clinical uncertainty regarding the use of corticosteroids for sCAP in UK intensive care units. Several factors contribute to these conflicting outcomes, including patient population, the severity classification utilised, the type and duration of interventions provided, and, perhaps most importantly, the lack of pre-phenotyping to identify patients who may benefit most from the treatment. This narrative review aims to examine the recent literature, current guidelines, and evidence for using corticosteroids in sCAP, while exploring the candidate phenotypes of relevance in the design of clinical trials.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
Kidney involvement and anemia in COVID-19 infection.
World journal of nephrology, 14(3):107582.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected > 700 million people and led to > 7 million deaths worldwide. Although COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect the kidneys through various pathways. SARS-CoV-2 affects the kidney via several common mechanisms, such as dysregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2 and tissue proteinase L expression in kidney tissue. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and COVID-19 have an increased risk of mortality and hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Anemia, a common consequence of CKD, is also associated with worsening outcomes in COVID-19 patients. In these patients with multiple comorbidities, there is a sharp increase in D-dimers, inflammatory parameters, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. COVID-19 patients also present with resistance to erythropoietin (EPO)-stimulating agents, which necessitates elevated dosages even several months post-infection. In CKD, anemia is exacerbated by decreased EPO production, red blood cell (RBC) fragmentation due to impairment of the renovascular endothelium in situations such as glomerulopathy and malignant hypertension. Other factors include iron and/or folic acid deficiency, bleeding due to platelet dysfunction, inflammation, reduced RBC lifespan, poor iron utilization, uremia, and atypical blood loss after dialysis. Excessive hepcidin synthesis impairs the absorption of dietary iron and the mobilization of iron from endogenous reserves, thus contributing significantly to anemia and poor iron regulation in CKD. These findings suggest that CKD may contribute to the occurrence of anemia in COVID-19 patients, especially in older people with comorbidities. Our review aims to explore the complex relationship between CKD, COVID-19 and anemia to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease and the potential cofactors that worsen outcomes in these patients.
Additional Links: PMID-41024950
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@article {pmid41024950,
year = {2025},
author = {Gembillo, G and Peritore, L and Spadaro, G and Cuzzola, F and Calderone, M and Messina, R and Di Piazza, S and Sudano, F and Gambuzza, ME and Princiotto, M and Soraci, L and Santoro, D},
title = {Kidney involvement and anemia in COVID-19 infection.},
journal = {World journal of nephrology},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {107582},
doi = {10.5527/wjn.v14.i3.107582},
pmid = {41024950},
issn = {2220-6124},
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected > 700 million people and led to > 7 million deaths worldwide. Although COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect the kidneys through various pathways. SARS-CoV-2 affects the kidney via several common mechanisms, such as dysregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2 and tissue proteinase L expression in kidney tissue. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and COVID-19 have an increased risk of mortality and hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Anemia, a common consequence of CKD, is also associated with worsening outcomes in COVID-19 patients. In these patients with multiple comorbidities, there is a sharp increase in D-dimers, inflammatory parameters, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. COVID-19 patients also present with resistance to erythropoietin (EPO)-stimulating agents, which necessitates elevated dosages even several months post-infection. In CKD, anemia is exacerbated by decreased EPO production, red blood cell (RBC) fragmentation due to impairment of the renovascular endothelium in situations such as glomerulopathy and malignant hypertension. Other factors include iron and/or folic acid deficiency, bleeding due to platelet dysfunction, inflammation, reduced RBC lifespan, poor iron utilization, uremia, and atypical blood loss after dialysis. Excessive hepcidin synthesis impairs the absorption of dietary iron and the mobilization of iron from endogenous reserves, thus contributing significantly to anemia and poor iron regulation in CKD. These findings suggest that CKD may contribute to the occurrence of anemia in COVID-19 patients, especially in older people with comorbidities. Our review aims to explore the complex relationship between CKD, COVID-19 and anemia to improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disease and the potential cofactors that worsen outcomes in these patients.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Intervention Effectiveness of Health Behaviors During COVID-19: A Systematic Review and a Network Meta-Analysis.
PsyCh journal [Epub ahead of print].
In the context of a global public health crisis, such as COVID-19, developing interventions to improve population health behaviors has emerged as a pivotal element of health management strategies. The efficacy of various interventions implemented during this period has varied, and the impact of different variables on these intervention outcomes remains to be fully elucidated. This study screened 57 papers (n = 47,264) by searching electronic databases and revealed the optimal intervention through pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis, as well as the changes in intervention effectiveness under different conditions. Our research findings indicate that interventions for preventive health behaviors and health-promoting behaviors have significant effects. For preventive health behaviors, the intervention method of health education and low-risk information framework under information intervention was the optimal intervention. For health-promoting behaviors, the exercise intervention and the prosocial information framework with information intervention were the optimal interventions. Accordingly, future research should focus on the in-depth exploration of specific interventions to establish and improve the effectiveness of interventions.
Additional Links: PMID-41024407
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@article {pmid41024407,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, R and Shi, K and Li, S and Zhou, W},
title = {Intervention Effectiveness of Health Behaviors During COVID-19: A Systematic Review and a Network Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {PsyCh journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/pchj.70054},
pmid = {41024407},
issn = {2046-0260},
support = {21XXJC04ZD//Zhejiang Province Philosophy and Social Sciences Emerging (Cross disciplinary) Major Project "Research on Public Risk Perception, Behavioral Patterns, and Countermeasures under Major Public Health Emergencies"/ ; },
abstract = {In the context of a global public health crisis, such as COVID-19, developing interventions to improve population health behaviors has emerged as a pivotal element of health management strategies. The efficacy of various interventions implemented during this period has varied, and the impact of different variables on these intervention outcomes remains to be fully elucidated. This study screened 57 papers (n = 47,264) by searching electronic databases and revealed the optimal intervention through pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis, as well as the changes in intervention effectiveness under different conditions. Our research findings indicate that interventions for preventive health behaviors and health-promoting behaviors have significant effects. For preventive health behaviors, the intervention method of health education and low-risk information framework under information intervention was the optimal intervention. For health-promoting behaviors, the exercise intervention and the prosocial information framework with information intervention were the optimal interventions. Accordingly, future research should focus on the in-depth exploration of specific interventions to establish and improve the effectiveness of interventions.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
The Role of Viruses in the Pathogenesis of Periodontitis.
Journal of periodontal research [Epub ahead of print].
Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease, traditionally attributed to a bacterial biofilm. Increasing evidence indicates that viruses, especially members of the Herpesviridae family, are frequently detected in periodontal lesions and may influence disease onset and progression. This review provides an overview of viruses present in the oral cavity, including Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Retroviridae, SARS-CoV-2, and emerging viral taxa such as Redondoviridae and bacteriophages, and summarizes their reported associations with periodontitis. Proposed mechanisms of viral contribution include modulation of local immune responses, facilitation of bacterial overgrowth, direct cytopathic effects on periodontal tissues, and synergistic interactions with classical periodontal pathobionts. Clinical correlations link viral load and co-infections with increased disease severity. Identification of direct causal relationships and therapeutic aspects, such as antiviral and combined antimicrobial approaches, is the subject of current research; however, clinical evidence remains limited. Overall, specific viruses show direct influence on periodontal bacterial pathogens and affect the host immune response, warranting further longitudinal and functional studies to clarify their exact role in periodontitis onset, progression, and treatment.
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@article {pmid41024361,
year = {2025},
author = {Stolte, KN and Slots, J and Dommisch, H},
title = {The Role of Viruses in the Pathogenesis of Periodontitis.},
journal = {Journal of periodontal research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jre.70039},
pmid = {41024361},
issn = {1600-0765},
abstract = {Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease, traditionally attributed to a bacterial biofilm. Increasing evidence indicates that viruses, especially members of the Herpesviridae family, are frequently detected in periodontal lesions and may influence disease onset and progression. This review provides an overview of viruses present in the oral cavity, including Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Retroviridae, SARS-CoV-2, and emerging viral taxa such as Redondoviridae and bacteriophages, and summarizes their reported associations with periodontitis. Proposed mechanisms of viral contribution include modulation of local immune responses, facilitation of bacterial overgrowth, direct cytopathic effects on periodontal tissues, and synergistic interactions with classical periodontal pathobionts. Clinical correlations link viral load and co-infections with increased disease severity. Identification of direct causal relationships and therapeutic aspects, such as antiviral and combined antimicrobial approaches, is the subject of current research; however, clinical evidence remains limited. Overall, specific viruses show direct influence on periodontal bacterial pathogens and affect the host immune response, warranting further longitudinal and functional studies to clarify their exact role in periodontitis onset, progression, and treatment.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
Antibiotic resistance and bacterial co-infections in COVID-19 patients in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis of hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases.
BMC infectious diseases, 25(1):1197.
Additional Links: PMID-41023991
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@article {pmid41023991,
year = {2025},
author = {Najafi-Olya, Z and Heydarifard, Z and Looha, MA and Ahmadi, AS and Yarhamadi, N and Safaei, M},
title = {Antibiotic resistance and bacterial co-infections in COVID-19 patients in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis of hospitalized and non-hospitalized cases.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1197},
pmid = {41023991},
issn = {1471-2334},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CmpDate: 2025-09-30
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking in adolescents: a scoping review.
BMC public health, 25(1):3145.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated policies have influenced adolescent smoking behaviours, with potential impacts on smoking initiation, cessation, and addiction. This scoping review aims to summarise existing evidence on how the pandemic affected adolescent smoking behaviour across various contexts.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in September 2023 across three databases-Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Medline-using terms related to adolescents, COVID-19 exposure, and smoking behaviours. Studies were included if they focused on adolescents aged 12-21, examined smoking-related outcomes during or after the pandemic, and were published from 2019 onwards. Study quality was not assessed in this research. The search identified 18 studies, which were independently screened by two reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Thematic analysis was used to categorise the studies.
RESULTS: Of the 18 studies, most were retrospective and focused on high-income countries, including the United States, Israel, and the Netherlands. Trends in smoking behaviour varied, with some studies reporting increased smoking during the pandemic, particularly in regions like the United States and Netherlands; others observed reductions in smoking, such as in France and Spain; and others observed mixed results, such as South Korea. The impact of mental health was significant, with increased anxiety and depression linked to higher smoking rates, especially in the United States and Israel. Several known risk factors, such as peer influence, parental smoking habits, and family dynamics, also played a role. Reduced peer interactions and time spent with family were associated with reductions in smoking behaviour. In contrast, adverse family dynamics or the presence of smoking family members contributed to higher smoking rates. Further, the impact of COVID-19 on these factors varied: peer influence decreased due to social distancing measures, while mental health issues such as increased anxiety and depression were associated with higher smoking rates.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complex and heterogeneous impacts of COVID-19 on adolescent smoking behaviours. Mental health, social interactions, and family dynamics were key factors influencing smoking patterns. These findings can inform the development of targeted smoking cessation and prevention strategies for adolescents, particularly in the context of future public health crises.
Additional Links: PMID-41023941
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@article {pmid41023941,
year = {2025},
author = {Fang, J and Xu, J and Zhou, X and Wang, Z and Guo, X and Zhang, Y and Jiang, Y and Xu, Y and Zhou, X and Cust, H and Correa, A},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking in adolescents: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {3145},
pmid = {41023941},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; Adolescent ; *Smoking/epidemiology/psychology ; *Adolescent Behavior/psychology ; Pandemics ; Young Adult ; Child ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated policies have influenced adolescent smoking behaviours, with potential impacts on smoking initiation, cessation, and addiction. This scoping review aims to summarise existing evidence on how the pandemic affected adolescent smoking behaviour across various contexts.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in September 2023 across three databases-Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Medline-using terms related to adolescents, COVID-19 exposure, and smoking behaviours. Studies were included if they focused on adolescents aged 12-21, examined smoking-related outcomes during or after the pandemic, and were published from 2019 onwards. Study quality was not assessed in this research. The search identified 18 studies, which were independently screened by two reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Thematic analysis was used to categorise the studies.
RESULTS: Of the 18 studies, most were retrospective and focused on high-income countries, including the United States, Israel, and the Netherlands. Trends in smoking behaviour varied, with some studies reporting increased smoking during the pandemic, particularly in regions like the United States and Netherlands; others observed reductions in smoking, such as in France and Spain; and others observed mixed results, such as South Korea. The impact of mental health was significant, with increased anxiety and depression linked to higher smoking rates, especially in the United States and Israel. Several known risk factors, such as peer influence, parental smoking habits, and family dynamics, also played a role. Reduced peer interactions and time spent with family were associated with reductions in smoking behaviour. In contrast, adverse family dynamics or the presence of smoking family members contributed to higher smoking rates. Further, the impact of COVID-19 on these factors varied: peer influence decreased due to social distancing measures, while mental health issues such as increased anxiety and depression were associated with higher smoking rates.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the complex and heterogeneous impacts of COVID-19 on adolescent smoking behaviours. Mental health, social interactions, and family dynamics were key factors influencing smoking patterns. These findings can inform the development of targeted smoking cessation and prevention strategies for adolescents, particularly in the context of future public health crises.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
Adolescent
*Smoking/epidemiology/psychology
*Adolescent Behavior/psychology
Pandemics
Young Adult
Child
RevDate: 2025-09-30
CT-P47/Tocilizumab-anoh: A Tocilizumab Biosimilar.
Clinical drug investigation [Epub ahead of print].
CT-P47/tocilizumab-anoh (AVTOZMA[®]) is a biosimilar of reference tocilizumab, an IL-6R inhibitor. CT-P47 is approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Coronavirus disease 2019 and cytokine release syndrome in the USA and the EU. CT-P47 has similar physicochemical properties to those of reference tocilizumab, with demonstrated pharmacokinetic comparability in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. In this patient population, CT-P47 demonstrated clinical efficacy equivalent to reference tocilizumab and was generally well tolerated. The overall safety and immunogenicity profiles of CT-P47 were similar to those of reference tocilizumab, and switching from reference tocilizumab to CT-P47 did not affect safety or efficacy. The role of reference tocilizumab in the management of inflammatory diseases is well established and CT-P47 provides an effective biosimilar alternative for patients requiring tocilizumab therapy.
Additional Links: PMID-41023525
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@article {pmid41023525,
year = {2025},
author = {McGuigan, A},
title = {CT-P47/Tocilizumab-anoh: A Tocilizumab Biosimilar.},
journal = {Clinical drug investigation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41023525},
issn = {1179-1918},
abstract = {CT-P47/tocilizumab-anoh (AVTOZMA[®]) is a biosimilar of reference tocilizumab, an IL-6R inhibitor. CT-P47 is approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Coronavirus disease 2019 and cytokine release syndrome in the USA and the EU. CT-P47 has similar physicochemical properties to those of reference tocilizumab, with demonstrated pharmacokinetic comparability in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. In this patient population, CT-P47 demonstrated clinical efficacy equivalent to reference tocilizumab and was generally well tolerated. The overall safety and immunogenicity profiles of CT-P47 were similar to those of reference tocilizumab, and switching from reference tocilizumab to CT-P47 did not affect safety or efficacy. The role of reference tocilizumab in the management of inflammatory diseases is well established and CT-P47 provides an effective biosimilar alternative for patients requiring tocilizumab therapy.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
Association between COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and protection against infection and severe disease in clinically vulnerable patient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases pii:S1198-743X(25)00471-9 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: The use of measured immune responses in informing risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection and infection outcomes after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in clinically vulnerable patients has not been applied clinically.
OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate the association between measured vaccine immunogenicity and vaccine effectiveness in clinically vulnerable populations.
DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies published between 03/2020 and 01/2025, which reported data on COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity (antibody and T-cell) and subsequent infection outcomes.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients defined as clinically vulnerable by QCOVID criteria, who had received at least the primary course of COVID-19 vaccination.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to assess risk of bias.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to pool relative risks of COVID-19 breakthrough infection (BTI), hospitalisation, and death. Unadjusted data was used for the primary analysis due to a lack of adjusted data available in individual studies.
RESULTS: We identified 3305 articles, of which 45 observational studies were included in the review. Negative antibody response following COVID-19 vaccination was associated with higher risks of BTI [RR 1.82 (1.45-2.29), p<0.01, I[2]=84.03%], COVID-19 related hospitalisation [RR 5.88 (4.08-8.47), p<0.01, I[2]=25.59%] and death [RR 3.66 (1.87-7.15), p<0.01), I[2]=0%]. Lack of T-cell response was associated with higher risk of BTI [RR 2.08 (1.08-4.04), p=0.03, I[2]=65.99. Using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale, 5 (11%) studies were of good quality, 2 (7%) of fair quality, and 37 (82%) of poor quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Within the methodological limitations, this study has shown that lack of anti-spike antibody responses was associated with BTI and severe infection outcomes in clinically vulnerable populations. Further research is required to investigate the current utility of testing to inform the ongoing management of clinically vulnerable persons, such as vaccine booster schedules.
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@article {pmid41022351,
year = {2025},
author = {Danysz, M and De Aguiar, RC and Pindolia, H and Stuart, B and Spensley, K and Ashmore, E and Frumento, N and Haouidji-Javaux, N and Hutchinson, C and Iles, R and Lau, S and Rolt, J and Uwenedi, G and Wagg, H and Barnes, E and Lim, SH and Richter, A and Willicombe, M},
title = {Association between COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity and protection against infection and severe disease in clinically vulnerable patient populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2025.09.020},
pmid = {41022351},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of measured immune responses in informing risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infection and infection outcomes after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in clinically vulnerable patients has not been applied clinically.
OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to investigate the association between measured vaccine immunogenicity and vaccine effectiveness in clinically vulnerable populations.
DATA SOURCES: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies published between 03/2020 and 01/2025, which reported data on COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity (antibody and T-cell) and subsequent infection outcomes.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients defined as clinically vulnerable by QCOVID criteria, who had received at least the primary course of COVID-19 vaccination.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale was used to assess risk of bias.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to pool relative risks of COVID-19 breakthrough infection (BTI), hospitalisation, and death. Unadjusted data was used for the primary analysis due to a lack of adjusted data available in individual studies.
RESULTS: We identified 3305 articles, of which 45 observational studies were included in the review. Negative antibody response following COVID-19 vaccination was associated with higher risks of BTI [RR 1.82 (1.45-2.29), p<0.01, I[2]=84.03%], COVID-19 related hospitalisation [RR 5.88 (4.08-8.47), p<0.01, I[2]=25.59%] and death [RR 3.66 (1.87-7.15), p<0.01), I[2]=0%]. Lack of T-cell response was associated with higher risk of BTI [RR 2.08 (1.08-4.04), p=0.03, I[2]=65.99. Using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale, 5 (11%) studies were of good quality, 2 (7%) of fair quality, and 37 (82%) of poor quality.
CONCLUSIONS: Within the methodological limitations, this study has shown that lack of anti-spike antibody responses was associated with BTI and severe infection outcomes in clinically vulnerable populations. Further research is required to investigate the current utility of testing to inform the ongoing management of clinically vulnerable persons, such as vaccine booster schedules.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
Post-Intensive Care Syndrome. What clinicians and researchers must know.
Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine pii:S2352-5568(25)00152-3 [Epub ahead of print].
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted intensive care as a cornerstone of modern medicine. In spite of global aging and the increase of comorbidities in the general population, a large proportion of patients survive their hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Nevertheless, these positive results are challenged by the higher mortality rates than other non-critically ill populations after discharge. Moreover, there is growing evidence that ICU survivors display a high rate of mental health disorders (anxiety and depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorders), somatic impairment (muscle atrophy, neuropathy, and myopathy with persistent muscle weakness, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory failure), or cognitive impairment. Patient's relatives also suffer from mental health disorders (anxiety and depression symptoms, complicated bereavement). All these chronic health issues significantly impair the quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a term that encompasses all these complications. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted PICS as a public health concern. This review summarizes the most recent findings on PICS. It addresses epidemiological data about the frequency of somatic disorders, cognitive impairment, and mental health problems in both patients and their relatives and describes the pathophysiology mechanisms underlying PICS. The review also provides insights into management experimentations and treatment interventions that have been tested so far to improve the outcome of critically ill survivors. Finally, the review proposes measures to implement PICS management in follow-up centers and a research agenda to pave the future research on this topic.
Additional Links: PMID-41022213
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@article {pmid41022213,
year = {2025},
author = {Vardon, F and Fleichsmann-Struzek, C and Latronico, N and Cinotti, R},
title = {Post-Intensive Care Syndrome. What clinicians and researchers must know.},
journal = {Anaesthesia, critical care & pain medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101620},
doi = {10.1016/j.accpm.2025.101620},
pmid = {41022213},
issn = {2352-5568},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted intensive care as a cornerstone of modern medicine. In spite of global aging and the increase of comorbidities in the general population, a large proportion of patients survive their hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Nevertheless, these positive results are challenged by the higher mortality rates than other non-critically ill populations after discharge. Moreover, there is growing evidence that ICU survivors display a high rate of mental health disorders (anxiety and depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorders), somatic impairment (muscle atrophy, neuropathy, and myopathy with persistent muscle weakness, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory failure), or cognitive impairment. Patient's relatives also suffer from mental health disorders (anxiety and depression symptoms, complicated bereavement). All these chronic health issues significantly impair the quality of life and increase healthcare costs. Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is a term that encompasses all these complications. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted PICS as a public health concern. This review summarizes the most recent findings on PICS. It addresses epidemiological data about the frequency of somatic disorders, cognitive impairment, and mental health problems in both patients and their relatives and describes the pathophysiology mechanisms underlying PICS. The review also provides insights into management experimentations and treatment interventions that have been tested so far to improve the outcome of critically ill survivors. Finally, the review proposes measures to implement PICS management in follow-up centers and a research agenda to pave the future research on this topic.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
Two decades of the HPV vaccine: its promise, progress, prospects, projections, and posterity.
Lancet regional health. Americas, 51:101243.
Since its 2006 FDA approval, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has transformed the prevention of cervical, oropharyngeal, and other HPV-associated cancers in the United States. Despite notable progress, with 78.2% of adolescents initiating and 62.9% completing vaccination, support for the vaccine is at a critical point. Because the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mainly provides recommendations, state-level action is crucial. Only five states and territories have adopted school-entry HPV vaccination requirements, but with varying enforcement policies. Uptake varies across the U.S., from Massachusetts' 79.8% completion to Mississippi's 39.1%. Evidence shows that school-entry requirements can significantly improve vaccination rates. As we approach the vaccine's twentieth anniversary, maintaining the current gains and achieving the 80% Healthy People 2030 target for series completion demands a multipronged approach. State policies must become more robust, especially if federal support wanes. Preventing HPV-related cancers for future generations depends on continued progress. By prioritizing policy that strengthens prevention and access, states can safeguard this progress.
Additional Links: PMID-41019515
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@article {pmid41019515,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeitouni, J and Osazuwa-Peters, N and Dundar, Y and Zimet, G and Varvares, MA},
title = {Two decades of the HPV vaccine: its promise, progress, prospects, projections, and posterity.},
journal = {Lancet regional health. Americas},
volume = {51},
number = {},
pages = {101243},
pmid = {41019515},
issn = {2667-193X},
abstract = {Since its 2006 FDA approval, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has transformed the prevention of cervical, oropharyngeal, and other HPV-associated cancers in the United States. Despite notable progress, with 78.2% of adolescents initiating and 62.9% completing vaccination, support for the vaccine is at a critical point. Because the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mainly provides recommendations, state-level action is crucial. Only five states and territories have adopted school-entry HPV vaccination requirements, but with varying enforcement policies. Uptake varies across the U.S., from Massachusetts' 79.8% completion to Mississippi's 39.1%. Evidence shows that school-entry requirements can significantly improve vaccination rates. As we approach the vaccine's twentieth anniversary, maintaining the current gains and achieving the 80% Healthy People 2030 target for series completion demands a multipronged approach. State policies must become more robust, especially if federal support wanes. Preventing HPV-related cancers for future generations depends on continued progress. By prioritizing policy that strengthens prevention and access, states can safeguard this progress.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
Immunization safety monitoring: addressing vaccine hesitancy and enhancing coverage in crisis-affected regions-insights from Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Therapeutic advances in vaccines and immunotherapy, 13:25151355251380220.
Global vaccine hesitancy, intensified by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a significant threat to immunization coverage. This narrative review discusses immunization safety monitoring frameworks and vaccine hesitancy in crisis-affected regions, particularly in Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan. By examining and reflecting on these case studies, this review aims to examine challenges, highlight context-specific strategies, and propose solutions for enhancing vaccine uptake and trust in fragile and conflict-affected areas. A structured narrative review was conducted, collecting evidence from global frameworks and region-specific case studies. The review explored factors impacting vaccine hesitancy, the role of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) monitoring systems, and innovative technological interventions. Key sources included peer-reviewed articles, reports from humanitarian organizations, and systematic reviews. The review showed that vaccine hesitancy is affected by interconnected factors, including sociopolitical and cultural conflicts, and misinformation. Lebanon's persistent economic and political instability, Ukraine's disruptions caused by the ongoing war, and Sudan's fragile healthcare infrastructure pose challenges to vaccine coverage. Successful interventions to address hesitancy included transparency in AEFI reporting, integration of real-time monitoring systems, and community-led initiatives. It is critical to mitigate vaccine hesitancy in crisis-affected regions through robust safety monitoring frameworks and tailored communication strategies. Global cooperation and frameworks, technological innovations, and context-specific approaches are imperative for improving the resilience of immunization systems and ensuring health security in fragile settings. Furthermore, these insights are crucial in informing public health communication policies and behavior change interventions to improve public trust and thus reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Additional Links: PMID-41018819
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41018819,
year = {2025},
author = {Nasr, R and Swaidan, E and Hachem, S and Yazbek, N and Rizk, M and Abdel Rahman, A and H Alami, N},
title = {Immunization safety monitoring: addressing vaccine hesitancy and enhancing coverage in crisis-affected regions-insights from Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan.},
journal = {Therapeutic advances in vaccines and immunotherapy},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {25151355251380220},
pmid = {41018819},
issn = {2515-1355},
abstract = {Global vaccine hesitancy, intensified by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a significant threat to immunization coverage. This narrative review discusses immunization safety monitoring frameworks and vaccine hesitancy in crisis-affected regions, particularly in Lebanon, Ukraine, and Sudan. By examining and reflecting on these case studies, this review aims to examine challenges, highlight context-specific strategies, and propose solutions for enhancing vaccine uptake and trust in fragile and conflict-affected areas. A structured narrative review was conducted, collecting evidence from global frameworks and region-specific case studies. The review explored factors impacting vaccine hesitancy, the role of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) monitoring systems, and innovative technological interventions. Key sources included peer-reviewed articles, reports from humanitarian organizations, and systematic reviews. The review showed that vaccine hesitancy is affected by interconnected factors, including sociopolitical and cultural conflicts, and misinformation. Lebanon's persistent economic and political instability, Ukraine's disruptions caused by the ongoing war, and Sudan's fragile healthcare infrastructure pose challenges to vaccine coverage. Successful interventions to address hesitancy included transparency in AEFI reporting, integration of real-time monitoring systems, and community-led initiatives. It is critical to mitigate vaccine hesitancy in crisis-affected regions through robust safety monitoring frameworks and tailored communication strategies. Global cooperation and frameworks, technological innovations, and context-specific approaches are imperative for improving the resilience of immunization systems and ensuring health security in fragile settings. Furthermore, these insights are crucial in informing public health communication policies and behavior change interventions to improve public trust and thus reduce vaccine hesitancy.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
Influence of COVID-19 on pediatric immunocompromised children: mechanism and implications for pathogenesis.
Virusdisease, 36(2):263-274.
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has substantially impacted both health and the economy. It is essential to comprehend the effects of COVID-19 on children with compromised immune systems to develop effective strategies for management and mitigation. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects related to pediatric COVID-19 infection and the effects of COVID-19 on the pediatric immunocompromised population. It covers epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, complications, long-term effects, and special considerations and challenges in diagnosis and management. A comprehensive examination of existing literature was undertaken to gather and integrate current understanding of COVID-19 in pediatric immunocompromised demographics. Key aspects such as viral pathogenesis, immune responses, diagnosis methods, management strategies, and nonpharmacological interventions were analyzed and discussed. Pediatric patients generally exhibit milder symptoms and better outcomes than adults, with differences in immune responses contributing to reduced severity. Immunocompromised individuals face a heightened risk of severe COVID-19 and complications due to impaired immune function. Diagnosis methods and management strategies must consider each population's unique characteristics and challenges. A deeper scientific inquiry is needed to explicate immune responses, potential long-term effects, and the best management strategies for pediatric immunocompromised COVID-19 patients. Multidisciplinary collaboration and advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics will enhance our understanding and improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to effective pandemic control efforts.
Additional Links: PMID-41018222
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@article {pmid41018222,
year = {2025},
author = {Thomas, SM and Veerabathiran, R},
title = {Influence of COVID-19 on pediatric immunocompromised children: mechanism and implications for pathogenesis.},
journal = {Virusdisease},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {263-274},
pmid = {41018222},
issn = {2347-3584},
abstract = {The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has substantially impacted both health and the economy. It is essential to comprehend the effects of COVID-19 on children with compromised immune systems to develop effective strategies for management and mitigation. This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects related to pediatric COVID-19 infection and the effects of COVID-19 on the pediatric immunocompromised population. It covers epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, complications, long-term effects, and special considerations and challenges in diagnosis and management. A comprehensive examination of existing literature was undertaken to gather and integrate current understanding of COVID-19 in pediatric immunocompromised demographics. Key aspects such as viral pathogenesis, immune responses, diagnosis methods, management strategies, and nonpharmacological interventions were analyzed and discussed. Pediatric patients generally exhibit milder symptoms and better outcomes than adults, with differences in immune responses contributing to reduced severity. Immunocompromised individuals face a heightened risk of severe COVID-19 and complications due to impaired immune function. Diagnosis methods and management strategies must consider each population's unique characteristics and challenges. A deeper scientific inquiry is needed to explicate immune responses, potential long-term effects, and the best management strategies for pediatric immunocompromised COVID-19 patients. Multidisciplinary collaboration and advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics will enhance our understanding and improve outcomes for these vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to effective pandemic control efforts.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
Introducing the ethical cycle model for resolving ethical conflicts in medical practice: addressing challenges in treating pandemic patients.
Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine, 17:15.
Ethical dilemmas are among the most important ethical problems in medicine. With the advent of COVID-19, the moral problems of physicians have taken on new dimensions as the specific features of this disease pose additional ethical challenges that require particular solutions. One common way to solve ethical dilemmas is to use ethical decision making models. One of the most recent models in ethics of technology is the "ethical cycle" developed by Ibo van de Poel. By describing and comparing several models, this paper examines the application of the ethical cycle to physicians' ethical problems and medical ethics. This model can help solve complex problems in consultations and ethics committee meetings because it is comprehensive and covers various aspects of the discussion. In this model, first the ethical problem is formulated and analyzed and then the potential options for action are proposed. Subsequently, by referring to ethical theories and professional codes of conduct in the medical field, as well as applying the method of "reflective equilibrium," an ethical decision is reached. This decision is specific to each case and may not necessarily be the best solution for other individuals or situations.
Additional Links: PMID-41017950
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@article {pmid41017950,
year = {2024},
author = {Madani, E and Dizani, A and Saeedi Tehrani, S and Madani, M},
title = {Introducing the ethical cycle model for resolving ethical conflicts in medical practice: addressing challenges in treating pandemic patients.},
journal = {Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {15},
pmid = {41017950},
issn = {2008-0387},
abstract = {Ethical dilemmas are among the most important ethical problems in medicine. With the advent of COVID-19, the moral problems of physicians have taken on new dimensions as the specific features of this disease pose additional ethical challenges that require particular solutions. One common way to solve ethical dilemmas is to use ethical decision making models. One of the most recent models in ethics of technology is the "ethical cycle" developed by Ibo van de Poel. By describing and comparing several models, this paper examines the application of the ethical cycle to physicians' ethical problems and medical ethics. This model can help solve complex problems in consultations and ethics committee meetings because it is comprehensive and covers various aspects of the discussion. In this model, first the ethical problem is formulated and analyzed and then the potential options for action are proposed. Subsequently, by referring to ethical theories and professional codes of conduct in the medical field, as well as applying the method of "reflective equilibrium," an ethical decision is reached. This decision is specific to each case and may not necessarily be the best solution for other individuals or situations.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
Equity considerations in COVID-19 vaccine allocation modelling: a methodological study.
Interface focus, 15(4):20240037.
We conducted a methodological study of COVID-19 vaccine allocation modelling papers, specifically looking for publications that considered equity. We found that most models did not take equity into account, with the vast majority of publications presenting aggregated results and no results by any subgroup (e.g. age, race, geography, etc.). We then provide examples of how modelling can be useful to answer equity questions, and highlight some of the findings from the publications that did. Finally, we describe eight considerations that seem important to consider when including equity in future vaccine allocation models.
Additional Links: PMID-41017906
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@article {pmid41017906,
year = {2025},
author = {Rumpler, E and Lipsitch, M},
title = {Equity considerations in COVID-19 vaccine allocation modelling: a methodological study.},
journal = {Interface focus},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {20240037},
pmid = {41017906},
issn = {2042-8898},
abstract = {We conducted a methodological study of COVID-19 vaccine allocation modelling papers, specifically looking for publications that considered equity. We found that most models did not take equity into account, with the vast majority of publications presenting aggregated results and no results by any subgroup (e.g. age, race, geography, etc.). We then provide examples of how modelling can be useful to answer equity questions, and highlight some of the findings from the publications that did. Finally, we describe eight considerations that seem important to consider when including equity in future vaccine allocation models.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-29
The Role of BSL-3 Laboratories in Pandemic Preparedness: A Focus on Brazil's Infrastructure for Biosafety and Disease Control.
TheScientificWorldJournal, 2025:9104904.
BSL-3 laboratories are fundamental for the safe handling of infectious microorganisms that require high-containment measures. Through a literature review, this work was aimed at highlighting the importance of these laboratories in supporting research and public health responses, especially during health emergencies. The review presents an overview of the global distribution of BSL-3 facilities, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on laboratory investments, and future perspectives on their role in national development. It was observed that the pandemic exposed limitations in laboratory capacity, leading many countries to operate in suboptimal environments, underscoring the need for strict biosafety standards and preparedness infrastructure. This review also identifies disparities in global BSL-3 capacity-particularly in low- and middle-income countries-and examines the Brazilian context, where the absence of a unified regulatory framework hinders progress. By synthesizing international trends and Brazil's recent initiatives, including the development of its first BSL-4 laboratory, this work contributes to understanding the challenges and opportunities for strengthening biosafety infrastructure in support of equitable pandemic preparedness.
Additional Links: PMID-41017820
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@article {pmid41017820,
year = {2025},
author = {Vinhas, R and Oliveira, F and Fonseca, L and Hodel, K and Mafra, C and Minafra, C and Gonçalves, M and Machado, B},
title = {The Role of BSL-3 Laboratories in Pandemic Preparedness: A Focus on Brazil's Infrastructure for Biosafety and Disease Control.},
journal = {TheScientificWorldJournal},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {9104904},
pmid = {41017820},
issn = {1537-744X},
mesh = {Brazil/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Containment of Biohazards/methods/standards ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Laboratories/standards/organization & administration ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {BSL-3 laboratories are fundamental for the safe handling of infectious microorganisms that require high-containment measures. Through a literature review, this work was aimed at highlighting the importance of these laboratories in supporting research and public health responses, especially during health emergencies. The review presents an overview of the global distribution of BSL-3 facilities, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on laboratory investments, and future perspectives on their role in national development. It was observed that the pandemic exposed limitations in laboratory capacity, leading many countries to operate in suboptimal environments, underscoring the need for strict biosafety standards and preparedness infrastructure. This review also identifies disparities in global BSL-3 capacity-particularly in low- and middle-income countries-and examines the Brazilian context, where the absence of a unified regulatory framework hinders progress. By synthesizing international trends and Brazil's recent initiatives, including the development of its first BSL-4 laboratory, this work contributes to understanding the challenges and opportunities for strengthening biosafety infrastructure in support of equitable pandemic preparedness.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Brazil/epidemiology
Humans
*Containment of Biohazards/methods/standards
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Laboratories/standards/organization & administration
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemic Preparedness
RevDate: 2025-09-29
Parkinsonism-Hyperpyrexia Syndrome Following Deep Brain Stimulation Battery Depletion during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.
Movement disorders clinical practice [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a rare but life-threatening complication in Parkinson's disease (PD), typically triggered by abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic therapy. It can also occur following deep brain stimulation (DBS) failure, most often due to battery depletion. Limited access to elective neurological care during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of such DBS-related complications.
CASES: We present seven patients with advanced PD who developed PHS following DBS battery depletion during the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients exhibited motor deterioration, autonomic symptoms, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Despite varied outcomes, five patients recovered following urgent battery replacement and supportive care. Two patients died due to delayed intervention and systemic complications.
LITERATURE REVIEW: A review of 38 published cases of PHS following DBS failure revealed that to date, it has occurred in patients with more than 11 years of PD and at least 2 years of DBS. IPG battery depletion was the leading cause of failure (68.4%), with 76.3% of patients recovering after timely device replacement. Delayed or absent intervention was associated with higher mortality, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
CONCLUSION: Timely intervention, remote monitoring, and virtual follow-up are critical to prevent PHS, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Links: PMID-41017701
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@article {pmid41017701,
year = {2025},
author = {Habibi, SAH and Eissazade, N and Lotfi, T and Parvaresh-Rizi, M and Shahidi, G and Rohani, M},
title = {Parkinsonism-Hyperpyrexia Syndrome Following Deep Brain Stimulation Battery Depletion during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.},
journal = {Movement disorders clinical practice},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/mdc3.70320},
pmid = {41017701},
issn = {2330-1619},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS) is a rare but life-threatening complication in Parkinson's disease (PD), typically triggered by abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic therapy. It can also occur following deep brain stimulation (DBS) failure, most often due to battery depletion. Limited access to elective neurological care during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the risk of such DBS-related complications.
CASES: We present seven patients with advanced PD who developed PHS following DBS battery depletion during the COVID-19 pandemic. All patients exhibited motor deterioration, autonomic symptoms, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Despite varied outcomes, five patients recovered following urgent battery replacement and supportive care. Two patients died due to delayed intervention and systemic complications.
LITERATURE REVIEW: A review of 38 published cases of PHS following DBS failure revealed that to date, it has occurred in patients with more than 11 years of PD and at least 2 years of DBS. IPG battery depletion was the leading cause of failure (68.4%), with 76.3% of patients recovering after timely device replacement. Delayed or absent intervention was associated with higher mortality, underscoring the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
CONCLUSION: Timely intervention, remote monitoring, and virtual follow-up are critical to prevent PHS, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
β-Glucan in antiviral defense: mechanisms, immune modulation, and therapeutic prospects.
Folia microbiologica [Epub ahead of print].
β-Glucans, naturally occurring β-D-glucose polysaccharides from fungi, yeast, bacteria, algae, and cereals, have emerged as promising immunomodulatory agents in antiviral defense. Their structural diversity-encompassing β-1,3, β-1,6, and β-1,4 linkages-underpins varied solubility, bioavailability, and biological activity, driving their therapeutic potential. Unlike conventional antivirals that target viral replication, β-glucans enhance host immunity by activating innate and adaptive responses through receptors such as dectin-1, toll-like receptors, and complement receptor 3, thereby stimulating macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells to produce antiviral cytokines (e.g., interferons, interleukins) and induce trained immunity for long-term protection. This review explores β-glucans's mechanisms in combating viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, HPV, HBV, influenza, and HIV, highlighting direct antiviral effects (e.g., inhibiting viral entry via sulfated derivatives), immune modulation (e.g., enhancing T-cell responses and antibody production), and inflammation control (e.g., mitigating cytokine storms). Preclinical and clinical evidence underscores their ability to reduce viral load, enhance vaccine efficacy, and support tissue repair, as seen in HPV-related lesions. β-Glucans also modulate the gut microbiota, bolstering mucosal immunity. Despite promising outcomes, challenges like structural heterogeneity and limited large-scale trials persist. This article outlines the therapeutic prospects of β-glucans, emphasizing their potential as safe and versatile adjuncts to address emerging viral threats and enhance global health resilience.
Additional Links: PMID-41016951
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41016951,
year = {2025},
author = {Atoom, AM and Abdulsahib, WK and Jyothi, SR and Nayak, PP and Chauhan, AS and Singla, S and Polatova, D and Sead, FF and Yazdi, F},
title = {β-Glucan in antiviral defense: mechanisms, immune modulation, and therapeutic prospects.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41016951},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {β-Glucans, naturally occurring β-D-glucose polysaccharides from fungi, yeast, bacteria, algae, and cereals, have emerged as promising immunomodulatory agents in antiviral defense. Their structural diversity-encompassing β-1,3, β-1,6, and β-1,4 linkages-underpins varied solubility, bioavailability, and biological activity, driving their therapeutic potential. Unlike conventional antivirals that target viral replication, β-glucans enhance host immunity by activating innate and adaptive responses through receptors such as dectin-1, toll-like receptors, and complement receptor 3, thereby stimulating macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells to produce antiviral cytokines (e.g., interferons, interleukins) and induce trained immunity for long-term protection. This review explores β-glucans's mechanisms in combating viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, HPV, HBV, influenza, and HIV, highlighting direct antiviral effects (e.g., inhibiting viral entry via sulfated derivatives), immune modulation (e.g., enhancing T-cell responses and antibody production), and inflammation control (e.g., mitigating cytokine storms). Preclinical and clinical evidence underscores their ability to reduce viral load, enhance vaccine efficacy, and support tissue repair, as seen in HPV-related lesions. β-Glucans also modulate the gut microbiota, bolstering mucosal immunity. Despite promising outcomes, challenges like structural heterogeneity and limited large-scale trials persist. This article outlines the therapeutic prospects of β-glucans, emphasizing their potential as safe and versatile adjuncts to address emerging viral threats and enhance global health resilience.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
CmpDate: 2025-09-28
[Study on the pathogenicity and tropism of positive-strand RNA viruses].
Uirusu, 75(1):59-72.
Many of the emerging and re-emerging viral diseases that have caused global outbreaks in recent years -such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), dengue fever, Zika virus disease, and COVID-19 -are caused by positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses. This review focuses on members of the Flaviviridae family, a diverse group of +ssRNA viruses that exhibit distinct host and tissue tropisms, and summarizes our recent efforts to elucidate the molecular determinants underlying their pathogenicity and tropism. By refining reverse genetics systems that enable precise manipulation of viral genomes, we have uncovered the functional roles of specific viral proteins in pathogenesis through experimental infections using animal models that recapitulate disease phenotypes. In addition, by analyzing structural variations within viral genomes, we successfully identified key elements responsible for determining viral specificity. We have also developed innovative viral reporter assays that incorporate advanced imaging technologies, enabling real-time visualization of viral dynamics in vivo and facilitating diagnostic applications. This review integrates these findings to provide insights into how pathogenicity and tissue tropism evolve through repeated interspecies transmission, and discusses the potential of such approaches as a foundational platform for future infectious disease research and countermeasures.
Additional Links: PMID-41016805
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@article {pmid41016805,
year = {2025},
author = {Tamura, T},
title = {[Study on the pathogenicity and tropism of positive-strand RNA viruses].},
journal = {Uirusu},
volume = {75},
number = {1},
pages = {59-72},
doi = {10.2222/jsv.75.59},
pmid = {41016805},
issn = {0042-6857},
mesh = {*Viral Tropism/genetics ; Animals ; Humans ; Genome, Viral/genetics ; *Flaviviridae/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; *RNA Viruses/pathogenicity/genetics ; Viral Proteins/physiology ; Virulence ; },
abstract = {Many of the emerging and re-emerging viral diseases that have caused global outbreaks in recent years -such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), dengue fever, Zika virus disease, and COVID-19 -are caused by positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses. This review focuses on members of the Flaviviridae family, a diverse group of +ssRNA viruses that exhibit distinct host and tissue tropisms, and summarizes our recent efforts to elucidate the molecular determinants underlying their pathogenicity and tropism. By refining reverse genetics systems that enable precise manipulation of viral genomes, we have uncovered the functional roles of specific viral proteins in pathogenesis through experimental infections using animal models that recapitulate disease phenotypes. In addition, by analyzing structural variations within viral genomes, we successfully identified key elements responsible for determining viral specificity. We have also developed innovative viral reporter assays that incorporate advanced imaging technologies, enabling real-time visualization of viral dynamics in vivo and facilitating diagnostic applications. This review integrates these findings to provide insights into how pathogenicity and tissue tropism evolve through repeated interspecies transmission, and discusses the potential of such approaches as a foundational platform for future infectious disease research and countermeasures.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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*Viral Tropism/genetics
Animals
Humans
Genome, Viral/genetics
*Flaviviridae/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology
*RNA Viruses/pathogenicity/genetics
Viral Proteins/physiology
Virulence
RevDate: 2025-09-28
CmpDate: 2025-09-28
[Elucidation of virus-host interaction using animal models towards vaccine development].
Uirusu, 75(1):51-58.
HIV replication highly interacts with host immunity resulting in life-long persistent virus replication in the presence of adaptive immune responses. Development of an effective vaccine is a key for control of global HIV epidemic, but immunization methods to induce effective anti-HIV immune responses have not been established. We have been focusing on analyzing virus-host immune interaction in vivo using animal models and applying findings to the development of vaccines. We have developed a novel immunogen selectively inducing virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and showed protective efficacy of vaccines against intrarectal SIV challenge. We have also worked on antibody responses, and determined the polymorphism in germline immunoglobulin genes in macaques and its association with induction of a particular class of anti-SIV neutralizing antibody. We applied the knowledge in HIV research to HTLV and COVID-19, showing protective efficacy of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody against HTLV infection and viral suppression by vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 in macaque models.
Additional Links: PMID-41016804
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41016804,
year = {2025},
author = {Ishii, H},
title = {[Elucidation of virus-host interaction using animal models towards vaccine development].},
journal = {Uirusu},
volume = {75},
number = {1},
pages = {51-58},
doi = {10.2222/jsv.75.51},
pmid = {41016804},
issn = {0042-6857},
mesh = {Animals ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology ; Humans ; *Vaccine Development ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology ; Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Macaca ; Virus Replication ; *Host Microbial Interactions/immunology ; AIDS Vaccines/immunology ; },
abstract = {HIV replication highly interacts with host immunity resulting in life-long persistent virus replication in the presence of adaptive immune responses. Development of an effective vaccine is a key for control of global HIV epidemic, but immunization methods to induce effective anti-HIV immune responses have not been established. We have been focusing on analyzing virus-host immune interaction in vivo using animal models and applying findings to the development of vaccines. We have developed a novel immunogen selectively inducing virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses and showed protective efficacy of vaccines against intrarectal SIV challenge. We have also worked on antibody responses, and determined the polymorphism in germline immunoglobulin genes in macaques and its association with induction of a particular class of anti-SIV neutralizing antibody. We applied the knowledge in HIV research to HTLV and COVID-19, showing protective efficacy of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody against HTLV infection and viral suppression by vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 in macaque models.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Animals
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
Humans
*Vaccine Development
COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Disease Models, Animal
Antibodies, Viral/immunology
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology
COVID-19 Vaccines
Macaca
Virus Replication
*Host Microbial Interactions/immunology
AIDS Vaccines/immunology
RevDate: 2025-09-28
CmpDate: 2025-09-28
[Epidemiology of measles in Japan].
Uirusu, 75(1):23-34.
As of May 2025, measles outbreaks have been occurring worldwide. Japan has reported the highest number of cases since the beginning of the COVID-19. Unvaccinated measles cases are highly contagious and at high risk for serious illness, so it is important to ensure that children receive the live attenuated measles-rubella (MR) vaccine as soon as they become one year old. Additionally, the second routine immunization coverage rate must be raised to 95% or higher among five-to six- year-old children (one year before entering elementary school). For elementary school students and older individuals, it is important to check the vaccine records showing two doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered at or after one year of age. Those born on or after April 2, 1990, had the opportunity to receive two routine vaccinations; however, their records must be checked to confirm receipt. We also recommend checking vaccination records before traveling abroad. Additionally, rapid active epidemiological surveillance should be conducted in the event of a single measles case. Emergency vaccination within 72 hours of exposure for susceptible individuals may prevent the disease. For individuals ineligible for vaccination, health insurance covers the prevention of severe disease through an intramuscular injection of human immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. The most important measure is prophylaxis prior to exposure to the measles virus.
Additional Links: PMID-41016800
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41016800,
year = {2025},
author = {Tanaka-Taya, K},
title = {[Epidemiology of measles in Japan].},
journal = {Uirusu},
volume = {75},
number = {1},
pages = {23-34},
doi = {10.2222/jsv.75.23},
pmid = {41016800},
issn = {0042-6857},
mesh = {Humans ; *Measles/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Japan/epidemiology ; Measles Vaccine/administration & dosage ; Child ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Vaccination ; Vaccination Coverage ; Adolescent ; },
abstract = {As of May 2025, measles outbreaks have been occurring worldwide. Japan has reported the highest number of cases since the beginning of the COVID-19. Unvaccinated measles cases are highly contagious and at high risk for serious illness, so it is important to ensure that children receive the live attenuated measles-rubella (MR) vaccine as soon as they become one year old. Additionally, the second routine immunization coverage rate must be raised to 95% or higher among five-to six- year-old children (one year before entering elementary school). For elementary school students and older individuals, it is important to check the vaccine records showing two doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered at or after one year of age. Those born on or after April 2, 1990, had the opportunity to receive two routine vaccinations; however, their records must be checked to confirm receipt. We also recommend checking vaccination records before traveling abroad. Additionally, rapid active epidemiological surveillance should be conducted in the event of a single measles case. Emergency vaccination within 72 hours of exposure for susceptible individuals may prevent the disease. For individuals ineligible for vaccination, health insurance covers the prevention of severe disease through an intramuscular injection of human immunoglobulin within six days of exposure. The most important measure is prophylaxis prior to exposure to the measles virus.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Measles/epidemiology/prevention & control
Japan/epidemiology
Measles Vaccine/administration & dosage
Child
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
Child, Preschool
Infant
Vaccination
Vaccination Coverage
Adolescent
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Research progress of lung organoids in infectious respiratory diseases.
European journal of pharmacology pii:S0014-2999(25)00955-0 [Epub ahead of print].
Infectious respiratory diseases are common epidemics that often exhibit phased outbreaks, increasing the healthcare burden. Past research models for these diseases were relatively simplistic, but the emergence of organoids has transformed this landscape. Organoids, three-dimensional in vitro tissue analogs that recapitulate specific spatial organ structures derived from stem cell culture, have advanced significantly over the decade since their inception. Compared to conventional animal models, organoids circumvent interspecies variations, enabling a more precise representation of human physiological and pathological traits. Relative to two-dimensional cell cultures, organoids exhibit enhanced complexity, incorporating diverse cell types and maintaining stable genomes, which facilitates a more faithful simulation of cellular interactions within the extracellular microenvironment. Consequently, as a three-dimensional in vitro model, lung organoids are pivotal for investigating lung organ development, infectious disease pathogenesis, and drug screening. Although SARS-CoV-2 is receding from the spotlight, advancing lung organoid development for addressing infectious respiratory diseases like influenza remains a priority. This review demonstrated the differentiation culture process of lung organoids and outlined advancements in utilizing organoids to elucidate pathogenic infection mechanisms, reveal virus-host interactions and screen therapeutic drugs over the past seven years. Additionally, we have summarized the advances in lung organoid model technologies and outlined their developmental directions.
Additional Links: PMID-41016568
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PubMed:
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@article {pmid41016568,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Yang, W and Liu, X and Yang, K and Zhou, J and Yang, X},
title = {Research progress of lung organoids in infectious respiratory diseases.},
journal = {European journal of pharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {178201},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.178201},
pmid = {41016568},
issn = {1879-0712},
abstract = {Infectious respiratory diseases are common epidemics that often exhibit phased outbreaks, increasing the healthcare burden. Past research models for these diseases were relatively simplistic, but the emergence of organoids has transformed this landscape. Organoids, three-dimensional in vitro tissue analogs that recapitulate specific spatial organ structures derived from stem cell culture, have advanced significantly over the decade since their inception. Compared to conventional animal models, organoids circumvent interspecies variations, enabling a more precise representation of human physiological and pathological traits. Relative to two-dimensional cell cultures, organoids exhibit enhanced complexity, incorporating diverse cell types and maintaining stable genomes, which facilitates a more faithful simulation of cellular interactions within the extracellular microenvironment. Consequently, as a three-dimensional in vitro model, lung organoids are pivotal for investigating lung organ development, infectious disease pathogenesis, and drug screening. Although SARS-CoV-2 is receding from the spotlight, advancing lung organoid development for addressing infectious respiratory diseases like influenza remains a priority. This review demonstrated the differentiation culture process of lung organoids and outlined advancements in utilizing organoids to elucidate pathogenic infection mechanisms, reveal virus-host interactions and screen therapeutic drugs over the past seven years. Additionally, we have summarized the advances in lung organoid model technologies and outlined their developmental directions.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Interstitial drug delivery system: The physiological basis and current progress.
Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society pii:S0168-3659(25)00888-0 [Epub ahead of print].
The interstitial drug delivery system, with a long-standing history in pharmaceutical science, has recently regained significant attention due to its pivotal role in enhancing drug transport to lymphatic vessels and improving lymph node targeting. The success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era for interstitial-based drug delivery strategies. Consequently, advancing the development of next-generation interstitial delivery systems necessitates a deeper understanding of interstitial physiology. This review systematically summarizes the physiological composition and functions of the interstitium, discusses the distinct characteristics of diverse interstitial administration routes, evaluates recent advances in formulation design and clinical translation efforts of advanced delivery systems, and highlights current challenges and future directions in the field. By providing this comprehensive analysis, we aim to stimulate the wider clinical application of interstitial delivery systems in therapeutic practice.
Additional Links: PMID-41016477
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41016477,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, A and Tang, Y and Shi, X and Fan, W},
title = {Interstitial drug delivery system: The physiological basis and current progress.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {114275},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.114275},
pmid = {41016477},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {The interstitial drug delivery system, with a long-standing history in pharmaceutical science, has recently regained significant attention due to its pivotal role in enhancing drug transport to lymphatic vessels and improving lymph node targeting. The success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new era for interstitial-based drug delivery strategies. Consequently, advancing the development of next-generation interstitial delivery systems necessitates a deeper understanding of interstitial physiology. This review systematically summarizes the physiological composition and functions of the interstitium, discusses the distinct characteristics of diverse interstitial administration routes, evaluates recent advances in formulation design and clinical translation efforts of advanced delivery systems, and highlights current challenges and future directions in the field. By providing this comprehensive analysis, we aim to stimulate the wider clinical application of interstitial delivery systems in therapeutic practice.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Antiviral activity of silver and selenium nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2: A comprehensive systematic review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence.
Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS), 92:127768 pii:S0946-672X(25)00181-6 [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to answer the following question: "Do silver (AgNPs) and selenium (SeNPs) nanoparticles, either individually or incorporated into materials and products, exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 strains?"
METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO and conducted following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, LILACS, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ProQuest in March 2025 to identify studies evaluating the effects of isolated or material-incorporated AgNPs and SeNPs against SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS: AgNPs and SeNPs exhibit strong virucidal and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike glycoprotein, both as isolated nanoparticles and when incorporated into masks, goggles, polymers, sprays, coatings, mouthwashes, and solutions. High efficacy has been demonstrated across in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, with enhanced outcomes associated with smaller particle sizes, higher concentrations, and longer contact times.
CONCLUSION: Both isolated and material-integrated AgNPs and SeNPs exhibit high antiviral and virucidal effectiveness against multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies.
Additional Links: PMID-41016268
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41016268,
year = {2025},
author = {Carvalho-Silva, JM and Dos Reis, AC},
title = {Antiviral activity of silver and selenium nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2: A comprehensive systematic review of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence.},
journal = {Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)},
volume = {92},
number = {},
pages = {127768},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127768},
pmid = {41016268},
issn = {1878-3252},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to answer the following question: "Do silver (AgNPs) and selenium (SeNPs) nanoparticles, either individually or incorporated into materials and products, exhibit antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 strains?"
METHODS: This review was registered in PROSPERO and conducted following the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, LILACS, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ProQuest in March 2025 to identify studies evaluating the effects of isolated or material-incorporated AgNPs and SeNPs against SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS: AgNPs and SeNPs exhibit strong virucidal and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and its Spike glycoprotein, both as isolated nanoparticles and when incorporated into masks, goggles, polymers, sprays, coatings, mouthwashes, and solutions. High efficacy has been demonstrated across in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, with enhanced outcomes associated with smaller particle sizes, higher concentrations, and longer contact times.
CONCLUSION: Both isolated and material-integrated AgNPs and SeNPs exhibit high antiviral and virucidal effectiveness against multiple SARS-CoV-2 strains in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical studies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Facilitators to strengthening vaccine uptake post-pandemic amongst underserved populations considering social norms and health beliefs: a global systematic review.
Vaccine, 65:127769 pii:S0264-410X(25)01066-7 [Epub ahead of print].
UNLABELLED: Reasons for low vaccine uptake include personal, physical, and societal barriers, which are not well understood for specific underserved communities, particularly ethnic minority and migrant groups. We reviewed gaps to understanding low vaccination uptake in underserved populations globally and summarise key determinants associated with vaccination uptake considering social norms and health beliefs.
METHODS: Published literature was searched using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE; PSYCHINFO and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024 for primary research, with no restrictions on language; to understand uptake of COVID-19 and other vaccinations considering social norms and health beliefs in underserved groups. 55, 925 papers were screened, and 37 studies included from regions including Europe, USA, UK, African, South-Asian, and South-East Asian regions.
FINDINGS: A total of 37 studies were included. Four themes pertinent to behavioural outcomes were identified in relation to vaccine uptake across ethnic groups, ethnic minority, and underserved groups, including: Influences of Health Belief Systems, Behaviours and Vaccine Uptake; Role of Social and Cultural norms, and Vaccine Uptake; Provision of Information and Vaccine Uptake; and Trust and Vaccine Uptake. We found vaccine uptake was linked with socio-demographic factors, particularly age, gender and ethnicity. There were similarities between first generation migrants and ethnic minority groups from USA or UK, and those from other regions. Younger, male and individuals from rural regions from their own native countries were also less likely to take up vaccination. Societal influences and norms were found to be significant predictors of vaccine uptake.
DISCUSSION: We reviewed, how social norms and health beliefs interplay with vaccine uptake in underserved groups and report facilitators to overcome vaccine hesitancy across these population groups. There is a need to provide adequate, tailored information to combat misinformation, through trusted messengers or gatekeepers to overcome the misconceptions around vaccine, by gaining the trust of underserved groups.
DISCUSSION: This review provides an overview of how social norms and health beliefs interplay with vaccine uptake in underserved and ethnic groups. It reports facilitators to overcome the barriers associated with vaccine hesitancy across these population groups. There is a need to provide and spread adequate and tailored information to combat misinformation, through trusted messengers or gatekeepers, which in turn could overcome misconceptions around vaccination, by gaining the trust of underserved groups, through support programmes facilitating vaccine uptake.
Additional Links: PMID-41016229
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41016229,
year = {2025},
author = {Chaudhry, T and Tum, P and Morrow, F and Hargreaves, S and Kielmann, K and Kunst, H and Griffiths, C and Campbell, NJC and Zenner, D},
title = {Facilitators to strengthening vaccine uptake post-pandemic amongst underserved populations considering social norms and health beliefs: a global systematic review.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {127769},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127769},
pmid = {41016229},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Reasons for low vaccine uptake include personal, physical, and societal barriers, which are not well understood for specific underserved communities, particularly ethnic minority and migrant groups. We reviewed gaps to understanding low vaccination uptake in underserved populations globally and summarise key determinants associated with vaccination uptake considering social norms and health beliefs.
METHODS: Published literature was searched using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE; PSYCHINFO and Web of Science from 2020 to 2024 for primary research, with no restrictions on language; to understand uptake of COVID-19 and other vaccinations considering social norms and health beliefs in underserved groups. 55, 925 papers were screened, and 37 studies included from regions including Europe, USA, UK, African, South-Asian, and South-East Asian regions.
FINDINGS: A total of 37 studies were included. Four themes pertinent to behavioural outcomes were identified in relation to vaccine uptake across ethnic groups, ethnic minority, and underserved groups, including: Influences of Health Belief Systems, Behaviours and Vaccine Uptake; Role of Social and Cultural norms, and Vaccine Uptake; Provision of Information and Vaccine Uptake; and Trust and Vaccine Uptake. We found vaccine uptake was linked with socio-demographic factors, particularly age, gender and ethnicity. There were similarities between first generation migrants and ethnic minority groups from USA or UK, and those from other regions. Younger, male and individuals from rural regions from their own native countries were also less likely to take up vaccination. Societal influences and norms were found to be significant predictors of vaccine uptake.
DISCUSSION: We reviewed, how social norms and health beliefs interplay with vaccine uptake in underserved groups and report facilitators to overcome vaccine hesitancy across these population groups. There is a need to provide adequate, tailored information to combat misinformation, through trusted messengers or gatekeepers to overcome the misconceptions around vaccine, by gaining the trust of underserved groups.
DISCUSSION: This review provides an overview of how social norms and health beliefs interplay with vaccine uptake in underserved and ethnic groups. It reports facilitators to overcome the barriers associated with vaccine hesitancy across these population groups. There is a need to provide and spread adequate and tailored information to combat misinformation, through trusted messengers or gatekeepers, which in turn could overcome misconceptions around vaccination, by gaining the trust of underserved groups, through support programmes facilitating vaccine uptake.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Mortality rate and causes of death in inborn errors of immunity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mutation research. Reviews in mutation research, 796:108564 pii:S1383-5742(25)00035-3 [Epub ahead of print].
BACKGROUND: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) experience severe infectious and non-infectious complications, leading to an increased risk of mortality. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis significantly contributes to the heightened mortality rates observed in IEI patients.
OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviews the causes of mortality in IEI patients with a meta-analysis to determine the mortality rate among patients with various IEI.
METHODS: Embase, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched (up to July 2024) using terms related to IEI and mortality.
RESULTS: A total of 12,581 deceased IEI patients were included, with an overall reported mortality rate of 24.0 % (95 % confidence interval: 23.0-26.0 %) among all published IEI cases. This represents an approximately 27-fold higher mortality rate among IEI patients compared to the mean global mortality rate (24 % vs. 0.874 %). Severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and ataxia-telangiectasia had the highest numbers of reported deceased cases (2304, 962, and 820 cases, respectively). However, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis exhibited the highest mortality rate (49.0 %). The most common causes of death were infections, transplant-related mortality and non-infectious pulmonary complications, (3429, 2749, and 1141 cases), respectively. Among infectious causes of death, COVID-19 infection accounted for 10.8 % (370 cases).
CONCLUSION: This study identifies specific types of IEI with the highest mortality rates and numbers, alongside immune component defects most strongly associated with increased mortality. Patients with immune dysregulation, defects in cellular immunity, and phagocyte function were particularly linked to higher mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for improved management strategies for these IEIs.
Additional Links: PMID-41016093
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41016093,
year = {2025},
author = {Fekrvand, S and Esfahani, ZH and Yarahmadi, M and Saeedi-Boroujeni, A and Salehi, H and Hakimelahi, A and Almasi-Hashiani, A and Rahmati, M and Afshar-Ghasemlou, S and Fard, NNG and Monfared, FT and Afkham, EK and Fathi, N and Shad, TM and Babaha, F and Nazari, F and Nirouei, M and Farid, AS and Sanadgol, N and Rafiemanesh, H and Marzbali, MY and Hassanpour, G and Olbrich, P and Condino-Neto, A and Morio, T and Gennery, AR and Meyts, I and Ochs, HD and Abolhassani, H and Rezaei, N and Yazdani, R},
title = {Mortality rate and causes of death in inborn errors of immunity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Mutation research. Reviews in mutation research},
volume = {796},
number = {},
pages = {108564},
doi = {10.1016/j.mrrev.2025.108564},
pmid = {41016093},
issn = {1388-2139},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) experience severe infectious and non-infectious complications, leading to an increased risk of mortality. Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis significantly contributes to the heightened mortality rates observed in IEI patients.
OBJECTIVES: This study systematically reviews the causes of mortality in IEI patients with a meta-analysis to determine the mortality rate among patients with various IEI.
METHODS: Embase, ISI Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched (up to July 2024) using terms related to IEI and mortality.
RESULTS: A total of 12,581 deceased IEI patients were included, with an overall reported mortality rate of 24.0 % (95 % confidence interval: 23.0-26.0 %) among all published IEI cases. This represents an approximately 27-fold higher mortality rate among IEI patients compared to the mean global mortality rate (24 % vs. 0.874 %). Severe combined immunodeficiency, chronic granulomatous disease, and ataxia-telangiectasia had the highest numbers of reported deceased cases (2304, 962, and 820 cases, respectively). However, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis exhibited the highest mortality rate (49.0 %). The most common causes of death were infections, transplant-related mortality and non-infectious pulmonary complications, (3429, 2749, and 1141 cases), respectively. Among infectious causes of death, COVID-19 infection accounted for 10.8 % (370 cases).
CONCLUSION: This study identifies specific types of IEI with the highest mortality rates and numbers, alongside immune component defects most strongly associated with increased mortality. Patients with immune dysregulation, defects in cellular immunity, and phagocyte function were particularly linked to higher mortality rates, underscoring the urgent need for improved management strategies for these IEIs.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-28
Patient satisfaction and experience for virtual consultation services in the Malaysian government health clinics: A review.
The Medical journal of Malaysia, 80(5):627-634.
INTRODUCTION: Virtual consultation (VC) has emerged as a vital mode of healthcare delivery, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has progressively implemented VC services across government health clinics in Malaysia, guided by national digital health strategies. As VC becomes integral to primary care, evaluating patient satisfaction and experience becomes essential to ensure service quality. Despite the global availability of various tools, a lack of validated instruments remains in the context of Malaysian primary care, particularly in Malay. This narrative review aims to identify existing instruments used to assess patient satisfaction and experience with VC, evaluate their relevance and psychometric robustness, and highlight gaps in measurement, particularly for public primary care in Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, employing a comprehensive search strategy combining MeSH terms and text words related to "patient satisfaction," "patient experience," "surveys and questionnaires," and "telemedicine." The search was restricted to English-language publications involving adult populations and returned 876 articles. After applying the free full-text filter, 397 articles were screened. Title and abstract screening yielded 83 potentially eligible studies, from which only eight were found to involve original development or adaptation of relevant instruments and were included for further analysis.
RESULTS: Among the seven included studies, most questionnaires were focused primarily on domains related to usability and acceptability, such as interface ease, access, and convenience. However, few instruments addressed core components of clinical care quality, including communication, diagnostic confidence, care continuity, and coordination. Furthermore, none of the reviewed questionnaires underwent complete validation and reliability assessment within the context of Malaysian primary care. Four studies were conducted in Malaysia; however, these either lacked robust validation processes or focused solely on acceptability. Additionally, no tools were validated in Malay or tailored specifically to the cultural and healthcare delivery context of Malaysia's government clinics.
CONCLUSION: The findings reveal a significant methodological gap in assessing patient satisfaction and experience with VC in Malaysian primary care. Existing tools largely derive from models focused on technology usability or service acceptability, with limited attention to the clinical dimensions of virtual care. Instruments such as the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), the Telemedicine Usability Survey (TUS) and the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) offer partial frameworks but lack comprehensive validation or contextual adaptation. In Malaysia, while efforts have been made to develop VC-related surveys, these are insufficiently validated and often lack specificity for primary care. Moreover, tools currently in use do not capture the broader service quality domains emphasised by frameworks like SERVQUAL or Picker's Patient Experience Principles. As VC services expand in Malaysian public healthcare, there is an urgent need to develop and validate culturally appropriate, linguistically accessible, and psychometrically sound questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction and experience. These instruments must integrate both technological usability and the core clinical components of healthcare delivery. Such efforts are essential to guide quality improvement and ensure that VC services align with patients' needs and expectations in the primary care setting.
Additional Links: PMID-41016005
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41016005,
year = {2025},
author = {Nasim, AK and Khalid, I and Isa, MR},
title = {Patient satisfaction and experience for virtual consultation services in the Malaysian government health clinics: A review.},
journal = {The Medical journal of Malaysia},
volume = {80},
number = {5},
pages = {627-634},
pmid = {41016005},
issn = {0300-5283},
mesh = {Humans ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Malaysia ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Telemedicine ; Primary Health Care ; *Remote Consultation ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Virtual consultation (VC) has emerged as a vital mode of healthcare delivery, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has progressively implemented VC services across government health clinics in Malaysia, guided by national digital health strategies. As VC becomes integral to primary care, evaluating patient satisfaction and experience becomes essential to ensure service quality. Despite the global availability of various tools, a lack of validated instruments remains in the context of Malaysian primary care, particularly in Malay. This narrative review aims to identify existing instruments used to assess patient satisfaction and experience with VC, evaluate their relevance and psychometric robustness, and highlight gaps in measurement, particularly for public primary care in Malaysia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, employing a comprehensive search strategy combining MeSH terms and text words related to "patient satisfaction," "patient experience," "surveys and questionnaires," and "telemedicine." The search was restricted to English-language publications involving adult populations and returned 876 articles. After applying the free full-text filter, 397 articles were screened. Title and abstract screening yielded 83 potentially eligible studies, from which only eight were found to involve original development or adaptation of relevant instruments and were included for further analysis.
RESULTS: Among the seven included studies, most questionnaires were focused primarily on domains related to usability and acceptability, such as interface ease, access, and convenience. However, few instruments addressed core components of clinical care quality, including communication, diagnostic confidence, care continuity, and coordination. Furthermore, none of the reviewed questionnaires underwent complete validation and reliability assessment within the context of Malaysian primary care. Four studies were conducted in Malaysia; however, these either lacked robust validation processes or focused solely on acceptability. Additionally, no tools were validated in Malay or tailored specifically to the cultural and healthcare delivery context of Malaysia's government clinics.
CONCLUSION: The findings reveal a significant methodological gap in assessing patient satisfaction and experience with VC in Malaysian primary care. Existing tools largely derive from models focused on technology usability or service acceptability, with limited attention to the clinical dimensions of virtual care. Instruments such as the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), the Telemedicine Usability Survey (TUS) and the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ) offer partial frameworks but lack comprehensive validation or contextual adaptation. In Malaysia, while efforts have been made to develop VC-related surveys, these are insufficiently validated and often lack specificity for primary care. Moreover, tools currently in use do not capture the broader service quality domains emphasised by frameworks like SERVQUAL or Picker's Patient Experience Principles. As VC services expand in Malaysian public healthcare, there is an urgent need to develop and validate culturally appropriate, linguistically accessible, and psychometrically sound questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction and experience. These instruments must integrate both technological usability and the core clinical components of healthcare delivery. Such efforts are essential to guide quality improvement and ensure that VC services align with patients' needs and expectations in the primary care setting.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Patient Satisfaction
Malaysia
COVID-19/epidemiology
Telemedicine
Primary Health Care
*Remote Consultation
Surveys and Questionnaires
RevDate: 2025-09-28
CmpDate: 2025-09-28
Systematic review of challenges of telehealth-based intervention in managing cancer pain.
The Medical journal of Malaysia, 80(5):600-611.
INTRODUCTION: Understanding the challenges of telehealth interventions is essential to determining their future direction in cancer pain management, as these are considered complex interventions. This systematic review aimed to identify the challenges associated with telehealthbased interventions in cancer pain management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A systematic search was conducted from January 19 to February 2, 2022, covering the past 10 years. Databases searched included PubMed and EBSCO. Inclusion criteria were articles published in English focusing on cancer pain in patients with any cancer diagnosis. Data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes, with a particular focus on challenges reported in each study. A total of 320 publications were retrieved and screened; 38 articles met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS: The most reported challenge was limited or slow Internet access, followed by lack of technological expertise among healthcare teams and low computer literacy. Human resource-related challenges were also frequently reported, including inadequate reimbursement mechanisms, concerns over malpractice, increased staff workload, and absence of formal organisational structures. In studies conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic, data-related issues such as data security and management were also highlighted.
CONCLUSION: Telehealth is a rapidly growing technology with the potential to transform healthcare delivery. Addressing the challenges identified in this review may help guide the development and implementation of more effective telehealth interventions in cancer pain management.
Additional Links: PMID-41016003
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41016003,
year = {2025},
author = {Mogan, S and Samprith, A and Muthusamy, V and Samuganathan, D and Zaigham, MT and Idrees, Z and Mogan, L},
title = {Systematic review of challenges of telehealth-based intervention in managing cancer pain.},
journal = {The Medical journal of Malaysia},
volume = {80},
number = {5},
pages = {600-611},
pmid = {41016003},
issn = {0300-5283},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; *Cancer Pain/therapy ; *Pain Management/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Neoplasms/complications ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Understanding the challenges of telehealth interventions is essential to determining their future direction in cancer pain management, as these are considered complex interventions. This systematic review aimed to identify the challenges associated with telehealthbased interventions in cancer pain management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A systematic search was conducted from January 19 to February 2, 2022, covering the past 10 years. Databases searched included PubMed and EBSCO. Inclusion criteria were articles published in English focusing on cancer pain in patients with any cancer diagnosis. Data were extracted on participants, interventions, and outcomes, with a particular focus on challenges reported in each study. A total of 320 publications were retrieved and screened; 38 articles met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS: The most reported challenge was limited or slow Internet access, followed by lack of technological expertise among healthcare teams and low computer literacy. Human resource-related challenges were also frequently reported, including inadequate reimbursement mechanisms, concerns over malpractice, increased staff workload, and absence of formal organisational structures. In studies conducted after the COVID-19 pandemic, data-related issues such as data security and management were also highlighted.
CONCLUSION: Telehealth is a rapidly growing technology with the potential to transform healthcare delivery. Addressing the challenges identified in this review may help guide the development and implementation of more effective telehealth interventions in cancer pain management.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Telemedicine
*Cancer Pain/therapy
*Pain Management/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Neoplasms/complications
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Interleukin-10 family cytokines: key regulators and novel therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases.
Inflammopharmacology [Epub ahead of print].
Respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis, and infectious conditions including COVID-19 and tuberculosis continue to rank among the foremost causes of illness and death worldwide. Although vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and anti-inflammatory agents have improved disease management, their overall impact remains limited because of the intricate regulation of immune responses at epithelial surfaces. Within this context, the interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine family (comprising IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, and IL-26) has been identified as a key immunological axis in the respiratory tract. These cytokines possess structural homology and predominantly transmit signals through heterodimeric class II receptors via the JAK-STAT cascade. However, their functions are far from uniform: IL-10 primarily exerts suppressive effects on inflammation, whereas IL-19, IL-20, IL-24, and IL-26 are commonly associated with tissue injury, chronic inflammation, and airway remodeling. IL-22 occupies an intermediate role, promoting epithelial regeneration under certain conditions but aggravating inflammation or tumorigenesis in others. This article reviews recent findings on the IL-10 family in a range of respiratory diseases, emphasizing their context-dependent activity, value as potential biomarkers, and relevance as therapeutic targets. A clearer understanding of how protective versus pathogenic signals are balanced within this cytokine network is essential for designing targeted interventions that preserve host defense while restoring airway integrity.
Additional Links: PMID-41015960
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41015960,
year = {2025},
author = {Goleij, P and Amini, A and Abolfazli, S and Heidari, MM and Tabari, MAK and Aschner, M and Larsen, DS and Khan, H and Daglia, M},
title = {Interleukin-10 family cytokines: key regulators and novel therapeutic targets for respiratory diseases.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41015960},
issn = {1568-5608},
abstract = {Respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis, and infectious conditions including COVID-19 and tuberculosis continue to rank among the foremost causes of illness and death worldwide. Although vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and anti-inflammatory agents have improved disease management, their overall impact remains limited because of the intricate regulation of immune responses at epithelial surfaces. Within this context, the interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine family (comprising IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, and IL-26) has been identified as a key immunological axis in the respiratory tract. These cytokines possess structural homology and predominantly transmit signals through heterodimeric class II receptors via the JAK-STAT cascade. However, their functions are far from uniform: IL-10 primarily exerts suppressive effects on inflammation, whereas IL-19, IL-20, IL-24, and IL-26 are commonly associated with tissue injury, chronic inflammation, and airway remodeling. IL-22 occupies an intermediate role, promoting epithelial regeneration under certain conditions but aggravating inflammation or tumorigenesis in others. This article reviews recent findings on the IL-10 family in a range of respiratory diseases, emphasizing their context-dependent activity, value as potential biomarkers, and relevance as therapeutic targets. A clearer understanding of how protective versus pathogenic signals are balanced within this cytokine network is essential for designing targeted interventions that preserve host defense while restoring airway integrity.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-28
Understanding Police Response in Intimate Partner Violence Research Before COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Studies Using Police Response as an Outcome Variable.
Trauma, violence & abuse [Epub ahead of print].
To provide an overview of research trends and commonly measured variables in intimate partner violence (IPV) studies before COVID-19, this study conducted a systematic review to examine how various types of police responses to IPV have been studied and what factors influence the outcomes of those responses. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-P guidelines, 1,259 articles initially identified were filtered and screened for relevance. The final set of 23 selected articles was independently coded following the developed coding scheme, and all codings were cross-checked and validated to ensure accuracy and consistency. The systematic review found that the majority of the selected studies focused on identifying the factors associated with police response to IPV (69.5%), used a quantitative research design (91.3%), and utilized secondary data (91.3%). Notably, 70% of the studies did not incorporate a theoretical framework. Arrest was the most frequently tested outcome variable in police response, appearing in 91.3% of the studies. Additionally, 65% of the studies offered one or more practical policy recommendations. This study also highlighted a gap in the literature, underscoring the need for research that examines dynamic and different types of police responses to IPV. By identifying prevailing research trends, commonly used methodologies, and frequently measured variables, the study provides a comprehensive overview of how police responses have been studied as an outcome variable and what factors have been examined with it. The study findings advance academic understanding, future research directions, and policy development to improve police responses to IPV.
Additional Links: PMID-41015887
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41015887,
year = {2025},
author = {Lim, H and Kim, C},
title = {Understanding Police Response in Intimate Partner Violence Research Before COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Studies Using Police Response as an Outcome Variable.},
journal = {Trauma, violence & abuse},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15248380251375490},
doi = {10.1177/15248380251375490},
pmid = {41015887},
issn = {1552-8324},
abstract = {To provide an overview of research trends and commonly measured variables in intimate partner violence (IPV) studies before COVID-19, this study conducted a systematic review to examine how various types of police responses to IPV have been studied and what factors influence the outcomes of those responses. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-P guidelines, 1,259 articles initially identified were filtered and screened for relevance. The final set of 23 selected articles was independently coded following the developed coding scheme, and all codings were cross-checked and validated to ensure accuracy and consistency. The systematic review found that the majority of the selected studies focused on identifying the factors associated with police response to IPV (69.5%), used a quantitative research design (91.3%), and utilized secondary data (91.3%). Notably, 70% of the studies did not incorporate a theoretical framework. Arrest was the most frequently tested outcome variable in police response, appearing in 91.3% of the studies. Additionally, 65% of the studies offered one or more practical policy recommendations. This study also highlighted a gap in the literature, underscoring the need for research that examines dynamic and different types of police responses to IPV. By identifying prevailing research trends, commonly used methodologies, and frequently measured variables, the study provides a comprehensive overview of how police responses have been studied as an outcome variable and what factors have been examined with it. The study findings advance academic understanding, future research directions, and policy development to improve police responses to IPV.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-27
hMPV co-infections: Distinct immunopathogenic mechanisms and clinical implications of viral and bacterial pathogenesis.
Folia microbiologica [Epub ahead of print].
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) co-infections with viral and bacterial pathogens are increasingly recognized as major contributors to severe respiratory disease, especially in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. This review summarizes current knowledge of hMPV co-infections with respiratory viruses (e.g., hRSV, influenza, SARS-CoV-2) and bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae), highlighting both shared and distinct pathogenic pathways. Viral co-infections often intensify inflammation through prolonged replication and type I interferon (IFN) suppression, whereas bacterial co-infections exploit epithelial injury and mucin overproduction to enhance adhesion, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance. Converging mechanisms include epithelial disruption and IL-6/TNF-α-driven cytokine dysregulation, both of which contribute to worsened outcomes. A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies on hMPV co-infections, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. The novelty of this review lies in its comparative perspective, distinguishing viral from bacterial interactions to clarify overlapping versus pathogen-specific mechanisms. Clinically, this distinction informs diagnostics, highlights gaps in therapeutic strategies, and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce the burden of severe hMPV-associated respiratory disease.
Additional Links: PMID-41015614
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41015614,
year = {2025},
author = {Shah, SSTH and Naeem, I and Bhutta, NK and Han, G and Noor, F},
title = {hMPV co-infections: Distinct immunopathogenic mechanisms and clinical implications of viral and bacterial pathogenesis.},
journal = {Folia microbiologica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41015614},
issn = {1874-9356},
abstract = {Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) co-infections with viral and bacterial pathogens are increasingly recognized as major contributors to severe respiratory disease, especially in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. This review summarizes current knowledge of hMPV co-infections with respiratory viruses (e.g., hRSV, influenza, SARS-CoV-2) and bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae), highlighting both shared and distinct pathogenic pathways. Viral co-infections often intensify inflammation through prolonged replication and type I interferon (IFN) suppression, whereas bacterial co-infections exploit epithelial injury and mucin overproduction to enhance adhesion, biofilm formation, and antimicrobial resistance. Converging mechanisms include epithelial disruption and IL-6/TNF-α-driven cytokine dysregulation, both of which contribute to worsened outcomes. A structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies on hMPV co-infections, immune responses, and clinical outcomes. The novelty of this review lies in its comparative perspective, distinguishing viral from bacterial interactions to clarify overlapping versus pathogen-specific mechanisms. Clinically, this distinction informs diagnostics, highlights gaps in therapeutic strategies, and emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to reduce the burden of severe hMPV-associated respiratory disease.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-27
The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network: 15 Years of Promoting Human and Animal Health by Collaborating with the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Community.
Journal of food protection pii:S0362-028X(25)00177-2 [Epub ahead of print].
The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaborative network established in 2010, is a partnership between the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM) and 48 veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) across North America. Vet-LIRN actively supports the CVM mission of protecting human and animal health by leveraging its network of VDLs. Initially focused on issues in animal foods, including by testing animal diagnostic samples, Vet-LIRN now addresses a broad range of CVM's priorities. These include responding to animal foodborne illness outbreaks, developing new methods to detect potential microbial and chemical contaminants in animal foods, tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR), promoting antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine, and preparing for emerging One Health threats such as COVID-19 and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Over the past 15 years, Vet-LIRN has played a pivotal role in many high-profile and important public health success stories, such as responding to multidrug-resistant Campylobacter outbreaks in puppies, aflatoxin contamination in pet food, Salmonella in pig ear treats, and botulinum toxin in alfalfa cubes. Additionally, Vet-LIRN's AMR monitoring program collects data to understand AMR trends and assist in the response to foodborne and zoonotic outbreaks. Through collaboration with other key stakeholders such as CVM regulatory colleagues and external partners at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vet-LIRN ensures rapid responses to critical issues. Looking ahead, Vet-LIRN remains dedicated to continuous improvements, reinforcing its commitment to the sustained protection of human and animal health.
Additional Links: PMID-41015338
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PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41015338,
year = {2025},
author = {Nemser, SM and Ceric, O and Guag, J and Pauley, S and Jones, A and Proia, K and Miller, MR and Tkachenko, A and Rotstein, D and Hodges, A and Reimschuessel, R and Tyson, GH},
title = {The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network: 15 Years of Promoting Human and Animal Health by Collaborating with the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Community.},
journal = {Journal of food protection},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100625},
doi = {10.1016/j.jfp.2025.100625},
pmid = {41015338},
issn = {1944-9097},
abstract = {The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a collaborative network established in 2010, is a partnership between the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA CVM) and 48 veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) across North America. Vet-LIRN actively supports the CVM mission of protecting human and animal health by leveraging its network of VDLs. Initially focused on issues in animal foods, including by testing animal diagnostic samples, Vet-LIRN now addresses a broad range of CVM's priorities. These include responding to animal foodborne illness outbreaks, developing new methods to detect potential microbial and chemical contaminants in animal foods, tracking antimicrobial resistance (AMR), promoting antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine, and preparing for emerging One Health threats such as COVID-19 and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Over the past 15 years, Vet-LIRN has played a pivotal role in many high-profile and important public health success stories, such as responding to multidrug-resistant Campylobacter outbreaks in puppies, aflatoxin contamination in pet food, Salmonella in pig ear treats, and botulinum toxin in alfalfa cubes. Additionally, Vet-LIRN's AMR monitoring program collects data to understand AMR trends and assist in the response to foodborne and zoonotic outbreaks. Through collaboration with other key stakeholders such as CVM regulatory colleagues and external partners at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vet-LIRN ensures rapid responses to critical issues. Looking ahead, Vet-LIRN remains dedicated to continuous improvements, reinforcing its commitment to the sustained protection of human and animal health.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-27
The double-edged sword: How SARS-CoV-2 might fuel lung cancer: Investigating the potential oncogenic mechanisms of the novel coronavirus in lung carcinogenesis.
Molecular aspects of medicine, 106:101413 pii:S0098-2997(25)00077-9 [Epub ahead of print].
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had far-reaching consequences beyond acute respiratory illness, with growing evidence suggesting potential long-term oncogenic effects. Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, may intersect with COVID-19 through shared molecular pathways and altered disease dynamics. SARS-CoV-2 can exacerbate outcomes in existing cancer patients and potentially contribute to de novo lung carcinogenesis or accelerate progression via chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, cellular senescence, cell cycle disruption, metabolic reprogramming, and autophagy impairment. It has been proven that although the SARS virus is not capable of integrating into the host genome, it uses the mechanisms of other human oncoviruses to cause lung cancer. Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, observed in up to one-third of severe cases, may act as a tumor precursor bridge through sustained tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix stiffness, and hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Epidemiological studies indicate increased cancer-related mortality, metastatic reactivation of dormant cancer cells, and diagnostic delays, shifting presentations toward advanced stages during the pandemic. Synergistic risk factors, including smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic predispositions, may further amplify oncogenic potential. The convergence of viral, environmental, and host factors creates a critical need for vigilant surveillance, biomarker development, and preventive strategies. This study aims to synthesize current epidemiological evidence, elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may influence lung carcinogenesis, and highlight clinical implications to guide future research, screening, and therapeutic interventions.
Additional Links: PMID-41014797
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@article {pmid41014797,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, W and Guo, Y and Ai, C and Wang, X and Li, G},
title = {The double-edged sword: How SARS-CoV-2 might fuel lung cancer: Investigating the potential oncogenic mechanisms of the novel coronavirus in lung carcinogenesis.},
journal = {Molecular aspects of medicine},
volume = {106},
number = {},
pages = {101413},
doi = {10.1016/j.mam.2025.101413},
pmid = {41014797},
issn = {1872-9452},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had far-reaching consequences beyond acute respiratory illness, with growing evidence suggesting potential long-term oncogenic effects. Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, may intersect with COVID-19 through shared molecular pathways and altered disease dynamics. SARS-CoV-2 can exacerbate outcomes in existing cancer patients and potentially contribute to de novo lung carcinogenesis or accelerate progression via chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, cellular senescence, cell cycle disruption, metabolic reprogramming, and autophagy impairment. It has been proven that although the SARS virus is not capable of integrating into the host genome, it uses the mechanisms of other human oncoviruses to cause lung cancer. Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, observed in up to one-third of severe cases, may act as a tumor precursor bridge through sustained tissue remodeling, extracellular matrix stiffness, and hypoxia-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Epidemiological studies indicate increased cancer-related mortality, metastatic reactivation of dormant cancer cells, and diagnostic delays, shifting presentations toward advanced stages during the pandemic. Synergistic risk factors, including smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic predispositions, may further amplify oncogenic potential. The convergence of viral, environmental, and host factors creates a critical need for vigilant surveillance, biomarker development, and preventive strategies. This study aims to synthesize current epidemiological evidence, elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may influence lung carcinogenesis, and highlight clinical implications to guide future research, screening, and therapeutic interventions.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-27
A scoping review of community participation in public health research and action during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring approaches on the continuum between utilitarianism and empowerment.
Social science & medicine (1982), 385:118556 pii:S0277-9536(25)00887-1 [Epub ahead of print].
Community participation played a crucial role in addressing health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in reaching marginalized populations and fostering resilience. Amid the wide variation of participatory approaches in community health-from information dissemination to co-decision-making-, there remains a lack of comprehensive analysis on their implementation, impact, and effectiveness. This scoping review synthesizes participatory approaches used during the pandemic, addressing three key gaps: (1) the depth and breadth of participation, (2) the types of communities engaged and the public health issues addressed, and (3) the impact of participation on community health. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, we systematically searched nine bibliographic databases, identifying 20,672 records. After removing duplicates and screening articles based on predefined inclusion criteria, we included 127 studies. Our analysis included mapping participation depth using Arnstein's ladder, categorizing motivations as utilitarian or emancipatory, and identifying the types of communities engaged and the community health issues addressed. We also examined community health outcomes and developed a conceptual heuristic framework to better characterize participatory approaches. Based on our findings, we propose eight key recommendations for improving the implementation and reporting of participatory approaches in community health. These include providing clear definitions of community and community health, ensuring transparency in participation levels and phases, elaborating on participatory methods, avoiding (re)stigmatization, and promoting community-driven research and action. By enhancing participatory practice and evaluation, these recommendations can support more equitable, effective, and sustainable community health interventions in pandemic contexts and beyond.
Additional Links: PMID-41014724
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@article {pmid41014724,
year = {2025},
author = {Frahsa, A and Liwanag, HJ and Kobler Betancourt, C and Ipekci, AM and Minder, B and Schow, D},
title = {A scoping review of community participation in public health research and action during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring approaches on the continuum between utilitarianism and empowerment.},
journal = {Social science & medicine (1982)},
volume = {385},
number = {},
pages = {118556},
doi = {10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118556},
pmid = {41014724},
issn = {1873-5347},
abstract = {Community participation played a crucial role in addressing health inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in reaching marginalized populations and fostering resilience. Amid the wide variation of participatory approaches in community health-from information dissemination to co-decision-making-, there remains a lack of comprehensive analysis on their implementation, impact, and effectiveness. This scoping review synthesizes participatory approaches used during the pandemic, addressing three key gaps: (1) the depth and breadth of participation, (2) the types of communities engaged and the public health issues addressed, and (3) the impact of participation on community health. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, we systematically searched nine bibliographic databases, identifying 20,672 records. After removing duplicates and screening articles based on predefined inclusion criteria, we included 127 studies. Our analysis included mapping participation depth using Arnstein's ladder, categorizing motivations as utilitarian or emancipatory, and identifying the types of communities engaged and the community health issues addressed. We also examined community health outcomes and developed a conceptual heuristic framework to better characterize participatory approaches. Based on our findings, we propose eight key recommendations for improving the implementation and reporting of participatory approaches in community health. These include providing clear definitions of community and community health, ensuring transparency in participation levels and phases, elaborating on participatory methods, avoiding (re)stigmatization, and promoting community-driven research and action. By enhancing participatory practice and evaluation, these recommendations can support more equitable, effective, and sustainable community health interventions in pandemic contexts and beyond.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-27
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Effectiveness of surgical interventions in patients with severe pressure ulcers: the SIPS mixed-methods exploratory study.
Health technology assessment (Winchester, England), 29(47):1-150.
BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction to close a severe pressure ulcer has not been evaluated.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the feasibility of research to evaluate surgical reconstruction for severe pressure ulcers by: systematically reviewing evidence about: the effectiveness of surgical reconstruction for severe pressure ulcers; the impact of pressure ulceration on health-related quality-of-life (review 2) surveying primary and secondary care healthcare professionals about surgical referrals of patients with severe pressure ulcers and severe pressure ulcer management, including surgical reconstruction describing patients with incident pressure ulcers and with severe pressure ulcers having surgical reconstruction comparing outcomes in patients with severe pressure ulcers having/not having surgical reconstruction seeking consensus about treatments and management strategies for severe pressure ulcers.
DESIGN: Systematic reviews; surveys; binary choice experiment; retrospective cohort studies using routine data; consensus meeting.
PARTICIPANTS: General practitioners; nurses; and surgeons managing pressure ulcers; people with incident pressure ulcers and hospitalised with severe pressure ulcers.
INTERVENTION: Surgical reconstruction.
COMPARATOR: No surgical reconstruction.
OUTCOMES: Surgical reconstruction, time to next admission with a severe pressure ulcer time to next admission, hospital stay, all-cause mortality, surgical reconstruction after discharge.
RESULTS: Review 1 included three studies comparing different surgical reconstruction techniques. None reported wound-free time. Recurrence occurred in ≈ 20%. Review 2 included three randomised controlled trials measuring health-related quality of life, but none observed benefits of interventions evaluated. Among primary care survey respondents, 54% did not know surgical reconstruction can treat severe pressure ulcers; > 50% had never referred a patient to a surgeon. Among nurses, 72% had considered surgical reconstruction for a severe pressure ulcer; 54% believed surgical reconstruction should be more available. Among surgeons, 39% had never offered surgical reconstruction and 52% offered surgical reconstruction to < 50%; 68% believed surgical reconstruction should be more available. Routine data recorded 367,884 admissions with severe pressure ulcer diagnoses in England over 7.5 years; surgical reconstructions were performed in at least 404 and at most 1018 admissions. Twenty English hospitals performed > 70% of the surgical reconstructions. Comparing surgical reconstruction (n = 325) versus no surgical reconstruction (n = 1474) patients, time to next admission with a severe pressure ulcer was longer in patients having surgical reconstruction (hazard ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 1.03; p = 0.07). Estimated pressure ulcer incidence in primary care was ≈ 5/10,000, but the true incidence was believed to be ≈ 7 times higher. Episodes of pressure ulcer care could not be identified. There was consensus about a referral pathway for severe pressure ulcer patients wanting surgical reconstruction, including both community-led and surgically led multidisciplinary team meetings, and about the influence of several patient and severe pressure ulcer characteristics on suitability for surgical reconstruction.
LIMITATIONS: Surveys only considered factors one by one. Analyses of the Hospital Episode Statistics cohort depended on coding accuracy. For the comparison of surgical reconstruction and no surgical reconstruction, the no surgical reconstruction group had to be admitted. Routine data do not record wound healing outcomes. Primary care data underestimated pressure ulcer incidence; pressure ulcer care episodes could not be identified. The consensus meeting did not include surgeons. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, made team members unavailable and restricted face-to-face meetings.
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of surgical reconstruction on health-related quality of life or wound healing for severe pressure ulcers. Too few procedures are carried out to enable a randomised controlled trial to be feasible.
FUTURE WORK: We identified three areas: qualitative research on the acceptability of surgical reconstruction and the impact of a SPU on a patient's quality-of-life; a core outcome set for interventions to treat pressure ulcers; and economic modelling of surgical reconstruction cost-effectiveness.
STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019156436, 2019 CRD42019156450; ISRCTN13292620.
FUNDING: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR127850) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 29, No. 47. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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@article {pmid41014516,
year = {2025},
author = {Reeves, B and Pufulete, M and Harris, J and Dumville, J and Adderley, U and Burton, A and Burton, M and Atkinson, R and Clout, M and Cullum, N and O'Connell, A and O'Connor, L and Palmer, S and Ridd, M and Rodrigues, J and Wong, J},
title = {Effectiveness of surgical interventions in patients with severe pressure ulcers: the SIPS mixed-methods exploratory study.},
journal = {Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)},
volume = {29},
number = {47},
pages = {1-150},
doi = {10.3310/DWKT1327},
pmid = {41014516},
issn = {2046-4924},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pressure Ulcer/surgery ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome ; Male ; *Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods ; Female ; Technology Assessment, Biomedical ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Surgical reconstruction to close a severe pressure ulcer has not been evaluated.
AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the feasibility of research to evaluate surgical reconstruction for severe pressure ulcers by: systematically reviewing evidence about: the effectiveness of surgical reconstruction for severe pressure ulcers; the impact of pressure ulceration on health-related quality-of-life (review 2) surveying primary and secondary care healthcare professionals about surgical referrals of patients with severe pressure ulcers and severe pressure ulcer management, including surgical reconstruction describing patients with incident pressure ulcers and with severe pressure ulcers having surgical reconstruction comparing outcomes in patients with severe pressure ulcers having/not having surgical reconstruction seeking consensus about treatments and management strategies for severe pressure ulcers.
DESIGN: Systematic reviews; surveys; binary choice experiment; retrospective cohort studies using routine data; consensus meeting.
PARTICIPANTS: General practitioners; nurses; and surgeons managing pressure ulcers; people with incident pressure ulcers and hospitalised with severe pressure ulcers.
INTERVENTION: Surgical reconstruction.
COMPARATOR: No surgical reconstruction.
OUTCOMES: Surgical reconstruction, time to next admission with a severe pressure ulcer time to next admission, hospital stay, all-cause mortality, surgical reconstruction after discharge.
RESULTS: Review 1 included three studies comparing different surgical reconstruction techniques. None reported wound-free time. Recurrence occurred in ≈ 20%. Review 2 included three randomised controlled trials measuring health-related quality of life, but none observed benefits of interventions evaluated. Among primary care survey respondents, 54% did not know surgical reconstruction can treat severe pressure ulcers; > 50% had never referred a patient to a surgeon. Among nurses, 72% had considered surgical reconstruction for a severe pressure ulcer; 54% believed surgical reconstruction should be more available. Among surgeons, 39% had never offered surgical reconstruction and 52% offered surgical reconstruction to < 50%; 68% believed surgical reconstruction should be more available. Routine data recorded 367,884 admissions with severe pressure ulcer diagnoses in England over 7.5 years; surgical reconstructions were performed in at least 404 and at most 1018 admissions. Twenty English hospitals performed > 70% of the surgical reconstructions. Comparing surgical reconstruction (n = 325) versus no surgical reconstruction (n = 1474) patients, time to next admission with a severe pressure ulcer was longer in patients having surgical reconstruction (hazard ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 1.03; p = 0.07). Estimated pressure ulcer incidence in primary care was ≈ 5/10,000, but the true incidence was believed to be ≈ 7 times higher. Episodes of pressure ulcer care could not be identified. There was consensus about a referral pathway for severe pressure ulcer patients wanting surgical reconstruction, including both community-led and surgically led multidisciplinary team meetings, and about the influence of several patient and severe pressure ulcer characteristics on suitability for surgical reconstruction.
LIMITATIONS: Surveys only considered factors one by one. Analyses of the Hospital Episode Statistics cohort depended on coding accuracy. For the comparison of surgical reconstruction and no surgical reconstruction, the no surgical reconstruction group had to be admitted. Routine data do not record wound healing outcomes. Primary care data underestimated pressure ulcer incidence; pressure ulcer care episodes could not be identified. The consensus meeting did not include surgeons. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, made team members unavailable and restricted face-to-face meetings.
CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of surgical reconstruction on health-related quality of life or wound healing for severe pressure ulcers. Too few procedures are carried out to enable a randomised controlled trial to be feasible.
FUTURE WORK: We identified three areas: qualitative research on the acceptability of surgical reconstruction and the impact of a SPU on a patient's quality-of-life; a core outcome set for interventions to treat pressure ulcers; and economic modelling of surgical reconstruction cost-effectiveness.
STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019156436, 2019 CRD42019156450; ISRCTN13292620.
FUNDING: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR127850) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 29, No. 47. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Pressure Ulcer/surgery
Quality of Life
Retrospective Studies
Severity of Illness Index
Treatment Outcome
Male
*Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods
Female
Technology Assessment, Biomedical
RevDate: 2025-09-27
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Endophytes in Medicinal Plants: A Sustainable Solution for Coping with Environmental Stresses.
Current microbiology, 82(11):529.
The increasing need for integrative and alternative medical therapies, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic, has emphasized the importance of medicinal plants in worldwide healthcare. These plants, which contain abundant bioactive secondary metabolites, provide a sustainable and cost-effective option for medicinal, adaptogenic, and immune-boosting purposes. Blooming medicinal plants that exist are at risk of becoming extinct because of excessive harvesting, deforestation, and wildfires. Medicinal plants have complex physiological defenses against stress, which are strengthened by their symbiotic relationship with endophytes. Endophytes are microbial colonies that live within plant tissues without causing harm and play a vital role in maintaining the health of plants by helping them to tolerate stress, promoting development, acquiring nutrients, synthesizing phytohormones, breaking down toxic substances, and improving plant resistance to environmental pressures such as high salt levels, lack of water, and exposure to heavy metals. In addition, endophytes have a role in managing biotic stress by engaging in antibiosis, synthesizing lytic enzymes, producing secondary metabolites, and regulating hormones. Their function in preserving the health and well-being of the host, ensuring proper nutrition intake, and enhancing resistance against pathogens highlights their potential as agents for biological control and biofertilization, providing a safer option compared to chemical pesticides. Endophytic inoculants have the potential to significantly transform crop yield in agriculture by reducing the impact of abiotic problems and improving soil health. This review critically evaluates causal studies and recent omics-based advances, highlighting their crucial significance for sustainable bioinoculant development and practical applications in climate-resilient agriculture.
Additional Links: PMID-41014378
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41014378,
year = {2025},
author = {Upadhyay, A and Khandelwal, V},
title = {Endophytes in Medicinal Plants: A Sustainable Solution for Coping with Environmental Stresses.},
journal = {Current microbiology},
volume = {82},
number = {11},
pages = {529},
pmid = {41014378},
issn = {1432-0991},
mesh = {*Endophytes/physiology ; *Plants, Medicinal/microbiology/physiology ; *Stress, Physiological ; Humans ; COVID-19 ; Symbiosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The increasing need for integrative and alternative medical therapies, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic, has emphasized the importance of medicinal plants in worldwide healthcare. These plants, which contain abundant bioactive secondary metabolites, provide a sustainable and cost-effective option for medicinal, adaptogenic, and immune-boosting purposes. Blooming medicinal plants that exist are at risk of becoming extinct because of excessive harvesting, deforestation, and wildfires. Medicinal plants have complex physiological defenses against stress, which are strengthened by their symbiotic relationship with endophytes. Endophytes are microbial colonies that live within plant tissues without causing harm and play a vital role in maintaining the health of plants by helping them to tolerate stress, promoting development, acquiring nutrients, synthesizing phytohormones, breaking down toxic substances, and improving plant resistance to environmental pressures such as high salt levels, lack of water, and exposure to heavy metals. In addition, endophytes have a role in managing biotic stress by engaging in antibiosis, synthesizing lytic enzymes, producing secondary metabolites, and regulating hormones. Their function in preserving the health and well-being of the host, ensuring proper nutrition intake, and enhancing resistance against pathogens highlights their potential as agents for biological control and biofertilization, providing a safer option compared to chemical pesticides. Endophytic inoculants have the potential to significantly transform crop yield in agriculture by reducing the impact of abiotic problems and improving soil health. This review critically evaluates causal studies and recent omics-based advances, highlighting their crucial significance for sustainable bioinoculant development and practical applications in climate-resilient agriculture.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Endophytes/physiology
*Plants, Medicinal/microbiology/physiology
*Stress, Physiological
Humans
COVID-19
Symbiosis
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-09-27
Vaccinations During Pregnancy Protect the Mother-Infant Dyad and Are Generally Safe.
Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) [Epub ahead of print].
AIM: Vaccination in pregnancy has a critical impact on mothers, foetuses and infants. The aim of this paper was to summarise key points presented by experts attending the 12th Maria Delivoria-Papadopoulos Perinatal Symposium in March 2025 and further expand and update them.
METHODS: We discuss the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and monkeypox. The future use of cytomegalovirus and group B streptococcus vaccines is also covered. Vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to fears of harming the foetus, including preterm delivery, is addressed. The use of evidence-based information to allay fears is explored. Ethical issues about the potential side effects of vaccinating mothers, primarily for the good of the infant, are discussed.
RESULTS: The vaccines we looked at were generally effective and safe, with no considerable adverse effects for the mother-infant dyad. Vaccination hesitancy was predominately based on fears about the adverse effects on the foetus. These can mainly be combated by health professionals providing clear information on the impact on both the mother and her offspring.
CONCLUSION: The vaccines discussed in the paper were generally effective and safe for the mother, foetus and infant.
Additional Links: PMID-41014014
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41014014,
year = {2025},
author = {Malamitsi-Puchner, A and Briana, DD and Di Renzo, GC},
title = {Vaccinations During Pregnancy Protect the Mother-Infant Dyad and Are Generally Safe.},
journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/apa.70301},
pmid = {41014014},
issn = {1651-2227},
abstract = {AIM: Vaccination in pregnancy has a critical impact on mothers, foetuses and infants. The aim of this paper was to summarise key points presented by experts attending the 12th Maria Delivoria-Papadopoulos Perinatal Symposium in March 2025 and further expand and update them.
METHODS: We discuss the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines for tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis, influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and monkeypox. The future use of cytomegalovirus and group B streptococcus vaccines is also covered. Vaccine hesitancy, mainly due to fears of harming the foetus, including preterm delivery, is addressed. The use of evidence-based information to allay fears is explored. Ethical issues about the potential side effects of vaccinating mothers, primarily for the good of the infant, are discussed.
RESULTS: The vaccines we looked at were generally effective and safe, with no considerable adverse effects for the mother-infant dyad. Vaccination hesitancy was predominately based on fears about the adverse effects on the foetus. These can mainly be combated by health professionals providing clear information on the impact on both the mother and her offspring.
CONCLUSION: The vaccines discussed in the paper were generally effective and safe for the mother, foetus and infant.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
A meta-analysis of vaccine efficacy from phase III clinical trials of approved vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and variants.
BMC infectious diseases, 25(1):1169.
BACKGROUND: As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to a post-pandemic era, it is crucial to reflect on our experiences and prepare for future pandemics. Here we evaluate the impact of different methods for calculating the vaccine efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, which has not been done previously.
METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of 38 approved COVID-19 vaccines using data from phase III clinical trials between May 4, 2020, and June 10, 2022. We analyze vaccine efficacy against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including the original strain, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Kappa using multiple endpoints. Clinical endpoints are categorized into a tree structure including asymptomatic infection, symptomatic infection, mild to critical illness, and death. We employ re-estimated vaccine efficacies, including relative risk and Poisson regression with robust error variance, for equitable cross-vaccine comparisons.
RESULTS: We re-estimated 63 vaccine efficacies, revealing a 3% to 6% difference in five efficacies compared to the original study. Four efficacies exhibited lower bounds below the critical 50% threshold for the endpoint asymptomatic, symptomatic, moderate, and severe, contrary to the initial reports. However, efficacy consistently surpasses the 50% threshold against symptomatic COVID-19. Overall efficacies range from 34.2% to 100%, 50.3% to 100% against symptomatic, and 66.8% to 100% against severe, and 65% to 95% against variants.
CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic classification of vaccine endpoints enables more statistically rigorous meta-analyses across studies. Beyond the quantitative results, our study emphasizes the need to standardize the estimation method for robust assessments of vaccine efficacy. We highlight the incompleteness of the knowledge about different vaccine efficacy in the middle of the pandemic, in particular the need to identify variants during the trials and report on multiple endpoints. We encourage all authors to publicly share their data, fostering additional impartial investigations. This data collection enables comparisons with real-world effectiveness data, enabling future studies of the predictive power of efficacy.
Additional Links: PMID-41013291
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41013291,
year = {2025},
author = {Dhayfule, D and Wu, YH and Ashyani, A and Li, MC and Tsai, CS and Chen, PL and Nordling, TEM},
title = {A meta-analysis of vaccine efficacy from phase III clinical trials of approved vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and variants.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1169},
pmid = {41013291},
issn = {1471-2334},
support = {105-2218-E-006-016-MY2//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; 105-2218-E-006-016-MY2//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; 105-2218-E-006-016-MY2//Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan/ ; 111-2221-E-006-186//National Science and Technology Council/ ; 111-2221-E-006-186//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/virology/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics ; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic ; *Vaccine Efficacy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to a post-pandemic era, it is crucial to reflect on our experiences and prepare for future pandemics. Here we evaluate the impact of different methods for calculating the vaccine efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, which has not been done previously.
METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of 38 approved COVID-19 vaccines using data from phase III clinical trials between May 4, 2020, and June 10, 2022. We analyze vaccine efficacy against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including the original strain, Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Kappa using multiple endpoints. Clinical endpoints are categorized into a tree structure including asymptomatic infection, symptomatic infection, mild to critical illness, and death. We employ re-estimated vaccine efficacies, including relative risk and Poisson regression with robust error variance, for equitable cross-vaccine comparisons.
RESULTS: We re-estimated 63 vaccine efficacies, revealing a 3% to 6% difference in five efficacies compared to the original study. Four efficacies exhibited lower bounds below the critical 50% threshold for the endpoint asymptomatic, symptomatic, moderate, and severe, contrary to the initial reports. However, efficacy consistently surpasses the 50% threshold against symptomatic COVID-19. Overall efficacies range from 34.2% to 100%, 50.3% to 100% against symptomatic, and 66.8% to 100% against severe, and 65% to 95% against variants.
CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic classification of vaccine endpoints enables more statistically rigorous meta-analyses across studies. Beyond the quantitative results, our study emphasizes the need to standardize the estimation method for robust assessments of vaccine efficacy. We highlight the incompleteness of the knowledge about different vaccine efficacy in the middle of the pandemic, in particular the need to identify variants during the trials and report on multiple endpoints. We encourage all authors to publicly share their data, fostering additional impartial investigations. This data collection enables comparisons with real-world effectiveness data, enabling future studies of the predictive power of efficacy.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/virology/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics
Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
*Vaccine Efficacy
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
AI-Enabled Microfluidics for Respiratory Pathogen Detection.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 25(18):.
Respiratory infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis, continue to impose a significant global health burden, underscoring the urgent demand for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic technologies. Integrated microfluidic platforms offer compelling advantages through miniaturization, automation, and high-throughput processing, enabling "sample-in, answer-out" workflows suitable for point-of-care applications. However, their clinical deployment faces challenges, including the complexity of sample matrices, low-abundance target detection, and the need for reliable multiplexing. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with microfluidic systems has emerged as a transformative paradigm, addressing these limitations by optimizing chip design, automating sample pre-processing, enhancing signal interpretation, and enabling real-time feedback control. This critical review surveys AI-enabled strategies across each functional layer of respiratory pathogen diagnostics: from chip architecture and fluidic control to amplification analysis, signal prediction, and smartphone/IoT-linked decision support. We highlight key areas where AI offers measurable benefits over conventional methods. To transition from research prototypes to clinical tools, future systems must become more adaptive, data-efficient, and clinically insightful. Advances such as sensor-integrated chips, privacy-preserving machine learning, and multimodal data fusion will be essential to ensure robust performance and meaningful outputs across diverse scenarios. This review outlines recent progress, current limitations, and future directions. The rapid development of AI and microfluidics presents exciting opportunities for next-generation pathogen diagnostics, and we hope this work contributes to the advancement of intelligent, point-of-care testing (POCT) solutions.
Additional Links: PMID-41013029
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41013029,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, D and Lv, X and Jiang, H and Fan, Y and Liu, K and Wang, H and Deng, Y},
title = {AI-Enabled Microfluidics for Respiratory Pathogen Detection.},
journal = {Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {25},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41013029},
issn = {1424-8220},
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; COVID-19/diagnosis/virology ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Microfluidics/methods ; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices ; Machine Learning ; Point-of-Care Systems ; *Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis ; Biosensing Techniques ; },
abstract = {Respiratory infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, influenza, and tuberculosis, continue to impose a significant global health burden, underscoring the urgent demand for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective diagnostic technologies. Integrated microfluidic platforms offer compelling advantages through miniaturization, automation, and high-throughput processing, enabling "sample-in, answer-out" workflows suitable for point-of-care applications. However, their clinical deployment faces challenges, including the complexity of sample matrices, low-abundance target detection, and the need for reliable multiplexing. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) with microfluidic systems has emerged as a transformative paradigm, addressing these limitations by optimizing chip design, automating sample pre-processing, enhancing signal interpretation, and enabling real-time feedback control. This critical review surveys AI-enabled strategies across each functional layer of respiratory pathogen diagnostics: from chip architecture and fluidic control to amplification analysis, signal prediction, and smartphone/IoT-linked decision support. We highlight key areas where AI offers measurable benefits over conventional methods. To transition from research prototypes to clinical tools, future systems must become more adaptive, data-efficient, and clinically insightful. Advances such as sensor-integrated chips, privacy-preserving machine learning, and multimodal data fusion will be essential to ensure robust performance and meaningful outputs across diverse scenarios. This review outlines recent progress, current limitations, and future directions. The rapid development of AI and microfluidics presents exciting opportunities for next-generation pathogen diagnostics, and we hope this work contributes to the advancement of intelligent, point-of-care testing (POCT) solutions.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
COVID-19/diagnosis/virology
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Microfluidics/methods
Lab-On-A-Chip Devices
Machine Learning
Point-of-Care Systems
*Microfluidic Analytical Techniques/methods
*Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis
Biosensing Techniques
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) as a Promising Respiratory Antiseptic.
Viruses, 17(9):.
The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unprecedented pressure on communities and healthcare systems around the world. An outstandingly broad and intensive investigation of possible therapeutic interventions is currently taking place to prevent similar future threats to the global population. Investigating the related mechanisms of action is often complex and time consuming. Moreover, research on biochemical interactions of new drugs involves a considerable amount of effort, consequently bearing inherent financial and operational risks for pharmaceutical companies. An interesting approach to counteract colonization and infection is the concept of antiseptic treatment in vivo. Antiseptics are cost-effective and globally accessible, due to their ease of production, transportation and handling. A broad spectrum of active agents with different properties is readily available. One of these substances is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is also a naturally occurring biocidal agent and as such part of the innate immune system. Its successful history of medical use in wound treatment, combined with low cytotoxicity and documented efficacy against various pathogens, suggests that HOCl might be an effective agent for treating the respiratory mucosa. This could potentially enable therapeutic inhalation for combating bacterial infections and viral pathogens such as human respiratory syncytial, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which will be discussed in the present article.
Additional Links: PMID-41012647
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@article {pmid41012647,
year = {2025},
author = {Winter, M and Boecker, D and Posch, W},
title = {Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) as a Promising Respiratory Antiseptic.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012647},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {*Hypochlorous Acid/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; COVID-19 ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted unprecedented pressure on communities and healthcare systems around the world. An outstandingly broad and intensive investigation of possible therapeutic interventions is currently taking place to prevent similar future threats to the global population. Investigating the related mechanisms of action is often complex and time consuming. Moreover, research on biochemical interactions of new drugs involves a considerable amount of effort, consequently bearing inherent financial and operational risks for pharmaceutical companies. An interesting approach to counteract colonization and infection is the concept of antiseptic treatment in vivo. Antiseptics are cost-effective and globally accessible, due to their ease of production, transportation and handling. A broad spectrum of active agents with different properties is readily available. One of these substances is hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is also a naturally occurring biocidal agent and as such part of the innate immune system. Its successful history of medical use in wound treatment, combined with low cytotoxicity and documented efficacy against various pathogens, suggests that HOCl might be an effective agent for treating the respiratory mucosa. This could potentially enable therapeutic inhalation for combating bacterial infections and viral pathogens such as human respiratory syncytial, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, which will be discussed in the present article.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Hypochlorous Acid/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
*Anti-Infective Agents, Local/pharmacology/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
COVID-19
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Animals
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Mechanisms of Thromboinflammation in Viral Infections-A Narrative Review.
Viruses, 17(9):.
The circulatory and immune systems function in close coordination to maintain homeostasis and act as a frontline defense against infections. However, under certain conditions, this interaction becomes dysregulated, leading to thromboinflammation, a pathological process marked by the concurrent and excessive activation of coagulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. During viral infections, this phenomenon can markedly worsen clinical outcomes. Evidence indicates that viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, influenza, and SARS-CoV can trigger thromboinflammatory responses involving platelet activation, the release of procoagulant and pro-inflammatory mediators, and the formation of thrombi within blood vessels. While this response may initially help contain viral dissemination, in cases of high viremia it can progress to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hemorrhage, and multiple organ failure. This review compiles current evidence on thromboinflammatory mechanisms induced by arboviral and respiratory viruses and examines how these processes contribute to diseases' pathogenesis and clinical severity.
Additional Links: PMID-41012635
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@article {pmid41012635,
year = {2025},
author = {Batista, VL and Martins, JR and Queiroz-Junior, CM and Hottz, ED and Teixeira, MM and Costa, VV},
title = {Mechanisms of Thromboinflammation in Viral Infections-A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012635},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {465425/2014-3//Brazilian National Science Council (CNPq)/ ; 25036/2014-3//Minas Gerais Foundation for Science (FAPEMIG)/ ; RED-00202-22" 29568-1//FAPEMIG/ ; APQ-04650-23//FAPEMIG/ ; APQ-02618-23.//FAPEMIG/ ; 163937/2022-2//CNPq/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Virus Diseases/complications/virology/immunology ; *Thromboinflammation/virology/immunology ; Animals ; Platelet Activation ; COVID-19 ; Inflammation ; },
abstract = {The circulatory and immune systems function in close coordination to maintain homeostasis and act as a frontline defense against infections. However, under certain conditions, this interaction becomes dysregulated, leading to thromboinflammation, a pathological process marked by the concurrent and excessive activation of coagulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. During viral infections, this phenomenon can markedly worsen clinical outcomes. Evidence indicates that viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, influenza, and SARS-CoV can trigger thromboinflammatory responses involving platelet activation, the release of procoagulant and pro-inflammatory mediators, and the formation of thrombi within blood vessels. While this response may initially help contain viral dissemination, in cases of high viremia it can progress to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hemorrhage, and multiple organ failure. This review compiles current evidence on thromboinflammatory mechanisms induced by arboviral and respiratory viruses and examines how these processes contribute to diseases' pathogenesis and clinical severity.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*Virus Diseases/complications/virology/immunology
*Thromboinflammation/virology/immunology
Animals
Platelet Activation
COVID-19
Inflammation
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
From Viral Infection to Malignancy: The Dual Threat of EBV and COVID-19 in Cancer Development.
Viruses, 17(9):.
This narrative review consolidates existing evidence about the interaction between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and SARS-CoV-2 in cancer development. EBV is a recognized oncogenic driver, whereas COVID-19 may heighten cancer risk by immunological dysregulation, persistent inflammation, and reactivation of latent viruses. We underscore molecular similarities (e.g., NF-κB activation, T-cell exhaustion) and clinical ramifications for high-risk individuals, stressing the necessity for interdisciplinary research to alleviate dual viral risks. EBV, a well-known oncogenic virus, has been linked to numerous malignancies, including lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric cancer. Through the production of viral proteins that interfere with immune evasion, cellular signaling, and genomic integrity, it encourages malignant transformation and ultimately results in unchecked cell proliferation. Because of its capacity to induce tissue damage, immunological dysregulation, and chronic inflammation, COVID-19, which is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a possible carcinogen. The virus's influence on cellular pathways and its long-term effects on the immune system may raise the chance of malignancy, particularly in people with pre-existing vulnerabilities, even if direct correlations to cancer are still being investigated. When two viruses co-infect a host, the review highlights the possibility of synergistic effects that could hasten the development of cancer. It describes how overlapping mechanisms like inflammation, immune suppression, and viral reactivation may be used by a combined EBV and COVID-19 infection to exacerbate carcinogenic processes. Gaining an understanding of these relationships is essential for creating tailored treatment plans and enhancing cancer prevention in high-risk groups.
Additional Links: PMID-41012623
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@article {pmid41012623,
year = {2025},
author = {Alsaadawe, M and Radman, BA and Hu, L and Long, J and Luo, Q and Tan, C and Amirat, HS and Alsaadawi, M and Lyu, X},
title = {From Viral Infection to Malignancy: The Dual Threat of EBV and COVID-19 in Cancer Development.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012623},
issn = {1999-4915},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/virology/immunology ; *Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications/virology/immunology ; *Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology/pathogenicity ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; *Neoplasms/virology/etiology/immunology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {This narrative review consolidates existing evidence about the interaction between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and SARS-CoV-2 in cancer development. EBV is a recognized oncogenic driver, whereas COVID-19 may heighten cancer risk by immunological dysregulation, persistent inflammation, and reactivation of latent viruses. We underscore molecular similarities (e.g., NF-κB activation, T-cell exhaustion) and clinical ramifications for high-risk individuals, stressing the necessity for interdisciplinary research to alleviate dual viral risks. EBV, a well-known oncogenic virus, has been linked to numerous malignancies, including lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric cancer. Through the production of viral proteins that interfere with immune evasion, cellular signaling, and genomic integrity, it encourages malignant transformation and ultimately results in unchecked cell proliferation. Because of its capacity to induce tissue damage, immunological dysregulation, and chronic inflammation, COVID-19, which is brought on by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has become a possible carcinogen. The virus's influence on cellular pathways and its long-term effects on the immune system may raise the chance of malignancy, particularly in people with pre-existing vulnerabilities, even if direct correlations to cancer are still being investigated. When two viruses co-infect a host, the review highlights the possibility of synergistic effects that could hasten the development of cancer. It describes how overlapping mechanisms like inflammation, immune suppression, and viral reactivation may be used by a combined EBV and COVID-19 infection to exacerbate carcinogenic processes. Gaining an understanding of these relationships is essential for creating tailored treatment plans and enhancing cancer prevention in high-risk groups.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/complications/virology/immunology
*Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications/virology/immunology
*Herpesvirus 4, Human/physiology/pathogenicity
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
*Neoplasms/virology/etiology/immunology
Animals
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus by RNA 5-Methylcytosine: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential.
Viruses, 17(9):.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, with over 296 million people chronically infected worldwide. Despite the availability of antiviral therapies, a functional cure is rarely achieved, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. RNA 5-methylcytosine (m[5]C) is a pivotal epitranscriptomic mark implicated in RNA stability, transport, and translation. Emerging evidence shows that m[5]C is conserved within HBV RNA and plays critical roles in the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms governing m[5]C deposition and recognition, summarizes recent advances in m[5]C biology, and highlights the emerging role of epitranscriptomic m[5]C regulation in HBV infection. We discuss the identification of HBV-specific m[5]C sites, the functions of key regulatory enzymes, and their interplay in viral RNA stabilization and evasion of innate immune responses. Interplay between m[5]C and other RNA modifications-particularly N6-methyladenosine (m[6]A)-is examined alongside virus-specific m[5]C regulation in EV71, HIV, HCV, EBV, and SARS-CoV-2. Potential links between m[5]C dysregulation and HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis are outlined, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the m[5]C machinery are highlighted. Together, these insights position the epitranscriptomic landscape as a promising avenue for innovative antiviral strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41012587
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012587,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, X and Huang, Y and Zhang, X and Guan, W and Zhang, F and Hao, H},
title = {Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus by RNA 5-Methylcytosine: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012587},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {2024AFB1065//Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province/ ; JXBS013//Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory Biosafety Key R&D Project/ ; E3ZFJX0101//Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory Research Startup Funding Project/ ; 2024YFC2309400//National Key Research and Development Program/ ; XDB0490000//Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Hepatitis B virus/genetics ; Humans ; *5-Methylcytosine/metabolism ; *RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Transcriptome ; *Gene Expression Regulation, Viral ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; Hepatitis B/virology ; RNA Stability ; },
abstract = {Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, with over 296 million people chronically infected worldwide. Despite the availability of antiviral therapies, a functional cure is rarely achieved, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. RNA 5-methylcytosine (m[5]C) is a pivotal epitranscriptomic mark implicated in RNA stability, transport, and translation. Emerging evidence shows that m[5]C is conserved within HBV RNA and plays critical roles in the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms governing m[5]C deposition and recognition, summarizes recent advances in m[5]C biology, and highlights the emerging role of epitranscriptomic m[5]C regulation in HBV infection. We discuss the identification of HBV-specific m[5]C sites, the functions of key regulatory enzymes, and their interplay in viral RNA stabilization and evasion of innate immune responses. Interplay between m[5]C and other RNA modifications-particularly N6-methyladenosine (m[6]A)-is examined alongside virus-specific m[5]C regulation in EV71, HIV, HCV, EBV, and SARS-CoV-2. Potential links between m[5]C dysregulation and HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis are outlined, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the m[5]C machinery are highlighted. Together, these insights position the epitranscriptomic landscape as a promising avenue for innovative antiviral strategies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
*Hepatitis B virus/genetics
Humans
*5-Methylcytosine/metabolism
*RNA, Viral/genetics/metabolism
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Transcriptome
*Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
*Epigenesis, Genetic
Hepatitis B/virology
RNA Stability
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antiviral Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches.
Pharmaceutics, 17(9):.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant challenge of insufficient antiviral pharmacological options. Edible plants offer a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral drugs. Etrog citron (Citrus medica L.), which is a valuable edible and medicinal plant, contains various antiviral phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenes. However, the therapeutic application of these compounds remains limited by factors such as poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms of action. The aim of the present article is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral phytochemicals extracted from various parts of Citrus medica, emphasizing their mode of action and delivery strategies that may allow turning these compounds into new antiviral drugs.
Additional Links: PMID-41012509
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012509,
year = {2025},
author = {Dahan, A and Yarmolinsky, L and Nakonechny, F and Semenova, O and Khalfin, B and Fleisher-Berkovich, S and Ben-Shabat, S},
title = {Etrog Citron (Citrus medica) as a Novel Source of Antiviral Agents: Overview of Its Bioactive Phytochemicals and Delivery Approaches.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {17},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012509},
issn = {1999-4923},
abstract = {The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant challenge of insufficient antiviral pharmacological options. Edible plants offer a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral drugs. Etrog citron (Citrus medica L.), which is a valuable edible and medicinal plant, contains various antiviral phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenes. However, the therapeutic application of these compounds remains limited by factors such as poor solubility, limited bioavailability, and unclear mechanisms of action. The aim of the present article is to offer a comprehensive analysis of the antiviral phytochemicals extracted from various parts of Citrus medica, emphasizing their mode of action and delivery strategies that may allow turning these compounds into new antiviral drugs.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Novel Strategies for Developing Next-Generation Vaccines to Combat Infectious Viral Diseases.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
The development of viral vaccines faces persistent scientific and logistical challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review critically examines emerging strategies to overcome key barriers in viral vaccine design and deployment. We focus on four major areas: (1) structure-guided antigen engineering to stabilize conformations; (2) the mRNA platform and its delivery system; (3) advanced adjuvant systems that enhance cellular and humoral immunity; and (4) approaches to mitigate immune imprinting and antigenic variability, such as chimeric antigens and glycan shielding. We also explore anti-idiotypic vaccination strategies and the limitations of current animal models in predicting human immune responses. In addition, to address vaccine hesitancy and inequitable access, we advocate for global collaboration in manufacturing, distribution, and public education to ensure inclusive immunization strategies. By integrating molecular insights with platform technologies, we aim to inform the rational design of future vaccines with improved efficacy and public acceptance.
Additional Links: PMID-41012182
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012182,
year = {2025},
author = {Yuan, F and Bluth, MH},
title = {Novel Strategies for Developing Next-Generation Vaccines to Combat Infectious Viral Diseases.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012182},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {2024-67012-42721//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {The development of viral vaccines faces persistent scientific and logistical challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review critically examines emerging strategies to overcome key barriers in viral vaccine design and deployment. We focus on four major areas: (1) structure-guided antigen engineering to stabilize conformations; (2) the mRNA platform and its delivery system; (3) advanced adjuvant systems that enhance cellular and humoral immunity; and (4) approaches to mitigate immune imprinting and antigenic variability, such as chimeric antigens and glycan shielding. We also explore anti-idiotypic vaccination strategies and the limitations of current animal models in predicting human immune responses. In addition, to address vaccine hesitancy and inequitable access, we advocate for global collaboration in manufacturing, distribution, and public education to ensure inclusive immunization strategies. By integrating molecular insights with platform technologies, we aim to inform the rational design of future vaccines with improved efficacy and public acceptance.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Messenger RNA and Plasmid DNA Vaccines for the Treatment of Cancer.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
Immunotherapy is now an established therapy for nearly a third of patients with cancer. Most therapies, typically using cytokines or checkpoint blockade therapy, rely on global activation of immune effector cells. The ability of vaccines to activate specific populations of cells has led to a renewed interest in their ability to treat cancers, either alone or with other immune therapies or other conventional therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a new interest in nucleic acid vaccines with the development of new technologies and the short manufacturing time for vaccine implementation. Nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines have been studied for decades, but have shown modest anti-tumor efficacy as monotherapies, as many of these vaccines encode for shared tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and must overcome immune tolerance. New developments, technologies, routes of delivery, and combination therapies have paved the way for new approaches and clinical trials involving nucleic acid vaccines for the treatment of cancer. Here we review mRNA and pDNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, including similarities and differences in their mechanisms of action, an overview of these treatment modalities in preclinical and clinical studies, methods to improve these vaccine strategies, and exciting new combination approaches in development.
Additional Links: PMID-41012179
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012179,
year = {2025},
author = {Moseman, JE and Shim, D and Jeon, D and Rastogi, I and Schneider, KM and McNeel, DG},
title = {Messenger RNA and Plasmid DNA Vaccines for the Treatment of Cancer.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012179},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {5P30CA014520-25/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; 5P50CA269011-03/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {Immunotherapy is now an established therapy for nearly a third of patients with cancer. Most therapies, typically using cytokines or checkpoint blockade therapy, rely on global activation of immune effector cells. The ability of vaccines to activate specific populations of cells has led to a renewed interest in their ability to treat cancers, either alone or with other immune therapies or other conventional therapies. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a new interest in nucleic acid vaccines with the development of new technologies and the short manufacturing time for vaccine implementation. Nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines have been studied for decades, but have shown modest anti-tumor efficacy as monotherapies, as many of these vaccines encode for shared tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and must overcome immune tolerance. New developments, technologies, routes of delivery, and combination therapies have paved the way for new approaches and clinical trials involving nucleic acid vaccines for the treatment of cancer. Here we review mRNA and pDNA vaccines for the treatment of cancer, including similarities and differences in their mechanisms of action, an overview of these treatment modalities in preclinical and clinical studies, methods to improve these vaccine strategies, and exciting new combination approaches in development.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Strategies to Increase Vaccinations in Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although vaccinations are a priority for patients with cancer, achieving high coverage remains challenging. Evidence on effective strategies in oncology settings is still limited. This systematic review aimed to identify interventions to improve vaccination uptake or reduce hesitancy among cancer patients.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including studies published up to the end of 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024511008).
RESULTS: Out of 10,927 non-duplicate records, 15 studies describing unique interventions were included. All studies were published between 2011 and 2022, primarily conducted in Europe/UK (40%) and in North America (40%). The most common study design was pre-post (60%), and 33.3% included a control group. Most interventions were multi-component (60%) and were classified into three main categories: educational materials/campaigns (46.7%), reminders (40%), and patient counselling (33.3%). Additional components included guideline development in two studies. Some studies also highlighted the importance of specific key figures, such as dedicated professionals, general practitioners, and pharmacists. Interventions mainly targeted patients (40%), with 33.3% addressing both healthcare professionals and patients and 26.7% professionals only. They most frequently concerned vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease (26.7%), pneumococcal disease alone (26.7%), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (26.7%). Vaccination uptake was the primary outcome in 86.7% of studies, with 66.7% reporting significant improvements.
CONCLUSIONS: This review identified a variety of strategies, with education, reminders, and counselling as key components. Multicomponent interventions and those involving both patients and providers were most promising. However, methodological limitations and limited generalizability highlighted the need for more rigorous research.
Additional Links: PMID-41012167
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012167,
year = {2025},
author = {Lo Moro, G and Golzio, F and Calabrese, SC and Scaioli, G and Basile, A and Siliquini, R and Bert, F},
title = {Strategies to Increase Vaccinations in Adult Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012167},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although vaccinations are a priority for patients with cancer, achieving high coverage remains challenging. Evidence on effective strategies in oncology settings is still limited. This systematic review aimed to identify interventions to improve vaccination uptake or reduce hesitancy among cancer patients.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including studies published up to the end of 2023. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024511008).
RESULTS: Out of 10,927 non-duplicate records, 15 studies describing unique interventions were included. All studies were published between 2011 and 2022, primarily conducted in Europe/UK (40%) and in North America (40%). The most common study design was pre-post (60%), and 33.3% included a control group. Most interventions were multi-component (60%) and were classified into three main categories: educational materials/campaigns (46.7%), reminders (40%), and patient counselling (33.3%). Additional components included guideline development in two studies. Some studies also highlighted the importance of specific key figures, such as dedicated professionals, general practitioners, and pharmacists. Interventions mainly targeted patients (40%), with 33.3% addressing both healthcare professionals and patients and 26.7% professionals only. They most frequently concerned vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease (26.7%), pneumococcal disease alone (26.7%), or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (26.7%). Vaccination uptake was the primary outcome in 86.7% of studies, with 66.7% reporting significant improvements.
CONCLUSIONS: This review identified a variety of strategies, with education, reminders, and counselling as key components. Multicomponent interventions and those involving both patients and providers were most promising. However, methodological limitations and limited generalizability highlighted the need for more rigorous research.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Immunotherapy of Oncovirus-Induced Cancers: A Review on the Development and Efficacy of Targeted Vaccines.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
BACKGROUND: A number of viruses are oncogenic. These include the human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma human herpes virus 2/human herpes virus 8 (KSHHV/HHV8), hepatitis B virus, (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyoma virus (McPyV), and the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). These viruses cause malignancies ranging from carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, to leukemias. This review aims to study the effects and efficacy of vaccines against these viruses and the cancers they cause in their prevention and treatment.
METHODS: The literature in the past 30 years was searched employing Scopus and Google Scholar using the keywords "oncogenic viruses, HPV, EBV, KSHHV, HHV8, Polyoma virus, HTLV-1, COVID-19, carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, anti-virus vaccines".
RESULTS: Prophylactic vaccines against the HPV and HBV are highly effective in preventing and reducing the incidence of uterine cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas. Prophylactic vaccines against other oncogenic viruses have been less successful, though efficacious in some experimental animals. Therapeutic vaccines are still mostly under evaluation and development.
CONCLUSIONS: Identification of oncogenic viruses has rendered anti-viral vaccines conspicuous tools for preventing and treating cancers they cause. Many endeavors for the development of such vaccines have been met with limited success, apart from the very effective anti-HPV and anti-HBV vaccines in universal vaccination programs. With the development of new vaccine technologies, it is hoped that effective vaccines against other oncogenic viruses will be developed in the future.
Additional Links: PMID-41012117
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012117,
year = {2025},
author = {Ng, CS},
title = {Immunotherapy of Oncovirus-Induced Cancers: A Review on the Development and Efficacy of Targeted Vaccines.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012117},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A number of viruses are oncogenic. These include the human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma human herpes virus 2/human herpes virus 8 (KSHHV/HHV8), hepatitis B virus, (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyoma virus (McPyV), and the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). These viruses cause malignancies ranging from carcinomas, sarcomas, lymphomas, to leukemias. This review aims to study the effects and efficacy of vaccines against these viruses and the cancers they cause in their prevention and treatment.
METHODS: The literature in the past 30 years was searched employing Scopus and Google Scholar using the keywords "oncogenic viruses, HPV, EBV, KSHHV, HHV8, Polyoma virus, HTLV-1, COVID-19, carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, anti-virus vaccines".
RESULTS: Prophylactic vaccines against the HPV and HBV are highly effective in preventing and reducing the incidence of uterine cervical and hepatocellular carcinomas. Prophylactic vaccines against other oncogenic viruses have been less successful, though efficacious in some experimental animals. Therapeutic vaccines are still mostly under evaluation and development.
CONCLUSIONS: Identification of oncogenic viruses has rendered anti-viral vaccines conspicuous tools for preventing and treating cancers they cause. Many endeavors for the development of such vaccines have been met with limited success, apart from the very effective anti-HPV and anti-HBV vaccines in universal vaccination programs. With the development of new vaccine technologies, it is hoped that effective vaccines against other oncogenic viruses will be developed in the future.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Influenza Virus: Global Health Impact, Strategies, Challenges, Role of Nanotechnolgy in Influenza Vaccine Development.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
Influenza is a serious and global health issue, and it is a major cause of morbidity, fatality, and economic loss every year. Seasonal vaccines exist but are not very effective due to strain mismatches, delays in production, and antigenic drift. This comprehensive overview discusses the current situation of influenza vaccination, including the numerous types of vaccines-inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant vaccines-and their effectiveness, efficacy, and associated challenges. It highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends of influenza vaccination and the level to which innovation should be practiced. In the future universal influenza vaccines will be developed that target conserved viral antigens to provide long-term protection to people. In the meantime, novel vaccine delivery platforms, such as mRNA technology, virus-like particle (VLP), and nanoparticle-based systems, and less cumbersome and invasive administration routes, as well as immune responses are also under development to increase access and production capacity. Collectively, these innovations have the potential to not only reduce the global influenza epidemic but also to change the way influenza is prevented and prepare the world for a pandemic.
Additional Links: PMID-41012096
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012096,
year = {2025},
author = {Parvez, S and Pathrathota, A and Uppar, AL and Yadagiri, G and Mudavath, SL},
title = {Influenza Virus: Global Health Impact, Strategies, Challenges, Role of Nanotechnolgy in Influenza Vaccine Development.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012096},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {IIRP-2023- 3052//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; },
abstract = {Influenza is a serious and global health issue, and it is a major cause of morbidity, fatality, and economic loss every year. Seasonal vaccines exist but are not very effective due to strain mismatches, delays in production, and antigenic drift. This comprehensive overview discusses the current situation of influenza vaccination, including the numerous types of vaccines-inactivated, live attenuated, and recombinant vaccines-and their effectiveness, efficacy, and associated challenges. It highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trends of influenza vaccination and the level to which innovation should be practiced. In the future universal influenza vaccines will be developed that target conserved viral antigens to provide long-term protection to people. In the meantime, novel vaccine delivery platforms, such as mRNA technology, virus-like particle (VLP), and nanoparticle-based systems, and less cumbersome and invasive administration routes, as well as immune responses are also under development to increase access and production capacity. Collectively, these innovations have the potential to not only reduce the global influenza epidemic but also to change the way influenza is prevented and prepare the world for a pandemic.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
A Review of Insights on Vaccination Against Respiratory Viral Infections in Africa: Challenges, Efforts, Impacts, and Opportunities for the Future.
Vaccines, 13(9):.
Background: Respiratory viral infections such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are considered as major public health threats in Africa. Despite global advancements in vaccine development, persistent inequities in access, delivery infrastructure, and public trust limit the continent's capacity to control these diseases effectively. This review aimed at providing insights on challenges, efforts, impacts, and opportunities for the future related to vaccination against respiratory viral infections in Africa. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes the peer-reviewed literature and global health reports to examine vaccination efforts against respiratory viruses in Africa. The analysis focuses on disease burden, vaccine coverage, barriers to uptake, enabling factors, progress in local vaccine production, and strategies for integrating vaccines into national immunization programs (NIPs). Results: Respiratory vaccines have significantly reduced hospitalizations and mortality among high-risk groups in African countries. Nonetheless, key challenges, including limited cold chain capacity, vaccine hesitancy, donor-reliant supply chains, and under-resourced health systems, continue to undermine vaccine delivery. Successful interventions include community mobilization, use of mobile health technologies, and leveraging existing immunization platforms. Emerging initiatives in local vaccine manufacturing, including Rwanda's modular mRNA facility and Senegal's Institut Pasteur, signal a shift toward regional self-reliance. Conclusions: Maximizing the impact of respiratory vaccines in Africa requires a multifaceted strategy: integrating vaccines into NIPs, strengthening domestic production, expanding cold chain and digital infrastructure, and addressing sociocultural barriers through community-driven communication. These efforts are essential to achieving vaccine equity, health resilience, and pandemic preparedness across the continent.
Additional Links: PMID-41012094
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41012094,
year = {2025},
author = {Gasana, P and Gahamanyi, N and Nzitakera, A and Farnir, F and Desmecht, D and Mutesa, L},
title = {A Review of Insights on Vaccination Against Respiratory Viral Infections in Africa: Challenges, Efforts, Impacts, and Opportunities for the Future.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41012094},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {ARES-COOP-CONV-22-099//University of Rwanda-Academie de Recherche et d'Enseignement Superieur UR-ARES/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Respiratory viral infections such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are considered as major public health threats in Africa. Despite global advancements in vaccine development, persistent inequities in access, delivery infrastructure, and public trust limit the continent's capacity to control these diseases effectively. This review aimed at providing insights on challenges, efforts, impacts, and opportunities for the future related to vaccination against respiratory viral infections in Africa. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes the peer-reviewed literature and global health reports to examine vaccination efforts against respiratory viruses in Africa. The analysis focuses on disease burden, vaccine coverage, barriers to uptake, enabling factors, progress in local vaccine production, and strategies for integrating vaccines into national immunization programs (NIPs). Results: Respiratory vaccines have significantly reduced hospitalizations and mortality among high-risk groups in African countries. Nonetheless, key challenges, including limited cold chain capacity, vaccine hesitancy, donor-reliant supply chains, and under-resourced health systems, continue to undermine vaccine delivery. Successful interventions include community mobilization, use of mobile health technologies, and leveraging existing immunization platforms. Emerging initiatives in local vaccine manufacturing, including Rwanda's modular mRNA facility and Senegal's Institut Pasteur, signal a shift toward regional self-reliance. Conclusions: Maximizing the impact of respiratory vaccines in Africa requires a multifaceted strategy: integrating vaccines into NIPs, strengthening domestic production, expanding cold chain and digital infrastructure, and addressing sociocultural barriers through community-driven communication. These efforts are essential to achieving vaccine equity, health resilience, and pandemic preparedness across the continent.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Global Research Trends on Major Pathogenic Enteric Viruses (1990-2024): A Bibliometric Analysis of Epidemiology, Transmission, and Public Health Impact.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(9):.
Pathogenic enteric viruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis-related mortality worldwide. However, the architecture of this research field remains poorly quantified. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of 35 years of global scientific output on major enteric viruses, such as rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, and non-polio enteroviruses, to map trends, methodological developments, and geographic disparities. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and Scopus (1990-2024), identifying 10,017 records. After deduplication and eligibility screening, a final corpus of 8320 publications was analyzed using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny 5.0) in R (version 4.3.0) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20). We found that scientific production grew steadily (CAGR = 5.84%), reaching its peak in 2021. The field is characterized by profound thematic and geographic disparity: rotavirus dominated the literature (56.3% of publications), followed by norovirus (30.8%), while other viruses were severely underrepresented (<9% each). Geographically, output was highly concentrated, with the top five countries (the USA, China, Japan, India, and Brazil) producing 92.4% of the publications. In contrast, high-burden regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, contributed only 7.6%. Genomic sequencing gained prominence, being cited in over 26.2% of publications from 2020 to 2024, reflecting a methodological shift accelerated by the application of wastewater-based epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, while genomic tools and environmental monitoring are transforming enteric virus research, its progress is hampered by deep and persistent inequalities. These include a narrow focus on rotavirus and a significant disparity between regions with high disease burdens and those with high research outputs. Closing this gap requires targeted investments in equitable collaboration, local genomic capacity, and integrated public health interventions combining vaccination, WASH, and One Health strategies.
Additional Links: PMID-41011838
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41011838,
year = {2025},
author = {Alotaibi, M and Al-Khalaifah, H and Bouhoudan, A},
title = {Global Research Trends on Major Pathogenic Enteric Viruses (1990-2024): A Bibliometric Analysis of Epidemiology, Transmission, and Public Health Impact.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011838},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; Bibliometrics ; Public Health ; Global Health ; *Gastroenteritis/virology/epidemiology ; *Enterovirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/virology ; Enterovirus/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Pathogenic enteric viruses are a leading cause of gastroenteritis-related mortality worldwide. However, the architecture of this research field remains poorly quantified. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of 35 years of global scientific output on major enteric viruses, such as rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, and non-polio enteroviruses, to map trends, methodological developments, and geographic disparities. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and Scopus (1990-2024), identifying 10,017 records. After deduplication and eligibility screening, a final corpus of 8320 publications was analyzed using Bibliometrix (Biblioshiny 5.0) in R (version 4.3.0) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20). We found that scientific production grew steadily (CAGR = 5.84%), reaching its peak in 2021. The field is characterized by profound thematic and geographic disparity: rotavirus dominated the literature (56.3% of publications), followed by norovirus (30.8%), while other viruses were severely underrepresented (<9% each). Geographically, output was highly concentrated, with the top five countries (the USA, China, Japan, India, and Brazil) producing 92.4% of the publications. In contrast, high-burden regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, contributed only 7.6%. Genomic sequencing gained prominence, being cited in over 26.2% of publications from 2020 to 2024, reflecting a methodological shift accelerated by the application of wastewater-based epidemiology during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, while genomic tools and environmental monitoring are transforming enteric virus research, its progress is hampered by deep and persistent inequalities. These include a narrow focus on rotavirus and a significant disparity between regions with high disease burdens and those with high research outputs. Closing this gap requires targeted investments in equitable collaboration, local genomic capacity, and integrated public health interventions combining vaccination, WASH, and One Health strategies.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
Bibliometrics
Public Health
Global Health
*Gastroenteritis/virology/epidemiology
*Enterovirus Infections/epidemiology/transmission/virology
Enterovirus/pathogenicity
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
A Flurry of Infectious Disease Modeling Tools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Considerations for Future Selection.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(9):.
Infectious disease modeling surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous epidemiological models developed to shape both research and public policy. The abundance of available models-developed with diverse characteristics and modeling objectives-gave users plenty of model selection options; however, little guidance was available for selecting an appropriate epidemiological model. In recognition of this need for guidance, this work describes the development of a decision framework for appropriate model selection. To serve as both an example and a starting point for model users, we walk through the creation and use of a decision framework to evaluate key considerations for selecting a forward-looking epidemiological model intended to inform policy. Our assessment includes 43 models and modeling platforms that have been or could be used to model infectious disease. The framework developed for this assessment focused on assessing each model's strengths and weaknesses in terms of flexibility and customization, the ability to implement pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical mitigations, and visualization capabilities. By providing a decision framework and demonstrating its use, we aim to support better decision-making and stronger trust between public health institutions and the constituents they serve.
Additional Links: PMID-41011777
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011777,
year = {2025},
author = {Corbin, J and Cerles, A and Tebon, P and Haverkate, M and Campbell, S and Hurst, J and Woodul, R and Hunzeker, J and Schwartz-Watjen, K and Owens, A and Wu, A},
title = {A Flurry of Infectious Disease Modeling Tools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Considerations for Future Selection.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011777},
issn = {2076-0817},
support = {prime contract HDTRA1-19-D-0007//Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Epidemiological Models ; *Communicable Diseases/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Infectious disease modeling surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous epidemiological models developed to shape both research and public policy. The abundance of available models-developed with diverse characteristics and modeling objectives-gave users plenty of model selection options; however, little guidance was available for selecting an appropriate epidemiological model. In recognition of this need for guidance, this work describes the development of a decision framework for appropriate model selection. To serve as both an example and a starting point for model users, we walk through the creation and use of a decision framework to evaluate key considerations for selecting a forward-looking epidemiological model intended to inform policy. Our assessment includes 43 models and modeling platforms that have been or could be used to model infectious disease. The framework developed for this assessment focused on assessing each model's strengths and weaknesses in terms of flexibility and customization, the ability to implement pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical mitigations, and visualization capabilities. By providing a decision framework and demonstrating its use, we aim to support better decision-making and stronger trust between public health institutions and the constituents they serve.},
}
MeSH Terms:
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Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
*Epidemiological Models
*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Role of Lipidomics in Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review of Emerging Evidence.
Microorganisms, 13(9):.
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) remain a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, yet accurate pathogen identification and risk stratification continue to pose clinical challenges. Lipidomics-the comprehensive analysis of lipid species within biological systems-has emerged as a promising tool to unravel host-pathogen interactions and reveal novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from nine original studies applying mass spectrometry-based lipidomic profiling in human LRTIs, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Across diverse study designs, sample types, and analytical platforms, consistent alterations in lipid metabolism were observed. Perturbations in phospholipid classes, particularly phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), were frequently associated with disease severity and immune activation. The ratios of PC to LPC and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) emerged as markers of inflammatory remodeling. Sphingolipids-including sphingomyelins (SMs) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-were identified as key modulators of monocyte and neutrophil activation. Fatty acid-derived lipid mediators such as oxylipins (e.g., 12,13-epoxyoctadecenoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) and acylcarnitines reflected pathogen-specific immune responses and mitochondrial dysfunction. Several lipid-based classifiers demonstrated superior diagnostic and prognostic performance compared to conventional clinical scores, including the CURB-65 and pneumonia severity index. However, significant heterogeneity in experimental design, lipid identification workflows, and reporting standards limits inter-study comparability. While preliminary findings support the integration of lipidomics into infectious disease research, larger multi-omic and longitudinal studies are required. This review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of lipidomic alterations in human LRTIs and highlights their emerging translational relevance.
Additional Links: PMID-41011521
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011521,
year = {2025},
author = {Georgakopoulou, VE and Dodos, K and Pitiriga, VC},
title = {Role of Lipidomics in Respiratory Tract Infections: A Systematic Review of Emerging Evidence.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011521},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) remain a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, yet accurate pathogen identification and risk stratification continue to pose clinical challenges. Lipidomics-the comprehensive analysis of lipid species within biological systems-has emerged as a promising tool to unravel host-pathogen interactions and reveal novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from nine original studies applying mass spectrometry-based lipidomic profiling in human LRTIs, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Across diverse study designs, sample types, and analytical platforms, consistent alterations in lipid metabolism were observed. Perturbations in phospholipid classes, particularly phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), were frequently associated with disease severity and immune activation. The ratios of PC to LPC and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) emerged as markers of inflammatory remodeling. Sphingolipids-including sphingomyelins (SMs) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-were identified as key modulators of monocyte and neutrophil activation. Fatty acid-derived lipid mediators such as oxylipins (e.g., 12,13-epoxyoctadecenoic acid and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid) and acylcarnitines reflected pathogen-specific immune responses and mitochondrial dysfunction. Several lipid-based classifiers demonstrated superior diagnostic and prognostic performance compared to conventional clinical scores, including the CURB-65 and pneumonia severity index. However, significant heterogeneity in experimental design, lipid identification workflows, and reporting standards limits inter-study comparability. While preliminary findings support the integration of lipidomics into infectious disease research, larger multi-omic and longitudinal studies are required. This review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of lipidomic alterations in human LRTIs and highlights their emerging translational relevance.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) Expression and Activation in COVID-19 and Long COVID: From SARS-CoV-2 Escape Mechanisms to Emerging PRR-Targeted Immunotherapies.
Microorganisms, 13(9):.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which play a vital role in triggering innate immune responses such as the production of type I and III interferons (IFNs). While modest PRR activation helps to defend against SARS-CoV-2, excessive or sustained activation can cause harmful inflammation and contribute to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Altered expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are among the most important members of the PRR family members, particularly TLRs 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, has been strongly linked to COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), collectively known as RLRs (RIG-I-like receptors), act as sensors that detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The expression of these receptors, as well as that of different DNA sensors, varies in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Changes in PRR expression, particularly that of TLRs, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), have also been shown to play a role in the development and persistence of long COVID (LC). However, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved strategies to evade PRR recognition and subsequent signaling pathway activation, contributing to the IFN response dysregulation observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Nevertheless, PRR agonists and antagonists remain promising therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to describe the PRRs involved in recognizing SARS-CoV-2, explore their expression during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and examine their role in determining the severity of both COVID-19 and long-term manifestations of the disease. It also describes the strategies developed by SARS-CoV-2 to evade PRR recognition and activation. Moreover, given the considerable interest in modulating PRR activity as a novel immunotherapy approach, this review will provide a description of PRR agonists and antagonists that have been investigated as antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to explore the complex interplay between PRRs and SARS-CoV-2 in depth, considering its implications for prognostic biomarkers, targeted therapeutic strategies and the mechanistic understanding of long LC. Additionally, it outlines future perspectives that could help to address knowledge gaps in PRR-mediated responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Additional Links: PMID-41011507
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011507,
year = {2025},
author = {Maddaloni, L and Bugani, G and Fracella, M and Bitossi, C and D'Auria, A and Aloisi, F and Azri, A and Santinelli, L and Ben M'Hadheb, M and Pierangeli, A and Frasca, F and Scagnolari, C},
title = {Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) Expression and Activation in COVID-19 and Long COVID: From SARS-CoV-2 Escape Mechanisms to Emerging PRR-Targeted Immunotherapies.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011507},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {RM124190A260C1F0//Sapienza University of Rome/ ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), which play a vital role in triggering innate immune responses such as the production of type I and III interferons (IFNs). While modest PRR activation helps to defend against SARS-CoV-2, excessive or sustained activation can cause harmful inflammation and contribute to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Altered expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are among the most important members of the PRR family members, particularly TLRs 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 9, has been strongly linked to COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), collectively known as RLRs (RIG-I-like receptors), act as sensors that detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The expression of these receptors, as well as that of different DNA sensors, varies in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Changes in PRR expression, particularly that of TLRs, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), have also been shown to play a role in the development and persistence of long COVID (LC). However, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved strategies to evade PRR recognition and subsequent signaling pathway activation, contributing to the IFN response dysregulation observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Nevertheless, PRR agonists and antagonists remain promising therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to describe the PRRs involved in recognizing SARS-CoV-2, explore their expression during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and examine their role in determining the severity of both COVID-19 and long-term manifestations of the disease. It also describes the strategies developed by SARS-CoV-2 to evade PRR recognition and activation. Moreover, given the considerable interest in modulating PRR activity as a novel immunotherapy approach, this review will provide a description of PRR agonists and antagonists that have been investigated as antiviral strategies against SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to explore the complex interplay between PRRs and SARS-CoV-2 in depth, considering its implications for prognostic biomarkers, targeted therapeutic strategies and the mechanistic understanding of long LC. Additionally, it outlines future perspectives that could help to address knowledge gaps in PRR-mediated responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Autoimmune Skin Diseases in the Era of COVID-19: Pathophysiological Insights and Clinical Implications.
Microorganisms, 13(9):.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted intricate associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmune skin diseases (ASDs). This review examines the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and ASDs including hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, autoimmune bullous diseases, cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and lichen planus. Current evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 may precipitate or worsen ASDs via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, dysregulated cytokine signaling, and enhanced Th1/Th17 immune responses, leading to loss of self-tolerance and autoantibody production. Epidemiological studies have identified increased incidence and flares of psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other ASDs following both COVID-19 infection and vaccination, with mRNA vaccines associated with a higher risk of flare in hidradenitis suppurativa compared with non-mRNA vaccines. Notably, severe COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of new-onset autoimmune disease, and patients with pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions may have increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection but experience less severe COVID-19 courses. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and mechanistic studies to clarify the immunopathogenic links between SARS-CoV-2 and ASDs and inform management strategies for affected patients in the context of both infection and vaccination.
Additional Links: PMID-41011460
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011460,
year = {2025},
author = {Liakou, AI and Routsi, E and Plisioti, K and Tziona, E and Koumaki, D and Kalamata, M and Bompou, EK and Sokou, R and Ioannou, P and Bonovas, S and Samonis, G and Tsantes, AG and Stratigos, A},
title = {Autoimmune Skin Diseases in the Era of COVID-19: Pathophysiological Insights and Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011460},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted intricate associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmune skin diseases (ASDs). This review examines the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and ASDs including hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, autoimmune bullous diseases, cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and lichen planus. Current evidence indicates that SARS-CoV-2 may precipitate or worsen ASDs via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, dysregulated cytokine signaling, and enhanced Th1/Th17 immune responses, leading to loss of self-tolerance and autoantibody production. Epidemiological studies have identified increased incidence and flares of psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other ASDs following both COVID-19 infection and vaccination, with mRNA vaccines associated with a higher risk of flare in hidradenitis suppurativa compared with non-mRNA vaccines. Notably, severe COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of new-onset autoimmune disease, and patients with pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions may have increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection but experience less severe COVID-19 courses. These findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and mechanistic studies to clarify the immunopathogenic links between SARS-CoV-2 and ASDs and inform management strategies for affected patients in the context of both infection and vaccination.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Pyroptosis in Respiratory Virus Infections: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Potential Therapeutic Interventions.
Microorganisms, 13(9):.
Pyroptosis is a mode of inflammatory cell death, characterized by cell membrane rupture and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Pyroptosis is a critical part of the innate immune response and acts as a defense mechanism against different types of pathogens, including viruses. Several respiratory viruses, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, and SARS-CoV-2, have been shown to trigger pyroptosis through distinct mechanisms. While pyroptosis is beneficial to the host by controlling virus replication and eliminating infected cells, the exaggerated induction of pyroptosis can be harmful and cause significant tissue damage, such as that to the lung tissue during infection with respiratory viruses. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and the role pyroptosis plays during respiratory virus infections could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the morbidity caused by these infections. In this review, we discuss the recent knowledge obtained on the pathophysiological role of pyroptosis during different respiratory viral infections as well as some experimental approaches to regulating its detrimental effects to the host.
Additional Links: PMID-41011440
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011440,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, R and Porto, BN},
title = {Pyroptosis in Respiratory Virus Infections: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Potential Therapeutic Interventions.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011440},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {324636//University of Manitoba/ ; },
abstract = {Pyroptosis is a mode of inflammatory cell death, characterized by cell membrane rupture and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Pyroptosis is a critical part of the innate immune response and acts as a defense mechanism against different types of pathogens, including viruses. Several respiratory viruses, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus, and SARS-CoV-2, have been shown to trigger pyroptosis through distinct mechanisms. While pyroptosis is beneficial to the host by controlling virus replication and eliminating infected cells, the exaggerated induction of pyroptosis can be harmful and cause significant tissue damage, such as that to the lung tissue during infection with respiratory viruses. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and the role pyroptosis plays during respiratory virus infections could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the morbidity caused by these infections. In this review, we discuss the recent knowledge obtained on the pathophysiological role of pyroptosis during different respiratory viral infections as well as some experimental approaches to regulating its detrimental effects to the host.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Current Advances and Applications of Animal Models in SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development.
Microorganisms, 13(9):.
COVID-19 is the most widespread emerging infectious disease in humans, recently caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding the pathogenesis and development of efficient vaccines is crucial for the prevention and control of this emerging disease. SARS-CoV-2 viruses have widespread hosts, including humans, domesticated/companion animals (cats, dogs), specific farmed animals (minks), specific wildlife (white-tailed deer), and laboratory animal models. Bats are considered the original reservoir, and pangolins may be important intermediate hosts. Suitable animal models play an important role in studying the pathogenicity and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral drugs during the preclinical stage. In this review, we summarized the animal models and potential animal models for the research of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, vaccine and antiviral drugs development, including transgenic mice, cats, hamsters, nonhuman primates, ferrets, and so on. Our summary provides the important information to select the animals used for a specific purpose and facilitates the development of novel vaccines and antivirals to prevent and control COVID-19.
Additional Links: PMID-41011341
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011341,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, L and Tao, Y and Wu, X and Li, S and Yang, R and Li, C and Yao, Y and Xu, S and Shu, J and He, Y and Feng, H},
title = {Current Advances and Applications of Animal Models in SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011341},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {LQ22C180003; 32302904; 32172893//by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. LQ22C180003, and by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 32302904 (For L.W.) and 32172893 (For H.F.),/ ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 is the most widespread emerging infectious disease in humans, recently caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding the pathogenesis and development of efficient vaccines is crucial for the prevention and control of this emerging disease. SARS-CoV-2 viruses have widespread hosts, including humans, domesticated/companion animals (cats, dogs), specific farmed animals (minks), specific wildlife (white-tailed deer), and laboratory animal models. Bats are considered the original reservoir, and pangolins may be important intermediate hosts. Suitable animal models play an important role in studying the pathogenicity and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral drugs during the preclinical stage. In this review, we summarized the animal models and potential animal models for the research of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, vaccine and antiviral drugs development, including transgenic mice, cats, hamsters, nonhuman primates, ferrets, and so on. Our summary provides the important information to select the animals used for a specific purpose and facilitates the development of novel vaccines and antivirals to prevent and control COVID-19.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Properties of Luteolin Against SARS-CoV-2: Based on Network Pharmacology.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(9):.
Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound with multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor activities. Network pharmacology analysis has been utilized to decipher the underlying mechanisms and multitargets of luteolin against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of luteolin, as a potential novel remedy with anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity, as well as its anti-oxidant mechanisms. We systematically delineate the epidemiological profile, genomic architecture, and replicative dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, thereby constructing a multiscale framework to decode its pathogenic mechanisms. Employing a multi-level network pharmacology analytical strategy, we identify 46 core targets through protein interaction network construction, followed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. Molecular investigations reveal luteolin's dual antiviral mechanisms, including direct targeting of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and host-directed intervention through suppression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor engagement/transmembrane protease serine 2-mediated viral priming. The polypharmacological profile of luteolin demonstrates synergistic effects in blocking viral entry, replication, and host inflammatory cascades. This phytochemical repurposing study of luteolin provides a novel mechanistic paradigm for developing multitarget antiviral agents, highlighting the translational value of natural compounds in combating emerging viral variants.
Additional Links: PMID-41011200
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41011200,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, X and Fu, Y and Yu, T and Song, R and Nie, H and Ding, Y},
title = {Anti-Oxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiviral Properties of Luteolin Against SARS-CoV-2: Based on Network Pharmacology.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011200},
issn = {1424-8247},
support = {82170093//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2023JH2/20200072//Liaoning Province Science and Technology Plan Project/ ; },
abstract = {Luteolin is a natural flavonoid compound with multifaceted pharmacological properties, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor activities. Network pharmacology analysis has been utilized to decipher the underlying mechanisms and multitargets of luteolin against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of luteolin, as a potential novel remedy with anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) activity, as well as its anti-oxidant mechanisms. We systematically delineate the epidemiological profile, genomic architecture, and replicative dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, thereby constructing a multiscale framework to decode its pathogenic mechanisms. Employing a multi-level network pharmacology analytical strategy, we identify 46 core targets through protein interaction network construction, followed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. Molecular investigations reveal luteolin's dual antiviral mechanisms, including direct targeting of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and host-directed intervention through suppression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor engagement/transmembrane protease serine 2-mediated viral priming. The polypharmacological profile of luteolin demonstrates synergistic effects in blocking viral entry, replication, and host inflammatory cascades. This phytochemical repurposing study of luteolin provides a novel mechanistic paradigm for developing multitarget antiviral agents, highlighting the translational value of natural compounds in combating emerging viral variants.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Artificial Intelligence in Small-Molecule Drug Discovery: A Critical Review of Methods, Applications, and Real-World Outcomes.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(9):.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a valuable complementary tool in small-molecule drug discovery, augmenting traditional methodologies rather than replacing them. This review examines the evolution of AI from early rule-based systems to advanced deep learning, generative models, diffusion models, and autonomous agentic AI systems, highlighting their applications in target identification, hit discovery, lead optimization, and safety prediction. We present both successes and failures to provide a balanced perspective. Notable achievements include baricitinib (BenevolentAI/Eli Lilly, an existing drug repurposed through AI-assisted analysis for COVID-19 and rheumatoid arthritis), halicin (MIT, preclinical antibiotic), DSP-1181 (Exscientia, discontinued after Phase I), and ISM001-055/rentosertib (Insilico Medicine, positive Phase IIa results). However, several AI-assisted compounds have also faced challenges in clinical development. DSP-1181 was discontinued after Phase I, despite a favorable safety profile, highlighting that the acceleration of discovery timelines by AI does not guarantee clinical success. Despite progress, challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns persist. We provide practical insights for integrating AI into drug discovery workflows, emphasizing hybrid human-AI approaches and the emergence of agentic AI systems that can autonomously navigate discovery pipelines. A critical evaluation of current limitations and future opportunities reveals that while AI offers significant potential as a complementary technology, realistic expectations and careful implementation are crucial for delivering innovative therapeutics.
Additional Links: PMID-41011141
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@article {pmid41011141,
year = {2025},
author = {Niazi, SK},
title = {Artificial Intelligence in Small-Molecule Drug Discovery: A Critical Review of Methods, Applications, and Real-World Outcomes.},
journal = {Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41011141},
issn = {1424-8247},
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a valuable complementary tool in small-molecule drug discovery, augmenting traditional methodologies rather than replacing them. This review examines the evolution of AI from early rule-based systems to advanced deep learning, generative models, diffusion models, and autonomous agentic AI systems, highlighting their applications in target identification, hit discovery, lead optimization, and safety prediction. We present both successes and failures to provide a balanced perspective. Notable achievements include baricitinib (BenevolentAI/Eli Lilly, an existing drug repurposed through AI-assisted analysis for COVID-19 and rheumatoid arthritis), halicin (MIT, preclinical antibiotic), DSP-1181 (Exscientia, discontinued after Phase I), and ISM001-055/rentosertib (Insilico Medicine, positive Phase IIa results). However, several AI-assisted compounds have also faced challenges in clinical development. DSP-1181 was discontinued after Phase I, despite a favorable safety profile, highlighting that the acceleration of discovery timelines by AI does not guarantee clinical success. Despite progress, challenges such as data quality, model interpretability, regulatory hurdles, and ethical concerns persist. We provide practical insights for integrating AI into drug discovery workflows, emphasizing hybrid human-AI approaches and the emergence of agentic AI systems that can autonomously navigate discovery pipelines. A critical evaluation of current limitations and future opportunities reveals that while AI offers significant potential as a complementary technology, realistic expectations and careful implementation are crucial for delivering innovative therapeutics.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Selective Cytopheretic Device Therapy in the Context of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(9):.
This review examines the clinical data and basic science research to evaluate the potential of the Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) in mitigating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)-associated inflammation. In brief, SCD is an immunomodulatory device used within extracorporeal blood circuits along with the use of citrate anticoagulation. SCD has been shown to be a novel, first-in-its-class device (being marketed as QUELimmune by SeaStar Medical), which is capable of the autologous processing of hyper-inflamed leukocytes to reduce systemic inflammation. Strong preclinical data gathered for SCD in the context of both Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass (CPB) as well as ECMO set the stage for SCD to be used in these life support circuits. ECMO played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a time period when SCD therapy was being evaluated in clinical trials, generating initial clinical data in this setting. SCD has also been utilized in the setting of pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) and multiorgan dysfunction (MOD), where ECMO can be common.
Additional Links: PMID-41010904
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41010904,
year = {2025},
author = {Szamosfalvi, M and Pino, CJ and Humes, HD},
title = {Selective Cytopheretic Device Therapy in the Context of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {61},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41010904},
issn = {1648-9144},
mesh = {Humans ; *Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/instrumentation/methods/adverse effects ; *COVID-19/therapy ; *Inflammation/therapy/etiology/prevention & control ; Acute Kidney Injury/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {This review examines the clinical data and basic science research to evaluate the potential of the Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) in mitigating Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)-associated inflammation. In brief, SCD is an immunomodulatory device used within extracorporeal blood circuits along with the use of citrate anticoagulation. SCD has been shown to be a novel, first-in-its-class device (being marketed as QUELimmune by SeaStar Medical), which is capable of the autologous processing of hyper-inflamed leukocytes to reduce systemic inflammation. Strong preclinical data gathered for SCD in the context of both Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass (CPB) as well as ECMO set the stage for SCD to be used in these life support circuits. ECMO played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, during a time period when SCD therapy was being evaluated in clinical trials, generating initial clinical data in this setting. SCD has also been utilized in the setting of pediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) and multiorgan dysfunction (MOD), where ECMO can be common.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/instrumentation/methods/adverse effects
*COVID-19/therapy
*Inflammation/therapy/etiology/prevention & control
Acute Kidney Injury/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Global Lessons from COVID-19: Regional Variations in the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections During and Post-Pandemic.
Journal of clinical medicine, 14(18):.
Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, exposing longstanding weaknesses, particularly in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Regional disparities in infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies offered valuable lessons for improving public health preparedness. This systematic review aims to identify and compare regional IPC approaches adopted during and after the pandemic, highlighting best practices to strengthen healthcare resilience. Methods: The review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251032525). Articles published between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2025, were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only full-text studies in English were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Of the 63 articles initially identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies demonstrated substantial variability in the implementation of IPC. The availability of infrastructure, funding, coordination capacity, and training of medical staff had a significant impact on outcomes. In regions with well-defined protocols and a solid infrastructure, there was a significant decrease in HAIs, while in resource-poor areas, there was a significant increase. Effective measures included continuous monitoring, regular staff training, provision of adequate equipment, expansion of testing capacity, reorganisation of hospitals, and introduction of technological innovations in healthcare. Conclusions: COVID-19 emphasised the importance of adaptable IPC frameworks. Strengthening health systems requires context-specific standards, sustained investment in infrastructure, continuous training, and increased international cooperation to better prepare for future health emergencies.
Additional Links: PMID-41010858
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41010858,
year = {2025},
author = {Voinea, C and Mocanu, E and Opariuc-Dan, C and Dantes, E and Gache, AC and Rugina, S},
title = {Global Lessons from COVID-19: Regional Variations in the Management of Hospital-Acquired Infections During and Post-Pandemic.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41010858},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, exposing longstanding weaknesses, particularly in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Regional disparities in infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies offered valuable lessons for improving public health preparedness. This systematic review aims to identify and compare regional IPC approaches adopted during and after the pandemic, highlighting best practices to strengthen healthcare resilience. Methods: The review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines and registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420251032525). Articles published between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2025, were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only full-text studies in English were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: Of the 63 articles initially identified, 8 met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies demonstrated substantial variability in the implementation of IPC. The availability of infrastructure, funding, coordination capacity, and training of medical staff had a significant impact on outcomes. In regions with well-defined protocols and a solid infrastructure, there was a significant decrease in HAIs, while in resource-poor areas, there was a significant increase. Effective measures included continuous monitoring, regular staff training, provision of adequate equipment, expansion of testing capacity, reorganisation of hospitals, and introduction of technological innovations in healthcare. Conclusions: COVID-19 emphasised the importance of adaptable IPC frameworks. Strengthening health systems requires context-specific standards, sustained investment in infrastructure, continuous training, and increased international cooperation to better prepare for future health emergencies.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Olfactory Training for Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Combination Therapies.
Journal of clinical medicine, 14(18):.
Background/Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of olfactory training (OT) using standardized protocols in patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. The objective was to assess whether OT, compared to no treatment, placebo, or alternative therapies, improved olfactory function as measured using validated smell tests, including UPSIT, Sniffin' Sticks (TDI score), CCCRC, and B-SIT. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline was conducted through February 2025 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study characteristics (author, year, country, design, sample size), population details (age, sex, post-COVID-19 cause), intervention type (training method, frequency, duration), comparators, outcome measures (baseline and post-intervention olfactory scores), follow-up duration, and reported adverse effects. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan and Open Meta-Analyst. Results: Olfactory training significantly improved the olfactory scores compared to those of the controls. The greatest improvement was observed when OT was combined with PEA-luteolin (MD = 4.62, 95% CI: 2.17-7.06, p = 0.0002), followed by EDTA (MD = 2.33, 95% CI: 0.58-4.08, p = 0.009). Corticosteroids showed a borderline benefit (MD = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.01-2.67, p = 0.05), while alpha-lipoic acid had no significant effect. Combination therapies were associated with higher recovery rates (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.13-2.42, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Olfactory training is an effective treatment for post-COVID-19 smell dysfunction. When paired with specific adjunct therapies, particularly PEA-luteolin, it may yield superior recovery outcomes. Further large-scale, standardized RCTs are needed to define optimal treatment protocols.
Additional Links: PMID-41010778
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41010778,
year = {2025},
author = {Asseri, AA and Aldukain, M and Aldukain, A and Alzuhairi, A},
title = {Olfactory Training for Post-COVID-19 Olfactory Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Combination Therapies.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41010778},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {RGP2/488/46//Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of olfactory training (OT) using standardized protocols in patients with post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. The objective was to assess whether OT, compared to no treatment, placebo, or alternative therapies, improved olfactory function as measured using validated smell tests, including UPSIT, Sniffin' Sticks (TDI score), CCCRC, and B-SIT. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid Medline was conducted through February 2025 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study characteristics (author, year, country, design, sample size), population details (age, sex, post-COVID-19 cause), intervention type (training method, frequency, duration), comparators, outcome measures (baseline and post-intervention olfactory scores), follow-up duration, and reported adverse effects. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan and Open Meta-Analyst. Results: Olfactory training significantly improved the olfactory scores compared to those of the controls. The greatest improvement was observed when OT was combined with PEA-luteolin (MD = 4.62, 95% CI: 2.17-7.06, p = 0.0002), followed by EDTA (MD = 2.33, 95% CI: 0.58-4.08, p = 0.009). Corticosteroids showed a borderline benefit (MD = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.01-2.67, p = 0.05), while alpha-lipoic acid had no significant effect. Combination therapies were associated with higher recovery rates (RR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.13-2.42, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Olfactory training is an effective treatment for post-COVID-19 smell dysfunction. When paired with specific adjunct therapies, particularly PEA-luteolin, it may yield superior recovery outcomes. Further large-scale, standardized RCTs are needed to define optimal treatment protocols.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Intermediate Care Units in Europe and Italy: A Review of Structure, Outcomes, and Policy Implications for Internal Medicine.
Journal of clinical medicine, 14(18):.
Background/Objectives: Intermediate Care Units (IMCUs) provide a level of care between general wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs). While widely implemented across Europe, their use in the Italian internal medicine remains limited. To review the clinical effectiveness, organizational benefits, and policy relevance of IMCUs in Europe and assess opportunities and barriers to their implementation in the Italian hospital system. Methods: A narrative review of international and Italian literature from the origin of intermediate care models in 2025, with emphasis on patient outcomes, ICU utilization, cost-effectiveness, and governance models for IMCUs. Results: European studies consistently show that IMCUs improve patient flow, reduce ICU burden, and may reduce mortality among selected high-acuity patients. In Italy, respiratory and cardiac IMCUs have demonstrated similar benefits. However, general internal medicine IMCUs remain underdeveloped. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural gaps in the capacity for intermediate care. Recent legislative efforts (e.g., Decree-Law 34/2020) have aimed to expand sub-intensive care, but implementation is still heterogeneous. Conclusions: IMCUs are a cost-effective and clinically valuable strategy for managing non-ICU high-acuity patients. Structured integration of IMCUs into internal medicine in Italy could improve care quality and system efficiency. Clear triage protocols, adequate staffing, and strong organizational leadership are essential for success.
Additional Links: PMID-41010747
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41010747,
year = {2025},
author = {Turcato, G and Zaboli, A and Cipriano, A and Montagnani, A and Vannucchi, V and Pieralli, F and Belfiore, A and Valbusa, F and Marchetti, M and Ferretto, P and Filippi, L and Voza, A and Ghiadoni, L and Ageno, W and Wiedermann, CJ},
title = {Intermediate Care Units in Europe and Italy: A Review of Structure, Outcomes, and Policy Implications for Internal Medicine.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41010747},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Intermediate Care Units (IMCUs) provide a level of care between general wards and Intensive Care Units (ICUs). While widely implemented across Europe, their use in the Italian internal medicine remains limited. To review the clinical effectiveness, organizational benefits, and policy relevance of IMCUs in Europe and assess opportunities and barriers to their implementation in the Italian hospital system. Methods: A narrative review of international and Italian literature from the origin of intermediate care models in 2025, with emphasis on patient outcomes, ICU utilization, cost-effectiveness, and governance models for IMCUs. Results: European studies consistently show that IMCUs improve patient flow, reduce ICU burden, and may reduce mortality among selected high-acuity patients. In Italy, respiratory and cardiac IMCUs have demonstrated similar benefits. However, general internal medicine IMCUs remain underdeveloped. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural gaps in the capacity for intermediate care. Recent legislative efforts (e.g., Decree-Law 34/2020) have aimed to expand sub-intensive care, but implementation is still heterogeneous. Conclusions: IMCUs are a cost-effective and clinically valuable strategy for managing non-ICU high-acuity patients. Structured integration of IMCUs into internal medicine in Italy could improve care quality and system efficiency. Clear triage protocols, adequate staffing, and strong organizational leadership are essential for success.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology of Carbapenem Resistance.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 14(9):.
Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems, inadvertently influencing the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Among the most critical AMR threats are carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs), which include carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review explores the pandemic's impact on carbapenem resistance patterns worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on carbapenem resistance trends, identify key drivers, and discuss implications for clinical practice and public health policy. Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, national surveillance reports, and WHO/ECDC data from 2019 to 2025 was conducted, with emphasis on hospital-acquired infections, antimicrobial use, and infection control practices during the pandemic. Results: The pandemic has led to increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including carbapenems, often in the absence of confirmed bacterial co-infections. Overwhelmed healthcare systems and disruptions in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have facilitated the spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms, particularly in intensive care settings. Surveillance data from multiple countries show a measurable increase in CRO prevalence during the pandemic period, with regional variations depending on healthcare capacity and stewardship infrastructure. Conclusions: COVID-19 has accelerated the emergence and dissemination of carbapenem resistance, underscoring the need for resilient antimicrobial stewardship and IPC programs even during public health emergencies. Integrating pandemic preparedness with AMR mitigation strategies is critical for preventing further escalation of resistance.
Additional Links: PMID-41009895
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41009895,
year = {2025},
author = {Sakagianni, A and Koufopoulou, C and Koufopoulos, P and Feretzakis, G and Koumaki, V},
title = {The Impact of COVID-19 on the Epidemiology of Carbapenem Resistance.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009895},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted healthcare systems, inadvertently influencing the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Among the most critical AMR threats are carbapenem-resistant organisms (CROs), which include carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This review explores the pandemic's impact on carbapenem resistance patterns worldwide. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on carbapenem resistance trends, identify key drivers, and discuss implications for clinical practice and public health policy. Methods: A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed literature, national surveillance reports, and WHO/ECDC data from 2019 to 2025 was conducted, with emphasis on hospital-acquired infections, antimicrobial use, and infection control practices during the pandemic. Results: The pandemic has led to increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including carbapenems, often in the absence of confirmed bacterial co-infections. Overwhelmed healthcare systems and disruptions in infection prevention and control (IPC) measures have facilitated the spread of carbapenem-resistant organisms, particularly in intensive care settings. Surveillance data from multiple countries show a measurable increase in CRO prevalence during the pandemic period, with regional variations depending on healthcare capacity and stewardship infrastructure. Conclusions: COVID-19 has accelerated the emergence and dissemination of carbapenem resistance, underscoring the need for resilient antimicrobial stewardship and IPC programs even during public health emergencies. Integrating pandemic preparedness with AMR mitigation strategies is critical for preventing further escalation of resistance.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
From Pandemic to Resistance: Addressing Multidrug-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections in the Balkans.
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 14(9):.
Background/Objectives: The rise in urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria presents a serious public health challenge across the Balkans, a region already burdened by aging populations, healthcare resource limitations, and fragmented antimicrobial surveillance systems. Methods: This review explores the epidemiology, risk factors, and consequences of MDR UTIs, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly accelerated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to widespread, inappropriate antibiotic use. Results: The paper discusses region-specific data on resistance trends, highlights the gaps in diagnostic infrastructure, and evaluates emerging clinical strategies including antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), rapid diagnostic technologies, novel antibiotics, and non-antibiotic alternatives such as bacteriophage therapy and vaccines. Conclusions: Policy recommendations are provided to strengthen surveillance, promote evidence-based treatment, and ensure equitable access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools. A multidimensional and regionally coordinated response is essential to curb the MDR UTI burden and safeguard public health across the Balkans.
Additional Links: PMID-41009829
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41009829,
year = {2025},
author = {Filev, R and Bogov, B and Lyubomirova, M and Rostaing, L},
title = {From Pandemic to Resistance: Addressing Multidrug-Resistant Urinary Tract Infections in the Balkans.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009829},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: The rise in urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria presents a serious public health challenge across the Balkans, a region already burdened by aging populations, healthcare resource limitations, and fragmented antimicrobial surveillance systems. Methods: This review explores the epidemiology, risk factors, and consequences of MDR UTIs, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly accelerated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to widespread, inappropriate antibiotic use. Results: The paper discusses region-specific data on resistance trends, highlights the gaps in diagnostic infrastructure, and evaluates emerging clinical strategies including antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), rapid diagnostic technologies, novel antibiotics, and non-antibiotic alternatives such as bacteriophage therapy and vaccines. Conclusions: Policy recommendations are provided to strengthen surveillance, promote evidence-based treatment, and ensure equitable access to diagnostic and therapeutic tools. A multidimensional and regionally coordinated response is essential to curb the MDR UTI burden and safeguard public health across the Balkans.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Gulf War Illness, Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Overlap in Common Symptoms and Underlying Biological Mechanisms: Implications for Future Therapeutic Strategies.
International journal of molecular sciences, 26(18):.
Although Gulf War Illness (GWI), fibromyalgia (FM), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID have distinct origins, in this article we have reviewed evidence that these disorders comprise a group of so-called low-energy associated disorders with overlapping common symptoms underlying pathology. In particular, evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysregulation, neuroendocrine dysfunction, disrupted brain-gut-microbiome axis, apoptosis/ferroptosis and telomere shortening as common features in the pathogenesis of these disorders has been identified. Given the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in promoting normal mitochondrial function, as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic and antiferroptotic agent, there is a rationale for supplementary CoQ10 in the management of these disorders. The reported benefits of supplementary CoQ10 administration in GWI, FM, ME/CFS and long COVID have been reviewed; the potential benefit of supplementary CoQ10 in reducing telomere shortening and improving the efficiency of stem cell transfer relevant has also been identified as promising therapeutic strategies in these disorders. This review advances beyond previous systematic reviews and consensus statements on overlapping similar symptoms and underlying biological pathomechanisms in these complex disorders.
Additional Links: PMID-41009608
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@article {pmid41009608,
year = {2025},
author = {Mantle, D and Domingo, JC and Golomb, BA and Castro-Marrero, J},
title = {Gulf War Illness, Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Overlap in Common Symptoms and Underlying Biological Mechanisms: Implications for Future Therapeutic Strategies.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009608},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy ; *Persian Gulf Syndrome/therapy/pathology/metabolism ; Ubiquinone/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; *Fibromyalgia/therapy/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy ; *COVID-19/complications/metabolism/therapy ; Oxidative Stress ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Although Gulf War Illness (GWI), fibromyalgia (FM), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID have distinct origins, in this article we have reviewed evidence that these disorders comprise a group of so-called low-energy associated disorders with overlapping common symptoms underlying pathology. In particular, evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysregulation, neuroendocrine dysfunction, disrupted brain-gut-microbiome axis, apoptosis/ferroptosis and telomere shortening as common features in the pathogenesis of these disorders has been identified. Given the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in promoting normal mitochondrial function, as an antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic and antiferroptotic agent, there is a rationale for supplementary CoQ10 in the management of these disorders. The reported benefits of supplementary CoQ10 administration in GWI, FM, ME/CFS and long COVID have been reviewed; the potential benefit of supplementary CoQ10 in reducing telomere shortening and improving the efficiency of stem cell transfer relevant has also been identified as promising therapeutic strategies in these disorders. This review advances beyond previous systematic reviews and consensus statements on overlapping similar symptoms and underlying biological pathomechanisms in these complex disorders.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy
*Persian Gulf Syndrome/therapy/pathology/metabolism
Ubiquinone/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
*Fibromyalgia/therapy/metabolism/pathology/drug therapy
*COVID-19/complications/metabolism/therapy
Oxidative Stress
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Current Landscape of the Interrelationship Between Periodontitis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and COVID-19.
International journal of molecular sciences, 26(18):.
The inflammatory response plays a central role in the pathophysiology of various chronic diseases such as periodontitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whose coexistence is associated with an increase in clinical complications and a more severe and serious course of these diseases. Current evidence on the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19 remains insufficient, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate these associations. The main aim of this narrative review is to provide the current landscape of the most relevant aspects of the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19. This narrative review was carried out through a specialized, exhaustive, and structured search of published studies indexed in the electronic databases PubMed and LILACS, for the inclusion of studies in English and Spanish, respectively, without date restriction. A search strategy was performed using the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT, with the following DeCS/MeSH terms: "periodontal disease", "periodontitis", "type 2 diabetes mellitus", "SARS-CoV-2", and "COVID-19". A variety of articles were included, focusing on the most relevant aspects of the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19. Findings suggest that inflammation is a unifying mechanism, which leads to the severity of these conditions through four shared axes: (1) a clinicopathological axis involving systemic manifestations; (2) an axis associated with metabolic alterations linked to glycemic dysregulation; (3) an axis related to enzyme overexpression linked to altered angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 expression and glucose metabolism; and (4) an inflammatory axis. These synergistic interactions can cause these three diseases to mutually enhance each other, creating a vicious cycle, worsening the patient's health.
Additional Links: PMID-41009326
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41009326,
year = {2025},
author = {Muñoz-Carrillo, JL and Gutiérrez-Coronado, O and Villalobos-Gutiérrez, PT and Villacis-Valencia, MS and Chávez-Ruvalcaba, F and Vázquez-Alcaraz, SJ and Rivera-Lozada, O and Barboza, JJ},
title = {Current Landscape of the Interrelationship Between Periodontitis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and COVID-19.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {18},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009326},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications/metabolism ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/metabolism ; *Periodontitis/complications/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Inflammation ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The inflammatory response plays a central role in the pathophysiology of various chronic diseases such as periodontitis, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), whose coexistence is associated with an increase in clinical complications and a more severe and serious course of these diseases. Current evidence on the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19 remains insufficient, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate these associations. The main aim of this narrative review is to provide the current landscape of the most relevant aspects of the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19. This narrative review was carried out through a specialized, exhaustive, and structured search of published studies indexed in the electronic databases PubMed and LILACS, for the inclusion of studies in English and Spanish, respectively, without date restriction. A search strategy was performed using the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT, with the following DeCS/MeSH terms: "periodontal disease", "periodontitis", "type 2 diabetes mellitus", "SARS-CoV-2", and "COVID-19". A variety of articles were included, focusing on the most relevant aspects of the interrelationship between periodontitis, T2DM, and COVID-19. Findings suggest that inflammation is a unifying mechanism, which leads to the severity of these conditions through four shared axes: (1) a clinicopathological axis involving systemic manifestations; (2) an axis associated with metabolic alterations linked to glycemic dysregulation; (3) an axis related to enzyme overexpression linked to altered angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 expression and glucose metabolism; and (4) an inflammatory axis. These synergistic interactions can cause these three diseases to mutually enhance each other, creating a vicious cycle, worsening the patient's health.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications/metabolism
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/metabolism
*Periodontitis/complications/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Inflammation
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Suicidal Behaviors Among Medical Students: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 15(9):.
BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation and attempts are major public health concerns among young adults, particularly those in demanding academic settings. Medical students exhibit disproportionately high rates compared to peers in the general population and other fields of study, highlighting the urgent need to understand and address mental health challenges in medical education.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review summarizes evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among medical students worldwide.
METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, six databases were searched for peer-reviewed reviews published in the last ten years. Studies focused exclusively on medical students and reporting prevalence or risk factors of suicidal ideation or attempts were included. Data were charted on prevalence, risk factors, study characteristics, and recommendations.
RESULTS: Twelve reviews comprising 378,081 medical students were included. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 2.9% to 53.6% among the systematic reviews, with pooled estimates from meta-analyses ranging from 11% and 25%. Attempted suicide pooled prevalences ranged from 1.64% to 8%. Depression was frequently reported as the most significant risk factor for both suicidal ideation and attempts. Other significant risk factors for suicidal ideation included anxiety, burnout, female gender, financial strain, and academic stress. Suicidal ideation was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic and among clinical-phase students. Gender differences in suicide attempts were inconsistent. Medical students' rates of suicidal behavior exceeded those of other university students.
CONCLUSION: Suicidal behavior remains a critical mental health issue for medical students globally. Despite known risk factors, targeted interventions are limited. Future research should emphasize longitudinal studies, post-pandemic effects, regional gaps, and intervention development. Implications are discussed.
Additional Links: PMID-41009245
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Citation:
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@article {pmid41009245,
year = {2025},
author = {Agyapong-Opoku, F and Agyapong-Opoku, N and Agyapong, B and Greenshaw, A},
title = {Suicidal Behaviors Among Medical Students: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.},
journal = {Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009245},
issn = {2076-328X},
support = {N/A//Alberta Innovates/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation and attempts are major public health concerns among young adults, particularly those in demanding academic settings. Medical students exhibit disproportionately high rates compared to peers in the general population and other fields of study, highlighting the urgent need to understand and address mental health challenges in medical education.
OBJECTIVE: This scoping review summarizes evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among medical students worldwide.
METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, six databases were searched for peer-reviewed reviews published in the last ten years. Studies focused exclusively on medical students and reporting prevalence or risk factors of suicidal ideation or attempts were included. Data were charted on prevalence, risk factors, study characteristics, and recommendations.
RESULTS: Twelve reviews comprising 378,081 medical students were included. Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation ranged from 2.9% to 53.6% among the systematic reviews, with pooled estimates from meta-analyses ranging from 11% and 25%. Attempted suicide pooled prevalences ranged from 1.64% to 8%. Depression was frequently reported as the most significant risk factor for both suicidal ideation and attempts. Other significant risk factors for suicidal ideation included anxiety, burnout, female gender, financial strain, and academic stress. Suicidal ideation was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic and among clinical-phase students. Gender differences in suicide attempts were inconsistent. Medical students' rates of suicidal behavior exceeded those of other university students.
CONCLUSION: Suicidal behavior remains a critical mental health issue for medical students globally. Despite known risk factors, targeted interventions are limited. Future research should emphasize longitudinal studies, post-pandemic effects, regional gaps, and intervention development. Implications are discussed.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Lessons from COVID-19's Impact on Child and Adolescent Health Inequities in Ghana.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 15(9):.
The pandemic spared most children and adolescents in Ghana from severe clinical disease, but it exposed long-standing gaps in services and protection methods. Methods: We conducted a desk-based narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, national and international reports, and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2025. The evidence was organised across eight domains of child and adolescent well-being. Across mental health, gambling and other risky behaviours, access to health services, economic hardship and child labour, nutrition, education, early childhood development, and WASH, the pandemic disrupted essential services and social safety nets. Examples include declines in routine care and immunisation, wider digital exclusion during remote learning, a rise in child labour linked to income loss, and persistent hygiene constraints. Preparedness in Ghana should focus on mental health, digital inclusion, early childhood services, and strong social protection. Ghana's specific empirical data are uneven, so we triangulate peer-reviewed evidence with official reports, appraised the grey literature, and calibrated claims to the strength of sources.
Additional Links: PMID-41009217
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41009217,
year = {2025},
author = {Glozah, FN and Tia, RS},
title = {Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Lessons from COVID-19's Impact on Child and Adolescent Health Inequities in Ghana.},
journal = {Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41009217},
issn = {2076-328X},
abstract = {The pandemic spared most children and adolescents in Ghana from severe clinical disease, but it exposed long-standing gaps in services and protection methods. Methods: We conducted a desk-based narrative review of peer-reviewed studies, national and international reports, and grey literature from January 2020 to May 2025. The evidence was organised across eight domains of child and adolescent well-being. Across mental health, gambling and other risky behaviours, access to health services, economic hardship and child labour, nutrition, education, early childhood development, and WASH, the pandemic disrupted essential services and social safety nets. Examples include declines in routine care and immunisation, wider digital exclusion during remote learning, a rise in child labour linked to income loss, and persistent hygiene constraints. Preparedness in Ghana should focus on mental health, digital inclusion, early childhood services, and strong social protection. Ghana's specific empirical data are uneven, so we triangulate peer-reviewed evidence with official reports, appraised the grey literature, and calibrated claims to the strength of sources.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species: A Unifying Mechanism in Long COVID and Spike Protein-Associated Injury: A Narrative Review.
Biomolecules, 15(9):.
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID) present with persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment, and autonomic and multisystem dysfunctions that often go unnoticed by standard diagnostic tests. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are central drivers of these post-viral sequelae. Viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2, disrupt mitochondrial bioenergetics by altering membrane integrity, increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and impairing mitophagy, leading to sustained immune activation and metabolic imbalance. This review synthesizes an understanding of how mitochondrial redox signaling and impaired clearance of damaged mitochondria contribute to chronic inflammation and multisystem organ symptoms in both long COVID and post-vaccine injury. We discuss translational biomarkers and non-invasive techniques, exploring therapeutic strategies that include pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and nutritional approaches, as well as imaging modalities aimed at assessing and restoring mitochondrial health. Recognizing long COVID as a mitochondrial disorder that stems from redox imbalance will open new options for personalized treatment and management guided by biomarkers. Future clinical trials are essential to validate these approaches and translate mitochondrial resuscitation into effective care for patients suffering from long COVID and related post-viral syndromes.
Additional Links: PMID-41008646
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41008646,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, E and Ozigbo, AA and Varon, J and Halma, M and Laezzo, M and Ang, SP and Iglesias, J},
title = {Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species: A Unifying Mechanism in Long COVID and Spike Protein-Associated Injury: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41008646},
issn = {2218-273X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/metabolism/complications/pathology ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/pathology ; *Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2/metabolism ; *Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Oxidative Stress ; },
abstract = {Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID) present with persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment, and autonomic and multisystem dysfunctions that often go unnoticed by standard diagnostic tests. Increasing evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are central drivers of these post-viral sequelae. Viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2, disrupt mitochondrial bioenergetics by altering membrane integrity, increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), and impairing mitophagy, leading to sustained immune activation and metabolic imbalance. This review synthesizes an understanding of how mitochondrial redox signaling and impaired clearance of damaged mitochondria contribute to chronic inflammation and multisystem organ symptoms in both long COVID and post-vaccine injury. We discuss translational biomarkers and non-invasive techniques, exploring therapeutic strategies that include pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and nutritional approaches, as well as imaging modalities aimed at assessing and restoring mitochondrial health. Recognizing long COVID as a mitochondrial disorder that stems from redox imbalance will open new options for personalized treatment and management guided by biomarkers. Future clinical trials are essential to validate these approaches and translate mitochondrial resuscitation into effective care for patients suffering from long COVID and related post-viral syndromes.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/metabolism/complications/pathology
*Mitochondria/metabolism/pathology
*Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
*Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Oxidative Stress
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Risk for COVID-19 Vulnerability in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Assessing Alterations in ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
Biomedicines, 13(9):.
Chronic inflammatory conditions often involve the dysregulation of key enzymes, including serine proteases such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which are key proteins implicated in the cellular entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. It remains uncertain whether the gastrointestinal symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients result from direct viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract, a process that may be exacerbated by altered expression of ACE2 or TMPRSS2. In this review, we explore the interplay among ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including their roles in disease pathology and response to therapy. We also examine methodological approaches for assessing whether protease alterations contribute to increased susceptibility to infection, considering that TMPRSS2 exists in inactive (zymogen) and active forms. Furthermore, while membrane-bound ACE2 facilitates viral entry, soluble ACE2 fragments may act as decoys, preventing virus-receptor interaction. Therefore, the interpretation of changes in full-length versus cleaved forms of ACE2 and related enzymes is critical for understanding vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Additional Links: PMID-41007801
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41007801,
year = {2025},
author = {Sáez-Leyva, J and Lennol, MP and Avilés-Granados, C and GarcÃa-Ayllón, MS and Sáez-Valero, J},
title = {Risk for COVID-19 Vulnerability in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Assessing Alterations in ACE2 and TMPRSS2.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007801},
issn = {2227-9059},
support = {PI22/01329//Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias/ ; AICO/2021/308//Direcció General de Ciència i Investigació, Generalitat Valenciana/ ; CEX2021-001165-S//Severo Ochoa" Program for Centers of Excellence in R&D/ ; },
abstract = {Chronic inflammatory conditions often involve the dysregulation of key enzymes, including serine proteases such as transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which are key proteins implicated in the cellular entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. It remains uncertain whether the gastrointestinal symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients result from direct viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract, a process that may be exacerbated by altered expression of ACE2 or TMPRSS2. In this review, we explore the interplay among ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in the context of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including their roles in disease pathology and response to therapy. We also examine methodological approaches for assessing whether protease alterations contribute to increased susceptibility to infection, considering that TMPRSS2 exists in inactive (zymogen) and active forms. Furthermore, while membrane-bound ACE2 facilitates viral entry, soluble ACE2 fragments may act as decoys, preventing virus-receptor interaction. Therefore, the interpretation of changes in full-length versus cleaved forms of ACE2 and related enzymes is critical for understanding vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Strengthening Jordan's Laboratory Capacity for Communicable Diseases: A Comprehensive Multi-Method Mapping Toward Harmonized National Laboratories and Evidence-Informed Public Health Planning.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(9):.
Infectious diseases remain a global threat, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected due to socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities. Robust laboratory systems are critical for early detection, outbreak containment, and guiding effective interventions. This study aimed to map and evaluate Jordan's laboratory diagnostic network for communicable diseases, identify gaps, and recommend strategies to strengthen capacity, harmonization, and alignment with international standards. A multi-method approach was employed in 2023 through collaboration between the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Data were collected via (i) a desktop review of 226 national and international documents; (ii) 20 key informant interviews with stakeholders from the public, private, military, veterinary, and academic sectors; and (iii) 23 field visits across 27 laboratories in four Jordanian governorates. Data were analyzed thematically and synthesized using the LABNET framework, which outlined ten core laboratory capacities. Findings were validated through a multi-sectoral national workshop with 90 participants. The mapping revealed the absence of a unified national laboratory strategic plan, with governance dispersed across multiple authorities and limited inter-sectoral coordination. Standard operating protocols (SOPs) existed for high-priority diseases such as T.B, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19 but were lacking or outdated for other notifiable diseases, particularly zoonoses. Quality management was inconsistent, with limited participation in external quality assurance programs and minimal accreditation uptake. Biosafety and biosecurity frameworks were fragmented and insufficiently enforced, while workforce shortages, high turnover, and limited specialized training constrained laboratory performance. Despite these challenges, Jordan demonstrated strengths including skilled laboratory staff, established reference centers, and international collaborations, which provide a platform for improvement. Jordan's laboratory network has foundational strengths but faces systemic challenges in policy coherence, standardization, quality assurance, and workforce capacity. Addressing these gaps requires the development of a national laboratory strategic plan, strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks, enhanced quality management and accreditation, and integrated One Health coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. These measures will improve diagnostic reliability, preparedness, and alignment with the global health security agenda.
Additional Links: PMID-41007602
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41007602,
year = {2025},
author = {Zayed, DK and Al-Smadi, RA and Almaayteh, M and Al-Hjouj, T and Hamdan, O and Ghalyoun, AA and Alsaleh, O and Abu Touk, T and Almaseidin, SN and Madi, T and Hassan, SK and Horabi, M and Belbiesi, A and Mukattash, TL and Al-Tammemi, AB},
title = {Strengthening Jordan's Laboratory Capacity for Communicable Diseases: A Comprehensive Multi-Method Mapping Toward Harmonized National Laboratories and Evidence-Informed Public Health Planning.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007602},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Jordan ; *Laboratories/standards/organization & administration ; Humans ; *Communicable Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *Public Health ; Capacity Building ; *Health Planning ; },
abstract = {Infectious diseases remain a global threat, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected due to socio-economic and demographic vulnerabilities. Robust laboratory systems are critical for early detection, outbreak containment, and guiding effective interventions. This study aimed to map and evaluate Jordan's laboratory diagnostic network for communicable diseases, identify gaps, and recommend strategies to strengthen capacity, harmonization, and alignment with international standards. A multi-method approach was employed in 2023 through collaboration between the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Data were collected via (i) a desktop review of 226 national and international documents; (ii) 20 key informant interviews with stakeholders from the public, private, military, veterinary, and academic sectors; and (iii) 23 field visits across 27 laboratories in four Jordanian governorates. Data were analyzed thematically and synthesized using the LABNET framework, which outlined ten core laboratory capacities. Findings were validated through a multi-sectoral national workshop with 90 participants. The mapping revealed the absence of a unified national laboratory strategic plan, with governance dispersed across multiple authorities and limited inter-sectoral coordination. Standard operating protocols (SOPs) existed for high-priority diseases such as T.B, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19 but were lacking or outdated for other notifiable diseases, particularly zoonoses. Quality management was inconsistent, with limited participation in external quality assurance programs and minimal accreditation uptake. Biosafety and biosecurity frameworks were fragmented and insufficiently enforced, while workforce shortages, high turnover, and limited specialized training constrained laboratory performance. Despite these challenges, Jordan demonstrated strengths including skilled laboratory staff, established reference centers, and international collaborations, which provide a platform for improvement. Jordan's laboratory network has foundational strengths but faces systemic challenges in policy coherence, standardization, quality assurance, and workforce capacity. Addressing these gaps requires the development of a national laboratory strategic plan, strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks, enhanced quality management and accreditation, and integrated One Health coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. These measures will improve diagnostic reliability, preparedness, and alignment with the global health security agenda.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Jordan
*Laboratories/standards/organization & administration
Humans
*Communicable Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology
*Public Health
Capacity Building
*Health Planning
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Sex and Gender Influences on the Impacts of Disasters: A Rapid Review of Evidence.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(9):.
Both sex-related factors and gender-related factors affect the immediate and long term mental and physical health impacts of disasters, including those resulting from public health emergencies, climate-related events, and naturally occurring phenomena. These include sex-specific biological, physiological and genetic processes, mechanisms underlying reproduction, disease outcomes, and stress, immune, and trauma responses. Gendered factors such as roles, relations, identity, and institutional policies that have an impact on caregiving, occupation, gender-based violence, and access to healthcare, also influence the impacts of disasters and emergencies. Sex/gender factors interact with a range of social determinants to affect the equitability of impacts. A rapid review was conducted to examine evidence from Australia, Canada, countries from the European Union, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA) on the influence of sex- and gender-related factors in the context of disasters, such as COVID-19, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. This article describes and categorizes this evidence with attention to real-world impacts of the interactions between sex, gender, and other equity related factors. Broad considerations for improving research and practices to support more sex and gender research in this area and ultimately, to improve emergency and disaster management, are discussed.
Additional Links: PMID-41007561
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41007561,
year = {2025},
author = {Muñoz-Nieves, C and Greaves, L and Huber, E and Brabete, AC and Wolfson, L and Poole, N},
title = {Sex and Gender Influences on the Impacts of Disasters: A Rapid Review of Evidence.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007561},
issn = {1660-4601},
support = {520671/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Disasters ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Female ; Sex Factors ; Male ; SARS-CoV-2 ; New Zealand ; Australia ; },
abstract = {Both sex-related factors and gender-related factors affect the immediate and long term mental and physical health impacts of disasters, including those resulting from public health emergencies, climate-related events, and naturally occurring phenomena. These include sex-specific biological, physiological and genetic processes, mechanisms underlying reproduction, disease outcomes, and stress, immune, and trauma responses. Gendered factors such as roles, relations, identity, and institutional policies that have an impact on caregiving, occupation, gender-based violence, and access to healthcare, also influence the impacts of disasters and emergencies. Sex/gender factors interact with a range of social determinants to affect the equitability of impacts. A rapid review was conducted to examine evidence from Australia, Canada, countries from the European Union, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States of America (USA) on the influence of sex- and gender-related factors in the context of disasters, such as COVID-19, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. This article describes and categorizes this evidence with attention to real-world impacts of the interactions between sex, gender, and other equity related factors. Broad considerations for improving research and practices to support more sex and gender research in this area and ultimately, to improve emergency and disaster management, are discussed.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Disasters
COVID-19/epidemiology
Female
Sex Factors
Male
SARS-CoV-2
New Zealand
Australia
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
Long COVID Symptom Management Through Self-Care and Nonprescription Treatment Options: A Narrative Review.
International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(9):.
Many patients experience unique or persistent symptoms several months following the onset of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative agent of COVID-19. While this condition is commonly referred to as long COVID, no universally accepted definition exists; therefore, many patients go underrecognized and underreported. Long COVID can involve almost any major organ system and is characterized by widely heterogeneous persistent or recurrent symptoms including fatigue, headache, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. In line with the wide array of symptoms, numerous potential underlying pathophysiologic pathways, including viral persistence, prolonged inflammation, autoimmune reactions, endothelial dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the microbiome of the gut, may contribute to the symptomology of long COVID. Therapy is directed at symptomatic control; however, no pharmacologic treatments are specifically approved for the management of symptoms associated with long COVID. Several common symptoms of long COVID may be managed with nonprescription treatments (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic). The goal of this review is to provide clinicians with a better understanding of long COVID and review the latest recommendations for managing common mild-to-moderate symptoms with nonprescription treatment options.
Additional Links: PMID-41007506
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41007506,
year = {2025},
author = {Kachroo, P and Boivin, G and Cowling, BJ and Shannon, W and Mallefet, P and Kalita, P and Georgescu, AM},
title = {Long COVID Symptom Management Through Self-Care and Nonprescription Treatment Options: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007506},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy/complications ; *Self Care ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Many patients experience unique or persistent symptoms several months following the onset of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causative agent of COVID-19. While this condition is commonly referred to as long COVID, no universally accepted definition exists; therefore, many patients go underrecognized and underreported. Long COVID can involve almost any major organ system and is characterized by widely heterogeneous persistent or recurrent symptoms including fatigue, headache, cough, dyspnea, chest pain, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, and depression. In line with the wide array of symptoms, numerous potential underlying pathophysiologic pathways, including viral persistence, prolonged inflammation, autoimmune reactions, endothelial dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the microbiome of the gut, may contribute to the symptomology of long COVID. Therapy is directed at symptomatic control; however, no pharmacologic treatments are specifically approved for the management of symptoms associated with long COVID. Several common symptoms of long COVID may be managed with nonprescription treatments (pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic). The goal of this review is to provide clinicians with a better understanding of long COVID and review the latest recommendations for managing common mild-to-moderate symptoms with nonprescription treatment options.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*COVID-19/therapy/complications
*Self Care
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
HSP60 and SARS-CoV-2: Les Liaisons Dangereuses.
Biology, 14(9):.
Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis and stress responses. Recent evidence highlights its involvement in COVID-19 pathophysiology, particularly in immune modulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Extracellular Hsp60 can interact with Toll-like receptors, amplifying inflammatory responses and contributing to cytokine storm and tissue damage. Additionally, since the presence of several common epitopes with SARS-CoV-2 proteins, its role in molecular mimicry suggests a potential link also to post-infectious autoimmune disorders. Hsp60 has also been implicated in endothelial damage and thromboembolic complications observed in severe COVID-19 cases. Beyond its pathogenic roles, Hsp60 could emerge as a potential biomarker for disease severity as well as a target for therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating immune responses. Finally, the structural similarity with SARS-CoV-2 proteins raises important considerations regarding both vaccine safety and the unexpected potential for anti-tumor immunity. This review critically examines the multifaceted roles of Hsp60 in COVID-19, specifically from a morpho-functional point of view, highlighting its implications in disease progression, post-viral complications, and therapeutic opportunities.
Additional Links: PMID-41007425
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41007425,
year = {2025},
author = {Carista, A and Gratie, MI and Cappello, F and Burgio, S},
title = {HSP60 and SARS-CoV-2: Les Liaisons Dangereuses.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41007425},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) plays a crucial role in cellular homeostasis and stress responses. Recent evidence highlights its involvement in COVID-19 pathophysiology, particularly in immune modulation, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. Extracellular Hsp60 can interact with Toll-like receptors, amplifying inflammatory responses and contributing to cytokine storm and tissue damage. Additionally, since the presence of several common epitopes with SARS-CoV-2 proteins, its role in molecular mimicry suggests a potential link also to post-infectious autoimmune disorders. Hsp60 has also been implicated in endothelial damage and thromboembolic complications observed in severe COVID-19 cases. Beyond its pathogenic roles, Hsp60 could emerge as a potential biomarker for disease severity as well as a target for therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating immune responses. Finally, the structural similarity with SARS-CoV-2 proteins raises important considerations regarding both vaccine safety and the unexpected potential for anti-tumor immunity. This review critically examines the multifaceted roles of Hsp60 in COVID-19, specifically from a morpho-functional point of view, highlighting its implications in disease progression, post-viral complications, and therapeutic opportunities.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-27
School Refusal Behavior in Japan: The Impact of COVID-19 on Children.
Children (Basel, Switzerland), 12(9):.
School refusal behavior, defined as a child's prolonged voluntary absence from school for reasons unrelated to illness and/or economic hardship, is a growing concern in Japan. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue by disrupting children's lives. This review summarizes the prevalence, contributing factors, and health implications of school refusal, particularly in the context of COVID-19. A literature review of government reports and PubMed-indexed studies indicates that school refusal in Japan has been rising for eleven years, reaching a record 340,000 cases in 2023. Middle school students (6.7%) were the most affected, followed by elementary school students (2.1%). The pandemic intensified school-related, family-related, and child-related risk factors. School closures disrupted routines, reduced peer interactions, and increased social isolation, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Reports of suicides and mental health disorders among children have also surged. Family stressors, including economic hardship and parental mental health struggles, further exacerbate school refusal. Additionally, remote learning has widened socioeconomic disparities in access to education, leaving vulnerable children at greater risk. Addressing school refusal requires a multifaceted approach involving schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers. School-based interventions, mental health approach, and flexible educational programs would be essential. The Japanese government's "COCOLO Plan" represents progress toward a more inclusive education system, and a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy is needed. Ensuring all children receive the necessary support to reengage with education is critical to overcoming the long-term challenges posed by school refusal.
Additional Links: PMID-41006970
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41006970,
year = {2025},
author = {Matsubara, D and Kotani, K and Osaka, H},
title = {School Refusal Behavior in Japan: The Impact of COVID-19 on Children.},
journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41006970},
issn = {2227-9067},
abstract = {School refusal behavior, defined as a child's prolonged voluntary absence from school for reasons unrelated to illness and/or economic hardship, is a growing concern in Japan. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this issue by disrupting children's lives. This review summarizes the prevalence, contributing factors, and health implications of school refusal, particularly in the context of COVID-19. A literature review of government reports and PubMed-indexed studies indicates that school refusal in Japan has been rising for eleven years, reaching a record 340,000 cases in 2023. Middle school students (6.7%) were the most affected, followed by elementary school students (2.1%). The pandemic intensified school-related, family-related, and child-related risk factors. School closures disrupted routines, reduced peer interactions, and increased social isolation, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Reports of suicides and mental health disorders among children have also surged. Family stressors, including economic hardship and parental mental health struggles, further exacerbate school refusal. Additionally, remote learning has widened socioeconomic disparities in access to education, leaving vulnerable children at greater risk. Addressing school refusal requires a multifaceted approach involving schools, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers. School-based interventions, mental health approach, and flexible educational programs would be essential. The Japanese government's "COCOLO Plan" represents progress toward a more inclusive education system, and a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy is needed. Ensuring all children receive the necessary support to reengage with education is critical to overcoming the long-term challenges posed by school refusal.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-29
CmpDate: 2025-09-26
ASEAN and the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review on the role and response of a regional organisation in a global health emergency.
BMJ global health, 10(9): pii:bmjgh-2024-018342.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a state-based membership organisation that facilitates cooperation in Southeast Asia. Over the past two decades, ASEAN has strengthened its cooperation efforts in health, particularly in managing infectious diseases. This scoping review explores the role and response of ASEAN in the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We searched five databases using terminology related to 'ASEAN', 'COVID-19' and 'health emergencies', and extracted data on the role of ASEAN, its response efforts, critiques of either its role or response efforts, and any recommendations. We conducted a thematic synthesis of the evidence. From 17 studies, we characterised a normative, functional and diplomatic role that ASEAN played in managing the pandemic, and identified a total of 46 discrete mechanisms that ASEAN leveraged during. We synthesised both positive and negative critique of ASEAN's role and response efforts, and identified six themes of recommendations for ASEAN moving forward. Our review reveals the need for further research to understand where Member States' interests in managing health emergencies converge; and to define and measure the effectiveness of regional organisations to better establish their role and responsibilities.
Additional Links: PMID-41005811
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41005811,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahman-Shepherd, A and Cutter, J and Hinjoy, S and Ho, ZJM and Huimin, JC and Miranda, I and Moideen, MA and Pang, T and Razavi, A and Rollet, V and Hsu, LY},
title = {ASEAN and the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review on the role and response of a regional organisation in a global health emergency.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/bmjgh-2024-018342},
pmid = {41005811},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Global Health ; Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Pandemics ; Emergencies ; },
abstract = {The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a state-based membership organisation that facilitates cooperation in Southeast Asia. Over the past two decades, ASEAN has strengthened its cooperation efforts in health, particularly in managing infectious diseases. This scoping review explores the role and response of ASEAN in the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We searched five databases using terminology related to 'ASEAN', 'COVID-19' and 'health emergencies', and extracted data on the role of ASEAN, its response efforts, critiques of either its role or response efforts, and any recommendations. We conducted a thematic synthesis of the evidence. From 17 studies, we characterised a normative, functional and diplomatic role that ASEAN played in managing the pandemic, and identified a total of 46 discrete mechanisms that ASEAN leveraged during. We synthesised both positive and negative critique of ASEAN's role and response efforts, and identified six themes of recommendations for ASEAN moving forward. Our review reveals the need for further research to understand where Member States' interests in managing health emergencies converge; and to define and measure the effectiveness of regional organisations to better establish their role and responsibilities.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
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Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Global Health
Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Pandemics
Emergencies
RevDate: 2025-09-27
The effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise tolerance in patients with post-covid-19 syndrome: a systematic review.
Respiratory medicine, 248:108375 pii:S0954-6111(25)00438-X [Epub ahead of print].
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), either performed in isolation or combined with aerobic and resistance exercises, on exercise tolerance and respiratory function in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
METHODS: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals investigating IMT in adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included. A comprehensive search was carried out in international electronic databases. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2.0) were performed independently by two reviewers.
RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials encompassing a total of 451 participants were included. The overall quality of evidence was considered moderate, mainly due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous protocols. Compared with control groups, IMT demonstrated significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic thickness, and distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). However, no consistent differences were observed in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) or autonomic modulation.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that IMT may enhance exercise tolerance and respiratory parameters in post-COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, the available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to establish definitive clinical recommendations.
Additional Links: PMID-41005678
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41005678,
year = {2025},
author = {Corrêa, EM and da Silva Mendonça, S and Rocha, RSB and da Costa Cunha, K and Falcão, LFM and Normando, VMF},
title = {The effects of inspiratory muscle training on exercise tolerance in patients with post-covid-19 syndrome: a systematic review.},
journal = {Respiratory medicine},
volume = {248},
number = {},
pages = {108375},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmed.2025.108375},
pmid = {41005678},
issn = {1532-3064},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), either performed in isolation or combined with aerobic and resistance exercises, on exercise tolerance and respiratory function in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
METHODS: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals investigating IMT in adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included. A comprehensive search was carried out in international electronic databases. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment (RoB 2.0) were performed independently by two reviewers.
RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials encompassing a total of 451 participants were included. The overall quality of evidence was considered moderate, mainly due to small sample sizes and heterogeneous protocols. Compared with control groups, IMT demonstrated significant improvements in inspiratory muscle strength, diaphragmatic thickness, and distance covered in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). However, no consistent differences were observed in maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) or autonomic modulation.
CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that IMT may enhance exercise tolerance and respiratory parameters in post-COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, the available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, underscoring the need for multicenter RCTs with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to establish definitive clinical recommendations.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-26
Impact of physical activity on respiratory disease: Current status and therapeutic implications.
Respiratory investigation, 63(6):1187-1193 pii:S2212-5345(25)00156-X [Epub ahead of print].
Regular physical activity (PA) modulates key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset, progression, and symptoms of major respiratory diseases. Notably, low daily PA and high sedentary time independently predict faster lung function decline, poorer quality of life, and premature mortality in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILDs), and post-coronavirus disease lung sequelae. Conversely, structured exercise training-and the increasingly popular, lifestyle-integrated "move-more-sit-less" programs-improve dyspnea, exercise capacity, airway and systemic inflammation, and healthcare utilization. Large cohort analyses corroborate a clear dose-response relationship: attaining ≥7500 steps/day or ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity yields the greatest clinical benefit, even in individuals with impaired pulmonary function. Mechanistic studies also revealed that exercise dampens type-2 airway inflammation in asthma, enhances the skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype in COPD, and counteracts ILD-related deconditioning. Recent randomized trials have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation can improve 5-year survival in fibrotic ILD, while telerehabilitation and gamified smartphone coaching can close access gaps without compromising efficacy. Additionally, major international guidelines such as the Global Initiative for Asthma 2024 and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2025 now explicitly recognize PA as a "treatable trait." Nevertheless, PA uptake in routine care remains limited by behavioral, environmental, and policy barriers. Future work must refine personalized PA prescriptions, integrate wearable-derived metrics into decision-support algorithms, and test the synergistic effects with emerging biologics and anti-fibrotic agents. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence, highlights unanswered questions, and offers pragmatic recommendations for clinicians aiming to embed PA promotion in comprehensive respiratory care pathways.
Additional Links: PMID-41004951
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41004951,
year = {2025},
author = {Asai, K},
title = {Impact of physical activity on respiratory disease: Current status and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Respiratory investigation},
volume = {63},
number = {6},
pages = {1187-1193},
doi = {10.1016/j.resinv.2025.09.020},
pmid = {41004951},
issn = {2212-5353},
abstract = {Regular physical activity (PA) modulates key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset, progression, and symptoms of major respiratory diseases. Notably, low daily PA and high sedentary time independently predict faster lung function decline, poorer quality of life, and premature mortality in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILDs), and post-coronavirus disease lung sequelae. Conversely, structured exercise training-and the increasingly popular, lifestyle-integrated "move-more-sit-less" programs-improve dyspnea, exercise capacity, airway and systemic inflammation, and healthcare utilization. Large cohort analyses corroborate a clear dose-response relationship: attaining ≥7500 steps/day or ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous activity yields the greatest clinical benefit, even in individuals with impaired pulmonary function. Mechanistic studies also revealed that exercise dampens type-2 airway inflammation in asthma, enhances the skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype in COPD, and counteracts ILD-related deconditioning. Recent randomized trials have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation can improve 5-year survival in fibrotic ILD, while telerehabilitation and gamified smartphone coaching can close access gaps without compromising efficacy. Additionally, major international guidelines such as the Global Initiative for Asthma 2024 and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2025 now explicitly recognize PA as a "treatable trait." Nevertheless, PA uptake in routine care remains limited by behavioral, environmental, and policy barriers. Future work must refine personalized PA prescriptions, integrate wearable-derived metrics into decision-support algorithms, and test the synergistic effects with emerging biologics and anti-fibrotic agents. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence, highlights unanswered questions, and offers pragmatic recommendations for clinicians aiming to embed PA promotion in comprehensive respiratory care pathways.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-26
Rationalizing recommendations for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccine, 65:127775 pii:S0264-410X(25)01072-2 [Epub ahead of print].
Influenza vaccination saves lives, reduces short-term and long-term health consequences, decreases healthcare utilization, and improves pregnancy outcomes and infant health. Consequently, many, although not all, high-income countries have influenza vaccination policies that recognize both the direct (prevention of infection) and indirect (e.g., reduction in transmission and absenteeism, exacerbations of other health conditions) benefits of vaccination. Vaccination policies for COVID-19 are less consistent, even though COVID-19 continues to cause more infections than influenza. Indeed, some countries recommend COVID-19 vaccination only for older adults and individuals who are severely immunocompromised. Herein we compare influenza and COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness against both acute infection and indirect effects of infection. We find that COVID-19 vaccines are equivalent to, or outperform, influenza vaccines when comparing protection from symptomatic infection, reduction in severe disease, safety profiles, and real-world effectiveness. We propose that expansion of COVID-19 vaccination policies would reduce disruptions to school, work, and healthcare systems, in addition to preventing hospitalizations and severe disease.
Additional Links: PMID-41004948
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41004948,
year = {2025},
author = {Breznik, JA and Miller, MS and Bowdish, DME},
title = {Rationalizing recommendations for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {65},
number = {},
pages = {127775},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127775},
pmid = {41004948},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {Influenza vaccination saves lives, reduces short-term and long-term health consequences, decreases healthcare utilization, and improves pregnancy outcomes and infant health. Consequently, many, although not all, high-income countries have influenza vaccination policies that recognize both the direct (prevention of infection) and indirect (e.g., reduction in transmission and absenteeism, exacerbations of other health conditions) benefits of vaccination. Vaccination policies for COVID-19 are less consistent, even though COVID-19 continues to cause more infections than influenza. Indeed, some countries recommend COVID-19 vaccination only for older adults and individuals who are severely immunocompromised. Herein we compare influenza and COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness against both acute infection and indirect effects of infection. We find that COVID-19 vaccines are equivalent to, or outperform, influenza vaccines when comparing protection from symptomatic infection, reduction in severe disease, safety profiles, and real-world effectiveness. We propose that expansion of COVID-19 vaccination policies would reduce disruptions to school, work, and healthcare systems, in addition to preventing hospitalizations and severe disease.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-26
Effectiveness of probiotics on COVID-19 prevention and treatment against mild COVID-19 in outpatient care: A systematic review.
Nutrition and health [Epub ahead of print].
BackgroundIn previous research, probiotics have shown to be beneficial in preventing and limiting the progress of upper respiratory infections. Their effectiveness in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been investigated mainly in hospitalized patients, and less so among outpatients who constitute majority of COVID-19 cases.AimThis systematic review evaluates the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotic use on prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among patients with mild symptoms in outpatient settings.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for studies from their inception to May 2024, restricting to randomized controlled trials and before-and-after studies. The primary outcomes were infection incidence and complete remission rate. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0) and risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was performed to assess the certainty of the evidence.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials and one pre-post study on 1235 participants were included. Four studies had low risk of bias. Probiotics were effective in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 upon exposure and accelerating the symptomatic remission of mild COVID-19 with less systemic symptoms. Overall, the certainty of evidence on both primary outcomes was moderate. Comorbidities and old ages were found to be significant confounders. Probiotics demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and humoral effects in the nasopharyngeal cavity.ConclusionThese results suggest that probiotics are effective at preventing COVID-19 and support faster recovery from mild COVID-19 among individuals seeking for outpatient care. People with comorbidities, that is, metabolic disorder and elderly benefit the most from probiotics supplements.
Additional Links: PMID-41004357
Publisher:
PubMed:
Citation:
show bibtex listing
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@article {pmid41004357,
year = {2025},
author = {Chau, CHH and Stefler, D and Szeto, MMS},
title = {Effectiveness of probiotics on COVID-19 prevention and treatment against mild COVID-19 in outpatient care: A systematic review.},
journal = {Nutrition and health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {2601060251378200},
doi = {10.1177/02601060251378200},
pmid = {41004357},
issn = {0260-1060},
abstract = {BackgroundIn previous research, probiotics have shown to be beneficial in preventing and limiting the progress of upper respiratory infections. Their effectiveness in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been investigated mainly in hospitalized patients, and less so among outpatients who constitute majority of COVID-19 cases.AimThis systematic review evaluates the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of probiotic use on prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among patients with mild symptoms in outpatient settings.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for studies from their inception to May 2024, restricting to randomized controlled trials and before-and-after studies. The primary outcomes were infection incidence and complete remission rate. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0) and risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I) were used to assess the risk of bias. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was performed to assess the certainty of the evidence.ResultsEight randomized controlled trials and one pre-post study on 1235 participants were included. Four studies had low risk of bias. Probiotics were effective in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 upon exposure and accelerating the symptomatic remission of mild COVID-19 with less systemic symptoms. Overall, the certainty of evidence on both primary outcomes was moderate. Comorbidities and old ages were found to be significant confounders. Probiotics demonstrated significant immunomodulatory and humoral effects in the nasopharyngeal cavity.ConclusionThese results suggest that probiotics are effective at preventing COVID-19 and support faster recovery from mild COVID-19 among individuals seeking for outpatient care. People with comorbidities, that is, metabolic disorder and elderly benefit the most from probiotics supplements.},
}
RevDate: 2025-09-26
CmpDate: 2025-09-26
Revolutionizing vaccination: the marvel of nanovaccination technology.
Molecular biology reports, 52(1):949.
Seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases emphasise the critical need for the development of effective vaccines to address global healthcare challenges. Vaccines traditionally evolved using live attenuated organisms, killed organisms, and inactivated toxins. Despite the progression of traditional vaccines, improvement is needed due to toxicity and partial immunogenicity chances after multiple doses. Nanotechnology-based vaccines are now overcoming the gaps in traditional vaccines by enhancing their immunogenicity and reducing levels of toxicity. Nanocarrier-based vaccines reduce dosing frequency by enabling sustained antigen release, thereby minimising the need for booster doses required in conventional vaccines to achieve long-term immunity. The surface of nanocarriers can also be modified by phagocytic cells to increase their uptake for better antigen presentation and recognition and boost antibody production. As a result of better antigen recognition, the antibody production rate of nanocarrier-based vaccines is faster than that of traditional vaccines. Nanocarriers have a distinguished variety of sizes, shapes and compositions. They can also be used for the co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants. These advantageous nanocarriers are classified into various types based on their nature, like polymeric-based, lipid, and inorganic. In the case of solid nanocarriers, they protect against the degradation of the vaccine and improve its facilitation through gut related lymphoid tissues also mucosa linked lymphoid tissue. This review discussed the evolved platform of nanotechnology in vaccine development and its advantages over traditional vaccines. This paper also includes the classification of various nanocarriers, primarily focusing on nanovaccines developed for diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, COVID-19, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, and cancer.
Additional Links: PMID-41003823
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41003823,
year = {2025},
author = {Mansuri, R and Raj, A and Monika, and Diwan, A and Shorog, E and Yasmin, S and Ashique, S and Ansari, MY},
title = {Revolutionizing vaccination: the marvel of nanovaccination technology.},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {949},
pmid = {41003823},
issn = {1573-4978},
support = {RGP1/233/46//Deanship of Scientific Research, King Khalid University/ ; RGP1/233/46//Deanship of Scientific Research, King Khalid University/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination/methods ; *Nanotechnology/methods ; *Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; Vaccine Development/methods ; Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Animals ; Drug Carriers/chemistry ; Adjuvants, Immunologic ; },
abstract = {Seasonal outbreaks of infectious diseases emphasise the critical need for the development of effective vaccines to address global healthcare challenges. Vaccines traditionally evolved using live attenuated organisms, killed organisms, and inactivated toxins. Despite the progression of traditional vaccines, improvement is needed due to toxicity and partial immunogenicity chances after multiple doses. Nanotechnology-based vaccines are now overcoming the gaps in traditional vaccines by enhancing their immunogenicity and reducing levels of toxicity. Nanocarrier-based vaccines reduce dosing frequency by enabling sustained antigen release, thereby minimising the need for booster doses required in conventional vaccines to achieve long-term immunity. The surface of nanocarriers can also be modified by phagocytic cells to increase their uptake for better antigen presentation and recognition and boost antibody production. As a result of better antigen recognition, the antibody production rate of nanocarrier-based vaccines is faster than that of traditional vaccines. Nanocarriers have a distinguished variety of sizes, shapes and compositions. They can also be used for the co-delivery of antigens and adjuvants. These advantageous nanocarriers are classified into various types based on their nature, like polymeric-based, lipid, and inorganic. In the case of solid nanocarriers, they protect against the degradation of the vaccine and improve its facilitation through gut related lymphoid tissues also mucosa linked lymphoid tissue. This review discussed the evolved platform of nanotechnology in vaccine development and its advantages over traditional vaccines. This paper also includes the classification of various nanocarriers, primarily focusing on nanovaccines developed for diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, COVID-19, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, and cancer.},
}
MeSH Terms:
show MeSH Terms
hide MeSH Terms
Humans
*Vaccination/methods
*Nanotechnology/methods
*Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
Vaccine Development/methods
Nanoparticles/chemistry
Animals
Drug Carriers/chemistry
Adjuvants, Immunologic
RevDate: 2025-09-28
CmpDate: 2025-09-26
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and Exercise Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland), 13(9):.
The aim of this systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024517069) was to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). We searched on several databases and followed the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We included randomized controlled trials that evaluate exercise interventions in adults (40-60 years old) diagnosed with PACS. The outcomes of interest were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional fitness. Twenty studies were included after screening. Thirteen and fourteen studies were rated as "low" risk for HRQoL and functional fitness outcomes, respectively. Based on the evidence, an 8-week exercise protocol of aerobic training in combination with strength-based and breathing exercises was found to be safe and feasible while improving quality of life and functional fitness in people with PACS. Telerehabilitation can also be an option to avoid contagion and physical contact with the same beneficial effects. Future research should expand the knowledge about other types of exercise (i.e., water-based exercises) with high-quality trials and consider whether findings could be potentially transferable to recovery from a wider spectrum of viral infections.
Additional Links: PMID-41003635
PubMed:
Citation:
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@article {pmid41003635,
year = {2025},
author = {Presta, V and Guarnieri, A and Laurenti, F and Mazzei, S and di Martino, O and Vitale, M and Condello, G},
title = {Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and Exercise Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.},
journal = {Sports (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {41003635},
issn = {2075-4663},
support = {MUR_DM737_2022_FIL_PROGETTI_B_CONDELLO_COFIN//Bando di Ateneo per la Ricerca 2022 - Azione B/ ; },
abstract = {The aim of this systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024517069) was to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). We searched on several databases and followed the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We included randomized controlled trials that evaluate exercise interventions in adults (40-60 years old) diagnosed with PACS. The outcomes of interest were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional fitness. Twenty studies were included after screening. Thirteen and fourteen studies were rated as "low" risk for HRQoL and functional fitness outcomes, respectively. Based on the evidence, an 8-week exercise protocol of aerobic training in combination with strength-based and breathing exercises was found to be safe and feasible while improving quality of life and functional fitness in people with PACS. Telerehabilitation can also be an option to avoid contagion and physical contact with the same beneficial effects. Future research should expand the knowledge about other types of exercise (i.e., water-based exercises) with high-quality trials and consider whether findings could be potentially transferable to recovery from a wider spectrum of viral infections.},
}
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ESP Quick Facts
ESP Origins
In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.
ESP Support
In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.
ESP Rationale
Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.
ESP Goal
In reading the early works of classical genetics, one is drawn, almost inexorably, into ever more complex models, until molecular explanations begin to seem both necessary and natural. At that point, the tools for understanding genome research are at hand. Assisting readers reach this point was the original goal of The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.
ESP Usage
Usage of the site grew rapidly and has remained high. Faculty began to use the site for their assigned readings. Other on-line publishers, ranging from The New York Times to Nature referenced ESP materials in their own publications. Nobel laureates (e.g., Joshua Lederberg) regularly used the site and even wrote to suggest changes and improvements.
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When the site began, no journals were making their early content available in digital format. As a result, ESP was obliged to digitize classic literature before it could be made available. For many important papers — such as Mendel's original paper or the first genetic map — ESP had to produce entirely new typeset versions of the works, if they were to be available in a high-quality format.
ESP Help
Early support from the DOE component of the Human Genome Project was critically important for getting the ESP project on a firm foundation. Since that funding ended (nearly 20 years ago), the project has been operated as a purely volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts should send an email to Robbins.
ESP Plans
With the development of methods for adding typeset side notes to PDF files, the ESP project now plans to add annotated versions of some classical papers to its holdings. We also plan to add new reference and pedagogical material. We have already started providing regularly updated, comprehensive bibliographies to the ESP.ORG site.
ESP Picks from Around the Web (updated 28 JUL 2024 )
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Dinosaur tail, complete with feathers, found preserved in amber.
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Mysterious fast radio burst (FRB) detected in the distant universe.
Big Data & Informatics
Big Data: Buzzword or Big Deal?
Hacking the genome: Identifying anonymized human subjects using publicly available data.