@article {pmid41912221,
year = {2026},
author = {Ijaz, M and Mizori, R and Al Omran, Y},
title = {Effectiveness of Teledermatology on Clinical, Patient-Reported, and Operational Outcomes: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Dermatology practical & conceptual},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41912221},
issn = {2160-9381},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Teledermatology (TD), the remote diagnosis and management of skin conditions using digital platforms, has rapidly evolved since its initial adoption in 1995. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of TD expanded significantly, offering a viable alternative to face-to-face (F2F) consultations, particularly in settings where access to dermatologists are limited.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of TD across three key domains: clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and July 2024. Studies comparing TD with in-person consultations in terms of diagnostic accuracy, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness were included. The quality of the included studies were as assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS: From 2,768 articles, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Clinical outcomes indicated moderate agreement between TD and F2F consultations, with a mean kappa coefficient of 0.57, reflecting diagnostic concordance. Patient satisfaction varied widely, with 26.57% of patients willing to replace F2F consultations with TD. TD was associated with significant cost savings, averaging US$81.31 per patient, with percentage savings ranging from 6.27% to 45.33%, depending on the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS: TD provides moderate diagnostic accuracy, substantial cost savings, and varying degrees of patient acceptance. However, successful implementation requires high-quality imaging, clinician training, and robust technical infrastructure. Further research is needed to optimize TD's role in dermatology, particularly in balancing virtual and F2F care.},
}

@article {pmid41912702,
year = {2026},
author = {Candel-Pau, J and Maya-Enero, S and García-García, J and Valle-Del Barrio, B and Muñoz-Molinero, J and López-Vílchez, MÁ},
title = {Factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 placental antibody transfer and neonatal transmission. A prospective, cohort study and review of available literature.},
journal = {Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association},
volume = {46},
number = {5},
pages = {717-725},
pmid = {41912702},
issn = {1476-5543},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; *COVID-19/transmission/immunology ; *Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data/prevention & control ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology/virology ; *Immunity, Maternally-Acquired/immunology ; *Placenta/immunology ; Adult ; Male ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe SARS-CoV-2 serologic status, associated factors, and neonatal transmission following gestational COVID-19.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study including neonates born to mothers with gestational COVID-19 at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) between March 2020 and May 2022.

RESULTS: A total of 263 infants and 261 mothers were included. High seropositivity was observed in infected mothers (88.9%) and their newborns (82.8%), particularly following early gestational and mild-to-moderate infections and among vaccinated mothers. Higher placental antibody transfer ratios were observed in earlier maternal infections. However, a longer infection-to-delivery interval increased transfer ratios only for anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. Neonatal antibodies persisted for at least six months. Only 6.1% of neonates born to mothers with active infection tested positive, with no evidence of congenital transmission.

CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 antibody placental transfer is frequent and efficient, conferring passive immunity during the first six months of life. Neonatal infection rate was low and attributable to horizontal transmission.},
}

Humans
Female
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Prospective Studies
*COVID-19/transmission/immunology
*Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data/prevention & control
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology/virology
*Immunity, Maternally-Acquired/immunology
*Placenta/immunology
Adult
Male

@article {pmid41914563,
year = {2026},
author = {Theo, CH and Sam, IC and Chan, YF},
title = {The Diverse Roles of Heparan Sulfate in RNA Virus Infections: Insights From Enterovirus A71, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, and Chikungunya Virus.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {98},
number = {4},
pages = {e70888},
doi = {10.1002/jmv.70888},
pmid = {41914563},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {//University Malaya Faculty of Medicine's Postgraduate Scholarship Fund/ ; MG001-2024//Universiti Malaya Matching Grant/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Heparan Sulfate/metabolism ; *Chikungunya virus/physiology/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; *Enterovirus A, Human/physiology/metabolism ; Virus Attachment ; Animals ; Virus Internalization ; COVID-19/virology/metabolism ; Chikungunya Fever/virology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Heparan sulfate (HS), a ubiquitously expressed glycosaminoglycan, functions as an attachment and/or internalization factor for diverse RNA and DNA viruses. Its broad viral attachment capacity arises from structural heterogeneity in sulfation patterns. This review examines HS interactions in enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), emphasizing shared features and virus-specific distinctions. HS mediates viral attachment in all three, and additionally promotes SARS-CoV-2 internalization when host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is absent. Positively charged residues on the virion dictate HS affinity. High HS affinity enhances in vitro infectivity and plaque size in EV-A71 and SARS-CoV-2, though evidence for CHIKV remains inconclusive. In vivo, elevated HS affinity is associated with viral attenuation and diminished inflammatory responses for both EV-A71 and CHIKV; in EV-A71 specifically, increased HS affinity further correlates with reduced capsid stability and heightened sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. HS mimetics targeting viral-HS interactions represent promising broad-spectrum antivirals, particularly those advancing in clinical trials.},
}

Humans
*Heparan Sulfate/metabolism
*Chikungunya virus/physiology/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
*Enterovirus A, Human/physiology/metabolism
Virus Attachment
Animals
Virus Internalization
COVID-19/virology/metabolism
Chikungunya Fever/virology/metabolism

@article {pmid41914738,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, W and Okumura, CYM},
title = {Carbon metabolism and niche adaptation in Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e0066825},
pmid = {41914738},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {125033//Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine/ ; U54GM104942//West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute/ ; R15AI176429/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus pyogenes/pathogenicity/metabolism/genetics ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Humans ; Virulence Factors/metabolism ; Virulence ; *Streptococcal Infections/microbiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually around the world, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]) infections have resurged in the post-COVID-19 era due to immune debt and the rise of strains with enhanced adaptive capabilities. The formidable pathogenicity of GAS is fueled by metabolic plasticity that coordinates virulence with niche-specific adaptation. In this minireview, we dissect how GAS functions as a sophisticated metabolic decision-maker, revealing survival strategies of the bacteria that allow persistence and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapeutic development. From the oropharynx to the bloodstream, niche-specific carbon sources and availability dictate downstream biosynthetic processes, creating an integrated metabolic network that controls pathogen fitness. Dynamic shifts in central carbon metabolism are orchestrated by an expanded repertoire of global regulators that directly couple nutrient availability to virulence factor expression. The resulting bacterial metabolic byproducts serve as dual-purpose weapons, limiting competition with commensal microbes and reprogramming host cell immune responses. The ability of GAS to fine-tune and couple metabolism to niche-specific survival factors reveals pathogen-specific targets that can be exploited for therapy. We evaluate high-potential therapeutic strategies that aim to disrupt this critical metabolism-virulence nexus. The development of these precision anti-virulence strategies to counter GAS infections is critical in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance.},
}

*Streptococcus pyogenes/pathogenicity/metabolism/genetics
*Carbon/metabolism
Humans
Virulence Factors/metabolism
Virulence
*Streptococcal Infections/microbiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid41915408,
year = {2026},
author = {Maynes, MA and Johnson, AJ},
title = {The impact of antigen presentation on BBB disruption and neuroinflammation.},
journal = {Physiology (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41915408},
issn = {1548-9221},
support = {T32 AI170478/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS103212/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; T32AI170478//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; RF1 NS122174/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; NS108212//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; NS12274//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; },
abstract = {Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a potentially deadly complication of numerous neurological diseases as diverse as cerebral malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever, tauopathies, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, and COVID-19. Neuroinflammation and immune cell infiltration are both drivers and a consequence of BBB disruption. In this review, we will provide an overview of how brain infiltrating T cell responses engage cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) which regulates the BBB in preclinical models. This will provide context on how the immune system can contribute to vascular leakage and neuropathology in neurological diseases. We will discuss how discrete MHC class I and class II molecules on NVU cell types govern T cell entry, retention, and barrier disruption in neuroinflammatory diseases. Finally, we will summarize our current understanding of how discrete HLA genes associate with specific neurological diseases characterized by neuroinflammation and BBB disruption.},
}

@article {pmid41915598,
year = {2026},
author = {Pacheco, FS and da Rocha Mota, RG and Pinho Jannini de Sá, YA and Hogaboam, CM and Castro-Faria-Neto, HC and Carvalho, VF},
title = {Glucocorticoids and Neutrophil Biology: Impact on the Development of Resistance to Glucocorticoid Therapy.},
journal = {Neuroimmunomodulation},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {213-224},
pmid = {41915598},
issn = {1423-0216},
mesh = {Humans ; *Glucocorticoids/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Neutrophils/drug effects/immunology ; Animals ; *Drug Resistance/immunology/physiology ; Th17 Cells/immunology/drug effects ; Inflammation/immunology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in peripheral circulation and play a crucial role in combating infections and mediating inflammatory responses. Neutrophils are produced in bone marrow, have a short half-life in the blood, and are rapidly attracted to the tissues in response to infection or tissue damage.

SUMMARY: Glucocorticoids (GCs), stress hormones, and potent anti-inflammatory agents exert complex effects on neutrophils. While they generally suppress immune responses, GCs can paradoxically enhance neutrophil survival and function under certain conditions. This duality is evident in their ability to delay neutrophil apoptosis and to induce a shift of neutrophils from the marginated to the circulating pool, increasing the neutrophil presence in the bloodstream. Th17 cells, a subset of T-helper cells, recruit neutrophils to sites of infection and inflammation. In addition, neutrophils promote Th17 cell differentiation. GCs can enhance Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production, exacerbating neutrophil accumulation. Nevertheless, in glucocorticoid-resistant diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and encephalomyelitis, Th17 cells and neutrophils contribute to persistent inflammation. This resistance complicates the treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, also in the central nervous system, where standard glucocorticoid therapy fails to mitigate symptoms effectively.

KEY MESSAGES: In this context, we propose a mechanism for the development of resistance to GC driving by uncontrolled TH17 response and neutrophils induced by chronic stress. Understanding the interactions between neutrophils, Th17 cells, and GCs is essential for developing targeted therapies for diseases resistant to GC, such as MS, TBI, and encephalomyelitis.},
}

Humans
*Glucocorticoids/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Neutrophils/drug effects/immunology
Animals
*Drug Resistance/immunology/physiology
Th17 Cells/immunology/drug effects
Inflammation/immunology/drug therapy

@article {pmid41915901,
year = {2026},
author = {Nunns, M and Febrey, S and Becker, K and Weiland, M and Buckland, J and Abbott, R and Whear, R and Bethel, A and Shaw, L and Boddy, K and Carville, S and Harris, T and Thompson Coon, J and Melendez-Torres, GJ},
title = {The Effectiveness of Contact Tracing to Reduce Transmission of Infectious Diseases During Epidemic or Pandemic Response: Rapid Systematic Review.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e84805},
pmid = {41915901},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; *Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Epidemics/prevention & control ; *Communicable Diseases/transmission/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contact tracing (CT), the process of identifying and managing contacts of infected cases, is one public health and social measure that may reduce the spread of infectious diseases. While previous systematic reviews of CT exist, a comprehensive review of both the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences has not been undertaken to our knowledge. Understanding effective CT strategies could help governments and health authorities prepare effectively for emergency epidemic or pandemic situations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of CT across infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential. Effectiveness is measured in terms of impacts on disease transmission, health care use, mortality, or unintended consequences.

METHODS: We searched 6 bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane, and Scopus) between November 29 and December 3, 2024, with supplementary citation searching. We sought human studies comparing CT with interventions with no CT or other forms of CT, delivered in the community, in prespecified diseases of epidemic or pandemic potential. We included studies with any measure of disease transmission, related health care use, or unintended consequences of CT and prioritized studies with concurrent comparators. Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal were performed in duplicate. Due to substantial heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. This review was informed by meetings with a patient and public involvement and engagement group.

RESULTS: After deduplication, a total of 12,816 titles and abstracts were screened, with 198 records assessed for eligibility at full text. Five additional studies were found through supplementary searching. Finally, 88 reports (of 86 studies) were included, of which 57 reports (of 55 studies) were prioritized. Two main routes of transmission were represented: respiratory (tuberculosis [TB], 15 studies; COVID-19, 5 studies) and blood-borne or sexually transmitted infections (STIs; 35 studies, of which 13 were in HIV, and 22 were bacterial or parasitic infections). No evidence was found on vector-borne, direct contact, or food- or water-borne routes of transmission. Evidence was highly heterogeneous, and more than half of the studies had notable methodological limitations. While there was no difference between CT and comparator interventions for most outcomes, there was some evidence of reductions in disease prevalence in TB and for provider-initiated CT to be superior to patient-led approaches in STIs. Only 2 studies reported measures of unintended consequences.

CONCLUSIONS: We found inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of CT, focused primarily on TB and on contrasts between provider-initiated CT and patient-led referral in STIs and HIV. High heterogeneity in study design precluded clear assertions regarding optimal strategies for CT, including with respect to relevant subgroups. Future work should consider generalizability of CT mechanisms across contexts, including by route of transmission and from the Global South, and a more thorough account of unintended consequences.},
}

Humans
*Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Epidemics/prevention & control
*Communicable Diseases/transmission/epidemiology

@article {pmid41915996,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, J and Shi, M and Chen, S and Zhang, H and Lin, Y and Hua, C and Gao, S},
title = {Mitochondrial kinase CMPK2 in immune homeostasis and disease: from metabolic regulation to inflammatory signaling.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {178},
number = {},
pages = {116582},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116582},
pmid = {41915996},
issn = {1878-1705},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/enzymology/immunology ; Homeostasis ; *Inflammation/immunology/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway ; *Nucleoside-Phosphate Kinase/metabolism/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; Energy Metabolism ; DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism ; Virus Diseases/immunology ; Inflammasomes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Cytidine monophosphate kinase 2 (CMPK2) is a pivotal mitochondrial enzyme that plays a multifaceted role in cellular nucleotide metabolism, immune regulation, and disease pathogenesis. This review comprehensively examines the structural characteristics, enzymatic functions, and regulatory mechanisms of CMPK2, emphasizing its significance in maintaining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and energy metabolism. We explore how CMPK2 links mitochondrial stress to inflammation through its involvement in key immune signaling pathways, including the NLRP3 inflammasome and cGAS-STING pathway, thereby modulating innate immune responses. Notably, CMPK2 is upregulated during viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus, where it restricts virus replication and enhance antiviral defenses. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of CMPK2 dysregulation in various non-communicable diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and neuroblastoma, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target. By integrating recent advances in our understanding of CMPK2's roles across infectious and non-infectious diseases, this review establishes CMPK2 as a pivotal node connecting mitochondrial metabolism, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. Our findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate CMPK2's complex functions and to explore its therapeutic potential in clinical applications, ultimately contributing to improved disease management strategies.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Mitochondria/metabolism/enzymology/immunology
Homeostasis
*Inflammation/immunology/metabolism
Signal Transduction
cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway
*Nucleoside-Phosphate Kinase/metabolism/immunology
Immunity, Innate
Energy Metabolism
DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
Virus Diseases/immunology
Inflammasomes/metabolism

@article {pmid41917406,
year = {2026},
author = {Ota, M and Sano, K and Yoshihara, K and Watanabe, S and Hasegawa, H and Miyakawa, K},
title = {Applications of Pseudoviruses Bearing Glycoproteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1491},
number = {},
pages = {361-372},
pmid = {41917406},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {*Virology/methods ; *Viral Envelope ; *Glycoproteins ; *Orthomyxoviridae ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Vaccine Development ; },
abstract = {This review discusses pseudoviruses, which are chimeric viral particles constructed by replacing the envelope glycoproteins of viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) with those of target viruses, and their advantages in the study of highly pathogenic respiratory viruses. These systems serve as valuable tools for elucidating viral entry mechanisms, screening antiviral drugs, quantitatively assessing virus-neutralizing antibodies, and evaluating vaccine efficacy, while reducing the safety risks associated with live viruses. Despite limitations such as applicability primarily to enveloped viruses, ongoing technological advances continue to improve pseudovirus systems, increasing their utility in vaccine development, antiviral research, and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.},
}

*Virology/methods
*Viral Envelope
*Glycoproteins
*Orthomyxoviridae
*SARS-CoV-2
Vaccine Development

@article {pmid41917409,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatakeyama, D and Shoji, M and Kuzuhara, T},
title = {Pharmacophores of Influenza Virus PA Endonuclease Inhibitors.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1491},
number = {},
pages = {413-445},
pmid = {41917409},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Endonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; *Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Orthomyxoviridae/enzymology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Influenza, Human/drug therapy/virology ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; },
abstract = {With the emergence of the novel coronavirus in 2020, influenza viruses have remained out of the spotlight for some time. However, influenza viral infections have been reported in recent years, indicating that this pathogen remains a major threat. Therefore, in addition to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying viral proliferation, new drugs are being actively developed. One of the most effective targets for anti-influenza drugs is the endonuclease activity of the PA subunit, a component of the viral RNA-dependent polymerase, for which a wide variety of compounds have been reported to date. In this review, we introduce 100 compounds that inhibit the activity of this enzyme and the viral proliferation efficiency, showing their potential to be used as novel anti-influenza drugs.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Endonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
*Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry
*Orthomyxoviridae/enzymology/drug effects
Animals
*Influenza, Human/drug therapy/virology
Virus Replication/drug effects

@article {pmid41918076,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Meng, J and Li, Y and Xiang, Y and Wu, Y and Xiong, Y and Liu, P and Gao, S},
title = {The role of ivermectin in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41918076},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {*Ivermectin/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Hospitalization ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ivermectin, as a potential drug for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, remains controversial regarding its efficacy and safety. This study aims to systematically evaluate the therapeutic and preventive effect of ivermectin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on October 11, 2025, to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing ivermectin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measures were mortality rate and adverse event rate for hospitalized patients and outpatient patients, while secondary outcomes included hospitalization time and recovery time. Given the anticipated clinical and methodological heterogeneity across the included RCTs (e.g., variations in ivermectin dosage, study population characteristics, trial implementation time and SARS-CoV-2 variants), a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis to obtain a robust synthesis of heterogeneous study results and reliable estimation of pooled effect sizes.

RESULTS: A total of 40 RCTs involving 23,243 participants were included. Among them, 4 studies evaluated the preventive effect of ivermectin on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the other 36 studies evaluated the therapeutic effect of ivermectin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. For prevention, there was no statistically significant difference between the ivermectin group and control group in SARS-CoV-2 infection rate [risk ratio (RR) 0.37; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.12 to 1.20]. For treatment, all-cause mortality for both hospitalized patients (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.74 to 1.20) and outpatients (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.55 to 1.42) showed no statistically significant difference. Adverse events for hospitalized patients (RR 1.02; 95%CI 0.76 to 1.37) and outpatients (RR 0.96; 95%CI 0.82 to 1.13) also showed no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence that ivermectin does not statistically significantly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or improve clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify the potential benefits of ivermectin.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

*Ivermectin/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome
Hospitalization

@article {pmid41918096,
year = {2026},
author = {Çeleğen, İ and Sarıöz, A},
title = {Exposure to health misinformation on social media across key health domains: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survey-based studies.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41918096},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; Media Exposure ; COVID-19 ; *Communication ; Neoplasms ; Oral Health ; Vaccination ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to health misinformation on social media has emerged as a significant public health concern; however, survey-based evidence remains conceptually heterogeneous across health domains and outcome definitions. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized individual-level observational studies examining direct exposure to health misinformation across key domains, including COVID-19, vaccination, cancer, and oral health. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched (2010–2025). Eligible studies were observational and survey-based, reporting prevalence or determinants of individual-level exposure to health misinformation encountered on social media. Exposure was operationalized as (i) perceived exposure (self-reported encountering of misinformation) or (ii) item-level encounter/recognition of predefined misinformation claims framed as prior exposure. Constructs reflecting belief, attitudinal agreement, susceptibility, or behavioral responses were excluded from prevalence pooling to prevent conceptual conflation. Interventional or experimental correction studies were excluded to preserve comparability with naturalistic observational exposure measures. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted in R (meta/metafor), with heterogeneity quantified using I[2]. Subgroup analyses were conducted by health domain, geographic region, and platform context. RESULTS: Eight studies (N = 22,780) met inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence estimates varied substantially (10%–87%) across domains and exposure operationalizations. The pooled prevalence was 59.0% (95% CI: 44.0–73.0); however, heterogeneity was extreme (I[2] = 99.8%). Accordingly, the pooled estimate is interpreted as a descriptive contextual summary rather than a generalizable population parameter. Subgroup analyses suggested domain-dependent patterns, with comparatively higher reported exposure in COVID-19 and oral health contexts and lower levels in cancer-related contexts. Across studies, younger age, lower health or digital literacy, and minority ethnicity were recurrently associated with higher reported exposure. Platform-related associations were context-dependent and varied by outcome construct and health domain, indicating that platform effects operate as environmental modifiers rather than intrinsic determinants. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to health misinformation on social media appears common but highly variable across health domains, operational definitions, and platform environments. Given extreme between-study heterogeneity, reliance on cross-sectional self-reported measures, and variability in exposure operationalization, findings should be interpreted as contextual rather than universally generalizable. The most informative insights derive from domain- and context-specific patterns, which may inform targeted and evidence-sensitive public health strategies.},
}

Humans
*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
Media Exposure
COVID-19
*Communication
Neoplasms
Oral Health
Vaccination
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid41918638,
year = {2026},
author = {Darkhabani, O and Ahmed, A},
title = {Pandemic-Induced Disruption and the Adaptive Resilience of the Medical Supply Chain: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e104419},
pmid = {41918638},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed profound vulnerabilities in global medical supply chains, largely driven by a reliance on Just-In-Time (JIT) efficiency and geographically concentrated manufacturing. While many Western economies faced sustained shortages and distribution chaos, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) achieved a rapid transition from initial scarcity to a surplus of essential supplies. This report analyzes the Saudi Arabian experience as a successful hybrid resilience model that synthesized centralized government authority with decentralized private sector agility. Centrally, the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) utilized unified purchasing power to secure international deals, while the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) provided regulatory agility by fast-tracking imports and registrations. Complementing this, major private distributors like Al Nahdi Medical Company reported digital logistics investments enabling distribution efficiency. The study concludes that Saudi Arabia's success stemmed from the ability to rapidly pivot from cost-efficiency to security and speed operations. For future preparedness, the report advocates for a paradigm shift that prioritizes localization of manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to ensure long-term national health security.},
}

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

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

@article {pmid41918740,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, L and Fu, H and Zhang, H and Dong, H and Chen, J and Yu, L and Zhang, L},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1741698},
pmid = {41918740},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mycoplasma pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity ; *Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/drug therapy/microbiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Macrolides/therapeutic use ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a major causative agent of acute respiratory tract infections in children. Since 2023, its high prevalence coupled with rising rates of macrolide resistance has presented substantial challenges in the clinical management of pediatric MP infections. In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens, this article reviews relevant global studies conducted before, during, and after the pandemic. A comprehensive narrative review approach was adopted, with literature searches conducted in databases including PubMed and Web of Science up to December 2025.The findings reveal notable shifts in the epidemiology of MP in the post-pandemic period: the epidemic season has lengthened with a displaced peak, the proportion of cases among school-aged children has risen, and the incidence of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) has increased. Globally, macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) rates continue to climb, remaining especially high in East Asia (>80%), and are closely linked to specific genotypes such as P1-1 and M4572. Disease severity is associated with both host-derived exaggerated inflammatory responses (e.g., elevated IL-6 and LDH) and the virulence activity of the CARDS toxin. The profile of co-infections has also undergone change. In summary, against a background of reduced pathogen exposure and the formation of immune intervals and high antimicrobial resistance, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the clinical complexity of managing MP infections. Future efforts should prioritize enhanced global surveillance, the development of rapid diagnostics and novel therapeutics, and the optimization of antibiotic stewardship strategies.},
}

Humans
*Mycoplasma pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity
*Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/drug therapy/microbiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Macrolides/therapeutic use
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Pandemics

@article {pmid41919061,
year = {2026},
author = {Ziaka, M and Zagalioti, SC and Zgouridou, A and Fyntanidou, B and Exadaktylos, A},
title = {Pathophysiology of Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with Severe Respiratory Failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International journal of general medicine},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {575001},
pmid = {41919061},
issn = {1178-7074},
abstract = {Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly identified in critically ill patients with severe respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This scoping review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to explore the mechanisms contributing to the development of CMBs in ARDS and to summarize current evidence on CMBs associated with severe respiratory failure. We conducted a comprehensive search across two databases, PubMed and CENTRAL, and relevant study registries (PROSPERO and Clinicaltrials.gov), between February 1 and March 3, 2025. Eligible studies included those reporting on the presence of CMBs in adult patients with severe respiratory failure or ARDS, regardless of whether mechanical ventilation (MV) was used. Eighteen observational studies involving critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS were included, with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 214 patients. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of CMBs include hypoxaemia and inflammation leading to endothelial injury and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, cerebral hypoperfusion facilitating interaction between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, microangiopathy with the formation of diffuse microthrombi, and renal failure contributing to uraemia-associated BBB disruption. CMBs were predominantly localized in the corpus callosum and juxtacortical white matter. The majority of patients with CMBs were mechanically ventilated and experienced a prolonged duration of ventilation. Identified risk factors for CMBs development included greater disease severity, coagulation abnormalities, and renal dysfunction. In conclusion, CMBs are increasingly recognized in critically ill patients with ARDS, particularly in the corpus callosum and juxtacortical white matter, but current evidence is associative rather than causal. Their pathophysiology likely involves compromised small vessel integrity due to hypoxia-induced endothelial injury, inflammation, and possible direct viral effects on cerebral microvasculature. These mechanisms are further exacerbated by coagulation abnormalities and disruption of the BBB.},
}

@article {pmid41919347,
year = {2026},
author = {Heald, CL and Kroll, JH and Murphy, JG and Farmer, DK and Fry, JL},
title = {Atmospheric Chemistry Insights from the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {14},
pages = {10393-10404},
pmid = {41919347},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*COVID-19 ; *Atmosphere/chemistry ; Air Pollutants/analysis ; Particulate Matter/analysis ; Ozone/analysis ; Pandemics ; Air Pollution ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting reductions in worldwide emissions, associated primarily with the transport sector, provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the response of atmospheric chemistry and composition to large anthropogenic emissions perturbations. While air quality generally improved in early 2020, this was tempered by increased formation of secondary pollutants (e.g., O3 and secondary particulate matter, PM) in many regions studied. Declines in NOx emissions were largely responsible for the changes in O3, driving decreases in O3 concentrations in remote regions and increases in urban regions due to both decreases in O3 titration by NOx and also nonlinear changes in O3 production. Lower NOx levels also increased the levels of other oxidants (e.g., OH and O3), leading to a general increase in atmospheric oxidation in polluted urban regions. This enhanced oxidation promoted additional PM formation in some regions but was generally outweighed by decreases in primary PM and other secondary precursors (SO2 and VOCs). The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to large local perturbations in air quality but only modest reductions in the global abundance of short-lived climate forcers (including O3 and PM).},
}

*COVID-19
*Atmosphere/chemistry
Air Pollutants/analysis
Particulate Matter/analysis
Ozone/analysis
Pandemics
Air Pollution
SARS-CoV-2
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid41920287,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, N and Chen, JX and Liu, Y and Chen, Z and Chen, SJ},
title = {mRNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy: current progress and perspectives in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.},
journal = {MedScience},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {23-58},
pmid = {41920287},
issn = {3091-4981},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; *Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use/immunology ; *Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; Animals ; *Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; *mRNA Vaccines/immunology/therapeutic use ; Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology ; Nanoparticles ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly in oncology. Decades of foundational research on mRNA design, delivery, and immunogenicity have laid the groundwork for the application of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. Herein, we summarize the key principles of synthetic mRNA engineering, including the optimization of structural elements, nucleoside modification, and codon usage to improve stability, enhance translation efficiency, and modulate immune responses. We highlight diverse antigen strategies, including tumor-associated antigens; neoantigens; and novel sources, such as cryptic antigens, aberrant splicing variants, and transposable element-derived antigens. We discuss delivery platforms, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and dendritic cell-based systems, in the context of improving mRNA biodistribution and immune activation. We further examine how mRNA vaccines stimulate antitumor responses by encoding antigens, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and supporting adoptive T cell therapies. We review preclinical and clinical advances in combining mRNA vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors (e.g., melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma) and hematologic malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and multiple myeloma). Finally, we explore emerging innovations, such as targeted LNP platforms for in vivo chimeric antigen receptor T/T cell receptor T engineering and artificial intelligence-assisted vaccine design, underscoring the transformative potential of mRNA technology in cancer immunotherapy.},
}

Humans
*Immunotherapy/methods
*Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use/immunology
*Neoplasms/therapy/immunology
Animals
*Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/immunology
*mRNA Vaccines/immunology/therapeutic use
Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
Nanoparticles
COVID-19/prevention & control
Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41920581,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoshizawa, M and Rafeedie, J and Tang, JJ and Lei, BT and Durazo-Arvizu, R and Azucar, D and Hudson, S and Rao, S and Imagawa, KK and Deavenport-Saman, A},
title = {Screen Time, Child Depression, and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {JMIR pediatrics and parenting},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e83228},
pmid = {41920581},
issn = {2561-6722},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world enforced stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines that amplified the use of screen time among pediatric populations. Excessive screen time may negatively impact mental health by increasing depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim was to conduct a systematic review of articles examining screen time and mental health outcomes among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023. The second aim was to determine the combined effect sizes for the associations of screen time and depression and/or anxiety among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023 and whether gender or age influenced outcomes.

METHODS: Bibliographic databases were searched including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). There were a total of 6462 nonduplicate studies that were screened. Study inclusion criteria included children ages 0 to <18 years, the effects of screen time on children during the COVID-19 pandemic, screen time and depression and/or anxiety, articles written in English, and articles, including quantitative and qualitative studies, published between 2020 and 2023. A total of 452 articles underwent full-text review with 23 articles meeting criteria for final article extraction.

RESULTS: A total of 23 studies totaling 29,581 children and adolescents were included in the study. Results showed that most studies reported a positive association between screen time and depression and/or anxiety (r=0.175, 95% CI 0.124-0.226, P<.001 and r=0.157, 95% CI 0.0994-0.214, P<.001, respectively) during COVID-19. Meta-regression revealed that screen time measured in problematic use of electronic devices had a 0.15 higher correlation with anxiety compared to screen time measured in duration of electronic device use.

CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents with higher levels of screen time had increased depression and/or anxiety. Findings suggest the need for ongoing parent, professional, and self-monitoring of youth screen behaviors and habits as well as activities that promote social connectedness during global or national health emergencies.},
}

@article {pmid41921044,
year = {2026},
author = {Dubey, S and Khan, J and Alishlash, AS and Matalon, S},
title = {The cell with many faces: lung macrophage plasticity and function in response to environmental and pathogenic insults.},
journal = {Physiological reviews},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {1999-2055},
pmid = {41921044},
issn = {1522-1210},
support = {R01 HL031197/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01HL031197-29S1//HHS | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; REINVENT grant from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine//University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Macrophages, Alveolar/immunology/physiology ; *Cell Plasticity ; COVID-19/immunology ; *Lung Diseases/immunology ; *Lung/immunology ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are pivotal immune sentinels, essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and mediating immune responses to inhaled particles and pathogens. They demonstrate remarkable plasticity by transitioning from proinflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory/reparative (M2) phenotypes in response to local signals. Upon exposure to environmental agents, such as particulate matter, atypical respiratory pathogens, opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria, or respiratory viruses, they undergo dynamic activation that profoundly influences their functional repertoire. Acute or chronic environmental/biological insults disrupt normal AM activities such as phagocytosis, efferocytosis, and cytokine production, inciting oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, and in some cases forms of programmed cell death such as pyroptosis. Although these responses are indispensable for eliminating noxious particles and pathogens, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae, influenza A, or SARS-CoV-2, they can also derail the resolution phase by perpetuating inflammation, driving tissue remodeling and fibrosis, and thereby fueling chronic lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis, and post-COVID interstitial lung disease. Moreover, environmental and microbial exposures modify AMs by altering receptor repertoires, intracellular phenotype by signaling cascades, and cross talk with epithelial and mesenchymal cells that collectively determine the disease trajectory. Elucidating how diverse environmental agents, together with pathogens such as M. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, influenza A, and SARS-CoV-2, shape AM biology is therefore pivotal for understanding the pathogenesis of COPD, pneumoconiosis, progressive fibrotic lung disease, and COVID-19-related pulmonary sequelae. This review brings together the current insights into exposure-driven modulation of AM functions, highlighting recent advances and identifying knowledge gaps relevant for therapeutic targeting of exposure-induced and pathogen-mediated lung pathology.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Macrophages, Alveolar/immunology/physiology
*Cell Plasticity
COVID-19/immunology
*Lung Diseases/immunology
*Lung/immunology
*Environmental Exposure/adverse effects

@article {pmid41922871,
year = {2026},
author = {Tanriover, MD and Heininger, U and Çiftçi, E and Drăgănescu, AC and Fal, A and Tsolia, M and Zavadska, D and Orozco Fernández, R and Hozbor, DF and Middleton, DB and Muloiwa, R and Muñoz, FM and Ong-Lim, A and Tan, TQ and Forsyth, K},
title = {The Ongoing Challenge of Pertussis in Eastern and Northern Europe: Recommendations from the Global Pertussis Initiative.},
journal = {Infectious diseases and therapy},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {1175-1201},
pmid = {41922871},
issn = {2193-8229},
abstract = {Pertussis (whooping cough), a vaccine-preventable disease that affects people of any age, has resurged globally after the COVID-19 pandemic. Key reasons for recent pertussis outbreaks include suboptimal pertussis vaccination coverage (particularly for vaccination during pregnancy) and growing vaccination hesitancy. During the 2023-2024 pertussis outbreaks in Europe, adolescents aged 10-14 years and 15-19 years had the first and third highest incidence rates, respectively. To reduce pertussis burden, it is essential to strengthen vaccination programs in the indicated target groups. This requires increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the local epidemiology of pertussis and its clinical presentation, alongside reinforcement of the benefits of vaccination for disease prevention. In parallel, robust surveillance systems and strong public health capacity for early disease detection and response are crucial to effectively manage outbreaks and build resilience against future outbreaks. Infants remain at high risk for pertussis, with complications, hospitalisation, and death being more common than in other age groups. Immunisation programmes combining vaccination during pregnancy, to protect newborn infants until their primary immunisation series has induced immunity, and infant immunisation are key to reducing morbidity and mortality. Strategies to improve pertussis vaccination uptake among adolescents and adults, especially those with high-risk medical conditions, are also essential. Strengthening global collaborations to invest in and build surveillance systems capable of identifying and responding to future outbreaks, to align national policies, to scale up immunisation during pregnancy, and to adopt a life-long immunisation approach are needed to better control endemic pertussis and manage future outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid41923421,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, V and Arora, P and Dhiman, A and Harish, S and Gandhi, TK and Dash, S},
title = {Effectiveness of Telehealth-Based Speech Therapy in Improving Articulation, Resonance, Nasal Emission, and Intelligibility in Children With Repaired Cleft lip and Palate: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {International journal of language & communication disorders},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {e70236},
doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.70236},
pmid = {41923421},
issn = {1460-6984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cleft Palate/surgery/complications ; *Cleft Lip/surgery/complications ; *Speech Therapy/methods ; Speech Intelligibility ; Telemedicine ; Child ; *Speech Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; *Articulation Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital anomaly associated with persistent speech disorders, including articulation errors, resonance imbalances, and nasal emission, despite surgical repair. Access to specialized speech-language pathologist care remains limited, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Telehealth has emerged as a scalable solution, yet systematic evidence on its efficacy, technological reliability, and implementation in CLP-specific speech therapy is lacking.

AIMS: This systematic review critically evaluates the effectiveness of telehealth-based speech interventions in improving articulation, resonance, nasal emission, and intelligibility in children with repaired CLP, while examining technological modalities, feasibility, data security, and barriers to adoption.

METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception to 30 December 2025 using structured Boolean terms combining CLP, speech therapy, and telepractice. Interventional studies in English reporting paediatric speech outcomes were included. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, intervention delivery, outcomes, and risk of bias using RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and SCED tools. Narrative synthesis was applied due to heterogeneity.

MAIN CONTRIBUTION: Eleven studies demonstrated consistent improvements in articulation accuracy (e.g., PCC increases of 15%-30%), resonance, and intelligibility via synchronous (Zoom, WhatsApp) and hybrid platforms. AI-assisted feedback and acoustic optimization enhanced fidelity. High caregiver satisfaction, reduced costs, and continuity during restrictions were key resilience factors. Connectivity issues, audio distortion, and small sample sizes were common limitations. Risk of bias was moderate overall.

CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth is a clinically effective, feasible, and secure modality for CLP speech rehabilitation, comparable to in-person therapy when technologically optimized. Hybrid models and caregiver integration are recommended. Large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Telehealth has been used for speech therapy in various paediatric populations, with evidence of comparable outcomes to in-person care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prior to this review, no systematic synthesis existed specifically evaluating telepractice for speech disorders in children with repaired cleft lip and/or palate, despite their unique needs for targeted articulation and resonance intervention. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This review demonstrates that telehealth-based speech therapy consistently improves articulation accuracy, resonance, and intelligibility in children with repaired cleft lip and palate, with gains equivalent to in-person therapy across synchronous and hybrid models. It identifies platform-specific acoustic fidelity (e.g., Google Meet, optimized hardware) and caregiver engagement as critical enablers, while highlighting connectivity and audio distortion as manageable barriers. These findings establish telepractice as a viable, scalable standard for cleft-related speech rehabilitation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? Clinicians can confidently implement hybrid telepractice models with encrypted platforms and external microphones to maintain treatment continuity, especially in underserved areas. Routine integration of caregiver training and AI-assisted feedback is recommended to enhance adherence and outcomes. Health systems should prioritize low-bandwidth protocols and standardized acoustic calibration to ensure equitable access.},
}

Humans
*Cleft Palate/surgery/complications
*Cleft Lip/surgery/complications
*Speech Therapy/methods
Speech Intelligibility
Telemedicine
Child
*Speech Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
*Articulation Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41923926,
year = {2026},
author = {De Lucia, A and Donisi, V and Rimondini, M and Del Piccolo, L and Perlini, C},
title = {Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed characteristics, administration modalities, and implementation of psychological interventions for chronic headache? An updated systematic review.},
journal = {Health psychology and behavioral medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {2650006},
pmid = {41923926},
issn = {2164-2850},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased global attention to headache disorders. Building on a pre-pandemic published systematic review covering the period from 2008 to 2018, we updated the literature on evidence-based psychological interventions for adults with chronic headaches (CH), with a specific focus on the potential impact of the pandemic. Besides exploring characteristics of the interventions, evidence, and possible factors influencing their implementation in clinical practice, we aimed to investigate whether the pandemic affected interventions' features, delivery modalities, and uptake.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and PsycINFO (2019-2024), checked ClinicalTrials.gov for upcoming trials, and consulted websites of clinical centers cited in the included studies. We assessed the quality of selected studies using the Quality Assessment Tool with Diverse Designs and carried out a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: We included 20 studies (10 new and 10 updates of previously reviewed studies), with migraine being the most represented disease, and 12 upcoming trials. An emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation training still emerged, alongside a significant rise in eHealth solutions, particularly in upcoming trials, after the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: While the pandemic seems to have accelerated the adoption of eHealth for CH, the gap between research and clinical implementation of psychological intervention has not yet been effectively bridged.},
}

@article {pmid41924509,
year = {2026},
author = {Pathak, H and Baliga, SP and Shibu, A and Thirthalli, J},
title = {Electroconvulsive therapy research in India: A scoping review.},
journal = {Indian journal of psychiatry},
volume = {68},
number = {3},
pages = {218-254},
pmid = {41924509},
issn = {0019-5545},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), since its introduction, remains one of psychiatry's most effective treatments. India has contributed substantially to research across its clinical, technical, ethical, and sociocultural dimensions. Despite this extensive body of work, the evidence has remained scattered and heterogeneous, without a single comprehensive synthesis.

AIM: The present review sought to systematically summarize the scope of ECT research conducted in India.

METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of major databases and Indian psychiatric journals was undertaken, and eligible studies were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS: A total of 270 articles were included. The findings demonstrate effectiveness of ECT in schizophrenia, depression, mania, and catatonia. Research on ECT parameters has refined understanding of stimulus dosing, seizure thresholds, pulse widths, and electrode placements, contributing to safer and more individualized treatment delivery. Literature on adverse effects indicates that most cognitive and noncognitive effects are transient and can be systematically monitored using structured tools. Anesthesia-related studies highlight agents that optimize seizure quality and cardiovascular stability, with propofol, etomidate, and ketamine offering distinct advantages. Adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine and esmolol effectively moderate sympathetic responses. Knowledge-attitude-practice studies reveal persistent knowledge gaps and media-driven stigma, although educational interventions improve perceptions. Legal and ethical discussions predominantly address challenges following the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Additional literature addresses neurobiology, biomarkers, device development, service delivery trends, including COVID-19-related disruptions.

CONCLUSION: Overall, Indian ECT research is broad and methodologically diverse, yet important gaps remain, particularly regarding long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, qualitative perspectives, and ultrabrief pulse ECT. Addressing these gaps, enhancing awareness, and strengthening service capacity remain paramount.},
}

@article {pmid41924744,
year = {2026},
author = {Khuna, L and Sriarmad, R and Pang, MYC and Longlalerng, K},
title = {Effects of exercise programs on cardiopulmonary function and signs and symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 condition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1772741},
pmid = {41924744},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective adjuvant therapy for individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. However, exercise interventions vary widely in intensity, frequency, setting, and duration. To date, no systematic review and meta-analysis has evaluated programs lasting at least 6 weeks in this population. This study aimed to assess the effects of exercise on cardiopulmonary function and clinical symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

METHODS: We systematically searched for studies involving patients with post-COVID-19 condition in the Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases. The databases were searched using keywords including COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2, AND exercise OR physical exercise OR rehabilitation program, AND pulmonary function OR lung function OR signs and symptoms, AND randomiz* contro* trial OR clinical trial OR RCT on July 2024. The risk of bias of individual trials and the certainty of the body of evidence were evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement was used to describe the study selection process. The mean (± standard deviation) for continuous data and the frequency (n) and percentage (%) for dichotomous data were estimated, and the effects across trials were combined using a meta-analysis with random-effects models.

RESULTS: We included 10 randomized controlled trials comprising 602 participants. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 70 years. The average exercise duration across the 10 studies was 8.6 weeks (ranging from 6 to 16 weeks). Most exercise programs included aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, breathing exercise, thoracic mobility exercise, chest expansion exercise, and respiratory muscle training. The exercise programs included home-based or telehealth-based programs, center-based programs, and combined center- and home-based programs. Compared with control groups (e.g., usual care, exercise advice, or no structured exercise), exercise interventions significantly improved exercise capacity (6-min walk distance), pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s), dyspnea (the modified Medical Research Council scale), physical pain, and health-related quality of life domains. The overall certainty of evidence for all outcome measures ranged from moderate to high.

CONCLUSION: Exercise programs of at least 6 weeks are associated with improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced dyspnea and pain, and enhanced physical and health-related outcomes in patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024538786.},
}

@article {pmid41924886,
year = {2026},
author = {Pullamsetti, SS and Vanderpool, RR and de Man, F and de Jesus Perez, VA and Hemnes, AR and Mukherjee, M and Mercer-Rosa, L and Spiekerkoetter, E and Tello, K and Bonnet, S and , },
title = {Advanced Molecular, Metabolic, and Imaging Approaches to Characterizing Right Ventricular Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.},
journal = {Circulation},
volume = {153},
number = {19},
pages = {e1304-e1322},
doi = {10.1161/CIR.0000000000001422},
pmid = {41924886},
issn = {1524-4539},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis ; *Heart Failure/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology ; American Heart Association ; United States ; Ventricular Remodeling ; Animals ; Ventricular Function, Right ; },
abstract = {Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a key predictor of outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH), substantially contributing to illness and death. As PH progresses, increased pulmonary vascular resistance places chronic pressure overload on the right ventricle. Initially, the right ventricle adapts through hypertrophic remodeling, thickening the heart wall to maintain cardiac output. Over time, this adaptive phase shifts to maladaptive remodeling, marked by RV dilation, fibrosis, stiffness, and decoupling from the pulmonary artery, known as RV-pulmonary arterial uncoupling. This uncoupling reflects the inability of the right ventricle to sustain contractility against elevated afterload, ultimately leading to right heart failure, the primary cause of death in late-stage PH. Awareness of RV dysfunction has grown, extending beyond PH and pulmonary arterial hypertension to systemic conditions, such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, congenital heart disease, COVID-19, and complications of left ventricular assist device implantation. Research is increasingly focused on understanding the molecular and hemodynamic drivers of RV failure, including inflammation and altered cellular signaling. Innovations in imaging and biomarker discovery are improving the detection of maladaptive RV remodeling. Promising treatments, such as the activin signaling inhibitor sotatercept, may reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and support RV recovery. Further work is needed to enhance RV function and prevent failure. This review summarizes current knowledge on RV dysfunction in PH, emphasizing its mechanisms, clinical relevance, and therapeutic potential. Recognizing the right ventricle as a central therapeutic target may lead to more personalized, effective interventions and improved patient outcomes in PH and related conditions.},
}

Humans
*Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis
*Heart Failure/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis
Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology
American Heart Association
United States
Ventricular Remodeling
Animals
Ventricular Function, Right

@article {pmid41925132,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, W and Fan, H},
title = {Towards sustainable age-inclusive workplaces: A systematic review on how technological tools support or hinder work participation for older workers (2014-2024).},
journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10519815261435566},
doi = {10.1177/10519815261435566},
pmid = {41925132},
issn = {1875-9270},
abstract = {BackgroundThe rapid development of technological tools has significantly impacted the work participation of older workers. Technology opens new doors for older workers, though not everyone finds it easy to walk through them.ObjectiveThis review sought to investigate how technological tools influenced the participation of older workers in the workforce.MethodsWe searched four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies from the past decade (2014-2024).ResultsThirty-seven studies were included. Research on technology and older worker employment has grown substantially since 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic likely driving this increased interest. Technological tools advance economic engagement and social inclusion for older workers, but they also generate participation barriers across personal and institutional dimensions.ConclusionsThe impact of technology on the employment of older workers depends largely on implementation strategies. Three strategies can help older workers prosper in digital workplaces: providing comprehensive training, designing user-friendly tools with older workers involved, and creating organizational support systems.},
}

@article {pmid41926781,
year = {2026},
author = {Vidal, M and Gallego, C and Roncancio, G and Angarita, E and Cárdenas, R and Dueñas, K and García, JC and González, G and Granados, U and Londoño, JL and León, JDL and López, N and Marín, V and Martínez, É and Murgueitio, R and Mejía, A and Rodríguez, MJ and Silva, E and Uribe, LG},
title = {Expert consensus: first multidisciplinary consensus on nuclear cardiology.},
journal = {Archivos de cardiologia de Mexico},
volume = {96},
number = {Supl 2},
pages = {1-17},
pmid = {41926781},
issn = {1665-1731},
mesh = {Humans ; *Nuclear Medicine ; *Cardiology/methods ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging ; Consensus ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nuclear cardiology integrates nuclear medicine and cardiology to improve the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of cardiovascular diseases. The continuous development of these techniques and their increasing clinical use require standardized, evidence-based protocols to optimize their application. Therefore, developing consensus documents is essential to ensure appropriate use of imaging for patient benefit.

OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus recommendations for the use of nuclear imaging in cardiovascular infections, coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis by addressing unresolved questions in clinical practice among general practitioners and specialists, promoting updated and safe application in prevalent national pathologies.

METHOD: A multidisciplinary panel of 19 experts in cardiology, nuclear medicine, and infectious diseases answered 18 clinical questions based on an initial literature review and applying the Nominal Group Technique in a nine-phase process.

RESULTS: The consensus generated 18 recommendations on specific indications for nuclear cardiology studies and key elements for report standardization, improving clinical interpretation, assessing the impact of pharmacological therapies and surgical procedures, and evaluating prognostic value and integration with other imaging techniques.

CONCLUSIONS: The consensus provides practical, evidence-based guidance to standardize and optimize nuclear cardiology use in common cardiovascular diseases, promoting rational, effective, and economically viable application of these advanced diagnostic techniques. It strengthens clinical decision-making, therapeutic planning, and interdisciplinary coordination in comprehensive cardiovascular patient management in Colombia.},
}

Humans
*Nuclear Medicine
*Cardiology/methods
*Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging
Consensus

@article {pmid41926837,
year = {2026},
author = {Torres-Flores, A and Bautista-Sebastián, E and Rivera-Hernández, T and Ferat-Osorio, E and Arriaga-Pizano, L and Cérbulo-Vázquez, A and Ramírez-Ramírez, D and Bonifaz, L and Pelayo, R and López-Macías, C},
title = {COVID-19 in Latin America: Clinical and immunological insights, vaccine development, and lessons for pandemic preparedness.},
journal = {Seminars in immunology},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {102025},
doi = {10.1016/j.smim.2026.102025},
pmid = {41926837},
issn = {1096-3618},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Latin America/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Pandemic Preparedness ; *Vaccine Development ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Latin America, exposing structural inequalities, fragmented healthcare systems, and longstanding technological dependence. The region experienced a high burden of infection and excess mortality, influenced by socioeconomic vulnerability and a high prevalence of metabolic comorbidities. In response, countries expanded diagnostic capacity, strengthened genomic surveillance, and increased participation in clinical research and therapeutic evaluation. Coordinated regional collaboration facilitated the detection and tracking of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Local innovation also advanced diagnostic platforms and vaccine development, leading to regionally produced vaccines such as Soberana, Abdala, ARVAC, and Patria. These initiatives generated valuable clinical and immunological data, including characterization of inflammatory biomarkers associated with severe disease and evidence of hybrid immunity in highly exposed populations. However, persistent inequities in healthcare access, research investment, and manufacturing capacity continue to constrain regional self-sufficiency. Although collaboration among academia, industry, and government reduced certain external dependencies, structural limitations in funding stability, regulatory harmonization, and large-scale production remain. The Latin American experience highlights both adaptive scientific capacity during crisis conditions and the challenges of consolidating emergency-driven advances into durable preparedness. Sustained investment and coordinated governance will likely determine whether short-term responsiveness translates into long-term regional strengthening.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology/prevention & control
Latin America/epidemiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Pandemic Preparedness
*Vaccine Development
Pandemics/prevention & control

@article {pmid41926893,
year = {2026},
author = {Borromeo, AS and Manaloto, AM and Vicedo, RV},
title = {Megatrends and equity gaps in global digital health: A bibliometric review (2010-2025).},
journal = {Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {169},
number = {},
pages = {105621},
doi = {10.1016/j.healthpol.2026.105621},
pmid = {41926893},
issn = {1872-6054},
mesh = {*Digital Health ; Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; *Global Health ; Evidence Gaps ; *Health Equity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital health has become increasingly prominent in health systems and policy discourse, yet published evidence remains fragmented across technologies, regions, and equity dimensions.

OBJECTIVE: To descriptively map the evolution of global digital health research from 2010 to October 2025 and identify its intellectual foundations, thematic fronts, and equity gaps using bibliometric methods.

METHODS: A bibliometric review of Scopus-indexed English-language journal articles was conducted and analyzed in VOSviewer (v1.6.20). Co-citation mapping used association-strength normalization with a minimum citation threshold of 15 cited references, resolution 0.50, and minimum cluster size 5. Co-word analysis of author keywords used a minimum occurrence threshold of 462, resolution 1.03, and minimum cluster size 6. Descriptive indicators summarized annual output and citation impact.

RESULTS: The dataset comprised 8210 articles with 140,459 citations (mean=17.1). Output surged after 2020, with 82.9% of publications appearing from 2020 to 2025 and peaking in 2025 (n = 1705). Co-citation analysis revealed four clusters: systems-strengthening in LMICs, digital epidemiology and algorithmic equity, digital-health literacy and evidence-based eHealth, and virtual-care transformation during COVID-19. Co-word analysis identified four thematic fronts: adult care and health disparities, digital health systems and workforce access, youth health literacy and digital inclusion, and pandemic-era virtual care. Cross-cutting gaps included interoperability, sustainability, digital literacy, responsible AI governance, equity-by-design, and LMIC-led evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS: Global digital health research has expanded rapidly into an interdisciplinary field. This review maps major themes and gaps but does not establish causal evidence of policy impact. Findings highlight priorities for interoperability, responsible AI, digital inclusion, sustainability, and LMIC-led evaluation.},
}

*Digital Health
Humans
*Bibliometrics
*Global Health
Evidence Gaps
*Health Equity

@article {pmid41927463,
year = {2026},
author = {Griner, SB and Garza, SR and Alkhatib, SA and Footman, A and Brosnan, A and Farris, A and Van Der Pol, B},
title = {Point-of-care testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea: a narrative review of patient perspectives and implementation into non-traditional settings.},
journal = {Sexually transmitted infections},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/sextrans-2025-056736},
pmid = {41927463},
issn = {1472-3263},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The demand for point-of-care testing (POCT) increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a convenient and accessible method of virus detection outside of traditional laboratory settings. As high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a prominent public health concern, POCT for STI detection may offer an option that reduces key barriers to care such as stigma and limited clinic hours. The aim of this narrative review is to identify key facilitators, barriers and gaps related to the acceptability and implementation of STI POCT from patient perspectives in non-traditional settings.

METHODS: To conduct this narrative review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Scopus to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2015 and May 2025, focusing on patient perspectives and contextual determinants of POCT implementation for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). Search terms included free-text keywords (such as "point of care") and indexed terms (such as Point-of-Care Testing (MeSH)). Findings were contextualised based on patient perspective data and implementation into non-traditional settings.

RESULTS: 40 studies were included in the narrative review, reflecting geographical regions where POCT implementation has been prioritised. Study designs and implementation environments varied. POCT for CT/NG screening generally reported high diagnostic accuracy and reliability as well as increased uptake and high acceptability across settings. Availability, perceived convenience and increased autonomy significantly influenced POCT uptake and implementation among patients. Implementation facilitators included ease of device usage, minimal training and improved quality of care. Implementation barriers primarily focused on logistics, workflow and cost.

CONCLUSIONS: Community-engaged approaches to designing and implementing STI POC tests in non-traditional settings are necessary to better understand specific needs. High patient satisfaction, device acceptability and improved health outcomes place STI POCT as a promising avenue for strengthening public health efforts against the STI epidemic.},
}

@article {pmid41927521,
year = {2026},
author = {Yi, T and O'Hara, DV and Levin, A},
title = {Global kidney health: Are we failing the silent pandemic?.},
journal = {Journal of internal medicine},
volume = {300},
number = {1},
pages = {26-38},
doi = {10.1111/joim.70088},
pmid = {41927521},
issn = {1365-2796},
mesh = {Humans ; *Global Health ; COVID-19 ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Mass Screening ; *Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; *Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; Early Diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Chronic kidney disease (CKD), although not infectious, has a sharply rising global incidence, alarming rates of death and disability, and the potential to disrupt health systems and economies. Thus, it demands the urgency and global attention of past pandemics. Over 850 million people are affected, disproportionately impacting people in low- and middle-income countries. Although CKD can be detected with simple and cost-effective testing, it is a silent condition, often remaining asymptomatic until it has progressed to advanced stages where effective treatment options are limited. Early detection relies on systematic population-level screening, especially among individuals with comorbidities. The global response to CKD has remained largely silent: There is limited evidence of prioritization within health agendas and inadequate infrastructure for screening, surveillance, and treatment. Coordinated global action is required to halt this silent "pandemic," especially given advances in care and policy: New effective disease modifying therapies may lead to remission of CKD for many individuals, and the 2025 World Health Organization's adoption of the Kidney Health Resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly prioritizes kidney health to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases through promoting early screening, strengthening disease prevention, and improving access to care. In this review, we examine the failure to address the escalating CKD "pandemic" and explore how the use of low-cost and cost-effective screening tools, such as simple urine dipstick testing, and applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are critical to further reframing CKD as a public health emergency and prioritizing kidney health on the global agenda.},
}

Humans
*Global Health
COVID-19
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Mass Screening
*Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
*Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
Early Diagnosis

@article {pmid41927611,
year = {2026},
author = {Longet, S and Paul, S},
title = {Current status of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19 vaccines.},
journal = {NPJ vaccines},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41927611},
issn = {2059-0105},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19. vaccines. Four vector-based and one adjuvanted protein-based vaccines have been licenced. They have been shown to be safe. However, their ability to induce strong protective mucosal immunity in humans remains to be improved. Diversifying intranasal vaccine platforms, improving the delivery of vaccine components and determining mucosal correlates of protection could help in optimizing intranasal COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41928484,
year = {2026},
author = {Iuzabchuk, DA and Andrianova, AA and Yampolsky, IV and Kaskova, ZM and Smirnov, IV},
title = {Beyond Antiviral Therapy: Untapped Potential of HIV & HCV Protease Inhibitors.},
journal = {Medicinal research reviews},
volume = {46},
number = {4},
pages = {1042-1050},
doi = {10.1002/med.70040},
pmid = {41928484},
issn = {1098-1128},
support = {25-76-30006//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Hepacivirus/enzymology/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry ; Drug Repositioning ; *Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *HIV Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Animals ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Development of de novo therapeutic agents is a complex, costly, and a high-risk process, whereas repurposing approved and investigational drugs for novel targets offers a more efficient and cost-effective strategy, likely yielding higher success rates. This approach demonstrated its effectiveness during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when existing drugs were repurposed to combat the virus. Originally pivotal in developing antiviral treatments against HIV and HCV, viral protease inhibitors represent a structurally privileged class of compounds capable of targeting difficult and non-classical protein sites. They have demonstrated promising biological activity against diverse alternative targets, including fungal pathogens, multidrug-resistant bacteria, and cancer, making them prime candidates for repurposing. This mini-review highlights the unique structural and physicochemical properties of approved HCV and HIV viral protease inhibitors that enable their repurposing for the development of new therapeutic agents.},
}

Humans
*Hepacivirus/enzymology/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry
Drug Repositioning
*Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*HIV Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Animals
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41928489,
year = {2026},
author = {Yagi, M and Tasaki, R and Komano, J},
title = {Meta-Analysis of COVID-19 Cluster Events Suggestive of Long-Distance Airborne Transmission/Inhalation.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e70232},
pmid = {41928489},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {*COVID-19/transmission/epidemiology ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cluster Analysis ; Pandemics ; Infectious Disease Incubation Period ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; *Coronavirus Infections/transmission/epidemiology ; *Pneumonia, Viral/transmission/epidemiology ; *Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 spreads through both contact and airborne routes, the latter encompassing airborne transmission/inhalation as well as the direct deposition of infectious respiratory particles. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous cluster events were suspected to involve long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation. We conducted a comparative analysis of these cluster events to characterize outbreak settings and associated clinical parameters. Thirteen cluster events from 2020 attributed to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain were examined, including choral activities, indoor sports, and bus tours. Incubation periods and infection-hospitalization rates (IHRs) were compared across settings and against estimates from large-scale cohort studies that predominantly reflect transmission via direct deposition. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). The mean incubation period in suspected long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation cases was 6.1 ± 3.9 days (median: 5 days; N = 176), with indoor sports and choral events showing significantly shorter incubation periods (p = 0.034). The average IHR was 6.7 ± 12.5%, with significantly higher rates in choral clusters (p = 0.013). Age-adjusted IHRs were lower in long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation-related clusters than those reported from contact-tracing datasets. This analysis provides an integrated evaluation of long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation settings and their associated clinical characteristics. Activities involving vigorous respiration may contribute to shorter incubation periods and higher disease severity, potentially reflecting increased viral inoculum at exposure.},
}

*COVID-19/transmission/epidemiology
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Cluster Analysis
Pandemics
Infectious Disease Incubation Period
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
*Coronavirus Infections/transmission/epidemiology
*Pneumonia, Viral/transmission/epidemiology
*Betacoronavirus

@article {pmid41929258,
year = {2026},
author = {Nayak, BB and Rajesh, R and Teppan, J and Gogg, T and Böhm, E},
title = {Interleukin-23 in lung and airway diseases: from pathogenesis to precision-guided therapeutic targeting.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1784434},
pmid = {41929258},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the IL-12 family and is predominantly produced by antigen-presenting cells. It plays a central role in shaping adaptive immunity by promoting the polarization, expansion, and maintenance of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, thereby driving the production of downstream effector cytokines such as IL-17A and IL-22. Under physiological conditions, IL-23 contributes to pulmonary immune homeostasis and host defense against bacterial and fungal pathogens. However, sustained or dysregulated IL-23 signaling promotes chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Beyond autoimmune diseases, where IL-23 is a well-established key mediator linked to disease severity and a validated therapeutic target, it has also emerged as a critical mediator in chronic lung diseases. Enhanced IL-23 signaling has been associated with increased disease severity, corticosteroid resistance, airway remodeling, and progressive tissue fibrosis, highlighting its contribution to both inflammatory and structural components of lung pathology. These findings suggest that IL-23 is not merely a bystander but an active driver of pathogenic processes in the respiratory system. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in understanding the role of IL-23 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and coronavirus disease 2019. We further discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting IL-23 as a precision-guided strategy to modulate respiratory inflammation and remodeling, with particular emphasis on corticosteroid resistance, fibrotic endotypes, safety and pharmacologic tradeoffs, and the emerging role of IL-23-related biomarkers and molecular endotyping for precision-guided patient stratification and targeted intervention.},
}

@article {pmid41929267,
year = {2025},
author = {Seguin, M and Cavagnoud, R and Gianella, C and Khomych, T and Vibla, N},
title = {Stressors, mental health and coping amongst forcibly displaced youth since the advent of COVID-19: A systematic review.},
journal = {Developmental child welfare},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {251-269},
pmid = {41929267},
issn = {2516-1040},
abstract = {Mental health is a key issue for forcibly displaced youth. The evidence base on the mental health of youth forcibly displaced since the start of the pandemic is undefined, as well as sources of stressors and coping approaches. This systematic review aims to identify literature on the mental health of forcibly displaced youth in low- and middle-income settings, with focus on displacement since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives are to examine (1) sources of stress, (2) prevalence and covariates of common mental disorders (CMDs) and (3) coping approaches. Six databases were searched in February 2023. Search terms focused on CMDs, stress and forcibly displaced populations. Articles based on data collected after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic focused on forcibly displaced persons aged 10-29 were included. Quantitative observation and intervention studies reporting CMD prevalences and related concepts were included, as were qualitative studies about stressors and/or coping approaches. Prevalences of CMDs and covariates were tabulated. Inductive thematic coding was conducted on qualitative data on stressors and coping. Interpretation of coping data was guided by a taxonomy including problem solving, support seeking, distraction/avoidance and positive cognitive restructuring. Twenty-one articles were included. Economic issues were the most prominent source of stress and led to subsequent stressors. Depression and anxiety symptom prevalence ranged from 6.2% to 77.4% and 17.2%-32.8% respectively. Problem-solving and support seeking were the most common coping approaches. Supporting the mental health and coping approaches of this marginalised group is critical to recovery in the post-COVID era.},
}

@article {pmid41929539,
year = {2026},
author = {Giannopoulou, I and Efstathiou, V and Stefanou, MI and Korkoliakou, P and Tsoporis, JN and Spandidos, DA and Rizos, E},
title = {Disrupted beginnings: Neurodevelopmental outcomes of COVID-19 lockdowns in early childhood (Review).},
journal = {Experimental and therapeutic medicine},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {137},
pmid = {41929539},
issn = {1792-1015},
abstract = {Early childhood development depends on stable routines, social interaction and responsive caregiving. The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic disrupted these supports through lockdowns, reduced early-education access and elevated caregiver stress. The present review synthesized empirical studies (2020-2025) of children aged 0-5 years and found consistent evidence of modest increases in emotional and behavioral difficulties, particularly where caregiver stress or socioeconomic adversity was elevated. Cognitive, language and executive-function (EF) outcomes were found to be more heterogeneous and appeared most affected in the contexts of reduced stimulation or limited access to early learning, with EF processes showing particular sensitivity to stress-related and environmental disruptions. Biological findings (cortisol, DNA methylation and infant brain measures) showed a number of converging signals, particularly in higher-risk contexts, but remained preliminary given modest sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity and limited replication. Overall, this suggested that pandemic-related disruptions disproportionately affected children in vulnerable family contexts. Therefore, the present study suggested targeted caregiver mental-health support, preservation of early-education access during emergencies and longitudinal follow-up of high-risk cohorts.},
}

@article {pmid41930828,
year = {2026},
author = {Lotti, V and Lagni, A and Diani, E and Palmisano, A and Cecchetto, R and Tonon, E and Sorio, C and Gibellini, D},
title = {When viruses meet cystic fibrosis: Insights into host-pathogen dynamics.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {308},
number = {},
pages = {128508},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128508},
pmid = {41930828},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/virology/complications ; *Virus Diseases/virology/complications/epidemiology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/virology ; Viruses/pathogenicity ; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder, is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which encodes for a membrane anion channel expressed on multiple organs, with major impact on the airways. The impaired ion transport leads to thickened mucus secretions, which in turn can cause pancreatic insufficiency, sinusitis, infertility and, particularly, chronic pulmonary infections. While bacterial colonization of the airways has been extensively studied, increasing evidence highlights the significant, yet underappreciated, role of respiratory viruses in exacerbating lung disease in people with CF (pwCF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical impact of key respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, and emerging pathogens such as human bocavirus, as well as relevant non-respiratory viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis viruses. Viral infections in pwCF are associated, particularly in pediatric patients, with increased respiratory symptoms, higher hospitalization rate and long-term decline in lung function. Despite a similar incidence of viral infections to non-CF individuals, pwCF often exhibit more severe clinical outcomes, except for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which shows an incidence and severity unexpectedly attenuated in this cohort. Moreover, while CFTR modulators have dramatically improved clinical outcomes in pwCF, their effects on antiviral immunity remain poorly understood and are an area of active investigation. Elucidating virus-host interactions and the impact of CFTR restoration in this context is essential for optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies against viral infections in CF.},
}

Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/virology/complications
*Virus Diseases/virology/complications/epidemiology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Respiratory Tract Infections/virology
Viruses/pathogenicity
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics

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

@article {pmid41932444,
year = {2026},
author = {Sithole, MN and Khan, MR and Mohammed, HA and Khan, RA and Naik, K and Choonara, YE},
title = {A systematic review on vaccine developmental approaches: Evaluating efficacy, and addressing challenges of infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {367},
number = {},
pages = {199720},
pmid = {41932444},
issn = {1872-7492},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *Vaccine Development/methods ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {Vaccination prevents millions of fatalities annually and works as one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. This systematic review critically evaluates vaccine development strategies in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on platform technologies, delivery systems, and the regulatory and societal challenges that shape vaccine efficacy and accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic redefined expectations for vaccine science, compressing traditional development timelines, and accelerating the adoption of novel platforms, such as mRNA and viral vectors. While these innovations significantly reduced global morbidity and mortality, they also exposed persistent barriers, including unequal distribution and widespread vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation. This review evaluates the biochemical foundations of vaccine design, including antigen selection, adjuvant use, and delivery optimisation, alongside the emerging formulation strategies and vaccine-platforms integration. The review emphasises the need for continuous alignment between scientific progress and equitable access. By integrating historical context, technical advancement, and social determinants, this review highlights the imperatives for future vaccine strategies to be not only scientifically robust, but also globally inclusive and implementation ready. By positioning recent advancements within the historical timeline of vaccine science, this review argues that the post-COVID-19 era represents an acceleration of progress where speed, adaptability and global equity are essential for safeguarding the populations against current and emerging threats from the pandemics and localized infectious challenges in medical emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*Vaccine Development/methods
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccine Efficacy
Vaccination

@article {pmid41933426,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, Y and He, X and Hu, Y and Su, R and Liu, X and Jin, D and Ding, L and Chen, Y},
title = {Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection based on hospital surveillance data: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Antimicrobial resistance and infection control},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41933426},
issn = {2047-2994},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Incidence ; *Clostridium Infections/epidemiology ; *Clostridioides difficile ; *Cross Infection/epidemiology ; Infection Control/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Hospitals ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains a substantial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound and multifaceted effects on healthcare delivery and infection control practices, potentially influencing the epidemiology of CDI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the incidence of CDI and to explore potential contributing factors.

METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Seven databases were searched for relevant literature published from December 2019 to October 2025. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Random- or fixed-effects models were selected according to heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated via funnel plots and Egger's test, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The primary outcome was the incidence rate of CDI, expressed as cases per 10,000 patient-days. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated to compare the incidence of CDI between the prepandemic and pandemic periods.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included. The pooled CDI incidence rate was 4.42 (95% CI: 3.37-5.46) per 10,000 patient-days in the prepandemic period and 3.80 (95% CI: 2.63-4.96) per 10,000 patient-days during the pandemic. The pooled incidence rate ratio was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.97), indicating a significant reduction in the incidence of CDI. This decline was associated with changes in medical practices (e.g., the suspension of nonurgent and high-risk procedures), antimicrobial stewardship practices, and strengthened infection control measures (e.g., enhanced hand hygiene and environmental disinfection) during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION: Compared with the prepandemic period, the incidence of CDI decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding suggests that strengthened infection prevention measures, improved antimicrobial stewardship, and adaptations in healthcare delivery may have contributed to reduced CDI transmission. Reinforcing these evidence-based foundational strategies may help mitigate ‌the risk of CDI and other healthcare-associated infections during future public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Incidence
*Clostridium Infections/epidemiology
*Clostridioides difficile
*Cross Infection/epidemiology
Infection Control/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Hospitals
Pandemics

@article {pmid41934416,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, S and Manikyam, HK},
title = {Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 in India: Genomic evolution, transmission patterns, and public health implications.},
journal = {The Indian journal of medical research},
volume = {163},
number = {1},
pages = {104-110},
pmid = {41934416},
issn = {0971-5916},
mesh = {India/epidemiology ; Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology/genetics ; *Public Health ; Evolution, Molecular ; *Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics ; Genome, Viral ; Retrospective Studies ; Mutation ; China/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Background and objectives The NB.1.8.1 Omicron subvariant has demonstrated notable epidemiological relevance in India, though without evidence of a marked increase in severity compared to prior Omicron waves. Understanding its genomic trajectory and policy implications is critical. Methods This was a retrospective convergent mixed-methods study integrating genomic sequencing (GISAID, INSACOG), epidemiological counts (ICMR, WHO, CDC), and policy/advisory analysis (MoHFW, WHO-SEARO). Data were analysed across January-May 2025 using prevalence tracking, hospitalisation comparisons, and thematic policy review. Results Genomic analyses showed NB.1.8.1 carrying lineage-defining spike mutations (A435S, V445H, T478I) linked to transmissibility and immune escape. While prevalence rose in China, India reported <5% share. Hospitalisation burdens remained lower in India than in China. India's policy response showed increasing alignment between genomic surveillance outputs and subsequent public health advisories, with targeted booster promotion and enhanced surveillance in high-incidence States. Interpretation and conclusions NB.1.8.1 illustrates the dynamic evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2. India's adaptive genomic surveillance and flexible public health frameworks contributed to mitigating clinical severity, though surveillance gaps and rural under-reporting remain concerns. Sustained genomic tracking, booster equity, and real-time advisory mechanisms are needed to strengthen preparedness.},
}

India/epidemiology
Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology/genetics
*Public Health
Evolution, Molecular
*Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
Genome, Viral
Retrospective Studies
Mutation
China/epidemiology

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

Humans
*Xerostomia/epidemiology/virology/etiology/physiopathology
*COVID-19/complications/virology
SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Adult
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Aged
Surveys and Questionnaires
Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity
Prevalence

@article {pmid41934724,
year = {2026},
author = {Hernández-Pizarro, HM and Prades-Colomé, A},
title = {The Spanish long-term care system reaches majority of age: A narrative review of evidence and lessons obtained.},
journal = {Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {169},
number = {},
pages = {105620},
doi = {10.1016/j.healthpol.2026.105620},
pmid = {41934724},
issn = {1872-6054},
mesh = {Humans ; *Long-Term Care/economics/organization & administration ; Spain/epidemiology ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Aged ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Female ; *Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spain has one of the highest life expectancies at 65-years-old among OECD countries, yet only half of these years are expected to be in good health. Thus, many older people require support for carrying out activities of daily living. In response, the Spanish government established the Spanish long-term care (LTC) system in 2007.

OBJECTIVE: To review the published evidence from the analysis of the first 18 years of existence of the system.

METHODS: This study adopts a narrative literature review approach, drawing from academic and policy-oriented research on the Spanish LTC system.

RESULTS: The LTC system has improved the wellbeing of its beneficiaries -particularly in terms of health- and has reduced healthcare costs by lowering hospital admissions and primary care visits. However, it suffers from chronic underfunding and design flaws. Financial sustainability remains a challenge, especially due to low central Spanish government contributions and regional disparities. Nonetheless, the LTC system has yielded significant economic returns through job creation and increased female labour participation. LTC benefits have also influenced family decisions: reducing savings, increasing the supply of informal caregivers and delaying early retirement. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural vulnerabilities, particularly in residential care. Moreover, while the navigation across the LTC system ensures horizontal equity, inequity is documented in the form of providing the benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: After almost two decades of the Spanish LTC system, evidence calls for adequate and stable financing mechanisms to achieve sustainability. It should also expand towards service-based care, integrate with healthcare, and systematically measure quality-of-life outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Long-Term Care/economics/organization & administration
Spain/epidemiology
COVID-19/epidemiology
Aged
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Female
*Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology

@article {pmid41935144,
year = {2026},
author = {Rajesh Krishnan, A and Famiyeh, IM and Ahmad, A and Ji, PX and Sivachandran, N},
title = {Macular and retinal manifestations following COVID-19 vaccinations: a 2025 update systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Eye (London, England)},
volume = {40},
number = {7},
pages = {950-958},
pmid = {41935144},
issn = {1476-5454},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Retinal Diseases/etiology/diagnosis/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {An increasing number of reports have linked COVID-19 vaccination to ocular complications, including retinal vascular occlusions, inflammatory disorders, and neuro-ophthalmic events. However, the spectrum and temporal associations of these ocular complications are not adequately understood. This study aims to characterise the types of retinal and macular complications, evaluate latency patterns, and assess the associations with COVID-19 vaccination from 2020 to 2025. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies reporting retinal or macular complications post-COVID-19 vaccination were searched via Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Extracted data included study demographics, outcome, latency, and vaccine subtype. The risk of bias was assessed, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled relative risk of ocular complications following vaccination. A total of 173 studies were included, with the most frequently reported outcome being retinal vascular occlusions (n = 107). The distribution of ocular complications was significantly different between COVID-19 vaccine and infection exposure (p = 0.014). Most complications occurred within the first month of exposure, particularly among mRNA vaccines, which had a significantly different adverse event rate across vaccine platforms (p = 0.0084). A meta-analysis resulted in a pooled relative risk of 2.40 (95% CI: 0.33-17.73) for retinal vein occlusion following vaccination; however, due to the uncertainty around the estimate, the association remains inconclusive. These findings support considering COVID-19 vaccination as a potential differential cause for patients with retinal vascular occlusions, highlighting the need for continued vaccine safety and surveillance.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
*Vaccination/adverse effects
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Retinal Diseases/etiology/diagnosis/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41935439,
year = {2026},
author = {Alanazi, YA and Albilasi, B and Almaa, Z and Alqubaishi, AH and Alshammari, KH and Aljahdali, FK and Alsharif, A and Alanazi, OI and Abdulhadi, KO and Aljohani, R and Alsharif, A and Alghamdi, JF and Alsoud, AA and Alsharif, A and Alnafisah, MA},
title = {Paternal vaccine hesitancy and its impact on childhood immunization coverage in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review.},
journal = {Journal of infection and public health},
volume = {19},
number = {5},
pages = {103210},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2026.103210},
pmid = {41935439},
issn = {1876-035X},
mesh = {Humans ; Saudi Arabia ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; *Fathers/psychology ; Male ; *Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data ; *Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; },
abstract = {Vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge to achieving optimal childhood immunization coverage. This systematic review examined parental vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia, with emphasis on paternal determinants and their association with vaccination uptake. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, databases were searched between January 2000 and January 2025. Hesitancy toward routine childhood vaccines was generally low (3%-20%), whereas hesitancy toward newer or non-mandatory vaccines, including COVID-19, influenza, and HPV, exceeded 50% in some settings. Studies reporting father-specific data indicated higher hesitancy among fathers, particularly regarding safety, novelty, and possible long-term effects. Common determinants included safety concerns, misinformation, social media influence, and low confidence in vaccine effectiveness. Hesitancy was associated with delayed schedules, incomplete immunization, and reduced uptake of optional vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy in Saudi Arabia appears vaccine-specific and influenced by sociocultural factors, with paternal attitudes playing a measurable role in immunization decision-making.},
}

Humans
Saudi Arabia
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology/statistics & numerical data
*Fathers/psychology
Male
*Vaccination Coverage/statistics & numerical data
*Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

@article {pmid41935699,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, C and Zhu, J and Lu, Z and Jiang, L and Chen, F and Zhang, W and Jiang, Y},
title = {High-flow nasal oxygen versus conventional oxygen therapy in patients with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia: A randomized controlled trials based meta-analysis.},
journal = {Respiratory medicine},
volume = {256},
number = {},
pages = {108806},
doi = {10.1016/j.rmed.2026.108806},
pmid = {41935699},
issn = {1532-3064},
mesh = {Humans ; *Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods ; *COVID-19/therapy/complications ; *Hypoxia/therapy/etiology ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Pneumonia, Viral/therapy/complications ; Oxygen/administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome ; Betacoronavirus ; *Coronavirus Infections/therapy/complications ; Blood Gas Analysis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has ended, severe cases of COVID-19 pneumonia (pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2) are still common in clinical practice. These patients frequently suffer from hypoxemia, for which conventional oxygen therapy (COT) may be insufficient. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) provides enhanced oxygen delivery, but its overall clinical benefits remain uncertain. Our meta-analysis assesses HFNO's effectiveness and safety compared to COT for treating COVID-19-related hypoxemia by combining data from RCTs.

METHODS: We thoroughly explored six databases to identify suitable RCTs that examined HFNO versus COT in COVID-19 hypoxemic patients. Mortality and intubation were the main outcomes, while secondary outcomes included hospitalization indicators and blood gas monitoring indicators following oxygen therapy.

RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 2528 patients were included. HFNO therapy demonstrated significantly lower rates of total intubation (Risk ratio: 0.86 [0.78, 0.95], P = 0.003), as well as intubation at 7, 14, and 28 days compared with COT. Additionally, the HFNO group showed a shorter time to oxygen therapy de-escalation (MD: 3.53 [-4.50, -2.55] days, P < 0.00001). After oxygenation therapy, the HFNO group exhibited a lower respiratory rate (MD: 2.77 [-3.67, -1.88] breaths/min, P < 0.00001), PaCO2 (MD: 1.00 [-1.67, -0.33] mmHg, P = 0.003), and a higher SpO2/FiO2 ratio (MD: 47.00 [34.77, 59.23], P < 0.00001). Similar baseline characteristics and mortality rates were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS: HFNO treatment demonstrated advantages over COT, with comparable mortality rates, reduced intubation requirements, and improved post-therapy monitoring metrics in patients with COVID-19-induced hypoxemia.},
}

Humans
*Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods
*COVID-19/therapy/complications
*Hypoxia/therapy/etiology
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
*Pneumonia, Viral/therapy/complications
Oxygen/administration & dosage
Treatment Outcome
Betacoronavirus
*Coronavirus Infections/therapy/complications
Blood Gas Analysis

@article {pmid41937007,
year = {2026},
author = {García-Cesar, M and Cueto-Robledo, G and Roldan-Valadez, E and Torres-Rojas, MB and Navarro-Vergara, DI and Ruiz-Domínguez, D and Hernandez-Villa, L},
title = {Management of pulmonary arterial hypertension with intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism during pregnancy: Diagnostic challenges, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and intravenous treprostinil - A narrative review with an institutional case snapshot.},
journal = {Current problems in cardiology},
volume = {51},
number = {8},
pages = {103337},
doi = {10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2026.103337},
pmid = {41937007},
issn = {1535-6280},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Epoprostenol/analogs & derivatives/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *Pulmonary Embolism/therapy/diagnosis/complications ; *Thrombolytic Therapy/methods ; *Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/therapy/diagnosis ; Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Adolescent ; *Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/diagnosis/therapy/complications ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality from pregnancy-related pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is estimated at 7-12%. The superimposition of pulmonary embolism (PE) and COVID-19 further compromises right-ventricular (RV) function. Pregnancy-compatible PAH pharmacotherapy and catheter-directed techniques show promise; however, their intersection remains undocumented.

METHODS: We performed a narrative review of imaging diagnosis, risk stratification, catheter-directed reperfusion, PAH-targeted pharmacotherapy, and multidisciplinary peripartum management of PAH complicated by acute PE during pregnancy. MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2026. We also describe an institutional case from the Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga (Mexico City, Mexico).

RESULTS: Evidence supports echocardiography for initial assessment, CT pulmonary angiography for embolic/vascular evaluation, right-heart catheterization for hemodynamic determination, and catheter-directed thrombolysis for intermediate-high-risk PE when systemic thrombolysis is contraindicated. The institutional case describes a 17-year-old primigravida (24.6 weeks' gestation) with undiagnosed idiopathic PAH (mean pulmonary artery pressure 64 mmHg; pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 13.8 Wood units), intermediate-high-risk PE (thrombotic burden 37.5%), and COVID-19 pneumonia. Catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with sildenafil and intravenous treprostinil achieved substantial hemodynamic improvement (cardiac index 2.8 to 4.2 L/min/m²; PVR 13.8 to 6.7 Wood units). Elective cesarean at 37 weeks resulted in satisfactory maternal and neonatal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Early, multidisciplinary approaches integrating invasive hemodynamics, catheter-directed thrombolysis, and pregnancy-compatible PAH therapy can decompress RV function and allow safe pregnancy continuation. Prospective international registries and pregnancy-specific PERT pathways are urgently needed.},
}

Humans
Female
Pregnancy
*Epoprostenol/analogs & derivatives/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*Pulmonary Embolism/therapy/diagnosis/complications
*Thrombolytic Therapy/methods
*Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/therapy/diagnosis
Antihypertensive Agents/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
Adolescent
*Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/diagnosis/therapy/complications

@article {pmid41937900,
year = {2026},
author = {Kisielinski, K and Steigleder-Schweiger, C and Wagner, S and Korupp, S and Hockertz, S and Hirsch, O},
title = {Risks and benefits of face masks in children.},
journal = {Frontiers in pediatrics},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1679586},
pmid = {41937900},
issn = {2296-2360},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Children, a significant and vulnerable portion of the global population, are particularly susceptible to environmental factors.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search and scoping review of 3,144 articles, including 107 publications from medical literature, to assess mask use in children during the 2020-2023 pandemic. We examined expected viral protection vs. scientific evidence and side effects, synthesizing findings with SWiM and GRADE frameworks for evidence certainty and the Cochrane adverse effects approach.

RESULTS: Masking children lacks ecological validity, with high-quality studies showing little real-world effectiveness against viruses. On the other hand, side effects can clearly be identified. Masks contain hazardous materials (carcinogens, heavy metals, organic compounds, and microplastic), impacting childreńs health by altering inhaled air (including elevated carbon dioxide) and causing many physical symptoms and bio-psychosocial issues (MIES, mask-induced exhaustion syndrome), akin to sick building syndrome. Toxicological assessments highlight risks to biology of the young. Evidence certainty is high for non-effectiveness, moderate for risks and side effects, and low to very low for viral protection or benefits in children.

CONCLUSIONS: With a negligible COVID-19 mortality rate in children (0.0003%) and no evidence of child-to-child or school-based transmission, masks offered little benefit during the pandemic. The documented adverse effects-respiratory impairment, toxicity, and health risks-outweigh any justification for their mandatory use. An individual risk-benefit analysis is essential (individual medical advice), but this review suggests avoiding this intervention in children because of its numerous downsides and the lack of proven efficacy. It is the responsibility of political leaders to address our findings.},
}

@article {pmid41939777,
year = {2026},
author = {Sleman, S and Abid, OI and Abdullah, BJ and Abass, ZA and Ameen, MB},
title = {Safety and efficacy of major antiviral and immune therapies in pregnancy for maternal viral infections: evidence synthesis of maternal and neonatal outcomes.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1762439},
pmid = {41939777},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {Antiviral safety and efficacy in pregnancy. Summarizing the key findings visually in a single high-impact figure. This will integrate pathogens, antivirals, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and evidence certainty.Flowchart titled "Graphical Abstract: Antiviral Safety & Efficacy in Pregnancy" summarizes evidence for antiviral treatments by infection. Green boxes (oseltamivir, acyclovir/valacyclovir, TDF/lamivudine, ART) indicate decreased maternal disease and no increase in congenital anomalies or preterm birth for influenza, HSV/VZV, HBV, and HIV. Yellow boxes for COVID-19 (paxlovid/remdesivir) show decreased maternal hospitalization with no proven risk to the fetus. Red boxes (tecovirimat for mpox, favipiravir for hemorrhagic fevers) highlight insufficient data or increased maternal risk with potential increase in congenital anomalies or preterm birth. Arrows indicate treatment progression and outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41940074,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, X and Liu, X and Zhou, Q and Yao, K},
title = {Extracellular vesicle-based delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics.},
journal = {Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids},
volume = {37},
number = {2},
pages = {102870},
pmid = {41940074},
issn = {2162-2531},
abstract = {Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, which involve the manipulation of genetic materials to treat or prevent diseases, have gained considerable attention, leading to the approval of medicines such as COVID-19 vaccines, patisiran (Onpattro), and nusinersen (Spinraza). However, their clinical application is hindered by challenges such as nuclease degradation, poor biodistribution, limited cellular uptake, and inefficient endosomal escape. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are natural nanoscale drug delivery systems derived from various eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, offer a safe, efficient, specifically targeted, and non-pathogenic method for nucleic acid delivery. In this review, we summarize the classical methods and the latest research advances in EV preparation and nucleic acid loading. Additionally, we review the primary administration routes for nucleic acid-loaded EVs, such as intravenous, local, oral, intranasal, and inhalation delivery. By addressing these aspects, this review aims to guide the optimal design and clinical application of nucleic acid-loaded EVs.},
}

@article {pmid41940674,
year = {2026},
author = {Jefferson, V and Endlich-Frazier, A and Letko, M},
title = {Exploring coronavirus cell entry with functional viromics.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {100},
number = {5},
pages = {e0172825},
pmid = {41940674},
issn = {1098-5514},
mesh = {Animals ; *Virus Internalization ; Humans ; *Coronavirus/physiology/genetics ; Zoonoses/virology ; *Coronavirus Infections/virology/transmission ; Chiroptera/virology ; Animals, Wild/virology ; },
abstract = {Over the past 2 decades, viral discovery has uncovered thousands of novel coronaviruses in wildlife, including viruses with high similarity to known human pathogens. As human coronaviruses emerge from cross-species transmission events involving wildlife and humans, their frequent discovery in wildlife suggests these viruses will continue to impact global health. Unfortunately, while viruses are discovered often, laboratory limitations have stymied research on experimentally assessing their zoonotic potential. Thus, new laboratory approaches and research mindsets are needed to functionally characterize the ever-growing virome. Here, we discuss several platforms we have developed and the resulting advancements made toward functionally annotating the virome, which we refer to collectively as "functional viromics." We also explore how these approaches may be adapted to assess other viral phenotypes and how laboratory-derived data sets on viral functions will improve next-generation models of zoonotic risk.},
}

Animals
*Virus Internalization
Humans
*Coronavirus/physiology/genetics
Zoonoses/virology
*Coronavirus Infections/virology/transmission
Chiroptera/virology
Animals, Wild/virology

@article {pmid41943131,
year = {2026},
author = {Trigg, KL and Zhang, A and Wu, AW},
title = {Operational strategies among infectious disease clinical trial sites during pandemics: a scoping review.},
journal = {Trials},
volume = {27},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41943131},
issn = {1745-6215},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pandemics ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Clinical Trials as Topic/organization & administration ; Pandemic Preparedness ; *Communicable Diseases/epidemiology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine documented strategies, challenges, and lessons related to clinical trial site operations during pandemics.

METHODS: This review focused on seven major pandemics: COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, SARS, MERS, H1N1, and Zika. Searches were conducted using PubMed and Embase between September 2024 and February 2025, yielding 7572 unique records. After dual screening, 47 articles met inclusion criteria, with an additional 8 identified through citation searching, for a total of 55. Non-English articles were translated using Google Translate. Data were extracted and thematically analyzed through iterative familiarization, keyword identification, coding, and consensus discussion.

RESULTS: Of the 55 included articles, most originated from the European Region (61%) and the Americas (52%), with additional representation from Africa (19%), the Western Pacific (8%), Eastern Mediterranean (5%), and Southeast Asia (5%). Percentages exceed 100% because several studies reported across multiple regions. Study designs were predominantly descriptive (60%) with fewer randomized controlled trials (22%), observational (18%), and cohort studies (2%). COVID-19 accounted for the majority of articles (58%), followed by HIV/AIDS (20%), Ebola (13%), H1N1 (2%), and Zika (4%); no eligible studies addressed SARS or MERS. Operational themes included policy (73%), resources (55%), networks (53%), infrastructure (47%), technology (45%), study design (31%), and communication (22%). Publications peaked during pandemic years, reflecting intensified research activity. Reported challenges included protocol-practice misalignment, fragmented infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, and under-resourced sites. Reported practices included early site engagement in protocol development, streamlined ethics and contracting processes, investment in digital and decentralized infrastructure, and cross-trained staff. Gaps included limited use of adaptive trial designs and insufficient cross-national collaboration.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trial sites implemented systemic operational changes to sustain research during pandemics. Key lessons include the need to strengthen infrastructure, workforce capacity, and institutional adaptability, and the need to address persistent global inequities. Institutionalizing early site engagement, adaptive designs, and equitable collaboration will be essential to enable timely and resilient clinical research responses in future pandemics.},
}

Humans
*Pandemics
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Clinical Trials as Topic/organization & administration
Pandemic Preparedness
*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41943161,
year = {2026},
author = {Ankomah, M and Abekah-Nkrumah, G and Okai, GA and Yarney, L and Baku, AAA},
title = {An account of health systems resilience to emergencies in Africa: a scoping review.},
journal = {Globalization and health},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41943161},
issn = {1744-8603},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Africa/epidemiology ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; Public Health Infrastructure ; Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology/therapy ; *Emergencies ; Digital Health ; Disease Outbreaks ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Healthcare systems across Africa continue to face a wide range of shocks. Using Ebola and COVID-19 as case studies, this study examines the various resilience strategies implemented in different countries and synthesises them in a way that can serve as a practical guide to make health systems in Africa more resilient for future emergencies. METHODOLOGY: The study is a scoping review that synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles and grey literature, structured around a conceptual framework developed by the authors. We focused on various aspects of health system resilience during the Ebola outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. KEY FINDINGS: This review identifies six key elements vital to health system resilience in Africa: strong leadership and governance, equitable social protection, digital health innovation, trusted community engagement, a sustainable and flexible workforce, and adaptable infrastructure. However, several gaps must be addressed to strengthen resilience against future health emergencies. While political commitment and coordination mechanisms improved integration and awareness, poor decentralisation, weak accountability, and fragmented governance undermined effectiveness. Social protection initiatives and digital tools enabled rapid responses but persistent inequities in access and data gaps hindered their reach. Telemedicine and workforce expansion showed adaptability but lacked sustainability. Community trust and local innovations supported resilience, yet their potential was curtailed by top-down strategies and insufficient institutional support. CONCLUSION: This review emphasises the need for equitable, inclusive, and coherent strategies to strengthen resilient health systems in Africa. It calls for a shift from reactive, fragmented approaches to a long-term system-wide transformation grounded in inclusive governance, equitable social protection, robust digital health systems, a sustainable workforce, integrated and trusted community engagement, and adaptive physical infrastructure. Importantly, the review affirms that addressing deep-seated political, structural, and social inequities is crucial to ensuring resilience does not become an empty concept. The framework developed from this review provides a roadmap for policymakers to embed resilience as a core, institutional principle of long-term health system transformation, rather than a temporary emergency measure.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Africa/epidemiology
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
Public Health Infrastructure
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology/therapy
*Emergencies
Digital Health
Disease Outbreaks

@article {pmid41943240,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, W and Qian, J and Peng, M and Li, Y and Hu, J},
title = {Post-COVID-19 Area Postrema Syndrome With SARS-CoV-2 in CSF: A Dual-Case Report and Review of the Literature.},
journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e70421},
pmid = {41943240},
issn = {2050-4527},
support = {ZDXM2024003//Wenshan Prefecture People's Hospital 2024 Annual Internal Scientific Research Key Projects/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/complications/cerebrospinal fluid ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Area Postrema/pathology/virology ; Middle Aged ; Betacoronavirus ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; *Neuromyelitis Optica/cerebrospinal fluid ; Immunoglobulin G/cerebrospinal fluid ; Aquaporin 4/immunology ; Autoantibodies/cerebrospinal fluid ; Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune astrocytopathy characterized by inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the central nervous system. Area postrema syndrome (APS), marked by intractable nausea, vomiting, and hiccups, is a recognized but less common initial manifestation. Post-infectious autoimmunity triggered by SARS-CoV-2 has been increasingly associated with NMOSD pathogenesis; however, the clinical significance of direct viral neuroinvasion and its relationship to divergent patient outcomes remains poorly understood.

METHODS: We report two female patients who developed isolated APS shortly after COVID-19 infection. Both patients underwent comprehensive neurological evaluation, including brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis with metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and serological testing for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG), and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoglobulin G (GFAP-IgG) using cell-based assays. Clinical outcomes were compared in the context of antibody serostatus and treatment strategies. A review of the relevant literature on post-COVID NMOSD was also performed.

RESULTS: Both patients presented with intractable vomiting and hiccups following SARS-CoV-2 infection, and MRI demonstrated isolated T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesions in the dorsal medulla consistent with area postrema involvement. SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequences were detected in the CSF of both patients via mNGS, suggesting direct viral neuroinvasion or blood-brain barrier compromise. Despite similar initial presentations, their outcomes diverged dramatically. Patient 1 was AQP4-IgG negative, responded well to immunotherapy with intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids followed by mycophenolate mofetil maintenance, and remained relapse-free at 12-month follow-up with significant lesion regression on MRI. Patient 2 was AQP4-IgG positive in both serum and CSF, and despite acute treatment, experienced a fatal relapse 6 months later with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis while on low-dose prednisone monotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Isolated APS may represent an important yet under-recognized manifestation of post-COVID-19 autoimmune neuroinflammation. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in CSF supports a role for direct viral neuroinvasion as a localized inflammatory stimulus. AQP4-IgG serostatus serves as a critical prognostic determinant: seronegativity is associated with a benign, monophasic course, whereas seropositivity mandates prompt initiation of potent immunosuppressive therapy to prevent devastating relapses. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for NMOSD in patients with unexplained persistent vomiting following COVID-19, and perform urgent neuroimaging and antibody testing for early risk stratification.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19/complications/cerebrospinal fluid
*SARS-CoV-2
*Area Postrema/pathology/virology
Middle Aged
Betacoronavirus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
*Neuromyelitis Optica/cerebrospinal fluid
Immunoglobulin G/cerebrospinal fluid
Aquaporin 4/immunology
Autoantibodies/cerebrospinal fluid
Adult

@article {pmid41943416,
year = {2026},
author = {Al-Momani, H and Alsheikh, A and Balawi, HA and Balawi, DA and Aolymat, I and Khasawneh, AI and Tabl, H and Zueter, AM},
title = {An Emerging Global Threat After The COVID-19 Pandemic: Monkeypox Similarities and Differences.},
journal = {Polish journal of microbiology},
volume = {75},
number = {1},
pages = {20-32},
pmid = {41943416},
issn = {2544-4646},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Mpox, Monkeypox/epidemiology/transmission/prevention & control/virology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Monkeypox virus/classification ; Global Health ; Animals ; },
abstract = {During the post COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox (mpox) has returned and become a significant concern for health. The epicenter of clade I mpox is within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where two subclade consists of Ia and Ib are now in circulation and maintain their transmission from human to human. As of late 2024, worldwide mpox cases had surpassed 100,000 across 127 nations, with the World Health Organization reporting over 260 fatalities. CDC recently reported that the spread of clade I is no longer limited to Africa, highlighting its growing potential to become a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease an international public health emergency on August 14, 2024. This undoubtedly raises the question of whether global outbreaks of mpox represent the onset of another full-blown pandemic. Although Monkeypox can lead to other public health issues (especially in areas where it is not usually endemic), it is unlikely to become a pandemic on the same scale as COVID-19. Moreover, it is more containable due to vaccine availability, its transmission dynamics, and lessons learned from COVID-19. Nonetheless, it is still important to remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks from spreading, particularly in vulnerable populations and regions with limited healthcare resources.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Mpox, Monkeypox/epidemiology/transmission/prevention & control/virology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Monkeypox virus/classification
Global Health
Animals

@article {pmid41944494,
year = {2026},
author = {Gao, T and Liu, J and Du, Y and Yang, J and Sheng, G and Zhou, L and Qiu, Y and Zhang, Q and Duan, M},
title = {Association Between Acute Gastrointestinal Injury and Mortality Risk in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Clinical and translational gastroenterology},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {e01028},
doi = {10.14309/ctg.0000000000001028},
pmid = {41944494},
issn = {2155-384X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Critical Illness/mortality ; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data ; *Gastrointestinal Diseases/mortality/diagnosis ; Hospital Mortality ; Risk Factors ; Risk Assessment ; Severity of Illness Index ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: To systematically evaluate the association between severe acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI)/gastrointestinal dysfunction score (GIDS) and mortality risk in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for articles published between January 2016 and January 2025. Observational cohort studies reporting mortality outcomes in ICU patients with AGI (grades III-IV vs 0-II) or GIDS (scores 2-4 vs 0-1) were included. Studies focusing on specific subpopulations such as patients after cardiac surgery or with COVID-19 were excluded to maintain population homogeneity. The primary outcome was short-term all-cause mortality. Random-effects meta-analysis using inverse-variance weighting was performed using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Eight studies involving 2,786 critically ill patients were included. The pooled analysis demonstrated that severe GI dysfunction (AGI III-IV or GIDS 2-4) was significantly associated with increased mortality risk (OR 2.78, 95% CI 2.19-3.52, I 2 = 42.5%). Subgroup analyses by outcome type (28-day/ICU mortality: OR 2.70, 95% CI 2.04-3.58; in-hospital mortality: OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.63-11.18) and scoring system (AGI: OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.07-3.67; GIDS: OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.43-7.07) showed consistent results. The addition of a large-scale prospective Chinese study (n = 1,102) and a multicenter European cohort (n = 540) strengthened the findings and broadened generalizability.

DISCUSSION: Severe AGI is strongly associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. Early recognition and assessment of GI dysfunction using standardized grading systems may facilitate risk stratification and guide clinical management.},
}

Humans
*Critical Illness/mortality
Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data
*Gastrointestinal Diseases/mortality/diagnosis
Hospital Mortality
Risk Factors
Risk Assessment
Severity of Illness Index

@article {pmid41946616,
year = {2026},
author = {Shammout, M and Abdullah, J and Shammout, A and Williams, R and McMillan, K},
title = {Altered sensation of the inferior alveolar nerve in sagittal spilt osteotomies: a review of cases at a major UK centre over 10 years.},
journal = {The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery},
volume = {64},
number = {5},
pages = {350-357},
doi = {10.1016/j.bjoms.2026.03.004},
pmid = {41946616},
issn = {1532-1940},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; *Mandibular Nerve Injuries/etiology/epidemiology ; Male ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus/adverse effects ; *Postoperative Complications/epidemiology/etiology ; Risk Factors ; Middle Aged ; Mandibular Nerve ; *Trigeminal Nerve Injuries/etiology ; },
abstract = {Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injuries are common complications of orthognathic surgery, with incidences reported from 0% to 85% due to inconsistent definitions, assessment methods and follow-up protocols. These limitations hinder comparisons, emphasising the need for standardised evaluation. This 10-year retrospective cohort study investigates IAN injury rates following mandibular osteotomies, focusing on medium-long term outcomes and risk factors. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary orthognathic centre (2014-2024) on sagittal split osteotomies, performed either as stand-alone or as part of bimaxillary surgeries. Altered sensation was assessed via patient-reported outcomes during clinical follow ups (0-60+ months). While a final review was typically conducted at 6 months, extended follow ups addressed nerve symptoms, revision surgeries, or COVID-19 disruptions. Chi squared tests, Fisher's exact test and odds ratios evaluated associations with demographics, split quality, and nerve injuries. The primary outcome was altered sensation at ≥6 months. Of 221 procedures, 75.6% (n = 167) had follow ups ≥6 months, with 44.3% (n = 74/167) reporting altered sensation, primarily in the lower lip. Rates were 49% (n = 49/100) at 6-12 months, 50% (n = 13/26) at 13-18 months, and 29.2% (12/41) beyond 18 months. Females (OR = 1.07) and the 41-50 age group (50%, n = 2/4) showed slightly increased sensory changes, although they were not statistically significant. Unsatisfactory splits had higher altered sensation rates (60%, n = 6/10) compared with satisfactory splits (43.9%, n = 65/148) although these were not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Among documented nerve injuries, 100% (n = 7) resulted in sensory changes at ≥6 months. Altered sensation affected 44.3% (74/167); non-standardised follow up limits interpretation and supports standardised neurosensory reporting.},
}

Humans
Female
Retrospective Studies
Adult
*Mandibular Nerve Injuries/etiology/epidemiology
Male
United Kingdom/epidemiology
*Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus/adverse effects
*Postoperative Complications/epidemiology/etiology
Risk Factors
Middle Aged
Mandibular Nerve
*Trigeminal Nerve Injuries/etiology

@article {pmid41947042,
year = {2026},
author = {Sahu, D and Van Nynatten, LR and Tweddell, D and Daley, M and Fraser, DD},
title = {Computational proteomics to enhance personalized treatment of COVID-19 and Long COVID.},
journal = {Clinical proteomics},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41947042},
issn = {1542-6416},
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to significant global health burden, including both acute infections and persistent post-acute sequelae, also known as Long COVID (LC) in survivors. While clinical management has reduced case-fatality rates, a substantial proportion of patients develop LC, a heterogeneous syndrome with long-term symptoms. This complex continuum requires therapeutic strategies for both the acute and chronic phases. Plasma proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool in precision medicine, offering insights into systemic molecular changes and disease trajectories. Using targeted and untargeted proteomic analyses, researchers can identify disease-relevant pathways, perform cellular deconvolution to assess tissue-specific contributions, and pinpoint therapeutic targets for both acute infection and persistent symptoms. Combined with bioinformatics and machine learning, these proteomic insights support biomarker discovery and drug repurposing strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41947427,
year = {2026},
author = {Myer, A and Calfee, MW and Monge, M and Abdel-Hady, A and Aslett, D and Ratliff, KM},
title = {Exploring Surrogate Selection for Virucidal Aerosol Testing: A Qualitative Analysis.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {15},
pages = {11202-11217},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c18416},
pmid = {41947427},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {Aerosols ; Humans ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic heightened interest in the development and testing of virucidal chemistries and technologies for use in indoor environments. Direct testing of pathogens often requires a high-level biosafety containment, which can restrict performance evaluations to smaller scales that may have limited translatability to the complexities of real-world indoor environments. Therefore, using viral surrogates that are safer to work with than target pathogens offers many potential benefits, including aerosol testing in more realistic conditions. This scoping review analyzes surrogate selection and use across aerosol, surface, and suspension-based tests and identifies bridges in surrogate selection considerations. A qualitative analysis of 133 studies was conducted to highlight trends, knowledge gaps, and future directions toward standardized surrogate selection frameworks. This review finds that Enterobacteria phage MS2 (MS2) and other bacteriophages are commonly used due to their practicality and safety. There are limited examples of concurrent pathogen and surrogate testing to assess suitability, which is highly context-dependent on the test conditions. Beyond virucide testing, the surrogate selection considerations discussed herein are informative for research on the persistence, transmission, transport, behavior, and nonchemical management of airborne viruses.},
}

Aerosols
Humans

@article {pmid41948023,
year = {2026},
author = {Alrashidi, Y and Sriram, S and Beek, MA and Fadlalmola, HA and Albadrani, M},
title = {Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among gig-based food delivery workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1788523},
pmid = {41948023},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology ; Risk Factors ; *Occupational Diseases/epidemiology ; Working Conditions ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The digital economy has spurred gig work, especially in food delivery, which grew during COVID-19. However, gig workers face occupational hazards like traffic accidents, poor ergonomics, and unsafe conditions, leading to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Studies show high rates of back and neck pain among delivery riders due to physical strain, repetitive motions, and long hours. WMSDs reduce productivity and increase healthcare costs. This review examines WMSD prevalence, risk factors, and related issues like accidents and violence among food delivery workers.

METHODS: We searched for relevant articles up to June 2025 from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers extracted data from the selected studies, including baseline information, outcomes, and prevalence of WMSDs. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3.

RESULTS: After removing 1,013 duplicate records, we retained 1,279 for screening. Following a thorough review, we identified 23 eligible entries for inclusion in our study. As per our analysis, delivery workers face high injury prevalence: lower back (43%), shoulder (39%), neck (30%), upper back (24%), and RTA (25%). Risk factors include gig economy systemic vulnerabilities, prolonged static postures, vibration exposure, open-door vehicles, and dangerous traffic practices. Different forms of violence (physical, verbal, and psychological) affected delivery workers, while exploitation and discrimination were particularly evident among minorities.

CONCLUSION: This review demonstrated a high burden of WMSDs among delivery workers, who face serious hazards like injuries, accidents, and violence due to precarious gig economy conditions, time pressures, and poor safety measures. This study provides the first quantitative pooled estimates of WMSD prevalence among food delivery workers, along with an additional narrative synthesis of traffic accidents and workplace violence.},
}

Humans
*Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology
Risk Factors
*Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
Working Conditions
Prevalence

@article {pmid41948684,
year = {2026},
author = {Mangahas, AM and Chang, M and Husain, IA},
title = {The Effect of COVID-19 on Voice Quality: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {World journal of otorhinolaryngology - head and neck surgery},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {218-227},
pmid = {41948684},
issn = {2589-1081},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of COVID-19 on voice by evaluating acoustic, aerodynamic, auditory-perceptual, and patient-reported measurements for COVID-19 patients compared to controls.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Embase.

REVIEW METHODS: Studies were reviewed for acoustic, aerodynamic, auditory-perceptual, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS: Seven studies met criteria. There were 790 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and 484 controls. Acoustic measurements revealed that COVID-19 patients had an increased harmonic-to-noise ratio (HNR) (27.14 vs. 41.37 dB), and increased fundamental frequency (177.66 vs. 172.81 Hz), jitter (0.73 vs. 0.31), and shimmer (4.43 vs. 3.42). Auditory-perceptual measurements indicated that COVID-19 patients had an increased Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) score (11.46 vs. 2.15). COVID-19 patients also had an increased Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) score (4.89 vs. 1.59). Finally, COVID-19 patients had a statistically significant decrease in maximum phonation time compared to controls (9.94 s vs. 16.32 s, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: Although maximum phonation time was the only statistically significant measurement, other measurements were worse for COVID-19 patients. The current research suggests negative effects of COVID-19 on the voice; however, this is the first systematic review to summarize its effects with measurable outcomes. More studies with vocal measurements taken at different time points following infection are needed to understand the full long-term effect of COVID-19 on the voice. Additionally, studies evaluating voice quality for mild cases of COVID-19 with comparison to healthy controls are needed to understand its prevalence and effect as the severity of COVID-19 decreases.},
}

@article {pmid41949759,
year = {2026},
author = {Kleinert, S},
title = {[Cardiovascular risk in inflammatory rheumatic diseases : Evidence-based strategies for risk reduction in rheumatologic practice].},
journal = {Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie},
volume = {85},
number = {4},
pages = {307-316},
pmid = {41949759},
issn = {1435-1250},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control/diagnosis/etiology ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; *Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; *Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy/complications ; Heart Disease Risk Factors ; *Rheumatology/standards ; Risk Factors ; Risk Assessment ; },
abstract = {Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) have a persistently increased cardiovascular (CV) risk and higher mortality, independently of traditional CV risk factors. Effective control of inflammation reduces CV events, whereas glucocorticoids increase the risk in a dose- and duration-dependent manner, even at ≤ 5 mg prednisolone/day. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs especially tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, are largely protective through the reduction of systemic inflammation. For patients receiving Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or long-term glucocorticoid therapy, a structured CV risk assessment and guideline-based management of modifiable risk factors (including lipid optimization/statin therapy) are essential. Primary prevention should be based on the cardiovascular prevention guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Vaccinations (influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcus, respiratory syncytial virus, zoster) represent an effective pillar of CV prevention in populations at cardiovascular risk; however, evidence in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases is still lacking. The main challenge for CV prevention remains implementation: digital clinical reminders/decision support systems and multicomponent strategies can improve the implementation of recommendations.},
}

Humans
*Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control/diagnosis/etiology
Evidence-Based Medicine
*Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use
Risk Reduction Behavior
*Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy/complications
Heart Disease Risk Factors
*Rheumatology/standards
Risk Factors
Risk Assessment

@article {pmid41951240,
year = {2026},
author = {Ananth, S and Alimani, GS and Boccabella, C and Khaleva, E and Hansel, J and Wang, R and Roberts, G and Kosmidis, C and Bossios, A and Vestbo, J and Papageorgiou, E and Papadopoulos, NG and Beloukas, A and Mathioudakis, AG},
title = {Prevalence of respiratory viruses in stable and acute asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society},
volume = {35},
number = {180},
pages = {},
pmid = {41951240},
issn = {1600-0617},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asthma/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Prevalence ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis ; Acute Disease ; Child ; *Virus Diseases/epidemiology/virology ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory viruses, frequently detected in asthma, are associated with worse outcomes. This meta-analysis systematically quantifies the prevalence of respiratory viruses in stable and acute asthma, across children and adults, and explores factors associated with increased viral burden through meta-regression.

METHODS: This prospectively registered meta-analysis (PROSPERO-CRD42023375108) included studies employing molecular techniques to assess respiratory virus prevalence in asthma. Three databases were searched in August 2024. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. We performed random-effects meta-analysis of proportions.

RESULTS: We included 111 eligible studies. Moderate-certainty evidence indicated a pooled prevalence of any respiratory virus of 33.9% (95% confidence interval 24.8-43.7%) in children and 23.0% (12.9-35.0%) in adults with stable asthma. In acute asthma, prevalence increased to 58.8% (52.5-65.0%) in children and 49.9% (41.2-58.5%) in adults (moderate certainty). Rhinovirus was the most frequently identified virus, especially in acute asthma (45.0% in children versus 21.2% in adults). Respiratory syncytial virus and bocavirus were more common in younger children, while coronavirus and influenza were more frequently detected in adults; respiratory syncytial virus peaked in older adults too. A higher prevalence of influenza virus B and adenovirus in children, and of influenza virus A and parainfluenza 2 in adults with severe versus non-severe acute asthma suggests a potential association with more severe acute attacks.

CONCLUSION: Respiratory viruses are common in both stable and acute asthma. This suggests that the diagnostic value of a positive viral test during acute episodes may be limited and could benefit from complementary biomarkers to improve interpretation.},
}

Humans
*Asthma/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis
Prevalence
*Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/epidemiology/diagnosis
Acute Disease
Child
*Virus Diseases/epidemiology/virology
Adult
Risk Factors

@article {pmid41951549,
year = {2026},
author = {Scheid, PL and Padi, D and Schvach, H and Scheid, SE},
title = {Application of Telemedicine for Mission Support-Importance of a Cost-Benefit Analysis.},
journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association},
volume = {32},
number = {7},
pages = {682-691},
doi = {10.1177/15305627261440753},
pmid = {41951549},
issn = {1556-3669},
mesh = {Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Humans ; *Telemedicine/economics/organization & administration ; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Medical Missions/organization & administration/economics ; Digital Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital health is more relevant now than ever before, and interventions have a clear potential to improve the quality of care while reducing health care costs. Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative approach to health care delivery, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In mission environments, telemedicine increasingly supports the management of acute injuries, chronic conditions, predeployment screening, and follow-up assessments, often using low-bandwidth store-and-forward modalities.

METHOD: By reviewing existing literature and considering several different (heterogeneous) programs for "telemedicine for mission support," the key performance indicators are explored to evaluate telemedicine in missions, following its implementation. Both acute and chronic care use cases, as well as operational, clinical, and technical determinants of feasibility, were considered.

RESULTS: This article presents the clinical, operational, and economic benefits of "telemedicine in missions" and the metrics for a comprehensive cost-effectiveness analysis or cost-benefit analysis, considering its economic and clinical impacts.

CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine in missions shows considerable differences from other telemedicine applications depending on the actors and the resulting circumstances. Considering the heterogeneity of the metrics provided, even within the field of "telemedicine in missions," the analyses have to be conducted in accordance with the encountered conditions. Nevertheless, a set of metrics can be applied to nearly all use cases across the different applications and actors. A mission-adaptable minimum data set is proposed to support standardized evaluation across diverse operational contexts.},
}

Cost-Benefit Analysis
Humans
*Telemedicine/economics/organization & administration
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Medical Missions/organization & administration/economics
Digital Health
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41951954,
year = {2026},
author = {King, R and Ford, T and Coleman, Z and Hammond, E and Henley, D and Hirschtick, JL},
title = {Racial Disparities in Long COVID: Why Black Americans are Likely Underrepresented in Long COVID Estimates.},
journal = {Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41951954},
issn = {2196-8837},
abstract = {In this conceptual paper, we posit that Black Americans are likely underrepresented in current Long COVID data estimates and explore potential reasons for this underrepresentation, with the purpose of beginning a critical dialogue within the Long COVID research community on this topic. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Black individuals were 10% more likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 and twice as likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than White individuals, increasing their risk for Long COVID. Nevertheless, studies based on national surveys and electronic health records often report lower Long COVID prevalence estimates for Black vs. White populations. Factors contributing to this discrepancy may include lack of Long COVID awareness, limited generalizability of existing studies, barriers to diagnosis, and medical racism and mistrust. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes creating targeted Long COVID awareness campaigns, updating the mode and breadth of data collection activities, reducing diagnostic barriers, and ultimately tackling the systemic racism that underlies these health inequities. Accurate representation in data is essential for understanding the full impact of Long COVID and developing interventions that are equitable and effective.},
}

@article {pmid41952158,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Yu, X and Li, P and Ouyang, Y and Zhu, L and Luo, F},
title = {Targeting immunosenescence in lung diseases: mechanistic insights and clinical interventions.},
journal = {BMC medicine},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41952158},
issn = {1741-7015},
support = {No. W2411076//International Cooperation and Exchange of the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunosenescence/immunology ; *Lung Diseases/immunology/therapy ; Immunotherapy/methods ; },
abstract = {Immunosenescence, the age-related decline in immune function, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and respiratory tract infections. This comprehensive review examines the hallmarks of immunosenescence, and illustrates the association between immunosenescence and the pathogenesis of lung diseases. In addition, we discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies that have been evaluated in human clinical trials for targeting immunosenescence in lung diseases. Specifically, this review provides in-depth insights into the therapeutic strategies, including senolytics and senomorphics, immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, thymic rejuvenation, probiotics, and lifestyle. We also highlight the potential of personalized approaches integrating multi-omics data and artificial intelligence to guide biomarker-driven interventions, enabling truly personalized therapeutic strategies. Finally, this review underscores the imperative for rigorously designed clinical trials to develop and validate interventions that specifically target immunosenescence, with the ultimate goal of improving clinical outcomes for the aged population with lung diseases.},
}

Humans
*Immunosenescence/immunology
*Lung Diseases/immunology/therapy
Immunotherapy/methods

@article {pmid41952170,
year = {2026},
author = {Selby, A and Sutton, A and Bamford, E and Booth, A},
title = {Factors and mitigating strategies impacting receipt of healthcare by the Deaf community: an umbrella review.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41952170},
issn = {1472-6963},
support = {NIHR207088//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Health Services Accessibility ; *Persons with Hearing Disabilities ; Sign Language ; Health Literacy ; Medical Interpreting ; Deaf Culture ; Communication Barriers ; Healthcare Disparities ; *Deafness ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite over 70 million Deaf people using sign languages worldwide, their ability to access and receive health services remains disproportionately limited. The Deaf community commonly encounter reduced access to preventive care compared to the hearing population. This umbrella review aims to collate and appraise systematic reviews examining factors and mitigating strategies influencing Deaf people’s receipt of healthcare. METHODS: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024563083). Eligible systematic reviews investigated factors affecting healthcare receipt among the Deaf communities in any Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index, Social Sciences Citation Index, and PROSPERO. Screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal (AMSTAR 2) were undertaken independently by reviewers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Data were synthesised narratively using a purpose-specific conceptual framework, categorising factors as individual or environmental. RESULTS: From 3,749 records, 32 systematic reviews were included. Most reviews (78%) were rated critically low in quality. Individual-level barriers were dominated by reduced health literacy (reported in 26 reviews), including inadequate access to sign language health information, limited family awareness, and poorer knowledge of medicines and preventive practices. Socioeconomic status, rural residence, minority ethnic background and limited family support were also linked to reduced healthcare access. Environmental factors included communication barriers, low Deaf awareness among healthcare professionals and shortages of qualified interpreters, all of which fostered Deaf people’s mistrust and disengagement with healthcare. Inadequate recording of communication needs, inaccessible complaints processes and COVID-19 policies further exacerbated inequalities. Strategies identified included sign language–adapted health education, interpreter provision, telehealth services, and specialist Deaf health clinics with interpreters, however few reviews offered evidence for effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Deaf people experience persistent, multifactorial barriers to equitable healthcare, driven by low health literacy, social disadvantage, poor communication support and systemic failings. Current evidence is largely of low methodological quality, underscoring the need for robust, co-produced research with Deaf communities. Priority areas include redesigning healthcare processes for accessible communication, expanding interpreter provision, and embedding Deaf awareness training into professional education to achieve systemic change.},
}

Humans
*Health Services Accessibility
*Persons with Hearing Disabilities
Sign Language
Health Literacy
Medical Interpreting
Deaf Culture
Communication Barriers
Healthcare Disparities
*Deafness

@article {pmid41952380,
year = {2026},
author = {Pineschi, M and Rossi, S and Butini, S and Gemma, S and Carullo, G and Campiani, G},
title = {Beyond the Shadow of Indole: Medicinal Chemistry of Indolizines and Isoindolinones in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases.},
journal = {Archiv der Pharmazie},
volume = {359},
number = {4},
pages = {e70233},
doi = {10.1002/ardp.70233},
pmid = {41952380},
issn = {1521-4184},
support = {2022HYF8KS//Fondo per il Programma Nazionale di Ricerca e Progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN)/ ; PE00000007//NextGeneration EU-MUR PNRR Extended Partnership initiative on Emerging Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; *Indolizines/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; *Isoindoles/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; Animals ; *Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis ; *Communicable Diseases/drug therapy ; Drug Discovery ; Drug Design ; Indoles/chemistry/pharmacology ; Molecular Structure ; },
abstract = {Infectious diseases remain a major global health challenge, accounting for millions of deaths annually and placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacterial strains, together with recurrent outbreaks of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Monkeypox, and influenza, underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with diverse mechanisms of action. In this context, indolizines, isoindoles, and isoindolinones represent promising scaffolds in anti-infective drug discovery due to their unique structural features, versatile reactivity, and ability to engage multiple biological targets. This review provides an updated overview of the medicinal chemistry of indolizine and isoindoles, with particular emphasis on compounds demonstrating activities against infectious pathogens. Representative examples are highlighted to illustrate structure-activity relationships (SARs), scaffold-based optimization strategies, and emerging mechanistic insights. Relevant synthetic methodologies are discussed only in the context of biologically active compounds to provide a framework for rational design. Collectively, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of indolizine- and isoindole-derived scaffolds as versatile frameworks for anti-infective drug development and highlights opportunities for further chemical and biological exploration.},
}

Humans
Structure-Activity Relationship
*Indolizines/chemistry/pharmacology/chemical synthesis
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
*Isoindoles/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
Animals
*Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/chemical synthesis
*Communicable Diseases/drug therapy
Drug Discovery
Drug Design
Indoles/chemistry/pharmacology
Molecular Structure

@article {pmid41952921,
year = {2026},
author = {Usman, AB and Comlan, MBL and Victory, KR and Geissler, A},
title = {Strengthening Global Health Security in West Africa: Insights from Joint External Evaluations and After-Action Reviews.},
journal = {Dialogues in health},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {100294},
pmid = {41952921},
issn = {2772-6533},
abstract = {PURPOSE: West Africa faces recurring public health outbreaks, including Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox, underscoring the need for strong Global Health Security (GHS) core capacities. This study uses Joint External Evaluation (JEE) scores and After-Action Review (AAR) findings to assess public health emergency preparedness across 15 West African countries and identify gaps between theoretical assessments and operational response capacity.

METHODS: A mixed-methods approach compared JEE scores (2016-2023) with thematic analysis of AAR findings from major outbreaks. Consistency between JEE-predicted capacities and AAR-reported challenges was assessed using a three-level rating system (High/Moderate/Low) and the Kappa statistic.

RESULTS: In 68 of 105 technical area comparisons (65%) of cases, JEE scores accurately predicted weaknesses in laboratory systems and workforce development. However, in 37 comparisons (35%) of cases, JEE scores overestimated preparedness, particularly in risk communication(all15 countries,100%), real-time surveillance(13 of 15 countries, 87%), and cross-border coordination, where countries with high scores faced operational failures during outbreaks. AARs revealed logistical bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and coordination failures not captured by JEEs. Alignment with SDG 3.d (health security), SDG 10 (inequalities), SDG 17 (partnerships), and SDG 9 (infrastructure) underscores broader development implications.

CONCLUSION: While JEE is valuable for baseline assessment, it incompletely predicts real-world outbreak response performance. Integrating AAR findings into national planning and refining JEE indicators to include operational metrics will enhance health security evaluations. Regionally coordinated action through WAHO is essential for addressing gaps and building resilient systems aligned with sustainable development goals.},
}

@article {pmid41953499,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, B and Choi, S},
title = {Comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 chronic allergy prevalence in children using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 and 2021.},
journal = {Allergologie select},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {36-48},
pmid = {41953499},
issn = {2512-8957},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in demographic characteristics, parental smoking habits, and the prevalence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rhinitis among children in South Korea before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of national health survey data from 2019 and 2021 was conducted, including children aged 3 - 18 years. Factors such as gender, age, location, housing type, family size, income, body mass index, subjective health status, influenza vaccination, family structure, and parental smoking habits were analyzed.

RESULTS: No significant differences were found in most demographic characteristics and parental features between 2019 and 2021, except for influenza vaccination rates and mothers' age at first childbirth. The influenza vaccination rate increased from 69.3% in 2019 to 77.8% in 2021, and the average maternal age at first birth increased from 28.46 years to 29.22 years. Asthma diagnoses showed no significant differences between the 2 years after adjusting for general and parent-related characteristics. For atopic dermatitis, significant differences in gender distribution were observed in 2021. Rhinitis diagnoses showed significant differences in age, area, and breastfeeding status between the two years.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced certain demographic characteristics, such as influenza vaccination rates and mothers' age at first childbirth, but the prevalence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and rhinitis among children remained largely unchanged between 2019 and 2021. This study underscores the importance of monitoring the impact of social changes on children's health, particularly during significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of these changes on child health.},
}

@article {pmid41954649,
year = {2026},
author = {Valencia, S and Jaimes, C and Victoria, T and Gee, MS},
title = {Strategies for radiology faculty recruitment and retention in a competitive market: implications for pediatric radiology.},
journal = {Pediatric radiology},
volume = {56},
number = {5},
pages = {1068-1077},
pmid = {41954649},
issn = {1432-1998},
mesh = {*Personnel Selection/methods ; Humans ; United States ; *Radiology ; *Faculty, Medical/supply & distribution ; Organizational Culture ; *Pediatrics ; *Radiologists/supply & distribution ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Leadership ; Career Mobility ; Workload ; },
abstract = {This narrative review examines strategies and recommendations to address the current radiologist shortage in the USA, with a particular emphasis on workforce retention and preservation through operational efficiency, organizational leadership, cultural transformation, and technology integration. National workforce data, expert commentaries, and strategic frameworks from academic radiology and healthcare leadership literature were reviewed to contextualize current challenges and proposed solutions. The radiology workforce faces escalating pressure driven by rapidly increasing imaging volumes, limited growth in the number of practicing radiologists, and rising attrition rates. Between 2008 and 2018, radiologist workloads nearly doubled while workforce expansion was much smaller, exacerbating workload imbalance, burnout, and professional dissatisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated workforce challenges by causing an exodus of workers and making on-site work more challenging. Although short-term mitigation strategies exist, sustainable long-term solutions require coordinated cultural and structural changes that prioritize strategic hiring, transparent career advancement pathways, protected academic and professional development time, and optimized workflow efficiency supported by technology. In conclusion, effective management of the radiology workforce shortage necessitates integrated operational and cultural approaches, with departments implementing comprehensive and tailored interventions to expand workforce capacity, enhance professional fulfillment, and maintain high-quality patient care.},
}

*Personnel Selection/methods
Humans
United States
*Radiology
*Faculty, Medical/supply & distribution
Organizational Culture
*Pediatrics
*Radiologists/supply & distribution
COVID-19/epidemiology
Leadership
Career Mobility
Workload

@article {pmid41954969,
year = {2026},
author = {Gentilini, P and Lindsay, JC and Konishi, N and Fukushima, M and Polykretis, P},
title = {Exploring the potential link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations and cancer: A case report with a review of haematopoietic malignancies with insights into pathogenic mechanisms.},
journal = {Oncotarget},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {34-49},
pmid = {41954969},
issn = {1949-2553},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/etiology/chemically induced ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Copyright: &copy; 2026 Gentilini et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. This article investigates the potential association between modified mRNA (modRNA) COVID-19 vaccinations and the development of haematopoietic cancers. We present a case involving a healthy, young, athletic woman who developed acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) following her second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (Comirnaty®). This case is part of an expanding body of literature documenting similar occurrences after modRNA vaccinations, which we critically examine. Emerging evidence suggests that the biodistribution and persistence of modRNA, facilitated by lipid nanoparticles, can affect various tissues and organs, including the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs. Notably, modRNA vaccines exhibit a particular affinity for the bone marrow, potentially influencing the immune system at multiple levels and triggering both autoimmune disorders and neoplastic processes. In this article, we assess the risk of developing haematopoietic cancers post-modRNA vaccination based on current scientific literature and explore the reported potential genetic and molecular mechanisms involved in disease pathogenesis. By integrating clinical observations and current research, we aim to provide valuable insights into the potential carcinogenic outcomes associated with modRNA vaccination.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/etiology/chemically induced
*COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccination/adverse effects

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

@article {pmid41955863,
year = {2026},
author = {Temiz, A and Tascilar, K},
title = {Why we need to maintain a critical view on big data and artificial intelligence predictions.},
journal = {Current opinion in immunology},
volume = {100},
number = {},
pages = {102776},
doi = {10.1016/j.coi.2026.102776},
pmid = {41955863},
issn = {1879-0372},
mesh = {Humans ; *Big Data ; *Artificial Intelligence ; Machine Learning ; *Rheumatology/methods ; Prediction Algorithms ; },
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are widely promoted as transformative tools for medical practice, yet their impact in daily rheumatology remains limited. This review examines the gap between expectations and reality using historical parallels, conceptual considerations, and recent methodological evidence. Experiences with antioxidant supplementation, vitamin D, the microbiome, and the Human Genome Project illustrate a recurring pattern: early studies report large effects that diminish or disappear in larger, higher-quality studies. Meta-epidemiological work and the 'cursed auction' analogy explain why early and small studies systematically overestimate effects. Conceptually, individualized clinical risk remains a group-based construct, constrained by the reference class problem and irreducible uncertainty. Methodologically, many AI models in rheumatology suffer from small and heterogeneous datasets, overfitting, inadequate handling of missing data, poor calibration, and limited external or prospective validation. The failure of COVID-19 prediction models and the neutral trial of the Ada diagnostic assistant in rheumatology illustrate how strong retrospective performance often collapses in real-world use. In contrast, AI performs well in high signal-to-noise domains with abundant, structured data. Overall, AI can generate valuable insights and support narrowly defined tasks, but it cannot yet overcome the fundamental limits of noisy clinical data and group-based risk. Progress in rheumatology will require realistic expectations, large representative datasets, transparent methods, rigorous validation, and a focus on robust, interpretable tools that improve decisions for populations and well-defined patient subgroups rather than precise individual prediction.},
}

Humans
*Big Data
*Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
*Rheumatology/methods
Prediction Algorithms

@article {pmid41955877,
year = {2026},
author = {Ngwoke, I and Ahmed, MM and Gideon, JA and Okesanya, OJ and Danladi, NP and Agboola, AO and Abdullahi, YB and Oso, TA and Adebayo, UO and Eshun, G and Lucero-Prisno, DE},
title = {Molecular characteristics, epidemiological trends, and public health implications of human metapneumovirus (hMPV): a review.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {619},
number = {},
pages = {110897},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2026.110897},
pmid = {41955877},
issn = {1096-0341},
mesh = {Humans ; *Metapneumovirus/genetics/immunology/pathogenicity/classification ; *Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/transmission/diagnosis/immunology/prevention & control ; Public Health ; Disease Outbreaks ; },
abstract = {Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emerging respiratory pathogen associated with significant morbidity, particularly among young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Although clinically relevant, it remains underrecognized relative to influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Recent regional outbreaks, including the January 2025 surge in northern China, highlight hMPV's capacity to cause significant above-seasonal transmission events, particularly in settings with immunity debt following prolonged non-pharmaceutical interventions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on hMPV epidemiology, genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, host immune interactions, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic and vaccine development efforts. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect with no publication date restriction, using MeSH and free-text terms including "hMPV," "epidemiology," "immune response," "diagnosis," "treatment," and "pandemic preparedness." Relevant reference lists were hand-searched to identify additional studies. Eligible articles included molecular, clinical, observational, and epidemiological studies; case reports and commentaries were excluded unless they provided unique outbreak insights. Findings emphasize that hMPV represents a growing public health concern due to limited awareness, diagnostic overlap with other viral pathogens, and the absence of targeted therapeutics or licensed vaccines. Strengthened surveillance, improved diagnostic capacity, and accelerated research into immunopathogenesis and vaccine platforms are urgently needed. Integrating hMPV into regional outbreak preparedness frameworks rather than pandemic-level frameworks applicable to influenza or SARS-CoV-2 while fostering collaborative research and proportionate public health communication, is essential to mitigate its future impact.},
}

Humans
*Metapneumovirus/genetics/immunology/pathogenicity/classification
*Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/transmission/diagnosis/immunology/prevention & control
Public Health
Disease Outbreaks

@article {pmid41956814,
year = {2026},
author = {Vincent, E},
title = {Resolving 'Collective Amnesia': uncovering disease outbreaks past to shape pandemic futures.},
journal = {Medical humanities},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/medhum-2025-013473},
pmid = {41956814},
issn = {1473-4265},
abstract = {At the International Pandemic Sciences Conference in 2024, scholars of science and the medical humanities were united in asking one guiding question: how can we learn from disease outbreaks of the past to prepare for future pandemics? This article will explore how interdisciplinary public conference forums are productive spheres of knowledge exchange which enable proponents of science and literature to detect and trace past issues of public health which persist into present-day pandemics. The article considers the claim of bioethicists Maxwell J Smith and Ross Upshur that there is 'collective amnesia' when pandemics arise, to foreground the importance of uncovering and evaluating the visual, literary and media histories of pandemics past. Analysis of literary-historical research presented as part of the interdisciplinary 'Media and Epidemics' project, which analysed the visual and literary cultures of historic epidemics of influenza, demonstrates how historic literature and media collides with present-day public health discourse. Examining past epidemics reveals shared issues raised by COVID-19 media reportage concerning the historic role of storytelling, stigmatisation and fears of contagion. While COVID-19 haunts our recent past, there remains '[a]n urgency to understanding how narratives are constructed and understood between communities and their impact on structural factors, such as health policy' which can be enriched through 'a framework of public health humanities'. In conclusion, the proposed antidote to a global 'amnesia' centres on privileging memory, learning actionable lessons and telling stories of disease within collaborative medical humanities forums which unite literature and science.},
}

@article {pmid41957521,
year = {2026},
author = {Hadidchi, R and Pahuja, S and Mehrotra-Varma, S and Zhao, W and Lee, RC and Henry, S and Duong, TQ},
title = {COVID-19 and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with pre-existing hypertension.},
journal = {Journal of human hypertension},
volume = {40},
number = {6},
pages = {446-455},
pmid = {41957521},
issn = {1476-5527},
mesh = {Humans ; *Hypertension/epidemiology/diagnosis/complications/physiopathology ; Female ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/mortality/diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Risk Factors ; Stroke/epidemiology ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology ; Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology ; Biomarkers/blood ; Heart Failure/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Comorbidity ; },
abstract = {Patients with hypertension have worse acute COVID-19 outcomes, but the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection is unclear. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with hypertension and no prior cardiovascular events in the Montefiore Health System, comparing those with and without COVID-19 over up to 4.5 years post-infection. Outcomes included first-time myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), stroke, all-cause mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Multivariate regression and inverse-probability weighting adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, socioeconomic status, and COVID-19 vaccination. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Sub-analyses examined hypertension stage and acute COVID-19 blood biomarkers in relation to outcomes. Among 75,180 hypertensive patients, hospitalized COVID-19 was associated with increased risk of first-time MI (adjusted HR = 1.40 [1.21-1.63]), HF (1.59 [1.45-1.75]), stroke (1.35 [1.17-1.57]), all-cause mortality (2.51 [2.17-2.90]), and MACE (1.65 [1.54-1.77]) compared to COVID-negative individuals. Non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients had elevated risks of HF (1.17 [1.06-1.30]) and MACE (1.14 [1.05-1.23]). Hospitalized COVID-19 was associated with an increase in MACE risk by 75% in those with normal blood pressure, and by 126% and 148% in those with elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension, respectively. Abnormal C-reactive protein, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, D-dimer, hemoglobin, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicted higher MACE risk. COVID-19, irrespective of disease severity, puts hypertensive patients at greater risks of worse cardiovascular outcomes, especially those with more advanced hypertension. These findings underscore the importance of long-term cardiovascular monitoring in this vulnerable population.},
}

Humans
*Hypertension/epidemiology/diagnosis/complications/physiopathology
Female
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology/mortality/diagnosis
Retrospective Studies
Male
Middle Aged
Aged
Risk Factors
Stroke/epidemiology
*Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology
Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology
Biomarkers/blood
Heart Failure/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Comorbidity

@article {pmid41958400,
year = {2026},
author = {Morton, LC and Forshey, BM and Klinkhammer, KE and Romaner, A and Traore, Z and Hartman, LJ and Standley, CJ and Roess, AA},
title = {Local genomic epidemiology investigations of SARS-CoV-2 during the early pandemic response: A global systematic review.},
journal = {Epidemiology and infection},
volume = {154},
number = {},
pages = {e56},
pmid = {41958400},
issn = {1469-4409},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; Phylogeny ; Pandemics ; Genomics ; Whole Genome Sequencing ; Genome, Viral ; Molecular Epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Genomic epidemiology was essential for characterizing SARS-CoV-2 transmission during the early COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review examined how whole-genome sequencing was used in local outbreak investigations published between March 2020 and March 2021. Searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 32 studies from 18 countries that integrated genomic and epidemiological data for local outbreak investigations. Most studies were conducted in healthcare settings or in high-income countries. A limited number of studies were conducted in low- and middle-income countries, except for China and Vietnam. Illumina or Oxford Nanopore platforms and tiled-amplicon protocols were the most common sequencing methods. Phylogenetic trees were the most common genomic epidemiology analytical approach. Genomic data enabled confirmation of suspected transmission links, detection of multiple introductions, and identification of asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission. Important enablers of early implementation included open-access genomics databases, standardized protocols (e.g. ARTIC), open-source tools (e.g. Nextstrain), and cross-sector partnerships and funding. Study quality and adherence to common observational study reporting guidelines varied widely. Familiarity with the STROME-ID guidelines for molecular epidemiology studies would have improved overall quality. These findings highlight the utility of genomic epidemiology in outbreak response and support its continued integration into public health surveillance systems.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics
Phylogeny
Pandemics
Genomics
Whole Genome Sequencing
Genome, Viral
Molecular Epidemiology

@article {pmid41958512,
year = {2026},
author = {Crețu, OE and Poalelungi, CV and Neacșu, AV and Nenciu, A and Ceaușu, I},
title = {Epigenetic alterations in preeclampsia: a systematic review of current mechanisms and biomarker potential.},
journal = {Journal of medicine and life},
volume = {19},
number = {2},
pages = {69-88},
pmid = {41958512},
issn = {1844-3117},
mesh = {*Pre-Eclampsia/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; *Epigenesis, Genetic ; *Biomarkers/metabolism ; Placenta Growth Factor/genetics/metabolism ; DNA Methylation/genetics ; },
abstract = {Preeclampsia (PE) remains a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with placental dysfunction and angiogenic imbalance playing central roles in disease pathogenesis. Emerging evidence highlights epigenetic regulation and angiogenic biomarkers, including placental growth factor (PlGF), as key contributors to disease heterogeneity and risk stratification. A systematic review of studies published between 2022 and 2025 was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines to synthesize current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms and biomarker potential in PE. In addition, a supplementary exploratory analysis was performed using laboratory-derived PlGF data to assess analytical variability and biological associations. Non-parametric methods were applied, including Mann-Whitney U testing to compare PlGF distributions by analytical sample classification and Kendall's tau correlation to evaluate associations with gestational age and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The systematic review identified consistent epigenetic alterations involving DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs across maternal and placental tissues. Supplementary analysis demonstrated significantly higher and more variable PlGF concentrations in analytically classified measured samples compared with accepted samples (P = 0.03), suggesting an influence of analytical factors on biomarker distribution. PlGF levels showed a positive association with gestational age (τ = 0.32, P = 0.04) and an inverse association with the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (τ = -0.41, P = 0.02). These findings support PlGF as a biologically relevant marker of gestational progression and angiogenic balance while underscoring the importance of rigorous analytical quality control. Integrating epigenetic insights with robust biomarker analysis may enhance personalized risk stratification in preeclampsia.},
}

*Pre-Eclampsia/genetics/metabolism
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
*Epigenesis, Genetic
*Biomarkers/metabolism
Placenta Growth Factor/genetics/metabolism
DNA Methylation/genetics

@article {pmid41961609,
year = {2026},
author = {Garcia-Zamora, S and Pulido, L and Sosa Liprandi, MI and Nacinovich, F and Balsano, FJ and Herrera Paz, JJ and Procopio, G and Cursack, G and Picco, J and Cerezo, G and Cicco, L and Stecher, D and Morós, C and Garcia Brasca, D and Cocco, N and Dana, L and Pacheco Otero, M and Spennato, MC and Zapata, G and Sosa Liprandi, Á},
title = {Consensus document on the role of adult vaccination in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Joint Statement by the Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC), Argentine Society of Cardiology (SAC), and the Argentine Council of Cardiology Residents (CONAREC).},
journal = {Medicina},
volume = {86},
number = {2},
pages = {447-476},
pmid = {41961609},
issn = {1669-9106},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control ; Argentina ; *Vaccination/standards ; Adult ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Cardiology ; Societies, Medical ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death among adults, both in Argentina and worldwide. Numerous studies have established a consistent association between infections -particularly respiratory infections- and an increased risk of cardiovascular events, stroke, arrhythmias, and both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include systemic inflammation, immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, prothrombotic states, sympathetic stimulation, and elevated myocardial oxygen demand. In respiratory infections, these effects are further exacerbated by hypoxemia and impaired gas exchange. Such alterations can trigger de novo cardiovascular events or exacerbate preexisting conditions, such as ischemic heart disease or heart failure. In this context, robust evidence supports the safety of vaccines against Influenza, Pneumococcus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, COVID-19, and Herpes Zoster in adults, including those with established cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Moreover, these vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events by mitigating infection-related complications. Notably, influenza vaccination has proven safe even during the acute phase of myocardial infarction, when administered during hospitalization. Despite this strong evidence base, vaccination rates remain suboptimal among individuals with cardiovascular disease, both in Argentina and across Latin America. This consensus document reviews the current evidence linking infections and cardiovascular events, and highlights vaccines as a safe and cost-effective strategy for primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. It also provides concrete recommendations to improve vaccine coverage and reduce residual cardiovascular risk in the region.},
}

Humans
*Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control
Argentina
*Vaccination/standards
Adult
Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
Cardiology
Societies, Medical
COVID-19/prevention & control
Influenza, Human/prevention & control

@article {pmid41961611,
year = {2026},
author = {Estenssoro, E and Steinberg, E and Plotnikow, GA},
title = {[Acute respiratory distress syndrome: a clinical and conceptual journey towards a global, valid, and fair definition].},
journal = {Medicina},
volume = {86},
number = {2},
pages = {495-507},
pmid = {41961611},
issn = {1669-9106},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/diagnosis/classification/physiopathology ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is an acute, severe form of respiratory failure characterized by profound hypoxemia, reduced thoracopulmonary compliance, alveolar collapse leading to intrapulmonary shunt, and increased deadspace ventilation. It can originate from pulmonary or extrapulmonary causes, leading to heterogeneous pathophysiology. Clinical variability has driven the pursuit of more precise diagnostic definitions to standardize management and facilitate research. Since its first description in 1967, multiple definitions and classifications of ARDS were proposed, including the Murray Score, the American-European Consensus Conference (AECC), and the Berlin Definition. More recently, the Kigali Definition from Rwanda and the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic prompted further re-evaluation of the syndrome. This led to the publication of the New Global ARDS Definition in 2023, which introduced new diagnostic categories and broader diagnostic tools. The ongoing need for refinement, combined with the pathophysiological heterogeneity, motivated an exploration by expert clinician and researchers about the value of defining and subphenotyping ARDS for research, education, and clinical care. To ensure representativeness and validity, a Delphi process was conducted by a panel that included members across all world regions, representing high-intermediate and low-resource settings. This review will explore the evolution of ARDS definitions over time, and the advantages and limitations each has presented in clinical and research contexts.},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Distress Syndrome/diagnosis/classification/physiopathology
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41962202,
year = {2026},
author = {Redenti, BJ and Zhong, Y and Yu, C and Dong, Y},
title = {Recent advances in LNP-mRNA vaccines.},
journal = {Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces},
volume = {265},
number = {},
pages = {115675},
doi = {10.1016/j.colsurfb.2026.115675},
pmid = {41962202},
issn = {1873-4367},
mesh = {Humans ; *RNA, Messenger/immunology/chemistry/genetics ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Animals ; *Lipids/chemistry ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *mRNA Vaccines/immunology ; Immunotherapy/methods ; COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Liposomes ; },
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have revolutionized immunotherapy by coupling modular mRNA engineering with advances in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). LNPs, generally composed of ionizable lipid, phospholipid, cholesterol, and PEGylated lipid, have emerged as the leading vehicles for stabilizing mRNA and enhancing its cellular delivery. Concurrent innovations in mRNA chemistry and structure, such as nucleoside modification and untranslated region optimization, have improved translation efficiency, fidelity, and control of innate immune sensing. These synergistic advances underpinned the success of COVID-19 vaccines and have since propelled the rapid expansion of LNP-mRNA platforms across infectious and oncologic diseases. Preclinical and clinical studies now demonstrate potent and durable immune responses elicited by LNP-mRNA vaccines against diverse viral, bacterial, and cancer targets. Together, these findings illustrate how rational integration of biomaterial design with mRNA engineering defines the next generation of programmable immunotherapies. Continued refinement of both particle composition and mRNA architecture is poised to broaden the reach of mRNA nanomedicines across preventive and therapeutic domains.},
}

Humans
*RNA, Messenger/immunology/chemistry/genetics
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Animals
*Lipids/chemistry
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*mRNA Vaccines/immunology
Immunotherapy/methods
COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Liposomes

@article {pmid41962688,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, M and Driscoll, MS},
title = {Hypervitaminosis: The deleterious effects of vitamins on the skin.},
journal = {Clinics in dermatology},
volume = {44},
number = {3},
pages = {442-453},
doi = {10.1016/j.clindermatol.2026.04.011},
pmid = {41962688},
issn = {1879-1131},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vitamins/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; Niacin/adverse effects ; Vitamin E/adverse effects ; *Dietary Supplements/adverse effects ; Vitamin A/adverse effects ; Biotin/adverse effects ; Vitamin D/adverse effects ; *Skin Diseases/chemically induced ; *Skin/drug effects ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Vitamin supplementation has recently shown a dramatic increase in usage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a potential aid in preventing, treating, and recovering from infection. In dermatology, vitamin supplements may be used to support the management of a myriad of conditions. A common misconception is that vitamins are safe to consume and that taking more will improve overall health; however, hypervitaminosis may lead to harmful effects. We provide an overview illustrating the use of vitamins A, D, E, niacin, and biotin in dermatology and the potential adverse effects of hypervitaminosis.},
}

Humans
*Vitamins/adverse effects/administration & dosage
Niacin/adverse effects
Vitamin E/adverse effects
*Dietary Supplements/adverse effects
Vitamin A/adverse effects
Biotin/adverse effects
Vitamin D/adverse effects
*Skin Diseases/chemically induced
*Skin/drug effects
COVID-19

@article {pmid41963630,
year = {2026},
author = {Kurup, C and Ford, A and Heidke, P},
title = {Digital Strategies Utilised to Encourage Undergraduate Nursing Students' Engagement in Online Units of Study Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Nursing open},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {e70528},
pmid = {41963630},
issn = {2054-1058},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Students, Nursing/psychology ; *Education, Distance/methods ; *Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Curriculum ; Digital Media ; },
abstract = {AIM: This systematic review provides an overview of digital strategies utilised to encourage undergraduate nursing students' engagement in online units of study throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: In nursing education, engagement was crucial in acquiring knowledge, skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools and universities worldwide to quickly adapt from face-to-face learning to online platforms. While online teaching and digital technologies in education were not new, the urgency to create effective online learning opportunities that meet curriculum needs and maintain student engagement was particularly challenging for teaching staff and students.

DESIGN: REVIEW METHODS: The databases used were Embase, CINAHL, EMCARE, ERIC and BASE. The review was limited to English and literature published between January 2020 and September 2022 to capture the studies published around the COVID-19 lockdown. Three researchers independently completed the study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. Any discrepancies were resolved in a consensus-building conversation.

RESULTS: Multiple strategies, such as simulations, gamification and telehealth role-playing, effectively enhanced nursing students' online engagement during COVID-19. Instructor expertise, student-centred approaches and reliable infrastructure emerged as pivotal.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online nursing education, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to sustain student engagement. Identifying the most effective pedagogical approaches, such as virtual simulations, gamification and experiential learning, will support future online learning. Integrating emerging technologies and student-centred teaching methods will be crucial in preparing nursing students for clinical practice in a post-pandemic world.},
}

*COVID-19/epidemiology
Humans
*Students, Nursing/psychology
*Education, Distance/methods
*Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Curriculum
Digital Media

@article {pmid41963927,
year = {2026},
author = {Kariuki, CK and Doijen, J and Mann, MK and Xie, J and Van Loock, M and Van Damme, E},
title = {Beyond assembly: functions of the coronavirus M protein.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41963927},
issn = {1743-422X},
support = {OTA number HHSO100201700018C//The Office of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; *Virus Assembly ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; Coronavirus M Proteins ; COVID-19/virology ; *Betacoronavirus/physiology/genetics ; Animals ; Virus Release ; *Coronavirus Infections/virology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses from the family Coronaviridae, notable for their crown-like spike glycoproteins. Though historically regarded as inconsequential, recent outbreaks, most notably COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, highlight their significant impact on global health. SARS-CoV-2 possesses a 27-31 kb, complex genome encoding multiple structural and non-structural proteins. The membrane/matrix (M) glycoprotein is the most abundant structural component of the viral envelope and confers the minimal requirement for virion formation. Its highly conserved structure, featuring three transmembrane domains, facilitates interactions with other viral proteins that are essential for assembly, budding, and maintaining the integrity of the viral envelope. Beyond its canonical functions in virion assembly and egress, emerging evidence suggests the M protein influences early infection processes, modulates host immune responses, and may serve as a promising antiviral target. This mini review consolidates current knowledge on the structure, multifunctional roles, and therapeutic potential of the coronavirus M protein, emphasizing the necessity for further research into its diverse functions throughout the viral lifecycle.},
}

Humans
*Viral Matrix Proteins/metabolism/chemistry/genetics
*Virus Assembly
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
Coronavirus M Proteins
COVID-19/virology
*Betacoronavirus/physiology/genetics
Animals
Virus Release
*Coronavirus Infections/virology/drug therapy

@article {pmid41963958,
year = {2026},
author = {Senyel, D and Boutros, E and Frith, M and Savira, F and Tong, L and Asiamah-Asare, BKY and Norman, R and Robinson, S and Boyd, JH},
title = {The (dis-)advantages of telehealth consultation for allied health services: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41963958},
issn = {1472-6963},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Remote Consultation ; *Telemedicine ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Services Accessibility ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an uptake of teleconsultations across the healthcare sector, including for allied health services. However, (dis-)advantages specific to allied health services are under-researched. The aim of this scoping review is the understand the (dis-)advantages patients and providers perceive when using teleconsultations for allied health services.

METHODS: This scoping review was conducted using the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR statement. The final search was conducted in January 2024, through the databases MEDLINE Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED Allied and Complementary Medicine. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported qualitative findings on the (dis-)advantages of teleconsultations for allied health services from a patient's and/or provider's perspective. The screening process was conducted by two independent researchers, while the data extraction and inductive analysis were performed by the first author.

RESULTS: We identified 116 eligible articles. Eight categories were identified from a patient's perspective, including improved access to care, resource savings, convenience, comfort, reduced infection risk, effects on therapy, privacy, and patient-provider relationship. From the provider's perspective, additional categories included telehealth as a trigger for change and improvement, the patients in their own home, disruptions, interpreters, efficiency, changes to workday, and safety and risks.

CONCLUSION: While there are clear advantages, such as improved access to care, and disadvantages, such as the lack of hands-on treatment, the impact of telehealth often depends on the individual context of both the provider and the patient. Although some aspects are broadly relevant across all allied health professions, there are notable differences in the suitability of telehealth for specific services. Understanding the disadvantages and advantages of teleconsultations is key to informing policies and identifying suitable applications of telehealth.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Remote Consultation
*Telemedicine
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Health Services Accessibility

@article {pmid41965052,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, M and Li, Z and Zhao, Z and Guo, Z},
title = {Oncovirus-Driven Endothelial Plasticity: Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Hijacked Pathway in Oncoviral Cardiovascular Pathogenesis.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {e70143},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70143},
pmid = {41965052},
issn = {1099-1654},
mesh = {Humans ; *Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity ; Signal Transduction ; Herpesvirus 8, Human/pathogenicity ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/virology/pathology ; Animals ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; COVID-19/virology/pathology ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Endothelial Cells/virology/pathology ; *Oncogenic Viruses/pathogenicity ; },
abstract = {Oncoviruses utilise various molecular strategies to modulate host cells and induce microenvironments that favour viral persistence, immune evasion, and disease progression. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has recently emerged as a critical, yet underrecognized, pathway hijacked by oncoviral pathogens to modulate endothelial plasticity within the cardiovascular system. Accumulating evidence indicates that Oncogenic and non-oncogenic viruses, including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other endothelial-tropic viruses, directly manipulate host signalling networks, such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and NF-κB, to induce partial or complete EndMT. This virus-driven EndMT contributes to vascular remodelling, chronic inflammation, aberrant angiogenesis, and the development of oncoviral-associated cardiovascular pathology and vascular tumours. The present review integrates current virological and mechanistic insights into EndMT as a hijacked host process, highlighting its role at the virus-host interface and discussing emerging antiviral and pathway-targeted strategies aimed at limiting oncovirus-mediated endothelial dysfunction.},
}

Humans
*Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition
SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity
Signal Transduction
Herpesvirus 8, Human/pathogenicity
*Cardiovascular Diseases/virology/pathology
Animals
Host-Pathogen Interactions
COVID-19/virology/pathology
Neovascularization, Pathologic
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Endothelial Cells/virology/pathology
*Oncogenic Viruses/pathogenicity

@article {pmid41965962,
year = {2026},
author = {Sirago, G and Solarino, B and Dell'Erba, A and Ferorelli, D},
title = {Mapping 25 years of forensic and legal medicine research: a multi-database bibliometric and science-mapping analysis (2000-2025).},
journal = {Journal of forensic and legal medicine},
volume = {120},
number = {},
pages = {103127},
doi = {10.1016/j.jflm.2026.103127},
pmid = {41965962},
issn = {1878-7487},
mesh = {Humans ; *Forensic Medicine ; *Bibliometrics ; *Forensic Sciences ; *Biomedical Research ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Forensic and legal medicine spans forensic pathology, clinical forensic practice, toxicology, genetics, imaging, and emerging digital methods. Long-horizon mapping can support research prioritisation and editorial strategy.

METHODS: We conducted performance analysis and science-mapping of records published between 2000 and 2025. Primary analyses were performed on Web of Science Core Collection records (articles and reviews) using bibliometrix/biblioshiny. Outputs included annual production, leading sources and countries, citation indicators, collaboration metrics, keyword co-occurrence, Callon centrality-density thematic mapping, and trend-topic analysis. A conservative, prespecified keyword harmonisation was applied to a small set of orthographic variants (medico-legal, postmortem, machine learning, deep learning). Scopus-derived outputs were used as a robustness comparison for source and country landscapes.

RESULTS: The WoS corpus comprised 16,190 documents from 3052 sources with 49,746 distinct authors and 372,874 cited references. Annual growth was 7.68%, with 5.07 co-authors per document and 13.38% international co-authorship. Output was concentrated in a compact Bradford nucleus of specialist forensic journals, while a long tail of occasional publications appeared in adjacent clinical and multidisciplinary venues. Thematic mapping identified four macro-domains-identification, risk/epidemiology, autopsy/postmortem pathology, and clinical forensic practice-with recent growth in COVID-19-related work, postmortem interval research, and AI/ML terminology.

CONCLUSIONS: Forensic and legal medicine shows sustained growth with a stable conceptual backbone and accelerating innovation in digital and computational themes. These maps can inform research prioritisation, training needs, and editorial planning across specialist forensic outlets.},
}

Humans
*Forensic Medicine
*Bibliometrics
*Forensic Sciences
*Biomedical Research

@article {pmid41965973,
year = {2026},
author = {Yadav, P and Singh, A and Kumari, M and Verma, SK and Singh, D},
title = {Clinical evidence on BCG vaccination and COVID-19 infection: A systematic review.},
journal = {Respiratory investigation},
volume = {64},
number = {3},
pages = {101422},
doi = {10.1016/j.resinv.2026.101422},
pmid = {41965973},
issn = {2212-5353},
mesh = {*BCG Vaccine/immunology/administration & dosage ; Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; Trained Immunity ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Vaccination ; Cross Protection ; *Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control/immunology ; *Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control/immunology ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, starting in late 2019, led to the rapid development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, though early availability was limited, and variants like Delta and Omicron impacted their effectiveness. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, used to prevent tuberculosis, has attracted interest for its potential non-specific protective effects against COVID-19. This review systematically evaluates the role of BCG vaccination in enhancing innate immune responses and its utility against COVID-19, focusing on mechanisms like trained immunity and cross-protection. It also discusses recent studies on BCG's impact on COVID-19 outcomes. Preliminary clinical trial findings suggest potential benefits of BCG vaccination against COVID-19, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Therefore, this review highlights the necessity of additional studies to determine whether BCG can prevent COVID-19 infection, mitigate severe outcomes and hospitalizations, and serve as a preventive tool for future viral pandemics.},
}

*BCG Vaccine/immunology/administration & dosage
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
Immunity, Innate
Trained Immunity
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Vaccination
Cross Protection
*Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control/immunology
*Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control/immunology

@article {pmid41965977,
year = {2026},
author = {Gashema, P and Iradukunda, PG and Rudacogora, JC and Siddig, EE and Shema, H and Bigirimana, R and de Dieu Harelimana, J and Louis, M and Muvunyi, CM},
title = {Unlocking Africa's vaccine Independence: The critical role of technology transfer and intellectual property.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {81},
number = {},
pages = {128573},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128573},
pmid = {41965977},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {*Technology Transfer ; *Intellectual Property ; Humans ; Africa/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/supply & distribution ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed Africa's profound dependency on external vaccine suppliers, with the continent producing less than 1% of global vaccines and hosting only 1.1% of clinical trials. Despite emerging initiatives, most African facilities remain limited to downstream fill-and-finish operations, while full vaccine antigen manufacturing capacity is largely absent. This perspective paper examines the critical role of Technology Transfer (TT) and Intellectual Property (IP) access in achieving Africa's vaccine independence. Effective TT must extend beyond documentation to include unspoken know-how, on-site mentorship, regulatory dossiers, and supply-chain integration. Simultaneously, pragmatic IP frameworks through voluntary licensing, patent pooling, and time-bound waivers are essential to enable lawful and sustainable local production. Drawing lessons from mature European and U.S. ecosystems, the paper highlights the need for regional manufacturing clusters, harmonized regulatory systems under the African Medicines Agency (AMA), and African pooled procurement mechanisms to ensure market viability. Persistent challenges such fragmented regulation, supply-chain fragility, limited skilled human capital, and uncertain financing continue to constrain progress and highlight the imperative for political commitment to be operationalized through sustained structural investments. Africa's vaccine sovereignty will depend on aligning TT with IP reform, regional cooperation, and predictable market assurance, transforming the continent from a dependent recipient into a resilient and globally competitive vaccine producer.},
}

*Technology Transfer
*Intellectual Property
Humans
Africa/epidemiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/supply & distribution
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology

@article {pmid41966154,
year = {2025},
author = {Eshete, MT and Shrestha, P and Ang, C and Valderas, JM and Heymann, DL and Nordström, A and Lee, K and Cook, A and Wenham, C and Perel, P and Miranda, JJ and Garcia-Basteiro, AL and Clark, H and Legido-Quigley, H and Engebretsen, E},
title = {Exploring Grassroots Indicators for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response: A Systematic Narrative Review.},
journal = {International journal of health policy and management},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {8886},
pmid = {41966154},
issn = {2322-5939},
mesh = {Humans ; Pandemic Preparedness ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; Public Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed how conventional top-down, expert-driven indicators often fail to align with local community realities, marginalising their perspectives, concerns, knowledge, and narratives. However, the limitations of pandemic-related and global health security indicators are not unique but reflect recurring patterns across major social metrics. In response, an alternative paradigm advocates for grassroots-inclusive approaches to developing indicators. Our objective is to assess how and why grassroots-inclusive approaches complement top-down approaches to developing indicators, and to synthesise their theoretical and practical contributions to public health.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We systematically searched six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and PsycINFO), as well as Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles published from their inception to September 1, 2024. We included peer-reviewed articles, opinion pieces, and book chapters, narratively synthesising their findings.

RESULTS: This review included 43 studies from various disciplines. Across these studies, communities co-produced indicators through participatory workshops, interviews, and consensus exercises in areas such as environmental sustainability, disaster resilience, public health, well-being, and local development. The reported strengths included greater local relevance, community ownership, and accountability, alongside challenges in sustaining participation, integrating into top-down systems, and addressing data gaps. Notably, no study applied grassroots-inclusive indicators to health security or pandemic preparedness.

CONCLUSION: Despite retrieving and analysing articles from various disciplines, no study has specifically applied grassroots-inclusive indicators to health security or pandemic preparedness. However, the evidence clearly shows that it is both feasible and practical to integrate expert and non-expert perspectives when developing indicators.},
}

Humans
Pandemic Preparedness
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Pandemics/prevention & control
Public Health
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41966207,
year = {2025},
author = {Hudon, PA and Haren, MT and Gartner, JB and Bergeron, F and Côté, A},
title = {Public Healthcare Procurement Strategies in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International journal of health policy and management},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {8556},
pmid = {41966207},
issn = {2322-5939},
mesh = {*COVID-19 ; Humans ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution ; *Equipment and Supplies/supply & distribution ; *Public Health ; Public Health Infrastructure ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented public healthcare procurement challenges. The objective of this review was to identify and characterise the scope of the literature on public procurement strategies for healthcare supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2023) in relation to the public procurement contexts, systems, and processes and methods (the public procurement ecosystem) worldwide.

METHODS: We performed a scoping review of governmental strategies for the procurement of medical equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), or medications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Extracted data were mapped to the fields of the public procurement ecosystem. We used inductive thematic analysis to derive within-field themes, and subsequently, cross-cutting themes through which we structured a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: 1909 unique studies were identified through a systematic search, of which 89 met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and ten themes were derived from the extracted data within the 21 fields of the public procurement ecosystem, and from these, 10 cross-cutting themes were identified which served to structure the narrative synthesis. It was clear in this literature that the scale and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic required governments to act well outside of the public procurement processes and methods themselves, to procure and distribute the required supplies. Notwithstanding the significant attention to contextual and system-level responses, there were significant responses at the procurement process and methods level, including rapid and temporary expedited procurement processes and longer-term strategic procurement responses.

CONCLUSION: This scoping review of public procurement strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated a focus of the literature not only on the public procurement processes and methods themselves, but also on governmental actions to adapt both structures of public procurement systems and conditions within broader environmental contexts to facilitate procurement goals.},
}

*COVID-19
Humans
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Personal Protective Equipment/supply & distribution
*Equipment and Supplies/supply & distribution
*Public Health
Public Health Infrastructure

@article {pmid41967609,
year = {2026},
author = {Žigová, K and Marčeková, Z and Gautieri, A and Rebroš, M},
title = {Recombinant Taq DNA polymerase.},
journal = {Journal of biotechnology},
volume = {415},
number = {},
pages = {152-169},
doi = {10.1016/j.jbiotec.2026.04.002},
pmid = {41967609},
issn = {1873-4863},
mesh = {*Taq Polymerase/chemistry/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification ; Protein Engineering/methods ; *Recombinant Proteins/chemistry/genetics/metabolism ; Enzyme Stability ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The sudden COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of diagnostic assays in health security readiness. One persistent difficulty is the rapid molecular detection of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. Taq DNA polymerase remains an essential component for COVID-19 molecular detection. Taq DNA polymerase exhibits a high level of thermostability, which results from tighter hydrophobic packing, increased salt bridges, shortened loops, and proline substitutions that reduce flexibility, enabling activity above 90 °C. In addition, engineered variants address limitations by improving fidelity, processivity, and stability. The enzyme´s thermostability has significantly increased the efficiency, automation, and specificity of PCR. Hot-start modifications using antibodies, aptamers, or chemical inhibitors further reduce non-specific amplification, strengthening its role in sensitive diagnostics. Although Taq polymerase is available from several commercial sources, it is crucial and urgent to produce enzymes recombinantly for use in research and diagnostic procedures. To satisfy the demands of industry, it is necessary to maximize and optimize its production. We provide an overview of the recombinant Taq DNA polymerase´s characteristics, structural features, engineering advances, production background and strategies, and purification history in this paper. Together, these insights underscore its central role in diagnostics, research, and biotechnology, as well as its continued relevance as a model enzyme for protein engineering.},
}

*Taq Polymerase/chemistry/genetics/metabolism/isolation & purification
Protein Engineering/methods
*Recombinant Proteins/chemistry/genetics/metabolism
Enzyme Stability
Humans
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41968868,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, Y and Li, D and Zhu, Y and Duan, H and Zhao, A},
title = {Rational design of lipid and lipid-like structures for non-liver-targeted mRNA therapy.},
journal = {Biomaterials science},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {2237-2259},
doi = {10.1039/d5bm01344e},
pmid = {41968868},
issn = {2047-4849},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lipids/chemistry ; *RNA, Messenger/therapeutic use/genetics/chemistry/metabolism/administration & dosage ; Animals ; Liver/metabolism ; },
abstract = {The application of mRNA therapies has witnessed significant advancement since the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the widespread use of mRNA therapies has been restricted by the liver accumulation of traditional lipid structures used as delivery vectors. The efficacy of mRNA expression has been demonstrated to be highly related to vector structures and properties. To expand non-liver organs or cells as therapeutic targets for mRNA, lipid and other lipid-like molecules such as lipid analogs and lipid-like polymers with more favorable mRNA delivery efficiencies have been developed based on a deeper understanding of their structure-function correlations. This review primarily summarizes the structure commonalities leading to an excellent delivery performance and specific organ or cell targeting and illustrates the potential and future prospects of related materials in different biomedical applications of mRNA therapies.},
}

Humans
*Lipids/chemistry
*RNA, Messenger/therapeutic use/genetics/chemistry/metabolism/administration & dosage
Animals
Liver/metabolism

@article {pmid41969107,
year = {2026},
author = {Jariah, ROA and Hakim, MS},
title = {Antiviral properties of phages: potential mechanisms of actions.},
journal = {The new microbiologica},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {1-10},
pmid = {41969107},
issn = {1121-7138},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bacteriophages/physiology ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; Animals ; COVID-19/virology/therapy ; Antiviral Agents ; },
abstract = {Bacteriophages (phages) have long been known to treat bacterial infections, although some early studies showed that phages also have potential antiviral mechanisms. This review provides a descriptive summary of ideas on how phages might have a significant role in inhibiting viral infections. Phages are known to directly modulate the host immunity that subsequently influences the immune responses against viral infections. It is also reasonable to explore the phage potential to directly inhibit viral infection in humans, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Lastly, phages have been utilized as a molecular tool in phage display. Phages have already been engineered to produce monoclonal antibodies against the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Despite all these possibilities, further extensive and deeper explorations are highly required.},
}

Humans
*Bacteriophages/physiology
SARS-CoV-2/physiology
Animals
COVID-19/virology/therapy
Antiviral Agents

@article {pmid41971326,
year = {2026},
author = {Cao, X and Tang, J and Liu, Y and Wang, X and Li, Q and Xu, Y and Li, X and Zhao, F},
title = {Evolutionary trajectory and co-infection dynamics of human influenza A(H1N1) virus (2000-2025): an integrated framework informed by expert-informed bibliometrics.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1793244},
pmid = {41971326},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Influenza A (H1N1) remains an important seasonal respiratory pathogen, but evidence on its evolutionary dynamics, reported co-detections, and surveillance priorities remains fragmented.

METHODS: We conducted an evidence-mapping synthesis (2000-2025) integrating bibliometric analysis, expert-guided curation, and sequence/structure-informed interpretation. A total of 15,028 records were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, and 11,848 unique publications were retained after deduplication. GenBank-derived hemagglutinin (HA) sequences and Swiss-Model homology models were used to characterize mutational patterns and structural features. Literature-derived co-detection records were extracted from eligible publications and interpreted using a method-aware framework.

RESULTS: A post-2010 shift in the HA mutational landscape was observed, with recurrent substitutions at sites including S13, S146, S160, and S202. Structure-informed comparison of representative HA models identified a conformationally flexible segment spanning residues aa190-aa226, suggesting potential relevance to the receptor-binding microenvironment. Mapping of literature-derived co-detection records showed that RSV and SARS-CoV-2 were among the most frequently reported co-pathogens; however, these proportions reflected reporting composition across heterogeneous studies rather than population-level co-infection prevalence. In a China-focused module, G219A in Eurasian avian-like (EA) H1N1 strains was prioritized through protocol-constrained expert annotation requiring isolate-level evidence and was interpreted as a hypothesis-generating site of interest within the receptor-binding region rather than an algorithm-derived global bibliometric signal.

DISCUSSION: This study provides an integrated overview of H1N1 research evolution, HA mutational change, and reported co-detection patterns over the past 25 years. The findings support a tiered, method-aware multi-pathogen surveillance framework for preparedness, while underscoring that heterogeneous literature-derived co-detection data require standardized definitions, assay-aware interpretation, and local calibration before translation into clinical or public health decision-making.},
}

@article {pmid41971592,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, K and Yang, Z},
title = {Future prospects of antiviral research in traditional Chinese medicine.},
journal = {Chinese herbal medicines},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {226-230},
pmid = {41971592},
issn = {2589-3610},
abstract = {Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating viral diseases through holistic approaches and multi-component formulations. In response to emerging global viral threats like coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), TCM has demonstrated significant potential in both antiviral and immune-modulatory roles. This review summarizes the current state of TCM antiviral research, highlighting advances in identifying active components and elucidating their mechanisms, which include direct viral inhibition and immune regulation. Technological innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery and advanced extraction methods, are accelerating the development of TCM antiviral products. However, challenges remain in standardization, mechanistic validation, and international regulatory acceptance. Looking ahead, research should prioritize systems pharmacology, the development of multi-dimensional evaluation models, standardized clinical trials, and global health integration. By addressing these challenges, TCM can play a vital role in worldwide antiviral strategies and public health.},
}

@article {pmid41972558,
year = {2026},
author = {Sergazy, S and Gulyaev, A and Shulgau, Z},
title = {Oxidative Stress as a Mechanistic Link Between Severe Respiratory Viral Infection and Pulmonary Fibrosis.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41972558},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {AP23489474//Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan/ ; },
abstract = {Post-viral pulmonary fibrosis represents a clinically significant and mechanistically complex consequence of severe respiratory infection. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that a subset of survivors, particularly those with severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome, develop persistent fibrosis-like lung abnormalities, including reticulation and traction bronchiectasis, often accompanied by impaired gas transfer. Although the clinical course is heterogeneous and many lesions regress over time, longitudinal studies indicate that structural and functional impairment may persist for years in susceptible individuals. Oxidative stress has emerged as a plausible convergent mechanism linking acute epithelial injury, dysregulated inflammatory resolution, and chronic fibrotic remodeling. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species amplify inflammatory signaling, promote epithelial cell death and senescence, influence macrophage polarization, and activate canonical profibrotic pathways, notably the TGF-β axis. Redox imbalance is embedded within reinforcing circuits involving NOX4-dependent ROS amplification, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammasome activation, and senescence-associated secretory programs. Persistent immune activation and organelle stress may sustain redox dysregulation beyond viral clearance, thereby bridging acute lung injury to maladaptive remodeling. This review integrates epidemiological, clinical, and mechanistic evidence to position oxidative stress as a central mediator of post-viral lung fibrosis and discusses therapeutic and translational implications.},
}