@article {pmid41368508,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, CG},
title = {Hospice and Palliative Care Response Policy During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in South Korea.},
journal = {Journal of hospice and palliative care},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {138-151},
doi = {10.14475/jhpc.2025.28.4.138},
pmid = {41368508},
issn = {2765-3080},
abstract = {South Korea received international acclaim for its rapid response to the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis through the "K-Quarantine" model, successfully managing it without closing its borders; however, terminally ill patients awaiting death in 19 public hospice facilities (83.4%/297 beds) had to vacate their beds to accommodate patients with COVID-19. This study examines and analyzed South Korea's hospice response policies during the pandemic. It draws on empirical data from domestic and international literature reviews and relevant websites. This study aimed to provide foundational data and policy recommendations for future pandemic preparedness. The findings revealed that, owing to the national response policy focused on infectious disease control and hospital bed allocation, 21 of the 88 inpatient hospice units in South Korea were closed, with their beds repurposed Therefore, hospice palliative care services became a "negotiable service" largely excluded from pandemic response policies. Strict visitation policies lowered hospice service utilization and disrupted service continuity. Emergency care support helped to mitigate care gaps; however, hospice care was limited in addressing patients' specialized needs, demonstrating structural fragmentation within the health and welfare systems. In conclusion, South Korea's hospice and palliative care response policy to the COVID-19 pandemic has failed to meet the essential goal of hospice palliative care: enhancing patient dignity and quality of life. To strengthen preparedness for future pandemics, designating specialized hospice institutions as essential health facilities, establishing infrastructure stabilization funds, developing a crisis-responsive payment systems, are essential.},
}

@article {pmid41368135,
year = {2025},
author = {Folorunsho, EF and Malabu, UH and Anderson, E and Malau-Aduli, BS},
title = {A Systematic Review of Emotional, Cognitive, and Logistical Factors Influencing Simulated Patient Performance in Simulation-Based Education.},
journal = {Advances in medical education and practice},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {2229-2247},
doi = {10.2147/AMEP.S548904},
pmid = {41368135},
issn = {1179-7258},
abstract = {PURPOSE: Simulated patients (SPs) are critical to simulation-based education (SBE) in developing learners' clinical, communication, and professional skills. However, limited research has examined the factors influencing SP performance and consequent learning outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review (2013-2025) using six databases, focusing on human SPs in healthcare education. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Study quality was assessed using the QATSDD tool.

RESULTS: Inductive thematic analysis identified three key domains influencing SP performance: emotional (anxiety, fulfillment), cognitive (task complexity, improvisation), and logistical (training, scheduling). SP involvement enhanced educational outcomes (empathy, communication, clinical reasoning) but was sometimes limited by SP fatigue, stress, or cognitive overload. Among the reviewed studies, 7 were high and 12 were of medium quality (no low-quality studies).

CONCLUSION: Authentic SP portrayals enhance student learning, but factors such as emotional strain and cognitive load can limit effectiveness. We recommend structured SP training, robust feedback mechanisms, and attention to SP cognitive and cultural challenges. Future research should prioritize long-term SP outcomes, measurement of SP cognitive load, and exploration of ethical and cultural dimensions of SP engagement.},
}

@article {pmid41366790,
year = {2025},
author = {Razi-Soofiyani, S and Saadat, YR and Vahed, SZ and Saghaleini, SH and Nakhjavani, MJ and Abediazar, S},
title = {Vasculitis syndromes: the pathogenic roles of COVID-19 and related vaccinations.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12985-025-03032-x},
pmid = {41366790},
issn = {1743-422X},
support = {77930//Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
abstract = {Infection by SARS-CoV-2 has contributed to more than four million deaths worldwide. Based on clinical observations, it has been revealed that the virus can easily disturb the function of various organs in the body. Besides its main damage to the respiratory system, the extra-pulmonary manifestations are deemed to be common in affected patients even after COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 has been accompanied by various types of skin manifestations, including varicella-like exanthemas, dengue-like petechial rashes, or urticarial eruptions. However, not only have viral rashes been related to COVID-19, but also other types of skin symptoms that are reminiscent of a vascular disease, such as acro-ischaemic lesions. This literature review aims to provide information on various forms of COVID-19-induced vasculitis and vasculitis following vaccination. It has been hypothesized that various forms of vasculitis can be considered as pathological consequences following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Numerous suggested mechanisms are involved in vasculitis, including the deregulation of the immune system, increased activation of mastocyte, augmented production of proinflammatory cytokines, which in turn lead to indirect endothelial damage, complement system activation, recruitment of neutrophils, and deposition of immune complexes. Based on previous studies, the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine is much more implicated in relation to vasculitis. SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 vaccination lead to the onset and relapse of different types of vasculitis that should be clinically evaluated by exact monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid41366372,
year = {2025},
author = {Alqahtani, MA and Toloo, GS},
title = {Disaster management knowledge, education and training among Saudi paramedics a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12889-025-25218-2},
pmid = {41366372},
issn = {1471-2458},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIM: Appropriate disaster knowledge, education and training are essential elements for adequate disaster preparedness. This is particularly evident for paramedics who are integral part of frontline disaster response teams. No reviews evaluated the published research on this subject within the Saudi context. The present review aimed to analyze the published studies on Saudi paramedics' knowledge, education and training in the context of disaster management.

METHODS: The present review was synthesized according 5-stage process: (1) Identification of the research question, (2) Identification of relevant studies, (3) Study selection, (4) Charting the data (5) Collating, summarizing and reporting the results.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in final analysis. The vast majority of included studies (15, 93.8%) were published in last 6 years. The location of the included studies was Riyadh (8, 50.0%), Mecca (3, 19.0%), multiple provinces (3, 19.0%) and other provinces (2, 12.5%). Study design also varied with 9 studies (56.3%) following a descriptive design, 5 studies (31.3%) using mixed methods and 2 studies (12.5%) using a quasi-experimental design. The study sample included paramedics or paramedic students in 13 studies (81.3%) among other healthcare workers while only 3 studies (18.8%) studies were exclusively conducted on paramedic students. Thematic analysis of data extracted form included studies identified three themes: (1) Knowledge/awareness about COVID-19 pandemic preparedness; (2) Knowledge about other disasters and (3) Disaster education and training.

CONCLUSIONS: Research output from Saudi Arabia on paramedics' involvement in disaster knowledge, education and training has mostly emerged in the last six years and mainly focused on the two cities of Riyadh and Mecca. There a paucity of interventional and qualitative studies. Also, few studies exclusively included paramedics or paramedical students.},
}

@article {pmid41363008,
year = {2025},
author = {Yazdani, B and Sirous, H and Farzam, F and Ansarizadeh, S and Karimi Taheri, M and Pourmohammad-Hosseini, G and Noei, M and Daneshipour, K and Shakeri, D and Houshangi, M and Calderone, V and Brogi, S},
title = {In Silico Exploration of Potential Inhibitors Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Protein 15 (Nsp15): A Comprehensive Overview of Current Research.},
journal = {Chemical biology & drug design},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {e70218},
doi = {10.1111/cbdd.70218},
pmid = {41363008},
issn = {1747-0285},
support = {2402233//Isfahan University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {*Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; Computer Simulation ; COVID-19 ; *Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Endoribonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; Protein Binding ; },
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15) is an endoribonuclease that plays a critical role in viral replication and immune evasion through its NendoU domain. The unique enzymatic mechanism of Nsp15 has attracted considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target, and the identification of its inhibitors could facilitate the development of novel antiviral agents against coronaviruses. Although biochemical and structural studies have provided important insights into Nsp15 function, no comprehensive review has yet focused on computational approaches applied to the discovery of Nsp15 inhibitors. Consequently, this study aims to address this gap by summarizing recent in silico research focused on the structure, function, and inhibition of Nsp15. Special attention is given to inhibitors derived from both natural and synthetic sources, as well as their binding interactions and predicted pharmacological potential. By integrating current computational findings, this review highlights novel prospects for the rational design of Nsp15-targeted therapeutics to combat SARS-CoV-2 and other related pathogenic coronaviruses.},
}

*Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Antiviral Agents/chemistry/pharmacology
Humans
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
Computer Simulation
COVID-19
*Betacoronavirus/drug effects
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Endoribonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
Protein Binding

@article {pmid41361900,
year = {2025},
author = {Vedlog Kveen, K and Lilier, K and Råberg Kjøllesdal, MK and Naranjo-Zolotov, M and Lapanun, P and Veiga, I and Dias, S and Overgaard, HJ and Bärnighausen, K},
title = {Public health messaging and community engagement during COVID-19: a rapid-review from the Greater Mekong Subregion.},
journal = {One health outlook},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {61},
pmid = {41361900},
issn = {2524-4655},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of public health messaging and community engagement in reducing disease transmission. This rapid review analyzes these approaches in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases, to help inform future pandemic preparedness and response strategies.

METHODS: This rapid review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Checklist. We used Web of Science and PubMed databases. Articles were included if they addressed COVID-19-related public health messaging and/or community engagement initiatives, focused on countries within the GMS, were published in English between 2020 and 2024, and provided full-text access. Articles focusing on unrelated topics, such as vaccine development or adverse effects of the pandemic were excluded. Data extraction was performed using a calibrated data extraction sheet, with two researchers extracting and verifying the data.

RESULTS: After the screening process, 26 articles were included, and 24 were excluded. Three articles use qualitative methods, five articles use quantitative approaches, eleven articles are identified as descriptive and seven are literature reviews. In most countries the government employed a centralized strategy for streamlined and coherent communication using traditional media, social media and mobile applications. Vietnam demonstrated an innovative and inclusive approach to risk communication, leveraging creative approaches such as songs and slogans to disseminate messages. Thailand effectively utilized its pre-existing network of village health volunteers to inform community members, though marginalized groups remained hard to reach.

CONCLUSION: The GMS employed diverse public health messaging and community engagement strategies during COVID-19. Our findings emphasize the importance of adaptable and inclusive strategies to ensure equitable public health outcomes in future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid41360485,
year = {2025},
author = {Anyikwa, CL},
title = {Global health and the dialectics of solidarity through Ubuntu and European perspectives.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41360485},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Global Health ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Europe ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Social Responsibility ; Pandemics ; International Cooperation ; },
abstract = {The concept of solidarity plays a central role in shaping both African and European cultural responses to social and political challenges, although its interpretations diverge significantly. In African societies, solidarity is rooted in the relational philosophy of ubuntu, where individual identity is understood as inseparable from the community, emphasising collective well-being and mutual care. This is reflected in practices, such as community-based caregiving for the sick and elderly, traditional healing networks and shared child-rearing. In parts of West Africa, for example among the Igbo, co-wives may sleep over at the home of a bereaved wife to provide emotional support and boost morale during mourning.In contrast, European models of solidarity are often institutionalised and rights-based, focusing on balancing individual autonomy with collective welfare within legal frameworks. This paper explores these two distinct approaches to solidarity and examines their implications in global health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. Ubuntu's emphasis on communal responsibility offers a valuable framework for addressing health inequities, suggesting that global health is a shared responsibility that transcends national borders and individual interests. Conversely, European solidarity, shaped by enlightenment principles and liberal democratic traditions, often prioritises individual rights and institutional mechanisms to ensure health equity. This dialectical exploration highlights the evolving nature of solidarity in a globalised world, where African and European models of solidarity are increasingly hybridised to address global health disparities. Drawing on examples such as the Ritshidze community-led HIV care monitoring initiative in South Africa, alongside international efforts like COVAX, this paper evaluates how solidarity, in both its African and European forms, can influence global health policy and collective action, promoting more inclusive and equitable health systems worldwide.},
}

Humans
*Global Health
COVID-19/epidemiology
Europe
SARS-CoV-2
*Social Responsibility
Pandemics
International Cooperation

@article {pmid41360478,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, W and Chen, C and Qi, J and Chen, M and Yuan, Z and Miao, J and Chen, J and Jiang, D and Yang, M and Du, Y and Cao, K and Wu, X and You, Y and Chen, D and Qu, R and Yang, S},
title = {Adherence to handwashing behaviour and its impact on the incidence and death of viral respiratory infectious diseases: a systematic review, meta-analysis and modelling study.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {12},
pages = {},
pmid = {41360478},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Hand Disinfection ; Incidence ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control/mortality/epidemiology ; *Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data ; *Virus Diseases/mortality/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Global Health ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Washing hands is considered an effective way for preventing viral respiratory infections. This study systematically investigated the global and regional adherence to hand-washing behaviour and its impact on the incidence and death of viral respiratory infectious diseases (VRIDs).

METHODS: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus for related studies. We included observational studies with raw data of adherence to handwashing (rates of acceptability of handwashing, daily habitual handwashing and key-moment handwashing) during VRID pandemics/epidemics. Pooled rates and effect of handwashing were calculated by random-effects model and generalised linear model.

RESULTS: We analysed 108 articles, generating 227 datasets. During VRID epidemics/pandemics, the global pooled rate of daily handwashing was 72.23% (95% CI 66.95% to 76.95%). The lowest rate was observed in Africa (pooled rate 59.46%, 95% CI 50.73% to 67.68%) and among public transportation workers (18.15%, 95% CI 6.54% to 41.26%). Global pooled rate of key moment handwashing was 65.11% (95% CI 59.74% to 70.28%), with the lowest rate being after handshaking (36.40%, 95% CI 18.49% to 56.52%) and among the elderly (22.86%, 95% CI 16.77% to 29.58%) and was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than the 2009 H1N1 pandemic (72.02% vs 31.33%). The pooled rate of global acceptability of handwashing was 90.01% (95% CI 83.73% to 94.05%). Key-moment handwashing was associated with a reduction in COVID-19 incidence (β=-151.1, p=0.010), COVID-19 mortality (β=-0.066, p<0.001) and other COVID-19 related deaths (β=-0.112, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: During the VRID epidemics/pandemics, the handwashing behaviour adherence was relatively low. Health education efforts targeting public transportation workers and the elderly should be intensified. Augmented key-moment handwashing adherence potentially led to a significant reduction of the incidence and death of VRIDs.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024499090.},
}

Humans
*Hand Disinfection
Incidence
*COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality
*Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control/mortality/epidemiology
*Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data
*Virus Diseases/mortality/prevention & control/epidemiology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Global Health

@article {pmid41360360,
year = {2025},
author = {Pillay, TS and Rampul, A and Subramoney, EL and van Deventer, BS and van Niekerk, C and Gwiliza, S},
title = {The double-edged role of point-of-care testing in modern medicine.},
journal = {Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {120770},
doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2025.120770},
pmid = {41360360},
issn = {1873-3492},
abstract = {Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a transformative force in clinical diagnostics, enabling rapid, near-patient testing that can expedite decision-making, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to care. This review critically examines the double-edged nature of POCT, balancing its clear clinical and operational advantages against persistent challenges of accuracy, quality assurance, governance, and cost-effectiveness. The scope of POCT technologies ranges from simple lateral-flow assays to advanced molecular platforms, increasingly integrated with digital health ecosystems. Their clinical utility is evident in emergency medicine, chronic disease management, and resource-limited settings, where timely results reduce delays, hospital stays, and downstream complications, while supporting personalized and preventive care. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the flexibility and scalability of POCT during public health emergencies. However, these benefits are countered by risks of variable analytical performance, inadequate training of non-laboratory operators, fragmented data integration, and economic trade-offs from high per-test costs and potential overuse. Governance frameworks-anchored in ISO 22870 (and now ISO 15189:2022), rigorous quality management, connectivity solutions, and multidisciplinary oversight-are essential to ensuring safe, effective, and sustainable implementation. Successful programs demonstrate that strong laboratory leadership, continuous training, and robust data integration mitigate risks while maximizing impact. Ultimately, POCT should be viewed not as a replacement but as a complement to central laboratory services, whose value is realized only through thoughtful deployment and governance. With advancing technology and improved oversight, POCT can be harnessed as a powerful adjunct in modern healthcare, turning its double-edged potential into a precise tool for patient-centered diagnostics.},
}

@article {pmid41359142,
year = {2025},
author = {Dikamu, M and Syraji, Y and Pr, J and K, G and Raza, A and Ezez, D},
title = {Nanotechnology in COVID-19 prevention, diagnosis, and treatment: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Discover nano},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {225},
pmid = {41359142},
issn = {2731-9229},
abstract = {The worst of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic may be over, but its impact continues to be felt worldwide. During the outbreak, medical regulatory authorities introduced several principles for outbreak control, with the World Health Organization emphasizing three key strategies: prevention, early detection, and treatment. In this context, technological advancements have played a critical role, particularly nanotechnology, which has emerged as a promising platform for medical innovation. Its applications span multiple sectors, including healthcare, environmental protection, and diagnostics. These applications offer unmatched potential to enhance personal protective equipment, develop antiviral surface coatings, and engineer rapid point-of-care diagnostics. Nanotechnology contributed significantly to combating COVID-19, enhancing prevention through nanofiber-enhanced masks and nanoparticle-based disinfectants; facilitating diagnosis via gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic nanoparticle biosensors, quantum dots, and artificial intelligence-integrated nanosensors; and supporting treatment efforts through lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines, virus-like particles, and targeted drug delivery systems. We highlight key nanomaterials such as silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, AuNPs, zinc oxide nanoparticles, and selenium nanoparticles, alongside advanced formulations like LNPs and polymeric nanocarriers, exploring their mechanisms of viral inactivation, sensitive detection, and controlled delivery of therapeutics. Furthermore, this review addresses critical regulatory and translational challenges and post-pandemic adaptations of nanotechnologies for emerging viral threats.},
}

@article {pmid41359099,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramanan, RS and Kesavan, KV and Ravikumar, V},
title = {Pulmonary fibrosis in post-COVID-19: epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a key mechanism and target for therapy.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41359099},
issn = {1568-5608},
support = {VIR/COVID-19/6/2021/ECD-I//Indian Council of Medical Research/ ; },
abstract = {Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious threat to global health, especially in after math of covid-19 infection, eventually results in fibrotic remodeling and organ damage. This SARS-CoV 2 induced fibrosis initiates cascade of proinflammatory responses such as cytokine release. EMT (Epithelial-mesenchymal transition) is a central event in post COVID 19 pulmonary fibrosis which is characterized by the accumulation of stimulated fibroblast and myoblast, finally epithelial morphology changed to mesenchymal traits. This transformation is marked by the loss of intercellular adhesion and polarity. A study of SARS-CoV 2 pathogenesis and EMT can provide insights to pulmonary fibrosis. Hence identification of biomarkers of EMT activation helps early diagnosis and determination of therapeutic approaches against pathogenesis. This review focusing on the mechanism of post-covid 19 pulmonary fibrosis through EMT with a special importance to TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB pathways and oxidative stress. Previous studies marked the EMT induced fibronectin, collagen deposition that can potentially disrupt lung structure and its function. SARS CoV 2 infection can trigger Hyper activation of profibrotic pathways like TGF-β/Smad, NF-κB pathways that maintain EMT via downregulation of E-Cadherin and upregulation of vimentin, fibronectin and α-SMA. SARS-CoV spike-protein binds to AEC-2 cells initiates cytokine storm followed by amplified NF-κB pathway, and oxidative stress. Elevated activation of this pathway increases Snail, Slug, Twist expression that leads to EMT. Moreover, increased ROS production creates fibrotic environment in lung. This review examined the mechanism behind the pulmonary fibrosis by analyzing interplay between the SARS-CoV 2 infection and EMT, providing effective therapeutic strategies to prevent EMT.},
}

@article {pmid41358652,
year = {2025},
author = {Gadsby, E and King, E and Bell, M and Wong, G and Kendall, S},
title = {Health visiting in the UK in light of the COVID-19 pandemic experience (RReHOPE): study synopsis.},
journal = {Health and social care delivery research},
volume = {13},
number = {42},
pages = {1-28},
doi = {10.3310/GJEG0402},
pmid = {41358652},
issn = {2755-0079},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted and, in some cases, transformed the way health visiting teams work, the way they interact with families and children and with the wider community and other service providers. Health visiting services are organised, delivered and experienced differently in different places, with little evidence to suggest what works best, for whom and in what contexts.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the evidence on changes during the pandemic to identify the potential for improving health visiting services and their delivery in the United Kingdom.

METHODS: This realist review engaged professional stakeholders (N = 28) and those caring for babies during the pandemic (N = 6) throughout the process. We searched five electronic databases for publications on health visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic from October 2022 to April 2023. This was followed by citation searching and review of organisational websites. Programme theory was iteratively refined through discussions with the team, professional stakeholders and people with lived experience and was translated into key findings and recommendations.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen documents informed this review; most focused on health visiting in England (56%) or the United Kingdom (34%), with relatively few from Wales (6%), Scotland (3%) and Northern Ireland (1%). Documents highlighted the widespread, uneven and lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on babies and families. Findings revealed significant concerns expressed by both families and practitioners and corresponding actions taken by health visiting services. These concerns and responses emphasised the flexibility and resourcefulness of health visitors, the vital role of trusting relationships between health visitors and families and the importance of holistic assessments for early intervention. Changes in service delivery were varied and were not always evaluated or sustainable. While the data illuminated some of the hidden complexities of health visiting practice, limited evidence was found on decision-making at organisational and managerial levels during the pandemic response.

EVIDENCE LIMITATIONS: Included papers were predominantly from an advocacy or practitioner perspective, and few focused on health visiting in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our focus on the universal health visiting pathways meant that documents pertaining to additional support received by the most vulnerable families might have been excluded. Experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic families and staff were illustrated in several papers.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of health visitors in safeguarding child and family well-being in the United Kingdom. While digital adaptations provide necessary continuity, face-to-face interactions remain essential for effective health visiting. The crisis exposed pre-existing workforce pressures and inconsistencies in service provision, emphasising the need for adequate support and funding. Policy-makers must recognise the complexity of health visiting and ensure sustained investment in universal home visiting services. Future resilience requires a realistic understanding of health visitors' work, integration into broader child health policies and enhanced interagency collaboration to address inequalities and improve long-term public health outcomes.

FUTURE WORK: Our implications for policy-makers will be translated into reflexive questions to prompt critical thinking about health visiting services in local areas. The small number of documents from countries outside England highlights this as a key area for future research.

FUNDING: This synopsis presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme as award number NIHR134986.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
United Kingdom/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration

@article {pmid41357714,
year = {2025},
author = {Kouchaki, H and Tabrizi, R and Kamyab, P and Pourrahimi, M and Ghanei, A and Goudarzi, S and Lankarani, KB},
title = {Mask Usage in Healthcare Settings: Is It the Right Time for Easing Restrictions? A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Iranian journal of public health},
volume = {54},
number = {10},
pages = {2190-2198},
pmid = {41357714},
issn = {2251-6093},
abstract = {Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, personal protective equipment, particularly face masks, has been central to infection control and reducing associated mortality. Global mask mandates, combined with widespread vaccination, helped curb peak pandemic phases. In 2023, the WHO reclassified COVID-19 as an ongoing health priority rather than an emergency, prompting reassessment of mask policies in healthcare settings. Yet, hospitals remain high-risk, especially with the concurrent "triple epidemic" of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. This review summarizes current evidence on mask efficacy, adherence, and policy changes to determine whether, when, and under what conditions mask use can be safely eased in clinical settings.},
}

@article {pmid41357710,
year = {2025},
author = {Thoriq, M and Rachmadina, WF and Swannjo, JB and Farhany, FF and Kuś, A and Rachmanto, A and Sulistiawati, },
title = {Trade-offs between Accessibility and Practicality in Global Telemedicine: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Iranian journal of public health},
volume = {54},
number = {10},
pages = {2173-2189},
pmid = {41357710},
issn = {2251-6093},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is increasingly vital in healthcare, offering remote consultations via message-based and video call-based platforms. These methods improve healthcare accessibility, particularly when in-person visits are limited. Telemedicine is increasingly vital in healthcare, offering remote consultations via message-based and video call-based platforms. These methods improve healthcare accessibility, particularly when in-person visits are limited.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in ScienceDirect, PubMed, and up to August 2024. Studies evaluating the accessibility and practicality of global telemedicine were evaluated. From initial 439 records, 19 studies were finally in this systematic review. Studies were reviewed thoroughly with quality appraisal using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale, in which those rated for high quality studies were included.

RESULTS: Most studies (74%) were from high-income countries, notably the United States (26%) and Denmark (11%). Observational studies dominated (95%), focusing on follow-up consultations (47%) and diagnostic services (32%), particularly in general care (32%), neurology (11%), and surgery (5%). Research peaked in 2022 (32%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Common platforms included WhatsApp, AnyDesk, and QliqSOFT. Accessibility was the primary focus in 53% of studies, while 47% addressed feasibility. Challenges like technological barriers and privacy concerns were particularly noted in lower-income regions.

CONCLUSION: Telemedicine has enhanced healthcare accessibility and demonstrated feasibility. However, technological limitations and remote consultation challenges persist, particularly in lower-income regions. Continued research is needed to optimize telemedicine and equitable access.},
}

@article {pmid41357404,
year = {2025},
author = {Avila-Rojo, JA and Martínez-Sánchez, FD and Rosales-Rentería, LA and Aguirre-Villarreal, D and Contreras, AG and Cruz-Martinez, R and Servin-Rojas, M and Ramírez-Del Val, A and Zamora-Valdés, D and Leal-Leyte, P and Aguirre-Valadez, J and Paez-Zayas, VM and Sánchez-Cedillo, AI and Lugo-Baruqui, A and Covarrubias-Esquer, JD and García-Juárez, FI and Ruiz, I and García-Juárez, I},
title = {Overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities in liver transplantation in Mexico.},
journal = {World journal of transplantation},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {110496},
pmid = {41357404},
issn = {2220-3230},
abstract = {Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. Although Mexico has made important strides in surgical capacity and institutional development, the country continues to report one of the lowest LT rates in Latin America. Multiple challenges remain, including inequitable access to care, limited organ donation, and structural inefficiencies in allocation systems. To review the current status of LT in Mexico, describe historical trends, highlight significant barriers to progress, and discuss potential opportunities for program expansion. We conducted a narrative review incorporating data from the National Transplant Center (Centro Nacional de Trasplantes in Spanish), relevant peer-reviewed literature, and global benchmarks. The analysis focused on trends in liver transplant volume, donor types, etiology shifts, institutional disparities, and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. LT activity in Mexico increased from 25 transplants in 1999 to 297 in 2023. However, over 68% of transplants are concentrated in Mexico City, and only eight centers perform more than ten LTs per year. Deceased donors account for most grafts, while living donor transplants remain rare and mostly limited to private institutions. The national waiting list functions primarily as a registry rather than a priority-based allocation system. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted transplant programs, particularly in the public sector. Innovative approaches such as donation after circulatory death, hepatitis C virus-positive donor utilization, and advanced perfusion technologies are currently unavailable or underutilized in Mexico. Mexico's LT system faces geographic, regulatory, and resource-related limitations. To improve outcomes and ensure equitable access, strategic reforms focused on donor expansion, centralized allocation, perfusion technologies, and standardization of care are urgently needed.},
}

@article {pmid41356999,
year = {2025},
author = {Swealem, A and Wahb, M and Abosheisha, M and Basha, A and Al-Hasani, F and Moustafa Mahmoud Shaheen, A and Alqasem, M and Fahmy, M and Dief Allah, M and Nabil Rofaeel Ibrahim, F},
title = {Virtual Examination Techniques, Clinical Effectiveness, and Future Directions of Telemedicine in Orthopedic Practice: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {e97548},
pmid = {41356999},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Telemedicine adoption has made notable changes in orthopedic practice. It was greatly expanded with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the adoption across subspecialties offering comparable diagnostic accuracy, patient satisfaction, and safety to traditional visits. This narrative review summarizes the current applications of telemedicine and future directions in orthopedic telemedicine. Virtual examinations for the elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee have been successfully modified for remote assessment. The modifications of some tests now allow patients to perform self-tests under physician guidance using household tools. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate that telehealth consultations are not inferior to in-person evaluations in clinical decision-making. Limitations include the inability to replicate certain hands-on maneuvers, disparities in digital access among minority and low-income populations, and variable patient adherence. To optimize remote care, standardized telehealth protocols, improved image transmission, and targeted patient preparation are required. Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) promise to enhance virtual care. Telemedicine is positioned to become a permanent, high-quality complement to in-person orthopedic practice, expanding global access to efficient and patient-centered musculoskeletal healthcare.},
}

@article {pmid41356611,
year = {2025},
author = {Dolatshahi, Z and Raeissi, P and Nargesi, S and Saniee, N},
title = {Emotional Experiences of the Home-Dwelling Older Adults During the Isolation of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {e71614},
pmid = {41356611},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This systematic qualitative review aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the emotional experiences and coping strategies of home-dwelling older adults, as expressed in their own words, during the quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and other related databases. Articles published between January 2020 and December 2021 were identified using predefined keywords. After screening studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant data were extracted, and the results were synthesized. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the COREQ checklist. A total of 43 qualitative studies were included in the final review.

RESULTS: Based on COREQ evaluation, most studies demonstrated good methodological quality, with a mean score of 25.81 out of 32 (range: 17-29); no study fully satisfied all COREQ criteria. Thematic synthesis revealed two main categories: (i) Emotional Challenges, which encompassed psychological, physical, technological, and social dimensions; (ii) Coping Strategies, which were classified into cognitive (mindset-based), behavioral (function-based), and technology-assisted strategies. These findings highlight the emotional complexity and adaptability of older adults during isolation.

CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to initial assumptions of vulnerability, many older adults approached the pandemic with rational understanding and adaptive responses. By drawing on past life experiences, they actively organized coping mechanisms to navigate the crisis. These insights emphasize the need for health policymakers to invest in resilience-building initiatives, such as digital literacy training and community-based emotional and physical support programs. Such strategies can enhance the quality of life for older adults and promote efficient resource utilization within health systems.},
}

@article {pmid41355379,
year = {2025},
author = {Danopoulos, E and Armstrong, N and McDermott, K and Chen, J and Tian, X and Noake, C and Westwood, M},
title = {Accuracy and clinical effectiveness of fetal growth monitoring strategies for the prediction of small for gestational age at birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Health technology assessment (Winchester, England)},
volume = {29},
number = {62},
pages = {1-216},
doi = {10.3310/AJLK7403},
pmid = {41355379},
issn = {2046-4924},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Infant, Newborn ; *Infant, Small for Gestational Age ; *Fetal Development ; *Fetal Growth Retardation/diagnosis ; Gestational Age ; *Fetal Monitoring/methods/standards ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Smallness for gestational age has been associated with an increased risk of neonatal/fetal adverse outcomes. The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch has issued a safety recommendation aimed at improving fetal growth monitoring strategies and reducing risk for babies.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to summarise available evidence to inform the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch recommendation. The review comprised four research questions on: effects of fetal growth monitoring on neonatal/parental outcomes; effects of implementing fetal growth monitoring guidelines on neonatal/parental outcomes; accuracy of fetal growth monitoring strategies for predicting smallness for gestational age neonates/fetal growth restriction and factors affecting the accuracy of fetal growth monitoring strategies.

METHODS: Nineteen databases were searched from 2000 to March 2023 and were updated September 2023. Pregnant people with and without risk factors were included. Each review question had further eligibility criteria. For accuracy results, summary estimates of the sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals for the prediction of smallness for gestational age at delivery were calculated. Random-effects models were used for the meta-analysis of clinical outcomes. Further outcomes, including the results of risk of bias assessments, were summarised narratively.

RESULTS: Fifty-eight studies (78 publications) were included in the review. Q1 - Antenatal identification of smallness for gestational age pregnancies was associated with increased rates of intervention (two retrospective cohort studies, n = 100, 198 and 2928), but the available evidence did not support an effect on stillbirths or neonatal outcomes. Q2 - Meta-analysis (three observational studies and one randomised controlled trial, n = 318,523) indicated that implementation of the Growth Assessment Protocol was associated with a reduction in the risk of stillbirth and risk ratio of 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.84). Meta-analyses (one observational study and one randomised controlled trial, n = 11,978) indicated that Growth Assessment Protocol implementation was associated with a reduction in the risk of 5-minute Apgar score < 7, risk ratio of 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.64 to 0.95); however, the effect estimate for neonatal intensive care unit admission was highly uncertain, 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.02 to 20.03). Q3 (53 studies) and Q4 (15 studies) - regarding accuracy, the highest sensitivity for both general and high-risk populations was achieved using a combination of estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference tests, where the threshold was defined as either parameter < 10th percentile. No clear trends were observed for the type of reference charts, either for the use of general versus local reference charts (either the estimated fetal weight or birthweight) or for the use of non-sex-specific versus sex-specific birthweight reference charts (nine studies).

LIMITATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence linking fetal growth monitoring tests results to the changes in fetal/neonatal outcomes. There is some evidence supporting the reduction of adverse outcomes by Growth Assessment Protocol implementation. Testing during the third trimester is likely to result in more accurate prediction of smallness for gestational age at birth than earlier testing. Use of a locally derived reference chart for estimated fetal weight may result in optimised sensitivity for a given birthweight reference chart (definition of smallness for gestational age).

FUTURE WORK: Large diagnostic cohort studies and comparative studies are needed to further examine whether and how fetal growth monitoring testing and implementation of guidance can affect clinical outcomes.

STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42023408030.

FUNDING: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135862) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 29, No. 62. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.},
}

Humans
Female
Pregnancy
Infant, Newborn
*Infant, Small for Gestational Age
*Fetal Development
*Fetal Growth Retardation/diagnosis
Gestational Age
*Fetal Monitoring/methods/standards

@article {pmid41355334,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, GU},
title = {From the ICU Bedside: Applying the Transnational Clinical Academic Doctorate Lens to a Clinically Embedded PhD Journey.},
journal = {Journal of advanced nursing},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jan.70421},
pmid = {41355334},
issn = {1365-2648},
support = {//Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship/ ; },
abstract = {AIM: To critically reflect on a transnational, clinically embedded doctoral journey undertaken during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to draw conceptual and systemic lessons for doctoral education and clinical academic nursing pathways.

BACKGROUND: Reflective accounts of doctoral study exist, yet few examine practice-based PhDs conducted across different countries and health systems during a global crisis. This paper analyses one such pathway-enrolment at an Australian university with research embedded within the UK National Health Service-to explore resilience, identity formation, mentorship ecologies and organisational conditions that support or hinder clinical academic development.

METHOD: Using analytic autoethnography and reflective case study logic, experiential data (field notes, supervisory records, ethics correspondence, project artefacts and publication trajectories) were synthesised with relevant scholarship. A conceptual framework, the TCAD lens, was developed to structure analysis across contexts, constraints, mechanisms and outcomes.

DISCUSSION: Four phases are outlined: starting in crisis as a senior ICU nurse, transitioning to lead educator, serving as surgical matron while implementing changes, and moving into academia to complete the thesis by publication. Dual ethics and governance procedures, contractual arrangements and GDPR-compliant data stewardship imposed significant administrative burdens but fostered global literacy and networks. Mentorship functioned as an ecology-supportive, critical, pragmatic and strategic-evolving towards independence. COVID-19 served as a stress test, narrowing scope while improving the feasibility and sustainability of the family member's voice reorientation intervention. Personal adversity intersected with identity development, with compassionate supervision enabling timely completion (3.7 years) and five peer-reviewed publications.

CONCLUSION: Transnational, clinically embedded doctoral pathways can enhance nursing research capacity but require deliberate institutional design: genuine protected time, cross-jurisdictional support and mentorship ecosystems. The TCAD lens provides a transferable framework for educators, supervisors and health systems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Recommendations cover programme development, cross-border oversight, NHS-university collaborations, funding arrangements in different currencies and resilience infrastructure for clinician-researchers.},
}

@article {pmid41354625,
year = {2025},
author = {Cernuto, F and Maleki, A and Russo, G and Di Salvatore, V and Pappalardo, F},
title = {In-silico epitope-based vaccines design: progress, challenges and the road ahead.},
journal = {Expert opinion on drug discovery},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1080/17460441.2025.2599178},
pmid = {41354625},
issn = {1746-045X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In silico technologies are increasingly shaping vaccine development, supporting the field beyond empirical discovery toward rational, data-driven design. Contemporary computational pipelines enable rapid antigen screening, high-precision epitope-MHC binding prediction, structural modeling, and immune response simulations. These approaches are accelerating vaccine discovery not only for infectious diseases but also in oncology, where neoantigen prediction underpins personalized cancer immunotherapy.

AREAS COVERED: This review explores recent advances in computational pipelines for epitope-based vaccine design, covering antigen discovery; B- and T-cell epitope mapping; safety and specificity assessment; vaccine construct assembly with adjuvants and linkers; structural modeling; and immune-response simulations that predict efficacy in specific disease contexts using advanced platforms. It showcases applications in infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, and influenza, and poxivirus infections, as well as in cancer immunotherapy. It is based on literature obtained through searches utilizing PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering publications up to 2025, using combinations of keywords such as epitope-based vaccines, reverse vaccinology, immunoinformatics, and immune system simulation.

EXPERT OPINION: In silico approaches offer a transformative advantage to vaccine research by delivering speed, cost-efficiency, and enhanced precision. Yet the predictive power of current computational pipelines is still constrained by algorithmic limitations and by their incomplete integration of immune-regulatory processes. Progress in artificial intelligence, multi-omics integration, and formal recognition of digital evidence by regulatory agencies will be crucial for narrowing the gap between computational predictions and experimental validation. Ultimately, combining predictive immunoinformatics with advanced immune simulations and rigorous verification could help establish in silico methodologies as a cornerstone of next-generation vaccine development.},
}

@article {pmid41354607,
year = {2025},
author = {Bian, S and Say, J and Brinson, D and Karoubi, G},
title = {Advances in lung biomimetic systems: exploring biophysical cues in lung regenerative medicine.},
journal = {Trends in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tibtech.2025.11.009},
pmid = {41354607},
issn = {1879-3096},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for advanced lung regenerative medicine. While traditional research focused on biochemical pathways, biophysical cues are equally critical regulators of lung cell behavior. This review discusses the role of key mechanical cues including cyclic stretch, strain/pressure, geometry, and matrix stiffness on lung cells in health and disease. The focus is on the evaluation of biomimetic platforms (decellularized scaffolds, dynamic surfaces, biomaterial constructs, and lung-on-chip devices) that recapitulate these environments; and the paradigm shifts in the field which show the importance of physiologically relevant systems. Finally, we identify challenges and future directions for translating mechanobiology-informed approaches into clinical therapies, highlighting their transformative potential for lung tissue engineering.},
}

@article {pmid41354496,
year = {2025},
author = {Sourani, A and Kalantari, F and El-Rabbany, M and Shahmoradi, M and Haridas, A and Vahdat, N and Mirza, S and Sourani, A and Foroughi, M and Baradaran Mahdavi, S},
title = {COVID-19 and jaw osteonecrosis: A systematic review on clinical presentations and treatment outcomes.},
journal = {Current problems in surgery},
volume = {73},
number = {},
pages = {101897},
doi = {10.1016/j.cpsurg.2025.101897},
pmid = {41354496},
issn = {1535-6337},
}

@article {pmid41353643,
year = {2025},
author = {Abreu, C and Peres, S and Cunha, F and Miranda, J and Nunes-Silva, C and Silva-Pinto, A and Ribeiro-Dias, L and Oliveira, J},
title = {[Vaccination Recommendations for the Immunocompromised Adult Patient].},
journal = {Acta medica portuguesa},
volume = {38},
number = {12},
pages = {814-827},
doi = {10.20344/amp.22966},
pmid = {41353643},
issn = {1646-0758},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunocompromised Host ; *Vaccination/standards ; Adult ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; },
abstract = {The manuscript collates indications for vaccination in immunocompromised adults based on recommendations from leading international institutions. These individuals have increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable infectious diseases, and their immune response to vaccination is often weaker than that of immunocompetent individuals. Therefore, whenever possible, it is important to assess vaccine response (serological or other). Emphasis is placed on adapting vaccination to the net state of immunosuppression, following a careful evaluation of risks, indications, contraindications, and the optimal timing for administration. Whenever feasible, vaccination should be carried out before the initiation of pharmacological immunosuppression, prior to splenectomy, or before receiving a solid organ transplant. Immunocompromised individuals are categorised into groups such as those with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, individuals who have undergone splenectomy, recipients of solid organ or haematopoietic transplants, people living with HIV, and those with congenital immunodeficiencies (inborn errors). The article describes vaccination recommendations for different clinical scenarios and types of immunosuppression. Vaccines against respiratory viral diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as hepatitis A and B, varicella-zoster, and vaccines protecting against encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococci, meningococci, and Haemophilus influenzae, are discussed. Some vaccination recommendations in the context of travel and post-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk situations are included. The article also addresses the importance of vaccinating household contacts and healthcare professionals for additional protection. Finally, it highlights that ongoing advancements in vaccines and vaccination guidelines require continuous updates.},
}

Humans
*Immunocompromised Host
*Vaccination/standards
Adult
Practice Guidelines as Topic

@article {pmid41353585,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, YL and Gao, YD and Geng, XY and Liu, YB},
title = {Application of mRNA Vaccines in Children's Vaccination: Technical Advantages, Clinical Practice and Future Challenges.},
journal = {Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/apa.70412},
pmid = {41353585},
issn = {1651-2227},
abstract = {AIM: To summarise the current paediatric applications of Message RNA (mRNA) vaccines and to identify the key efficacy, safety, and future challenges that must be solved before routine childhood use can be expanded beyond Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS: PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched (up to May 2025) for clinical studies of mRNA vaccines administered to children aged 0-17 years. Search terms combined "mRNA vaccine" with "child", "infant", "adolescent", "paediatric", "safety", "immunogenicity", and "trial".

RESULTS: COVID-19 and RSV mRNA vaccines have effectively reduced the incidence rate among certain age groups of children, while serious adverse events or deaths were rarely observed. Most trials about mRNA vaccines are mainly conducted among adults. More studies are needed to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in children.

CONCLUSION: mRNA vaccines offer rapid, precise, and child-tailored protection, but robust longitudinal data and public-science frameworks are urgently needed before their promise can be fully translated into routine paediatric prevention strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41353057,
year = {2025},
author = {Flegr, J},
title = {Does peptidome mimicry shape host-parasite coevolution?.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2025.11.002},
pmid = {41353057},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {The peptidome mimicry hypothesis (PMH) builds on the principle that vertebrate immunity recognizes peptides absent from the host proteome. It extends this idea to predict host-parasite coevolution outcomes, systematic 'missing peptides', the narrow host specificity of many parasites, and the higher susceptibility of some interspecies hybrids to infection. PMH proposes that long-term coevolution reduces parasite peptide vocabularies and drives convergence toward host repertoires - a pattern that can help to infer a parasite's original host. For example, analyses of SARS-CoV-2 peptide vocabularies have been used to reconstruct the virus's likely host-switching history. Beyond theory, PMH provides an independent and effective way to nominate immunogenic peptide targets for vaccine design, complementary to existing prediction methods.},
}

@article {pmid41352221,
year = {2025},
author = {Nowzari, F and Nowzari, F and Kian, M and Zahedi, M and Samimi, K and Karimzadeh, A and Tanideh, N and Mussin, NM and Tamadon, A},
title = {Evolution and trends in non-viral mRNA Cancer vaccines: A scoping review from 2015 to 2025.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {71},
number = {},
pages = {128059},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.128059},
pmid = {41352221},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {This scoping review synthesizes clinical trials from 2015 to 2025 investigating non-viral messenger RNA (mRNA)-based cancer vaccines, emphasizing trends in delivery platforms-ex vivo dendritic cell (DC) vaccines versus in vivo lipid-based systems-and their association with cancer types. A systematic search of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov identified 72 early-phase trials, revealing a significant shift from DC-based ex vivo approaches (dominant 2015-2020) to lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based in vivo delivery post-2021 (p = 0.0025), propelled by advancements from COVID-19 vaccines. Statistical analyses, including linear regression and Fisher's exact test, demonstrate a strong association between ex vivo delivery and brain/CNS cancers (p = 0.00042) and no significant correlation between DC vaccine administration routes and cancer types (p = 0.25). The surge in combination immunotherapies, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors post-2019, underscores the field's move toward multimodal strategies. This article offers a data-driven roadmap of the field's evolution, highlighting gaps in delivery optimization, reporting transparency, and standardization for future research. Companion articles detail ex vivo DC vaccine strategies and in vivo mRNA vaccine advancements.},
}

@article {pmid41352167,
year = {2025},
author = {Erduran, S and Cheung, KKC},
title = {How science education research journals address (and neglect) trust in science.},
journal = {Current opinion in psychology},
volume = {68},
number = {},
pages = {102218},
doi = {10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.102218},
pmid = {41352167},
issn = {2352-2518},
abstract = {Science education is pivotal in enhancing scientific literacy and potentially contributing to trust in science. The paper examines how trust in science has been addressed in science education by investigating the content of 5 leading research journals. Of the 116 articles published between January 2024 and June 2025 that mentioned "trust" and "mistrust", only 17 directly engaged with trust in science. Analysis revealed an emphasis on the epistemic aspects of science, with limited attention to affective or political dimensions, and a disproportionate focus on global issues such as COVID-19 and climate change rather than local issues. There was a marked lack of an explicit definition or conceptualisation of 'trust' in the papers. We argue that science education research would benefit from interdisciplinary perspectives on trust, including frameworks on the emotional, relational, and ideological characterisations of trust. Such multiplicity of perspectives is relevant to science education given educational contexts inherently embody not only epistemic but also social, political and affective dimensions. Suggestions are made for future directions in science education research for a critical yet balanced account so that trust in science can be appropriated.},
}

@article {pmid41351657,
year = {2025},
author = {Oyama, S and Matsunaga, A and Teratake, Y and Takahashi, H and Yamashita, H and Ishizaka, Y and Kaneko, H},
title = {COVID-19-associated large-vessel vasculitis with elevated anti-angiotensin converting enzyme 2 antibody: three cases and a review of the literature.},
journal = {Clinical rheumatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41351657},
issn = {1434-9949},
support = {22A2010D//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 21fk0108435h000//AMED/ ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of reports suggest an association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and autoimmune diseases, including large-vessel vasculitis (LVV). However, the mechanism remains unclear. This report describes three cases of COVID-19-associated LVV with elevated anti-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) antibodies.

CASE PRESENTATIONS: The first case was a 59-year-old man who developed a persistent headache and fever 2 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. FDG-PET/CT revealed diffuse vascular inflammation extending from the carotid arteries to the abdominal aorta. The second case was a 71-year-old man who presented with prolonged fever after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Imaging demonstrated vascular wall enhancement and FDG uptake from the thoracic aorta to the iliac aorta. The third case was a 67-year-old man who had persistent fever 10 days after COVID-19, with FDG-PET/CT showing uptake from the ascending aorta to the aortic arch. In all cases, workups for immune and infectious diseases were negative. Symptoms and inflammatory markers resolved spontaneously or with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Serum anti-ACE2 IgG was positive during the active phase in all three patients and became negative during remission.

DISCUSSION: We have encountered three cases of COVID-19-associated LVV with elevated anti-ACE2 antibodies that normalized after clinical remission. There have been multiple reports of LVV following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with onset typically within weeks of infection, and of elevated anti-ACE2 antibody levels in patients with COVID-19-related neurological complications. Further studies are warranted to determine if anti-ACE2 antibodies are associated with the pathogenesis of post-COVID-19 vasculitis.},
}

@article {pmid41351160,
year = {2025},
author = {Keikha, L and Shahraki-Mohammadi, A and Nabiolahi, A},
title = {Strategies and prerequisites for combating health misinformation on social media: a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12889-025-25858-4},
pmid = {41351160},
issn = {1471-2458},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The speed and complexity of transmitting health misinformation through social media can lead to the transfer of information that causes irreparable damage to the state of health, control, and prevention of diseases. This research aimed to identify the prerequisites and best strategies for combating health misinformation on social media.

METHOD: The current systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. In September 2024, a search was conducted using "misinformation" and "social media" keywords and their equivalents in selected databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Inclusion criteria comprised the implementation of an intervention aimed at combating health misinformation on social media, while studies not in English and those that did not address health misinformation on social media were excluded. The data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. EndNote 21 and Excel 2021 software were used to collect and analyze the articles.

RESULT: Out of 6395 identified articles, 20 articles were included in the present study. Half of the studies addressing health misinformation were published in 2023 and 2024, with the United States leading the way. The combat of COVID-19 misinformation was the most frequent. From the content analysis of the included studies in a total of three strategies: communication strategies, technology-based strategies, and multimedia strategies to combat health misinformation on social media, it was identified. Four categories: needs assessment, educating community leaders, content design, and content quality assessment, were identified as the primary prerequisites to combat health misinformation on social media.

CONCLUSION: Combating health information in social media requires basic infrastructures and the use of hybrid approaches. In addition, due to the different roles of celebrities and influencers, reputable health organizations and healthcare institutions should benefit from their participation in combating health misinformation.},
}

@article {pmid41350176,
year = {2025},
author = {Miller, CM and Moen, JK and Iwasaki, A},
title = {The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history.},
journal = {Trends in immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.it.2025.10.010},
pmid = {41350176},
issn = {1471-4981},
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has drawn global attention to post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS), with millions affected by post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC, or Long COVID). While Long COVID is newly defined, PAIS have been described for over a century following epidemic infections. Multiple pathogens - including influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, and Borrelia burgdorferi, among others - can precipitate persistent, poorly understood symptoms. Chronic illnesses such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have long been linked to infectious triggers. This recurring association highlights critical knowledge gaps and underscores the need for systematic investigation. Unlike prior pandemics, the current era offers advanced technologies and analytic tools to address these gaps. Defining the biology of Long COVID may yield broader insights into host-pathogen interactions and mechanisms of chronic illness.},
}

@article {pmid41349894,
year = {2025},
author = {Tang, H and Chen, X and Huang, J and Yang, Q and Liang, K and Qiu, X and Tang, J and Tian, C and Luo, N and Lin, M and Zhang, X and Wu, S and Deng, X and Lin, H and Hong, J and Wen, J and Jiang, L and Chen, P and Lin, W and Chen, W and Zhang, Y and Tan, X and Chen, Y},
title = {Characterizing patterns in causes, risk factors, and life expectancy among the oldest old (aged 95+ years).},
journal = {Ageing research reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102985},
doi = {10.1016/j.arr.2025.102985},
pmid = {41349894},
issn = {1872-9649},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The global population is aging rapidly, extending into the oldest old. However, increased longevity does not always translate into enhanced health. While genetic and environmental factors influence lifespan, evidence indicates that targeted interventions can substantially enhance the likelihood of reaching 100 years. This study aimed to characterize disease and risk factor patterns among the oldest-old to identify actionable targets for promoting health and functional capacity in this rapidly growing population.

METHODS: This study identified 18 countries with the largest populations aged 95 years and older using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study and the United Nations World Population Prospects 2024. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) from 1990 to 2023 were quantified, ranked, and visualized across three major cause categories (non-communicable, communicable and nutritional diseases, and injuries) and risk factors (behavioral, environmental/occupational, and metabolic) by using the GBD 2023 estimates. Temporal trends were assessed using estimated annual percentage change derived from log-linear regression models, calculated separately for periods before and after the COVID-19 pandemic peak. K-means clustering was employed to identify cross-country burden patterns, with the optimal number of clusters determined via the silhouette method. Temporal trends in health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) were examined, and frontier analysis was applied to estimate the potential for further HALE improvement across countries.

RESULTS: From 1990 to 2023, the absolute disease burden among individuals aged 95+ years increased more than fivefold, primarily driven by non-communicable diseases, accounting for ~86% of the total DALYs. Ischemic heart disease remained the leading cause, particularly for YLLs, followed by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, which predominated in YLDs, followed by stroke and chronic kidney disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic peak (2019-2021), mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, demonstrated a marked increase. Cluster analysis in 2023 revealed two distinct national patterns: one dominated by acute cardiovascular conditions and the other by chronic multi-system diseases. Absolute burdens of metabolic, behavioral, and environmental/occupational risk factors increased over time, although their relative contributions declined; high systolic blood pressure (YLLs), high fasting plasma glucose (YLDs), and kidney dysfunction remained the leading risk factors. The average HALE increased from 1.86 years in 1990 to 2.16 years in 2019, declined during the pandemic, and partially recovered by 2023. Frontier analysis indicated nearly a twofold potential for further HALE improvement under current socioeconomic conditions.

CONCLUSION: The 95+-year-old population exhibits distinctive patterns of disease burden that have shifted substantially over the past three decades. Despite cross-national differences, cardiometabolic diseases and risk factors, along with multisystem comorbidities from the brain and kidneys, remain the primary drivers. Integrated strategies addressing biological, social, and environmental factors may enhance intrinsic capacity and promote healthy aging in the oldest old.},
}

@article {pmid41349781,
year = {2025},
author = {Rota, M and Torresan, I and Palmerio, S and Tasselli, E and Rossi, A and Zivi, A and Zacchi, F},
title = {The role of therapeutic cancer vaccines in the modern immunotherapy era: State of the art with recent progress and future challenges.},
journal = {Critical reviews in oncology/hematology},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {105068},
doi = {10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.105068},
pmid = {41349781},
issn = {1879-0461},
abstract = {Therapeutic cancer vaccines represent a promising frontier in precision oncology, aiming to elicit durable and tumor-specific immune responses. Recent advances in nucleic acid-based platforms, particularly mRNA and DNA vaccines, have accelerated clinical translation, especially following the success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. These innovations have enabled improved antigen delivery, immunogenicity, and flexibility through structural modifications such as self-amplifying or chemically modified mRNAs. In parallel, peptide-based vaccines have evolved through the incorporation of long synthetic peptides and the identification of tumor-specific neoantigens. Other strategies include dendritic cell-based vaccines and whole tumor cell approaches. Neoantigen vaccines have demonstrated a favorable safety profile and the ability to elicit robust CD4[+] and CD8[+] T cell responses across various cancer types and disease stages. Optimal efficacy, however, depends on careful antigen selection, favoring clonal, driver mutations, and timely administration, ideally in early-stage or minimal residual disease settings to circumvent immune evasion and systemic immunosuppression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) critically shapes vaccine responsiveness, influenced by both tumor-intrinsic factors (e.g., antigen presentation defects, HLA loss) and extrinsic immunosuppressive cells. High tumor mutational burden and inflamed TMEs correlate with stronger responses, but encouraging outcomes have also been observed in "cold" tumors. Combining vaccines with ICIs, chemotherapy, or cytokine therapies can enhance efficacy by overcoming immune resistance. Optimizing clinical trial design and ensuring cost-effectiveness will be essential for translating personalized cancer vaccines into routine clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid41349462,
year = {2025},
author = {Eksteen, C and Asja, LC and Rass, A and Riedemann, J and Engelbrecht, AM},
title = {Post COVID-19 pandemic Inflammatory Insights into Cancer: Consequences for immunotherapy.},
journal = {Cytokine & growth factor reviews},
volume = {87},
number = {},
pages = {10-18},
doi = {10.1016/j.cytogfr.2025.12.002},
pmid = {41349462},
issn = {1879-0305},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of global health, revealing novel interactions between infectious diseases and chronic conditions such as cancer. Beyond acute infection, growing evidence suggests that persistent exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, whether through infection or vaccination, may sustain inflammatory pathways that contribute to tumour progression and immune modulation. This review explores the overlap between post-COVID inflammation, particularly in Long-COVID syndromes and the tumour microenvironment (TME), focusing on key mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. We revisit the concept of the cytokine storm in the context of persistent inflammation, spike protein immunogenicity and immune exhaustion, proposing a model in which chronic inflammatory signalling may disrupt tumour immune surveillance, reawaken dormant cancer cells and compromise the efficacy of immunotherapies. Comparative analysis with other cancer types highlights shared pathways of oncogenic inflammation. Lastly, we outline emerging therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects, including cytokine-targeted interventions and immunomodulatory screening in post-COVID cancer patients. These post-pandemic insights call for urgent translational research to ensure effective and safe cancer immunotherapy in the evolving inflammatory landscape.},
}

@article {pmid41349247,
year = {2025},
author = {Halma, M and Varon, J},
title = {Metabolic modulation as a therapeutic strategy for post-acute vaccination syndrome (PACVS): A review of pathomechanisms and existing therapeutic components.},
journal = {Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie},
volume = {193},
number = {},
pages = {118864},
doi = {10.1016/j.biopha.2025.118864},
pmid = {41349247},
issn = {1950-6007},
abstract = {Post-Acute Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS) is a post-vaccination disorder marked by persistent fatigue, cognitive impairment, and exercise intolerance. Current research identifies interconnected pathophysiological processes, including persisting spike protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased tissue oxygenation, and impaired metabolism. Emerging treatments rely on metabolic regulation and therapeutic agents promoting mitochondrial and vascular function. These therapies stimulate cellular energy generation, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate inflammatory pathways. This review examines metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms underlying PACVS, evaluates existing therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, and synthesizes current evidence for future research and clinical management.},
}

@article {pmid41348590,
year = {2025},
author = {Zinaic, R and Wong, JP},
title = {Understanding COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Black, East Asian, and Eastern European Diasporic Communities in Toronto: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International journal of social determinants of health and health services},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {27551938251400901},
doi = {10.1177/27551938251400901},
pmid = {41348590},
issn = {2755-1946},
abstract = {Canada achieved COVID-19 vaccination coverage of 83.2% in the total population (at least one dose). However, only 49.6% of Canadians completed the primary series plus one booster (which defines one as fully vaccinated). Inconsistent uptake of COVID-19 vaccines impeded pandemic response and led to increased demands in a stretched health care system. To advance pandemic preparedness, a critical understanding of vaccine access and hesitancy is needed. We undertook a scoping review to identify the primary reasons for vaccine hesitancy in Toronto's East Asian, Black, and Eastern European diaspora. A total of 5548 articles were retrieved from PubMed, OVID, JSTOR, ERIC and 27 and 43 from Google Scholar and Google respectively. De-duplication left us with 42 relevant sources for data extraction, including 19 news articles, 9 commentaries, 11 pieces of grey literature and 3 peer reviewed articles that were not identified via academic databases. Our review results revealed four factors for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among East Asian, Black, and Eastern European diasporas in Toronto: (a) access barriers; (b) mistrust; (c) racism; and (d) misinformation. These factors can create conditions of re-racialization by stereotyping entire ethnoracial groups or convincing members of these groups to become vaccine skeptics.},
}

@article {pmid41348159,
year = {2025},
author = {Mik, V and Benz, LS and Voller, J and Dunzendorfer-Matt, T and Weiss, MS and Kryštof, V},
title = {A patent review of Mpro protease inhibitors for the treatment of COVID-19 infections (2020 - present).},
journal = {Expert opinion on therapeutic patents},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-19},
doi = {10.1080/13543776.2025.2588773},
pmid = {41348159},
issn = {1744-7674},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro, also known as 3CLpro or nsp5) is essential for viral replication. As there are no close human homologs, it represents an attractive and specific target for antiviral therapy against COVID-19. Its well-defined active site and conserved substrate specificity have enabled structure-guided drug design with high precision.

AREAS COVERED: This review examines the patent landscape for small-molecule inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro published between 2020 and early 2025. Compounds were grouped by scaffold type and mechanism of action, covering covalent and non-covalent inhibitors, orthosteric and allosteric binders and unique modalities such as PROTACs. Clinically advanced agents including nirmatrelvir, ensitrelvir, simnotrelvir, zevotrelvir and leritrelvir are highlighted alongside structurally novel leads and broad-spectrum candidates.

EXPERT OPINION: A number of Mpro inhibitors have progressed into preclinical and clinical stages, underscoring the rapid advancement in this field. The accumulation of structural knowledge, chemical diversity and mechanistic insight has laid a robust foundation for future antiviral development and may further enhance the utility of Mpro inhibitors against evolving coronaviruses.},
}

@article {pmid41348012,
year = {2025},
author = {La Rosée, P and Machowicz, R},
title = {Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: do we have a solution for TMI (too much inflammation)?.},
journal = {Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program},
volume = {2025},
number = {1},
pages = {206-214},
doi = {10.1182/hematology.2025000707},
pmid = {41348012},
issn = {1520-4383},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/diagnosis/therapy ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Inflammation/therapy/diagnosis ; Cytokine Release Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy ; Adult ; Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/complications ; Macrophage Activation Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis ; Graft vs Host Disease/therapy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; },
abstract = {Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and the related HLH-spectrum disorders macrophage activation syndrome, macrophage activation-like syndrome, and treatment-associated immune-effector-cell-associated HLH-like syndrome are extreme forms of too much inflammation (TMI). Adult patients with HLH associated with hematologic malignancies have a 70% to 80% mortality rate due to delayed diagnosis, prolonged immunosuppression with associated secondary infections, and disease recurrence. In recent years, educational efforts and epidemiological evolution have increased diagnostic awareness. This has been catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the first approved anti-interferon gamma antibody for primary relapsed/refractory HLH, advancements in the treatment of posttransplant graft-versus-host disease, and the broad availability of T-cell-engaging therapeutics. These truly challenging-to-diagnose entities under the cytokine storm umbrella confer TMI, causing multiorgan dysfunction and early death. Novel prognostic models, differential diagnosis with the help of advanced diagnostic algorithms, preemptive therapeutic interventions, and more individualized cytokine-directed treatment options have moved this previously neglected area in adult hematology to the forefront of the hematologist's daily practice.},
}

Humans
*Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic/diagnosis/therapy
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Inflammation/therapy/diagnosis
Cytokine Release Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy
Adult
Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/complications
Macrophage Activation Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis
Graft vs Host Disease/therapy
Diagnosis, Differential

@article {pmid41347672,
year = {2025},
author = {Zou, Y and Kamoi, K and Zong, Y and Zhang, J and Yang, M and Ohno-Matsui, K},
title = {Systematic Review of Postvaccination Ocular Adverse Events: A Comprehensive Analysis of Published Reports.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {97},
number = {12},
pages = {e70747},
pmid = {41347672},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {//This study was supported by JSPS KAKENHI (Grant JP 20K09824), a Grant on Rare and Intractable Diseases from the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan (Grant 22FC0201), a Research Program on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases grant from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, AMED (Grants 23fk0108671h0001, 23fk0108672h0001), a High-risk Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Grant from the Takeda Science Foundation (FY2023), and JST SPRING (Grant No. JPMJSP2120)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; Uveitis/etiology/chemically induced ; Hepatitis B Vaccines/adverse effects ; Papillomavirus Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Eye Diseases/etiology/chemically induced ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Ocular adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination are well described; however, systematic analyses of non-COVID antiviral vaccines remain limited. This review aimed to evaluate ocular complications associated with non-COVID antiviral immunizations, including influenza, varicella-zoster (VZV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis B (HBV) vaccines. A systematic search (PROSPERO CRD4202450873) identified 122 patients (184 eyes) from 8,487 publications, including case reports, case series, and observational studies. Uveitis was the most common (92/184 eyes; 50.0%, 95% CI 42.8%-57.2%), frequently following influenza vaccination (35/122; 28.7%, 95% CI 20.7%-36.7%). Most patients (95/122; 77.9%, 95% CI 70.5%-85.3%) required systemic corticosteroids, reflecting predominant inflammation. Ocular symptoms occurred within 30 days in 84.4% (103/122)of cases, with peak onset at 7-30 days (62/122; 50.8%, 95% CI 42.0%-59.6%). Despite appropriate treatment, 18 patients (20.0%, 95% CI 13.0%-29.4%) experienced persistent inflammation or required therapy beyond 1 month, categorized as "long-vax", defined as ocular symptoms persisting for ≥ 4 weeks after vaccination. Although rare, antiviral vaccine-associated ocular complications may persist, posing a risk of long-term visual morbidity and emphasizing the importance of clinician awareness, postvaccination surveillance, and counseling for patients receiving repeated or combined vaccine exposures.},
}

Humans
*Vaccination/adverse effects
Uveitis/etiology/chemically induced
Hepatitis B Vaccines/adverse effects
Papillomavirus Vaccines/adverse effects
*Eye Diseases/etiology/chemically induced
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects

@article {pmid41347658,
year = {2025},
author = {McVoy, MA and Kummarapurugu, AB},
title = {The Role of ACE2 in SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Pathogenesis, and Antiviral Interventions.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {97},
number = {12},
pages = {e70721},
pmid = {41347658},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {//This study is funded by Child Health Research Institute and Commonwealth Health Research Board./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/genetics ; *COVID-19/virology/pathology ; *SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Virus Internalization/drug effects ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The devastating clinical, psychological, and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by global spread of the second Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has engendered a massive response from the scientific community to rapidly understand the biology of SARS-CoV-2 and to develop interventions to prevent infection or progression to life-threatening disease. Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and its interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein, which mediates fusion of the virion envelope with the target cell membrane, have emerged as a major pharmacological target, as disruption of the Spike-ACE2 interaction prevents cells from becoming infected and hence from producing viral progeny. Moreover, the dysregulation of ACE2 that occurs in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection may have broader implications for COVID-19 pathogenesis. Here we summarize the role of ACE2 as a physiologic regulator of human health, as a facilitator of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as a factor in COVID-19 disease, and as a target for pharmacological interventions.},
}

Humans
*Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/genetics
*COVID-19/virology/pathology
*SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Virus Internalization/drug effects
Animals

@article {pmid41346576,
year = {2025},
author = {Guimarães, GN and Brunetti, NS and De Lima, DG and Proenca-Modena, JL and Farias, AS},
title = {Vaccination and COVID-19: impact on long-COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1686572},
pmid = {41346576},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Vaccination ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {Long- and post-COVID-19 syndromes have emerged as a significant global health challenge, with millions of individuals experiencing persistent or the development of new symptoms after a long period of an initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. These symptoms are multisystemic and may indicate changes in the respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, in addition to prolonged fatigue. Vaccination has played a crucial role in reducing severe disease and mortality, but the impact of the different vaccine combinations on the development and resolution of Long COVID remains a topic of debate. This review synthesizes current evidence on how different vaccine platforms, dosing strategies and booster doses influence the immunological response, protection, incidence, severity, and persistence of Long COVID symptoms. We discuss key immunological mechanisms by which vaccination may modulate and protect post-COVID syndrome outcomes, including its effects on viral clearance, immune response reprogramming, inflammation, and autoimmunity, seeking to combat misinformation and concepts spread by fake news. The review also highlights controversies and research gaps, such as variability in vaccine response among different populations and the role in the selection of more transmissible and virulent SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as the potential differences between vaccine-induced and infection-induced immunity, and the role of pre-existing immune conditions in this scenario.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Vaccination
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid41346074,
year = {2026},
author = {Hamdy, R and Barakat, AZ and Abuzaid, EJ and Elsayed, TM and Husseiny, MI},
title = {COVID-19 in Diabetic Patients: Mechanisms, Risks, and Therapeutic Considerations.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {e70085},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70085},
pmid = {41346074},
issn = {1099-1654},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/immunology/virology/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy/immunology/virology ; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use ; Risk Factors ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Diabetes Complications ; Comorbidity ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a profound global impact. Diabetes mellitus is a major comorbidity associated with higher infection risk, severe disease, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. This review examines the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes, focussing on immunometabolic mechanisms, post-COVID metabolic effects, and therapeutic implications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published until May 2025 using the terms "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2," "diabetes," and "immunometabolism." Peer-reviewed studies addressing clinical, molecular, or therapeutic interactions between the two diseases were included. Evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection aggravates metabolic dysfunction through immune dysregulation, cytokine-mediated inflammation, and β-cell injury. Hyperglycemia promotes viral replication and inflammatory damage, creating a vicious cycle that worsens outcomes. Reports also indicate an increased risk of new-onset and post-COVID diabetes. Certain antidiabetic agents, such as metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists, may improve prognosis via anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. Diabetes significantly amplifies the severity of COVID-19 through intertwined metabolic and immune mechanisms. Understanding these interactions provides new insights into disease management and supports the development of targeted immunometabolic therapies for improving outcomes in diabetic patients affected by COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/immunology/virology/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy/immunology/virology
Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
Risk Factors
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Diabetes Complications
Comorbidity

@article {pmid41343284,
year = {2026},
author = {Arieli, M and Ngo, V and Jeyakumar, S and Balakumar, N and Baig, N and Nurgitz, M and Rotenberg, S},
title = {The Role of Information and Communication Technologies in Social Participation of Older Adults: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {The American journal of occupational therapy : official publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association},
volume = {80},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.5014/ajot.2025.051273},
pmid = {41343284},
issn = {0272-9490},
mesh = {Humans ; *Social Participation ; Aged ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Social Media ; *Information Technology ; Text Messaging ; Electronic Mail ; *Communication ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: Social participation is essential for healthy aging, supporting older adults' health and well-being. Although information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer promising opportunities, a focused summary of the literature on ICT use for social participation, a distinct aspect of digital engagement, has been lacking.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize existing literature on ICT use for social participation among older adults and identify gaps by examining study characteristics, ICT classifications, and associated health variables.

DATA SOURCES: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for quantitative, nonexperimental studies published from 2016 through 2024.

The authors followed the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology.

FINDINGS: Of 9,795 screened articles, 85 met the inclusion criteria. The number of relevant publications has increased over time, with nearly half (47.1%) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Modes of interaction included social media (72.4%), email (64.5%), text messaging (60.5%), and video calls (53.9%). Most studies assessed communication frequency with family and friends (72.9%), whereas fewer explored meeting new people online (7.1%) or the quality of online participation (5.9%). Social well-being (56.5%) and mental health (43.4%) were the most frequently examined health variables.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The growing body of research highlights ICTs' role in social participation in later life but reveals key gaps. Research on underrepresented populations, ICTs' potential for expanding social networks, and the quality of online participation remains limited. Inconsistent measurement practices hinder ability to draw conclusions. These gaps point to critical opportunities for future occupational therapy research and practice. Plain-Language Summary: Staying socially connected is important for older adults' health, well-being, and overall quality of life. This review explored how older adults use digital technologies, such as video calls, email, text messaging, and social media, to stay in touch and participate socially. Interest in these technologies has grown in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most research focused on communication with family and friends; fewer studies examined forming new relationships online or the quality of online interactions. Digital tools can reduce loneliness and support participation, particularly when in-person contact is limited. However, more research is needed to understand usage patterns and the adoption of these tools in daily life, especially among underrepresented groups. This knowledge can help occupational therapy practitioners better support older adults in using technology to promote meaningful social connections.},
}

Humans
*Social Participation
Aged
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Social Media
*Information Technology
Text Messaging
Electronic Mail
*Communication
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41341810,
year = {2025},
author = {Breckling, MN and Tobey-Moore, L and Parsons, A and Butera, M and Annichiarico, C and Ali, M},
title = {Telemedicine Use Among Older Adults During COVID-19: A Narrative Literature Review of Utilization Patterns.},
journal = {Telemedicine reports},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {371-381},
pmid = {41341810},
issn = {2692-4366},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: With the rapid expansion of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have emerged about equitable access for vulnerable populations, including older adults. This narrative literature review aims to examine patterns of telemedicine use among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States (U.S.).

METHODS: A comprehensive review of 55 articles published between 2020 and 2024 was conducted to analyze disparities in older adult telemedicine use around the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from electronic health records and medical claims data were compiled for analysis. Variations based on visit modalities, geographic regions and divisions, age categorization, and medical specialties were explored.

RESULTS: Most studies found lower use among older adults, with 23 reporting significantly reduced usage compared with younger groups. Only 11 showed higher use, while 12 found no difference or had inconclusive results, and 11 did not include an in-person comparison group. A total of 26 studies used a single cross-sectional design, and 29 used multiple cross-sectional designs. Research was primarily conducted in the Northeast and West, U.S., with most studies analyzing telephone, video, and in-person visits (n = 35) and electronic health record data (n = 48).

CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals persistent disparities in telemedicine use among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for research into contributing factors and targeted strategies to improve access. Policymakers should consider initiatives such as financial support, broadband expansion, and digital literacy programs to promote equity.},
}

@article {pmid41341037,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdollahzadeh Mirali, R and Ramazannia Toloti, SS and Bigdeli, Y and Ebrahimi, A and Roointanpour, Y and Ghasemi Gorji, M},
title = {Surgical and Endovascular Management of Aortic Thrombosis in COVID-19 and Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia.},
journal = {Vascular health and risk management},
volume = {21},
number = {},
pages = {1007-1016},
pmid = {41341037},
issn = {1178-2048},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis ; *Thrombosis/surgery/etiology/diagnosis/mortality/diagnostic imaging ; *Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects/mortality ; *Aortic Diseases/surgery/etiology/mortality/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Treatment Outcome ; Risk Factors ; Anticoagulants/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; *Thrombectomy/adverse effects/mortality ; *Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/diagnosis/etiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been associated with a hypercoagulable state, leading to various thrombotic complications, including aortic thrombosis, a rare but severe manifestation requiring surgical intervention. Additionally, vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), linked to adenoviral vector vaccines, presents unique surgical challenges due to a heightened risk of thrombosis and bleeding. This review focuses on the surgical management of COVID-19-associated aortic thrombosis and VITT-related large-vessel occlusions.

RESULTS: Surgical intervention in COVID-19-associated aortic thrombosis depends on thrombus burden, patient stability, and associated comorbidities. Open thrombectomy, aortic bypass, and hybrid endovascular techniques have been employed, with perioperative anticoagulation being critical to prevent recurrence. High thrombus burden cases often require open repair, while endovascular approaches are preferred in high-risk patients. Mortality rates remain elevated (up to 30%), with post-surgical complications including recurrent thrombosis and limb loss. In VITT cases, surgical revascularization is complicated by thrombocytopenia and a prothrombotic state, necessitating non-heparin anticoagulation and close hematologic monitoring. Delayed diagnosis and inappropriate anticoagulation significantly worsen outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The surgical management of aortic thrombosis in COVID-19 and VITT patients requires a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating vascular surgery, hematology, and intensive care. Early intervention with individualized surgical and anticoagulation strategies is crucial in optimizing outcomes. Further research is needed to refine surgical decision-making, improve postoperative anticoagulation protocols, and enhance patient survival in these complex thrombotic conditions.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/diagnosis
*Thrombosis/surgery/etiology/diagnosis/mortality/diagnostic imaging
*Endovascular Procedures/adverse effects/mortality
*Aortic Diseases/surgery/etiology/mortality/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
Treatment Outcome
Risk Factors
Anticoagulants/adverse effects/therapeutic use
*Thrombectomy/adverse effects/mortality
*Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/diagnosis/etiology

@article {pmid41341021,
year = {2025},
author = {Araújo, TP and Luz, GVDS and Gomes, MMF and Araújo, ALS and Silva, W},
title = {Changes on computed tomography in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Radiologia brasileira},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {e20250012},
pmid = {41341021},
issn = {0100-3984},
abstract = {The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was to estimate the prevalence of residual alterations in the lung parenchyma on computed tomography (CT) after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), correlating those alterations with the severity of the acute phase of the disease. We reviewed data related to adult patients evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the diagnosis of moderate-to-critical COVID-19. We performed structured searches of 14 databases, encompassing works published between January 2020 and January 2024. Thus, 44 primary studies were selected. Data on mild cases of COVID-19 were excluded, as were those related to assessment of the acute phase of the disease. The results were analyzed descriptively, and meta-analyses were conducted to estimate prevalence. The estimated prevalence of altered CT scans at post-diagnosis months 3, 6, and 12 was 69.0% (95% CI: 60.0-77.6%; I [2] = 86%; p < 0.001), 62.0% (95% CI: 52.0-71.5%; I [2] = 77%; p < 0.001), and 54.0% (95% CI: 40.0-67.5%; I [2] = 88%; p < 0.001), respectively. There was no correlation between severity of the acute phase and the persistence of alterations on CT in general. Among the CT scans acquired at post-diagnosis month 3, alterations indicative of fibrosis were observed in 22% (95% CI: 13-30%; I [2] = 85%; p < 0.001), and no reduction in that prevalence was observed at the subsequent time points (rho-s = 0.952; p < 0.000). The severity of the acute phase showed a positive correlation with the presence of lesions indicative of pulmonary fibrosis on CT scans acquired at 3 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid41338067,
year = {2025},
author = {Lei, Y and Xu, J and Ma, Y},
title = {The association between psychological distress and internet addiction: A systematic review and three-level meta-analysis.},
journal = {Clinical psychology review},
volume = {123},
number = {},
pages = {102684},
doi = {10.1016/j.cpr.2025.102684},
pmid = {41338067},
issn = {1873-7811},
abstract = {Internet addiction has emerged as a global public health concern, with psychological distress recognized as a key contributing factor. Numerous studies have investigated the association between psychological distress and Internet addiction; however, their findings have remained inconsistent, and the moderating factors influencing this relationship have not been comprehensively examined. To address these gaps, the present study conducted a three-level meta-analysis to systematically assess the association between psychological distress and Internet addiction, as well as to explore potential moderators. In total, 135 studies involving 263,780 participants and 632 effect sizes were identified by a systematic literature search. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between psychological distress and Internet addiction. Furthermore, several variables significantly moderated this relationship, including study design, publication year, COVID-19 pandemic context, gender, age group, educational stage, country, living arrangement, measurement of Internet addiction, dimensions of Internet addiction, and types of Internet addiction. These findings provide more comprehensive insights to understand the complex link between psychological distress and Internet addiction and offer theoretical guidance for the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41337665,
year = {2025},
author = {Filippo, LD and Terenzi, U and Giustina, A},
title = {Vitamin D in the elderly: the phil-rouge in preventing bone, muscle and adipose deterioration?.},
journal = {Archives of endocrinology and metabolism},
volume = {70},
number = {Spe1},
pages = {e250281},
pmid = {41337665},
issn = {2359-4292},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vitamin D Deficiency/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology ; *Vitamin D/therapeutic use/physiology/metabolism ; Aged ; *Sarcopenia/prevention & control/etiology ; *Adipose Tissue/metabolism ; *Aging/physiology ; },
abstract = {The pleiotropic role of vitamin D in human health has been implicated in modulating bone metabolism and other several extraskeletal areas, including muscle and adipose tissues regulation, and in influencing general and systemic outcomes. In the elderly, vitamin D deficiency is considered as an emerging public health issue affecting 40%-70% of older adults worldwide with higher rates occurring in institutionalized individuals or patients with multiple chronic comorbidities. The pathophysiology of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly is multifactorial and includes age-related reduced skin synthesis, limited sun exposure, declined renal and liver function, and long-term use of interfering medications. Given its pleiotropic effects, vitamin D deficiency in the elderly has been consistently associated with progressive bone deterioration and muscle and adipose dysfunctions, concurring to the occurrence of the osteosarcopenic obese phenotype. This multifaced deleterious scenario is strongly correlated with an increasing risk of fragility fractures, falls, functional and metabolic decline, all of which contribute to higher morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and screening with individualized criteria, targeted and personalized strategies for supplementation, and structured follow-up monitoring are required to reduce the clinically significant impact of vitamin D deficiency in this highly vulnerable population.},
}

Humans
*Vitamin D Deficiency/complications/epidemiology/physiopathology
*Vitamin D/therapeutic use/physiology/metabolism
Aged
*Sarcopenia/prevention & control/etiology
*Adipose Tissue/metabolism
*Aging/physiology

@article {pmid41334985,
year = {2025},
author = {McNulty, MA and Agosto, ER},
title = {Infection Risk From Humans and Animals in the Anatomy Laboratory: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Clinical anatomy (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ca.70049},
pmid = {41334985},
issn = {1098-2353},
abstract = {Whole-body dissection is a cornerstone of anatomy education. During and following the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to infectious agents and other risks of dissection were highlighted. To identify potential risks, one must have the data outlining these risks in specific situations. However, information regarding the risks of encountering an infectious pathogen in donors is not readily available for educators and anatomical programs and there are presently no universal guidelines for lowering the risk of exposure to such pathogens. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide information regarding infectious pathogens that one may encounter in the anatomy lab when engaging in dissection of both humans and animals, including zoonoses (e.g., rabies), blood-borne pathogens (e.g., HIV, HPV), and pathogens that pose a relatively less serious risk to the health of dissectors (e.g., fungal infections). A systematic and comprehensive search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ERIC databases without date restrictions was performed. When data were available, the prevalence of these pathogens within the worldwide population, viability in cadavers and the surrounding laboratory environment, and effects of formaldehyde fixation on pathogen infectivity are provided. This review also provides examples of mitigation methods and their effectiveness in reducing the risk of exposure to pathogens in the anatomy laboratory as published in the literature. A summary of potential toxicological hazards encountered in the lab is also included. Overall, this scoping review charts existing literature to provide information that anatomy programs worldwide can utilize to identify potential risks and identify mitigation methods to reduce such risks while dissecting.},
}

@article {pmid41334208,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, HK and Ryu, B and Yoo, MG and Kim, J and Min, KD},
title = {[Analysis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Prediction Studies in the Republic of Korea].},
journal = {Jugan geon-gang gwa jilbyeong},
volume = {18},
number = {34},
pages = {1261-1276},
pmid = {41334208},
issn = {2586-0860},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: During the initial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), numerous predictive studies were conducted amid high uncertainty regarding the characteristics of the virus, and the study results were considered in the policymaking process.

METHODS: This study systematically analyzed research papers that predicted the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Korea. Focusing on 138 studies published between 2020 and October 15, 2024, it examined the data and methodologies employed and explored ways to enhance the utility of predictive outcomes in managing infectious disease outbreaks.

RESULTS: These methodologies included mathematical models, statistical models, and machine learning-based approaches to predict COVID-19 spread patterns. Beyond forecasting future outbreak trends, these predictive models were also instrumental in evaluating existing measures and proposing effective policies through scenario-based assumptions.

CONCLUSIONS: This study's findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in developing predictive models to effectively prepare for and respond to infectious diseases. By doing so, it aims to minimize the public health impacts of infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41333612,
year = {2025},
author = {Pan, Q and Sun, Y and Bai, H and Wang, W and Liu, B and Li, M and Gao, A and Zheng, D and Jiang, W and Hu, H and Zhang, H and Xiang, Y and Wei, Z and Zheng, L},
title = {Design of Mucosal Vaccines Against Swine Enteric Coronaviruses: From Antigen Delivery to Immune Activation.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {3230453},
pmid = {41333612},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Viral Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *Swine Diseases/prevention & control/virology/immunology ; *Immunity, Mucosal ; *Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/immunology/virology ; *Coronavirus/immunology ; Antigens, Viral/immunology/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Swine enteric coronaviruses (SeCoVs) cause acute enteritis and high mortality in neonatal piglets, posing a significant threat to the swine industry. Injectable vaccines often fail to induce effective mucosal immunity, and their efficacy is further compromised by maternally derived antibodies. Oral and intranasal mucosal vaccines offer promising alternatives, enabling localized and durable protection. This review summarizes recent advances in mucosal vaccines against SeCoVs, focusing on antigen delivery platforms and mucosal immune activation. Novel antigen delivery platforms, including nanoparticles (NPs), hydrogels, engineered probiotics, recombinant viral vectors, and eukaryotic expression systems, have improved antigen stability and facilitated transport across the epithelium to mucosal inductive sites. Moreover, targeting strategies that focus on microfold cells (M cells) and dendritic cells (DCs) enhance antigen uptake and presentation. These delivery systems promote mucosal immune activation by inducing secretory IgA (sIgA), maintaining Th1/Th2 balance, and promoting the generation of T and B cells. In addition, the incorporation of adjuvants further strengthens these responses, resulting in more robust and durable protection. By synergistically integrating advanced mucosal vaccine delivery systems with rational adjuvant strategies, this review provides theoretical and practical perspectives for the development of safe, effective, and broadly protective mucosal vaccines targeting SeCoVs infections.},
}

Animals
Swine
*Viral Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*Swine Diseases/prevention & control/virology/immunology
*Immunity, Mucosal
*Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/immunology/virology
*Coronavirus/immunology
Antigens, Viral/immunology/administration & dosage

@article {pmid41333533,
year = {2026},
author = {Cheng, EY and Mirzaei, A},
title = {Is COVID-19 infection an independent etiologic factor in osteonecrosis development beyond corticosteroid exposure?.},
journal = {Journal of orthopaedics},
volume = {72},
number = {},
pages = {27-32},
pmid = {41333533},
issn = {0972-978X},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: An increased incidence of non-traumatic osteonecrosis has been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corticosteroid therapy, particularly dexamethasone, has often been implicated as a major risk factor. However, emerging evidence suggests that the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis in COVID-19 patients may extend beyond corticosteroid exposure.

HYPOTHESIS: COVID-19 infection itself may serve as an independent etiologic factor in osteonecrosis, with virus-induced pathogenic mechanisms synergizing with corticosteroid exposure to heighten risk, even at lower doses and shorter treatment durations.

METHODS: This review synthesizes available literature on COVID-19, corticosteroid therapy, and osteonecrosis pathogenesis. Evidence from clinical observations, mechanistic studies, and prior models of corticosteroid-induced osteonecrosis were examined to identify overlapping and distinct pathways contributing to disease development.

RESULTS: Findings indicate that COVID-19 and corticosteroids converge on common pathogenic pathways-lipid dysregulation, impaired bone homeostasis, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulopathy. COVID-19 additionally promotes osteonecrosis through cytokine storm-driven inflammation. The combined effects of viral infection and corticosteroid therapy amplify disease risk, explaining reported cases of osteonecrosis even under reduced corticosteroid exposure.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 may represent an independent etiologic factor for osteonecrosis, with intrinsic viral effects potentiating the impact of corticosteroids. Recognition of this dual risk underscores the need for preventive and therapeutic strategies tailored to COVID-19-associated osteonecrosis.},
}

@article {pmid41333147,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahn, YJ and Jung, C and Rhee, JE and Kim, EJ},
title = {[Overview of PCR-based Diagnostic Assays for Emerging Infectious Disease Pathogens].},
journal = {Jugan geon-gang gwa jilbyeong},
volume = {18},
number = {45},
pages = {1813-1832},
pmid = {41333147},
issn = {2586-0860},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Continuous genetic variation in pathogens enhances their infectious potential and promotes the emergence of infectious disease outbreaks, highlighting the need for diagnostic technologies capable of broad-range detection. Herein, we introduce pan-polymerase chain reaction (pan-PCR) and multiplex PCR assays to identify the causative agents of emerging or unknown infectious diseases.

METHODS: To introduce the research, development, and practical applications of pan-PCR and multiplex PCR assays for pathogen diagnosis, a comprehensive review was conducted. The review focused on recent domestic and international institutional reports and academic literature on public health and PCR-based diagnostic methods. Literature published since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic was included.

RESULTS: Both technologies have been recognized as core diagnostic approaches to effectively respond to emerging and unknown infectious diseases. Pan-PCR uses conserved gene regions for the initial screening of unknown pathogens, whereas multiplex PCR is used to simultaneously identify specific pathogens, including co-infection cases. These two technologies could be utilized complementarily to identify the causative agents of emerging infectious diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: Pan-PCR and multiplex PCR show promise as key diagnostic platforms to facilitate proactive responses in the face of infectious disease threats in the future. The simultaneous use of both technologies, capitalizing on their respective strengths in versatility and specificity, is likely to improve diagnostic capabilities for emerging or unknown infectious diseases and strengthen public health surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid41332800,
year = {2024},
author = {Lee, JH and Park, HJ and Yi, H and Chung, YS},
title = {[Application and Significance of Wastewater-based Pathogen Monitoring in Infectious Disease Surveillance: Insights from International Case Studies].},
journal = {Jugan geon-gang gwa jilbyeong},
volume = {17},
number = {48},
pages = {2134-2146},
pmid = {41332800},
issn = {2586-0860},
abstract = {Wastewater-based monitoring of pathogens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has emerged as a highly effective tool for infectious disease surveillance systems. Wastewater surveillance systems can detect emerging infectious diseases or new viral variants in a community earlier than hospital-based clinical surveillance systems, thereby preventing the spread of infections. In particular, it provides a foundation for rapid response to variants with higher transmissibility and virulence. This study aims to examine how wastewater-based pathogen surveillance can be applied to monitor pathogen mutations through case studies from various countries worldwide. Moreover, wastewater surveillance is more cost-effective than mass testing in areas with low clinical testing rates and large populations. Genomic analysis of wastewater can detect several pathogens that may not be captured by clinical surveillance, thereby providing critical information for predicting the emergence of potential variants. In conclusion, wastewater-based pathogen surveillance is a valuable tool in public health management to respond to infectious diseases. It enables the monitoring of infectious disease spread and pathogen mutation trends. In addition, it can function as an early warning system through the analysis of wastewater from communities.},
}

@article {pmid41331990,
year = {2025},
author = {Haensler, J and Even, L and Wils, P and Bensaid, F and Dias, A and Deng, H and Karve, S and DeRosa, F},
title = {Not so cold! Improving the thermostability of mRNA vaccines.},
journal = {Expert review of vaccines},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {1149-1162},
doi = {10.1080/14760584.2025.2596674},
pmid = {41331990},
issn = {1744-8395},
mesh = {*COVID-19 Vaccines/chemistry/immunology/administration & dosage ; Drug Stability ; Humans ; *Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/chemistry ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *mRNA Vaccines/chemistry ; *RNA, Messenger/chemistry/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: One of the biggest challenges in the mRNA-LNP vaccine field is product stabilization to overcome the logistical hurdles linked to the ultra-cold distribution chain associated with first-generation mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Despite recent progress in the field, many R&D efforts remain focused on the development of mRNA-LNP vaccines that would be as stable as liquid formulations for storage at refrigerated or room temperatures.

AREAS COVERED: After an overview of the underlying mechanisms of mRNA-LNP instability, this review provides an update on the different approaches that are currently explored to improve mRNA-LNP thermostability, encompassing mRNA sequence optimization, nucleotide modification and mRNA-LNP design strategies as well as formulation process optimization. Alternative approaches for mRNA-LNP stabilization such as lyophilization, dual-vial formulations and the replacement of water with deep eutectic solvents in the mRNA-LNP process and products are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION: Achieving robust thermostability of mRNA vaccines will require a multifactorial optimization strategy, integrating advances in sequence engineering, novel formulation designs, buffer composition, excipient selection and manufacturing processes.},
}

*COVID-19 Vaccines/chemistry/immunology/administration & dosage
Drug Stability
Humans
*Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/chemistry
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*mRNA Vaccines/chemistry
*RNA, Messenger/chemistry/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Temperature

@article {pmid41331441,
year = {2025},
author = {Iseme-Ondiek, R and Ogero, M and Odhiambo, R and Barr, BT and Kabudula, C and Bashingwa, JJH and Ngugi, AK},
title = {Pre- and during -COVID-19 pandemic mortality trends and drivers in rural, coastal Kenya: findings from the Kaloleni-Rabai Health and Demographic Surveillance System.},
journal = {Population health metrics},
volume = {23},
number = {Suppl 2},
pages = {69},
pmid = {41331441},
issn = {1478-7954},
support = {INV-030309/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; INV-050361//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/mortality/epidemiology ; Kenya/epidemiology ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; *Rural Population/statistics & numerical data ; *Mortality/trends ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Population Surveillance ; Aged ; Pandemics ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Infant ; Cohort Studies ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is contradicting information regarding the effect of COVID-19 on mortality in African settings. Knowledge of the complete direct and indirect burden of COVID-19 on mortality is heavily reliant on the availability of a population-based surveillance system. Here we provide robust data on the effect of COVID-19 on mortality trends in a rural, coastal, Kenyan community.

METHODS: A historical cohort study using data from the Kaloleni Rabai Health and Demographic Surveillance System was conducted with special focus on two discernible time periods representing the pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) and COVID-19 (2020-2021) periods. Mortality rates were estimated as the total number of deaths divided by the person-time (years) at risk, accounting for attrition, and calculated separately for the two periods. A cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on mortality.

RESULTS: 1191 deaths occurred between 2018 and 2021. There was no significant change in overall mortality rates between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods (3.7 and 3.6 per 1000 person years at risk respectively, p = 0.74). Older age was significantly associated with mortality (a_HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.05-1.06; p < 0.001). However, an interaction term between age and time-period appeared to reverse this association (a_HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.99-1.00; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that although overall COVID-19 did not directly impact mortality rates within this rural population, the onset of the pandemic did appear to reverse and/or attenuate the impact of several risk factors on mortality. It is possible that COVID-19 brought health and wellness into sharp focus, making people more vigilant about their health, hygiene and associated preventive measures.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/mortality/epidemiology
Kenya/epidemiology
Male
Female
Adult
Middle Aged
*Rural Population/statistics & numerical data
*Mortality/trends
Adolescent
Young Adult
SARS-CoV-2
Population Surveillance
Aged
Pandemics
Child
Child, Preschool
Proportional Hazards Models
Infant
Cohort Studies

@article {pmid41331333,
year = {2025},
author = {Alsaikhan, F and Farhood, B},
title = {Phytochemical-Based Immunomodulation: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Viral Infections.},
journal = {Phytotherapy research : PTR},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ptr.70143},
pmid = {41331333},
issn = {1099-1573},
support = {PSAU/2024/03/30823//Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University/ ; },
abstract = {Viral diseases, whether pandemic, endemic, or epidemic, are a leading cause of global mortality and disability. Consequently, developing effective viral inhibitors is a critical public health priority. Beyond antiviral drugs, a promising therapeutic strategy involves using immunomodulators, which are antiviral agents that enhance the host's immune system against infection. Phytochemicals (PCHs) derived from plants exhibit diverse bioactive properties, including significant antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Notably, PCHs have attracted considerable attention due to their broad-spectrum inhibitory actions against numerous viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, hepatitis viruses, and herpes viruses. Recent research has shown how PCHs may target specific signaling pathways implicated in a cytokine storm, a potentially fatal clinical syndrome characterized by an excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cell activation. Numerous studies have investigated the immunomodulatory effects of PCHs on immune function, specifically their ability to regulate key cellular and molecular interactions within the immune system. Additionally, by modulating host immunity, PCHs can enhance the antiviral response. Furthermore, these substances interfere with complex cellular signaling networks, emphasizing their efficacy in preventing viral infections. This review examines the significant and advanced mechanisms PCHs influence immune function during viral illnesses. We subsequently evaluate the potential applications of PCHs as immunomodulatory agents for treating viral infections and discuss their current clinical limitations.},
}

@article {pmid41329625,
year = {2025},
author = {Ben-Shoshan, D and Rodriguez-Imbarlina, M and Singer, A and Abrams, E and Protudjer, JLP},
title = {Transforming Access to Asthma Care in Underserved Communities- A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International archives of allergy and immunology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1159/000549580},
pmid = {41329625},
issn = {1423-0097},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a complex chronic illness with significant morbidity and costs that can be prevented by effective management. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced large-scale changes in healthcare delivery from in-person, to virtual delivery, providing the opportunity to explore telemedicine and asthma management. We aimed to conduct a scoping review on telemedicine and asthma management and accessibility to treatment in underserved population groups.

METHODS: We performed a scoping review per the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Search terms included asthma, telehealth, telemedicine, virtual care. Searches were performed on four databases (OVID Medline; CINAHL; World of Science; Embase) in publications from 2010 onward, followed by double-blinded, full-text screening using Covidence.

RESULTS: Our initial search yielded 811 articles, of which after de-duplication and abstract screening, 171 articles remained. We adjusted our inclusion criteria to include articles which discussed asthma telemedicine accessibility only in underserved/vulnerable patient cohorts. Based on these articles, we stratified results into main population categories. These categories were found to be "rural communities" (n=3); "lower-income rural communities" (n=2); "non-rural populations, lower-income" (n=1); "Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC) patient populations "(n=4); "English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) patients" (n=1). Each article was placed in its own, respective category and was not repeated in more than one category. Most articles (n=9, 69%) reported a positive association between telehealth use however with reported barriers such as the "digital divide" (n=3, 21%).

CONCLUSION: While telemedicine may have a positive effect on asthma care, inaccessibility continues to persist as barriers are not fully bridged by telemedicine.},
}

@article {pmid41328522,
year = {2025},
author = {Powis, M and Ali, A and Salmini, J and Hack, S and Fazelzad, R and Barbara, L and Berlin, A and Cheung, M and DeVera, M and Edwards, A and McTaggart-Cowan, H and Olson, R and Peacock, S and Sayani, A and Singh, S and Krzyzanowska, MK},
title = {Virtual Care, What Are We Measuring and What Should We Measure? Scoping Review of Reviews.},
journal = {Journal of medical Internet research},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e65312},
doi = {10.2196/65312},
pmid = {41328522},
issn = {1438-8871},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Telemedicine ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Virtual care is here to stay; however, there remains no comprehensive measurement framework to guide evaluation of its impacts, to inform policy decisions, and to support optimization of practice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of reviews to synthesize measures related to virtual care evaluation across clinical conditions and contexts to identify gaps in current evaluation measures and to inform the development of recommendations for future work.

METHODS: Citations published from 2015 to 2023 were retrieved from MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Emcare, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science using search terms grouped by key concepts (virtual care and evaluation or quality measurement). Measures were defined as any quantitative or qualitative evaluation of performance or impact of virtual care on processes, outcomes, or systems. Articles were excluded if they were not a literature review (eg, primary results, commentaries, letters, protocols), dealt exclusively with pediatric populations, were published in a language other than English, or were abstracts only. Measures from retained articles (1233) were thematically grouped against the Proctor Implementation Research Outcomes framework. The study was reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline extension for scoping reviews.

RESULTS: There has been substantial growth in the virtual care literature, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of articles (900/1233, 73.0%) evaluated client outcomes, including satisfaction with virtual care, usability or functionality of platforms, or clinical outcomes. Relative to the other domains of the Proctor framework, implementation measures were poorly defined, and many of the measures were proxy rather than direct measures. Despite the potential impacts of virtual care on health equity, most studies examining health equity were purely qualitative. Measures of safety, privacy, and security of virtual care were sparse and poorly defined. Caregivers play an important role in facilitating virtual visits and providing informal technical support; however, few studies examined implementation or satisfaction with virtual care from the perspective of caregivers. Additionally, clinician experience and acceptance of virtual care have implications for availability and adoption; however, relative to patients, few articles examined this perspective.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights gaps in current evaluations of virtual care. Work is needed to improve the quality and standardization of virtual care evaluation to ensure reproducibility, generalizability, and comparability of findings. Additionally, compliance with existing measure definitions and conventions should extend to virtual care. Finally, additional theoretical work is needed to standardize and conceptually frame future virtual care evaluations. Future studies should include both the caregiver and clinician as unique perspectives in evaluations and should embed systematic evaluations of the impact of social determinants of health on virtual care access, adoption, and perceptions of care.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Telemedicine
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41326937,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, MQC and Wang, S and Lin, SR and Ting, LEN and Wan, ZH and Xie, G and Zhang, J},
title = {Advantages and Limitations of AlphaFold in Structural Biology: Insights from Recent Studies.},
journal = {The protein journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41326937},
issn = {1875-8355},
abstract = {Over the past three years, AlphaFold-a deep learning-based protein structure prediction system-has transformed structural biology by providing near-experimental accuracy models directly from amino acid sequences. This narrative review synthesizes applications reported in the 2022-2025 literature across human, microbial, and viral systems, drawing on peer-reviewed studies as our data source. Representative examples include modeling of SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins in virology, assisting cryo-EM interpretation of bacterial ribosomal and membrane-protein complexes in microbiology, and refining conformational hypotheses for human GPCRs in biomedicine. Across these cases, AlphaFold predictions have complemented experimental workflows by accelerating hypothesis generation, improving model fitting within ambiguous density regions (poorly resolved areas of cryo-EM maps), and guiding mutagenesis strategies to probe dynamic conformational states. We also summarize recent method extensions: AlphaFold-Multimer improves multi-chain complex assembly prediction, while molecular dynamics (MD) simulations augment AlphaFold's static models by sampling conformational flexibility and testing stability. Despite these advances, important limitations remain-particularly for intrinsically disordered regions, protein-ligand and protein-cofactor interactions, and very large or transient assemblies-and current community benchmarks indicate that approximately one-third of residues may lack atomistic precision, underscoring uncertainty in flexible or modified segments. Framed within a clear chronological window and evidence base, our analysis highlights both the practical impact and the remaining challenges of integrating AlphaFold with experiment, outlining priorities where further methodological innovation and orthogonal validation are needed.},
}

@article {pmid41325621,
year = {2025},
author = {Soumare, A and Kapfer, T and Botrel, T and Adda, L and Renaux, M and Blot, PL and Constantin, JM and James, A and Braïk, R},
title = {Systemic Corticosteroids, Mortality, and Infections in Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-25-03055},
pmid = {41325621},
issn = {1539-3704},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The benefit-risk profile of systemic corticosteroids in non-COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains debated.

PURPOSE: To assess corticosteroid effects on mortality and infection-related complications in adults with severe pneumonia or ARDS.

DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform through September 2025.

STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing systemic corticosteroids with placebo and usual care. Primary analysis: severe pneumonia or ARDS with corticosteroids 3 mg/kg[-1] of body weight per day[-1] or less (prednisone-equivalent) for 15 days or less, initiated within 7 days.

DATA EXTRACTION: Paired reviewers; consensus for disagreements.

DATA SYNTHESIS: From 16 831 screened records, 20 studies (15 severe pneumonia, 5 ARDS) including 3459 participants met criteria. Low-dose, short-course corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality in severe pneumonia (15 studies, 2445 participants; risk ratio [RR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.93]; I [2 ]= 14%; moderate certainty) and ARDS (5 studies, 1014 participants; RR, 0.77 [CI, 0.61 to 0.99]; I [2 ]= 23%; moderate certainty). Corticosteroids may reduce secondary shock in severe pneumonia (9 studies, 1690 participants; RR, 0.49 [CI, 0.26 to 0.92]; I [2 ]= 55%; low certainty). They probably result in little to no difference in hospital-acquired infections (severe pneumonia: 7 studies, 1665 participants; RR, 0.99 [CI, 0.82 to 1.20]; I [2 ]= 0%; moderate certainty; ARDS: 4 studies, 677 participants; RR, 0.97 [CI, 0.59 to 1.59]; I [2 ]= 0%; low certainty) or secondary pneumonia (severe pneumonia: 4 studies, 1011 participants; RR, 0.96 [CI, 0.66 to 1.39]; I [2 ]= 0%; ARDS: 4 studies, 677 participants; RR, 0.88 [CI, 0.43 to 1.79]; I [2 ]= 0%; both low certainty). Evidence is very uncertain for catheter-related and bloodstream infections. Long-term mortality evidence is very uncertain for severe pneumonia.

LIMITATION: Heterogeneous pneumonia severity classification limiting subgroup precision.

CONCLUSION: In severe pneumonia and ARDS, adjunct corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality. In severe pneumonia, they may reduce secondary shock. In both conditions, corticosteroids may have little or no effect on hospital-acquired infections.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None. (PROSPERO: CRD42024536301).},
}

@article {pmid41325566,
year = {2025},
author = {Malagón-Rojas, J and Chen, K},
title = {Health effects of wildfire PM2.5 in Latin American cities: A rapid systematic review and comparative synthesis.},
journal = {Biomedica : revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud},
volume = {45},
number = {Sp. 2},
pages = {41-55},
doi = {10.7705/biomedica.8068},
pmid = {41325566},
issn = {2590-7379},
mesh = {Humans ; Latin America/epidemiology ; *Particulate Matter/adverse effects/toxicity/analysis ; *Wildfires ; *Air Pollutants/adverse effects ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Cities ; *Smoke/adverse effects ; Urban Health ; Air Pollution/adverse effects ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality/etiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Wildfire activity is intensifying in Latin America due to climate and land-use changes, but the health impacts of wildfire-derived PM2.5 in urban areas remain poorly quantified and recognized.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence on wildfire-related PM2.5 and its association with mortality and morbidity in Latin American cities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines, using data from PubMed, Scopus, and Bireme. One reviewer independently screened 163 articles and extracted data from 14 eligible studies. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS: Most studies were conducted in Brazil (n = 12) and used time-series or modelling designs to estimate health risks. Wildfire-specific PM2.5 exposure was associated with allcause, cardiovascular, and respiratory mortality. Reported effect estimates ranged from 1.7 to 7.7% increases in risk per 10 μg/m³ of exposure. Other studies assessed preterm birth, COVID-19 outcomes, and site-specific cancers. While two studies provided harmonized RR estimates for all-cause mortality, high heterogeneity and methodological differences prevented formal meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION: Wildfire smoke contributes measurably to premature mortality in Latin America, but current evidence is unevenly distributed across regions, time periods, and population subgroups. Studies rarely capture the disproportionate risks faced by indigenous and rural communities or the intraurban disparities linked to poverty and geography. Future research should focus on the health burden of morbidity linked to wildfire PM2.5.},
}

Humans
Latin America/epidemiology
*Particulate Matter/adverse effects/toxicity/analysis
*Wildfires
*Air Pollutants/adverse effects
COVID-19/epidemiology
Cities
*Smoke/adverse effects
Urban Health
Air Pollution/adverse effects
Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality/etiology

@article {pmid41324875,
year = {2025},
author = {Vargas-Zambrano, JC and Abrudan, S and Macina, D},
title = {Understanding the Epidemiology and Contributing Factors of Post-COVID-19 Pertussis Outbreaks: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Infectious diseases and therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41324875},
issn = {2193-8229},
abstract = {Pertussis or whooping cough, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Over the past century, whole-cell pertussis (wP) and acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines were developed and widely adopted, leading to a substantial reduction in the number of pertussis cases. Currently, various strategies are employed to protect different segments of the population, including primary immunization, toddler and school-age boosters, adult boosters, and vaccination in pregnancy (ViP). Nonetheless, pertussis remains a global health challenge with periodic outbreaks occurring every 2-5 years. The non-pharmacological measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a drastic reduction in the circulation of B. pertussis. However, post-pandemic, there has been a resurgence in pertussis cases. This review aims to explore the post-pandemic global pertussis outbreaks and identify underlying trends to gain insights into the potential contributing factors. As of June 2025, pertussis outbreaks with diverse epidemiological patterns have been reported in at least 42 countries, including 30 aP and 12 wP vaccine-using countries. Some common observations among these countries include low infant immunization rates and an absence of vaccination programs for specific populations such as school-aged children, adults, and pregnant individuals. Additionally, in countries with extensive immunization schedules and high vaccination uptake, outbreaks have occurred in regions with low vaccination coverage rates (VCRs). Multiple interrelated factors may have contributed to the post-pandemic pertussis outbreaks, such as the cyclic epidemiology of pertussis, low VCR, waning vaccine-derived immunity, low uptake of boosters, and lack of lifelong protection through regular boosters. To effectively mitigate the incidence of pertussis outbreaks, it is crucial to administer regular booster vaccinations throughout an individual's lifetime, with particular emphasis on at-risk populations and pregnant individuals. A Graphical Abstract is available for this article.},
}

@article {pmid41324846,
year = {2025},
author = {Jing, S and Meng, H and Dong, C and Li, B},
title = {Therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of isorhamnetin against pulmonary diseases.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41324846},
issn = {1568-5608},
support = {20220303001SF//Department of Science and Technology of Jilin Province/ ; },
abstract = {Pulmonary diseases are still a serious threat to human health today, particularly in light of the recent rise of novel viruses such as SARS, influenza A, and COVID-19, which have made the situation even more dire by worsening the disease's effects on global public health. Isorhamnetin (ISO), as the active component of many medicinal plants and preparations, exhibits good antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. ISO has been proven to have both preventive and treatment efficacy against pulmonary diseases. This review summarizes the effects of ISO in different pulmonary diseases, including COVID-19, pneumonia, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung cancer, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis, highlighting its specific molecular mechanisms against various pulmonary diseases, which is helpful for providing new perspectives on the preclinical trial and clinical application of ISO.},
}

@article {pmid41324110,
year = {2025},
author = {Issa, M and Lagare, A and Bachir, GAM and Bowo-Ngandji, A and Hassane, F and Magagi, LH and Mahamadou, D and Seini, H and Adehossi, E and Zoubeirou, AM},
title = {Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemiology During and After Covid-19 Pandemic in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {e71583},
pmid = {41324110},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major agent of acute respiratory infections in children and the elderly. RSV epidemiology has been changed by the since Covid-19 pandemic and this review aimed to assess the extent of this change in Africa.

METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and Africa Index Medicus for studies reporting RSV epidemiology during and after the pandemic. We assessed heterogeneity using the I² statistic and evaluated study quality with the Hoy et al. checklist for prevalence studies. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger test. Pooled estimates of prevalence and incidence were calculated using a random-effects model. Analyses were stratified by pandemic era.

RESULTS: Nineteen studies from 12 African countries, including 53,550 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of RSV infection was 13.0% (95% CI 9.5-17.1), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 99.2% [99.1-99.3]). The Egger test showed no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.745). Prevalence was highest in children (29.8% [18.8-42.1]) compared with all-age populations (5.9%; p < 0.001), and in hospitalized patients compared with outpatients (21.3% vs. 11.3%; p < 0.001). In the post-pandemic period, prevalence rose significantly to 30.6% (12.4-52.5), compared with 8.8% (3.7-15.7) during the pandemic (p = 0.071). The overall incidence of RSV infection was 3.0 per 1000 (1.8-4.2) person-year.

CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights a marked resurgence of RSV in Africa following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, particularly among children. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened RSV surveillance, targeted prevention strategies, and expanded access to new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.},
}

@article {pmid41323193,
year = {2025},
author = {Papadopoulos, A and Duerden, EG},
title = {Coping styles, strategies and psychological distress amongst perinatal individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a rapid review.},
journal = {Frontiers in global women's health},
volume = {6},
number = {},
pages = {1666741},
pmid = {41323193},
issn = {2673-5059},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Perinatal individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing psychological distress, which often manifests in a combination of co-occurring symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of psychological distress experienced by perinatal women dramatically increased, in some cases doubling or even tripling. This increase is concerning as psychological distress can impact the health and wellbeing of mothers and their offspring, including an offspring's neurocognitive, physical, mental, and socio-emotional development. The strategies a perinatal individual uses to cope with psychological distress are modifiable and, therefore, can be targeted to help improve outcomes for mothers and their offspring.

METHODS: This rapid review describes and synthesizes the literature related to coping with perinatal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review included twenty-four cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS: Perinatal individuals reported using various coping strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, including social strategies (e.g., connecting with others); physical strategies (e.g., exercising); cognitive strategies (e.g., positive re-appraisal); and spiritual strategies (e.g., prayer). An avoidant style of coping and its accompanying behaviours, including disengagement, substance use, and distraction via screen time/social media use, were significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Strategies associated with lower levels of psychological distress included sleep and social support.

DISCUSSION: Future studies should address the impact of technology on coping and the long-term impact of coping styles used during the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of mothers and their offspring. Although this rapid review centered on the COVID-19 context, its findings are broadly relevant to women worldwide who continue to experience prolonged stressors such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.},
}

@article {pmid41322938,
year = {2025},
author = {Aldaher, H and Alsaadi, FA and Bashier, S and Ali, A},
title = {Home-Based Visual Field Monitoring Devices in Glaucoma Management: A Review of Current Evidence and Barriers to Adoption.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {10},
pages = {e95680},
pmid = {41322938},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Glaucoma, which is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, along with many other conditions, relies on visual field testing, which is crucial for diagnosing, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development of home-based visual field monitoring tools within telemedicine. This review summarizes the current evidence on these devices, compares them to standard automated perimetry, and discusses barriers to adoption and future directions for clinical integration.},
}

@article {pmid41321786,
year = {2025},
author = {Wan, C and Tang, H and Zhu, YT and He, FF and Zhang, C},
title = {Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Vulnerabilities, Interventions, and Vaccination Strategies in Kidney Replacement Therapy Populations.},
journal = {Kidney diseases (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {684-694},
pmid = {41321786},
issn = {2296-9381},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although the World Health Organization no longer classifies coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a global health emergency, its long-term sequelae continue to affect survivors physically, psychologically, and socially.

SUMMARY: This review focuses on a vulnerable population - patients receiving kidney replacement therapy (KRT) - and summarizes their COVID-19-associated epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, clinical outcomes, interventions, and vaccination challenges.

KEY MESSAGES: KRT patients faced markedly higher severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection risks, atypical clinical presentations, and high mortality rates. Specialized management strategies for patients on KRT were recommended. COVID-19 vaccination formed the cornerstone of controlling COVID-19 but also raised concerns over its long-term safety and immunogenicity profiles.},
}

@article {pmid41321678,
year = {2025},
author = {Macheka, L and Kanter, R and Lawrence, M and Dernini, S and Naja, F and Oenema, S},
title = {Sustainable diets: where from and where to?.},
journal = {Journal of nutritional science},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e78},
pmid = {41321678},
issn = {2048-6790},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diet ; *Food Supply ; *Sustainable Development ; *Diet, Healthy ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Nutrition Policy ; Public Health ; Diet, Mediterranean ; Culture ; },
abstract = {The multilevel dimensions of sustainable diets associating food systems, public health, environmental sustainability, and culture are presented in this paper. It begins by defining sustainable diets as those that are healthful, have low environmental impacts, are affordable, and culturally acceptable. The discussion includes the history of research on sustainable diets, from initial studies focused on environmental impacts to more recent, comprehensive frameworks that integrate affordability, cultural relevance, and nutritional adequacy as key dimensions of diet sustainability. In addition, the paper highlights recent innovations, such as the Planetary Health Diet of EAT-Lancet and the SHARP model, and the conflicts and optimum trade-offs between sustainability and nutrition, particularly within low- and middle-income countries. Case descriptions of Mediterranean Diet with a focus on Traditional Lebanese Diet, and African Indigenous Foods demonstrate culturally confined dietary patterns associated with sustainability objectives. These examples show that sustainable diets are not a single set of prescriptions, but a series of multiple pathways that are shaped by local food environments, ecological belts, and sociocultural heritages. The paper also describes major policy and governance activities necessary to promote sustainable diets. Finally, the paper addresses measurement challenges and advocates for better indicator options to measure sustainable food systems in all their facets and for participatory and context-specific approaches. The discussion concludes that fairer and culturally diverse inclusion strategies, system change, and political determination are imperative in achieving sustainable diets. Diets able to sustain are posited as agents capable of driving the 2030 agenda, enhancing planetary health and social integrity.},
}

Humans
*Diet
*Food Supply
*Sustainable Development
*Diet, Healthy
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Nutrition Policy
Public Health
Diet, Mediterranean
Culture

@article {pmid41321431,
year = {2025},
author = {Honeyman, DA and Heslop, DJ and Lim, S and MacIntyre, CR},
title = {Chemical Warfare Through the Ages: A Systematic Review From Antiquity to the Present.},
journal = {Journal of toxicology},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {7363632},
pmid = {41321431},
issn = {1687-8191},
abstract = {Chemical warfare means the use of chemical agents that have direct toxic effects on animals, plants and humans, as weapons. The first documented use of a chemical agent for warfare purposes occurred in ancient times around 10,000 BCE in South Africa when weapons were dipped in chemicals and then used to attack and defend from enemies. However, much of the evidence lacks detail to provide thorough accounts of such events. Nevertheless, we aimed to systematically gather the most comprehensive account of all publicly known incidents involving chemical weapons throughout history. We identified 121 instances of chemical weapon use between 10,000 BCE and October 2023 spanning 49 countries and causing at minimum 2,110,360 injuries and 2,930,769 deaths. Across the 121 incidents, at least 165 chemical agents were used. Of the known chemical agents, the top three were sulphur mustard (n = 16, 12.1%), hydrogen cyanide (n = 12, 7.3%) and chlorine gas (n = 11, 6.7%). Of the known chemical classes, the top three used were vesicants (blistering agents) (n = 31, 18.8%), choking (pulmonary) agents (n = 18, 10.9%) and nerve agents (n = 18, 10.9%). If a chemical agent was not reported, the chemical class was reported as unknown (n = 35, 21.2%). A small number of chemical weapons were used that fell outside of the main categories of agents (n = 20, 12.1%). Chemical weapons remain a serious concern locally and globally, and there are few data on the global epidemiology of such incidents. Prevention, early detection and rapid response are key and can be enabled by global surveillance for chemical incidents.},
}

@article {pmid41321157,
year = {2025},
author = {Aamir, J and Afridi, MK and Sajid, M and Khan, TM and Qureshi, S and Ahmed, R and Fonarow, GC and Minhas, AMK and Waqas, SA},
title = {Obesity mortality on the rise: A 54-year US perspective.},
journal = {Diabetes, obesity & metabolism},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/dom.70342},
pmid = {41321157},
issn = {1463-1326},
abstract = {Obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern in the US over the past five decades. This study analyses obesity mortality trends from 1968 to 2021, focusing on disparities across age, sex, race, and geographic regions. This population-based descriptive study used national mortality data from the CDC WONDER. Obesity deaths among individuals aged ≥25 years, recorded as the underlying cause, were identified using ICD codes from 1968 to 2021. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100 000 individuals were calculated. Temporal trends were analysed using Joinpoint regression. From 1968 to 2021, 174 625 obesity deaths were recorded. AAMRs increased from 1.15 (95% CI: 1.09-1.22) in 1968 to 3.39 (95% CI: 3.31-3.46) in 2019; AAMR rates increased from 3.39 (95% CI: 3.31-3.46) in 2019 to 4.54 (95% CI: 4.45-4.62) in 2021. The decline was noted from 1968 to 1985, followed by an increase until 2019; there was a substantial increase from 2019 to 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males had higher AAMRs than females during the latter part of the study period. Racial disparities persisted, with Black or African American individuals having higher AAMRs than White individuals during the study period. Between 1999 and 2019, obesity mortality rates ranged from 1.62 (95% CI: 1.44-1.80) in Hawaii to a high of 4.46 (95% CI: 4.21-4.72) in West Virginia. After a decline from 1968 to 1985, obesity AAMRs rose until 2019, and spiked during the pandemic, reaching their highest recorded level in 2021. Disparities persist across sex, race, and geography, warranting targeted public health strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41321098,
year = {2025},
author = {Lee, SK and Kim, JH and Kim, HS},
title = {Seasonal Trends of Major Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Other Viral Infections in Korea: An Analysis Before, During, and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.},
journal = {Annals of laboratory medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3343/alm.2025.0226},
pmid = {41321098},
issn = {2234-3814},
abstract = {Some viral infections display distinct seasonal patterns influenced by factors such as climate, human behavior, and viral characteristics. In this review, we investigated the seasonality of 15 viral infections in Korea. We analyzed viruses for which national surveillance data are available from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, human bocavirus, seasonal coronaviruses, enterovirus, adenovirus, norovirus, rotavirus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Hantaan virus, varicella-zoster virus, and mumps virus. In temperate climates, such as that in Korea, winter peaks are commonly observed for influenza, RSV, and norovirus infections, whereas enteroviruses are more prevalent in summer and early autumn. Parainfluenza viruses exhibit type-specific seasonality (circulating in warmer months from spring to autumn). During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic (2020-2021), the incidence of most respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infections analyzed in this study declined substantially owing to non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as social distancing and mask-wearing. After the preventive measures were relaxed, many viruses initially exhibited delayed or atypical seasonal peaks. However, by 2024, the seasonality of most, but not all, viral infections had largely returned to their pre-pandemic patterns. We also reviewed factors influencing viral seasonality, including climatic conditions, vector activity, human behavior, immunity, and viral genetic variation. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of viral seasonality and reinforce the importance of timely surveillance and flexible public health responses tailored to each country's epidemiological landscape.},
}

@article {pmid41320267,
year = {2025},
author = {Uemura, K},
title = {[2-Thiouridine is a Broad-spectrum Antiviral Ribonucleoside Analogue Against Positive-strand RNA Viruses].},
journal = {Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan},
volume = {145},
number = {12},
pages = {937-944},
doi = {10.1248/yakushi.25-00139},
pmid = {41320267},
issn = {1347-5231},
mesh = {*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Humans ; Animals ; *Thiouridine/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/chemistry ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Ribonucleosides/pharmacology ; *Positive-Strand RNA Viruses/drug effects ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Dengue Virus/drug effects ; Mice ; },
abstract = {Emerging and reemerging viral infections, such as the dengue virus (DENV), continue to cause public health concerns, affecting millions of people worldwide annually. The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, seriously impacting human health and the global economy. Given the lack of effective and specific therapeutics against most emerging or reemerging viruses, the development of effective therapeutic measures against such viruses is urgently needed. Most RNA viruses have RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is indispensable for the replication and transcription of viral genomes. Moreover, the core structural features of viral RdRps are functionally essential and conserved across a wide range of viruses. Thus, viral RdRp serves as a promising target for broad-spectrum antivirals. In this study, we screened nucleoside analogues from a compound library of Hokkaido University, identifying 2-thiouridine (s2U) as a broad-spectrum antiviral ribonucleoside analogue. In particular, s2U exhibited potent antiviral activity against several positive-strand RNA [ssRNA(+)] viruses, including orthoflaviviruses such as DENV and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. s2U inhibited RNA synthesis catalyzed by viral RdRp, thereby reducing viral RNA replication and improving the survival rate of mice challenged with lethal DENV2 or SARS-CoV-2 in our animal models. In addition to the potent antiviral activities in vitro and in vivo, s2U exhibited no significant toxicity, suggesting its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent against ssRNA(+) viruses, including orthoflaviviruses and coronaviruses.},
}

*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Humans
Animals
*Thiouridine/pharmacology/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/chemistry
Virus Replication/drug effects
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors
*Ribonucleosides/pharmacology
*Positive-Strand RNA Viruses/drug effects
SARS-CoV-2
Dengue Virus/drug effects
Mice

@article {pmid41320199,
year = {2025},
author = {Emdin, F and Orubu, ESF and Rogers Van Katwyk, S and Strong, K and Shaver, N and Abdullah, K and Asamoah, G and Skidmore, B and Chan, E and Poirier, MJP},
title = {COVID-19 impact on AMR: a rapid scoping review, equity analysis and evidence gap map study.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {11},
pages = {},
pmid = {41320199},
issn = {2059-7908},
support = {/WT_/Wellcome Trust/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Health Equity ; Pandemics ; Evidence Gaps ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have impacted many drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and compounded existing societal and health inequities. This rapid scoping review examined how three selected healthcare system factors, which we have called 'drivers'-antimicrobial use, infection prevention and control and health system use-were affected by COVID-19 and how they have impacted resistance.

METHODS: Peer-reviewed searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane on 19 December 2022 and updated on 25 February 2023 and 1 September 2023. Results of these searches were integrated with an initial search run on 19 October 2022, using the WHO COVID-19 Research Database. References of included studies were also searched to identify any additional relevant studies. Data on the three drivers from included studies were assessed to determine whether they influenced the emergence, spread or number of resistant infections due to antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Studies were then mapped to identify literature gaps and assessed for equity considerations and quality of evidence.

RESULTS: 63 studies were analysed. Reported COVID-19 changes to antimicrobial use were associated with increased AMR burden in hospital settings. Conversely, the infection prevention and control measures implemented to reduce COVID spread may have decreased resistance in community settings. Differences in health system use during the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased resistance, although we identified knowledge gaps on COVID-19-related changes in health system use. Few studies considered equity in their analyses and no studies directly mentioned equity. All included studies had a moderate to high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 led to mixed effects on AMR, which depended on the setting and context. There is a need for more rigorous studies that examine how COVID-19 impacted the health system as well as socioeconomic determinants to provide evidence for future pandemics or health crises. Our findings also underscore the importance of integrating antimicrobial stewardship, robust infection prevention and equity-focused surveillance into pandemic preparedness to mitigate AMR risks in future public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Health Equity
Pandemics
Evidence Gaps

@article {pmid41319634,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, R and Ying, S and Luo, Y and Cao, M and Xuan, M and Guan, R and Liu, Z and Zhang, H},
title = {Triclosan in contaminated environment: A comprehensive review of source, distribution, toxic effects and removal technologies.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {396},
number = {},
pages = {128127},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128127},
pmid = {41319634},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Triclosan (TCS) is an effective antibacterial agent widely used in personal care products and medical items. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usage of TCS has significantly increased, leading to a growing pollution issue that has attracted considerable attention. Therefore, assessing the current TCS pollution status is vital. This review discusses distribution and migration of TCS across various environmental matrices and wastewater treatment systems. Especially, the study summarizes the concentration differences of TCS in human and biological tissues across different countries, finding higher TCS pollution levels in economically developed and densely populated regions. TCS detection methods provide technical support for assessing the distribution of TCS pollution. This paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of various pretreatment methods while exploring the development of different detection techniques. Optimized methods are now capable of analyzing TCS in complex matrices, with some methods achieving detection limits in the nanogram range. Notably, TCS has toxic hazards, and can be transformed into more toxic substances in the environment. It induces adverse effects on organismal growth, development, and reproduction, including inhibiting photosynthesis, reducing hatch rates, and increasing cancer incidence. Therefore, developing effective TCS removal technologies is important for environmental protection and human health. This paper systematically analyzes degradation pathways and removal efficiencies of various TCS removal technologies, offering theoretical guidance for TCS pollution management. In summary, this study offers new theoretical insights and practical solutions for tackling TCS pollution, supporting environmental management and public health policy development.},
}

@article {pmid41319443,
year = {2025},
author = {Miller, M and Almomani, Y and Hopwood, P and Haghighi, P and Davis, A and Littler, E and Daly, TJ and Foebel, AD and MacEachen, E},
title = {The impact of staffing structures in long-term care homes on the quality of work-life and work outcomes of care-workers: A narrative scoping review.},
journal = {International journal of nursing studies},
volume = {174},
number = {},
pages = {105304},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2025.105304},
pmid = {41319443},
issn = {1873-491X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Chronic underfunding of the long-term care sector, coupled with increased complexity of care, has deteriorated working conditions and contributed to severe staffing shortages of healthcare workers globally. While previous reviews have examined the association between long-term care staffing and care outcomes for residents, none have examined specifically how staffing structures affect the care-workers themselves.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to investigate how staffing structures impact the quality of work-life, work-related outcomes of care-workers and the context that affects staffing decisions.

METHODS: A narrative scoping review of primary empirical peer-reviewed literature was conducted to examine how long-term care staffing structures impact quality of work-life and work outcomes of care-workers in OECD countries. PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published within the past 10 years. Searches yielded 4561 unique articles, which were independently screened by pairs of reviewers, of which 76 articles were included. Data were extracted and synthesized to examine the ways in which staffing structures impact the workforce, what structures existed, and how they came to be.

RESULTS: Contextual factors shaped staffing decisions in long-term care, including both organizational/regulatory practices and external issues. These included market-based ideologies, increased care complexity, regulatory requirements, COVID-19, and organizational fiscal austerity, which affected the quality of work-life and work outcomes for care-workers. These factors contributed to chronic understaffing, restructuring of skill mix, and greater reliance on agency workers. Consequences for care-workers included work intensification, unpaid labour, and strained team dynamics, particularly where registered nurse oversight was limited. While some homes developed adaptive strategies to buffer these effects, inadequate staffing often eroded job quality, undermined teamwork, and contributed to job dissatisfaction, turnover, presenteeism, and adverse physical and psychological health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: This review shows that staffing structures have consequences for quality of work-life and work outcomes. A reliance on lean staffing eventually destabilizes the workforce, perpetuating recruitment and retention issues. This review suggests that to create and maintain a strong long-term care workforce, sufficient staffing with the right skills and competencies need to be a priority in improvement initiatives.

REGISTRATION: Not registered.},
}

@article {pmid41318861,
year = {2025},
author = {Yadav, JP and Yadav, S and Dubey, NK and Yadav, IP and Pathak, P and Verma, A},
title = {Lingering echoes of SARS-CoV-2: mechanistic insights and management of long COVID syndrome.},
journal = {Inflammopharmacology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41318861},
issn = {1568-5608},
abstract = {Throughout the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, there has arisen a significant and a sustained public-health issue, whereby a significant proportion of individuals report persistent symptoms, well beyond the acute period of infection. The non-united array of chronic, multisystemic events, such as fatigue, cognitive deficit, respiratory dysfunction, cardiovascular abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric disorders characterize this sequela, which is referred to as LCS. LCS is much more than the starting viral insult, as it causes long-term complications that impact various organ systems. The current review questions the pathophysiological mechanisms of LCS, including scrutinizing the importance of the dysregulation of immunity, the persistence of viral reservoirs, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic imbalance, and mitochondrial injury. We highlight the heterogeneity of the syndrome and the associated diagnostic and treatment difficulties. In addition, we stress the urgency of powerful biomarkers that will be used to diagnose LCS as early as possible and monitor it over time. Present treatment strategies, including pharmacologic therapy (immunomodulators, anticoagulants, antiviral medications, etc.) and non-pharmacologic treatment (rehabilitative programs, etc.) are discussed against the backdrop of recent clinical findings. This review incorporates the recent literature and presents a review of potential treatment options that alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of LCS patients. Finally, this integrated synthesis can be used by both clinicians and researchers to gain practical information on the diagnosis, treatment, and future treatment directions of LCS.},
}

@article {pmid41318508,
year = {2025},
author = {Wild, U and Herman, S and König, M and Erren, TC and Lewis, P},
title = {Burnout, anxiety and depression in secondary school teachers in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic scoping review & perspective of preventive occupational medicine.},
journal = {Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England)},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {44},
pmid = {41318508},
issn = {1745-6673},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of burden to what is already a demanding occupation; namely, secondary school teacher.

OBJECTIVE: To review the published literature concerning burnout, anxiety, and depression in secondary school teachers in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic and to discuss the findings from the perspective of preventive occupational medicine.

METHODS: A systematic scoping review using the Medline and Web of Science databases with narrative synthesis of findings.

RESULTS: We identified 16 articles from seven European countries (Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Germany, Greece, Spain, Portugal) though results from one study were uninterpretable. Of the 15 remaining, seven assessed burnout or emotional exhaustion, seven assessed anxiety, and seven assessed depression (there was overlap). Only two studies were longitudinal and they focussed on burnout; the remaining 13 were cross-sectional in design. Questionnaires were used to assess severity scores. Mean severity scores for all outcomes appear to fluctuate across the pandemic, but are always high. Loss-to-follow up – indicated in the longitudinal studies – could mean a healthy worker effect (e.g. workers who fall ill and drop out of the study) biases both severity scores per se and their associations with other factors toward null in studies. Differences in- and associations with- outcome scores are reported for sex, age, job experience, cognitive-, personality-, and emotional intelligence-associated factors (e.g. extraversion, presenteeism, openness, resilience, clarity, repair), work-related factors (e.g. student issues, professional support, technology), and COVID-19 associated factors (e.g. family member vulnerability). There are differences in some findings across studies.

DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique situation in which to study factors that contribute to -or provide protection against- burnout, anxiety, and depression. Female teachers may be a higher-risk group for depression. Potential factors that could be modified to mitigate outcomes, albeit identified as associating factors from mostly cross-sectional studies, include emotional intelligence training at the individual level and professional support at a systems level. Given the importance of the teaching profession and the high demands placed on teachers, future studies should consider interventions on such modifiable factors toward reducing health burden.},
}

@article {pmid41317233,
year = {2025},
author = {Rafique, QT and Gogoi, V and Barah, P},
title = {Beyond the Gut: Integrating Oral Microbiota into the Microbiota-Brain Axis in Depression.},
journal = {Molecular neurobiology},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {207},
pmid = {41317233},
issn = {1559-1182},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Brain/microbiology ; *Depression/microbiology ; *Mouth/microbiology ; *Microbiota/physiology ; Dysbiosis ; Depressive Disorder, Major/microbiology ; Animals ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Depression, a major contributor to years lived with disability (YLD), affects nearly 300 million people worldwide. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression have risen by 28% particularly among women and young adults. Characterized by persistent low mood, cognitive impairment, suicidal ideation, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and fatigue, depression continues to impose a profound public health burden, compounded by the limited efficacy of current treatments and the lack of reliable diagnostic or predictive biomarkers. While the gut microbiota has been extensively implicated in depression's pathophysiology, emerging evidence indicates that the oral microbiome which ranks second only to the gut in microbial diversity also plays a significant role in neuropsychiatric health. Oral microbial dysbiosis may contribute to depression through immune, inflammatory, and neuroactive pathways, positioning the oral microbiome as both a potential non-invasive biomarker and a novel therapeutic target. Incorporating oral microbial profiling into clinical research could not only refine our understanding of depression's underlying mechanisms but also facilitate the development of microbiome-based strategies in precision psychiatry. This growing recognition highlights the importance of expanding research beyond the gut-brain axis to encompass the oral-brain axis as an integral component in the quest for effective diagnostics and interventions.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Brain/microbiology
*Depression/microbiology
*Mouth/microbiology
*Microbiota/physiology
Dysbiosis
Depressive Disorder, Major/microbiology
Animals
COVID-19

@article {pmid41316932,
year = {2025},
author = {Moghoofei, M and Pajavand, H and Shahbazi, R and Rezaei, M and Taki, E},
title = {The Role of Viral and Bacterial Infections in the Etiology of Behçet's Disease.},
journal = {Journal of clinical laboratory analysis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70133},
doi = {10.1002/jcla.70133},
pmid = {41316932},
issn = {1098-2825},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease (BD) is a complex systemic vasculitis with a poorly understood etiology that involves genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Increasing evidence suggests that viral and bacterial infections may trigger or exacerbate BD through immune-mediated pathways. This review aims to clarify how different infectious agents may contribute to BD pathogenesis.

METHODS: For this review, articles addressing microbial involvement in BD were collected from established databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Priority was given to studies evaluating classical pathogens-including Herpes simplex virus and Streptococcus spp.-as well as more recent agents such as SARS-CoV-2, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Helicobacter pylori. Findings from immunological, molecular, and clinical research were integrated to highlight shared mechanisms related to host-pathogen interactions.

RESULTS: The reviewed literature shows that microbial infections may influence BD through multiple interconnected mechanisms. A central concept is the possible cross-reactivity between microbial and human heat shock proteins (HSPs), which may activate Th1/Th17 cytokine pathways and enhance neutrophil activity. The review also highlights the dual functions of TRIM proteins in antiviral responses and inflammatory dysregulation, as well as the involvement of inflammasome activation and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These combined processes may help explain how infections initiate or intensify immune responses in BD.

CONCLUSION: By synthesizing current microbial and immune evidence, this review provides an updated perspective on BD immunopathogenesis and outlines testable mechanisms for future research. Understanding these links may support the development of more targeted therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41316236,
year = {2025},
author = {Siva, N and Samantaray, KK and Krishnapriya, K and Priya, B and Vasudevan, NJ and Tanaya, K and Das, S and Sahoo, J},
title = {Health-seeking behavior and healthcare utilization among patients with non-communicable diseases in India: insights from a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1548},
pmid = {41316236},
issn = {1472-6963},
mesh = {Humans ; India/epidemiology ; *Noncommunicable Diseases/therapy/epidemiology/economics ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of mortality in India, imposing a significant healthcare and economic burden. This study evaluates the health-seeking behaviour, healthcare utilization, and financial impact of major NCDs hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across global health databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and J-Gate. Simultaneously, searches were performed on Indian databases, journal websites, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2014 and December 2024. A total of 1,462 studies were identified and exported to Rayyan software for screening. Two independent reviewers screened the studies based on predefined eligibility criteria. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, while data extraction was performed using Cochrane data collection forms. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity in the included studies. This review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS: A total of 44 observational survey-based studies were included in this review. Financial constraints, geographical barriers, and awareness gaps influenced healthcare utilization for NCDs. While 60.5% relied on government services for affordability, 39.4% preferred private care for faster access. Out-of-pocket expenses, particularly for hemodialysis and cardiac interventions, posed a major financial burden. Treatment adherence varied by 70.1% among diabetic patients but only 32.4% among hypertensive women. Stockouts of essential medications in public hospitals and high costs of branded drugs in private facilities further restricted access. Emergency care utilisation was high for ischemic heart disease, while CKD patients faced long-term financial strain due to dialysis and frequent hospitalisations. Despite an increase in telemedicine use during COVID-19, accessibility challenges persisted. Systemic inefficiencies, cultural beliefs, and transportation issues further delayed timely care.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights critical gaps in NCD care in India, particularly in treatment adherence, financial accessibility, and healthcare infrastructure. Strengthening public healthcare services, expanding insurance coverage for long-term NCD management, and integrating community-based interventions are key policy directions. Additionally, targeted strategies to improve health literacy and promote early disease detection are essential to improving health outcomes and reducing inequities in NCD care in India.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42024576994.},
}

Humans
India/epidemiology
*Noncommunicable Diseases/therapy/epidemiology/economics
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid41316159,
year = {2025},
author = {Ibrahim, SA and Ghosh, I and Lai, SY and Harris, B and Ayorinde, A},
title = {Health and wellbeing experiences of women informal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative systematic review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12889-025-25728-z},
pmid = {41316159},
issn = {1471-2458},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lacking social safety nets, women informal workers were adversely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with their over-representation in hard-hit sectors and poor prospect of alternative employment. Differential needs of women informal workers during the pandemic must be explored to address health inequalities and inform pandemic preparedness. This systematic review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence on the health and wellbeing experiences of women informal workers during the recent pandemic.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO were systematically searched in November 2024, along with supplementary searches in Google Scholar and WHO COVID-19 research database. Citation tracking of included studies and grey literature search were also performed. Eligible studies explored first-person accounts of women informal workers about their health and wellbeing during the pandemic, and collected data using interviews, focus groups, or observations. Quality assessment of included studies was completed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Drawing from the concept of determinants of health, thematic approach was used to synthesise findings, taking a holistic perspective of health and wellbeing experiences during the pandemic.

RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included, majority conducted in low-and middle-income countries. Studies explored the experiences of women in various forms of informal work including sex workers, domestic workers, traders/vendors and home-based workers. Four themes were generated: (1) exacerbation of existing vulnerabilities; (2) negotiation of risks and resilience; (3) interconnectedness of health and wellbeing stressors; and (4) variable experiences across social locations. Financial strain from livelihood loss was the primary stressor during the pandemic, and through cascading effect impacted other health and wellbeing domains. Stressors experienced were deeply interrelated and shaped by structural determinants - socioeconomic, political and cultural - as well as pandemic response policies. The experiences of women informal workers were mediated by intersecting social identities such as occupation type, caste/class and migration status, which influenced both their vulnerabilities and capacities to respond, resulting in diverse and unequal outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the health and wellbeing of woman informal workers. In the groundwork for future development and pandemic planning, equity-centred approach informed by intersectionality must be applied.},
}

@article {pmid41315893,
year = {2025},
author = {Mautner Wizentier, M and Williams, D and Choi, J and Goodman, MS and Guilamo-Ramos, V and Hagan, H},
title = {COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Mistrust Among Black and Latino Public Housing Residents in NYC.},
journal = {Health education & behavior : the official publication of the Society for Public Health Education},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10901981251393179},
doi = {10.1177/10901981251393179},
pmid = {41315893},
issn = {1552-6127},
abstract = {Preventive measures against COVID-19 played a crucial role in mitigating transmission. Social and structural factors influence individuals' trust in health care and engagement in health-promoting behaviors. This study investigates racial-ethnic differences in COVID-19 prevention behaviors and beliefs among public housing residents in the South Bronx, NYC. Data come from the Nurse-Community-Family Partnership study, a randomized controlled trial conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analytic sample (n = 200) was limited to adult participants who identified as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic Black, Hispanic White, or Hispanic Other. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusted for sex, age, and education. The odds of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine were 3.8 times greater for Hispanic White participants and 2.5 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black participants. In addition, the odds of practicing social distancing were 2.2 times greater for Hispanic Other participants than for non-Hispanic Black counterparts. COVID-19-related government mistrust was associated with an 88% decrease in the odds of vaccinating, a 58% decrease in the odds of practicing social distancing, and a 77% decrease in the odds of mask-wearing. COVID-19 vaccine mistrust was associated with a 93% decrease in the odds of vaccination. When adjusted for mistrust, differences in vaccination rates by racial-ethnic groups were no longer significant. Addressing mistrust is pivotal for improving public health outcomes. Interventions that enhance trust in health institutions through cultural competence, community engagement, and greater representation in health care can help bridge the gap in prevention behaviors among racially minoritized groups.},
}

@article {pmid41314370,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, Y and Choi, Y and Park, W},
title = {Mapping the Knowledge Landscape of Mobile Teledentistry: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on the Web of Science Database.},
journal = {Journal of dentistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {106265},
doi = {10.1016/j.jdent.2025.106265},
pmid = {41314370},
issn = {1879-176X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Teledentistry has rapidly grown; yet, the role of mobile devices remains under-investigated. We performed an analysis of mobile teledentistry to elucidate its historical development, collaboration networks, thematic hotspots, and future directions.

METHODS: We searched the Web of Science; 99 articles, published between January 2013 and April 2025, were included. Publication trends, collaboration networks, and research themes were analysed using co-occurrence, clustering, and co-citation analyses with CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mobile teledentistry research, primarily in high-income countries. A core group of prolific authors and institutions is not yet established; however, some nations have emerged as significant contributors. Keyword analysis revealed three primary research hotspots: diagnostic accuracy, care accessibility, and oral hygiene applications. Eleven thematic clusters revealed three principal research themes: comparisons with traditional methods, investigations of specific time periods or populations, and studies of mobile dental products. Co-citation analysis identified a foundational literature base centred on the feasibility and validity of mobile teledentistry diagnostics.

CONCLUSIONS: The static panorama and dynamic evolution of mobile teledentistry were comprehensively elucidated, highlighting the urgent need for international collaboration to support implementation, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Future research should further evaluate diagnostic accuracy and explore sustainable strategies that may enhance health equity and help reduce global dental disparities.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Existing studies on mobile teledentistry consistently report the potential to support diagnostic accuracy and suggest improved access to care, particularly in underserved settings. Evidence from the analysed studies reflects the use of mobile devices for remote screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Therefore, this cumulative evidence base suggests the possibility of integrating mobile teledentistry into routine clinical practice, intending to reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes pending further validation.},
}

@article {pmid41313968,
year = {2026},
author = {Gloyn, T and Seo, C and Godinho, A and Rahul, R and Phadke, S and Fotheringham, H and Wegier, P},
title = {Using artificial intelligence to predict patient wait times in the emergency department: A scoping review.},
journal = {Artificial intelligence in medicine},
volume = {171},
number = {},
pages = {103316},
doi = {10.1016/j.artmed.2025.103316},
pmid = {41313968},
issn = {1873-2860},
mesh = {*Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration ; Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Waiting Lists ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Time Factors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Machine Learning ; Crowding ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to comprehensively explore the landscape of recently published literature on the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting individualized patient waiting times in an emergency department (ED) and identify pertinent considerations for practitioners and hospital decision-makers.

INTRODUCTION: ED overcrowding is being experienced by hospitals around the globe and has worsened in the post COVID-19 era. The negative patient and staff experiences and poor clinical outcomes from overcrowding are evident and necessitate solutions to address this ongoing problem. Hospitals providing ED waiting time estimates to patients and staff are becoming popular; however, the more common methods, such as using rolling averages, suffer from an inability to capture the nuanced relationships within an ED. Recent applications of AI and machine learning (ML) in healthcare raises the possibility of applying these techniques to individualized waiting time predictions in the ED; although, literature on the topic is sparse.

METHODS: A systematized search was conducted on November 10th, 2025, using the electronic databases CINAHL, EMBASE (OVID), Medline (OVID), PsychINFO, Web of Science, and PubMed. Articles were considered for review if written in English, peer-reviewed, published after 2014, and used AI techniques. Descriptive analysis was performed on the final extracted data to facilitate the identification of common themes across studies. Themes were inferred from the proportional usage among studies, of different data preparation, feature selection, and modeling strategies.

RESULTS: The search identified 8613 citations that, after a rigorous screening process and critical appraisal, were narrowed down to 15 studies for final review. Most included studies were observational, using historical medical record data to compare modeling techniques or demonstrate a proof of concept. Studies commonly used one or more of ED queue-based, staff/resource-based, patient-based, and time-based feature categories. Incorporated AI methods included Random Forest, Linear Regression, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) techniques, among several others. All forms of AI and ML outperformed traditional rolling average estimates used by hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS: This review identified applications of AI in predicting individualized patient waiting times in the ED that outperform current waiting time estimate strategies. The use of nonlinear techniques, such as the Random Forest method, or incorporating queue-based feature categories, appeared to provide better performance in predictive estimates. Depending on the end user and modality in which the wait time estimate is conveyed, the importance of model selection is highlighted as a consideration to be made if overestimates or underestimates are preferred.},
}

*Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*Waiting Lists
COVID-19/epidemiology
Time Factors
SARS-CoV-2
Machine Learning
Crowding

@article {pmid41313176,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, G and Hung, WK and Ngolombe, R and Maona, C and Chiona, BC and Banda, KJ},
title = {Overview of the prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention among emergency medical services personnel: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {04320},
pmid = {41313176},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {*Job Satisfaction ; Humans ; *Personnel Turnover/statistics & numerical data ; *Emergency Medical Technicians/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; *Emergency Medical Services ; *Firefighters/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Intention ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters are subjected to substantial occupational stressors that diminish job satisfaction and increase turnover rate, ultimately affecting efficient delivery of pre-hospital emergency care. Therefore, we performed the first meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention among EMS personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and firefighters.

METHODS: We comprehensively searched Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and EBSCOhost until March 2025. The pooled prevalence of job satisfaction and turnover intention was analysed using the Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation model in R software. Cochran's Q and statistics assessed heterogeneity and subgroup analysis explored moderator variables.

RESULTS: A total of 25 studies with 59 562 EMS personnel were included. The pooled prevalence of job satisfaction was 63% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 53%, 72%), with estimates of 71% for EMTs, 62% for firefighters, and 54% for paramedics. Job satisfaction was 56% during the COVID-19 pandemic and 65% in the pre-pandemic period. The pooled prevalence of turnover intention was 29% (95% CI = 24%, 36%), with estimates of 28% for paramedics, 22% for EMTs, and 17% for firefighters. Turnover intention was 34% during COVID-19 pandemic and 27% in the pre-pandemic period.

CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 63% of EMS personnel report job satisfaction, while 29% express intent to leave the profession. Mental health support, workload management, and professional development opportunities should be promoted among EMS personnel to further enhance job satisfaction and mitigate turnover intention.

REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD420251027283.},
}

*Job Satisfaction
Humans
*Personnel Turnover/statistics & numerical data
*Emergency Medical Technicians/psychology/statistics & numerical data
COVID-19/epidemiology
Prevalence
*Emergency Medical Services
*Firefighters/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Intention

@article {pmid41313153,
year = {2025},
author = {Malden, S and McGill, K and Guthrie, B and Frost, H and Shenkin, SD and Ezike, A and Bareham, BK and Mercer, SW and Pearce, C and Wilson, C and Underwood, I and Vines, J and Lewis, S and O'Donnell, A},
title = {Patient and Carer-Related Facilitators and Barriers to the Adoption of Assistive Technologies for the Care of Older Adults: Systematic Review.},
journal = {JMIR aging},
volume = {8},
number = {},
pages = {e73917},
pmid = {41313153},
issn = {2561-7605},
mesh = {Humans ; *Self-Help Devices/statistics & numerical data ; *Caregivers/psychology ; Aged ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Telemedicine ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Assistive technologies (ATs) are used increasingly in community settings to assist in the care of older adults. Despite a rapid increase in the capabilities and uptake of these technologies, gaps remain in understanding the main barriers to their usage.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review investigated the barriers and facilitators to the use of AT in the care of older adults.

METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched from January 2011 to March 2024. Primary studies were included if they used qualitative methods reporting findings related to barriers or facilitators to the implementation of AT (eg, ambient and wearable sensors, alarms, telehealth or mobile health [mHealth]) for older adults (from the perspective of either carers or older adults) in community settings. All data were screened independently by two reviewers. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Data from each included study were synthesized using thematic synthesis, before barriers were mapped against the domains of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

RESULTS: Ninety-five studies were included in the review. The number of studies published in the field of barriers to AT use has increased 3-fold post-COVID-19 in comparison to the previous decade. Ten barriers-privacy, cost, insufficient knowledge, fear of misuse, usability, poor functionality, perceived lack of need, stigma, and lack of human interaction-were identified, as well as three facilitators-awareness of health benefits, targeted training, and user-centered design. Persistent barriers relating to all domains of the TAM were identified, with the majority of these relating to the "behavioral intention to use" domain (cost, privacy, stigma, and fear of misuse). The majority of studies had a moderate/high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS: There remain distinct barriers to sustained usage of AT for the care of older adults, particularly concerning adoption as defined by the TAM. Further studies investigating the acceptability of ATs are needed to increase the understanding of optimization strategies.},
}

Humans
*Self-Help Devices/statistics & numerical data
*Caregivers/psychology
Aged
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Telemedicine
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41312797,
year = {2025},
author = {Dinnes, J and Berhane, S and Walsh, J and Reidy, P and Doherty, A and Hillier, B and Scandrett, K and Hettiarachchi, D and Islam, F and Mathangasinghe, Y and Nyaaba, N and Taylor, M and Weeratunga, P and Wickramasinghe, D and van Wyk, SS and Cunningham, J and Davenport, C and Dittrich, S and Emperador, D and Hooft, L and Leeflang, MM and McInnes, MD and Spijker, R and Verbakel, JY and Takwoingi, Y and Taylor-Phillips, S and Van den Bruel, A and Deeks, JJ and , },
title = {Rapid, point-of-care antigen tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {The Cochrane database of systematic reviews},
volume = {11},
number = {11},
pages = {CD013705},
pmid = {41312797},
issn = {1469-493X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Antigens, Viral/blood ; *COVID-19 Serological Testing/methods ; *Point-of-Care Testing ; Asymptomatic Infections ; Bias ; *COVID-19 Testing/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection could help manage the COVID-19 pandemic by potentially increasing access to testing and speed detection of infection, as well as informing clinical and public health management decisions to reduce transmission. Previous iterations of this review provided clear and conclusive evidence of superior test performance in those experiencing possible signs and symptoms of Covid-19. However, test performance in asymptomatic individuals and sensitivity by setting and indication for testing remains unclear. This is the fourth iteration of this review, first published in 2020.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of rapid, point-of-care antigen tests (Ag-RDTs) for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic population groups.

SEARCH METHODS: We searched the COVID-19 Open Access Project living evidence database from the University of Bern (which includes daily updates from MEDLINE and Embase and preprints from medRxiv and bioRxiv) on 17 February 2022. We included independent evaluations from national reference laboratories, FIND and the Diagnostics Global Health website. We did not apply language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included test accuracy studies of any design that evaluated commercially produced, rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic people tested because of known or suspected contact with SARS-CoV-2 infection, known SARS-CoV-2 infection or known absence of infection, or those who were being screened for infection. We included evaluations of single applications of a test (one test result reported per person). Reference standards for presence or absence of infection were any laboratory-based molecular test (primarily reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard screening procedures with three reviewers. Two reviewers independently carried out quality assessment (using the QUADAS-2 tool) and extracted study results. Other study characteristics were extracted by one review author and checked by a second. We present sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each test, and pooled data using the bivariate model. We investigated heterogeneity by including indicator variables in the random-effects logistic regression models. We tabulated results by test manufacturer and compliance with manufacturer instructions for use and according to symptom status.

MAIN RESULTS: We included 146 study cohorts (described in 130 study reports). The main results relate to 164 evaluations of single test applications including 144,250 unique samples (7104 with confirmed SARS-CoV-2) obtained from asymptomatic or mainly asymptomatic populations. Studies were mainly conducted in Europe (85/146, 58%), and evaluated 41 different commercial antigen assays (test kit). Only six studies compared two or more brands of test. Nearly all studies (96%) used RT-PCR alone to define presence or absence of infection. Risk of bias was high because of participant selection (13, 9%); interpretation of the index test (3, 2%); weaknesses in the reference standard for absence of infection (3, 2%); and participant flow and timing (46, 32%). Characteristics of participants (11, 8%) and index test delivery (117, 80%) differed from the way in which and in whom the test was intended to be used. Estimates of sensitivity varied considerably between studies, with consistently high specificities. Average sensitivity was 55.0% (95% CI 50.9%, 59.0%) and average specificity was 99.5% (95% CI 99.5%, 99.6%) across the 147 evaluations of Ag-RDTs reporting both sensitivity and specificity (149,251 samples, 7636 cases). Average sensitivity was higher when epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2 was suspected (58.6%, 95% CI 51.4% to 65.5%; 43 evaluations; 15,516 samples, 1483 cases) compared to where COVID-19 testing was reported to be widely available to anyone on presentation for testing (53.0%, 95% CI 48.4% to 57.5%; 103 evaluations; 129,032 samples, 5660 cases); however CIs overlapped, limiting the inference that can be drawn from these data. Average specificity was similarly high for both groups (99.4% and 99.6%). Sensitivity was generally lower when used in a screening context (summary values from 40.6% to 42.1% for three of four screening settings) compared to testing asymptomatic individuals at Covid-19 test centres (56.7%) or emergency departments (54.7%). We observed a decline in summary sensitivities as measures of sample viral load decreased. Sensitivity varied between brands. When tests were used according to manufacturer instructions, average sensitivities by brand ranged from 36.3% to 78.8% in asymptomatic participants (14 assays with sufficient data for pooling). None of the assays met the WHO acceptable performance standard for sensitivity (of 80%) based on meta-analysis; however, sensitivities from individual studies (where meta-analysis was not possible) exceeded 80% for three assays. The WHO acceptable performance criterion of 97% specificity was met by all but four assays (based on individual studies or meta-analysis) when tests were used according to manufacturer instructions. At 0.5% prevalence using summary data for asymptomatic people, where testing was widely available and where epidemiological exposure to COVID-19 was suspected, resulting PPVs would be 40% and 33%, meaning that 3 in 5 or 2 in 3 positive results will be false positives, and between 1 in 2 and 2 in 5 cases will be missed.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence for antigen testing in asymptomatic cohorts has increased considerably since the publication of the previous update of this review. Average sensitivities remain lower for testing of asymptomatic when compared to symptomatic individuals; however, there is an indication that sensitivities may be higher where epidemiological exposure to SARS-CoV-2 is suspected compared to testing any asymptomatic individual regardless of indication. Sensitivities were particularly low when antigen tests were used in screening settings. Assays from different manufacturers also vary in sensitivity, indicating the need for appropriate clinical validation of a particular antigen test in a given intended use setting prior to more widespread deployment. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of screening programmes at reducing transmission of infection, whether mass screening or targeted approaches, including schools, healthcare setting and traveller screening.

FUNDING: This paper presents independent research supported by the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Birmingham. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.

REGISTRATION: Protocol (2020) doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013596.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis
Sensitivity and Specificity
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Antigens, Viral/blood
*COVID-19 Serological Testing/methods
*Point-of-Care Testing
Asymptomatic Infections
Bias
*COVID-19 Testing/methods

@article {pmid41312246,
year = {2025},
author = {Sorrentino, M and Fiorilla, C and Rubba, F and Montuori, P and Palladino, R},
title = {Does COVID-19 vaccination affect risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviors? A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1661015},
pmid = {41312246},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; *Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Health Behavior ; Hand Hygiene ; Adult ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Since the COVID-19 pandemic onset, preventive measures (e.g., social distancing, hand hygiene, mask usage) and vaccines have been pivotal in mitigating transmission and reducing public health burdens. Although adherence to these measures, influenced by factors such as ventilation and exposure duration, has been extensively validated, their long-term sustainability faces socio-economic challenges.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviors and conduct a meta-analysis comparing these behaviors in vaccinated versus unvaccinated subgroups.

METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines identified studies (2021-2024) analyzing risk perception and preventive behaviors. Potential biases were assessed using the MMAT tool. A meta-analysis calculated pooled effect sizes across subgroups.

RESULTS: Of 1,594 screened studies, 10 met inclusion criteria (six for meta-analysis, n = 9,115). Populations included adults, students, and healthcare professionals across 24 countries. Most vaccinated individuals maintained preventive behaviors despite stable or declining risk perception, though social distancing and hand hygiene adherence decreased over time. Booster-vaccinated individuals exhibited higher compliance than partially vaccinated or unvaccinated counterparts. Unvaccinated individuals intending to vaccinate reported higher risk perception than those refusing vaccination. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in risk perception between vaccinated (70.3, 95% CI 60.8-79.8) and unvaccinated subgroups (70.8, 95% CI 61.9-79.6; I [2] = 17.5%), suggesting limited influence on behavior maintenance.

CONCLUSION: While vaccination and preventive measures curbed COVID-19 transmission, risk perception alone does not robustly predict sustained adherence, potentially due to risk compensation. Future research should prioritize determinants of long-term behavioral retention in public health strategies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
*Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data
SARS-CoV-2
*Health Behavior
Hand Hygiene
Adult

@article {pmid41312074,
year = {2025},
author = {Hussain, D and Iqbal, MJ},
title = {Post-COVID-19 Barriers to Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Attendance: An Updated Systematic Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {11},
pages = {e96550},
pmid = {41312074},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a preventable cause of vision loss; with screening, there is the capability to recognise and treat the condition early. However, screening compliance remains sub-optimal, and the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions to the screening programme. This review aims to update prior systematic reviews to identify barriers that remain, as well as identify new barriers that may have occurred due to the pandemic. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we searched seven databases (January 2020-July 2025) for English language primary studies on DR screening non-attendance, yielding 16 relevant studies across diverse regions. Key barriers fell into patient-related, health system, and environmental categories. Although there was evidence to suggest the same barriers remained, there is evidence to suggest the pandemic exacerbated prior barriers and introduced new barriers. These findings suggest the need for context-specific interventions to improve DR screening in the post-pandemic era.},
}

@article {pmid41311551,
year = {2025},
author = {Khan, GA and Huwaikem, M and Chowdhury, K and Albugami, HF and Ghosh, A},
title = {The Role of Sterile Inflammation in Thrombosis: Consequences for Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19.},
journal = {Mediators of inflammation},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {8054886},
pmid = {41311551},
issn = {1466-1861},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/immunology ; *Thrombosis/etiology/immunology/metabolism ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/immunology/metabolism ; *Inflammation/metabolism/immunology/complications ; HMGB1 Protein/metabolism ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Immunity, Innate ; Alarmins/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Sterile inflammation (SI) is an inflammatory response triggered by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from dying cells, distinct from normal inflammation in its origin from tissue injury and necrosis rather than microbial invasion. Circulating nucleic acids (CNAs), high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and S100b protein are notable markers of SI, indicative of tissue damage and implicated in thrombotic disorders. Innate immunity, involving cells like macrophages and dendritic cells, recognizes DAMPs via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptors, initiating inflammatory signaling cascades central to SI and its cardiovascular consequences. Thrombosis, a common outcome of SI, underscores the intricate interplay between inflammation and hemostasis, with hypoxia exacerbating thrombotic risk through platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction. The established link between inflammation and thrombosis highlights the clinical significance of SI, where molecules like HMGB1, extracellular RNA (eRNA), and eDNA actively participate in thromboembolic disorders. SI's relevance is particularly evident in COVID-19-induced thrombotic disorders, where dysregulated immune responses and endothelial dysfunction contribute to systemic inflammation and heightened thrombotic risk. Understanding SI's mechanisms in these contexts is vital for developing targeted therapies to mitigate vascular complications and enhance patient outcomes in cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19-associated thrombosis.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/immunology
*Thrombosis/etiology/immunology/metabolism
*Cardiovascular Diseases/immunology/metabolism
*Inflammation/metabolism/immunology/complications
HMGB1 Protein/metabolism
SARS-CoV-2
Immunity, Innate
Alarmins/metabolism

@article {pmid41310207,
year = {2025},
author = {Baharlouei, Z and Aminjavaheri, S and Vajhadin, F and Nejatbakhsh, MM and Sarshar, FZ and Vali, H and Karimzadeh, F and Sanati, A and Presley, JF},
title = {Nano-engineered biomimetic materials: toward point-of-care diagnosis of infectious diseases.},
journal = {Mikrochimica acta},
volume = {192},
number = {12},
pages = {859},
pmid = {41310207},
issn = {1436-5073},
support = {4025988//Iran National Science Foundation/ ; 1401100//Isfahan University of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Biomimetic Materials/chemistry ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Biosensing Techniques/methods ; *COVID-19/diagnosis ; *Point-of-Care Systems ; Nanostructures/chemistry ; *Communicable Diseases/diagnosis ; Point-of-Care Testing ; Electrochemical Techniques ; },
abstract = {This review emphasizes the advantages of nano-engineered antibodies (nanobodies), nanozymes, and nano-imprinted polymers (nano-MIPs) in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to conventional receptors. Infectious diseases have led to significant economic and social challenges, prompting the urgent development of reliable and cost-effective diagnostic tools, particularly POC biosensors. Current POC biosensors utilizing enzymes and antibodies have proven useful, although limitations such as low sensitivity, stability, and complex fabrication affect their performance. With advancements in nanomaterials, biomimetic elements such as nanobodies, nanozymes, and nano-MIPs they have shown great potential as alternatives to natural receptors. Recent advances in these biomimetic element materials applied to POC sensing platforms, such as paper-based devices and microfluidics, as the physical platforms are reviewed and discussed. This work also highlights the integration of electrochemical and optical detection systems with novel readout technologies, including smartphone-based devices, and represents an updated overview that encompasses all the advancements in this domain. Emphasis is placed on COVID-19 as a pivotal case study. Key primary sensor performances, such as linear detection range and limit of detection, are evaluated and compared. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed to illustrate the potential impact of these nano-based materials on future biosensor applications.},
}

Humans
*Biomimetic Materials/chemistry
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Biosensing Techniques/methods
*COVID-19/diagnosis
*Point-of-Care Systems
Nanostructures/chemistry
*Communicable Diseases/diagnosis
Point-of-Care Testing
Electrochemical Techniques

@article {pmid41308839,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, W and Wazny, VK and Mahadzir, MDA and Maier, AB},
title = {Multivitamin and mineral use: A rapid review of meta-analyses on health outcomes.},
journal = {Ageing research reviews},
volume = {114},
number = {},
pages = {102965},
doi = {10.1016/j.arr.2025.102965},
pmid = {41308839},
issn = {1872-9649},
abstract = {Multivitamin and mineral (MVM) supplements are among the most widely used dietary supplements globally, however, their role in promoting healthspan and longevity remains unclear. This review evaluated comprehensive findings from meta-analyses to clarify their health effects. A rapid review of MEDLINE and EMBASE identified 19 eligible meta-analyses published from 2000 to 2025, encompassing 5535,426 participants, including over 333,943 pregnancies and 904,947 children exposed to maternal MVM supplementation. Randomized controlled trials indicated that MVM use improved global cognition, episodic memory, and immediate recall in older or cognitively intact adults, reduced psychological symptoms in healthy individuals, and lowered systolic blood pressure in at-risk populations. However, no benefits were found for all-cause mortality, COVID-19 outcomes, visual acuity, or multiple cognitive domains, and a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration progression was reported. Observational studies found associations between MVM use and a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease, cataracts, and fragility hip fractures, but not breast or prostate cancer, stroke, or overall mortality. During pregnancy, MVM supplementation was linked to reduced risks of small-for-gestational-age births and pediatric cancers, but not to preterm birth, stillbirth, or low birth weight. Overall, the findings revealed a lack of consistency in the definition of MVM supplementation, and substantial variability in MVM effectiveness depending on population, age, and health status. These results highlighted the importance of shifting from generalized supplementation approaches to more targeted, personalized nutritional strategies to support healthspan and longevity.},
}

@article {pmid41308474,
year = {2025},
author = {Parr, J and Chen, YF and Damery, S and Chaudhuri, P and Grove, A},
title = {Sub-national public health intelligence responses to disease outbreaks: A mixed-methods systematic review.},
journal = {Public health},
volume = {250},
number = {},
pages = {106055},
doi = {10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106055},
pmid = {41308474},
issn = {1476-5616},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 provided an impetus to improve infectious disease emergency preparedness. Provision of public health intelligence (PHI) during outbreaks by sub-national public health authorities (PHAs) supports decision making during these events. We synthesised studies describing such responses to elucidate transferable influencing factors.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a mixed methods systematic review.

METHODS: Literature searches of eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Applied Social Sciences Indexes and Abstracts [ASSIA], Scopus, Health Management Information Consortium [HMIC], WHO Global Health Library, Health Systems Evidence, and PDQ Evidence) were undertaken in March 2022. We selected peer-reviewed, primary research in English, published in or after January 2019 relating to sub-national PHA PHI activities during a disease outbreak. Studies were quality assessed using appropriate tools and analysed by thematic analysis and pillar integration.

RESULTS: Forty studies from 24 countries, 31 COVID-19 related, were included. Six themes summarise factors influencing responses: 1) appropriate data infrastructure, 2) effective intelligence products, 3) multisector collaboration, 4) obtaining public support, 5) strong and supportive management and leadership and 6) the capacity and capability to respond. Synthesis of empirical studies increases the review's reliability, but evidence mainly relates to countries with very high levels of human development limiting its transferability to countries with lower levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Public health systems should ensure adequate data infrastructure and PHI staff capability and capacity, plan for strong but supportive leadership and effective intelligence production, encourage multisector intelligence collaborations and ongoing communication with the public at a sub-national level. PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Ref. CRD42022308042.},
}

@article {pmid41308472,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, S and Sharma, L and Gandhi, TK},
title = {Integration of quantum artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis: A review of methods and applications.},
journal = {Computer methods and programs in biomedicine},
volume = {274},
number = {},
pages = {109175},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmpb.2025.109175},
pmid = {41308472},
issn = {1872-7565},
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Quantum Theory ; Algorithms ; COVID-19/diagnosis ; *Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods ; Neoplasms/diagnosis ; Machine Learning ; Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Accurate disease diagnosis is vital for effective treatment and improved patient outcomes. While artificial intelligence (AI) has advanced medical diagnostics, conventional AI approaches often face limitations in real-time data processing, scalability, and managing high-dimensional biomedical data. Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI) integrates quantum computing with AI to address these challenges. This study explores QAI models in disease diagnosis, highlighting their advantages over classical AI, their applications across diseases, and integration possibilities within diagnostic workflows.

METHODS: A structured literature review was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 37 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and focus on QAI applications in diagnostics. The review analyzed key quantum machine learning (QML) models, including hybrid and quantum inspired techniques.

RESULTS: The findings indicate that QAI demonstrates promising applications in diagnosing cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other conditions. Quantum algorithms enable faster and more accurate pattern recognition in complex medical datasets. Additionally, QAI can be integrated into various stages of the diagnostic pipeline, from feature engineering to optimization to provide clinical decision support. However, technical challenges such as quantum noise, hardware instability, and limited algorithm maturity were frequently noted.

CONCLUSIONS: QAI has the potential to revolutionize disease diagnosis by overcoming many limitations of classical AI systems. While significant progress has been made, real-world clinical integration requires further advancements in algorithm development and hardware scalability. Future research should focus on closing the gap between theoretical models and clinical implementation to fully realize the benefits of QAI in healthcare.},
}

Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*Quantum Theory
Algorithms
COVID-19/diagnosis
*Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods
Neoplasms/diagnosis
Machine Learning
Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis
Neurodegenerative Diseases/diagnosis

@article {pmid41307946,
year = {2025},
author = {Wong, AKC and Zhou, SY and Tao, X and Tsui, NY and Kwok, VWY and Wang, RM and Bayuo, J},
title = {The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Telecare Consultations Among Patients Who Have Experienced a Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of medical Internet research},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e74149},
doi = {10.2196/74149},
pmid = {41307946},
issn = {1438-8871},
mesh = {Humans ; *Stroke/nursing/therapy ; *Telemedicine ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Quality of Life ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nurse-led telecare consultations have emerged as a promising approach for the long-term management of stroke survivors, particularly in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions. While several studies have explored its use, the effectiveness of nurse-led telecare consultations in post-acute stroke care remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led telecare consultation for poststroke management among stroke survivors who were discharged from the hospital and lived in the community.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across 6 databases-CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL-for randomized controlled trials published from inception to February 2025. Included studies examined nurse-led telecare consultations compared to usual care among stroke survivors living in the community. Studies involving individuals who were hospitalized or institutionalized were excluded, along with reviews, abstracts without full texts, non-English or non-Chinese articles, and studies not meeting the criteria for randomized controlled trials. Primary and secondary outcomes included blood pressure (BP), psychological burden, quality of life, medication adherence, health care service use, stroke recurrence, survivor functioning, and coping. Continuous outcomes were analyzed using mean differences (MDs) or standardized MDs with 95% CIs under a random-effects model and dichotomous outcomes using odds ratios with 95% CIs via the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-square test and I[2] statistics.

RESULTS: In total, 9 studies involving 2524 participants were included. Ischemic stroke was the most common type (n=1568, 62.13%) of stroke. Meta-analysis showed that nurse-led telecare significantly increased the likelihood of achieving target BP (odds ratio 2.33, 95% CI: 1.83-2.98; P<.001). For continuous outcomes, pooled analyses showed nonsignificant but directionally favorable reductions in systolic BP (MD -4.83, 95% CI -12.51 to 2.85; I[2] =92%), diastolic BP (MD -6.41, 95% CI -13.76 to 0.93; I[2]=97%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.09; I[2]=97%). Heterogeneity was substantial for several key outcomes (I[2]>90% for systolic BP and diastolic BP). Some outcomes, such as medication adherence and stroke recurrence, were reported by only 1 (11.11%) study. Additional benefits were observed in coping ability and reduced hospital readmissions, but findings for psychological well-being and quality of life were mixed.

CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led telecare consultations may support better BP management and coping and reduce hospital readmissions among community-dwelling stroke survivors. However, the pooled effects for continuous outcomes were inconclusive, and heterogeneity remained high. Therefore, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and further high-quality trials with standardized outcome measures and longer-term follow-up are warranted to confirm effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023492692; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42023492692.},
}

Humans
*Stroke/nursing/therapy
*Telemedicine
COVID-19/epidemiology
Quality of Life
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41307506,
year = {2025},
author = {Fishman, A and Grinin, P and Riljak, V},
title = {The (un-)Social Brain in Isolation.},
journal = {Physiological research},
volume = {74},
number = {5},
pages = {711-727},
pmid = {41307506},
issn = {1802-9973},
mesh = {Humans ; *Social Isolation/psychology ; *Brain/physiology/physiopathology ; Animals ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Social Behavior ; *Stress, Psychological/psychology ; },
abstract = {The Social Brain is a distributed network of neuroanatomical regions and neurochemical systems that underpins the human capacity for social cognition, empathy, and interpersonal behavior. Social isolation (SI), defined as the objective reduction in social interaction, poses a significant threat to the integrity of this system. In this review, we synthesize evidence from human and animal studies to elucidate the biological, cognitive, and behavioral consequences of SI on the social brain. We describe how SI acts as a chronic stressor, disrupting structural connectivity, and altering neurotransmitter systems critical for social cognition. These disruptions manifest in altered social behavior, mentalization processes, and emotional reactivity, significantly contributing to increased vulnerability to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Converging findings from studies of evolutionarily conserved mechanisms in rodent and primate models demonstrate that SI compromises neurodevelopment, attenuates neuroplasticity, and triggers maladaptive stress responses, highlighting that social deprivation has profound neurobiological and behavioral consequences that greatly overlap with the pathophysiological changes seen in neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we explore the role of indirect stressors resulting from SI such as touch deprivation and digital-era social disconnection as contemporary amplifiers of SI's neurobiological impact. In light of public health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that SI should be recognized not only as a psychosocial condition but as a modifiable risk factor with transdiagnostic significance across psychiatry, neurology, and preventive medicine. Addressing SI through targeted interventions and policy measures is essential for promoting mental resilience and well-being. Key words Chronic Stress " Loneliness " Social Cognition " Socialization " Social Stress.},
}

Humans
*Social Isolation/psychology
*Brain/physiology/physiopathology
Animals
*COVID-19/psychology
*Social Behavior
*Stress, Psychological/psychology

@article {pmid41306864,
year = {2025},
author = {Panico, F and De Biase, R and Catalano, L and Zappullo, I and D'Olimpio, F and Trojano, L and Sagliano, L},
title = {A systematic review on the psychological factors behind vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 era.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1711428},
pmid = {41306864},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/psychology ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Vaccination/psychology ; Personality ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy may represent a global threat because of its inherent consequences for health, social and economic systems. Understanding the factors associated with vaccine hesitancy is fundamental to developing effective healthcare policies. While previous studies have mainly focused on sociological and cultural variables and transient illness-specific fears and beliefs, the present systematic review focuses on the psychological factors (such as emotional dispositions, cognitive functioning and expectations, and stable personality traits) associated with vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 era.

METHODS: A systematic review using a systematic search of PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science databases was performed with a time frame ranging between 1 January 2020 to 31 January 2025 focusing on psychological factors and vaccine hesitancy. Studies targeting the general population and employing validated instruments to assess emotional, cognitive and personality factors and vaccine hesitancy were selected, while investigations on context-specific, psycho-social, cultural and political factors were excluded. Quality and risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and main studies' characteristics, variables and outcomes were synthesised using a narrative approach and table.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies were finally included in the qualitative synthesis. The results showed that some variables such as depressive and anxiety levels, as well as emotion regulation strategies may affect vaccination behaviour, although some cultural and generational differences were also observed. Differences in cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and personal expectations may influence vaccine hesitancy. Notably, some personality factors, like extraversion, openness, conscientiousness and dark personality traits, may influence hesitancy to vaccinate.

CONCLUSION: This review highlights emotional, cognitive, and personality factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, providing evidence for personalised, evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting adherence to national vaccination policies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/psychology
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
SARS-CoV-2
*Vaccination/psychology
Personality

@article {pmid41306452,
year = {2025},
author = {Ross, KE and McMillan, KM and Bowell, V and Clements, DN and Mazeri, S},
title = {The canine welfare, public health and environmental impact of systemic under-regulation within the UK puppy trade: A scoping review.},
journal = {Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)},
volume = {34},
number = {},
pages = {e72},
pmid = {41306452},
issn = {2054-1538},
abstract = {Almost a decade has passed since a DEFRA consultation concluded that existing legislation governing the UK puppy trade was "outdated, inflexible, incompatible with current welfare legislation and cumbersome for both enforcers and businesses". The rapid outgrowth of the trade's governing legislature, fuelled by contemporary consumer culture and the high degree of trader anonymity provided by the internet, has enabled a high-volume, untraceable and profit-driven market to evolve. Increased demand for puppies, exacerbated by social media trends and the COVID-19 pandemic, is sustained by an online medium that both encourages and capitalises upon modern-day 'click-and-collect' purchase behaviour. Moreover, the internet has only intensified the demand for pedigree and designer crossbreeds, many of which are shown to suffer lifelong physiological disorders caused by the positive phenotyping selection necessary to achieve breed standards. These factors have made puppies an attractively lucrative, low-risk commodity. Evidence of multi-level fraud and organised crime involvement has been revealed along the supply chain, resulting in systemic canine health and welfare issues. Whilst large-scale breeding operations reportedly smuggle unvaccinated puppies onto the British market from endemic (rabies, Leishmania) countries, high densities of pet dogs in urban areas is reportedly leaving high faecal-saturation levels, spreading anthelmic- and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Meanwhile, unsafe concentrations of ectoparasiticides are detected in rivers and lakes. This review collates evidence from available sources that illustrate the current nature and impact of inadequate regulation in the UK puppy trade, aiming to support stakeholders in their efforts for essential and comprehensive regulatory reform.},
}

@article {pmid41305838,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Xu, S and Guo, S},
title = {Exploring SARS-CoV-2 impact on blood-brain barrier and its composition: A review.},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {104},
number = {47},
pages = {e46093},
pmid = {41305838},
issn = {1536-5964},
support = {(2022) No. 12//Overseas Talent Merit-based Funding Project of the Department of Human Resources and Social Security of Guizhou Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Blood-Brain Barrier/virology/pathology/physiopathology/metabolism ; *COVID-19/physiopathology/complications ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Endothelial Cells/virology ; Astrocytes/virology ; Microglia ; },
abstract = {Inflammatory responses including glial activation, and upregulated inflammatory factors occurred after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected central nervous system. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption has been implicated in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis and may predispose to the long-lasting neurological damage even after the epidemic ends. The BBB is a highly selective dynamic interface to protects the brain from neurotoxins and the elimination of byproducts of brain metabolism via efflux transporters. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges in managing neurological conditions, and understanding SARS-CoV-2 journey through BBB and the interconnections between the members of BBB is crucial. This review aims to summarize and elucidate the damage to the main constituent cells of BBB, including brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, and microglia and its contribution to COVID-19. Further understanding of these interactions may facilitate the development of improved treatment options and preventative measures of central nervous system injury due to COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*Blood-Brain Barrier/virology/pathology/physiopathology/metabolism
*COVID-19/physiopathology/complications
*SARS-CoV-2
Endothelial Cells/virology
Astrocytes/virology
Microglia

@article {pmid41305564,
year = {2025},
author = {Gamito, M and Pereira, DR and Delgado, M and Vicente, F and Silva, ML and Pereira, P},
title = {How Do Nutritionists/Dietitians Use Social Media to Communicate with Their Public? Global Perspectives on Social Media Practices: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {22},
pages = {},
pmid = {41305564},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {*Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Nutritionists ; *Communication ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Literacy ; },
abstract = {Background: Social media has emerged as a powerful communication tool for healthcare professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that their online presence can enhance nutritional literacy and play a crucial role in countering misinformation. Objective: This systematic review aims to investigate how and why Registered Nutritionists and Dietitians (RNDs) use social media in their professional practice, focusing on benefits, challenges, and impact. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted between 1 January 2019 and 28 February 2024, in PubMed, Scopus, Scholar, and SciELO databases using terms such as 'nutritionist', 'dietitian', and 'social media'. Quality was assessed using the MMAT tool. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The included studies were analysed with respect to their content, professional practices, and patterns of social media use. Results: Of the 359 articles identified through the systematic search, 10 cross-sectional studies conducted using questionnaires were included in this review. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 2542 participants across nine countries. Instagram and Twitter were the most frequently used platforms among RDNs, primarily for sharing evidence-based nutritional information, counselling content, and professional promotion. Reported usage ranged from 37.5% to 100%, with a marked increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among younger professionals. Key enablers included enhanced communication, professional visibility, and cost-effective outreach, while main challenges involved limited digital literacy and difficulties replicating face-to-face counselling online. Although ethical concerns were reported, many RNDs maintained compliance with professional standards, particularly in regions with strict marketing regulations. Conclusions: This systematic review provides evidence that social media is a valuable tool for RNDs, particularly in the context of food and/or nutritional education. RNDs would benefit from training in content creation, knowledge dissemination and ethical digital communication. However, clearer guidelines from professional organisations are also recommended.},
}

*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
Humans
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Nutritionists
*Communication
SARS-CoV-2
Health Literacy