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Bibliography on: covid-19

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 23 Oct 2026 at 01:43 Created: 

covid-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2), a virus closely related to the SARS virus. The disease was discovered and named during the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak. Those affected may develop a fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. A sore throat, runny nose or sneezing is less common. While the majority of cases result in mild symptoms, some can progress to pneumonia and multi-organ failure. The infection is spread from one person to others via respiratory droplets produced from the airways, often during coughing or sneezing. Time from exposure to onset of symptoms is generally between 2 and 14 days, with an average of 5 days. The standard method of diagnosis is by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab or sputum sample, with results within a few hours to 2 days. Antibody assays can also be used, using a blood serum sample, with results within a few days. The infection can also be diagnosed from a combination of symptoms, risk factors and a chest CT scan showing features of pneumonia. Correct handwashing technique, maintaining distance from people who are coughing and not touching one's face with unwashed hands are measures recommended to prevent the disease. It is also recommended to cover one's nose and mouth with a tissue or a bent elbow when coughing. Those who suspect they carry the virus are recommended to wear a surgical face mask and seek medical advice by calling a doctor rather than visiting a clinic in person. Masks are also recommended for those who are taking care of someone with a suspected infection but not for the general public. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, with management involving treatment of symptoms, supportive care and experimental measures. The case fatality rate is estimated at between 1% and 3%. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As of 29 February 2020, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and the United States are areas having evidence of community transmission of the disease.

NOTE: To obtain the entire bibliography (all 22940 citations) in bibtek format (a format that can be easily loaded into many different reference-manager software programs, click HERE.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR (wuhan AND coronavirus) AND review[SB] ) AND (2023[PDAT] OR 2024[PDAT] OR 2025[PDAT] OR 2026[PDAT]) NOT 40982904[pmid] NOT 40982965[pmid] NOT 35908569[pmid] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Flegg C, Barczak A, Fienberg S, et al (2026)

CAR/BRC Recommendations for Management of Axillary Lymphadenopathy Following COVID-19 Vaccination.

Canadian Association of Radiologists journal = Journal l'Association canadienne des radiologistes, 77(4):670-673.

Axillary lymphadenopathy following vaccination has long been recognized as a benign, self-limited immune response, but its increased frequency during the COVID 19 vaccination campaign created diagnostic uncertainty and contributed to delays in breast imaging and unnecessary follow-up. Early conservative guidance, issued in the context of limited evidence, led to postponed screening examinations and increased patient anxiety. Since then, robust prospective and longitudinal data have demonstrated an extremely low, near-zero risk of malignancy in asymptomatic patients with isolated ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy following recent COVID 19 vaccination and no suspicious breast imaging findings, even when lymphadenopathy persists for many months. In response to this evolving evidence base, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) and Breast Radiologists of Canada (BRC) have developed updated, evidence-based recommendations for the management of axillary lymphadenopathy following COVID 19 vaccination. These recommendations emphasize that breast imaging examinations should not be delayed because of vaccination, outline the importance of documenting vaccination history, and provide clear guidance for classifying and managing ipsilateral, contralateral, palpable, and persistent lymphadenopathy across breast imaging modalities. Special considerations for patients with a personal history of breast cancer or other malignancies are also addressed. Adoption of these recommendations is intended to promote consistent national practice, reduce unnecessary imaging and biopsy, support patient reassurance, and maintain the effectiveness of breast cancer screening programs.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Mohapatra PR, B Mishra (2026)

Common Cold-An Update.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 74(9):77-82.

The common cold, a mild yet highly prevalent upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), imposes a substantial societal and economic burden through healthcare costs, lost productivity, and widespread morbidity. Primarily caused by diverse respiratory viruses (e.g., rhinoviruses, coronaviruses), it encompasses a spectrum of acute infections affecting the nasal passages, throat, larynx, and bronchi, manifesting as rhinitis, pharyngitis, or bronchitis. Framed by the "iceberg concept" of disease, most cases are mild or asymptomatic, yet severe outcomes (e.g., exacerbations of chronic conditions) contribute to rare mortality. Management focuses on symptom relief: decongestants and antihistamines alleviate nasal congestion and cough in adults, though cough suppressants are discouraged in children. Despite its self-limiting nature, the common cold underscores challenges in primary care due to viral diversity and a lack of targeted therapies. Annual influenza vaccination, while not preventing colds, mitigates flu-related complications, indirectly reducing overlapping URTI burdens. Public health strategies emphasizing prevention, symptom management, and judicious antibiotic use remain critical to curbing its widespread impact.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Roy P, Ray S, BK Patro (2026)

Understanding Obesity through a Public Health Lens.

The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 74(8):68-73.

Obesity is a complex and chronic public health challenge that reflects deep-rooted social, economic, and environmental determinants rather than solely individual choices. Its global prevalence has risen sharply over recent decades, affecting more than one in eight people worldwide, with a growing burden in low- and middle-income countries. This paper explores obesity as a complex and growing public health challenge that extends beyond individual behavior. It highlights the social, economic, and environmental factors driving the epidemic, with a focus on the Indian context where undernutrition and overnutrition coexist. Recent research, population data, and policy reports were reviewed to analyze current trends, determinants, and the limitations of traditional measures such as the body mass index (BMI). Particular attention was given to South Asian populations, who are prone to obesity-related diseases at lower BMI thresholds. Global obesity rates have risen sharply, now affecting more than one in eight people, with a marked increase in low- and middle-income countries. In India, urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and the easy availability of ultraprocessed foods have accelerated the problem across all age groups. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation through reduced physical activity, stress, and food-system disruptions. Conventional BMI measures underestimate true metabolic risk in South Asians, underscoring the need for more nuanced diagnostic approaches. Obesity adds significantly to the burden of noncommunicable diseases and demands multisectoral action through healthier food policies, physical activity promotion, and early prevention. Integrating these strategies into health systems is vital to reduce its long-term impact.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Lange JK, Plovsing RTR, Lange P, et al (2026)

[Overweight and lung diseases].

Ugeskrift for laeger, 188(41): pii:V02260092.

Overweight increases dyspnea and cough. Overweight patients with asthma experience more symptoms, frequent exacerbations and have poorer effects of asthma medications. In COPD, light and moderate overweight are associated with a better prognosis, whereas severe overweight is not. Similar protective effects of overweight have been reported in severe bacterial pneumonia and ARDS, but not in COVID-19 or severe influenza. This review finds that the beneficial effects of weight loss are best documented in asthma and in respiratory sleep-related disorders.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Yu R, Chen A, Y Zhang (2023)

SARS-CoV-2: Possible role in children with acute hepatitis of unknown origin.

hLife, 1(2):83-92.

The UK raised an alert with the World Health Organization (WHO) in April 2022 concerning a significant surge in the number of children diagnosed with acute hepatitis of unknown origin (AHUO). Despite an ongoing investigation attributing its etiology to adenovirus infection, the absence of adenovirus inclusions in liver biopsies and the remarkably low viral load raised doubts. Concurrently, reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in children coincided with the surge in acute hepatitis cases, prompting the need for a thorough examination of the potential connection between current or past SARS-CoV-2 infections and pediatric hepatitis epidemics. Epidemiological data suggests that acute hepatitis is a notable manifestation of the multiple-system inflammatory syndrome in children following the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the precise role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in liver injury etiology remains uncertain. To shed light on the potential association between SARS-CoV-2 and AHUO in children, we conducted a systematic review of epidemiological links, potential pathogenesis, and recent research findings, aiming to raise awareness and vigilance among clinicians. Convincing and definitive evidence will be essential in the future to confirm the direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on children with AHUO.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Lin Y, Hu Z, Fu YX, et al (2024)

Mucosal vaccine development for respiratory viral infections.

hLife, 2(2):50-63.

Mucosal vaccines have risen to prominence in the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic due to their ability to elicit both local antibody and tissue-resident T cell responses, affording a dual-layered defense against infection and transmission at respiratory entry sites. While intramuscular vaccines predominantly focus on systemic immunity, mucosal vaccines offer a more nuanced, site-specific approach. However, the field faces a dearth of mucosal vaccine options for respiratory diseases, starkly contrasting to the extensive array of well-characterized injectable vaccines. The unique features of mucosal surfaces necessitate specialized adjuvants and delivery systems, adding complexity to adapting injectable vaccine technologies for mucosal applications. Here, we review the recent insights into the specificities of respiratory mucosal immunology that provide a foundation for future innovations besides the emerging vaccine platforms, newly discovered adjuvants, and vaccine delivery systems, which may open promising avenues for developing mucosal vaccines targeting respiratory pathogens.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Gao X, Liu C, S Wang (2023)

Mucosal immune responses in the lung during respiratory infection: The organization and regulation of iBALT structure.

hLife, 1(2):71-82.

The local immune defenses of respiratory system play a crucial role in safeguarding against pathogens and eliminating infected cells. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the establishment and regulation of local immune responses within the lungs, with a particular focus on the formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT), which has demonstrated a capacity to mount protective immune responses against several pathogens, including influenza virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)/SARS-CoV-2, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Furthermore, we explore the development and regulation of long-term immune memory within the lungs, which may be facilitated by iBALT. This review aims to provide a summary of potential targets within iBALT for pathogen defense and vaccine design.

RevDate: 2026-10-22
CmpDate: 2026-10-22

Sheng W, Wang H, Y Li (2026)

Organoid application in virology research: Recent progress and emerging directions.

Infectious diseases & immunity, 6(4):299-307.

Organoids, as in vitro three-dimensional structures derived from stem cell differentiation, have emerged as cutting-edge technologies in biomedical research due to their effectiveness in mimicking the complex architectures and physiological functions of human organs. Currently, researchers worldwide are extensively exploring the application of organoids in virology and have achieved remarkable progress. These innovations have enabled the successful cultivation of various viruses in vitro, the modeling of viral infection processes, and the clarification of cell tropism and host factor interactions. They have also advanced systematic explanations of related pathogenic mechanisms, providing an important avenue for antiviral drug screening and vaccine design. This paper elaborates on the biological characteristics of organoids, summarizes the methodologies for establishing virus-infected organoid models, and reviews advances in research on viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, influenza viruses, hepatitis viruses, Zika virus, and human noroviruses. This review will clarify how organoids have profoundly changed our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of viruses and accelerated the clinical translation of antiviral strategies.

RevDate: 2026-10-22

Guo X, Kaiser NR, SL Campbell (2026)

Viral Infection-Induced Epilepsy and the Gut Microbiome Crosstalk.

WIREs mechanisms of disease, 18(5):.

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) pose a significant risk for seizures, and in some cases, long-term epileptogenesis. Seizure development following viral infection involves diverse CNS mechanisms, with emerging evidence that peripheral factors, including gut microbiome composition and immune-inflammatory responses, also contribute. The gut microbiome is a multifaceted ecosystem with important roles in CNS health, and advances in sequencing have enabled investigation of host and microbial genomic changes associated with seizure development. While both animal and human studies link gut dysbiosis to epilepsy, including infection-induced epilepsy, the specific effects of viral-induced seizures on the gut microbiome remain unclear. Moreover, the influence of virus-triggered epileptogenesis is not well understood. This review summarizes current knowledge on viral infections linked to seizures and highlights the limited but growing evidence for gut microbial changes in this context. We focus on Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), all implicated in human epileptogenesis, though direct microbiome-seizure connections are still limited. We also discuss severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes neurological symptoms without consistently inducing seizures in rodent models despite neurological involvement, and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a murine virus widely used as a model of infection-induced seizures because it induces strain-dependent seizures in mice. Current evidence suggests associations among viral infections, gut microbiome alterations, and seizure occurrence; however, further causative studies are needed to define their roles and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Fernàndez-López L (2026)

Community-Based Rapid Testing for HIV in Europe and Central Asia: A Narrative Review of Models, Effectiveness, and Implementation Challenges.

Infection and drug resistance, 19:541591.

This narrative review examines the evolution, implementation, and impact of Community-Based HIV Testing (CBT) across Europe and Central Asia (ECA), a region where late diagnosis remains a persistent challenge and key populations continue to face substantial structural, legal, and social barriers to accessing conventional healthcare. This review synthesises evidence from academic studies, surveillance reports, and European initiatives to describe the diverse modalities of CBT, as well as their contribution to earlier diagnosis, improved case-finding among first-time testers, and more timely linkage to care. Across the region, CBT showed higher acceptability and positivity yields than facility-based testing, reaching populations disproportionately affected by HIV, such as men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, migrants, and sex workers, and supports differentiated, person-centred service delivery aligned with World Health Organization and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidance. Despite clear progress, major implementation gaps persist, driven by restrictive regulatory frameworks, uneven adoption of innovations such as lay provider testing and HIV self-testing, limited integration of community-generated data into national surveillance systems, and structural inequities including stigma, criminalisation, and lack of universal healthcare entitlements. This review also notes the resilience and adaptability of community-based models during recent crises, including COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Overall, the evidence demonstrates that CBT is a fundamental component of HIV prevention and diagnosis in ECA. Fully realising its potential requires updated policies that enable task-sharing, integration of multi-disease testing, strong referral pathways, sustainable financing, and formal incorporation of community-generated data into national monitoring frameworks. Strengthening these components is essential to accelerate progress toward the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Halma M (2024)

Alterations of SARS-CoV-2 Evolutionary Dynamics by Pharmaceutical Factors.

Infectious diseases & immunity, 4(1):35-40.

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has been influenced by the human response to the virus. These responses have undoubtedly impacted the evolutionary dynamics of the virus in ways distinct from a scenario lacking a widespread response. Two important pharmaceutical interventions, vaccination and the utilization of medications, particularly molnupiravir, known to have mutagenic properties, were the focus of this article. The impact of molnupiravir on human health was evaluated through 3 mechanisms: viral resistance, mutagenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and mutagenesis occurring in patients undergoing treatment with molnupiravir. These mechanisms, as well as the impact of vaccination, have inadvertently given rise to unforeseen challenges in the management of the COVID-19 crisis. Taking a systems view in future pandemic responses, and taking into account the evolution of the pandemic virus, may be critical to ending the pandemic at an earlier date.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Xiang Y, Sun G, Xiang P, et al (2026)

Confronting the known unknown: historical lessons and future strategies for Disease X.

Frontiers in public health, 14:1833807.

The 2026 outbreak of Nipah virus in West Bengal, India, a known WHO priority pathogen, serves as a timely reminder of the constant threat from high-consequence emerging diseases and underscores the critical relevance of Disease X-a future pandemic caused by an unknown pathogen. The profound global health and economic impact of COVID-19 has made the potential devastation of Disease X tangible. However, despite the insights gained from COVID-19, significant gaps remain in translating this awareness into an effective, coordinated, and pre-emptive preparedness strategy. This review advances an integrated response framework built around a One Health surveillance diagnostic therapeutic continuum. This foundational system enables real-time pathogen tracking and host immune profiling across human, animal, and environmental interfaces. Insights generated through this continuum directly inform the timely activation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, guide dynamic modeling, and enable the precise deployment of rapid medical countermeasures. Furthermore, these measures should be supported by resilient health infrastructure and equitable data sharing mechanisms, and be embedded within a governance model that prioritizes global collaboration and equity. Ultimately, mitigating Disease X requires a unified strategy that seamlessly integrates continuous monitoring, diagnostics, and treatment within a resilient and equitable operational architecture, thereby transforming pandemic preparedness from concept into reality.

RevDate: 2026-09-26
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Mostafa MEA, Ahmed AE, Abdulqader MN, et al (2026)

Antiviral Properties of Green-Synthesized Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Against Coronaviruses: A Review.

International journal of microbiology, 2026:7207868.

It is acknowledged that COVID-19 pandemic triggered by SARS-CoV-2 outbreak demands the development of efficient antiviral modalities independent of traditional vaccines and antiviral reagents. Metallic nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), have attracted considerable attention as promising antiviral agents due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and universal antimicrobial activity. This article examines the progress made between (2021 and 2025) in the green synthesis and the antiviral applications of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs against Coronavirus. The environmental friendly synthesis protocols using natural plant juices have been highlighted in this article due to their lower toxicity and greater biocompatibility. Various characterization methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry, have been used to examine nanoparticle morphology, stability, and surface characteristics. The findings reveald that Ag-NPs can suppress the viral replication by interacting strongly with S proteins, thereby hindering the cellular entry of the targeted Coronavirus. In contrast, ZnO-NPs showed that they have dual purposes: direct antiviral effects and immunomodulatory effects that involve cytokine regulation. The antiviral properties and the limitations of the individual nanoparticles are significantly modified by hybrid nanocomposites. In closing, the significance of using green-synthesized Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs as antiviral materials is tremendous and warrants further exploration for antiviral applications. Nonetheless, there are still some unaddressed areas concerning the standardization of synthesis techniques and the validation of prolonged safety. Finally, it has been proven that there is a need for collaboration between nanotechnology and green technology in the development of environmentally benign, and universal antiviral medications against any future coronavirus pandemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Ma J, Chen H, He Y, et al (2026)

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines: a prospective outlook from technological innovation to clinical practice.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1757291.

The COVID-19 pandemic established mRNA vaccines as a clinically validated platform for rapid vaccine development and deployment. This review summarizes recent progress in COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology, clinical performance, immunological mechanisms, and translational applications. First-generation nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines formulated in lipid nanoparticles demonstrated strong protection against symptomatic disease and, more durably, against severe outcomes, while variant-driven immune escape, waning protection against infection, limited mucosal immunity, and heterogeneous responses in special populations revealed important constraints. The review compares mRNA vaccines with other COVID-19 vaccine platforms and clarifies endpoint-specific correlates of protection, emphasizing the distinct roles of neutralizing antibodies, memory B cells, T-cell responses, and non-neutralizing antibody functions. It further examines unresolved issues associated with repeated vaccination, including immune imprinting and IgG4 class switching, and evaluates technological strategies designed to improve durability, breadth, delivery, and immune programming. Key innovations include optimized RNA chemistry, structure-guided antigen design, advanced lipid nanoparticle formulations, alternative delivery systems, immune-shaping adjuvant approaches, and next-generation RNA formats such as self-amplifying RNA and circular RNA. Finally, the review discusses vaccination strategies for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, and children, as well as the expansion of mRNA technology into respiratory virus vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, and therapeutic protein expression. These developments define mRNA technology as a modular platform whose clinical impact depends on aligning RNA architecture, delivery system, antigen design, and target population.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Wang S, Chen T, Liu S, et al (2026)

Idiopathic multiple castleman disease case combined with severe neuropathy, Sjogren's syndrome and membrane nephropathy treated by rituximab: a case report and literature review.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1804654.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by dysregulated systemic immunity. Multiple cytokines had been found involved in the disease pathogenesis. Hence, involvement of multiple systems in iMCD complicates diagnosis and efficacy assessments. Although guidelines recommend anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) agents as the primary treatment, options for second-line therapy remain indeterminate.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman presented with progressive polyneuropathy and nephrotic-range proteinuria ten days after COVID-19 vaccination. Evaluation revealed multicentric lymphadenopathy, elevated IL-6, and plasmacytic-variant CD histopathology (HHV-8 negative). Concurrent Sjögren's syndrome and anti-PLA2R-negative membranous nephropathy were confirmed. After exclusion of POEMS syndrome, iMCD-NOS with intermediate severity was diagnosed. Initial rituximab-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone therapy resulted in paradoxical neurological worsening despite declining VEGF levels. Anti-IL-6 therapy was inaccessible due to economic constraints. Single-agent rituximab was initiated and continued for nine cycles over 24 months, achieving clinical remission by January 2024 with near-normalization of inflammatory markers, resolution of proteinuria, and neurological recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that rituximab monotherapy can achieve clinical remission in iMCD-NOS with concurrent autoimmune manifestations when anti-IL-6 therapy is unavailable. The delayed response pattern-with biomarker improvement preceding clinical recovery-highlights the importance of serial VEGF monitoring and persistence with B-cell-directed therapy before concluding treatment failure.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Diago-Navarro E, García-Vaz C, Fanjul G, et al (2026)

From Ebola to Hantavirus: Spain's Preparedness for High-Consequence Infectious Diseases.

The Lancet regional health. Europe, 66:101749.

The hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, managed by Spanish authorities in May 2026, provides a timely opportunity to examine how Spain prepares and responds to imported high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID). This crisis bears greater resemblance to Spain's 2014 Ebola response than to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A decade after Ebola, Spain has built substantially stronger HCID capacities: a network of High Level Isolation and Treatment Units, improved clinical protocols, diagnostic capacity, and more consistent technical communication. Coordination with international partners functioned effectively. However, structural challenges persist: political tensions between central and regional authorities complicated real-time operational coordination and spilled into public communication, undermining the perception of a unified, technically-led response. Finalisation of a National Preparedness and Response Plan and full operationalisation of the National Public Health Agency (AESAP) remain urgent priorities. These domestic challenges sit within a deteriorating global health financing environment, directly eroding the surveillance and response capacities that HCID containment depends upon globally. Spain's Estrategia Española de Salud Global 2025-2030, its seat on the WHO Executive Board and its commitment to increasing ODA, position it well to advocate for stronger HCID-specific frameworks internationally, building on the genuine progress this response demonstrated.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Sekar PKC, R Veerabathiran (2025)

COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury.

Infectious diseases & immunity, 5(3):190-197.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a notable complication of COVID-19 that is difficult to diagnose and treat. This review summarizes the prevalence, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of COVID-19-associated AKI (hereafter COVID-19 AKI). COVID-19 AKI is linked to a multisystem inflammatory syndrome and presents symptoms similar to those of AKI, which is associated with increased morbidity and death rates. The pathophysiological mechanisms of AKI include direct viral injury, cytokine storms, and systemic effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The diagnostic assessment of patients at risk for AKI involves screening for symptoms such as decreased urine output, fluid retention, and fatigue. In contrast, biomarkers like serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are used for early detection. The management strategies for COVID-19 AKI, such as avoiding nephrotoxic medications, are similar to those for AKI of other causes. Renal replacement therapy may be considered as a treatment option for severe COVID-19 AKI, particularly in cases of fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalances that cannot be managed with conservative treatments. Future research is essential to elucidate the pathophysiology, optimize diagnostic criteria, and develop targeted therapies for COVID-19 AKI. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on physical and mental health is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Addressing these gaps will necessitate substantial funding support to propel research efforts and improve patient outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Bassetti M, Giacobbe DR, Sepulcri C, et al (2025)

Epidemiology, clinical overview, and potential risk of a new pandemic of measles virus.

Infectious diseases & immunity, 5(3):198-205.

Measles outbreaks are increasingly being reported worldwide, posing a global health problem of pandemic potential. Europe was particularly affected in 2024, with a surge in cases linked to a decrease in herd immunity caused by reduced vaccination rates. COVID-19 has worsened the already alarming situation due to the disruption of surveillance systems and access to vaccinations. Here, we discuss the issue of the global surge of measles, its clinical picture, and the role of vaccination, focusing in particular on the European region and describing the underlying causes and potential of a measles pandemic. The purpose of this review is to address current measles epidemiology, highlighting the risks of a potential measles pandemic and exploring possible strategies to address it.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Wang M, Guo H, Ju B, et al (2024)

Original Antigenic Sin on Antibody Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Infectious diseases & immunity, 4(3):132-137.

Infection and vaccination can provide protective immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has persisted, leading to breakthrough infections. Owing to the original antigenic sin (OAS), variant breakthrough infection or vaccination potentially induces a stronger antibody response against the ancestral strain than to subsequent variants, as in the case of influenza. Thus, overcoming OAS is important for the development of future vaccine designs. This review summarizes the recent findings on OAS in the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, with an emphasis on future vaccine designs.

RevDate: 2026-09-26
CmpDate: 2026-09-24

Ortiz-Mateu J, L Martinez-Gil (2026)

Role of TMDs in Class I viral fusion proteins.

Microbiology and molecular biology reviews : MMBR, 90(3):e0000626.

SUMMARYClass I fusion proteins are trimeric viral membrane proteins that mediate fusion between the virion and cellular membranes. In their prefusion state, they comprise three domains: a globular "head" domain that binds the target cell receptor, a helical "stalk" domain, and a transmembrane domain (TMD) at the carboxy-terminal end that anchors the protein in the viral membrane. However, it is now evident that the role of the TMD extends beyond simple membrane anchoring. This review explores the dynamic and regulatory functions of the TMD throughout the viral life cycle. TMDs contribute to intracellular trafficking and modulate membrane fusion activity and receptor binding. During virion assembly, they facilitate the incorporation of fusion proteins into budding particles, and influence virion formation and release. Furthermore, TMDs mediate interactions between viral and host proteins, shaping the structural organization of viral complexes, and impacting cellular responses to infection. Collectively, these findings highlight the TMD as a critical determinant of viral fitness and infectivity, underscoring its potential as a novel therapeutic target.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Kareem RA, Sameer HN, Athab ZH, et al (2026)

Review: natural compounds as PCSK9 inhibitors for antiviral therapy.

Archives of microbiology, 208(9):.

From the perspective of both the host cell and the virus, cholesterol (CHO) plays a critical role during viral infection. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by regulating plasma levels of lipoprotein(a), triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and by promoting the degradation of the LDL receptor (LDLR). Emerging evidence implicates PCSK9 in the pathophysiology of several viral diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus (DENV), and hepatitis viruses. Two monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), evolocumab (Repatha[®]) and alirocumab (Praluent[®]), are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing atherosclerotic risk. However, despite preclinical studies suggesting that these inhibitors and other CHO-lowering medications may interfere with viral replication, their therapeutic application as antivirals remains limited due to various restrictions. Naturally occurring compounds such as curcumin, berberine, quercetin, and polyphenols have demonstrated PCSK9-modulating and antiviral properties in preclinical models against viruses including HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2, DENV, herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. Crucially, the majority of evidence for these natural substances remains preclinical, derived from in vitro and animal studies. The contribution of PCSK9 inhibition to the reported antiviral effects remains unclear, as pleiotropic mechanisms may be involved. Therefore, rather than being clinically proven substitutes for licensed PCSK9-targeted treatments, these molecules should be considered experimental or maybe supplementary medicines. This review examines the current preclinical evidence for natural inhibitors of PCSK9 and their antiviral properties, discusses clinical assessments to date, and considers the potential future role of naturally occurring PCSK9i in antiviral development, acknowledging the substantial research gaps that remain.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-22

Jhandai P, Vaddadi K, L Liu (2026)

NAD[+] metabolism at the host-virus interface.

The Journal of general virology, 107(6):.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD[+]) is one of the most important metabolic coenzymes that not only drives redox reactions and energy production but also acts as a critical substrate for several enzymes involved in immune signalling, DNA repair and epigenetic regulation. Viral infections are known as potent modulators of NAD[+] metabolism, with pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, Zika virus, herpes simplex virus and human immunodeficiency virus altering NAD[+] biosynthesis and consumption to benefit their persistence and replication. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NAD[+] metabolism and its regulatory enzymes: sirtuins, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases and CD38/CD157. We then discuss the interplay between NAD[+] homeostasis and virus infection. Understanding how diverse viruses manipulate NAD[+] metabolism could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral strategies grounded in metabolic resilience.

RevDate: 2026-09-03
CmpDate: 2026-09-03

Guedj E, Verger A, T Horowitz (2026)

Brain [18F]FDG-PET in Subjective Cognitive Complaints: From Diagnostic Gap to Neurobiological Insight.

PET clinics, 21(4):553-560.

Subjective cognitive complaints are heterogeneous and may occur with normal, subtle, or objectively abnormal cognitive testing. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET can help explore their metabolic substrate, particularly in subjective cognitive decline within the Alzheimer's disease continuum. In mild traumatic brain injury and long coronavirus disease (COVID), available studies suggest possible metabolic-network abnormalities but involve more heterogeneous populations and should be interpreted cautiously within multimodal, clinically characterized frameworks.

RevDate: 2026-07-11
CmpDate: 2026-06-23

Barash JA, Madden J, WA Kofke (2026)

Opioid-Associated Hippocampal Injury: Past, Present, and Future Directions.

Hippocampus, 36(4):e70111.

Three of the great public health challenges of our time converge at the hippocampus. The first, dementia, most commonly in the form of Alzheimer's disease, is well known to cause progressive hippocampal damage, resulting in the memory loss associated with the illness. The second, COVID-19 infection, has thus far been linked to hippocampal alterations across multiple studies. Lastly, the third, opioids-especially in the setting of misuse-have been associated with acute and persistent hippocampal injury; this review focuses on the collection of pre-clinical, clinical, and epidemiologic observations supporting this final relationship. Basic science work dating back decades has demonstrated a hypermetabolic response to opioids and associated damage to the hippocampus. The earliest cases recognized as opioid-associated amnestic syndrome (OAS) were subsequently identified in 2012 and reported as part of larger case series several years later. In 2019, a related but more fulminant syndrome involving cerebellar, hippocampal, and basal nuclei transient edema with restricted diffusion (CHANTER) was first described. From these investigations, a growing body of data has since emerged to suggest that regular opioid use, particularly at higher doses or potency, may be connected to a reduction in hippocampal volume and greater risk of dementia. This review begins with a synthesis of data supporting the underlying pathological mechanisms of opioid-associated hippocampal injury (OAHI), then covers the clinical spectrum of this phenomenon. Lastly, we will close with implications of OAHI that warrant further study, including the future epidemiologic impact on related cognitive disorders in the wake of the opioid epidemic and potential therapeutic applications of opioid antagonism for mild cognitive impairment.

RevDate: 2026-06-23

Pizarro Andrade RLN, Enriquez Canto Y, Angulo Salas RJ, et al (2026)

Mental health outcomes and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Journal of health psychology [Epub ahead of print].

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted physical activity behaviors and worsened mental health worldwide. This study synthesized observational evidence on relationships between physical activity and depression, anxiety, and stress in adults during COVID-19. A systematic review and multilevel random-effects meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42023491651) of observational studies published January 2020-May 2023 included 38 studies with 140,915 adults using validated measures. Physical activity showed significant inverse associations with depression (r = -0.18; p < 0.001) and stress (r = -0.14; p = 0.043), but not anxiety (p = 0.340). Heterogeneity was substantial. Findings suggest physical activity can serve as a low-risk adjunct to mitigate depressive symptoms and perceived stress during public health crises, though interpretation should be cautious given observational design and high heterogeneity. Clinically, brief assessment and promotion of regular physical activity-tailored to context and delivered in-person or remotely-may support psychological well-being, while anxiety may require combined approaches during emergencies.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-07-21

Bermejo-Jambrina M, Paužuolis M, Kimpel J, et al (2026)

Double trouble: how co- and superinfections shape viral dynamics and host responses.

Journal of virology, 100(7):e0205525.

Concurrent infection of humans by multiple distinct viruses is a common biological phenomenon with important consequences for virus-host interactions. While coinfection refers to the simultaneous infection of an individual or cell with two or more viruses, superinfection denotes the establishment of a secondary infection following a primary one, in which the initial infection influences the susceptibility, replication, or outcome of the secondary infection. Virus-virus interactions can be antagonistic, facilitative, dependent/assisted, or neutral. Antagonistic interactions include superinfection exclusion, whereby a primary virus prevents or restricts secondary infection of the same cell, securing access to host resources and stabilizing replication while limiting genetic and viral diversity. In contrast, facilitative viral interactions arise when one virus disrupts tissue barriers, suppresses immune responses, or remodels cellular pathways, thereby increasing susceptibility to additional viral infections. These interactions intersect with fundamental viral strategies, including the generation of genetically diverse RNA virus quasispecies that promote rapid adaptation and the deployment of DNA virus immunoevasins that interfere with antigen presentation and host immune recognition. While each of these processes has been extensively studied individually, their combined impact during coinfection remains poorly defined. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on virus-virus interactions, viral diversity, and immune evasion in the context of multi-viral infections. We focus on how interactions at cellular and tissue levels shape infection outcomes, influence viral evolution, and contribute to virus-host coevolution. Finally, we also highlight key gaps in our understanding of viral interference and cooperation and discuss emerging approaches needed to define the spatiotemporal dynamics of coinfection in vivo.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-23

Khudair M, Swift SL, Dienes K, et al (2026)

Factors associated with vaccination intentions and uptake among pregnant women in the UK: A scoping review.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 22(1):2687220.

This scoping review aimed to identify factors associated with vaccination decisions among pregnant women in the UK, guided by the SAGE matrix on vaccine hesitancy, and explored differences between qualitative and quantitative findings and between vaccine intentions (attitudes) and actual uptake (behaviors). Embase®, MEDLINE®, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched; rapid review methodologies were applied. From 2,326 records, 49 primary studies were included (published 2010-2025). We identified 222 qualitative factors from 32 studies, and 114 quantitative factors from 30 studies. Qualitative studies frequently reported individual and group influences, particularly beliefs and attitudes about vaccine effectiveness and safety, and the role of healthcare professionals in decision-making. Quantitative studies highlighted sociodemographic influences, including older age, ethnicity, and lower social/economic deprivation. Factors found to be associated with vaccination intention vs. uptake were inconsistent, though these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the modest number of studies addressing this issue.

RevDate: 2026-08-12
CmpDate: 2026-08-11

Liu Z, Wang X, Hu Y, et al (2026)

Burden of infection and hospitalization from respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute lower respiratory tract infections in Chinese children: Modeling of national, regional, and provincial estimates.

Vaccine, 88:128875.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) in children. To guide policymaking on controlling RSV-associated ALRIs (RSV-ALRIs) in China, we estimated the national, regional, and provincial burdens of RSV-ALRIs and associated hospitalizations for children under 5 years old.

METHODS: We systematically identified publications about RSV-ALRIs in China with epidemiological data before 2020. We compared seasonality data from this period with data during the COVID-19 epidemic. We built a dataset to assess RSV-ALRI burden by age and region, using a generalized linear mixed-effects model and a conceptual proportionality framework to assess hospitalization rates. A risk factor-based model were used to estimate regional and provincial RSV-ALRI incidence.

FINDINGS: Children aged 0 to 12 months had the highest risk of RSV-ALRI and associated hospitalization. Provincial variations existed, with some southern provinces exhibiting higher incidence and some western provinces higher hospitalization rates. The COVID-19 epidemic shifted RSV hospitalization peaks to early autumn (Guangdong, Shanghai), whereas Hubei and Shandong demonstrated delayed peak onset compared with the pre-pandemic period.

INTERPRETATION: Our study of the burden RSV-ALRIs in China identified obvious heterogeneity by age and region. These findings highlight the need for targeted RSV vaccination strategies and resource allocation prioritizing high-risk groups and areas.

FUNDING: This work was supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No. ZD2021CY001), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82073612), and Shanghai New Three-year Action Plan for Public Health (GWVI-1, GWVI-11.1-03 and GWVI-11.1-01).

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Hasmee N, Joshi H, Gurung M, et al (2026)

Optimising ICU supply chains: Evidence-based strategies for efficiency, resilience and patient safety-a structured narrative review.

BMJ open quality, 15(2):.

Inventory management in intensive care units (ICUs) plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted patient care, yet it remains an underprioritised component of healthcare operations. This narrative review explores current challenges and evidence-based strategies for optimising ICU supply chains. Issues such as unpredictable demand, manual stock tracking, procurement inefficiencies and limited staff training often contribute to stockouts, expired supplies and delayed interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed systemic vulnerabilities, emphasising the need for resilient, technology-driven supply systems. A comprehensive literature search (2004-2025) was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar using keywords related to ICU inventory, artificial intelligence (AI) forecasting, radio frequency identification (RFID), procurement and digital health logistics. Findings were synthesised into thematic categories addressing core problems and interventions. Key strategies include implementing automated tracking systems, adopting AI-driven demand forecasting, standardising procurement policies, training ICU staff in inventory best practices and establishing emergency buffer stock. Emerging technologies such as digital twins and blockchain are highlighted for their potential to enhance transparency, responsiveness and planning accuracy. Additionally, fostering multisourcing supplier partnerships and optimising ICU storage space can further enhance system agility and reduce waste. In conclusion, ICU supply chains must evolve from reactive, manual systems to proactive, data-driven frameworks. Hospitals should invest in digital infrastructure, staff training and ethical procurement models to build resilient, cost-effective and patient-centred supply chains.

RevDate: 2026-10-10
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Lansayan J, Chin KL, AbuBakar S, et al (2026)

Clinical Manifestations and Immunological Impacts in Co-Infections and Sequential Infections of SARS-CoV-2 and Arboviruses.

Current microbiology, 83(8):.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and arboviruses represent major global public health threats, each with distinct epidemiological and pathogenic profiles that often overlap in endemic regions. Reports of co-infection and cross-reactivity between these viruses highlight the need for deeper understanding of their interactions. Co-infections pose diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical symptoms and immune modulation, which may exacerbate disease severity. Moreover, antibodies generated from prior virus infections may influence the outcome of subsequent infections through mechanisms such as cross-reactivity and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). This review summarises current knowledge on the clinical manifestations and immunological consequences of co- and subsequent infections involving SARS-CoV-2 and arboviruses. Emphasis is placed on underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including cross-reactivity and ADE, that shape host immune responses. Understanding these interactions is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and guiding public health strategies to mitigate the risks associated with co-infections and sequential viral infections.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Nirala S, Huang C, Q Mu (2026)

TORCH infections at the maternal-fetal placental transmission: an overview of multi-omics, pathogenesis and innate immune defense.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1817189.

The maternal-fetal interface represents a dynamic immunological frontier where pregnancy outcomes are determined by the delicate balance between host defense and microbial pathogenesis. Vertical transmission of pathogens across the placental barrier can lead to devastating consequences including fetal loss, stillbirth, prematurity, and congenital anomalies. The classic TORCH acronym encompasses Toxoplasma gondii, Other agents, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus, though emerging viruses including Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2 have expanded this spectrum. This review synthesizes current understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying vertical transmission, emphasizing the placenta's multi-layered defense system encompassing the syncytiotrophoblast physical barrier, specialized decidual immune cell populations including decidual natural killer cells and macrophages, and constitutive antimicrobial signaling pathways focusing on the placenta's multi-layered defense system encompassing the syncytiotrophoblast physical barrier, specialized decidual immune cell populations including decidual natural killer cells and macrophages, and constitutive antimicrobial signaling pathways. Concurrently, we examine pathogen strategies to subvert these defenses through receptor manipulation, immune evasion, and intracellular replication niches. A major focus is dedicated to the impact of proteomics and single-cell multi-omics in deconvoluting the host-pathogen interactome and identifying biomarkers of fetal injury. Recent seroprevalence studies demonstrate that younger women represent the most susceptible population to acute TORCH infections, highlighting the need for targeted screening programs. This synthesis provides a framework for developing precision diagnostics and targeted interventions to prevent vertical transmission and reduce the global burden of congenital infections.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Theodoro EL, Prediger KM, Damacena MA, et al (2026)

Oral manifestations associated with long COVID: a scoping review.

Revista brasileira de enfermagem, 79:e20250198.

OBJECTIVES: to map scientific evidence on oral manifestations originating during long COVID.

METHODS: this is a scoping review based on the method described by JBI. Primary articles published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish between March 2020 and December 2024 were included from the PubMed, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, Scopus, Excerpta Medica dataBASE, and Scientific Electronic Library Online databases, and a descriptive analysis was performed.

RESULTS: of the 15 studies analyzed, the most frequent oral manifestations of long COVID were taste alterations, xerostomia, difficulty chewing, gingival bleeding, periodontitis, and changes in the teeth.

CONCLUSIONS: an association between long COVID and various oral manifestations was evidenced, impacting the quality of life of patients. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and social inequalities influence the persistence of these manifestations, with a higher prevalence in women. Multiprofessional collaboration and clearer guidelines are essential to improve dental care.

RevDate: 2026-10-19
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Poder TG, Camara MA, Bouchard PA, et al (2026)

Pricing Policy for Medical Oxygen and Potential Savings.

Journal of evaluation in clinical practice, 32(4):e70510.

BACKGROUND: Medical oxygen is essential in modern medicine.

AIMS: This study analyzes the pricing policies and costs of medical oxygen in Quebec, provides elements of international comparison, and explores the potential savings through the optimization of oxygen therapy practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: It combines a narrative literature review, an analysis of administrative and financial documents, as well as administrative data obtained from representatives of the healthcare sector in Quebec.

RESULTS: The literature review highlights the challenges of producing, storing, and distributing medical oxygen, which have been accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. A very large disparity in pricing policies is also noted among healthcare systems, especially when cylinders are predominantly used. In Quebec, costs vary according to production methods, logistics, and contractual clauses. Optimizing oxygen therapy practices would allow significant savings, particularly by reducing oxygen consumption through various strategies.

DISCUSSION: The study shows the complexity of managing medical oxygen costs, amplified by limited competition and rigid contractual clauses. International comparison highlights the importance of infrastructure, while optimizing oxygen therapy practices offers significant savings potential. To reduce costs, it is recommended to improve distribution management, adopt more flexible contractual clauses, and strengthen competition.

CONCLUSION: To optimize medical oxygen use, actions to undertake from managers and clinicians are highlighted.

RevDate: 2026-10-10
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Tahmtan A, Nissapatorn V, Saravanabhavan SS, et al (2026)

Viral Infections and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Reinterpreting the Crosstalk Through a Dual-Role Lens.

Current microbiology, 83(8):.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are multifactorial disorders with increasing evidence implicating viral infections in their pathogenesis. However, current reviews often catalog virus-disease associations without integrating this evidence into a unified conceptual model that also accounts for the therapeutic potential of viral platforms. This review investigates recent literature to propose a "dual-role" model for viruses in NDDs. We analyze how diverse viruses (e.g., HSV-1, HIV, EBV, and SARS-CoV-2) converge on shared pathogenic pathways, including protein misfolding, chronic neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, across different NDDs. Paradoxically, engineered viral vectors derived from neurotropic viruses are being investigated as tools for targeted gene therapy. To address these therapeutic applications of viruses, this review also provides an in-depth report of the various viral vector technologies developed. The approaches involved in designing rationally engineered viral vectors based on various adeno-associated virus serotypes through rational design, directed evolution and machine learning strategies, as well as the lentiviral and herpes simplex virus-based platform are described. Different strategies that have been used to incorporate large and/or small payloads such as gene replacement, RNA interference, microRNA cassettes, CRISPR-based gene editing (base editing, prime editing, CRISPRa and CRISPRi) and the double AAV systems to deliver larger transgene cassette have also been reviewed. This review further includes various routes of administration including intrathecal, intracerebroventricular and convection-enhanced delivery with the use of Focused Ultrasound. The constraints imposed by the Blood-Brain Barrier are discussed, especially the approach using receptor-mediated transcytosis for crossing. The review also critically evaluates obstacles toward clinical translation of viral vectors due to various factors including immunogenicity, the presence of pre-existing neutralising antibodies and dose-dependent toxicity, illustrated by the fatal outcome of ASPIRO and DMD trials. Finally, this review concludes with other promising non-viral approaches such as lipid nanoparticle and extracellular vesicles. Future research needs include long-term studies to investigate causality and extensive safety optimization of viral vectors.

RevDate: 2026-06-26
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Elgazzar YA, Abdelrazek M, Ghozzy OAM, et al (2026)

CT-Assessed Sarcopenia Combined with Laboratory Inflammatory Markers for Outcome Prediction in Critically Ill, Pulmonary, and Geriatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

La Clinica terapeutica, 177(4):903-915.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, assessed via computed tomography (CT), is an emerging prognostic tool in critically ill, pulmonary, and geriatric patients. Laboratory inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are routinely obtained in these populations. Whether CT-assessed sarcopenia combined with laboratory markers offers superior prognostic accuracy over either measure alone remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the prognostic value of CT-assessed sarcopenia, alone or combined with laboratory inflammatory/nutritional markers, for predicting mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, and ICU length of stay in critically ill, pulmonary, and geriatric patients.

METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 2024. Observational studies (prospective or retrospective cohorts, case-control) that reported CT-based sarcopenia assessment alongside at least one laboratory inflammatory marker and at least one clinical outcome were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random-effects meta-analysis was performed; heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.

RESULTS: Twenty-five studies encompassing 12,347 patients were identified. The pooled odds ratio for mortality in sarcopenic versus non-sarcopenic patients was 2.28 (95% CI: 1.83-2.83; I² = 22.1%) across critically ill ICU cohorts. In COVID-19 pulmonary populations, pooled OR for in-hospital mortality with low skeletal muscle mass was 5.84 (95% CI: 1.07-31.83). CT-derived muscle measurements correlated inversely with CRP (r = -0.315), fibrinogen (r = -0.392), D-dimers (r = -0.363), and WBC count (r = -0.287). Combined CT-sarcopenia and inflammatory marker models outperformed conventional scoring systems (APACHE II, SOFA, CURB-65, PSI).

CONCLUSIONS: CT-assessed sarcopenia, when integrated with laboratory inflammatory markers, provides a robust, mechanistically grounded, and clinically accessible multimodal prognostic framework across critically ill, pulmonary, and geriatric populations.

RevDate: 2026-09-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-12

Giunta S, Sabbatinelli J, Olivieri F, et al (2026)

Aging-related autonomic nervous system imbalance and adrenergic regulation of immunity: Implications for inflammaging, autoimmunity, and long COVID.

Frontiers in neuroendocrinology, 82:101269.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a central role in immune homeostasis by integrating sympathetic and parasympathetic signals that regulate inflammation, immune cell trafficking, and tolerance. Aging is associated with a progressive autonomic imbalance characterized by sympathetic overactivation, reduced parasympathetic tone, and impaired β-adrenergic signaling in immune cells, which together contribute to inflammaging and immune dysregulation. In this review, we discuss how aging-related alterations in adrenergic pathways affect immune cell differentiation and cytokine networks, with particular emphasis on β2-adrenergic control of the Th17/regulatory T cell balance through cAMP-dependent mechanisms interacting with cytokine-driven STAT signaling. Chronic sympathetic stimulation and β-adrenergic desensitization weaken these regulatory constraints, favoring pro-inflammatory immune trajectories and loss of immune tolerance. Finally, we propose Long COVID as a paradigmatic condition in which pre-existing inflammaging and autonomic vulnerability are amplified by viral infection, leading to persistent inflammation, impaired immune regulation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune manifestations.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Xu J, Kathiresan T, Siddiqui A, et al (2026)

Cough biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory disease: a systematic review.

European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 35(180):.

Cough is a common and physiologically informative component of respiratory morbidity, but its potential for diagnosing and monitoring disease is not thoroughly investigated. This systematic review synthesised the literature on algorithmic and statistical models analysing cough acoustics for diagnosing or monitoring respiratory conditions. Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL) were systematically searched for studies published from January 2010 to June 2025. Eligible studies performed quantitative acoustic feature analysis of human coughs using statistical, machine learning or deep learning models and reported diagnostic or prognostic performance. 89 studies from 34 countries were assessed, covering cough detection (n=31), disease classification (n=55) and disease severity prediction (n=3), reflecting potential applications in disease monitoring. Deep learning approaches, especially convolutional and recurrent networks, were predominant (n=56) and tended to achieve the higher accuracies, although machine learning ensemble methods and logistic regression also demonstrated strong performance, particularly with well-engineered features. Across different diseases, sensitivities and specificities were often reported to be ≥90%, notably for tuberculosis, asthma and COVID-19. However, methodological weaknesses were common, with only 11.2% of studies introducing external validation, 71.1-87.6% demonstrating high risk of bias (according to PROBAST-AI) and most based on small, homogeneous or crowdsourced cohorts with limited generalisability. These limitations contribute to inflated internal performance and uncertainty about real-world applicability. Cough acoustic biomarkers hold promise as an adjunctive tool for screening and longitudinal monitoring in low-resource environments. Nevertheless, widespread implementation will require large, multicentre validation, standardised calibration, bias control and incorporation into privacy-preserving workflows.

RevDate: 2026-06-24
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Yasam SK, Vignesh N, S Rajagopal (2026)

Advances in ferroptosis research and applications.

International review of cell and molecular biology, 405:149-186.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance. It has emerged as a pivotal mechanism implicated in various diseases, including cancer, chronic kidney diseases (CKD), neurodegenerative disorders, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic wounds, and viral infections such as COVID-19. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the molecular underpinnings of ferroptosis, emphasizing its key regulators-iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation pathways, and antioxidant defenses such as GPX4 and system Xc[-]. We explore recent advances highlighting the therapeutic potential of ferroptosis modulation across multiple pathological contexts. In cancer, ferroptosis inducers have shown efficacy in overcoming drug resistance and enhancing immunotherapy. In contrast, inhibition of ferroptosis offers protective effects in neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Applications in nanomedicine have further enabled targeted delivery of ferroptosis modulators, expanding their clinical relevance. The chapter also discusses emerging roles of ferroptosis in wound healing, CKD and pulmonary fibrosis, with particular attention to COVID-19-related lung injury. Finally, we evaluate current therapeutic strategies, safety considerations, and potential clinical applications, along with future directions including biomarker development and personalized medicine. Our aim is to provide a unified perspective on ferroptosis as a disease-modifying mechanism and to highlight its growing importance as a therapeutic target across diverse clinical disciplines.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Schuele L, Nzoyikorera N, Udahemuka JC, et al (2026)

Capacity building for genomic surveillance of mpox and other emerging diseases in resource-limited settings within the African Great Lakes region.

Communications medicine, 6(1):.

Genomic surveillance has become an indispensable tool for the identification of pathogens and tracking of transmission chains. Building upon the global sequencing and surveillance infrastructure developed and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, these capacities are now being adapted to track other pathogens in low- and middle-income countries which remain disproportionately affected by infectious diseases. This is evident in the recent and unprecedented spread of mpox virus in regions experiencing multiple concurrent infectious disease outbreaks, highlighting the need for broad, adaptable diagnostic detection and sequencing capacity. In this Perspective, we describe the applications, insights, and challenges encountered during ongoing capacity building efforts for the characterization of the mpox outbreak and other emerging pathogens in the African Great Lakes Region.

RevDate: 2026-10-10
CmpDate: 2026-06-24

Locci M, N Pardi (2026)

Immunological mechanisms of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases.

Nature, 654(8120):892-901.

Nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid-nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines confer a high level of protection against severe COVID-19 and, since their first authorization for human use in 2020, have saved millions of lives. The efficacy of this vaccine platform relies on the induction of powerful and coordinated innate and adaptive immune responses. A deep understanding of the mechanisms of action by which mRNA-LNP vaccines drive protective immunity is crucial for advancing the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines with improved immunogenicity and tolerability. A flurry of recent studies has shed light on aspects of this vaccine modality's modus operandi. Nonetheless, key gaps in knowledge remain, including understanding how LNPs are sensed by the immune system and exert their adjuvant activity, identifying the specific signals and cellular pathways critical for eliciting protective immune responses and determining whether it is feasible to uncouple vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity. Here we review the known and unknown features of the immunological mechanisms of mRNA-LNP vaccines for infectious diseases. Furthermore, we discuss how the components of this vaccine platform can be modified to fine-tune immune responses against challenging pathogens for which effective vaccines do not exist or need improvement.

RevDate: 2026-10-10
CmpDate: 2026-07-02

Li X, Kang M, Jiao XY, et al (2026)

Addressing the zoonotic threat of merbecoviruses.

Nature microbiology, 11(7):1774-1785.

Merbecovirus is a subgenus of betacoronaviruses and exhibits high genetic diversity with a capacity for cross-species transmission. However, beyond Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), our knowledge of the ecology and pathogenic potential of these viruses remains limited. Merbecoviruses were once thought to rely exclusively on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 for cell entry, but recent discoveries have revealed that several members can also engage with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 or aminopeptidase N, expanding their receptor repertoire and potential host range. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding of the receptor usage of merbecoviruses and examine how these insights inform pandemic preparedness and risk assessment. We discuss the development of targeted diagnostics, broad-spectrum antivirals and vaccines, including pan-coronavirus strategies. Together, these advances provide a foundation for predictive surveillance and rational countermeasure design, enabling earlier detection and more effective containment of future merbecovirus spillover events before they escalate into epidemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Nichols E, Arhin-Wiredu K, Bratton S, et al (2026)

Integrating mortality surveillance as a routine component of national essential public health functions: a blueprint for action.

BMJ public health, 4(2):e003392.

The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent public health responses have highlighted significant challenges in global mortality data collection, with approximately 40% of deaths unregistered and fragmented reporting systems hampering public health responses. This paper supports the establishment of routine mortality surveillance as a core function of essential public health services, emphasising the need for integration with civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems. By leveraging existing frameworks and proposing a Theory of Change (ToC), we outline critical linkages between CRVS and mortality surveillance that enhance data accuracy, timeliness and utility for public health decision-making. The paper provides examples across key enablers-policies, agreements and legislation; infrastructure; governance, funding and resources; and people and organisational culture-that facilitate these linkages. We also present examples from initiatives like the Africa CDC's Mortality Surveillance Programme to illustrate effective strategies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ToC serves as a blueprint for stakeholders to implement strategic interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to linking systems and data integration and utilisation. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among national public health agencies, civil registration authorities and other stakeholders to improve mortality data systems globally. By addressing these systemic challenges through enhanced collaboration and technological innovation, we can significantly advance public health outcomes and policy formulation in response to future health crises.

RevDate: 2026-06-25
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Mohamed RA, Huitao S, Si M, et al (2026)

An End-to-End Modular Blueprint for Rapid mRNA Vaccine Development, Computational Design, Functional Validation, and Scalable Delivery Against Evolving Pathogens.

In silico pharmacology, 14(2):173.

The rapid emergence of new pathogens evolving viral variants. Underscores the need for agile vaccine platforms capable of outpacing infectious threats. Building on the success of mRNA vaccine technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. We integrated computational precision tool to help the young Scientifics map the vaccine design. It is not a validated lab protocol nor does it report experimental results. Instead, it offers a stepwise conceptual roadmap to guide future wet-lab research. We also outline in silico workflow encompassing antigen selection, consensus sequence generation. The first step in the workflow is to check the conserved antigenic domains and epitopes. Bioinformatic analysis supported antigen identifying and its targets using appropriate tools, followed by consensus sequence creation through multiple sequence alignment using specific platforms. mRNA constructs were optimized via codon adaptation, GC content balancing, and secondary structure analysis. Delivery strategies also were briefly assessed between the FDA approved systems. Lipid nanoparticle formulation, were incorporated into the design to theoretically enhance stability and cellular uptake. Robust protein expression both in vitro and in vivo assessments further suggested the immunogenic potential along with providing a computational basis for future preclinical evaluation. This study review provides a step-by-step protocol that clarifies and simplifies the design process for linear mRNA constructs. The framework translates complex design considerations into actionable, sequential guidelines, enabling researchers to rationally design vaccine candidates in silico. Certainly, we support accelerated design efforts against current threats, while also serving as a preparedness blueprint for future pandemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Birhman N, Kharkwal G, Roy S, et al (2026)

Occupational health and safety in the wake of COVID-19: insights from India's workforce.

Frontiers in public health, 14:1807940.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational health and safety (OHS) practices witnessed profound changes worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exposed critical vulnerabilities in workplace preparedness, particularly among workers in high-exposure and essential service sectors.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Google Scholar, DOAJ, ResearchGate, and gray literature sources. Studies published between January 2020 and December 2024 focusing on occupational exposure, workplace transmission, OHS guidelines, and workforce health during COVID-19 were included.

RESULTS: Healthcare workers experienced the highest occupational risk due to sustained patient contact and aerosol-generating procedures, accompanied by significant psychological distress and burnout. Essential workers, manufacturing sectors, retail workers, educators, and informal sector workers also faced substantial occupational and socioeconomic challenges. Workplace interventions including engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE use, vaccination strategies, and digital surveillance tools reduced workplace transmission. Remote-enabled sectors demonstrated lower infection risk but increased mental health concerns.

DISCUSSION: The COVID-19 pandemic transformed traditional OHS frameworks by integrating infectious disease preparedness, vaccination strategies, mental health support, and workplace surveillance into occupational safety systems. The findings emphasize the need for integrated, adaptive, and equitable OHS frameworks aligned with public health preparedness to strengthen workforce resilience against future pandemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Toboltoc PC, Gagiu I, Lukusa AL, et al (2026)

Hemato-Oncology Care During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes in Treatment Pathways, Patient Flow, and Durable Organizational Adaptations.

Cureus, 18(6):e111331.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer care at every level of the clinical pathway, but its effect on hemato-oncology was distinctive because patients with hematologic malignancies often require urgent diagnosis, frequent hospital visits, transfusion support, intensive therapy, transplantation, cellular therapy, and infection-sensitive follow-up. This narrative review examines the pandemic as a disruption of hemato-oncology care delivery rather than only as a source of excess infection-related morbidity. It synthesizes evidence on diagnostic access, patient flow, treatment prioritization, infection-control circuits, day-hospital organization, inpatient access, telemedicine and hybrid follow-up, supportive care, vaccination, antiviral pathways, and high-complexity care delivery. The review distinguishes between temporary crisis restrictions, harmful diagnostic and therapeutic delays, and durable organizational adaptations that may remain relevant after the acute pandemic period. Evidence from cancer-service disruption studies, hemato-oncology outcome registries, telemedicine cohorts, and European hematopoietic cell transplantation activity surveys indicates that hemato-oncology care pathways were reorganized and selectively redirected during the pandemic, while selected components recovered through structured triage, protected circuits, remote review of stable patients, and individualized timing of transplantation and cellular therapy. The post-pandemic priority is not to preserve restrictive crisis practice, but to retain the organizational discipline generated by the crisis: protected diagnostic capacity, risk-stratified access, selective hybrid care, rapid infectious-risk assessment pathways, disciplined day-hospital scheduling, and reserved in-person capacity for unstable, procedure-dependent, or curative-intent patients. These adaptations should be maintained only insofar as they improve access, safety, and continuity of care without normalizing delayed diagnosis or undertreatment of aggressive disease.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Batool R (2026)

From Jenner to genomics: the unfolding future of vaccinology.

Frontiers in immunology, 17:1860464.

The development of the smallpox vaccine two centuries ago laid the foundation for modern vaccinology. Smallpox, once a major killer in human history, was eradicated globally in 1980. This breakthrough encouraged the development of contemporary vaccine technologies, including inactivated, recombinant, viral vector, and mRNA platforms. Owing to developments in genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, personalised vaccines have been made possible. Advances in the field of immunology facilitated an accelerated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This perspective synthesises key developments and technological advances in the field of global immunisation. The author sheds light on emerging tools, transformative platforms, and long-term directions in vaccine science research.

RevDate: 2026-06-25
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Calcaterra G, Oreto L, Perrone M, et al (2026)

[Kawasaki disease: the update of American Heart Association guidelines. What adult cardiologists need to know].

Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006), 27(7):479-488.

The recent document from the American Heart Association updates the guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Kawasaki disease (KD), a severe acute systemic inflammatory and febrile illness with mucocutaneous manifestations and lymph node involvement primarily affecting children under 5 years of age. Coronary artery involvement, with dilation and aneurysms in approximately 25% of patients, and cardiovascular system involvement make KD the most common systemic vasculitides and the leading cause of acquired heart disease in pre-school children living in developed countries. Classic KD is diagnosed based on established clinical and laboratory criteria, which exclude other similar conditions. The etiology and pathogenesis of KD remain unknown, with the disease affecting genetically susceptible children through an immune-mediated mechanism. The leading theory is that an unidentified trigger initiates a multi-organ inflammatory pathological cascade, sometimes resulting in incomplete or atypical forms in younger patients. For this reason, the American guidelines review KD diagnostic criteria, cardiac imaging techniques (echocardiography, coronary computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging), specific therapies (intravenous immunoglobulin, aspirin, and additional treatments for resistant cases), management of myocardial infarctions, and the transition of care from pediatric to adult age. This review article also highlights future research areas, the role of inflammation, the development of differential diagnostic algorithms for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the use of new oral anticoagulants. Lastly, the most recent data on the long-term course of the disease and the regression of coronary aneurysms are revisited.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Ionescu A, Mihăilescu A, Dumache R, et al (2026)

Perioperative Anemia, Transfusion Practices, and Patient Blood Management: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hematology reports, 18(3):.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global blood supply systems and accelerated the adoption of patient blood management (PBM) strategies aimed at optimizing transfusion practices in surgical care. Perioperative anemia is a key contributor to adverse outcomes and is frequently treated with allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), which carries infectious and immunologic risks. Iron deficiency remains the most common and potentially correctable cause of perioperative anemia. This narrative review examines various approaches to perioperative anemia, strategies to minimize reliance on ABT, and alternatives within the PBM paradigm. Evidence supports the use of iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, antifibrinolytic strategies, and blood conservation techniques to reduce transfusion requirements and improve clinical outcomes. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic highlight PBM as a framework to enhance transfusion safety and sustainability. Broader implementation of PBM may improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary transfusions, and preserve scarce blood resources.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Ferrara F, De Berardinis F, Scognamiglio M, et al (2026)

The Shifting Paradigm of Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19 Management: From Early Triumphs to Viral Resistance and Future Perspectives.

Antibodies (Basel, Switzerland), 15(3):.

BACKGROUND: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) initially played a major role in outpatient COVID-19 management by providing rapid passive immunity and reducing progression to severe disease. However, continuous SARS-CoV-2 evolution progressively compromised the effectiveness of several anti-spike products. This narrative review summarizes the trajectory of COVID-19 mAbs across three phases: early clinical efficacy, loss of efficacy due to immune escape, and future directions.

METHODS: We conducted a narrative review focusing on mechanisms of action, pivotal clinical trials, and real-world effectiveness of neutralizing anti-spike mAbs and host-directed immunomodulatory mAbs. Emphasis was placed on the impact of variants-especially Omicron-on susceptibility and clinical use, as well as on emerging next-generation platforms.

RESULTS: First-generation neutralizing mAbs substantially reduced the hospitalization rates during the Alpha and Delta waves, while immunomodulatory mAbs became standard options for the hyperinflammatory phase in hospitalized patients. With the emergence of Omicron and its sub-lineages, extensive immune escape led to marked reductions in neutralization for many earlier anti-spike agents and consequent restrictions in use. Later-generation approaches targeting more conserved epitopes provided temporary solutions but were also challenged by ongoing antigenic drift. Host-directed immunomodulators retained clinical relevance because their mechanism is independent of viral spike mutations.

CONCLUSIONS: The clinical role of monoclonal antibodies in COVID-19 has been dynamic and increasingly constrained by viral evolution. Future strategies should prioritize broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting conserved epitopes, innovative delivery platforms, and integration with real-time surveillance to preserve clinical utility in the endemic phase and improve preparedness for future outbreaks.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Lim XR, Teo RXW, Par RYX, et al (2026)

Anti-Type I Interferon Autoantibodies in COVID-19 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comparative Review.

Antibodies (Basel, Switzerland), 15(3):.

Type I interferons (IFN-I), including IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-ω, are central to antiviral defence and immune regulation. Autoantibodies targeting IFN-I (anti-IFN-I AAbs) have emerged as key pathogenic factors in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are detectable in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a prototypic IFN-driven autoimmune disease. Here we compare the prevalence and clinical impact of anti-IFN-I autoantibodies (Aabs) in COVID-19 and SLE based on a structured review of 53 studies from 2014 to 2025 and highlight the clinical associations and therapeutic opportunities presented by these autoantibodies. In COVID-19, neutralising anti-IFN-α and/or anti-IFN-ω AAbs were consistently associated with severe disease and impaired antiviral responses, particularly in older male populations. In SLE, anti-IFN-α AAbs were variably detected; neutralising antibodies were associated with reduced interferon gene signatures in some cohorts but inconsistent correlations with disease activity. Therapeutically, anti-IFN-I AAbs in COVID-19 may inform risk stratification and early antiviral strategies, whereas in SLE, IFN-α blockade, including IFN-α kinoid vaccination, demonstrates modulation of IFN signatures but variable clinical benefit. Notably, these findings reveal an immunological paradox: the same neutralising mechanism that impairs antiviral defence in COVID-19 may attenuate chronic IFN-driven inflammation in SLE. Taken together, anti-IFN-I AAbs exert context-dependent effects: pathogenic in acute viral infection yet potentially modulatory in chronic IFN-driven autoimmunity. Prospective longitudinal studies are required to further clarify their translational utility and long-term clinical impact.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Ntais C, IP Chatziprodromidou (2026)

COVID-19 and Interacting Public Health Threats in Europe During 2020-2025: A Narrative Review.

Epidemiologia (Basel, Switzerland), 7(3):.

Between 2020 and 2025, Europe has faced multiple interacting public health threats shaped by and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside COVID-19, the region experienced other infectious disease events, including monkeypox, measles resurgence, legionellosis and acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children. At the same time, non-communicable disease burdens, including obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, disruption of chronic disease care, mental health disorders and increased problematic digital use, intensified during and after the pandemic period. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remained a major cross-cutting threat because it undermines the effective treatment of infections and weakens emergency preparedness. This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed articles and selected reports from international organizations for the 2020-2025 period, using COVID-19 as the organizing context for examining interconnected infectious, chronic and system-level threats. Across these topics, recurring themes included vaccination gaps, fragmented surveillance, disruption of routine care, health system inequities, misinformation and insufficient preparedness for cross-border threats. The review supports integrated surveillance, continuity plans for essential services, stronger vaccination and risk-communication strategies and sustained AMR stewardship within a One Health framework. Coordinated action across public health, primary care, mental health and chronic disease policy is essential for future resilience.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Cacciatore S, Abbatecola G, Calvani R, et al (2026)

Effectiveness and Safety of Ozone Therapy in Humans: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews with Meta-Analyses of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 14(2):.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ozone therapy has been proposed across multiple clinical conditions based on hormetic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, but its efficacy and safety remain controversial. We conducted an umbrella review to appraise the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy using evidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 14 February 2025, with an updated search performed on 9 May 2026. Eligible studies were systematic reviews with meta-analyses comparing ozone therapy with non-active controls, including placebo, sham, saline, or standard care. Methodological quality was evaluated with AMSTAR-2 and certainty of evidence with GRADE.

RESULTS: Of 1243 records identified, seven meta-analyses representing four clinical indications (chronic periodontitis, COVID-19, diabetic foot ulcers, and impacted mandibular third-molar surgery) were included. In chronic periodontitis, evidence was mixed: one meta-analysis found no significant adjunctive benefit, whereas a more recent meta-analysis reported improvements in probing depth and gingival index, but not in bleeding on probing, plaque index, or clinical attachment level. For COVID-19, ozone therapy reduced PCR positivity at follow-up (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01-0.34), although this was considered a clinically non-important surrogate endpoint, and showed no significant benefit for hospital stay, intensive care unit admission, or mortality. For diabetic foot ulcers, ozone therapy was not superior to control treatment for ulcer healing (RR 1.69; 95% CI 0.90-3.17) or reduction in ulcer area. In third-molar surgery, ozone therapy did not reduce swelling or improve mouth opening, but was associated with improved short-term quality of life and reduced analgesic use. Safety outcomes were inconsistently reported, and available data did not allow firm conclusions regarding adverse events. The certainty of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite mechanistic plausibility, current meta-analytic evidence from RCTs remains inconsistent, methodologically fragile, and largely based on low- or very low-certainty findings. Routine clinical use is not justified pending adequately powered, blinded RCTs with standardized dosing and delivery, patient-centered endpoints, and rigorous safety monitoring.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Bambara S, Isingizwe MC, Adegboyega TT, et al (2026)

A Systematic Review of Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Pathogen Detection in Wastewater in Africa, with Focus on Rwanda: Implications for Early Warning and Public Health Surveillance.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 15(6):.

In Africa, the disease burden of diarrheal and respiratory diseases is amplified by limited surveillance capacity, diagnostic limitations, and socioeconomic inequalities. In rapidly urbanizing settings such as Kigali (Rwanda), integrating wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) into existing surveillance systems offers a promising strategy for generating real-time epidemiological intelligence, identifying community-level hotspots, and addressing gaps in traditional reporting systems. Gastrointestinal and respiratory infections remain major causes of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where traditional clinical surveillance systems frequently underreport the true disease burden. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the detection of gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens in wastewater and evaluates the utility of WBE for early warning and public health action. A narrative review approach was used to identify peer-reviewed literature, global health reports, and surveillance studies focusing on the wastewater detection of gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens. Databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2026. The search yielded 1247 records, of which 312 duplicates were removed. After title/abstract screening, 228 full-text articles were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. After a detailed evaluation, 108 studies were excluded for the following reasons: absence of pathogen-specific wastewater data (n = 46), a focus on environmental monitoring without public health relevance (n = 25), insufficient methodological description (n = 21), or other eligibility limitations such as a lack of primary data (n = 16). WBE provides a non-invasive, cost-effective approach for monitoring symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. Challenges involve variability in sampling, environmental factors affecting viral decay, and differences in laboratory workflows. WBE is a powerful complement to traditional infectious disease surveillance, offering early warning capabilities, population-level coverage, and real-time insights into pathogen circulation. Integrating WBE into surveillance programs, especially in LMICs such as Rwanda, can significantly strengthen epidemic preparedness, guide resource allocation, and improve outbreak response. Sustained investment in laboratory capacity, standardized protocols, and multisector collaboration is essential to fully leverage WBE for public health protection.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Jang HY, Ko Y, SY Han (2026)

Understanding Healthcare Workers' COVID-19 Vaccination Decision-Making as a Dynamic Process: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

Vaccines, 14(6):.

Background/Objectives: Healthcare workers play a critical role in vaccination programs, yet vaccine hesitancy has been widely reported even among this group during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Previous studies have primarily focused on identifying factors associated with vaccine acceptance, offering limited insight into the processes underlying decision-making. This study aimed to synthesize qualitative studies on healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination experiences to develop a comprehensive understanding of their decision-making processes. Methods: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted using the thematic synthesis approach proposed by Thomas and Harden. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched for qualitative studies published up to February 2026. Thirteen studies were included following PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed through line-by-line coding, followed by the development of descriptive and analytical themes. Results: Four analytical themes were identified: (1) vaccination as a dynamic risk-benefit negotiation process, (2) trust as a central mechanism shaping information interpretation, (3) socially embedded and relationally negotiated decision-making, and (4) moral identity as a driver of vaccination behavior. Healthcare workers' vaccination decision-making was not a static choice but an evolving process shaped by continuous appraisal of risks and benefits, filtered through trust in information and institutions, influenced by social interactions, and guided by professional identity and ethical responsibility. Conclusions: Healthcare workers' vaccination decision-making is a multidimensional process embedded in cognitive, social, and ethical contexts. Interventions should move beyond individual-level approaches and instead focus on building trust, leveraging social networks, and reinforcing professional identity with implications for future public health crises.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Kong F, Wu N, Liang S, et al (2026)

Next-Generation Vaccine Design for Porcine Enteric Coronaviruses: Aligning Antigenic Breadth, Mucosal Immunity, and Translational Evaluation.

Vaccines, 14(6):.

Porcine enteric coronaviruses (PECs), including porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV), remain major causes of neonatal diarrhea, dehydration, mortality, and economic loss in swine production. Despite substantial progress in vaccine development, durable field protection is still inconsistent. In this narrative review, this narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on PEC vaccine design from three connected perspectives: antigenic breadth, mucosal immunity, and translational evaluation. The economic and virological context of PEC vaccine development is first summarized, including the recurrent production burden of PECs, coronavirus genome organization, structural proteins, and the central role of the spike protein in receptor engagement, membrane fusion, and neutralizing antibody induction. Key issues are then discussed, including how spike diversity, conformational stability, epitope accessibility, glycan shielding, and antigen matching influence protective breadth; why intestinal secretory IgA, mucosal immune-cell trafficking, local memory responses, and lactogenic immunity should be prioritized as biologically relevant endpoints; and how delivery route, adjuvant selection, and platform design shape response quality. Current evidence on recombinant protein, viral-vectored, nanoparticle, virus-like particle, probiotic, plant-derived, and mRNA-based approaches is compared with attention to both promise and current evidentiary and translational limitations. The available literature suggests that future progress in PEC vaccinology is likely to depend less on platform novelty alone than on integrated vaccine designs that align antigen selection, mucosal delivery, maternal-neonatal protection, heterologous challenge, manufacturability, and field applicability.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Frączek B, Pieniawska-Śmiech K, Babicki M, et al (2026)

Maternal Vaccine Acceptance and Attitudes Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review.

Vaccines, 14(6):.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the acceptance of vaccinations among pregnant women, particularly against influenza, pertussis, COVID-19, and RSV, and to identify factors influencing their willingness to get vaccinated. It also seeks to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal attitudes and behaviors regarding vaccination.

METHODS: The analysis involved a review of existing literature and studies to evaluate the level of vaccine acceptance among pregnant women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy, including misinformation, lack of knowledge, and the influence of healthcare professionals, were examined.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that, despite scientific evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines during pregnancy, public concerns remain about their impact on the developing fetus. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased awareness of the risk of infectious diseases, but at the same time, its impact on vaccination rates among pregnant women is ambiguous and geographically diverse. Misinformation and decreased access to healthcare during the pandemic negatively affected vaccine uptake. Trustworthy information provided by healthcare professionals emerged as a key factor in promoting vaccine acceptance.

CONCLUSIONS: To improve vaccination rates among pregnant women, it is essential to provide clear, evidence-based information through healthcare professionals, particularly those directly caring for pregnant women. Educational campaigns should address concerns calmly and without judgment, emphasizing the safety and benefits of vaccinations. Enhanced access to healthcare and vaccinations, along with strategic information dissemination, can significantly improve vaccine acceptance during pregnancy. Lessons learned from past pandemics should be incorporated into the development of healthcare strategies aimed at implementing recommended vaccinations for pregnant women in the future.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-25

Aljadeeah S, Payedimarri AB, Dochez C, et al (2026)

Access to Vaccines Among Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Undocumented Migrants Across the Migratory Cycle in the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and the United Kingdom: A Scoping Review.

Vaccines, 14(6):.

Introduction: Inequities in access to medicines persist for asylum seekers, refugees, and undocumented migrants in Europe. For vaccines, access gaps not only exist for these groups in childhood routine immunization, but also for life-course and catch-up vaccinations. As part of a broader project examining access to medicines and vaccines for migrants across all stages of the migration cycle, this scoping review synthesizes evidence on the determinants of access to vaccines. Methods: We conducted a scoping review across PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and grey literature sources, covering the period 2000-2024. Sources were eligible if they addressed access to vaccines among migrants. We examined access to vaccines along the life course, and across phases of the migratory cycle, including departure, transit, reception and settlement, and return or deportation. Results: A total of 47 research studies and grey literature reports were included. Most studies focused on migrants in reception and settlement (destination) settings, with only twelve sources addressing other phases of the migratory cycle. Across European countries, migrants were frequently reported to have lower uptake of routine vaccines (e.g., measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), and human papillomavirus (HPV)) and COVID-19 vaccines than host populations. The most frequently reported barriers were related to migrants' legal status, administrative requirements, and lack of documentation, alongside poor affordability of vaccination, limited awareness of their rights, and mistrust in the health system. Conclusions: Health systems need to adopt innovative approaches to expand vaccine access for migrant populations. Further, protecting confidentiality is essential for building trust and reducing ethical and legal risks. Flexible and coordinated vaccination strategies are required to address migrants' mobility across the different migration stages and settings. Our findings appeal for sustained improvements in access to vaccines among migrants in Europe, contingent on strong policy commitments to equity, data protection, and the adoption of life-course and catch-up vaccination strategies.

RevDate: 2026-07-10
CmpDate: 2026-07-10

Zhang W, Yuan W, Yuan C, et al (2026)

Shared and context-specific mechanisms of T cell exhaustion in chronic viral infections and cancer: Transcriptional, metabolic, epigenetic, and therapeutic perspectives.

Cytokine & growth factor reviews, 90:88-106.

T cells are crucial for defending against viral infection and cancer by eliminating infected or transformed cells and establishing immune memory. However, persistent antigenic stimulation in chronic infections or tumors drives T cells into a dysfunctional state known as exhaustion. This state is characterized by reduced proliferation and effector functions, upregulation of inhibitory receptors like PD-1, LAG-3, and CTLA-4, and alterations in transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic programs. T cell exhaustion is driven by both intrinsic factors, including changes in transcription factor networks and metabolic dysfunction, and extrinsic factors, such as continuous antigen exposure and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Key molecules like PD-1, TOX, and TCF-1 are central to this process, though the complex interactions between intrinsic and extrinsic signals in chronic viral infections and cancers remain poorly understood. This review summarized T cell exhaustion in chronic viral infections, such as HIV, HBV, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as in tumors, emphasizing shared mechanisms and context-specific differences. We focused on the roles of transcriptional networks, metabolic changes, immune checkpoints, and exhaustion-related signaling. Additionally, we discussed emerging therapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, cytokine supplementation, and metabolic interventions, based on recent high-impact studies. By integrating insights from both chronic infection and cancer, this review aims to identify common principles of T cell exhaustion and propose strategies to improve clinical outcomes in chronic viral diseases and cancer immunotherapy.

RevDate: 2026-07-23
CmpDate: 2026-07-23

Abdel-Moneim AS, Al-Balushi MS, AA Al-Jabri (2026)

Post-COVID-19 immune dysregulation and autoimmune sequelae.

Virology, 623:111017.

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces profound immune dysregulation, including hyperinflammation, lymphopenia, and innate/adaptive immune imbalance. In some individuals, these responses persist beyond viral clearance, creating conditions that may disrupt immunological self-tolerance and precipitate autoimmune phenomena. We critically review mechanistic and clinical evidence linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to autoimmunity. Viral entry via ACE2/TMPRSS2, endothelial injury, and renin-angiotensin system dysregulation generates a pro-inflammatory milieu. Immune pathways, including molecular mimicry, bystander activation, epitope spreading, and persistent antigenic stimulation, can trigger the activation of autoreactive lymphocytes. Emerging evidence further implicates SARS-CoV-2-associated oral-gut microbiome dysbiosis and alterations in tryptophan and arginine metabolic checkpoints as contributors to chronic inflammatory signaling and impaired tolerance maintenance. We propose a mechanistic cascade from viral infection to dysbiosis to metabolic perturbation to loss of tolerance to autoantibody generation. Clinical manifestations encompass neurological, hematological, endocrine, and systemic autoimmune syndromes, with evidence of autoantibody emergence and post-COVID-19 immune sequelae. SARS-CoV-2 acts as an amplifier of autoimmune reaction in genetically susceptible hosts. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for identifying at-risk individuals and informing preventive and therapeutic strategies for post-COVID-19 autoimmune sequelae.

RevDate: 2026-08-08
CmpDate: 2026-08-08

Lv F, Chen Y, Y Xia (2026)

Neurological sequelae of Long COVID: Pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic advances, and therapeutic perspectives.

Journal of neuroimmunology, 419:579010.

SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms beyond the acute phase, often discussed under the umbrella term "Long COVID". These manifestations commonly include mood disturbances, post-traumatic stress symptoms, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, with substantial effects on daily functioning and quality of life. Despite these concerns, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these sequelae remain poorly understood, and the lack of specific biomarkers hampers the development of targeted interventions. This review synthesizes recent advances in the clinical presentation, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric sequelae of Long COVID. We also discuss current challenges and outline future research priorities to facilitate the establishment of standardized diagnostic criteria and the development of effective, mechanism-based therapies.

RevDate: 2026-08-19
CmpDate: 2026-07-23

Elgendi MM, Stewart SH, Sherry S, et al (2026)

Did COVID-19 change the trajectory of children's internalising symptoms? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and moderating factors.

Journal of affective disorders, 413:122168.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted children's and adolescents' daily lives worldwide, raising concerns about changes in internalising symptoms. Prior reviews have documented elevated depression and anxiety symptoms during the pandemic, but cross-sectional designs have limited conclusions about within-person change and its moderators. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies assessing internalising symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eighty peer-reviewed studies (187 effect sizes) contributed data from youth aged 5-17 years across 20 countries. Standardized mean change (SMC) effect sizes were synthesised using random-effects models with robust variance estimation. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, we examined moderators spanning individual, family/school, contextual, and temporal domains. Overall, internalising symptoms increased modestly from pre- to peri-pandemic assessments (SMC = 0.32, 95% CI [0.11, 0.53]; multilevel SMC = 0.34, 95% CI [0.15, 0.53]). Effects varied widely across studies (I[2] = 97.9%), indicating highly heterogeneous symptom trajectories, and suggesting that pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously. Larger increases were observed in studies including parent-report measures and in contexts of full school closures and highly stringent government responses. Age, gender/sex, region, COVID prevalence, and assessment timing were not significant moderators. Although there were larger increases for composite scores across broad internalising and depressive symptoms than for anxiety or stress, there were no statistically robust between-domain differences. Together, these results indicate that internalising symptoms increased modestly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that youth experiences were highly context-dependent, underscoring the importance of considering ecological conditions-such as school closures and policy responses-when evaluating pandemic-related mental health change.

RevDate: 2026-09-09
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Marchesi F, Girmenia C, Trecarichi EM, et al (2026)

Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral prophylaxis and vaccination strategies in adult patients with acute myeloid and promyelocytic leukemia: An expert panel consensus from the GIMEMA group.

Blood reviews, 77:101412.

Infections are a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and treatment delays in AML and APL. While international guidelines emphasize intensive chemotherapy, they often overlook less intensive regimens, rely on outdated data, and ignore rising MDR infections. A GIMEMA survey across Italian centers revealed significant heterogeneity in antimicrobial prophylaxis, and vaccination practices. An expert panel reviewed 2012-2025 English literature with focus on infections via Delphi/nominal group methods, achieving ≥70% consensus. Prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones showed low agreement (28%) for intensive chemotherapy and venetoclax-based regimens due to no survival benefit, MDR pressure and microbiota disruption; not recommended for low-intensity/palliative care. Posaconazole is advised for intensive chemotherapy with or without FLT3 inhibitors, venetoclax-based regimens, HMA with or without ivosidenib (first 4 cycles), but not APL/palliative care. Antiviral prophylaxis is recommended for APL receiving arsenic trioxide; limited evidence elsewhere. The panel supports universal pneumococcal, influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and herpes zoster vaccination. Overall, these consensus statements aim to harmonize practice and highlight key areas requiring specifically designed prospective studies.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Filippatos F, Kakleas K, A Michos (2026)

Immunopathogenesis and Cytokine Pathways in Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption (RIME) in Pediatric Population: Infectious Triggers and Molecular Insights.

Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 69(1):.

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) is increasingly recognized as a pediatric syndrome in which severe mucositis follows a recent infection and cutaneous involvement is usually limited. Although Mycoplasma pneumoniae remains the prototype trigger, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and other respiratory pathogens can produce a similar clinical phenotype. This narrative review summarizes pediatric RIME/MIRM literature and selected adult or comparator-disease evidence when direct pediatric data are unavailable, explicitly distinguishing direct RIME evidence from extrapolated mechanisms. This review synthesizes current evidence on the immunopathogenesis of RIME in children, with emphasis on how pathogen-specific factors intersect with innate and adaptive immune pathways to drive mucosal injury. We discuss the central roles of epithelial sensing, inflammasome activation, cytokine amplification, neutrophil recruitment, and T-cell polarization, and we relate these mechanisms to the severe oral, ocular, and anogenital disease that often defines pediatric presentations. We also integrate emerging proteomic data showing recurring molecular programs, including acute-phase and complement activation, neutrophil-associated epithelial injury, and interferon-inducible antiviral responses. In addition, we review the possible contribution of genetic susceptibility, especially variation in innate immune sensors and cytokine signaling pathways, to disease severity and recurrence. Finally, we address the main diagnostic challenges, histopathologic and imaging findings, differential diagnosis from Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, and Kawasaki disease, and the implications of these insights for risk stratification and treatment. Taken together, current evidence supports RIME as a pathogen-triggered, mucosa-predominant inflammatory syndrome in which exaggerated host responses, rather than pathogen presence alone, shape the clinical phenotype.

RevDate: 2026-09-12
CmpDate: 2026-09-10

Tolera ST, Zerihun E, Hunduma G, et al (2026)

Application of health belief model (HBM) in health sciences and medical researches: systematic review on African and Asian countries.

BMC public health, 26(1):.

BACKGROUND: The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a widely used psychological framework for explaining and predicting individual's health related attitudes, belief, and behaviors. Although the model has been applied across various fields of health and medical sciences, the extent of its global use, particularly across African and Asian countries has not been well documented.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to assess the application of HBM in health sciences and medical research conducted between 2010 and 2025 in Africa and Asian countries.

METHODS: The review followed the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted using keywords "Health Belief Model" combined with Boolean operators (AND, OR) across major databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PsycINFO. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed research articles applying the HBM within African and Asian contexts.

RESULT: From a total of 1,421 identified records, 77 studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 61% (n = 47) were conducted in Africa countries and 39% (n = 30) in Asian countries. Most studies (64.94%) employed cross-sectional quantitative design, while 12% used mixed-methods approaches. Random controlled trial account for 9.11% of studies, quasi-experimental design for 7%, and qualitative approaches (including focus groups and in-depth interviews) for 6%. Overall, 85.71% of the studies applied all core components of HBM. Fifteen studies examined COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, nine focused on HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and prevention, and eleven studies explored non-communicable diseases prevention. Additionally, six studies assessed women's adherence to breast cancer screening, and four studies examined cervical cancer screening behaviours using HBM.

CONCLUSION: A current systematic review demonstrates that the HBM remain a valuable framework for understanding and influencing health behaviors across diverse settings. Its application in Africa and Asian research highlights its usefulness in guiding targeted interventions that address perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and cues to action, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-09-21
CmpDate: 2026-09-09

De Vita E, Arzilli G, Gesualdo F, et al (2026)

Mapping risk communication practices in public health emergencies: a scoping review and comparison with Italian regional pandemic plans.

BMC public health, 26(1):.

BACKGROUND: Effective risk communication is a cornerstone of public health emergency preparedness and response. The COVID-19 pandemic and other recent crises have highlighted both the centrality of communication in sustaining trust and compliance, and the persistent gap between theoretical frameworks and operational practice.

METHODS: Within the framework of the CreSP project (Comunicare il Rischio nelle Emergenze per la Sanità Pubblica), we conducted a scoping review to map international evidence on risk communication in public health emergencies, comparing it with Italian regional pandemic preparedness plans. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (1 January 2019-16 May 2024). Peer-reviewed studies addressing health risk communication in emergencies were included. In parallel, 18 Italian regional pandemic plans were identified and analysed using a structured checklist derived from inductive thematic analyses.

RESULTS: Of the 12,479 records identified, 173 studies were included. Most publications originated from high-income countries and focused on COVID-19 pandemic response. Mass communication strategies, especially via social media, predominated, while targeted and participatory approaches were less frequent. The emergency response phase was far more represented than the preparedness or post-emergency phases. Key principles such as timeliness, transparency, and trust were widely discussed across studies, whereas equity, citizen engagement, and infodemic management were less consistently operationalised. Analysis of Italian regional pandemic plans revealed substantial heterogeneity. Although communication was universally acknowledged as important, it was often framed as top-down information dissemination. Structured mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, citizen participation, and infodemic management were inconsistently addressed.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the concept of emergency risk communication is well-developed, its implementation varies across different levels of governance. The misalignment between scientific evidence and institutional frameworks-particularly regarding inclusivity, participatory models, and infodemic management-underscores the need for a more integrated and standardised national approach. Incorporating communication into preparedness infrastructures, supported by measurable indicators and workforce capacity building, is essential to strengthen resilience, equity, and public trust in the event of future emergencies.

RevDate: 2026-10-15
CmpDate: 2026-09-10

Kumar N, Khandavalli N, Avedissian SN, et al (2026)

Translational insights into Long-COVID: evaluation of preclinical animal models along the lung-brain-immune axis with focus on Golden Syrian Hamsters.

Journal of neuroinflammation, 23(1):.

Long-COVID, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), is a heterogeneous disorder encompassing more than 200 reported symptoms that commonly affect the respiratory and nervous systems. Emerging clinical evidence indicates that unresolved lung inflammation, vascular injury, and immune dysregulation drive sustained neuroinflammation and impaired neurocognitive function in Long-COVID patients. Given the ethical and logistical constraints of human studies, biologically relevant animal models are essential for understanding the mechanisms and for evaluating therapeutic strategies against Long-COVID. In this review, we synthesize current evidence from preclinical animal models of Long-COVID, with a particular emphasis on the Golden Syrian Hamsters. Golden Syrian Hamsters are naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection without the need for genetic modification and recapitulate key features of human disease, including robust viral replication, pulmonary pathology, and inflammatory response during acute infection. Importantly, accumulating evidence demonstrates that Golden Syrian Hamsters develop persistent post-acute abnormalities along the lung-brain-immune axis, including impaired alveolar repair, fibrotic lung remodeling, neuroinflammation, viral or antigen persistence, and behavioral alterations that parallel core features of Long-COVID. We compare the strengths and limitations of Golden Syrian Hamsters with other commonly used pre-clinical animal models including mice, and non-human primates, highlighting differences in translational relevance, feasibility, and ability to model chronic lung-brain-immune axis dysfunction. While there are limitations, particularly regarding limited availability of immunological reagents and validated cognitive and behavioral assays, the Golden Syrian Hamsters offers a balanced and accessible platform for mechanistic studies of PASC. Overall, this review positions Golden Syrian Hamster as a robust translational model for investigating lung-brain-immune axis pathology in Long-COVID and for advancing the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Shati A, Abdulmutaali A, N Alsaeed (2026)

Respiratory Disease Detection: A Systematic Review of AI-Based Approaches, from Audio and Visual Unimodal Methods to Multimodal Integration.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 16(12):.

Background: Respiratory diseases (RDs), including asthma, COVID-19, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia, remain a major global health challenge, contributing substantially to global morbidity and mortality. Conventional diagnosis relies heavily on clinicians' expertise to interpret respiratory sounds and radiographic images, a process that can be subjective, time-consuming, and prone to inter-observer variability. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have enabled automated diagnostic approaches that can improve the efficiency, consistency, and scalability of respiratory disease detection. However, existing research remains fragmented across different data modalities. Methods: This review systematically analyzes recent studies on AI-based respiratory disease detection using both visual modalities (e.g., chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and ultrasound) and audio modalities (e.g., cough and breath sounds). To provide a comprehensive perspective, the reviewed literature is organized using a unified taxonomy that categorizes existing approaches into three main groups: audio-based, visual-based, and audio-visual-based methods. In addition, two conceptual frameworks are proposed to illustrate representative pipelines for audio-based and visual-based respiratory disease classification. Results: The analysis reveals that most existing studies focus on single-modality approaches, while multimodal integration remains relatively underexplored. Only a limited number of studies combine audio and visual data within unified frameworks, primarily due to the scarcity of synchronized multimodal datasets collected from the same patients. The proposed taxonomy and conceptual frameworks provide a structured basis for comparing existing methods, identifying methodological trends, and highlighting key research gaps in multimodal respiratory disease detection. Conclusions: Future research should prioritize the development of multimodal datasets, robust evaluation protocols, and interpretable and lightweight AI models suitable for real-world clinical deployment. Advancing multimodal integration has the potential to significantly enhance the accuracy, reliability, and clinical applicability of AI-driven respiratory disease diagnosis systems.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Zdrobe Z, Tornyi I, Sárközi AT, et al (2026)

The Complement System and Its Role in Eosinophilic Inflammation in Respiratory Diseases.

Biomedicines, 14(6):.

The complement system is a key link between innate and adaptive immunity, contributing to pathogen elimination, immune regulation, and tissue homeostasis. Its activation is not only crucial in infections, such as COVID-19, but also plays a major role in the pathomechanism of several non-infectious respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD, sarcoidosis and lung cancer. Complement components can modulate the quality of the adaptive immune responses, including through the regulation of T2 immunity and eosinophilic inflammation, thereby linking natural defense to complex immune processes. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that dysregulated complement activity contributes to inflammation, thrombosis and tissue damage in a wide range of respiratory diseases. The study of the various components of this cascade system may therefore be promising from both a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view. Some of its components may serve as biomarkers for distinguishing between different phenotypes of certain lung diseases, while their targeted inhibition or modulation may open the way towards new treatment options. A better understanding of the complement system's integrative and regulatory role not only allows for a deeper insight into immunological interactions but may also bring us closer to phenotype-oriented, immunology-based pulmonology, which may have real clinical benefits in the future.

RevDate: 2026-10-19
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Beyoğlu D, JR Idle (2026)

The Gut-Lung Microbiome Crosstalk and Pulmonary Disease.

Biomolecules, 16(6):.

Both the gut and the lungs possess a microbiome, a community of commensal bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses that perform important housekeeping functions in those organs. The colonic microbiome primarily ferments indigestible dietary fibers into essential short-chain fatty acids, synthesizes essential vitamins, regulates the mucosal immune system, and forms a protective barrier against pathogenic colonization. The lung microbiome maintains respiratory health primarily by regulating mucosal immunity, providing a physical barrier against invading pathogens, and producing beneficial metabolites. Several colonic microbiota metabolites, including the short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate, and butyrate, together with the tryptophan metabolites indole-3-acetate and indole-3-propionate, secondary bile acids, and the polyamines spermidine and putrescine, are transported to the lungs via the gut-lung axis. These colonic microbiota biomolecules suppress lung inflammation, strengthen immune homeostasis, and reduce the severity of respiratory diseases. In contrast, lung microorganisms and their metabolites can travel to the gut via the gut-lung axis, influencing intestinal immune responses and potentially leading to an imbalance of gut microorganisms or dysbiosis. This means that respiratory diseases may lead to digestive issues, intestinal inflammation and chronic diseases. Here, we have reviewed this crosstalk and its impact on the principal pulmonary diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, COVID-19, interstitial lung diseases, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. It is concluded that the gut microbiome plays a significant part in lung health and disease. Diet, tobacco smoking and electronic cigarette vaping all impact both the gut and lung microbiomes.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Liu J, Mao N, Cui Y, et al (2026)

Research Progress on Coronary Artery Injury and Myocardial Ischemia in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.

Current issues in molecular biology, 48(6):.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe systemic inflammatory complication triggered by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. It predominantly affects the cardiovascular system, and coronary artery injury, myocardial dysfunction, and myocardial ischemia are closely associated with disease severity and clinical outcomes. This article reviews the immunopathological characteristics and clinical manifestations of MIS-C-related coronary artery lesions, including coronary artery dilation and aneurysm formation, as well as the key pathophysiological mechanisms leading to myocardial ischemia. Based on recent clinical and translational research, we summarize current approaches to diagnosis, risk stratification, acute medical management, and long-term follow-up strategies. By synthesizing updated evidence, this review aims to provide theoretical support and practical clinical guidance for the early identification, timely intervention, and optimized management of affected children, ultimately improving their long-term cardiovascular prognosis.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Wahnou H, El Kebbaj R, Demoré B, et al (2026)

Current State of the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: What Are the Different Strategies for Tomorrow?.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 15(6):.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global cause of death, with recent World Health Organization (WHO) data revealing that one in six laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections shows resistance to at least one antibiotic treatment. This review comprehensively analyzes the AMR landscape in 2026, detailing its evolution, mechanisms, and the innovative strategies being deployed to combat it. Driven by Darwinian selection and accelerated by factors like antibiotic overuse during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (predominantly in hospitalized patients with suspected bacterial co-infection), AMR is propelled by a diverse molecular arsenal in bacteria. Key mechanisms include enzymatic drug inactivation (e.g., the diversifying β-lactamase superfamily), target site modification (e.g., mcr genes conferring colistin resistance), efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. The rapid global spread of these traits is facilitated by a dynamic "mobilome", a network of plasmids and transposons that shuttle resistance genes between species. This crisis has sparked a major scientific mobilization. Advances include the discovery of novel antibiotic scaffolds like lariocidin and the regulatory approval of critical new antibiotic/inhibitor combinations such as sulbactam/durlobactam and aztreonam/avibactam, which target highly resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the first-in-class antibiotic gepotidacin offers a new option for urinary tract infections. Beyond traditional drugs, the pipeline is diversifying to include phage therapy, antivirulence strategies, and artificial intelligence-guided drug discovery. This diversification is critical as it helps preserve the effectiveness of existing Medically Important Antimicrobials (MIAs), those deemed essential for human medicine, by providing alternative or adjunctive treatment options. However, scientific innovation alone is insufficient. This review argues that lasting success requires parallel progress in global policy and infrastructure. Strategic priorities beyond 2026 must include finalizing and funding updated global action plans, strengthening real-time surveillance and diagnostic capacity, especially in low-resource settings, and implementing new economic models to de-risk antibiotic development. Embedding effective antimicrobial stewardship within universal health coverage and pandemic preparedness plans is crucial. Ultimately, defeating AMR demands an unprecedented, coordinated global effort that outpaces the relentless adaptability of bacterial pathogens.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Piva M, Martelossi-Cebinelli G, Mendes-Pierotti S, et al (2026)

Flavonoids as Nutraceuticals to Treat Inflammatory Diseases: Focusing on Quercetin, Kaempferol, Luteolin, Apigenin, Epicatechin and Their Effects on Hepatic, Nervous, and Pulmonary Systems.

Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 15(12):.

The immune response is essential in the protection of our body against pathogens; however, the inflammatory response caused by the immune system can become a disease itself. In fact, anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive drugs are applied to limit the immune response to treat inflammatory diseases. Flavonoids are plant-derived polyphenols extensively investigated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in inflammatory diseases. Studies applying isolated compounds as well as using supplements as nutraceuticals based on flavonoids have been conducted. Our review systematically analyzed the top five studied flavonoids between 2020 and 2025: quercetin (1742 articles), kaempferol (642), luteolin (589), apigenin (419), and epicatechin (354), highlighting their major therapeutic applications in diseases affecting the liver (12%), nervous system (11%), and lungs (10%). Mechanistically, these compounds act as multi-target agents mainly by inhibiting NF-κB and inducing Nrf2-dependent antioxidant programs. Application of advanced delivery systems, which increase oral bioavailability by up to 20-fold, overcomes pharmacokinetic bottlenecks. Clinical highlights demonstrated promising therapeutic effects, including reduced intrahepatic lipid accumulation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients following quercetin supplementation (11.5% to 9.6%) and accelerated SARS-CoV-2 clearance after quercetin phytosome administration. The translation of flavonoids into standardized clinical therapies remains limited by the lack of large-scale, well-controlled clinical trials.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Messova AM, Ganiyeva I, Abdrakhmanova ST, et al (2026)

Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases After COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review of Clinical Manifestation and Outcomes.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 23(6):.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that COVID-19 can induce or exacerbate autoimmune disorders, including immune-mediated thyroid dysfunction. The most common autoimmune thyroid diseases are Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis; the mechanisms by which viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 trigger these diseases are not fully understood. Objectives: This study aims to systematically review published clinical evidence on the presentation, laboratory characteristics, and outcomes of autoimmune thyroid diseases after COVID-19 infection. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA 2020 framework. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched for English-language studies between January 2020 and December 2025 using the terms COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Results: In total, 46 studies (five cohort studies and 41 case reports/series) involving 3856 patients were analyzed. The findings indicate that a significant increase in TPOAb prevalence occurs post-COVID-19 infection (15.7% vs. 7.7% in controls). New-onset Graves' disease (GD) post-COVID-19 presented with higher fT3/fT4 ratios and more aggressive thyrotoxicosis compared to non-viral cases. Rare but severe manifestations included thyrotoxic periodic paralysis, Hashimoto's encephalopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 may act as a trigger for autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly in moderate-to-severe infections; however, the strength of this association warrants further investigation with controlled prospective data. Standard therapy remains effective, but thyroid function monitoring is advisable during post-COVID-19 recovery. An interdisciplinary approach is essential for early diagnosis and management of systemic complications.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

De Micco F, Di Palma G, Ferorelli D, et al (2026)

Patient Safety Implications of Opportunistic Pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(12):.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the increased vulnerability of hospitalized patients to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which significantly impact patient safety and clinical outcomes. This narrative review summarizes the main opportunistic pathogens associated with HAIs in COVID-19 patients, with particular focus on multidrug-resistant organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida spp. The review also examines key aspects of antimicrobial resistance, prevention and control strategies, and medico-legal implications. The evidence supports the need for a multifaceted approach based on antibiotic stewardship, infection prevention guidelines, and multidisciplinary clinical risk management.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Precup CV, Mateescu DM, Enache A, et al (2026)

SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and Cardiovascular Sequelae in the Post-COVID Era: A Public Health Microbiology Perspective on Sudden Cardiac Death and Pulmonary Thromboembolism.

Microorganisms, 14(6):.

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) extend well beyond the acute respiratory phase, with accumulating virological evidence that SARS-CoV-2 RNA, viral antigens, and proteolytic fragments may persist in cardiovascular and other extrapulmonary tissues, although the extent to which such detection represents replication-competent reservoirs versus residual viral material with uncertain pathological relevance remains under active investigation. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) have emerged as forensically and epidemiologically significant outcomes in individuals with prior infection, situated at the intersection of microbiology, public health, and forensic medicine. To synthesize current evidence on the virological mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to post-acute sudden cardiac death (SCD) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), the population-level epidemiology of these outcomes, and their implications for public health surveillance and forensic practice, we conducted a narrative review of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The search covered publications from January 2020 to December 2025 and focused on SARS-CoV-2 cellular tropism and tissue persistence, immune-mediated and thromboinflammatory mechanisms, excess cardiovascular and thromboembolic mortality, and autopsy-based pathological findings. After de-duplication of 1837 initially identified records (412 duplicates removed) and screening of 1425 unique records, 78 studies were retained for final synthesis based on virological, epidemiological, and forensic relevance. SARS-CoV-2 enters cardiomyocytes, pericytes, and vascular endothelial cells through ACE2-dependent mechanisms, with cathepsin L compensating for the limited cardiac expression of TMPRSS2. Viral RNA and antigen have been detected in cardiovascular and other extrapulmonary tissues months after symptom onset in selected autopsy series, although persistent detection of viral components does not necessarily indicate ongoing productive infection or direct tissue injury. Endothelial dysfunction, neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, complement activation, and persistent thromboinflammation have been proposed as plausible mechanistic substrates for arrhythmogenic remodelling and thromboembolic events, although definitive causal pathways remain incompletely understood. Population-based studies document persistent excess cardiovascular mortality across multiple jurisdictions, with hazard ratios for pulmonary embolism remaining elevated months after acute infection, particularly in unvaccinated individuals. Autopsy series identify mixed pathological patterns including focal lymphocytic infiltrates, microvascular thrombosis, contraction-band necrosis, and cardiomyocyte vacuolation, although fulminant lymphocytic myocarditis fulfilling Dallas criteria remains uncommon. A microbiology-informed framework uniting tissue-based viral detection, standardized cardiac and pulmonary sampling protocols, and prospective post-mortem registries is needed to better characterize the potential contribution of SARS-CoV-2 to post-acute cardiovascular mortality and to support cause-of-death certification, public health surveillance, and medicolegal practice in the post-pandemic era. Many of the proposed mechanisms remain under active investigation, and definitive causal relationships between viral persistence and adverse cardiovascular outcomes have not yet been conclusively established.

RevDate: 2026-09-26
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Mpakosi A, Cholevas V, Lianou A, et al (2026)

Targeting Zoonotic Spillover Drivers for Global Pandemic Prevention: A Narrative Review.

Microorganisms, 14(6):.

Zoonoses account for the majority of recognized mammalian viral spillover events, primarily originating from bats, rodents, and primates. Human activities have significantly accelerated these transmissions. This narrative review synthesizes the evolutionary, ecological, pathogen-related, and anthropogenic drivers of viral zoonotic spillover to identify critical leverage points for pandemic prevention. A narrative literature review was conducted. The analysis focused on factors enabling animal pathogens to transform into human pathogens, examining host species, pathogen traits, human-animal interactions, and environmental impacts. Pathogen transformation depends on host traits, contact frequency, and viral characteristics. Anthropogenic drivers-including livestock expansion, the bushmeat trade, wet markets, and the exotic pet industry-significantly elevate spillover risks. Effective pandemic prevention requires targeted interventions at the wildlife-livestock-human interfaces. A holistic, multidisciplinary collaboration between national governments and international organizations is essential to mitigate future risks.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Khawandi J, Choaib A, Azzam M, et al (2026)

Echocardiogram Testing in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of clinical medicine, 15(12):.

Background: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a complication following acute COVID-19 infection, which may lead to long-term cardiac abnormalities. This review aimed to assess the prevalence of structural/functional deviations in echocardiography in individuals with PCC compared to patients without PCC. Methods: We searched three databases. Two reviewers independently screened articles using LASER Al and extracted relevant data using a piloted Excel sheet. We performed meta-analysis using OpenMeta and RevManWeb and a subgroup analysis based on patients' settings during acute COVID-19. We assessed the risk of bias using the Hoy et al. tool and the certainty using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: We included 16 studies that reported on differences in echocardiographic findings in patients with or without PCC. Individuals with PCC were more likely to have structural/functional deviations in echocardiographic readings of unclear clinical significance, particularly those who were hospitalized during acute COVID-19. The overall certainty of the evidence was very low due to the high risk of bias, indirectness, and imprecision. Conclusions: This review provides insight into the use of echocardiograms and the frequency of test deviations in individuals with PCC. Despite existing evidence, there is a need for future studies to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of echocardiograms in PCC.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Posta E, Gyarmati E, Majoros L, et al (2026)

Across Kingdoms: The Bacteriome, Mycobiome, and Virome in Autoimmune Diseases: Mechanistic Insights, Therapeutic Perspectives, and the Emerging Role of COVID-19.

Nutrients, 18(12):.

Autoimmune and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) develop when genetically and environmentally susceptible hosts lose stable immune tolerance. The gut ecosystem is increasingly recognized as a biologically active interface in this process. Its bacterial, fungal, and viral components may shape mucosal and systemic immunity through antigenic stimulation, barrier regulation, and metabolite-dependent signaling, although the strength of evidence is uneven: bacteriome data are currently the most mature, whereas mycobiome, virome, and phageome findings remain more disease-specific and emerging. Dysbiosis may influence autoimmunity through overlapping routes, including epithelial barrier failure, altered short-chain fatty acid, bile acid, and tryptophan metabolism, molecular mimicry, and cross-kingdom microbial interactions. Nutrition is central to this network because dietary substrates determine microbial growth, metabolic output, epithelial integrity, and immune-cell differentiation. In this narrative review, we integrate evidence on disease-associated bacteriome, mycobiome, and virome patterns in systemic autoimmune diseases, with emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, spondyloarthritis, vasculitides, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. COVID-19 is considered not as a proven causal driver of autoimmunity, but as an example of an environmental and infectious insult capable of perturbing microbiome-barrier-immune communication. Finally, we discuss diet-based and microbiome-targeted approaches, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics, as adjunctive strategies that may help restore microbial resilience and immune balance. A better understanding of the diet-microbiome-host immunity axis may support more personalized preventive and therapeutic concepts in autoimmune disease.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Chiririwa H (2026)

Selected Cannabinoids, Cannabimimetic Agents and Artemisia Combinations as Theoretical Adjunct Strategies Against COVID-19.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 19(6):.

COVID-19 has spurred much interest in complementary and alternative agents for therapeutic purposes having antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. In these, natural products and bioactive compounds from plants have been at the center of attention due to their easy access, relatively low risk and long history of use in traditional medicine. This paper reviews in detail and critically assesses the scientific data that presently proposes the use of certain cannabinoids, cannabimimetic compounds and Artemisia species in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. It gives an account of medicinal approaches to cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) alongside other minor cannabinoids and synthetic and naturally-occurring cannabimimetics. The paper reports the potential of Artemisia annua and other species as treatments, especially focusing on their antiviral, anti-regulatory, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. It highlights the molecular interactions with SARS-CoV-2 targets as well as cytokine regulation and modulation of oxidative stress pathways, with special emphasis on these areas. The paper raises multiple issues like preclinical and clinical studies, safety aspects, regulatory hurdles and drawbacks related to the use of these natural compounds. After analyzing all the available data, the article entertains the idea of a cannabinoid-Artemisia combination as a supportive or adjunct therapy in COVID-19 treatment. It also points out that the clinical trials are insufficient concerning the establishment of effectiveness, determination of the appropriate dosage and assurance of the long-term safety of the treatment.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Dos Santos RPN, Betancourt Roldan DC, Guven M, et al (2026)

Microfluidic-Driven Assembly of RNA Nanocomplexes: Design, Process Control and Translational Perspectives in Oncology.

Pharmaceutics, 18(6):.

RNA-based therapeutics are becoming increasingly important in oncology, particularly following the rapid development of mRNA technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic, but their success strongly depends on how efficiently they can be delivered to target cells. Microfluidic technologies have redefined the design and manufacturing of RNA-based nanocomplexes, as they enable precise control over physicochemical features that are critical for clinical translation in oncology. This review examines recent developments in microfluidic-assisted synthesis of RNA nanocarriers, with a focus on cancer applications. Through a detailed analysis of material systems, device architectures, and formulation strategies, we explore how laminar flow environments enable reproducible encapsulation, tunable particle size, and improved payload stability. We examine the microfluidic assembly of lipid nanoparticles and polymeric carriers for RNA delivery, highlighting strategies to enhance durability, bioavailability, and cellular uptake. Advancements in process optimization, including flow parameter refinement and inline monitoring, are discussed alongside the influence of device geometries on mixing dynamics and nucleation. Beyond formulation, we explore the integration of microfluidics with tumor-on-chip platforms to evaluate transport, penetration, and therapeutic response in physiologically relevant cancer models. By connecting technological innovation with preclinical application, this work outlines the trajectory toward next-generation, personalized RNA nanomedicines enabled by microfluidic precision.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Porta EOJ, AlKharboush DF, Jackson L, et al (2026)

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Non-Structural Proteins: A Blueprint for Next-Generation Small-Molecule Coronavirus Antivirals.

Pharmaceutics, 18(6):.

The SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteome remains the most clinically validated and strategically important landscape for direct-acting small-molecule antiviral drug discovery. The success of inhibitors targeting the main protease (M[pro], Nsp5) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, Nsp12) has firmly established viral replication enzymes as tractable, druggable, and therapeutically relevant targets, while setting clear benchmarks for translational antiviral development. Building on this foundation, a second wave of non-structural protein (Nsp) targets has emerged with increasing translational promise, including the papain-like protease (PL[pro]), the bifunctional Nsp14 proofreading and capping machinery, Nsp16 2'-O-methyltransferase, Nsp13 helicase, and Nsp15 endoribonuclease. In parallel, additional components such as Nsp1 and the Mac1 domain of Nsp3 continue to expand the antiviral design space, although they remain at earlier stages of chemical validation. In this review, we comprehensively assess SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins through a medicinal chemistry and translational lens, with an emphasis on structural tractability, mechanism of action, quality of chemical matter, cellular and in vivo antiviral evidence, evolutionary conservation, resistance liabilities, and developability. Particular attention is given to the features that distinguish tool compounds from genuinely actionable leads and to the opportunities for rational combination regimens that extend beyond first-generation protease- and polymerase-centred therapy. Collectively, the non-structural proteome offers the strongest foundation for next-generation and potentially broader-spectrum coronavirus antivirals with improved resilience to viral evolution.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Porta EOJ, AlKharboush DF, Jackson L, et al (2026)

Targeting SARS-CoV-2 Structural and Accessory Proteins: Emerging Opportunities for Small-Molecule Coronavirus Antivirals.

Pharmaceutics, 18(6):.

Although antiviral development against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been dominated by replication-directed strategies, structural and accessory proteins offer a complementary and increasingly important opportunity for small-molecule intervention. These proteins control key processes outside the core replication machinery, including viral entry, membrane remodelling, virion assembly, egress, and host immune modulation, thereby expanding the mechanistic scope of antiviral design. However, many of these targets are membrane-associated, oligomeric, conformationally dynamic, or function through protein-protein interactions, creating distinct challenges in target validation, assay design, and chemical optimisation. In this review, we comprehensively and critically evaluate the structural and accessory proteomes of SARS-CoV-2, with a strict focus on small-molecule tractability and translational relevance. We highlight the most credible direct-acting opportunities, focusing on the membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) structural proteins, together with the accessory protein open reading frame 3a (ORF3a), for which emerging chemical matter strengthens confidence in druggability. In contrast, Spike (S) and several host-interface accessory proteins, including ORF6, ORF8, ORF9b, and ORF10, are best viewed as more selective or earlier-stage opportunities that require stronger on-target chemical validation. Emphasis is placed on structural accessibility, mechanism-based assay systems, evidence quality, cellular and in vivo activity, and developability constraints relevant to exposure at the infection site. Rather than replacing replication-directed antivirals, these non-canonical targets are best considered adjunctive or complementary components of future combination strategies designed to broaden antiviral coverage, enhance robustness, and improve pandemic preparedness.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Zhao S, Lin Z, M Wang (2026)

Positive-Strand RNA Viral RdRps: From Structure Conservation and Activity Assay to Drug Development.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 31(12):.

Positive-strand RNA viruses represented by SARS-CoV-2 and DENV spread globally with high infectivity and frequent mutations, posing a severe threat to human health. However, specific and effective antiviral drugs remain limited. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) plays a critical role in the genome replication of RNA viruses and shows high structural conservation. No homologous protein exists in human cells, making RdRp an effective, safe, and broad-spectrum antiviral target. Therefore, establishing an RdRp activity assay for drug development based on its mechanism is of great significance. This paper summarizes the structural characteristics of RdRp and the methods for constructing RdRp activity assay, especially for cell-free activity assay. In addition, several reported RdRp inhibitors and their pharmaceutical progress are also reviewed, aiming to provide a reference for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting RdRp.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Domingo JL (2026)

Toxicants, Exposome, and Hantavirus Disease: A One Health Perspective.

Viruses, 18(6):.

Although hantaviruses have traditionally been considered geographically restricted rodent-borne pathogens, globalization, climate change, ecosystem disruption, and environmental contamination may collectively favor novel transmission scenarios and altered epidemiological patterns. The experience gained during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic showed the importance of environmental determinants, airborne exposure, and host susceptibility factors in emerging viral diseases. In this context, increasing but still indirect evidence suggests that environmental toxicants and the exposome may modulate susceptibility to hantavirus infection and influence disease severity. The proposed mechanisms include oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, pulmonary inflammation, and immune dysregulation, rather than direct causal effects of toxicants on infection itself. This article discusses current knowledge regarding interactions among toxic environmental exposures, climate change, and hantavirus disease, with special emphasis on Andes orthohantavirus (ANDV), the principal hantavirus known to exhibit person-to-person transmission. The article integrates recent evidence within the One Health framework and highlights future research priorities linking environmental toxicology, zoonotic disease ecology, and global environmental change.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Jia T, Huang Z, Xia N, et al (2026)

Broad Neutralizing Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2: Current Progress and Engineering Strategies.

Viruses, 18(6):.

The high-frequency mutation characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 have posed formidable challenges to the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents. Neutralizing antibodies, which serve as effective tools for prevention and control, have undergone continuous updates and iterations in response to viral mutations. This article provides a comprehensive review of researchers' efforts to achieve both high neutralizing potency and high mutation tolerance in SARS-CoV-2-targeting neutralizing antibodies. Building on the characteristics of conventional antibodies directed against distinct epitopes on the S protein, it further discusses the research on nanobodies, antibody cocktails, multi-specific antibodies, and other antibody formats and engineering approaches, including artificial intelligence-enabled optimization. Each antibody-based strategy targeting SARS-CoV-2 has its own distinctive advantages and potential applications, providing an integrated perspective to support the continued development of antiviral neutralizing antibodies.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Dinç HÖ, Saribaş S, B Kocazeybek (2026)

The immunopathological spectrum of COVID-19: from cytokine storm to autoimmunity-a systematic review.

Frontiers in medicine, 13:1864452.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the immunopathological mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination based on current evidence. Particular emphasis was placed on cytokine storm, endothelial dysfunction, complement activation, and autoimmune processes in COVID-19 pathogenesis.

METHODS: The study was conducted as a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. English-language research articles published between 2020 and 2026 were identified through a structured search of the Scopus database. A total of 1,331 records were screened, and 53 studies were included based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings were systematically categorized according to major immunopathological mechanisms.

RESULTS: The included studies indicate that endothelial dysfunction (24.5%) and cytokine dysregulation (18.9%) are the most frequently reported mechanisms in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis. Autoimmune responses (15.1%), complement activation (17%), and immune complex-mediated inflammation also play significant roles. Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, lymphopenia, and markers of vascular injury were consistently associated with increased disease severity and mortality. In addition, persistent immunological alterations and autoantibody production were observed in a subset of patients during the post-COVID period.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pathogenesis is driven by complex and interconnected immunopathological mechanisms rather than viral effects alone. Hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, complement activation, and autoimmune processes are key determinants of disease severity and clinical outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of targeted immunomodulatory strategies and provide a comprehensive framework for future research.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-26

Mundt B, Kant R, M Grzybek (2026)

Viral pathogens in urban rats: A one health systematic review of global surveillance evidence.

One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 23:101468.

BACKGROUND: Commensal rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) thrive in urban environments worldwide, where they live near humans and may act as reservoirs for viral pathogens of public health relevance. Although rats are increasingly recognised as sentinels of urban environmental health, the diversity and distribution of viral infections circulating in urban rat populations remain incompletely characterised within a One Health framework.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review synthesises global evidence on viral pathogens detected in urban rats, focusing on rat hepatitis E virus/Rocahepevirus ratti and human-associated hepatitis E virus/Paslahepevirus balayani where distinguishable, Seoul virus (SEOV), SARS-CoV-2, and additional viral taxa identified through targeted surveillance or, in rare cases, metagenomic approaches.

METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, five electronic databases were searched for primary studies reporting viral detection in urban Rattus spp. Eligible studies underwent screening, structured data extraction and quality appraisal. Viral prevalence was summarised descriptively by pathogen and geographic region.

RESULTS: A total of 70 studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning Europe, Asia, North America, South America and the Caribbean. HEV and SEOV were the most frequently reported viruses, with prevalence varying widely between regions. HEV prevalence ranged from low levels in parts of Europe and Asia to high levels in North America. SEOV was detected across all regions, with particularly high prevalence in parts of Asia and the Americas. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in European rats but was reported at low to moderate prevalence in the Americas. Numerous additional viral pathogens were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: Urban rats globally harbour diverse viral communities, including pathogens with zoonotic potential. Surveillance remains uneven and methodologically heterogeneous. Integrating rat biomonitoring into coordinated One Health surveillance systems is critical to strengthen early warning capacity and mitigate zoonotic risk.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-07-14

Bourgon C, EA Moseman (2026)

On or within: spatial determinants of antigen handling in the nasal turbinates.

Current opinion in immunology, 101:102808.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has renewed interest in mucosal vaccines, yet these approaches have long struggled to generate durable protection against airway pathogens. A key limitation is the incomplete understanding of how upper airway antigens are handled to shape immune response quality and durability. Antigens located within the airspace or on the mucosal surface can be directly sampled by mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs), such as Nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in mice, or tonsils in humans. Because MALTs lack afferent lymphatics, antigen entry occurs primarily across a specialized epithelium. In contrast, antigens that arise within the mucosa following barrier breach are captured by immune cells and lymphatics for delivery to draining lymph nodes. This framework suggests that 'on the mucosa' antigens preferentially engage MALTs, whereas 'within the mucosa' antigens are handled by lymph nodes. However, the rules governing antigen handling within the nasal cavity remain poorly defined, limiting rational mucosal vaccine design.

RevDate: 2026-07-22
CmpDate: 2026-07-22

Sanga NA, Oranzie M, January JL, et al (2026)

Bioelectrochemical Sensing Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Biomarkers.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 172:109368.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has underscored the urgent need for rapid, sensitive and accessible diagnostic technologies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in nucleic acid- and antibody-based bioelectrochemical detection strategies for SARS-CoV-2, targeting the nucleocapsid (N) protein, spike (S) protein, the receptor binding domain (RBD) antigens and the viral RNA genome. Particular emphasis is placed on aptasensor, immunosensor and genosensor, highlighting biosensor design strategies and associated advantages and limitations. Key analytical parameters, such as sensitivity, detection limit, response time, transduction mechanisms and integrated nanomaterials are compared and discussed. Future perspectives on the innovative nucleic acid- and antibody-based point-of-care biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 are presented.

RevDate: 2026-09-04
CmpDate: 2026-08-19

Liaw PC, Zarychanski R, Lawler PR, et al (2026)

The evolving role of heparin in sepsis: therapeutic potential in the age of immunothrombosis.

Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH, 24(9):3102-3115.

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by a dysregulated host response to infection and remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of research, most biologically targeted therapies have failed to improve survival, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies that address the complex pathophysiology of sepsis. A defining feature of sepsis is immunothrombosis, characterized by widespread activation of inflammation and coagulation, endothelial injury, platelet activation, and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, resulting in both macrovascular thrombosis and microvascular occlusion. Heparin is commonly used as an anticoagulant and has re-emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis due to its pleiotropic properties that extend beyond anticoagulant effects. Heparin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities, inhibits immune activation, neutralizes damage-associated molecular patterns, and modulates NET-mediated pathology. Clinical evidence for efficacy in sepsis remains limited, and no adequately powered randomized trials have confirmed a net survival benefit of therapeutic-dose heparin. This may reflect historical challenges with trial methodology and the heterogeneous nature of human sepsis. Data from COVID-19-associated sepsis suggest that severity may influence outcomes, with potential benefits in earlier disease stages and possible harm in advanced stages. Emerging interest in nonanticoagulant heparin derivatives and biomarker-guided patient selection may offer scientific opportunities to optimize therapeutic benefit while minimizing bleeding, but these approaches remain investigational. This review synthesized current mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence supporting heparin-based strategies in sepsis and emphasizes that therapeutic use beyond standard thromboprophylaxis should be evaluated in clinical trials before being applied in practice.

RevDate: 2026-06-26

Wei HY, Lin CY, Lin YJ, et al (2026)

Evolution of COVID-19 antiviral interventions in Taiwan, 2022-2025: Insights from public health policy.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi pii:S0929-6646(26)00699-6 [Epub ahead of print].

This study reviewed the use of COVID-19 antiviral agents in Taiwan (2022-2025), focusing on how policy changes influenced drug deployment, and explored trends in outpatient visits, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and mortality. Policy changes and usage patterns of Remdesivir, Molnupiravir, and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir, were tracked using the Stockpile Management Information System (SMIS). As policies shifted to focus on the treatment of mild-to-severe cases in high-risk groups, the percentages of both oral antivirals and Remdesivir use increased. Remdesivir use (among hospitalized patients and emergency departments visits) rose from 10% in 2022 to 20% during COVID resurgence in 2025. Among adults aged ≥65 years, the oral antiviral utilization percentage remained stable at 53-54% after March 2023 based on total healthcare visits, and reached 65-69% when using outpatient visits as the denominator. As vaccine coverage expanded and herd immunity increased through 2022-2024, Taiwan's population developed robust hybrid immunity, hospitalizations and deaths declined substantially in subsequent epidemic waves. This analysis of the utilization percentages of COVID-19 antiviral drugs may serve as a valuable reference for future drug procurement and resource allocation. Timely, and adaptive deployment of antiviral agents remains critical for mitigating public health and healthcare system burdens during large-scale epidemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-25
CmpDate: 2026-07-30

Said N, Jones I, Anderson-Baucum EK, et al (2026)

SARS-CoV-2 and diabetes: a post-pandemic reappraisal.

Diabetologia, 69(9):2396-2407.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a dynamic and often confusing period for clinical and biomedical research. As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread globally, knowledge accumulated rapidly through publications that were frequently based on preliminary or sometimes conflicting evidence, yet these papers played a critical role in shaping evolving medical, research and societal responses. Early in the pandemic, diabetes emerged as one of the strongest predictors of severe COVID-19 outcomes and mortality, placing it at the centre of early risk-stratification and therapeutic frameworks and prompting urgent efforts to understand the biological basis of these associations. As the pandemic progressed, reports of new-onset diabetes following COVID-19 infection raised the possibility of a bidirectional relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and diabetes. In this review, we provide a post-pandemic reappraisal of the clinical and experimental literature examining the intersection of COVID-19 and diabetes. We summarise proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, including the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pancreas and on peripheral insulin-sensitive tissues. We review key meta-analyses assessing the association between COVID-19 and incident type 1 and type 2 diabetes and highlight strengths and weaknesses of the epidemiologic studies underpinning these findings. We highlight the highest-quality evidence from prospective cohorts, as well as relevant clinical trials and registry-based studies that emerged from this collective experience. We discuss emerging relationships between long COVID and diabetes and the effect of vaccination on diabetes risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we identify critical knowledge gaps and outline priorities for ongoing and future studies needed to resolve remaining uncertainties.

RevDate: 2026-07-30
CmpDate: 2026-06-28

Kazmi SM, Khan MO, Safdar SN, et al (2026)

The Evolution of Patient Safety Practices Over the Last Two Decades.

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 76(Suppl 1)(3):S131-S135.

Patient safety has undergone significant evolution over the past two decades, driven by a shift towards systemsbased approaches, the adoption of technological solutions, and a growing global commitment to improving healthcare outcomes. Early milestones (2000- 2010) saw the establishment of key safety protocols, including the "To Err is Human" report and the World Health Organisation's global initiatives. The following decade (2011-2020) marked the widespread integration of electronic health records and simulation-based training. The coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic presented unique challenges, including healthcare resource shortages and increased errors, but also accelerated innovations, such as telehealth and clinical decision-support tools. More recently, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing patient safety, offering predictive capabilities and personalised care. However, barriers such as organisational resistance, resource constraints and inconsistent data-collection remain. Looking ahead, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration and continuous innovation is essential to address systemic gaps, and to ensure safer healthcare practices globally.

RevDate: 2026-06-27

Vacaru RP, Didilescu AC, FA Scannapieco (2026)

Oral Health, Periodontitis, and Respiratory Diseases: Biological Pathways.

Journal of periodontal research [Epub ahead of print].

Poor oral hygiene and periodontitis influence lung diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), COVID-19, and asthma. The normal lung is not sterile, with a distinct microbial ecosystem that is spatially varied along the respiratory tract. The biogeography of the lung microbiome is balanced between microbial microaspiration from the oral-pharynx and clearance. The mouth is an important reservoir for respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as oral microbes (Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, etc.). Poor oral hygiene and periodontitis increase the bacterial load that can be aspirated, and the host produces pro-inflammatory components that enhance microbial virulence and compromize epithelial integrity. Both poor oral hygiene and periodontitis have been associated with pneumonia, particularly in hospitals and nursing home settings. Periodontitis may also facilitate viral pneumonia (including COVID-19) by altering receptor expression and immune function. Periodontitis correlates with COPD severity and exacerbation frequency through pathways involving matrix metalloproteinases and cytokines. Periodontitis also is associated with asthma and acute exacerbations. Inflammation shapes the lung microbiome by impacting microbial nutrient availability through vascular leakage, inducing changes to epithelial cells which facilitate bacterial adherence, and inducing the production of cytokines, leading to mucus overproduction, inhibition of phagocytosis, and enhancement of microbial pathogen virulence. Multiple biological pathways have been examined in vitro that suggest how "the oral-lung axis" influences pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. Periodontal treatment and effective oral hygiene should be well integrated into medical care to prevent and manage respiratory diseases.

RevDate: 2026-07-08
CmpDate: 2026-07-08

Tomassini L, Onofri M, Gambelunghe C, et al (2026)

Toward methodological standardization in forensic immunohistochemistry: a critical appraisal of 144 post-mortem studies and a proposed evaluative framework.

Legal medicine (Tokyo, Japan), 84:102894.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is widely applied in post-mortem forensic investigations. Its evidentiary value depends critically on methodological standardization. Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (CRD420251063965), we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for original IHC studies on human autopsy material. A total of 144 studies were included and evaluated against six predefined methodological criteria (M1-M6) addressing slide interpretation metrics, multi-reader assessment, observer blinding, concordance reporting, quality control, and predefined positivity thresholds. IHC was applied across diverse forensic domains, most frequently in traumatic brain injury (16%), sudden cardiac death (14%), COVID-19-related death (13%), and wound vitality/wound dating (11%). Quantitative or semi-quantitative slide reading (M1) was adopted in 75.7% of studies, and quality control measures (M5) in 52.8%. By contrast, blinded reading (M3) was implemented in only 40% of applicable studies, inter-observer concordance (M4) in 10%, and predefined positivity thresholds (M6) in only 4.2% of studies. Only 38.9% of studies met three or more methodological criteria, and a single study satisfied all six criteria. Forensic IHC demonstrates broad application and considerable inferential ambition, but its methodological foundations remain inconsistently consolidated. We propose that future forensic IHC studies place greater emphasis on analytical validation, standardized interpretation criteria, assessment of observer agreement, and systematic reporting of relevant pre-analytical variables in order to improve reproducibility and comparability.

RevDate: 2026-08-18
CmpDate: 2026-08-18

Madia VN, Patacchini E, Saccoliti F, et al (2026)

Twin engines of viral replication: Medicinal chemistry insights on SARS-CoV-2 nsp12 and nsp13.

European journal of medicinal chemistry, 317:119083.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for antivirals targeting essential viral enzymes. Herein, we critically examine the current landscape of small molecule inhibitors targeting the highly conserved non-structural protein 12 (nsp12), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and non-structural protein 13 (nsp13), the helicase, both critical for viral genome replication. Structural and mechanistic features that inform rational inhibitor design, including active sites and cofactor interactions, are discussed. For nsp12, nucleoside analogues derived from a drug repurposing strategy, as well as emerging non-nucleoside inhibitors targeting allosteric sites, are evaluated. Development of ATPase and helicase inhibitors for nsp13 is at an earlier stage, but promising scaffolds have been revealed through high-throughput and structure-based screening. An in-depth analysis of small molecule inhibitors from synthetic and natural sources is presented for both enzymes, highlighting key limitations and strategic directions to advance the development of next-generation antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 through targeted modulation of nsp12 and nsp13.

RevDate: 2026-08-13
CmpDate: 2026-06-28

Bush SH, Kabir M, French Merkley V, et al (2026)

Clinical checklists of multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions for delirium management in adult patients in non-ICU inpatient healthcare settings: a rapid review.

BMJ open, 16(6):e105740.

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical checklists of multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention and treatment of delirium used in non-intensive care unit inpatient healthcare settings, their content and reported implementation.

DESIGN: Rapid review.

DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from 1 January 1999 to 31 March 2022 and updated on 16 January 2025. A comprehensive grey literature search, including websites of guideline development groups and international delirium organisations, was conducted on 26 and 27 February 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included records reporting the use of a 'clinical checklist' used by the healthcare team, family carers or adult patient (≥18 years) to prompt and document multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention or treatment of delirium. Publication language was restricted to English and French.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Using rapid review methodology, two independent reviewers screened the included records. A single reviewer undertook the data extraction, with a third independent reviewer verifying the data extraction for completeness. All included studies were assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tools according to the study design. A narrative synthesis was used to summarise the findings.

RESULTS: From the database searches, 4796 records were identified. After the removal of duplicates, 3513 records underwent title and abstract screening, with 344 records undergoing full-text screening. A final 32 records were included. From the grey literature search, 6593 records were reviewed for relevance, from which 62 records were included in full-text screening. No grey literature records were of high enough quality to be included. All studies were published in English, with most studies conducted in the USA, n=12/32 (37.5%). The 32 studies were quasi-experimental (n=18), randomised controlled trials (n=8), qualitative (n=4), expert opinion (n=1) and policy/consensus guidelines (n=1). Clinical checklists included structured protocols, algorithms and order sets, which were paper-based or part of electronic delirium order sets. People with dementia participated as key stakeholders for a guidance document during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the target population was not included in the development phase of other checklists. Target users of clinical checklists were usually healthcare staff and trained volunteers and rarely family carers and study intervention nurses. Four of the 32 studies included all 10 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical factors/preventive strategies for non-pharmacological interventions. For the remaining 28 studies, missing domains varied and included: therapeutic/cognitive activity, hydration, nutrition, constipation, urinary catheterisation, hypoxia, infection, pain and medication review. Only two studies involved family carers as active partners in patient care. Reported formal economic analysis was limited.

CONCLUSIONS: Codesign of future clinical checklists should involve patients and family carers. Further research is needed on the feasibility of using clinical checklists by all members of the interprofessional team and family carers, the factors needed to ensure high levels of adherence and sustainability of multicomponent non-pharmacological interventions for delirium management, in addition to economic evaluations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022342328.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-06-28

Benson B, Taheri M, Suleman S, et al (2026)

Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Communication, and Relationship Development Along a Technological Continuum in the ICU: A Scoping Review.

Critical care explorations, 8(7):e1429.

OBJECTIVES: Effective multidirectional and longitudinal communication is essential to patient- and family-centered care (PFCC) in the ICU. While communication technologies have the potential to facilitate effective communication, their utilization, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been variable. This scoping review answers the following research questions: What communication tools, strategies, and programs have been used in ICUs? What are their reported effects on PFCC and multidirectional communication? To what extent do these studies consider equity, diversity, and inclusion principles?

DATA SOURCES: The scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. We conducted a search covering the period from 2007 to 2024, focusing on the concepts of communication, ICU, and PFCC in OVID Medline, EBSCO CINAHL, and OVID Embase. Relevant studies were screened and reported in this review.

STUDY SELECTION: Searches identified 3280 unique sources, which were screened at a three-stage asynchronous review. A total of 131 articles were included in this review.

DATA EXTRACTION: Communication tools, strategies, and programs were categorized into technology-based and non-technology-based interventions. Technology-based interventions included eight subcategories such as data-enabled devices, electrolarynx, and eye trackers. Non-technology-based strategies included 13 subcategories such as family meetings, diaries, and dedicated personnel.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Positive outcomes were reported in 82% of studies for both technology-based and non-technology-based communication tools, strategies, and programs on PFCC.

CONCLUSION: Most technology and non-technology communication tools, strategies, and programs positively impact communication and PFCC in the ICU. However, only 4% of studies focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the evaluation, design, or development of their intervention, indicating a need for further research in this area.

RevDate: 2026-09-18
CmpDate: 2026-09-01

Ralethoko N, K Letumanyane (2026)

A comparative assessment of road traffic injury patterns in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape before, during and after COVID-19 (2019-2023).

International journal of injury control and safety promotion, 33(3):429-444.

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are a significant cause of death in South Africa; however, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on provincial RTI patterns remain insufficiently explored. This systematic review compared RTI patterns in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape across pre-COVID-19 (2019), during-COVID-19 (2020-2021), and post-COVID-19 (2022-2023) periods. A systematic search of five electronic databases and grey literature sources was conducted, with 90 sources included following an adapted PRISMA 2020 framework. Findings were analysed using a descriptive comparative approach and synthesised through narrative synthesis guided by the framework proposed by Popay et al. (2006). In KwaZulu-Natal, fatalities declined from 2,331 in 2019 to 2,031 in 2020 before returning to slightly below baseline levels (2,229) in 2023. In contrast, fatalities in the Western Cape increased from 1,013 in 2019 to 1,158 in 2020, declined slightly in 2021, and increased further to 1,371 in 2023. Males aged 25-39 years and pedestrians remained the most affected groups across all study periods. The findings suggest that both pandemic-related behavioural changes and persistent structural and system-level factors may have contributed to the observed provincial differences in RTI patterns.

RevDate: 2026-09-16
CmpDate: 2026-09-14

Antón-Ruiz JA, Bernabé M, E Heredia-Oliva (2026)

Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students in the post-COVID-19 period: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC psychology, 14(1):.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on university students' mental health. While numerous studies have examined depression, anxiety, and stress during the pandemic, the post-pandemic burden of these conditions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among university students during the post-COVID-19 period.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Scopus was conducted from inception to August 2025 following PRISMA guidelines (OSF: 10.17605/OSF.IO/S3R2E). Cross-sectional studies published between 2022 and 2025 reporting the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and/or stress among university students using validated assessment tools were included. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Single-arm meta-analyses of proportions were performed using logit transformation. Subgroup analyses by geographic region, meta-regression, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias assessments were conducted.

RESULTS: Sixty-three studies involving more than 255,000 university students across multiple global regions were included. The pooled prevalence of overall depression was 45.1% (95% CI: 38.5% to 51.8%), with prevalence estimates of 21.9% for mild, 12.8% for moderate, and 4.1% for severe depression. The pooled prevalence of overall anxiety was 43.6% (95% CI: 35.3% to 52.3%), with 23.1% mild, 13.7% moderate, and 6.1% severe anxiety. Overall stress prevalence was 45.6% (95% CI: 32.9% to 58.8%), while high perceived stress affected 14.5% of students. Significant regional variations were observed for depression and anxiety. Meta-regression indicated no consistent temporal trends, although prevalence varied by sample size and, for moderate and severe anxiety, by publication year. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robust findings. Publication bias was detected in mild depression, mild anxiety, and severe anxiety subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS: Depression, anxiety, and stress remain highly prevalent among university students in the post-pandemic period, highlighting a sustained mental health burden. Most studies were cross-sectional and relied on self-reported measures, with variability in sample sizes and sociocultural contexts, hindering comparability and generalizability. Despite these constraints, these findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health screening, preventive strategies, and accessible psychological support services within higher education settings.

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In the early 1990's, Robert Robbins was a faculty member at Johns Hopkins, where he directed the informatics core of GDB — the human gene-mapping database of the international human genome project. To share papers with colleagues around the world, he set up a small paper-sharing section on his personal web page. This small project evolved into The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

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In 1995, Robbins became the VP/IT of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA. Soon after arriving in Seattle, Robbins secured funding, through the ELSI component of the US Human Genome Project, to create the original ESP.ORG web site, with the formal goal of providing free, world-wide access to the literature of classical genetics.

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In reading the early works of classical genetics, one is drawn, almost inexorably, into ever more complex models, until molecular explanations begin to seem both necessary and natural. At that point, the tools for understanding genome research are at hand. Assisting readers reach this point was the original goal of The Electronic Scholarly Publishing Project.

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With the development of methods for adding typeset side notes to PDF files, the ESP project now plans to add annotated versions of some classical papers to its holdings. We also plan to add new reference and pedagogical material. We have already started providing regularly updated, comprehensive bibliographies to the ESP.ORG site.

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With the world now in the middle of a new and rapidly spreading pandemic, now is the time to read this book, originally published in 2012, that describes animal infections and the next human pandemic (that's actually the book's subtitle). You would be hard pressed to find a more relevant explanation of how this got started and why there will be more after this one. R. Robbins

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Papers in Classical Genetics

The ESP began as an effort to share a handful of key papers from the early days of classical genetics. Now the collection has grown to include hundreds of papers, in full-text format.

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Along with papers on classical genetics, ESP offers a collection of full-text digital books, including many works by Darwin and even a collection of poetry — Chicago Poems by Carl Sandburg.

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