@article {pmid41764591,
year = {2026},
author = {Çivilidağ, A and Durmaz, Ş},
title = {The relationship of flexible working arrangements on work-family conflict, work-life balance and organizational commitment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC psychology},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41764591},
issn = {2050-7283},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Technological advances and the COVID–19 pandemic have fundamentally reshaped the global work landscape, establishing flexible work arrangements (FWAs)—such as schedule flexibility and remote work—as a permanent feature of contemporary employment. This shift necessitates a rigorous quantitative synthesis of how FWAs relate to critical employee and organizational outcomes. This study examines the associations between FWAs and work–life balance (WLB), work–family conflict (WFC), and organizational commitment (OC).

METHODS: A systematic review and meta–analysis was conducted across five electronic databases. Initially, 3,777 records were identified. Following the application of strict inclusion and quality criteria, 38 studies from 19 countries (N = 83,951) were selected for analysis. Data were synthesized using the Comprehensive Meta–Analysis (CMA 3.0) software, employing a random–effects model to calculate pooled effect sizes.

RESULTS: The findings revealed significant and relatively large positive correlations between FWAs and WLB (r = .39, p < .001) and between FWAs and OC (r = .29, p < .001). Conversely, while the correlation between FWAs and WFC was positive (r= .25), it was statistically non–significant (p > .05). Meta–regression identified between countries the level of economic development as a significant moderator (p < .001), with the positive relationship of flexibility being significantly more pronounced in developed countries compared to developing nations.

CONCLUSION: This meta–analysis provides robust evidence that FWAs are an effective strategic tool for enhancing WLB and substantially strengthening OC. However, their impact on reducing WFC remains less conclusive and is highly context–sensitive. Organizations are encouraged to formally adopt and support FWAs to improve employee well–being and foster loyalty, while remaining mindful of the macro–level institutional frameworks that shape flexibility outcomes.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-026-04216-y.},
}

@article {pmid41776570,
year = {2026},
author = {Sakai, K and Yoshida, T and Chiba, T and Yamaga, M and Takemoto, M},
title = {Pitfalls in the management of undiagnosed secondary adrenal insufficiency: a case report and review of the literature.},
journal = {Journal of medical case reports},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41776570},
issn = {1752-1947},
mesh = {Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Adrenal Insufficiency/diagnosis/drug therapy/complications ; *Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use/administration & dosage ; *Hyponatremia/etiology ; Osmolar Concentration ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Fluid Therapy/methods ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Prolonged cortisol deficiency in undiagnosed central adrenal insufficiency can lead to severe hypotonic hyponatremia due to inappropriate vasopressin secretion and malnutrition caused by inhibition of orexigenic signals. Notably, although hydrocortisone-induced recovery can trigger osmotic demyelination and refeeding syndromes, no previous report has simultaneously described these complications and documented significant decreases in vasopressin levels, along with changes in urine osmolality and volume before and after hydrocortisone administration.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old Japanese man presented with fever, severe nausea, and oliguria and was brought to our hospital by ambulance due to impaired consciousness. Physical examination and laboratory analysis showed severe euvolemic hypotonic hyponatremia and low-normal glucose value. Low adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol levels, undetectable 24-hour urinary free cortisol, and minimal response to corticotropin-releasing hormone indicated secondary adrenal insufficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed slight pituitary swelling, suggesting hypophysitis. Treatment started with a 200 mg hydrocortisone infusion over 24 hours, and 6 hours later, the patient experienced a marked decrease in vasopressin levels, accompanied by significant dilute urine excretion and an excessively rapid increase in blood sodium levels, which posed a risk of osmotic demyelination. Rehydration with 5% dextrose and desmopressin was used to prevent this risk. Carefully adjusting plasma osmolality successfully prevented osmotic demyelination syndrome. Hydrocortisone replacement significantly increased the patient's appetite, leading to refeeding hypophosphatemia and disorientation; however, these resolved with intravenous sodium phosphate replacement. The patient developed a fever on day 12 and was confirmed to have coronavirus disease 2019. The fever subsided by day 16 with molnupiravir treatment and hydrocortisone dose adjustment, and he was discharged on day 23 with a maintenance dose of hydrocortisone.

CONCLUSION: Careful management is required while administering hydrocortisone in patients with undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency, as it may cause osmotic demyelination syndrome or refeeding syndrome due to sudden changes in blood electrolytes.},
}

Humans
Male
Middle Aged
*Adrenal Insufficiency/diagnosis/drug therapy/complications
*Hydrocortisone/therapeutic use/administration & dosage
*Hyponatremia/etiology
Osmolar Concentration
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Fluid Therapy/methods

@article {pmid41776637,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Wang, F and Wang, X and Chen, X and Li, C and Shan, K and Zhou, H and Wu, G and Xu, Z and Kong, X and Wei, P},
title = {The lung-brain axis: elucidating the mechanisms of pulmonary-driven neurological disorders.},
journal = {Journal of neuroinflammation},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41776637},
issn = {1742-2094},
support = {22201164//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82571352//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; QDZDZK-2025064//the Qingdao Key Health Discipline Development Fund/ ; ZR2024QH041//the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province/ ; QDKY2023ZD02//the Scientific Research Foundation of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University/ ; 2024M761822//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {The brain and lungs represent two of the most vital organs in the human body. The conceptualization of the lung-brain axis has advanced our understanding of the bidirectional communication between the respiratory and central nervous systems. Accumulating evidence indicates that pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome and infections such as bacterial pneumonia, influenza and Coronavirus Disease 2019, along with airborne environmental exposures, constitute significant risk factors for various neurological disorders. The lung-brain axis is primarily mediated by microbial, immune, neural, metabolic and hormonal pathways. These mechanisms contribute to the disruption of blood-brain barrier integrity, the activation of neuroglial cells and the dysfunction of the cerebrovascular system, ultimately causing neuronal injury and diverse neurological conditions. Environmental factors, notably airborne particulate matter and chemical pollutants, further amplify the crosstalk among these mechanisms, extending the neurological risk. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the association between pulmonary dysfunction and the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease), stroke, anxiety/depression, epilepsy, and migraine. Additionally, potential therapeutic strategies targeting the lung–brain axis are discussed to foster further research in this emerging field. Elucidating the complex interactions within the lung–brain axis will not only deepen our understanding of the shared pathophysiological mechanisms but also open novel avenues for the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of related neurological diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41792332,
year = {2026},
author = {Guest, J and Moritz, C},
title = {Study design considerations in clinical trials testing transcutaneous stimulation for spinal cord injury.},
journal = {Spinal cord},
volume = {64},
number = {4},
pages = {352-361},
pmid = {41792332},
issn = {1476-5624},
mesh = {*Spinal Cord Injuries/therapy ; Humans ; *Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Research Design ; *Clinical Trials as Topic/methods ; *Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation/methods ; },
abstract = {STUDY DESIGN: Methodological review and expert perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the methodological challenges in designing rigorous clinical trials for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), with particular focus on challenges of sham control implementation, and to propose alternative trial design approaches that balance scientific rigor with practical feasibility and ethical considerations.

SETTING: United States.

METHODS: We analyzed the design considerations that influenced the Up-LIFT pivotal trial, examining three critical constraints: the technical limitations of creating safe and convincing sham stimulation for extended protocols; the participant burden associated with traditional sham-controlled designs; and the heightened risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. We reviewed existing literature on placebo effects in neuromodulation, technical challenges of sham tSCS implementation, and ethical considerations specific to the SCI population. Alternative methodological approaches were evaluated, including sequential self-controlled designs, biomarker-guided approaches, and adaptive trial designs.

RESULTS: Traditional sham controls for tSCS face serious technical challenges because participants readily detect stimulation parameters, minimal currents produce detectable neuromodulatory effects, and extended protocols amplify these issues through knowledge sharing and functional feedback. Ethical concerns include substantial participant burden, potential for lessebo effects when a sham is suspected, and erosion of therapeutic relationships through prolonged deception. The COVID-19 pandemic added critical safety considerations for the vulnerable SCI population. Alternative designs, such as sequential self-controlled approaches, as implemented in Up-LIFT, can maintain scientific validity while addressing these constraints.

CONCLUSION: The unique challenges of tSCS clinical trials necessitate innovative methodological approaches beyond traditional placebo-controlled designs. Sequential self-controlled designs, biomarker-guided studies, and adaptive trial methodologies offer scientifically sound alternatives that respect participant welfare while generating robust evidence. Future research should pursue dual paths: developing improved sham paradigms while advancing alternative trial methodologies suitable for neuromodulation-enhanced rehabilitation interventions.},
}

*Spinal Cord Injuries/therapy
Humans
*Spinal Cord Stimulation/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Research Design
*Clinical Trials as Topic/methods
*Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation/methods

@article {pmid41823941,
year = {2026},
author = {Slimovitch, J and Lockey, RF and Arroyo, AC and Smith, A and Ballow, M and Baptist, AP and Teng, M and Nanda, A and Mullur, J and Allakhverdi, Z and Nyenhuis, SM and Cardet, JC},
title = {Recommended Vaccines for Immunocompetent Older Adults: A Work Group Report of the AAAAI Asthma, Allergic & Immunologic Diseases in Older Adults Committee.},
journal = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {791-801},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaip.2025.09.040},
pmid = {41823941},
issn = {2213-2201},
support = {P30 ES027792/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Aged ; *Vaccination ; United States/epidemiology ; *Vaccines ; COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Immunocompetence ; Advisory Committees ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {Adults 65 years or older are more susceptible to infectious diseases, representing a significant public health concern worldwide. Although newer vaccines have been developed for older adults, confusion over frequently changing guidelines often contributes to vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates. An American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology work group was convened to provide a clearer summary of these guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This article reviews the epidemiology and pathology of key infectious diseases in older adults, the mechanism of action of the vaccines targeting these diseases, commercially available vaccines, their potential side effects, and current vaccination recommendations for adults 65 years or older. The primary focus of this work is on adults 65 years or older; however, when possible, newer vaccination recommendations that begin at age 50 years have also been included. The diseases covered in this review include coronavirus disease 2019, pneumococcal pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, shingles, and tetanus. A summary table of vaccination guidelines is also included in Table III.},
}

Humans
Aged
*Vaccination
United States/epidemiology
*Vaccines
COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
Practice Guidelines as Topic
SARS-CoV-2
Immunocompetence
Advisory Committees
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid41869844,
year = {2026},
author = {Weiss, SL and Peters, MJ and Oczkowski, SJW and Belley-Cote, E and Buysse, C and Choong, KLM and Deep, A and Inwald, DP and Flori, HR and Kneyber, MCJ and Menon, K and Murthy, S and Nunnally, ME and Parker, MM and Schlapbach, LJ and Oliveira, CF and Sorce, LR and Agus, M and Argent, AC and Balamuth, F and Bansal, A and Bem, RA and Brierley, J and Burns, KEA and Carlton, EF and Carrol, ED and Carroll, CL and Carter, MJ and Conlon, TW and Daniels, R and De Luca, D and Di Nardo, M and Dulfer, K and Faust, SN and Fernandez-Sarmiento, J and Fitzgerald, JC and Hall, M and Hsu, BS and Javouhey, E and Joosten, K and Karam, O and Kelly, SP and Lang, HJ and Lee, JH and Lemson, J and MacLaren, G and Manning, JC and Mehta, N and Morin, L and Morrow, BM and Nadel, S and Nishisaki, A and Pong, S and Raman, S and Randolph, AG and Ranjit, S and Ray, S and Remy, KE and Scott, HF and Sick-Samuels, AC and Souza, DC and Swan, T and Tibby, SM and Valla, FV and Watson, RS and Wiens, MO and Wolf, J and Zimmerman, JJ and Tissieres, P and Kissoon, N},
title = {Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children 2026.},
journal = {Pediatric critical care medicine : a journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {379-434},
doi = {10.1097/PCC.0000000000003927},
pmid = {41869844},
issn = {1529-7535},
mesh = {Humans ; *Shock, Septic/therapy ; Child ; *Sepsis/therapy ; Infant ; Adolescent ; Child, Preschool ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To update evidence-based management recommendations for clinicians caring for children (including infants, school-aged children, and adolescents) with sepsis or septic shock.

DESIGN: A panel of 68 international experts, representing 13 international organizations, as well as six methodologists, was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and applied throughout. Teleconferences and electronic-based discussion among the chairs, co-chairs, methodologists, and subgroup leads as well as within subgroups, served as an integral part of the guideline development process.

METHODS: New priority topics and recommendations from the prior guideline iteration were used to identify Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) questions likely to have new or updated evidence. We conducted a systematic review to identify the best available evidence, summarized the evidence, and then assessed the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We used the evidence-to-decision framework to formulate recommendations as strong or conditional, or as a good practice statement. "In our practice," statements were included when evidence was inconclusive to issue a recommendation but the panel felt that some guidance based on practice patterns may be appropriate.

RESULTS: The panel provided 61 statements on the management of children with sepsis or septic shock. Overall, five were strong recommendations, 24 were conditional recommendations, and ten were good practice statements. For 22 PICO questions, no recommendations could be made, but, for seven of these, "in our practice" statements were provided. Compared with the 2020 guidelines, 20 recommendations were new, 13 were updated for clarity and/or new evidence, six were reviewed but not changed, and 22 were carried forward based on consensus of the panel that new evidence was not available. Only three recommendations were based on high or moderate certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS: Updated management guidelines were issued by a panel of international experts for the best care of children with sepsis or septic shock, acknowledging that most aspects of care continue to have relatively low quality of evidence.},
}

Humans
*Shock, Septic/therapy
Child
*Sepsis/therapy
Infant
Adolescent
Child, Preschool
Evidence-Based Medicine

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

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

Humans
*COVID-19/transmission/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
Cluster Analysis
Infectious Disease Incubation Period
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Air Microbiology

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41932444,
year = {2026},
author = {Sithole, MN and Khan, MR and Mohammed, HA and Khan, RA and Naik, K and Choonara, YE},
title = {A Systematic Review on Vaccine Developmental Approaches: Evaluating Efficacy, and Addressing Challenges of Infectious Diseases in the Post-COVID-19 Era.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {199720},
doi = {10.1016/j.virusres.2026.199720},
pmid = {41932444},
issn = {1872-7492},
abstract = {Vaccination prevents millions of fatalities annually and works as one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. This systematic review critically evaluates vaccine development strategies in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on platform technologies, delivery systems, and the regulatory and societal challenges that shape vaccine efficacy and accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic redefined expectations for vaccine science, compressing traditional development timelines, and accelerating the adoption of novel platforms, such as mRNA and viral vectors. While these innovations significantly reduced global morbidity and mortality, they also exposed persistent barriers, including unequal distribution and widespread vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation. This review evaluates the biochemical foundations of vaccine design, including antigen selection, adjuvant use, and delivery optimisation, alongside the emerging formulation strategies and vaccine-platforms integration. The review emphasises the need for continuous alignment between scientific progress and equitable access. By integrating historical context, technical advancement, and social determinants, this review highlights the imperatives for future vaccine strategies to be not only scientifically robust, but also globally inclusive and implementation ready. By positioning recent advancements within the historical timeline of vaccine science, this review argues that the post-COVID-19 era represents an acceleration of progress where speed, adaptability and global equity are essential for safeguarding the populations against current and emerging threats from the pandemics and localized infectious challenges in medical emergencies.},
}

@article {pmid41933448,
year = {2026},
author = {Medina, YF and Rodríguez Grande, EI and Galindo, JL and Vargas Pinilla, OC and Soler, F and Espitia, GV},
title = {Non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies for pulmonary and physical recovery in ICU survivors after COVID-19: A systematic review.},
journal = {Chronic respiratory disease},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {14799731261439941},
pmid = {41933448},
issn = {1479-9731},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/rehabilitation/complications/physiopathology ; Intensive Care Units ; Survivors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Recovery of Function ; Critical Care/methods ; },
abstract = {BackgroundSurvivors of severe COVID-19 requiring intensive care frequently experience persistent pulmonary and functional impairment consistent with post-critical illness sequelae. The effectiveness of non-pharmacological rehabilitation in this severity-specific subgroup remains uncertain.MethodsA systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Epistemonikos, LILACS, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized and observational studies evaluating non-pharmacological rehabilitation in adult ICU survivors of COVID-19. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. Given substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, quantitative meta-analysis was not performed; a structured narrative synthesis was undertaken.ResultsFourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Five incorporated comparator groups, while nine employed uncontrolled pre-post designs. Interventions ranged from early ICU mobilization to inpatient and outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. Controlled studies reported variable between-group benefits in dyspnea and functional outcomes, whereas observational studies consistently described within-group improvement over time. However, most studies were at moderate to serious risk of bias, and heterogeneity in intervention timing, dosage, and outcome assessment limited comparability.ConclusionsNon-pharmacological rehabilitation in ICU survivors of COVID-19 is associated with improvement over time; however, the certainty of causal effectiveness remains low. ICU survivors constitute a distinct recovery population within the broader post-COVID spectrum. Adequately powered, multicenter randomized trials with standardized protocols and harmonized outcomes are required to establish long-term effectiveness.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/rehabilitation/complications/physiopathology
Intensive Care Units
Survivors
SARS-CoV-2
Recovery of Function
Critical Care/methods

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41819160,
year = {2026},
author = {Lugtu, EJ and Iv, DYP and Cabunoc, MH and Bautista, JL and Pleta, FM and Ng, JA and Shahid, F and Carandang, THDC and Lippi, G and Henry, BM and Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C and Notarte, KI},
title = {Prevalence of post-COVID symptoms across variants of concern and follow-up periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {166},
number = {},
pages = {108522},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108522},
pmid = {41819160},
issn = {1878-3511},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications/virology ; Prevalence ; *SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity ; Fatigue/epidemiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Adult ; Dyspnea/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VoC) and post-COVID symptom duration remains unexplored. This is the first study to evaluate post-COVID prevalence stratified by VoC and follow-up periods.

METHODS: Six databases were searched (12/2019-12/2024) for studies of adults with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and symptoms lasting ≥3 months. Data were stratified by VoC (Alpha through Omicron) and follow-up (<6 vs ≥6 months) to estimate pooled prevalence using random-effects models.

RESULTS: Pooled prevalence across 35 studies (n = 159,000) was 28.5% (95% CI: 21.6-36.0), higher in pre-Omicron (35.5%) than Omicron (22.8%) eras (P = 0.04). Symptoms persisted beyond 6 months in 29.9% of cases. Fatigue was the most prevalent symptom across all VoCs and follow-ups followed by brain fog, dyspnea, and sleep impairment. Pre-Omicron variants were linked to dyspnea and anosmia, while Omicron was associated with brain fog and paresthesia. Most symptoms showed no significant reduction beyond 6 months. Sleep problems were higher in early pre-Omicron cohorts but improved over time; conversely, palpitations and ocular manifestations increased in later pre-Omicron follow-ups.

CONCLUSION: Post-COVID condition remains a burden despite vaccination. Distinct symptomatology patterns across VoC and timelines highlight the need for tailored management strategies to mitigate long-term global impacts.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications/virology
Prevalence
*SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity
Fatigue/epidemiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Adult
Dyspnea/epidemiology

@article {pmid41846150,
year = {2026},
author = {Saad-Roy, CM and Abraham, N and Hilbe, C and Mahmud, AS and Traulsen, A},
title = {Interactions between immuno-epidemiology and individual decision-making for nonpharmaceutical interventions.},
journal = {Trends in microbiology},
volume = {34},
number = {4},
pages = {348-351},
doi = {10.1016/j.tim.2026.01.006},
pmid = {41846150},
issn = {1878-4380},
mesh = {Humans ; *Decision Making ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology ; *Communicable Diseases/immunology/epidemiology ; Masks ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Physical Distancing ; },
abstract = {There is an urgent need to disentangle interactions between infectious disease dynamics, immunity, and individual decision-making for adherence to nonpharmaceutical interventions (e.g., mask wearing or social distancing). Here, we outline the significant advancements that this will require, which include theoretical modeling, longitudinal data collection, and iteratively interfacing models with data.},
}

Humans
*Decision Making
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology
*Communicable Diseases/immunology/epidemiology
Masks
SARS-CoV-2
Physical Distancing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41927611,
year = {2026},
author = {Longet, S and Paul, S},
title = {Current status of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19 vaccines.},
journal = {NPJ vaccines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41541-026-01432-w},
pmid = {41927611},
issn = {2059-0105},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19. vaccines. Four vector-based and one adjuvanted protein-based vaccines have been licenced. They have been shown to be safe. However, their ability to induce strong protective mucosal immunity in humans remains to be improved. Diversifying intranasal vaccine platforms, improving the delivery of vaccine components and determining mucosal correlates of protection could help in optimizing intranasal COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41860319,
year = {2026},
author = {Kortz, TB and Hidalgo, JL and Akech, SO and Myatra, SN and Maves, RC and Perez-Fernandez, J and Acharya, SP and Coopersmith, CM and Jacob, ST and Johnston, C and Kissoon, N and Machado, FR and Molyneux, E and Morrow, BM and Pérez Cornejo, MS and Permpikul, C and Piyavechviratana, K and Rhodes, A and Ulisubisya, MM and Kumar, VK and Patel, H and Woznica, D and Nadkarni, VM},
title = {10 Steps to Improve Sepsis Care in Low-Resource Settings.},
journal = {Critical care medicine},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {939-949},
doi = {10.1097/CCM.0000000000007090},
pmid = {41860319},
issn = {1530-0293},
mesh = {Humans ; *Sepsis/therapy/diagnosis/prevention & control ; *Quality Improvement/organization & administration ; *Critical Care/standards ; *Health Resources ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Delphi Technique ; Consensus ; Developing Countries ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To develop a practical consensus-based framework for 10 steps to improve sepsis care in low-resource settings (LRSs), aligned with the sepsis chain of survival and informed by global expertise.

DATA SOURCES: We reviewed peer-reviewed literature on sepsis epidemiology, prevention, recognition, and management in LRS; international guidelines, including the Surviving Sepsis Campaign; and prior "10-step" consensus frameworks for resuscitation and emergency care.

STUDY SELECTION: A Task Force representing adult and pediatric sepsis care, emergency care, critical care, infectious diseases, public health, and implementation science identified key domains from the above data sources.

DATA EXTRACTION: With guidance from methodologists and implementation science experts, we utilized an iterative, consensus-based process-literature review, Delphi survey, Utstein-style conference, stakeholder input, and public comment-to first define and then refine steps and implementation strategies.

DATA SYNTHESIS: The process resulted in 10 nonsequential, actionable steps covering governance and commodities, provider and caregiver education, community and facility prevention, early recognition and rapid response, timely guideline-based interventions, structured post-sepsis care, data systems, quality improvement, a culture of excellence and respect, and holistic well-being of patients, caregivers, and providers. Each step includes a rationale and potential implementation strategies adaptable to local resources and needs. Collectively, the ten steps emphasize integration across the continuum of care, equitable access to essential interventions, and the role of emerging technologies to prevent, recognize, monitor, and follow-up sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS: The 10 steps provide a consensus-driven roadmap for health leaders, clinicians, and policymakers to improve sepsis care, strengthen the sepsis chain of survival, reduce preventable morbidity and mortality, and address global inequities in sepsis outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Sepsis/therapy/diagnosis/prevention & control
*Quality Improvement/organization & administration
*Critical Care/standards
*Health Resources
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Delphi Technique
Consensus
Developing Countries

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41924267,
year = {2026},
author = {Ohta, E and Okada, E and Sawada, Y},
title = {Pustular psoriasis flare following COVID-19 infection: a case report and literature review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1740000},
pmid = {41924267},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/immunology ; Female ; *Psoriasis/drug therapy/immunology/etiology/pathology ; Middle Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophilic pustules and systemic inflammation. We report a case of severe GPP triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 46-year-old woman with a long history of psoriasis. Eleven days after recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia, she developed widespread pustules and fever. Histopathology revealed subcorneal spongiform pustules and dermal neutrophilic infiltration consistent with GPP. Systemic corticosteroids followed by etretinate and deucravacitinib achieved complete remission. A literature review identified 11 infection- and 10 vaccine-related GPP cases. Compared with vaccine-associated cases, infection-related flares showed longer latency and higher corticosteroid use. Mechanistically, both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may be associated with IL-36 axis activation, potentially via spike protein-driven, Toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune signaling. This case highlights that distinct immune kinetics may underlie infection- and vaccine-related GPP, while supporting a putative role of IL-36-driven inflammation in COVID-19-associated disease exacerbation.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/immunology
Female
*Psoriasis/drug therapy/immunology/etiology/pathology
Middle Aged
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41921044,
year = {2026},
author = {Dubey, S and Khan, J and Alishlash, AS and Matalon, S},
title = {The Cell with Many Faces: Lung Macrophage Plasticity and Function in Response to Environmental and Pathogenic Insults.},
journal = {Physiological reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1152/physrev.00038.2025},
pmid = {41921044},
issn = {1522-1210},
support = {R01 HL031197/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; REINVENT grant from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine//University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)/ ; R01HL031197-29S1//HHS | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; },
abstract = {Alveolar macrophages (AM) are pivotal immune sentinels, essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and mediating immune responses to inhaled particles and pathogens. They demonstrate remarkable plasticity by transitioning from pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory/reparative (M2) phenotypes in response to local signals. Upon exposure to environmental agents, such as particulate matter, atypical respiratory pathogens opportunistic gram-negative bacteria, or respiratory viruses they undergo dynamic activation that profoundly influences their functional repertoire. Acute or chronic environmental/biological insults disrupt normal AM activities such as phagocytosis, efferocytosis, cytokine production, inciting oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, and in some cases, forms of programmed cell death such as pyroptosis. Although these responses are indispensable for eliminating noxious particles and pathogens, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae, Influenza A, or SARS-CoV-2, they can also derail the resolution phase by perpetuating inflammation, driving tissue remodeling and fibrosis, and thereby fueling chronic lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis, and post-COVID interstitial lung disease. Moreover, environmental and microbial exposures modify AM by altering receptor repertoires, intracellular phenotype by signaling cascades, and crosstalk with epithelial and mesenchymal cells that collectively determine the disease trajectory. Elucidating how diverse environmental agents, together with pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Influenza A, and SARS-CoV-2, shape AM biology is therefore pivotal for understanding the pathogenesis of COPD, pneumoconiosis, and progressive fibrotic lung disease, and COVID-19 related pulmonary sequelae. This review brings together the current insights into exposure-driven modulation of AM functions, highlighting recent advances and identifying knowledge gaps relevant for therapeutic targeting of exposure-induced and pathogen-mediated lung pathology.},
}

@article {pmid41922045,
year = {2026},
author = {Gupta, J and Pinjari, D and Aggarwal, Y and Kumar, D and Syal, K and Bhattacharyya, R and Banerjee, D},
title = {Vitamin D in health and disease and potential shield against COVID-19.},
journal = {Advances in clinical chemistry},
volume = {132},
number = {},
pages = {223-254},
doi = {10.1016/bs.acc.2025.12.001},
pmid = {41922045},
issn = {2162-9471},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vitamin D/therapeutic use/analogs & derivatives/blood ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Dietary Supplements ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Vitamin D acts as a micronutrient, hormone, and immunomodulator. While well known for supporting bone health and preventing rickets, researchers are now exploring its potential to help fight infection, including COVID-19. Certain laboratory studies and observational research suggest that vitamin D supplementation may lower the risk of developing serious illnesses. Unfortunately, clinical studies have generated mixed results. This gap between laboratory findings and real-world outcomes highlights the need for high-quality research in the field. Another promising domain is the utilization of vitamin D analogs that can provide similar or even better benefits than native vitamin D, but with fewer side effects. Additionally, the standardization of vitamin D measurement from biologic samples in clinical and research laboratories must be improved to successfully manage individual patients and clinical research. All these aspects are dealt with in detail in this chapter.},
}

Humans
*Vitamin D/therapeutic use/analogs & derivatives/blood
COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Dietary Supplements
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Vitamin D Deficiency/drug therapy

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

@article {pmid41923421,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, V and Arora, P and Dhiman, A and Harish, S and Gandhi, TK and Dash, S},
title = {Effectiveness of Telehealth-Based Speech Therapy in Improving Articulation, Resonance, Nasal Emission, and Intelligibility in Children With Repaired Cleft lip and Palate: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {International journal of language & communication disorders},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {e70236},
doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.70236},
pmid = {41923421},
issn = {1460-6984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cleft Palate/surgery/complications/rehabilitation ; *Speech Therapy/methods ; *Cleft Lip/surgery/complications ; *Telemedicine ; *Speech Intelligibility ; Child ; *Articulation Disorders/therapy/etiology/rehabilitation ; COVID-19 ; *Speech Disorders/therapy/etiology ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital anomaly associated with persistent speech disorders, including articulation errors, resonance imbalances, and nasal emission, despite surgical repair. Access to specialized speech-language pathologist care remains limited, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Telehealth has emerged as a scalable solution, yet systematic evidence on its efficacy, technological reliability, and implementation in CLP-specific speech therapy is lacking.

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

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

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

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

Humans
*Cleft Palate/surgery/complications/rehabilitation
*Speech Therapy/methods
*Cleft Lip/surgery/complications
*Telemedicine
*Speech Intelligibility
Child
*Articulation Disorders/therapy/etiology/rehabilitation
COVID-19
*Speech Disorders/therapy/etiology
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41919347,
year = {2026},
author = {Heald, CL and Kroll, JH and Murphy, JG and Farmer, DK and Fry, JL},
title = {Atmospheric Chemistry Insights from the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.est.5c16737},
pmid = {41919347},
issn = {1520-5851},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting reductions in worldwide emissions, associated primarily with the transport sector, provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the response of atmospheric chemistry and composition to large anthropogenic emissions perturbations. While air quality generally improved in early 2020, this was tempered by increased formation of secondary pollutants (e.g., O3 and secondary particulate matter, PM) in many regions studied. Declines in NOx emissions were largely responsible for the changes in O3, driving decreases in O3 concentrations in remote regions and increases in urban regions due to both decreases in O3 titration by NOx and also nonlinear changes in O3 production. Lower NOx levels also increased the levels of other oxidants (e.g., OH and O3), leading to a general increase in atmospheric oxidation in polluted urban regions. This enhanced oxidation promoted additional PM formation in some regions but was generally outweighed by decreases in primary PM and other secondary precursors (SO2 and VOCs). The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to large local perturbations in air quality but only modest reductions in the global abundance of short-lived climate forcers (including O3 and PM).},
}

@article {pmid41920064,
year = {2026},
author = {Splane, J and Hotta, TA and Lillington, S and Ulhman, M and Ippoliti, M and Castaneda, R},
title = {Canadian Clinical Practice Recommendations for Preventing Infections in Aesthetic Medicine.},
journal = {Plastic and aesthetic nursing},
volume = {46},
number = {2},
pages = {101-113},
pmid = {41920064},
issn = {2770-3517},
mesh = {Humans ; Canada ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Infection Control/standards/methods ; *Practice Guidelines as Topic ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in infection protection and control (IPC) protocols across health care settings, underscoring the urgent need for health care systems, organizations, and providers to prioritize robust safety standards to protect patient, provider, and public well-being. In aesthetic medicine-where demand for procedures continues to rise-maintaining stringent IPC practices is more important than ever. This article reviews fundamental IPC principles, current best-practices specific to aesthetic medicine, and facility-level recommendations in Canada. As IPC standards continue to evolve, their application within aesthetic settings remains essential to protecting patient, provider, and public health. Ongoing adaptation and improvement in response to emerging risks and rising procedural volumes are crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of aesthetic practice.},
}

Humans
Canada
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Infection Control/standards/methods
*Practice Guidelines as Topic
SARS-CoV-2

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

@article {pmid41806408,
year = {2026},
author = {Atluri, S and Al Masud, A and Islam, MS and Duong, MC and Seale, H},
title = {Examining the proposed role of civil society and non-governmental organisations in the implementation of AMR national action plans: A global policy review.},
journal = {Public health},
volume = {254},
number = {},
pages = {106237},
doi = {10.1016/j.puhe.2026.106237},
pmid = {41806408},
issn = {1476-5616},
mesh = {Humans ; *Organizations ; *Health Policy ; Global Health ; *Drug Resistance, Microbial ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have long supported public health programs by delivering services, raising awareness, and advocating for policy change. Despite their key role in addressing complex health issues like HIV and COVID-19, their involvement in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) strategies remains underexplored. This study reviews how CSOs and NGOs are framed within AMR National Action Plans (NAPs) to better understand their role in mitigating AMR.

STUDY DESIGN: Policy review.

METHODS: A content analysis of publicly available AMR NAPs was conducted using key terms related to CSOs and NGOs. Relevant excerpts were coded across seven focus areas of engagement, with multiple reviewers to ensure consistency. Data were analysed thematically to identify patterns in CSO and NGO involvement across countries.

RESULTS: Of the 194 WHO member states, 129 (63%) AMR National Action Plans (NAPs) were available and reviewed, with 27% inclusive of 2025. References to CSOs appeared in 40% of NAPs, and NGOs in 51%, though the extent and specificity of their roles varied widely. CSO involvement was most commonly associated with advocacy, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), while education, prevention, surveillance, and resource mobilisation were less frequently addressed. Participation in government committees and policy-making was limited.

CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that referenced CSO and NGO involvement is often broad and lacks specificity. These findings underscore the need for more precise and context-specific inclusion of CSOs in AMR strategies to enhance their contribution to policy implementation and community-level action.},
}

Humans
*Organizations
*Health Policy
Global Health
*Drug Resistance, Microbial

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

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

@article {pmid41918076,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Meng, J and Li, Y and Xiang, Y and Wu, Y and Xiong, Y and Liu, P and Gao, S},
title = {The role of ivermectin in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12879-026-13195-9},
pmid = {41918076},
issn = {1471-2334},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ivermectin, as a potential drug for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, remains controversial regarding its efficacy and safety. This study aims to systematically evaluate the therapeutic and preventive effect of ivermectin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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

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

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

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid38400720,
year = {2026},
author = {Foroshani, S and Airo, M and Levine, A and Frishman, WH and Aronow, WS and Lanier, GM},
title = {COVID-19 and Pulmonary Hypertension: An Interesting Dynamic.},
journal = {Cardiology in review},
volume = {34},
number = {3},
pages = {199-203},
doi = {10.1097/CRD.0000000000000679},
pmid = {38400720},
issn = {1538-4683},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/physiopathology ; *Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy/physiopathology/etiology/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cytokine Release Syndrome ; },
abstract = {The dynamic between pulmonary hypertension (PH) and COVID-19 has been under investigation since 2020, early in the pandemic. Although the pathophysiology of PH has been well-studied, new discoveries regarding the multisystemic effects of COVID-19 are still being uncovered. The cardiopulmonary effects of COVID-19 have led investigators to inquire about the interplay between these 2 conditions. Several factors are suggested to contribute to an increased risk of developing PH after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This includes cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and fibrotic changes seen in post-COVID-19 lung disease. Additionally, it has been proposed that certain medications used to treat PH may be applied to patients suffering from the cardiopulmonary complications of COVID-19. This review will focus on the interplay between COVID-19 and PH, with a special focus on the risk of developing PH after SARS-CoV-2 infection and the outcomes of patients with preexisting PH who are diagnosed with COVID-19. The potential benefits of utilizing off-label PH medications for COVID-19 patients will also be discussed.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/physiopathology
*Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy/physiopathology/etiology/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Cytokine Release Syndrome

@article {pmid39259494,
year = {2026},
author = {Mehta, V and Pandya, VS and Mathur, A and Obulareddy, VT and Ronsivalle, V and Cicciù, M and Minervini, G},
title = {Applications of robot-assisted UV disinfection in dentistry.},
journal = {Minerva dental and oral science},
volume = {75},
number = {2},
pages = {139-151},
doi = {10.23736/S2724-6329.23.04866-0},
pmid = {39259494},
issn = {2724-6337},
mesh = {*Robotics ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; *Disinfection/methods/instrumentation ; Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Infection Control, Dental/methods ; },
abstract = {Maintaining a microbial-free environment in healthcare facilities is more widely recognized as an essential component of therapies to minimize transmission of viruses associated with healthcare sector. The global spread of COVID-19 and recent outbreaks have presented humanity with previously unheard-of challenges. The development of autonomous disinfection robots seems to be necessary given the urgent need for constant sterilization in the face of a labor shortage. Due to their automated and perceived cost advantages by eliminating cleaning staff, these robots are being advertised more and more as an easy solution to immediately disinfect rooms and operating areas. The use of these services lowers the danger of infection, and expense of traditional cleaning and, most significantly, builds trust and security in medical facilities. Currently, routine (manual) cleaning is not replaced by disinfection robots; rather, they may support it. Additional hospital and device design alterations are necessary to address the overshadowing (visibility) issue allowing Ultraviolet disinfectant (UV-D) robots move freely in the medical environment. More technical developments and clinical studies in a variety of hospitals are needed to overcome the current challenges and find ways to integrate this unique technology into hospitals now and in the future. Thus, we present a review that includes detailing all elements required for it to function, as well as both its advantages and disadvantages. To the best of our knowledge, very limited studies have collected an in- depth data on the sterilization effect using a disinfection robot in the field of dentistry. We believe that this data will work as a foundation in more advanced uses at diverse sites that require disinfection and will highlight unsolved challenges and potential research avenues for UV robot operational concerns in dental hospitals. The goal of this work is to offer a comprehensive manual for UV-D robots covering pertinent information on traditional Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system along with advancements in UV-D robots and thereby focusing on in-depth application in medical and dental facilities.},
}

*Robotics
*Ultraviolet Rays
*Disinfection/methods/instrumentation
Humans
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Infection Control, Dental/methods

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@article {pmid41914738,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, W and Okumura, CYM},
title = {Carbon metabolism and niche adaptation in Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0066825},
doi = {10.1128/msphere.00668-25},
pmid = {41914738},
issn = {2379-5042},
abstract = {Responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually around the world, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]) infections have resurged in the post-COVID-19 era due to immune debt and the rise of strains with enhanced adaptive capabilities. The formidable pathogenicity of GAS is fueled by metabolic plasticity that coordinates virulence with niche-specific adaptation. In this minireview, we dissect how GAS functions as a sophisticated metabolic decision-maker, revealing survival strategies of the bacteria that allow persistence and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapeutic development. From the oropharynx to the bloodstream, niche-specific carbon sources and availability dictate downstream biosynthetic processes, creating an integrated metabolic network that controls pathogen fitness. Dynamic shifts in central carbon metabolism are orchestrated by an expanded repertoire of global regulators that directly couple nutrient availability to virulence factor expression. The resulting bacterial metabolic byproducts serve as dual-purpose weapons, limiting competition with commensal microbes and reprogramming host cell immune responses. The ability of GAS to fine-tune and couple metabolism to niche-specific survival factors reveals pathogen-specific targets that can be exploited for therapy. We evaluate high-potential therapeutic strategies that aim to disrupt this critical metabolism-virulence nexus. The development of these precision anti-virulence strategies to counter GAS infections is critical in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance.},
}

@article {pmid41915408,
year = {2026},
author = {Maynes, MA and Johnson, AJ},
title = {The impact of antigen presentation on BBB disruption and neuroinflammation.},
journal = {Physiology (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1152/physiol.00041.2025},
pmid = {41915408},
issn = {1548-9221},
support = {NS108212//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; NS12274//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; T32AI170478//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; },
abstract = {Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a potentially deadly complication of numerous neurological diseases as diverse as cerebral malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever, tauopathies, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, and COVID-19. Neuroinflammation and immune cell infiltration are both drivers and a consequence of BBB disruption. In this review, we will provide an overview of how brain infiltrating T cell responses engage cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) which regulates the BBB in preclinical models. This will provide context on how the immune system can contribute to vascular leakage and neuropathology in neurological diseases. We will discuss how discrete MHC class I and class II molecules on NVU cell types govern T cell entry, retention, and barrier disruption in neuroinflammatory diseases. Finally, we will summarize our current understanding of how discrete HLA genes associate with specific neurological diseases characterized by neuroinflammation and BBB disruption.},
}

@article {pmid41915901,
year = {2026},
author = {Nunns, M and Febrey, S and Becker, K and Weiland, M and Buckland, J and Abbott, R and Whear, R and Bethel, A and Shaw, L and Boddy, K and Carville, S and Harris, T and Thompson Coon, J and Melendez-Torres, GJ},
title = {The Effectiveness of Contact Tracing to Reduce Transmission of Infectious Diseases During Epidemic or Pandemic Response: Rapid Systematic Review.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e84805},
doi = {10.2196/84805},
pmid = {41915901},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; *Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Communicable Diseases/epidemiology/transmission ; *Epidemics/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contact tracing (CT), the process of identifying and managing contacts of infected cases, is one public health and social measure that may reduce the spread of infectious diseases. While previous systematic reviews of CT exist, a comprehensive review of both the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences has not been undertaken to our knowledge. Understanding effective CT strategies could help governments and health authorities prepare effectively for emergency epidemic or pandemic situations.

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

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

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

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

Humans
*Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology/transmission
*Epidemics/prevention & control
COVID-19/epidemiology

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

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

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

@article {pmid40632353,
year = {2026},
author = {Cavalieri, M and Fontana, S and Guccio, C and Lisi, D and Martorana, MF and Pignataro, G and Romeo, D},
title = {Measuring hospital care resilience: a systematic literature review.},
journal = {The European journal of health economics : HEPAC : health economics in prevention and care},
volume = {27},
number = {2},
pages = {175-211},
pmid = {40632353},
issn = {1618-7601},
support = {101095424//HORIZON EUROPE Health/ ; E63C22002120006//GRINS/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Hospitals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {The recent Covid-19 pandemic has shown how even high-performing healthcare systems are often unprepared to cope with sudden and unforeseen surges in demand for healthcare services, drawing further attention on crucial factors ensuring their resilience in the face of extreme disruptive events. Despite extensive efforts to define health system resilience, a lack of consensus persists, making it difficult to operationalize the existing conceptual frameworks and to guide policy makers in developing adequate response strategies. Grounded on this, the present paper aims to systematically review how hospital resilience has been measured in high-income countries. Particularly, we intend to map out the different indicators and metrics used to quantitatively assess the hospitals' capacity to proactively face sudden health shocks, which can put clinical activity under pressure and at risk of disruption. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted until March 2023, by combining three databases. The review identified 1,261 studies of which 45 studies met the eligibility criteria. We found a wide range of methodological approaches that shared a narrow focus on single aspects of hospital resilience, without being able to measure it comprehensively and systematically and without accounting for its dynamic and feedback loop nature. Specifically, most of the studies looked at how to measure hospitals' capacity to absorb the shock and adapt to it, while almost neglecting their transformative capacity as well as the legacy or enduring impact of shocks.},
}

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

@article {pmid41021522,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, BE and Kim, MK and Chung, JB},
title = {Government interventions, risk perception, and social distancing: Longitudinal meta-survey results in South Korea.},
journal = {Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association},
volume = {45},
number = {3},
pages = {343-354},
doi = {10.1037/hea0001549},
pmid = {41021522},
issn = {1930-7810},
support = {//Korean National Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Longitudinal Studies ; *Physical Distancing ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Government ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Understanding public protective behaviors during pandemics is crucial for effective epidemic control. This study examines the longitudinal relationships between government intervention, risk perception, and adherence to social distancing policy throughout the pandemic (February 2020-December 2022) in South Korea.

METHOD: This study utilized a repeated cross-sectional survey conducted 73 times over a 3-year period (February 2020-December 2022). Each survey included 1,000 participants, resulting in a total sample size of 73,000. Meta-analysis and time series analysis were conducted on the entire data set, focusing on the COVID-19 variants of pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron.

RESULTS: Meta-analysis revealed a positive correlation between adherence to social distancing and risk perception, with the strongest effect observed during the Omicron surge. Time series analysis over the entire period found that government social distancing policies had a stronger effect on adherence to social distancing than physical risk or risk perception, highlighting the long-term impact of government interventions on public behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: This study quantitatively demonstrates the longitudinal heterogeneity between risk perception and adherence to social distancing and highlights the importance of government interventions, in addition to risk perception, in shaping public behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).},
}

Humans
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
*COVID-19/prevention & control
Longitudinal Studies
*Physical Distancing
Male
Cross-Sectional Studies
Adult
Female
Middle Aged
SARS-CoV-2
*Government
Pandemics/prevention & control

@article {pmid41349432,
year = {2026},
author = {Duong, A and Giguère, P and Shorr, R and Allan, DS},
title = {A systematic review of published clinical studies using cell-derived extracellular vesicles: A focus on efficacy in COVID-19 and wound healing.},
journal = {Current research in translational medicine},
volume = {74},
number = {1},
pages = {103557},
doi = {10.1016/j.retram.2025.103557},
pmid = {41349432},
issn = {2452-3186},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy ; *Extracellular Vesicles/transplantation ; *Wound Healing/physiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane-bound particles released from cells and offer promise in cell-based regenerative therapy. Preclinical research has propelled the launch of clinical trials with results from initial studies recently published. A systematic review is needed to evaluate trial designs, outcomes, product characterization and safety profiles to identify barriers and inform future research directions.

METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted (1946 to September 19, 2024) to identify clinical studies using cell-derived EVs. We extracted aspects of study design, diseases being treated, characteristics of trial subjects, isolation methods and characterization of EVs, details of product administration, main conclusions, and aspects of potential study bias.

RESULTS: Twenty-five published clinical trials were included for analysis. COVID-19 and associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were studied most frequently (n = 8, 32 %). Wound healing was the second largest disease category (n = 5, 20 %). Seven studies (28 %) were controlled trials. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were the most common source of EVs (20 studies, 80 %), with 494 patients receiving MSC-EVs for various indications. Most trials (68 %, n = 17) used ultracentrifugation as the primary method for EV isolation. An individual patient data meta-analysis of controlled COVID-19/ARDS trials investigating MSC-EVs (n = 3; 5 intervention groups) revealed an odds ratio (OR) for mortality of 0.46 (95 % CI 0.26 - 0.81; p = 0.0073). The benefits of EVs to improve wound healing are less clear with no controlled studies of MSC-EVs and no clear benefit reported in 2 controlled studies of other cell-based EVs. Although administration of EVs was generally well tolerated, safety conclusions remain preliminary given that only one serious adverse event was explicitly reported, and adverse event reporting was often incomplete.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical trials of cell-derived EVs demonstrate marked heterogeneity but potential promise using MSC-EVs to treat COVID-19/ARDS, although efficacy in wound healing is less clear. More controlled studies are needed to optimize and confirm these initial results and to establish a more definitive understanding of the safety profile of EV therapy.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/therapy
*Extracellular Vesicles/transplantation
*Wound Healing/physiology
SARS-CoV-2
Clinical Trials as Topic
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41486819,
year = {2026},
author = {Gupta, T and Verma, JK},
title = {Critical appraisal of methodological rigor in a systematic review on post-COVID-19 vaccination-associated olfactory dysfunction.},
journal = {Rhinology},
volume = {64},
number = {2},
pages = {285-286},
doi = {10.4193/Rhin25.440},
pmid = {41486819},
issn = {0300-0729},
mesh = {Humans ; *Olfaction Disorders/etiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {We read with keen interest the article by Kawabata et al. titled "Olfactory disorder after COVID-19 vaccination" which explores 16 cases of olfactory dysfunction temporally associated with vaccination. The paper addresses an important and under-recognized topic; however, several methodological aspects warrant clarification to aid accurate interpretation. First, the inclusion of five institutional cases within a review otherwise presented as PRISMA-compliant raises questions regarding methodological consistency. Under PRISMA, all included studies should be identified through transparent and reproducible database searches. Clarifying whether institutional data were processed separately from literature-derived cases would strengthen transparency and avoid confusion about the evidence level.},
}

Humans
*Olfaction Disorders/etiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
*COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
*Vaccination/adverse effects

@article {pmid41904986,
year = {2026},
author = {Voget, R and Gütschow, M},
title = {Early Kinetic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: A Review and Guidance for Biochemical Assessments.},
journal = {Biochemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00794},
pmid = {41904986},
issn = {1520-4995},
abstract = {Optical, microplate reader-based assays are a standard tool for the initial biochemical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M[pro]) inhibitor candidates. Such assays monitor M[pro]-catalyzed substrate proteolysis in order to investigate the kinetic impact of inhibitors under examination on the catalytic reaction. This review outlines the numerous intricate considerations involved in establishing suitable assay protocols. Commonly employed M[pro] substrates that exploit different mechanisms for the optical detection of the cleavage reaction are introduced and compared with respect to their suitability for specific assay applications. The contribution of native or tagged forms of M[pro] and of the assay medium to representative kinetic data is debated. Protocols for high-throughput screening, IC50 investigation, elucidation of binding mode and modality, as well as for the determination of the kinetic parameters, Ki, αKi, kon, koff, and kinac/KI, are discussed with continuous reference to the underlying kinetic models. This review provides guidelines for the design and establishment of robust assays for precisely characterizing the kinetics of M[pro] inhibitor candidates. Typical confounders and false conclusions are demonstrated, along with strategies to circumvent these pitfalls.},
}

@article {pmid41905269,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Jawahar, B and Wang, Y and O'Neill, B and Batson-Wright, Y},
title = {Understanding digital clinical communication in healthcare: A qualitative synthesis.},
journal = {Patient education and counseling},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {109606},
doi = {10.1016/j.pec.2026.109606},
pmid = {41905269},
issn = {1873-5134},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of digital tools for two-way, real-time clinician-patient interactions has significantly increased, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This qualitative synthesis examines existing qualitative and mixed-method studies with qualitative components to capture the experiences of clinicians and patients using digital tools for real-time communication post-pandemic.

METHODS: A thematic synthesis approach was applied, reviewing 97 studies sourced from six databases. The synthesis identified three descriptive themes and two analytical themes.

RESULTS: Three primary descriptive themes included: improvising information gathering, managing emotional complexity, and enhancing understanding to facilitate care planning. Additionally, two analytical themes emphasised the need for training and teamwork in digital clinical communication.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of 'webside manner' as a key clinical competence and highlight the value of collaborative decision-making between clinicians and patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This synthesis led to the development of the ICE-T Digital Clinical Communication Model, offering conceptual and educational guidance for clinicians and healthcare students engaging in real-time digital communication. The study addresses an educational gap, emphasising the need to train both clinicians and patients to navigate the digital divide and ensure high-quality care in digital interactions.},
}

@article {pmid41906362,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, F and Tao, X and Wu, H and Wu, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Invasive Necrotizing Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis in Children: A Case Series and Literature Review.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e950588},
doi = {10.12659/AJCR.950588},
pmid = {41906362},
issn = {1941-5923},
mesh = {Humans ; Child ; Female ; Male ; Child, Preschool ; COVID-19/complications/diagnosis ; Bronchoscopy ; *Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Necrosis ; Aspergillus flavus/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND Invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis is rare in children. Here, we describe 3 cases in which mucosal necrosis and erosion were observed on bronchoscopy, with pseudomembrane-like attachments on the mucosal surface. CASE REPORT Case 1: An 8-year-old girl with leukemia was admitted because of recurrent fever, persistent cough (>1 month), and 1 day of hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed progression of patchy opacities and consolidation in the right upper and middle lobes compared with prior imaging. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) detected Aspergillus flavus. Case 2: An 8-year-old girl with fever for 4 days and cough for 2 days was admitted. After admission, recurrent fever occurred; hemophagocytic syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome were diagnosed. Sputum culture results were positive for A. fumigatus. Chest CT demonstrated atelectasis of the right upper lobe and left lower lobe. NGS of BALF also detected A. fumigatus. Case 3: A 4-year-old boy was admitted for mesenchymal stem cell infusion. He had undergone bone marrow transplantation 6 months prior to admission. Occasional cough and fever were reported. Chest CT indicated infectious lesions in both lungs. NGS detected A. fumigatus. Bronchoscopy in all 3 children revealed necrotizing tracheobronchitis. All patients were successfully treated and discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSIONS This report describes 3 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with invasive necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis, highlighting diagnostic and management challenges, as well as a potential role for bronchoscopy in treatment of this disease.},
}

Humans
Child
Female
Male
Child, Preschool
COVID-19/complications/diagnosis
Bronchoscopy
*Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/diagnosis
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Necrosis
Aspergillus flavus/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41906527,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, WKM and Castillo, EC},
title = {Evaluation of the Healthy and Productive Aging Program in a Primary Care Facility Among Older Population in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.},
journal = {Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/phn.70119},
pmid = {41906527},
issn = {1525-1446},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Health literacy is a critical factor for the well-being and self-management of the elderly. As the population ages, programs that enhance health literacy among the elderly are vital. This study evaluated the impact of the healthy and productive aging program on health literacy among Filipino elderly in a primary care setting.

METHOD: A quasi-experimental design involving 324 senior citizens were nonrandomly assigned to the intervention group or control group. Researchers measured health literacy across nine domains using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA to analyze changes before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers (p = 0.022), having sufficient health information (p = 0.040), actively managing health (p = 0.001), social support (p = 0.001), navigating the healthcare system (p = 0.001), and finding reliable health information (p < 0.045). One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in perceived health literacy levels across the three periods among the intervention group (F = 31. 859, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The program significantly impacted multiple health literacy domains. Results highlight the need for adaptable and responsive interventions with regular monitoring to improve the well-being of senior citizens and address specific literacy needs continuously.},
}

@article {pmid41906767,
year = {2026},
author = {Luna-Tenorio, E and Torres-Mendoza, J and Franco-Colin, M and Alvarez-González, I and de la Cruz-Lopez, F and Garcés-Ramírez, L and Luna-Muñoz, J},
title = {COVID-19 and neurodegeneration: Perspectives on the impact of viruses on the brain.},
journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {13872877261434258},
doi = {10.1177/13872877261434258},
pmid = {41906767},
issn = {1875-8908},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to affect various systems in the human body, including the central nervous system (CNS). A number of neurological manifestations have been documented in patients with COVID-19, ranging from acute symptoms to long-term sequelae such as 'mental fog' and encephalitis. Persistent cognitive symptoms such as memory and attention deficits have been reported after COVID-19, based on clinical and epidemiological evidence. COVID-19-associated encephalitis has also been described in case reports. In addition, it has been proposed that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to neurodegeneration through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and alterations in tau protein and amyloid-β. This article reviews the interrelation between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the CNS and its possible involvement in the development of neurodegenerative pathologies. Although this evidence is preliminary, it highlights the need for long-term neurological follow-up in patients who have overcome COVID-19, especially those who presented neurological symptoms during the acute phase of the disease.},
}

@article {pmid41906773,
year = {2026},
author = {Andersson, G and Carlbring, P},
title = {Preferences, tailoring, and self-tailoring in internet-delivered treatments: lessons learned.},
journal = {Expert review of neurotherapeutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-7},
doi = {10.1080/14737175.2026.2652294},
pmid = {41906773},
issn = {1744-8360},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Internet-delivered psychological treatments have been developed and tested in many trials and are also implemented.

AREAS COVERED: The authors focus on treatment preferences when clients are allowed to choose treatment orientation and how the treatment is set up. The literature was searched using Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus in November 2025, locating eight preference studies. They showed benefits in treatment satisfaction when preferences are included and possibly improved outcomes. The second focus was on tailored internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT). The authors review six recent controlled studies published from 2000 onwards on various subjects including COVID-19, domestic violence, chronic pain, climate distress, depression in older adults in Lithuania, and young adults with anxiety and depression in Brazil. These examples are in line with previous findings showing that tailored ICBT is effective, despite there being no clear benefits over diagnosis-specific or transdiagnostic ICBT. Finally, the authors reviewed published findings from two trials demonstrating that self-tailoring can work without clinician input.

EXPERT OPINION: There are robust findings showing that tailored internet interventions are effective, with further indication that preferences and self-tailoring may work too. Future research will likely incorporate artificial intelligence tools to a greater extent to improve treatment efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41907803,
year = {2026},
author = {Venkatesan, T and Demetriou, AM and Hempel, A and Bowling, DL},
title = {A scoping review of music-based digital therapeutics for stress, anxiety, and depression.},
journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1602004},
pmid = {41907803},
issn = {1662-5161},
abstract = {Rising rates of stress, anxiety, and depression-fueled by rapid sociocultural and economic shifts, digital overexposure, and the lasting impact of COVID-19-are accelerating investment in scalable tools aimed at enhancing resilience and wellbeing. Music-based digital therapeutics (MDTs) hold promise given music's unique ability to modulate core dimensions of health-affect, anxiety, and reward, as well as autonomic and social functioning-through a medium that is universal, intuitive, and increasingly accessible. To assess the current state of MDTs targeting stress, anxiety, and depression in adults, we conducted a scoping review using a modified Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) keyword framework to structure Google search results. Twenty-two commercially available MDTs were identified for inclusion. We organize these MDTs into five principal categories based on underlying treatment strategies: (1) Preference-based music selection; (2) Affective Parameterization; (3) Affect Matching and Compensation; (4) Neural Entrainment; and (5) Biofeedback. We review general evidence supporting each strategy from music neuroscience and therapy research, as well as limited applied research testing specific MDTs. We conclude that, while general evidence supporting musical-based interventions for stress, anxiety, and depression is substantial, evidence for MDTs specifically is presently too limited to draw conclusions about real world effectiveness. Determining whether MDTs are likely to fulfill their potential will require increased focus on rigorous laboratory studies testing specific treatment strategies and randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials conducted in ecologically valid settings. To support progress in this field, we make recommendations to support the sustainable development of MDTs as evidence-based tools to support mental health and wellbeing.},
}

@article {pmid41908878,
year = {2026},
author = {Czylok, MA and Prokopiuk, M and Meller, K and Nazar, G and Kamieniecka, H and Jankowski, W and Zawadzka, M and Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska, M},
title = {Screen exposure and circadian disruption in paediatric epilepsy: risks and technology-based approaches - a literature review.},
journal = {Postepy psychiatrii neurologii},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {65-78},
pmid = {41908878},
issn = {2720-5371},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The increased use of digital devices, particularly following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has raised concerns about their impact on sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy. Blue light exposure from screens disrupts circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin production, which can worsen sleep disturbances and potentially increase seizure frequency. This review aims to examine the relationships among technology use, sleep disturbances, and seizure control in paediatric patients with epilepsy.

VIEWS: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from databases such as PubMed. The search terms included "blue-light exposure," "screen time," "sleep disturbances," and "epilepsy in children." Studies addressing the effects of blue light, screen time, and digital devices on sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy were included. Data on sleep quality, seizure frequency, melatonin levels, and the use of mobile applications for sleep and seizure monitoring were analysed. Prolonged screen time was consistently linked to delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and poorer sleep quality, which may worsen seizure frequency. Children with epilepsy, especially those with photosensitivity, appear particularly susceptible to blue light's adverse effects. Some studies noted reduced melatonin and increased seizure activity following blue light exposure. The review also found growing interest in mobile apps and wearable devices for tracking sleep and seizures, though many tools lack validation.

CONCLUSIONS: Excessive screen time and exposure to blue light negatively affect sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy. Digital tools offer promise for the nonpharmacological management of epilepsy but require further research to confirm their clinical value.},
}

@article {pmid41909201,
year = {2026},
author = {Agouridis, AP and Hadjivasilis, A and Vougiouklakis, G and Ioannou, T and Charitonos, S and Christoforou, M and Ionas, E and Giannakakis, D and Spernovasilis, N},
title = {Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence following COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {GE Portuguese journal of gastroenterology},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {387-395},
pmid = {41909201},
issn = {2341-4545},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A surge of cases of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess whether COVID-19 has a role in IBD risk.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library and OpenGrey databases up to October 30, 2025, for studies evaluating the incidence of IBD following COVID-19 infection (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024534916).

RESULTS: After a full-text review of 84 manuscripts, a total of 8 studies were used in the qualitative analysis. The studies were conducted between 2023 and 2024 and included in total 28,659,801 people, 8,560,826 of which were previously infected with COVID-19 and 20,098,975 that served as healthy controls. The results from the pooled synthesis of 6 studies indicate a 39% higher incidence of IBD in people that were previously infected with COVID-19 (risk ratio [RR] 1.39, 95% CI: [1.12-1.74], p = 0.003, I [2] = 97%). Furthermore, from the pooled analysis of 4 eligible studies, a higher incidence of new ulcerative colitis cases following COVID-19 was observed (RR 1.25, 95% CI: [1.17-1.33], p < 0.00001, I [2] = 0%). On the contrary, no difference was observed in Crohn's disease incidence between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (RR 1.23 95% CI: [0.88, 1.72], p = 0.22, I [2] = 91%).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present meta-analysis suggest an increased risk of IBD after COVID-19 infection. Although this is more evident regarding ulcerative colitis, we believe that the available outcomes arising from future studies will clarify the real incidence of Crohn's disease following COVID-19 infection.},
}

@article {pmid41909248,
year = {2026},
author = {He, F and Xu, J and Yu, T and Zhu, X and Wang, X and Yang, J and Xia, Y and Wu, F and Su, S},
title = {Traditional Chinese medicine in influenza treatment: a bibliometric analysis integrating multiple databases.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1761339},
pmid = {41909248},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, is especially severe for the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its antiviral, immune-modulating, and symptom-relieving properties, has gained attention as a potential treatment. This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess the research trends, hotspots, and progress of TCM in treating influenza.

METHODS: Literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), Scopus, and PubMed was analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix to explore author collaboration, research trends, clinical trials, and key advancements in TCM for influenza.

RESULT: Research on TCM for influenza has steadily increased since 2000, with a marked surge post-2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. China leads the field, contributing nearly two-thirds of the publications. Research focuses on TCM interventions, antiviral mechanisms, and immune modulation, with emerging hotspots in network pharmacology and molecular mechanisms.

CONCLUSION: The study shows a steady annual growth rate of 16.94%, reflecting global interest in TCM for respiratory viral infections. Despite China's leadership, international collaboration remains limited (10.23%). Research has shifted from empirical formulations to modern scientific methods, but further large-scale trials are needed to confirm TCM's efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41909619,
year = {2026},
author = {Díez-Martínez, A and Strobl, K and Cámara-Ballesteros, A and Delgado-Buscalioni, R and de Pablo, PJ},
title = {Using atomic force microscopy for physical virology: touching and manipulating single virus particles.},
journal = {Biophysical reviews},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {95-108},
pmid = {41909619},
issn = {1867-2450},
abstract = {Atomic force microscopy (AFM) employs a nanometer-scale tip mounted on a microcantilever to scan surfaces where virus particles have been captured. Beyond generating high-resolution images of individual virions in liquid, AFM offers unique capabilities: manipulation of single particles, investigation of their biomechanical properties, and real-time observation of assembly and disassembly processes, including genome release. This chapter begins by outlining fundamental aspects of virus adsorption and imaging, highlighting, among other factors, the influence of tip-convolution artifacts. These principles are applied to reveal the adsorption behavior of the TGEV coronavirus on surfaces. Subsequent sections detail approaches for probing TMV's mechanical properties through single-indentation experiments and mechanical fatigue protocols. In this section, the mechanical fatigue approach is also discussed when used on 2D arrays of viral coat proteins. The review also discusses how these mechanical techniques can trigger genome release in minute virus of mice (MVM), a process that can alternatively be induced by temperature, as happens in bacteriophage T7. Finally, the chapter illustrates how AFM can serve as a nanomanipulation tool to move individual viruses across surfaces and estimate their adhesion strength.},
}

@article {pmid41273596,
year = {2026},
author = {Ridout, A and Schimert, M and Chisholm, C and Chow, K and Ganshorn, H and Bolton, JM and Nordstrom, K and Lang, E},
title = {Pediatric addictions and mental health boarding in emergency departments: a scoping review.},
journal = {CJEM},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {198-209},
pmid = {41273596},
issn = {1481-8043},
support = {1059683//Alberta Health Services Emergency Strategic Clinical Network/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data ; Child ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Mental Disorders/epidemiology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Mental Health ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Emergency departments (EDs) have seen growing rates of pediatric mental health presentations, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these patients will 'board', remaining in the ED for prolonged periods of time while awaiting transfer to an inpatient bed. Boarding disproportionately impacts mental health patients and is associated with worse patient health outcomes and healthcare system inefficiency. The objective of this scoping review is to synthesize the extent and nature of evidence relating to pediatric mental health boarding, and to identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS: Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed literature involving mental health patients boarding in hospital EDs. Studies underwent eligibility screening for pediatric populations and data extraction by two reviewers. Results are reported per PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

RESULTS: Three thousand four hundred and fifty-eight studies were screened for title and abstract eligibility, 386 of which were assessed at full-text. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, 19 assessed variables impacting boarding, 18 quantified boarding duration or prevalence, 6 measured the impacts of boarding, 5 assessed interventions to mitigate boarding, and 4 provided consensus recommendations. Eighty-two percent of studies were published within the last 5 years and all are from the United States. Reported mean ED boarding times ranged from 5 to 54 h across 5 studies. Of 7 studies assessing the impact of COVID-19 on pediatric mental health boarding, all reported that COVID-19 was associated with increased boarding prevalence and/or duration.

CONCLUSIONS: An emerging body of literature on the burden and impacts of ED boarding among pediatric mental health patients suggests that boarding is a pressing concern in the delivery of pediatric emergency healthcare that has worsened since COVID-19. This is the most comprehensive evidence synthesis on pediatric mental health boarding to date, highlighting the impacts of boarding and the solutions studied to address this problem.},
}

Humans
*Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data
Child
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Mental Disorders/epidemiology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
*Mental Health
Pandemics

@article {pmid41899685,
year = {2026},
author = {Motebang, ME and Ramphalla, P and Tsoka-Gwegweni, J},
title = {Scoping Review of the Models for Case-Based Health Programs in Africa: Towards Case-Based Surveillance for HIV in Lesotho.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899685},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Lesotho/epidemiology ; Humans ; *HIV Infections/epidemiology ; *Population Surveillance/methods ; },
abstract = {The review aims at exploring models for case-base health programs across Africa that could best help Lesotho succeed in its efforts to establish a case-based surveillance (CBS) system for their HIV program. The review involves looking through several sources and databases including EBSCOHOST, Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed. The insights of suitable models were from the following Africa countries: South Africa, Kenya, Guinea, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. The study articles were published within the last 10 years, specifically from 2014 to 2024. This range was used as part of their inclusion criteria to ensure relevance of the articles. The studied models focused on infectious diseases such as measles, HIVand COVID-19. The key takeaway is that setting up electronic medical records systems (EMRs) is critical as a first step for any effective CBS. Using unique identifiers, establishing clear data governance policies and building strong infrastructure is a necessity in making CBS work. For a successful establishment of CBS, Lesotho should adopt these strategies that can be sustainable, improve disease tracking, response and ultimately health outcomes for Basotho.},
}

Lesotho/epidemiology
Humans
*HIV Infections/epidemiology
*Population Surveillance/methods

@article {pmid41900073,
year = {2026},
author = {Topolewska, A and Zahorska, A and Łakocka, A and Kumirska, J},
title = {Z-Drugs in the Environment: A Review.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41900073},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {DS-531-T130-D507-25//UNIVERSITY OF GDANSK/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; },
abstract = {According to the World Health Organization (WHO), substance dependence and mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, affect >360 million people worldwide. As a result the increasing use of psychoactive pharmaceuticals, including non-benzodiazepines (also referred to as Z-drugs), has been observed. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an additional significant negative effect on people's mental health. Among the aforementioned mental health disorders, chronic insomnia is reported to affect approximately 10% of the adult population. Z-drugs are frequently used in the treatment of insomnia due to their rapid onset of action. They are metabolized in the human organism, but noticeable amounts of the original compound are released to the environment via household wastewater. The extensive use of these pharmaceuticals has led to growing concern about the occurrence of their residues in the environment. Unfortunately, the information on the analytical methods for determining Z-drugs, their main metabolites and transformation products in the environment, efficiency of their removal in wastewater treatment plants, their fate, their presence in environmental matrices, and their ecotoxicological effects is limited. This review paper focuses on summarizing data on these topics. To the best of our knowledge, such a comprehensive review has not yet been published.},
}

Humans
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis

@article {pmid41900169,
year = {2026},
author = {Feng, Y and La, M},
title = {Overview in Machine-Learning-Assisted Sensing Techniques for Monitoring COVID-19.},
journal = {Micromachines},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41900169},
issn = {2072-666X},
support = {252102240012//Science and Technology Development Program of Henan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Viruses suddenly emerging from obscurity or anonymity affect our quality of life and increase incidence rate and mortality. A typical example is the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, known as the pathogen of COVID-19 has been significantly eliminated, its monitoring is still crucial, as the infectious disease may break out again. Therefore, it is necessary to develop simple and effective tools for monitoring COVID-19 and other diseases. Here, we summarize the progress of machine-learning-based biosensors in the monitoring and management of COVID-19. This article mainly includes three sections: machine learning algorithms, machine-learning-assisted biosensors, and challenges and future perspectives. We believe that this work is valuable for developing artificial-intelligence-based innovative analytical devices for healthcare monitoring and management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.},
}

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

@article {pmid41901738,
year = {2026},
author = {Arthur, SE and Eyeson, J and Kubi, AA and Amartey, FA and Matey, R and Aboagye, JO and Kyei, GB},
title = {Acute Respiratory Infections in Ghanaian Children: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Prevention Strategies.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41901738},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; Ghana/epidemiology ; Child ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology/drug therapy ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Child, Preschool ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Infant ; Acute Disease ; },
abstract = {Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries such as Ghana are severely affected. This review presents recent data on ARI etiology, clinical burden, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from Ghana, spanning the pre-COVID-19 era (2010-2019) to the post-pandemic period (2020-2025). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, and influenza viruses, were the major contributors, along with established bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Social determinants, including undernutrition and indoor air pollution, also influenced these infections. In the COVID era, we have seen dramatic shifts in pathogen seasonality, the scaling of oxygen delivery systems, and the implementation of genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, as well as new features such as maternal RSV vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapy. Despite its successes in vaccination coverage and health system strengthening, some challenges remain, including fluctuations in implementation and surveillance issues. The simultaneous challenges of pneumonia and hygiene will require integrated, coordinated, multisectoral responses that incorporate surveillance with antibiotic stewardship, sustainable oxygen systems, and interventions for nutrition and environmental health. The review also highlights research priorities and makes policy recommendations well aligned to support national ARI control efforts aimed at reducing child mortality due to ARI and achieving Sustainable Development Goals targets on child health.},
}

Humans
Ghana/epidemiology
Child
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology/drug therapy
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Child, Preschool
SARS-CoV-2
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Infant
Acute Disease

@article {pmid41902184,
year = {2026},
author = {Hetényi, R and Hanna, D and Kopasz, Z and Szentpéteri, JL and Szabó, P and Somogyi, BA and Bányai, K and Szabó-Meleg, E},
title = {Wavelength-Specific UV-C Inactivation of Viruses in Liquids: Dose-Response, Mechanistic Insights, and Structural Integrity-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41902184},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {TKP2021-NVA-07//National Research, Development, and Innovation Office of Hungary/ ; 2024-2.1.1-EKÖP//Ministry of Culture and Innovation, National Fund for Research, Development and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Ultraviolet Rays ; *SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects ; *Virus Inactivation/radiation effects ; Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control/virology ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; *Viruses/radiation effects ; Disinfection/methods ; },
abstract = {This study evaluates fragmented data on ultraviolet-C (UV-C, 100-280 nm) irradiation for viral inactivation in liquid media, supporting advances such as whole-pathogen vaccine development and downstream research. Included studies reported viral strain identification, baseline titers (PFU or TCID50), UV-C wavelength, dosage, and log reductions, excluding studies employing alternative treatments. We searched (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science; 10 April 2024) and identified 2813 records, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I V2 to evaluate methodological rigor and inform improved reporting. Narrative synthesis summarized findings across viruses, while meta-analysis focused on 16 SARS-CoV-2 studies with standardized reporting. Meta-regression revealed a strong dose-response relationship (log_dose β = 3.38, 95% CI [2.95, 3.82], p < 0.001) with low heterogeneity (I[2] = 15.1%). Strain and wavelength-specific efficacy peaked at 267 nm (β = 6.42) and 275 nm (β = 3.78), while 253.7 nm offered structural preservation for downstream applications. Limitations included inconsistent dose reporting, matrix effects, and assay sensitivity. We propose a refined reporting framework and standard definitions for 'inactivation', ''disinfection,' and 'complete inactivation.' Our findings support reproducible UV-C evaluation, regulatory alignment, and safe implementation in pathogen control, biosafety, and clinical applications.},
}

*Ultraviolet Rays
*SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects
*Virus Inactivation/radiation effects
Humans
COVID-19/prevention & control/virology
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
*Viruses/radiation effects
Disinfection/methods

@article {pmid41725107,
year = {2026},
author = {Belland, KM and DeJohn, CA},
title = {Comprehensive Review: Ultraviolet-C (UVC) Disinfection in Aircraft Cabins.},
journal = {Health security},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {35-38},
doi = {10.1177/23265094261424116},
pmid = {41725107},
issn = {2326-5108},
mesh = {*Disinfection/methods ; *Ultraviolet Rays ; Humans ; *Aircraft ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects ; Air Microbiology ; },
abstract = {Ultraviolet-C (UVC) disinfection has gained considerable attention as a continuous, real-time method to mitigate the transmission of airborne pathogens within aircraft cabins. Recent investigations have demonstrated its potential to inactivate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other emerging infectious agents in situ, thereby reducing both immediate infection risks and broader public health burdens. This commentary evaluates how continuous UVC disinfection-applied in tandem with established preventive measures-may effectively curtail disease transmission, reassure passengers, and inform the future direction of in-flight health and safety standards.},
}

*Disinfection/methods
*Ultraviolet Rays
Humans
*Aircraft
COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects
Air Microbiology

@article {pmid41730897,
year = {2026},
author = {Soriano, JB and Lumbreras, S},
title = {The rise of artificial intelligence in respiratory primary care and pulmonology: a scoping review.},
journal = {NPJ primary care respiratory medicine},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41730897},
issn = {2055-1010},
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Primary Health Care ; *Pulmonary Medicine/methods ; COVID-19/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing respiratory disease management, from diagnosis to population lung health. This scoping review synthesizes the most promising uses of AI in respiratory medicine, with a particular focus on pulmonologists and family physicians interested in lung health. In diagnostics, deep-learning systems streamline chest-imaging workflows by triaging radiographs, detecting COVID-19 pneumonia, and classifying lung nodules on CT. In pulmonary function testing, algorithms detect technical errors and classify spirometric patterns, some claiming to outperforming pulmonologists. Acoustic analysis of cough, breathing, and speech captured on smartphones or wearables offers non-invasive decision support. For monitoring and prediction, AI helps shorten weaning from mechanical ventilation and guides closed-loop strategies for acute respiratory distress. In chronic care, connected devices integrated with environmental data help to forecast asthma and COPD exacerbations, while telehealth and predictive models enable earlier, more personalized interventions. Additional gains are emerging in paediatrics, sleep medicine, lung ultrasounds, and public health. Realizing these benefits will require rigorous multicentre validation and real-world evidence. It will also require proactive bias detection and mitigation with inclusive sampling and equity audits. High-quality, interoperable data and explainable models are needed to enable human oversight. Practical issues such as digital literacy, device access, and usability for children, older adults, and other vulnerable populations also matter for applications requiring patient interaction. With sustained collaboration among clinicians, engineers, AI experts, industry, regulators, and scientific societies, AI can increase the time invested in a satisfactory clinician-patient relationship. With all likelihood, AI can also measurably improve efficiency and accuracy across multiple domains of respiratory care.},
}

Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*Primary Health Care
*Pulmonary Medicine/methods
COVID-19/diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41735986,
year = {2026},
author = {Lutz, CS and Zhang, H and Knoll, MD and Sparrow, EG and Chen, H and Feikin, DR},
title = {Respiratory syncytial virus positivity among hospital admissions for acute respiratory illness in children younger than 5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41735986},
issn = {1471-2458},
support = {INV-005318/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; INV-005318/GATES/Gates Foundation/United States ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To estimate the proportion RSV-positive among children aged < 5 years hospitalized with ARI in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where 97% of RSV mortality occurs.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search for studies conducted pre-COVID-19 and published 2010—2022 (PROSPERO registration CRD42022361351). We estimated the RSV percent positivity and 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects meta-analyses. We assessed heterogeneity in RSV percent positivity using subgroup analyses and univariable meta-regression models. We assessed the influence of study sample size in sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS: Seventy-three studies conducted in 37 LMICs were included. The summary estimate of percent RSV-positive from the meta-analysis of children < 5 years hospitalized with ARI was 26.2% (95% CI: 24.3–28.3%), ranging from 18.9% (16.4–21.6%) among children 6– < 60 months to 41.3% (36.4–46.4%) among children 0– < 6 months. Only five studies included children aged < 2 months, but RSV positivity was high among this group (40.2% [35.8–44.7%]). Percent positivity stratified by WHO region ranged from 23.6% in the Africa and Southeast Asian regions to 37.5% in the European region. RSV positivity was similar across country income groups. Univariable meta-regression models indicated that there was significant heterogeneity in RSV percent positivity across subgroups defined by mid-year of the study period, WHO region, number of study sites, recruitment method, hospital type, and specimen type (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: RSV detection was high among children aged < 5 years hospitalized with ARI in LMICs across all WHO regions, especially among infants aged < 6 months, among whom RSV may account for almost up to one-half of all ARI hospital admissions. Recent WHO-recommended RSV immunization for all countries may protect young infants aged < 6 months against severe RSV disease.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26743-4.},
}

@article {pmid41895046,
year = {2026},
author = {Tscherne, A and Krammer, F},
title = {Seven decades after the Asian influenza pandemic: A historical review about immunity and vaccines against H2N2.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {128467},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128467},
pmid = {41895046},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {In 1957, a reassortant influenza A virus (IAV) H2N2 subtype emerged in humans and encountered a population that was antigenically naïve to this subtype. The lack of pre-existing immunity to the H2 hemagglutinin (HA) facilitated efficient human-to-human transmission, and by the end of the Summer of 1957, most countries around the world reported increasing influenza cases caused by the new influenza virus subtype. The pandemic lasted until 1958, resulting in millions of infections globally, with 1-4 million estimated deaths. The first vaccines targeting specifically the H2N2 subtype were available in autumn 1957, but their limited immunogenicity hampered a successful fight against the "Asian influenza pandemic". After the pandemic, H2N2 became seasonal in the following years. Most individuals developed immunity against both the H2 HA and N2 neuraminidase (NA) proteins of the virus, and vaccines administered in the early 1960s successfully boosted this immunity. In 1968, the circulating H2N2 was replaced by the H3N2 subtype, and individuals with pre-existing N2 immunity were partially cross-protected against severe H3N2 infection, as the two N2 NAs were antigenically similar. Since the disappearance of H2N2 from the human population in 1968, global H2 immunity has been decreasing. This raises concerns about a possible re-emergence of the H2 subtype from animal reservoirs, where the virus has circulated for decades, into the human population. As preparedness for future pandemics, research on H2-specific vaccines is currently ongoing, with several candidates being tested in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials. In contrast to 1957, vaccine technology platforms, but also the assays used to assess vaccine immunogenicity, and efficacy, have significantly improved. This review aims to summarize the key historical milestones of the Asian influenza pandemic, the impact of H2N2 immunity during and after the 1957 pandemic, the immunogenicity of H2N2-specific vaccines in both a pandemic and pre-pandemic situation, and H2N2-specific antiviral treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41895350,
year = {2026},
author = {Karthik S, S and Jadhav, P and Paul, A and Kumar, R and Paul, D and Bose, S},
title = {Understanding gut microbiota dysbiosis as a plausible link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), viral infections, and lifestyle diseases.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {108466},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108466},
pmid = {41895350},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multifactorial disorder which is influenced by intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and systemic inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that lifestyle diseases and viral infections further exacerbate OSA severity through common inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Parallelly, gut dysbiosis has gained recognition as a key mediator which links respiratory, metabolic, and infectious disease processes via the gut-lung axis. This review explores the convergent role of gut microbial dysbiosis across OSA, lifestyle-associated comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and viral infections including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, dengue, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2. Across these conditions, a recurring pattern of reduced beneficial commensals (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, Akkermansia muciniphila) and a noted increase of pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Escherichia, Streptococcus, Enterobacteriaceae) has been observed. It contributes to epithelial barrier breakdown, endotoxemia, metabolic dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. In OSA patients, intermittent hypoxia is observed that causes gut barrier impairment and microbial translocation, thus amplifying systemic inflammation. Similarly, viral infections reshape the gut ecology, bringing adverse effects to host immunity and respiratory outcomes. The review highlights upon the therapeutic potentials of prebiotics and probiotics supplementation for modulating gut dysbiosis. It discusses the role of these therapeutic interventions in improving metabolic homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and potentially mitigating OSA-related complications. Collectively, this analysis highlights gut dysbiosis as a plausible unifying mechanism connecting lifestyle diseases, viral infections, and OSA, presenting a compelling avenue for integrated, microbiome-targeted interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41895458,
year = {2026},
author = {Fehrer, A and Windzio, L and Schoening, S and Steiner, S and Aschenbrenner, AC and Babel, N and Behrends, U and Bellmann-Strobl, J and Cammà, G and Cash, A and Doehner, W and den Dunnen, J and Fluge, Ø and Franke, C and Hoffmann, K and Kedor, C and Kim, L and Löhden, W and Mella, O and Mihatsch, LL and Peluso, MJ and Puta, C and Putrino, D and Ramoji, A and Sato, W and Sawitzki, B and Schlieper, G and Schoenfeld, Y and Seifert, M and Sigurdsson, F and Slaghekke, A and Sommerfelt, K and Sotzny, F and Stein, E and Steinacker, JM and Stingl, M and Systrom, DM and Tronstad, KJ and Wirth, K and Wörmann, B and Wüst, RCI and Yamamura, T and Scheibenbogen, C},
title = {Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3[rd] International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.},
journal = {Autoimmunity reviews},
volume = {25},
number = {5},
pages = {104043},
doi = {10.1016/j.autrev.2026.104043},
pmid = {41895458},
issn = {1873-0183},
abstract = {Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystemic disorder mostly triggered by viral infections, with core symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Its prevalence has increased significantly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its severity and impact on patients' quality of life, ME/CFS remains poorly understood. On May 12 and 13, 2025, the 3[rd] International Conference hosted by the Charité Fatigue Center brought together nearly 200 researchers from various disciplines on-site, and around 3,700 participants online to discuss recent advances in ME/CFS research, diagnostics, clinical care, and therapeutic trials. The program featured 33 lectures by international experts on key topics such as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), care structures, and pathophysiological mechanisms including cardiovascular dysregulation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic dysfunction. In addition, results from clinical trials addressing disease mechanisms, including those specifically targeting autoantibodies, were presented. While public awareness and funding opportunities have increased in the wake of the pandemic and the emergence of PCS, ME/CFS remains severely underresearched. Sustained and adequately funded research efforts are urgently required to advance understanding, identify diagnostic markers, and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41895795,
year = {2026},
author = {Farag, NH and Ozen, A and Spaulding, AB and Khan, G and Barbouche, MR and Khan, MA and Zalloua, P and Al-Mahruqi, S and Zaher, W and Almayahi, ZK and Alsheikh-Ali, A and Burke, H and Sayegh, MH},
title = {Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic: Middle East and North Africa regional perspective for future preparedness.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41895795},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Middle East/epidemiology ; Africa, Northern/epidemiology ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; International Cooperation ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in preparedness and response capacities globally. These gaps were evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as the region faces unique challenges due to ongoing humanitarian crises, political instability and large-scale religious gatherings, which further exacerbate the risk of spread of infectious diseases.In April 2024, a conference hosted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention MENA Regional Office and National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, brought together 200 scientists and public health professionals from 16 countries to discuss lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to strengthen future preparedness and response. This report presents the key barriers to regional collaboration and data sharing identified during the conference, along with the proposed solutions, including establishing regional collaboration platforms, increasing public-private partnerships, operationalising the one health approach and leveraging technological advances.Reflections on the global pandemic response emphasise the need for improved communication, preparedness extending beyond the health sector and distribution of resources. The collective insights and recommendations in this report aim to provide a roadmap for strengthening emergency preparedness and response in the MENA region and globally, ensuring improved readiness for future public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Middle East/epidemiology
Africa, Northern/epidemiology
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
International Cooperation

@article {pmid41896064,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, MM and Talbot, TR},
title = {The Role of Infection Prevention in Monitoring and Preventing Healthcare-Associated Viral Respiratory Infection.},
journal = {Infectious disease clinics of North America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.idc.2026.01.012},
pmid = {41896064},
issn = {1557-9824},
abstract = {Health care-associated viral respiratory infections are common and cause increased patient morbidity and mortality. Although the threat of viral respiratory infection was underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory viruses continue to have a significant impact in health care settings. Studies report decreased nosocomial transmission when aggressive infection control measures are implemented with more success using a multicomponent approach. This review focuses on the epidemiology, transmission, and role of infection prevention in the control of health care-associated respiratory viral infections.},
}

@article {pmid41897224,
year = {2026},
author = {Guillari, A and Abagnale, M and Palazzo, C and Fulco, MA and Rea, T and Giordano, V},
title = {Nurse Retention in Hospitals: A Multilevel Integrative Review of Organizational Determinants.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897224},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Nurse retention remains a major global challenge for healthcare systems, intensified by workforce aging, rising care complexity, and the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite extensive research, the evidence on nurse retention remains fragmented and frequently focuses on isolated determinants. This review aimed to synthesize the multifactorial determinants of nurse retention by integrating organizational, relational, and individual perspectives. Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl's approach and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines where applicable. A systematic search of six databases identified studies published between 2016 and 2026 addressing nurse retention in hospital settings. Included studies underwent methodological quality appraisal using validated tools, and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty-five articles were included. The analysis revealed differences in perspective between nurse managers and nurses regarding the factors that influence retention. Transformational and participative leadership among nurse managers enhanced staff retention through supportive organizational climates and higher professional commitment. For staff nurses, positive work environments, collegial support, and psychological resources such as self-efficacy and resilience were key predictors of intention to stay. These findings can be interpreted through Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, Self-Determination Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior, which collectively highlight how recognition, autonomy, and competence satisfaction drive nurses' intention to remain in their roles. Conclusions: Nurse retention reflects dynamic, multilevel processes rather than the influence of single determinants. Integrated, theory-informed approaches targeting organizational structures, relational climates, and individual psychological resources are required to strengthen workforce sustainability and support high-quality care delivery.},
}

@article {pmid41897288,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatfield, JS and Thielen, BK and Goyal, SM},
title = {Avian Metapneumovirus: Virology, Epidemiology, and Insights from a Comparative Analysis with Human Metapneumovirus-A Review.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897288},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {T32 TR004385/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 TR004405/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; NU50CK000628/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Metapneumovirus/genetics/pathogenicity/classification/physiology ; Humans ; Animals ; *Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/veterinary ; Birds/virology ; Poultry Diseases/virology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Metapneumoviruses comprise a genus of negative-sense RNA viruses that cause significant respiratory disease across human and avian hosts. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a globally prevalent pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) imposes substantial economic losses on the poultry industry through respiratory disease, reproductive impairment, and high mortality in the presence of secondary infections. Despite their distinctive host ranges, hMPV and aMPV share a conserved genomic architecture and encode homologous structural and non-structural proteins that mediate viral entry, replication, assembly, and evasion of host innate immunity. Comparative analysis highlights that both have deeply conserved polymerase and nucleocapsid functions, and yet have a wide range of diversity in the attachment glycoprotein (G) and small hydrophobic protein (SH), reflecting divergent evolutionary pressures in human versus avian hosts that have led to such distinctive differences. The recent emergence and detection of aMPV/A and aMPV/B across the previously aMPV-free United States beginning in late 2023, combined with rising cases globally of hMPV post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underscore the continued challenges of metapneumovirus surveillance and control in humans and animals. This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on the history, molecular virology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, and control strategies for aMPV while drawing mechanistic parallels to hMPV. By contextualizing shared biology and structure alongside host-specific adaptations, we aim to identify key gaps that shape vaccine design, antiviral development, and future research priorities aimed at mitigating the health and economic burden posed by metapneumoviruses found in both birds and humans.},
}

*Metapneumovirus/genetics/pathogenicity/classification/physiology
Humans
Animals
*Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/veterinary
Birds/virology
Poultry Diseases/virology/epidemiology

@article {pmid41897449,
year = {2026},
author = {Ciullo, R and Femminò, S and Brizzi, MF and Pagliaro, P and Penna, C},
title = {Oxidative Stress in Takotsubo Syndrome: Insights into Extracellular Vesicles and Their Potential Clinical Relevance.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897449},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {117295 / 2025.1833//CRT Foundation/ ; PAGP_PRIN_2022_23_01-2022AA37N3//PRIN/ ; PENC_PRIN_2022_23_01-2022S74XWB//PRIN/ ; },
abstract = {Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and reversible form of heart failure characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction, typically triggered by acute stress stimuli. TTS, also referred to as "stress cardiomyopathy", may paradoxically be triggered not only by negative stressors but also by intense positive emotional experiences. Interestingly, TTS was sharply incremented during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increased clinical recognition, reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis remains limited. Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key mechanism in TTS, acting downstream of sympathetic overactivation, thus contributing to myocardial stunning, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and as potential circulating biomarkers, as they reflect the molecular state of their cells of origin. In this review, we summarize the current diagnostic approaches for TTS, including the InterTAK Diagnostic Score, imaging gold standards, and emerging biomarkers such as circulating miRNAs and EV cargo associated with TTS. Furthermore, we critically examine the mechanistic interplay between oxidative stress and EVs in TTS, highlighting translational perspectives and future directions for integrating EV-based biomarkers into personalized clinical management.},
}

@article {pmid41897663,
year = {2026},
author = {Alzahrani, AJ},
title = {Molecular Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Infections: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2006-2026).},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897663},
issn = {2075-4418},
abstract = {Molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) for respiratory infections has undergone remarkable advancement over the past two decades, driven by technological innovation and urgent clinical needs highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizing evidence from 254 peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2026, with detailed analysis of the 30 most relevant papers selected through a rigorous four-stage screening process. The review examines the evolution of molecular POCT technologies, including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and CRISPR-based detection systems. Key findings demonstrate that modern molecular POCT platforms achieve diagnostic performance comparable to laboratory-based testing, with sensitivities ranging from 88% to 100% and specificities from 98% to 100%, while delivering results in 15 to 80 min. These technologies enable rapid, accurate detection of major respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and atypical bacteria. The integration of microfluidic systems, portable devices, and smartphone-based analysis has expanded access to testing in resource-limited settings, emergency departments, and wearable platforms. This review provides critical insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers regarding the current state, clinical applications, and future directions of molecular POCT for respiratory infections.},
}

@article {pmid41898473,
year = {2026},
author = {Higuchi, R and McBride, L},
title = {A Memoir of Inventing Real-Time PCR and Developing the ABI 7700.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41898473},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/history/instrumentation/methods ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Real-time PCR (qPCR) is today's definitive quantitative technology in molecular biology and diagnostics. Until 30 years ago, PCR product analyses were generally performed after amplification using gel-based methods. Quantification typically relied on visual inspection or densitometry of end-point products and was therefore relatively unreliable and poorly suited to high-throughput automation. To celebrate real-time PCR's 30-year anniversary of commercial availability, Professor Stephen Bustin, Guest Editor for the special edition, "Advancing Molecular Science Through Reproducible qPCR: MIQE Guidelines and Beyond," asked Russell Higuchi to give a historical account on how his idea of real-time PCR was conceived and brought to fruition. Dr. Higuchi then asked his collaborator, Lincoln McBride, who drove the development of the ABI 7700-the high-throughput real-time PCR instrument that gave researchers access to this technology-to co-author this dual memoir. This story is told from the perspectives of the two scientists most directly responsible for making real-time PCR practical and widely accessible. Taking turns, Russell Higuchi describes the conceptual and experimental steps at Cetus and then Roche that led from homogeneous PCR detection to continuous fluorescence monitoring, whilst Lincoln McBride details ABI's parallel efforts to commercialize Russ's invention. Together, they trace how experimental insight, engineering constraints, product development, and commercial decision-making shaped the Applied Biosystems 7700 Sequence Detection System and established real-time PCR as a practical and reliable quantitative technology. Their team's efforts persevered through technological uncertainty and within a complex corporate collaboration. They share key historical documents in their original form. Their accounts show how the 7700 system emerged as the convergence of chemistry, optics, software, and product development. The eventual global reliance on real-time PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, at unprecedented scale, the profound and enduring impact of these early technical and organizational choices.},
}

*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/history/instrumentation/methods
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
Humans
SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41898506,
year = {2026},
author = {Oshitari, T},
title = {Pathogenesis of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated with COVID-19.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41898506},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/virology ; *Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/etiology/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Male ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) results from vascular insufficiency within the optic nerve head. The precise pathogenesis of NAION remains unclear; however, insufficient blood supply from the short posterior ciliary arteries and the choroidal circulation has been associated with its development. Although major risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may also contribute to the development of NAION. This literature review presents our case of NAION associated with COVID-19 infection and summarizes previously reported cases of NAION following COVID-19 infection published in the English-language literature worldwide. Because direct infection of ocular tissues, including ocular vessels, via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is thought to contribute to the development of NAION, cases of NAION associated with COVID-19 vaccination were excluded from this review. Furthermore, we discuss the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the development of NAION after COVID-19 infection and highlight the potential risks of COVID-19 for clinical ophthalmologists.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/virology
*Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/etiology/pathology
SARS-CoV-2
Male
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism

@article {pmid41899041,
year = {2026},
author = {Alkhalifah, SA and Alshahrani, WA and Alshehri, AM and Al Yami, MS},
title = {Clinical Outcomes with the Use of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899041},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: Diabetics with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest more adverse clinical outcomes with elevated rates of death. It has been suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pathway of entrance into the host cell might be assisted by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), leading to inflammation and cytokine storm, with replication into the airways and unfavorable effects in the lungs. Consequently, the goal of this systematic review is to investigate the most recent data on the effect of DPP-4i (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) medications on clinical outcomes, mainly mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods: By conducting a systematic search using PubMed and the Cochrane library, observational studies were identified to examine the association between DPP-4i medications and clinical outcomes including mortality, intensive care unit and hospital admissions. The methodologies of included studies were assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: A total of nineteen studies were included with sample sizes varying from over 100 patients to 2.8 million and variant follow-up durations from 30 days up to discharge or death. Most of the population across the studies had COVID-19 for the first time, and the majority were hospitalized. Similarly, mortality definition varied among studies with different time points consisting of 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, or all-cause mortality. The majority of the studies identified no effect on mortality by DPP-4i, while a considerable proportion revealed beneficial effects; only four studies showed increased mortality. Conclusions: Real-world data from this review suggested a safe use of DPP-4i among COVID-19 patients; however, randomized clinical trials are required to confirm the beneficial outcomes and safe use.},
}

@article {pmid41899217,
year = {2026},
author = {Boccatonda, A and Brighenti, A and Piamonti, D and Bandini, G and Fiorini, G and Vetrugno, L and Marchetti, G and Accogli, E and Serra, C and D'Ardes, D},
title = {The Role of CEUS in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Pleuropulmonary Diseases and Interventional Procedures.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899217},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) recently emerged as a valuable imaging modality for evaluating pleuropulmonary diseases. By combining morphological information from conventional B-mode ultrasound with real-time assessment of microvascular perfusion, CEUS can provide functional insights that improve diagnostic accuracy, guide interventions, and support patient surveillance. Methods: This review summarizes the current evidence on the use of CEUS in major pleuropulmonary disorders, including pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, neoplasms, and COVID-19-related lung injury. The most relevant clinical studies and meta-analyses were analyzed, focusing on CEUS parameters, diagnostic performance, and integration with other imaging techniques. Results: CEUS enables the differentiation between inflammatory, ischemic, and malignant lesions through qualitative and quantitative analyses of enhancement patterns. Early and homogeneous enhancement is typical of inflammatory or infectious processes, whereas heterogeneous or delayed enhancement with early washout strongly suggests malignancy or ischemia. In pneumonia and pleural infections, CEUS identifies non-perfused or necrotic areas, guiding drainage and evaluating therapeutic responses. In pulmonary embolism, it reveals avascular consolidations corresponding to infarction, even when CT angiography is inconclusive. For peripheral lung tumors, CEUS assesses angiogenesis and vascular supply, correlating perfusion parameters with histopathology, and improving biopsy targeting. Furthermore, in COVID-19 pneumonia, CEUS can detect microvascular alterations related to thrombosis and fibrosis. Conclusions: CEUS is a safe, noninvasive, and radiation-free technique that provides unique real-time information on pulmonary perfusion. Its integration with conventional ultrasound enhances diagnostic precision, optimizes interventional guidance, and allows for dynamic monitoring of treatment response. Future developments in quantitative analysis, artificial intelligence, and targeted contrast agents are expected to further expand CEUS clinical applications in pleuropulmonary imaging.},
}

@article {pmid41766628,
year = {2026},
author = {Szemray, H and Lawler, NG and Lodge, S and Wist, J and Whiley, L},
title = {Dynamic Lipidomic Responses to Inflammation and Physical Insult: A Comparative Review Across Blunt Force Trauma, Thermal Burn Injury, and Viral Infection.},
journal = {Expert reviews in molecular medicine},
volume = {28},
number = {},
pages = {e11},
doi = {10.1017/erm.2026.10038},
pmid = {41766628},
issn = {1462-3994},
support = {//Dementia Australia Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Lipidomics/methods ; *Burns/metabolism/blood ; *COVID-19/metabolism ; *Inflammation/metabolism ; *Brain Injuries, Traumatic/metabolism ; *Lipid Metabolism ; Biomarkers/blood ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Lipids/blood ; },
abstract = {Acute insults ranging from blunt force trauma and thermal injury to pathogenic infection elicit systemic inflammatory cascades intended to limit further tissue damage. These responses are accompanied by metabolic disturbances that generate distinct biochemical signatures measurable through advanced analytical platforms, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Although numerous studies have examined these metabolic alterations, findings remain fragmented across clinical and analytical disciplines, leaving it unclear whether the systemic metabolic response to acute insult is fundamentally conserved or insult-specific. In this comparative review, we consolidate evidence across diverse injury and infection contexts to identify shared metabolic patterns, context-dependent differences, and critical gaps in current understanding. Here, we focus on lipid and lipoprotein profiling of blood plasma and serum. We present exemplar case studies spanning traumatic brain injury, burn injury, and SARS-CoV-2 infection to illustrate how lipid and lipoprotein perturbations differ or converge across insult types. Notable observations include consistently elevated palmitic acid (16:0) and reduced phosphatidylcholine species across all three conditions, suggesting these features may represent cross-condition biomarkers and highlighting the value of comparative metabolic profiling. By integrating evidence across diverse contexts, we propose a framework describing the interplay between lipid metabolism, lipoprotein dynamics, and inflammatory activation. Finally, we discuss the translational potential of metabolic phenotyping in enhancing patient stratification, refining prognostic modelling, and improving patient outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Lipidomics/methods
*Burns/metabolism/blood
*COVID-19/metabolism
*Inflammation/metabolism
*Brain Injuries, Traumatic/metabolism
*Lipid Metabolism
Biomarkers/blood
SARS-CoV-2
Lipids/blood

@article {pmid41890586,
year = {2025},
author = {Sadat Hoseini, AS and Divani, A and Nadali, J and Zare, L},
title = {Social Stigma Associated with COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers: A Concept Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of caring sciences},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {278-292},
pmid = {41890586},
issn = {2251-9920},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Despite the presence of "COVID-19-related social stigma" in health literature, there is no clear definition of this concept in healthcare setting. It is often confused with related terms such as shame, discrimination, and prejudice, leading to imprecise research questions and ineffective evaluations. The aim of this study was to elucidate the concept of social stigma associated with COVID-19 in healthcare workers using Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method.

METHODS: Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was employed to clarify COVID-19-related social stigma in healthcare workers. A literature review was conducted using key terms "COVID-19", "social stigma", and related terms in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest databases, and Google Scholar from January 2019 to September 2024. Among 3993 studies found, 46 were selected for analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: COVID-19-related social stigma among healthcare workers is a multidimensional concept characterized by three primary attributes: Alienation, Humiliation, and Ignorance. The antecedents identified include Fear, Fake news, and the Contagious Nature of the virus. Consequences of this stigma encompass Psychological Issues, Feelings of Worthlessness, Impaired Functionality, and Job Attrition.

CONCLUSION: Social stigmatization associated with COVID-19 exerts significant pressure on healthcare workers. It is crucial to understand the factors that exacerbate this issue. Identifying the dimensions of this stigma can provide valuable insights for policymakers and the media. The implementation of preventive measures, such as clear protocols tailored to the public's educational level and addressing fears of contamination, can improve the situation and reduce the financial strain caused by the loss of healthcare personnel, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.},
}

@article {pmid41890759,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Zhu, S and Zhang, M and Hu, H and Qin, S and Li, H and Zhao, P and Xu, Y},
title = {Convergent hub pathways targeted by IAV, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV in type II alveolar epithelial cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1781447},
pmid = {41890759},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Alveolar Epithelial Cells/virology/immunology/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology/metabolism ; *Influenza A virus/immunology/physiology ; Signal Transduction ; Animals ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology/virology ; Immunity, Innate ; },
abstract = {Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) maintain surfactant homeostasis, support distal-lung repair, and contribute to antiviral innate defense. Influenza A virus (IAV), SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) use distinct entry receptors, yet severe disease is repeatedly marked by AEC2 dysfunction, alveolar barrier failure, and dysregulated inflammation. We synthesize cross-virus evidence for convergence on a small set of host hubs: innate sensing and interferon signaling, mitochondria-centered immunometabolism and oxidative stress, post-translational signaling modules, barrier and surfactant programs, and regulated cell-death checkpoints. We summarize structural and post-translational mechanisms by which viral proteins disrupt pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) signaling, couple mitochondrial injury to weakened antiviral responses, and bias epithelial fate toward inflammatory lytic injury. Where AEC2-specific evidence is incomplete, especially for integrated PANoptosis-like programs, we label these elements as working models and highlight validation needs. We compare model systems used to study AEC2 infection, including ALI cultures, organoids, lung-on-chip platforms, and single-cell or network analyses. Finally, we discuss host-directed therapeutic opportunities along the cascade, separating near-term approaches from longer-term platform strategies such as targeted protein degradation and targeted nanodelivery, and noting constraints in distal-lung delivery, onset kinetics, and safety. This AEC2-centered convergence framework supports mechanism-driven interpretation of severe viral pneumonia and guides broader-spectrum intervention concepts.},
}

Humans
*Alveolar Epithelial Cells/virology/immunology/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology/metabolism
*Influenza A virus/immunology/physiology
Signal Transduction
Animals
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology/virology
Immunity, Innate

@article {pmid41891493,
year = {2026},
author = {Nakae, A and Matsubara, T and Hattori, T and Ohga, S and Shimo, K and Kumazaki, H and Oi, H and Takeda, K and Sumioka, H},
title = {Telework-related health outcomes in Japan and globally: Implications for avatar-based work standards.},
journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10519815261434906},
doi = {10.1177/10519815261434906},
pmid = {41891493},
issn = {1875-9270},
abstract = {BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has driven a global shift in teleworking, serving as a real-world experiment in remote labor. As workplaces advance toward technologically mediated environments, including avatar-based systems for remote interaction, understanding the health implications of teleworking is crucial for future occupational health standards.ObjectiveThis review examined the health-related outcomes of teleworking during the pandemic, comparing Japan and other countries to inform health-supportive remote work systems.MethodsA structured narrative review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and IEEE Xplore through January 9, 2026. Studies were included if they examined teleworking in adult workplace environments and reported physical, mental, behavioral, or performance-related outcomes. Data from 67 eligible studies (12 from Japan and 55 from other countries) were analyzed for the physical health, mental health, lifestyle factors, and work performance domains. Cultural and institutional factors were examined to understand the regional differences.ResultsTelework has been linked to musculoskeletal discomfort, sedentary behavior, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Japanese and international studies have identified these challenges, although the manifestations vary by context. In Japan, inflexible teleworking, inadequate home infrastructure, and an office-centric culture exacerbate negative outcomes, particularly for women and caregivers. International studies have highlighted the benefits of flexible scheduling and organizational support. Cultural norms and institutional readiness mediated these effects.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates the need for evidence-based health standards for next-generation remote work environments including avatar-based systems. We propose recommendations incorporating ergonomic design, health monitoring, organizational flexibility, and cultural adaptation. As remote work technologies evolve, policy frameworks must prioritize worker well-being.},
}

@article {pmid41893739,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, Y and Liang, Z and Cong, H},
title = {From Design to Clinical Use: mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases and Cancer.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893739},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {mRNA vaccines represent a revolutionary advance in vaccinology, boasting advantages like rapid development, robust immunogenicity and flexible antigen design over traditional vaccines. This review systematically summarizes the core research progress of mRNA vaccines, including their structural composition with five functional elements and novel subtypes (linear mRNA, self-amplifying RNA, circular RNA) with unique biological characteristics and application value. It elaborates on the immune activation mechanism of mRNA vaccines, which mimic natural viral infection to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, and analyzes mainstream delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles, dendritic cells, protamine, exosomes, polymers) with their respective performance, advantages and bottlenecks. This review also details the clinical application status of mRNA vaccines in infectious diseases (influenza, rabies, monkeypox, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, parasites) and cancer therapy, highlighting promising preclinical and clinical results of candidate vaccines and combined therapeutic regimens. Additionally, it addresses the current limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as delivery inefficiency, production costs, and cold chain constraints. Finally, this review prospects the future development direction, emphasizing that the optimization of delivery systems, antigen design and production processes will further promote the clinical translation and diversified application of mRNA vaccines in disease prevention and treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41893762,
year = {2026},
author = {Siniscalchi, C and Basaglia, M and Tufano, A and Imbalzano, E and Di Micco, P},
title = {Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT): An Immunopathogenic Model of Dysregulated Vaccine-Triggered Immunity.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893762},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but severe immune-mediated adverse event associated with adenoviral vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Beyond its clinical relevance, VITT provides a unique human model of vaccine-triggered autoimmunity and immune-thrombosis. This review critically reassesses the immunopathogenic framework of VITT in light of recent evidence.

METHODS: We conducted a structured narrative review of studies published between 2021 and 2025, focusing on clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic data relevant to PF4 immunogenicity, platelet activation, and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS: Current evidence supports a multistep model in which adenoviral vector components form immunogenic PF4-polyanion complexes that induce high-affinity anti-PF4 IgG antibodies. These antibodies activate platelets via FcγRIIa, amplify complement signaling, promote neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and drive endothelial perturbation, establishing a self-sustaining thrombo-inflammatory loop. Recent longitudinal studies refine earlier interpretations by distinguishing persistent anti-PF4 seropositivity from sustained platelet-activating capacity. Epidemiological data support platform-enriched risk rather than absolute platform exclusivity, with a proposed mechanistic "border zone" for incomplete phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: VITT represents a tractable human model of vaccine-induced autoimmunity in which innate immune activation and multivalent antigen presentation converge to break tolerance. Updated evidence clarifies antibody persistence, platform enrichment, and translational implications, while highlighting unresolved questions regarding host susceptibility and long-term immune regulation.},
}