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Bibliography on: covid-19

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 09 Feb 2025 at 01:41 Created: 

covid-19

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

NOTE: To obtain the entire bibliography (all 54731 citations) in bibtek format (a format that can be easily loaded into many different reference-manager software programs, click HERE.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR (wuhan AND coronavirus) AND review[SB] ) NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-05

Jang JY, Lee D, Oh SY, et al (2025)

Co-infections with Bordetella bronchiseptica in canine: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Veterinary immunology and immunopathology, 280:110886.

BACKGROUND: Bordetella bronchiseptica is a primary pathogen in canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD), or kennel cough, capable of independently causing respiratory illness and contributing significantly to co-infections with other viral and bacterial agents. Despite its critical role in disease transmission and persistence, the epidemiology of B. bronchiseptica in CIRD remains poorly understood. Limited data on co-infection prevalence and associated risk factors hinder effective management and control of this pathogen.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors of co-infections with B. bronchiseptica in dogs.

METHODS: A comprehensive bibliographic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Data extraction included the number of co-infected cases among those with B. bronchiseptica, the identified co-infecting pathogens, study period, geographical location, shelter type, and age.

RESULTS: From 3994 identified articles, 26 studies were included. The overall prevalence of B. bronchiseptica co-infection was 47 % (95 % CI: 37 %-57 %). Significant differences were observed only in the study period, with co-infection rates higher in the 1900s (77 %) compared to the 2000s (45 %). No significant differences were found for other factors. Frequently co-infecting pathogens included Mycoplasma and canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV).

CONCLUSION: Co-infections with B. bronchiseptica are common in CIRD, indicating a need for the development of combined vaccines targeting co-infecting pathogens. Furthermore, the establishment of effective prevention and control strategies can be universally applied across different geographical locations, shelter types, and ages. This study provides valuable insights that can inform future research and enhance the overall management and treatment of CIRD in dogs.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-27

Hegazi MA, Sayed MH, Butt NS, et al (2025)

Navigating the shots: Parental willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia explored through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PloS one, 20(1):e0317983.

INTRODUCTION: Although COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended for children and adolescents since 2021, suboptimal vaccination uptake has been documented. No previous systematic review/meta-analysis (SRMA) investigated parents' willingness to administer COVID-19 vaccines for their children in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this SRMA aimed to estimate parents' willingness to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia and to identify reasons and determinants influencing parents' decisions.

METHODS: This SRMA adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023492760). An extensive systematic search was performed across electronic databases including Pub Med, Pub Med Central, ISI Web of science, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, KCI-Korean Journal Database, ProQuest, and SciELO, to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 2020 to October 30, 2023. A random-effects model was utilized to estimate the pooled effects considering the expected variability across studies. Heterogeneity, risk of bias, publication bias and quality of studies were considered and evaluated by relevant appropriate tests to ensure robust results.

RESULTS: Twenty-five studies with 30,844 parents were included. The overall pooled rate of parents who intended to immunize their children with COVID-19 vaccines was 48.0% (95% CI: 41.0-54.0%) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.42%). The main reason for parents to vaccinate children was to protect child, family and community from COVID-19. Perceived efficacy/safety of vaccines were the most significant determinants associated with parents' willingness to vaccinate children.

CONCLUSION: This was the first SRMA from Saudi Arabia which emphasized the priority to focus on vaccine-related factors as main/key strategy of COVID-19 vaccines' drivers to convince parents in a logical way based on accurate cumulative and emerging scientific data about efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines to optimize their uptake by children/adolescents. This SRMA can provide valuable insights for development of evidence-based policies to improve parental willingness to vaccinate children, which is crucial for controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread and promoting herd immunity in the community particularly if the virus continues to pose a major threat.

RevDate: 2025-01-27

Hu J, Zhao C, T Yu (2025)

The Relationship Between Boredom and Smartphone Addiction Before and After the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Psychological reports [Epub ahead of print].

Prior research has explored the relationship between boredom and smartphone addiction (SPA), but significant discrepancies remain. Moreover, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered this association. Thus, this meta-analysis aims to clarify the true relationship between boredom and SPA, while also analyzing potential moderating factors. Articles published through April 2024 were retrieved from Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP) and English databases (Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer Online Journals). After screening, coding, and analysis using CMA 3.0 software, 54 studies involving 36,245 participants were included. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between boredom and SPA (r = 0.412, 95% CI [0.385, 0.438]). Furthermore, this relationship was moderated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the methods used to measure boredom, but not by gender or the tools used to measure SPA. These findings provide strong evidence of a positive correlation between boredom and SPA, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating this relationship.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Sait JMS, S Sarumathy (2025)

Clinical trials in health-care metaverse - A conceptual overview.

Perspectives in clinical research, 16(1):9-13.

Post-COVID-19, the emergence of newer technologies has taken center stage. One such technology is metaverse, which is an extension of existing technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) that enables a fully immersive communication platform through the utilization of digital twins and avatars in a three-dimensional digital space. Literature review has shown that the adoption of such technologies in the field of clinical trials can help in improving the therapeutic outcomes in patients while having numerous other benefits. Despite its early stages of adoption, the application of metaverses in clinical trials through the use of AR, VR, and digital twins holds the ability to revolutionize key tasks in clinical trials, such as patient enrollment, engagement, monitoring, and counseling, by removing barriers to study participation. This review article focuses on the concepts of metaverse, its use in clinical trials, its inherent benefits, and limitations and serves as a starting point for clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and technology firms to conceptualize and develop metaverse solutions that stand to significantly benefit the broader landscape of clinical trials.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Kern M, Jansen G, Strickmann B, et al (2025)

Advancements in Public First Responder Programs for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: An Updated Literature Review.

Reviews in cardiovascular medicine, 26(1):26140.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide, with a low survival rate of around 7% globally. Key factors for improving survival include witnessed arrest, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and early defibrillation. Despite guidelines advocating for the "chain of survival", bystander CPR and defibrillation rates remain suboptimal. Innovative approaches, such as dispatcher-assisted CPR (DA-CPR) and smartphone-based alerts, have emerged to address these challenges. DA-CPR effectively transforms emergency callers into lay rescuers, and smartphone apps are increasingly being used to alert volunteer first responders to OHCA incidents, enhancing response times and increasing survival rates. Smartphone-based systems offer advantages over traditional text messaging by providing real-time guidance and automated external defibrillator (AED) locations. Studies show improved outcomes with app-based alerts, including higher rates of early CPR, increased survival rates and improved neurological outcomes. Additionally, the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to deliver AEDs rapidly to OHCA sites has been demonstrated, particularly in rural areas with extended emergency medical services response times. Despite technological advancements, challenges such as ensuring responder training, effective dispatching, and maintaining responder well-being, particularly during the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, remain. During the pandemic, some community first responder programs were suspended or modified due to shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and increased risks of infection. However, systems that adapted by using PPE and revising protocols generally maintained responder participation and effectiveness. Moving forward, integrating new technology within robust responder systems and support mechanisms will be essential to improving OHCA outcomes and sustaining effective response networks.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Nguyen J, Le W, Brugger R, et al (2024)

Adolescents' Diabetes Self-Management Regimens and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

Cureus, 16(12):e76343.

Adolescents with diabetes mellitus (DM) experience poorer glycemic outcomes and lower adherence to self-management regimens compared to other age groups. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed new barriers to DM self-management, including social distancing measures and additional stressors. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature to examine self-management regimens and outcomes among adolescents aged 10-17 years with type 1 and type 2 DM during the pandemic. Our scoping review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched three online databases, screened articles through a rigorous process, and assessed bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists. The findings from the included articles were categorized into six thematic areas: glycemic control/monitoring, insulin administration/regimens, weight/lifestyle behaviors, inpatient care/acute complications, outpatient care/telemedicine utilization, and psychosocial well-being. The findings from the included articles (n = 32) varied. Adolescents who used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), regularly adjusted insulin doses, and utilized telemedicine generally maintained or improved glycemic control during the pandemic. However, many adolescents gained weight, reduced their physical activities, worsened their diet and sleep habits, and experienced increased stress, all of which negatively impacted glycemic control. Rates of acute complications and hospitalizations varied among adolescents. Telemedicine was widely used and viewed positively by adolescents with DM. Adolescents with DM faced various physical, behavioral, and psychosocial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to assess the long-term impacts of the pandemic on this population. Multilevel interventions and preparedness efforts are required to improve and sustain adolescents' DM self-management outcomes during public health emergencies, particularly focused on promoting CGM use, increasing physical activity levels, improving dietary habits, and reducing stress.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Xie R, Tan D, Liu B, et al (2025)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): from mechanistic insights to therapeutic strategies.

MedComm, 6(2):e70074.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome of acute hypoxic respiratory failure caused by diffuse lung inflammation and edema. ARDS can be precipitated by intrapulmonary factors or extrapulmonary factors, which can lead to severe hypoxemia. Patients suffering from ARDS have high mortality rates, including a 28-day mortality rate of 34.8% and an overall in-hospital mortality rate of 40.0%. The pathophysiology of ARDS is complex and involves the activation and dysregulation of multiple overlapping and interacting pathways of systemic inflammation and coagulation, including the respiratory system, circulatory system, and immune system. In general, the treatment of inflammatory injuries is a coordinated process that involves the downregulation of proinflammatory pathways and the upregulation of anti-inflammatory pathways. Given the complexity of the underlying disease, treatment needs to be tailored to the problem. Hence, we discuss the pathogenesis and treatment methods of affected organs, including 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related pneumonia, drowning, trauma, blood transfusion, severe acute pancreatitis, and sepsis. This review is intended to provide a new perspective concerning ARDS and offer novel insight into future therapeutic interventions.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Basmenj ER, Pajhouh SR, Ebrahimi Fallah A, et al (2025)

Computational epitope-based vaccine design with bioinformatics approach; a review.

Heliyon, 11(1):e41714.

The significance of vaccine development has gained heightened importance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In such critical circumstances, global citizens anticipate researchers in this field to swiftly identify a vaccine candidate to combat the pandemic's root cause. It is widely recognized that the vaccine design process is traditionally both time-consuming and costly. However, a specialized subfield within bioinformatics, known as "multi-epitope vaccine design" or "reverse vaccinology," has significantly decreased the time and costs of the vaccine design process. The methodology reverses itself in this subfield and finds a potential vaccine candidate by analyzing the pathogen's genome. Leveraging the tools available in this domain, we strive to pinpoint the most suitable antigen for crafting a vaccine against our target. Once the optimal antigen is identified, the next step involves uncovering epitopes within this antigen. The immune system recognizes particular areas of an antigen as epitopes. By characterizing these crucial segments, we gain the opportunity to design a vaccine centered around these epitopes. Subsequently, after identifying and assembling the vital epitopes with the assistance of linkers and adjuvants, our vaccine candidate can be formulated. Finally, employing computational techniques, we can thoroughly evaluate the designed vaccine. This review article comprehensively covers the entire multi-epitope vaccine development process, starting from obtaining the pathogen's genome to identifying the relevant vaccine candidate and concluding with an evaluation. Furthermore, we will delve into the essential tools needed at each stage, comparing and introducing them.

RevDate: 2025-02-07

Ng RWY, Yang L, Lau SH, et al (2025)

Global prevalence of human intestinal carriage of ESBL-producing E. coli during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

JAC-antimicrobial resistance, 7(1):dlaf001.

BACKGROUND: There is a pressing need for global surveillance of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli due to its health impacts, travel and increased antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize evidence investigating the global prevalence of ESBL E. coli.

METHODS: Four databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science, were searched for quantitative studies that reported prevalence data of faecal carriage of ESBL-producing E. coli published between 23 April 2021 and 22 April 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using the inverse variance heterogeneity model.

RESULTS: Of the 25 studies (13 901 unique participants) included for final analysis, the overall pooled prevalence of ESBL E. coli was 25.4% (95% CI, 19.7%-31.2%). The pooled prevalences of ESBL E. coli in healthy individuals in community settings and inpatients in healthcare settings were 23.4% (95% CI, 14.7%-32.2%) and 27.7% (95% CI, 18.8%-36.7%), respectively. Nearly one-third of the included studies (32%) were from the Western Pacific Region. There was a significant between-group difference for studies with different WHO regions and healthcare contact.

CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of ESBL E. coli remains high and there was a significant between-group difference for different WHO regions, with the highest being in Asian regions. Standardized surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic stewardship especially in these regions are needed to enhance the control of this global emergency.

RevDate: 2025-01-27

Choi S, T Powers (2025)

Optimizing health system volume flexibility: key determinants and strategies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Journal of health organization and management [Epub ahead of print].

PURPOSE: The need to match highly variable demand for healthcare services with existing capacity has been a significant health system challenge experienced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite mounting research on various COVID-19 responses in the recent literature, there has not been a structured review examining key determinants of health system volume flexibility. The focus of the present research is to review recent literature based on a conceptual framework developed based on the volume flexibility literature on COVID-19. The review also provides a meaningful way to guide practice and future research in the area.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A literature review was performed guided by the theoretical frameworks developed in the previous volume of flexibility literature. Selected research papers were reviewed and analyzed to identify key determinants of health system volume flexibility.

FINDINGS: Seven determinants of health system volume flexibility under three domains (demand management, capacity management, and performance) included demand management strategies, integration, capacity management strategies, workforce management, technology, quality of disease outcomes, and health system knowledge.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research provides both health systems researchers as well as practitioners with a foundational conceptual framework and knowledge related to health system volume flexibility. In addition, this research identifies future research areas to expand knowledge relevant to health system volume flexibility.

RevDate: 2025-01-28

Xu H, Li B, Tang K, et al (2025)

Nucleoside antiviral agents with atypical structures and new targets.

Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters, 119:130110 pii:S0960-894X(25)00019-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Nucleoside analogs (NAs), as antiviral drugs, play a significant role in clinical medicine, constituting approximately 50 % of all antiviral therapies in current use. Nucleoside inhibitors function by mimicking the structure of natural nucleosides, integrating themselves into viral genetic material during replication, and subsequently inhibiting the virus's ability to reproduce. They are used to treat a variety of viral infections, including herpes simplex, hepatitis B, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This review offers the development and mechanisms of atypical nucleoside antiviral agents that target novel sites on viral polymerase and other antiviral targets of nucleoside molecules, highlighting their significance in response to emerging viral threats like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Yirsaw AN, Lakew G, Getachew E, et al (2025)

Health extension workers job satisfaction and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC health services research, 25(1):144.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopian healthcare relies heavily on Health Extension Workers (HEWs), who deliver essential services to communities nationwide. By analyzing existing research, the authors explore how prevalent job satisfaction is and what factors affect it. This comprehensive analysis aims to improve HEW satisfaction through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more effective healthcare workforce and better health outcomes in Ethiopia. Specifically, this study estimates the pooled level of job satisfaction and associated factors among HEWs in Ethiopia using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD: Studies were searched through the search engine of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar. Data from included studies was extracted, organized in Excel, and then analyzed using STATA 17. The overall effect across all studies was calculated using a random-effect model. Potential publication bias and heterogeneity in the results between studies were assessed using Egger's test, forest plot, and I[2] statistic, respectively.

RESULTS: The pooled level of job satisfaction among health extension workers in Ethiopia was 46% (95%CI: 32%-60%). Supportive supervision (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI: 2.23, 8.23), training opportunities (AOR = 4.69; 95% CI: 2.72, 6.61), and support from management (AOR = 4.90; 95% CI: 3.03, 6.77) were statistically associated with the level of job satisfaction among HEW in Ethiopia.

CONCLUSION: The pooled level of job satisfaction was low. Getting supportive supervision from higher health experts, having favorable training opportunities, and having managerial support from kebele were found to be the statistically significant variables associated with job satisfaction among health extension workers in Ethiopia.

RevDate: 2025-02-07
CmpDate: 2025-02-07

Chahal S, Raj RG, R Kumar (2025)

Risk of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in SARS-CoV-2 Patients.

Current diabetes reviews, 21(5):e240524230298.

Recent studies have found that a link between people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at higher risk of morbidity as well as mortality from COVID-19 infection, indicating a need for vaccination. T1DM appears to impair innate and adaptive immunity. The overabundance of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced in COVID-19 illness that is severe and potentially fatal is known as a "cytokine storm." Numerous cohorts have revealed chronic inflammation as a key risk factor for unfavorable COVID-19 outcomes. TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-1a, IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, and other cytokines were found in higher concentrations in patients with T1DM. Even more importantly, oxidative stress contributes significantly to the severity and course of COVID- 19's significant role in the progression and severity of COVID-19 diseases. Severe glucose excursions, a defining characteristic of type 1 diabetes, are widely recognized for their potent role as mediating agents of oxidative stress via several routes, such as heightened production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, persistent endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulation found in T1DM may impair microcirculation and endothelium, which could result in the development of various organ failure and acute breathing syndrome.

RevDate: 2025-01-28
CmpDate: 2025-01-27

Glavčić G, Misir Z, Janković S, et al (2023)

MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN CROATIA: A SINGLE-CENTER STUDY.

Acta clinica Croatica, 62(4):724-727.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of patients presenting to the emergency room with acute appendicitis and subsequent results of surgical treatment. Our single center retrospective study was conducted in Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia. We analyzed data on the patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis, their duration of symptoms, length of hospital stay, histopathologic diagnosis, and operative techniques, recorded from September 1, 2019 to October 17, 2020. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the ratio of open laparotomies (p=0.006) and ratio of perforated appendicitis (p=0.047) during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the pre-pandemic period. The time between symptom onset and hospitalization, measured in days, did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase (p=0.379), and minor increase in the postoperative length of stay was not statistically significant either (p=0.879).

RevDate: 2025-01-25
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Saweres-Argüelles C, Sánchez-Calvo A, Serrano-Pertierra E, et al (2025)

Nanolabels for biosensors based on lateral flow immunoassays.

Analytica chimica acta, 1340:343597.

The COVID-19 outbreak was an important turning point in the development of a new generation of biosensing technologies. The synergistic combination of an immunochromatographic test (lateral flow immunoassays, LFIA) and signal transducers provides enhanced sensitivity and the ability to quantify in the rapid tests. This is possible due to the variety of nanoparticles that can be used as reporter labels. In this review, we first present an overview on the principles of a LFIA and its different formats. We analyze cutting-edge work on these platforms based on different types of nanoparticles used as labels and on the highly sensitive transducers to which they can be coupled. The works discussed herein have a beneficial impact on the fields of clinical analysis, food safety or environmental control, thus highlighting the relevance of the biosensors. Last, we provide insights into the barriers that need to be overcome when designing laboratory prototypes accessible to the society.

RevDate: 2025-01-26

Ahmad S, Alafnan A, Alobaida A, et al (2025)

Decoding the SARS-CoV-2 infection process: Insights into origin, spread, and therapeutic approaches.

Microbial pathogenesis, 200:107328 pii:S0882-4010(25)00053-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Globally, over 768 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths had been documented as of July 17, 2023. Coronaviruses have a relatively large RNA genome. As with other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 does have an envelope film produced from host cells that are assisted by virally encoded glycoproteins that are required for infectivity, immunological assault, and viral particle production. Although the intermediate source of origin and transmission to humans is unexplained, rapid transmission from human to human has been established. This review focuses on the mechanistic framework for understanding the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. Additionally, it discusses the origins and implications of COVID-19 using direct quotations from the published scientific literature to avoid misinterpretation of this catastrophic event that resulted in a massive loss of human life and impact on the global economy. The current available information unfolds large number of topics related with COVID-19 and/or the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible of the disease. This review article also delves into the multifaceted aspects of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, with a specific focus on a controversial yet essential issue: the possible association between SARS-CoV-2's origin and aldose reductase, an enzyme known for its role in diabetic retinopathy. Exploring this connection holds utmost significance, offering valuable insights into COVID-19's pathogenesis and unlocking new avenues for therapeutic interventions. It is important to trace back the evolution of coronaviruses and reveal the possible origin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

RevDate: 2025-02-02

Boucher VG, Dahl M, Lee J, et al (2025)

An umbrella review and meta-analysis of 87 meta-analyses examining healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Journal of affective disorders, 375:423-436 pii:S0165-0327(25)00130-2 [Epub ahead of print].

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced several changes in their work (e.g., longer hours, new policies) that affected their mental health. In this study, an umbrella review and meta-analysis of meta-analyses was conducted to examine the prevalence of various mental health problems experienced by HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic review searching PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases (PROSPERO: CRD42022304823). We performed a meta-analysis to summarize prevalence of different mental health problems and examined whether these differed as a function of job category, sex/gender, sociodemographic index (SDI), and across time. Eighty-seven meta-analyses were included in the umbrella review and meta-analysis, including 1846 non-overlapping articles and 9,400,962 participants. The overall prevalence ratio for the different mental health outcomes ranged from 0.20 for PTSD (95 % CI: 0.16-0.25) to 0.44 for burnout (95 % CI: 0.32-0.56), with ratios for depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, psychological distress, perceived stress, sleep problems, and insomnia symptoms falling between these ranges. Follow-up analyses revealed little variation in outcomes across job category, and sex. Prevalence of mental health problems in HCWs was high during the pandemic. Administrators and policymakers worldwide need to address these growing problems through institutional policies and wellness programming.

RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-06

Lim HX, Khalid K, Abdullah ADI, et al (2025)

Subphenotypes of Long COVID and the clinical applications of probiotics.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, 183:117855.

As the number of infections and deaths attributable to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to rise, it is now becoming apparent that the health impacts of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may not be limited to infection and the subsequent resolution of symptoms. Reports have shown that patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may experience multiple symptoms across different organ systems that are associated with adverse health outcomes and develop new cardiac, renal, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous conditions, a condition known as Long COVID or the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This review provides insights into distinct subphenotypes of Long COVID and identifies microbiota dysbiosis as a common theme and crucial target for future therapies. Another important finding is that Long COVID is associated with prolonged and increased inflammation, potentially attributable to immune system dysfunction. A promising solution lies in the potential of probiotics to mitigate Long COVID symptoms by restoring gut microbiota balance and modulating the immune response. By evaluating the current clinical development landscape of the use of probiotics to treat Long COVID symptoms, this paper provides recommendations for future research by stressing the need to understand the modulation of bacterium strains followed by probiotic therapy to understand the association of microbiota dysbiosis with Long COVID symptoms. This will facilitate the development of effective probiotic formulations that could serve as reliable therapies against Long COVID.

RevDate: 2025-01-28
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Karani A, Ombok C, Situma S, et al (2025)

Low-Level Zoonotic Transmission of Clade C MERS-CoV in Africa: Insights from Scoping Review and Cohort Studies in Hospital and Community Settings.

Viruses, 17(1):.

Human outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are more common in Middle Eastern and Asian human populations, associated with clades A and B. In Africa, where clade C is dominant in camels, human cases are minimal. We reviewed 16 studies (n = 6198) published across seven African countries between 2012 and 2024 to assess human MERS-CoV cases. We also analyzed data from four cohort studies conducted in camel-keeping communities between 2018 and 2024 involving camel keepers, camel slaughterhouse workers, and hospital patients with acute respiratory illness (ARI). The analysis showed a pooled MERS-CoV prevalence of 2.4% (IQR: 0.6, 11.4) from 16 publications and 1.14% from 4 cohort studies (n = 2353). Symptomatic cases were rarely reported, with most individuals reporting camel contact, and only 12% had travel history to the Middle East. There was one travel-associated reported death, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.013%. The findings suggest a low camel-to-human transmission of clade C MERS-CoV in Africa. Ongoing research focuses on genomic comparisons between clade C and the more virulent clades A and B, alongside the surveillance of viral evolution. This study highlights the need for continuous monitoring but indicates that MERS-CoV clade C currently poses a minimal public health threat in Africa.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Xiao F, Hu J, Xu M, et al (2025)

Animal Models for Human-Pathogenic Coronavirus and Animal Coronavirus Research.

Viruses, 17(1):.

Coronavirus epidemics have posed a serious threat to both human and animal health. To combat emerging infectious diseases caused by coronaviruses, various animal infection models have been developed and applied in research, including non-human primate models, ferret models, hamster models, mouse models, and others. Moreover, new approaches have been utilized to develop animal models that are more susceptible to infection. These approaches include using viral delivery methods to induce the expression of viral receptors in mouse tissues and employing gene-editing techniques to create genetically modified mice. This has led to the successful establishment of infection models for multiple coronaviruses, significantly advancing related research. In contrast, livestock and pets that can be infected by animal coronaviruses provide valuable insights when used as infection models, enabling the collection of accurate clinical data through the analysis of post-infection pathological features. However, despite the potential insights, there is a paucity of research data pertaining to these infection models. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of recent progress in the development of animal models for coronaviruses that cause diseases in both humans and animals and suggest ways in which animal models can be adapted to further enhance their value in research.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Vanderheiden A, MS Diamond (2025)

Animal Models of Non-Respiratory, Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19.

Viruses, 17(1):.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are a diverse set of symptoms and syndromes driven by dysfunction of multiple organ systems that can persist for years and negatively impact the quality of life for millions of individuals. We currently lack specific therapeutics for patients with PASC, due in part to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, especially for non-pulmonary sequelae. Here, we discuss three animal models that have been utilized to investigate PASC: non-human primates (NHPs), hamsters, and mice. We focus on neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular PASC and highlight advances in mechanistic insight that have been made using these animal models, as well as discussing the sequelae that warrant continued and intensive research.

RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-06

Jost S, RK Reeves (2025)

Elephant in the room: natural killer cells don't forget HIV either.

Current opinion in HIV and AIDS, 20(2):109-116.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Like elephants (and T cells), accumulating evidence suggest natural killer (NK) cells never forget. The description of adaptive or memory NK cells, which can be induced by HIV/SIV infections and vaccines and associated with protective effects in persons with HIV (PWH), has dramatically increased the interest in leveraging NK cells to prevent HIV infection or suppress HIV reservoirs. However, harnessing their full antiviral potential has been hindered by an incomplete understanding of mechanisms underlying adaptive NK cell development and infected cell recognition. Herein, we outline the main discoveries around the adaptive functions of NK cells, with a focus on their involvement in HIV infection.

RECENT FINDINGS: NK cells with diverse adaptive capabilities, including antigen-specific memory, cytokine-induced and CMV-driven adaptive subsets, likely all play a role in HIV infection. Importantly, true antigen-specific memory NK cells have been identified that mediate recall responses against multiple infectious agents such as HIV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2. The NKG2C receptor is pivotal for certain adaptive NK cell subsets, as it marks a population with enhanced antibody-dependent functions and has been described as the main receptor mediating antigen-specific responses via recognition of viral peptides presented by HLA-E.

SUMMARY: Antiviral functions of adaptive/memory NK cells have tremendous, but as of yet, untapped potential to be harnessed for vaccine design, curative, or other therapeutic interventions against HIV.

RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-06

Hook JL, WM Kuebler (2025)

CFTR as a therapeutic target for severe lung infection.

American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 328(2):L229-L238.

Lung infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Even with appropriate antibiotic and antiviral treatment, mortality in hospitalized patients often exceeds 10%, highlighting the need for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Of late, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is-in addition to its well-established roles in the lung airway and extrapulmonary organs-increasingly recognized as a key regulator of alveolar homeostasis and defense. In the alveolar epithelium, CFTR mediates alveolar fluid secretion and liquid homeostasis; in the microvascular endothelium, CFTR maintains vascular barrier function. CFTR also contributes to alveolar immunity. Yet, in lung infection, diverse molecular mechanisms reduce CFTR abundance and otherwise impair its function, promoting alveolar inflammation, edema, and cell death. Preservation or restoration of CFTR function by CFTR modulator drugs thus presents a promising avenue to combat lung infection in a pathogen-independent manner.

RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-06

Cai G, Szalai EÁ, Martinekova P, et al (2025)

Concomitant virus infection increases mortality and worsens outcome of acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.], 25(1):20-28.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a major health threat, with a high mortality rate in severe forms. Though alcohol and bile-induced factors are the most common causes, increasing evidence suggests that viral infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may also trigger AP development. Our study aims to explore this association in greater detail.

METHODS: After the PROSPERO registration, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform in February 2023. We included studies with the following PECO framework: Population: AP patients, Exposure/Comparison: with/without virus infection, Outcome: mortality, severity, and complications of AP. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: Altogether, 29 cohorts with 2,295,172 patients were identified for the meta-analysis and 858 cases for the qualitative synthesis. Patients with concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection and AP exhibited heightened odds of in-hospital mortality (OR: 3.15, CI: 2.08-4.76), and necrosis (OR: 1.83, CI: 1.13-2.97). Mild AP was less prevalent in the SARS-CoV-2 group (OR: 0.37, CI: 0.14-0.97) compared to moderately severe and severe AP together. Contrarily, no evidence was found that concomitant HIV infection elevated in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.12, CI: 0.92-1.37) or sepsis occurrence (OR:1.21, CI: 0.41-3.59).

CONCLUSION: Patients co-diagnosed with AP and SARS-CoV-2 infection require heightened attention due to an increased risk of mortality and complications. No evidence was found that HIV infection elevated the risk of a more severe outcome.

RevDate: 2025-02-06
CmpDate: 2025-02-06

Raajakesary K, Galvin L, Prendiville K, et al (2024)

The Ethical Principles in Ethical Guidance Documents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland: A Qualitative Review.

Prehospital and disaster medicine, 39(5):379-389.

BACKGROUND: The sudden onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was accompanied by a myriad of ethical issues that prompted the issuing of various ethical guidance documents for health care professionals in clinical, research, and public health settings throughout the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The aim of this review was to identify the main principles in ethical guidance documents published in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: This review used a qualitative review methodology with thematic synthesis to analyze the included ethics-related guidance documents, as defined in this review, published in the UK and Ireland from March 2020 through March 2022. The search included a general search in Google Scholar and a targeted search on the websites of the relevant professional bodies and public health authorities in the two countries. The ethical principles in these documents were analyzed using the constant comparative method (CCM).

RESULTS: Forty-four guidance documents met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ten main ethical principles were identified, namely: fairness, honesty, minimizing harm, proportionality, responsibility, autonomy, respect, informed decision making, duty of care, and reciprocity.

CONCLUSION: The guidelines did not present the ethical principles in equal detail. Some principles lacked definitions, leaving them vulnerable to misinterpretation by the documents' end users. Priority was frequently given to collectivist ethics over individualistic approaches. Further clarity is required in future ethical guidance documents to better guide health care professionals in similar situations.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Huang D, Xuan W, Z Li (2025)

Impact of COVID-19 on Ocular Surface Health: Infection Mechanisms, Immune Modulation, and Inflammatory Responses.

Viruses, 17(1):.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has presented formidable challenges to global health since its emergence in late 2019. While primarily known for respiratory symptoms, it can also affect the ocular surface. This review summarizes the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on ocular surface immunity and inflammation, focusing on infection mechanisms, immune responses, and clinical manifestations. Ocular symptoms, though uncommon, include conjunctivitis, dry eye, and blurred vision. SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptors in ocular surface epithelial cells, facilitating viral entry, replication, and local dissemination. The innate immune responses involving corneal epithelial cells and immune cells are discussed, alongside mechanisms of antigen presentation and adaptive immunity. The review also examines the roles of cytokines and chemokines in mediating ocular surface inflammation and explores the impact of cytokine storms and chronic inflammation on ocular health. Additionally, the interplay between systemic and ocular immune responses is highlighted, analyzing how systemic COVID-19 inflammation influences ocular surface health. These insights underscore the broader implications of COVID-19 beyond localized ocular infection. By consolidating current findings, this review aims to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies while identifying directions for future research to mitigate the ocular consequences of COVID-19.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Grant WB, Wimalawansa SJ, Pludowski P, et al (2025)

Vitamin D: Evidence-Based Health Benefits and Recommendations for Population Guidelines.

Nutrients, 17(2):.

Vitamin D offers numerous under-recognized health benefits beyond its well-known role in musculoskeletal health. It is vital for extra-renal tissues, prenatal health, brain function, immunity, pregnancy, cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health. Existing guidelines issued by governmental and health organizations are bone-centric and largely overlook the abovementioned extra-skeletal benefits and optimal thresholds for vitamin D. In addition, they rely on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which seldom show benefits due to high baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, moderate supplementation doses, and flawed study designs. This review emphasizes the findings from prospective cohort studies showing that higher 25(OH)D concentrations reduce the risks of major diseases and mortality, including pregnancy and birth outcomes. Serum concentrations > 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) significantly lower disease and mortality risks compared to <20 ng/mL. With 25% of the U.S. population and 60% of Central Europeans having levels <20 ng/mL, concentrations should be raised above 30 ng/mL. This is achievable through daily supplementation with 2000 IU/day (50 mcg/day) of vitamin D3, which prevent diseases and deaths. Furthermore, a daily dose between 4000 and 6000 IU of vitamin D3 to achieve serum 25(OH)D levels between 40 and 70 ng/mL would provide greater protection against many adverse health outcomes. Future guidelines and recommendations should integrate the findings from observational prospective cohort studies and well-designed RCTs to improve public health and personalized care.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Licata A, Seidita A, Como S, et al (2025)

Herbal and Dietary Supplements as Adjunctive Treatment for Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Italy.

Nutrients, 17(2):.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several observational studies proved a certain efficacy of nutraceuticals, herbal products, and other dietary supplements as adjuvant therapies used alongside antiviral drugs. Although their use has not been widespread in Italy, according to preliminary evidence, many supplements with demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, such as vitamins C and D, herbal medicines and essential oils, might relieve the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, since SARS-CoV-2 can activate inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways. Other observational studies have shown that herbal treatments, such as Echinacea purpurea and ginseng, help alleviate respiratory symptoms and reduce serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are typically overexpressed in both adult and pediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients. Further, vitamins C and D can attenuate the immune response thanks to their cytokine suppression ability and to their known antimicrobial activity and potential to modulate T helper cell response. The strong immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection is responsible for the severity of the disease. Preliminary data have also shown that L-arginine, an endothelial-derived relaxing factor, is able to modulate endothelial damage, which appears to be one of the main targets of this systemic disease. Finally, some essential oils and their isolated compounds, such as eucalyptol, may be helpful in reducing many of the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, although others, such as menthol, are not recommended, since it can lead to an undervaluation of the clinical status of a patient. In this narrative review, despite the lack of strong evidence in this field, we aimed to give an overview of the current available literature (mainly observational and cross-sectional studies) regarding herbal products and dietary supplements and their use in the treatment of mild disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Obviously, dietary supplements and herbal products do not constitute a standardized treatment for COVID-19 disease, but they could represent an adjunctive and useful treatment when used together with antivirals.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Gandhi S, Iannacone MR, Leapley A, et al (2025)

Real-Time Pharmacovigilance: Transforming Population-Based Monitoring of Post-Approval Vaccine Safety Through Rapid Cycle Analysis (RCA)-A Review of the Published Literature.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(1):.

Background/Objectives: Rapid cycle analysis (RCA) is an established and efficient methodology that has been traditionally utilized by United States health authorities to monitor post-approval vaccine safety. Initially developed in the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) in early 2000s, RCA has evolved into a valuable approach for timely post-approval signal detection. Due to the availability of additional near real-time data sources and enhanced analytic approaches, the use of RCA has expanded. This narrative review provides an in-depth assessment of studies that utilized RCA for safety surveillance to detect and evaluate safety signals in post-approval vaccine monitoring. Methods: Embase and Medline were searched on 8 August 2024 to identify post-approval non-interventional vaccine safety studies using RCA or other near real-time surveillance methods published from 1 January 2018 to 31 July 2024. Data on study characteristics (e.g., study population, data source, outcomes) and RCA methodological characteristics (e.g., type of comparator, sequential testing method, confounding control method) were extracted from the eligible RCA studies. Results: Of 1128 articles screened, 18 RCA vaccine safety studies were included, of which 17 (94.4%) were conducted in the United States (US). Twelve (67%) aimed at signal detection and six (33%) conducted further signal evaluation. Over 60% examined COVID-19 vaccine safety, with half using VSD. Over 80% conducted the RCA weekly or monthly and about 78% of the studies used a database-specific historical comparator group. Conclusions: This review indicates that most of the published articles on the application of the RCA methodology in vaccine safety studies are based on research conducted in the US. With increasing availability of near real-time data sources and advanced analytic methods capabilities, RCA is expected to be more widely deployed as an active surveillance tool to complement traditional pharmacovigilance. Future studies should explore the extension of vaccine RCA methodology for non-vaccine medicinal products.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Mambelli F, de Araujo ACVSC, Farias JP, et al (2025)

An Update on Anti-COVID-19 Vaccines and the Challenges to Protect Against New SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(1):.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to global health systems, with extensive impacts across many sectors of society. The pandemic has been responsible for millions of deaths worldwide since its first identification in late 2019. Several actions have been taken to prevent the disease, including the unprecedented fast development and global vaccination campaigns, which were pivotal in reducing symptoms and deaths. Given the impact of the pandemic, the continuous changes of the virus, and present vaccine technologies, this review analyzes how, so far, we have met the challenge posed by the emergence of new variants and discusses how next-generation pan-coronavirus vaccines, with enhanced longevity and breadth of immune responses, may be tackled with alternative administration routes and antigen delivery platforms. By addressing these critical aspects, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to achieve long-term control of COVID-19, stimulating the discussion and work on next-generation vaccines capable of facing future waves of infection.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

De Jesús-González LA, León-Juárez M, Lira-Hernández FI, et al (2024)

Advances and Challenges in Antiviral Development for Respiratory Viruses.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(1):.

The development of antivirals for respiratory viruses has advanced markedly in response to the growing threat of pathogens such as Influenzavirus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. This article reviews the advances and challenges in this field, highlighting therapeutic strategies that target critical stages of the viral replication cycle, including inhibitors of viral entry, replication, and assembly. In addition, innovative approaches such as inhibiting host cellular proteins to reduce viral resistance and repurposing existing drugs are explored, using advanced bioinformatics tools that optimize the identification of antiviral candidates. The analysis also covers emerging technologies such as nanomedicine and CRISPR gene editing, which promise to improve the stability and efficacy of treatments. While current antivirals offer valuable options, they face challenges such as viral evolution and the need for accessible treatments for vulnerable populations. This article underscores the importance of continued innovation in biotechnology to overcome these limitations and provide safe and effective treatments. Combining traditional and advanced approaches in developing antivirals is essential in order to address respiratory viral diseases that affect global health.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Zhang J, An D, Zhang Y, et al (2025)

A Review on Face Mask Recognition.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 25(2):.

This review offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of face mask detection and recognition technologies, emphasizing their critical role in both public health and technological advancements. Existing detection methods are systematically categorized into three primary classes: feaRture-extraction-and-classification-based approaches, object-detection-models-based methods and multi-sensor-fusion-based methods. Through a detailed comparison, their respective workflows, strengths, limitations, and applicability across different contexts are examined. The review underscores the paramount importance of accurate face mask detection, especially in response to global public health challenges such as pandemics. A central focus is placed on the role of datasets in driving algorithmic performance, addressing key factors, including dataset diversity, scale, annotation granularity, and modality. The integration of depth and infrared data is explored as a promising avenue for improving robustness in real-world conditions, highlighting the advantages of multimodal datasets in enhancing detection capabilities. Furthermore, the review discusses the synergistic use of real-world and synthetic datasets in overcoming challenges such as dataset bias, scalability, and resource scarcity. Emerging solutions, such as lightweight model optimization, domain adaptation, and privacy-preserving techniques, are also examined as means to improve both algorithmic efficiency and dataset quality. By synthesizing the current state of the field, identifying prevailing challenges, and outlining potential future research directions, this paper aims to contribute to the development of more effective, scalable, and robust face mask detection systems for diverse real-world applications.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Guntinas-Lichius O, Bitter T, Takes R, et al (2025)

Post COVID-19 and Long COVID Symptoms in Otorhinolaryngology-A Narrative Review.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(2):.

Post/Long COVID (syndrome) is defined as a condition with symptoms persisting for more than 12 weeks after the onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection that cannot be explained otherwise. The prevalence of self-reported otorhinolaryngological Post/Long COVID symptoms is high. The aim of this review was to analyze the current literature regarding the actual prevalence, knowledge of the etiopathology, and evidence-based treatment recommendations of otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms. A systematic literature search of articles published since 2019 in PubMed and ScienceDirect was performed and resulted in 108 articles. These were the basis for this review and formed a comprehensive series of consented therapy statements on the most important of otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms. Otorhinolaryngological symptoms did not appear isolated but as part of a multi-organ syndrome. Self-reported otorhinolaryngology-related Post/Long COVID symptoms were often not confirmed by objective testing. The confirmed prevalence estimated for anosmia, dysgeusia, cough, facial palsy, hoarseness/dysphonia, acute hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo/dizziness was about 4%, 2%, 4-19%, 0%, 17-20%, 8%, 20%, and 5-26%, respectively. There are manifold theoretical concepts of the etiopathology of different symptoms, but there is no clear evidence-based proof. This certainly contributes to the fact that there is no effective specific treatment option for any of the symptoms mentioned. Healthcare pathways must be established so that otorhinolaryngological Post/Long COVID symptoms can be recognized and evaluated and otorhinolaryngologists can provide counseling. This would also help to establish and selectively include patients in clinical trials investigating specific therapeutic concepts.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Jung R, Oh YS, Choi S, et al (2025)

Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19-Related Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Case Series.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(2):.

Background and Objectives: Although reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare disease, the condition may occur with COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of RCVS through a systematic review of case reports and case series that reported on COVID-19-related RCVS. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, and Web of Science. The search was confined to articles published between 17 November 2019 and 14 August 2024. The search terms were ("COVID-19" OR "SARS CoV-2") AND ("RCVS" OR "Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome"). The search protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024491818). A total of twenty-four cases were included, nine case series consisting of nineteen cases and five cases from our hospital. Clinical characteristics were investigated, including risk factors, symptoms, brain and angiographic findings, treatment options, and prognoses. Results: The average age was 37.1 years, and females comprised 70.8% of the cohort. COVID-19 vaccination was administered in five cases. Vasoconstriction was most frequently noted in middle cerebral arteries (90.9%). Among the included patients, 12 (50.0%) experienced strokes as a complication of RCVS, and the mortality rate was 9.1%. Follow-up imaging findings were available for 14 of the 24 cases (58.3%). Among these, vasoconstriction was fully improved in 64.3%, partially improved in 28.6%, and aggravated in 7.1%. Conclusions: While the recovery rate of vasoconstriction on brain angiographic findings was not uncommon, our systematic review indicates a potential for a relatively poor neurological prognosis in COVID-19-related RCVS.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Basaca DG, Jugănaru I, Belei O, et al (2025)

Long COVID in Children and Adolescents: Mechanisms, Symptoms, and Long-Term Impact on Health-A Comprehensive Review.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(2):.

Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is increasingly recognized as a condition affecting not only adults but also children and adolescents. While children often experience milder acute COVID-19 symptoms compared to adults, some develop persistent physical, psychological, and neurological symptoms lasting for weeks or months after initial infection. The most commonly reported symptoms include debilitating fatigue, respiratory issues, headaches, muscle pain, gastrointestinal disturbances, and cognitive difficulties, which significantly impact daily activities, schooling, and social interactions. Additionally, many children with long COVID experience psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and irritability, likely exacerbated by prolonged illness and lifestyle disruptions. Risk factors for long COVID in children include pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, obesity, and neurological disorders, with adolescents and females seemingly more affected. Hypothesized mechanisms underlying long COVID include chronic immune dysregulation, persistent viral particles stimulating inflammation, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and mitochondrial impairment, which may collectively contribute to the variety of observed symptoms. Long-term outcomes remain uncertain; however, long COVID can lead to school absenteeism, social withdrawal, and psychological distress, potentially affecting cognitive development. Severe cases may develop chronic conditions such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and reduced exercise tolerance. This review synthesizes the existing literature on long COVID in children, examining its prevalence, symptomatology, risk factors, and potential mechanisms, with an emphasis on the need for further clinical studies. While existing research largely relies on surveys and self-reported data, clinical assessments are essential to accurately characterize long COVID in pediatric populations and to guide effective management strategies.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Ren J, Zhang Z, Xia Y, et al (2025)

Research Progress on the Structure and Function, Immune Escape Mechanism, Antiviral Drug Development Methods, and Clinical Use of SARS-CoV-2 M[pro].

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(2):.

The three-year COVID-19 pandemic 'has' caused a wide range of medical, social, political, and financial implications. Since the end of 2020, various mutations and variations in SARS-CoV-2 strains, along with the immune escape phenomenon, have emerged. There is an urgent need to identify a relatively stable target for the development of universal vaccines and drugs that can effectively combat both SARS-CoV-2 strains and their mutants. Currently, the main focus in treating SARS-CoV-2 lies in disrupting the virus's life cycle. The main protease (M[pro]) is closely associated with virus replication and maturation and plays a crucial role in the early stages of infection. Consequently, it has become an important target for the development of SARS-CoV-2-specific drugs. This review summarizes the recent research progress on the novel coronavirus's main proteases, including the pivotal role of M[pro] in the virus's life cycle, the structure and catalytic mechanism of M[pro], the self-maturation mechanism of M[pro], the role of M[pro] in virus immune escape, the current methods of developing antiviral drugs targeting M[pro], and the key drugs that have successfully entered clinical trials. The aim is to provide researchers involved in the development of antiviral drugs targeting M[pro] with systematic and comprehensive information.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Sanduzzi Zamparelli S, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, M Bocchino (2025)

Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective.

Life (Basel, Switzerland), 15(1):.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has profoundly impacted global health, with pneumonia emerging as a major complication in severe cases. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is marked by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive inflammatory response, resulting in oxidative stress and significant tissue damage, particularly in the respiratory system. Antioxidants have garnered considerable attention for their potential role in managing COVID-19 pneumonia by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the use of antioxidants in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Studies exploring antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3), glutathione (GSH), L-carnitine, melatonin, bromelain, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and numerous polyphenols, have yielded promising outcomes. Through their ROS-scavenging properties, these molecules support endothelial function, reduce the thrombosis risk, and may help mitigate the effects of the cytokine storm, a key contributor to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Clinical evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation may improve patient outcomes by decreasing inflammation, supporting immune cell function, and potentially shortening recovery times. Furthermore, these molecules may mitigate the symptoms of COVID-19 by exerting direct antiviral effects that inhibit the infection process and genomic replication of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells. Moreover, antioxidants may work synergistically with standard antiviral treatments to reduce viral-induced oxidative damage. By integrating findings from the literature with real-world data from our clinical experience, we gain a more profound understanding of the role of antioxidants in managing COVID-19 pneumonia. Further research combining comprehensive literature reviews with real-world data analysis is crucial to validate the efficacy of antioxidants and establish evidence-based guidelines for their use in clinical practice.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Estela-Zape JL, Sanclemente-Cardoza V, LT Ordoñez-Mora (2025)

Efficacy of Telerehabilitation Protocols for Improving Functionality in Post-COVID-19 Patients.

Life (Basel, Switzerland), 15(1):.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Telerehabilitation is essential for the recovery of post-COVID-19 patients, improving exercise tolerance, dyspnea, functional capacity, and daily activity performance. This study aimed to describe telerehabilitation protocols specifically designed for individuals with post-COVID-19 sequelae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted with registration number CRD42023423678, based on searches developed in the following databases: ScienceDirect, Scopus, Dimensions.ai and PubMed, using keywords such as "telerehabilitation" and "COVID-19". The final search date was July 2024. The selection of studies involved an initial calibration process, followed by independent filtering by the researchers. The selection criteria were applied prior to critical appraisal, data extraction, and the risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS: After reviewing 405 full-text papers, 14 articles were included that focused on telerehabilitation interventions for post-COVID-19 patients. These interventions were designed for remote delivery and included exercise protocols, vital sign monitoring, and virtual supervision by physical therapists. The studies reported improvements in physical function, muscle performance, lung capacity, and psychological outcomes. Significant gains were observed in strength, mobility, and functional capacity, as well as reductions in dyspnea, fatigue, and improvements in quality of life, particularly in social domains. Intervention protocols included aerobic, strength, and respiratory exercises, monitored using tools such as heart rate monitors and smartphones.

CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation positively impacts lung volumes, pulmonary capacities, dyspnea reduction, functionality, muscle performance, and independence in post-COVID-19 patients.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Hao Y, Lee YJ, Yap K, et al (2025)

Comparison of Respiratory Microbiomes in Influenza Versus Other Respiratory Infections: Systematic Review and Analysis.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(2):.

Studies have indicated the potential importance of the human nasal and respiratory microbiomes in health and disease. However, the roles of these microbiomes in the pathogenesis of influenza and its complications are not fully understood. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and analysis is to identify the patterns of nasal and respiratory microbiome dysbiosis and to define the unique signature bacteria associated with influenza compared with other respiratory tract infections. We compared the respiratory microbiome composition between influenza patients and healthy controls; across different influenza severities; in adult versus pediatric influenza patients; as well as influenza versus other respiratory infections. The desired outcomes include the signature bacteria in each cohort and the Shannon index to reflect the alpha diversity. Of the 2269 articles identified, 31 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies investigated the respiratory tract microbiomes of patients with influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, other respiratory infections, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our review revealed that the phylum Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, genus Actinomyces, Streptococcus and Granulicatella, and species Neisseria are more prominent in severe influenza than mild to moderate influenza. Reduced microbiome alpha diversity is noted in influenza patients compared to healthy controls. There are some similarities and differences between the signature bacteria in pediatric and adult influenza patients, e.g., Streptococcus is common in both age groups, whereas Pseudomonas is associated with adults. Intriguingly, there is a common predominance of Streptococcus and Firmicutes among influenza and pneumonia patients. COVID-19 patients exhibit an increased abundance of Firmicutes as well as Pseudomonas. In CRS patients, Proteobacteria and Haemophilus are found in high abundance. This review highlights some similarities and differences in the respiratory microbiomes and their signature organisms in influenza of varying severity and in different age groups compared with other respiratory infections. The dysbiosis of the respiratory microbiomes in these respiratory infections enhances our understanding of their underlying pathogenic mechanisms.

RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-05

Andrade A, Bastos ACRF, D'Oliveira A, et al (2025)

Association between physical activity practice and sleep quality of older people in social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and Health Guidelines and future studies for the post-COVID period: a systematic review.

Aging, 17(1):51-66.

PURPOSE: Physical activity (PA) is considered an alternative to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sleep of older adults. The objective was to verify the association between physical activity and the sleep quality of older people in social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, to analyze the Health Guidelines, and suggest future studies for the post-COVID period.

METHODS: This systematic review followed PRISMA recommendations, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 42023406471). The search for articles occurred in April 2024 in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and gray literature. Data were extracted and checked in a Microsoft Excel[®] spreadsheet. The quality assessment was performed using tools from the National Institutes of Health.

RESULTS: In total, 1582 studies were found in the databases, of which nine were included in the analyses. Four studies reported a negative association of reduced levels of PA during the pandemic with sleep quality, while one study showed a positive association of PA with sleep quality. Four studies demonstrated no association.

CONCLUSIONS: PA was associated with the sleep quality of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced levels of PA during this period demonstrated a negative association with sleep quality. Practice of PA is recommended for this post-COVID scenario, as a measure to reduce social isolation and its negative effects and improve the quality of sleep in older adults.

RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-05

Shah J, Fidel MG, Almuhanna AM, et al (2025)

A narrative review on the performance and outcomes of penile and scrotal surgery in the ambulatory setting.

Current opinion in urology, 35(2):142-147.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical wait times have surged, creating a backlog in elective urological procedures. This review aims to address the need to explore ambulatory care for penile and scrotal surgeries, which can offer benefits by shifting these procedures away from traditional inpatient settings.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies confirm the safety and efficacy of performing penile and scrotal procedures in an ambulatory setting using local anesthesia (LA) or loco-sedative techniques. Of 616 reviewed cases, over 90% of patients expressed high satisfaction with LA and reported minimal postoperative complications. Pain management advancements, particularly the use of liposomal bupivacaine, reduced the need for opioids postoperatively. Importantly, no intraoperative complications or hospital admissions were reported, and adverse events were managed conservatively. The data highlighted in this review supports a move towards outpatient surgeries as a safe alternative to inpatient care for select cases.

SUMMARY: This review highlights the strong potential for ambulatory urological surgeries to alleviate surgical backlogs significantly, while reducing strain on hospital resources, and maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction. As evidence continues to grow on the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of LA in office-based procedures, expanding ambulatory urological will be quintessential in modernizing patient care and reducing healthcare burdens.

RevDate: 2025-02-05
CmpDate: 2025-02-05

Gutzeit J, Weiß M, Nürnberger C, et al (2025)

Definitions and symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome: an updated systematic umbrella review.

European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 275(1):129-140.

Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) describes a persistent complex of symptoms following a COVID-19 episode, lasting at least 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the specific criteria used for its definition. It is often associated with moderate to severe impairments of daily life and represents a major burden for many people worldwide. However, especially during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, therapeutic and diagnostic uncertainties were prominent due to the novelty of the disease and non-specific definitions that overlooked functional deficits and lacked objective assessment. The present work comprehensively examines the status of PCS definitions as depicted in recent reviews and meta-analyses, alongside exploring associated symptoms and functional impairments. We searched the database Pubmed for reviews and meta-analysis evaluating PCS in the period between May 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023. Out of 95 studies, 33 were selected for inclusion in our analyses. Furthermore, we extended upon prior research by systematically recording the symptoms linked with PCS as identified in the studies. We found that fatigue, neurological complaints, and exercise intolerance were the most frequently reported symptoms. In conclusion, over the past eighteen months, there has been a notable increase in quantity and quality of research studies on PCS. However, there still remains a clear need for improvement, particularly with regard to the definition of the symptoms necessary for diagnosing this syndrome. Enhancing this aspect will render future research more comparable and precise, thereby advancing and understanding PCS.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Alicia LB, María Ángeles OG, Desirée MG, et al (2025)

Utility of Protein Markers in COVID-19 Patients.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(2):.

COVID-19 has been a challenge at the healthcare level not only in the early stages of the pandemic, but also in the subsequent appearance of long-term COVID-19. Several investigations have attempted to identify proteomic biomarkers in an attempt to improve clinical care, guide treatment and predict possible patient outcomes. Proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or interleukin 6 (IL-6) are clear markers of severe disease, but many others have been proposed that could help in risk stratification and in the prediction of specific complications. This review aims to bring together the most relevant studies in this regard, providing information to identify the most notable biomarkers in relation to COVID-19 found to date.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Tu G, Zheng H, Yang J, et al (2025)

High-Performance Polyolefin Material: Synthesis, Properties, and Application of Poly(4-Methyl-1-pentene).

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(2):.

As a kind of high-performance thermoplastic crystalline resin, poly(4-methyl-1-pentene) (PMP) is characterized by its low density, low dielectric constant, exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, high transparency, and gas permeability. PMP has recently received more attention since COVID-19, because it is used as a hollow-fiber membrane for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) based on its high permeability and excellent biocompatibility. This review summarizes the chemical structure, synthesis, properties, and application of PMP. The advancements in catalyst systems for the catalytic synthesis of PMP, including Ziegler-Natta, metallocene, post-metallocene, and late-transition metal catalysts are emphasized. Furthermore, the molecular chain structure, helical conformation, and crystallization morphology of PMP, as well as its properties and applications, are also introduced in detail. Additionally, PMP composites and functional PMP materials are also described as promising and high-performance materials.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Ukaegbu E, Tilektes M, A Sarria-Santamera (2025)

Impact of COVID-19 on Utilization of Healthcare Services Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV): A Systematic Review.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(1):.

Background and Objectives: People living with HIV/AIDS have been impacted notably by the COVID-19 pandemic in diverse dimensions. Although some impacts of COVID-19 on PLHIV have been well documented, there is still insufficient research that captures the overall understanding of the implications of COVID-19 for the healthcare utilization among PLHIV. This review aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on PLHIV, narrowing it down to women living with HIV/AIDS. Materials and Methods: An electronic database search of primary studies that obtained information from health facility data regarding PLHIV since 2020 was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. A combination of search terms, e.g., "COVID-19 pandemic", "SARS-CoV-2", "Health services utilization", "People living with Human immunodeficiency virus", was included. Results: There was an overall decline in the utilization of health services such as medical consultations, ART uptake, and viral load monitoring by PLHIV at primary health centers at the forefront of care delivery. However, the countries in the sub-Saharan African region showed a progressive service increase over the pandemic. There was a scarcity of research on the impact of COVID-19 on women populations living with HIV/AIDS. Other methods of healthcare delivery such as telemedicine and postage services were instrumental to the delivery of HIV care services. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the overall uptake of healthcare services among PLHIV and women living with HIV/AIDS. There is a need to boost research and strengthen health emergency preparedness for PLHIV, particularly women living with HIV/AIDS, during pandemics and further harness and maximize the use of contemporary healthcare delivery methods other than the traditional ones.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Justiz-Vaillant A, Roopnarine K, Solomon S, et al (2025)

COVID-19 Vaccines Effectiveness and Safety in Trinidad and Tobago: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Microorganisms, 13(1):.

This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and side effects of various COVID-19 vaccines, with a focus on Trinidad and Tobago. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines demonstrated the highest efficacy, particularly against COVID-19 variants, while Janssen and Sinopharm were comparatively less effective. mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca, were associated with more frequent and severe side effects, including soreness, fever, and cardiovascular issues. The review also identified significant gaps in the current scientific literature regarding COVID-19 vaccination issues in Trinidad and Tobago. These gaps highlight the need for comprehensive research to address vaccination challenges, including public health communication, equitable access, and local perceptions of vaccine safety. This analysis provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to improve vaccine effectiveness in the region.

RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-04

Babu TM, Jackson LA, HM El Sahly (2025)

Next-Generation SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Formulations and Alternative Routes of Administration.

The Journal of infectious diseases, 231(1):44-48.

The development of SARS-CoV-2 next-generation vaccines with the potential for increased effectiveness, durability, breadth, and ability to decrease transmission are of public health importance. We highlight alternative routes of administration of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines such as mucosal and intradermal administration.

RevDate: 2025-02-04
CmpDate: 2025-02-04

Lin LY, Gantner P, Li S, et al (2025)

Unpredicted Protective Function of Fc-Mediated Inhibitory Antibodies for HIV and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines.

The Journal of infectious diseases, 231(1):e1-e9.

Developing effective vaccines is necessary in combating new virus pandemics. For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the induction of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) is important for vaccine protection; however, the exact mechanisms underlying protection require further study. Recent data emphasize that even Abs that do not exhibit neutralizing activity may contribute to immune defense by Ab Fc-mediated inhibition. Abs exhibiting this function may counter virus mutations, which are acquired to escape from NAbs, and therefore broaden the protective Ab response induced by vaccination. The steps leading to inhibition are complex. How can these functions be measured in vitro? What inhibitory assay is physiologically relevant at mimicking effective in vivo protection? This review provides a comprehensive update on the current knowledge gaps on the Ab Fc-mediated functions involved in HIV and SARS-CoV-2 protection. Understanding the inhibitory effects of these Abs is vital for designing the next generation of protective HIV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Onisiforou A, Charalambous EG, P Zanos (2025)

Shattering the Amyloid Illusion: The Microbial Enigma of Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis-From Gut Microbiota and Viruses to Brain Biofilms.

Microorganisms, 13(1):.

For decades, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research has focused on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which identifies amyloid-beta (Aβ) as the primary driver of the disease. However, the consistent failure of Aβ-targeted therapies to demonstrate efficacy, coupled with significant safety concerns, underscores the need to rethink our approach to AD treatment. Emerging evidence points to microbial infections as environmental factors in AD pathoetiology. Although a definitive causal link remains unestablished, the collective evidence is compelling. This review explores unconventional perspectives and emerging paradigms regarding microbial involvement in AD pathogenesis, emphasizing the gut-brain axis, brain biofilms, the oral microbiome, and viral infections. Transgenic mouse models show that gut microbiota dysregulation precedes brain Aβ accumulation, emphasizing gut-brain signaling pathways. Viral infections like Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to AD by modulating host processes like the immune system. Aβ peptide's antimicrobial function as a response to microbial infection might inadvertently promote AD. We discuss potential microbiome-based therapies as promising strategies for managing and potentially preventing AD progression. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut microbial balance, reduces Aβ accumulation, and improves cognition in preclinical models. Probiotics and prebiotics reduce neuroinflammation and Aβ plaques, while antiviral therapies targeting HSV-1 and vaccines like the shingles vaccine show potential to mitigate AD pathology. Developing effective treatments requires standardized methods to identify and measure microbial infections in AD patients, enabling personalized therapies that address individual microbial contributions to AD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to clarify the interactions between microbes and Aβ, explore bacterial and viral interplay, and understand their broader effects on host processes to translate these insights into clinical interventions.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Garcia-Rodriguez J, Janvier F, C Kill (2025)

Key Insights into Respiratory Virus Testing: Sensitivity and Clinical Implications.

Microorganisms, 13(1):.

Acute respiratory infections are a significant challenge in primary care and hospital settings. Viruses are the most common etiology and the overlapping symptomatology among major respiratory viruses, such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus, requires the use of diagnostic tests that deliver early and accurate results. With the increasing availability of rapid antigen tests (RATS), it is tempting to prefer them over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. However, compelling arguments support the existing recommendations in some European countries to maintain PCR testing for patient management throughout the year. RATs show sensitivities below 30% with lower viral loads, which are common and can have significant clinical implications. RATs perform well at lower cycle threshold (Ct) values, with sensitivity reaching 97.9% for Ct values below 20, which drops significantly for values above 25. Factors affecting viral load include disease stage, vaccination status, and viral variants, all of which can compromise the accuracy of antigen tests. Multi-target PCR tests effectively overcome these issues, ensuring reliable diagnosis. Additionally, the early detection of paucisymptomatic cases is essential in primary care and hospital settings to facilitate isolation and prevent secondary infections. Economic analyses support the use of comprehensive PCR tests, such as triplex-type tests, detecting SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and RSV, as a first-line approach, as they can reduce case numbers and healthcare resource utilization. Maintaining PCR testing year-round is therefore crucial for the effective management of respiratory infections.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Rizatdinova SN, Ershova AE, IV Astrakhantseva (2025)

Pseudotyped Viruses: A Useful Platform for Pre-Clinical Studies Conducted in a BSL-2 Laboratory Setting.

Biomolecules, 15(1):.

The study of pathogenic viruses has always posed significant biosafety challenges. In particular, the study of highly pathogenic viruses requires methods with low biological risk but relatively high sensitivity and convenience in detection. In recent years, pseudoviruses, which consist of a backbone of one virus and envelope proteins of another virus, have become one of the most widely used tools for exploring the mechanisms of viruses binding to cells, membrane fusion and viral entry, as well as for screening the libraries of antiviral substances, evaluating the potential of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, developing neutralization tests, and therapeutic platforms. During the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pseudotyped virus-based assays played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of virus-cell interactions and the role of its proteins in disease pathogenesis. Such tools facilitated the search for potential therapeutic agents and accelerated epidemiological studies on post-infection and post-vaccination humoral immunity. This review focuses on the use of pseudoviruses as a model for large-scale applications to study enveloped viruses.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Barros de Lima G, Nencioni E, Thimoteo F, et al (2025)

TMPRSS2 as a Key Player in Viral Pathogenesis: Influenza and Coronaviruses.

Biomolecules, 15(1):.

TMPRSS2, a human transmembrane protease enzyme, plays a crucial role in the spread of certain viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses. This enzyme promotes viral infection by cleaving viral glycoproteins, which helps viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A enter cells more effectively. Genetic differences in TMPRSS2 may affect people's susceptibility to COVID-19, underscoring the need for studies that consider diverse populations. Beyond infectious diseases, TMPRSS2 has also been linked to some cancers, suggesting it could be a valuable target for drug development. This review provides a summary of TMPRSS2 inhibitors currently under study, with some already in clinical trials to test their effectiveness against viral infections. As we uncover more about TMPRSS2's role in pathogenesis, it could open new doors for therapies to combat future outbreaks.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Al Hussain SK, Deslandes R, Edwards D, et al (2025)

Oral Antibacterial Drug Prescribing in Primary Care Out-of-Hours Services: A Scoping Review.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 14(1):.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical threat to global health. Primary care plays a significant role in this crisis, with oral antibacterial drugs among the most prescribed medications. Antibacterial prescribing rates are often high and complicated in out-of-hours (OOH) services, including weekdays outside regular hours, weekends, and holidays, potentially exacerbating AMR. This review aims to identify the existing literature on oral antibacterial drug prescribing within primary care OOH services.

METHODS: This review followed established frameworks, adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and the protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. Seven databases were searched from 2017 to May 2022. Data were summarised, tabulated, and presented narratively to explore themes and patterns that aligned with the review objectives.

RESULTS: The search identified 28 studies from nine high-income countries, mainly the UK (n = 6) and Belgium (n = 5). Most were quantitative studies (n = 23). Key areas identified included common oral antibacterial prescriptions, prescribing trends, presentations and conditions managed in OOH services, factors and predictors associated with prescribing, prescribing appropriateness, the impact of interventions on prescribing, prescribing in the context of COVID-19, patient satisfaction and expectations, and the challenges encountered, such as factors influencing prescribing behaviour and decision making, safety netting, and communication.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights key areas around oral antibacterial prescribing in primary care OOH services. Despite the numerous articles identified covering various areas within OOH services, the variability in OOH services approaches across countries and studies complicates the comparison of practice. Further research is needed to better understand practices in these settings.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Sakalauskienė GV, Malcienė L, Stankevičius E, et al (2025)

Unseen Enemy: Mechanisms of Multidrug Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative ESKAPE Pathogens.

Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 14(1):.

Multidrug antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a formidable challenge in the therapy of infectious diseases, triggered by the particularly concerning gram-negative Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) pathogens. Designated as a "priority" in 2017, these bacteria continue to pose a significant threat in 2024, particularly during the worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, where coinfections with ESKAPE members contributed to worsened patient outcomes. The declining effectiveness of current treatments against these pathogens has led to an increased disease burden and an increase in mortality rates globally. This review explores the sophisticated mechanisms driving AMR in gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria, focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. Key bacterial mechanisms contributing to resistance include limitations in drug uptake, production of antibiotic-degrading enzymes, alterations in drug target sites, and enhanced drug efflux systems. Comprehending these pathways is vital for formulating innovative therapeutic strategies and tackling the ongoing threat posed by these resistant pathogens.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Baek SH, JE Park (2025)

Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus: An Overview of Virus Structure and Virus-Host Interactions.

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 15(2):.

SADS-CoV, a recently identified Rhinolophus bat coronavirus HKU2-associated swine coronavirus, is a malignant pathogen that causes acute diarrhea, severe diarrhea, and weight loss in infected piglets. The virus was first detected in Guangdong Province, China, in 2017 and has since been observed in Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangxi Provinces. In 2023, the virus was detected in Henan Province, in inland China. This virus can infect various cell lines, including human cell lines, showing significant potential for cross-species transmission and posing a possible zoonotic threat. However, the molecular biology of SADS-CoV remains largely unknown, and there are no commercially available therapeutics or vaccines to prevent SADS-CoV infection. In this review, an update on progress in SADS-CoV research is provided, with a focus on the history of outbreaks, the characteristics of the virus, its interactions with the host, and developments in therapeutics and vaccines.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Demir A, Aydin A, A Büyükgebiz (2025)

Thematic Review of Endocrine Disruptors and Their Role in Shaping Pubertal Timing.

Children (Basel, Switzerland), 12(1):.

This review examines the inconsistent effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pollutants on pubertal timing, emphasizing the methodological challenges contributing to variability in findings. Data from nine key studies reveal that chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS impact pubertal onset differently based on exposure timing, dosage, and sex. For instance, BPA is linked to earlier puberty in girls but delayed onset in boys, while other EDCs show mixed effects across populations. These discrepancies often arise from challenges in study design, such as the difficulty in establishing reliable control groups, accurately measuring exposures, and accounting for confounding factors like socioeconomic status, diet, and obesity. Sex-specific differences and environmental shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased indoor exposure and stress, further complicate the picture. These factors highlight the urgent need for more robust research methodologies, including standardized exposure assessments and longitudinal studies, to clarify the mechanisms driving these effects. Despite these challenges, the findings stress the importance of public health interventions, such as stricter EDC regulations, improved pollutant monitoring, and minimizing exposures during sensitive developmental windows. Addressing methodological gaps is crucial for producing reliable, actionable insights to protect adolescent development from the adverse effects of EDCs.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Zhou H, Kalembo F, Nair A, et al (2024)

Unravelling Factors Shaping International Students' Learning and Mental Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(1):.

The international tertiary education sector was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of negative learning and psychosocial experiences. Most international students who remained in the host countries demonstrated admirable resilience and adaptability during those challenging times. An integrative review of factors shaping international students' learning and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Five electronic databases-CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Web of Science-were searched from 2020 to 2023 using the key search terms 'international students', 'tertiary education', 'mental health and wellbeing', and 'COVID'. A total of 38 studies were included in this review. They revealed six factors across learning and psychosocial experiences. Predisposing factors for maladjustments included the students being younger and possessing poor English proficiency. Precipitating factors were related to online teaching/learning, and lack of accessibility and or insufficient learning and living resources. Perpetuating factors pertained to living arrangements. The protective factor identified was institutional support. This review highlighted that multifaceted factors were associated with international students' experiences and mental health and wellbeing. In-depth understanding of risk and protective factors can help policymakers to prepare for unprecedented challenges and reduce disruptions to international students' education and mental health when studying abroad.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Kolahdooz F, Jang SL, Deck S, et al (2024)

A Scoping Review of the Current Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health and Infectious Diseases (Specifically COVID-19, Tuberculosis, and H1N1 Influenza) in Canadian Arctic Indigenous Communities.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(1):.

Social determinants of health (SDHs) and the impact of colonization can make Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities susceptible to infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and studied what is known about selected pandemics (COVID-19, tuberculosis, and H1N1 influenza) and SDHs (healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, mental health, cultural continuity, housing, community infrastructure, and socioeconomic status (SES)) for Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities. Original studies published in English and French up to October 2024 were located in databases (PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL), AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, and through reference tracking. We included 118 studies: 6 relating to COVID-19, 5 to influenza, 5 to TB, 27 to food insecurity, 26 to healthcare access, 22 to mental health, 9 to SES, 8 to housing, 7 to cultural continuity, and 3 to community infrastructure. SDHs affecting Indigenous individuals include food insecurity, limited healthcare access, mental health challenges, low SES, suboptimal housing, and limited cultural continuity. These findings are relevant to other Arctic regions. It is crucial to understand how SDHs impact the health of Arctic communities and to utilize this information to inform policy and practice decisions for pandemic prevention, management, and treatment. Many SDHs pose challenges for preventing and managing infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Karimi SM, Khan SM, Moghadami M, et al (2025)

Multidimensional Demographic Analyses of COVID-19 Vaccine Inequality in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(2):.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination uptake is associated with demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and ethnicity-race in the United States (U.S.). Prior research predominantly analyzed COVID-19 vaccination uptake unidimensionally, limiting insights into multidimensional demographic inequalities. Multidimensional studies provide a closer insight into vaccination inequality and assist in designing more effective vaccination strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Review descriptive studies of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake across combinations of at least two of the three key demographic characteristics: age, sex, and ethnicity-race in the U.S.

METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and adhering to the PRISMA-ScR principles for reporting. Six impartial reviewers examined all of the papers. The data were obtained using a tailored data extraction template.

RESULTS: A total of 2793 records were initially downloaded, 461 of them were dropped for duplication, and 2332 were reviewed. Based on the title and abstract reviews, 2115 records were excluded. After reviewing the full text of the remaining records, 212 more records were excluded. The remaining six records were reviewed to identify and compare their population, study period, data, the studied dose number, methodology, and results.

CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional COVID-19 vaccine uptake analyses are rare and mostly focused on the dose-one vaccination. Improving researchers' access to immunization registry data while preserving data security is a prerequisite for such analyses.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Ferrara E, Scaramuzzino M, Murmura G, et al (2025)

Emerging Evidence on Balneotherapy and Thermal Interventions in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(2):.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects 10-60% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, emerging evidence suggests the potential benefits of balneotherapy in managing persistent symptoms. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy and thermal treatment interventions in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching major databases through 31 January 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot studies investigating thermal spa treatments for adult post-COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS: Analysis of six eligible studies (n = 617) demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. The largest cohort (n = 159) showed 47% reduction in fatigue and 48% reduction in muscle pain (p < 0.01). Comprehensive spa therapy achieved complete symptom resolution in one-third of the participants. Combined spa-ubiquinol therapy improved metabolic function (p < 0.05). All interventions demonstrated favorable safety profiles.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests balneotherapy effectively ameliorates multiple post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly fatigue, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance. While safety profiles appear favorable, larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are needed to establish definitive therapeutic recommendations.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Eldien HMS, Almaeen AH, El Fath AA, et al (2025)

Unlocking the Potential of RNA Sequencing in COVID-19: Toward Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2):.

COVID-19 has caused widespread morbidity and mortality, with its effects extending to multiple organ systems. Despite known risk factors for severe disease, including advanced age and underlying comorbidities, patient outcomes can vary significantly. This variability complicates efforts to predict disease progression and tailor treatment strategies. While diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still under debate, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) has emerged as a promising tool to provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and guide personalized treatment. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords to identify studies that explored the role of RNAseq in COVID-19 diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. RNAseq has proven instrumental in identifying molecular biomarkers associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. It allows for the differentiation between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals and sheds light on the immune response mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. In critically ill patients, RNAseq has been crucial for identifying key genes that may predict patient outcomes, guiding therapeutic decisions, and assessing the long-term effects of the virus. Additionally, RNAseq has helped in understanding the persistence of viral RNA after recovery, offering new insights into the management of post-acute sequelae, including long COVID. RNA sequencing significantly improves COVID-19 management, particularly for critically ill patients, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and predicting therapeutic responses. It refines patient stratification, improving outcomes, and holds promise for targeted interventions in both acute and long COVID.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Lakshmanan K, BM Liu (2025)

Impact of Point-of-Care Testing on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Viral Infections.

Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2):.

With the advent of a variety of vaccines against viral infections, there are multiple viruses that can be prevented via vaccination. However, breakthrough infections or uncovered strains can still cause vaccine-preventable viral infections (VPVIs). Therefore, timely diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of these viruses is critical to patient care and public health. Point-of-care (POC) viral diagnostics tools have brought significant improvements in the detection and management of VPVIs. These cutting-edge technologies enable prompt and accurate results, enhancing patient care by facilitating timely treatment decisions. This review delves into the advancements in POC testing, including antigen/antibody detection and molecular assays, while focusing on their impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of VPVIs such as mpox, viral hepatitis, influenza, flaviviruses (dengue, Zika, and yellow fever virus), and COVID-19. The role of POC tests in monitoring viral infection is crucial for tracking disease progression and managing outbreaks. Furthermore, the application of POC diagnostics has shown to be vital for public health strategies. In this review, we also highlight emerging POC technologies such as CRISPR-based diagnostics and smartphone-integrated POC devices, which have proven particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings. We underscore the importance of continued research to optimize these diagnostic tools for wider global use for mpox, viral hepatitis, influenza, dengue, and COVID-19, while also addressing current challenges related to their sensitivity, specificity, availability, efficiency, and more.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Bouchlaghem MA, Estey-Amyot Z, Ethier E, et al (2025)

Ethical issues raised in the care of the elderly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and possible solutions for the future: a systematic review of qualitative scientific literature.

BMC medical ethics, 26(1):10.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led governments worldwide to make ethically controversial decisions. As a result, healthcare professionals are facing several ethical dilemmas, especially in terms of healthcare services provided to senior citizens. Thus, the aim of this review is to identify and categorize ethical dilemmas as well as propose solutions regarding health care services for elderly individuals.

METHODS: A qualitative systematic review of the literature was undertaken in the first tier of the pandemic. All identified scientific and editorial articles published in English or French between December 2019 and October 2021 were included. An article was excluded if it was commercial, did not address an issue in the care of the elderly or present any qualitative data. Article eligibility was determined through a process of triangulation among three independent reviewers.

RESULTS: Initially, 69 articles met our inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. These studies can be divided into 2 distinct categories: scientific articles (17 studies) and expert opinion articles (52 articles). However, due to the large quantity of qualitative data that was extracted, only the results from the scientific literature are presented here. The analysis of the data of 17 studies has allowed the emergence of 2 main themes of ethical dilemmas: 1) access to care (3 subthemes: A) triage decisions for admission, B) access to the intensive care unit and C) vaccine allocation) and 2) infection control decisions (2 subthemes: (D) isolation and E) autonomy). Our results also revealed 4 categories of potential solutions to the encountered ethical dilemmas, namely, optimal protocols, enhanced communication, caregiver support and technological assistance (virtual team-based, AI).

CONCLUSIONS: The ethical dilemmas that emerged from our results highlight the interest of a serious international discussion around the phenomena of ageism and its potential ethical implications for health care workers (be it under normal circumstances or exceptional circumstances such as those of a pandemic). We highly recommend that future research be undertaken to test the efficacy of the proposed solutions in providing age-friendly, dilemma-free health care and environments.

RevDate: 2025-02-01

Bou Sanayeh E, Al Mahmasani L, Khamis Z, et al (2025)

COVID-19 associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report and review of the literature.

Expert review of hematology [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication whose association with COVID-19 is controversial. Understanding this connection is essential due to its significant impact on patient outcomes, and timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing this condition effectively.

AREAS COVERED: This paper presents a case of TTP triggered by COVID-19 infection in a 48-year-old female. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, from inception through August 2024, to identify all published cases of COVID-19-associated TTP. The literature search focused on adult cases of TTP secondary to COVID-19 infection, highlighting the treatments used and patient outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION: In this report, we highlight the importance of recognizing TTP as a possible complication of COVID-19. While the standard treatment for TTP - plasma exchange and corticosteroids - remains the primary approach, we note that COVID-19-related cases exhibit a high risk of early relapse, as seen in our patient. The literature review suggests that TTP triggered by COVID-19 may have unique characteristics, such as a persistent low ADAMTS13 activity and increased relapse rates. Larger studies are necessary to develop optimal treatment guidelines and understand whether the presence of COVID-19 alters the typical clinical course of TTP.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-25

Dykgraaf SH, Parkinson A, Wright M, et al (2025)

Ten pressure points in primary care during COVID-19: findings from an international narrative review.

BMC primary care, 26(1):19.

BACKGROUND: Strong primary care (PC) services are the foundation of high-performing health care systems and can support effective responses to public health emergencies. Primary care practitioners (PCPs) and PC services played crucial roles in supporting global health system responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these contributions have come at a cost, impacting on PC services and affecting patient care. This secondary analysis of data from an integrative systematic review across international PC settings aimed to identify and describe burdens and challenges experienced by PCPs and PC services in the context of their contributions to COVID-19 pandemic responses.

METHODS: We conducted an integrative systematic review and narrative analysis, searching PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Proquest Central and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, plus reference lists of key publications. Included studies were published in peer-reviewed English or Chinese language journals, and described collective responses to COVID-19 undertaken in PC settings or by PCPs. Narrative data regarding impacts on PC services and challenges experienced by PCPs were extracted and analysed using inductive coding and thematic analysis.

RESULTS: From 1745 screened papers 108, representing 90 countries, were included. Seventy-eight contained data on negative impacts, challenges or issues encountered in PC. Ten 'pressure points' affecting PC during COVID-19 were identified, clustered in four themes: demand to adopt new ways of working; pressure to respond to fluctuating community needs; strain on PC resources and systems; and ambiguity in interactions with the broader health and social care system.

CONCLUSIONS: PCPs and PC services made critical functional contributions to health system responsiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both practitioners and PC settings were individually and collectively impacted during this period as a result of changing demands in the PC environment and the operational burden of additional requirements imposed on the sector, offering lessons for future pandemics. This study articulates ten empirically derived 'pressure points' that provide an initial understanding of burdens and demands imposed on the international primary care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of these contributions should inform future pandemic planning, guided by involvement of PCPs in public health preparedness and policy design.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Abebe GF, Alie MS, Yosef T, et al (2025)

Role of digital technology in epidemic control: a scoping review on COVID-19 and Ebola.

BMJ open, 15(1):e095007.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the role of digital technologies in epidemic control and prevention, focussing on Ebola and COVID-19.

DESIGN: A scoping review.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was done on PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, Google Scholar and a direct Google search until 10 September 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all qualitative and quantitative studies, conference papers or abstracts, anonymous reports, editorial reports and viewpoints published in English.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was used to select the included study. Data analysis was performed using Gale's framework thematic analysis method, resulting in the identification of key themes.

RESULTS: A total of 64 articles that examined the role of digital technology in the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics were included in the final review. Five main themes emerged: digital epidemiological surveillance (using data visualisation tools and online sources for early disease detection), rapid case identification, community transmission prevention (via digital contact tracing and assessing interventions with mobility data), public education messages and clinical care. The identified barriers encompassed legal, ethical and privacy concerns, as well as organisational and workforce challenges.

CONCLUSION: Digital technologies have proven good for disease prevention and control during pandemics. While the adoption of these technologies has lagged in public health compared with other sectors, tools such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, wearable devices and data analytics offer significant potential to enhance epidemic responses. However, barriers to widespread implementation remain, and investments in digital infrastructure, training and strong data protection are needed to build trust among users. Future efforts should focus on integrating digital solutions into health systems, ensuring equitable access and addressing ethical concerns. As public health increasingly embraces digital innovations, collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial for effective pandemic preparedness and management.

RevDate: 2025-01-24

Fragoso-Saavedra M, Q Liu (2025)

Towards developing multistrain PEDV vaccines: Integrating basic concepts and SARS-CoV-2 pan-sarbecovirus strategies.

Virology, 604:110412 pii:S0042-6822(25)00024-8 [Epub ahead of print].

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major pathogen impacting the global pig industry, with outbreaks causing significant financial losses. The genetic variability of PEDV has posed challenges for vaccine development since its identification in the 1970s, a problem that intensified with its global emergence in the 2010s. Since current vaccines provide limited cross-protection against PEDV strains, and the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines remains an underexplored area of research, there is an urgent need for improved vaccine solutions. The rapid development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and ongoing pan-sarbecovirus vaccine research, have demonstrated the potential of next-generation vaccine platforms and novel antigen design strategies. These advancements offer valuable insights for the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines. This review summarizes key aspects of PEDV virology and explores multistrain vaccine development considering SARS-CoV-2 vaccine innovations, proposing a framework for developing next-generation PEDV vaccine solutions.

RevDate: 2025-02-02
CmpDate: 2025-02-02

Meerovich G, Kogan E, Romanishkin I, et al (2025)

Potential of photodynamic therapy using polycationic photosensitizers in the treatment of lung cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and bacterial complications: Our recent experience.

Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy, 51:104447.

The problem of treating cancer patients with lung cancer has become more difficult due to the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and concomitant bacterial lesions. The analysis shows that the photodynamic effect of long-wavelength polycationic photosensitizers suppresses the tumor process (including the destruction of cancer stem cells), SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those that can cause pneumonia. Therefore, the photodynamic approach using such photosensitizers is promising for the development of an effective treatment method for patients with lung cancer, including those with SARS-CoV-2 infection and bacterial complications.

RevDate: 2025-02-02
CmpDate: 2025-02-02

Dong H, Xu S, Li P, et al (2025)

The battle between infectious bronchitis virus and innate immunity: A mini review.

Virology, 603:110321.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the causative agent of infectious bronchitis (IB), leading to acute or persistent infections in poultry. IBV triggers innate immune response, and the production of interferon (IFN) varies depending on the viral strains and host cell types. To evade the host immune system, IBV has developed numerous immune escape strategies. These include hijacking host proteins, modulating protein synthesis, antagonizing IFN production, promoting autophagosome formation and expansion, manipulating apoptosis, blocking antigen presentation, stabilizing viral mRNA, and inhibiting stress granule (SG) formation. The ongoing interaction between IBV and the host immune system reflects a dynamic battle, as the virus employs various tactics to ensure its replication. Understanding these pathogenic mechanisms of IBV is crucial for developing effective control measures.

RevDate: 2025-01-24

Maliha ST, Fatemi R, Akter M, et al (2025)

Exploring the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Co-infection: Mutation risks, therapeutic efficacy, and future variant prevention.

Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease, 111(3):116707 pii:S0732-8893(25)00030-6 [Epub ahead of print].

High mutation rates in SARS-CoV-2, particularly among immunocompromised patients living with HIV, continue to complicate the current COVID-19 pandemic. The threshold for severe COVID-19 and a greater risk of mortality have increased in many immunocompromised individuals due to a weakened immune system. Low CD4+ T-cell counts in people living with both HIV and COVID-19 lead to prolonged disease duration and, therefore, an increased likelihood of viral infection with SARS-CoV-2 mutations in such individuals. These mutations could decrease the efficiency of ongoing vaccines and cause new outbreaks. Recently, the rise of new mutations in this patient population has created increasing concern; however, few data are currently available on the direct association of HIV infection with SARS-CoV-2 mutations. This review highlights the implications of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV co-infection, highlighting the need for extra caution and monitoring of the immune-compromised population during a pandemic. Access to HIV care and COVID-19 treatments, careful surveillance, and adapted health strategies are key to reducing risks and protecting these populations. Further research is required to elucidate the dynamics of mutations and develop intervention methods to manage COVID-19 among immunocompromised patients.

RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Lau RI, Su Q, SC Ng (2025)

Long COVID and gut microbiome: insights into pathogenesis and therapeutics.

Gut microbes, 17(1):2457495.

Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 syndrome (PACS), following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is typically characterized by long-term debilitating symptoms affecting multiple organs and systems. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of effective treatment strategies. Altered gut microbiome has been proposed as one of the plausible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PACS; extensive studies have emerged to bridge the gap between the persistent symptoms and the dysbiosis of gut microbiome. Recent clinical trials have indicated that gut microbiome modulation using probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) led to improvements in multiple symptoms related to PACS, including fatigue, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, gastrointestinal upset, and disturbances in sleep and mood. In this review, we highlight the latest evidence on the key microbial alterations observed in PACS, as well as the use of microbiome-based therapeutics in managing PACS symptoms. These novel findings altogether shed light on the treatment of PACS and other chronic conditions.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Wu Y, He L, Li R, et al (2025)

A20 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for COVID-19.

Immunity, inflammation and disease, 13(1):e70127.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major concern due to its astonishing prevalence and high fatality rate, especially among elderly people. Patients suffering from COVID-19 may exhibit immunosuppression in the initial stage of infection, while a cytokine storm can occur when the disease progresses to a severe stage. This inopportune immune rhythm not only makes patients more susceptible to the virus but also leads to numerous complications resulting from the excessive production of inflammatory factors. A20, which is widely accepted as a pivotal regulator of inflammation, has been shown to be implicated in the processes of antiviral responses and immunosuppression. Thus, A20 may participate in regulating the pathological processes of COVID-19.

METHODS: This narrative literature review summarizes recent evidence on the mechanisms of A20 in regulating the pathological processes of COVID-19. We also downloaded single-cell RNA-seq data sets from healthy individuals and patients with varying severities of COVID-19 from the NCBI GEO database to further dissect A20's regulatory mechanisms of these intricate cytokine pathways that are closely associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS: A20 might be one of the most critical anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory factors involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. It effectively suppresses the immune damage and inflammatory storm caused by viral infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the relationship between A20-regulated signaling pathways and pathological processes of COVID-19 can provide insight into potential targets for intervention. Precise regulation of A20 to induce antiviral activity and an anti-inflammatory response could mediate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and could become an effective treatment.

RevDate: 2025-01-24
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Yang L, Wang Y, Y Zuo (2025)

Associated factors related to production of autoantibodies and dermo-epidermal separation in bullous pemphigoid.

Archives of dermatological research, 317(1):303.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a debilitating autoimmune skin blistering disease, characterized by the deposition of specific autoantibodies at the dermal-epidermal junction. This leads to an inflammatory cascade involving the activation of complement proteins, mast cell degranulation, immune cell recruitment, and the release of proteases by granulocytes. While several cytokines and signaling pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BP, the precise mechanism behind autoantibody production remains unclear. A variety of factors, including natural aging, genetic polymorphisms, microbiota, medications, vaccinations, and infection, may contribute to disease onset. Recent evidence also suggests that both vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may also play a role in BP's development. This review aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying the production of autoantibodies in BP, address gaps in understanding disease progression, and explore opportunities for improving diagnosis and prognosis to enhance patient care.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Jeon J, E Kim (2025)

Exploring Future Pandemic Preparedness Through the Development of Preventive Vaccine Platforms and the Key Roles of International Organizations in a Global Health Crisis.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

Background: The emergence of more than 40 new infectious diseases since the 1980s has emerged as a serious global health concern, many of which are zoonotic. In response, many international organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have developed strategies to combat these health threats. The need for rapid vaccine development has been highlighted by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and mRNA technology has shown promise as a platform. While the acceleration of vaccine development has been successful, concerns have been raised about the technical limits, safety, supply, and distribution of vaccines. Objective: This study analyzes the status of vaccine platform development in global pandemics and explores ways to respond to future pandemic crises through an overview of the roles of international organizations and their support programs. It examines the key roles and partnerships of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine research and development expertise of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and technology transfer capabilities of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) in supporting the development, production, and supply of vaccine platform technologies for pandemic priority diseases announced by WHO and CEPI and analyzes their vaccine support programs and policies to identify effective ways to rapidly respond to future pandemics caused by emerging infectious diseases. Methods: This study focused on vaccine platform technology and the key roles of international organizations in the pandemic crisis. Literature data on vaccine platform development was collected, compared, and analyzed through national and international literature data search sites, referring to articles, journals, research reports, publications, books, guidelines, clinical trial data, and related reports. In addition, the websites of international vaccine support organizations, such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI, were used to examine vaccine support projects, initiatives, and collaborations through literature reviews and case study methods. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic brought focus on the necessity for developing innovative vaccine platforms. Despite initial concerns, the swift integration of cutting-edge development technologies, mass production capabilities, and global collaboration have made messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines a game-changing technology. As a result of the successful application of novel vaccine platforms, it is important to address the remaining challenges, including technical limits, safety concerns, and equitable global distribution. To achieve this, it is essential to review the regulatory, policy, and support initiatives that have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on the key stages of vaccine development, production, and distribution, to prepare for future pandemics. An analysis of the status of vaccine development for priority pandemic diseases implies the need for balanced vaccine platform development. Also, international organizations such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI play key roles in pandemic preparedness and the development and distribution of preventive vaccines. These organizations collaborated to improve accessibility to vaccines, strengthen the global response to infectious diseases, and address global health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic response demonstrates how the synergistic collaboration of WHO's standardized guidelines, CEPI's vaccine research and development expertise, GAVI's control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution, and IVI's technology transfer capabilities can be united to create a successful process for vaccine development and distribution. Conclusions: In preparation for future pandemics, a balanced vaccine platform development is essential. It should include a balanced investment in both novel technologies such as mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines and traditional platforms. The goal is to develop vaccine platform technologies that can be applied to emerging infectious diseases efficiently and increase manufacturing and distribution capabilities for future pandemics. Moreover, international vaccine support organizations should play key roles in setting the direction of global networking and preparing for international vaccine support programs to address the limitations of previous pandemic responses. As a result, by transforming future pandemic threats from unpredictable crises to surmountable challenges, it is expected to strengthen global health systems and reduce the social and economic burden of emerging infectious diseases in the long term.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Okay S (2025)

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Various Segments of the Population in Turkey: A Literature Review.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

Vaccine hesitancy, which refers to the reluctance to be vaccinated, poses a major risk to public health in preventing infectious diseases. This hesitancy has been evident for many years, especially regarding childhood vaccines. The main factors contributing to this hesitancy include religious or personal beliefs, concerns about safety and efficacy, and desire to receive more information from healthcare providers. This literature review examines hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in different population segments in Turkey. Hesitancy rates and reasons in the general population and specific groups such as pregnant women, parents, healthcare workers and students were presented based on published research articles. Approximately half of the Turkish population declared their hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines. A negative correlation was found between vaccine hesitancy and health literacy. The relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and religiosity was also investigated. Age is another factor affecting this vaccine hesitancy. Older age was shown to be correlated with positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, participants with positive attitudes towards other vaccines, those with chronic diseases and those with a personal history of COVID-19 were more likely to have positive perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines. Higher life satisfaction and non-smoking status were associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Increased scientific data on the efficacy and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and more information from healthcare professionals would likely reduce the hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Pennisi F, D'Amelio AC, Cuciniello R, et al (2025)

Post-Vaccination Anaphylaxis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vaccines have been recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions. However, vaccine-associated anaphylaxis, although rare, is a serious adverse reaction. The incidence of anaphylaxis related to non-COVID-19 vaccines in adults remains underreported. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the incidence of post-vaccination anaphylaxis across various vaccines in adults.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies on anaphylaxis following vaccination in adults (≥18 years), excluding COVID-19 vaccines. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO in advance (ID CRD42024566928). Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to pool data and estimate the logit proportion, with the logit-transformed proportion serving as the effect size, thereby allowing for the calculation of event rates.

RESULTS: A total of 37 studies were included in the systematic review, with 22 studies contributing to the meta-analysis, representing a combined population of 206,855,261 participants. Most studies focused on influenza vaccines (n = 15). Across all studies, 262 anaphylactic cases were reported, with 153 cases related to influenza vaccines, followed by herpes zoster virus vaccines (38 cases) and yellow fever vaccines (29 cases). Td/Tdap vaccine had the lowest rate (0.0001 per 100,000 participants). The overall random-effects model yielded a logit proportion of -10.45 (95% CI: -12.09 to -8.82, p < 0.001), corresponding to an event rate of 2.91 events per 100,000 subjects (95% CI: 0.56 to 14.73). Sensitivity analysis showed a higher incidence for influenza, hepatitis vaccines, and in vulnerable populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Anaphylaxis following vaccination in adults is rare but varies by vaccine type. Strengthened monitoring and preparedness are essential, especially in non-medical settings, to ensure a rapid response to anaphylaxis and maintain public confidence in vaccination programs.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Chentoufi AA, Ulmer JB, L BenMohamed (2024)

Antigen Delivery Platforms for Next-Generation Coronavirus Vaccines.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is in its sixth year and is being maintained by the inability of current spike-alone-based COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission leading to the continuous emergence of variants and sub-variants of concern (VOCs). This underscores the critical need for next-generation broad-spectrum pan-Coronavirus vaccines (pan-CoV vaccine) to break this cycle and end the pandemic. The development of a pan-CoV vaccine offering protection against a wide array of VOCs requires two key elements: (1) identifying protective antigens that are highly conserved between passed, current, and future VOCs; and (2) developing a safe and efficient antigen delivery system for induction of broad-based and long-lasting B- and T-cell immunity. This review will (1) present the current state of antigen delivery platforms involving a multifaceted approach, including bioinformatics, molecular and structural biology, immunology, and advanced computational methods; (2) discuss the challenges facing the development of safe and effective antigen delivery platforms; and (3) highlight the potential of nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) as the platform that is well suited to the needs of a next-generation pan-CoV vaccine, such as the ability to induce broad-based immunity and amenable to large-scale manufacturing to safely provide durable protective immunity against current and future Coronavirus threats.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Angius F, Puxeddu S, Zaimi S, et al (2024)

SARS-CoV-2 Evolution: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment, Vaccine Effectiveness and Development.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the rapid evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents ongoing challenges to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by rapidly evolving mutations, especially in (but not limited to) the spike protein, complicating predictions about its evolutionary trajectory. These mutations have significantly affected transmissibility, immune evasion, and vaccine efficacy, leading to multiple pandemic waves with over half a billion cases and seven million deaths globally. Despite several strategies, from rapid vaccine development and administration to the design and availability of antivirals, including monoclonal antibodies, already having been employed, the persistent circulation of the virus and the emergence of new variants continue to result in high case numbers and fatalities. In the past four years, immense research efforts have contributed much to our understanding of the viral pathogenesis mechanism, the COVID-19 syndrome, and the host-microbe interactions, leading to the development of effective vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments. The focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the functional impact of mutations on diagnosis, treatments, and vaccine effectiveness. We further discuss vaccine safety in pregnancy and the implications of hybrid immunity on long-term protection against infection, as well as the latest developments on a pan-coronavirus vaccine and nasal formulations, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance, research, and adaptive public health strategies in response to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution race.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Lau CS, Oh HML, TC Aw (2024)

Reflections on COVID-19: A Literature Review of SARS-CoV-2 Testing.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

Although the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ended, there are still many important lessons we can learn, as the pandemic profoundly affected every area of laboratory practice. During the pandemic, extensive changes to laboratory staffing had to be implemented, as many healthcare institutions required regular screening of all healthcare staff. Several studies examined the effectiveness of different screening regimens and concluded that repeated testing, even with lower sensitivity tests, could rival the performance of gold-standard RT-PCR testing in the detection of new cases. Many assay evaluations were performed both in the earlier and later periods of the pandemic. They included both nucleocapsid/spike antibodies and automated antigen assays. Early in the pandemic, it was generally agreed that the initial nucleocapsid antibody assays had poor sensitivity when used before 14 days of disease onset, with total or IgG antibodies being preferred over the use of IgM. Spike antibody assays gradually replaced nucleocapsid antibody assays, as most people were vaccinated. Spike antibodies tracked the rise in antibodies after vaccination with mRNA vaccines and became invaluable in the assessment of vaccine response. Studies demonstrated robust antibody secretion with each vaccine dose and could last for several months post-vaccination. When antigen testing was introduced, they became effective tools to identify affected patients when used serially or in an orthogonal fashion with RT-PCR testing. Despite the numerous findings during the pandemic period, research in COVID-19 has slowed. To this day it is difficult to identify a true neutralizing antibody test for the virus. An appropriate antibody level that would confer protective immunity against the plethora of new variants remains elusive. We hope that a summary of events during the pandemic could provide important insights to consider in planning for the next viral pandemic.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Song S, Gan J, Long Q, et al (2024)

Decoding NAD+ Metabolism in COVID-19: Implications for Immune Modulation and Therapy.

Vaccines, 13(1):.

The persistent threat of COVID-19, particularly with the emergence of new variants, underscores the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antiviral treatments. Current immunotherapies, including IL-6/IL-6R monoclonal antibodies and JAK inhibitors, exhibit suboptimal efficacy, necessitating alternative approaches. Our review delves into the significance of NAD+ metabolism in COVID-19 pathology, marked by decreased NAD+ levels and upregulated NAD+-consuming enzymes such as CD38 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Recognizing NAD+'s pivotal role in energy metabolism and immune modulation, we propose modulating NAD+ homeostasis could bolster the host's defensive capabilities against the virus. The article reviews the scientific rationale behind targeting NAD+ pathways for therapeutic benefit, utilizing strategies such as NAD+ precursor supplementation and enzyme inhibition to modulate immune function. While preliminary data are encouraging, the challenge lies in optimizing these interventions for clinical use. Future research should aim to unravel the intricate roles of key metabolites and enzymes in NAD+ metabolism and to elucidate their specific mechanisms of action. This will be essential for developing targeted NAD+ therapies, potentially transforming the management of COVID-19 and setting a precedent for addressing other infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

MacLean R, Durepos P, Keeping-Burke L, et al (2025)

Education and Training on Infection Prevention and Control Provided by Long-Term Care Homes to Visitors: A Scoping Review.

Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy), 15(1):.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify, examine, and map the literature on infection prevention and control (IPAC) education and training for visitors to long-term care (LTC) homes. Introduction: Visitor restrictions during infectious outbreaks in LTC homes aim to reduce virus transmission to vulnerable residents. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the negative impacts of such restrictions, prompting the need for IPAC education for visitors. Inclusion Criteria: This review includes research, narrative papers, and grey literature on IPAC education and training for LTC visitors. It focuses on intentional education aimed at preventing infection transmission. Studies not involving visitors or offered in other settings were excluded. Methods: Following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, bibliographic databases (CINAHL, Embase, AgeLine, Medline, and ERIC) were searched from 1990 to present in English or French. Data were extracted by two reviewers, focusing on the educational content, delivery mode, frequency, timing, and qualifications of educators. A narrative summary and descriptive statistics were produced. Results: The 26 included documents contained guidelines, policies, educational resources, and opinion papers. Pre-2020, healthcare workers were responsible for educating visitors. Post-2020, more detailed recommendations emerged on the frequency, content, and delivery methods. Key topics included hand hygiene (92.3%), respiratory hygiene (80.8%), and PPE use (73.1%). Conclusions: IPAC education and training for LTC visitors is essential for safe visitation. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these educational interventions.

RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31

Madigan S, Vaillancourt T, Dimitropoulos G, et al (2025)

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Child and Adolescent Healthcare Utilization for Eating Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 64(2):158-171.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis documenting healthcare service utilization rates for pediatric (age <19 years) eating disorders during compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for studies published up to May 19, 2023. Studies with pediatric visits to primary care, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department for eating disorders before and during the pandemic were included. This preregistered review (PROSPERO CRD42023413392) was reported using PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed with random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 52 studies reporting >148,000 child and adolescent eating disorder-related visits to >300 health settings across 15 countries were included (mean age, 12.7 years; SD = 4.1 years; 87% girls). There was strong evidence of an increase in healthcare use for eating disorders during the pandemic (rate ratio [RR] = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.38-1.71). Moderator analysis revealed larger rate increases among girls (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.28-1.71) compared to boys (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.06-1.45) and for adolescents (age ≥12 to 19 years) (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.29-1.81) compared to children (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.53-1.43). Moderator analysis demonstrated strong evidence of increased use of emergency department (RR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.48-1.97), inpatient (RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.33-1.84), and outpatient (RR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.35-1.95) services, as well as strong evidence of increased rates of anorexia nervosa (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.24-1.75).

CONCLUSION: Healthcare use for pediatric eating disorders increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among girls and adolescents. It is important to continue to monitor whether changes in healthcare use associated with acute pediatric mental distress are sustained beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In this study, the authors analyzed data from 52 studies from 15 countries and found a significant increase in healthcare utilization for eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings suggest a larger rate increase among adolescents as compared to children, in girls versus boys, and for anorexia nervosa in particular. Results also indicate increased use of emergency department, inpatient and outpatient services for eating disorders during the pandemic.

Risk factors for eating disorders for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/; CRD42023413392.

One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as living with a disability. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science.

RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31

Petito E, P Gresele (2025)

Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Two Years Later: Should It Still Be on the Scientific Agenda?.

Thrombosis and haemostasis, 125(2):97-107.

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) was recognized around 2 years ago, at the beginning of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) vaccination campaign, as a rare but life-threatening complication of adenoviral vector vaccines. Two years later, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been tamed, although not defeated, and the vaccines provoking VITT have been abandoned in most high-income countries, thus why should we still speak about VITT? Because a significant fraction of the world population has not been vaccinated yet, especially in low/middle-income countries that can only afford adenoviral vector-based vaccines, because the adenoviral vector platform is being used for the development of a large series of new vaccines for other transmissible diseases, and lastly because there are some clues suggesting that VITT may not be exclusive to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Therefore, a deep understanding of this new syndrome is highly warranted as well as the awareness that we still miss some crucial insight into its pathophysiology and on some aspects of its management. This snapshot review aims to portray our knowledge on VITT, focusing on its clinical presentation, pathophysiological insight, diagnostic and management strategies, and to pinpoint the main unmet needs, highlighting the aspects on which research should focus in the near future.

RevDate: 2025-01-30

Imataka G, H Shiraishi (2024)

Youth Suicide in Japan: Exploring the Role of Subcultures, Internet Addiction, and Societal Pressures.

Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 13(1):.

BACKGROUND: Youth suicide remains a significant public health concern in Japan, driven by multifaceted factors such as academic pressures, social isolation, bullying, and family dysfunction. Recent societal changes, including the rise of internet addiction and subcultural influences from anime, manga, and gaming, have further shaped the psychological landscape of Japanese youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, intensifying feelings of loneliness and anxiety about the future.

METHODS: This study explores the impact of these factors on youth suicide risk through a systematic review of existing literature and statistical data, focusing on trends from 2000 to 2024.

RESULTS: In 2023, 513 school-aged youth in Japan died by suicide, marking persistently high rates. High school students accounted for the majority of cases, followed by middle and elementary school students. Key risk factors include intense academic expectations, cyberbullying, and internet addiction, which are often compounded by cultural stigmas surrounding mental health. Subcultures offer both solace and potential alienation, influencing youth emotions in complex ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened mental health issues and heightened suicide risks among this vulnerable group.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support systems tailored to Japanese cultural contexts. Recommendations include enhancing access to school-based counseling, promoting family-based interventions, and implementing policies to regulate harmful online content. Additionally, efforts must address cultural attitudes that stigmatize mental health care. Collaborative societal and policy-level interventions are crucial for mitigating youth suicide and fostering a supportive environment for young people in Japan.

RevDate: 2025-01-29

Demircioğlu D, E Öztürk Durmaz (2025)

Acrocyanosis: The Least Known Acrosyndrome Revisited With a Dermatologic Perspective.

Dermatology research and practice, 2025:2904301.

Background: Acrocyanosis is a functional peripheral vascular disorder, currently categorized under the canopy of acrosyndromes, i.e., a group of clinically similar and significantly overlapping vascular disorders involving the acral skin. The disorder might be primary or secondary, depending on the cause. Recently, there has been a remarkable surge in acrocyanosis prevalence along with the COVID-19 pandemic. Both COVID-19 infection and vaccines for COVID-19 have been affixed to the list of disorders instigating acrocyanosis. Objectives: The goal of this narrative review was to evaluate the existing literature, project acrocyanosis from the viewpoint of dermatologists in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and assess the need for targeted research, education, and/or clinical practice. Methods: An English literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google. All abstracts on acrocyanosis, irrespective of the article type and publication date, were retrieved and reviewed and those most relevant for the focus of this article were selected and summarized. Discussion/Results: A narrative review was carried out. There is paucity of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on acrocyanosis in the English literature, implicating the need for targeted research. Pertinent information still relies on anecdotal observations, case reports, case series, or scarce reviews, which are dated rather old and published in vascular-oriented journals. The scarcity of published literature on acrocyanosis in dermatology-oriented journals points to the necessity of professional education and improvement of clinical diagnostic skills for dermatologists. Conclusions: Although acrocyanosis is the least known and the least studied acrosyndrome, it is increasingly more commonly confronted in the COVID-19 era. The diagnosis still largely relies on clinical findings. Accordingly, it has become a growing necessity for a dermatologist to remain updated on this peculiar disorder and be able to differentiate acrocyanosis from clinically similar cold-induced or cold-exacerbated acrosyndromes. Acrocyanosis is still misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, underreported, and undertreated by the dermatology community.

RevDate: 2025-01-29

Stefanou MI, Panagiotopoulos E, Palaiodimou L, et al (2024)

Current update on the neurological manifestations of long COVID: more questions than answers.

EXCLI journal, 23:1463-1486.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global surge in patients presenting with prolonged or late-onset debilitating sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, colloquially termed long COVID. This narrative review provides an updated synthesis of the latest evidence on the neurological manifestations of long COVID, discussing its clinical phenotypes, underlying pathophysiology, while also presenting the current state of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Approximately one-third of COVID-19 survivors experience prolonged neurological sequelae that persist for at least 12-months post-infection, adversely affecting patients' quality of life. Core neurological manifestations comprise fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, headache, lightheadedness ('brain fog'), sleep disturbances, taste or smell disorders, dysautonomia, anxiety, and depression. Some of these features overlap substantially with those reported in post-intensive-care syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and postural-orthostatic-tachycardia syndrome. Advances in data-driven research utilizing electronic-health-records combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence have propelled the identification of long COVID sub-phenotypes. Furthermore, the evolving definitions reflect the dynamic conceptualization of long COVID in both research and clinical contexts. Although the underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely elucidated, neuroinflammatory responses, endotheliopathy, and metabolic imbalances, rather than direct viral neuroinvasion, are implicated in neurological sequelae. Genetic susceptibility has also emerged as a potential risk factor. While major limitations remain with existing definitions, collaborative strategies to standardize diagnostic approaches are needed. Current therapeutic paradigms advocate for multimodal approaches, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions along with comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Although preliminary evidence of therapeutic efficacy has been provided by a number of clinical trials, methodological constraints limit the generalizability of this evidence. Preventive measures, notably vaccination, have proven integral for reducing the global burden of long COVID. Considering the healthcare and socioeconomic repercussions incurred by long COVID worldwide, international collaborative initiatives are warranted to address the remaining challenges in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with neurological sequelae. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).

RevDate: 2025-01-29

Sungkono , Makrufardi F, Azizah AFN, et al (2024)

Video role-play versus powerpoint lecture in the knowledge domain among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic era: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Journal of education and health promotion, 13:476.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted conventional teaching methodologies, forcing educational institutions to swiftly adapt to remote learning. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of video- and powerpoint-based teaching methods in the knowledge of medical students using a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies that compared the efficacy of video-based and PowerPoint-based teaching methods in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were systematically searched, and studies published before October 2023 were considered. Fixed and random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled effect of estimates. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager software. The analysis included nine studies that met the inclusion criteria. We observed a significant effect of video-based education methods compared to powerpoint-based education methods, with a mean difference of 2.42 (95% CI: 2.09-2.75, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, our sensitivity analysis did not reveal a substantial alteration, with the mean difference remaining at 2.42 (95% CI: 2.09-2.75, P < 0.0001). After analyzing the funnel plot, no indications of publication bias were observed. Video role-play proved to be a powerful tool for knowledge acquisition among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lecturers should consider incorporating video role-play into teaching methods for asynchronous learning purposes.

RevDate: 2025-01-29

Seyedfatemi N, Peyrovi H, Goharinezhad S, et al (2024)

Barriers and facilitators of community-based nursing development: A scoping review.

Journal of education and health promotion, 13:488.

In the last few decades, chronic diseases have spread and new and emerging health and social issues have affected people's health. COVID-19 and other emerging and re-emerging diseases are creating new challenges for societies that affect how healthcare is managed. It is through the development of community-based nursing that some of these problems can be solved. This study was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators of community-based nursing development. To determine the type, extent, and nature of research conducted on barriers and facilitators of CBN, a scoping review was conducted, and five databases (ProQuest, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched during the years 2000-2023. Relevant articles were extracted according to the inclusion criteria (studies related to community-based nursing dimensions published in English). The articles were reviewed in terms of title, summary, and relevant content, and finally, 22 articles remained. Then, 22 articles were analyzed by the thematic analysis method. Education, promoting cultural sensitivities, planning and reforming health policies, increasing public awareness for community-based nursing, providing more care experiences and opportunities, and improving community-based nursing service delivery approache. The obstacles to the development of community-oriented nursing in four categories included weak organizational power, job burnout, false beliefs and expectations, and the negative influence of the media. Based on the results of this review, reforming existing policies with an emphasis on culture building, education, and public awareness, and, the other hand, trying to remove obstacles with the help of the media and correcting public beliefs are among the important measures that can be taken in the field of community-oriented nursing development.

RevDate: 2025-01-26
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Tran BX, Joarder T, Pang VJ, et al (2025)

Pandemic preparedness in Vietnam: a review of health system resilience and areas for improvement.

Journal of global health, 15:03001.

In this viewpoint, we explore Vietnam's health system vulnerabilities and its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as critical areas of health system resilience, including health financing, workforce distribution, information systems, and governance. While Vietnam achieved early success through strong governance and mass vaccination campaigns, the pandemic revealed weaknesses in resource procurement, workforce imbalance, and limitations of its health information system. There are challenges in ensuring the rapid disbursement of financial resources and reliance on imported medical supplies, which delayed response times. Uneven healthcare workforce distribution, particularly in rural areas, further strained the health system. Although telemedicine and digital health solutions were implemented, weak digital infrastructure and inadequate information technology literacy hindered their effectiveness. Governance efforts, while generally strong, highlighted the need for better coordination and role clarity during health emergencies. Our findings identify areas for improvement, including effective resource mobilisation and allocation, enhanced digital infrastructure, expanded telemedicine access, and better support for healthcare workers. Governance enhancements, such as improved priority setting and interagency coordination, were also critical. These insights offer valuable guidance for strengthening Vietnam's health system and ensuring greater preparedness for future pandemics, but could also help other low- and middle-income countries facing similar challenges.

RevDate: 2025-01-31

Torres A, Cilloniz C, Aldea M, et al (2025)

Adult vaccinations against respiratory infections.

Expert review of anti-infective therapy [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Lower respiratory infections have a huge impact on global health, especially in older individuals, immunocompromised people, and those with chronic comorbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of vaccination. However, there are lower rates of vaccination in the adult population that are commonly due to a missed opportunity to vaccinate. Vaccination offers the best strategy to prevent hospitalization, complications, and death caused by lower respiratory infections.

AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors provide an overview of the vaccines for lower respiratory infections in the adult population. The review highlights the available data about the impact of vaccines on preventing respiratory infections, focusing on the pneumococcal vaccine, influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The authors discuss the currently available scientific evidence on the role of vaccines against respiratory infections. Finally, the authors review the current recommendations for vaccines in the adult population.

EXPERT OPINION: Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vaccines against respiratory infections is important. An efficient implementation of adult immunization strategies will provide an opportunity to decrease the global burden of lower respiratory infections. Recognizing the existing vaccines and their recommendations for the adult population is essential to achieve a high vaccination rate in the population.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-24

Iqbal NT, Khan H, Khalid A, et al (2025)

Chronic inflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 modulates gut microbiome: a review of literature on COVID-19 sequelae and gut dysbiosis.

Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.), 31(1):22.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 is an emerging syndrome, recognized in COVID-19 patients who suffer from mild to severe illness and do not recover completely. Most studies define Long COVID, through symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and headache prevailing four or more weeks post-initial infection. Global variations in Long COVID presentation and symptoms make it challenging to standardize features of Long COVID. Long COVID appears to be accompanied by an auto-immune multi-faceted syndrome where the virus or viral antigen persistence causes continuous stimulation of the immune response, resulting in multi-organ immune dysregulation.

MAIN TEXT: This review is focused on understanding the risk factors of Long COVID with a special emphasis on the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Two proposed mechanisms are discussed here. The first mechanism is related to the dysfunction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 infection, leading to impaired mTOR pathway activation, reduced AMP secretion, and causing dysbiotic changes in the gut. Secondly, gut-brain axis dysregulation accompanied by decreased production of short-chain fatty acids, impaired enteroendocrine cell function, and increased leakiness of the gut, which favors translocation of pathogens or lipopolysaccharide in circulation causing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The altered Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis is accompanied by the reduced level of neurotransmitter, and decreased stimulation of the vagus nerve, which may cause neuroinflammation and dysregulation of serum cortisol levels. The dysbiotic microbiome in Long COVID patients is characterized by a decrease in beneficial short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Dorea, and Bifidobacterium) and an increase in opportunistic bacteria (Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus). This dysbiosis is transient and may be impacted by interventions including probiotics, and dietary supplements.

CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required to understand the geographic variation, racial and ethnic differences in phenotypes of Long COVID, the influence of viral strains on existing and emerging phenotypes, to explore long-term effects of gut dysbiosis, and gut-brain axis dysregulation, as well as the potential role of diet and probiotics in alleviating those symptoms.

RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31

Volkmer A, Alves EV, Bar-Zeev H, et al (2025)

An international core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia (COS-PPA): Consensus-based recommendations for communication interventions across research and clinical settings.

Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association, 21(1):e14362.

INTRODUCTION: Interventions to treat speech-language difficulties in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often use word accuracy as a highly comparable outcome. However, there are more constructs of importance to people with PPA that have received less attention.

METHODS: Following Core Outcome Set Standards for Development Recommendations (COSSTAD), this study comprised: Stage 1 - systematic review to identify measures; Stage 2 - consensus groups to identify important outcome constructs for people with PPA (n = 82) and care partners (n = 91); Stage 3 - e-Delphi consensus with 57 researchers.

RESULTS: The systematic review identified 84 Outcome Measurement Instruments. Core outcome constructs identified included: (1) Participate in conversations with family and friends, (2) get words out, (3) be more fluent, (4) convey a message by any means, and (5) understand what others are saying. Researchers were unable to reach a consensus on measurement instruments.

DISCUSSION: Further work is required to develop appropriate measurement instruments that address all core outcome constructs important to key stakeholders.

HIGHLIGHTS: We introduce new symptom-led perspectives on primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The focus is on non-fluent/agrammatic (nfvPPA) and semantic (svPPA) variants. Foregrounding of early and non-verbal features of PPA and clinical trajectories is featured. We introduce a symptom-led staging scheme for PPA. We propose a prototype for a functional impairment scale, the PPA Progression Planning Aid.

RevDate: 2025-01-31
CmpDate: 2025-01-31

Kain VJ, Phumdoung S, Vetcho S, et al (2025)

The Impact of Pandemic-Induced Separation and Visitation Restrictions on the Maternal-Infant Dyad in Neonatal Units: A Systematic Review.

Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, 25(1):84-91.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the maternal-infant dyad, especially due to visitation restrictions in neonatal units. These changes may impact the psychological, physical, and developmental health of mothers and newborns.

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the impact of enforced separation and restrictive visitation policies in neonatal units during the pandemic, focusing on the maternal-infant dyad.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources include CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Ultimate, and Embase, covering studies published between 2020 and 2024.

STUDY SELECTION: A detailed search was conducted using terms related to COVID-19, maternal and neonatal health, and visitation restrictions in neonatal units. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English, and focused on the impact of visitation restrictions on maternal and neonatal health.

DATA EXTRACTION: The data extraction process began with 789 references. After removing duplicates, we screened titles and abstracts. We then conducted a full-text assessment of the remaining studies, selecting 14 that met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: The analysis showed significant emotional, psychological, and developmental impacts on mothers and newborns due to pandemic-induced separation and inconsistent policies. It highlighted depressive symptoms, stress, bonding disruptions, and the effectiveness of virtual bonding.

The review emphasizes the need for family-centered care, coping strategies, and virtual bonding in neonatal units. It calls for culturally sensitive policies to support mothers and infants during crises. The review also highlights the importance of studying the long-term effects of pandemic-induced separations and improving support for future health emergencies.

RevDate: 2025-01-23

Ilesanmi AE, Ilesanmi T, Ajayi B, et al (2025)

Unlocking the Power of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for COVID-19 Detection: A Comprehensive Review.

Journal of imaging informatics in medicine [Epub ahead of print].

The advent of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) has revolutionized the detection and analysis of COVID-19 cases. As imaging technologies have advanced, 3D CNNs have emerged as a powerful tool for segmenting and classifying COVID-19 in medical images. These networks have demonstrated both high accuracy and rapid detection capabilities, making them crucial for effective COVID-19 diagnostics. This study offers a thorough review of various 3D CNN algorithms, evaluating their efficacy in segmenting and classifying COVID-19 across a range of medical imaging modalities. This review systematically examines recent advancements in 3D CNN methodologies. The process involved a comprehensive screening of abstracts and titles to ensure relevance, followed by a meticulous selection and analysis of research papers from academic repositories. The study evaluates these papers based on specific criteria and provides detailed insights into the network architectures and algorithms used for COVID-19 detection. The review reveals significant trends in the use of 3D CNNs for COVID-19 segmentation and classification. It highlights key findings, including the diverse range of networks employed for COVID-19 detection compared to other diseases, which predominantly utilize encoder/decoder frameworks. The study provides an in-depth analysis of these methods, discussing their strengths, limitations, and potential areas for future research. The study reviewed a total of 60 papers published across various repositories, including Springer and Elsevier. The insights from this study have implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Despite some limitations, the accuracy and efficiency of 3D CNN algorithms underscore their potential for advancing medical image segmentation and classification. The findings suggest that 3D CNNs could significantly enhance the detection and management of COVID-19, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-01-23

Loo YS, Yusoh NA, Lim WF, et al (2025)

Phytochemical-based nanosystems: recent advances and emerging application in antiviral photodynamic therapy.

Nanomedicine (London, England) [Epub ahead of print].

Phytochemicals are typically natural bioactive compounds or metabolites produced by plants. Phytochemical-loaded nanocarrier systems, designed to overcome bioavailability limitations and enhance therapeutic effects, have garnered significant attention in recent years. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified interest in the therapeutic application of phytochemicals to combat viral infections. This review explores nanoparticle-based treatment strategies incorporating phytochemicals for antiviral application, highlighting their demonstrated antiviral mechanisms. It specifically examines the antiviral activities of phytochemical-loaded nanosystems against (i) influenza virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); (ii) mosquito-borne viruses [dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV)]; and (iii) sexually transmitted/blood borne viruses [e.g. herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. Furthermore, this review highlights the emerging role of these nanosystems in photodynamic therapy (PDT)-mediated attenuation of viral proliferation, and offers a perspective on the future directions of research in this promising area of multimodal therapeutic approach.

RevDate: 2025-01-23

Botella-Juan L, Vargas-Caraballo D, Molina AJ, et al (2025)

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption in young adults: A systematic review.

Public health, 240:1-11 pii:S0033-3506(25)00016-2 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented restrictions, leading to differences in the frequency and patterns of alcohol consumption, especially among young adults. This systematic review aims to investigate the overall evidence concerning changes in alcohol consumption in this period.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.

METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA and SWiM guidelines, this study's review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023464591). The studies research was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria involved observational studies focusing on participants aged 18 to 35, exploring alcohol consumption during at least the first wave of COVID-19, and publications in English or Spanish.

RESULTS: A total of 28 studies conducted in different countries were included, European (18), North American (9), and Latin American (1). Although in many studies the overall prevalence of alcohol use was reduced, it was mainly among occasional users, in which the main motivation was the lack of social contact. It was exposed that participants with a high risk of problematic use increased their alcohol consumption, showing associated factors such as poor mental health, depressive symptoms, stress, and coping motivations. Males generally exhibited a higher risk of problem use and risky behaviours than females.

CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19, youth alcohol consumption decreased overall, especially among social drinkers, but increased among high-risk users due to factors like distress and loneliness. Similar trends during other disasters emphasize the importance of addressing high-risk drinking in disaster planning. Also, preventing high-risk drinking from adolescence and youth could be helpful in reducing the global burden and impact of alcohol consumption.

RevDate: 2025-01-23

Deguchi S, Yokoi F, K Takayama (2024)

Organoids and microphysiological systems for pharmaceutical research of viral respiratory infections.

Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, 60:101041 pii:S1347-4367(24)00047-8 [Epub ahead of print].

In the pharmaceutical research of viral respiratory infections, cell culture models have traditionally been used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of candidate compounds. Although cell lines are easy to handle and cost-effective, they do not fully replicate the characteristics of human respiratory organs. Recently, organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS) have been employed to overcome this limitation for in vitro testing of drugs against viral respiratory infections. Advanced disease modeling using organoids, self-organized three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models derived from stem cells, or MPS, models for culturing multiple cell types in a microfluidic device and capable of recapitulating a physiological 3D dynamic environment, can accurately replicate the complex functions of respiratory organs, thus making them valuable tools for elucidating the organ damages caused by viral respiratory infections and evaluating the efficacy of candidate drugs against them. Recently, a wide range of organoids and MPS have been developed to model the complex pathophysiology caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and assess therapeutic drugs. In this review, we evaluate the latest pharmaceutical research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that utilizes organoids and MPS and discuss future perspectives of their applications.

RevDate: 2025-01-30
CmpDate: 2025-01-23

Preti A, Bevione F, Lacidogna MC, et al (2025)

Early intervention in eating disorders: introducing the chronopathogram.

Eating and weight disorders : EWD, 30(1):9.

Eating disorders (EDs) pose significant challenges to mental and physical health, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating risk factors. Despite advancements in psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, improvements remain limited. Early intervention in EDs, inspired by the model developed for psychosis, emphasizes the importance of timely identification and treatment initiation to improve prognosis. Challenges in identifying prodromal phases and measuring the duration of untreated illness highlight the complexity of early intervention efforts in EDs. Current research focuses on reducing the duration of untreated eating disorder (DUED) and understanding the cognitive and behavioral symptoms preceding ED onset. However, current early intervention programs for EDs showed mixed results, necessitating further investigation. We introduce here the chronopathogram, a tool that may aid in precisely investigating the role of development in EDs. A chronopathogram is a graphical representation of pathological events as they unfold over time. Understanding the neurodevelopmental aspects of EDs and utilizing tools like the chronopathogram can aid in tracking the unfolding of symptoms over time, facilitating early detection and intervention efforts. Overall, addressing the key factors influencing the onset and course of EDs is essential for effective early intervention in these conditions.Level of evidence: Level V narrative review.

RevDate: 2025-01-29

Halma M, Marik P, Varon J, et al (2025)

Reversing Decline in Aging Muscles: Expected Trends, Impacts and Remedies.

Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 10(1):.

Background: Age-related decline in musculoskeletal function is a significant concern, particularly in Western countries facing demographic shifts and increased healthcare demands. This review examines the typical trajectories of musculoskeletal deterioration with age and evaluates the effectiveness of various interventions in preventing or reversing these changes. Methods: The review analyzes documented rates of decline across multiple parameters, including muscle mass, Type II muscle fiber reduction, and decreased motor unit firing rates. It examines evidence from studies on targeted interventions aimed at reversing these trends or preventing further decline. Results: The evidence suggests that multimodal interventions, including strength training can effectively maintain or improve physical function in aging adults. These interventions have shown potential in altering the trajectory of age-related decline in musculoskeletal function. Conclusions. The findings of this review have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers in addressing the challenges of an aging population. By providing a framework for understanding and addressing age-related physical decline through evidence-based interventions, this review offers potential strategies for reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of life for older adults.

RevDate: 2025-01-23

Jana S, AI Alayash (2025)

Exploring the Molecular Interplay Between Oxygen Transport, Cellular Oxygen Sensing, and Mitochondrial Respiration.

Antioxidants & redox signaling [Epub ahead of print].

Significance: The mitochondria play a key role in maintaining oxygen homeostasis under normal oxygen tension (normoxia) and during oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). This is a critical balancing act between the oxygen content of the blood, the tissue oxygen sensing mechanisms, and the mitochondria, which ultimately consume most oxygen for energy production. Recent Advances: We describe the well-defined role of the mitochondria in oxygen metabolism with a special focus on the impact on blood physiology and pathophysiology. Critical Issues: Fundamental questions remain regarding the impact of mitochondrial responses to changes in overall blood oxygen content under normoxic and hypoxic states and in the case of impaired oxygen sensing in various cardiovascular and pulmonary complications including blood disorders involving hemolysis and hemoglobin toxicity, ischemia reperfusion, and even in COVID-19 disease. Future Directions: Understanding the nature of the crosstalk among normal homeostatic pathways, oxygen carrying by hemoglobin, utilization of oxygen by the mitochondrial respiratory chain machinery, and oxygen sensing by hypoxia-inducible factor proteins, may provide a target for future therapeutic interventions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

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

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

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Although the methods of molecular biology can seem almost magical to the uninitiated, the original techniques of classical genetics are readily appreciated by one and all: cross individuals that differ in some inherited trait, collect all of the progeny, score their attributes, and propose mechanisms to explain the patterns of inheritance observed.

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

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Usage of the site grew rapidly and has remained high. Faculty began to use the site for their assigned readings. Other on-line publishers, ranging from The New York Times to Nature referenced ESP materials in their own publications. Nobel laureates (e.g., Joshua Lederberg) regularly used the site and even wrote to suggest changes and improvements.

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When the site began, no journals were making their early content available in digital format. As a result, ESP was obliged to digitize classic literature before it could be made available. For many important papers — such as Mendel's original paper or the first genetic map — ESP had to produce entirely new typeset versions of the works, if they were to be available in a high-quality format.

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Early support from the DOE component of the Human Genome Project was critically important for getting the ESP project on a firm foundation. Since that funding ended (nearly 20 years ago), the project has been operated as a purely volunteer effort. Anyone wishing to assist in these efforts should send an email to Robbins.

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

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

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Papers in Classical Genetics

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

Digital Books

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

Timelines

ESP now offers a large collection of user-selected side-by-side timelines (e.g., all science vs. all other categories, or arts and culture vs. world history), designed to provide a comparative context for appreciating world events.

Biographies

Biographical information about many key scientists (e.g., Walter Sutton).

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Bibliographies on several topics of potential interest to the ESP community are automatically maintained and generated on the ESP site.

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