@article {pmid37453136,
year = {2023},
author = {Sienkiewicz-Oleszkiewicz, B and Oleszkiewicz, A and Bock, MA and Hummel, T},
title = {Intranasal insulin's effects on the sense of smell.},
journal = {Rhinology},
volume = {61},
number = {5},
pages = {404-411},
doi = {10.4193/Rhin23.036},
pmid = {37453136},
issn = {0300-0729},
mesh = {Humans ; Administration, Intranasal ; *Insulin/administration & dosage/pharmacology ; *Olfaction Disorders/drug therapy ; *Smell/drug effects ; COVID-19/complications ; Olfactory Mucosa/drug effects ; *Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Intranasal insulin (IN) administration is a promising way to deliver the peptide to the central nervous system (CNS), bypassing the blood-brain-barrier and gastrointestinal absorption inhibition. IN receptors are localized in the olfactory mucosa and the brain, mainly in the olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. The pleiotropic mechanism of insulin action is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties, antithrombotic, vasodilatory, and antiapoptotic effects. It prevents energy failure and has regenerative properties, affects neuro-regeneration and counteracts insulin resistance. Hence, insulin has been suggested for various pathological states including neurocognitive disorders, obesity, and as a therapeutic option for smell loss. A sharply increased prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was observed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic also emphasized the lack of therapeutic options for smell loss. Intranasal insulin administration has therefore been suggested to serve as potential treatment, influencing the regenerative capacities of the olfactory mucosa. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on possible effects of intranasal insulin on the sense of smell.},
}

Humans
Administration, Intranasal
*Insulin/administration & dosage/pharmacology
*Olfaction Disorders/drug therapy
*Smell/drug effects
COVID-19/complications
Olfactory Mucosa/drug effects
*Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage

@article {pmid37448181,
year = {2023},
author = {Cosentino, F and Verma, S and Ambery, P and Treppendahl, MB and van Eickels, M and Anker, SD and Cecchini, M and Fioretto, P and Groop, PH and Hess, D and Khunti, K and Lam, CSP and Richard-Lordereau, I and Lund, LH and McGreavy, P and Newsome, PN and Sattar, N and Solomon, S and Weidinger, F and Zannad, F and Zeiher, A},
title = {Cardiometabolic risk management: insights from a European Society of Cardiology Cardiovascular Round Table.},
journal = {European heart journal},
volume = {44},
number = {39},
pages = {4141-4156},
doi = {10.1093/eurheartj/ehad445},
pmid = {37448181},
issn = {1522-9645},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy/epidemiology/complications ; Obesity/therapy/epidemiology/complications ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy/epidemiology/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy/epidemiology ; Europe ; Cardiometabolic Risk Factors ; Liver Diseases/therapy/epidemiology ; Cardiology ; },
abstract = {Metabolic comorbidities are common in patients with cardiorenal disease; they can cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), speed progression, and adversely affect prognosis. Common comorbidities are Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity/overweight, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and chronic liver disease. The cardiovascular system, kidneys, and liver are linked to many of the same risk factors (e.g. dyslipidaemia, hypertension, tobacco use, diabetes, and central/truncal obesity), and shared metabolic and functional abnormalities lead to damage throughout these organs via overlapping pathophysiological pathways. The COVID-19 pandemic has further complicated the management of cardiometabolic diseases. Obesity, T2DM, CKD, and liver disease are associated with increased risk of poor outcomes of COVID-19 infection, and conversely, COVID-19 can lead to worsening of pre-existing ASCVD. The high rates of these comorbidities highlight the need to improve recognition and treatment of ASCVD in patients with obesity, insulin resistance or T2DM, chronic liver diseases, and CKD and equally, to improve recognition and treatment of these diseases in patients with ASCVD. Strategies to prevent and manage cardiometabolic diseases include lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. There is a need for more programmes at the societal level to encourage a healthy diet and physical activity. Many pharmacotherapies offer mechanism-based approaches that can target multiple pathophysiological pathways across diseases. These include sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and combined glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. Non-surgical and surgical weight loss strategies can improve cardiometabolic disorders in individuals living with obesity. New biomarkers under investigation may help in the early identification of individuals at risk and reveal new treatment targets.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy/epidemiology/complications
Obesity/therapy/epidemiology/complications
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/therapy/epidemiology/complications
SARS-CoV-2
*Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy/epidemiology
Europe
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Liver Diseases/therapy/epidemiology
Cardiology

@article {pmid36999423,
year = {2024},
author = {Junqueira Ribeiro, MM},
title = {Computer-aided Drug Discovery Approaches in the Identification of Natural Products against SARS-CoV-2: A Review.},
journal = {Current computer-aided drug design},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {313-324},
doi = {10.2174/1573409919666230329090403},
pmid = {36999423},
issn = {1875-6697},
mesh = {*Biological Products/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *Drug Discovery/methods ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; *Computer-Aided Design ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic is raising a worldwide search for compounds that could act against the disease, mainly due to its mortality. With this objective, many researchers invested in the discovery and development of drugs of natural origin. To assist in this search, the potential of computational tools to reduce the time and cost of the entire process is known. Thus, this review aimed to identify how these tools have helped in the identification of natural products against SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, a literature review was carried out with scientific articles with this proposal where it was possible to observe that different classes of primary and, mainly, secondary metabolites were evaluated against different molecular targets, mostly being enzymes and spike, using computational techniques, with emphasis on the use of molecular docking. However, it is noted that in silico evaluations still have much to contribute to the identification of an anti- SARS-CoV-2 substance, due to the vast chemical diversity of natural products, identification and use of different molecular targets and computational advancement.},
}

*Biological Products/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*Drug Discovery/methods
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
Molecular Docking Simulation
*Computer-Aided Design
COVID-19

@article {pmid36698239,
year = {2024},
author = {Bjørklund, G and Lysiuk, R and Semenova, Y and Lenchyk, L and Dub, N and Doşa, MD and Hangan, T},
title = {Herbal Substances with Antiviral Effects: Features and Prospects for the Treatment of Viral Diseases with Emphasis on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {393-409},
doi = {10.2174/0929867330666230125121758},
pmid = {36698239},
issn = {1875-533X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Cytokines/metabolism/immunology ; Animals ; *Virus Diseases/drug therapy/immunology ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Viral diseases have a significant impact on human health, and three novel coronaviruses (CoV) have emerged during the 21st century. In this review, we have emphasized the potential of herbal substances with antiviral effects. Our investigation focused on the features and prospects of viral disease treatment, with a particular emphasis on proinflammatory cytokines. We conducted comprehensive searches of various databases, including Science Direct, CABI Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Cytokine storm mechanisms play a crucial role in inducing a pro-inflammatory response by triggering the expression of cytokines and chemokines. This response leads to the recruitment of leukocytes and promotes antiviral effects, forming the first line of defense against viruses. Numerous studies have investigated the use of herbal medicine candidates as immunomodulators or antivirals. However, cytokine-storm-targeted therapy is recommended for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARS-CoV to survive severe pulmonary failure. Our reviews have demonstrated that herbal formulations could serve as alternative medicines and significantly reduce complicated viral infections. Furthermore, they hold promising potential as specific antiviral agents in experimental animal models.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry
*Cytokines/metabolism/immunology
Animals
*Virus Diseases/drug therapy/immunology
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects

@article {pmid33619127,
year = {2022},
author = {Hodgson, L and Phillips, G and Saggers, RT and Sharma, S and Papadakis, M and Readhead, C and Cowie, CM and Massey, A and Weiler, R and Mathema, P and Larkin, J and Gordon, J and Maclean, J and Rossiter, M and Elliott, N and Hanson, J and Spencer, S and Jaques, R and Patricios, J},
title = {Medical care and first aid: an interassociation consensus framework for organised non-elite sport during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {British journal of sports medicine},
volume = {56},
number = {2},
pages = {68-79},
doi = {10.1136/bjsports-2020-103622},
pmid = {33619127},
issn = {1473-0480},
mesh = {Humans ; Consensus ; *COVID-19 ; First Aid ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The cessation of amateur and recreational sport has had significant implications globally, impacting economic, social and health facets of population well-being. As a result, there is pressure to resume sport at all levels. The ongoing prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent 'second waves' require urgent best practice guidelines to be developed to return recreational (non-elite) sports as quickly as possible while prioritising the well-being of the participants and support staff.This guidance document describes the need for such advice and the process of collating available evidence. Expert opinion is integrated into this document to provide uniform and pragmatic recommendations, thereby optimising on-field and field-side safety for all involved persons, including coaches, first responders and participants.The nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission means that the use of some procedures performed during emergency care and resuscitation could potentially be hazardous, necessitating the need for guidance on the use of personal protective equipment, the allocation of predetermined areas to manage potentially infective cases and the governance and audit of the process.},
}

Humans
Consensus
*COVID-19
First Aid
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41795913,
year = {2026},
author = {Thorpe, DW and Jones, LA and Martin, AM and Coleman, RA and Allman, C and Peterson, RA and Keating, DJ},
title = {The role of peripheral serotonin in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, COVID-19 treatment and long COVID.},
journal = {Immunology and cell biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/imcb.70097},
pmid = {41795913},
issn = {1440-1711},
abstract = {Gastrointestinal symptoms have emerged as a common, but underappreciated, cause of morbidity in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the COVID-19 pandemic. This manifests as a range of indications including diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition, the gastrointestinal tract may represent a route of viral entry via the epithelial cell layer lining the gut wall. This route of entry could be a significant component of disease pathogenesis, including effects on the nervous system via the gut-brain axis. In this review, we provide an assessment of the effects of COVID-19 on the gastrointestinal system, its involvement in disease severity and potential pathways for viral entry and infection in the gastrointestinal tract. We also examine evidence that gut-derived serotonin is affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, how this may link to symptoms and disease pathogenesis and the potential link to the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in reducing COVID-19 severity.},
}

@article {pmid41793162,
year = {2026},
author = {Kim, DH and Lim, S and Eisenhut, M and Kronbichler, A and Kim, E and Kim, MS and Papatheodorou, SI and Stebbing, J and Peng, Y and Oh, SS and Shin, JI and Smith, L},
title = {The Impact of Study Size on COVID-19 Treatment Outcomes: A Meta-Epidemiological Study Comparing Large and Small Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70125},
pmid = {41793162},
issn = {1099-1654},
support = {//Yonsei Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology/virology ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Sample Size ; },
abstract = {Small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in COVID-19 meta-analyses have been associated with more favourable treatment effects and reduced result stability. This study assessed how trial size impacts effect estimates, statistical stability, and risk of bias. Following PRISMA guidelines, we identified meta-analyses of COVID-19 treatments included in WHO, NIH, and the LIVING Project. Trials were classified by log-scale sample size, and separate pooled meta-analyses were conducted for large-only, small-only, and combined trials. Comparative metrics included the Ratio of Odds Ratios (ROR), Kappa statistics, Fragility Index (FI), Reverse Fragility Index (RFI), and Cochrane Risk of Bias assessments. Sensitivity analyses applied alternative size thresholds (≥ 1000 participants and median-based cutoffs) and stratified results by treatment and outcome type. Across 25 meta-analyses including 221 RCTs (46 large, 175 small), small trials produced more extreme estimates in 19 analyses and wider confidence intervals in 23. The pooled ROR was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76-0.95; P = 0.004), decreasing to 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.95; P = 0.011) when limited to small trials published before the first large trial. RORs remained below 1 across treatment and outcome types. Agreement between small and large trials was minimal, while large trials showed substantial agreement with overall estimates. Stability and bias profiles favoured large trials (FI: 14.0 vs. 4.0; RFI: 10.0 vs. 5.0). In conclusion, small RCTs tend to overestimate treatment effects and yield less precise, less stable results. Meta-analyses should prioritise large, high-quality trials and interpret small-study findings with caution, particularly in rapidly evolving research contexts.},
}

Humans
*Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19/therapy/epidemiology/virology
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
Treatment Outcome
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Sample Size

@article {pmid41792534,
year = {2026},
author = {Del Riccio, M and Maggi, S and Wieczorowska-Tobis, K and Newell, K and Czech, M and Botelho-Nevers, E and Michel, JP and Hummers, E and Duque, S and Lundgren, J and Barrat, J and Tan, L and Wysocki, J and Boccalini, S and Bechini, A and Jindal, S and Hendrickx, G and Van Damme, P and Bonanni, P and Pattyn, J},
title = {Advancing Vaccination Strategies for Older Adults: Insights of the Adult Immunization Board Meeting.},
journal = {Drugs & aging},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41792534},
issn = {1179-1969},
abstract = {As Europe's population ages, optimizing vaccination strategies for older adults is an increasing public health priority. Vaccine-preventable infections pose significant risks, including increased morbidity and mortality, reduced quality of life, and substantial healthcare costs. Prevention, particularly adult vaccination, plays a vital role in mitigating these outcomes and supporting healthy ageing. While childhood immunization remains essential, a life-course approach including routine older adult vaccination is needed. Coverage among older adults across Europe remains suboptimal owing to factors such as heterogeneous (sub)national policies, health literacy issues, financial barriers, access issues, and persistent structural and societal barriers. To meet these challenges, the Adult Immunization Board (AIB) convened a technical meeting in May 2025, to discuss strategies for improving vaccination in older adults. The meeting explored how older adults are defined in immunization policies (for the meeting, an operational threshold of ≥ 50 years was used, while acknowledging that many national age-based programs commonly start around 60-65 years) and reviewed current adult vaccines and programmatic implementation across six vaccines. Discussions highlighted the need for a life-course approach with coordinated (inter)national policies, clear adult vaccination schedules, dedicated infrastructure and programs, stronger surveillance, and structured follow-up. Key recommendations included shifting from fragmented efforts to cohesive, system-wide approaches. This approach requires addressing organizational challenges with programmatic strategies such as integrating adult vaccination into routine healthcare, providing co-administration guidance, and adapting successful pediatric models for adult programs. This summary presents insights shared during the AIB meeting, highlighting gaps and promising solutions for advancing older adult immunization in Europe. Vaccination must be recognized as an investment in healthy ageing, which is also able to generate a return in economic terms, as part of a holistic health package for older adults, not as an optional add-on to treatment. With older adults now outnumbering children under 5 years globally, it is time to invest equally in their vaccination.},
}

@article {pmid37771583,
year = {2023},
author = {Ferrazzo, F and Leto, S and Malara, N},
title = {The 1926 novel, "One, no one, one hundred thousand", metaphorizes the potential danger when the immune system is exposed to a repetitive antigen stimulation.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1254853},
pmid = {37771583},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immune System/immunology ; *Antigens/immunology ; Animals ; Vaccines/immunology ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {In the worldwide scenario of infection prevention and control, the vaccine strategies are destined to increase rapidly. The availability of numerous vaccination options allows you to plan individually on how to boost your immune system. The immune system is a highly plastic cognitive dynamic network and performs its function by recognition of the uniqueness of the organism defined as self. The identification and attack of non-self antigens contribute to improving the strategies of self/non-self discrimination. However, repetitive antigen stimulation of the immune system may lead to several outcomes reassumed in three principal risks: (i) loss of the unique self codification (one), (ii) loss of own identifying (no one), and (iii) the increase of idiotype/anti-idiotype entities (one hundred thousand). Controlled production of idiotype/anti-idiotype antibodies protects against autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiency. The title of the famous novel by Nobel Prize for Literature winner Luigi Pirandello, "One, no one, one hundred thousand", recaps the three risks and the protagonist's journey exploring the complexities of personal identity, and warns to preserve the uniqueness of the organism. Taking inspiration from this metaphor, the authors propose to monitor antibody idiotype response for personalizing vaccine plans with the aim of preserving the uniqueness of the immune system and assuring safe protection.},
}

Humans
*Immune System/immunology
*Antigens/immunology
Animals
Vaccines/immunology
Vaccination

@article {pmid37770169,
year = {2023},
author = {Kumari, S and Singh, K and Singh, N and Khan, S and Kumar, A},
title = {Phage display and human disease detection.},
journal = {Progress in molecular biology and translational science},
volume = {201},
number = {},
pages = {151-172},
doi = {10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.022},
pmid = {37770169},
issn = {1878-0814},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/virology ; *Cell Surface Display Techniques/methods ; *Peptide Library ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Bacteriophages/genetics ; Neoplasms/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Phage display is a significant and active molecular method and has continued crucial for investigative sector meanwhile its unearthing in 1985. This practice has numerous benefits: the association among physiology and genome, the massive variety of variant proteins showed in sole collection and the elasticity of collection that can be achieved. It suggests a diversity of stages for manipulating antigen attachment; yet, variety and steadiness of exhibited library are an alarm. Additional improvements, like accumulation of non-canonical amino acids, resulting in extension of ligands that can be recognized through collection, will support in expansion of the probable uses and possibilities of technology. Epidemic of COVID-19 had taken countless lives, and while indicative prescriptions were provided to diseased individuals, still no prevention was observed for the contamination. Phage demonstration has presented an in-depth understanding into protein connections included in pathogenesis. Phage display knowledge is developing as an influential, inexpensive, quick, and effectual method to grow novel mediators for the molecular imaging and analysis of cancer.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/virology
*Cell Surface Display Techniques/methods
*Peptide Library
SARS-CoV-2
Bacteriophages/genetics
Neoplasms/diagnosis

@article {pmid37587818,
year = {2023},
author = {Zhu, Y and Zhang, S and Wang, Z and Wang, Z and Zhu, S},
title = {ACE2 Receptor: A Potential Pharmacological Target in COVID-19.},
journal = {Current protein & peptide science},
volume = {24},
number = {9},
pages = {701-710},
doi = {10.2174/1389203724666230816092518},
pmid = {37587818},
issn = {1875-5550},
mesh = {Humans ; *Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/chemistry/genetics ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/metabolism/virology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Animals ; Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism/genetics ; },
abstract = {Studies have shown that injection of recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) significantly increased circulatory levels of ACE2 activity, reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and effectively lowered blood pressure. In addition, recombinant ACE2 ameliorated albuminuria and might contribute to renal protection. Meanwhile, potential pharmacological treatments based on ACE2 are attracting increasing attention from scientists following a growing understanding of the role of the ACE2 receptor in the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this article, we comprehensively summarized the literature on the structure, distribution, and function of ACE2. More importantly, we draw a conclusion that ACE2 decoys such as sACE2, hrsACE2 and ACE2-derived peptides, drugs down-regulating the ACE2 or TMPRSS2 gene expression, and the application of epigenetic modifiers and Traditional Chinese Medicine might represent promising approaches for the future of COVID-19 treatment.},
}

Humans
*Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/chemistry/genetics
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
COVID-19/metabolism/virology
SARS-CoV-2
Animals
Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism/genetics

@article {pmid37573588,
year = {2023},
author = {Liebell, D},
title = {Part 3: Perspectives on Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction Pathophysiology, Management and Relevance to COVID-19: Rationale for Auricular Cranial Nerve Stimulation.},
journal = {Alternative therapies in health and medicine},
volume = {29},
number = {7},
pages = {52-61},
pmid = {37573588},
issn = {1078-6791},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/physiopathology ; *Taste Disorders/therapy/physiopathology/etiology ; *Olfaction Disorders/therapy/physiopathology/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods ; *Cranial Nerves ; *Acupuncture, Ear/methods ; },
abstract = {The rapid global emergence of distortions of the senses of smell and taste consequential to COVID-19 has provoked an unprecedented demand for investigation into treatments capable of addressing such medical phenomena. While the pandemic's principal focus rests on interventions intended to prevent the infection and its spread, much attention must be devoted to amelioration of these common symptomatic sequelae of it. The medical historical record reveals a shocking paucity of serious consideration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction (OGD), hardly exclusive to SARS-CoV-2 infection (as discussed in Part 1 of this article series). To date, no treatment approach has ever delivered noteworthy clinical results for chronic cases. Numerous studies and reviews have addressed the epidemiology and hypotheses of OGD pathophysiology. Past and recent studies have produced vague findings and conclusions devoid of practical clinical applications for patients who continue to experience chronic sensory distortions and deficits. It is urgent that focused exploration be aggressively pursued for therapeutic and restorative modalities to ameliorate OGD across all medical disciplines, with no bias towards any one approach. It is imperative that approaches outside the pharmacological realm are studied; no effective medication of any merit exists. Thus, innovative and new approaches potentially capable of supporting natural self-regulation and restoration of healthy neurophysiology must be investigated, post-haste. Specifically, stimulation of cranial nerves via their auricular branches, by means of various modalities, may hold promise. A vast body of evidence exists to support its investigation. Its inclusion as an extremely safe and inexpensive approach to endeavor to resolve chronic OGD (not merely for post-COVID19 infection) is warranted. The 3-phase auricular acupuncture microsystem may be the most precise form of targeting and positively influencing specific neurological structures affected by COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/physiopathology
*Taste Disorders/therapy/physiopathology/etiology
*Olfaction Disorders/therapy/physiopathology/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods
*Cranial Nerves
*Acupuncture, Ear/methods

@article {pmid37563314,
year = {2023},
author = {Wienhold, J and Kemper, I and Czaplik, M and Follmann, A and Rossaint, R and Derwall, M},
title = {[Teleconsultation for preoperative evaluation and informed consent-Are we ready for a paradigm shift?].},
journal = {Die Anaesthesiologie},
volume = {72},
number = {10},
pages = {697-702},
pmid = {37563314},
issn = {2731-6866},
mesh = {Humans ; *Informed Consent/legislation & jurisprudence ; *Preoperative Care/methods/trends ; *Remote Consultation/legislation & jurisprudence/trends ; Germany ; *Telemedicine/legislation & jurisprudence/trends ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {In Germany, approximately 17 million anaesthesiological procedures and, consequently, roughly the same number of preoperative consultations are conducted each year. So far, these have predominantly taken place in person. However, recent developments in technology, medical-legal aspects, and politics, combined with the catalyzing effect of the pandemic situation, have led to a significant boost in telemedicine. In the field of anaesthesia, there are new approaches to implementing telemedicine in the pre- and postoperative setting. This article focuses on the preoperative setting and presents general requirements for a teleconsultation as preoperative evaluation, the current state of technology, and medical-legal aspects.},
}

Humans
*Informed Consent/legislation & jurisprudence
*Preoperative Care/methods/trends
*Remote Consultation/legislation & jurisprudence/trends
Germany
*Telemedicine/legislation & jurisprudence/trends
COVID-19

@article {pmid37562996,
year = {2023},
author = {Hsu, CW and Lee, MC and Hua, YM and Lai, CC and Tang, HJ and Chao, CM},
title = {Inhaled corticosteroid for patients with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi},
volume = {56},
number = {5},
pages = {921-930},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmii.2023.07.008},
pmid = {37562996},
issn = {1995-9133},
mesh = {Humans ; Administration, Inhalation ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/mortality ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), however, their findings are not consistent.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched to June 10, 2023. Only RCTs that investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of ICS for patients with COVID-19 were included.

RESULTS: Eleven RCTs were included. ICS users had significantly higher rate of symptom alleviation at day 14 than the control group (risk ratio [RR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23; I[2] = 42%). Additionally, no significant difference between the ICS users and the control group was observed in the composite outcome of urgent care, emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.08-2.48; I[2] = 85%) and hospitalization or death (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.64-1.12; I[2] = 0%). Finally, ICS user had a non-significantly lower risk of death at day 28 than the control group (0.63% vs 0.99%; RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.43-1.56; I[2] = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: Additional ICS use, particularly inhaled budesonide may help symptom relief in patients with COVID-19. However, ICS use did not help reduce the risk of urgent care, ED visit, hospitalization, or death.},
}

Humans
Administration, Inhalation
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*Adrenal Cortex Hormones/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
COVID-19/mortality
SARS-CoV-2
Treatment Outcome
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Emergency Service, Hospital

@article {pmid37524659,
year = {2023},
author = {Zohouri, M and Ghods, A and Roshan Zamir, M and Shokri, F and Ghaderi, A},
title = {Immune Profiling of SARS-CoV-2; What We Know and What We Don't Know.},
journal = {Iranian journal of allergy, asthma, and immunology},
volume = {22},
number = {3},
pages = {217-232},
doi = {10.18502/ijaai.v22i3.13050},
pmid = {37524659},
issn = {1735-5249},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), described as World War 3, is the current worldwide health challenge and nearly all countries have so far faced this disaster. There is still no cure because of the complicated pathogenesis, however, there are several studies on track investigating different aspects of the immune response to the virus. In this review, we will provide an overview of recent investigations that have analyzed immune cells in patients with COVID-19. We will then discuss the differences in immune profiles between healthy controls and various clinical presentations, including asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe cases.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology

@article {pmid37524316,
year = {2023},
author = {Káňová, M and Petřeková, K and Borzenko, N and Rusková, K and Nytra, I and Dzurňáková, P},
title = {Bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess hydration in critically ill patients: A practical guide demonstrating its use on artificially ventilated COVID patients.},
journal = {Neuro endocrinology letters},
volume = {44},
number = {5},
pages = {271-282},
pmid = {37524316},
issn = {2354-4716},
mesh = {Humans ; *Electric Impedance ; *COVID-19/therapy/physiopathology ; Critical Illness/therapy ; *Respiration, Artificial ; Body Composition/physiology ; Body Water ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Organism Hydration Status/physiology ; },
abstract = {Determining body contents such as body water volume and body cell mass have significant uses in health and disease. Accumulation of extracellular water is particularly difficult to monitor using classical methods. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple, rapid, and noninvasive method, based on the principle that the flow of altering electrical current through a particular tissue differs depending on the content of water and electrolytes. It is thus able to measure body composition, including total body and extracellular water. Although bioimpedance holds up quite well compared to the gold standard that is dual-energy X-ray, it has certain limitations in critically ill patients. Specifically, it cannot distinguish between intravascular and interstitial volume in the extracellular compartment, and as it employs equations based on population measurement, compositions can diverge significantly with severe overhydration or in the morbidly obese. Bioelectrical vector analysis (BIVA) does not use the calculations and is part of the measurements in newer multifrequency bioimpedance devices. There is growing evidence of the adverse effect of overhydration in critically ill patients and bioimpedance can be used to monitor hydration, but there is no information on how to use this method for bedside monitoring in practice. In this review we present a practical approach to Phase angle and BIA/BIVA interpretations for monitoring hydration status and rapid loss of skeletal muscle mass and their clinical use, on a cohort of critical COVID patients under artificial lung ventilation.},
}

Humans
*Electric Impedance
*COVID-19/therapy/physiopathology
Critical Illness/therapy
*Respiration, Artificial
Body Composition/physiology
Body Water
SARS-CoV-2
*Organism Hydration Status/physiology

@article {pmid37012150,
year = {2023},
author = {Pariente, A},
title = {Use of psychotropic drugs in the elderly in France: Are we condemned to remain at high tide?.},
journal = {Therapie},
volume = {78},
number = {5},
pages = {565-573},
doi = {10.1016/j.therap.2023.03.006},
pmid = {37012150},
issn = {1958-5578},
mesh = {Humans ; France/epidemiology ; Aged ; *Psychotropic Drugs/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Aged, 80 and over ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use ; Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use ; Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {Psychotropics are widely used drugs, especially in the elderly, especially in France. This, and the risks associated to their use, logically led to concerns that resulted in numerous studies, reports, and regulatory actions intending to limit this use. This review objective was to provide an overview of psychotropic use in elderly subjects in France for antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines and related drugs. The narrative review performed is structured in two parts. The first reminds the initial steps of psychotropic use monitoring in the general French population. The second provides information on psychotropic use in elderly in France using the latest open data released by the French Health Insurance system and processed using the dedicated DrugSurv tool developed within the DRUGS-SAFE® and DRUGS-SAFE® programs. This was completed examining the most recent studies regarding psychotropic use in elderly in France, whether they consisted in publications or reports. At least before the COVID-19 epidemic, decreases in psychotropic prevalence of use among the elderly in France could be observed, mostly for antipsychotics or benzodiazepines (e.g. antipsychotics, 2006-2013: 10.3% decrease and benzodiazepines 2012-2020: decrease from 30.6% to 24.7% in subjects aged ≥65). Psychotropic prevalence of use remained however very high overall (e.g. antidepressants, 2013: 13% in subjects aged 65-74 and 18% in aged ≥65), exceeding that of most other countries, with a significant proportion of inappropriate use (e.g. in 30% of benzodiazepine users, all ages) carrying a clearly identified risks for uncertain benefit. Initiatives have been multiplied at the national level to reduce psychotropic overuse in the elderly. The reported prevalences demonstrate their effectiveness is obviously insufficient. This limited effectiveness is not specific to psychotropics and might reside in a failure to create strong adherence to messages and recommendations. Other levels should be considered, especially regional, for interventions coupled with pharmacoepidemiologic monitoring allowing impact assessment.},
}

Humans
France/epidemiology
Aged
*Psychotropic Drugs/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Aged, 80 and over
COVID-19/epidemiology
Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use
Benzodiazepines/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid36809942,
year = {2024},
author = {Bertollo, AG and Leite Galvan, AC and Dama Mingoti, ME and Dallagnol, C and Ignácio, ZM},
title = {Impact of COVID-19 on Anxiety and Depression - Biopsychosocial Factors.},
journal = {CNS & neurological disorders drug targets},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {122-133},
doi = {10.2174/1871527322666230210100048},
pmid = {36809942},
issn = {1996-3181},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology/complications ; *Anxiety/psychology/epidemiology/etiology ; *Depression/psychology/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental disorders around the world. The etiology of both diseases is multifactorial, involving biological and psychological issues. The COVID-19 pandemic settled in 2020 and culminated in several changes in the routine of individuals around the world, affecting mental health. People infected with COVID-19 are at greater risk of developing anxiety and depression, and individuals previously affected by these disorders have worsened the condition. In addition, individuals diagnosed with anxiety or depression before being affected by COVID-19 developed the severe illness at higher rates than individuals without mental disorders. This harmful cycle involves several mechanisms, including systemic hyper-inflammation and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the context of the pandemic and some previous psychosocial factors can aggravate or trigger anxiety and depression. Disorders are also risks for a more severe picture of COVID-19. This review discusses research on a scientific basis, which brings evidence on biopsychosocial factors from COVID-19 and the context of the pandemic involved in anxiety and depression disorders.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology/complications
*Anxiety/psychology/epidemiology/etiology
*Depression/psychology/epidemiology

@article {pmid36656307,
year = {2023},
author = {Almeida Borges, J and Esquinas, AM},
title = {Biphasic cuirass ventilation in the escalation of non-invasive ventilation in COVID-19: Case report and review.},
journal = {Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace},
volume = {93},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4081/monaldi.2023.2510},
pmid = {36656307},
issn = {2532-5264},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/therapy/complications ; *Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/instrumentation ; Male ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods ; Middle Aged ; },
abstract = {Ventilatory alternatives to prolong noninvasive ventilation in COVID-19 patients are attractive and poorly understood. New devices to deliver negative noninvasive ventilation as biphasic cuirass ventilation (BCV) have been introduced. BCV device assist in spontaneous breathing and support ventilation. We describe a case of the combination of BCV with high-flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO) in the treatment of a COVID-19 pneumonia patient that required prolonged NIV leading to face mask intolerance, ventilator dependency secondary to residual lung fibrosis and respiratory muscular weakness. BCV provides an efficient non-invasive approach in de-escalation of therapy and weaning of prolonged NIV.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/therapy/complications
*Noninvasive Ventilation/methods/instrumentation
Male
SARS-CoV-2
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods
Middle Aged

@article {pmid41791686,
year = {2026},
author = {Karwa, PN and Sakle, NS},
title = {RNA therapeutics 2.0: Expanding the landscape from mRNA vaccines to splicing modulators and beyond.},
journal = {Biotechnology advances},
volume = {89},
number = {},
pages = {108862},
doi = {10.1016/j.biotechadv.2026.108862},
pmid = {41791686},
issn = {1873-1899},
abstract = {RNA therapeutics have progressed into a disruptive drug class quickly, replacing a variety of primary experimental agents which included vaccines, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), aptamers and RNA editing systems. First-generation modalities, demonstrated by fomivirsen and pegaptanib were limited by vulnerability to nuclease attack, inefficient delivery and immune stimulation were treated with clinical feasibility. Recent clinical achievements, including mRNA vaccinations against COVID-19, have been based on developments in backbone chemistry, nucleoside modifications and targeted delivery including N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) conjugation and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) encapsulation. On this basis, it can be stated that the RNA Therapeutics 2.0 is more stable, tunable and can be targeted to organs and tissues. New methodologies such as circular RNA (circRNAs), self-amplifying mRNAs (saRNAs), splice-switching adenosine specific oligonucleotides (ASOs), small-molecule splicing modulators and adenosine deaminase toward RNA (ADAR)-directed base editors. These new generation systems can be used to make durable protein expression, reversible transcript recoding and precision splicing modulation, extending therapeutic applications to oncology, neurology, metabolic disease and rare genetic disorders. Extrahepatic delivery via innovations in delivery that included ligand-targeted LNPs, peptide conjugates and engineered exosomes is surpassing and artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced design is hastening optimization of RNA sequences, chemistries and vectors. RNA therapeutics in combination with gene therapy can be used to produce personalized therapeutics, such as n-of-1 medicines, based on immune regulation and control circuits. This Review describes the development of early oligonucleotide drugs to a diversified arsenal of RNA platforms, the major advancements, obstacles and emerging technology that characterize the next stage of RNA-based precision medicine.},
}

@article {pmid41791674,
year = {2026},
author = {Fan, BE and Yee Tang, JK and Favaloro, EJ},
title = {Safeguarding Global Anticoagulant Supply and Access.},
journal = {Journal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtha.2026.02.017},
pmid = {41791674},
issn = {1538-7836},
abstract = {Anticoagulants are essential to healthcare, yet their global supply is inherently fragile. Reliance on animal-derived heparin creates vulnerability to contamination, animal disease, and logistical disruption, while synthetic alternatives like warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants face mounting manufacturing and geopolitical risks. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed how these intersecting threats can converge during a crisis, causing critical shortages. To build resilience, a systemic shift is required: developing non-animal-derived anticoagulants, diversifying production geographically, establishing protected supply corridors, reducing high carbon footprint manufacturing processes, and creating equitable allocation frameworks. Anticoagulants must be recognized as essential medical assets, necessitating sustained investment and international coordination to ensure reliable access for all health systems, particularly before the next pandemic or global shock.},
}

@article {pmid41790528,
year = {2026},
author = {Gibbs, JL and Vollmer, B and Sheridan, CE and Pinkerton, K and Anthony, RT and Holm, S and Karr, C and Proctor, A and Swenson, A},
title = {Filtering facepiece respirator use among farm youth in the US: A review.},
journal = {Journal of occupational and environmental hygiene},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/15459624.2025.2589137},
pmid = {41790528},
issn = {1545-9632},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for protective equipment, such as filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs), particularly for youth. This systematic review addresses the significant gap in evidence-based guidance for FFR use among US farm youth, a group potentially exposed to diverse respiratory hazards. Current FFR designs and protocols for FFR use are largely adult-centric. Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a multidisciplinary panel reviewed 31 publications published between 1990 and 2023. An independent working group of agricultural safety professionals also contributed by reviewing procedures and publications to check for bias during the review process. Key findings show that while FFRs appear physiologically tolerable by youth study subjects. Subjective discomfort and poor fit of adult-sized respirators remain major barriers to effective use and compliance. Studies highlight the critical need for youth-specific FFR designs based on detailed facial anthropometrics and the development of standardized fit-testing protocols tailored for growing youth. Furthermore, evidence-based guidance on ethical pediatric medical evaluations for respirator use and targeted respiratory health education are urgently needed. This review emphasizes that a concerted effort from manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure youth on farms can safely use respiratory protection.},
}

@article {pmid41789521,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, W and Htike, WYM and Kam, YW},
title = {Quantifying the evidence and burden of smoking behaviour on tuberculosis incidence among adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {04079},
pmid = {41789521},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; Incidence ; *Tuberculosis/epidemiology ; China/epidemiology ; *Smoking/epidemiology/adverse effects ; Adult ; Risk Factors ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in China and worldwide, with smoking being a key modifiable risk factor. Given China's large population and rising smoking rates, this paper aims to examine the link between smoking and TB incidence.

METHODS: We systematically searched six databases from inception for studies reporting smoking exposure, TB outcomes, and smoker-non-smoker comparisons. Two reviewers independently screened records, extracted data, and assessed bias. We analysed smoking-TB associations using random-effects meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS: We included 17 studies reporting ORs and 7 studies reporting HRs in the quantitative synthesis. The pooled OR for TB incidence among smokers compared with non-smokers was 1.77 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.29-2.43), indicating a statistically significant increase in risk of TB. For studies reporting hazard ratios, the pooled estimate was 2.39 (95% CI = 1.28-4.45), showing a significant association between smoking and increased TB incidence.

CONCLUSIONS: Both active and passive smoking significantly elevate the risk of TB and worsen its outcomes in China. Our result indicate that COVID-19 pandemic may have indirectly exacerbated smoking-related risks through disruptions to TB services, heightened psychosocial stress, and shifts in smoking behaviours, with potential implications for TB risk and outcomes. Thus, integrating smoking cessation strategies into TB programmes, focusing on heavy smokers in especially high-prevalence areas, and raising public awareness could enhance efforts to prevent and control TB worldwide.

REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD420251070123.},
}

Humans
Incidence
*Tuberculosis/epidemiology
China/epidemiology
*Smoking/epidemiology/adverse effects
Adult
Risk Factors
COVID-19/epidemiology

@article {pmid41788871,
year = {2025},
author = {Bouchaala, K and Bahloul, M and Bradai, S and Ammar, R and Hamida, CB},
title = {[Effect of awake prone positioning in non-intubated patients with community-acquired pneumonia complicated by hypoxemia].},
journal = {Medecine tropicale et sante internationale},
volume = {5},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41788871},
issn = {2778-2034},
mesh = {Humans ; Prone Position ; Community-Acquired Infections/complications/therapy ; *Hypoxia/therapy/etiology ; *COVID-19/complications/therapy ; Wakefulness ; *Patient Positioning/methods ; *Pneumonia/complications/therapy ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Community-Acquired Pneumonia ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Several studies have suggested that the early use of awake prone positioning (PP) in patients with acute respiratory failure due to severe community-acquired pneumonia, hemodynamically stable and alert, may improve oxygenation and avoid the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. PP may also help reduce case fatality rate (CFR). The benefits of PP for oxygen-dependent patients hospitalized with non-intubated acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection have been evaluated. We reviewed the literature to determine if PP could improve hypoxemia and signs of acute respiratory failure in patients with community-acquired or non-community-acquired pneumonia, reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, and reduce CFRin patients with Covid-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched with Medline for articles published in French or English containing the keywords "acute respiratory failure" or "acute respiratory distress" and "prone position."Results/Conclusion. Turning into prone position is a simple, inexpensive, and effective technique that improves the prognosis of patients with respiratory distress due to severe community-acquired pneumonia, regardless of the cause. This technique can be easily implemented in low-and middle-income countries, particularly in North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America.},
}

Humans
Prone Position
Community-Acquired Infections/complications/therapy
*Hypoxia/therapy/etiology
*COVID-19/complications/therapy
Wakefulness
*Patient Positioning/methods
*Pneumonia/complications/therapy
*Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
Community-Acquired Pneumonia

@article {pmid41788535,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Li, H and Li, T and Zhong, S},
title = {Integrating ethics into infectious disease graduate training: a multidimensional framework for public health practice.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1744330},
pmid = {41788535},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 ; *Public Health Practice/ethics ; *Communicable Diseases ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Public Health/education/ethics ; *Education, Graduate/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {Through a narrative review and synthesis of the global status of Infectious Disease Ethics (IDE) education, this paper proposes positioning IDE as a core competency in graduate training and constructs a three-dimensional integrated model of "Theory-Practice-Assessment." Drawing on the experience of the OPENING project by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), it emphasizes that the ethical framework must adapt to the paradigm shifts brought about by emerging technologies such as genomics. This model not only addresses the gaps in IDE education exposed by COVID-19 but also provides solutions to ethical challenges in fields like digital health and precision medicine, offering a practical pathway for the reform of global infectious disease graduate education.},
}

Humans
COVID-19
*Public Health Practice/ethics
*Communicable Diseases
SARS-CoV-2
*Public Health/education/ethics
*Education, Graduate/organization & administration

@article {pmid41788334,
year = {2026},
author = {Jiang, S and Yuan, J and Li, Q and Song, Z and Cao, L and Song, Z and Zhang, X},
title = {The structure and function of membrane protein in coronavirus infection and its applications in the development of vaccines and therapeutic drugs.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1762041},
pmid = {41788334},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Coronaviruses have long posed significant harm to human and animal health, causing a variety of diseases. The membrane (M) protein of coronaviruses is one of the four major structural proteins and a key component of the viral structure, playing an important role in viral assembly, budding, and immunomodulation. In this paper, we systematically reviewe the structural and functional characteristics of the M protein, including its three transmembrane domains, N-terminal glycosylation and C-terminal oligomerization domain. In terms of function, we focus on the mechanistic roles of the M protein in viral envelope formation and the nucleocapsid packaging, as well as the newly discovered immune evasion strategy of regulating host innate immune signaling pathways. In addition, we also summarize the applications of M protein in preventing and controlling coronavirus infection and mitigating its adverse effects.},
}

@article {pmid41788251,
year = {2025},
author = {Marsh, D},
title = {Daily profile of COVID-19 infections in Europe - a biophysical perspective.},
journal = {Biophysical reviews},
volume = {17},
number = {6},
pages = {1717-1734},
pmid = {41788251},
issn = {1867-2450},
abstract = {Progression of the European COVID-19 pandemic is monitored using daily cases and associated deaths, reported in Italy, Germany and England. Weekly periodicity in reporting is filtered out with a moving average over a 7-day window. This reveals underlying stages of exponential growth and decay, and changes in response to preventative interventions. Exponential rate constants r t , combined with different serial-interval distributions, yield estimates for the basic reproduction number R0 and instantaneous R t , and characterize the emergence of successive dominant viral variants. Rates of testing are discussed in detail, and corrected for. COVID-associated deaths are linked with daily cases, and fatality/case ratios (cfr) used to estimate the extent of under-reporting in the early stages. Reproduction numbers, R0 and R t , provide estimates of vaccine coverage required to reach population-level immunity, and subsequent modifications needed during the vaccination programme. Hence, we obtain a straightforward integrated description of the pandemic that is essentially biophysical.},
}

@article {pmid41786461,
year = {2026},
author = {Caffrey, M and Paprotny, I and Smith, R},
title = {Challenges and progress toward real-time detection of airborne viral pathogens.},
journal = {Critical reviews in biotechnology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/07388551.2026.2628597},
pmid = {41786461},
issn = {1549-7801},
abstract = {Airborne viruses pose significant health, social and economic threats to humans and animals. Moreover, zoonotic transfer of viruses among animals and humans is a concern. Detection methods to identify viruses present in air before causing outbreaks in humans or agricultural animals is highly desirable. In this review we discuss airborne viruses that currently threaten humans and the agricultural industry and the possibility of emerging and reemerging viruses. Examples of airborne viruses threatening human health include influenza and SARS-CoV2; examples of airborne viruses threatening agricultural animals include: influenza, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), and Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV). In addition, we discuss the potential of real-time detection of airborne viruses with a focus on current models, desired properties, current techniques, challenges, and progress to date. Finally, we discuss possible mitigation strategies and future opportunities.},
}

@article {pmid41785785,
year = {2026},
author = {Gonzalez, A},
title = {From evidence gaps to action: Strengthening surveillance, research and social safety nets to address child maltreatment.},
journal = {Child abuse & neglect},
volume = {174},
number = {},
pages = {107971},
doi = {10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107971},
pmid = {41785785},
issn = {1873-7757},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic increased risk factors for family violence, including economic hardship, caregiver stress, social isolation, and service disruptions. Despite extensive research over the past five years, evidence remains mixed on whether child maltreatment rates increased, decreased, or remained stable. This commentary synthesizes emerging findings, specifically highlighting two recent reviews in this special issue. Recommendations are suggested on ways to strengthen surveillance ecosystems that integrate administrative data and population-based surveys to generate timely, comprehensive, and actionable information. Equally important is sustained investment in social safety nets, such as income supports, housing programs, and paid family leave, which have demonstrated protective effects in both crisis and non-crisis contexts. Strengthening these systems is critical to a prevention-focused public health approach that protects children's safety and well-being.},
}

@article {pmid41783665,
year = {2025},
author = {Giri, B and Gurung, M and Adnani, QES and Chattu, VK},
title = {Mental Health of Nepalese Migrant Workers: A Call for Action in South Korea.},
journal = {JNMA; journal of the Nepal Medical Association},
volume = {63},
number = {288},
pages = {636-640},
pmid = {41783665},
issn = {1815-672X},
mesh = {Humans ; Nepal/ethnology ; *Transients and Migrants/psychology ; *Mental Health ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; *Mental Disorders/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {Mental health problems among migrants is a serious issue around the globe. Nepalese migrant workers in South Korea are facing serious mental health problem that affects not only the people involved but also the society at large. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the already dire mental health situation of Nepali workers. Global health diplomacy can be a key factor in addressing mental health by engaging actors from various domains to evaluate mental health in global health priorities. This article reviews the current state of mental health and discusses the recent development in mental health among Nepalese migrant workers in South Korea.},
}

Humans
Nepal/ethnology
*Transients and Migrants/psychology
*Mental Health
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
*Mental Disorders/epidemiology

@article {pmid41783584,
year = {2026},
author = {Oesterle, TS and Bormann, NL},
title = {Digital Therapies for Substance Use Disorders: Recent Advances and Engagement Strategies.},
journal = {Substance abuse and rehabilitation},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {560350},
pmid = {41783584},
issn = {1179-8467},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent, chronic conditions that often go untreated. Technology-driven interventions, including digital therapeutics, web-based programs, and mobile applications, have expanded treatment access. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital approaches, and national policy calls for enhanced use of telehealth and app-based recovery support. However, user engagement with SUD apps remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE: This narrative review summarizes evidence on digital interventions for SUDs, emphasizing mobile apps. It examines what differentiates effective interventions, drawing on insights from the broader context of general mobile app use. It also proposes strategies to enhance engagement in digital therapeutics.

METHODS: We reviewed the literature (2013-2025) on SUD digital interventions, including randomized trials, systematic reviews, and large observational studies of SUD-focused apps. Key findings on clinical efficacy and engagement were extracted, along with examining engagement tactics from mobile gaming and other app domains to inform potential improvements.

RESULTS: Several apps have demonstrated efficacy in reducing substance use or supporting abstinence, particularly those that integrate evidence-based therapy content, provide personalized feedback, offer craving-management tools, and facilitate connectivity to peer or clinician support. In contrast, apps with minimal interactive content often show no added benefit. A major barrier is sustaining user engagement, as many SUD apps experience a steep drop-off in use after the initial download. Strategies such as gamification, contingency management (utilizing incentives), social networking features, and integration with ongoing care can significantly enhance engagement. Early data suggest that blending these strategies into SUD apps yields higher retention and better clinical results.

CONCLUSION: Mobile apps are emerging as valuable adjuncts for SUD treatment, but their real-world impact depends on users' engagement with compelling content. By incorporating tangible rewards, personalized and timely interventions, social support, and provider involvement, digital therapies for SUDs enhance engagement and, consequently, improve long-term recovery outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41783454,
year = {2026},
author = {Washif, JA and Trabelsi, K and Pagaduan, J and Perreras, MSL and Moussa-Chamari, I and Yousfi, N and Pyne, DB and Chamari, K},
title = {Changes in physical fitness and body composition of athletes after the COVID-19 lockdown: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression, with assessment of the certainty of evidence.},
journal = {Biology of sport},
volume = {43},
number = {},
pages = {463-488},
pmid = {41783454},
issn = {0860-021X},
abstract = {This systematic review with meta-analysis analysed the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on physical fitness and body composition in athletes. A comprehensive search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) up to January 2025 (included). Studies were included based on PICO criteria, involving adult athletes, original articles, and any quantitative assessment of physical fitness and/or body composition conducted within one month before and two weeks after the lockdown. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias, while the Cochrane Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach evaluated the certainty of evidence. A total of 14 studies (261 athletes) with a low risk of bias met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis revealed that the effects of lockdowns on athletes' physical fitness and body composition were varied, with consistent impairments (e.g., endurance-related fitness), relative stability (e.g., body mass, CMJ height, maximal strength), and mixed results (e.g., sprinting). A meta-analysis of 11 studies indicated a non-significant effect of lockdown on body mass (effect size [ES]=-0.115, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.214 to 0.164, P=0.797). Similarly, 10 studies showed a variable, non-significant reduction in CMJ height (ES=-0.303, 95% CI -0.655 to 0.045, P=0.097). However, CMJ relative peak power (six studies) demonstrated a trivial-small negative effect (ES=-0.199, 95% CI -0.341 to -0.058, P=0.019). These findings should be interpreted with caution as the certainty of evidence was very low. While evidence remains limited, targeted and individualised training might help mitigate some of the detraining effects observed during a lockdown, particularly in endurance-related fitness outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41783176,
year = {2026},
author = {Horowitz, MA and Sussman, JH and Zomalan, B and Rendler, J and Singh, A and Birouty, N and Seaton, M and Patel, S and Gendreau, JL and Abraham, ME},
title = {Vagus nerve stimulation: An update of currently registered clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov.},
journal = {Surgical neurology international},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {64},
pmid = {41783176},
issn = {2229-5097},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is currently approved for conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy and stroke with promising results. In addition, it is also being investigated for many other conditions. The goal of this study is to review the scope of VNS clinical trials.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of active and completed clinical trials using ClinicalTrials.gov, with "Vagus Nerve Stimulation" as the search term. The number of studies taking place over time was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS: An examination of ClinicalTrials.gov revealed 440 clinical trials, with 346 meeting our inclusion criteria. The number of VNS clinical trials increased annually from 2000 to 2024, demonstrating exponential growth after 2015 (P < 0.001, R[2] = 0.924). Of these, 42.5% were completed, with published results being available for 9.8% of the completed trials. Completed trials were predominantly from the United States, spanning various conditions including a wide variety of disorders such as cardiovascular diseases (n = 38), chronic pain disorders (n = 31), gastrointestinal disorders (n = 24), autoimmune disorders (n = 23), neurodegenerative diseases (n = 19), COVID-19 (n = 13) and diabetes (n = 11). Among the included trials, 86% were non-invasive with 91% of trials with results reporting improvements in symptoms.

CONCLUSION: This increasing number of trials assessing a wide breadth of clinical disorders suggests the promising future of VNS as from the currently approved treatments. Physicians should familiarize themselves with these results and potentially upcoming indications for VNS.},
}

@article {pmid41540891,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, IC and Chen, YH and Phanumartwiwath, A},
title = {Community-Based Care Interventions for Frail Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Multidimensional Strategies Across Pandemic Eras.},
journal = {Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)},
volume = {43},
number = {2},
pages = {511-520},
doi = {10.1111/phn.70071},
pmid = {41540891},
issn = {1525-1446},
mesh = {Humans ; *Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data ; Aged ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; *Community Health Services/methods ; Aged, 80 and over ; Telemedicine ; Quality of Life ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This scoping review evaluates the effectiveness of community-based interventions addressing frailty's multidimensional impacts (physical, nutritional, and psychosocial) in older adults, emphasizing nurses' roles in crisis-responsive care during pandemics.

DESIGN: A scoping review was conducted using Arksey & O'Malley's framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

SAMPLE: Thirty-one studies were from 2019 to 2023, sourced from PubMed and Scopus, spanning five continents.

MEASUREMENTS: Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale; outcomes included frailty reduction and quality-of-life metrics.

INTERVENTION: Interventions included physical rehabilitation (e.g., Otago Exercise Program), nutritional optimization, psychosocial support, technology-enhanced models (e.g., telemedicine), and social engagement.

RESULTS: Multicomponent interventions outperformed single-domain approaches, improving gait speed, reducing frailty progression, and mitigating depression. Telemedicine maintained 78% care continuity during lockdowns. Asian family-centered models excelled, but 84% of evidence came from high-income countries, highlighting low- and middle-income country (LMIC) gaps.

CONCLUSIONS: Gerontological nurses are pivotal in delivering culturally adapted care by coordinating interprofessional home-based teams, integrating gerotechnology in resource-limited settings, and advocating for policy reforms to bridge urban-rural disparities. These findings underscore nursing's role in equitable, resilient frailty management.},
}

Humans
*Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data
Aged
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Pandemics
*Community Health Services/methods
Aged, 80 and over
Telemedicine
Quality of Life

@article {pmid40409294,
year = {2026},
author = {Franchini, M and Focosi, D and Mannucci, PM},
title = {Coagulation Abnormalities Associated with COVID-19: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis},
volume = {52},
number = {3},
pages = {327-334},
doi = {10.1055/a-2619-2485},
pmid = {40409294},
issn = {1098-9064},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/blood ; *Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology/blood/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Blood Coagulation ; Thrombophilia/etiology/blood ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; Hemorrhage/etiology/blood ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a viral respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), has caused in the last 5 years a global pandemic of unprecedented scale in the modern era. Other than the typical respiratory symptoms, patients suffering from moderate to severe COVID-19 are at risk of developing a peculiar systemic coagulopathy, known as COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. In addition to a predominantly hypercoagulable state, COVID-19 patients may experience hemorrhagic complications triggered by the viral infection. The current knowledge on the underlying molecular mechanisms, the laboratory and clinical characteristics of coagulation abnormalities associated with COVID-19, along with their management, will be summarized in this narrative review.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/blood
*Blood Coagulation Disorders/etiology/blood/virology
*SARS-CoV-2
*Blood Coagulation
Thrombophilia/etiology/blood
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
Hemorrhage/etiology/blood

@article {pmid40334699,
year = {2026},
author = {Marietta, M and Coluccio, V and Cordella, S and Luppi, M},
title = {Impact of Viral Infections on the Hemostatic System.},
journal = {Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis},
volume = {52},
number = {3},
pages = {315-326},
doi = {10.1055/a-2601-9302},
pmid = {40334699},
issn = {1098-9064},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/blood/immunology/complications ; *Hemostasis ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Cytokines ; Thrombosis/blood ; Cytokine Release Syndrome/blood/immunology ; *Virus Diseases/blood/immunology ; *Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral/blood/immunology ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought renewed attention to the significant but often overlooked impact of viral infections on the hemostatic system. This review explores the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the interaction between viruses and hemostasis, directly through viral components or immune-mediated processes. Viruses are recognized as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells such as neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets. This recognition triggers immune responses, including the production of type I interferons (IFN-α and IFN-β) and proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which recruit immune cells and induce pyroptotic cell death. Inflammatory cytokines contribute to endothelial dysfunction and coagulation activation, interacting with platelets, neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and the kallikrein-kinin system. Hyperactivation of the cytokine system, known as the "cytokine storm," correlates with disease severity. Common features of viral infections include platelet activation and endotheliitis, leading to thrombocytopenia and microvascular thrombosis. Interestingly, similar pathogenic mechanisms in COVID-19 and viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) result in contrasting clinical manifestations. While COVID-19 predominantly induces a thrombotic response characterized by endothelial damage, platelet hyperactivity, and complement activation, VHFs typically lead to hemorrhagic complications due to thrombocytopenia, consumptive coagulopathy, and vascular injury. These differences are influenced by the timing and location of coagulation activation, as well as the dynamics of immune responses. In COVID-19, coagulation initially occurs in the lungs, followed by systemic thrombotic phases, whereas VHFs rapidly progress to consumptive coagulopathy with hemorrhage, compounded by immune suppression.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/blood/immunology/complications
*Hemostasis
*SARS-CoV-2
Cytokines
Thrombosis/blood
Cytokine Release Syndrome/blood/immunology
*Virus Diseases/blood/immunology
*Hemorrhagic Fevers, Viral/blood/immunology

@article {pmid41783149,
year = {2025},
author = {Lobukulu Lolimo, G and Khonde, R and Matondo, H and Kabele, J and Musawu K, Y and Beshah, SA and Achala, DM and Njeri Muriithi, G and Adote, ENA and Zegeye, EA and Mbachu, CO and Ataguba, JE and Yaya Bocoum, FIK and Manitu, SM},
title = {Reasons for hesitancy and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among the Congolese population: a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in health services},
volume = {5},
number = {},
pages = {1647147},
pmid = {41783149},
issn = {2813-0146},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Despite over 9.6 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally, vaccination access remains highly unequal. North America and Western Europe have over 50% vaccination coverage, contrasting sharply with African nations, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has under 10%. This scoping review explores the key factors contributing to the low COVID-19 vaccination rate in the Congolese population.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, searching PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases for peer-reviewed manuscripts published between 2019 and 2023. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, and focused on the factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and access in the DRC.

RESULTS: Although surveys indicated a high willingness on the part of the people to get vaccinated, only 2.7% of the population were fully vaccinated. The primary barrier to vaccination was safety concerns, specifically, perceptions of the vaccine as new and experimental (84.4%) and fear of side effects (83.3%). Additional hesitancy factors included mistrust in vaccine effectiveness (60.4%) and a general lack of confidence (60.0%). Facilitators of acceptance included prior family vaccination, perceived risk of infection, belief in the existence of the virus, and awareness of vaccination strategies. Sociodemographic factors such as being a healthcare professional or male also positively influenced uptake.

DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the gap between vaccine willingness and actual coverage in the DRC. Addressing safety concerns and building trust through targeted outreach, especially among key professional groups, may improve vaccine acceptance and equity.},
}

@article {pmid41782516,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, IJ and Tzeng, YS and Wu, SY and Chang, FC},
title = {Effect of Yoga Intervention for Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Journal of integrative and complementary medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {27683605261419365},
doi = {10.1177/27683605261419365},
pmid = {41782516},
issn = {2768-3613},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) faced unprecedented stress, anxiety, and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yoga, a mind-body practice combining physical postures, breathing, and meditation, has demonstrated benefits for mental and physical resilience. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of yoga interventions in addressing mental health challenges and promoting overall well-being among HCWs during the pandemic.

METHODS: This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Comprehensive searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were conducted up to November 2024 using terms including "yoga," "COVID-19," and "health care workers." Eligible studies involved HCWs receiving yoga interventions compared with nonyoga controls. Outcomes included stress, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and physiological parameters. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 1.0). Certainty of evidence assessment was conducted with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

RESULTS: Of 134 studies identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Participants included HCWs from India, Turkey, and the United States, with intervention durations ranging from 2 to 12 weeks. Yoga consistently reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, with improvements in sleep quality and quality of life. Physiological benefits included enhanced autonomic function and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. App-based and tailored yoga protocols showed potential for scalability and accessibility. The overall quality of the included studies was moderate.

CONCLUSION: Yoga interventions demonstrated significant benefits in mitigating mental health challenges and enhancing overall well-being in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the value of yoga as a holistic support for HCWs in high-stress environments.},
}

@article {pmid40738304,
year = {2026},
author = {Ishikawa, T and Kagami, H and Ishikawa, M and Oyama, K},
title = {Parent artery occlusion for ruptured dissecting aneurysm of anterior inferior cerebellar artery: Case report and literature review.},
journal = {Neurocirugia},
volume = {37},
number = {2},
pages = {500712},
doi = {10.1016/j.neucie.2025.500712},
pmid = {40738304},
issn = {2529-8496},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Aged ; *Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging/complications/therapy/surgery ; *Aneurysm, Ruptured/therapy/diagnostic imaging/surgery/complications ; *Embolization, Therapeutic/methods ; *Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/etiology/diagnostic imaging/surgery/therapy ; *Cerebellum/blood supply ; *Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging/therapy/surgery/complications ; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Hydrocephalus/surgery/etiology ; Endovascular Procedures/methods ; },
abstract = {Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by a dissecting aneurysm of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) is rare. Partial coil embolization of the AICA may be an effective treatment. A 65-year-old woman presented at the emergency room with headache and vomiting for the past five days, after contracting coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. Computed tomography (CT) revealed SAH and intraventricular hemorrhage, and the patient was diagnosed with a dissecting aneurysm of the AICA. The patient underwent endovascular surgery, and the AICA was partially occluded using coiling, with no subsequent hearing disturbance, cranial nerve palsy, or infarction. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery was performed for hydrocephalus at 7 weeks after SAH. The patient was discharged from hospital with no neurological deficit. We reported a rare case of ruptured AICA dissecting aneurysm, which was treated by partial coil embolization without neurological deficit or infarction.},
}

Humans
Female
Aged
*Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging/complications/therapy/surgery
*Aneurysm, Ruptured/therapy/diagnostic imaging/surgery/complications
*Embolization, Therapeutic/methods
*Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/etiology/diagnostic imaging/surgery/therapy
*Cerebellum/blood supply
*Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging/therapy/surgery/complications
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Hydrocephalus/surgery/etiology
Endovascular Procedures/methods

@article {pmid39865810,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, X and Liu, D and Pan, W and He, M and Meng, F},
title = {Research Progress of Microneedles in Vaccine Delivery.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {501-522},
pmid = {39865810},
issn = {1875-533X},
support = {ZR2022QB149//Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, China/ ; XM2023016//Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Needles ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *Vaccines/administration & dosage ; Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology ; *Drug Delivery Systems/instrumentation/methods ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccination/methods/instrumentation ; },
abstract = {Large-scale infectious diseases have become a significant threat to human health and safety. The successful invention of vaccines is the most powerful means for preventing infectious diseases and has greatly improved global human health. Even during the pandemic of COVID-19, which has affected the world, vaccines have played an irreplaceable role. Microneedles (MNs) punctured the stratum corneum and formed microchannels in the skin allowing the vaccine to be efficiently recognized by the abundant antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the skin to form specific immunity. Compared with traditional vaccination methods, MN transdermal immunization has the advantages of painlessness, easy storage, and efficient immune response. In this review, we summarize the types of vaccines, types of MNs, research progress and clinical research status of MN-based vaccines. We also cover various technologies for vaccine encapsulation, stable delivery of MN vaccines, and a wide range of potential clinical applications. We also outline the future development prospects of the MN system onboard to achieve better clinical benefits.},
}

Humans
*Needles
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*Vaccines/administration & dosage
Administration, Cutaneous
Animals
*COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology
*Drug Delivery Systems/instrumentation/methods
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccination/methods/instrumentation

@article {pmid41782288,
year = {2026},
author = {Ramklass, SS and Zhandire, T and Gordon, M},
title = {Pandemic preparedness and response among global healthcare workers using an interprofessional health practice framework: a scoping review protocol.},
journal = {Journal of interprofessional care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-8},
doi = {10.1080/13561820.2026.2640469},
pmid = {41782288},
issn = {1469-9567},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in healthcare systems' preparedness and response capabilities including workforce coordination and collaborative practice. Although pandemic preparedness is often framed in terms of infrastructure and policy, the pandemic highlighted that health system responsiveness depends on how healthcare workers are educated and trained to collaborate, adapt, and make decisions. Healthcare workers operate within volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments, necessitating new approaches to education and practice. In this scoping review we will examine how health professional education and education-linked practice initiatives adapted to the VUCA conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular focus on interprofessional education and collaborative practice (IPECP) as a mechanism for strengthening pandemic response. Following JBI scoping review methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, seven electronic databases will be searched for literature published between January 2022 and 2025. Empirical studies examining educational adaptations and practice-embedded interprofessional strategies implemented during COVID-19 will be included. Two independent reviewers will conduct screening and data extraction, with findings synthesized narratively. IPECP and VUCA frameworks provide an analytical lens for examining identifying of educational and practice adaptations associated with coordinated healthcare responses. Findings are intended to enforce workforce resilience and future preparedness efforts. This protocol has been registered on OSF doi: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/A6F3D.},
}

@article {pmid41782074,
year = {2026},
author = {Gordon, M and Ramirez, P},
title = {The role of corticosteroids in severe viral pneumonia: lessons from COVID-19 and influenza.},
journal = {Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.)},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41782074},
issn = {2200-6133},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have long been used as immunomodulatory agents in viral respiratory infections, but their role in influenza and COVID-19 remains controversial. While both diseases share overlapping pathogenic mechanisms involving hyperinflammation and immune dysregulation, clinical evidence suggests divergent outcomes in response to corticosteroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This review critically examines the evidence regarding corticosteroid use in influenza and COVID-19, focusing on their impact on mortality, disease progression, and secondary infections.

METHODS: A narrative review was conducted including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and major observational studies published between 2000 and 2025. Data were analyzed comparatively for influenza (seasonal and pandemic strains) and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS: In influenza, most studies associate corticosteroid administration—particularly at high doses or prolonged courses—with increased mortality, delayed viral clearance, and higher rates of secondary bacterial pneumonia. Conversely, in COVID-19, randomized trials such as RECOVERY demonstrated that low-to-moderate doses of dexamethasone significantly reduce mortality in patients requiring oxygen or mechanical ventilation, without clear benefit in mild disease. These opposing outcomes highlight the importance of timing, dosing, and patient selection, reflecting distinct immunopathological trajectories between the two infections.

CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid therapy exerts context-dependent effects in viral pneumonia. While detrimental in most cases of influenza, it is beneficial in severe COVID-19 when guided by systemic inflammation. Future strategies should focus on personalized and real-time immune monitoring to tailor immunomodulatory interventions to each patient’s inflammatory and virological status.},
}

@article {pmid41781975,
year = {2026},
author = {Mótyán, JA and Golda, M and Mahdi, M and Nashed, NT and Louis, JM and Tőzsér, J},
title = {Molecular mechanisms of protease precursor autoprocessing of RNA viruses: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Virology journal},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12985-026-03119-z},
pmid = {41781975},
issn = {1743-422X},
abstract = {Many viruses express their proteins in the form of large polyproteins comprising structural and non-structural (e.g. enzymatic) units that are released from the precursor through ordered proteolysis. Proteolytic processing of polyproteins is an indispensable regulatory step for virus maturation and replication that is carried out by the virus-encoded and/or cellular proteases. The activity of a viral protease that is expressed as a part of a polyprotein is controlled in part by the self-cleavage (autoprocessing) from the precursor. The mechanism of protease precursor processing has been established at the molecular level for various RNA virus proteases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Both viral protease precursors are processed via intra- (in cis) and intermolecular (in trans) cleavages at the N- and C-termini, respectively, yielding the mature enzyme. The remarkably similar activation mechanisms of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 PRs suggest that other viral proteases are activated similarly. In this review, we provide a detailed overview on the protease precursor autoprocessing mechanism of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 proteases and compare those to the activation mechanism of non-viral proteases from their zymogens. Also, we review the activation mechanism of other ss(+)RNA viruses that utilize the polyprotein pathway for their replication. Based on such comparison, it appears that the protease activation mechanisms of most enveloped ss(+)RNA viruses from their precursors share many common features, although they do not correlate directly with the evolutionary relationships, the presence or absence of viral envelope or the catalytic mechanism of the viral protease.},
}

@article {pmid41779576,
year = {2026},
author = {Bragagnolo, LM and Avarca, CAC and Tofani, LFN and Bigal, AL and Moura, GHDS and Chioro, A and Guimarães, CF and Andreazza, R},
title = {[Resilience and technological care arrangements in hospital settings during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative literature review].},
journal = {Ciencia & saude coletiva},
volume = {31},
number = {2},
pages = {e08452024},
doi = {10.1590/1413-81232026312.08452024},
pmid = {41779576},
issn = {1678-4561},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {This integrative review analyzed scientific literature to identify technological arrangements for care management (CM) in hospitals used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of understanding whether and how these arrangements contributed to the resilience of services and systems. A literature search was conducted in three databases for studies published between January 1, 2020, and May 10, 2023. Data analysis was guided by Cecílio's (2011) classification of CM into family, professional, and organizational dimensions. Within the family dimension, relational strategies were found to enhance hospital resilience. In the professional and organizational dimensions, shared decision-making and dialogical interactions among technologies supported resilient and comprehensive care. Information and communication technologies (ICT) played a key role in enabling hospital reorganization while preserving light technologies essential to humanized care. Health systems such as the SUS may benefit from integrating ICT with CM to strengthen coordination among families, professionals, and institutions.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
Pandemics

@article {pmid41773392,
year = {2026},
author = {Muzamhindo, DN and Chironda, G and Tsoka-Gwegweni, JM},
title = {Implementation of malaria control programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern African Development Community Elimination 8 countries: A scoping review.},
journal = {African journal of primary health care & family medicine},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {e1-e12},
doi = {10.4102/phcfm.v18i1.5110},
pmid = {41773392},
issn = {2071-2936},
mesh = {Humans ; *Malaria/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Africa, Southern/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the communicable diseases affecting the whole world. The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region is the most affected, with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Malaria Elimination 8 (E8) countries accounting for 90% and 95% of the cases, respectively. The WHO tasked the SADC Malaria E8 countries to eliminate malaria by 2030, yet the COVID-19 pandemic response disrupted health programmes.

AIM:  The review aims to map and synthesise the evidence on malaria control programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the SADC E8 countries to identify gaps, inform policy, enhance planning for future pandemics and promote the attainment of the SADC 2030 Malaria E8 goal.

METHOD:  The reviewers conducted this review using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The population, concept and context (PCC) guided inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information relevant to the review questions was extracted using data extraction tools.

RESULTS:  Of the 658 articles retrieved, only 7 met the inclusion criteria. Half of the publications were done in 2021, and nothing was published in 2020. The publishers were predominantly public health experts.

CONCLUSION:  There is limited research on the malaria programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Malaria E8 countries.Contribution: The review brings out the need for research on the topic, policies that promote the continuation of malaria programmes during a pandemic and the employment of coping strategies.},
}

Humans
*Malaria/prevention & control/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Africa, Southern/epidemiology
Pandemics

@article {pmid41656465,
year = {2025},
author = {Kazachinskaia, EI and Zibareva, LN and Kononova, YV and Shestopalov, AM and Voevoda, MI and Chepurnov, AA},
title = {Antiviral Activity of Plant-Based Preparations against SARS-CoV-2 and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 In Vitro: A Review of Experimental Findings.},
journal = {Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine},
volume = {180},
number = {1},
pages = {1-10},
pmid = {41656465},
issn = {1573-8221},
mesh = {*Herpesvirus 2, Human/drug effects ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; Humans ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/virology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Vero Cells ; },
abstract = {We reviewed published data on the efficacy of plant-derived preparations, including the authors' original in vitro findings on the antiviral activity of aqueous and dry ethanol extracts against the RNA virus SARS-CoV-2 and the DNA virus herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study evaluates the activity of an aqueous extract prepared from fermented leaves of Epilobium angustifolium L., as well as dry ethanol extracts obtained from clove spice (Syzygium aromaticum L.), black and green tea (Camellia sinensis L.), leaves of Rhaponticum carthamoides, the basidiomycete fungus chaga (Inonotus obliquus (Ach. ex Pers.) Pil.), and four lichen species: Cetraria islandica L., Usnea L., Pseudevernia furfuracea L., and Cladonia stellaris Opiz. HPLC analysis of several dry ethanol extracts suggests that their antiviral activity may be attributed to polyphenolic compounds and ecdysteroids. These findings may serve as a basis both for the identification of individual bioactive plant-derived compounds and for the development of cost-effective therapeutic or prophylactic agents against COVID-19 and for reducing the recurrence rate of chronic genital herpes.},
}

*Herpesvirus 2, Human/drug effects
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
Humans
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
COVID-19/virology
Plant Leaves/chemistry
Vero Cells

@article {pmid41622196,
year = {2026},
author = {Sun, S and Zhang, Y and Ma, J and Chen, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in thymoma- related aplastic anemia: a case report and literature review.},
journal = {Journal of cardiothoracic surgery},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41622196},
issn = {1749-8090},
mesh = {Humans ; *Thymoma/complications/surgery/diagnosis ; *Anemia, Aplastic/etiology/therapy/diagnosis ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Thymus Neoplasms/complications/surgery/diagnosis ; *Thymectomy/adverse effects ; COVID-19/complications ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Treatment Outcome ; Fatal Outcome ; Myasthenia Gravis ; },
abstract = {Thymoma-related aplastic anemia is a rare entity. This article retrospectively analyzes the clinical features and treatment course of a patient who developed aplastic anemia (AA) post-thymectomy, complemented by a systematic review of relevant literature. A 47-year-old female was diagnosed with thymoma, myasthenia gravis (MG), and severe AA (SAA). SAA onset occurred two weeks after total thymectomy, and the patient ultimately succumbed to concurrent COVID-19 infection following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We also reviewed the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and prognosis of 47 thymoma-related aplastic anemia patients reported in the literature. AA may present prior to thymoma diagnosis, concurrently with thymoma, or post-thymectomy. Some patients progress to pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and/or megakaryocytic aplasia, often following prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Similar to Good syndrome and PRCA, thymectomy fails to alleviate AA, and spontaneous improvement is rare. Treatment options for thymoma-related aplastic anemia include cyclosporine A (CsA) monotherapy, CsA combined with glucocorticoids, thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs), and allo-HSCT. However, regimens of cyclophosphamide plus methylprednisolone and glucocorticoid monotherapy show limited efficacy. The overall one-year mortality rate is alarmingly high at 29.8%. For young thymoma-related aplastic anemia patients with SAA and suitable donors, allo-HSCT remains the preferred treatment.},
}

Humans
*Thymoma/complications/surgery/diagnosis
*Anemia, Aplastic/etiology/therapy/diagnosis
Female
Middle Aged
*Thymus Neoplasms/complications/surgery/diagnosis
*Thymectomy/adverse effects
COVID-19/complications
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Treatment Outcome
Fatal Outcome
Myasthenia Gravis

@article {pmid41379524,
year = {2026},
author = {Colonna, C and Monzani, NA and Moiraghi, A and Tibiletti, A and Aromolo, IF and Cavalli, R},
title = {Pityriasis rubra pilaris triggered by vaccination.},
journal = {Italian journal of dermatology and venereology},
volume = {161},
number = {1},
pages = {65-70},
doi = {10.23736/S2784-8671.25.08304-5},
pmid = {41379524},
issn = {2784-8450},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris/etiology/chemically induced ; Male ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Adult ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Child ; Adolescent ; Aged, 80 and over ; Infant ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare inflammatory papulo-squamous skin disease. To date, the exact etiopathogenesis of PRP is unknown; although the most accepted triggers are viral or bacterial infections, few cases after vaccination have been reported as well.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Our aim is to conduct a systematic review of cases of PRP triggered by vaccination. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for articles concerning PRP post-vaccination, published between January 2000 and June 2024. We also added a previously unpublished case that came to our attention.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-three articles were included, and 30 cases have been identified. The majority of patients were male (20/30, 66.6%). The median age of onset was 55 years (min 17 months-max 85 years). Most patients (27/30, 90%) were adults vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, of whom 14/27 (51.9%) received mRNA-based vaccines (9 Comirnaty/Pfizer and 5 Spikevax/Moderna). The three pediatric cases had been vaccinated against Measles-Mumps-Rubella (2 cases) and intramuscular diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine plus oral poliovirus. The temporal relationship between vaccination and PRP onset varied (median 10 days post-vaccination; min 2-max 30). PRP occurred both after the first dose (14/30, 46.6%) and at subsequent doses of the vaccine. The majority of patients re-exposed to new doses (6/9, 66%) experienced clinical exacerbation. Post-vaccination PRP responds well to both traditional and biologic treatments, with only 4/30 (13.3%) showing no resolution.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PRP post-vaccination is rare and likely underdiagnosed, but recognizing the association is important to evaluate any new exposures to the trigger. A thorough patient history, including recent vaccinations, is crucial.},
}

Humans
*Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris/etiology/chemically induced
Male
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
Adult
*Vaccination/adverse effects
Middle Aged
Aged
Child
Adolescent
Aged, 80 and over
Infant
Female
Child, Preschool
Young Adult

@article {pmid41361115,
year = {2026},
author = {Glossmann, HH},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines: unresolved mechanisms of myocardial damage.},
journal = {Archives of toxicology},
volume = {100},
number = {3},
pages = {1177-1180},
pmid = {41361115},
issn = {1432-0738},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Myocarditis/chemically induced/immunology ; Mice ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Nanoparticles ; Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism ; Male ; mRNA Vaccines ; Myocardium/pathology ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/genetics ; *Pericarditis/chemically induced ; Liposomes ; },
abstract = {Myopericarditis requiring emergency care or hospitalization after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination occurs most frequently in adolescent males. In the acute phase, vaccine-associated heart inflammation is characterized by elevated cardiac biomarkers (troponin, B-type natriuretic peptide), electrocardiographic abnormalities, abnormal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, elevated interleukins and chemokines, expansion of activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and monocyte dysregulation. This adverse event may occur one or two days after the first injection but is far more frequent after the second, suggesting contributions from trained innate immunity and/or cumulative dose effects. A recent mouse study in this journal reported dramatic increases in both cardiac biomarkers two days after the second dose of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing mRNA coding for the Omicron spike, despite absence of histopathological heart damage at 14 days-even after intravenous administration. Here, these findings are discussed in the context of human observations and additional mouse experiments. I propose that endothelial cells (ECs) of the myocardial microvasculature are a preferred off-target for LNPs because of the unique features of myocardial anatomy and perfusion. Endothelial injury via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation by ionizable lipids and/or endosomal rupture may represent an initiating step ("endothelitis"), followed by recognition of spike-derived peptides presented by ECs to activated monocytes and T lymphocytes. The potential role of the Wuhan spike protein in establishing a trained innate immunity phenotype, and species differences in TLR sensitivity, are considered.},
}

Animals
Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Myocarditis/chemically induced/immunology
Mice
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Nanoparticles
Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects
Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism
Male
mRNA Vaccines
Myocardium/pathology
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology/genetics
*Pericarditis/chemically induced
Liposomes

@article {pmid40838732,
year = {2026},
author = {Ognibene, A and Lippi, G},
title = {Global-of-care testing (GOCT): emerging challenges for laboratory medicine network.},
journal = {Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany)},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {40-45},
pmid = {40838732},
issn = {2194-802X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Global Health ; COVID-19 Testing ; Pandemics ; *Laboratories, Clinical/organization & administration ; International Cooperation ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has placed laboratory medicine at the forefront of public health and clinical care. Larger use of social media and official communication platforms raised public awareness of laboratory science, driving demand for rapid, accurate diagnostic information and shifting expectations around access and interpretation of testing. Laboratory medicine, rooted in accuracy, precision, reproducibility and clinical relevance, has advanced from basic diagnostics to sophisticated molecular and data-driven platforms. Yet, literature and policy on coordinated international laboratory networks, especially for surveillance and emergency response, remain limited. This opinion paper introduces the concept of "global-of-care testing", encompassing globally connected diagnostic infrastructures with regional adaptability, robust governance, and sustained investment in technology and workforce. Laboratory network design must account for geography and population density in allocating facilities. Integrated systems require automation capable of interfacing across multiple platforms (preanalytical processing, clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis and even molecular diagnostics and mass spectrometry) to optimize workflows, support real-time decision-making, facilitate remote collaboration and maintain rigorous quality assurance. A decentralized yet interconnected model allows peripheral laboratories to actively participate in clinical decision-making through shared protocols, telemedicine and integrated data, ultimately reducing turnaround times, improving responsiveness and enhancing patient-centred care. Embedding Value-Based Laboratory Medicine (VBLM) within this framework ensures that diagnostics are aligned with health outcomes in a multidisciplinary ecosystem organized around patient needs. The future of laboratory medicine will hence depend on evidence-based reforms that integrate technology, reorganize systems and reinforce governance for promoting quality, equitable access and sustainable precision healthcare.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Global Health
COVID-19 Testing
Pandemics
*Laboratories, Clinical/organization & administration
International Cooperation

@article {pmid40735994,
year = {2026},
author = {Bjørklund, G and Antonyak, H and Lysiuk, R and Dzhura, N and Gurgas, L and Hangan, T},
title = {The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in COVID-19 Treatment: Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Medicine.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {33},
number = {2},
pages = {255-283},
pmid = {40735994},
issn = {1875-533X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use/chemistry ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; COVID-19 ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has prompted a global health crisis, necessitating diverse therapeutic strategies. This review explores the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with conventional medicine in managing COVID-19, highlighting the potential synergistic effects of combining these approaches. TCM formulations such as Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules and Shu Feng Jie Du capsules have shown promise in alleviating symptoms and enhancing recovery rates in COVID-19 patients through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Key components such as glycyrrhizin, quercetin, and resveratrol, along with fungal, animal, and mineral preparations, contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of TCM. Some individual polyphenolics, found in TCM formulations, significantly contribute to anti-SARSCoV- 2 effect: their EC50 values range from 4.5 μmol/L (baicalein) to 83.4 μmol/L (quercetin), depending on the types of cells used and the treatment period. The review emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific research to validate the effectiveness and safety of TCM treatments and the need for standardized protocols to ensure their consistent use. The quality and safety of Chinese herbal products still pose significant challenges that should be considered during their production and use. The integration of TCM with conventional medical practices offers a holistic approach to patient care, addressing the multifaceted pathophysiology of COVID-19 and enhancing overall treatment outcomes. Continued international collaborations and interdisciplinary research are essential to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine, fostering a more inclusive healthcare system.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use/chemistry
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
COVID-19
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
Animals

@article {pmid40691108,
year = {2026},
author = {Ma, H and Chen, YY and Shih, WL and Chen, YC and Chen, TJ and Fang, CT},
title = {Effectiveness of the monovalent XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi},
volume = {59},
number = {2},
pages = {152-166},
doi = {10.1016/j.jmii.2025.07.002},
pmid = {40691108},
issn = {1995-9133},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *Vaccine Efficacy ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Adult ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a public health concern even after its pandemic status officially ended on May 5, 2023, when XBB became the globally predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant. Amid population immunity, the benefit of the monovalent XBB.1.5 vaccines remains uncertain.

METHODS: This systematic review searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through November 30, 2024, for studies evaluating the effectiveness of XBB.1.5 vaccines in adults during the 2023-2024 season. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024513730).

RESULTS: Twenty-one eligible studies, with a total of 53,396,781 participants, were included. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the first month post-vaccination was 52.9 % (95 % CI: 47.6 %-57.6 %) against SARS-CoV-2 infection, 64.4 % (95 % CI: 59.3 %-68.9 %) against COVID-19-related hospitalization, and 77.3 % (95 % CI: 67.1 %-84.3 %) against COVID-19-related death. However, by the fifth month, VE declined to 26.7 %, 52.3 %, and 69.4 %, respectively. Notably, against the JN.1 variant that replaced XBB in December 2023, VE against infection, hospitalization, and death dropped significantly by 47 % (from 53.7 % to 28.3 %), 32 % (from 67.8 % to 46.2 %), and 26 % (from 77.3 % to 57.1 %), respectively. VE against hospitalization in individuals aged >60 years was not inferior to that in those aged <60 years (57.2 % versus 49.2 %; subgroup difference, p = 0.24).

CONCLUSION: XBB.1.5 vaccines provided substantial protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes in the 2023-2024 season prior to the emergence of the JN.1 variant. These findings underscore the need for updated COVID-19 vaccinations to maintain protection against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*Vaccine Efficacy
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Adult
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid40631953,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, Z and Luo, Y and Yi, Y and Guo, X and Liu, Y and Wang, X and Liu, X},
title = {Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review.},
journal = {Immunological medicine},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {88-101},
doi = {10.1080/25785826.2025.2528331},
pmid = {40631953},
issn = {2578-5826},
mesh = {Humans ; *Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/etiology/drug therapy/diagnosis ; Male ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Young Adult ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Prednisone/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {To investigate the potential association between COVID-19 vaccination and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, offering novel insights for the diagnosis and management of vaccine-related ocular disorders. A case report combined with a literature review was conducted. A 19-year-old male developing VKH after receiving the second dose of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was analyzed. Clinical features, treatment outcomes (glucocorticoid therapy with 2-year follow-up), and literature-based comparisons were evaluated. PubMed-indexed cases of vaccine-associated VKH were systematically reviewed, and causality was assessed using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. The patient presented with bilateral blurred vision 14 days post-vaccination, diagnosed as VKH with retinal neuroepithelial detachment via fluorescein angiography (FFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Oral prednisone (starting at 60 mg/day, tapered gradually)restored visual acuity to near-normal levels (OD: 20/40, OS: 20/33), consistent with the patient's reported baseline vision. Within 8 weeks, with no recurrence during follow-up. Literature analysis revealed vaccine-associated VKH symptoms typically emerged at a median of 8 days post-vaccination, aligning with the WHO's 40-day adverse event monitoring window. A Naranjo score of 4 indicated a probable vaccine-triggered immune response. COVID-19 vaccines may induce VKH via immune dysregulation mechanisms, particularly in genetically predisposed individuals. Although causality remains unconfirmed, clinicians should maintain vigilance for acute bilateral uveitis post-vaccination. Glucocorticoid therapy demonstrates efficacy in symptom resolution and relapse prevention. Enhanced active surveillance and mechanistic studies on vaccine-related ocular adverse events are warranted.},
}

Humans
*Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome/etiology/drug therapy/diagnosis
Male
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
Young Adult
*COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Vaccination/adverse effects
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Fluorescein Angiography
Tomography, Optical Coherence
Prednisone/therapeutic use

@article {pmid40521738,
year = {2026},
author = {Ullah, MF},
title = {Anthropogenic influence, microbes and zoonotic diseases: Ecological imbalance, diverse impact and the One Health approach.},
journal = {Journal of vector borne diseases},
volume = {63},
number = {1},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_13_25},
pmid = {40521738},
issn = {0972-9062},
mesh = {*Zoonoses/transmission/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology ; Animals ; Humans ; *One Health ; COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission ; Ecosystem ; *Anthropogenic Effects ; Climate Change ; Pandemics ; Global Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Humans, animals, and ecosystems coexist in a delicate web of interdependent means of existence. Each of these play pivotal roles in shaping the sustainability of life on earth and global health outcomes. Human actions have profoundly transformed ecosystems on a global scale, threatening biodiversity and destabilizing ecological processes. The intricate relationship between humans and animals also extends to the realm of disease transmission such as zoonotic diseases. The term 'spillover' commonly refers to an infection originating from animals that spreads to humans, potentially leading to an outbreak that escalates into an epidemic or pandemic through human-to-human transmission. These incidents posed the risk of evolving into pandemics with high mortality rates, which became a reality in recent in times during the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases are influenced by a multifaceted interaction of factors including biological, ecological, environmental, socioeconomic, and human-induced influences such as deforestation, agriculture practices, livestock production, climate change and globalization. These modify the dynamics of disease transmission between animals and humans. Effectively averting and controlling zoonotic diseases embracing a One Health strategy, fostering collaboration among sectors accountable for human health, animal health, and environmental safeguards. One Health approach challenges the anthropogenic dominance of earth and aims for optimal health and sustainability for humans, animals, and the environment simultaneously.},
}

*Zoonoses/transmission/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology
Animals
Humans
*One Health
COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission
Ecosystem
*Anthropogenic Effects
Climate Change
Pandemics
Global Health
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41781347,
year = {2026},
author = {Moschioni, M and Siraji, RA and Dissard, R and Segafredo, G and Mutungi, H and Jain, A and Thakur, R and Maurya, N and James, I},
title = {mRNA vaccines and therapeutics beyond COVID-19: A review of the global clinical development landscape, low- and middle-income countries involvement and relevance to their contexts.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {2628424},
pmid = {41781347},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; Developing Countries ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Vaccine Development ; *Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *mRNA Vaccines ; Global Health ; Drug Development ; },
abstract = {mRNA vaccines demonstrated transformative potential during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet global access to mRNA research, development, and manufacturing capacity remains unequal. This review systematically maps the global mRNA clinical development landscape beyond COVID-19, based on publicly available sources. A total of 244 vaccine and therapeutic candidates were identified: 123 targeting 23 communicable diseases and 121 targeting 69 non-communicable diseases, including 102 cancer-focused candidates. Two hundred and twenty-seven candidates (93%) were in early clinical development phases and 12 in late-stage development. Eighty-five developers (50 companies, 35 institutes/hospitals) are engaged in this space. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) participation was limited to 57 candidates, primarily in upper-middle-income countries. This study reveals a rapidly expanding pipeline for diverse diseases, many aligned with LMIC public health priorities, yet with limited LMIC participation. Equitable inclusion, and collaborations are vital for sustainable global development. This study could inform future LMIC-led mRNA development and manufacturing initiatives.},
}

Humans
Developing Countries
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Vaccine Development
*Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*mRNA Vaccines
Global Health
Drug Development

@article {pmid41781075,
year = {2026},
author = {Martins-Pfeifer, C and Bhosale, AS and Zhang, L and Urquhart, O and Verdugo-Paiva, F and Glick, M and Carrasco-Labra, A},
title = {Development of living evidence-informed guidelines, part 1: Framework for the conduct of living systematic reviews and guidelines.},
journal = {Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)},
volume = {157},
number = {3},
pages = {247-256},
doi = {10.1016/j.adaj.2025.09.014},
pmid = {41781075},
issn = {1943-4723},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Living guidelines integrate continuous and dynamic updates of systematic reviews to support timely, evidence-informed recommendations. This approach addresses the limitations of static guidelines in rapidly evolving clinical and public health contexts. Living evidence-informed guidelines enable clinicians to implement the most trustworthy and up-to-date research for the benefit of their patients.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The living framework draws on methodological literature, case studies from international living guideline initiatives, and experiential reports. Sources include published guidance on living systematic reviews; Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology; and real-world applications from organizations like the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and the Australian Living Evidence Collaboration's COVID-19 Taskforce, illustrating operational strategies across planning, production, dissemination, and updating processes.

RESULTS: The framework outlines the following 5 core domains for developing living guidelines: planning, production, reporting, dissemination, and implementation. Key components include topic prioritization, guideline panel composition, continuous evidence monitoring, and decision-making processes guided by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Evidence-to-Decision framework. Artificial intelligence facilitates literature monitoring and data extraction. Criteria are proposed for transitioning between living and standard recommendation modes. Transparency in reporting updates and structured external review enhance living guideline trustworthiness. Digital dissemination platforms support timely access and interest-holder engagement.

This framework provides practical guidance for organizations developing living guidelines, offering strategies to enhance responsiveness, methodological rigor, and user engagement in rapidly evolving clinical and policy environments. Living evidence-informed guidelines developed following these methods provide updated and reliable evidence for clinicians, patients, and interest-holders, bringing transparency and accessibility of the history of all formulated recommendations.},
}

@article {pmid41780690,
year = {2026},
author = {Zuo, X and Xiao, X and Dong, X and Wang, J and Lei, X},
title = {Direct-acting antivirals and beyond: emerging approaches to targeting viral RNA and ribonucleoprotein complexes.},
journal = {Antiviral research},
volume = {249},
number = {},
pages = {106383},
doi = {10.1016/j.antiviral.2026.106383},
pmid = {41780690},
issn = {1872-9096},
abstract = {RNA viruses, particularly respiratory-transmitted pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, pose a significant and persistent threat to global public health. While vaccines and antiviral drugs have made substantial progress in preventing and controlling these infections, the threat remains, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Small molecule and proteins-based therapeutics remain the primary forms of clinical interventions and a mainstay of drug development. Traditionally, these agents target viral or host proteins, including enzymes, receptors, ion channels, and other host factors. However, the landscape of antiviral drug discovery is expanding. Recent research has increasingly highlighted viral RNA (vRNA) and its associated binding proteins as critical and promising therapeutic targets. Beyond its role as a carrier of genetic information, vRNA is actively involved in essential steps of the viral life cycle, including transcription, translation, replication and interactions with host proteins. Therefore, a detailed understanding of vRNA structure and the proteins involved in its synthesis and processing is vital for rational drug design. This review focuses on the development of antiviral drugs and explores the potential of targeting the vRNA genome and vRNA binding proteins for therapeutic interventions.},
}

@article {pmid41780665,
year = {2026},
author = {Maithania, H and Tiwary, P and Oswal, K and Varghese, R},
title = {Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Antiviral Drug Delivery: A Review of the Advances, Manufacturing Technologies, Therapeutic Mechanisms, and Clinical Applications.},
journal = {Chemistry and physics of lipids},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {105574},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2026.105574},
pmid = {41780665},
issn = {1873-2941},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The persistent global burden of viral infections, compounded by the emergence of resistance and suboptimal therapeutic efficacy, underscores the urgency for innovative treatment strategies. Recent viral outbreaks such as COVID-19, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Zika, Ebola, Nipah, and various influenza viral strains have highlighted the limitations of conventional antivirals. This necessitates the need for targeted, adaptable, and innovative drug delivery platforms. In light of this, LNCs have emerged as versatile systems capable of enhancing drug stability, biodistribution, and cellular uptake. With their tunable architecture and ability to encapsulate diverse antiviral agents, these nanocarriers offer a promising avenue to overcome pharmacological barriers, improve therapeutic efficacy, and enable effective intervention against both established and emerging viral pathogens.

METHOD: To gather supporting evidence, publications were identified on Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect with specific search terms such as "antivirals", "drug loading", "encapsulation efficiency", "lipid nanocarriers", "liposomes", "solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)", "nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)", "cubosomes", "virus", "viral disease", and "resistance". We did not impose any restrictions on the publication date during the selection of papers. However, it is imperative to highlight that the initial reports containing specified keywords began publication in 1964; it is noteworthy that a majority of these publications were 2000 or beyond.

CONCLUSION: LNCs, including SLNs, NLCs, liposomes, and cubosomes, etc, demonstrated improved antiviral efficacy by enhancing drug stability, targeted delivery, and bioavailability. Several formulations showed superior pharmacokinetics and reduced toxicity compared to conventional therapies. Additionally, in vivo studies supported enhanced lymphatic uptake and therapeutic outcomes across multiple viral models. Despite notable progress, challenges in scalability, stability, and regulatory compliance limit their clinical translation. Hence, techniques such as microfluidics and other continuous manufacturing approaches improve reproducibility and process control. Moreover, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing LNC development by enabling rapid optimization, in silico prediction of pharmacokinetics, and real-time quality monitoring. Incorporating AI-enabled quality-by-design frameworks with state-of-the-art analytics may streamline regulatory approval. Moving forward, translating LNC technologies from bench to bedside will require scalable production methods, standardized characterization, and regulatory alignment.},
}

@article {pmid41780168,
year = {2026},
author = {Hakim, MS and Widyaningsih, SA and Ikram, A and Goeijenbier, M and Morita, A and Yin, YB},
title = {Fundamental concepts of convergent (parallel) evolution in human-pathogenic viruses and their implications for global health.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {618},
number = {},
pages = {110854},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2026.110854},
pmid = {41780168},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {Various environmental conditions force viruses to continuously evolve to survive. Evolving viruses with improved fitness are subject to positive selection and will pass on their genetic information to the next generation. If virus populations experience similar environmental pressure, they may undergo a dynamic process of molecular adaptation, which is known as convergent or parallel evolution (parallelism). Noteworthy, these phenomena are among the underlying mechanisms of cross-species transmission and emergence of novel viruses in the human population with a significant impact on global health. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the fundamental concept of parallelism as well as its molecular identification. This will contribute to a better preparedness against future viral epidemics and pandemics. In this review, we first describe the basic concept of parallelisms and various selective pressures that drive this process. We highlight viruses that commonly infect humans, including hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as examples of rapidly evolving viruses undergoing this evolutionary process. Understanding these molecular mechanisms not only improves our knowledge of viral evolution but also informs surveillance strategies and public health responses. Continuous research in this area is crucial to anticipate and mitigate future viral threats.},
}

@article {pmid41780104,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Patel, C and Sharma, K and Giles, ML and Burns, P and Macartney, K and Flanagan, KL and Teh, BW and Williams, PCM},
title = {Immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases in individuals receiving immunosuppressive targeted therapies.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {78},
number = {},
pages = {128399},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128399},
pmid = {41780104},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {The availability and clinical use of biological and small molecule targeted therapies is rapidly expanding. The intricate nature of their mechanisms and the impact of the underlying condition make it challenging for clinicians to anticipate the infectious risks and vaccination outcomes for individuals prescribed these therapies. We aimed to summarise the current evidence focusing on the risk of infections, vaccine efficacy and vaccine safety in patients receiving targeted therapies. Our review revealed variable infection risks and vaccine responses in patients on targeted therapies, ranging from dramatic (e.g., alemtuzumab, rituximab) to negligible (e.g., mepolizumab, imatinib). Higher risks of serious infection were associated with receipt of concomitant immunosuppressive medications. Vaccine immunogenicity data were predominantly restricted to COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines, with fewer studies on herpes zoster and hepatitis B vaccines. Vaccine responses were often impaired by many targeted therapies, but rarely eliminated. Therapies with lymphocyte-depleting effects, however, can result in inadequate vaccine responses, and were often affected by underlying conditions and concomitant immunosuppressants. Live vaccine safety remains a prominent concern for patients prescribed targeted therapies, though serious adverse events are rare. Current evidence is largely based on non-randomised trials and observational studies, which limits the strength of conclusions that can be drawn. To address this gap and ensure accurate evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity, clinical efficacy and safety, it is essential that future trials include immunocompromised individuals. Better prediction models or biomarkers for stratifying risk and predicting vaccine efficacy are also important further steps.},
}

@article {pmid41779259,
year = {2026},
author = {Casaletto, E and Morse, L and Miller, D and Deliz-Gonzalez, J and Larson, D},
title = {Update on the Pathophysiology and Management of Tics.},
journal = {Current neurology and neuroscience reports},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41779259},
issn = {1534-6293},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to collate takeaways from the most recent and relevant literature related to tics, from genetic studies to case studies elucidating Functional tic like behaviors (FTLBs) and clinical trials of novel drugs in development.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and functional neuroimaging studies have enhanced the understanding of genetic and structural links to Tourette Syndrome (TS). The rise of FTLBs during the Covid-19 pandemic heightened our understanding of this phenomenon and led to the identification of social media’s influence on tics. New studies have identified sex-related difference in TS and common psychiatric co-morbidities. Tic treatment is evolving away from traditional anti-psychotics toward newer compounds including VMAT-2 inhibitors, Ecopipam, and cannabinoid formulations, as well as novel transcranial stimulation approaches.

SUMMARY: Our understanding of tic etiology and pathophysiology as well tics’ functional counterpart FTLBs and social media impact is expanding along with our ability to manage tics with novel treatments in development.},
}

@article {pmid41779027,
year = {2026},
author = {Laufs, U and Blankenberg, S and Schunkert, H and Thiele, H and Frey, N and Baldus, S},
title = {[Prevention and screening in cardiovascular medicine].},
journal = {Innere Medizin (Heidelberg, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41779027},
issn = {2731-7099},
abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent cause of death for both women and men in Germany. A proportion of 50-70% of the morbidity and mortality of these diseases would be avoidable by the timely recognition and modification of the risk factors smoking, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and lack of physical activity. Therefore, there is a major opportunity in a comprehensive lifelong risk management, which includes individual risk stratification and holistic preventive measures. Definite possibilities for improvement are provided by, e.g., targeted statutory measures for reduction of nicotine consumption and early check-ups in young adulthood (25, 35 and 50 years) for detection of hypertension and other risk factors, screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in children and promotion of vaccination against influenza, pneumococci, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially for people with heart disease. The combination of behavioral and individual prevention can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases, increase the quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.},
}

@article {pmid41777703,
year = {2026},
author = {Ekanayake Mudiyanselage, D and Ouyang, CE and Jin, RD and Velmurugan, S and Jiang, Y and Sun, J and Ma, D},
title = {Vitamin D deficiency and disease conditions relevant to: Orthopaedic translation.},
journal = {Journal of orthopaedic translation},
volume = {57},
number = {},
pages = {101061},
pmid = {41777703},
issn = {2214-031X},
abstract = {UNLABELLED: Vitamin D, traditionally known for its role in calcium-phosphate homeostasis and bone health, is now recognised as a pleiotropic hormone with critical effects on multiple physiological processes. It exists primarily as ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), which are biologically inactive until undergoing a sequential hydroxylation in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (calcidiol), and subsequently in kidney to form the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol). By engaging the vitamin D receptor, it exerts immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-frailty functions. Deficiency in vitamin D has been implicated in a wide range of disorders, including musculoskeletal weakness, frailty, cognitive decline, autoimmune diseases, and respiratory infections. Vitamin D deficiency affects nearly half of the global population and remains a widespread public health challenge, and effective interventions such as food fortification and targeted supplementation should be prioritized in future strategies.

Vitamin D deficiency represents a modifiable risk factor with implicated effects across systemic, neurocognitive and musculoskeletal systems. Epidemiological evidence links deficiency to increased risk of infection, cognitive decline, frailty and orthopaedic morbidity. In orthopaedic and geriatric populations, maintaining sufficient vitamin D supplementation may reduce fracture and fall risk as well as postoperative complications and infections. These factors are also influenced by vitamin D deficiency-related effects on neurocognition. Vitamin D status may also be relevant in the management of infectious diseases, including respiratory illnesses and COVID-19. This review also discusses mechanistic and practical rationales for clinical translation. Potential interventions include vitamin D co-supplementation, dietary fortification and optimised sun exposure. However, limitations in existing randomised trials underscore the need for consistency in dosing, appropriate formulation, targeted population, as well as baseline deficiency progression status. These insights can guide clinicians, public health policy makers and researchers in developing evidence-based protocols and interventions to reduce vitamin D deficiency-related morbidity.},
}

@article {pmid41777372,
year = {2025},
author = {Akazili, J and Anaseba, D and Chatio, S and Amenah, MA and Achala, DM and Beshah, SA and Nwosu, CO and Masuka, N and Tlhakanelo, JT and Chikezie, I and Adote, ENA and Muriithi, GN and Ataguba, JE},
title = {Factors affecting equitable access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana: a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1610765},
pmid = {41777372},
issn = {2296-2565},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged as one of the most serious pandemics that impacted health systems and world economies. Vaccination against the pandemic was considered as an effective tool for the prevention and containment of the virus. Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, efforts were made to enhance procurement and distribution of vaccines across countries with the view to containing the pandemic. However, evidence suggested that several factors hindered access, acceptance and use of the COVID-19 vaccines across the globe. This scoping review, thus, explored factors that influenced access, acceptance and use of the COVID-19 vaccines among Ghanaians and strategies that were needed to improve vaccine uptake especially for the vulnerable populations.

METHODS: We adopted the five-stage analytic framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley to map existing literature on what has been done and documented on the subject. We searched various electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, African journal online (AJOL), and Google Scholar for relevant articles for the review.

RESULTS: In all, fifty-four (54) articles retrieved met our eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Health system factors including untimely payment of vaccinators allowances, shortfalls in logistics and vaccines, lack of transport and long queues at vaccination centers affected access and uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. Additionally, beliefs and perceptions including myths, misconceptions and misinformation around the virus and the vaccines affected people's decision-making to participate in the vaccination exercise. Also, negative reportage through social media platforms created mistrust in COVID-19 vaccine intensions.

CONCLUSION: Even though Ghana made significant progress in addressing the Coronavirus pandemic, hesitancy factors played a crucial role in diminishing Ghana's effort towards meeting global targets in containing the virus and reducing its impact. Strengthening Ghana's public health preparedness and response strategy, through a community-based approach and multi-stakeholder engagement, could improve immunization programs and vaccines uptake in addressing future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid41769352,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, JJS and Fernández, S and Rosillo, N and Bueno, H},
title = {Covidence, Rayyan, EPPI Centre, Distiller SR, RevMan.},
journal = {Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA},
volume = {114},
number = {1},
pages = {83-85},
pmid = {41769352},
issn = {1558-9439},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Covidence. Covidence Pty Ltd, Level 10, 446 Collins ST, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; support@covidence.org; https://www.covidence.org/; pay per review. Rayyan. Rayyan, 1 Broadway, 14th Floor Cambridge, MA, 02142 USA; https://www.rayyan.ai/; pay per user. EPPI Centre. EPPI Centre, Social Science Research Unit, UCL Social Research Institute, 10 Woburn Square, London WC1H 0NS; eppisupport@ucl.ac.uk; https://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/cms/; pay per user. Distiller SR. DistillerSR Inc, 505 March Road, Suite 450, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2K 3A4; support@distillersr.com; https://www.distillersr.com/; contact for pricing. RevMan. The Cochrane Collaboration, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN, United Kingdom; https://revman.cochrane.org/info; pay per user.},
}

Humans
COVID-19

@article {pmid41766239,
year = {2026},
author = {Meena, J and Agarwal, A and Sandhu, A and Pradhan, P and Singh, M},
title = {Efficacy and safety of remdesivir for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Indian journal of pharmacology},
volume = {58},
number = {2},
pages = {137-141},
doi = {10.4103/ijp.ijp_1111_20},
pmid = {41766239},
issn = {1998-3751},
mesh = {Humans ; *Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Treatment Outcome ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {In view of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is a need to identify a specific antiviral therapy. We performed this systematic review to assess the efficacy of remdesivir in the treatment of COVID-19. We searched three electronic databases for clinical trials investigating remdesivir for COVID-19 and included this systematic review. Five trials evaluating 13,558 participants were eligible for this study. Remdesivir, as compared to standard care, increases the rate of clinical improvement at 2 weeks (risk ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.18). Time to clinical recovery was shorter in the remdesivir group than the standard care group. The mortality rate was lower at 2 weeks in the remdesivir group, but no difference was observed at 4 weeks postrandomization. Extending the duration of remdesivir from 5 days to 10 days did not improve efficacy but increased the risk of adverse events. Findings from this systematic review suggested that remdesivir may slightly improve recovery time and rate of clinical improvement.},
}

Humans
*Adenosine Monophosphate/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*Alanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects/administration & dosage
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Treatment Outcome
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41759027,
year = {2026},
author = {Hussein, R and Shafiai, N and Fakrurrozi, A and Sabbagh, J},
title = {The impact of COVID-19 on dental practice and care: Adapting to unprecedented times.},
journal = {Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)},
volume = {79},
number = {1},
pages = {223-231},
doi = {10.36740/WLek/216768},
pmid = {41759027},
issn = {0043-5147},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Dental Care ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Telemedicine ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Aim: This review aims to shed light on the ways dental practices and patient care strategies have evolved in response to the pandemic. It also investigates how patients' perspectives and dentist-patient dynamics have shifted, highlighting lessons for the future of dental healthcare systems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of previously published research articles and clinical reports on how dental practitioners adapted their practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes qualitative and quantitative data reflecting both professional and patient experiences. The pandemic led to the rapid adoption of new technologies, heightened hygiene protocols, and increased mental health burdens on both patients and practitioners. Tele-dentistry, limited in-person visits, and stricter sterilization practices became the norm. Patients expressed both fear and appreciation for enhanced safety, altering their expectations of dental care, resilience and adaptability in dental settings.

CONCLUSION: Conclusions The lessons learned from COVID-19 experience underline the importance of incorporating dentistry into broader public health strategies. Moving forward, there is a need to invest in innovative technologies, uphold rigorous hygiene standards, and provide mental workers and patients. These steps are essential to prepare for future health emergencies and ensure the sustainability of dental care delivery.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Dental Care
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Telemedicine

@article {pmid41758633,
year = {2026},
author = {Marefat, M and Tran, D and Watson, RM and Abdulghani, H and Fortino, M},
title = {A practical model for integrated temporomandibular disorder assessment in the routine oral examination.},
journal = {General dentistry},
volume = {74},
number = {2},
pages = {57-61},
pmid = {41758633},
issn = {0363-6771},
mesh = {Humans ; *Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/diagnosis ; COVID-19 ; Facial Pain/diagnosis/etiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 era has seen an increase in orofacial pain related to temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The increased relevance and awareness of these conditions, including the enactment of accreditation standards dictating the inclusion of TMD education in dental school curricula, highlights the need for a simplified TMD screening and evaluation model. A literature review was conducted to establish whether a widely accepted, comprehensive, and clinically practical approach to screening and evaluation for TMDs during routine oral examination was available. Previous studies and available medical and dental history forms were reviewed. While medical and dental history forms currently available to practitioners contain TMD-related questions, they are presented in a nonsequential, sporadic manner that may not lead to intuitive diagnosis from the dental practitioner. This article introduces a proposed model and questionnaire for incorporating TMD examinations into routine examinations. The inclusion of a more practical TMD screening and evaluation model in routine examination is intended to facilitate the dentist's identification and assessment of TMD signs and symptoms, leading to a more targeted approach in diagnosis and referral. This proposed model has not yet been validated clinically; the next steps include further development, implementation within a clinical setting, and evaluation of its effectiveness.},
}

Humans
*Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/diagnosis
COVID-19
Facial Pain/diagnosis/etiology
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid41755747,
year = {2026},
author = {Zuccotti, G and Sassi, R and Vertemati, M and Calcaterra, V},
title = {Advances in pediatrics: new technologies in clinical practice.},
journal = {La Pediatria medica e chirurgica : Medical and surgical pediatrics},
volume = {48},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.4081/pmc.2026.380},
pmid = {41755747},
issn = {2420-7748},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pediatrics/trends/methods ; *Telemedicine/trends ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Artificial Intelligence ; Child ; Virtual Reality ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {Over the past decades, digital innovation has profoundly transformed pediatric care, promoting more integrated, personalized, and continuous models of assistance across hospital, community, and home settings. This contribution explores the impact of three key technological domains: telemedicine, virtual and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. Telemedicine has expanded access to healthcare services, improved monitoring of chronic conditions, and strengthened communication between healthcare professionals and families. Its rapid development during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its value in ensuring continuity of care and supporting vulnerable pediatric populations. Virtual and augmented reality offer new possibilities in surgical planning, medical training, rehabilitation, and psychological support, helping reduce anxiety and pain during procedures while enhancing understanding of clinical pathways. Artificial intelligence enables the analysis of large volumes of clinical and behavioral data, supporting early diagnosis, predictive modeling, and personalized clinical decision-making. Despite these opportunities, the integration of emerging technologies into pediatric practice requires careful attention to ethical, organizational, and educational issues, including data security, equitable access, and professional training. Overall, digital technologies are reshaping pediatrics toward more accessible, efficient, family-centered care.},
}

Humans
*Pediatrics/trends/methods
*Telemedicine/trends
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Artificial Intelligence
Child
Virtual Reality
Pandemics

@article {pmid41754590,
year = {2026},
author = {De Stefanis, S and Colavita, F and Maggi, F and Antonioli, M},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and the Gut Microbiota: New Insights into Long COVID Pathogenesis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754590},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {Ricerca Corrente Linea 1 - Progetto 1 to IRCCS INMI L. Spallanzani//Ministero della Salute/ ; Ricerca di Ateneo 2024- Dipartimento di Biologia (AutoCuRC)//University of Rome Tor Vergata/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *COVID-19/complications/microbiology/virology/immunology/pathology ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology/pathogenicity ; Dysbiosis/microbiology ; Inflammation ; Gastrointestinal Tract/virology/microbiology ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology ; },
abstract = {In December 2019, the world experienced the emergence of a new virus, SARS-CoV-2, which caused the 2020 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19, primarily affecting the respiratory system, as well as the gastrointestinal tract. Remarkably, one in eight COVID-19 patients develops Long COVID, which is linked to SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in chronic inflammation and microbiota dysregulation. Given that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal role in antiviral defense and gastrointestinal conditions, here we examine emerging evidence on how persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to the aetiology of enteric disorders. In particular, we emphasise the intricate connection between chronic inflammation caused by persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease) and the possible development of diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*COVID-19/complications/microbiology/virology/immunology/pathology
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology/pathogenicity
Dysbiosis/microbiology
Inflammation
Gastrointestinal Tract/virology/microbiology
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/microbiology

@article {pmid41754496,
year = {2026},
author = {Federico, M},
title = {Potential Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein on HIV-1 Reservoir in People Living with HIV.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754496},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {RIP-1//Ministry of Health, Italy/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology ; *HIV-1/physiology/immunology ; *HIV Infections/virology/immunology/drug therapy ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/virology/immunology ; Virus Latency ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; Virus Activation ; },
abstract = {People living with HIV-1 (PLWH) are part of the so-called "fragile" populations to which COVID-19 vaccines were/are strongly recommended. The fact that most widely used COVID-19 vaccines rely on the production of a biologically active SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein expressed by synthetic mRNA poses the relevant question of whether and how this vaccination influences the fate of the HIV-1 reservoir. This report presents a detailed analysis of the literature data on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and COVID-19 vaccines on HIV-1 latently infected cells. Despite being limited in number, the experimental evidences consistently indicate that vaccine mRNA and/or SARS-CoV-2 Spike can effectively reactivate latent HIV-1. This conclusion has been drawn after "in vitro", "ex vivo", and "in vivo" assays, and with virus-associated Spike, soluble Spike, or its intracellular expression, as well as with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. On the other hand, real-world observations on vaccinated PLWH under antiretroviral therapy (ART) provided evidence of HIV-1 reactivation almost exclusively in PLWH with unsuppressed viremia, as measured in terms of size of the HIV-1 reservoir. Although several issues still need to be clarified through urgent additional investigations, these data suggest the possibility that the Spike protein and/or the vaccine mRNA molecules affect the HIV-1 latency in PLWH.},
}

Humans
*Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
*HIV-1/physiology/immunology
*HIV Infections/virology/immunology/drug therapy
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/virology/immunology
Virus Latency
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
Virus Activation

@article {pmid41752261,
year = {2026},
author = {Van Assche, J},
title = {The Social-Psychological Consequences of COVID-19: An Integrative Review and Research Agenda.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41752261},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {*COVID-19/psychology ; Humans ; *Mental Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Resilience, Psychological ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed profound social-psychological vulnerabilities and strengths across societies worldwide. Beyond its immediate health implications, the pandemic has triggered a wave of mental health issues, disrupted social cohesion, and challenged community resilience. This paper synthesizes the current literature, critically discusses five recent studies as part of the Special Issue "Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19: The Role of Social Determinants", and articulates an agenda for future research within a social-psychological framework. Moving beyond mere negative effects such as anxiety, this review highlights the role of resilience, prosocial behavior, (digital) mental health interventions, and community social capital. Correspondingly, I advocate for interdisciplinary efforts to enhance awareness, preparedness, and adaptive capacity during health crises, emphasizing the need for a clearer focus on vulnerable social groups. In sum, recognizing the evolving global landscape, this work underscores the urgency of integrating psychological insights into public health policies to build resilient societies capable of confronting future pandemics and health emergencies.},
}

*COVID-19/psychology
Humans
*Mental Health
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Resilience, Psychological

@article {pmid41698791,
year = {2026},
author = {Saiding, Q and Xiao, F and Khan, MM and Kong, N and Huang, X and Tao, W},
title = {Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles (LPHNPs) for RNA Delivery.},
journal = {Accounts of chemical research},
volume = {59},
number = {5},
pages = {762-775},
doi = {10.1021/acs.accounts.5c00874},
pmid = {41698791},
issn = {1520-4898},
mesh = {*Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Humans ; *Lipids/chemistry ; *Polymers/chemistry ; *RNA/chemistry/administration & dosage ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Animals ; },
abstract = {ConspectusRNA-based therapeutics are now revolutionizing modern medicine, with examples like COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and the siRNA drug Leqvio, validating their potential in infectious diseases and chronic diseases. However, the broad clinical translation of RNA therapeutics remains critically dependent on the development of safe and effective delivery systems that are capable of overcoming physiological barriers and achieving precise spatiotemporal upregulation or downregulation of target proteins. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted significant attention due to their clinical success, yet they still struggle to overcome context-specific delivery barriers, such as poor stability in blood or gastrointestinal fluids, lack of disease-microenvironment responsiveness, and insufficient cell-type targeting, which hinder the full implementation of RNA therapeutics across a broad spectrum of diseases. To tackle the unmet needs in RNA-based therapeutics, developing new types of delivery platforms with different nanoparticle structures is therefore highly attractive and needed.Over the past decade, our group has focused on developing novel lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) for the delivery of RNA therapeutics across diverse biomedical applications. By incorporating biodegradable polymers with tailored properties, for example, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) for structural stability, hyaluronic acid (HA) for CD44-mediated targeted delivery, and l-cysteine-based poly(disulfide amide) (Cys-PDSA) for redox-responsive release in the tumor microenvironment, these LPHNPs exhibit highly tunable architectures that integrate efficient RNA encapsulation, site-specific delivery, and controlled RNA release, providing more tools and choices for RNA delivery.In this Account, we summarize recent advances from our group in the design and synthesis of LPHNPs for RNA therapeutics, as well as their translational applications across diverse disease contexts. We highlight rational material pairings and design principles that optimize key performance metrics, including colloidal stability, RNA loading, cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and targeting efficacy. We also provide case studies demonstrating the translational potential of RNA-LPHNPs across various administration routes and disease models, including oral, inhaled, intravenous, and intravesical delivery, using the LPHNP platforms developed in our laboratory. These platforms have achieved promising therapeutic efficacy in models of cancers, inflammatory diseases, and respiratory conditions by enabling local or systemic delivery of mRNA or siRNA to immune cells, epithelial cells, and tumor microenvironments. By outlining optimized design strategies and future challenges, this Account aims to serve as a roadmap for researchers seeking to develop next-generation RNA delivery platforms that are modular, functionally versatile, and translatable.},
}

*Nanoparticles/chemistry
Humans
*Lipids/chemistry
*Polymers/chemistry
*RNA/chemistry/administration & dosage
RNA, Small Interfering
Animals

@article {pmid41606968,
year = {2026},
author = {, },
title = {[Expert consensus on quality management of multi-pathogen surveillance for acute respiratory infectious diseases].},
journal = {Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]},
volume = {60},
number = {2},
pages = {135-145},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112150-20251114-01080},
pmid = {41606968},
issn = {0253-9624},
mesh = {Humans ; Acute Disease ; Consensus ; COVID-19 ; Quality Control ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Sentinel Surveillance ; },
abstract = {Since 2024, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has implemented sentinel surveillance for acute respiratory infectious (ARI) diseases to monitor the epidemiology and etiology of multiple pathogens such as influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. To ensure scientific rigor, standardized procedures, accurate and reliable data, and the efficient operation of network laboratories, a multidisciplinary expert panel-including representatives from the disease control and prevention system, sentinel hospitals, schools of public health, and research institutes-jointly developed the Expert Consensus on Quality Management for Sentinel Surveillance of ARI Diseases. The consensus was formulated through multiple rounds of discussion, investigation, and public consultation, incorporating national surveillance protocols, technical guidelines, scientific evidence, and practical experience. Focusing on establishing a comprehensive quality control system for the entire multi-pathogen surveillance process for ARI diseases, the consensus outlines key components covering all stages: target population definition; specimen collection, transport, aliquoting, and storage; laboratory infrastructure and equipment management; multiplex pathogen detection and gene sequencing; quality assurance of test results; biosafety; personnel training and assessment; and data management and analysis. This document aims to provide end-to-end technical guidance for quality control in ARI sentinel surveillance in China.},
}

Humans
Acute Disease
Consensus
COVID-19
Quality Control
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
*Sentinel Surveillance

@article {pmid41547457,
year = {2026},
author = {Petakh, P and Halabitska, I and Petrecka, H and Huber, W and Kamyshnyi, O},
title = {Complex interactions between stress, nutrition, gut microbiota, and infectious diseases and their impact on health in global conflicts: A narrative review.},
journal = {The Journal of nutritional biochemistry},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {110267},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnutbio.2026.110267},
pmid = {41547457},
issn = {1873-4847},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; *Stress, Psychological/microbiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Communicable Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Nutritional Status ; Diet ; Feeding Behavior ; Pandemics ; *Armed Conflicts ; },
abstract = {Following the global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, wars and conflicts have escalated to levels unseen since the Cold War. It is well known that conflict is accompanied not only by significant losses among both military personnel and civilians but also by rising levels of stress and stress-related disorders within the general population. Stress is bidirectionally connected with the state of the gut microbiota through the gut-brain axis. Dietary factors and eating behaviours also play crucial roles in shaping gut microbiota composition. On the one hand, conflict negatively affects food availability and dietary patterns, leading to reduced meal frequency and potentially diminishing microbiota diversity. On the other hand, stress-induced alterations in eating behaviour, such as bulimia or anorexia, can further impair gut microbiota composition. Additionally, individuals in conflict zones face heightened risks of infectious diseases due to disrupted vaccination schedules, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean drinking water. Stress-related immune changes may increase susceptibility to infections and raise the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Moreover, the frequent use of antibiotics to treat infections during conflicts contributes to reduced gut microbiota diversity. This review narratively examines the complex interactions among stress, immune responses, dietary patterns, infectious diseases, and gut microbiota in conflict-affected areas, and provides new perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in modelling such comorbid pathologies.},
}

Humans
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
*Stress, Psychological/microbiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Communicable Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Nutritional Status
Diet
Feeding Behavior
Pandemics
*Armed Conflicts

@article {pmid41441855,
year = {2026},
author = {Jacobs, JW and Raza, S and Maynard, S and Shaz, BH and Tobian, AAR and Bloch, EM},
title = {Improving transfusion access through improved policy: a call for a less fragmented blood supply.},
journal = {Expert review of hematology},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {225-235},
doi = {10.1080/17474086.2025.2610282},
pmid = {41441855},
issn = {1747-4094},
mesh = {Humans ; *Blood Transfusion/legislation & jurisprudence ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Health Policy ; *Health Services Accessibility ; Blood Banks/supply & distribution ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Fragmentation across operations, data systems, governance, and regulation leaves many blood supply networks ill-equipped to provide timely, equitable, and crisis-resilient transfusion support. Public health emergencies, such as COVID-19 and natural disasters, have exposed the human and economic costs of these structural flaws, and how variability in practice about who can see and share data still impedes coordination even when the overall blood inventory is adequate.

AREAS COVERED: This Critical Perspective examines blood supply coordination challenges in high-income countries, focusing on governance structures, operational isolation, regulatory inconsistencies, and data system incompatibilities. We analyze evidence from crisis events including pandemics, natural disasters, and mass casualty incidents to illustrate coordination failures and successful response models. The review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature identified through PubMed searches (January 2010 - September 2025), supplemented by regulatory documents, industry reports, and government policy analyses from blood regulatory agencies in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other high-income countries.

EXPERT OPINION: Effective solutions require coordinated interventions across multiple domains rather than isolated or localized improvements. Priority areas include governance structures that enable cross-institutional collaboration, interoperable data systems with standardized sharing protocols, regulatory frameworks that incentivize coordination, and value-based reimbursement models that reward system-wide performance.},
}

Humans
*Blood Transfusion/legislation & jurisprudence
*COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Health Policy
*Health Services Accessibility
Blood Banks/supply & distribution
Pandemics

@article {pmid41380718,
year = {2026},
author = {Fuchs, H and Gunst, L and Wendt, A and Becker, S and Grychtol, RM and Vlajnic, D and Aschmann-Muehlhans, D and Wuerfel, C and Steindor, M and Muehlberg, S and Stehling, F},
title = {[Pediatric pneumological aspects in the care of children with Down Syndrome].},
journal = {Klinische Padiatrie},
volume = {238},
number = {2},
pages = {59-64},
doi = {10.1055/a-2748-4649},
pmid = {41380718},
issn = {1439-3824},
mesh = {Humans ; *Down Syndrome/complications/diagnosis/therapy ; Child ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; *Lung Diseases/therapy/diagnosis/etiology ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/therapy/diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Pulmonary problems are common in children with Downsyndrome/trisomy 21, alongside other health issues, but are often given too little attention. The aim of this review is to summarize these aspects for pediatric pulmonologists. Narrow nasal passages, a small pharynx and larynx, in combination with relative macroglossia, other airway malformations, and generalized muscular hypotonia, lead to glossoptosis, which in very young infants frequently causes obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. If left untreated, this is associated with impaired cognitive development. The children also suffer from chronic rhinitis. Together with recurrent silent aspirations resulting from the typical dysphagia of children with Trisomie 21 and immune dysregulation, lower respiratory tract infections are common and often severe. Viral infections caused by RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 more frequently lead to hospitalizations and have a much higher mortality rate than in healthy children. Children with Down syndrome are also more likely to develop chronic wheezing. The development of pulmonary hypertension may rarely occur even without an associated heart defect. This article summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic tasks related to pulmonary problems in children with Down syndrome for the pediatric pulmonologist.},
}

Humans
*Down Syndrome/complications/diagnosis/therapy
Child
Infant
Child, Preschool
*Lung Diseases/therapy/diagnosis/etiology
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/therapy/diagnosis

@article {pmid41330697,
year = {2026},
author = {Elsheikh, A and Kildegaard, C and Pietersen, PI and Davidsen, JR and Rahman, NM and Laursen, CB},
title = {Ultrasound of lung parenchyma-current state and future.},
journal = {The British journal of radiology},
volume = {99},
number = {1178},
pages = {195-205},
doi = {10.1093/bjr/tqaf288},
pmid = {41330697},
issn = {1748-880X},
mesh = {Humans ; Ultrasonography/methods/trends ; *Lung/diagnostic imaging ; COVID-19 ; *Lung Diseases/diagnostic imaging ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Parenchymal Tissue/diagnostic imaging ; },
abstract = {The evidence base supporting the use of thoracic ultrasound to assess the lung parenchyma has expanded and consolidated itself significantly within the last decade. Thoracic ultrasound for lung parenchyma assessment is now finding its way into statements and clinical practice guidelines for several conditions in various settings. Since assessment of patients with possible chest disease is a very common clinical scenario, knowledge of the various types of chest imaging is essential for any physician. The most common indication for thoracic ultrasound for lung parenchymal assessment is for screening and diagnostic purposes. Several new studies have, however, demonstrated a possible large potential for using thoracic lung ultrasound to monitor lung diseases. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has increased the scope of lung parenchymal ultrasound, from diagnosis to monitoring of the disease. Deep learning of contrast-enhanced thoracic ultrasound to aid diagnosis is a new developing area. Despite increasing use of thoracic ultrasound in respiratory medicine, a consensus on assessment of competencies, and education is lacking. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with a focus overview of the current use and diagnostic limitation of thoracic ultrasound for assessment of the lung parenchyma, and future development.},
}

Humans
Ultrasonography/methods/trends
*Lung/diagnostic imaging
COVID-19
*Lung Diseases/diagnostic imaging
SARS-CoV-2
*Parenchymal Tissue/diagnostic imaging

@article {pmid35174512,
year = {2022},
author = {Sokolowska, M and Rovati, GE and Diamant, Z and Untersmayr, E and Schwarze, J and Lukasik, Z and Sava, F and Angelina, A and Palomares, O and Akdis, CA and O'Mahony, L and Jesenak, M and Pfaar, O and Torres, MJ and Sanak, M and Dahlén, SE and Woszczek, G},
title = {Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other eicosanoid pathway modifiers on antiviral and allergic responses: EAACI task force on eicosanoids consensus report in times of COVID-19.},
journal = {Allergy},
volume = {77},
number = {8},
pages = {2337-2354},
pmid = {35174512},
issn = {1398-9995},
support = {G0900536/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; G1000758/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; MC_PC_15031/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Asthma/drug therapy ; Consensus ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Eicosanoids/metabolism ; *Hypersensitivity/drug therapy ; Inflammation/drug therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other eicosanoid pathway modifiers are among the most ubiquitously used medications in the general population. Their broad anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects are applied against symptoms of respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as in other acute and chronic inflammatory diseases that often coexist with allergy and asthma. However, the current pandemic of COVID-19 also revealed the gaps in our understanding of their mechanism of action, selectivity, and interactions not only during viral infections and inflammation, but also in asthma exacerbations, uncontrolled allergic inflammation, and NSAIDs-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD). In this context, the consensus report summarizes currently available knowledge, novel discoveries, and controversies regarding the use of NSAIDs in COVID-19, and the role of NSAIDs in asthma and viral asthma exacerbations. We also describe here novel mechanisms of action of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), outline how to predict responses to LTRA therapy and discuss a potential role of LTRA therapy in COVID-19 treatment. Moreover, we discuss interactions of novel T2 biologicals and other eicosanoid pathway modifiers on the horizon, such as prostaglandin D2 antagonists and cannabinoids, with eicosanoid pathways, in context of viral infections and exacerbations of asthma and allergic diseases. Finally, we identify and summarize the major knowledge gaps and unmet needs in current eicosanoid research.},
}

Humans
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Asthma/drug therapy
Consensus
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Eicosanoids/metabolism
*Hypersensitivity/drug therapy
Inflammation/drug therapy
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41776692,
year = {2026},
author = {Muhetaer, Y and Zhang, SM and Moming, A and Liu, K and Zhong, M},
title = {Prediction of high-flow nasal cannula failure in critically ill patients: a narrative review.},
journal = {Journal of intensive care},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s40560-026-00871-w},
pmid = {41776692},
issn = {2052-0492},
abstract = {High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is widely used for respiratory support in critically ill patients, offering benefits such as improved oxygenation and reduced respiratory rate. However, HFNC failure can lead to adverse outcomes, including increased mortality. This narrative review examines predictive factors and indices for HFNC failure, including respiratory rate, P/F and S/F ratios, the ROX index, HACOR score, and emerging indices, such as VOX and FOX. Among these, the ROX index and HACOR score currently provide the most robust predictive value, whereas newer tools such as VOX and FOX require further validation. The ROX index, combining oxygenation and respiratory rate, has shown significant predictive value, particularly in COVID-19 patients, though its thresholds and timing for assessment remain variable. Modified versions of the ROX index, incorporating heart rate and PaO2, have improved predictive accuracy. The HACOR score, initially developed for non-invasive ventilation, also predicts HFNC failure but may be less discriminative in emergency settings. Emerging indices such as VOX and FOX offer novel approaches but face clinical application challenges due to measurement complexities. Risk stratification models, scoring systems, ultrasound techniques, and machine learning methods show promise but require further validation. This review highlights the importance of integrating multiple predictive tools and tailoring assessments to individual patient conditions. Future strategies must also account for nursing quality variables to enhance prediction accuracy in real-world settings. Comprehensive training for healthcare professionals and future multicenter, large-scale studies is essential to refine these predictive strategies and improve patient care quality.},
}

@article {pmid41775098,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Di, S and Kabir, J and Kaburu, FM and Yang, X and Kudiza, A and Tong, C and Zhu, P and Intizar, M and Jiang, J and McDonnell, D and Bentley, BL and Cheshmehzangi, A and Ahmad, J and Šegalo, S and Nie, JB and da Veiga, CP and Xiang, YT and Su, Z},
title = {Mental health challenges in older women: A systematic review of post-COVID technology-based interventions.},
journal = {Asian journal of psychiatry},
volume = {118},
number = {},
pages = {104906},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajp.2026.104906},
pmid = {41775098},
issn = {1876-2026},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Older women face disproportionate health challenges, exacerbated by multiple unprecedented challenges such as global aging, disease outbreaks, and geopolitical as well as technological upheavals. This study examines technology-based mental health interventions for this demographic, aiming to inform policy.

METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting older women's mental health post-COVID-19 was conducted using databases like Web of Science and PubMed, adhering to PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020194003).

RESULTS: A total of 3463 articles were screened for eligibility, among which, 17 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The review results show that 17 RCTs were conducted in middle-income and high-income countries. Fifteen RCTs generated statistically significant outcomes and reported specific aspects of their interventions to improve the mental health of older women.

CONCLUSION: Technology-based interventions show promise for improving older women's mental health. Policy recommendations include establishing comprehensive mental health centers, implementing universal healthcare, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening public awareness campaigns.},
}

@article {pmid41774995,
year = {2026},
author = {Sahu, JK and Coan, AC and Chan, J and Jocic-Jakubi, B and Dhir, P and Niveditha, M and Devi, N and Singh, MB and Shafer, PO and Hsiang-Yu, Y and Ali, A and Yoo, JY and Zelano, J and Sarfo, FS and Pablo Sebastián, F and Gwer, SA and Rivera, Y and Kissani, N and Caraballo, RH and Bansal, D and Trinka, E and Cross, JH and Samia, P},
title = {Applications and impact of telemedicine for persons with epilepsy: a scoping review.},
journal = {Seizure},
volume = {136},
number = {},
pages = {107-116},
doi = {10.1016/j.seizure.2026.01.016},
pmid = {41774995},
issn = {1532-2688},
abstract = {Telemedicine is emerging as a promising strategy to overcome geographical and specialist access constraints in epilepsy care. This scoping review, conducted by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Telemedicine Task Force, aimed to map the existing evidence on the applications, effectiveness, and challenges of telemedicine in epilepsy management. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, conducted up to May 2025 without language restrictions, identified original studies evaluating telemedicine for epilepsy diagnosis, management, or follow-up. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively. Of the 201 included studies, approximately 70% originated from high-income settings. Evidence demonstrated diagnostic accuracy ranging from 75% to 97%, cost savings of about US$30 per consultation, and high satisfaction levels among patients (87-95%) and physicians (74-94%). Telemedicine also reduced no-shows by 45%, ensuring continuity of care during healthcare disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, telemedicine is a feasible adjunct to conventional epilepsy care, enhancing access, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. To substantiate its role in diverse settings, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes, equity, and sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid41773597,
year = {2026},
author = {Alsulami, AS and Al-Kuraishy, HM and Waheeb, TS and El-Saber Batiha, G},
title = {Colchicine in COVID-19: Mechanistic Insights and Clinical Uncertainties.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70126},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70126},
pmid = {41773597},
issn = {1099-1654},
abstract = {Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) which caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has been emerged as a global health crisis characterised by severe immune dysregulation and inflammatory complications. The hyper-activation of the immune response in COVID-19 patients is associated with disease progression and severity. As a result, immunomodulatory therapies such as colchicine have been suggested to control exaggerated immune response in COVID-19. However, the therapeutic role of colchicine in COVID-19 remains a subject of debate due to conflicting evidence. This review highlights both the beneficial and potentially harmful effects of colchicine in the context of COVID-19. Notably, the therapeutic advantages of colchicine are linked to the suppression of immune cell over-activation, attenuation of oxidative stress, and prevention of thrombo-inflammatory events. Conversely, colchicine may exert negative effects by disrupting microtubule function, impairing autophagic processes, and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction in COVID-19. In conclusion, the overall clinical impact of colchicine plays a critical role in the management of COVID-19. However, its dual effects underscore the need for well-designed clinical studies to confirm its safety and efficacy in COVID-19 management.},
}

@article {pmid41772834,
year = {2026},
author = {Kucharska, K and Ali, AH and Moriarty, F},
title = {Exploring perspectives of interest-holders on the use of health and genomic data from deceased participants in research: An updated systematic review.},
journal = {Journal of genetic counseling},
volume = {35},
number = {2},
pages = {e70186},
pmid = {41772834},
issn = {1573-3599},
abstract = {The use of research biobanks and databases often involves prolonged storage of data, meaning that an increasing amount of deceased participants' data is being used in research. Research participants are not always informed of the intent to continue using their data post-mortem, and using such data affects the privacy of decedents and their surviving relatives. It is therefore important to assess the perspectives of interest-holders in this respect, considering the rapid progress of big-data technologies, new privacy regulations in the EU and unprecedented data sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aimed to update a systematic review by Bak et al., to investigate the views of interest-holders on post-mortem data sharing in research. This systematic review followed the same search strategy and inclusion criteria as the previous review, focusing on new empirical evidence on the views of interest-holders regarding the post-mortem sharing or re-use of genetic or health data of research participants, from studies published in 2019-2025. It is reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRIMSA) statement. Findings of included studies were narratively synthesized. The updated systematic review identified seven studies involving 2151 participants, which were of high quality. The main themes of these studies related to perceived acceptability of post-mortem data sharing, aspects of consent (including broad consent), sharing clinical findings with relatives, and barriers and facilitators to data sharing. The findings illustrate that post-mortem genetic and health-related data use remains a relatively under-explored subject, with evident gaps in legislation and guidance.},
}

@article {pmid41771782,
year = {2026},
author = {DiFrancesco, R and Wood, TD and Cha, R and Hochreiter, JS and Rosenkranz, SL and Farhad, M and Whitson, KR and Gould, CE and Hill, LE and Hale, LL and Lindhorst, PH and Ghazal, D and Taylor, CR and Quraishi, M and Siminski, SM and Cramer, Y and Sprenger, HL and Morse, GD},
title = {Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance Program for Global HIV and Co-Infection Drug Development.},
journal = {Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/cpt.70245},
pmid = {41771782},
issn = {1532-6535},
abstract = {When the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome emerged in the 1980s, the United States National Institutes of Health established research networks to conduct clinical trials with the pharmaceutical industry to identify effective antiretroviral therapeutics. The clinical trials networks included laboratory centers with academic pharmacology laboratories measuring drug concentrations to allow for the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters and correlation with pharmacodynamic outcomes. Adoption of comprehensive quality assurance initiatives was key to ensuring the integrity of pharmacology sampling and laboratory data provided by clinical sites and laboratories. Subsequently, this infrastructure facilitated rapid responses to co-infection pathogens such as hepatitis C virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In 2008, the Center for Integrated Global Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo was awarded the initial National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases contract for the Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance Program. Since 2015, over 4,500 tutorial certificates for research staff and laboratories have been awarded on topics including the conduct of clinical pharmacology research protocols and bioanalytical method validation for antiretroviral assays. A bioanalytical peer review program for ensuring the quality of the assay methods has approved over 350 assays for > 100 analytes in 21 human biological matrices. An ISO-17043 accredited external proficiency testing program has completed 35 rounds for 15 analytes. Also, a laboratory assessment program was established that utilizes international laboratory and regulatory standards, and multiple mechanisms for training, assistance and guidance to participants. This report summarizes the development of the CPQA program over the last decade.},
}

@article {pmid41769699,
year = {2026},
author = {Wan, C and Liu, X and Xu, Y and Kang, L and Yu, X and Wang, M and Zhao, M and Li, X and Chen, Z and Wu, J and Liu, L and Xu, X},
title = {Polydatin in respiratory diseases: multi-target mechanisms and therapeutic potential.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1752467},
pmid = {41769699},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Respiratory diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders that primarily involve the lungs. Driven by worsening air pollution, tobacco use, occupational exposures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and population aging, they show persistently high incidence with rising mortality and disability, posing a major global public-health challenge. Current pharmacotherapies-principally antibiotics, glucocorticoids, β2-adrenoceptor agonists, and antiviral agents-yield only limited benefit and are constrained by adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal disturbances and hepatorenal toxicity, alongside the escalating problem of drug resistance. The development of safer and more effective therapeutics is therefore of considerable clinical and socioeconomic importance. Plant-derived natural products have attracted increasing interest in the management of respiratory diseases. Polydatin (resveratrol-3-O-β-D-glucoside; also known as piceid; PD) is a stilbenoid polyphenol of plant origin that is widely distributed in Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed), Polygonum multiflorum, grapes, peanuts, mulberries, blueberries, and rhubarb. Accumulating evidence indicates that PD exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and metabolic-regulatory activities and shows potential therapeutic value in pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, lung cancer, and asthma. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms by which PD acts against respiratory diseases, offering a mechanistic rationale and evidence base to support its clinical development.},
}

@article {pmid41769697,
year = {2026},
author = {Rouhana El Feghali, Y and Rabih, L and Abdul Khalek, J and Arabi, M},
title = {Remdesivir in COVID-19: pros and cons.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1731244},
pmid = {41769697},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Beginning in late 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 rapidly evolved into a global health crisis. High rates of severe illness, hospitalizations, and long-term complications highlighted an urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. This necessity drove unprecedented efforts in drug discovery and repurposing. Remdesivir, developed by Gilead Sciences in 2009, was initially designed as a broad-spectrum antiviral targeting Ebola virus disease. Following observations of broad antiviral activity against coronaviruses, remdesivir was granted Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA in May 2020 for hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19. The FDA subsequently issued full approval in October 2020, expanding remdesivir's use to hospitalized adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years or older and weighing at least 40 kg.

AIM: This paper aims to assess the advantages and limitations of remdesivir in the treatment of COVID-19, drawing on evidence from clinical trials and examining its application in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

METHODS: The literature review was conducted until September 2025 using PubMed and Google Scholar searching for recent clinical trials in addition to relevant reviews.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Remdesivir has been shown to shorten recovery time and lower mortality risk, particularly in patients at an early stage of infection with mild disease severity or requiring oxygen support. Although early guidelines advised against its use in patients with severe renal impairment, subsequent studies confirmed its safety prompting an FDA label update to allow use regardless of renal function. While some trials reported limited effects, the overall body of evidence supports remdesivir's role in improving clinical outcomes in COVID-19 treatment. In patients with CHD, the uncertain effects of both COVID-19 and remdesivir highlight a key research gap, emphasizing the need to refine existing therapies while following National Institutes of Health (NIH) treatment guidelines.},
}

@article {pmid41769292,
year = {2025},
author = {Abdol Ghaffar, E and Zeliha, S and Hamdia Yousif, I and Elifsena Canan, AA and Shahid, A},
title = {Next-Generation Vaccines and Antiviral Platforms: Molecular Advancements in the Struggle against Emerging Zoonotic and Viral Diseases.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {3},
pages = {555-568},
pmid = {41769292},
issn = {2008-9872},
abstract = {The ongoing occurrence of zoonotic and viral diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2, H5N1, Nipah, and Ebola viruses, underscores the requirement for transformative innovations in vaccine and antiviral development. Classic vaccine technologies like inactivated or live-attenuated virus products have lengthy production cycles, cold-chain storage, and are poorly suited to reacting rapidly to emerging threats This review synthesizes the most recent advances in molecular virology, immunogen design, and biotechnology that will propel the next generation of prevention and treatment tools. We begin with the genomic and structural characteristics of high-consequence zoonotic viruses, highlighting the molecular determinants for virulence, host switching, and immune evasion. The review then provides a comparative review of the emerging vaccine platforms such as mRNA, DNA, viral vector, subunit, and inactivated vaccines based on design rationale, delivery systems, immunogenicity profiles, and global rollouts. At the same time, molecular mechanisms of antiviral drugs acting against viral polymerases, proteases, and entry mechanisms are discussed, and the new challenge of resistance evolution is emphasized. We also highlight recently developed molecular diagnostic tools like CRISPR-based tools, nanopore sequencing, and isothermal amplification technologies that are transforming real-time pathogen diagnosis in veterinary and human medicine. Last, the One Health aspect is introduced through veterinary applications of vaccines to zoonotic spillover prevention and antimicrobial resistance. In conclusion, this review gives a vision-orientated account of molecular strategies that bring together human and animal medicine to combat future pandemics. Our aggregated tables and visualizations are an asset for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers interested in the improvement of epidemic preparedness and cross-species disease surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid41769275,
year = {2025},
author = {Mohammad, K and Mohaddeseh, B and Amir Hossein, M},
title = {COVID-19 and ACE2 Receptor in Different Tissues: From Pathophysiologic Function To Therapeutic Responses.},
journal = {Archives of Razi Institute},
volume = {80},
number = {3},
pages = {591-604},
pmid = {41769275},
issn = {2008-9872},
abstract = {SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is characterized by its high transmission rate, leading to a global pandemic. Millions of people have lost their lives due to the infection caused by this virus. The ability of the virus to spread rapidly and infect large numbers of people has highlighted the need to understand its mechanisms of infection. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an essential receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits a high affinity to this receptor and shows high infectivity, leading to an explosive increase in patients infected with COVID-19. ACE2 is the carboxypeptidase homolog of ACE, which produces angiotensin II, the main active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system. From a pathophysiological perspective, this system regulates vital processes across different organs. Additionally, ACE2 enzyme activity could play a protective role against acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by viral pneumonia. Upon infection, SARS-CoV-2 downregulates the expression of ACE2, which is possibly related to the pathogenesis of ARDS. Since this receptor is present in various other tissues such as the heart, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive system, and sensory organs, it may contribute to pathological symptoms in these organs. Thus, ACE2 is not only a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 but may also play a crucial role in various aspects of the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and potential post-COVID-19 syndromes. Administering ACE2 could competitively bind to SARS-CoV, thereby reducing viral spike protein from attaching to transmembrane ACE2 and consequently reducing viral cell entry into cells and COVID-19 symptoms. In this review, we first examine the role of ACE2 in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 across different tissues and propose treatment strategies for COVID-19 that involve ACE2.},
}

@article {pmid41768578,
year = {2026},
author = {Castellanos-Hernández, DI and Mayoral-Chávez, MA and Matias-Cervantes, CA and Alpuche, J},
title = {Association between nucleic acid COVID-19 vaccines and acute myocardial infarction in adults: a systematic review.},
journal = {Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1752169},
pmid = {41768578},
issn = {2297-055X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-marketing surveillance has documented cardiovascular adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, evidence regarding causal associations remains contradictory.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a causal association exists between nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA and DNA platforms) and AMI in adults aged 18-80 years.

METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for studies evaluating mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna) and DNA-based vaccines (AstraZeneca) with AMI as primary outcome. Quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies from 16 countries were analyzed, including 14 population-based cohorts (>142.5 million individuals, >130,000 AMI cases), 12 case reports (54 AMI events), and three pharmacovigilance studies. Large cohorts demonstrated no significant association between nucleic acid vaccines and AMI. A Swedish study (8.1 million) showed protective effects (HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.89 for third dose). A Malaysian study (22.2 million) found no significant increase after BNT162b2 (dose 1 IRR: 0.97; dose 2 IRR: 1.08) or ChAdOx1 (dose 1 IRR: 1.02; dose 2 IRR: 1.58). Case reports documented temporal associations but had substantial methodological limitations. Quality assessment revealed low-to-moderate bias in population studies but high bias in case reports and pharmacovigilance data.

CONCLUSIONS: High-quality population-based evidence from 14 independent cohorts does not support a causal association between nucleic acid-based COVID-19 vaccines and AMI. Case reports lack the methodological rigor to establish causality. The documented protective effects after booster doses and consistency across diverse populations demonstrate vaccine cardiovascular safety, supporting continued vaccination policies.},
}

@article {pmid41767904,
year = {2026},
author = {Jagasia, K and Malyan, HH and Kim, J and Kabakibi, M and Moore, AA and Nguyen, AL},
title = {Cannabis Use Among Caregivers of Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review.},
journal = {Sage open aging},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {30495334261426511},
pmid = {41767904},
issn = {3049-5334},
abstract = {As the global population ages, the number of caregivers has risen accordingly. Though caregiving has many rewards, it may also cause psychological stress. To manage this burden, caregivers may adopt various coping strategies, including cannabis use. This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing literature on cannabis use among caregivers for older adults. A database search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL identified 357 unique peer-reviewed articles to screen and five were included in the review. Studies were included if they reported empirical data on cannabis use among caregivers for older adults. Of the five included studies, four studies found that caregivers reporting high stress or emotional burden used cannabis to cope, with two finding new or increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. One study found that using cannabis improved caregivers' self-reported health and well-being; another found positive caregiver attitudes toward recreational cannabis. Two studies found higher caregiver anxiety was associated with increased cannabis use. Despite limited research, these studies underscore the role of cannabis as a potential coping mechanism for caregivers of older adults experiencing emotional burden. Additional research should seek to characterize longitudinal patterns of cannabis use among caregivers and its potential impact on both caregiver and care recipients.},
}

@article {pmid41767650,
year = {2026},
author = {Birdi, S and Patel, A and Rabet, R and Singh, N and Durant, S and Vosoughi, T and Kapra, F and Shergill, M and Mesfin, E and Ziegler, C and Ali, S and Buckeridge, D and Ghassemi, M and Gibson, J and John-Baptiste, A and Macklin, J and Mccradden, M and Mckenzie, K and Mishra, S and Naraei, P and Owusu-Bempah, A and Rosella, L and Shaw, J and Upshur, R and Pinto, AD},
title = {Machine Learning Used in Communicable Disease Control: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Public health reviews},
volume = {47},
number = {},
pages = {1608074},
pmid = {41767650},
issn = {0301-0422},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Communicable diseases continue to threaten global health, with COVID-19 as a recent example. Rapid data analysis using machine learning (ML) is crucial for detecting and controlling outbreaks. We aimed to identify how ML approaches have been applied to achieve public health objectives in communicable disease control and to explore algorithmic biases in model design, training, and implementation, and strategies to mitigate these biases.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, ACM DL, INSPEC, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed studies from 1 January 2000, to 15 July 2022. Included studies applied ML models in population and public health to address ten communicable diseases with high prevalence.

RESULTS: 28,378 citations were retrieved, and 209 met our inclusion criteria. ML for communicable diseases has risen since 2020, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 177), followed by malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Eighteen studies (8.61%) considered bias, and only eleven implemented mitigation strategies.

CONCLUSION: A growing number of studies used ML for disease surveillance. Addressing biases in model design should be prioritized in future research to improve reliability and equity in public health outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41767314,
year = {2026},
author = {González, S and Arellano, J and Reza-Zaldivar, EE and Mena-Munguía, S and Minjarez, B and Rodríguez-Yáñez, Y},
title = {Viral mechanisms, tropism, and clinical relevance regarding the ophthalmic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {International journal of ophthalmology},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {619-629},
pmid = {41767314},
issn = {2222-3959},
abstract = {To explore the mechanisms underlying ocular infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we conducted a comprehensive review of current literature, focusing on viral entry pathways, receptor expression in ocular tissues, and associated clinical manifestations. This review encompasses studies published within the last five years with a focus on original research and systematic reviews that provide molecular, histological, or clinical evidence. The findings show that SARS-CoV-2 can infect ocular tissues through multiple receptors beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), including transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), CD147, alanyl aminopeptidase N (ANPEP), dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AGTR2), and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), which are expressed in retinal, conjunctival, corneal, limbal, and photoreceptor cells. The virus may also reach ocular structures via neurovascular invasion. Clinically, patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may present with a broad spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations, including conjunctivitis, hyperreflective lesions in the inner retinal layers, flame-shaped hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots, retinal pallor, hard exudates, and various forms of maculopathy, such as paracentral acute middle maculopathy and acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN). These signs reflect both direct viral damage and secondary effects of systemic inflammation and microvascular injury. Understanding the molecular and clinical spectrum of ocular involvement is essential for early diagnosis, appropriate ophthalmologic care, and the prevention of long-term visual sequelae in patients affected by COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid41767143,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, SC and Cheah, KSL and Syed Ali, SKB and Qu, HM and Wang, ZL},
title = {A bibliometric and visualization analysis for global research trends in Wushu and mental health (1981-2024).},
journal = {Frontiers in psychiatry},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1737574},
pmid = {41767143},
issn = {1664-0640},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mental health has become one of the most urgent public health issues in the 21st century, and the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased this problem. As a traditional mind-body practice, Wushu (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong) is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential in mental health. However, bibliometric studies in this eld remain scarce.

METHODS: This study aims to visualize the Wushu and mental health (WMH) related research through bibliometric analysis of the Web of Science database (1981-2024). It examines publication trends, core journals, international collaboration, leading authors, and thematic evolution. A systematic search using Boolean operators identified 536 articles. To conduct a complementary analysis of the findings, this study compared the 23 clinical trials identified from PubMed (2020-2024) with the research trends obtained from the bibliometric analysis.

RESULTS: The study found that the number of published articles and cited times increased significantly in the past five years, which confirmed the influence of COVID-19 in this field. China and the United States, represented by Harvard University, are the main pushing forces in this area. The research focus has shifted from rehabilitation orientation to comprehensive mental and public health perspectives. Future development trends may include strengthening international cooperation, standardizing intervention programs, and cross-cultural research.

CONCLUSION: This multi-database analysis provides researchers and policymakers with a scientific reference for the WMH field. It clearly reflects current research trends and future research directions in WMH.},
}

@article {pmid41766626,
year = {2026},
author = {Jones, M and Krockow, EM and Tromans, SJ and Mukaetova-Ladinska, EB},
title = {Antidepressant prescribing trends for adult patients in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review.},
journal = {BJPsych open},
volume = {12},
number = {2},
pages = {e77},
doi = {10.1192/bjo.2026.10990},
pmid = {41766626},
issn = {2056-4724},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Recent decades have seen a steady increase in antidepressant prescribing, but little is known about prescribing trends during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.

AIMS: This preregistered systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, aimed to investigate antidepressant prescribing trends for adults in the UK and Republic of Ireland during and after the pandemic. It also compared prescriptions by drug and location.

METHOD: We searched six databases: APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, medRxiv and Preprints.org. The review included primary research articles reporting trends in antidepressant prescriptions, including at least one time point after March 2020 in the UK and Republic of Ireland. This review has been preregistered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024498503).

RESULTS: We identified 7,320 studies, of which ten met the search criteria for the review. Studies were grouped on the basis of time period (2020: n = 5; 2021: n = 3; 2022: n = 2), location (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, UK) and drug type (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclics, and others (e.g. monoamine oxidase inhibitors)). Most studies (eight of ten) demonstrated increased antidepressant prescribing over time. Two studies highlighted a decrease between March and May 2020. Demographic variables reflected higher rates of prescribing for women, and the modal group receiving antidepressants comprised middle-aged adults.

CONCLUSIONS: The commonly reported increase in antidepressant prescribing corroborates pre-pandemic trends and may suggest further, increased demands for mental health support to meet the unique challenges of the pandemic. Future research is required to evaluate the appropriateness of treatment decisions and to explore psychosocial factors that influence individual prescribing choices.},
}

@article {pmid41766004,
year = {2026},
author = {Halawi, M},
title = {Disparities in Outpatient and Short-Stay Arthroplasty Surgery: a Critical Review and Proposed Equity-Centered Framework.},
journal = {Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41766004},
issn = {1935-973X},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Over the past decade, outpatient and short-stay total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has transitioned from exception to expectation, driven by enhanced recovery protocols, regulatory changes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This review synthesizes evidence from 2015 to 2025 regarding inequities in this transition, clarifies key definitions and methodological challenges, and examines the contributing factors and controversies surrounding equitable access to ambulatory surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence indicates a widening gap in access and outcomes based on race, ethnicity, and gender. Black and Hispanic patients remain significantly less likely than White patients to undergo outpatient TJA, even when controlling for clinical comorbidities. Recent data also suggests that residence in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with longer lengths of stay and higher early healthcare utilization. Furthermore, sex-based differences have emerged in postoperative pain management, with women demonstrating higher rates of opioid exposure and persistence. While younger, healthier, and privately insured patients have disproportionately benefited from outpatient pathways, those with public insurance or higher comorbidity burdens face persistent structural barriers to candidacy and safe discharge.

SUMMARY: Achieving equitable outpatient TJA requires a shift from exclusionary risk-screening to an equity-centered framework. This proposed model spans inclusive candidacy, optimization through prehabilitation, care navigation, and the use of site-of-service metrics. Ultimately, mitigating these disparities will require coordinated, multilevel action across policy reform, clinical practice innovation, and community engagement to ensure that the benefits of surgical innovation are accessible to all patient populations.},
}

@article {pmid41765382,
year = {2026},
author = {Ratnasabesar, V and Kunadian, V},
title = {Health inequalities across England and their impact on cardiovascular diseases.},
journal = {Heart (British Cardiac Society)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/heartjnl-2025-327508},
pmid = {41765382},
issn = {1468-201X},
abstract = {Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality in England, with its burden disproportionately concentrated in the North. Studies in the last few decades have highlighted that factors such as low education, high levels of unemployment, poor housing and reduced access to healthy food are strongly associated with the higher incidence of lifestyle risks-smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. These in turn increase rates of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes in the population. Beyond lifestyle factors, psychosocial mechanisms such as chronic stress and associated increase in allostatic load, due to long-standing deprivation, contribute to the biological risk of CVD. Early life disadvantage, ethnic and gender inequalities, and delayed management of intermediate risk factors further exacerbate the regional divide in England. Furthermore, the long-term impacts of COVID-19 and healthcare-associated national policies, including austerity-related funding deductions, have intensified pre-existing disparities. Evidence demonstrates that current preventative strategies, such as the National Health Service Health Check, have had limited success in reaching underserved communities, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. The National Institute of Health and Care Research Inequalities Challenge is a remarkable opportunity for the United Kingdom's (UK) leading research organisations to help tackle these inequalities associated with CVD and make a significant difference. Without such efforts, the excess CVD burden is likely to persist, perpetuating entrenched health inequalities. This review examines the different social determinants of health underlying these disparities, with a particular focus on socioeconomic deprivation, lifestyle risk factors, environmental and structural issues.},
}

@article {pmid41765322,
year = {2026},
author = {Yezli, S and Bonanni, P and Dinleyici, EC and Divyesh, T and Kumar, V and Leng, S and Coste, F and Taha, MK},
title = {Invasive Meningococcal Disease Rebound in Older Adults Post-COVID-19 Pandemic: A Targeted Literature and Surveillance Review.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108502},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108502},
pmid = {41765322},
issn = {1878-3511},
abstract = {Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), caused by Neisseria meningitidis, remains a significant public health concern due to its rapid progression, high case fatality rate (CFR), and evolving epidemiology. Recent trends suggest a demographic shift toward older adults. This review examined post-COVID-19 changes in IMD epidemiology among adults aged ≥65 years, including regional variations, serogroup distribution, and mortality. A targeted literature review was conducted using OVID (Embase, MEDLINE) following PICOS-T criteria, including full-text English-language studies published between January 2021 and June 2024, supplemented by surveillance reports. Of 1,639 records screened, four peer-reviewed publications and ten surveillance reports met inclusion criteria. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IMD incidence declined sharply across all age groups, including older adults. Post-pandemic data indicate a re-emergence of IMD among older populations, with incidence in several regions returning to or exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 2023. Across multiple locations, serogroup Y emerged as the dominant or increasingly prevalent serogroup among older adults. CFR varied by region and serogroup and consistently remained high in this age group. These findings demonstrate the re-emergence of IMD among older adults and highlight the need for strengthened IMD surveillance and serogroup monitoring in this population, to guide prevention strategies and inform public health policy.},
}

@article {pmid41763558,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, M and Sharma, K and Chon, JE and Yehia, A and Retnakaran, R and Harris, S and Hanley, A},
title = {The impact of COVID-19 illness on metabolic phenotypes underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review.},
journal = {Diabetes research and clinical practice},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {113163},
doi = {10.1016/j.diabres.2026.113163},
pmid = {41763558},
issn = {1872-8227},
abstract = {We aimed to systematically review literature investigating the impact of COVID-19 on insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction in humans. Ovid MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies published between December 2019 and May 2024. Observational studies examining adults with no history of type -2 diabetes comparing the development of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction between COVID-19 exposed groups vs. controls were included. Risk of bias was assessed using adapted Newcastle-Ottawa and Joanna Briggs Institute scales. Among 6901 studies screened, 10 met the inclusion criteria. Across these studies, 37 individual measures of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction were reported. Insulin resistance worsened significantly in 16 of 25 (64.0%) comparisons, whereas beta-cell dysfunction worsened significantly in 7 of 12 (58.3%) measures among COVID-19 patients when compared to controls. Five studies were considered low risk of bias. COVID-19 was associated with worsened insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, suggesting infection may be a metabolic stressor that overwhelms gluco-regulatory mechanisms. Results, especially those for beta cell function, should be interpreted cautiously given methodological limitations in the utilized measures. These findings highlight the pathophysiological aspects of type-2 diabetes impacted by COVID-19 infection and support the development of targeted monitoring and therapeutic strategies.},
}

@article {pmid41762078,
year = {2026},
author = {Wimalasundera, MO and Mohammad, ZMW and Choudhury, S and Mandour, Y},
title = {Understanding E-Consent in Anaesthesia: A Review of Clinical, Legal, and Ethical Dimensions.},
journal = {British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005)},
volume = {87},
number = {2},
pages = {50953},
doi = {10.31083/BJHM50953},
pmid = {41762078},
issn = {1759-7390},
abstract = {The integration of electronic consent (e-consent) into anaesthetic practice has accelerated since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, offering new opportunities to enhance patient autonomy, documentation fidelity, and clinical efficiency. This review examines the clinical, legal, and ethical dimensions of e-consent, situating it within the statutory and common law frameworks, such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the principles established in Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board. It further interrogates the challenges posed by digital exclusion, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the environmental implications of transitioning to digital platforms. The emerging role of artificial intelligence in tailoring and strengthening consent processes is explored, while highlighting the imperative to preserve ethical integrity and legal validity.},
}