@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.},
}

@article {pmid41761906,
year = {2026},
author = {Morand-Grondin, D and Berthod, J and Sigouin, J and Beaulieu-Bonneau, S and Kairy, D},
title = {Paving the road for more ethical and equitable policies and practices in telerehabilitation in psychology and neuropsychology: A rapid review.},
journal = {Health informatics journal},
volume = {32},
number = {1},
pages = {14604582261431026},
doi = {10.1177/14604582261431026},
pmid = {41761906},
issn = {1741-2811},
abstract = {BackgroundTelerehabilitation (TR) has been increasingly used to deliver psychological and neuropsychological care remotely, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. As health services continue to shift toward telehealth, ensuring ethical and equitable TR delivery is essential to establish sustainable TR models.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to synthesize existing evidence on the ethical and equity-related benefits and pitfalls associated with the use of TR in a psychological and neuropsychological context for individuals with physical disabilities.MethodsThis rapid review included reviews (2010-2020) and original studies (2020-2023) that focused on TR interventions for people with physical disabilities in the context of psychology and neuropsychology rehabilitation.ResultsA total of 16 reviews and 82 original articles were included. Key ethical concerns centered around privacy, confidentiality, caregiver burden, and clinician-patient relationship quality. Equity concerns centered around access disparities (e.g., geographic location, income), digital literacy, and demographic underrepresentation.ConclusionThis review is part of a pan-Canadian initiative aimed at informing policy development and clinical practice in TR. Findings highlight the need for clear guidelines and targeted interventions to ensure that TR in psychology and neuropsychology is both ethically sound and equitable.},
}

@article {pmid41644304,
year = {2026},
author = {Fung, IC and Liang, H and Pierce, KJ and Kraay, ANM and Kwok, KO and Akhmetzhanov, AR and Baiden, FE and Unwin, HJT and Kengne, FB and Alhassan, F and Chowell, G},
title = {Excess mortality in Mainland China after the end of the Zero COVID policy: A systematic review.},
journal = {Epidemiology and infection},
volume = {154},
number = {},
pages = {e29},
doi = {10.1017/S0950268826101022},
pmid = {41644304},
issn = {1469-4409},
abstract = {After the Zero COVID policy ended on December 7, 2022, ~90% of mainland Chinese were infected in a COVID-19 wave. This systematic review synthesized research estimating excess mortality during that wave in mainland China. We searched seven databases in May 2024 and updated our search in July-August 2025. Peer-reviewed research (Chinese or English), published since January 1, 2023, estimating excess deaths in the COVID-19 wave post-Zero-COVID was included. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Two authors independently conducted abstract screening, full-text review, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment. Seven articles were included. Two studies analysed the death records of a town and a district in Shanghai, estimating the excess mortality rates of 153.6% and 174.3%, respectively. Using indirect methods, four studies estimated national excess mortality (range: 0.71-1.87 million). Another study estimated excess mortality in Taiyuan. Studies used diverse methods to estimate excess deaths, resulting in widely varying and uncertain estimates. Choice of reference period, seasonality, and other factors affect expected mortality estimates.},
}

@article {pmid41761653,
year = {2026},
author = {Gavor, E and Choong, YK and Singh, S and Sivaraman, H and Yin, ES and Sivaraman, J},
title = {Structural Basis of MERS-CoV Receptor Interactions and Antibody Neutralisations.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70113},
pmid = {41761653},
issn = {1099-1654},
support = {//J.S. acknowledges partial support from Ministry of Education, Singapore grants R154-000-A72114, R-154-000-B03-112, and R-154-000-697-112./ ; },
abstract = {Increasing outbreaks of coronaviruses underscore the importance of antivirals and vaccines that can combat a wide range of coronaviruses. Neutralising antibodies (nAbs), along with vaccines and small-molecule drugs, are among the most promising treatments and prevention options against coronaviruses. Here, we focus on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and discuss receptor usage and current progress in antibody research against MERS-CoV infections. First detected in Saudi Arabia and Jordan in 2012, MERS-CoV is a lethal zoonotic pathogen. MERS-CoV infections have been reported by 27 countries between April 2012 till now, with 953 deaths (∼35% mortality) (5 new infections and 4 fatalities reported as of 1 October 2024). WHO identified MERS-CoV as a high-threat pathogen due to its severity, high mortality rate, and potential for epidemic or pandemic spread with recent outbreaks and deaths raising more concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, there is no antiviral drugs or vaccine against MERS-CoV available. Here we provide a perspective on receptor usage, the risk of MERS-CoV and other CoVs evolution on future pandemics, and the mechanisms of MERS-CoV-derived nAbs. We offer insight into how these antibodies cross-react and cross-neutralise by analysing available structures of spike glycoprotein-antibody complexes. This review provides an update and a basis for the development of antibodies and vaccines for MERS-CoV, and possibly for the designing of next-generation pan-coronavirus vaccines and antivirals.},
}

@article {pmid41761197,
year = {2026},
author = {Yu, E and Wang, M and Berdugo, J and Towheed, S and Yang, J and Moosavi, I and Lalji-Mawji, S and Czapla, CS and Ostermeyer, BK and Olagunju, AT},
title = {Mental health issues and associated factors amongst healthcare workers in US forensic-correctional settings: a systematic review of literature since the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s12913-026-14242-6},
pmid = {41761197},
issn = {1472-6963},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals provide essential services to populations in the criminal justice system, often at the expense of their own well-being. This review synthesized literature findings on mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals working in the US forensic-correctional settings since the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the prevalence of mental health conditions, their risk-protective factors, the impacts of these mental health issues on workplace retention, and highlighted relevant recommendations.

METHODS: This study followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase) was conducted and supplemented with citation chaining to identify eligible reports spanning January 1st 2020 up to March 18th, 2025. Article screening, full-text review, and data extraction were completed by two independent investigators. Study quality was assessed using the NIH tool for quantitative studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) framework for qualitative studies.

RESULTS: A total of 10,005 identified reports were screened, with seven fair-to-good eligible studies included in the final review. Both quantitative (n = 4) and qualitative (n = 3) studies were included, and spanned multiple states, with most studies (n = 3, 42.9%) conducted in California. Healthcare workers reported various mental health conditions such as depression (48%), anxiety (18.8-51.1%), sleep disorders (17.4%), burnout (47.2%) and PTSD (49.3%), albeit significant heterogeneity constrains comparative analysis. Qualitatively, workers experienced considerable isolation, personality shifts, and cognitive dissonance. Risk factors predictive of mental health conditions included increased workload (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), workplace conflict (β = 0.15, p < 0.001), female sex (β = 0.10, p = 0.04), younger age, chronic medical conditions (β = 0.09, p = 0.03), fears around COVID-19 (β = 0.14, p < 0.001), and a lack of pandemic safety training (p = 0.033). Protective factors included resilience, administrator and peer support, access to needed resources, and a sense of fulfilment and purpose from working with populations in forensic-correctional settings.

CONCLUSIONS: Systemic reforms including decreased mandatory overtime, staffing, workload distribution, organizational support, training, improved communication, access to adequate resources and psychosocial interventions may help promote wellness and optimize the ability of healthcare workers to provide care in forensic-correctional settings. However, the preliminary nature of the study findings suggests caution in their interpretations. Further high-quality research is needed to support evidence-informed decision-making and translation.},
}

@article {pmid41760558,
year = {2026},
author = {Laudani, C and Bujak, K and Occhipinti, G and Rinaldi, R and Imbesi, A and Sanchez, JS and Galli, M and Abbate, A and Ortega-Paz, L and Capodanno, D and Angiolillo, DJ},
title = {Safety and Efficacy of Colchicine across the Spectrum of Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 20 Randomized Trials.},
journal = {Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/cpt.70246},
pmid = {41760558},
issn = {1532-6535},
abstract = {Recent evidence questioned the overall safety and efficacy of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), as novel evidence focusing on acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) gave neutral results, while trials focusing on chronic coronary syndrome supported colchicine administration to improve long-term outcomes. However, no study has ever explored whether there is a true therapeutic difference across the populations or these discrepancies are due to additional confounders. Against this background, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials of colchicine in patients with CAD. The primary endpoints were trial-defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and serious adverse events (SAEs). Secondary endpoints included all-cause death, measures of ischemia (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction [MI], any revascularization, stroke) and measures of safety (serious infections or sepsis and gastrointestinal adverse events). All analyses included an interaction term for the clinical presentation. Sensitivity analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. After literature search, 20 trials encompassing a total of 21,486 patients (65.4% ACS) were included. Colchicine significantly reduced MACE (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.70; 95% CI 0.55-0.87) without increasing risk for SAEs. Colchicine also reduced MI (IRR 0.81; 95% CI 0.70-0.94) and any revascularization (IRR 0.71; 95% CI 0.51-0.99), while increasing the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (IRR 1.68; 95% CI 1.23-2.28). No statistically significant interaction was noted for clinical presentation for any endpoint, but a significant interaction for the drug dosage administered and the relationship with the COVID-19 pandemic was noted. In conclusion, the use of colchicine in patients with CAD reduces MACE without significantly increasing SAEs compared to control, although increasing gastrointestinal adverse events, without interaction by clinical presentation.},
}

@article {pmid41759616,
year = {2026},
author = {Girndt, M},
title = {Vaccinations to Prevent Infections in Adult Individuals With CKD and After Kidney transplantation: A Review.},
journal = {American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1053/j.ajkd.2025.10.021},
pmid = {41759616},
issn = {1523-6838},
abstract = {Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on dialysis, are at high risk of infections leading to hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality. Influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections account for a significant proportion of typical infectious complications and are preventable by vaccination. The immune system is weakened in CKD, reducing vaccination efficacy. Additionally, some patients with CKD receive immunosuppressive medications. The reduced seroreactivity to various vaccines must be considered when selecting vaccines, vaccine doses, and schedules for patients with CKD. Vaccinations are generally safe in CKD and should be widely used according to public health recommendations to reduce morbidity. Immunosuppression after kidney transplantation further impairs vaccination responses. Nevertheless, vaccinations can still be effective and provide protection in a relevant number of patients. Post-transplant patients should generally not receive live vaccines due to the risk of vaccine-induced complications. Vaccination is usually recommended 6 months after transplantation, as immunosuppression is less intense than in the early months. This approach may conflict with seasonal vaccinations, which are often omitted. Data show that at least the influenza vaccination can be administered as early as 4 weeks after transplantation without additional risk. In all patients with CKD or post transplant, omitting recommended vaccinations is a missed opportunity for preventing relevant infectious complications.},
}

@article {pmid41757222,
year = {2026},
author = {Ravinetto, R and Bottieau, E and Fusco, D and Marrone, R and Van Den Broucke, S and Tarrafeta-Sayas, MB and Rinaldi, L and Losada-Galván, I and Calleri, G and Albonico, M},
title = {Inequitable access to medicines for neglected tropical diseases in Europe: health system vulnerabilities and a call for coordinated action.},
journal = {The Lancet regional health. Europe},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {101616},
pmid = {41757222},
issn = {2666-7762},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the European medicine supply systems, but the lack of access to medicines for diseases of poverty, including neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), is unfrequently brought to the attention of the European policy makers. As a result, clinicians in Europe are forced to "bricolage solutions" to treat NTDs: ad hoc donations from companies, product-specific donations via the World Health Organization (WHO) or WHO collaborating centres, case-by-case importation -sometimes from poorly regulated countries-, and possibly the recourse to compounding pharmacies. Noteworthy, NTDs are unlikely to decrease in the next years in Europe, due to increasing global mobility, and climate change expanding the parasites' habitat. This serious but neglected problem was discussed at the 2025 European Congress in Tropical Medicine and International Health (ECTMIH) in Hamburg, Germany. This viewpoint analyses the availability, affordability and accessibility challenges in some countries in Europe, and their consequences at patient and health system level. It also proposes a set of interconnected recommendations and policy measures to make quality-assured medicines for NTDs sustainably available and affordable across Europe. Restoring access to these essential and sometimes life-saving medicines is critical for restoring the right to health for all in Europe, while protecting continental public health.},
}

@article {pmid41756780,
year = {2026},
author = {Ferriero, AM and Di Lella, R and Farroni, C and Aiello, A and Giarratano, A and Todaro, M and Bocci, MG and Nicastri, E and Goletti, D},
title = {Host-pathogen interaction in community-acquired pneumonia: a focus on the immune response.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1731074},
pmid = {41756780},
issn = {2235-2988},
abstract = {Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, affecting individuals of all ages. Various pathogens can cause this condition, and growing antibiotic resistance makes treatment more difficult while raising the risk of severe outcomes. Despite substantial advances in diagnostics, antimicrobial therapy, and supportive care, CAP continues to represent a significant clinical and public health challenge. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of CAP, summarizing key aspects of its epidemiology, pathogen frequency, and recent progress in diagnostic tools and biomarkers. We also describe the innate and adaptive immune responses involved in CAP, with a particular focus on pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and Influenza A and B viruses. A deeper understanding of CAP immunopathogenesis may support the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pneumonia management.},
}

@article {pmid41756288,
year = {2026},
author = {Guan, C and Zhang, R and Zhao, P and Zhang, Y and Yu, L and Cui, H and Jiang, L and Wu, T and Liu, F and Wu, Y and Huang, L and Nan, H and Wang, J and Xu, P},
title = {Association between vaccination and myasthenia gravis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1739730},
pmid = {41756288},
issn = {1664-3224},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness due to impaired neuromuscular transmission. Vaccination remains a cornerstone of infectious disease prevention, yet concerns persist regarding potential autoimmune exacerbation in susceptible individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize available evidence on the association between vaccination and MG, evaluating both vaccine effectiveness and safety in this population.

METHODS: Observational studies in cohort or case-control formats were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from inception to June 24, 2025. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test.

RESULTS: Five studies encompassing 27,193 participants (22,618 vaccinated and 4,575 unvaccinated) met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant protective effect of vaccination against COVID-19 infection (fixed-effects model: OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.20-0.26], P < 0.001). Conversely, vaccination was not associated with a statistically significant increase in MG exacerbation (random-effects model: OR = 0.67, 95% CI [0.10-4.54], P = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides quantitative evidence that COVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces infection risk without significantly increasing MG exacerbation. These findings support the safety and clinical utility of vaccination in MG patients, emphasizing the need for individualized risk-benefit assessment and ongoing pharmacovigilance in this population.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420251078995.},
}

@article {pmid41755466,
year = {2026},
author = {Zang, N and Wu, Y and Li, P and Liu, Y and Wang, S and Leng, J and Zhan, L and Lyu, X and Pang, L and Wang, J},
title = {Viral Pathogens and Pulmonary Fibrosis: EMT-Driven Mechanisms and Insights From Traditional Chinese Medicine.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {e70118},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70118},
pmid = {41755466},
issn = {1099-1654},
abstract = {Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious progressive complication of the respiratory system, which is profoundly associated with persistent extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, fibrosis, and disrupted tissue regeneration. Emerging evidence shows that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) acts as a key factor in the pathogenesis of this idiopathic interstitial lung disease by connecting long-lasting epithelial damage to fibroblast accumulation and fibrotic processes. Viral pathogens, particularly emerging and re-emerging viruses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Influenza Virus, and Dengue Virus (DENV) and also those with oncogenic potential such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with impaired epithelial signalling, persistent inflammation, and EMT induction. This underscores the presence of potential mechanistic overlap between viral infections and fibrotic complications of the respiratory system. On the other hand, investigations have also suggested the capacity of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agents to modulate various EMT-linked pathways, which are simultaneously involved in both viral infections and IPF development. These common signalling pathways include TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB signalling, acting as potential therapeutic targets against fibrotic complications such as IPF. The present review aims to comprehensively describe current evidence on the dynamic cross-talk between viral pathogens, particularly SARS-CoV-2, Influenza Virus, and DENV, EMT, and lung fibrosis. Additionally, it critically discusses how TCM-derived bioactive agents can interfere with these interconnected processes. This review elucidates the mechanistic basis and therapeutic potential of TCM compounds in lung fibrosis, considering the wider context of virus-related EMT dysregulation.},
}

@article {pmid41754983,
year = {2026},
author = {Anaya, BJ and Osorio-Vargas, E and Monterrosa-Moreno, S and Tirado, DF and González-Burgos, E and Serrano, DR},
title = {Pulmonary Drug Delivery for Infectious Diseases: Cutting-Edge Formulations and Manufacturing Technologies.},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754983},
issn = {1999-4923},
support = {PID2024-156769OB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; 971089//universidad complutense de Madrid/ ; Call No. 885 of 2020//Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación/ ; },
abstract = {Pulmonary drug delivery has emerged as a powerful strategy for the treatment of respiratory infectious diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19, by enabling high local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. However, the clinical success of inhaled anti-infective therapies critically depends on the precise engineering of particle properties that govern lung deposition, cellular targeting, and therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and technology-driven overview of cutting-edge formulation and manufacturing strategies for pulmonary drug delivery, with particular emphasis on the key process and formulation parameters required to generate effective inhalable systems for the treatment of infectious diseases. Advanced particle-engineering approaches, including spray drying, spray freeze drying, jet milling, and supercritical fluid technologies are discussed as enabling tools to tightly control aerodynamic particle size, morphology, and solid-state properties. In parallel, emerging platforms such as nanoparticle-based delivery systems are examined for their ability to target specific lung cell populations, including epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, thereby enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. Finally, innovative manufacturing concepts such as microfluidics and three-dimensional (3D) printing are highlighted as promising strategies to improve particle size uniformity, reproducibility, and formulation customization. By integrating formulation science with advanced manufacturing technologies, this review identifies the critical design and processing parameters that underpin effective pulmonary delivery of anti-infective therapies and outlines future directions for the development of next-generation inhaled treatments.},
}

@article {pmid41754548,
year = {2026},
author = {Deák, G and Lupu, L and Prangate, R},
title = {A Systematic Review of Methodological Approaches to SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754548},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {Support to Member States for the establishment of national systems, local collection points and digital infrastructure for the monitoring of COVID-19 and its variants in wastewater-Romania//This work was supported by the European Commission DG Environment [060701/2021/864662/SUB/ENV]. C2] Emergency Support under Council Regulation (EU) 2016/369 as amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/521/ ; },
abstract = {Following the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have increasingly focused on monitoring the spread of the virus and improving methods to detect changes in the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Although clinical surveillance provides direct and reliable results, it has limited applicability. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has therefore emerged as a valuable, non-invasive complementary tool for disease surveillance. It provides a comprehensive picture of virus circulation in a population, including asymptomatic individuals and those who do not seek healthcare. In addition, it facilitates early detection of outbreaks and the collection of epidemiologic data at the community level. However, WBE also presents technical challenges, including variations in sampling and testing protocols, the presence of inhibitors that affect viral RNA extraction, and the need for standardised procedures between studies. These challenges should be addressed for possible future infectious disease outbreaks. One of the challenges facing researchers was to develop efficient methods that could overcome the extraction and detection problems related to inhibitors present in wastewater. To this aim, this systematic review highlights the potential use of WBE, the variety of techniques, and the most effective methods for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. A reproducible electronic search of the literature was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS) and PubMed databases for articles published between 2020 and 2024. Our search revealed that the majority of observed WBE applications emphasised a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration trends in wastewater and epidemiological data. Another relevant issue that the articles often discussed and compared was the techniques used in different steps of sample processing, such as sample collection, concentration and detection, hence the lack of standardised procedures. This paper provides a framework regarding previous research on WBE to gain a better understanding that will lead to functional solutions.},
}

@article {pmid41754526,
year = {2026},
author = {Siniscalchi, C and Basaglia, M and Imbalzano, E and Di Micco, P},
title = {The Platelet-Virus Axis in Human Disease.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754526},
issn = {1999-4915},
abstract = {Platelets have traditionally been viewed as passive cellular elements involved in hemostasis and vascular integrity. However, growing evidence over the last decade has radically changed this paradigm, revealing platelets as dynamic immune and inflammatory effectors that actively participate in host-pathogen interactions. In viral infections, platelets are not merely innocent bystanders but represent key players in a bidirectional and tightly regulated platelet-virus axis that influences viral dissemination, immune activation, endothelial dysfunction, and the development of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Several clinically relevant viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, HIV, dengue virus, and viral hemorrhagic fever-associated pathogens, have been shown to directly or indirectly interact with platelets through surface receptors, immune complexes, and inflammatory mediators, leading to platelet activation, phenotypic reprogramming, and accelerated clearance. These processes contribute to the paradoxical coexistence of thrombocytopenia and hypercoagulability that characterizes many severe viral diseases. Moreover, platelets can act as immune sentinels by sensing viral components, releasing cytokines and chemokines, forming platelet-leukocyte aggregates, and modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby shaping the clinical course of infection. In this review, we synthesize current evidence on the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing virus-platelet interactions, with particular emphasis on their role in immune-thrombosis, endothelial injury, and organ dysfunction. We further discuss the clinical implications of platelet dysregulation in viral infections, including its potential value as a biomarker of disease severity and as a therapeutic target. Understanding the platelet-virus axis provides a unifying framework to explain the thrombo-inflammatory phenotype of viral diseases and may open new avenues for risk stratification and targeted interventions in affected patients.},
}

@article {pmid41754151,
year = {2026},
author = {Caliman-Sturdza, OA and Gheorghita, RE and Soldanescu, I and Dimian, M and Mangul, S},
title = {Vitamin D in Infectious Diseases: A Narrative Review Focusing on COVID-19, Long COVID, and Influenza.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {18},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754151},
issn = {2072-6643},
abstract = {Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone traditionally recognized for its role in bone and mineral metabolism, but it is increasingly understood to also function as an important immunomodulator influencing susceptibility to and outcomes of infectious diseases. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the immunological, clinical, and preventive effects of vitamin D in the context of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID), and influenza. Mechanistically, vitamin D enhances innate immune defenses through the induction of antimicrobial peptides, including cathelicidin and defensins, and modulates adaptive immunity by suppressing maladaptive Th1/Th17 responses while promoting regulatory T-cell activity. Observational studies have frequently associated vitamin D deficiency with more severe COVID-19 outcomes; however, these associations may be influenced by confounding factors and reverse causality. Some meta-analyses suggest that vitamin D supplementation reduced rates of intensive care unit admission and ventilatory support, particularly among older adults and individuals with low baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations. Emerging evidence also indicates that inadequate vitamin D status may be associated with an increased risk and symptom burden of long COVID, although causality has not been established. In the case of influenza, a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses report a modest but statistically significant reduction in infection risk, especially with daily or weekly vitamin D supplementation in populations with low baseline vitamin D levels. Clinical guidelines consistently recommend maintaining adequate vitamin D status for general health but do not endorse high-dose vitamin D as a treatment for COVID-19 due to inconsistent trial findings. Overall, vitamin D should not be considered a standalone therapeutic agent; rather, maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels represents a low-risk, potentially beneficial strategy to support immune resilience against respiratory viral infections.},
}

@article {pmid41754057,
year = {2026},
author = {Malik, Z and Skapetis, T},
title = {A Contemporary Mini-Review of Interprofessional Education and Technology-Assisted Management of Dental Emergencies in the Emergency Department.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41754057},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Dental emergencies are increasing in frequency. Numerous studies have reported minimal knowledge and/or skills by emergency department staff regarding dental emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a paradigm shift in emergency dental care management away from traditional management approaches. However, there have been no reviews of contemporary literature pertaining to either technology-assisted or interprofessional education and dental emergency management in the emergency department setting. This mini-review aimed to synthesise current evidence of interprofessional education, utilising technology-assisted modalities, for the management of dental emergencies in hospital emergency departments.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was carried out across four electronic databases, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from 2018 to 2025.

RESULTS: A total of three papers were identified and included in the mini-review. Two of the three papers addressed the subject of dental emergencies in the emergency department as a primary finding.

DISCUSSION: Included papers were of low-quality evidence and referenced simulation-based education, tele-dentistry, and artificial intelligence as contemporary approaches relating to dental emergency management.

CONCLUSIONS: This mini-review revealed minimal advances in contemporary approaches relating to both the use of technology-assisted modalities and interprofessional education for the management of dental emergencies within the hospital emergency department setting. This review provides a timely literature update for both the medical and dental professions and identifies a large gap in research surrounding this topic.},
}

@article {pmid41753974,
year = {2026},
author = {Haimi, M},
title = {Nurse-Led Telephone Triage in Contemporary Healthcare: Bridging the Gap Between Patient Need and Resource Allocation.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753974},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background: Nurse teletriage has emerged as a component of modern healthcare delivery, utilizing telecommunication technologies to assess patient conditions remotely and guide appropriate care decisions. As healthcare systems face increasing demand and the need for cost-effective care delivery, teletriage services have expanded, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: This narrative review examines the current state of nurse teletriage practice, its effectiveness, safety outcomes, and implementation considerations. A comparative analysis with physician-led teletriage models is provided, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence is explored. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted through searches of multiple databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This approach was selected due to the heterogeneous nature of the teletriage literature, which spans diverse study designs, populations, and outcomes that are not amenable to formal systematic synthesis. Peer-reviewed articles published between 1970 and 2024 examining safety outcomes, effectiveness, and implementation frameworks were reviewed. Results: The available evidence suggests that nurse-led teletriage systems, particularly when supported by computerized decision support systems, can improve patient access to care while maintaining safety standards. Studies indicate that telephone triage nursing does not increase mortality, hospitalization rates, or emergency department referrals when properly implemented. One well-documented physician-led model in Israel reported diagnosis accuracy rates of 98.5% and decision reasonableness rates of 92%, though generalizability across settings requires caution. Key success factors appear to include the use of evidence-based protocols, staff training, technology infrastructure, and quality assurance programs. While these findings are promising, the heterogeneous nature of the included studies and absence of formal quality assessment warrant cautious interpretation. Conclusions: Nurse teletriage appears to be an effective and safe approach to healthcare delivery that addresses challenges in modern healthcare systems. The choice between nurse-led and physician-led models should consider population complexity, case types, available resources, and economic factors. Artificial intelligence technologies offer potential opportunities to enhance teletriage, though careful validation is essential. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, comparative effectiveness across healthcare systems, and rigorous evaluation of AI applications. Highlights: Telephone triage services, where nurses or physicians assess patients remotely and guide them to appropriate care, have become increasingly important in modern healthcare. This narrative review examines the evidence on nurse-led telephone triage, comparing it with physician-led models and exploring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The available evidence suggests that nurse-led systems, when supported by appropriate protocols and training, can safely improve patient access to care while reducing healthcare costs. Physician-led models may offer advantages for complex cases but at higher costs. While artificial intelligence shows promise for enhancing triage accuracy, current evidence specific to telephone triage remains limited. Healthcare organizations should carefully consider their population needs, available resources, and local context when implementing teletriage services.},
}

@article {pmid41753604,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, M and Ren, W and Wu, X and Khan, JM and Nazir, H and Rehman, SU and Ali, F and Li, J},
title = {Insights into Monkeypox Virus: Host Immunity, Viral Immune Evasion, Recent Advances in Vaccines, Therapeutic Development, and Future Perspectives.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753604},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Monkeypox (Mpox), a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox Virus (MPXV), has gained significant attention in recent years due to its increasing incidence and the grave threat it poses to global health. MPXV has spread at a rapid pace during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing 10,000+ confirmed cases and ~300 fatalities in 122 countries. This virus comprises two major clades, Clade I (Central African), which is evidently more virulent, and Clade II (West African), which has caused the recent outbreaks across the world and caused fewer deaths. Clinically, Mpox presents as a milder form with fever, lymphadenopathy, and vesiculopustular rash similar to smallpox. Diagnostic measures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are the main diagnostic confirmatory tools. Advanced diagnostics involve electronic microscopy, serology, and immunohistochemistry. Alternative drugs like tecovirimat and brincidofovir have demonstrated potential for treating smallpox, but there is scanty evidence on their efficacy against MPXV. Most recent advancements in the study of vaccines have resulted in the creation and introduction of MVA-BN (JYNNEOS/Imvanex/Imvamune) and ACAM2000 vaccines, which conferred cross-protection against MPXV. MVA-BN is suggested to perform better than other types due to its enhanced safety and immunogenicity. Researchers are also developing DNA and protein subunit vaccines against Mpox to induce specific immune responses by presenting viral proteins. The discovery of novel vaccine candidates and antiviral treatments will be needed to prevent future outbreaks and reduce the global health burden of Mpox. This review focuses on the characterization of MPXV, summarizing current knowledge on its genomic structure, pathogenesis, replication, potential targets of anti-MPXV drugs, clinical features, and epidemiological patterns, along with recent advances in vaccine development.},
}

@article {pmid41753114,
year = {2026},
author = {Kloni, M and Heraclides, A and Panteli, T and Klonis, A and Rentzias, P and Karagiannis, C},
title = {Incentive Spirometer in COVID-19: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753114},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: COVID-19 and its sequelae have affected millions worldwide, with many individuals experiencing persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue and reduced quality of life. Respiratory physiotherapy is commonly used to support patients with pulmonary conditions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of the incentive spirometer on cardiopulmonary, functional and patient-reported outcomes in adults during the acute and post-COVID-19 phases. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Clinical Trials.gov and Google Scholar to identify studies published between January 2020 and April 2025. Owing to substantial heterogeneity in study design, populations, interventions and outcome measures, quantitative synthesis was not feasible and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twelve studies involving 573 participants were included. Within-group analyses showed improvements in pulmonary outcomes (including FEV1, FVC, and oxygen saturation), reductions in dyspnea, and improvements in quality of life following incentive spirometer. Improvements in pulmonary function were reported primarily in post-COVID-19 populations, whereas reductions in anxiety and improvements in quality of life were reported mainly in acute COVID-19 settings. Between-group comparisons demonstrated statistically significant differences in favor of the incentive spirometer for selected pulmonary and functional outcomes (including FVC, DLCO, oxygen saturation, six-minute walk test, and 30 s sit-to-stand test), while no significant differences were observed for other outcomes such as peak expiratory flow, respiratory rate, or heart rate variability. Randomized controlled trials were judged to have a moderate risk of bias, non-randomized studies a moderate-to-serious risk, and certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Conclusions: Incentive spirometer may support respiratory, functional, and psychological recovery in adults during the acute and post-COVID-19 phases. However, effects vary across outcomes and comparator interventions, and the overall certainty of evidence is low to moderate. Further high-quality research is required to confirm effectiveness and guide optimal clinical use.},
}

@article {pmid41753016,
year = {2026},
author = {Cadena Barberis, ED and Oh, HR and Vélez Ordóñez, LD and Calvopiña, VS and Rodas, JA and Leon-Rojas, JE},
title = {Relationship Between Substance Use and Suicide Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Random-Effects Proportions Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {41753016},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {592.A.XVII.25//Universidad de Las Américas/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social structures, healthcare access, and psychological well-being, potentially intensifying substance use and suicidal behavior. Although both phenomena have been independently studied, their co-occurrence during the pandemic has not been systematically synthesized. To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of suicidal behavior among individuals with substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic review and random-effects proportions meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host was conducted from 11 March 2020 to 15 October 2022 for studies published between March 2020 and October 2022. Eligible studies included observational designs reporting substance use and suicidal behavior in adults during the pandemic. Risk of bias was assessed using National Institutes of Health tools. Proportional meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I[2] statistic. Results: Twenty studies comprising 70,684 individuals were included. Substance use during the pandemic was reported in 24.6 percent of participants, while 30.7 percent exhibited suicidal behavior. A total of 16.1 percent presented with both substance use and suicidal behavior. The pooled prevalence of any suicidal behavior among individuals with substance use was 33.8 percent (95 percent CI, 22.8 to 45.7), with substantial heterogeneity. Alcohol showed a pooled prevalence of 36.2 percent, cannabis 48.1 percent, and tobacco 11.5 percent. Suicidal ideation was the most frequent outcome, with a pooled prevalence of 36.8 percent among substance users. Most studies reported an increased association between substance use and suicidal behavior compared with pre-pandemic periods. Conclusions: Substance use and suicidal behavior frequently co-occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly suicidal ideation and alcohol use. These findings highlight the need for integrated mental health and substance use interventions during public health crises.},
}

@article {pmid41752904,
year = {2026},
author = {Siliste, RN and Benea, S and Homentcovschi, C and Deaconu, T and Caruntu, C and Savulescu-Fiedler, I},
title = {Myocardial and Vascular Involvement in COVID-19 and Post-Vaccination States: Understanding Injury Pathways and Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41752904},
issn = {2075-1729},
abstract = {Myocardial and vascular injury secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination has emerged as a clinically relevant phenomenon, with distinct but overlapping mechanisms. Myocardial injury in COVID-19 results from a complex interplay between direct viral effects and immune-mediated inflammation, supported by histopathological studies revealing macrophage-rich infiltrates, microthrombosis, and supporting fibrosis in isolated areas. In contrast, vaccine-associated myocarditis-reported predominantly following mRNA vaccines-has a self-limiting clinical course, with mechanisms likely involving molecular mimicry, aberrant immune activation, or hypersensitivity reactions, although these pathways require further validation. Although mRNA vaccines have been associated with a small increase in myocarditis, particularly in young men, the risk is significantly lower than that associated with COVID-19 infection, and the cardiovascular benefits of vaccination far outweigh these rare adverse events in most populations. After the end of the pandemic, the number of patients with severe forms of COVID-19 has decreased significantly, but we consider that cardiac involvement remains an important issue for the acute and long-term prognosis of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our paper synthesizes the latest epidemiological and mechanistic evidence on the link between COVID-19, vaccination, and myocardial and/or vascular injuries, highlighting the clinical implications and providing practical recommendations for management, as well as future perspectives on risk assessment, targeted immunotherapy, advanced diagnostic tools, and long-term monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid41752709,
year = {2026},
author = {Pah, AM and Gavrilescu, DM and Mateescu, DM and Cotet, IG and Craciun, ML and Florescu, E and Crisan, S and Avram, A},
title = {Association of Chronic Hyperglycemia and Glycemic Variability with Mortality in COVID-19: Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/medicina62020310},
pmid = {41752709},
issn = {1648-9144},
support = {Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara//Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara/ ; },
abstract = {Background and Objectives: Dysglycemia is a major determinant of adverse outcomes in COVID-19, yet the separate contributions of poor glycemic control and glycemic variability (GV) remain incompletely defined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohort studies (both prospective and retrospective) to quantify the impact of chronic hyperglycemia and glucose instability on disease severity, intensive care requirements, and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 2020 to October 2024 for observational cohort studies reporting clinically relevant COVID-19 outcomes stratified by glycemic control or GV. Dysglycemia definitions varied across studies (HbA1c-based chronic hyperglycemia, fasting glucose, or admission/in-hospital hyperglycemia). GV was assessed using metrics including mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE), standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), or maximum daily glucose difference. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis; five studies were eligible for quantitative synthesis of clinical outcomes. Random-effects DerSimonian-Laird models were applied due to anticipated clinical heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q, τ[2], and I[2] statistics. Results: Overall, 12 observational studies (9 prospective and 3 retrospective cohorts; n = 1,008,310 patients) were included. In quantitative analyses of five eligible cohorts, poor glycemic control was associated with a significantly increased risk of severe or critical COVID-19 (pooled RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.45-2.11; I[2] = 29%), ICU admission (RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.18-2.01), and mechanical ventilation (RR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.31-2.26). Three studies evaluating GV demonstrated a strong association with adverse outcomes (pooled RR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.71-2.50; I[2] = 0%); this low heterogeneity should be interpreted cautiously given the limited number of studies. GV remained associated with mortality in multivariable models, indicating that glycemic variability is separately associated with mortality as a clinically relevant prognostic risk marker in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Both chronic hyperglycemia and elevated glycemic variability are each associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Glycemic variability appeared to be a consistent, low-heterogeneity prognostic marker of mortality, being separately associated with higher death risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, highlighting its potential utility as a dynamic metabolic biomarker. Early identification and targeted management of dysglycemia-especially glucose instability-may improve prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. PROSPERO: CRD420251250718.},
}

@article {pmid41752703,
year = {2026},
author = {Hostiuc, S and Gherghiceanu, F},
title = {Burnout, PTSD, and Medical Error: The Medico-Legal Implications of the Mental Health Crisis Among Frontline Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19.},
journal = {Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)},
volume = {62},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/medicina62020305},
pmid = {41752703},
issn = {1648-9144},
abstract = {Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented mental health crisis among workers in the healthcare field, with average burnout rates increasing from about 32% before the pandemic to 46-52% during peak times and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting 24-34% of frontline staff. The primary objective of this article is to synthesize evidence on the prevalence of burnout and PTSD among healthcare workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary objectives are: (a) to examine the mechanisms and empirical evidence linking clinician mental health to medical errors and patient safety outcomes and (b) to analyze the medico-legal implications of this relationship, including malpractice liability, institutional responsibility, and opportunities for policy reform. Materials and Methods: We conducted a narrative review searching PubMed (November 2025-January 2026) using predefined keyword combinations. Inclusion criteria comprised original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses examining mental health outcomes or patient safety among clinical staff. Data were synthesized narratively across five thematic domains. Results: Burnout prevalence increased from approximately 32% pre-pandemic to 46-52% during peak periods, with emotional exhaustion reaching 67.5% in some settings. PTSD rates rose to 24-34% among frontline staff, exceeding pre-pandemic levels of 15-20%, with ICU staff particularly affected (27-40%). Substantial overlap exists between conditions (86-98% comorbidity). Physician burnout is associated with 2.72 times higher odds of self-reported errors (95% CI: 2.19-3.37), with each point increase in emotional exhaustion raising the error risk by 5-11%. Mechanisms include cognitive impairment (reduced executive function, g = -0.39; impaired working memory, g = -0.36) and sleep disturbance. Malpractice litigation compounds psychological harm, increasing depression and suicidal ideation. Conclusions: This review, synthesizing data from over 500,000 healthcare workers, demonstrates bidirectional relationships among burnout, PTSD, and medical errors with significant medico-legal ramifications. Addressing this crisis requires systemic interventions including workload management, psychological support, blame-free reporting cultures, and policy reforms balancing accountability with recognition of system-level contributors to error.},
}

@article {pmid41751767,
year = {2026},
author = {Zieniuk, B and Wierzchowska, K and Jasińska, K and Kobus, J and Piotrowicz, A and Uğur, Ş and Fabiszewska, A},
title = {Yeast as a Model for Human Disease.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27041632},
pmid = {41751767},
issn = {1422-0067},
abstract = {Yeasts, especially the conventional species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, as well as some unconventional species such as Pichia pastoris, Kluyveromyces marxianus and Yarrowia lipolytica, have become fundamental model organisms for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. Their eukaryotic cell organization, genetic simplicity, and strong conservation of essential biological pathways make them indispensable in biomedical research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of different yeast species in modeling human disorders, highlighting historical milestones and groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped current knowledge. The article discusses the applications of yeast models in studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's, as well as metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and mitochondrial disorders, and their growing importance in cancer research and drug discovery. Special attention is given to humanized yeast models, which enable the expression and functional analysis of human genes and the heterologous synthesis of human proteins within yeast cells. Finally, the paper addresses the limitations and challenges of yeast as a model system while outlining future directions and emphasizing the organism's continued relevance in personalized medicine and functional genomics.},
}

@article {pmid41751338,
year = {2026},
author = {Notarte, KI and Catahay, JA and Velasco, JV and Ver, AT and Lee, J and Rizk, JG and Lippi, G and Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C},
title = {Complement System Dysregulation in the Immunopathogenesis of Long COVID: Systematic Evidence Synthesis.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biomedicines14020439},
pmid = {41751338},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {Background/Objective: Long COVID is an important cause of disability following SARS-CoV-2 infection; yet, its underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. One proposed mechanism is the long-lasting dysregulation of the immune complement system. This systematic review is the first to summarize the current evidence and evaluate the potential role of long-lasting complement activation in people with long COVID. Methods: A systematic electronic search on PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted up to 15 October 2025, to identify studies investigating complement activation in people with the post-COVID-19 condition. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias and methodological quality. Results: Among the 247 studies initially identified, eleven met the inclusion criteria, comprising 1435 individuals (age: 48.5 years, 70% females) with long COVID and 1124 controls (age: 43.6 years, 60% females). All studies were of a high quality, with scores ranging from 7 to 8 stars (mean: 7.6 ± 0.5). The activation of the classical complement pathway was investigated in nine studies, whereas the lectin, alternative, and terminal complement pathways were each assessed in three studies. Multiple studies investigated several complement pathways. The results were heterogeneous since several markers of complement activation spanning the classical (C2, C4a, C4b, and C1s-C1INH), alternative (Ba, iC3b, and Factor D), and terminal (C5bC6, C5a, C9, and TCC) pathways were elevated, whereas other markers were not significantly different (C3, C4, and C4d) between patients with/without long COVID. In addition, markers spanning the lectin complement pathway (MBL, and MASP1-C1INH) were not significantly different between individuals with and without long COVID. Conclusions: The current evidence suggests potential long-lasting complement system dysregulation in individuals with long COVID, although the clinical significance remains controversial, due to heterogenous findings. Specific post-COVID symptom clusters, such as fatigue, dyspnea, or brain fog, have been linked to a distinct pattern of complement dysregulation. Substantial methodological heterogeneity, including differences in follow-up periods, complement markers, assessment methods, and control groups, along with the small number of available studies, underscores the need for further research to clarify the mechanisms linking complement dysregulation to long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid41750595,
year = {2026},
author = {Dawi, J and Affa, S and Misakyan, Y and Gonzalez, E and Affa, S and Venketaraman, V},
title = {Glutathione-Mediated Redox Regulation of Immune Dysfunction in COVID-19 and Tuberculosis.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/antiox15020214},
pmid = {41750595},
issn = {2076-3921},
abstract = {Tuberculosis and coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, remain major global health challenges that disproportionately affect individuals with metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, and limited access to healthcare. Although these diseases are caused by different pathogens, they share important host-related determinants of severity, including immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, endothelial injury, and maladaptive inflammatory responses. Glutathione, the primary intracellular antioxidant and a key regulator of redox balance, has emerged as an important host factor connecting these processes across infectious diseases. This review integrates experimental, translational, and clinical evidence supporting the role of glutathione in regulating immune function, oxidative stress, and tissue damage in tuberculosis and COVID-19. In tuberculosis, glutathione deficiency compromises macrophage antimicrobial activity, disrupts granuloma structure, and alters T helper cell responses, leading to impaired immune containment and disease progression. In COVID-19, reduced glutathione levels are associated with redox imbalance, excessive cytokine signaling, endothelial dysfunction, and thromboinflammatory complications, especially in high-risk populations. In both diseases, glutathione depletion reduces host resilience and increases vulnerability to severe outcomes through shared immune and vascular pathways. By unifying disease-specific findings within a host-directed framework, this review highlights glutathione and redox signaling as common vulnerability pathways that help explain overlapping risk profiles for severe tuberculosis and COVID-19. It also places glutathione biology within the broader context of host-directed immunotherapy, emphasizing its potential role in prevention-focused and resilience-based strategies that complement pathogen-targeted treatments. Although current evidence does not support simple claims of disease prevention, it provides strong mechanistic justification for further investigation of glutathione as a modifiable host factor in high-risk populations.},
}

@article {pmid41750353,
year = {2026},
author = {Makki, R and Kassem-Moussa, S and Al Nemer, F and El Majzoub, R and Fayyad-Kazan, H and Rachidi, W and Badran, B and Fayyad-Kazan, M},
title = {MicroRNAs in Long COVID: Key Regulators, Biomarkers, and Therapeutic Targets of Post-SARS-CoV-2 Sequelae.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biom16020283},
pmid = {41750353},
issn = {2218-273X},
abstract = {COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is clinically defined by persistent symptoms that endure beyond acute infection and affect multiple organ systems, including the immune, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and metabolic axes. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved, limiting the development of targeted diagnostics and therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, control inflammatory networks, antiviral responses, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and fibrotic pathways, all of which are implicated in long COVID pathogenesis. Recent studies show durable changes in circulating miRNA signatures months after recovery from the acute phase, suggesting a role in maintaining chronic immune activation and metabolic dysfunction. Importantly, circulating miRNAs are stable, quantifiable in biofluids, and reflect systems-level dysregulation, positioning them as promising biomarker candidates for patient stratification, symptom clustering, and disease monitoring. Moreover, miRNA-directed interventions, such as mimics and antagomiRs, represent an emerging precision-medicine strategy to correct sustained molecular disturbances. This review summarizes current evidence linking miRNAs to long COVID, highlights their biomarker potential, and discusses therapeutic avenues that may help advance mechanism-based interventions for this globally emerging chronic condition.},
}

@article {pmid41749676,
year = {2026},
author = {Farì, G and Quarta, F and Bressi, F and La Russa, R and Paolucci, T and Bernetti, A},
title = {Effects of Exercise-Based Telerehabilitation for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and a Study Protocol.},
journal = {Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/bioengineering13020136},
pmid = {41749676},
issn = {2306-5354},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis causes considerable pain and disability. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a promising treatment option, especially after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, but it still faces challenges regarding solid scientific evidence about its multiple benefits. This systematic review aimed to analyze the reported beneficial effects of telerehabilitation based on therapeutic exercise for the management of knee osteoarthritis. Methodsː PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were used to identify eligible studies. This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and was registered at PROSPERO (n° CRD42024579836). The selected studies underwent a qualitative assessment using the Modified Jadad Score.

RESULTS: Ten studies, including a total of 1354 participants, were included. From the selected studies, a wide variety of outcome measures emerged to evaluate the efficacy of telerehabilitation in the relief of pain and its clinical consequences. Seven studies specifically assessed pain, with four showing significant improvements in pain reduction in the intervention group compared with the control group. Telerehabilitation was found to be more effective or non-inferior to traditional rehabilitation in relieving pain, as reported across various pain scales. Limitations include the heterogeneity of interventions, the exclusion of non-recent studies, and the exclusive focus on therapeutic exercise. Conclusionsː The results of this systematic review suggest that telerehabilitation provides pain relief, improves physical function, and enhances quality of life, while preliminary evidence indicates potential cost-related advantages. However, some studies did not find TR to be superior to control interventions, highlighting mixed evidence. Additional high-quality studies are required to better support this promising rehabilitation approach.},
}

@article {pmid41748726,
year = {2026},
author = {Smith, EA and Fleming, DF and Lackritz, EM and Ulrich, AK},
title = {Inequities and global declines in SARS-CoV-2 genomic data availability hinder response to emerging variants.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41748726},
issn = {2948-1767},
abstract = {Genomic epidemiology has transformed the way public health scientists detect, monitor, and respond to infectious disease threats such as SARS-CoV-2 on a global scale. Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, vast inequities in whole-genome sequence data availability between high- and low-income countries were highlighted, but the persistence of these disparities five years into a global pandemic has not been quantified. Also, while it is generally known that genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 largely declined following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, this has not been formally measured, and how it impacts our ability to detect and characterize new variants, remains unknown. Therefore, we performed an analysis of SARS-CoV-2 sequence submissions on the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) platform from 2020 to 2025, by country and World Bank income classification. There were large differences in SARS-CoV-2 sequence submissions by income classification, indicating a disparity in our ability to monitor SARS-CoV-2 evolution worldwide, which has important consequences for preventative measures such as vaccine strain selection. Nevertheless, there are important barriers to sustainable sharing of SARS-CoV-2 sequence data, which we discuss in detail, along with their relevance to other pathogens of public health importance. Also, the decrease in sequence submissions in high income countries from 577 million at the peak of the pandemic, to under 50 million in 2024, represents a loss of capacity to monitor SARS-CoV-2 evolution in countries with known capabilities. Ultimately, data drive the impact of genomic epidemiology, and long-term investments in genomic surveillance programs, as well as incentives for timely data sharing, are urgently needed to detect and characterize new viral variants worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid41748273,
year = {2026},
author = {Evaborhene, NA and Oga, J and Adebisi, YA and Udokanma, EE and Runyowa, N and Kafuko, Z and Bandara, S and Onyeaghala, C},
title = {The WHO pandemic agreement-securing Africa's leadership in a fragmenting global order.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/bmjgh-2025-020634},
pmid = {41748273},
issn = {2059-7908},
abstract = {In May 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the historic WHO Pandemic Agreement, aimed at strengthening global pandemic preparedness and equity. This legally binding treaty emerged from years of negotiation shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic's stark inequities-particularly those experienced by African nations. While the treaty introduces important innovations, notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system, significant challenges remain. Ambiguities in equity commitments, geopolitical fragmentation and rising nationalism threaten effective implementation. For Africa, realising the treaty's promise requires robust legal frameworks, enhanced manufacturing and regulatory capacities and sustainable financing mechanisms that reduce donor dependency. This analysis critically examines the treaty's provisions and political economy, emphasising the need for enforceable obligations, continental leadership and multi-sectoral accountability. We propose the establishment of a Pandemic Peer Review Mechanism to embed political accountability at national and regional levels. Only through coordinated African leadership, institutional investment and global solidarity can the Pandemic Agreement deliver equitable health outcomes in a fracturing global order.},
}

@article {pmid41747602,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, Y and Song, P and Zhao, X and Tong, Z and Gao, GF},
title = {Virus-induced onychomadesis: Exploring the role of viral infection in nail shedding.},
journal = {Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology},
volume = {183},
number = {},
pages = {105928},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcv.2026.105928},
pmid = {41747602},
issn = {1873-5967},
abstract = {Onychomadesis, characterized by proximal detachment of the nail plate due to temporary arrest of matrix proliferation, has been increasingly recognized as a complication following viral infections. Enterovirus-associated hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is the most frequently reported cause. Recent studies demonstrate that some enteroviruses, including Coxsackievirus A10, utilize the host receptor KREMEN1 (KRM1) to impair Wnt/β-catenin signaling and suppress nail stem cell differentiation, thereby providing a molecular basis for infection-induced nail shedding. Additionally, cases of onychomadesis linked to other viral infections, including KRM1-independent enteroviruses, influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, varicella-zoster virus, and co-infections involving HIV and mpox, have also been documented. Despite growing recognition of the virus-induced onychomadesis, in most cases the exact pathogeneses are yet elusive, thereof lack of approved treatments. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of onychomadesis and other sequelae can enhance diagnostics and therapies, guiding future drug development for virus-induced nail disorders and related complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed up to Dec 2025, including the search terms: onychomadesis, Beau's line, infection or virus, and follow-up. This review aims to explore the molecular pathophysiology of virus-induced onychomadesis and to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms, including the roles of viral receptors and signaling pathways in nail stem cell differentiation. It scrutinizes the currently available literatures of link between viral infections, particularly HFMD, and onychomadesis, focusing on the molecular mechanisms involved, and explores potential therapeutic insights.},
}

@article {pmid41746093,
year = {2026},
author = {Karczmarzyk, K and Kęsik-Brodacka, M},
title = {Challenges and Prospects in the Development of a Universal SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746093},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {2019/35/B/NZ6/04002//National Science Centre/ ; },
abstract = {The development of a universal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine holds great promise for achieving broad and durable protection against existing and future coronavirus variants. The identification, selection, and rational redesign of conserved viral epitopes constitute the direct immunological foundation of universal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. The breadth and durability of protection are therefore primarily determined at the level of antigen and epitope design, whereas adjuvants, delivery platforms, and routes of administration serve as enabling and amplifying components rather than primary drivers of universality. Accordingly, this review discusses key determinants of universal vaccine design, including antigen selection, adjuvant utilization, and route of administration. The spike protein, particularly its receptor-binding domain, is a major antigenic target, but its high mutation rate challenges long-term vaccine efficacy. Strategies focusing on conserved epitopes in antigen designs show potential to elicit cross-neutralizing immune responses. Nanoparticle-based vaccines capable of presenting multiple homologous or heterologous antigens have demonstrated enhanced immunogenicity, broad protection in preclinical models and safety in clinical trials. The addition of next-generation adjuvants further amplifies humoral and cellular immunity beyond the capabilities of traditional aluminum-based adjuvants. Moreover, mucosal vaccine delivery may provide superior local protection at viral entry sites and limit transmission. Importantly, integrating these technological advances with epitope-centered antigen design and immunological data from vaccinated individuals will accelerate the identification of conserved epitopes and inform future vaccine design. A multidisciplinary approach combining optimized antigen engineering, novel adjuvant systems, and innovative delivery strategies is essential for the realization of a broadly protective universal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.},
}

@article {pmid41746079,
year = {2026},
author = {Oh, T},
title = {Advances in Spatial Transcriptomics for Infectious Disease Research: Insight for Vaccine Development.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746079},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {2025//Dankook University/ ; },
abstract = {Spatial transcriptomics (ST) enables genome-wide gene expression profiling while preserving tissue architecture, bridging the gap between bulk, single-cell, and histological analyses. Originating in 2016 and rapidly evolving since, ST has transformed infectious disease research by mapping host-pathogen interactions directly within intact tissues. Current platforms fall into two categories: sequencing-based methods (Visium, GeoMx, Stereo-seq) offering whole-transcriptome coverage at modest resolution and imaging-based platforms (Xenium, CosMx, MERFISH) providing single-cell or subcellular detail with targeted gene panels. These technologies reveal spatially organized immune responses, local tissue remodeling, and pathogen niches across viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In viral infection, ST uncovered heterogeneity in COVID-19 lung microenvironments, spatial immune activation in lymphoid tissues, and variant-specific inflammatory patterns. In bacterial disease, ST delineated granuloma architecture in tuberculosis and mapped vaccine-induced lung responses in Shigella studies. Parasitic infection studies identified localized inflammatory hotspots and microenvironmental control of T-cell differentiation in malaria. Despite powerful insights, ST faces constraints including RNA quality limitations, tradeoffs between resolution and transcript breadth, high cost, and analytical complexity. Nonetheless, ST increasingly informs vaccine design by identifying tissue-specific immune programs and protective microenvironments and is poised to become a standard tool for infectious disease biology.},
}

@article {pmid41746075,
year = {2026},
author = {Sarabia, LE and Williams, E and Date, K and Méroc, E and Eeuwijk, J and Gessner, B and Bresee, J and Fry, A and Begier, E},
title = {Vaccination Strategies Against Respiratory Pathogens in the Adult Population: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746075},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {NA//Pfizer (United Kingdom)/ ; },
abstract = {Respiratory infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality in older adults and other at-risk adult populations. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, adult vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. This narrative review examines strategies designed to improve vaccine uptake among non-pregnant adults aged ≥18 years and inform future adult vaccination strategies. We conducted a targeted literature search using keywords for vaccination, respiratory diseases, strategy/program/implementation, and adults in PubMed database and CDC, WHO, and ECDC websites, between 2014 and 2024. A snowball search of literature reviews and key references was also performed to identify additional relevant studies. Eligible publications focused on vaccination strategies against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease targeting non-pregnant adults (≥18 years). We categorized the strategies by intervention type to describe their influence on vaccination campaigns and vaccine uptake/coverage. We included 45 publications, encompassing strategies focused on individual decision-making, healthcare system functions, and national policy. Educational and awareness interventions (such as healthcare worker/provider recommendations during consultation, phone calls, letters, text messages, and social media outreach) reportedly raised vaccination rates. Access-related factors, including convenient vaccination sites and free or subsidized vaccines, were reported to be important factors in improving coverage in underserved communities. Within healthcare settings, strategies such as continuous vaccine provider training and workflow/process optimization were shown to enhance vaccination delivery. At the local or national policy levels, legislation governing program targets shaped immunization efforts and facilitated collaborations and partnerships to expand campaign reach. The findings may inform policymakers and public health/immunization practitioners in designing context-specific immunization initiatives that effectively reach adult populations.},
}

@article {pmid41746040,
year = {2026},
author = {Timmer, MSM and Connor, LM and Stocker, BL},
title = {Targeting the MR1-MAIT Cell Axis for Vaccination Against Infectious Disease.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41746040},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {24-VUW-152//Royal Society Te Apārangi/ ; },
abstract = {Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells exist in high numbers in the body and have a unique and highly conserved T cell receptor (TCR). They can be activated in a TCR-dependent manner by ligands presented on the monomorphic protein MHC class I-related protein 1 (MR1) which is found on many cell types, including professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) and epithelial cells. This has sparked interest in the potential to exploit the MR1-MAIT cell axis for the development of vaccines against infectious disease. Within this context an MR1 ligand, typically 5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-d-ribitylaminouracil (5-OP-RU), is administered with or without a Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand or cytokine in a pan vaccination approach that would prime the immune response to provide protection against a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens. This strategy has led to enhanced protection in murine models of Legionella longbeachae, Francisella tularensis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza infection. However, studies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection have proven less successful. The second vaccination approach involves pairing the MR1 ligand with more conventional antigens that could activate CD4[+] and/or CD8[+] T cells. This approach has been successful in murine models of cholera, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, including in the context of subunit vaccines. However, there are several challenges when using MR1-MAIT cell-mediated vaccine adjuvants. These include the inherent instability of 5-OP-RU and the need for more advanced studies to better understand how the use of MR1 ligands would translate to applications in humans. This review will discuss these aspects and highlight the mechanistic studies that have been undertaken to understand how MAIT cells might elicit their effects within the context of MAIT cell-mediated vaccines for infectious disease.},
}

@article {pmid41745309,
year = {2026},
author = {Kostev, K and Konrad, M and Luedde, M},
title = {Real-World Cardiovascular Research Using the German IQVIA Disease Analyzer Database: Methods, Evidence, and Limitations (2000-2025).},
journal = {Journal of cardiovascular development and disease},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745309},
issn = {2308-3425},
abstract = {Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This increases the demand for real-world evidence to complement findings from randomized controlled trials. The German IQVIA Disease Analyzer (DA) database, which is populated with anonymized electronic medical records from general practitioners and specialists, has become an increasingly valuable source for cardiovascular research. Over the past two decades, and especially between 2020 and 2025, numerous epidemiological studies have used this database to explore associations between cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, therapeutic patterns, and cardiovascular outcomes in large, broadly representative outpatient populations. This review synthesizes evidence from 13 selected DA-based studies examining atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiometabolic disease, lipid management, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related cardiovascular risks, cerebrovascular complications, COVID-19-associated vascular events, and modifiable behavioral and anthropometric factors. These studies were selected based on predefined criteria including cardiovascular relevance, methodological rigor, large sample size, and representativeness of key disease domains across the 2000-2025 period. Eligible studies were identified through targeted searches of peer-reviewed literature using the German IQVIA Disease Analyzer database and were selected to reflect major cardiovascular disease domains, risk factors, and therapeutic areas. Across disease domains, the reviewed studies consistently demonstrate the DA database's capacity to identify reproducible associations between cardiometabolic risk factors, comorbidities, and cardiovascular outcomes in routine outpatient care. While causal inference is not possible, the database enables the identification of clinically meaningful associations that inform hypothesis generation, help quantify disease burden, and highlight gaps in prevention or treatment. The database's strengths include large sample sizes (often exceeding 100,000 patients), long follow-up periods, and high external validity, while limitations relate to coding accuracy, residual confounding, and the absence of detailed clinical measures. Collectively, the evidence underscores the importance of the DA database as a crucial platform for real-world cardiovascular research.},
}

@article {pmid41745098,
year = {2026},
author = {Zoccali, F and Fratini, C and Pennacchia, F and Cascone, F and de Vincentiis, M and Petrella, C and Barbato, C and Minni, A},
title = {Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Long COVID Symptoms: A Breath of Fresh Air.},
journal = {Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41745098},
issn = {2079-9721},
abstract = {Long COVID is defined as "the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanations", as reported by the World Health Organization. A growing number of people are dealing with a variety of lingering symptoms even after recovering from an acute infection. These can include fatigue, muscle pain, shortness of breath, headaches, cognitive issues, neurodegenerative symptoms, anxiety, depression, and a feeling of hopelessness, and therapeutic options for long COVID are investigated. The potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to improve chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, and neurological disorders has been established; therefore, the use of HBOT to treat long COVID has also been studied. The aim of this literature search is to analyze the state of the art of a potential role of HBOT to improve chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments and neurological disorders. A literature analysis was performed, focusing on the clinical efficacy of HBOT for treating long COVID symptoms. The results from January 2021 to October 2025, using a standard registry database, showed 21 studies, including one case report, ten randomized controlled trial, eight systematic reviews and three studies regarding the molecular mechanism and markers changing after HBOT. They suggested that HBOT can improve quality of life, fatigue, cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms and cardiopulmonary functions. HBOT is a safe treatment and has shown some benefits for long COVID symptoms. To precisely define indications, protocols, and post-treatment evaluations, we need to conduct more in-depth, large-scale studies.},
}

@article {pmid41744596,
year = {2026},
author = {Barbinta-Patrascu, ME and Negut, I and Bita, B},
title = {Virus Biomimetic-Delivery Systems for the Production of Vaccines.},
journal = {Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {41744596},
issn = {2313-7673},
abstract = {The persistent emergence of infectious diseases has underscored the critical demand for next-generation vaccine technologies that are safe, effective, and scalable. This review explores virus biomimetic delivery systems, focusing on virus-like particles (VLPs) and virosomes as promising platforms for vaccine and therapeutic development. VLPs are self-assembled nanostructures composed of viral structural proteins that mimic native virions without carrying genetic material, while virosomes are reconstituted viral envelopes that retain functional glycoproteins but lack a nucleocapsid. Both systems provide strong immunogenicity and safety by mimicking viral architecture while eliminating the risk of replication. The paper examines various expression platforms for VLP production, including bacterial, yeast, insect, mammalian, and plant-based systems, highlighting their respective advantages, challenges, and optimization strategies. Mechanistic insights into antigen presentation, immune activation, and cellular uptake pathways are discussed to explain their superior performance in eliciting humoral and cellular immune responses. Furthermore, current applications of VLPs and virosomes in vaccines against major pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Newcastle disease virus, malaria, hepatitis, and respiratory syncytial virus are reviewed, demonstrating their versatility and clinical potential. By integrating molecular engineering, nanotechnology, and biofabrication strategies, virus biomimetic systems represent a transformative frontier in vaccinology, immunotherapy, and targeted drug delivery.},
}

@article {pmid41744151,
year = {2026},
author = {Domachowske, JB and Zimet, GD and Hanage, W and Beck, E and Sule, P and Wahid, R and Vicic, N},
title = {Preventing COVID-19 in at-risk populations: moving towards next-generation mRNA-1283 COVID-19 vaccine to address current challenges.},
journal = {Expert review of vaccines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {2632657},
doi = {10.1080/14760584.2026.2632657},
pmid = {41744151},
issn = {1744-8395},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Next-generation COVID-19 vaccines hold promise to reduce severe outcomes in populations most at risk. While the original mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273, targets the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, mRNA-1283 is a novel next-generation mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that specifically targets immunodominant domains within the spike protein.

AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes literature on the development of mRNA-1283, from its design and preclinical evaluation to phase 1-3 clinical trial findings, with a particular focus on immunogenicity and efficacy in at-risk populations, specifically older adults and adults with comorbidities. The potential public health impact of this next-generation vaccine is explored, along with ongoing challenges facing COVID-19 vaccination.

EXPERT OPINION: Phase 1-3 clinical trials demonstrated that mRNA-1283 was well-tolerated, with safety and reactogenicity profiles comparable to mRNA-1273. Furthermore, mRNA-1283 demonstrated higher point estimates of immunogenicity and relative vaccine efficacy than mRNA-1273, including among older adults and individuals with underlying conditions who are most susceptible to severe COVID-19. Initial modeling studies indicate that mRNA-1283 could prevent more hospitalizations than current COVID-19 vaccines. Evidence to date suggests that the novel next-generation mRNA-1283 vaccine holds promise to advance progress in reducing the ongoing burden of COVID-19 across vulnerable populations.},
}

@article {pmid41743708,
year = {2026},
author = {Tang, W and Gai, Q and Yang, J and Chen, J and Lyu, Z},
title = {PhIP-Seq: unveiling the complexity of antibody repertoires in health and disease.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1735735},
pmid = {41743708},
issn = {1664-3224},
abstract = {Phage-Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) merges phage display with next-generation sequencing to enable high-throughput profiling of antibody repertoires. This review synthesizes the technical evolution of the PhIP-Seq platform, critically assessing the workflow from peptide library design and immunoprecipitation to bioinformatics analysis. We evaluate strategies for optimizing library diversity and minimizing non-specific binding, while addressing inherent limitations such as the detection of conformational epitopes and post-translational modifications. The clinical utility of PhIP-Seq is examined through its application in identifying novel autoantigens in systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, mapping viral epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium falciparum, and detecting tumor-associated antigens. Finally, we discuss the trajectory of the field toward integration with multi-omics datasets and the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools.},
}

@article {pmid41743408,
year = {2026},
author = {Bsat, D and Safi, D and Arabi, M},
title = {Remdesivir in COVID-19: A Focus on Pediatric Cardiac Patients.},
journal = {The Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses et de la microbiologie medicale},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {4700812},
pmid = {41743408},
issn = {1712-9532},
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a significant global health challenge that necessitated the immediate search for various therapeutic modalities. Remdesivir, an antiviral drug inhibiting RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), was among the most heavily used drugs against COVID-19. Of the several randomized controlled trials studying the efficacy of remdesivir, the vast majority were studied on the adult population. Results remain contradictory, with some studies supporting the high efficacy of remdesivir while others highlighting the lack of significance of its antiviral effects. Given the lack of focus on the pediatric population, the antiviral effects of remdesivir in cardiac pediatric patients, who are particularly vulnerable, remain especially under-investigated. This literature review explores current literature on remdesivir's mechanism of action and efficacy against COVID-19, especially in the pediatric cardiac population. Therefore, by combining results of studies from randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies in the adult and pediatric populations, this literature review underlines current knowledge gaps and highlights the need for studies targeting specific ages and comorbidities to effectively treat patients at higher risk of adverse events.},
}

@article {pmid41743347,
year = {2026},
author = {Miyano, S and Nozaki, I and Hachiya, M and Miyamoto, T and Takei, T},
title = {Regional health security architecture in ASEAN countries: Lessons from regional CDC models and Japan's strategic partnership for ACPHEED development.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {1-7},
pmid = {41743347},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in regional health security mechanisms, prompting ASEAN to establish the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED), with functions distributed across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This policy analysis examines strategic development approaches for ACPHEED through comprehensive benchmarking of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and Gulf CDC, supported by consultations in Indonesia (2024) and Sweden (2025) involving ASEAN member states and international partners. A comparative analysis reveals distinct organizational models: the ECDC operates within European Union (EU) institutional frameworks emphasizing functional specialization; the Africa CDC employs decentralized Regional Coordination Centers; and the Gulf CDC implements hybrid governance via Permanent Communication Networks. Each model offers valuable lessons for ACPHEED's development, particularly concerning governance structures that balance regional coordination with national sovereignty. ACPHEED faces unique challenges due to ASEAN's consensus-based, nonlegislative institutional nature and its tri-country operational structure. Critical success factors include phased surveillance emphasizing a defined scope and capacity building; inclusive governance mechanisms ensuring equitable member-state ownership; and operational frameworks applying subsidiarity principles to complement existing ASEAN mechanisms. Sustainable financing remains paramount given ASEAN's limited budgetary authority. Japan's strategic partnership should capitalize on its technical expertise in laboratory systems, digital surveillance, and disaster preparedness through comprehensive institutional support. ACPHEED's success depends on sustained political commitment, realistic financial arrangements, and effective integration into global health security architectures. This analysis provides a strategic roadmap for ACPHEED's preparatory phase so that it can serve as a regional health security leader while addressing ASEAN-specific institutional constraints.},
}

@article {pmid41743132,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, J and Liu, M and Zhou, C},
title = {Rewriting the viral script: post-translational modifications orchestrating SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and immune evasion.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1748470},
pmid = {41743132},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 reprograms host cell biology not solely through its genomic content but also through a sophisticated arsenal of post-translational modifications (PTMs) that modulate viral protein function, host signaling networks, and immune responses. Despite increasing recognition of PTMs as dynamic regulators of infection, their full functional breadth and therapeutic potential remain incompletely defined. Here, we provide a comprehensive, PTM-centric synthesis of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, detailing how phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, glycosylation, acetylation, succinylation, ISGylation, and ADP-ribosylation cooperatively shape virus-host interplay. We dissect the mechanistic roles of individual modifications, such as phosphorylation-mediated transitions in nucleocapsid function, ubiquitin-driven degradation of immune factors, and SUMOylation-guided viral assembly, while revealing higher-order regulatory circuits and crosstalk among PTMs. Additionally, we highlight emerging computational tools for PTM site prediction and identify shared enzymatic nodes exploitable for host-directed antiviral strategies. This integrative framework positions PTMs as not merely bystanders but as central modulators of viral fitness and host vulnerability, offering novel avenues for therapeutic intervention against SARS-CoV-2 and future pandemic threats.},
}

@article {pmid41742211,
year = {2026},
author = {Ortiz-Prado, E and Cadena-Padilla, MP and Vélez-Páez, JL and Vasconez-Gonzalez, J and Izquierdo-Condoy, JS and Vergara, M and Viscor, G},
title = {Chronic hypoxia adaptation at high altitude: a perspective on Its potential role in mortality in viral pneumonia-associated ARDS and implications for personalized critical care.},
journal = {Critical care (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1186/s13054-026-05927-9},
pmid = {41742211},
issn = {1466-609X},
}

@article {pmid41741003,
year = {2026},
author = {Michaelchuk, W and Soril, LJJ and Chiarieri-Hirsch, D and Giroux, E and Shatto, J and Gershon, AS and Gupta, S and Stickland, MK and Lam, GY},
title = {Assessment and management of post-COVID-19 pulmonary complications: a rapid review.},
journal = {European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society},
volume = {35},
number = {179},
pages = {},
pmid = {41741003},
issn = {1600-0617},
abstract = {The rising global prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) underscores the substantial and ongoing burden faced by individuals following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The volume of emerging evidence regarding pulmonary-related PCC complications highlights the urgent need for current, evidence-informed guidelines to ensure timely assessment and effective treatment for those affected by PCC. Thus, the aim of this review was to synthesise existing research on the management and treatment of pulmonary complications in individuals with PCC. A rapid review of published and grey literature focused on pulmonary-related PCC complications was completed in November 2023 and updated in June 2025, in accordance with PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. We identified 73 unique articles, including 12 guidance documents, 24 secondary studies (including 11 systematic reviews with meta-analyses, eight systematic reviews and three scoping reviews) and 37 primary research studies (13 randomised controlled trials) and narratively synthesised their findings. Guidance documents addressed workup and management for pulmonary-related PCC complications, recommending the use of pulmonary function testing with diffusing capacity and the importance of ruling out other conditions. Although evidence regarding the use of medical and pharmacological interventions for treatment of pulmonary-related PCC complications were limited and inconclusive, the current evidence base suggested potential effectiveness of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for pulmonary-related PCC treatment, involving specialist consultations and tailored rehabilitation programmes. The heterogeneity in study quality and risk of bias warrants cautious interpretation of the findings. The current evidence and evolving healthcare landscape suggest the need for updated, evidence-informed clinical guidance.},
}

@article {pmid41740848,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, GM and Yun, S and Jung, YW and Kim, JH and Chae, YM},
title = {Cancer Care Disruptions Among Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Journal of cancer policy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {100716},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcpo.2026.100716},
pmid = {41740848},
issn = {2213-5383},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Infectious disease outbreaks, particularly COVID-19, have disrupted cancer care worldwide and disproportionately affected vulnerable populations.

OBJECTIVE: To identify vulnerable groups and characterize patterns of disruption in cancer screening and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: Following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, we conducted a scoping review of studies published between 2002 and 2023. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Thirty-four studies were included and analyzed with a focus on healthcare utilization, screening delays, and treatment disruptions across the cancer care continuum.

RESULTS: Older adults, women, immigrant and ethnic minority populations, individuals with low income or education, and patients with comorbidities were most frequently identified as vulnerable. Screening disruptions were more commonly associated with lower educational attainment, whereas treatment delays were concentrated among low-income individuals, newly diagnosed patients, and those with comorbidities. Health system strain, mobility restrictions, fear of infection, and socioeconomic barriers were key contributing factors.

CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that vulnerability in cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic is stage-specific and shaped by both population-level and health system-level factors. Mapping these patterns provides evidence to inform stage-specific and population-sensitive strategies to protect cancer care continuity during future public health emergencies.},
}

@article {pmid41740458,
year = {2026},
author = {Sohn, WY and Goody, SMG and Reid, DW and Edwards, DK and Urdaneta, V and Doyle, BP and Straus, WL and Henry, C and Rizkalla, B},
title = {Evidence-based assessment of safety and mechanistic questions Related to mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {77},
number = {},
pages = {128394},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128394},
pmid = {41740458},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally at unprecedented scale and have demonstrated strong effectiveness against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Extensive safety monitoring across randomized clinical trials, national surveillance systems, and global pharmacovigilance programs has consistently supported a favorable benefit-risk profile for these vaccines. Despite this evidence, a range of questions and mechanistic hypotheses continue to circulate, including assertions of increased risk of malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and all-cause mortality, as well as proposed mechanisms involving product-related impurities (e.g. DNA contamination), biodistribution and antigen persistence, non-canonical translation (e.g. ribosomal frame-shifting), and immune modulation. This targeted narrative review synthesizes nonclinical, clinical, pharmacoepidemiologic, and regulatory evidence relevant to these mechanistic and safety related questions. Published literature, regulatory assessments, and surveillance data were qualitatively evaluated in the context of biological plausibility, methodological rigor, and consistency across independent data sources. Across the body of evidence, findings do not support increased long-term mortality, malignancy, autoimmune disease, genotoxicity or other long-term safety issues attributable to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. On the contrary, several large population-based studies have reported lower all-cause mortality among vaccinated individuals. Residual DNA levels are within established regulatory limits when measured using validated methods, and no credible mechanism supports genomic integration. Biodistribution studies demonstrate expected localization to the injection site and lymphoid tissues with no persistence. Immunologic findings, including IgG4 subclass responses, have not been associated with impaired protection in real-world vaccine effectiveness studies. Collectively, the evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Ongoing surveillance and rigorous evaluation remain essential to inform public health policy. Importantly, vaccine safety questions should be assessed using transparent, structured frameworks that systematically weigh benefits, harms, quality of evidence, values, and feasibility.},
}

@article {pmid41740316,
year = {2026},
author = {Spedding, M and Aerts, J and Alexander, S and Bellozzi Woestelandt, AG and Chiricozzi, E and Henriques, A and Lledo, PM and Loeffler, JP and Perera, R and Platt, FM and Pradat, PF and Rene, F and Schapira, A and St Clair, L and Talbot, K and Taquet, M and Toborek, M and Turner, B and Zandi, M and Gressens, P},
title = {Links between COVID-19, long COVID, and neurodegeneration: The role of glycosphingolipids.},
journal = {Pharmacological reviews},
volume = {78},
number = {2},
pages = {100113},
doi = {10.1016/j.pharmr.2026.100113},
pmid = {41740316},
issn = {1521-0081},
abstract = {Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) play major roles in viral infections by mediating viral entry and egress from cells in lipid rafts; however, GSLs are also important in neurodegenerative diseases. The role of GSLs in acute COVID-19 infection is critical but remains less-studied in the sequelae of long COVID (post-COVID condition); because the same enzymes that regulate GSL metabolism are critical for viral entry and exit, neuromuscular junctions, neurological function, and cellular metabolism, it is important to determine whether long COVID may increase the risk of subsequent neurodegeneration. SARS-CoV-2 infection alters lipid metabolism and oxygen use and can bind to and modify the expression of neurotrophic GSLs such as GM1 ganglioside. GM1 (N-acetylneuraminic acid) is human-specific and probably evolved as a result of a pandemic 3-2.5 million years ago that drove its selection. GM1 functions as a coreceptor with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 for SARS-CoV-2 while also being a neurotrophin. Viral multiplication takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi apparatus, where GSLs are synthesized. This review defines the complex interaction between viruses, GSLs, and neurodegeneration, which provides new perspectives on the interlinked metabolic changes. A European working group has been set up to assess the risks of neurodegeneration with long COVID, based on potential GSL-mediated mechanisms. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a large number of subjects living with long-term consequences (long COVID). Glycosphingolipids and gangliosides are involved in both viral infections and neurodegeneration; hence, it is important to evaluate whether long COVID may increase the risk of neurodegeneration via this route. This study is the result of a European consortium formed to evaluate this possibility.},
}

@article {pmid41740281,
year = {2026},
author = {Dandotiya, J and Sadhu, S and Chandwaskar, RR and Awasthi, A},
title = {Emerging roles of IL-9 and Th9 cells in respiratory viral illnesses.},
journal = {Seminars in immunology},
volume = {81},
number = {},
pages = {102017},
doi = {10.1016/j.smim.2026.102017},
pmid = {41740281},
issn = {1096-3618},
abstract = {Upon antigenic stimulation and cytokine cues, CD4[+] T cells differentiate into specialized helper subsets, giving rise to Th1, Th2, Th9 and Th17 cell lineages. These subsets orchestrate distinct immune functions that protect the host but can also drive immunopathology when dysregulated. The classical Th1-Th2 paradigm expanded with the discovery of Th17 and Th9 cells, revealing greater diversity and complexity in Th cell biology. Th9 cells, generated under the influence of TGF-β and IL-4, are defined by robust production of interleukin-9 (IL-9). IL-9 is now recognized as a multifunctional mediator produced by Th9 cells, mast cells, ILC2s, Tregs and certain Th17 subsets. Fate-mapping and reporter mouse models have improved our understanding of IL-9-producing immunocytes, though limitations remain in defining temporal and tissue-specific dynamics. As shown earlier, IL-9 promotes mastcell proliferation, mucus hypersecretion, epithelial changes and airway remodelling in allergic inflammation and asthma. Genetic studies have linked IL-9/IL-9 receptor variants to increased susceptibility to allergic diseases such as asthma. Similarly, during respiratory viral infections, including RSV and COVID-19, IL-9 amplifies type 2 inflammation, granulocyte recruitment and mucus production, exacerbating airway obstruction. In fact, emerging evidence implicates a Foxo1-IL-9 axis in COVID-19, where IL-9 enhances lung inflammation and impairs antiviral interferon-stimulated gene responses. Collectively, IL-9 represents a context-dependent driver of virus-induced lung pathology and a promising therapeutic target requiring deeper mechanistic and translational investigation.},
}

@article {pmid41736159,
year = {2026},
author = {Soriano Puig, A and Monforte, V and Camprubí-Rimblas, M and Artigas, A and Ceccato, A},
title = {Biomarker-guided use of corticosteroids in pneumonia.},
journal = {Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.)},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41736159},
issn = {2200-6133},
abstract = {Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although corticosteroids have been proposed as immunomodulatory, controversies surrounding the results of clinical trials have limited their widespread use. This review aims to determine which biomarker-guided corticosteroid treatment for CAP is generally agreed upon in the latest published studies and to discuss the main aspects to be taken into consideration based on lessons learnt from patients with conditions such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 infection or the recently identified subphenotypes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Most studies have demonstrated that high C-reactive protein concentrations at the time of admission are associated with a hyperinflammatory state and that patients are more likely to benefit from corticosteroid treatment if they have high concentrations. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as an inclusion criterion in one clinical trial, demonstrating that treatment failure was reduced in the corticosteroid group. A post-hoc analysis of the results of several studies also showed that CRP levels above 200 mg/L were associated with benefits in patients receiving corticosteroids. Recent guidelines have proposed the use of corticosteroids in patients with severe CAP or septic shock. Corticosteroids could be more beneficial for patients with a hyperinflammatory subphenotype; however, there are currently no prospective studies evaluating this approach. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of biomarkers in personalised medicine for patients with CAP. In the meantime, patients with severe CAP or high CRP levels should be treated with corticosteroids.},
}

@article {pmid41735249,
year = {2026},
author = {Du, S and Hu, X and Li, P and Xu, S and Kim, M and Liu, X and Zhan, P},
title = {Antiviral drug discovery and development: challenges and future directions.},
journal = {Signal transduction and targeted therapy},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41735249},
issn = {2059-3635},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/chemistry ; *Drug Discovery/trends/methods ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *COVID-19/virology ; Artificial Intelligence ; *Drug Development ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has stimulated extensive endeavors toward the development of therapeutic interventions targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and human proteins for viral infection control, encompassing numerous potential drugs and thousands of patients participating in clinical trials. These concerted efforts have resulted in significant advancements in antiviral drug discovery and development. In this review, we present a comprehensive timeline detailing the development of antiviral drugs, tracing the progression from early viral inhibitors to modern broad-spectrum antiviral agents. We also outline the current status of advancements in antiviral drug discovery, encompassing target-based strategies, innovative mechanism-based approaches, and pharmacokinetic optimization. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and future prospects gained from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, covering knowledge of artificial intelligence strategies, the utilization of medicinal chemistry tools, and advancements in nanotechnology applications. The application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery is increasingly prevalent, particularly in the areas of protein structure prediction, drug target identification, and bioactivity forecasting. Nanotechnology has played a crucial role in the delivery of antiviral drugs and the development of vaccines, exemplified by the use of lipid nanoparticles in mRNA vaccines. Additionally, we highlight potential future directions for drug discovery, such as targeting membraneless organelles (liquid‒liquid phase separation).},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/chemistry
*Drug Discovery/trends/methods
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*COVID-19/virology
Artificial Intelligence
*Drug Development

@article {pmid41734932,
year = {2026},
author = {Dræbel, TA and Birhanu, Z and Lien, L and Soerensen, JB and Andersen, LS and Terefe Tucho, G and Mekonnen, H},
title = {Mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Ethiopia: a scoping review of associated mental health risk and protective factors.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {16},
number = {2},
pages = {e107175},
pmid = {41734932},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; *Mental Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Factors ; Protective Factors ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The mental health impacts of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers have been reported globally; however, there is limited evidence from low-income countries such as Ethiopia. We reviewed the literature to understand how COVID-19 impacted the mental health of frontline healthcare workers, including the associated risk and protective factors.

DESIGN: A scoping review of peer-reviewed research was conducted between 2020-2025 to explore the mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers in Ethiopia during COVID-19. The process adhered to the guidelines for data extraction outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Our search identified 35 studies, of which 29 studies were included in the final synthesis.

DATA SOURCES: Three online databases, PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo, were systematically searched for data.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies were considered for inclusion in the review if they focused on mental health conditions and psychosocial well-being among healthcare workers during COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Studies were only included if published in English and excluded if they were conference abstracts, case studies, reviews, commentaries, contained incomplete data or lacked variables of interest.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data extraction was conducted manually by two reviewers by using a data extraction sheet created in Excel.

RESULTS: Most frontline healthcare workers experienced symptoms of insomnia, psychological distress, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression during COVID-19. Female frontline healthcare workers, nurses, midwives and laboratory technicians reported higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes. Our results found that being married, living together with a spouse and having a high educational level were risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSION: The mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers is at risk during a global health crisis; however, there is a limited understanding of how to protect the mental health of frontline healthcare workers in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, at such a critical time. Additional research is needed to better inform mental health preparedness interventions for frontline healthcare workers in these contexts, particularly given predictions of another pandemic occurring within the next decade.},
}

Humans
Ethiopia/epidemiology
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Health Personnel/psychology
*Mental Health
SARS-CoV-2
Risk Factors
Protective Factors

@article {pmid41739653,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, L and Maheshwari, N and Maheshwari, N and Teli, G and Chelvam, V},
title = {Therapeutic Approaches to Treat SARS-CoV-2.},
journal = {ChemMedChem},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e202500387},
doi = {10.1002/cmdc.202500387},
pmid = {41739653},
issn = {1860-7187},
support = {IITI 2023-25//Indian Institute of Technology Indore/ ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as COVID-19, spread across the globe, leading to a pandemic. Initially, the drug remdesivir is approved by the FDA for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Significant efforts have been directed toward epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to discover potential drug targets that may contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. The structure and functions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins that may be potential drug targets, including the spike protein, main protease, papain-like protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, host proteins like angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and transmembrane protease and serine 2, have been thoroughly studied. Biological screening platforms and repurposing have resulted in the discovery of drugs such as nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (Paxlovid), remdesivir (Veklury), molnupiravir (Lagevrio), anakinra (Kineret), vilobelimab (Gohibic), baricitinib (Olumiant), and tocilizumab (Actemra). The present analysis provides details on the pathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and potential treatment options currently available worldwide.},
}

@article {pmid41738365,
year = {2026},
author = {Akhavan, M and Yousefi, P and Tabibzadeh, A},
title = {Exacerbations and Management of Asthma in Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: The Significance of Immunoglobulin E.},
journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {e70386},
pmid = {41738365},
issn = {2050-4527},
mesh = {Humans ; *Asthma/immunology/therapy ; *Immunoglobulin E/immunology/blood ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/virology/complications ; Disease Progression ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viral-respiratory infections are the most prevalent illness among humans. A viral infection affecting lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is a critical health concern worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted respiratory health, particularly in individuals with asthma. Other viral respiratory infections and asthma are critical concerns, either. The current study aimed to discuss how elevated IgE levels can influence viral LRTI and potentially exacerbate asthma symptoms, as well as biological treatments targeting IgE in managing asthma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search was conducted in electronical databases (including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and so on). all obtained documents were listed and reviewed by two independent authors. All relevant studies were included and used for final assessment and data collection.

RESULTS: IgE is a crucial mediator in the pathophysiology of asthma, particularly in type 2-high (T2-high) asthma, where it drives allergic responses and airway inflammation. The interaction between COVID-19 and asthma has illustrated that asthmatic patients may experience increased respiratory symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Interestingly, T2-high asthmatics may have had some protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of asthma management during and after the pandemic.

CONCLUSION: Viral infections, particularly those caused by human rhinoviruses, are a significant trigger for asthma exacerbations. These infections can lead to heightened serum IgE levels, which play a vital role in the immune response and the worsening of asthma symptoms. The Th2 inflammatory pathway is frequently upregulated during these infections, associated with increased production of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, which aggravate asthma symptoms. Additionally, viral infections can compromise the airway epithelium, resulting in greater exposure to allergens and irritants, and disrupt the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines, leading to more severe exacerbations.},
}

Humans
*Asthma/immunology/therapy
*Immunoglobulin E/immunology/blood
*COVID-19/immunology/complications
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Respiratory Tract Infections/immunology/virology/complications
Disease Progression

@article {pmid41737593,
year = {2026},
author = {Thangaleela, S and Wang, CK},
title = {Impact of nutrition on long COVID.},
journal = {Sports medicine and health science},
volume = {8},
number = {2},
pages = {128-144},
pmid = {41737593},
issn = {2666-3376},
abstract = {Long COVID is characterized by a group of persistent symptoms following the acute SARS-COV2 infection, which presented a multifaceted challenge to the healthcare systems all over the globe. The long COVID symptoms span various organ systems including the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological manifestations. Mitochondrial dysfunction and immune dysregulation play crucial roles in the long COVID pathophysiology. Recently nutritional intervention gained much attention in managing post-viral syndromes. Effective interventions like supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid, macro and micro nutrients, and vitamins help to reduce systemic inflammation and counteract muscle wasting. Other approaches like nutritional recovery, dietetic interventions, continuous nutritional care post-hospital discharge, nutritional rehabilitation programs, whole-diet approaches like Mediterranean diet, plant-based diet, and caloric optimization, improve overall functional recovery. Physical activity and exercise regimes have been shown to improve fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive function. Tailored exercise regimes may promote safe rehabilitation. Certain ineffective interventions, such as non-personalized approaches, high dose of antioxidants, use of herbal products that are not clinically validated need to be addressed. Dietary interventions such as personalized nutritional counseling have been demonstrated to improve physical performance in long COVID patients. Further research is needed to refine protocols and identify optimal combinations of dietary and movement-based therapies to support the recovery of long-COVID patients. This narrative review focuses on the ongoing researches that reveals the intricate relationship between nutrition and long COVID recovery and also establishes effective protocols for nutritional care.},
}