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Bibliography on: covid-19

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 07 Nov 2025 at 01:43 Created: 

covid-19

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

NOTE: To obtain the entire bibliography (all 57871 citations) in bibtek format (a format that can be easily loaded into many different reference-manager software programs, click HERE.

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

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-11-06

Conduah AK, SH Ofoe (2025)

Intersecting impacts of ageing, migration, and socioeconomic disparities on health equity: a post-pandemic policy review.

International journal for equity in health, 24(1):304.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and intensified structural inequities at the nexus of ageing, migration, and socioeconomic vulnerability. These overlapping disadvantages resulted in uneven health outcomes and highlighted systemic fragilities in health systems; yet, few policy reviews have integrated these demographic dimensions into a single analytical framework.

OBJECTIVES: This review critically examines how ageing, migration, and socioeconomic disparities intersect to shape health equity during and after the pandemic. It identifies structural bottlenecks, adaptive responses, and lessons for policy design in low- and middle-income as well as high-income contexts.

METHODS: A systematic policy review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and preregistered on the Open Science Framework. Peer-reviewed studies, institutional reports, and grey literature published between 2020 and 2024 were appraised using differentiated quality criteria. Thematic convergence, guided by the Social Determinants of Health, Human Capital Theory, and Feminist Gerontology, informed narrative synthesis across 49 included sources.

RESULTS: A total of four intersecting themes emerged: (1) demographic inequality and uneven risk exposure; (2) exclusionary health systems and digital divides; (3) socioeconomic precarity and erosion of human capital; and (4) fragmented policy responses with limited ageing- and migrant-sensitivity. Comparative evidence underscores persistent inequities across regions, with gaps most pronounced in the Global South.

CONCLUSION: Post-pandemic health equity demands integrated and anticipatory governance. Strengthened geriatric and migrant-inclusive health systems, expanded universal social protection, investment in digital and community infrastructure, and institutionalised intersectional policy design are essential to break cycles of cumulative disadvantage and advance health justice. This review uniquely integrates ageing, migration, and socioeconomic inequities into a unified framework across regions, offering theory-informed policy clusters to guide future governance.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The review protocol was prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) under the DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6YHC4 .

RevDate: 2025-11-06

Habtie TE, Adisu MA, Feleke SF, et al (2025)

Burden Beyond the Bedside: A Global Synthesis of Depression in Informal Cancer Caregivers: An Umbrella Review.

Journal of pain and symptom management pii:S0885-3924(25)00917-0 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this umbrella review is to synthesize pooled prevalence of existing evidence on depressive morbidity among informal cancer caregivers.

METHOD: This umbrella review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251032522). A comprehensive search of major databases was performed to identify relevant studies. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The corrected covered area (CCA) was calculated to assess overlap, and the methodological quality of included reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

RESULTS: This umbrella review included four systematic reviews and meta-analyses, comprising a total of 160 primary studies with 40,605 participants worldwide. The pooled global prevalence of depression among informal caregivers of cancer patients was 38% (95% CI: 28%-48%). However, prevalence estimates varied widely, ranging from 4% to 55%, likely due to differences in the depression assessment tools used across studies.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In conclusion, this review reveals a high prevalence of depression among informal caregivers of cancer patients a burden comparable to or exceeding that observed in other chronic illnesses and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating routine mental health screening using validated tools such as the CES-D or PHQ-9 into oncology care is essential. Structured interventions including counseling, psych-education, and respite care should be embedded within care pathways. Future research should prioritize standardized assessment tools and caregiver-focused strategies to enhance comparability and guide best practices. Policymakers must invest in caregiver mental health to ensure sustainable and compassionate cancer care systems.

RevDate: 2025-11-06
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Dimitrakopoulou A, Sarantaki A, Nanou CI, et al (2025)

Long COVID-Related Fatigue During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Cureus, 17(10):e93877.

Long sequelae of COVID-19 (Long COVID), or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, encompasses a wide range of persistent symptoms, with fatigue emerging as one of the most prevalent and disabling. Pregnant individuals may be uniquely susceptible to post-viral fatigue due to immunological and physiological adaptations during gestation. This review consolidates existing data regarding the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of Long COVID-associated fatigue in pregnant individuals. A narrative review was conducted of studies examining fatigue among pregnant individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Key outcomes included fatigue prevalence, symptom persistence, associated risk or protective factors, and comparisons with non-pregnant populations. Across both the acute and post-acute stages of COVID-19, fatigue emerged as a consistently common symptom. Its prevalence and persistence varied significantly across studies, partly due to heterogeneity in assessment tools and follow-up durations. Severe acute illness, hospitalization, obesity, and smoking during pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of prolonged fatigue, whereas anosmia appeared to act as a potential protective factor. In contrast, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and lung disease were not significantly linked to fatigue risk. No consistent associations were found with maternal age or alcohol use. Long COVID-related fatigue presents a substantial burden in pregnancy, with implications for maternal health, quality of life, and postpartum recovery. Early recognition, individualized care strategies, and public health interventions targeting modifiable risk factors are essential to support this vulnerable population. Ongoing research is essential to uncover underlying mechanisms and guide evidence-based clinical management.

RevDate: 2025-11-06

Grandinetti C, Budwal-Jagait M, Abid H, et al (2025)

Evolving Standards: Good Clinical Practice Insights from US FDA, MHRA UK, and Health Canada.

Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics [Epub ahead of print].

As clinical trial design and conduct continue to evolve with innovative approaches, new technologies, and emerging data sources, regulatory frameworks are undergoing significant updates to align with these advancements. This article explores recent revisions to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Guideline for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) E6(R3) and the regulatory perspectives on adopting a risk-proportionate approach to trial design and conduct. Drawing from insights shared at the FDA-MHRA-HC 2024 Joint GCP Symposium, this article highlights the key themes shaping the future of clinical trials, including quality-by-design (QbD), risk proportionality, and cross-regulatory collaboration. Additionally, this article addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating trial innovations, such as the use of decentralized trial elements and digital health technologies (DHTs), while also emphasizing the need for regulatory flexibility to accelerate their adoption. Regulatory agencies, such as the US-FDA, MHRA-UK, and Health Canada, have issued guidance to promote clinical trial flexibilities and proportionate, risk-based approaches, ensuring the protection of participant rights, safety, and well-being and overall reliability of trial results. These updates advocate for proportionate approaches to trial oversight, which allow for innovation while safeguarding the trial's critical to quality factors. As regulators continue to refine their practices and enhance collaboration, the integration of QbD and risk proportionality into clinical trials and cross-regulatory collaboration will ultimately drive more efficient, participant-centered trials and improve the global clinical research landscape.

RevDate: 2025-11-05
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Sun YT, Wu W, Guo ZH, et al (2025)

Burnout among doctors in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC public health, 25(1):3787.

OBJECTIVES: The current study was performed to systemically examine the prevalence of burnout, risk factors among Chinese doctors, and possible treatment strategies.

METHODS: Two authors independently conducted literature searches in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers and Citation (CSTPC) databases from the year of 1974 (when "burnout" was first defined), to May 27th, 2023, without language restriction. All published studies investigating burnout, and/or its 3 dimensions among practicing doctors in China, were included. Quality assessment followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists.

RESULTS: A total of 133 studies comprising 193,866 Chinese doctors were included in the current study. The pooled prevalence of burnout and severe burnout among Chinese doctors were 61% and 12%, respectively. The corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on severe burnout (14%). Emergency physicians had the highest prevalence of burnout (91%), while neurologists experienced the highest prevalence of emotional exhaustion (69%) and depersonalization (59%), whereas the lowest personal accomplishment levels were detected among anesthesiologists (65%). Additionally, 27 risk factors were demonstrated to be associated with burnout among Chinese doctors. Of which, personal psychological status was the greatest predictor of burnout among Chinese doctors (OR 3.88, 95% CI 3.75-4.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of burnout is high among Chinese doctors, and it varies across different medical specialties. Personal psychological status was the greatest predictor of burnout among Chinese doctors. Regular psychological counseling, workload alleviation and income increase are recommended coping strategies.

RevDate: 2025-11-05
CmpDate: 2025-11-05

Li X, Xiao H, Zhou M, et al (2025)

Organoids in respiratory virus research: advances and perspectives.

Molecular biomedicine, 6(1):100.

The pandemics of respiratory viruses pose a worldwide public health problem and bio-safety threat. Therefore, the development of high-throughput and accurate infection models is crucial for elucidating viral pathogenesis and accelerating countermeasures to address the evolving respiratory viruses and the unexpected outbreaks of emerging variants. Compared to traditional 2D cultures, organoids exhibit pronounced intercellular interactions, extracellular matrix signaling, and tissue-specific multicellular cooperation, thereby more accurately recapitulating the in vivo microphysiological environment. However, research involving animal models typically requires prolonged experimental timelines, making it challenging to perform high-throughput screening or rapidly develop therapeutic strategies within the valuable timeframe. Since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, organoids have significantly advanced basic virology research and demonstrated potential in replicating the pathological and immunological characteristics in human patients. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the theoretical foundations, methodological framework, and complete procedures for identification and validation in organoid construction, along with their applications in the investigation of various respiratory viruses, such as coronaviruses, the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and others. Overall, the development of organoids, in conjunction with the integration of interdisciplinary technologies, has significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of the immunopathology process of respiratory viral infections, improved research efficiency, and provided precise tools for translational medical research.

RevDate: 2025-11-06
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Roedl K, C Genbrugge (2025)

Managing cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit.

Current opinion in critical care, 31(6):729-734.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explore the distinct clinical characteristics, epidemiology, treatment approaches, and research needs concerning cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit (ICU-CA), a specific subset of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). While IHCA remains a major cause of mortality, recent data indicate improved outcomes, with a notable variation in incidence and survival depending on the location, particularly within the ICU setting.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies underscore that ICU-CA differs significantly from general IHCA in etiology, monitoring, and treatment environment. Although incidence rates vary widely (4-78 per 1000 ICU admissions), recent data suggest a stabilization. Causes of ICU-CA often involve noncardiac factors such as septic shock and respiratory failure. Treatment is typically guided by general advanced life support (ALS) protocols, but ICU-specific resources such as real-time monitoring, invasive pressure measurements, transesophageal echocardiography, and the potential for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation offer unique advantages. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of ICU patients, with respiratory causes dominating and extremely poor outcomes reported.

SUMMARY: In summary, ICU-CA represents a distinct clinical entity requiring tailored research. Future directions should prioritize international registries, validation of predictive models using artificial intelligence, and clarification of do-not-resuscitate practices to improve outcomes and resource allocation in this critically ill population.

RevDate: 2025-11-06
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Kawai K, Muhere CF, Lemos EV, et al (2025)

Viral Infections and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Journal of the American Heart Association, 14(21):e042670.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the association of viral infections with the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, African-Wide Information, and the Cochrane Library database were searched from inception to July 2024.

RESULTS: We included 155 studies. HIV infection was consistently associated with an elevated risk of CHD (pooled adjusted risk ratio [RR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.38-1.85]) and stroke (RR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.26-1.67]). SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of CHD (RR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.44-2.11]) and stroke (RR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.23-2.31]). In self-controlled case series studies, laboratory-confirmed influenza infection was associated with an elevated risk of acute myocardial infarction (pooled incidence rate ratio, 4.01 [95% CI, 2.66-6.05]) and stroke during the first 1 month (incidence rate ratio, 5.01 [95% CI, 3.41-7.37]). In cohort studies, hepatitis C virus infection was associated with a higher risk of CHD (RR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.13-1.42]) and stroke (RR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.04-1.46]). Herpes zoster was also associated with an elevated risk of CHD (RR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.08-1.15]) and stroke (RR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.09-1.27]). There is insufficient evidence to determine the effect of cytomegalovirus on cardiovascular disease. Although on a limited basis, hepatitis A virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, respiratory syncytial virus, human papillomavirus, dengue, and chikungunya have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, hepatitis C virus, and herpes zoster were associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events. Vaccines may play an important role in preventing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

RevDate: 2025-11-06
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Mugwagwa T, Marcano Belisario J, Hartley L, et al (2025)

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment for COVID-19: an economic value systematic literature review.

Journal of medical economics, 28(1):1933-1954.

AIMS: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r) is an antiviral drug used to treat mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19. We conducted an economic systematic literature review to assess key parameters, structures, and outcomes of existing models and analyses of the economic value of NMV/r treatment.

METHODS: A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, and MEDLINE In-Process, as well as bibliographies of systematic reviews and conference and health technology assessment websites, identified relevant articles published between 2022 and 2024. A quality assessment was conducted for each economic evaluation using the Drummond checklist.

RESULTS: Of the 22 included economic evaluations, most were cost-utility analyses (n = 10) and cost-effectiveness analyses (n = 9). Most used a short-term decision tree with a long-term Markov model (n = 5), with time horizons between 28 days to a lifetime, and were from a healthcare system perspective (n = 7). Most conducted scenario analyses (n = 15) and/or sensitivity analyses (n = 18), and many based treatment effectiveness estimates on the Evaluation of Protease Inhibition for COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients (EPIC-HR) randomized controlled trial (n = 7). Overall, NMV/r showed economic value across different willingness-to-pay thresholds when compared with standard of care or best supportive care, and all economic evaluations were high or moderate quality.

LIMITATIONS: Most included economic evaluations were from high-income countries and all were written in English and may not be generalizable to low-income countries or healthcare systems.

CONCLUSION: While economic evaluations were heterogeneous in terms of modeling approach, population, treatments, and context, these findings indicate that NMV/r has economic value for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 with a high risk of progression to severe disease. Significant changes to the burden of COVID-19 due to the evolution of COVID-19 variants and new vaccination strategies, may warrant updates models.

RevDate: 2025-11-06
CmpDate: 2025-11-06

Adin ME, Nguyen D, Shin C, et al (2025)

COVID-19 vaccine-associated reactive axillary lymph nodes on FDG PET/CT: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Nuclear medicine communications, 46(12):1232-1239.

PURPOSE: COVID-19 vaccine-induced reactive axillary lymph nodes (RAL) on fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging can mimic malignant lymphadenopathy, leading to diagnostic errors. Reported RAL prevalence varies widely in the literature, and factors contributing to its development remain poorly understood. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate vaccine-induced RAL observed on FDG PET/CT imaging and consolidate evidence from multiple studies to assess its prevalence, duration, and associations with vaccine-related factors and demographic characteristics.

METHOD: Using multiple databases, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies reporting RAL on FDG PET/CT following COVID-19 vaccination. The primary outcome was RAL prevalence, while the secondary outcomes were maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max), vaccine-to-scan interval, and associations with vaccine type and demographics.

RESULTS: A total of 25 studies comprising of 5010 subjects were included. Mean SUV max of reactive nodes was 2.8 ± 1.2. Overall, RAL prevalence was 38.6% ± 17.6, higher in females (58.1% versus 41.9%, P  = 0.02) and younger individuals (mean age 63.3 versus 70.7 years, P  = 0.03). The RAL rate was not statistically different between mRNA (39.9% ± 16.9) and non-mRNA vaccines (26.3% ± 30.9). However, subanalysis showed about 40% RAL with Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and AstraZeneca non-mRNA vaccine, versus much lower, below 20%, RAL with Sinovac and Johnson & Johnson non-mRNA vaccines. Stricter PET/CT interpretation criteria using blood pool threshold reduced RAL prevalence to <20%. RAL rate declined with time but was still present after 1 month.

CONCLUSION: Low activity RAL is common on FDG PET/CT after COVID-19 vaccination, while higher activity RAL (above blood pool) that can lead to clinical errors is less frequent. The frequency of RAL is affected by expected factors, such as age, gender, vaccine type, and time after vaccination, which indirectly suggest the link between RAL and COVID-19 postvaccinal immunity.

RevDate: 2025-11-05

Faghir-Ganji M, Abdolmohammadi N, Ansari-Moghaddam A, et al (2025)

COVID-19 vaccination and stroke risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of ischemic and hemorrhagic events.

Journal of infection and public health, 19(1):103021 pii:S1876-0341(25)00370-3 [Epub ahead of print].

Reports of potential side effects have led to public concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines. This systematic review and meta-analysis globally investigated the adverse effects, focusing specifically on the risks of stroke, myocarditis, and pneumonia following COVID-19 vaccination. A systematic search was performed across databases (including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) using MeSH terms such as "adverse events," "COVID-19," and "SARS-CoV-2," spanning from February 2019 to December 2023. From 708 reports identified, 8 studies were ultimately included. For hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, the pooled risk ratio was 1.13 (95 % CI: 0.87 -1.47), but this result showed high heterogeneity (I[2]=97.7 %). Subgroup analysis confirmed that the study country was a significant contributor to this variability. Overall, the meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant increase in the pooled risk of the investigated adverse outcomes (stroke, myocarditis, or pneumonia). Given the substantial disease prevention benefits, these findings support the recommendation for widespread vaccination across all age groups.

RevDate: 2025-11-05
CmpDate: 2025-11-05

Jung HW, Kim DY, Lee I, et al (2025)

Key Features of Digital Phenotyping for Monitoring Mental Disorders: Systematic Review.

Journal of medical Internet research, 27:e77331 pii:v27i1e77331.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified mental health issues globally, highlighting the urgent need for remote mental health monitoring. Digital phenotyping using smart devices has emerged as a promising approach, but it remains unclear which features are essential for predicting depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the types of features collected through smart packages-integrated systems combining smartphones with wearable devices such as Actiwatches, smart bands, and smartwatches-and to determine which features should be considered essential for mental health monitoring based on the type of device used.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Searches were performed across Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus on February 5, 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised quantitative studies involving adults (≥19 years) using smart devices to predict depression or anxiety based on passive data collection. Studies focusing solely on smartphones or qualitative designs were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Quality Criteria Checklist. Data were synthesized descriptively, and the relative contribution of each feature was further assessed by calculating coverage (proportion of studies using a feature) and importance among used (proportion identifying it as important when used). These metrics were visualized in quadrant-based scatter plots to identify consistently important features across devices.

RESULTS: From 1382 records, 22 studies across 11 countries were included. The overall synthesis identified a core feature package-accelerometer, steps, heart rate (HR), and sleep. Device-specific analyses revealed further nuances: in Actiwatch studies, accelerometer and activity were consistently important, but sleep features were rarely examined. In smart band studies, HR, steps, sleep, and phone usage were essential, while GPS, electrodermal activity (EDA), and skin temperature showed high importance when used, suggesting opportunities for broader adoption. In smartwatch studies, sleep and HR emerged as core features, whereas steps and accelerometer were widely used but often not identified as important.

CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review identified a core feature package comprising accelerometer, steps, HR, and sleep that consistently contributes to mood disorder prediction across devices. At the same time, device-specific differences were observed: Actiwatch studies mainly emphasized accelerometer and activity but underused sleep features; smart bands highlighted HR, steps, sleep, and phone usage, with EDA, skin temperature, and GPS showing additional promise; and smartwatches most reliably leveraged sleep and HR, while steps and accelerometer were widely used yet less effective. These findings suggest that while a shared core set of features exists, optimizing digital phenotyping requires tailoring feature selection to the characteristics of each device type. To advance this field, improving data accessibility, particularly in smartwatch ecosystems, and adopting standardized reporting frameworks will be essential to enhance comparability, reproducibility, and future meta-analytic integration.

RevDate: 2025-11-05
CmpDate: 2025-11-05

Zethelius B, Rubin J, Pihlström N, et al (2025)

Overview of approved COVID-19 vaccines in the EU, recommendations for use in Sweden and vaccine uptake over time: Report from the Swedish Medical Products Agency and the Public Health Agency of Sweden.

Upsala journal of medical sciences, 69:.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to describe the regulatory background of the COVID-19 vaccines, the national recommendations for use issued and vaccine uptake in Sweden. It includes an overview of licensing and relevant safety aspects identified by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the national vaccination plan issued by the Public Health Agency (PHA) of Sweden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on dates of licensing and safety aspects of importance identified by EMA published on its website, was compiled and presented in a chronological order. National recommendations on COVID-19-vaccination and vaccinations-data on uptake and coverage using the national-vaccine-register are presented.

RESULTS: COVID-19 vaccines development, assessments using rolling review and licensing of the covid-19 vaccines was done in 2020 during less than a year. Large-scale production was implemented. Monthly safety reviews performed by the EMA identified risk for thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome with adenoviral vaccines and myocarditis for mRNA vaccines which led to restrictions in national recommendations for specified groups.National vaccinations were launched in a phased manner during 2021. Persons of high age, risk groups and nursing home personnel were prioritised during primary vaccinations and for initial boosters. In the Swedish population, 85% recieved at least on vaccine dose from the age of 12. At least two doses were recieved by 81% from age 18 and 95% from age 80.

CONCLUSION: Recommendations for national use adhered to relevant adverse drug reactions identified. The vaccine coverage was high. Timelines presented should be considered in follow-up studies of COVID-19-vaccines to manage possible selection bias and confounding.

RevDate: 2025-11-04

Yapa HM, MacLean EL-H, Menzies NA, et al (2025)

Drug-resistant tuberculosis: a priority pathogen for enhanced public health research and practice.

Clinical microbiology reviews [Epub ahead of print].

SUMMARYDrug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) causes substantial morbidity and mortality and has hindered progress toward TB elimination. This slowed progress toward the WHO End TB Strategy's targets was exacerbated by lower TB detection during the COVID-19 pandemic. To inform research and development priorities, we conducted a narrative review of global DR-TB epidemiology and strategies for DR-TB prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. Gaps remain in DR-TB diagnosis, TB drug susceptibility testing (DST), and treatment. The review also shows that DR-TB causes significant post-disease disability, particularly chronic lung disease, impacting quality of life. Newer oral regimens for multidrug-resistant TB are shorter and more effective than traditional regimens. New antibiotics under development may help overcome remaining safety and tolerability issues, while novel advanced therapeutics and precision medicine offer hope to those failing treatment. Emerging diagnostics include rapid DST for second-line drugs, but a paradigm shift is needed to ensure novel DSTs become available as new drugs are introduced. Person-centered research is urgently needed to accelerate the response to DR-TB amidst the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, yet global investment in TB prevention and care currently falls short of need. A holistic approach to interventions to improve DR-TB prevention and care is needed, encompassing all health system components and their interactions, including a One Health approach and consideration of the wider determinants of health.

RevDate: 2025-11-04
CmpDate: 2025-11-04

Şimşek S, Altay S, Salman FS, et al (2025)

Fairness-based techniques to optimize vaccine allocation among migrants during pandemics: a scoping review.

PeerJ, 13:e20208.

INTRODUCTION: Migrants face significant barriers to vaccination due to disparities in access and coverage, necessitating fairness-based strategies and inclusive healthcare infrastructure to ensure equitable immunization, especially during pandemics. This study investigates fairness-based vaccination strategies, focusing on migrant vaccination status during pandemics, and migrant specific vaccine distribution models.

METHODS: The authors employed established scoping review methods to explore the research question: How have fairness-based strategies for vaccine allocation affected vaccination coverage among migrants during pandemics in urban and rural areas? A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA and expectation, client group, location, impact, professionals, and service (ECLIPSE) guidelines, utilizing the Joanna Briggs Institute's Checklist for Qualitative Research. The review involved a comprehensive database search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid MedLine. The eligibility criteria for publications included at least one of the following aspects related to migrants: access to vaccines or frequency of vaccine uptake, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine modeling and optimization approaches, or discussions grounded in principles of fairness. Searches were limited to the articles published in English between 2000-2022. Initially, 5,653 articles were identified, which were reduced to 305 after title screening. Following abstract screening, 19 articles meeting the inclusion criteria-focused on vaccination modeling, allocation, fairness optimization, and behaviors or attitudes in migrant populations-were selected for full-text evaluation.

RESULTS: Vaccination rates among migrants range from 42.7% to 87%, which are lower compared to the host population. Although the willingness to vaccinate is around 70%, significant barriers such as language obstacles, lack of access to healthcare services, and insufficient information remain critical challenges. While 19 of the studies defined fairness through the use of health services, four of them discussed it on community participation, and two employed modeling approaches. Various techniques, including community involvement, digital health messages and national refugee centers, have been employed to allocate vaccines fairly and consistently. The concept of equity has been addressed inconsistently across studies, and there is insufficient data to develop a fair vaccine distribution strategy for migrant populations.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the following: (1) the challenges migrants face, including limited access to healthcare, language barriers and poor living conditions, which complicate equitable vaccine allocation; (2) the lack of specific, systematic national vaccine allocation programs targeting migrants; and (3) the need for a targeted, fairness-based approach, along with further research on national policies and vaccine delivery models that prioritize migrants and address their unique vulnerabilities.

RevDate: 2025-11-03

Heinz SS, O'Brien AJ, Walker C, et al (2025)

Mediating pathways between resilience, mental health and wellbeing: a scoping review of individual, social, and systemic factors.

BMC public health, 25(1):3758.

BACKGROUND: Resilience strongly predicts health and wellbeing across populations, but mediating pathways may vary between cultural and socioeconomic contexts. This scoping review examines the mediating variables that explain the relationships between resilience, mental health and wellbeing across different socioeconomic contexts.

METHODS: Following a literature search of four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and CINAHL), we identified 824 potentially relevant papers. After rigorous screening using predefined inclusion criteria, 24 high-quality studies were included in the final review. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools.

FINDINGS: Three levels of mediating pathways emerged: individual factors (self-esteem, self-efficacy, mindfulness, self-compassion, coping strategies, emotional regulation); social factors (family support, social networks, community resources); and systemic factors (economic security, digital inclusion, burnout, religious coping). Resilience was consistently associated with better wellbeing, but mediating factors varied by context. In impoverished contexts, structural determinants of economic stability, service availability, and social protection schemes were pivotal in how resilience is enacted to shape wellbeing. In advantaged contexts, internal psychological capacities and social support emerged as primary mediators through which resilience shapes wellbeing. Studies in Western contexts focused on individual factors, while studies in Eastern environments highlighted social factors. Studies in Middle Eastern settings emphasised religious coping mechanisms, while Global South research prioritised resource availability. During acute crises (COVID-19) positive reappraisal and stress recovery were critical mediators, whereas chronic adversity contexts emphasised social support networks and coping mechanisms.

CONCLUSION: Resilience and wellbeing operate through distinct mediation pathways influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors. Interventions should target context-specific mediators rather than employing generalised strategies. Future research should address knowledge gaps concerning Indigenous populations and employ longitudinal methodologies to establish causality across diverse environments.

RevDate: 2025-11-05
CmpDate: 2025-11-05

Mulkey SB (2025)

Developmental impacts of perinatal infections.

Current opinion in pediatrics, 37(6):585-590.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perinatal infections and their potential consequences on child neurodevelopment have become a topic of greater interest over the past decade. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge of neurodevelopmental impacts from some of these infections including congenital cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, Chikungunya, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. These infections have had recent publications about neurodevelopmental impacts.

RECENT FINDINGS: Children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, especially those with symptomatic infection, are at a high risk for developmental delays. They also seem to be at an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder. Studies indicate that prenatal exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may also be a risk factor for developmental delay and that all children exposed prenatally should be followed more closely for early neurodevelopment. Children with congenital Zika syndrome and birth defects are at risk for a range of neurodevelopmental sequalae and at high risk for early mortality. However, normocephalic children with antenatal Zika virus exposure are also at risk for a range of neurodevelopmental effects including lower cognitive performance at school age.

SUMMARY: Congenital and perinatal infectious exposures increase the risk for impaired child neurodevelopment. All children with perinatal infections should have close neurodevelopmental follow-up during childhood.

RevDate: 2025-11-04
CmpDate: 2025-11-04

Rostami Zarinabadi C, Daliri S, Rohani-Rasaf M, et al (2025)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after Disaster and Mass-Casualty Incidents in Developed and Developing Countries: A Meta-Analysis Study.

Iranian journal of psychiatry, 20(3):383-404.

Objective: Disasters impact global health, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) being a significant early consequence. Countries differ in their response to disasters and health management, affecting PTSD prevalence. This study aims to compare PTSD prevalence in developed and developing countries and investigate its trends post-COVID-19 compared to other mass-casualty incidents. Method : This study was conducted using systematic review and meta-analysis methods regarding the prevalence of PTSD in the world. Accordingly, all the English language articles published from the beginning of 2010 to the end of 2024 were extracted from the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases and were investigated. Data analysis was done by random effects model, meta-regression, I[2] index, and Egger test using the STATA (ver. 17) software. Results: One hundred and eight studies, with a total sample size of 498,796, were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of PTSD in developed countries at various intervals after exposure to disaster was as follows: 26.3% (1-3 months), 44.5% (4-6 months), 11.1% (7-12 months), 24.0% (13-24 months), and 22.0% (25-36 months). In developing countries, the corresponding prevalence rates were 26.0%, 25.2%, 30.4%, 21.4%, and 20.9%, respectively. PTSD prevalence in men was slightly higher in developing countries compared to developed countries, but the difference was minimal. Conclusion: More than one-fifth of disaster-exposed populations develop PTSD, with no significant prevalence difference between developed and developing countries. PTSD prevalence was higher in men from developing countries, but no significant gender differences were found otherwise. Prompt diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are essential globally to mitigate PTSD's impacts.

RevDate: 2025-11-04
CmpDate: 2025-11-04

Park YS, Schroeder D, OJ Kim (2025)

Research Ethics Challenges in Pandemic Korea and Their Implications for the Revised 2024 Declaration of Helsinki.

Journal of Korean medical science, 40(42):e281 pii:40.e281.

BACKGROUND: The pandemic significantly impacted research ethics, vastly magnifying existing challenges. This study examines challenges for research ethics in Korea during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their implications for the 2024 revised Declaration of Helsinki.

METHODS: As a literature search method, we applied the scoping review protocol using six databases, search keywords related to research ethics and COVID-19, then analyzed key themes against the revised Helsinki Declaration.

RESULTS: We reviewed the literature on research ethics during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Korea, identifying ten key themes: 1) participant safety; 2) national governance; 3) community engagement; 4) global cooperation; 5) reliable research; 6) rapid Institutional Review Board reviews; 7) consent adaptation; 8) fair inclusion of vulnerable groups; 9) ethics of human challenge trials; and 10) use of human materials without consent. The revised Helsinki Declaration of 2024 newly introduces: 1) ethical principles in public health emergencies; 2) meaningful community engagement; 3) scientific rigor; and the Declaration reframes 4) addressing vulnerability; and 5) informed consent for biological materials.

CONCLUSION: By analyzing the relevance and implications of the challenges identified in this literature review in relation to the revisions made to the Declaration of Helsinki in 2024, we demonstrate that the updated Declaration addresses most of the ethical challenges posed by research in pandemic Korea. This paper highlights that the 2024 revision underscores the significance of research ethics during pandemic situations and proposes approaches to enhance the research environment and ecosystem in the 21st century post-pandemic.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Kim S, Shrestha K, G Cho (2025)

Towards practical point-of-care quick, ubiquitous, integrated, cost-efficient molecular diagnostic Kit (QUICK) PCR for future pandemic response.

Microsystems & nanoengineering, 11(1):204.

In response to the ongoing threat of infectious disease outbreaks, such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous technological advancements in nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) based point-of-care test (PoCT) have been introduced to enable simple, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tests. However, only a few innovations in NAAT methods have been successfully commercialized. In this review, the significant advancements in diagnostic technologies, focusing on sample preparation methods, rapid thermal cycling technologies, and integrated result readout methods, are summarized with their key limitations that have hindered the practical implementation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based PoCT, called a QUICK-PCR: quick, ubiquitous, integrated, cost-efficient molecular diagnostic kit based on PCR. In addition, the details of the core components to realize QUICK-PCR were prospectively suggested with a comparative overview for the PCR-based molecular diagnosis process, innovations in sample preparation using microfluidic chips, and direct PCR approaches. Especially, advancement in recent thermal cycling techniques that use Joule heating, thermoelectric heating, and plasmonic heating were highlighted while integrated readout methods that utilize fluorescence, colorimetry, and electrochemical techniques were examined. Based on analyzing key barriers in developing PCR-based PoCT, we highlight recent advancements in developing the PCR-based PoCT which can be implemented in the QUICK-PCR. The prospective QUICK-PCR will remove inequality in health care in resource-limited remote areas under the threatens of infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Li J, Zhang J, Li SG, et al (2025)

Rapidly progressive anti-GBM disease secondary to long-standing rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and literature review.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1661117.

BACKGROUND: Long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is exceptionally rare.

CASE: A 71-year-old man with long-standing seropositive RA developed a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis due to anti-GBM disease, without any known drug triggers. Despite plasmapheresis (therapeutic plasma exchange), corticosteroids, and low-dose cyclophosphamide, he remained dialysis-dependent; RA activity was subsequently controlled with tocilizumab. Complications included Stenotrophomonas maltophilia pneumonia, COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus infection, and he died of pneumonia eight months after diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: This case highlights the need for early serological testing for anti-GBM disease in RA patients with unexplained hematuria/proteinuria and for immunosuppressive therapy mindful of infection risk. Additionally, our literature review identified only ten reported cases of RA with anti-GBM disease, highlighting the rarity of this condition.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Hartnell L, Agudelo-Romero P, Montgomery ST, et al (2025)

What goes up must come down: dynamics of type 1 interferon signaling across the lifespan.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1654604.

Type 1 interferons (T1IFNs) are typically expressed in low concentrations under homeostatic conditions, but upon pathogenic insult or perturbation of the pathway, these critical immune signaling molecules can become either protectors from or drivers of pathology. While essential for initiating antiviral defense and modulating inflammation, dysregulation of T1IFN signaling can contribute to immunopathology, making it and its associated pathways prime targets for immune evasion and disruption by pathogens. This review focuses on the changes in T1IFN signaling across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on the role of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway in autoimmune and infectious disease susceptibility, especially in the context of viral infections. Aging is associated with diminished T1IFN responsiveness, partially resulting from chronic stimulation of the STING pathway, which contributes to increased susceptibility and impaired viral clearance. Conversely, neonates and young children also show increased vulnerability to certain viral infections, but whether this is driven by T1IFN differences or another mechanism remains incompletely understood. Despite growing interest in T1IFN-based immunotherapies, pediatric and elderly populations remain underrepresented in clinical trials. Here, we advocate for a deeper molecular and systems understanding of how the interferon response evolves across the human lifespan, to inform age-tailored therapeutic approaches and more inclusive study designs, thereby improving outcomes in both the youngest and oldest patients.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Khan A, Asghar T, Yumn L, et al (2025)

Trends in hypertensive heart disease-related mortality among population with Alzheimer's in the United States: a 22-year nationwide analysis.

Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 87(11):7325-7333.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, while hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is a major cardiovascular condition linked to chronic hypertension (HTN). HTN is common among patients with AD, significantly impacting mortality. This study explores trends in HHD-related mortality among patients with AD in the US from 1999 to 2020, utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database.

METHODS: Data from the CDC WONDER database were used to extract mortality information for individuals aged ≥65 years, with AD and HHD as the underlying or contributing causes of death. Mortality rates were analyzed by age, sex, race/ethnicity, urban-rural classification, and region. Both crude- and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated. Joinpoint regression was employed to identify significant trends and changes in mortality over time.

RESULTS: HHD-associated mortality among patients with AD showed a significant upward trend, with deaths rising from 710 in 1999 to 3263 in 2020. The AAMR increased from 2.08 per 100 000 in 1999 to 6.26 per 100 000 in 2020, a threefold increase. Female patients had higher mortality rates than males throughout the study period. The highest mortality rates were observed in the age group of 85+ years, with notable regional disparities, particularly in the South and Midwest. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 contributed to a marked spike in mortality.

CONCLUSION: A concerning rise in HHD-related mortality among patients with AD, particularly in the last decade is observed. Significant disparities exist across demographic groups and regions. These findings highlight the need for public health interventions and policies to address the dual burden of AD and HHD.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed K, Kalool Fadlalla Ahmad T, Ismail Abdu Ismail M, et al (2025)

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 and its vaccines: an updated comprehensive review with an insight into pathophysiology.

Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 87(11):7346-7355.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has had a significant global impact on the respiratory system and multiple organ systems, including the nervous system. Neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection and its vaccines have been increasingly recognized, ranging from problems with smell and taste to more severe conditions such as encephalitis, stroke, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. This narrative review critically evaluates the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 infection and its vaccines, providing insights into potential pathophysiological mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and data were retrieved from various databases. The prevalence, types, and severity of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients were discussed. The possible mechanisms of neurological injury in COVID-19 were explored, including direct viral invasion, hypoxic brain injury, immune-mediated damage, and cerebrovascular injury. Furthermore, the review addressed the neurological complications associated with COVID-19 vaccination. While severe vaccine-related adverse effects remain rare, understanding their occurrence is essential for risk assessment and public health interventions. In conclusion, COVID-19 can affect the nervous system in various ways, leading to various neurological symptoms. Further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of these manifestations and develop effective preventive and treatment strategies to manage this global health crisis.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Sedrak P, Dounaevskaia V, Mancini GBJ, et al (2025)

Vaccination in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Case-Based Approach and Contemporary Review.

CJC open, 7(10):1375-1388.

Vaccination is a crucial preventative strategy, particularly in individuals with cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). People living with CVD are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable infections such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and pneumococcal disease. These infections also have been associated with downstream CV complications, including ischemic events and myocarditis. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that influenza vaccination reduces major adverse CV events and all-cause mortality, especially in people with CVD. The same has been observed in registry analyses during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Pooling of data from observational and cohort studies also has shown significant benefit of vaccination against RSV, VZV, and pneumococcal disease in older populations and those with CV comorbidities. Despite recommendations from national public health guidelines and immunization programs, vaccination uptake in patients with CVD remains suboptimal. This low uptake is influenced by lack of vaccine information, access issues, and mistrust in the healthcare system, all summarized in the term "vaccine hesitancy." Vaccination promotion should focus on addressing these gaps in communication and access barriers at the provider, community, and public health levels. Healthcare providers including cardiologists are reminded, through this review, of the importance of emphasizing vaccination recommendations during clinical encounters. Addressing patient misconceptions and providing patient decision aids strongly improves acceptance rates. Continued efforts at the community and public health levels should address barriers to access and advance surveillance methods to target improved clinical outcomes for groups at risk.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Yang F, Huang X, Huang W, et al (2025)

Development and testing of a public health emergency intelligence analysis system based on text analysis and NLP analysis.

Frontiers in public health, 13:1677306.

OBJECTIVE: To tackle challenges including delayed information support and inefficient decision-making in public health emergency response, this study develops an intelligence analysis system for public health emergencies based on emergency information management theory from library and information science.

METHODS: Using 1,026 text data items such as government reports and flow survey records from the COVID-19 epidemic in Shijiazhuang City (1,033 confirmed cases), multimodal analysis methods were integrated, including logistic regression, C5.0 decision tree, TransH-based knowledge graph, and chi-square test. The BIO tagging scheme was adopted with annotations performed by three epidemiology professionals, achieving an inter-annotator agreement (Kappa) of 0.78.

RESULTS: Key transmission sites were identified by chi-square test (χ [2] = 87.32, p < 0.001). Risk factors such as advanced age (OR = 3.15) and village clinic visits (OR = 4.72) were identified through logistic regression. A case-place-time network was constructed using the TransH algorithm (accuracy 0.89). The C5.0 decision tree classified high-risk areas (AUC = 0.91), and Apriori association rules revealed patterns such as "wedding banquet → family gathering" (confidence 0.86). A Python-based system improved intelligence extraction efficiency by 47.8%.

CONCLUSION: The study successfully establishes an interdisciplinary framework integrating library informatics, epidemiology, and AI. It identifies churches and wedding banquets as key transmission nodes, and village clinics as amplifiers due to delays in identification and reporting. The developed software tool enhances response efficiency, supporting rapid contact tracing and control strategy formulation.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Limami Y, Wahnou H, Ndayambaje M, et al (2025)

SARS-CoV-2: A Liver Brief.

WIREs mechanisms of disease, 17(6):e70005.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has revealed the virus's ability to induce multi-organ damage, including significant liver injury. The molecular mechanisms of liver dysfunction in COVID-19 patients are explored, focusing on direct viral infection, immune-mediated damage, and the gut-liver axis. SARS-CoV-2 enters liver cells through the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptors, but alternative pathways, such as CD209/Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular adhesion molecule-3-Grabbing Non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and AXL receptors, can also contribute to viral entry. Additionally, immune responses, particularly the cytokine storm, exacerbate liver inflammation, leading to hepatocyte damage. Pre-existing liver conditions, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and liver fibrosis, heighten the risk of severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Post-COVID-19 liver complications, including fibrosis progression and persistent liver damage, have been reported, with emerging evidence suggesting chronic inflammation, viral persistence, and autoimmune reactions as potential contributors. Furthermore, Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) from COVID-19 treatments remains a concern, highlighting the need for careful management. Consequently, understanding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the liver is critical for improving patient outcomes and developing targeted therapies to mitigate liver-related complications in both acute and Long COVID-19 phases. This article is categorized under: Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Xu Q, Zhao T, Cai X, et al (2025)

Global Hesitancy of COVID-19 Vaccine Among Vulnerable Population From 2020 to 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reviews in medical virology, 35(6):e70079.

Vaccination is an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but vaccine hesitancy is a major challenge. This study aims to explore the pooled prevalence and factors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. We searched the studies published from January 2020 to December 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The studies with complete start time of the study and national information were included in the generalised additive model to explore the factors affecting the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate by calculating OR and 95%CI. A total of 629 studies were included. The pooled global hesitancy rates of COVID-19 vaccine were 34.6% (95% CI: 31.2%-38.1%) in vulnerable population and 33.2% (95% CI: 31.7%-34.8%) in general populations. The regression model showed that the hesitancy rate of COVID-19 vaccine was correlated with the duration of the epidemic, the monthly governmental stringency index, the monthly incidence and mortality of COVID-19, SDI, geographical location, and health status. Local governments should pay special attention to vaccination of vulnerable population and encourage vaccination to cope with the next possible wave of pandemic as incidence declines and restrictions are eased. The international community should timely provide vaccines for low economy countries.

RevDate: 2025-11-02

Anang V, Kumar P, Pracha J, et al (2025)

SARS-CoV-2 innate immune recognition and implications for respiratory health.

Cytokine & growth factor reviews, 86:167-180 pii:S1359-6101(25)00142-X [Epub ahead of print].

The ongoing global health impact of SARS-CoV-2, particularly on lung and respiratory health, underscores the critical need to decipher the intricate interplay between the virus and the host innate immune system. This review provides an analysis of the key pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) involved in SARS-CoV-2 recognition within the lung, including toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). We discuss how the engagement of these innate sentinels triggers crucial downstream consequences, ranging from protective antiviral interferon (IFN) responses to detrimental hyperinflammation characteristic of severe COVID-19. Numerous studies have identified sophisticated mechanisms employed by SARS-CoV-2 to evade or suppress early IFN induction, contributing to unchecked viral replication and subsequent immunopathology. We explore how this aberrant innate immune response drives the "cytokine storm", leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and long-term sequelae. Furthermore, this review critically assesses current and emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating innate immunity, including TLR agonists/antagonists, RIG-I/MDA5 modulators, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors, and IFN-based therapies, highlighting their potential and associated challenges. Finally, we identify key research gaps, emphasizing the need for cell-type-specific PRR studies, comprehensive mapping of viral evasion mechanisms, and the development of precision immunotherapies to enhance protective responses and mitigate pathogenic inflammation for future respiratory viral threats.

RevDate: 2025-11-01

Galiza EP, Nakebembe E, Mboizi R, et al (2025)

Maternal vaccination to prevent neonatal infections and combat antimicrobial resistance.

Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine pii:S1744-165X(25)00074-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Maternal vaccination during pregnancy is emerging as a powerful strategy in protecting newborns from infectious diseases, improving neonatal outcomes, and potentially reducing antimicrobial use and resistance. Maternal immunisation works by eliciting protective antibodies in the mother that are transferred to the fetus transplacentally and through breastmilk postnatally to provide the infant with passive immunity during the first vulnerable months of life. There is sufficient evidence to support the role of maternal vaccination in averting many neonatal infections that would otherwise require medical intervention. By preventing infections in mothers and their newborn, maternal vaccination also holds significant potential for reducing antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. Fewer neonatal infections translate to a reduced need for antimicrobial use in the neonatal period and in postpartum women, therefore lowering the selective pressure for drug-resistant bacteria. Routine maternal vaccines (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap), influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus) already confer measurable antibiotic-sparing benefits by preventing infections that typically trigger antimicrobial therapy in mothers and neonates. Pipeline candidates (Group B Streptococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli) could further lower neonatal sepsis burden, reducing broad-spectrum antimicrobial use in neonatal intensive care units to help slow antimicrobial resistance. Integrated with antibiotic stewardship and infection-prevention measures, maternal immunisation offers a practical, scalable practice to limit perinatal antibiotic exposure.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Goh DY, Lam WC, LLD Zhong (2025)

Effect of interventions for the management of sleep disturbances in patients with long COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 21(11):1993-2005.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Long COVID presents with symptoms that persist for weeks or months postinfection, with sleep disturbances that significantly affect quality of life. The diverse approaches to managing sleep disturbances highlight the need for comparing treatment effectiveness to improve patient outcomes. This study systematically reviews and conducts a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effectiveness of current interventions for sleep disturbances in patients with long COVID and explores the underlying mechanisms and promising treatments.

METHODS: Relevant studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search across Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases. The included studies focused on interventions aimed at managing patients with long COVID with sleep disturbances. Data extraction and analysis were performed, followed by a meta-analysis of comparable studies. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system.

RESULTS: Out of 3,352 retrieved studies, 14 were included in the systematic review and 2 in the meta-analysis. Interventions were categorized as pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Whereas most studies indicated improved sleep quality measured by standardized scales, some did not demonstrate significant benefits. The quality of evidence varied from low to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that sleep disturbances in patients with long COVID result from a complex interplay of physiological, psychological, and neurological factors. Both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions show potential in managing these disturbances, with nonpharmacological approaches showing particular promise. To establish more robust evidence, more high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are necessary in future research.

CITATION: Goh DY, Lam WC, Zhong LLD. Effect of interventions for the management of sleep disturbances in patients with long COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(11):1993-2005.

RevDate: 2025-11-03
CmpDate: 2025-11-03

Choi Y, Lee JS, Choe YJ, et al (2025)

Myocarditis and Pericarditis are Temporally Associated with BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Pediatric cardiology, 46(8):2193-2206.

The incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis has been documented in adolescents after COVID-19 vaccinations. This study aims to assess the risk of myopericarditis in adolescents following COVID-19 vaccination, using a meta-analysis of the published cases. We performed a comprehensive literature search of the following databases on July 5, 2023: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. We performed a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate the incidence of myopericarditis per million of administered COVID-19 vaccine doses or COVID-19 infections. A total of 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The incidence of myopericarditis per million COVID-19 infections (1583.9 cases, 95% CI 751.8-2713.8) was approximately 42 times higher than that for COVID-19 vaccine administrations (37.6 cases, 95% CI 24.2-53.8). The risk of myopericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination was particularly high among the 16-19 age group (39.5 cases per million, 95% CI 25.8-56.0), males (43.1 cases per million, 95% CI 21.6-71.9), and those who received the second dose (47.7 cases per million, 95% CI 22.2-82.2). There were no significant differences in the incidence of myopericarditis per million COVID-19 vaccine administrations between Europe, the Western Pacific, and the Americas (p = 0.51). Adolescents faced a potential risk of myopericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination, but this risk is less harmful than that of myopericarditis following COVID-19 infection.

RevDate: 2025-11-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-01

Mayer KH, Beyrer C, Cohen MS, et al (2025)

Challenges and opportunities in developing integrated sexual and reproductive health programmes.

Lancet (London, England), 406(10515):2168-2190.

Sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental to both human and societal wellbeing and sustainable development, and encompass a broad array of sociocultural and clinical issues that affect all people across the life course. In 2018, the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission described sexual and reproductive health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to all aspects of sexuality and reproduction, not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. The Commission advocated for a positive approach to sexuality and reproduction that recognises the role of pleasurable sexual relationships, trust, and communication in promoting self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The Commission also stipulated that people have a right to make decisions governing their bodies and to access services that support that right. In light of recent sociocultural changes, biomedical advances that have impacted sexual and reproductive health and rights, and the key findings of the Guttmacher-Lancet Commission, we bring together themes from this Lancet Series to discuss the new scientific developments and sociopolitical changes that affect the programmatic integration of sexual and reproductive health services. As people who present for one sexual and reproductive health service frequently have other unmet sexual and reproductive health-related needs, there are often benefits to interventions and services that address multiple connected sexual and reproductive health issues during one clinical encounter (eg, family planning visits, including testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections), which supports the rationale for an integrated approach. Historically, key components of sexual and reproductive health have been managed separately, partly because of siloed and inadequate funding streams and structural limitations (eg, separate location of service delivery or insufficient staff cross-training). Vertical methods have also evolved from the need for different approaches to reach key populations, who might be reluctant to seek care from primary health care clinics. We build on the findings of the papers in this Series to discuss the rationale for sexual and reproductive health programmatic integration, which has the potential to better engage patients in care by meeting their preferences, simplify the user experience, and save resources when implemented in a thoughtful, culturally tailored manner. However, wide-scale sexual and reproductive health programmatic integration faces multiple challenges, requiring broadly trained health-care providers, a range of clinical and outreach channels, and well-resourced health systems. Programmatic integration might be further constrained by societal norms and regulations (eg, punitive laws, institutional homophobia, legal restrictions on access to safe abortion, and opposition to sexual and reproductive rights). Notably, the Trump Administration's withdrawal of support from various sexual and reproductive health programmes in January, 2025, is a major threat to continued progress. This Series paper provides a call to action based on the key findings from this Series that delineates the steps needed to better integrate programmes to optimise sexual and reproductive health outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-11-01

Farjami Z, Moradi M, Ebrahimi N, et al (2025)

COVID-19: Understanding the Granulocyte Response and Exploring Their Therapeutic Interventions.

Viral immunology [Epub ahead of print].

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a global health crisis by triggering extensive systemic and immune dysregulation. Granulocytes, including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils, are critical components of the innate immune system that play dual roles in protection and pathogenesis during infection. In this review, we examine the multifaceted roles of granulocytes in COVID-19 and their impact on disease severity through excessive inflammation, cytokine storm, and tissue damage. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and the overactivation of neutrophil subtypes contribute to the development of thrombosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. In contrast, eosinophils and basophils modulate T helper 2-type and allergic responses that may influence recovery or disease progression. We further summarize the therapeutic strategies targeting granulocyte activation and signaling pathways, including IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-5 receptor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor inhibitors, and antihistamines, emphasizing their clinical outcomes, approval status, and the global regions in which they are studied. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of granulocyte activation and inhibition provides new insights into COVID-19 immunopathology and opens pathways for targeted immunomodulatory therapy. These findings underscore the importance of balancing protective immune functions with controlled anti-inflammatory interventions to mitigate the severe complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RevDate: 2025-11-01

Salvaggio MR, McCloskey C, E Siegrist (2025)

Syphilis in the Post-Covid-19 Pandemic World.

The American journal of the medical sciences pii:S0002-9629(25)01263-7 [Epub ahead of print].

Syphilis, an ancient malady, remains clinically relevant. Recent increases in syphilis cases, especially congenital syphilis, should increase the clinician's index of suspicion when presented with one of the protean clinical syndromes associated with syphilis. Diagnosis and monitoring of response to treatment remain reliant on testing modalities with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity, requiring clinical discernment. Penicillin remains the recommended treatment in most syphilis cases. New treatment options may be available soon.

RevDate: 2025-11-01

Sawangjit R, Sadoyu S, Manosanthipaibul S, et al (2025)

Effectiveness and Safety of Turmeric for the Treatment of COVID-19: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Complementary therapies in medicine pii:S0965-2299(25)00171-2 [Epub ahead of print].

We conducted a comprehensive and updated systematic review and meta-analysis (SR-MA) to determine the effectiveness and safety of turmeric in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Multiple databases were searched from inception to July 31, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing turmeric in mild to severe COVID-19. This SR-MA uniquely includes recent trials conducted alongside modern antiviral-based regimens and explores effect modifiers by disease severity, comorbidity, formulation, and treatment duration. Twenty-three RCTs with 1,407 participants were included, making this the largest synthesis to date. Most studies (17/23, 73.9%) enrolled hospitalized patients; over half involved mild to moderate cases. The most common intervention was nano-curcumin 160-240mg/day (39%), used as an adjunct to standard care. Nine studies were rated high risk of bias (ROB). Meta-analysis showed turmeric significantly reduced all-cause mortality (Relative risk (RR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.23-0.67; I[2] = 0%; n = 8 RCTs; moderate certainty), suggesting a 61% reduction in risk of death. It also reduced the need for intubation/mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.17-0.72) and clinical deterioration (RR=0.36; 95%CI: 0.22-0.59), while improving overall symptom resolution (RR = 1.36; 95%CI: 1.16-1.59). These results remained robust after excluding high ROB studies. Adverse events, mostly mild gastrointestinal symptoms, were comparable to placebo. In conclusion, turmeric, particularly bioavailability-enhanced nano-curcumin, provides meaningful clinical benefits and favorable safety profile as adjunctive therapy for COVID-19. Further large-scale, high-quality, multicenter RCTs are warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential, particularly in resource-limited settings.

RevDate: 2025-11-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-01

Thiriveedi M, Patel H, Curran C, et al (2025)

Post-COVID-19-Associated Asymptomatic Sarcoidosis with Hypercalcemia and Renal Dysfunction: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The American journal of case reports, 26:e950045 pii:950045.

BACKGROUND Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that often presents with nonspecific symptoms and lacks a definitive diagnostic test. Diagnosis can be particularly challenging in atypical cases without hallmark features such as bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy or cutaneous lesions. The recent literature suggests that post-COVID-19 immune dysregulation may act as a novel trigger for sarcoidosis. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 60-year-old Black woman with hypertension, osteoarthritis, and a recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection complicated by persistent anosmia. Routine laboratory testing revealed hypercalcemia, renal insufficiency, and anemia. Despite discontinuing over-the-counter supplements, her hypercalcemia persisted, although she remained otherwise asymptomatic. Diagnostic workup showed normal 25-hydroxy vitamin D, suppressed parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and elevated 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Imaging revealed nonspecific pulmonary nodules without hilar lymphadenopathy. Biopsy of a supraclavicular lymph node demonstrated non-caseating granulomas, establishing the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Treatment with oral prednisone led to improvement of biochemical abnormalities and radiographic findings. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of sarcoidosis in the absence of classic pulmonary features and highlights the importance of recognizing hypercalcemia and elevated 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D as key diagnostic clues. Notably, to the best of our knowledge, no prior reports have described asymptomatic sarcoidosis in the post-COVID-19 setting, making this case a unique contribution to the emerging literature. However, as this is a single-patient observation, causality cannot be inferred, and larger studies are needed to explore this potential association.

RevDate: 2025-11-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-01

Salami B, Tulli-Shah M, Ali I, et al (2025)

A scoping review of intersectional health research related to the COVID-19 pandemic in North America: key findings.

BMC public health, 25(1):3716.

BACKGROUND: This scoping review maps the key findings of intersectional research related to the COVID-19 pandemic in North America. Intersectional approaches highlight how overlapping systems of oppression shape health and social outcomes.

METHODS: A total of 21 studies were included, comprising 10 quantitative, 8 qualitative, and 3 mixed-methods designs. Studies were reviewed to assess the use of intersectional research methods and to identify common findings across the literature.

RESULTS: Intersectional research methods are increasingly utilized in pandemic-related studies in North America. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: deepening disparities in health care systems, barriers to accessing social services, changes to working conditions across economic sectors, impacts of lockdown restrictions, and impacts on mental health. This review also found that interruptions to community connections influenced access to resources, shaping life chances for some populations. Importantly, intersectional research related to the pandemic has often decentralized race, which contrasts with broader non-intersectional studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for public health policies informed by intersectional frameworks. Inequities related to class, race, and gender highlight the importance of disaggregated data collection as standard practice. Targeted interventions, such as workplace protections for racialized women in precarious jobs, are critical to addressing compounded vulnerabilities and ensuring equity in pandemic responses.

RevDate: 2025-11-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-01

Zhou S, Gao S, Fang Y, et al (2025)

Efficacy of vitamin C in COVID-19 management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BMC infectious diseases, 25(1):1463.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has posed a global burden, with vitamin C considered a potential treatment due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, its efficacy remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin C supplementation on COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, CBMdisc, WanFang Data, and CNKI from October 26, 2012, to October 1, 2023. The primary outcomes were 28-day mortality and in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were intensive care units (ICU) length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of vasopressor use, changes in SOFA score, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Random-effects models were employed to analyze the study outcomes. The Cochrane Systematic Review Guidelines and the GRADE system were utilized evaluated the risk of bias and the quality of evidence.

RESULTS: A total of thirteen studies were included with sample of 12,062. Most of these included studies exhibited low to indeterminate bias risk. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate across in included studies. The overall results indicated that non-substantial favorable impacts were observed in short-term mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.92, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.72 to 1.17, P = 0.415) and in hospital mortality (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.95 to 1.16, P = 0.286), nor other secondary clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Although the current application of vitamin C in COVID treatment and management, our findings revealed that vitamin C did not significantly improve COVID outcomes. More high-quality and multicenter trials are required to further elucidate the association between vitamin C and COVID-19.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration of systematic reviews: This study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under the registration number CRD42024527599.

RevDate: 2025-10-31

Han S, Liu Y, Xing B, et al (2025)

Association of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use with Risk of Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The Journal of infection pii:S0163-4453(25)00245-2 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether GLP-1 RA treatment influences infection risk in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

METHODS: Systematic searches were conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (inception to September 24, 2024), and reference lists of eligible articles. RCTs comparing GLP-1 RA treatment with placebo or non-GLP-1 RA treatments were included. Dual reviewer resolved disagreements by consensus. Two reviewers independently extracted data following PRISMA recommendations and assessed risk of bias via Cochrane tool.

RESULTS: A total of 136 RCTs (n = 164,322) were included. GLP-1 RA treatment was associated with a significant reduction in serious infections (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.93; absolute risk difference, -30 per 10,000 persons/year; I² = 0%), non-serious (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85-0.97; I² = 77%), and total infections (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.94; I² = 77%). Reductions were observed for serious respiratory (RR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.90), skin and subcutaneous (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.87), musculoskeletal (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.97), vascular (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47-0.90), and COVID-19 infections (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72-0.92), all with I² = 0%. Meta-regression showed greater weight loss (β = -0.011; P =.045), hemoglobin A1c reduction (β = -0.229; P =.026), and higher GLP-1 RA doses (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.83-0.92) were associated with lower risk.

CONCLUSION: GLP-1 RA use was associated with reduced risk of serious infections, particularly in respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal, vascular systems and COVID-19, partially explained by weight loss and improved glycemic control.

RevDate: 2025-11-01

Mousavinejad SN, Lachouri R, Bahadorzadeh M, et al (2025)

Artificial intelligence for arterial blood gas interpretation.

Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry, 579:120691 pii:S0009-8981(25)00570-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a fundamental diagnostic tool in clinical medicine, offering critical insights into a patient's respiratory and metabolic status. However, interpreting ABG results can be complex and time-sensitive, necessitating accurate and rapid analysis. With the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), new avenues have emerged to enhance the interpretation and application of ABG data. This review explores the role of AI in ABG analysis, highlighting how machine learning algorithms and natural language models such as ChatGPT can aid in the systematic interpretation of complex physiological data. We examine the mechanisms through which AI systems analyze ABG parameters, including pH, PaCO2, and HCO3[-], and provide diagnostic recommendations. Specific applications, such as AI-driven models, in the detection of COVID-19 severity and pulmonary hypertension via ABG data are discussed, demonstrating the expanding clinical utility of AI technologies. Additionally, we explore the potential of 3D animated computer models as educational and diagnostic tools for interpreting blood gas data. The integration of AI into ABG interpretation holds promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes, signaling a transformative shift in modern healthcare diagnostics.

RevDate: 2025-10-31

Rizzo M, Tubassum R, Kaplan CA, et al (2025)

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: The Associations of Prenatal Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination With Child Neurodevelopment.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry pii:S0890-8567(25)02151-3 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on the associations between prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination and child neurodevelopmental outcomes.

METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL for original research on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination published in any language before November 8, 2024. We performed meta-analyses on any outcome reported in ≥3 controlled studies.

RESULTS: Seventy studies were identified on neurological (n = 7), neuroimaging (n = 12), motor (n = 3), audiological (n = 29) and neurodevelopmental (n = 35) assessments, and neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 2) with median sample sizes of N = 117 (IQR: 44-340) and follow-up ≤36 months. Meta-analyses of neonatal auditory screenings (n = 10), Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) (n = 9), and ASQ Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE) (n = 3) data suggested a higher risk of transient hearing impairment [RR = 2.01, 95% CI, 1.39-2.91] and delays in fine motor [RR = 1.55, 95% CI, 1.14-2.10] and problem-solving [RR = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.01-1.74] skills in children prenatally exposed to SARS-CoV-2 compared to unexposed children.

CONCLUSION: Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 exposure was associated with early impairments in hearing, fine motor, and problem-solving skills, which appear to resolve with time. No associations were identified with atypical neurological or neuroimaging outcomes. No adverse neurodevelopmental effects were reported in the two studies that examined prenatal COVID-19 vaccination. Study quality was generally moderate, with small sample sizes, inappropriate control groups, and unmeasured confounding. Taken together, the current body of research does not support a causal relationship between prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-10-31

Mallouli SZ, Munblit D, Iakovleva E, et al (2025)

Persistent neurological sequelae in children and adolescents after SARS-CoV-2: a scoping review.

Infection [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: For the past five years, COVID-19 has not only been a priority for health planning but also a hotspot for clinical research. Yet, the weight of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic arises from the critical phase consequences due to the onset of acute disease, associated containment measures, and documented ongoing disabling symptoms. Investigating the global longitudinal effects on children and adolescents will inform future health directives tailored to this population's needs. This review aimed to report the spectrum of persistent neurological sequelae in children and adolescents following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS: Hence, we conducted a scoping review following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). We included the peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and WHO COVID database to identify relevant literature on long-COVID-19 neurological signs/symptoms among children and adolescents. The search covered the period between September 2020 and September 2024.

RESULTS: The results of our analysis of 33 studies found long-COVID-19-related neurological signs/symptoms were predominantly: pain and sensory problems (N = 74,612/91,543; 81.5%), followed by sleep disturbances (N = 14,630/91,543; 15.9%), and cognitive difficulties (N = 2274/91,543; 2.4%). The global prevalence of long COVID-19 neurological signs/symptoms was estimated between 0.4% (20/5032; 95% CI = 2.1-3%) and 34% (27/79) based on data obtained through online questionnaire; while it varied between 1.8% (4/215) and 83.14% (74/89; 95%CI =   -  0.12; 0.30) based on patient assessment. Long-COVID-19-related neurological signs/symptoms were more common in the 11-16 age group. Children with immunocompetent profiles were at higher risk of developing long-COVID-19-related neurological signs/symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a considerable burden of COVID-19-related persistent neurological signs/symptoms in children and adolescents, which should be taken into consideration in healthcare decision-making.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Woolf SH (2025)

The Youth Mental Health Crisis in the United States: Epidemiology, Contributors, and Potential Solutions.

Pediatrics, 156(5):.

The mental health of US children and adolescents is in crisis. This narrative review takes a fresh look at current epidemiologic data-with a focus on mood disorders, suicidality, and substance use among youth aged 1 to 19 years-and reviews demographic and geographic risk factors, potential contributors to the crisis, and interventions available to communities, clinicians, and policymakers. The data are worrying. In 2023, almost 40% of high school students were reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, 18% had experienced major depression, and 10% had attempted suicide. The suicide rate at ages 10 to 19 years increased by 85.3% between 2007 and 2017. Deaths from drug overdoses at ages 15 to 19 years surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely because of fentanyl.Mood disorders, substance use, and suicidal behaviors are more common among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+; especially transgender) youth; rural and American Indian/Alaska Native youth; and those who have experienced poverty, disabilities, or involvement with foster care or juvenile justice systems. Female youth exhibit greater morbidity rates from mood disorders, suicidal ideation, and substance use, but male youth are more likely to die of suicide and drug overdose. Potential contributors to the crisis include decreased social connections; school-related stress; access to lethal agents (eg, firearms), smartphones, and social media; cyberbullying; racism and homophobia; and inadequate access to behavioral health care. Primary, secondary, and tertiary preventive interventions may offer solutions, but the supporting evidence is uneven. Although the crisis calls for greater investment in research, training, and support for youth, the federal government is currently defunding research and eliminating programs.

RevDate: 2025-11-01
CmpDate: 2025-11-01

Renard M, Bell Z, Jamshidvand M, et al (2026)

Domestic cooking and food behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis: A scoping review.

Appetite, 216:108311.

This scoping review examined how the COVID-19 pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have influenced domestic cooking and food-related behaviours. Following PRISMA-ScR, a systematic search across five databases and grey literature sources identified 4955 records. After screening, 98 studies published between 2020 and 2024 were included. Most studies were conducted in the UK (22.4 %) and USA (18.4 %) and employed cross-sectional (94.9 %) and quantitative (73.5 %) methods. The review identified widespread increases in home cooking, with 50-78 % of participants reporting greater cooking frequency. Changes in food shopping were also prominent, including reduced in-person visits (reported by 40-74 % of participants) and increased online grocery use (25-61.8 %). Budgeting behaviours adapted to financial constraints, with many households reducing the quality and quantity of food purchased, substituting fresh with shelf-stable options. Improvements in hand hygiene were widely reported (74-90 %); however, unsafe practices such as consuming expired foods or mishandling leftovers, remained common. Only 4.1 % of studies received a positive quality rating, with frequent use of non-validated tools and self-reported measures. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to assess the sustainability of these behaviours. Structural policy actions are needed to ensure access to affordable, nutritious foods and support sustainable food practices during ongoing economic challenges.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Horstink N, Lassing K, Knoester M, et al (2025)

Host factors associated with respiratory particle emission and virus presence within respiratory particles: a systematic review.

Frontiers in microbiology, 16:1652124.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding host factor-related mechanisms that drive variability in respiratory particle emission and virus presence in exhaled particles is essential to assess transmission risk and potentially identify individuals with elevated infectiousness.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of human observational studies examining associations between host factors and either respiratory particle emission or virus presence in exhaled particles. Searches in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science covered studies up to September 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using STROBE-based criteria. Findings were synthesized narratively, grouped by host factor and outcome type.

RESULTS: Forty-four studies met inclusion criteria: 34 assessed host factors in relation to particle emission, and 11 examined viral presence in exhaled particles. Fine particle emission (<5 μm) was most consistently associated with older age (n = 16), physical exercise (n = 6), and active infection (n = 6). No consistent associations were found for sex (n = 21), body mass index (BMI; n = 10), or smoking (n = 6). Viral presence-mainly influenza and SARS-CoV-2-was more strongly associated with time since symptom onset (n = 8) and lower respiratory symptoms (n = 3), based largely on genomic detection. Associations with other factors, including upper respiratory symptoms (n = 6), swab viral load (n = 11), age (n = 6), sex (n = 6), and BMI (n = 2), were inconsistent or absent. Physical exercise was not evaluated in relation to viral presence.

DISCUSSION: Fine respiratory particles (<5 μm) were the predominant size fraction detected and often contained higher concentrations of viral RNA. Age, physical exercise, and active infection were consistently associated with increased emission of these particles. The presence of respiratory viruses in exhaled air was more strongly linked to infection-related factors such as early symptom onset and lower respiratory involvement. These patterns suggest distinct mechanisms contributing to airborne transmission. Interpretation was limited by methodological heterogeneity and predominant reliance on PCR. Still, consistent associations with host factors suggest their potential as indicators for transmission risk. As evidence focused mainly on influenza and SARS-CoV-2, generalizability is limited. Standardized methods and further research are needed to strengthen outbreak preparedness.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Qiao Y, Rong L, Chen H, et al (2025)

Gut microbiota, nutrients, and depression.

Frontiers in nutrition, 12:1581848.

In the post-COVID-19 era, depression incidence has risen sharply, and a healthy diet is confirmed to lower this risk. However, two critical gaps remain: it is unclear whether nutrients alleviate depressive symptoms by improving the gut microbiota, and existing evidence has notable limitations. This study aimed to address these by exploring how deficiencies in key nutrients (protein, lipids, sugars, vitamins, and minerals) affect gut microbiota diversity-potentially a driver of early depression-and systematically evaluating clinical/basic research on nutrients' role in gut microbiota-mediated depression intervention. Results showed nutrients enhance gut microbiota abundance and diversity, regulate the gut-brain axis to boost short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and neurotransmitter synthesis, and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating depression. Thus, a healthy anti-inflammatory diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, fish) may lower depressive symptom risk. Three key research gaps were identified: 1. Mechanistic evidence relies heavily on animal studies (e.g., mouse neurotransmitter experiments) with insufficient large-scale human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to confirm causality; 2. Conflicting findings exist [e.g., alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has no antidepressant effect in some human cohorts]; 3. The dose-response relationship (e.g., fiber needed to elevate SCFAs to antidepressant levels) is unquantified. Future studies should quantify dietary patterns and target gut microbiota metabolism to advance early depression prevention and deepen understanding of diet-microbiota-depression links.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Sun N, Lu Y, Li C, et al (2025)

Genetic Risk of Different Populations in COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity.

Infection and drug resistance, 18:5499-5505.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges by threatening public health and triggering the largest global economic crisis in recent history. While environmental factors and social activities influence the clinical outcome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure and COVID-19 severity, the host genetic background and variants are increasingly recognized as vital players in individual susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, ranging from asymptomatic infection to lethal COVID-19. A plethora of genome-wide association meta-analyses have been provided and will continue to provide genetic determinants of the heterogeneity of COVID-19 outcomes. Such discoveries undoubtedly deepen our understanding of the biological underpinnings of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease, paving the way for the development of more efficient SARS-CoV-2 prevention strategies and drug repurposing. Here, we provide a brief overview of studies regarding host susceptibility to COVID-19 and its clinical outcomes, focusing on the identification of genome-wide significant loci from different ancestral populations.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Cheng Y, X Zheng (2025)

Characteristics and mechanisms of liver injury caused by emerging infectious diseases.

Frontiers in immunology, 16:1647517.

Abnormal liver function has become a common phenomenon in emerging infectious diseases caused by viruses, with incidence rates ranging from 2.5% to 98.6% across different pathogens. This review summarized the characteristics of liver injury caused by SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, H7N9, SFTSV, DENV, and EBOV viruses. Viral infection initiates liver injury through direct attack, ischemia, and microthrombosis, triggering an exaggerated immune response often exacerbated by drug toxicity. Core mechanisms involve interconnected mitochondrial dysfunction (causing energy failure, ROS/mt-DNA release), endoplasmic reticulum stress (with dual roles in adaptation and apoptosis), and aberrant inflammation. These pathways form a vicious cycle, culminating in hepatocyte death, metabolic disruption, and severe hepatic damage. An in-depth exploration of the causes and mechanisms of liver injury also provides diversified strategies for treating and preventing these infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-10-31

Gartmann J, Sturm C, A Bökel (2025)

Physiotherapy interventions in post- and long-COVID-19: a scoping review of the literature up to February 2023.

BMC health services research, 25(1):1425.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Palotino-Ferreira BM, Rocha SV, Nunes-Silva A, et al (2025)

The influence of structured physical activity on vaccination response from adults to older individuals: a systematic review on the Immunoinflammatory crosstalk of COVID-19.

Immunity & ageing : I & A, 22(1):44.

BACKGROUND: Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding factors that influence vaccine efficacy is crucial, particularly in older adults. Regular physical exercise and/or structured physical activity (SPA) has emerged as a potential modulator of immune responses, enhancing vaccine effectiveness. This systematic review aims to consolidate current evidence on the impact of SPA/exercise on both immune and inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination in adults and older individuals.

METHODS: Most relevant studies were extracted from indexed databases using health subject terms in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Studies that examined the impact of regular exercise or SPA on inflammatory and/or immunological responses in relation to COVID-19 immunization were selected. In particular, all chosen studies included individuals who received vaccinations either prior to or following the exercise regimen or SPA, and the main goal was to evaluate these effects on immunological and/or inflammatory reactions induced by vaccination.

RESULTS: Among the 7 studies included (n = 1149), the effects of regular exercise or PA on vaccine-induced immune responses while concurrently assessing inflammatory markers were examined. The findings suggest that moderate to high-intensity structured physical activity (50-70% of maximum heart rate for aerobic exercise and 60-80% of 1RM for resistance training), performed 3-5 times per week, was able to enhance immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination, particularly by mitigating chronic low-grade inflammation. Acute exercise can transiently boost immunity, whilst engagement in moderate SPA over a period of six months may contribute to sustained improvements in immune function, especially in older adults. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to variability in study design, sample characteristics, and potential confounding factors.

CONCLUSION: Regular exercise and SPA play a significant role in improving immune/inflammatory responses to COVID-19 vaccination. Older adults, in particular, may benefit from regular SPA and exercise as a strategy to counteract immunosenescence and optimize vaccine efficacy. However, further research is needed to better refine exercise protocols and determine long-term benefits in different populations.

RevDate: 2025-10-30

Ishola AA, Ahmed IA, MA Mikail (2025)

Molecular Roadmap of COVID-19: From Viral Entry to Therapeutic Targets.

Chemistry & biodiversity [Epub ahead of print].

Although the global emergency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has subsided, the pandemic is not over, making the development of effective therapeutics crucial to reduce mortality and restore patient health. Identifying host molecular pathways targeted by the virus is essential for drug discovery, whether through repurposing existing drugs or developing new ones. This review examines the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including signaling pathways, therapeutic targets, viral entry and replication strategies, and associated clinical features. It also discusses current global infection and mortality trends, clinical management, and prospects for drug development. Data were sourced from major scientific databases. Given the virus's high mutation rate and ongoing impact, multidisciplinary collaboration is needed. Plant-derived compounds and herbal medicines show promise as potential antiviral interventions against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The information and data on COVID-19 were collated from various resources and literature databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Google, and Google Scholar.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Creswell L, Pandya P, Stott D, et al (2025)

Parvovirus: Conservative management of fetal anemia and hydrops.

Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica, 104(11):2028-2037.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Europe has experienced a marked increase in congenital parvovirus infections. This rise is attributed to social distancing measures which disrupted the usual seasonal variation of parvovirus B19. Fetal infection may cause severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and hydrops fetalis, with significant risk of intrauterine death. Therefore, when acute parvovirus B19 infection is confirmed by maternal serology, serial ultrasound surveillance of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity is recommended. Intrauterine transfusion remains the only established therapeutic option for cases of suspected fetal anemia or hydrops but carries risks of fetal loss and procedural-related complications including fetal hemorrhage and exsanguination. This review critically examines current literature on diagnosis, management, perinatal outcomes, and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae following congenital parvovirus infection and intrauterine transfusion. Additionally, we report our tertiary fetal medicine center's experience during the 2024 epidemic, highlighting a novel conservative management approach for fetuses with parvovirus-related anemia and hydrops fetalis.

RevDate: 2025-10-31
CmpDate: 2025-10-31

Kuuwill A, Kimengsi JN, L Giessen (2025)

Change in Formal and Informal Forest Management Institutions Induced by Health Shocks-A Global Systematic Review.

Environmental management, 75(12):3565-3585.

Studies on the impact of health shocks in (re)shaping forest management institutions exist, albeit fragmented. Similarly, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding conceptualizing health shocks, the mechanisms and outcomes of forest-linked institutional change, and the methods used so far. We review regional variations in conceptualizing forest management institutions and institutional change that are linked to health shocks. Further, we studied the mechanism of institutional change and outcome in the context of health shocks and evaluated the yet-to-be-filled methodological gaps. Using the critical eco-health approach and an institutional analysis framework, we systematically review 70 empirically conducted studies. Descriptive and directed content analysis was employed in the data analysis. First, we found that health shocks are predominantly conceptualized as pandemics in Asia and epidemic in Africa. Forest management institutions are viewed through the process dimension lens, with informal processes more prevalent in Africa and formal processes dominant in other regions. Second, health shocks have primarily induced new formal forest management institutions while eroding informal ones in Asia and Africa. Thirdly, these institutional changes are linked with negative ecological and economic outcomes in the developing subregions, particularly in Asia, followed by Africa and Latin America. Finally, most studies employed the qualitative and single case study approaches, potentially limiting the findings' generalizability. Our study establishes a gap in understanding the power dynamics and political process of institutional change in the context of health shocks. Future studies should use a multiple-case study approach, mixed methods, and actor-centred analysis of forest management institutional compliance during health shocks.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Akhmetzhanov AR, Cheng HY, Cheng G, et al (2025)

Consolidating Estimates of the Incubation Period for Omicron Subvariants From the Literature and Their Comparison to the Estimate From Taiwan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, September 2024.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses, 19(11):e70171.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by waves driven by distinct viral variants, including the Omicron variant, which emerged in October 2021. To formulate effective public health strategies and understand disease spread, accurate estimates of the incubation periods of these variants are important. Existing estimates often conflict due to biases caused by epidemic dynamics and selective inclusion of cases. Using data from Taiwan, where disease incidence remained low and contact tracing was comprehensive during the first months of the Omicron outbreak, this study aims to accurately estimate the incubation period of the Omicron (BA.1) variant incubation period.

METHODS: We reviewed the first 100 Omicron BA.1 symptomatic cases reported in Taiwan's contact-tracing records (between December 2021 and January 2022). Of these, 69 had usable information. Data on exposure and symptom onset dates were fitted with the generalized gamma. A systematic search and meta-analysis on incubation periods for Omicron BA.1/2/4/5 subvariants was then conducted to derive pooled mean estimates for the incubation periods of each subvariant.

RESULTS: The mean incubation period was estimated at 3.5 days (95% credible interval: 3.0-4.0 days), with no clear differences based on vaccination status or age. This estimate aligned closely with the pooled mean of 3.7 days (3.3-4.0 days) for Omicron BA.1 and of 3.7 days (2.3-5.1 days) for all considered Omicron variants BA.1/2 and BA.5.

CONCLUSIONS: Omicron subvariants have a relatively shorter incubation period compared to previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. A continuous update of incubation period estimates, based on available data, is necessary to develop guidelines that can reduce the socioeconomic costs associated with COVID-19.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Raveendran VV, AlQattan S, E AlMutairy (2025)

A review on clinical implications of S100 proteins in lung diseases.

Frontiers in medicine, 12:1618772.

The S100 family of proteins plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancers, acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, COVID-19, and lung transplantation. This review comprehensively examines the contributions of S100 proteins to the progression of these disorders, focusing on their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets. S100A protein-mediated key molecular mechanisms that influence inflammation, airway remodeling, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis in the lungs are discussed. The importance of their normal function is evident from the observation that simultaneous mutations in S100A3 and S100A13 predispose individuals to early-onset pulmonary fibrosis, underscoring their critical role in lung health. Furthermore, sustained S100 protein elevation is explored in the context of long COVID, shedding light on its role in chronic inflammation. These proteins act as damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), activating immune pathways via receptors like TLR4 and RAGE, thereby driving inflammation and immune cell recruitment. Notably, in lung transplantation, elevated levels of S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 serve as early biomarkers of graft rejection and complications such as graft-vs.-host disease, which indicates their role in mediating immune responses and transplant outcomes. While promising, the clinical application of S100 proteins faces challenges, including disease-specific variability and the need for robust validation across diverse populations. This narrative review underscores the dual potential of S100 proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in respiratory medicine while emphasizing the importance of overcoming current limitations through targeted research and clinical trials.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Basu T, AK Upadhyay (2025)

In silico approaches to identify therapeutic drug targets against COVID-19: a detailed review with a case study.

In silico pharmacology, 13(3):162.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, primarily affects the respiratory system, has impacted millions worldwide and resulted in significant morbidity and mortality. The development of effective therapies for treatment is crucial to reduce the burden of the disease, as the current treatments are mainly supportive. Therefore, identifying therapeutic drug targets for COVID-19 is of utmost importance. Overall, identifying and validating drug targets for COVID-19 is an active area of research. Advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and the host response to the virus will continue to inform the development of effective therapies for COVID-19. Computational biology has played a crucial role in developing therapeutics for COVID-19, such as drug discovery, vaccine development, understanding viral evolution, predicting drug resistance, and repurposing existing drugs. In this review, we will discuss the details of the different drug targets and their mode of action. Computational biology has been an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19, helping researchers develop new treatments and vaccines and understand the behaviour and evolution of the virus. We demonstrate a case study on the in-silico identification of natural compounds as potential IL-6 inhibitors, highlighting their relevance in managing COVID-19-associated cytokine storms.

RevDate: 2025-10-30

Liao C, Zhao X, Q Wang (2025)

Design and Development of Small-Molecule Drugs Targeting Enzymes Utilizing Two-Metal-Ion Catalytic Mechanisms.

Medicinal research reviews [Epub ahead of print].

The active sites of numerous metalloproteins feature two metal ion cofactors-either identical or distinct-that are positioned in close proximity, typically around 3.8 Å apart. This two-metal-ion catalytic mechanism (TCM) endows these enzymes with a remarkable catalytic efficiency. Enzymes employing TCM play vital biological roles in both humans and pathogenic organisms, with some identified as validated therapeutic targets. Various rational drug design approaches, including nucleoside analogs, prodrugs, metal-binding group design, bioisosteres, pharmacophore modeling, scaffold hopping, tautomerism, and structure-based drug design, have been successfully applied to several enzymes with TCMs, thus yielding the development and approval of many small-molecule drugs for the treatment of several diseases, including certain catastrophic illnesses, such as hepatitis C infection, coronavirus disease 2019, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Additionally, drug repurposing has proven to be a critical strategy in the development of therapeutics targeting TCM enzymes. This article reviews the significant achievements in design and development of small-molecule drugs targeting several enzymes with TCMs, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, HIV-1 integrase, influenza virus cap-dependent endonuclease, and phosphodiesterase, hoping to offer valuable insights and guidance to facilitate future drug discovery efforts focused on these enzymes and related molecular targets.

RevDate: 2025-10-30

Cardoso MR, Sánchez ODR, Greenwald M, et al (2025)

Intersectionality and Intimate Partner Violence: Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Humanitarian Emergencies.

Trauma, violence & abuse [Epub ahead of print].

Intimate partner violence (IPV) presents significant global health, human rights, and protection challenges, particularly during emergencies. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated preexisting social inequalities, including those related to gender, race/ethnicity, and class, and led to an increase in IPV due to lockdown measures and economic stressors. This study aims to examine risk factors contributing to increased IPV among women and girls during COVID-19 mitigation strategies, explore the intersectional vulnerabilities of Black women in this setting, and compare IPV prevalence during the pandemic with other crises such as natural disasters and conflict settings. The review synthesized existing research to answer two primary questions. A comprehensive search was conducted across 11 databases. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, and included women aged 15 years or older. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed by independent reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The findings revealed that IPV rates increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to risk factors such as economic stress, social isolation, and lack of access to healthcare. Vulnerabilities were particularly pronounced for women and girls from marginalized groups, including Black women, who experienced compounded effects of race, class, and gender. The analysis also found similar patterns of increased IPV during other emergencies, including natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Key barriers to protection from IPV included limited access to resources, social and community support, and discrimination at a societal level. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the specific needs of women experiencing IPV during crises, with a particular focus on marginalized groups. Recommendations include strengthening support systems, improving access to healthcare and protection networks, promoting anti-racist and equity-focused policies, and enhancing data collection methodologies. Addressing the intersectional nature of vulnerabilities is crucial to developing effective, culturally appropriate solutions to protect women and girls during crises.

RevDate: 2025-10-30

Mundt C, Yusufoğlu B, Kudenko D, et al (2025)

AI-Driven Personalized Nutrition: Integrating Omics, Ethics, and Digital Health.

Molecular nutrition & food research [Epub ahead of print].

Personalized nutrition (PN) aims to prevent and manage chronic diseases by providing individualized dietary guidance based on genetic, metabolic, and lifestyle data. Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a key enabler in PN by analyzing large-scale, multiomics datasets in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal disorders, where digital twins and health knowledge graphs support personalized interventions. Current findings demonstrate that AI models can guide microbiome-based dietary interventions, and support obesity management, thereby extending the scope of conventional nutritional strategies as supported by deepened bibliometric analyses. This study highlights the global increase in AI-based PN studies, accelerated by digital health demands and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the expansion of traditional nutrition strategies through machine learning approaches with the integration of microbiome-based models and omics. However, challenges such as algorithmic bias, limited generalizability, and data privacy remain. To overcome these issues, diverse datasets, explainable AI approaches, and standardized multicenter validation protocols are proposed. These steps are critical for transforming AI-supported PN from a conceptual potential into a fair, reliable, and clinically applicable structure. The growing consensus in the literature highlights that AI can support individual and societal health goals by transforming nutrition science through predictive, adaptive, and ethically based approaches.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Kelsen SG, Maurer M, Waters M, et al (2025)

Safety and tolerability of astegolimab, an anti-ST2 monoclonal antibody: a narrative review.

Respiratory research, 26(1):302.

Chronic inflammation is an underlying feature of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Novel therapies that target the inflammatory mechanisms driving acute exacerbations of COPD are required. The ST2 receptor, which binds the alarmin interleukin (IL)-33 to initiate an inflammatory response, is a potential target. Astegolimab, a fully human immunoglobulin G2 monoclonal antibody, which binds with high affinity to ST2 to prevent binding of IL-33, is a potential therapy for COPD. However, targeting inflammatory pathways that form part of the immune system may have unintended consequences, such as implications for the response to infection and cardiovascular function. Therefore, an understanding of astegolimab's safety profile in clinical use is essential. This narrative review summarizes clinical safety data from published clinical trials of astegolimab with a focus on adverse events of interest, including infections and cardiac events. Astegolimab was shown to be well tolerated in > 580 patients with asthma, atopic dermatitis, COPD, and severe COVID-19 pneumonia who took part in Phase II trials. The frequency of adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs was similar between the astegolimab and placebo arms in each trial (AEs: 41-81% vs. 58-77%; serious AEs: 3-29% vs. 0-41%, respectively). The number of deaths was similar between treatment arms and there were no astegolimab-related deaths. Astegolimab did not increase the risk of infection or major adverse cardiac events. Ongoing Phase IIb and Phase III trials of astegolimab in patients with COPD who have a history of frequent acute exacerbation(s) of COPD will provide a future opportunity to confirm the safety profile of astegolimab.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Zheng S, DM Lowe (2025)

Current infectious disease management challenges in inborn errors of immunity.

Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, 24(1):60.

Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) are a frequently underdiagnosed group of disorders, with infectious complications posing significant clinical challenges. Recognizing atypical presentations of common infections and the presence of rare opportunistic pathogens can be critical in suspecting an underlying IEI. Among the infectious complications, chronic viral infections are particularly difficult to manage due to limited evidence-based guidelines. Intra-host viral evolution in these patients can lead to treatment resistance and the emergence of novel viral strains, raising concerns about their potential role as reservoirs for mutant viruses. Novel pathogens such as Aichivirus have been identified as significant causes of infection in individuals with IEIs. Furthermore, infections such as talaromycosis, tuberculosis, BCG-related disease, leishmaniasis, and melioidosis may be underrecognized in certain groups of patients with IEIs, largely due to differences in geographic exposure and environmental risk factors. The effects of emerging infections, such as mpox and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, on individuals with IEIs remain largely unknown. Management strategies for infections in this population include vaccinations, immunoglobulin replacement, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. However, newer higher valency conjugate pneumococcal vaccines may limit the utility of traditional pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines in assessing immune function. While immunoglobulin replacement is cost-effective, it can interfere with serological diagnostics. Additionally, antimicrobial resistance is a growing issue, emphasizing the need for improved empiric antibiotic strategies and research into optimal treatment durations. This review highlights the key challenges faced by infectious disease clinicians in the care of patients with IEIs.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Vishnu P, DM Aboulafia (2025)

Hemostatic Disorders Following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection, COVID-19 Vaccination, and Long-COVID Syndrome: Current Evidence and Controversies in Clinical Practice.

Clinics in laboratory medicine, 45(4):643-655.

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has presented profound global health challenges. Beyond acute illness, a substantial proportion of individuals experience persistent symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise, collectively known as Long-COVID. Among the complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, hemostatic disorders ranging from mild platelet dysfunction to severe thromboembolic events, and rare but serious coagulation-related adverse effects, such as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, have emerged as a significant concern. Herein we provide an overview of current information and controversies surrounding hemostatic complications in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Liu C, Song Y, Niu S, et al (2025)

COVID-19 Infection Confirmed by Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Metagenomics -Next-Generation Sequencing Instead of Pharyngeal Swabs in Follicular Lymphoma: Three-Case Report and Literature Review.

Journal of clinical laboratory analysis, 39(20):e70103.

BACKGROUND: Hematologic malignancy patients with B lymphocytopenia after anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody or anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy often face prolonged SARS-CoV-2 positivity on pharyngeal swabs and persistent or recurrent COVID-19 infection, resulting in high mortality.

METHODS: Here, we describe three follicular lymphoma (FL) patients with persistent fever, cough, and hypoxemia, but they were ruled out for bacterial, viral, fungal, and other pathogen infections, and the throat swabs were consistently SARS-CoV-2 negative. These FL patients with B lymphocyte deficiency who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection confirmed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Their COVID-19 infection was characterized by differences in viral load in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. When this particular COVID-19 infection occurred, although their percentages and absolute values of CD8[+] T cells and CD4[+] T cells were normal, they all had B lymphocyte deficiency and hypogammaglobulinemia. They all had low expression of interleukin (IL)-6 in peripheral blood inconsistent with clinical infection symptoms.

RESULTS: The patients received a combination therapy of molnupiravir and methylprednisolone; then their symptoms were relieved over the next 2 weeks-2 months.

CONCLUSION: Therefore, for immunocompromised patients, especially those with B lymphocyte deficiency, hypogammaglobulinemia, and low expression of IL-6 in peripheral blood inconsistent with clinical infection symptoms, mNGS for BALF should be performed as soon as possible in this particular condition to confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Niazy M, Murphy H, Nadeem K, et al (2025)

A comprehensive guide to selecting the right modeling strategy for explanatory and predictive data analysis.

Canadian journal of microbiology, 71:1-18.

Declining costs of sequencing technology have catalyzed the widespread use of high-dimensional complex omics datasets in microbiology. While rich in information, these datasets present major analytical challenges, including sparsity, heterogeneity, and the need for robust statistical validation. Concerns about the reproducibility of findings across microbiological studies underscore the importance of standardized, transparent analytical approaches. Despite the availability of diverse statistical frameworks and machine learning methods, designing an appropriate statistical workflow (from method selection to model evaluation) remains challenging, particularly for researchers with limited advanced statistical training. Missteps in this process can lead to misinterpretation, irreproducibility, and flawed conclusions. This paper provides a structured, step-by-step framework to guide and validate the methodology of choosing the right statistical methods for both explanatory and predictive modeling in microbiology and translational research. We outline essential decision points spanning data preprocessing, feature selection, model assumptions, and model evaluation, and highlight common trade-offs and practical considerations. To demonstrate the guide's utility, we analyze a real-world COVID-19 dataset to identify cytokine biomarkers associated with disease severity. By aligning analytical strategies with microbiology inquiry, this guide aims to enhance reproducibility, empower data-informed decisions, and promote more rigorous, interpretable research in microbiology and public health.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Dräger S, Minichmayr IK, Alipanah-Lechner N, et al (2025)

Dose individualisation of antibiotics in critically ill patients with inflammation: A narrative review.

British journal of clinical pharmacology, 91(11):3042-3053.

Due to extensive pathophysiological changes in critically ill patients, standard dosing of antibiotics may lead to inadequate drug exposure. This is concerning, as insufficient plasma drug concentrations may lead to treatment failure, whereas excessive drug exposure may increase the risk of toxic adverse events. The role of inflammation as a factor influencing the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of antibiotics remains largely unknown. PK/PD target attainment of antibiotics can be improved through therapeutic drug monitoring, i.e., measurement of drug concentrations in the blood with subsequent dosage adjustment to reach a certain target. Besides, population PK models may be used to predict drug exposure and tailor dosing in an individual patient (model-informed precision dosing). Inflammatory biomarkers have been proposed to measure inflammation levels and guide antibiotic treatment. However, their potential to guide antibiotic dosing is unclear. This narrative review describes associations between inflammation and PK/PD of antibiotics in critically ill patients, and the role of biomarkers, therapeutic drug monitoring and model-informed precision dosing in improving antibiotic dosing. A focus of future research should be on the interplay between inflammation and PK/PD of antibiotics by including inflammatory biomarkers in PK/PD models and using big data to predict antibiotic exposure in critically ill patients.

RevDate: 2025-10-30
CmpDate: 2025-10-30

Mukherjee P, Beheshti A, Kumar SA, et al (2025)

Traffic Light Coding System for Engaging With AI in Surgery.

ANZ journal of surgery, 95(10):1993-1998.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is generally defined as the development of computer systems or machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence and is increasingly being used in modern healthcare. While, various AI systems have existed for decades, its scale in healthcare has been escalated by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and military conflicts, which has demanded rapid implementation of health system processes that improve efficiency in resource constrained environments. As AI-enabled technologies gain prominence, it is vital for surgeons to understand the various types of AI systems and their applications in medical practice.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Barnes K, Faasse K, AL Geers (2025)

The COVID-19 pandemic: a special case of placebo and nocebo effects.

Handbook of clinical neurology, 213:247-262.

In late 2019, reports of pneumonia from an unknown cause marked the beginning of an unprecedented health crisis with far-reaching societal consequences. The ensuing global pandemic placed immense strain on healthcare systems, disrupted economies, and altered the way that we work, communicate, and interact. Importantly, as the SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19) virus spread, so did a range of psychological stressors, including fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. This chapter examines the trajectory of placebo- and nocebo-relevant factors during the early, mid, and late stages of the pandemic, highlighting their impact on health outcomes and human behavior. Understanding the interplay between psychological and physical health during the pandemic is crucial for minimizing maladaptive health outcomes in the future. We therefore review current strategies for mitigating the nocebo effect and leveraging the placebo effect that may be employed to enhance health and well-being and attenuate pandemic-related harms.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Dutta S, Ganguly A, S Ghosh Roy (2025)

The interplay between gamma delta (γδ) T cells and cellular stress pathways in the pathogenesis of emerging human viral zoonoses.

International review of cell and molecular biology, 398:99-149.

This chapter examines the intricate relationship between gamma-delta (γδ) T cells and cellular stress pathways in the context of emerging infectious diseases. γδ T cells, a distinct subset of lymphocytes, are integral to the innate immune response, as they can recognize a diverse array of antigens independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) restriction. They function as initial sentinels, secreting cytokines, and cytotoxic molecules to directly eradicate infected cells and regulate the immune system. This chapter examines the activation mechanisms of γδ T cells in response to viral infectious agents such as Influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, West Nile Virus (WNV), Dengue virus, and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) emphasizing their role in pathogen control and disease progression. The document examines cellular stress pathways, specifically the unfolded protein response (UPR) and integrated stress response (ISR), which are frequently activated by pathogens. These pathways initiate protective mechanisms; however, their dysregulation may lead to pathological conditions. The chapter examines the mechanisms by which certain pathogens utilize host stress responses to enhance replication and evade immune detection. The impact of stress on γδ T cell functionality and immune responses is examined. The document examines the potential of γδ T cell-based therapies for diverse infections, highlighting the necessity for additional research to enhance delivery methods and reduce the risk of autoimmune disorders. Comprehending these interactions is essential for formulating innovative approaches to prevent and treat emerging infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2025-10-29

Gromer DJ, Kalash S, Tanios R, et al (2025)

The relationship between the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of vaccines: A narrative review.

Vaccine, 68:127892 pii:S0264-410X(25)01189-2 [Epub ahead of print].

The relationship between vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity remains an underexplored but increasingly critical area of vaccinology. This narrative review synthesizes evidence examining this relationship across a diverse array of vaccine platforms and pathogens. The available data suggest a modest but consistent positive association between systemic reactogenicity and humoral immunogenicity, particularly for mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Associations with innate and adaptive cellular immunity are less well studied. Local reactions are less consistently predictive of immune response than systemic ones. Reactogenicity appears more pronounced in younger adults, females, and those with certain HLA alleles-factors also associated with stronger immune responses. Whether the priming or booster dose of a vaccine series drives greater reactogenicity and immunogenicity appears to depend upon whether the vaccine is live-attenuated or not. However, substantial heterogeneity exists in study design, population, outcome measurement, and statistical analysis. This review emphasizes the need for harmonized tools to quantify vaccine reactogenicity and for study designs that account for pre-vaccination immune status to distinguish true associations from confounding factors and better clarify the relationship between post-vaccine symptoms and immunologic outcomes. Understanding the mechanistic links between innate immune activation, tolerability, and adaptive immune responses could inform vaccine development, clinical trial endpoints, and public communication strategies. As vaccine technologies evolve and tolerability becomes a differentiating factor, further research is needed to unravel the biological basis of vaccine-associated symptoms and their role in predicting protection.

RevDate: 2025-10-29

Garry RF (2025)

SARS-CoV-2 Spike displays multiple adaptive changes in addition to the furin cleavage site.

Virology, 614:110720 pii:S0042-6822(25)00334-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 from bat sarbecoviruses involved multiple changes in Spike in addition to insertion of the furin cleavage site (FCS). Analysis of the closely related Spike of BANAL-20-52 reveals key adaptations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike beyond the FCS that occurred prior to the spillover of SARS-CoV-2's immediate progenitor to humans. Bat sarbecoviruses have enteric tropism and spread mostly by the gastrointestinal route. Their Spike proteins predominantly assume the locked form, which is able to resist the low pH of the bat gastrointestinal tract. Initial changes during the SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary pathway included substitutions that expanded the host range of the sarbecovirus progenitor and allowed circulation in nonbat mammals. Adaptation of the SARS-CoV-2 progenitors also involved remodeling of the amino-terminal domain. Respiratory adaptation occurred during circulation in nonbat animals and resulted in greater propensity for Spike to assume open forms that are less compact and more metastable than the locked or closed forms. Substitutions at monomer interfaces in the Spike trimer facilitate the open shift. Like FCS insertion, these substitutions make Spike more susceptible to low pH degradation and could not have occurred in bats. After SARS-CoV-2 spilled over to humans Spikes of the dominant lineage acquired an aspartic acid to glycine substitution at position 614 that further decreases interaction between monomers and promotes opening of the Spike trimer. A multi-stage evolutionary trajectory is also evident during cross-species transmissions of bat sarbecoviruses to pangolins and the first known spillovers of SARS-CoV via the wildlife trade.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Nor Isamuddin NH, AbuBakar S, Chin KL, et al (2025)

Heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement in respiratory virus infections.

Molecular biology reports, 53(1):27.

Respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses pose persistent and evolving threats to global public health, driven by diverse mechanisms of immune evasion, cross-species transmission, and pandemic potential. Understanding the interplay between heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is crucial in delineating both protective and pathogenic immune responses following infection or vaccination. This review synthesizes current advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying virus-agnostic innate defenses, adaptive receptor diversification via V(D)J recombination, and the structural and functional bases of T and B cell cross-reactivity. The dualistic nature of antibody responses is examined in the context of Fc receptor- and complement-mediated ADE, emphasizing the implications for immune protection versus immunopathology. The impact of pre-existing cross-reactive immunity, primed by prior exposures to antigenically distinct viruses or vaccines, is discussed with evidence from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and other seasonal respiratory outbreaks. Finally, the review evaluates recent progress and ongoing challenges in universal vaccine development, proposing that the rational harnessing of broad-spectrum and cross-reactive immune mechanisms will be essential for enhancing pandemic preparedness and mitigating the risks associated with immune enhancement phenomena.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Maldonado-Barrueco A, Quiles-Melero I, J García-Rodríguez (2025)

Current diagnostic approach to fungal infection in the critically ill patient.

Revista espanola de quimioterapia : publicacion oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Quimioterapia, 38 Suppl 1:32-37.

Invasive fungal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, with an increasing global incidence and species diversity, especially after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Diagnosis relies on a combination of classical methods (microscopy, culture) and non-classical tools including biomarkers (1,3-β-D-glucan, galactomannan, mannan) and molecular assays. Fungal infections (candidiasis, aspergillosis, pneumocystosis, and mucormycosis) requires tailored diagnostic strategies based on host risk factors, epidemiology and specimen type. Combining diagnostic tests improves sensitivity and negative predictive value, guiding timely antifungal treatment. An integrated, pathogen-specific approach is essential to improve outcomes in the critical ill patient.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Tie X, Li J, Wu H, et al (2025)

Advances in the structure-based design of protein vaccines for respiratory infectious diseases.

Computational and structural biotechnology journal, 29:259-270.

Respiratory infectious diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional vaccine development approaches face limitations in addressing the rapid mutation and immune evasion mechanisms of respiratory pathogens. In recent years, structure-based protein vaccine design has emerged as a critical direction in vaccine research. This strategy utilizes the three-dimensional structural information of key pathogenic antigens, combined with reverse vaccinology, computational biology, and protein engineering to optimize antigen design and enhance immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent progress in structure-based protein vaccine development for major respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2. We highlight innovative vaccine platforms, including antigen optimization strategies, nanoparticle-based vaccines, and novel adjuvant development. Additionally, we discuss the major challenges in vaccine development-such as antigenic variability, immune durability, and large-scale manufacturing-and propose future directions for research and application.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Akingbola A, Adegbesan A, Tundealao S, et al (2025)

Post-pandemic era: global trends, benefits, and barriers in integrating artificial intelligence into public health education.

Frontiers in public health, 13:1648970.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed an unprecedented challenge to public health systems globally, with African countries exhibiting a wide range of outcomes in terms of preparedness, response, and resilience. This review explores the public health strategies deployed across the African continent during the pandemic, highlighting key successes, identifying critical failures, and synthesizing lessons to inform future health emergency preparedness. Drawing on existing literature, policy documents, and epidemiological data, the study examines the roles of leadership, community engagement, health communication, diagnostic capacity, and vaccine deployment. While several African countries successfully leveraged past epidemic experience, decentralized health systems, and innovative communication strategies, others struggled with misinformation, weak surveillance, and limited critical care infrastructure. The review also discusses the role of international collaboration, local innovation, and donor dependence in shaping response outcomes. Lessons from Africa's handling of COVID-19 underline the importance of strengthening public health infrastructure, investing in health workforce development, improving health information systems, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines and therapeutics. This paper contributes to the growing discourse on pandemic preparedness and highlights Africa's potential not only as a site of vulnerability but also of resilience and innovation in global public health.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Xie K, Zhang P, Li Y, et al (2025)

The post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae: manifestations, mechanisms and treatment strategies.

Journal of thoracic disease, 17(9):7414-7429.

Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients may develop long-term sequelae of varying severity, collectively referred to as long COVID or post-COVID-19 condition. Pulmonary sequelae are particularly common, which significantly impair patients' quality of life. The mechanisms underlying post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae are complex and multifactorial, and their management is still at an exploratory stage. This review explores the manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and potential treatment approaches for post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae. Fatigue, dyspnea, myalgia, and sleep disturbances are the most commonly reported symptoms following COVID-19 infection, while anxiety and depression are also prevalent. Respiratory symptoms include dyspnoea, persistent cough, hypoxia, and reduced exercise capacity. Impaired lung diffusion capacity is the most frequently observed pulmonary function abnormality, and residual abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) commonly include ground-glass opacities (GGO) and fibrotic-like changes. Air trapping is also an important CT finding and has been reported to associated with impaired lung diffusion function. The potential mechanisms may include pulmonary fibrosis, chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis, and persistent viral infection. Current treatment strategies encompass vaccination, pulmonary rehabilitation, and pharmacological interventions such as antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant therapies. A comprehensive understanding of the recovery trajectory and the mechanisms underlying post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Prakash S, Choudhury P, S Bisht (2025)

Diabetic cardiomyopathy and COVID-19: intersecting pathways and amplified cardiovascular risk.

Frontiers in pharmacology, 16:1683159.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a diabetes-induced heart condition characterized by ventricular dysfunction without other cardiac diseases. Chronic hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and metabolic disturbances drive myocardial damage through renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation, and persistent inflammation. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has intensified cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. The virus uses ACE2 receptors, abundant in the heart and other organs, enabling multi-organ injury. COVID-19 may worsen glucose control or induce new-onset diabetes via pancreatic injury, insulin resistance, and stress hyperglycemia. Pre-existing diabetes increases the risk of severe COVID-19, cytokine storms, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis. In combination, both conditions promote RAAS imbalance, exaggerated inflammation, and hypercoagulability, amplifying myocardial injury, fibrosis, and heart failure risk. This review highlights the intricate bidirectional relationship between DCM and COVID-19, emphasizing shared pathogenic mechanisms such as RAAS dysregulation, endothelial damage, cytokine overproduction, and coagulopathy. Understanding these overlapping pathways is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies to mitigate adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Mateescu DM, Ilie AC, Cotet I, et al (2025)

Global Burden of Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19: Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Mortality Risk.

Viruses, 17(10): pii:v17101353.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) complicate COVID-19 inpatients, increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), risk factors, and outcomes of BSIs in RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and MDPI journals (January 2020-August 2025) following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Twenty-two observational studies (~123,500 patients, ~602,000 blood cultures) were included: 10 prospective and 12 retrospective. Random-effects models estimated pooled prevalence, odds ratios (ORs), and mean differences, with subgroup analyses (ICU, non-ICU, pediatric) and meta-regression.

RESULTS: Pooled BSI prevalence was 8.2% (95% CI: 5.7-11.0; I[2] = 50%). Subgroup prevalence was higher in ICU (12.5%) than non-ICU (5.2%) populations. Pediatric cohorts (n = 3) showed a prevalence of 10.8%. Gram-negative pathogens predominated (61%), particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae (26%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (21%). AMR rates were 36% for MRSA and 31% for ESBL-producing Enterobacterales. Risk factors included mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.6), immunosuppression (OR: 2.3), and corticosteroid use (OR: 2.4). BSIs were associated with increased mortality (OR: 2.6), prolonged hospitalization (+6.8 days), and higher ICU admission (OR: 3.1).

CONCLUSIONS: BSIs, largely driven by multidrug-resistant pathogens, substantially worsen COVID-19 outcomes. Variability in diagnostic criteria (CDC vs. ECDC) and reliance on retrospective designs are limitations, though moderate heterogeneity (I[2] = 50%) enhances generalizability across diverse populations. Strengthened infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are urgently required.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Heath AM, D Li (2025)

Symptomatology of Long COVID Associated with Inherited and Acquired Thrombophilic Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Viruses, 17(10): pii:v17101315.

Thrombophilic conditions, conditions where blood has a tendency to form thrombi due to abnormal coagulatory processes, can affect the trajectory of diseases such as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, better known as Long COVID (LC), by worsening symptoms and complicating outlooks. As a comorbidity in pro-coagulatory diseases such as COVID-19 and LC, patients with thrombophilic conditions may experience worse symptoms than their peers, due to this elevated level of hypercoagulation. A 15-week literature review through the public PubMed database was conducted to investigate the severity, mechanisms, and symptom profiles of thrombophilic patients with LC. Papers were only included if samples included participants with pre-existing tendencies for hypercoagulable states, and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection via a Polymerase Chain Reaction test. Each paper included in this review was analyzed by topic and assessed for eligibility against the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal tool. Each paper was also assessed for biases. Results from the 6 papers included in this review showed that LC could be predicted following COVID-19 illness by a hypercoagulable blood profile, indicating that LC may be linked to chronic hypercoagulation and inflammation post-infection. Additionally, symptoms linked to microthrombi formation, such as hair loss, arrhythmia, and dizziness, were exhibited more frequently in patients with thrombophilia and/or thrombophilic conditions, indicating that those with thrombophilic conditions may exhibit unique LC symptom profiles compared to healthy controls. This paper's research is preliminary and thus is limited in the strength of its findings; However, further research into LC and its interactions with co-morbidities like thrombophilic conditions would aid in the development of better treatment plans for patients, such as the usage of anticoagulants or screening for hypercoagulable blood profiles post-COVID-19 to assess patient risk.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Prakash S, Karan S, Lekbach Y, et al (2025)

Insights into Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Reservoirs in Chronic Long COVID.

Viruses, 17(10): pii:v17101310.

Long COVID (LC), also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection (PASC), is a heterogeneous and debilitating chronic disease that currently affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S. and over 420 million people globally. With no approved treatments, the long-term global health and economic impact of chronic LC remains high and growing. LC affects children, adolescents, and healthy adults and is characterized by over 200 diverse symptoms that persist for months to years after the acute COVID-19 infection is resolved. These symptoms target twelve major organ systems, causing dyspnea, vascular damage, cognitive impairments ("brain fog"), physical and mental fatigue, anxiety, and depression. This heterogeneity of LC symptoms, along with the lack of specific biomarkers and diagnostic tests, presents a significant challenge to the development of LC treatments. While several biological abnormalities have emerged as potential drivers of LC, a causative factor in a large subset of patients with LC, involves reservoirs of virus and/or viral RNA (vRNA) that persist months to years in multiple organs driving chronic inflammation, respiratory, muscular, cognitive, and cardiovascular damages, and provide continuous viral antigenic stimuli that overstimulate and exhaust CD4[+] and CD8[+] T cells. In this review, we (i) shed light on persisting virus and vRNA reservoirs detected, either directly (from biopsy, blood, stool, and autopsy samples) or indirectly through virus-specific B and T cell responses, in patients with LC and their association with the chronic symptomatology of LC; (ii) explore potential mechanisms of inflammation, immune evasion, and immune overstimulation in LC; (iii) review animal models of virus reservoirs in LC; (iv) discuss potential T cell immunotherapeutic strategies to reduce or eliminate persistent virus reservoirs, which would mitigate chronic inflammation and alleviate symptom severity in patients with LC.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Jach ME, Sajnaga E, Bumbul M, et al (2025)

The Role of Probiotics and Their Postbiotic Metabolites in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(20): pii:molecules30204130.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long-COVID, is characterized by a wide spectrum of persistent symptoms involving multiple body organs and systems, including fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurocognitive dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis and disruption of the gut-brain axis play a central role in the pathophysiology of this condition. Probiotics and their metabolites (postbiotics) have gained increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents given their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the antiviral mechanisms of probiotics, including reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier function, direct virus inhibition, receptor competition, and immune system modulation. Special emphasis is placed on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins as key factors that contribute to these effects. SCFAs appear to be essential postbiotic compounds during post-COVID recovery. We also highlight recent clinical trials involving specific probiotic species, such as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium longum, and their potential role in alleviating long-term COVID symptoms. Although the current results are promising, further research is needed to clarify the most effective strains, dosages, and mechanisms of action in post-COVID therapeutic strategies.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Delpino MV, J Quarleri (2025)

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Aging, HIV, and Long COVID: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10): pii:pathogens14101045.

We hypothesize that a unified mitochondrial perspective on aging, HIV, and long COVID reveals shared pathogenic mechanisms and specific therapeutic vulnerabilities that are overlooked when these conditions are treated independently. Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a common factor driving aging, HIV, and long COVID. Shared mechanisms-including oxidative stress, impaired mitophagy and dynamics, mtDNA damage, and metabolic reprogramming-contribute to ongoing energy failure and chronic inflammation. Recent advancements highlight new therapeutic strategies such as mitochondrial transfer, transplantation, and genome-level correction of mtDNA variants, with early preclinical and clinical studies providing proof-of-concept. This review summarizes current evidence on mitochondrial changes across aging and post-viral syndromes, examines emerging organelle-based therapies, and discusses key challenges related to safety, durability, and translation.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Mboowa G (2025)

Reimagining Tuberculosis Control in the Era of Genomics: The Case for Global Investment in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10): pii:pathogens14100975.

Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a significant global public health threat. While whole-genome sequencing (WGS) holds immense promise for understanding transmission dynamics and drug resistance mechanisms, its integration into routine surveillance remains limited. Additionally, insights from WGS are increasingly contributing to vaccine discovery by identifying novel antigenic targets and understanding pathogen evolution. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed an unprecedented expansion of genomic capacity in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with public health institutions acquiring next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and developing local expertise in real-time pathogen surveillance. This hard-won capacity now represents a transformative opportunity to accelerate TB control enabling rapid detection of drug-resistant strains and high-resolution mapping of transmission networks that are critical for timely, targeted interventions. Furthermore, the integration of machine learning with genomic and clinical data offers a powerful avenue to improve the prediction of drug resistance and to tailor patient-specific TB management strategies. This article examines the practical challenges, emerging opportunities, and policy considerations necessary to embed genomic epidemiology within national TB control programs, particularly in high-burden, resource-constrained settings.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Li J, Lu H, Hu G, et al (2025)

How Does Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Escape Host Innate Immunity?.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10): pii:pathogens14100971.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), the causative agent of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), induces vomiting, watery diarrhea, and severe dehydration in pigs. It exhibits particularly high lethality in neonatal piglets, posing a significant threat to the global swine industry and inflicting substantial economic losses. The host innate immune system serves as the primary defense against viral invasion; however, PEDV employs multiple strategies to evade this response. This review systematically summarizes the multiple molecular mechanisms by which PEDV evaded the host's innate immunity, including interfering with host intracellular signaling pathways by virally encoded proteins, antagonizing the host's antiviral factors and related immune genes to suppress the innate immune responses, and regulating the autophagy process of the host cells, thereby achieving the escape of the host's innate immunity. A comprehensive understanding of how PEDV subverts innate immunity is crucial for developing effective control strategies and therapeutics. This review aims to provide novel insights and potential targets for combating PED.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Lefter CL, Poddi S, A Rungatscher (2025)

Endocarditis: Rising Incidence in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Narrative Review.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(20): pii:jcm14207274.

Infective Endocarditis (IE) incidence has increased in recent years, driven by emerging risk factors affecting both elderly and young adults. Also, the role of Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis (NBTE) is gaining importance as it is a subtle, probably underdiagnosed entity. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the epidemiology of endocarditis, raising questions about their relationship, diagnosis, and management. Diagnosis of IE is sometimes challenging, and classic criteria are now being rediscussed. The aim of our study is to provide a narrative review about how and why IE incidence is rising, the role of NBTE, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on endocarditis patterns, and the current diagnostic challenges we face in the post-pandemic era.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Qiu D, Cao W, Zhang Y, et al (2025)

COVID-19 Infection, Drugs, and Liver Injury.

Journal of clinical medicine, 14(20): pii:jcm14207228.

Novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is highly infectious and pathogenic. Novel coronavirus infection can not only cause respiratory diseases but also lead to multiple organ damage through direct or indirect mechanisms, in which the liver is one of the most frequently affected organs. It has been reported that 15-65% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients experience liver dysfunction, mainly manifested as mild to moderate elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Severe patients may progress to liver failure, develop hepatic encephalopathy, or have poor coagulation function. The mechanisms underlying this type of liver injury are complex. Pathways-including direct viral infection (via ACE2 receptors), immune-mediated responses (e.g., cytokine storm), ischemic/hypoxic liver damage, thrombosis, oxidative stress, neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis), and the gut-liver axis-remain largely speculative and lack robust clinical causal evidence. In contrast, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has been established as a well-defined causative factor using the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM). Treatment should simultaneously consider antiviral therapy and liver protection therapy. This article systematically reviewed the mechanism, clinical diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies of COVID-19-related liver injury and discussed the limitations of current research and the future directions, hoping to provide help for the diagnosis and treatment of such patients.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Szebeni J (2025)

Unique Features and Collateral Immune Effects of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines: Plausible Mechanisms of Adverse Events and Complications.

Pharmaceutics, 17(10): pii:pharmaceutics17101327.

A reassessment of the risk-benefit balance of the two lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based vaccines, Pfizer's Comirnaty and Moderna's Spikevax, is currently underway. While the FDA has approved updated products, their administration is recommended only for individuals aged 65 years or older and for those aged 6 months or older who have at least one underlying medical condition associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19. Among other factors, this change in guidelines reflect an expanded spectrum and increased incidence of adverse events (AEs) and complications relative to other vaccines. Although severe AEs are relatively rare (occurring in <0.5%) in vaccinated individuals, the sheer scale of global vaccination has resulted in millions of vaccine injuries, rendering post-vaccination syndrome (PVS) both clinically significant and scientifically intriguing. Nevertheless, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these AEs are poorly understood. To better understand the phenomenon and to identify research needs, this review aims to highlight some theoretically plausible connections between the manifestations of PVS and some unique structural properties of mRNA-LNPs. The latter include (i) ribosomal synthesis of the antigenic spike protein (SP) without natural control over mRNA translation, diversifying antigen processing and presentation; (ii) stabilization of the mRNA by multiple chemical modification, abnormally increasing translation efficiency and frameshift mutation risk; (iii) encoding for SP, a protein with multiple toxic effects; (iv) promotion of innate immune activation and mRNA transfection in off-target tissues by the LNP, leading to systemic inflammation with autoimmune phenomena; (v) short post-reconstitution stability of vaccine nanoparticles contributing to whole-body distribution and mRNA transfection; (vi) immune reactivity and immunogenicity of PEG on the LNP surface increasing the risk of complement activation with LNP disintegration and anaphylaxis; (vii) GC enrichment and double proline modifications stabilize SP mRNA and prefusion SP, respectively; and (viii) contaminations with plasmid DNA and other organic and inorganic elements entailing toxicity with cancer risk. The collateral immune anomalies considered are innate immune activation, T-cell- and antibody-mediated cytotoxicities, dissemination of pseudo virus-like hybrid exosomes, somatic hypermutation, insertion mutagenesis, frameshift mutation, and reverse transcription. Lessons from mRNA-LNP vaccine-associated AEs may guide strategies for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of AEs, while informing the design of safer next-generation mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Bhatia L, Al Rekabi S, Janovskienė A, et al (2025)

Systematic Review of Post-Viral Delayed Inflammation Associated with Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(10): pii:medicina61101764.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are among the most widely used injectable materials in esthetic medicine. They are generally safe, but delayed inflammatory reactions (DIRs) have been observed, particularly after viral infections or vaccinations. Such events have raised questions about the role of immune activation in filler-related complications. Objective: This review examined the available literature on DIRs to HA fillers that occurred in the context of viral illness or immunization, with attention to how these reactions present and how they are managed. Methods: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, and Google Scholar between October and November 2024. Only human case reports and case series were included. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251030918), and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Six publications met inclusion criteria: four case series and two case reports, describing 25 women between 22 and 65 years of age. Patients developed swelling, erythema, angioedema, or, in severe cases, marked facial edema after HA filler injections, with symptom onset ranging from several hours to several weeks following viral exposure. Corticosteroids and hyaluronidase were the most common treatments, though milder cases sometimes resolved without intervention. Study quality varied, with some reports providing limited detail on patient characteristics and follow-up. Conclusions: DIRs associated with viral infections or vaccinations remain uncommon but clinically relevant complications of HA filler use. Limited case-based evidence indicates potential effectiveness of corticosteroids and hyaluronidase, though management practices remain inconsistent. Larger prospective studies are needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and to establish standardized guidelines for treatment.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Periferakis AT, Adalis GM, Periferakis A, et al (2025)

The Multifaceted Antimicrobial Profile of Piperine in Infectious Disease Management: Current Perspectives and Potential.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(10): pii:ph18101581.

Piperine is an alkaloid found in plants of the genus Piper, and particularly in P. nigrum. This compound has been under extensive research lately for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and also anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anticancer, and positive metabolic properties. Regarding its antibacterial applications, current data show that piperine is effective against Bacillus sphaericus, Bacterioides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Vibrio cholerae; its antifungal potency is exerted against Candida albicans and members of the Aspergillus family; antiviral activity has been documented against MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV2, EBOV, DENV, HCV, ZKV, and HPIV; and antiparasitic activity against Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, and Trypanosoma spp. While such applications are promising, more research is required to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to discover new ways of administration.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Zouganeli C, Toubanaki DK, Karaoulani O, et al (2025)

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Europe: A Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Trends.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(10): pii:ph18101535.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly intensified global concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in relation to tuberculosis (TB). In the European Union (EU), the reallocation of healthcare resources towards managing COVID-19 led to a de-prioritization of TB surveillance and control. This shift contributed to delays in TB diagnosis and treatment, creating conditions favorable for the emergence and spread of drug-resistant TB strains. This meta-analysis aims to assess epidemiological trends of drug-resistant TB across EU countries before, during, and after the pandemic and quantify the impact of COVID-19 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance patterns. Methods: Data were obtained from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) covering 2015 to 2022. Following the TB incidence, the multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and rifampicin-resistant/MDR-TB (RR/MDR-TB) cases, as well as treatment success rates over 12- and 24-month periods, were analyzed. The analysis included 31 EU countries across three-time frames: pre-pandemic (2015-2019), pandemic onset (2020), and post-pandemic transition (2020-2022). Results: The pandemic was associated with a decrease in reported TB cases but a simultaneous increase in the proportion of MDR and RR/MDR cases. Treatment success rates showed a modest rise for 24-month regimens, while outcomes declined for 12-month therapies. Conclusions: These findings underscore the pandemic's disruptive impact on TB control and highlight the need for renewed investment in diagnostic capacity, treatment access, and antimicrobial stewardship, in order to reduce antimicrobial resistance occurrence. Continued monitoring beyond 2022 is essential to fully understand long-term effects and inform future public health strategies.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Siewiorek K, Jasiński M, Izdebski B, et al (2025)

Challenges in the Treatment of HIV-Related Lymphomas Complicated by COVID-19: Case Study and Review of the Literature.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(10): pii:ph18101461.

Lymphomas remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients living with HIV. Although the introduction of antiretroviral therapy has led to a reduction in the incidence of AIDS-related lymphomas (ARL) and an overall improvement in prognosis, these malignancies continue to pose a considerable clinical challenge. Beyond the inherent complexity of lymphoma treatment itself, the management of comorbidities, particularly infections, represents a therapeutic obstacle. Here, we review the published evidence on ARL complicated by COVID-19. Despite the fact that nearly 800 million confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported so far, only five cases of ARL and COVID-19 have been published, among whom most patients experienced a mild course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with only one case progressing to severe COVID-19 that required oxygen therapy and prolonged hospitalization. Additionally, we present another case of a 49-year-old male patient with newly diagnosed ARL, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, complicated by prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although initially asymptomatic, the patient subsequently experienced transient respiratory failure. Despite administration of molnupiravir, both SARS-CoV-2 antigen and RT-qPCR tests remained positive for a minimum of 113 days. The prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection, in conjunction with other opportunistic infections, impeded the delivery of adequate chemotherapy dose intensity and contributed to disease progression and ultimately the patient's death. This case and review of the literature underscores the diversity of the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with ARL and highlights the associated challenges in delivering optimal anti-lymphoma therapy in those patients.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Perez DM (2025)

α1A-Adrenergic Receptor as a Target for Neurocognition: Cautionary Tale from Nicergoline and Quinazoline Non-Selective Blockers.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 18(10): pii:ph18101425.

Decades ago, previous studies that used non-selective ergot derivatives suggested that blockage of the α1A-adrenergic receptor mildly increased cognition through increased blood flow to the brain due to vasodilation and, thus, could be used as a treatment for dementia. However, further studies indicated that nicergoline was non-specific and hit many different targets. Today, a similar scenario is developing with the use of non-selective α1-AR antagonists of the quinazoline class, referred to as "osins", as potential treatments for COVID-19/SARS, post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. While there is extensive evidence of neuroprotection from many clinical trials, the mechanism of action of quinazolines is often not α1-AR-mediated but keyed to its glycolysis-enhancing effects through activation of the enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). These studies have incorrectly labeled the α1A-adrenergic receptor as an "old target" to treat Alzheimer's and other neurocognitive diseases, hampering drug development. This review will summarize these and other studies to indicate that activation, not blockage, of norepinephrine's actions, through α1A-AR, mediates cognitive, memory, and neuroprotective functions that may reverse the progression of neurocognitive diseases.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Ribić R (2025)

Mannose Derivatives as Anti-Infective Agents.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(20): pii:ijms262010230.

Mannose is a natural monosaccharide that plays a central role in host-pathogen interactions and has emerged as a versatile scaffold for designing anti-infective agents. This review summarizes recent advances in mannose-based glycoconjugates with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity. In bacteria, FimH antagonists prevent Escherichia coli adhesion, while mannose-functionalized materials disrupt Pseudomonas and Burkholderia biofilms or enhance delivery of anti-tubercular drugs. In virology, mannose-containing dendrimers, glycopolymers, and nanoparticles inhibit HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, HPV, and HSV by targeting viral glycoproteins or blocking lectin-mediated transmission. Mannose-decorated vaccines and nanocarriers also show promise against fungal pathogens and parasites. Continued optimization of presented structures could lead to the promising candidates for clinically applicable therapies.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Caliman-Sturdza OA, Hamamah S, Iatcu OC, et al (2025)

Microbiome and Long COVID-19: Current Evidence and Insights.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(20): pii:ijms262010120.

Long COVID, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterized by persistent multi-systemic symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and respiratory dysfunction. Accumulating evidence indicates that gut and oral microbiota play an important role in its pathogenesis. Patients with long COVID consistently exhibit reduced microbial diversity, depletion of beneficial short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing species such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium spp. and enrichment of proinflammatory taxa including Ruminococcus gnavus, Bacteroides vulgatus, and Veillonella. These alterations may disrupt intestinal barrier integrity, sustain low-grade systemic inflammation, and influence host immune and neuroendocrine pathways through the gut-brain and gut-lung axes. Distinct microbial signatures have also been associated with symptom clusters, including neuropsychiatric, respiratory, and gastrointestinal manifestations. Proposed mechanisms linking dysbiosis to long COVID include impaired SCFA metabolism, tryptophan depletion, microbial translocation, and interactions with host immune and inflammatory responses, including autoantibody formation and viral antigen persistence. Preliminary interventional studies using probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation suggest that microbiome-targeted therapies may alleviate symptoms, although evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. This review synthesizes current literature on the role of gut and oral microbiota in long COVID, highlights emerging microbial biomarkers, and discusses therapeutic implications. While causality remains to be firmly established, restoring microbial balance represents a promising avenue for diagnosis, prevention, and management of long COVID.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Refrigeri M, Tola A, Mogavero R, et al (2025)

Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Impairment by SARS-CoV-2 Proteins: A Nexus of Pathogenesis with Significant Biochemical and Clinical Implications.

International journal of molecular sciences, 26(20): pii:ijms26209885.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) closely interacts with host cellular mechanisms, with mitochondria playing a crucial role in this process. As essential organelles that control cellular energy production, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and innate immune responses, mitochondria are vital to the development of COVID-19. However, the exact molecular interactions between mitochondria and SARS-CoV-2 remain under active investigation. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of mitochondrial involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection is therefore essential for uncovering complex disease mechanisms, identifying prognostic biomarkers, and developing effective treatments. Ultimately, exploring these virus-host interactions may provide new insights into the fundamental and complex aspects of mitochondrial physiology and pathophysiology.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Crespo NC, Shifflett S, Kosta K, et al (2025)

Evidence of Face Masks and Masking Policies for the Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and COVID-19 in Real-World Settings: A Systematic Literature Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(10): pii:ijerph22101590.

Objectives: Prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease COVID-19 is a public health priority. The efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as wearing face masks to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection has been well established in controlled settings. However, evidence for the effectiveness of face masks in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission within real-world settings is limited and mixed. The present systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of face mask policies and mask wearing to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 in real-world settings. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, scientific databases, and gray literature, were searched through June 2023. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies/reports written in or translated to English; (2) prospectively assessed incidence of SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19; (3) assessed the behavior and/or policy of mask-wearing; and (4) conducted in community/public settings (i.e., not laboratory). Studies were excluded if they did not parse out data specific to the effect of mask wearing (behavior and/or policy) and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 transmission or COVID-19 disease or if they relied solely on statistical models to estimate the effects of mask wearing on transmission. A total of 2616 studies were initially identified, and 470 met inclusion and exclusion criteria for full-text review. The vote counting method was used to evaluate effectiveness, and risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools. Results: A total of 79 unique studies met the final inclusion criteria, and their data were abstracted and evaluated. Study settings included community/neighborhood settings (n = 34, 43%), healthcare settings (n = 30, 38%), and school/universities (n = 15, 19%). A majority of studies (n = 61, 77%) provided evidence to support the effectiveness of wearing face masks and/or face mask policies to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and/or prevention of COVID-19. Effectiveness of mask wearing did not vary substantially by study design (67-100%), type of mask (77-100%), or setting (80-91%), while 85% of masking policies specifically reported a benefit. Conclusions: This systematic literature review supports public health recommendations and policies that encourage the public to wear face masks to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 in multiple real-world settings. Effective communication strategies are needed to encourage and support the use of face masks by the general public, particularly during peak infection cycles.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Shek DTL (2025)

Mental Health of Young People in the Post-Pandemic Era: Perspective Based on Positive Psychology and Resilience.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 22(10): pii:ijerph22101574.

With the gradual decline in COVID-19 cases, there is a need to re-visit the mental health of adolescents and emerging adults in the post-pandemic period. Several observations can be highlighted from the scientific literature. First, while some studies suggest that mental health of young people has worsened in the post-pandemic period, there are inconsistent and conflicting findings. Second, there are more studies on psychological morbidity than on positive psychological attributes. Third, compared with the West, there are relatively fewer Chinese studies. Fourth, compared with adolescents, there are relatively fewer studies on emerging adults. Based on these observations of the existing literature, I have detailed several reflections on the mental health of young people, including enhancing positive psychological attributes in young people through positive youth development (PYD) programs, building up the individual resilience of young people, strengthening family resilience, adopting multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches in understanding the mental health of young people, building more well-articulated theoretical models, charting future research directions, and developing intervention strategies in the post-pandemic period.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Cañedo-Figueroa DM, Calderón-Sandate DN, Hernández-Castillo J, et al (2025)

Natural Compounds with Antiviral Activity Against Clinically Relevant RNA Viruses: Advances of the Last Decade.

Biomolecules, 15(10): pii:biom15101467.

RNA viruses remain a significant public health concern due to their rapid evolution, genetic variability, and capacity to trigger recurrent epidemics and pandemics. Over the last decade, natural products have gained attention as a valuable source of antiviral candidates, offering structural diversity, accessibility, and favorable safety profiles. This review highlights key replication mechanisms of RNA viruses and their associated therapeutic targets, including RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, viral proteases, and structural proteins mediating entry and maturation. We summarize recent advances in the identification of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, lectins, and polysaccharides that exhibit inhibitory activity against clinically relevant pathogens, including the Influenza A virus (IAV), human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Special emphasis is placed on the integration of in silico screening, in vitro validation, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems that address challenges of stability, bioavailability, and specificity. Furthermore, the growing role of artificial intelligence, drug repurposing strategies, and curated antiviral databases is discussed as a means to accelerate therapeutic discovery. Despite persistent limitations in clinical translation and standardization, natural products represent a promising and sustainable platform for the development of next-generation antivirals against RNA viruses.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Owegie OC, Kennedy QP, Davizon-Castillo P, et al (2025)

Thiol Isomerases: Enzymatic Mechanisms, Models of Oxidation, and Antagonism by Galloylated Polyphenols.

Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 14(10): pii:antiox14101193.

Thiol isomerases are a family of enzymes that participate in oxidative protein folding. They contain highly reactive vicinal thiols in a CXXC motif within their catalytic domains to mediate thiol-disulfide switching as part of their reductase, oxidase, and isomerase activity. In addition, they participate in chaperone function by binding to partially folded or misfolded proteins and preventing aggregation, thereby facilitating correct protein folding. The CXXC motif is conducive to oxidative influence based on the sulfur nucleophilicity. Redox modification of the CXXC motif may influence the enzymatic function. In this review we briefly discuss the family of thiol isomerases as it relates to thrombotic disorders. We then discuss the chemical mechanisms of making and breaking disulfides by the enzymes. Enzymatic and chemical models of oxidizing the CXXC motif are proposed. Lastly, we highlight evidence that natural galloylated polyphenols can inhibit both the coronavirus main protease Mpro and thiol isomerases, supporting a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19-associated coagulopathy and thrombosis by targeting the CXXC motif with these anti-oxidative compounds.

RevDate: 2025-10-29
CmpDate: 2025-10-29

Cianciulli A, Santoro E, Manente R, et al (2025)

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies Against Health Misinformation: A Scoping Review of Public Health Responses.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 13(20): pii:healthcare13202623.

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how infodemics-an excessive amount of both accurate and misleading information-undermine health responses. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools have been increasingly applied to monitor, detect, and counter health misinformation online. This scoping review aims to systematically map digital and AI-based interventions, describing their applications, outcomes, ethical and equity implications, and policy frameworks. Methods: This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and was reported according to PRISMA-ScR. The protocol was preregistered on the Open Science Framework . Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL (January 2017-March 2025). Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Data extraction included study characteristics, populations, technologies, outcomes, thematic areas, and domains. Quantitative synthesis used descriptive statistics with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 63 studies were included, most published between 2020 and 2024. The majority originated from the Americas (41.3%), followed by Europe (15.9%), the Western Pacific (9.5%), and other regions; 22.2% had a global scope. The most frequent thematic areas were monitoring/surveillance (54.0%) and health communication (42.9%), followed by education/training, AI/ML model development, and digital engagement tools. The domains most often addressed were applications (63.5%), responsiveness, policies/strategies, ethical concerns, and equity/accessibility. Conclusions: AI and digital tools provide significant contributions in detecting misinformation, strengthening surveillance, and promoting health literacy. However, evidence remains heterogeneous, with geographic imbalances, reliance on proxy outcomes, and limited focus on vulnerable groups. Scaling these interventions requires transparent governance, multilingual datasets, ethical safeguards, and integration into public health infrastructures.

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

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

ESP Support

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

ESP Rationale

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

ESP Goal

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

ESP Usage

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

ESP Content

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

ESP Help

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

ESP Plans

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

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

Electronic Scholarly Publishing
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E-mail: RJR8222 @ gmail.com

Papers in Classical Genetics

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

Digital Books

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

Timelines

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

Biographies

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

Selected Bibliographies

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

ESP Picks from Around the Web (updated 28 JUL 2024 )