@article {pmid42454876,
year = {2026},
author = {Albini, TA and Yeh, S and Regillo, CD and Schwartz, R and Ferrone, PJ and Baumal, CR and Wykoff, CC},
title = {Expert Opinion: Management of Intraocular Inflammation and Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan for Geographic Atrophy.},
journal = {Ophthalmic surgery, lasers & imaging retina},
volume = {57},
number = {8},
pages = {492-498},
doi = {10.3928/23258160-20260521-03},
pmid = {42454876},
issn = {2325-8179},
mesh = {Humans ; Intravitreal Injections ; *Geographic Atrophy/drug therapy ; Female ; Visual Acuity ; *Retinal Vasculitis/diagnosis/drug therapy/chemically induced ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use ; Aged ; *Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects ; Male ; *Vasculitis/drug therapy/diagnosis/chemically induced ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This expert opinion review is intended to provide guidelines for diagnosis and management of intraocular inflammation (IOI) and vasculitis following pegcetacoplan.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case series of all post-marketing reports classified by experts as definite or suspected vasculitis over an 18-month period was assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 306,000 pegcetacoplan intravitreal injections were given in the real world between March 1, 2023, and August 31, 2024. Twenty-four eyes from 22 patients (mean age 76 years, 59% female) with definite or suspected vasculitis were evaluated. Comorbidities included hypertension (55%), hypothyroidism (27%), and recent COVID-19 infection (14%). Twelve eyes were classified as vasculitis with occlusion, seven as vasculitis without occlusion, and five as suspected vasculitis. Median time from intravitreal injection to symptoms was 10 days and 88% (n = 21) occurred after the first injection. Symptoms included reduced vision (71%), eye pain (33%), and elevated intraocular pressure (50%). All patients received corticosteroids and 29% received antibiotics. At last follow-up, six eyes recovered visual acuity to within one line of baseline, seven lost between 2 to 5 lines, and 11 lost 6 lines or more.

CONCLUSION: While IOI and vasculitis are rare, patients can be educated to call a retina specialist promptly if symptoms or any vision loss develop, especially within the 2 weeks following the first injection. In addition to excluding an infectious etiology, individualized management with multiroute corticosteroids can be considered.},
}

Humans
Intravitreal Injections
*Geographic Atrophy/drug therapy
Female
Visual Acuity
*Retinal Vasculitis/diagnosis/drug therapy/chemically induced
Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use
Aged
*Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects
Male
*Vasculitis/drug therapy/diagnosis/chemically induced

@article {pmid42582094,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhao, J and Chang, J and Qu, J and Li, F and Zhang, S and Yang, Y and Zhao, T},
title = {Efficacy of supplementation with nutrients and dietary supplements on recovery and inflammatory response among patients with COVID-19: a network meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in nutrition},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1825539},
pmid = {42582094},
issn = {2296-861X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: At present, the clinical course of COVID-19 is synergistically influenced by the systemic inflammatory storm and nutritional deterioration triggered by COVID-19. Nutrition interventions have demonstrated potential clinical value.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically compare the relative efficacy of different dietary patterns and nutritional supplements on key outcomes among adult patients with COVID-19, and to identify the optimal regimen of nutrition intervention.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were independently screened. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 (RoB 2.0) tool. The inflammation status of patients was measured by alterations in indicators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), while recovery was evaluated based on changes in the number of patients with adverse complications, including cough and death. Statistical analysis was performed in R (version 4.5.1). A random-effects model under the Bayesian framework was adopted to pool mean differences (MDs) or risk ratios (RRs) alongside their corresponding 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Additionally, regression analyses were performed for sample size, treatment duration, and disease severity of patients. The confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA).

RESULTS: The efficacy of interventions varied for different immune and clinical outcomes among patients with COVID-19. Compared with standard of care (SoC) alone, vitamin C + SoC significantly decreased IL-6(vitamin C + SoC vs. SoC alone: MD = -88.77, 95% CrI: -139.02, -38.66, CINeMA: low certainty). Compared with SoC, COVID-19 patients supplemented with nanocurcumin+SoC showed a significant increase in lymphocyte count (nanocurcumin + SoC vs. SoC: MD = 4.76, 95% CrI: 2.91, 6.62, CINeMA: NA). In comparison with SoC, COVID-19 patients supplemented with pomegranate juice exhibited a marked increase in NLR (pomegranate juice + SoC vs. Placebo: MD = 1.04, 95% CrI: 0.21, 1.88, CINeMA: very low certainty).

CONCLUSION: Compared with SoC alone, significant changes were observed in IL-6, NLR, and lymphocyte count among patients suffering from COVID-19 following supplementation with nutrients and dietary supplements.

PROSPERO (CRD420251110943).},
}

@article {pmid42584103,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, Y and Zhao, Y},
title = {Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Viral Diagnostics: Principles, Strategies, Clinical Challenges, and Future Directions.},
journal = {Chemical reviews},
volume = {126},
number = {15},
pages = {8694-8742},
doi = {10.1021/acs.chemrev.6c00201},
pmid = {42584103},
issn = {1520-6890},
support = {AP230A000000C009//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; 2023-67015-39237//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {*Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods ; Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Viruses/isolation & purification ; Rapid Diagnostic Tests ; },
abstract = {Viral outbreaks such as SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and COVID-19 underscore the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and scalable diagnostic technologies. Current standard methods, including nucleic acid amplification tests and immunoassays, offer complementary strengths but face limitations in cost, turnaround time, and early-stage detection. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a promising alternative, leveraging plasmonic nanostructures to amplify weak Raman signals and provide molecular "fingerprints" of viral components with single-molecule sensitivity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SERS-based virus detection, highlighting the fundamental principles of Raman enhancement, the role of substrates and hotspots, and analyte-specific challenges. We categorize sensing strategies into direct detection of intact viruses and components, affinity-based approaches using antibodies, aptamers, or viral receptors, and labeled methods that amplify specificity and multiplexing. Advances in nanofabrication, receptor engineering, and machine learning have significantly improved sensitivity, reproducibility, and classification accuracy, with detection limits reaching down to a few viral particles per milliliter. Despite these advances, challenges remain in handling biological complexity, ensuring reproducibility, and translating assays into clinical practice. We conclude by outlining opportunities for integrating SERS with portable devices, standardized spectral libraries, and artificial intelligence, paving the way toward rapid, robust, and deployable viral diagnostics for future pandemic preparedness.},
}

*Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods
Humans
*COVID-19/diagnosis/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Viruses/isolation & purification
Rapid Diagnostic Tests

@article {pmid42585098,
year = {2026},
author = {Bayat, A and Pavakopethan, A and Kashmar, N and Yousuf, I and Saab, A and Salem Sokhn, E and El-Lahib, Y and El Morr, C},
title = {AI-based epidemic early warning using social media and search engine signals: A scoping review.},
journal = {Health informatics journal},
volume = {32},
number = {3},
pages = {14604582261479106},
doi = {10.1177/14604582261479106},
pmid = {42585098},
issn = {1741-2811},
mesh = {Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence/trends ; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; *Search Engine/methods ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Digital Media ; },
abstract = {BackgroundEarly detection of infectious disease outbreaks is essential for timely public health response. Artificial intelligence (AI) combined with digital traces from social media and search engines may strengthen epidemic early warning systems (EWS).ObjectiveTo map how AI-based EWS use social media and search engine signals for outbreak detection/forecasting, and to characterize whether studies integrate clinical and climate/environmental data.MethodsFollowing PRISMA-ScR, we reviewed 38 studies (past five years) across six databases. We extracted study characteristics, data sources, target diseases, prediction tasks, validation practices, and performance metrics. For cross-tabulated evidence maps, each study was coded once using its primary data-source category and primary modeling approach to avoid double-counting.ResultsDeep learning and ensemble approaches were the most common methods. COVID-19 and influenza-like illness dominated the literature. Few studies combined social media and search engine signals. Clinical and climate/environmental data were rarely integrated. No study reported prospective, real-time evaluation. Geographic coverage was skewed toward high-income settings.ConclusionAI-based epidemic early warning systems using digital signals show promise for outbreak detection and forecasting. However, the evidence remains largely retrospective, fragmented, and geographically uneven. Future research should prioritize multi-stream data integration, equity-aware design, and prospective validation to support real-world global applicability.},
}

Humans
*Artificial Intelligence/trends
*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
*Search Engine/methods
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
COVID-19/epidemiology
Digital Media

@article {pmid42585558,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, S and Zhang, M and Ruan, C and Song, Y and Hu, X and Liu, N and Ye, J and Chen, D and Zhang, Y and Zhou, J and Li, Q and Wang, L and Shi, X and Yu, W and Luo, S},
title = {Determinants and mitigation strategies of vaccine hesitancy toward routine immunisations recommended for older adults: a systematic review.},
journal = {Age and ageing},
volume = {55},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ageing/afag233},
pmid = {42585558},
issn = {1468-2834},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology ; Aged ; *Vaccination/psychology ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy among older adults has increasingly raised public concern and warrants global actions in the post-COVID-19 era. This systematic review aimed to synthesise determinants of vaccine hesitancy and related mitigation strategies toward routine vaccinations recommended for older adults (influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines), which is important for promoting healthy ageing and fighting against infectious diseases during both pandemic and non-pandemic periods.

METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, a systematic literature search was conducted between November 2024 and June 2025 across Web of Science, PubMed and MEDLINE. The data were analysed by narrative synthesis guided by two theoretical frameworks.

RESULTS: A total of 72 studies were included. Most of them were conducted in developed countries, with a surge since the COVID-19 pandemic. Determinants of vaccine hesitancy were summarised from 49 studies into 3 levels, 8 themes and 24 sub-themes: individual level (sociodemographics, personal perceptions, previous experiences), group and social level (interpersonal influence, community influence, media/cultural influence) and practical issues level (willingness to pay, convenience of access). The intervention strategies were categorised from 23 studies into five types, including dialogue-based intervention, reminder/recall-based intervention, incentive-based intervention, passive intervention and multi-component intervention. Notably, this review identified a lack of conceptual clarity in distinguishing vaccine hesitancy from actual vaccination behaviours and a shortage of comprehensive interventions tailored to older adults.

CONCLUSION: Vaccine hesitancy toward routine immunisations among older adults is driven by multilayer determinants, underscoring the need for comprehensive, theory-informed and tailored interventions that address the diverse determinants.},
}

Humans
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology
Aged
*Vaccination/psychology
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology

@article {pmid42585811,
year = {2026},
author = {Koonin, LM and Velez, SD and Bresee, JS},
title = {Expanding adult immunization in low- and middle-income countries through pharmacist-provided vaccination.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {90},
number = {},
pages = {129004},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.129004},
pmid = {42585811},
issn = {1873-2518},
abstract = {Adult immunization is increasingly recognized as an essential component of life-course vaccination strategies that improve population health, promote healthy aging, and strengthen pandemic preparedness. Despite recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) to expand seasonal influenza vaccination and other adult immunization programs, vaccine coverage among adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains substantially below global targets. This shortfall is largely due to insufficient healthcare infrastructure, shortages of trained immunization providers, inadequate financing, and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Community pharmacists represent an underutilized health workforce that could substantially expand adult vaccination capacity in many LMICs. Evidence from high-income countries consistently demonstrates that pharmacist-provided vaccination improves vaccine uptake, expands access, and reduces pressure on overstretched healthcare systems. Emerging evidence from LMICs similarly suggests that pharmacist-provided vaccination is feasible, acceptable, and supported by pharmacists when appropriate regulatory frameworks, training, and operational systems are established. Pharmacists played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic by expanding access to vaccination, testing, treatment, and public health education, demonstrating their value as health system force multipliers during public health emergencies. This review synthesizes current evidence supporting pharmacist-provided vaccination for adults in LMICs, summarizes emerging implementation experience, and discusses policy, regulatory, workforce, and operational considerations for integrating pharmacists into national immunization programs. Expanding pharmacists' role in vaccine delivery represents a practical, scalable strategy for improving adult vaccination coverage, advancing life-course immunization, and strengthening preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid42587639,
year = {2026},
author = {Hetta, HF and Ahmed, R and Haseeb, A and Bukhari, SQ and Alatawi, Z and Mahrous, AJ and Elrggal, ME and Masri, MA and Kotb, AA},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Point-of-Care Testing Modalities: Integrating Molecular, Immunological, Biosensor, and AI Approaches.},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/diagnostics16152402},
pmid = {42587639},
issn = {2075-4418},
support = {26UQU4320605GSSR03//Umm al-Qura University/ ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the critical need for rapid, accessible, and accurate diagnostic tools to support timely clinical decision-making, outbreak control, and public health surveillance. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as an essential component of decentralized healthcare by enabling diagnostic testing outside conventional laboratory settings. This review was based on a structured literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases covering studies published between January 2020 and January 2026. The review evaluates current advances in COVID-19 POCT technologies, including molecular assays, antigen-based tests, antibody-based assays, biosensor platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted diagnostic approaches. Molecular POCT methods, including rapid reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and CRISPR-based technologies, provide high analytical sensitivity and specificity and are increasingly suitable for decentralized diagnostic applications. Antigen-based assays offer rapid and cost-effective screening solutions, although diagnostic performance may vary depending on viral load, symptom onset, and circulating variants. Antibody-based POCT remains valuable for seroprevalence studies, retrospective diagnosis, and immune-response monitoring rather than acute infection detection. Emerging biosensor technologies and AI-enabled diagnostic systems demonstrate promising analytical capabilities and operational advantages; however, many remain at the prototype or early-validation stage and require further clinical evaluation before widespread implementation. The findings indicate that no single POCT modality is optimal for all clinical scenarios. Instead, molecular, antigen, antibody, biosensor, and AI-assisted approaches provide complementary strengths that support different diagnostic and public health objectives. Continued advances in assay design, digital connectivity, multiplex testing, and variant-resilient detection strategies are expected to further enhance the role of POCT in COVID-19 management and future infectious disease preparedness.},
}

@article {pmid42588324,
year = {2026},
author = {Donisa, E and Roșu, ST and Roșu, VE and Cărăușu, EM},
title = {Global Trends, Inequalities, and Citation Dynamics in Burnout Research Among Healthcare Professionals: A Bibliometric Analysis (1987-2024).},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/healthcare14152356},
pmid = {42588324},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Burnout among healthcare professionals has emerged as a major occupational and organizational challenge with important implications for workforce sustainability, patient safety, and healthcare system performance. Although the scientific literature on burnout has expanded substantially, an integrated understanding of its global development, research structure, and scientific impact remains limited. This study aimed to examine the evolution, thematic development, and citation dynamics of burnout research among healthcare professionals through an integrated bibliometric approach combining science mapping, multilevel citation modelling, and critical literature synthesis. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1987 and 2024. Science mapping techniques were applied using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer to evaluate publication trends, collaboration networks, thematic development, and citation patterns. In addition, a multilevel negative binomial regression model was used to identify publication characteristics associated with citation impact. Results: A total of 1232 publications were included in the analysis. Scientific production increased markedly after 2020, temporally coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and growing scientific interest in healthcare workforce wellbeing. Research output was concentrated in high-income countries, particularly the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Physicians and nurses dominated the literature, while non-clinical healthcare workers remained underrepresented. The thematic analysis indicated an increasing emphasis on organizational and system-level determinants of burnout alongside the continued presence of individual-centered perspectives. The multilevel negative binomial model identified longer title length and a greater number of author-provided keywords as being associated with lower expected citation counts, whereas a greater number of Keywords Plus terms was associated with higher expected citation counts. Conclusions: Burnout research has evolved into a rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary field. However, important gaps persist regarding geographic representation, workforce diversity, methodological standardization, and organizational intervention research. Future studies should move beyond descriptive approaches and further evaluate organizational interventions and workforce-related strategies to strengthen the evidence base that may inform healthcare policy and organizational practice.},
}

@article {pmid42588503,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, X and Ye, B and Gao, S and Zhan, P and Liu, X},
title = {Novel Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 Drug Resistance and Rational Design of Anti-Resistant Antivirals.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules31152655},
pmid = {42588503},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {Humans ; *Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/genetics ; Drug Design ; Mutation ; Coronavirus 3C Proteases/genetics/chemistry/antagonists & inhibitors ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics/chemistry/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; Exoribonucleases/metabolism/genetics ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Antiviral drug resistance in SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly limiting treatment efficacy. Four recent studies have revealed two key resistance mechanisms: (1) Mutations in the main protease (M[pro])-including E166V, E166A, and S144-series variants-disrupt drug binding or active-site conformation, reducing nirmatrelvir efficacy. (2) The proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) removes incorporated nucleoside analogues (e.g., bemnifosbuvir, sofosbuvir), conferring resistance. Guided by structural and pharmacological insights, three effective countermeasures have been established: structure-based optimization of M[pro] inhibitors, rational design of ExoN-evading nucleoside analogues, and synergistic combination therapies. These advances provide a solid framework for developing next-generation antivirals to combat emerging resistant SARS-CoV-2 variants.},
}

Humans
*Drug Resistance, Viral/genetics/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/genetics
Drug Design
Mutation
Coronavirus 3C Proteases/genetics/chemistry/antagonists & inhibitors
Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics/chemistry/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
Exoribonucleases/metabolism/genetics
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Betacoronavirus/drug effects

@article {pmid42589418,
year = {2026},
author = {Łętocha, A and Miastkowska, M and Sikora, E},
title = {Skin Microbiome in Health and Disease: Dysbiosis and the Emerging Role of Biotics in Therapy and Protection.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156763},
pmid = {42589418},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Skin Microbiome ; *Dysbiosis/microbiology/therapy ; Probiotics/therapeutic use ; Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; *Skin Diseases/microbiology/therapy ; Animals ; *Skin/microbiology ; COVID-19 ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {The skin functions primarily as a protective physical shield, defending the body against harmful external factors such as invading microorganisms and toxic agents. When this barrier becomes impaired and skin microbiome homeostasis is disturbed, exacerbation of chronic skin diseases may occur, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. This issue became particularly important during the coronavirus pandemic, when it turned out that handwashing and disinfection removed not only impurities and pathogenic microorganisms but also beneficial components of the skin microbiome. This review provides a critical overview of recent advances in understanding the skin microbiome and its influence on skin health, as well as supportive therapies for the treatment of dermatoses. Contemporary therapeutic approaches focus not only on suppressing inflammatory symptoms but also on modulating the skin microbiome as part of a causal treatment strategy, in which prebiotics and probiotics play a significant role. Moreover, probiotics are also considered a valuable component of anti-aging approaches, as they may help counteract the detrimental effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the skin. By reducing oxidative stress, strengthening the epidermal barrier, and exerting immunomodulatory effects, they may complement traditional photoprotection methods. Nevertheless, further research-particularly into their long-term efficacy and safety-is essential to support their broader clinical and consumer application.},
}

Humans
*Skin Microbiome
*Dysbiosis/microbiology/therapy
Probiotics/therapeutic use
Prebiotics/administration & dosage
*Skin Diseases/microbiology/therapy
Animals
*Skin/microbiology
COVID-19
Microbiota

@article {pmid42589484,
year = {2026},
author = {Mitev, V},
title = {Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome with Colchicine in COVID-19: Therapeutic Evidence and Future Implications for Influenza.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156827},
pmid = {42589484},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {BG-RRP-2.004-0004-C01//Bulgarian National Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Colchicine/therapeutic use/pharmacokinetics/pharmacology/adverse effects/administration & dosage ; *NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; *Inflammasomes/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors ; COVID-19 ; *Influenza, Human/drug therapy/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/immunology ; *Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/immunology ; Animals ; Pandemics ; Betacoronavirus ; Cytokine Release Syndrome ; },
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza share key pathogenic mechanisms, including viral invasion, dysregulated innate immune activation, and the development of severe systemic complications. A central mediator of disease progression in both infections is the hyperactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which drives excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunothrombosis, multiorgan injury, and increased mortality. Colchicine possesses a unique pharmacokinetic property of preferential accumulation within myeloid cells, where sufficiently high intracellular concentrations inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This mechanism provides a biological rationale for preventing the cytokine storm and its downstream consequences when colchicine is administered early during infection. Available pharmacokinetic, toxicological, and clinical evidence suggests that loading doses of colchicine up to approximately 0.05 mg/kg body weight can be administered safely in appropriately selected patients, provided that clinically significant drug-drug interactions and hepatic or renal impairment are carefully excluded. The widely accepted belief that total doses of 7-7.5 mg are inherently lethal appears to reflect historical cases complicated by drug interactions and/or hepatic or renal impairment, rather than toxicity attributable to colchicine dose alone. These observations support reconsideration of current guideline recommendations regarding colchicine dosing. In particular, cumulative doses below 0.1 mg/kg appear to be consistently safe, whereas doses between 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg are associated with only a low risk of toxicity and rarely with severe intoxication. Reassessment of colchicine dosing strategies may therefore be warranted to optimize NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition and improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and influenza.},
}

Humans
*Colchicine/therapeutic use/pharmacokinetics/pharmacology/adverse effects/administration & dosage
*NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
*Inflammasomes/metabolism/antagonists & inhibitors
COVID-19
*Influenza, Human/drug therapy/immunology
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/immunology
*Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/immunology
Animals
Pandemics
Betacoronavirus
Cytokine Release Syndrome

@article {pmid42589551,
year = {2026},
author = {Marek-Józefowicz, L and Borkowska, A and Nedoszytko, B and Cubała, WJ and Purzycka-Bohdan, D and Bohdan, M},
title = {Neurodegenerative and Cognitive Consequences of Long COVID.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {15},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms27156897},
pmid = {42589551},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases/etiology/virology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology/virology ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; },
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected approximately 778 million people worldwide since the pandemic. Patients who have survived coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may experience long-term symptoms related to cognitive deficits, mood changes, and depressive disorders. The mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain are being actively investigated. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers various mechanisms, such as hyperstimulation of the immune response, which may lead to changes in the central nervous system. In this article, we review the evidence linking COVID-19 to neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive impairment. Current research indicates that patients with pre-existing cognitive and neuropsychiatric deficits have a poorer prognosis after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and patients who have survived COVID-19 may be at increased risk of developing dementia and mood disorders. We analyse the available evidence regarding SARS-CoV-2 brain infection, induction of inflammation, coagulopathy, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction as possible mechanisms underlying the disorders in the acute phase of COVID-19 disease and contributing to the development of neurodegenerative disorders in long COVID. Viral infection can trigger inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to damage and contributing to the development of cognitive dysfunction.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology
*Neurodegenerative Diseases/etiology/virology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification
*Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology/virology
Blood-Brain Barrier

@article {pmid42591297,
year = {2026},
author = {Luque-Bolivar, A and Ruiz-Araujo, K and Aristizábal-Pachón, AF and González, J},
title = {Integrated meta-analysis of human astrocytes transcriptomes reveals a candidate recurrent inflammatory signature in response to inflammatory and immune stimuli.},
journal = {Frontiers in cellular neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1870142},
pmid = {42591297},
issn = {1662-5102},
abstract = {Astrocytes are key regulators of inflammatory and immune responses in the central nervous system, particularly under pathological conditions. We conducted a systematic search of the NCBI GEO and ENA databases to identify transcriptomic studies of stimulated astrocytes. This meta-analysis integrates 11 RNA-Seq datasets, encompassing a total of 153 samples (91 stimulated, and 62 controls) exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli such as cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), palmitic acid, and pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 and Borrelia burgdorferi. Through robust rank aggregation (RRA), we identified 130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 125 upregulated and 5 downregulated. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that these DEGs are primarily involved in immune and inflammatory pathways, such as cytokine signaling, interferon responses, and NF-κB activation. Network analysis revealed five hub nodes, CXCL10, DDX58, IFIH1, IL-1β, and TLR3, underscoring their importance in astrocytic inflammatory signaling. These findings emphasize the ability of astrocytes to act as immunocompetent cells that coordinate inflammatory responses through mechanisms such as the NOD-like receptor and NF-κB pathways. Although chronic activation of NF-κB has been linked to inflammation, this pathway also plays essential roles in synaptic plasticity. Moreover, the consistent upregulation of DDX58 and IFIH1 across varied inflammatory stimuli suggests that astrocytes transition into a common 'reactive' state that may contribute to chronic neuroinflammation. This study identifies a candidate gene signature and underscores the dual protective and pathological roles of astrocytes in inflammatory processes.},
}

@article {pmid42592512,
year = {2026},
author = {Patel, R and Nguyen, AT and Malone, J and Aguirre, JE and Gopalakrishna, H},
title = {Secondary sclerosing cholangitis: contemporary etiologies, diagnostic pathways, and treatment strategies for clinicians: a narrative review.},
journal = {Translational gastroenterology and hepatology},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {92},
pmid = {42592512},
issn = {2415-1289},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Secondary sclerosing cholangitis (SSC) comprises a heterogeneous group of identifiable etiologies causing inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. Given that SSC often progresses more rapidly than primary sclerosing cholangitis and treatment is frequently etiology-directed, early recognition is critical. In this narrative review, we summarize contemporary causes of SSC and propose a diagnostic and management approach for clinicians.

METHODS: We performed a narrative literature review using PubMed search with medical subject headings (MeSH) and free text terms for SSC and key etiologies, including critical illness/ischemic cholangiopathy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), infectious, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated cholangiopathy, immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related/eosinophilic cholangitis, drug-induced cholangiopathy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and ketamine, malignancy-associated, and post-procedural ischemic injury. The search included randomized trials, observation studies, case reports, case series, and practice guidelines. Two reviewers independently screened studies, reviewed full texts, and synthesized findings by etiology.

KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: SSC following ischemic injury in critically ill patients (SSC-CIP) accounted for a significant portion of the recent literature, which presents with persistent cholestatic liver injury after intensive care unit (ICU) recovery. Infectious causes include recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, parasitic disease, HIV-related, and, most notably, given the recent pandemic, post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy. Infectious etiologies mirror SSC-CIP and may often progress to liver failure. Immune-related SSC [IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and eosinophilic cholangitis] requires targeted serologies, tissue confirmation with biopsy, and typically responds briskly to corticosteroids. Drug-induced SSC is increasingly linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors, given their rise in use, as well as ketamine, and may be steroid refractory. SSC associated with malignancy requires cross-sectional imaging and tissue diagnosis. Endoscopic therapy may palliate obstruction, but liver transplantation is the definitive option for advanced disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Given its diverse etiologies, SSC requires a structured evaluation that integrates exposure history, laboratory investigations, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)/endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) patterns, and histology for diagnosis. Etiology-specific therapy may slow progression, but early transplant referral is critical for rapidly progressive phenotypes.},
}

@article {pmid42592525,
year = {2026},
author = {Roy, A and Yang, Y and Du, L},
title = {Nanobodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 variants.},
journal = {Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {4978-4997},
pmid = {42592525},
issn = {2211-3835},
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a beta-coronavirus, caused the recent global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Among the virus-encoded proteins, the surface spike (S) protein is critical for viral entry, membrane fusion, and pathogenesis, and its receptor-binding domain (RBD) initiates viral entry by binding to a cellular receptor. This makes the S an important therapeutic target for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 mutates frequently, giving rise to five major variants of concern, among which the Omicron variant and its subvariants are less sensitive to current therapeutic antibodies. The first part of this review describes the main protein constituents of SARS-CoV-2 and their functions, the S protein-mediated viral entry and fusion processes, and the main SARS-CoV-2 variants. Nanobodies are single-domain antibodies with high target-binding affinity, strong stability, and low production costs, whose small size facilitates their access to protein regions that are inaccessible to conventional antibodies. Thus, in the second part, we comprehensively review SARS-CoV-2-targeting nanobodies, including those that bind specifically to the RBDs of the S proteins, non-RBD S proteins, and non-S proteins of variants and subvariants of SARS-CoV-2, with the hope that this information will be valuable for the generation of novel SARS-CoV-2-targeting nanobodies with improved potency against COVID-19.},
}

@article {pmid42592984,
year = {2026},
author = {Doka, G and Aliçka, Y and Tahiraj, D and Elezi, B and Gega, V and Sula, E},
title = {The role of telehealth in autism spectrum disorder management: a scoping review.},
journal = {Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.17392/medglas-2179-23-2},
pmid = {42592984},
issn = {1840-2445},
mesh = {Humans ; *Telemedicine ; *Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy/diagnosis ; Digital Health ; },
abstract = {AIM: To map and summarise evidence on the role, benefits and challenges of telehealth in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) management, including assessment and intervention.

METHODS: This scoping review searched PubMed and Scopus for English-language studies published from 2015 to 2025; the search was last updated on 14 April 2026. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising randomised controlled trials and observational, mixed-methods, descriptive, pilot, and qualitative studies.

RESULTS: Available findings suggest that telehealth-based assessment may achieve high diagnostic concordance with in-person evaluation, and that telehealth-delivered interventions may yield similar outcomes in selected domains. Several studies reported high caregiver and clinician satisfaction. Key challenges included technological access barriers, variability in caregiver engagement, and concerns regarding reliability and equity in under-resourced settings.

CONCLUSION: Telehealth may be a valuable complement to, rather than a replacement for, in-person care. Future primary studies should use rigorous designs and standardised outcome measures and should prioritise linguistically diverse and low-resource populations; future evidence syntheses should include formal risk-of-bias assessment.},
}

Humans
*Telemedicine
*Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy/diagnosis
Digital Health

@article {pmid42593075,
year = {2026},
author = {Pfefferbaum, B and Newman, E and Nitiema, P and Slaughter, A},
title = {Practice Elements in Targeted and Universal Child Mass Trauma Interventions.},
journal = {Trauma, violence & abuse},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15248380261473929},
doi = {10.1177/15248380261473929},
pmid = {42593075},
issn = {1552-8324},
abstract = {Many child mass trauma interventions are a composite of multiple practice elements which commonly are not well identified or assessed in the treatment outcome research. Understanding the practice elements used for targeted (samples of children with direct exposure, intense experiences, and/or serious reactions) and universal (general samples without consideration of exposure or reactions) populations can help clarify future directions for intervention development and delivery. A systematic review of 84 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs identified 131 psychosocial interventions addressing mass trauma. The current analysis compared frequently used elements delivered to targeted and universal populations and examined the populations served across context (country income), event types (including the COVID-19 epidemic), delivery modes, and delivery settings. Reflecting the importance of accessible interventions for those with the greatest need, most child mass trauma interventions overall were administered to targeted populations in group applications delivered in schools or other community settings. Psychoeducation for the child, affect modulation, and relaxation were the most frequently offered elements for both targeted and universal populations. Exposure, narrative, and psychoeducation for the caregiver were administered more often in targeted than universal populations while social skills training, mindfulness, self-praise, and communication skills training were administered more often in universal populations. Future evaluation research should identify, describe, and evaluate specific practice elements included in interventions in the two populations and should address concerns related to certain groups of children receiving interventions and to aspects of intervention delivery.},
}

@article {pmid42593538,
year = {2026},
author = {Daoud, T and Villar, J and Annane, D},
title = {Corticosteroids in ARDS: old controversies, new insights, and future directions.},
journal = {Intensive care medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42593538},
issn = {1432-1238},
support = {ANR-18-RHUS-0004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; ANR-23-IAHU-0004//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; iRECORDS JTC_2021//EraPerMed/ ; },
abstract = {Corticosteroids modulate key inflammatory and fibroproliferative pathways involved in ARDS through genomic and non-genomic glucocorticoid receptor signaling. Advances in ARDS pathophysiology have highlighted the importance of timing, inflammatory burden, and host response in determining treatment efficacy. Clinical evidence supports corticosteroid use in moderate-to-severe ARDS, particularly in COVID-19 ARDS and severe community-acquired pneumonia, with reductions in mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation. However, treatment effects remain heterogeneous across etiologies and biological subphenotypes. Recent identification of hyperinflammatory and hypoinflammatory ARDS phenotypes suggests that corticosteroid responsiveness is not uniform. Hyperinflammatory phenotypes and septic ARDS appear more likely to benefit, whereas evidence remains limited or conflicting in influenza-associated and non-septic ARDS. Long-term effects and adverse outcomes, including metabolic complications and ICU-acquired weakness, remain insufficiently characterized. Future research is increasingly focused on precision medicine approaches integrating biomarkers, adaptive platform trials, and phenotype-guided strategies. Emerging developments include lung-targeted corticosteroid delivery systems and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators designed to improve efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Corticosteroids should therefore be considered a context-dependent therapy whose benefit is influenced by etiology, disease stage, inflammatory phenotype, and timing of administration.},
}

@article {pmid41623157,
year = {2026},
author = {Klimek, L and Mullol, J and Hummel, T and Del Giacco, S and Georgalas, C and Rondon, C and Schiappoli, M and Gevaert, P and Bozkurt, B and Chaker, A and Reitsma, S and van Gerven, L and Maza-Solano, J and Lundberg, M and Becker, S and Bärhold, F and Karavelia, A and Cuevas, M and Gröger, M and Huber, P and Arasi, S and Cingi, C and Rojas-Lechuga, MJ and Izquierdo-Domínguez, A and Agache, I and Gawlik, R and Sokolowska, M and Adcock, I and Celik, G and Escribese, M and Walusiak-Skorupa, J and Betz, C and Palomares, O and Moreira, A and Bonadonna, P and Shamji, M and Torres Jaen, MJ and Akdis, CA and Hagemann, J and Hox, V and Toppila-Salmi, S},
title = {The Unmet Need of Olfactory Testing in Inflammatory Disorders of the Upper Airways-An EAACI Position Paper.},
journal = {Allergy},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {2633-2655},
pmid = {41623157},
issn = {1398-9995},
support = {//European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/etiology/epidemiology ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; Anosmia/diagnosis ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/complications ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {The sense of smell, with its extensive evolutionary history, is highly prone to disorders that can have a profound impact on daily life. Anosmia affects approximately 5% of the population, with an additional 15% exhibiting reduced olfactory function. The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction (OD) varies by population and age group, and standardized testing reveals a broad range of impacts. OD includes various causes, most commonly aging, inflammation of the olfactory epithelium, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), traumatic brain injury, and neurological conditions. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the association between viral infections and olfactory dysfunction, with severe hyposmia/anosmia being an early marker of infection. Despite its importance, the assessment of olfactory function remains inconsistent across clinical practices. Psychophysical smell tests, while vital for diagnosis and patient management, are underutilized, especially outside of specialized centers. Standardized testing methods are crucial for objective diagnosis, but significant challenges, including test variability, lack of comparability, and healthcare reimbursement issues, persist. The European Academy of Allergy and Immunology (EAACI) advocates for improvements in the quality and standardization of chemosensory assessments. Future efforts must prioritize education, incentives for better testing, and the integration of digital tools to expand access to olfactory testing and diagnosis in remote or quarantine situations. However, office-based testing remains irreplaceable, even with advancements in telemedicine.},
}

Humans
*Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis/etiology/epidemiology
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Smell
Anosmia/diagnosis
*Respiratory Tract Infections/complications
Pandemics

@article {pmid41823158,
year = {2026},
author = {Batarfi, M and Alraddadi, A},
title = {Adaptations and innovations in histology and embryology education during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.},
journal = {Folia morphologica},
volume = {85},
number = {},
pages = {e01726122},
doi = {10.5603/fm.106914},
pmid = {41823158},
issn = {1644-3284},
mesh = {*Embryology/education ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Education, Distance ; *Histology/education ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As an alternative to traditional teaching, online education enabled the continuity of histology and embryology learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review explores the new tools adopted for histology and embryology education during the pandemic and examines students' perceptions, acceptance, and engagement with e-learning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines by searching six databases: PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist to assess the quality of the included studies.

RESULTS: Of the 338 studies initially identified, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies reported positive perceptions, with the availability of technology, the pedagogical setup of the online course, and schedule autonomy being the most common reasons. However, the negative views identified concerned limited face-to-face interaction with instructors, interruptions in internet connectivity, and technical issues. Students' perception, acceptance, attendance, and engagement in online education were favorable, as reflected in positive findings on their performance.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, students' perception of online histology and embryology courses during the COVID-19 lockdown was positive, with some areas identified for further improvement. Additional research is needed to assess educators' perceptions of histology and embryology education during the pandemic.},
}

*Embryology/education
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Humans
*Education, Distance
*Histology/education
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
*Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology

@article {pmid42320559,
year = {2026},
author = {Thomas, N and Huang, K and Schneider-Futschik, EK and Pollack, B and Tal, MC and Fineberg, D and Wang, X and Gurvich, C and Pretorius, R and Bergquist, J and Armstrong, CW},
title = {Systems neuroendocrinology in ME/CFS and long COVID: a chronobiological framework for hormone-based research.},
journal = {Frontiers in neuroendocrinology},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {101268},
doi = {10.1016/j.yfrne.2026.101268},
pmid = {42320559},
issn = {1095-6808},
mesh = {Humans ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Circadian Rhythm/physiology ; *Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/physiopathology/metabolism ; Neuroendocrinology ; Female ; *Neurosecretory Systems/physiopathology/metabolism ; *Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology/metabolism ; *Hormones/metabolism ; Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis ; Menstrual Cycle/physiology ; },
abstract = {Hormonal dysregulation is increasingly reported in ME/CFS and Long COVID, yet the broader role of neuroendocrine disruption in these conditions remains underexplored. While changes in steroid, peptide, and neuropeptide hormones have been identified, these findings are often considered in isolation and without attention to their timing or integration within broader physiological systems. The hypothalamic-pituitary axes regulate endocrine, immune, autonomic, nervous, and metabolic functions, systems commonly affected in both conditions, yet their circadian and menstrual dynamics are rarely investigated. In this review, we examine the evidence for neuroendocrine dysfunction in ME/CFS and Long COVID, focusing on hormone output, functional assays, receptor expression, and the coordination of endocrine biorhythms. Sex hormone signalling emerges as a key area of vulnerability, particularly given the female predominance in both conditions and the complexity of reproductive hormone regulation. We argue that accurate hormone measurement and time-structured sampling, including circadian and menstrual rhythms, are essential for detecting meaningful biological differences. By embedding chronobiology-aware, dense-sampling strategies and integrating multi-omic analyses into multi-system study designs, we outline a framework for investigating dynamic endocrine mechanisms underlying symptom variability and multisystem dysfunction, which may ultimately support the development of more targeted, personalised interventions.},
}

Humans
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Circadian Rhythm/physiology
*Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/physiopathology/metabolism
Neuroendocrinology
Female
*Neurosecretory Systems/physiopathology/metabolism
*Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology/metabolism
*Hormones/metabolism
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis
Menstrual Cycle/physiology

@article {pmid42335758,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Z and Wang, X and Hu, Y and Duan, X and Xu, S and Ge, Q and Zhu, W and Zhao, J and Yao, Y and Wang, W},
title = {Burden of infection and hospitalization from respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute lower respiratory tract infections in Chinese children: Modeling of national, regional, and provincial estimates.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {128875},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128875},
pmid = {42335758},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Child, Preschool ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; China/epidemiology ; Cost of Illness ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Incidence ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) in children. To guide policymaking on controlling RSV-associated ALRIs (RSV-ALRIs) in China, we estimated the national, regional, and provincial burdens of RSV-ALRIs and associated hospitalizations for children under 5 years old.

METHODS: We systematically identified publications about RSV-ALRIs in China with epidemiological data before 2020. We compared seasonality data from this period with data during the COVID-19 epidemic. We built a dataset to assess RSV-ALRI burden by age and region, using a generalized linear mixed-effects model and a conceptual proportionality framework to assess hospitalization rates. A risk factor-based model were used to estimate regional and provincial RSV-ALRI incidence.

FINDINGS: Children aged 0 to 12 months had the highest risk of RSV-ALRI and associated hospitalization. Provincial variations existed, with some southern provinces exhibiting higher incidence and some western provinces higher hospitalization rates. The COVID-19 epidemic shifted RSV hospitalization peaks to early autumn (Guangdong, Shanghai), whereas Hubei and Shandong demonstrated delayed peak onset compared with the pre-pandemic period.

INTERPRETATION: Our study of the burden RSV-ALRIs in China identified obvious heterogeneity by age and region. These findings highlight the need for targeted RSV vaccination strategies and resource allocation prioritizing high-risk groups and areas.

FUNDING: This work was supported by the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project (Grant No. ZD2021CY001), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82073612), and Shanghai New Three-year Action Plan for Public Health (GWVI-1, GWVI-11.1-03 and GWVI-11.1-01).},
}

Child, Preschool
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
China/epidemiology
Cost of Illness
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Incidence
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology
Risk Factors
Seasons

@article {pmid42341950,
year = {2026},
author = {Giunta, S and Sabbatinelli, J and Olivieri, F and Giuliani, A},
title = {Aging-related autonomic nervous system imbalance and adrenergic regulation of immunity: Implications for inflammaging, autoimmunity, and long COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in neuroendocrinology},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {101269},
doi = {10.1016/j.yfrne.2026.101269},
pmid = {42341950},
issn = {1095-6808},
mesh = {Humans ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Aging/immunology ; *Autoimmunity/immunology/physiology ; *COVID-19/immunology/physiopathology ; *Autonomic Nervous System/immunology/physiopathology ; *Inflammation/immunology/physiopathology ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Coronavirus Infections/immunology/physiopathology ; Th17 Cells/immunology ; },
abstract = {The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a central role in immune homeostasis by integrating sympathetic and parasympathetic signals that regulate inflammation, immune cell trafficking, and tolerance. Aging is associated with a progressive autonomic imbalance characterized by sympathetic overactivation, reduced parasympathetic tone, and impaired β-adrenergic signaling in immune cells, which together contribute to inflammaging and immune dysregulation. In this review, we discuss how aging-related alterations in adrenergic pathways affect immune cell differentiation and cytokine networks, with particular emphasis on β2-adrenergic control of the Th17/regulatory T cell balance through cAMP-dependent mechanisms interacting with cytokine-driven STAT signaling. Chronic sympathetic stimulation and β-adrenergic desensitization weaken these regulatory constraints, favoring pro-inflammatory immune trajectories and loss of immune tolerance. Finally, we propose Long COVID as a paradigmatic condition in which pre-existing inflammaging and autonomic vulnerability are amplified by viral infection, leading to persistent inflammation, impaired immune regulation, and increased susceptibility to autoimmune manifestations.},
}

Humans
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Aging/immunology
*Autoimmunity/immunology/physiology
*COVID-19/immunology/physiopathology
*Autonomic Nervous System/immunology/physiopathology
*Inflammation/immunology/physiopathology
Animals
SARS-CoV-2
*Coronavirus Infections/immunology/physiopathology
Th17 Cells/immunology

@article {pmid42577662,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohee, K and Antoun, I and Ambrogetti, R and Eldesouky, M and Somani, R and Ng, A and Bhandari, SS},
title = {Myocarditis in the Modern Era: Navigating Diagnosis, Innovative Treatments, the COVID-19 Challenge and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.},
journal = {Cardiology research and practice},
volume = {2026},
number = {},
pages = {5956965},
pmid = {42577662},
issn = {2090-8016},
abstract = {Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium with diverse aetiologies, ranging from infections and autoimmune processes to drug-induced reactions. Clinical manifestations vary widely from mild chest discomfort to life-threatening complications such as acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac death. Although the diagnosis of myocarditis historically relied heavily on invasive biopsy, recent advances in noninvasive imaging modalities, notably cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, have transformed clinical practice. The Lake Louise Criteria (LLC), supplemented by parametric imaging techniques, have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the emergence of COVID-19 has renewed interest in myocarditis due to its association with viral-induced myocardial injury. This review synthesises the current understanding of myocarditis, including epidemiological insights, its diverse aetiologies, diagnostic innovations including the importance of viral load quantification and contemporary management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42578412,
year = {2026},
author = {Soultanopoulos, GC and Idzenga, JJ and Kamperman, AM and van Pampus, MG and Ket, JCF and Henrichs, J and Verhoeven, CJM},
title = {Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.},
journal = {Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {2714888},
doi = {10.1080/0167482X.2026.2714888},
pmid = {42578412},
issn = {1743-8942},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Resilience, Psychological ; *Psychosocial Intervention/methods ; Mental Health ; *Pregnant People/psychology ; *Pregnancy Complications/therapy/psychology ; *Stress, Psychological/therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnant women experienced increased psychological distress, while access to routine mental health care was often disrupted. Psychological interventions may provide an effective strategy to support maternal mental health under these circumstances.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of psychological interventions for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing distress and enhancing resilience.

METHODS: A systematic search of four databases was conducted up to 3 September 2025. Randomised and non-randomised studies evaluating psychological interventions during pregnancy were included.

RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, psychoeducation, and other psychological approaches delivered through individual, group, digital, or hybrid formats. Most studies reported reductions in depression, anxiety, or stress, and some found improvements in resilience-related factors. However, the methodological quality was modest; with heterogeneous outcome measures and limited follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, psychological interventions adapted for digital or hybrid delivery show promise for improving maternal emotional well-being in times of crises. The findings suggest that accessible and scalable psychological interventions may support maternal mental health during crisis situations when routine care is disrupted. Future research should prioritize larger, methodologically rigorous trials with standardized outcomes, and longer follow-up periods.},
}

Humans
Female
Pregnancy
*COVID-19/psychology
*Resilience, Psychological
*Psychosocial Intervention/methods
Mental Health
*Pregnant People/psychology
*Pregnancy Complications/therapy/psychology
*Stress, Psychological/therapy

@article {pmid42579217,
year = {2026},
author = {Jawaid, I and Lanca, C},
title = {Low-Concentration Atropine for Myopia Management: Recent Evidence and Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Ophthalmology and therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42579217},
issn = {2193-8245},
abstract = {We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating low-concentration atropine for myopia management. Studies were identified using the terms "myopia" AND "atropine" and supplemented through reference searches. Key data on spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL) progression, participant demographics, and ethnicity were extracted and qualitatively compared across trials. In addition, observed AL progression was contextualized against expected age-matched myopic axial elongation and physiological emmetropic eye growth derived from previously published normative models. Evidence from pivotal trials such as ATOM and LAMP, mainly conducted in Asian populations, demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy of atropine, with 0.05% showing superior outcomes compared with 0.01%. However, more recent studies in non-Asian populations, including STAR, MOSAIC, WA-ATOM, and MTS, have reported more modest treatment effects with 0.01% atropine. Differences in efficacy appear influenced by factors including age, ethnicity, baseline progression rates, environmental exposures, and placebo-group axial elongation rates. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic also impacted outcomes in several trials, highlighting environmental influences on myopia progression. In addition, off-protocol use of myopia-control interventions in studies such as CHAMP further complicates interpretation of atropine efficacy. While low-concentration atropine remains a promising option for myopia management, rebound progression after cessation remains a concern. Emerging evidence suggests that future research should look at higher atropine concentrations, individualized treatment strategies, and comparisons against normative ocular growth trajectories rather than placebo alone. Licensed atropine formulations, particularly within Europe, are anticipated to improve treatment standardization, support regulatory oversight, and help refine future clinical guidelines for myopia management.},
}

@article {pmid42580608,
year = {2026},
author = {Napolitano, F and Montuori, N},
title = {suPAR as a circulating inflammatory biomarker: time for translation into clinical practice - A systematic review.},
journal = {Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {121260},
doi = {10.1016/j.cca.2026.121260},
pmid = {42580608},
issn = {1873-3492},
abstract = {Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface receptor composed of three homologous domains (DI, DII, and DIII), forming a flexible structure that mediates interactions with multiple ligands. Through these interactions, uPAR plays a key role in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, cell invasion, proliferation, and migration, making it a promising therapeutic target in various diseases. In addition to its membrane-bound form, uPAR can be released into circulation following cleavage of its GPI anchor, generating soluble uPAR (suPAR), which is detectable in blood, serum, plasma, urine, and other biological fluids. Proteolytic cleavage within the linker region between domains I and II produces three main isoforms: full-length suPAR (suPARI-III), suPAR domain I (suPARDI), and suPAR domains II-III (suPARDII-III). suPAR has been extensively investigated as a biomarker of systemic chronic inflammation across multiple conditions. During COVID-19 pandemic, suPAR gained attention as a predictor of disease severity and mortality in acute patients, reinforcing its role as a marker of sepsis. Elevated suPAR levels have also been reported in diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and various malignancies, supporting its diagnostic and prognostic value. Several analytical methods are currently available for suPAR quantification, including ELISA, turbidimetric immunoassays, and chemiluminescence immunoassays. However, these assays differ in their ability to detect specific isoforms, which may vary in biological and clinical significance. This review summarizes the clinical relevance of suPAR, examines the functional roles of its isoforms, and evaluates current detection methods and their implications for clinical practice.},
}

@article {pmid42580773,
year = {2026},
author = {van Susante-Oost, LJ and Mastebroek, M and Koks-Leensen, MCJ and Timen, A and Leusink, GL and Cuypers, M},
title = {Disease burden of viral respiratory infections in people with intellectual disabilities: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMJ open respiratory research},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/bmjresp-2025-004082},
pmid = {42580773},
issn = {2052-4439},
mesh = {Humans ; *Intellectual Disability/epidemiology/complications ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Cost of Illness ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology ; Quality of Life ; Comorbidity ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Viral respiratory infections are highly contagious and associated with an increased risk of serious adverse health outcomes in vulnerable populations, including people with intellectual disabilities. However, little is known about the overall disease burden of viral respiratory infections among people with intellectual disabilities.

AIM: This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on the disease burden of viral respiratory infections among people with intellectual disabilities.

METHODS: Studies published between 1999 and 10 July 2024, were identified through PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, and included if focused on adults with intellectual disabilities, viral respiratory infections and relevant health outcomes such as infection rate, mortality, hospitalisation, functional impairments or quality of life.

RESULTS: 58 articles were included, of which the majority focused on COVID-19 (42/58) or influenza (13/58). Studies varied in their methodology and outcome measures. Evidence on COVID-19 and influenza showed that people with intellectual disabilities experience a higher disease burden from these infections compared with the general population. Particularly disproportionate effects were evident among people with Down syndrome, who had higher mortality estimates and an increased burden of comorbidities associated with severe disease and death.

CONCLUSION: Although available evidence appeared limited and diverse, this scoping review shows a higher disease burden in people with intellectual disabilities, in particular for COVID-19 and influenza-type viruses, which can be indicative of the impact of other viral respiratory infections as well. This highlights the importance of measures to prevent and control the spread of respiratory pathogens among this group.},
}

Humans
*Intellectual Disability/epidemiology/complications
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/virology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Cost of Illness
*Influenza, Human/epidemiology
Quality of Life
Comorbidity
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid42581338,
year = {2026},
author = {Omer, SH and Mahmood, MK and Gul, SS and Amin, YMM and Lan, R},
title = {Association Between Periodontitis and Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Umbrella Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Oral diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/odi.70448},
pmid = {42581338},
issn = {1601-0825},
abstract = {AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between periodontitis and respiratory diseases using an umbrella meta-analysis.

METHODS: Meta-analyses (MAs) reporting odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) for the association between periodontitis and respiratory diseases of COVID-19, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Egger's test and trim-and-fill method were used to assess publication bias.

RESULTS: Fourteen MAs encompassing more than 500,000 participants were included. A significant association was found between periodontitis and respiratory disease (OR 2.45, 95% CI 2.06-2.92, p < 0.0001), with substantial heterogeneity (I[2] = 82%). The pooled OR for the association between periodontitis with COVID-19, COPD, asthma, and pneumonia was 2.75, 1.42, 3.42, and 2.73, respectively. The association remained consistent even after adjustment for publication bias and among different study qualities and sample sizes. Notably, the association with COPD may not be independent of smoking. The GRADE assessment rated the certainty of evidence of the outcomes as "low" due to high heterogeneity and publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a statistical association between periodontitis and most of the studied respiratory diseases. However, these results should be interpreted with caution and be seen as exploratory and hypothesis-generating, rather than definitive effect sizes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD420251250830.},
}

@article {pmid40849756,
year = {2026},
author = {Voltan, G and Graziani, A and Torchio, M and Mian, C and Betterle, C and Sabbadin, C},
title = {An Intriguing Case Report of Type 2 Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Post-SARS-CoV-2: Cause or Coincidence?.},
journal = {Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets},
volume = {26},
number = {},
pages = {e18715303407830},
doi = {10.2174/0118715303407830250807114958},
pmid = {40849756},
issn = {2212-3873},
mesh = {Humans ; *Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/diagnosis/etiology/drug therapy/immunology ; Male ; Adult ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Addison Disease ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is primarily associated with respiratory illness but can also affect multiple organ systems, including the endocrine system. Viral entry into endocrine tissues may lead to immune activation and trigger or unmask autoimmune conditions in individuals who are genetically predisposed. Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome type 2 (APS-2), a rare disorder characterized by autoimmune Addison’s disease (AAD) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), may represent one such manifestation.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 36-year-old male who developed APS-2 following a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two months post-infection, the patient experienced asthenia, hypotension, gastrointestinal symptoms, and weight loss. Laboratory investigations revealed undetectable morning cortisol, positive 21-hydroxylase and thyroid-peroxidase autoantibodies, elevated ACTH and renin, and subclinical hypothyroidism—consistent with a diagnosis of APS-2 (AAD and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). Treatment with cortisone acetate and fludrocortisone led to clinical improvement. No previous history of autoimmune disease was reported. A review of the literature identified only four similar case reports, with varying timelines between SARS-CoV-2 infection and APS-2 diagnosis, suggesting that the infection may act as a trigger in predisposed individuals.

CONCLUSION: This case adds to limited evidence suggesting a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the onset or unmasking of APS-2. While a direct causal role of the virus remains uncertain, SARS-CoV-2 may function as an environmental trigger, accelerating the transition from subclinical to clinical autoimmunity in genetically susceptible patients. This observation supports the need for clinical vigilance in post-COVID-19 patients presenting with nonspecific but suggestive endocrine symptoms.},
}

Humans
*Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune/diagnosis/etiology/drug therapy/immunology
Male
Adult
*COVID-19/complications/diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2
Addison Disease

@article {pmid42237329,
year = {2026},
author = {Zeniecki, P and Kamens, R and Kilpatrick, J and Papanagnou, D and Zhang, XC},
title = {Screen-based simulation assessment for emergency medicine learners: a rapid review.},
journal = {BMC medical education},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42237329},
issn = {1472-6920},
mesh = {*Emergency Medicine/education ; Humans ; *Clinical Competence ; *Simulation Training/methods ; *Educational Measurement/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Computer Simulation ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Simulation has played a vital role in training medical professionals. The COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted the need for physically distant educational assessment methods. Screen-based simulation (SBS) demonstrates one alternative to traditional in-person simulation methods to assess learners clinical reasoning and communication skills. This study aims to compare in-person simulation to SBS as assessment methods in Emergency Medicine (EM).

METHODS: A rapid review literature search methodology of an electronic database (PubMed) was performed in February 2022 with search terms such as "Computer Simulation," "Patient Simulation," "Simulation Training," "Education, Distance," "Virtual OSCE," "Academic Performance," or "Emergency Medicine." Reference lists of relevant articles were manually analyzed for additional studies. Studies were manually reviewed by multiple authors following strict inclusion/exclusion criteria.

RESULTS: 751 articles were identified based on title and abstract. Sixty articles were selected for retrieval, of which seven pilot and small population studies were included. Study participants varied based on experience level. Three key findings were derived from these studies. First, SBS is comparable to in-person simulation as a clinical competence and communication skill assessment method when evaluated by independent raters and mock EM oral board examination scores. Second, SBS is capable of discerning EM learners by educational level given SBS/serious game mean clinical score clustering. Lastly, various SBS software demonstrated strong participant interest across the EM learner spectrum through subjective exit questionaries.

CONCLUSION: Current research regarding SBS as an assessment method for EM learners is severely limited as demonstrated by low number of included studies and small populations. Even so, SBS shows promise as a possible alternative and/or supplement to traditional in-person simulation to assess clinical reasoning/communication skills and discern learners by educational level. Further large-scale studies are required to establish the validity of SBS as an assessment method.},
}

*Emergency Medicine/education
Humans
*Clinical Competence
*Simulation Training/methods
*Educational Measurement/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Computer Simulation
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid42249377,
year = {2026},
author = {Berry, R and Wilkinson, A and Turk, A and Ng, BY and Pinkney, S and Halai, B and Emoche, A and Thornley, T and Ashiru-Oredope, D},
title = {The role of pharmacists and pharmacy team members in the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery of outbreaks - a global rapid systematic review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42249377},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *Professional Role ; *Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control ; *Pharmacists ; Pandemic Preparedness ; World Health Organization ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Pharmacists and their teams can undertake pharmaceutical public health roles during outbreaks within the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency cycle of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. These may be at micro- (individual), meso- (regional or organisational) or macro- (national) levels. The primary outcome was to identify pharmacy team members' roles in outbreaks (excluding COVID-19) and classify by WHO emergency cycle phase and intervention level.

METHODS: We conducted a rapid systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42024617152) in Embase, Medline, and SCOPUS databases including articles published from 2014 to Feb 2025. After duplicate removal, titles/abstracts and full texts were screened, extracted and assessed for bias by one reviewer, with 10% second-checked. Thematic synthesis was used and described narratively to reflect variability in the studies.

RESULTS: From 161 articles across all WHO regions, 145 distinct thematically derived role categories were identified. Most were in the response phase (46%), followed by prevention (29%), preparedness (15%), and recovery (10%). Roles were primarily at meso-level (37%) and micro-level (35%), with fewer at macro-level (28%). 34% of the articles reported contributions related to health inequalities. Reported barriers were clustered into five themes: knowledge/training gaps, regulatory restrictions, resource and infrastructure constraints, communication, and cultural factors.

CONCLUSION: Pharmacy team members have roles during non-COVID outbreaks across all stages of the WHO emergency cycle at all levels. However, their contributions are less well documented in recovery and at macro-level. Integrating pharmacy roles into emergency frameworks, supported by regulatory reform, funding, and training, may support health-system resilience, and reduce health inequalities.},
}

Humans
*Professional Role
*Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control
*Pharmacists
Pandemic Preparedness
World Health Organization

@article {pmid42486051,
year = {2026},
author = {Okoli, GN and Sullivan, SG and Harper, DM and Tsang, TK and Cowling, BJ},
title = {A systematic meta-analytic comparative evaluation of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness from test-negative design studies in the Northern Hemisphere pre/post COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {88},
number = {},
pages = {128956},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128956},
pmid = {42486051},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Humans ; *Influenza Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; *Influenza, Human/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology ; *Vaccine Efficacy ; Adolescent ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology ; Influenza B virus/immunology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/immunology ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology ; Seasons ; Child, Preschool ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Child ; Young Adult ; Infant ; Pandemics ; Aged ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Influenza circulation was substantially reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequent reduction in population immunity may have resulted in increased influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) after the pandemic via reduced immunity in unvaccinated individuals compared to the pre-pandemic period.

METHODS: We systematically reviewed published peer-reviewed test-negative design (TND) studies of seasonal influenza VE against medically-attended, laboratory-confirmed influenza in the Northern Hemisphere. We compared pooled VE estimates before (2010/11-2019/20) and after (2022/23-2024/25) the COVID-19 pandemic (defined as 2020/21-2021/22). Pooled VE against A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), influenza B, and B/Victoria was calculated for three age groups (6 months-17 years, 18-64 years, ≥65 years) using inverse-variance random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was quantified with the I[2] statistic, and differences between pooled VE estimates pre- and post-pandemic periods were tested with the χ[2] statistic.

RESULTS: Eighty-five publications were included. Post-pandemic VE against A(H3N2) was significantly higher than pre-pandemic VE in 6-month-17-year-olds (53% [42-64%] vs 37% [30-45%]) and 18-64-year-olds (35% [25-45%] vs 21% [13-29%]). Similarly, VE against influenza B was higher post-pandemic in both age groups (85% [78-93%] vs 52% [45-60%] and 73% [59-87%] vs 49% [41-57%], respectively). Conversely, VE against A(H1N1)pdm09 was lower post-pandemic in 18-64-year-olds (37% [27-46%] vs 55% [47-62%]). No significant differences were observed for ≥65-year-olds, and data for B/Victoria were limited.

CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests slightly higher VE against seasonal influenza after the COVID-19 pandemic although there may be factors other than population immunity that may explain our observations.},
}

Humans
*Influenza Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
*Influenza, Human/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology
*Vaccine Efficacy
Adolescent
Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology
Influenza B virus/immunology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/immunology
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
Seasons
Child, Preschool
Middle Aged
Adult
Child
Young Adult
Infant
Pandemics
Aged

@article {pmid42571535,
year = {2026},
author = {Khawaja, I and Khan, N and Kannangara, L and Panangala Liyanage, SN and Gomez Canales, E and Sahedra, SS},
title = {The Association Between COVID-19 and Herpes Zoster in Adult Populations: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e112344},
pmid = {42571535},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), has been associated with a wide range of dermatological manifestations. Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as shingles, has been increasingly reported in adults with COVID‑19 infection. Several reports suggest that SARS‑CoV‑2-associated immune dysregulation, particularly lymphopenia and impaired T-cell-mediated immunity, may contribute to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the temporal relationship between COVID‑19 infection and shingles rash, including the onset, clinical outcomes, prognostic implications, recovery, and relationship with lymphopenia. This study was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for studies published within the last five years. Search terms included "COVID‑19", "SARS-CoV-2", "herpes zoster" and "shingles rash". Inclusion criteria consisted of case reports, case series, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and research studies. Studies included were in the English language. Studies not relevant to the research question, paediatric cohorts, or commenting on vaccination were excluded. Fifty-seven studies (N=57) were initially identified through database search, with 35 studies (N=35) deemed relevant to the research question following screening. Twenty-five studies (N=25) were excluded due to data not being relevant to the research question, paediatric cohort data, or vaccination-related data. After exclusion, 10 studies (N=10) were included in the review for qualitative analysis. Most studies demonstrated a temporal association between COVID‑19 infection and HZ occurrence. HZ rash developed from two days before COVID‑19 symptoms and up to 70 days after infection, with an average onset approximately 17 days after COVID‑19 diagnosis. Several studies reported that HZ preceded or coincided with COVID‑19 symptoms, suggesting that shingles may serve as an early indicator of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection. Associated lymphopenia was noted, suggesting that COVID-19-induced immune dysregulation contributes to VZV reactivation. Most patients recovered from HZ rash following antiviral therapy, although severe complications and prolonged hospitalisation were observed in cases involving co-infection and systemic disease. Overlooking this possible association may result in an undiagnosed COVID-19 infection in those presenting with shingles rash and a higher risk of developing long COVID. The reviewed studies indicate that COVID-19 may be associated with HZ reactivation in the general adult population, although causality remains unproven. This detailed data analysis and systematic review demonstrate that evidence is scarce in this domain, which warrants larger epidemiological and immunological studies as well as further meta-analyses to determine the prognostic significance of shingles rash in COVID‑19 infection, in particular long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid42572688,
year = {2026},
author = {Aly, S and Grundmann, O},
title = {A Review of Kratom Product Evolution and Its Associated Health Outcomes.},
journal = {Substance abuse and rehabilitation},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {606821},
pmid = {42572688},
issn = {1179-8467},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth) is a tree that belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and is native to Southeast Asia. This review article focuses on the diversification of kratom products, differentiating between native leaf, extracts and isolates based on use patterns and conceptualization of kratom for self-treatment of disorders.

FINDINGS: The dried powdered native leaf and its extract derivatives are primarily used as kratom products in the US and Europe. Diversification of kratom products has increased since 2021 following the global COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a rise in chemically altered kratom products, including enriched extracts, edibles, resins, and isolates. Most prominent among them is the oxidative metabolite of mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine.

SUMMARY: The total alkaloid content is lowest in native kratom leaf products (2-5% by weight) which is associated with a lower potential for adverse effects and dependence compared to concentrated products, where extracts can contain five to 50 times the alkaloid content of the native leaf. Purified compounds, predominantly mitragynine and semi-synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine, are likely to be associated with a higher risk for dependence and overdose potential.},
}

@article {pmid42574721,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Zhu, Y and Luo, G},
title = {A narrative review of the epidemiological and mechanistic associations between ABO blood groups and diseases: focusing on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, malaria, COVID-19 and rheumatic diseases.},
journal = {Annals of medicine},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {2710922},
doi = {10.1080/07853890.2026.2710922},
pmid = {42574721},
issn = {1365-2060},
mesh = {Humans ; *ABO Blood-Group System/genetics ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/blood ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/blood/genetics ; *Rheumatic Diseases/epidemiology/blood/genetics ; *Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology/blood/genetics ; *Neoplasms/epidemiology/blood/genetics ; *Malaria/epidemiology/blood ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology/blood ; Risk Factors ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The ABO blood group system is one of the most clinically significant human blood group systems and is closely associated with pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of numerous diseases. This narrative review synthesizes recent epidemiological evidence and explores potential mechanisms linking ABO to cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, diabetes, Plasmodium falciparum malaria, COVID‑19, and rheumatic diseases.

METHODS: We searched PubMed and CNKI up to September 2025.

RESULTS: Epidemiological studies consistently show non‑O blood groups have significantly elevated cardiovascular risk, with venous thromboembolism risk about two to four times higher than in type O. In oncology, ABO influences susceptibility and prognosis in various cancers, with type A linked to increased gastric cancer risk (pooled OR≈1.2). Type O individuals show relative resistance to severe malaria. During COVID‑19, type A was linked to higher susceptibility and severity, whereas type O appeared mildly protective, though associations exhibited substantial heterogeneity across populations, viral variants, and vaccination contexts. ABO polymorphisms may also modulate risk and manifestations of rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

CONCLUSION: Accumulating evidence suggests ABO status is associated with susceptibility and outcomes for a range of diseases. These findings are primarily hypothesis‑generating and underscore the need for further research to elucidate causal mechanisms. The potential of ABO typing as a biomarker for risk stratification in personalized medicine warrants investigation in large, multi‑ethnic prospective studies.},
}

Humans
*ABO Blood-Group System/genetics
*COVID-19/epidemiology/blood
*Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology/blood/genetics
*Rheumatic Diseases/epidemiology/blood/genetics
*Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology/blood/genetics
*Neoplasms/epidemiology/blood/genetics
*Malaria/epidemiology/blood
SARS-CoV-2
Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology/blood
Risk Factors
Genetic Predisposition to Disease

@article {pmid42574892,
year = {2026},
author = {Bansal, P and Khan, NA and Singh, H and Siddiqui, M and Schram, J and Patel, S and Karri, S and Constantakos, A and Sundararajan, N and Saldanha, IJ},
title = {Timeliness of publication of randomized controlled trials in rheumatology: A systematic review.},
journal = {Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism},
volume = {80},
number = {},
pages = {153052},
doi = {10.1016/j.semarthrit.2026.153052},
pmid = {42574892},
issn = {1532-866X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the (1) timeliness of publication of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in rheumatology, (2) impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time to publication, and (3) factors associated with publication delays.

METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, EBM Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023 for Phase 3, superiority, parallel-design RCTs that evaluated any treatment for a rheumatologic illness or a rheumatologic treatment for COVID-19 and reported clinical primary efficacy outcome. Outcomes of interest were time to publication after trial completion and publication delay of >2 years after trial completion.

RESULTS: 448 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Median time from completion to publication was 549 days and 65.9 % RCTs were published within 2 years of completion. Compared with RCTs on rheumatologic diseases, RCTs on COVID-19 were published sooner (253 vs. 549 days; p < 0.001) and were more likely to be published within 2 years (adjusted OR 9.49, 95 % CI 2.07 to 43.61). Compared with RCTs completed before March 1, 2020, RCTs completed after March 1, 2020, were published sooner (327 vs. 724 days; p < 0.001) and were more likely to be published within 2 years (adjusted OR 9.40, 95 % CI 5.14 to 17.21). Time from RCT completion to submission accounted for most (67 %) of the time to publication.

CONCLUSIONS: Publication delay continues to be an important concern in dissemination of clinical research. Most of the delays in publication were attributable to delays in submission to journals after trial completion.},
}

@article {pmid42576855,
year = {2024},
author = {Brüssow, H},
title = {Pandemic preparedness-political perspectives.},
journal = {Sustainable microbiology},
volume = {1},
number = {1},
pages = {qvae018},
pmid = {42576855},
issn = {2755-1970},
abstract = {Pandemic preparedness is explored for the antibiotic resistance crisis and the threat of a next viral pandemic. Bacterial pathogens escaping from control by antibiotics are well defined, and resistance develops over decades while a next viral pandemic occurs suddenly with a novel virus. The death toll for resistant bacterial infections is reviewed, and the scientific and economic hurdles to the development of new antibiotics are discussed. Regulatory adaptations and financial push and pull programs to restimulate new antibiotic development are explored. The COVID-19 pandemic caused not only millions of deaths, but also economic losses in excess of 10 trillion US dollars. Coronaviruses and influenza viruses remain usual suspects for new viral pandemics, followed by paramyxoviruses. Viral infections at the animal-human interface in wet markets and in disturbed environments need active virus surveillance programs. Learning lessons from the COVID-19 for non-pharmaceutical interventions is difficult to draw since measures were frequently applied in combination against different variant viruses and against changing population immunity levels. The Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) clinical trials demonstrated that even under emergency situations clinical trials can rapidly provide solid treatment data. Various novel vaccine approaches were the most efficient control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic preparedness also requires a fact-based discussion both in the public and in parliaments to settle the conflict between individual freedom and necessary restrictions during a pandemic. Mature and educated citizens are needed not only for coping with pandemics but also for creating stress-resistant democratic societies. Learned scientific societies should contribute to this discussion.},
}

@article {pmid42576971,
year = {2026},
author = {Contreras, S and Dönges, P and Müller, L and Mallick, P and Paltra, S and Hvid, U and Kettlitz, RJN and Reitenbach, A and Lind, RA and Aguiar, M and Bechtle, P and Valdez, AC and Gronemeyer, R and Harries, M and Jaeger, VK and Karch, A and Klett-Tammen, CJ and Klimek, P and Kretzschmar, ME and Nagel, K and Nielsen, BF and Prainsack, B and Radhuber, IM and Simonsen, L and Sneppen, K and Suer, J and Priesemann, V},
title = {Mechanics of pandemics.},
journal = {EClinicalMedicine},
volume = {98},
number = {},
pages = {104101},
pmid = {42576971},
issn = {2589-5370},
abstract = {COVID-19 and previous pandemics have shown how diseases can disrupt, threaten, and transform daily life. Since pathogens and societies are continuously evolving, every pandemic is different. However, certain fundamental principles of disease transmission appear to hold true across different outbreaks. These "mechanisms" are grounded in natural laws or the very structure of our biology and societies. This paper compiles ten fundamental mechanisms, curated by a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds spanning public health, medicine, epidemiology, political science, mathematics, physics, and psychology. These mechanisms, although perhaps underappreciated, substantially shape how pandemics unfold and are controlled. The better we succeed in understanding these mechanisms and establishing this knowledge in our societies, the better we will be able to prepare for future pandemics and respond appropriately when they occur.},
}

@article {pmid42576972,
year = {2026},
author = {Mohamed Omer, SO and Eltahir, R and Osman Elsayed, SB and Eldyasty Ahmed Eid, MA and Hassan Khattab, RA and Elfaki Omer, EO and Gomaa Abdelfattah, MK and Mustafa Alsalhi, AS and Elawad Ahmed, NF},
title = {Autoimmune Manifestations Following COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e112421},
pmid = {42576972},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been linked to immune dysregulation and autoantibody formation, raising concern that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may precipitate new-onset autoimmune disease. This systematic review synthesises controlled observational evidence on the incidence and risk of autoimmune manifestations following confirmed COVID-19. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines, electronic databases were searched from inception upto the search date for original cohort or case-control studies comparing incident autoimmune disease in individuals with versus without confirmed COVID-19. Eligibility was structured using the PICOS (Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, and Study design) framework. Methodological quality was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. Findings were synthesised narratively. Eight large cohort studies, drawn from multiple national health systems and collectively encompassing tens of millions of individuals, met the inclusion criteria. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was consistently associated with an increased risk of incident autoimmune disease spanning rheumatological, dermatological, vasculitic, endocrine, gastrointestinal, haematological, and neurological domains, with adjusted hazard ratios ranging from approximately 1.3 to 3.0. Connective tissue, vasculitic, and antibody-mediated disorders were most frequently implicated. Several studies demonstrated a severity-dependent gradient and attenuation of risk over time, and one cohort reported a reduced risk among vaccinated individuals. The overall certainty of evidence was low to moderate. Confirmed COVID-19 is associated with an increased, though in absolute terms modest, risk of new-onset autoimmune disease, most reproducibly affecting connective tissue, vasculitic, and antibody-mediated conditions. The observational evidence supports clinical vigilance, particularly after severe infection, while prospective studies with validated outcomes and infection comparators are needed to confirm causality.},
}

@article {pmid42577597,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, K and Liang, X and Pi, R and Dai, J and Lei, X and Fang, J},
title = {Advances in AI for detecting pulmonary inflammation and perioperative medicine: a mini-review.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1865505},
pmid = {42577597},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {With increasing human longevity, early recognition and treatment of pneumonia in the elderly are crucial to prevent disease progression. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the detection and management of pulmonary inflammation (pneumonia, COVID-19 lung damage). Accurate preoperative assessment of pneumonia contributes to improved perioperative surgical and anesthesia management. This mini-review highlights key advances: (1) Hybrid deep learning models achieve high accuracy (>96%) in analyzing ultrasound videos for disease differentiation. (2) Self-supervised learning enables expert-level X-ray interpretation without extensive annotations. (3) Multimodal integration combines imaging (CT/X-ray) with clinical data, enhancing lesion visibility and pathogen-specific diagnosis (viral vs. bacterial AUC: 0.95). Clinically, AI demonstrates high efficacy in COVID-19 detection (AUC: 0.992), pediatric pneumonia diagnosis (89-96% accuracy), and identifying post-COVID complications. Despite this promise, challenges remain, including data bias, limited pediatric datasets, "black-box" model interpretability, and ethical concerns. Future progress depends on expanding diverse training data (e.g., via federated learning), integrating explainable AI (XAI), and ensuring equitable access. In conclusion, AI offers accurate, scalable solutions for pulmonary inflammation diagnostics, with significant potential to augment clinical decision-making and extend into proactive areas like perioperative medicine for complication screening and prevention.},
}

@article {pmid42569481,
year = {2026},
author = {Shin, H},
title = {U.S. Public Health Policy Shifts Under the Second Trump Administration and Implications for the Republic of Korea's Health Security.},
journal = {Public health weekly report},
volume = {19},
number = {30},
pages = {1251-1280},
pmid = {42569481},
issn = {3092-491X},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This report evaluates the U.S. public health policy shifts enacted by the 2025 Trump administration and assesses their implications for global health cooperation, evidence-based policymaking, and the Republic of Korea's health security strategy.

METHODS: This study employed a narrative review and policy analysis based on documents published between January 2025 and May 2026. Data were collected from official U.S. federal agency sources and major media outlets using specific search terms, including "Trump administration" and "public health policy." After screening for policy relevance and reliability, the reviewed literature was synthesized and qualitatively analyzed into four main topics: agency reorganization and budget cuts, immunization policy adjustments, data-driven research environments, and global health cooperation.

RESULTS: To improve efficiency and realign priorities, the U.S. federal government restructured public health governance by streamlining U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agencies from 28 to 15 and reducing staff. Immunization policy shifted toward emphasizing individual choice, reducing the number of routine recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 by excluding rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, coronavirus disease 2019, and influenza vaccines. Multilateral cooperation also declined as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decentralized data management, the U.S. withdrew from the World Health Organization, and the United States Agency for International Development was dissolved, shifting the focus toward bilateral memoranda of understanding. However, these swift transformations triggered sharp institutional resistance, including judicial injunctions, government shutdowns, and state-level policy fragmentation.

CONCLUSIONS: Alterations to these frameworks and guidelines may reduce the predictability of global infectious disease surveillance and cooperation. Consequently, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency must enhance independent global surveillance, develop science-based communication to sustain vaccine confidence, and diversify multi- and bilateral cooperation networks to keep pace with evolving global health dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42570952,
year = {2026},
author = {Brock, J and Lux, H and Bauer, M and Dickmann, P},
title = {Inter-hospital ICU-to-ICU transfer of critically ill COVID-19 patients is not associated with increased mortality: a systematic review with exploratory meta-analysis.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42570952},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Humans ; *Intensive Care Units ; *Critical Illness/mortality ; *Patient Transfer/statistics & numerical data ; *COVID-19/mortality ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Hospital Mortality ; },
abstract = {During the COVID-19 pandemic, inter-hospital transfer of critically ill patients between intensive care units was widely used to manage capacity shortages. While several individual studies have compared outcomes of transferred and non-transferred patients, no systematic synthesis of this evidence exists. This systematic review aims to determine whether inter-hospital ICU-to-ICU transfer of adult COVID-19 patients is associated with increased mortality or other adverse clinical outcomes. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies comparing clinical outcomes of adult COVID-19 patients who underwent inter-hospital ICU-to-ICU transfer with non-transferred ICU patients. Two reviewers screened, selected, and extracted data independently and in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Exploratory random-effects meta-analyses were performed separately for each effect measure, with Hartung-Knapp and crude-effect sensitivity analyses. Nine observational studies from seven countries were included (approximately 6,100 transferred and 29,200 non-transferred ICU patients). None of the adjusted effect estimates showed a statistically significant mortality disadvantage for transferred patients. Pooled adjusted subgroup estimates were an odds ratio of 1.29 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.98; k = 3) and a hazard ratio of 0.71 (95% CI 0.34 to 1.46; k = 2). Length of stay was longer in transferred patients in most studies. The available observational evidence did not show a clear increase in mortality among transferred compared with non-transferred COVID-19 ICU patients. These findings support the use of inter-hospital transfer as a safe strategy for managing ICU surge capacity. PROSPERO CRD420261356915.},
}

Humans
*Intensive Care Units
*Critical Illness/mortality
*Patient Transfer/statistics & numerical data
*COVID-19/mortality
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Hospital Mortality

@article {pmid42571046,
year = {2026},
author = {Gravenstein, S and Cooke, CE and Verdi, D and Fedele, MJ and Ganguli, S and Martin, S and Draica, F},
title = {Current Impact of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review.},
journal = {The Senior care pharmacist},
volume = {41},
number = {5},
pages = {167-186},
doi = {10.4140/TCP.n.2026.167},
pmid = {42571046},
issn = {2639-9636},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality ; United States/epidemiology ; *Long-Term Care/statistics & numerical data ; *Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data ; Nursing Home Residents ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {Background: COVID-19 disproportionately affects older adults, placing residents of closed-community settings, such as long-term care facilities (LTCFs), at increased risk for severe illness and death. Objective: To describe the epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization associated with acute COVID-19 in LTCFs in the United States during Omicron variant predominance. Data Sources: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched on January 15, 2025 for full-text citations published on or after January 1, 2022. Conference abstracts from long-term care conferences in 2023 and 2024 were hand-searched. Records were included if they described acute COVID-19 in LTCFs (nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers). Records were excluded if they were conducted outside the United States, published in languages other than English, focused on long COVID, did not include data from the Omicron predominance period (beginning November 1, 2021), or were clinical trials, case reports/case series, narrative reviews, editorials, or commentaries. Data Synthesis: Forty-three articles met the inclusion criteria, most of which reported COVID-19 cases (20 studies), mortality (18 studies), and/or healthcare resource utilization (11 studies). Although all studies included COVID-19 data during the Omicron period, most also included earlier periods during which other COVID-19 variants were predominant. In the United States, weekly incidence rates for COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations among nursing home residents ranged from 614 to 1338 and from 38 to 71 per 1,000 residents, respectively. Approximately 1 in 6 COVID-19 hospitalizations occurred among LTCF residents. Compared with community-dwelling individuals, mortality was 4.6-fold higher among LTCF residents. Conclusion: COVID-19 in LTCFs was associated with high rates of hospitalization and mortality among residents, including vaccinated individuals, during the study period.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality
United States/epidemiology
*Long-Term Care/statistics & numerical data
*Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data
Nursing Home Residents
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid42565313,
year = {2026},
author = {SeyedAlinaghi, S and Mehraeen, E and Rad, FF and Siami, H and Javaherian, M and Rasheed, MA and Bagheri, A and Zand, A and Emamgholizadeh Baboli, E and Rostami, K and Yarmohammadi, S},
title = {Risk Factors of the Spread of COVID-19 in Prisoners: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Disaster medicine and public health preparedness},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {e141},
doi = {10.1017/dmp.2026.10392},
pmid = {42565313},
issn = {1938-744X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/prevention & control ; *Prisoners/statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on risk factors for COVID-19 in incarcerated populations.

METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted for English articles until October 2025. Study quality was assessed using the PRISMA checklist and NOS tool. Meta-analysis was performed in Stata 17 using a random-effects model, with odds ratios as the primary effect measure and statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Heterogeneity was evaluated via I[2] statistics.

RESULTS: Twelve articles were ultimately included in the study. For the meta-analysis, only 5 articles were considered, which evaluated sex, age, and vaccination status as the risk factors of COVID-19. The total sample size was 176169, consisting of 169117 males and 7,726 females. In most studies, the average age was reported to be around 40 years. Fully vaccinated prisoners were less likely to contract COVID-19 than unvaccinated ones (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.67; P = 0.001), while no significant relationships were found regarding sex and age.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that full vaccination significantly protects against COVID-19 in prisons. Prioritizing vaccination campaigns, along with measures like mask use and hand hygiene, is essential to protect incarcerated individuals and the wider community.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/prevention & control
*Prisoners/statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors
SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity
Vaccination/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid42568381,
year = {2026},
author = {Cebeci, F},
title = {The rise of hikikomori research: a bibliometric analysis of an emerging global phenomenon.},
journal = {Frontiers in psychology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1862953},
pmid = {42568381},
issn = {1664-1078},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Hikikomori, characterized by prolonged and severe social withdrawal, has attracted growing international attention as research has extended beyond its original Japanese context. This study examines the growth dynamics, citation impact, productivity patterns, collaboration structure, and conceptual and intellectual development of the hikikomori literature.

METHODS: Data have been retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. Following screening and deduplication, 348 unique publications from 2002 to 2025 have been included. Performance analysis and science mapping techniques have been applied using the bibliometrix R package, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer.

RESULTS: Publication output has remained limited during the early years, has become more visible after 2010, and has increased markedly after 2018, with the highest annual output recorded in 2025 (n = 62). Highly cited publications have included both core hikikomori studies and research related to internet addiction, digital behaviors, youth social withdrawal, and measurement. Scientific production has been concentrated among a limited group of authors and institutions, while 14 journals have formed the Bradford core. Japan has remained the dominant contributor, although substantial research activity has also been recorded in Italy, China, the United States, and other regions. International collaboration has been unevenly distributed and has remained less prominent than nationally based research production. Keyword analyses have revealed strong connections among hikikomori, social withdrawal, social isolation, depression, loneliness, mental health, and anxiety. Bibliographic coupling has revealed substantial overlap in shared reference bases, while thematic evolution has shown continuity around hikikomori and social isolation together with the later prominence of mental health, COVID-19, depression, and adolescent-related themes.

CONCLUSION: The findings have indicated that hikikomori research has developed into a broader and increasingly international field in which clinical, psychosocial, developmental, cultural, and digital perspectives have been represented. Greater interdisciplinary and cross-cultural engagement has therefore been identified as an important direction for future research.},
}

@article {pmid40314137,
year = {2026},
author = {Lam, BJW and Loh, MCS and Yew, YW},
title = {Telemedicine in the Care of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug},
volume = {37},
number = {4},
pages = {632-639},
doi = {10.1089/derm.2024.0173},
pmid = {40314137},
issn = {2162-5220},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/therapy ; *Telemedicine ; Severity of Illness Index ; Quality of Life ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Importance: More patients are opting for telemedicine because of its convenience and potential cost savings, especially post-COVID-19. This is also applicable to atopic dermatitis (AD).Objective: To investigate telemedicine's impact on the care of patients with AD.Methods: Relevant articles from five databases-namely, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library-were searched up to August 1, 2023. Controlled prospective clinical trials, long-term follow-up studies, retrospective studies, and observational studies that assessed the effectiveness of telemedicine in terms of patient- and physician-reported outcomes of AD were included. A random-effects model was chosen to estimate all pooled data, with results presented in forest plots.Results: Regarding teleconsultation, four studies reported decreases in Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Investigator Global Assessment, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), which were comparable with the control arm. For electronic interventions, POEM and Hand Eczema Severity Index significantly decreased from baseline in favor of telemedicine (P = 0.0003 and P < 0.00001, respectively), while no difference was observed for Eczema Area and Severity Index and DLQI.Conclusions: Telemedicine can be a useful adjunct to traditional face-to-face consultations in AD but with potential cost savings and convenience for patients.},
}

Humans
*Dermatitis, Atopic/therapy
*Telemedicine
Severity of Illness Index
Quality of Life
COVID-19

@article {pmid42349233,
year = {2026},
author = {Lv, F and Chen, Y and Xia, Y},
title = {Neurological sequelae of Long COVID: Pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic advances, and therapeutic perspectives.},
journal = {Journal of neuroimmunology},
volume = {419},
number = {},
pages = {579010},
doi = {10.1016/j.jneuroim.2026.579010},
pmid = {42349233},
issn = {1872-8421},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/physiopathology/therapy/psychology/immunology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis/therapy/etiology/physiopathology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms beyond the acute phase, often discussed under the umbrella term "Long COVID". These manifestations commonly include mood disturbances, post-traumatic stress symptoms, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, with substantial effects on daily functioning and quality of life. Despite these concerns, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these sequelae remain poorly understood, and the lack of specific biomarkers hampers the development of targeted interventions. This review synthesizes recent advances in the clinical presentation, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric sequelae of Long COVID. We also discuss current challenges and outline future research priorities to facilitate the establishment of standardized diagnostic criteria and the development of effective, mechanism-based therapies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/physiopathology/therapy/psychology/immunology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis/therapy/etiology/physiopathology
Animals

@article {pmid42564287,
year = {2026},
author = {Mensah, C and Bodunrin, S},
title = {Injustice unmasked: a systematic review of social justice struggles during the COVID pandemic in Canada.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {1856009},
pmid = {42564287},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Social Justice ; Canada/epidemiology ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic amplified social injustices through institutional system disruption among marginalized communities in Canada. This study fills an important literature gap by providing the first holistic systematic review with a theoretically grounded framework to anticipate and mitigate social injustices in future public health crises.

METHOD: Using PRISMA 2020 framework and the databases of Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed (n = 58, 2020-2023), the study analyzed the pandemic-induced inequities through the PEO framework.

RESULTS: Discrimination was identified as the most pervasive social injustice during the pandemic. Immigrants, Refugees, and Women were identified as the most vulnerable group impacted with various forms of social injustices due to the intersection between different social identities.

DISCUSSION: The novel PISIIM framework was developed to equip policy makers, social workers, and other stakeholders in anticipating and mitigating injustices in future public health crises.

https://www.prisma-statement.org/prisma-2020-flow-diagram.},
}

*COVID-19/epidemiology
Humans
*Social Justice
Canada/epidemiology
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid42564508,
year = {2026},
author = {Bösenberg, LH and Ueckermann, V},
title = {Pandem-ethics: Post-mortem reflection on healthcare worker ethics during the time of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemonium.},
journal = {Southern African journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {41},
number = {1},
pages = {798},
pmid = {42564508},
issn = {2313-1810},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created ethical and legal tension for healthcare workers (HCWs), who had to balance professional obligations with personal safety, family responsibilities and resource limitations. The concept of 'duty to care' re-emerged as a contested ethical construct during periods of workforce vulnerability and healthcare scarcity.

AIM: This article examines the ethical and juridical dimensions of HCWs' duty of care during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the South African constitutional framework, occupational health obligations and professional regulation, and whether this duty is absolute or subject to reasonable limits.

SETTING: The discussion is situated within South Africa's healthcare response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ethical expectations placed on clinicians in high-risk and emergency settings.

METHOD: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and grey literature. Sources included peer-reviewed ethical analyses, legal frameworks and policy documents. A thematic synthesis analysed moral theory, legal duty, reciprocity and public health ethics.

RESULTS: The duty of care is substantial but not limited. South African law supports coexistence of rights rather than hierarchical obligations. Ethical analysis shows that proportionality, reciprocity and reasonable risk mitigation conditions professional duty. Employers must ensure adequate protection, transparent triage systems and psychosocial support. Failure to ensure reciprocity risks moral coercion and workforce attrition. The pandemic highlighted the need to define the thresholds where professional obligation yields to legitimate self-protection.

CONCLUSION: The duty of care should be reconceptualised as a conditional, relational obligation grounded in constitutional values and public health ethics, with clear risk thresholds and enforceable reciprocal protections.

CONTRIBUTION: This article contributes to post-COVID-19 pandemic ethics literature by clarifying between the duty to treat, care and serve, proposing a Decatrad of operational reforms, reframing the duties as conditional, reciprocal and legally bounded.},
}

@article {pmid42564512,
year = {2026},
author = {Dawood, F and Singaram, VS and Cassim, B},
title = {An exploratory evaluation of the acceptability of revised physician examinations in South Africa initiated during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.},
journal = {Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {388},
pmid = {42564512},
issn = {2960-110X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study explored the acceptability of the decentralised assessment of clinical competency (AOCC) and digital structured oral examination (SOE), introduced in South Africa (SA) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with a view to informing their potential continuation and refinement in post-pandemic contexts.

METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted with candidates and examiners from SA training centres who participated in the AOCC and SOE in 2020-2021. Quantitative data explored perceptions regarding the credibility of the revised formats. For deeper insights, focus group discussions were held. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Forty candidates completed the questionnaires with at least one representative from each SA training centre. Twelve examiners responded to the AOCC and 13 to the SOE questionnaires. Both groups viewed the revised formats broadly positively, highlighting the AOCC's fairness, relevance and acceptability. Analysis highlighted advantages such as logistical benefits, and challenges, including the need for standardisation of registrar training. The SOE was endorsed by more than 70% of participants for its standardisation, objectivity and breadth of content coverage. Both groups expressed concerns about limited examiner-candidate interaction, while candidates reported uncertainty regarding the depth of responses required.

CONCLUSION: The revised formats were broadly acceptable and perceived as valid alternatives to the previous format of the examination. These findings support the continuation of hybrid, decentralised formats for future assessments.

CONTRIBUTION: This study provides insight into the benefits and drawbacks of the amended Fellowship of the College of Physicians (SA) examination format, offering guidance for future reforms in medical assessment in SA and comparable resource-constrained contexts.},
}

@article {pmid42274123,
year = {2026},
author = {Saleem, S and Hussain, A and Haroon, M and Raza, A and Afzal, U and Anwar, MF and Imran, S and Iqbal, MU and Hajj, F},
title = {Dynamic microclot profiling: thromboelastography advances precision management in long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.},
journal = {Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis},
volume = {37},
number = {6},
pages = {288-295},
doi = {10.1097/MBC.0000000000001439},
pmid = {42274123},
issn = {1473-5733},
mesh = {Humans ; *Thrombelastography/methods ; *Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/blood/diagnosis ; *COVID-19/blood/complications/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Pandemics ; *Betacoronavirus ; *Pneumonia, Viral/blood/diagnosis ; *Coronavirus Infections/blood/diagnosis ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) share overlapping symptoms, and emerging evidence implicates persistent fibrinoid microclots in their pathophysiology, contributing to impaired microcirculation. This review explores the role of microclots and evaluates thromboelastography (TEG) as a potential diagnostic tool. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using major biomedical databases. Studies indicate microclots are prevalent in both conditions. Long COVID patients demonstrate a TEG profile of increased clot strength (maximum amplitude) and reduced fibrinolysis (LY30), suggesting a persistent hypercoagulable state. Despite its advantages in real-time assessment, TEG interpretation faces challenges from preanalytical variability and a lack of standardized protocols. Promising therapeutic trials, including anticoagulants (e.g., apixaban) and fibrinolytics (e.g., lumbrokinase), require further validation. Technological advancements like AI-driven TEG analysis and portable devices could improve diagnostic precision. In conclusion, persistent microclots are a key pathophysiological feature. TEG provides a promising, novel approach for detecting coagulation abnormalities and could guide treatment, but requires standardization in future clinical trials. Future research should integrate multiomics biomarkers for precision therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.},
}

Humans
*Thrombelastography/methods
*Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/blood/diagnosis
*COVID-19/blood/complications/diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Pandemics
*Betacoronavirus
*Pneumonia, Viral/blood/diagnosis
*Coronavirus Infections/blood/diagnosis
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use

@article {pmid42411507,
year = {2026},
author = {Kumar, V and Qadri, SH and Nardelli da Silva, AB and Malaj, A and Qadri, SF and Wajeeha, F and Kasina, P and Jumani, MM and Muhammad, H},
title = {Ivabradine in the Treatment of POTS Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology},
volume = {88},
number = {2},
pages = {115-122},
pmid = {42411507},
issn = {1533-4023},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ivabradine/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; *Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome/drug therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Heart Rate/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; *Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; },
abstract = {Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a debilitating autonomic disorder characterized by excessive orthostatic tachycardia and significant functional impairment. Conventional therapies, including beta-blockers, often provide incomplete relief or are poorly tolerated. Ivabradine, a selective If channel inhibitor, reduces heart rate without affecting blood pressure or myocardial contractility, making it a promising option, particularly in post-COVID-19 POTS. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of ivabradine in patients with POTS. PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched through August 2025 in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO CRD420251073600). Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case series reporting ivabradine outcomes in POTS. Primary outcomes were changes in standing and supine heart rate; secondary outcomes included symptom burden, quality of life, and adverse events. A random-effects model was used, heterogeneity was assessed through sensitivity analyses, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Nine studies involving 245 patients were included. Ivabradine significantly reduced standing heart rate (-18.5 bpm; 95% confidence interval -23.3 to -13.8) and supine heart rate (-9.7 bpm; 95% confidence interval -13.4 to -6.1). Symptom improvement particularly palpitations, lightheadedness, and exercise intolerance was consistently reported across classic, pediatric, hyperadrenergic, and post-COVID-19 subgroups. Adverse events were infrequent and mild, most commonly transient visual disturbances, with no reports of severe bradycardia or hypotension. Heterogeneity was high, largely driven by pediatric and post-COVID-19 cohorts. In conclusion, ivabradine seems to provide meaningful heart rate reduction and symptomatic improvement in POTS with a favorable safety profile. However, evidence is limited by small, heterogeneous, predominantly observational studies, underscoring the need for large, multicenter randomized controlled trials.},
}

Humans
*Ivabradine/therapeutic use/adverse effects
*Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome/drug therapy/physiopathology/diagnosis/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Heart Rate/drug effects
Treatment Outcome
*Cardiovascular Agents/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Female
Male
Adult

@article {pmid42556322,
year = {2026},
author = {Pizzato, HA and Bhattacharya, D},
title = {Guiding pluripotent stem cell therapies past the immune system.},
journal = {Stem cells translational medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42556322},
issn = {2157-6580},
support = {R41AI191979/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R41AI192172/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Pluripotent Stem Cells/immunology/transplantation ; Animals ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy/immunology ; *Stem Cell Transplantation/methods ; *Graft Rejection/immunology/prevention & control ; *Immune System ; },
abstract = {Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based therapies hold the potential to unlock cures for numerous diseases, including, but not limited to, Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, heart failure, type 1 diabetes, and cancer. Yet as protocols to differentiate PSCs into therapeutically useful cell types have progressed rapidly, immunological rejection remains a major barrier that may limit the widespread use of such PSC-based therapies. In recent years, strategies to genetically modify PSCs to prevent immunological rejection of the downstream cell product have become a point of emphasis. Here, we provide an immunological perspective on these strategies, discussing the breadth of rejection mechanisms that have been uncovered through decades of research and the relative simplicity of designing PSC immune evasion strategies to circumvent these mechanisms. We focus in particular on how these strategies apply to the treatment of type 1 diabetes.},
}

Humans
*Pluripotent Stem Cells/immunology/transplantation
Animals
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/therapy/immunology
*Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
*Graft Rejection/immunology/prevention & control
*Immune System

@article {pmid42560049,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, Y and Ye, Q},
title = {From decline to resurgence: current perspectives on Mycoplasma pneumoniae.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e0005126},
doi = {10.1128/cmr.00051-26},
pmid = {42560049},
issn = {1098-6618},
abstract = {SUMMARYMycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is an acute respiratory infection caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and constitutes the primary cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among children aged 5 years and older in China. The clinical manifestations of MP-associated respiratory disease in children are diverse, ranging from mild upper respiratory symptoms to life-threatening pneumonia. Notably, during the implementation of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) aimed at curbing SARS-CoV-2 transmission, there was a significant decline in MP infection rates. However, a pronounced global resurgence of MP infections was documented in 2023-2024. The increasing global prevalence of macrolide resistance, particularly in China, coupled with limited alternative antibiotic options for children, increasing rates of coinfections, and the absence of a preventive vaccine, collectively exacerbate treatment challenges and increase the disease burden. Furthermore, the insufficient availability of MP nucleic acid testing and antimicrobial resistance surveillance in primary healthcare settings, coupled with the absence of a comprehensive epidemiological monitoring network, results in a vicious public health cycle. Recent advances and emerging genomic data have provided new insights into its pathogenesis and clinical management. Therefore, in this narrative review, we aim to (i) synthesize the current understanding of the etiological characteristics of MP and the present status of MPP diagnosis and treatment; (ii) analyze recent advances and drivers behind the global resurgence of MP infections; and (iii) propose integrated prevention and control strategies to increase the recognition of MPP and prevent unanticipated outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid42560673,
year = {2026},
author = {Sung, GCY and Wu, Y and Fan, S and Dal Santo, T and González-Domínguez, NP and Sun, Y and Li, L and Li, K and Jiang, X and Tasleem, A and Wang, Y and Boruff, JT and Desai, P and Tougas, B and D'Onofrio, M and Krishnan, A and Adams, C and He, C and Henry, RS and Alkan, A and Rice, DB and Markham, S and Azar, M and Nassar, EL and Hu, S and Cañedo-Ayala, M and Neupane, D and Benedetti, A and Thombs, BD},
title = {Mental Health Symptom Changes by Sex or Gender Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {JAMA network open},
volume = {9},
number = {8},
pages = {e2627595},
doi = {10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.27595},
pmid = {42560673},
issn = {2574-3805},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; *Anxiety/epidemiology ; *Depression/epidemiology ; Sex Factors ; Pandemics ; *Mental Health/statistics & numerical data ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Stress, Psychological/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {IMPORTANCE: A previous systematic review reported that general mental health and anxiety symptoms, but not depression or stress, worsened more for females or women than for males or men from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic based on 12 studies published up to August 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To update a systematic review on sex or gender differences in mental health symptom changes from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DATA SOURCES: Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, medRxiv, and Open Science Framework Preprints were searched from December 31, 2019, to August 31, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies included data to calculate changes in general mental health, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, or stress from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic by sex or gender.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous changes and proportions for dichotomous changes were used. Two independent reviewers extracted data and evaluated risk of bias. Data were pooled via random-effects models on March 21, 2024.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The main outcome was the differences in SMD changes and proportions between women or females and men or males of mental health symptoms from before the COVID-19 pandemic to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: The study included 27 unique cohorts from 14 countries (n = 102-18 127; 31 155 women or females and 30 737 men or males). Differences in SMD change between men and women were minimal and not statistically significant for continuous outcomes of general mental health (0.01 [95% CI, -0.07 to 0.10 and 95% prediction interval (PI), -0.23 to 0.25]; 8 cohorts; 21 762 participants; heterogeneity [I2] = 81.4%), anxiety (0.09 [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.22 and 95% PI, -0.27 to 0.45]; 7 cohorts; 6039 participants; I2 = 68.7%), depression (0.10 [95% CI, -0.00 to 0.20 and 95% PI, -0.23 to 0.43]; 12 cohorts; 9750 participants; I2 = 65.4%), and stress (-0.08 [95% CI, -0.16 to 0.01 and 95% PI, -0.18 to 0.02]; 8 cohorts; 2994 participants; I2 = 0%). Substantial heterogeneity, high risk of bias, or both were present across analyses. No studies reported changes for gender minority groups (eg, transgender, nonbinary).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: In this systematic review and meta-analysis of sex or gender differences in mental health changes from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, no significant differences were found. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously and may not apply in all settings due to heterogeneity and methodological limitations of included studies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Female
Male
*Anxiety/epidemiology
*Depression/epidemiology
Sex Factors
Pandemics
*Mental Health/statistics & numerical data
SARS-CoV-2
*Stress, Psychological/epidemiology

@article {pmid42563962,
year = {2026},
author = {Chen, R},
title = {Human interferon-ω: an underappreciated type I interferon.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1891351},
pmid = {42563962},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Interferon Type I/immunology/genetics ; Autoantibodies/immunology ; Autoimmunity ; Animals ; Immune Tolerance ; Virus Diseases/immunology ; },
abstract = {Interferon-ω (IFN-ω) is a member of the human type I interferon family that has historically been overshadowed by IFN-α and IFN-β. Recent human "natural perturbations", most notably selective neutralization of IFN-ω by autoantibodies in life-threatening viral infections, have renewed interest in this comparatively understudied cytokine and indicate that its antiviral activity may not always be fully compensated in defined clinical settings. This renewed focus has prompted reassessment of its single-gene organization, distinct antigenicity, intermediate receptor-binding kinetics, cellular sources, and regulatory mechanisms. In parallel, thymus-centered tolerance disorders, including autoimmune regulator (AIRE) deficiency, additional inborn errors of immune tolerance, and acquired "sick thymus" states, establish anti-IFN-ω autoantibodies as a stable, high-penetrance immunophenotype linking tolerance failure to durable cytokine-directed autoimmunity. Beyond antiviral defense, multi-omic studies in lupus-spectrum disease suggest tissue- and compartment-specific IFN-ω signals within broader type I interferon programs, yet endogenous IFN-ω remains rarely quantified with ligand-level resolution. This Review integrates current knowledge of IFN-ω from molecular regulation to human disease. Further progress will require subtype-resolved measurement, direct comparison with other type I interferons under matched conditions, and human genetic studies testing whether rare IFNW1 variants contribute to severe viral disease.},
}

Humans
*Interferon Type I/immunology/genetics
Autoantibodies/immunology
Autoimmunity
Animals
Immune Tolerance
Virus Diseases/immunology

@article {pmid37231727,
year = {2024},
author = {Mishra, R and Chaudhary, K and Mishra, I},
title = {Weapons and Strategies against COVID-19: A Perspective.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical biotechnology},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {144-158},
doi = {10.2174/1389201024666230525161432},
pmid = {37231727},
issn = {1873-4316},
mesh = {Humans ; *Drug Repositioning/methods ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Pandemics ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy ; *Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; *Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Currently, there are no approved treatments for the fatal infectious coronavirus disease. The process of identifying new applications for approved pharmaceuticals is called drug repurposing. It is a very successful strategy for drug development as it takes less time and cost to uncover a therapeutic agent than the de novo procedure. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the seventh coronavirus that has been identified as a causative agent in humans. SARS-CoV-2 has been recorded in 213 countries, with over 31 million confirmed cases and an estimated death rate of 3%. Medication repositioning may indeed be regarded as a unique therapeutic option for COVID-19 in the present situation. There are various drugs and techniques, which are being used to treat the symptoms of COVID-19. These agents are directed against the viral replication cycle, viral entrance, and viral translocation to the nucleus. Additionally, some can boost the innate antiviral immune response. Drug repurposing is a sensible method and could be a vital approach to treat COVID-19. Combining some of the drugs or supplements with an immunomodulatory diet, psychological assistance, and adherence to standards can ultimately act against COVID-19. A better knowledge of the virus itself and its enzymes will enable the development of more precise and efficient direct-acting antivirals. The primary aim of this review is to present the various aspects of this disease, including various strategies against COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*Drug Repositioning/methods
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Pandemics
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
*Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
*Betacoronavirus/drug effects
Virus Replication/drug effects

@article {pmid42555410,
year = {2026},
author = {Mashhadi Abolghasem Shirazi, M},
title = {Comparative innate immune responses across major RNA and DNA viral infections: Mechanisms, immunopathology, and therapeutic perspectives.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {2714657},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2026.2714657},
pmid = {42555410},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunity, Innate/immunology ; *DNA Virus Infections/immunology/pathology/drug therapy/therapy ; Innate Immunity Recognition ; *RNA Virus Infections/immunology/pathology/drug therapy ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Animals ; cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway ; *RNA Viruses/immunology ; Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology ; *DNA Viruses/immunology ; Host-Directed Therapy ; Immune Evasion ; },
abstract = {Innate immunity is the first defense against viral infections, limiting viral replication and initiating adaptive immunity. Viral pathogens are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), (RIG-I-like receptors) RLRs, and the (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) cGAS-STING pathway, which trigger interferon production and antiviral responses. This review compares innate immune responses to major RNA viruses (influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HIV) and DNA viruses (HSV, HBV, CMV). While these viruses activate similar pathways, they differ in interferon dynamics, inflammatory responses, immune cell activation, and immune evasion mechanisms. RNA viruses often induce rapid and strong innate responses, whereas many DNA viruses establish persistence through immune modulation. Dysregulated innate immunity can contribute to cytokine storms, chronic inflammation, and tissue damage. Therapeutic strategies targeting innate immunity, such as interferons, cytokine inhibitors, PRR agonists, and host-directed antivirals, may improve outcomes. Infection severity depends on the timing, magnitude, and regulation of innate immune responses.},
}

Humans
*Immunity, Innate/immunology
*DNA Virus Infections/immunology/pathology/drug therapy/therapy
Innate Immunity Recognition
*RNA Virus Infections/immunology/pathology/drug therapy
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Animals
cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway
*RNA Viruses/immunology
Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology
*DNA Viruses/immunology
Host-Directed Therapy
Immune Evasion

@article {pmid42555953,
year = {2026},
author = {Shankar, R and Wang, L and Ho, SH and Liew, MF and Kumar Gollamudi, SP and Wong, TC and Wong, S},
title = {Cost-Effectiveness of Virtual Emergency Care Models: Systematic Review.},
journal = {JMIR mHealth and uHealth},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e82143},
doi = {10.2196/82143},
pmid = {42555953},
issn = {2291-5222},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis ; *Telemedicine/economics ; *Emergency Medical Services/economics/methods ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Virtual care technologies have rapidly expanded in emergency medicine, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, comprehensive economic evaluations of their cost-effectiveness remain fragmented across different clinical applications and health care settings, creating uncertainty for policymakers and health care administrators considering implementation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize evidence on the cost-effectiveness of virtual emergency care models compared to traditional in-person emergency care across diverse clinical conditions, populations, and health care settings.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, searching 8 electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO) from inception to February 2025. We included full economic evaluations comparing virtual emergency care interventions with usual care. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality using the Drummond checklist and Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC) list. Evidence certainty was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Given heterogeneity in interventions and methods, we conducted a narrative synthesis by virtual care modality and clinical application.

RESULTS: From 5817 identified references, 13 studies met inclusion criteria, representing diverse virtual care modalities across 6 countries (United States, Australia, Italy, Canada, Haiti, and Belgium). All included studies reported favorable economic outcomes for virtual emergency care. Video consultation was the most common modality (11/13 studies), achieving 31% to 73% reduction in patient transfers and cost savings of US $73 (AUD $105) to US $5118 per encounter. A total of 6 (46%) studies found virtual care to be dominant (both less costly and more effective). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranged from US $1273 (€990) to US $108,363 per quality-adjusted life year, with most below accepted willingness-to-pay thresholds. Transfer avoidance was the primary economic driver, particularly in rural settings. Quality assessment revealed high methodological rigor (mean Drummond score 92.3%, SD 6.0%; mean CHEC score 95%, SD 4.2%). Using GRADE, evidence certainty was rated high for cost-effectiveness, moderate for transfer reduction and quality of life improvements, and low for emergency department length of stay and mortality benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: Virtual emergency care demonstrates strong and consistent cost-effectiveness across diverse clinical conditions, populations, and health care settings. The evidence particularly supports implementation for stroke care, pediatric emergencies, and rural/remote populations where transfer avoidance drives substantial economic benefits. All evaluated modalities achieved favorable economic outcomes, suggesting technology should match context rather than maximize sophistication. These findings provide robust economic justification for expanding virtual emergency care access and removing regulatory barriers. As health care systems face mounting pressures from aging populations, workforce shortages, and budget constraints, virtual emergency care offers a proven strategy for improving access and quality while reducing costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42025648218; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025648218.},
}

Humans
*Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
*Telemedicine/economics
*Emergency Medical Services/economics/methods
*COVID-19/epidemiology

@article {pmid42556039,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Du, H and Xu, R and Xue, H and Liu, Y and Cao, Y and Guo, Z and Pan, J and Liu, Y},
title = {Point-of-care detection for respiratory diseases: From samples and biomarkers to principles and applications.},
journal = {Talanta},
volume = {312},
number = {Pt A},
pages = {130377},
doi = {10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130377},
pmid = {42556039},
issn = {1873-3573},
abstract = {Early screening can significantly reduce the severe morbidity and mortality of respiratory diseases and alleviate the burden on public healthcare systems. Point-of-care (POC) devices refer to portable instruments that meet the REASSURED criteria and can be conveniently used near the patient without professional laboratory conditions. POC devices played an important role in patient initiated early diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating great potential. From a macro-to-micro perspective, this review first comprehensively introduces clinically relevant sample types, including blood, respiratory tract and oral samples, and exhaled breath, along with the clinical significance of corresponding biomarkers (nucleic acids, proteins, gaseous molecules, extracellular vesicles, circulating tumor cells, and pathogen particles) and pre-processing methods. Subsequently, it summarizes the test principles and promising bioreceptors including base pairing-based systems (PCR, isothermal amplification, CRISPR/Cas), antibodies and antibody mimetics, and other affinity-based recognition elements, and innovatively presents portable integration platforms of biosensors from the perspective of bioreceptor compatibility. It then evaluates the application performance of transducers and corresponding optical or electrochemical portable detection devices, including SERS, e-nose, nanopore sensors, and portable GC-MS. Finally, the latest applications of computer technology and artificial intelligence tools in POC detection for respiratory diseases, spanning device design, bioreceptor screening, biomarker discovery, and diagnostic data processing, are presented by functional category. This review aims to provide a reference for the research and application of multiplex biomarker/sample/disease POC testing in respiratory diseases, and to offer perspectives on future directions for technological innovation, intelligentization, and commercial translation.},
}

@article {pmid42556934,
year = {2026},
author = {Donskey, CJ},
title = {Carbon dioxide monitoring and other practical tools to investigate infection prevention issues associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems: You can't improve what you don't measure.},
journal = {American journal of infection control},
volume = {54},
number = {9S},
pages = {S34-S41},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajic.2026.02.008},
pmid = {42556934},
issn = {1527-3296},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ventilation/methods/standards ; *Carbon Dioxide/analysis ; *Air Conditioning/methods ; *Infection Control/methods ; *Heating/methods ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; Aerosols/analysis ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Cross Infection/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play an essential role in minimizing the risk for transmission of airborne pathogens. A basic understanding of how HVAC systems work and of tools that are available to assess their performance is essential for infection prevention.

METHODS: The published English literature was searched for articles on use of practical tools to assess ventilation and airflow and their application to address infection prevention issues related to health care HVAC systems.

RESULTS: Carbon dioxide monitoring is an inexpensive, easy-to-use tool that provides rapid information on the quality of ventilation and the efficacy of interventions. Clearance of aerosol particles provides supplemental information on ventilation and devices that emit smoke or condensed moisture show patterns of airflow. Multiple publications have demonstrated the use of these tools to evaluate ventilation and airflow patterns and assess the impact of interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: Several practical tools are available to assess ventilation and patterns of airflow. These tools can be used to develop effective interventions to reduce the risk for airborne transmission of pathogens.},
}

Humans
*Ventilation/methods/standards
*Carbon Dioxide/analysis
*Air Conditioning/methods
*Infection Control/methods
*Heating/methods
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
Aerosols/analysis
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Cross Infection/prevention & control

@article {pmid42556949,
year = {2026},
author = {Bondzi-Simpson, A and Hallet, J},
title = {What Do Population-based Studies Tell Us about the Ideal Timing of Surgical Resection for Colorectal Cancer?.},
journal = {Advances in surgery},
volume = {60},
number = {1},
pages = {149-167},
doi = {10.1016/j.yasu.2026.03.014},
pmid = {42556949},
issn = {1878-0555},
mesh = {Humans ; *Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery ; Treatment Delay ; *Time-to-Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Colorectal Surgical Procedures ; },
abstract = {Timely access to curative-intent colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery is a central component of surgical quality. Yet contemporary evidence challenges historical assumptions that shorter wait times always confer better outcomes. Drawing on population-based studies which offer the most robust and generalizable data this article synthesizes what is known about the relationship between surgical delay and oncologic outcomes in CRC. We outline key conceptual considerations in defining wait-time intervals, discuss lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and identify gaps for future research. Ultimately, wait times should be applied as flexible, evidence-informed quality indicators that support patient-centered, biologically sound, and operationally feasible cancer care.},
}

Humans
*Colorectal Neoplasms/surgery
Treatment Delay
*Time-to-Treatment
COVID-19/epidemiology
Colorectal Surgical Procedures

@article {pmid42557465,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, X and Dong, S},
title = {Clinical outcomes of neurosurgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis of global data.},
journal = {Acta neurologica Belgica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42557465},
issn = {2240-2993},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected neurosurgical care globally through service reorganizations, delayed presentation, alterations in case selection, and limited perioperative resources. However, overall impact of these changes on clinical outcomes in neurosurgical patients remains unclear. Hence, this review evaluated clinical outcomes of neurosurgical patients managed during COVID-19 era compared with pre-pandemic era.

METHODS: Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science was conducted from inception of database till March 2026. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were used for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistic.

RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. In the primary pre-pandemic comparison, mortality was significantly higher during the COVID-19 era across 18 studies including 35,639 patients (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.20-1.85; I² = 44.7%). Postoperative complications were also increased across 13 studies including 12,174 patients (OR = 1.44, 95%CI 1.04-1.98; I² = 78.5%). No significant difference was observed for requirement of mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.20, 95%CI 0.81-1.76; I² = 0.0%), whereas length-of-stay findings were inconclusive because of high heterogeneity (WMD = -1.46 days, 95%CI -3.19 to 0.28; I² = 85.8%).

CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgical patients managed during the COVID-19 era had higher mortality and postoperative complication rates than those treated before the pandemic. These findings highlight the vulnerability of neurosurgical care systems to large-scale health-system disruption and underscore the need for resilient strategies to ensure timely and safer neurosurgical care during future disruptions.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.},
}

@article {pmid42557823,
year = {2026},
author = {Lituma-González, WD and Casella, C and Ballaz, SJ},
title = {Resolution-Oriented Immunopharmacological Potential of the Lipid Matrix of Rhynchophorus palmarum Larvae in Viral Respiratory Infections: A Perspective Review.},
journal = {Lipids},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/lipd.70077},
pmid = {42557823},
issn = {1558-9307},
abstract = {This review explores how the fatty acid (FA) profile of the Amazonian Rhynchophorus palmarum larva (Chontacuro), traditionally eaten for respiratory ailments, might biochemically mitigate viral respiratory infections. During metamorphosis, this insect utilizes its unique FA matrix to survive severe, self-inflicted oxidative and inflammatory tissue stress. The authors hypothesize that when consumed by humans, these insect lipids undergo chylomicron-mediated lymphatic transport. This pathway bypasses initial liver metabolism, delivering unsaturated FAs directly to the pulmonary microvasculature and alveolar macrophages in the lungs. Once there, the FAs are proposed to act via two main mechanisms: One is inflammation resolution, where the ω-3 fraction is hypothesized to be metabolized via the 15-LOX enzyme pathway into Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs) and activate PPAR-α, potentially shifting the immune response from chronic inflammation toward active tissue repair. The other is viral sabotage: The highly unsaturated fats increase cell membrane fluidity, destabilizing the "lipid rafts" that viruses rely on for cellular entry and assembly. While in vitro and in silico models suggest a synergistic "cocktail effect" that primes and then resolves the immune response, the authors note that direct human clinical evidence is currently lacking.},
}

@article {pmid42558130,
year = {2025},
author = {Real, FJ and Meisman, A and Wijesooriya, J and Crosby, LE and Rosen, BL},
title = {Using Intervention Mapping to Develop a Virtual Reality Intervention to Support COVID-19 Vaccination Among Black Families.},
journal = {Journal of medical extended reality},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {230-243},
pmid = {42558130},
issn = {2994-1520},
abstract = {Pediatric uptake of COVID-19 vaccines is low, particularly among Black children. There is a critical need for pediatric clinicians to address COVID-19 vaccine concerns through community-centered, culturally appropriate communication strategies. Virtual reality (VR) may provide a modality to support clinicians' relational skills related to COVID-19 vaccine by providing a safe, realistic environment to practice preferred communication behaviors. The aim of this project was to use Intervention mapping (IM), a six-step framework, to cocreate a VR intervention with Black families to support COVID-19 vaccine uptake. For IM, step 1 (develop a logic model of the problem) and step 2 (identify program objectives and outcomes), our team used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify caregiver, adolescent, and young adult factors associated with intention and decisions to vaccinate against COVID-19. IM step 3 (program design) consisted of assembling planning board sessions with the Black community stakeholders including adolescents, young adults, and caregivers, along with primary care pediatric clinicians. A modified Delphi technique was used to build consensus for salient COVID-19 vaccine concerns and communication preferences. During IM step 4 (program production), the VR intervention (Virtual Immersive Communication Training on Recommending Immunization COVID-19) and accompanying simulation flowsheets were developed. An implementation plan was developed for IM step 5 (program implementation) and an evaluation plan for IM step 6 (evaluation). Through IM, an intervention centered on the needs and preferences of Black families was successfully developed. Lessons learned using IM included: (1) the importance of collaborating with patients and families on clinical topics where there is limited data, (2) the use of rigorous methods such as the modified Delphi approach to help build consensus, and (3) community relationships are critical to drive culturally informed technology-based interventions, especially when urgency is required.},
}

@article {pmid42558223,
year = {2025},
author = {Pan, A and Moreau, S and Rafeeh, G and Ahsan, N and Robinson, CL and Lang, M and Paul, M and Khan, J and Thérond, A},
title = {The Role of Virtual Reality in Chronic Pain and Loneliness: Narrative Review.},
journal = {Journal of medical extended reality},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {142-159},
pmid = {42558223},
issn = {2994-1520},
abstract = {Chronic pain and loneliness are significant public health challenges that often intersect, leading to a cyclical cycle of physical, emotional, and social distress. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, highlighting the need for innovative solutions. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for managing chronic pain and alleviating loneliness, but its potential to address the complex interplay between these conditions remains underexplored. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of VR interventions in managing chronic pain and loneliness, identify key themes and knowledge gaps, and provide recommendations for future research and clinical applications. A literature search was conducted, focusing on randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies published between January 2020 and December 2024 that investigated VR interventions for chronic pain and loneliness in adult populations. Studies were analyzed for recurring themes, trends, applications, and implications. VR interventions demonstrate the potential to reduce pain intensity, improve mood, and foster social connectedness through immersive, interactive experiences. Several key themes emerged, including the importance of multisensory stimulation, personalization, and social presence in enhancing VR's therapeutic effects. However, challenges related to accessibility, user experience, and long-term efficacy remain. VR offers a promising approach to managing chronic pain and loneliness, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Future research should address identified barriers, develop culturally adaptive interventions, leverage artificial intelligence for personalization, and conduct longitudinal studies to assess long-term benefits and potential side effects. Integrating VR into collaborative health care teams and comprehensive treatment plans has the potential to maximize its impact and help with cost efficiencies. Advancing VR technology will require continued research to maximize its potential to enhance physical, emotional, and social well-being for those experiencing chronic pain and loneliness.},
}

@article {pmid42559013,
year = {2026},
author = {Asim, M and Abuhelaiqa, EA and Malki, HAA},
title = {Breaking barriers: A decade-long institutional journey to sustain mandated living kidney-donor follow-up in Qatar.},
journal = {Qatar medical journal},
volume = {2026},
number = {2},
pages = {39},
pmid = {42559013},
issn = {0253-8253},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Living kidney donation is essential for expanding transplant opportunities, given the worldwide scarcity of deceased donor organs. Kidney donors experience a slight but detectable long-term increase in risks such as hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage kidney disease, making sustained follow-up essential. However, adherence to post-donation surveillance remains inconsistent worldwide.

METHODS: This descriptive evaluation included living kidney donors enrolled in Qatar's national follow-up program at Hamad Medical Corporation, implemented in January 2017. The program mandates nephrology follow-up at 1 and 6 months post-donation and annually thereafter, with standardized clinical and laboratory monitoring. Adherence rates from 2017 to 2024 were assessed against institutional benchmarks (>90%).

RESULTS: Of 349 registered donors nationwide, 233 donated after program implementation. Despite a fourfold increase in eligible donors between 2017 and 2024, 1- and 6-month follow-up rates remained near 100%, and annual adherence consistently exceeded 90% from 2020 onward. Compliance with the nephrologist-led review of clinical and laboratory data approached 100% among attendees. Sustained performance was temporally associated with system-level interventions, including coordinator-led outreach, structured process redesign, enhanced donor education, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Follow-up rates also remained robust during the COVID-19 pandemic despite the transition to telephone-based consultations.

CONCLUSION: A centralized, quality-driven national framework can achieve durable, high-level adherence to long-term follow-up among living kidney donors, even amid rapid program expansion. This scalable model provides a strong foundation for registry-based outcome monitoring and evidence-informed donor care.},
}

@article {pmid37723634,
year = {2025},
author = {Hajihasani, MM and Farkhad, NK and Mahmoudi, A and Sahebkar, A},
title = {How does the Immunological System Change during the SARS-COV-2 Attack? A Clue for the New Immunotherapy Discovery.},
journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},
volume = {32},
number = {8},
pages = {1575-1588},
pmid = {37723634},
issn = {1875-533X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; Immunity, Innate ; Pandemics ; Adaptive Immunity ; Killer Cells, Natural/immunology ; *Coronavirus Infections/immunology/therapy ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) is one of the biggest unsolved global problems of the 21[st] century for which there has been no definitive cure yet. Like other respiratory viruses, SARS-COV-2 triggers the host immunity dramatically, causing dysfunction in the immune system, both innate and adaptive, which is a common feature of COVID-19 patients. Evidence shows that in the early stages of COVID-19, the immune system is suppressed while it is overactive in severe patients characterized by excessive and prolonged inflammatory responses called "Cytokine Storm". There are many elements in the immune system that undergo alterations as the disease progresses. Some significant changes in the innate immune system following infection with SARS-COV-2 include delayed or inhibited interferon type 1 production by the infected cells leading to elevated virus replication, excessive recruitment of activated monocytes and macrophages, decrease in eosinophil population (eosinopenia), consequent decrease in CD[8+]T lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction, and increase in neutrophil infiltration (neutrophilia) and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Moreover, hallmark alterations in the adaptive immune system in this process cause an overall decrease in the T lymphocyte number (lymphopenia) and changes in the activity of some lymphocyte subsets and a number of B cells. This review delves into the mentioned changes in the immune system following SARS-COV-2 infection and the implications thereof to guide the development of immunotherapies for patients with COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Immunotherapy/methods
Immunity, Innate
Pandemics
Adaptive Immunity
Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
*Coronavirus Infections/immunology/therapy

@article {pmid42500896,
year = {2026},
author = {Blasi, F and Casiraghi, M and Morello, M and Arnò, C and Golino, M and Franceschi, E and Alicandro, G and Vicenzi, M and De Ponti, R},
title = {Bradyarrhythmia in Hospitalized Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Scoping Review and Clustering Analyses.},
journal = {Journal of the American Heart Association},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {e047934},
doi = {10.1161/JAHA.125.047934},
pmid = {42500896},
issn = {2047-9980},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bradycardia/therapy/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/mortality ; *COVID-19/complications/therapy/epidemiology/mortality ; Female ; Cluster Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Hospitalization ; Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Clustering Algorithms ; Adult ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Among arrhythmias observed in SARS-CoV-2 infection, bradyarrhythmia poses the dilemma of urgent pacing. In this population, data on patients' characteristics and clinical outcomes are lacking.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for bradyarrhythmia associated with COVID-19 from inception to December 2024 following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines; quality assessment was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. From each report, the type of bradyarrhythmia, relevant clinical variables, and outcomes were extracted. Comparison between groups with different bradyarrhythmias was performed for the variables available in all cases. Cluster analyses were performed using both the k-means and hierarchical methods.

RESULTS: Overall, 103 case series/case reports were identified reporting data on 151 patients: 76 with sinus node dysfunction and 75 with atrioventricular block (AVB). Median age was 54.5 years; 10.6% were pediatric patients. Despite few comorbidities, 24.5% required mechanical ventilation and 11.3% died. Sinus node dysfunction was more frequently associated with antiviral therapy, while patients with permanent AVB were significantly older (58 versus 48.5 years; P=0.011) and showed a significant trend toward a higher mortality rate (23.1% versus 5.6%; P=0.048) than those with transient AVB. Cluster analyses showed a higher inflammatory profile in younger patients associated with left ventricular dysfunction and AVB.

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 can be associated with sinus node dysfunction or AVB even in a young patient population exhibiting a high inflammatory profile. The need for mechanical ventilation and the mortality rate was not negligible. Sinus node dysfunction was associated with the use of antiviral therapy, and permanent AVB was associated with a higher mortality rate.},
}

Humans
*Bradycardia/therapy/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/mortality
*COVID-19/complications/therapy/epidemiology/mortality
Female
Cluster Analysis
Middle Aged
Male
Hospitalization
Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Clustering Algorithms
Adult

@article {pmid41972671,
year = {2026},
author = {Asaba, CN and Gwanyama, BN and Ayuk, HS and Odo, TI and Bitazar, R and Noumi, T and Labonté, P and Bukong, TN},
title = {Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Viral Infections: Regulation, Immune Consequences, and Pathogenic Outcomes.},
journal = {Cells},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41972671},
issn = {2073-4409},
support = {Relance 2024//The INRS-Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre/ ; 363424//A doctoral scholarship from the Fonds de Recherche du Québec./ ; },
mesh = {*Extracellular Traps/immunology ; Humans ; *Neutrophils/immunology ; *Virus Diseases/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; COVID-19/immunology ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Neutrophils are among the early responders of the innate immune system and play a key role in host defense against viral infections. Beyond their classical antimicrobial functions, neutrophils can engage in a specialized defense mechanism by releasing web-like extracellular DNA known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). These extracellular traps are a mesh-like network of chromatin DNA decorated with cellular components, including histones, proteases, and antimicrobial enzymes, that function to contain and limit the spread of pathogens. While NET formation contributes to antiviral immunity, accumulating evidence indicates that excessive or dysregulated NET formation can significantly contribute to immunopathology during viral infections. Thus, depending on the context and outcome, NET formation may be viewed as a double-edged sword. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing NET formation and its harmful effects is critical for developing therapeutic strategies that enhance antiviral defense while minimizing tissue damage. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms that drive NET formation and clearance, with a particular focus on how viruses modulate these processes to influence disease outcome. We also discuss the pathways underlying NET formation and subsequent neutrophil cell death (NETosis), including canonical and non-canonical pathways, and highlight key signaling axes involving SYK, MAPKs, and NF-κB. Using SARS-CoV-2 and hepatitis B virus as representative models, we examine how different viral components trigger, exploit, or evade NET targeting and how persistent accumulation of NETs can contribute to hyperinflammation, progressive tissue injury, and post-viral syndromes. We further explore emerging evidence linking impaired NET clearance and neutrophil heterogeneity, particularly low-density neutrophils (LDNs), to chronic inflammation and post-viral sequelae such as long COVID and autoimmune hepatitis. Finally, we summarize current and emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating NET formation or enhancing NET clearance. Altogether, this review underscores the dual nature of NETs in viral infections, highlighting their potential roles in antiviral defense and tissue injury, and provides a framework for the development of targeted interventions to limit virus-induced immunopathology.},
}

*Extracellular Traps/immunology
Humans
*Neutrophils/immunology
*Virus Diseases/immunology
Immunity, Innate
COVID-19/immunology
Animals
SARS-CoV-2/immunology

@article {pmid41972882,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, Z and Chen, B and Gao, Y and Wu, C and Shuai, Q and Yan, Y},
title = {Redox-responsive nanoparticles for enhanced mRNA delivery: a comprehensive review.},
journal = {Journal of materials chemistry. B},
volume = {14},
number = {15},
pages = {4546-4570},
doi = {10.1039/d6tb00186f},
pmid = {41972882},
issn = {2050-7518},
mesh = {Oxidation-Reduction ; Humans ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; *RNA, Messenger/chemistry/metabolism/administration & dosage ; Animals ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The clinical success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the therapeutic potential of mRNA while exposing persistent delivery barriers, including intrinsic instability, poor cellular uptake, and inefficient intracellular trafficking. Redox-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) provide a promising strategy to improve mRNA delivery by undergoing stimulus-triggered disassembly in the reductive cytosol, facilitating efficient mRNA release, endosomal escape, and enhanced translation. This review elucidates emerging structure-function relationships by systematically linking redox-labile chemistries (e.g., disulfide, diselenide, and polysulfide), carrier type, and NP architecture to key biological outcomes, including endosomal escape, redox responsiveness, transfection efficiency, and biodistribution. We further identify critical translational challenges-such as tumor redox heterogeneity, insufficient systematic preclinical evaluation, and manufacturing constraints-and propose actionable strategies, including multi-stimulus-responsive systems, microfluidic and process-analytical manufacturing, and formulation approaches to improve efficacy, reproducibility, and stability. Collectively, these insights provide a practical framework to guide the rational design and clinical translation of next-generation redox-responsive mRNA delivery platforms.},
}

Oxidation-Reduction
Humans
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
*RNA, Messenger/chemistry/metabolism/administration & dosage
Animals
COVID-19/prevention & control

@article {pmid41973314,
year = {2026},
author = {Peddireddy, S and VanWingerden, N and Patel, P and Howard, G and Berger, J},
title = {Stellate Ganglion Block in the Treatment of Long COVID: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Current pain and headache reports},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41973314},
issn = {1534-3081},
mesh = {Humans ; *Autonomic Nerve Block/methods ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome/therapy ; *Stellate Ganglion/drug effects ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This review evaluates stellate ganglion block as a treatment for long COVID, seeking to evaluate the treatment's efficacy by various symptoms and the limitations of the current literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review.

SETTING: Ambulatory or Outpatient Setting.

METHODS, SUBJECTS: A systematic review of the current literature regarding use of stellate ganglion block in patients with long COVID was conducted. 2 databases were searched on August 28th, 2025. Search terms were "long COVID" and "stellate ganglion block", yielding 45 results. Studies examining patient outcomes after stellate ganglion block were included. Case reports, case series, basic science studies and previous reviews were excluded. Seven studies met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Patients received a single stellate ganglion block in some studies and multiple stellate ganglion blocks in others. All studies reported symptomatic improvement without control groups. Response rates ranged from 55.8% to 100%. The most robust improvements (> 80% patients reporting relief) were seen in cough, dyspnea, headache, joint pain, pain interference/intensity, pins/needles, subjective relief.

CONCLUSION: Stellate ganglion block is a promising treatment that appears to generate substantive benefit for many of the symptoms seen in long COVID. However, the current literature has small, uncontrolled studies with heterogenous study designs and follow-up periods. Standardized research with larger sample sizes, control groups, and longer-term follow up is necessary to elucidate the degree of benefit. IRB approval and clinical trial registration not required.},
}

Humans
*Autonomic Nerve Block/methods
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome/therapy
*Stellate Ganglion/drug effects
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41973527,
year = {2026},
author = {Hudnall, SR and Jacobs, BC and Fields, KB},
title = {Functional Testing for Return to Activity with COVID-19.},
journal = {Current sports medicine reports},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {118-122},
doi = {10.1249/JSR.0000000000001330},
pmid = {41973527},
issn = {1537-8918},
mesh = {Humans ; *Return to Sport ; *COVID-19 ; *Exercise Test/methods ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Recovery of Function ; },
abstract = {Return-to-play decisions following COVID-19 infection remain challenging due to persistent variability in cardiopulmonary and functional recovery. This review examines four validated functional tests: the Timed Up and Go, 6-Minute Walk Test, Kasch Pulse Step Recovery Test, and 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test and their potential roles in assessing readiness for physical activity and sport after COVID-19 infection. These office-based assessments are simple, reproducible, and sensitive to impairments in cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal function. Evidence suggests that post-COVID-19 individuals may demonstrate significant deficits in performance across functional tests, supporting their integration into return-to-play evaluations. The 6-Minute Walk Test is recommended as the primary measure of functional capacity, with the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test as a validated alternative. Incorporating functional testing into return-to-play protocols can enhance clinical decision-making, guide rehabilitation, and promote safe resumption of physical activity.},
}

Humans
*Return to Sport
*COVID-19
*Exercise Test/methods
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Recovery of Function

@article {pmid41973776,
year = {2026},
author = {Fam, JY and Männikkö, N},
title = {Can the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale be adapted across contexts? Evidence from a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments systematic review.},
journal = {Psychology of addictive behaviors : journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors},
volume = {40},
number = {4},
pages = {484-497},
doi = {10.1037/adb0001149},
pmid = {41973776},
issn = {1939-1501},
mesh = {Humans ; *Psychometrics ; *Social Media ; COVID-19 ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Internet Addiction Disorder/diagnosis ; *Behavior, Addictive/diagnosis ; Pandemics ; *Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/standards ; Consensus ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) has served as a foundation for a series of adapted measures designed to assess social media-related behavioral addictions. Despite widespread application of these instruments, a systematic evaluation of their psychometric properties is lacking. This review aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of the BFAS and its adaptations using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology.

METHOD: A systematic search was conducted to identify psychometric studies of the BFAS and its adapted versions, including the BFAS-18, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Bergen Mukbang Addiction Scale, Social Media Addiction during COVID-19 Pandemic scale, and Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms. Eligible studies were assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist, and the quality of evidence was graded according to the COSMIN-Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS: A total of 55 studies were included. The BFAS and BSMAS demonstrated strong evidence for structural validity, internal consistency, measurement invariance, and hypothesis testing, with high-quality evidence across multiple domains. The BFAS-18 and Bergen Mukbang Addiction Scale received more limited and inconsistent support, while the Social Media Addiction during COVID-19 Pandemic scale and Social Networks Addiction Scale-6 Symptoms remain underexplored with very low-quality evidence. Across all scales, evidence for content validity, reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness was sparse, highlighting important gaps.

CONCLUSIONS: The BFAS and BSMAS currently represent the most robust instruments for assessing Facebook and social media addiction, respectively. However, additional research is required to strengthen evidence for other adaptations, particularly in relation to content validity, measurement error, and responsiveness, as well as to evaluate linguistic and cultural invariance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).},
}

Humans
*Psychometrics
*Social Media
COVID-19
Reproducibility of Results
*Internet Addiction Disorder/diagnosis
*Behavior, Addictive/diagnosis
Pandemics
*Psychiatric Status Rating Scales/standards
Consensus
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41974008,
year = {2026},
author = {Albaloul, H and Nemer, A and Saini, N and Schuster, MG},
title = {Infectious Diseases: What You May Have Missed in 2025.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {179},
number = {5_Supplement},
pages = {e2600983},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-26-00983},
pmid = {41974008},
issn = {1539-3704},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; HIV Infections/drug therapy ; Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use ; *Clinical Trials as Topic ; *Communicable Diseases ; },
abstract = {This article highlights clinical trials on infectious diseases published in 2025 that we believe are highly relevant to internal medicine physicians who are not infectious diseases specialists. Selected studies address prevention and treatment strategies across infectious diseases. We highlight 2 studies of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): one examining the effectiveness of treating male partners to reduce recurrence of bacterial vaginosis and another study of doxycycline as postexposure prophylaxis against bacterial STI. A strategy for using methanamine hippurate to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older women is included in our review. We review the updated evidence supporting the effectiveness of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 season, and a modified messenger RNA influenza vaccine, which showed superior efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. In HIV care, a study of dual antiretroviral maintenance therapy showed that dolutegravir and lamivudine was noninferior to triple therapy at 48 weeks. A meta-analysis supporting shorter antibiotic courses for pyelonephritis and complicated UTIs provides important information for antibiotic stewardship strategies. In serious infections, dalbavancin was noninferior to standard therapy for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, whereas cefiderocol expanded treatment options for gram-negative bloodstream infections without clear superiority, particularly in carbapenem-resistant pathogens. Finally, a study found that elevated C-reactive protein identifies patients most likely to benefit from adjunctive corticosteroids in community-acquired pneumonia.},
}

Female
Humans
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
COVID-19/prevention & control
HIV Infections/drug therapy
Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use
*Clinical Trials as Topic
*Communicable Diseases

@article {pmid41974432,
year = {2026},
author = {Watanabe, H and Nagao, R and Kawabata, K and Mizutani, Y},
title = {[Olfactory Nerve: The Vulnerability Inherent in its Unique System and Neurological Diseases].},
journal = {Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo},
volume = {78},
number = {4},
pages = {303-311},
doi = {10.11477/mf.188160960780040303},
pmid = {41974432},
issn = {1881-6096},
mesh = {Humans ; *Olfactory Nerve/pathology/physiopathology ; *Parkinson Disease/complications ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Nervous System Diseases ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The olfactory nerve possesses unique anatomical features, including direct central nervous system (CNS) projection and continuous regeneration. Scientific advances have elucidated mechanisms such as combinatorial receptor coding and signal amplification. This review summarizes these foundations and examines olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease (PD). In COVID-19, evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 targets sustentacular cells rather than olfactory neurons, causing gene downregulation and parosmia attributed to incomplete peripheral filtering, while direct CNS invasion remains rare. In PD, olfactory loss is a prodromal feature. However, seed amplification assays reveal that alpha-synuclein aggregation in the nasal mucosa does not fully correlate with olfactory dysfunction, as reflected by differences between PD and Multiple System Atrophy. This, together with correlations with cardiac sympathetic denervation, challenges simple pathogen propagation hypotheses. We propose that PD-related hyposmia reflects a systemic vulnerability involving deficits in energy metabolism and neural network organization, rather than solely peripheral protein aggregation. Understanding these pathologies requires a multifaceted approach beyond anatomical lesions.},
}

Humans
*Olfactory Nerve/pathology/physiopathology
*Parkinson Disease/complications
*COVID-19/complications
*Nervous System Diseases
Animals

@article {pmid41975034,
year = {2026},
author = {Matthews, R and Alam, A and Bullmore, E and Michael, BD},
title = {Understanding the long-term neurological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Nature reviews. Neurology},
volume = {22},
number = {6},
pages = {351-365},
pmid = {41975034},
issn = {1759-4766},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Nervous System Diseases/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Pandemics ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology/physiopathology ; },
abstract = {Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), also known as long COVID, is a heterogeneous condition marked by persistent symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. As approximately 6% of people who have experienced acute COVID-19 are estimated to develop PCC, the potential population is vast. Many of the key symptoms of PCC reflect involvement of the nervous system, ranging from cognitive impairment ('brain fog'), headaches and fatigue to anxiety and depression. This Review summarizes the spectrum of neurological and psychological symptoms that occur following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a particular focus on the international consensus-based core outcome set for PCC. We also explore the proposed underlying mechanisms, including evidence for immune system dysregulation, microvascular dysfunction and volumetric changes on neuroimaging. In addition, we review ongoing and completed large-scale treatment trials. Growing evidence suggests a bidirectional interaction between symptoms traditionally considered neurobiological in origin, such as cognitive deficits and headache, and those within the purview of psychiatry, such as anxiety and depression. PCC represents an opportunity to better understand the long-term consequences of acute infection and improve management strategies and outcomes, not only for people with the condition but also for those with other post-viral syndromes that affect brain health.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
*Nervous System Diseases/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Pandemics
Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology/physiopathology

@article {pmid41975314,
year = {2026},
author = {Alhumaid, S and Alkhars, O and Algrafi, AS and Dossary, NA and Elhaj, N and Majzoub, RA and Turkistani, JA and Alhumaid, SM and Shaikh, HAA and Aldiaram, A and Alahmed, AH and Alomran, SA and AlQatifi, MB and Alkolib, MJ and Almubarak, MS and Al-Helal, H and Alhaddad, AJ and Alsouaib, HA and Albahrani, AA and Aldera, AH and Alnasser, FM and Alhmeed, N and Alsulaiman, MS and Al Alawi, Z and Alghazal, HA},
title = {Vaccine effectiveness across the Omicron evolutionary spectrum (BA.2, BA.5, XBB, JN.1, KP.3): a systematic review of studies published 2022-2025.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975314},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {*Vaccine Efficacy ; Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since late 2021, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has undergone rapid evolutionary diversification, giving rise to successive subvariants with increasing immune escape. In response, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination strategies transitioned from ancestral-strain vaccines to variant-adapted formulations. Real-world evidence on the effectiveness and durability of these updated vaccines across the full Omicron evolutionary spectrum remains fragmented. OBJECTIVES: To synthesise real-world evidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe clinical outcomes across successive Omicron subvariants from 2022 to 2025, with particular emphasis on variant-adapted vaccine formulations and waning immunity over time. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were systematically searched for peer-reviewed observational studies published between January 2022 and December 2025. Eligible studies assessed vaccine effectiveness during periods dominated by Omicron subvariants including BA.2, BA.5, XBB, BA.2.86/JN.1, and KP lineages. Findings were synthesised narratively due to substantial heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirty observational studies from North America, Europe, and East Asia were included. Across Omicron subvariants, vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection was generally modest and short-lived, with rapid waning within months after vaccination and estimates frequently approaching null during later subvariant periods. In contrast, updated and variant-adapted vaccines consistently provided meaningful protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Protection was highest during BA.4/BA.5 and early XBB-dominant periods and declined with increasing time since vaccination, especially during JN.1- and KP-predominant periods and among the oldest age groups. Importantly, substantial protection against severe outcomes persisted within the first 1–3 months following vaccination, with effectiveness against hospitalization and death generally ≥ 50%, although effectiveness declined over time during later Omicron subvariant periods. CONCLUSION: Updated and variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccines continue to confer substantial protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes across successive Omicron subvariants, despite limited and rapidly waning effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings support prioritisation of periodic booster vaccination for older adults and other high-risk populations, with vaccine performance primarily evaluated using protection against severe clinical outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

*Vaccine Efficacy
Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/genetics

@article {pmid41975359,
year = {2026},
author = {Porter, AV and Joseph-Williams, N and Leighton, C and Gal, M and Edwards, A and Cooper, A},
title = {Barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation at the science-policy interface during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency: a rapid review and theoretical analysis to inform development of a logic model.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975359},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Health Policy ; Models, Theoretical ; *Pandemics ; Policy Making ; *Public Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Translational Research, Biomedical ; *Translational Science, Biomedical/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the rapid production, synthesis, and translation of best available evidence to inform public health policy and practice decisions. This presents a unique learning opportunity to understand the interventions and strategies used to promote evidence-informed decision-making at the science-policy interface during this public health emergency and to explore what hindered or facilitated these processes. OBJECTIVES: To describe the interventions at the science-policy interface used to support knowledge translation during the COVID-19 pandemic, explore the barriers and facilitators to such interventions, and apply findings to formal knowledge translation principles to inform the development of a logic model. METHODS: A systematic literature search of Medline via OVID, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. Studies were assessed for eligibility and critically appraised. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Knowledge translation models and frameworks were identified via Google Scholar and analysed for their applicability to a public health emergency context. RESULTS: We included 18 articles. The most common interventions at the science-policy interface were advisory committees, knowledge translation platforms and hubs, knowledge translation activities (knowledge brokering, priority-setting, workshops) and products (data visualisation and summaries). Barriers included: data availability and accessibility, time constraints, underrepresentation in advisory committees, political influence, and lack of transparency. Facilitators included: research coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, transparency in research methods, and actionable and accessible evidence. We identified 11 knowledge translation models that contributed to the logic model. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings, developed from empirical findings and theoretical principles, offer valuable insights into how knowledge translation infrastructures and processes could be strengthened in preparation for future public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Health Policy
Models, Theoretical
*Pandemics
Policy Making
*Public Health
SARS-CoV-2
*Translational Research, Biomedical
*Translational Science, Biomedical/organization & administration

@article {pmid41975387,
year = {2026},
author = {Rák, T and Ormai, E and Pandur, E and Horváth, G and Adrienne, C},
title = {Exploring the interplay between olfaction and vision: neuroplasticity, rehabilitation, and the therapeutic potential of herbal ingredients.},
journal = {BMC complementary medicine and therapies},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975387},
issn = {2662-7671},
support = {PTE GYTK-KK Kollab 2025, Dr. Györgyi Horváth//University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy-Clinical Centre Collaboration Funding/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Neuronal Plasticity ; Olfactory Training ; Oils, Volatile/therapeutic use ; *Vision Disorders/rehabilitation/drug therapy ; *Smell/physiology ; *Vision, Ocular/physiology ; },
abstract = {Post-COVID-19, olfactory and visual training have demonstrated health benefits, particularly for individuals with visual impairments and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and glaucoma. Integrating olfactory training with essential oils and developing multisensory technologies could improve the quality of life for those with sensory deficits, underscoring the brain’s adaptability and the therapeutic potential of herbal ingredients. This short review commentary proposes that the neuroplastic interplay between the olfactory and visual pathways, including their demonstrated anatomical and functional convergence, may provide a conceptual foundation for integrating olfactory stimulation into future visual rehabilitation strategies.},
}

Humans
*Neuronal Plasticity
Olfactory Training
Oils, Volatile/therapeutic use
*Vision Disorders/rehabilitation/drug therapy
*Smell/physiology
*Vision, Ocular/physiology

@article {pmid41975908,
year = {2026},
author = {Noh, W and Ko, Y},
title = {Resilience-Enhancing Programs for Nurses in the Era of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41975908},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: In the post-pandemic era, growing concern about the mental health of healthcare professionals has led to the development of various resilience-enhancing programs. Although such programs are not new, having been implemented before the pandemic, it is important to investigate how post-pandemic programs differ from earlier ones. This review aimed to analyze resilience-enhancing programs for nurses and evaluate their effectiveness. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was performed in the Cochrane Library, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed, and EMBASE. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata version 16.0 (StataCorp LLC., College Station, TX, USA). Results: Six studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The characteristics of the included studies, such as country, study design, setting, population, outcome variables, and resilience-enhancing programs for nurses, were analyzed. The random-effects meta-analysis indicated a statistically significant positive effect on nurses' resilience (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.07, Z = 2.35, p = 0.019). Conclusions: This study provides foundational evidence for understanding resilience-enhancing programs for nurses and highlights their potential value in post-pandemic healthcare settings.},
}

@article {pmid41976966,
year = {2026},
author = {Mihai, AM and Marc, M and Lucaciu, F and Sima, A},
title = {Incident Heart Failure Risk Following COVID-19 Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41976966},
issn = {2077-0383},
support = {We would like to acknowledge the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, for paying the APC. The funder had no role in study design, data collection/analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation//Victor Babeș University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: While acute cardiac injury during COVID-19 is well-documented, the long-term risk of new-onset heart failure (HF) in survivors remains a critical clinical concern. This study aims to quantify the risk of new-onset heart failure during a 25 months prognostic follow-up period following recovery from SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine high-quality studies (n > 400,000 survivors) in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases including PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched through January 2026. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed on six studies using a random-effects model to pool adjusted hazard ratios (aHR). Results: The pooled analysis revealed a significant 35% increased risk of new-onset heart failure following COVID-19 recovery (aHR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.14-1.60; p = 0.001). Significant heterogeneity was observed (I[2] = 92.62%), reflecting diverse risk profiles among survivors. The risk was most pronounced in immunocompromised kidney transplant recipients (aHR 2.32) and younger adults under the age of 65 (aHR 1.53). Subclinical myocardial damage, characterized by reduced left ventricular longitudinal strain, was identified even in survivors who experienced mild initial infections. Conclusions: COVID-19 recovery serves as a significant independent risk factor for chronic heart failure, emphasizing that cardiovascular impact extends far beyond the acute phase. These findings necessitate the implementation of structured cardiovascular monitoring and biomarker screening for at least one year post-infection to address this emerging chronic disease burden.},
}

@article {pmid41977035,
year = {2026},
author = {Mastrangelo, H and Sacco, MA and Gualtieri, S and Grimaldi, G and Monterossi, MD and Neri, G and Aquila, I},
title = {Placental Vascular Malperfusion, Perinatal Death and Neonatal Brain Injury: A Mechanism-Based Narrative Review with Medico-Legal Implications.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {41977035},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Placental vascular malperfusion, on both the maternal (MVM) and fetal (FVM) side, is a key mechanism linking hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction (FGR), stillbirth, preterm neonatal death and neonatal encephalopathy. Nevertheless, clinical use and medico-legal interpretation of placental findings remain inconsistent. To summarize recent evidence on the relationship between placental vascular malperfusion, perinatal mortality and neonatal brain injury, integrating standardized placental pathology with Doppler and angiogenic biomarkers, and to outline the main medico-legal implications. Methods: A PubMed search using the string "((placenta OR placental pathology) AND (stillbirth OR fetal death) AND (maternal vascular malperfusion OR fetal vascular malperfusion))" yielded 118 records. After excluding reviews, meta-analyses, case reports (except one illustrative SARS-CoV-2 placentitis case), non-human studies and papers without original histopathology, 33 studies were included: observational cohorts and case-control studies with standardized placental assessment, autopsy series, biomarker/Doppler cohorts, mechanistic work, one randomized trial protocol and a small number of focused clinical commentaries. Results: Across these studies, MVM emerges as the dominant placental lesion in pre-eclampsia, FGR and a large proportion of stillbirths, especially in early-onset disease and in association with maternal hypertension. FVM is strongly linked to stillbirth and term neonatal encephalopathy, and specific combinations of MVM, FVM and inflammatory lesions correspond to distinct patterns of brain injury. Large population-based cohorts confirm that maternal hypertensive disorders and placental malperfusion are major upstream causes of intrauterine hypoxia and preterm neonatal death. Doppler velocimetry and angiogenic biomarkers (PlGF, sFlt-1 and their ratio) are strongly associated with an increased likelihood of underlying MVM and adverse neonatal outcomes, although their predictive performance remains probabilistic and context-dependent rather than diagnostic. Mechanistic studies suggest roles for placental genomic instability and altered decidual immunity in defective placentation. Conclusions: Maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion represent converging pathways to FGR, stillbirth, preterm neonatal death and neonatal encephalopathy. Routine, standardized placental examination, interpreted together with Doppler and biomarker data, substantially improves causal attribution and timing of injury, with direct consequences for counselling, prevention and medico-legal assessment.},
}

@article {pmid41978842,
year = {2026},
author = {Ganji, V and Kamble, B and Mustafa, F and Ravi, N and Madhusudhan, U and Archana, G and Kalpana, M and Taranikanti, M and John, NA},
title = {The Dual Burden: Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Tuberculosis Incidence - Presentation and Outcomes.},
journal = {Maedica},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {198-206},
pmid = {41978842},
issn = {1841-9038},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a major public health concern globally ranking as the second leading infectious disease and the 13th leading cause of death worldwide. The global healthcare systems have experienced unprecedented challenges in recent years due to COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread disruptions. Delaying TB diagnosis and treatment led to lower reported incidence but could increase mortality, hindering efforts to eradicate TB. Although a few studies have focused on COVID-19 and TB cases to date, most of them are case reports. Since it is unclear whether patients with COVID-TB co-infection have a worse prognosis or more likely to develop severe disease, we believed that doing this study was a necessity. The present systematic review investigates the long-term effects of COVID-19 on TB incidence, reporting follow-up and treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 on TB incidence, presentation and outcome.

METHODS: We conducted our systematic review following PRISMA (Preferred reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analysis) guidelines. We performed a comprehensive literature search of EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, The Lancet, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search items included "Corona virus disease 19", "impact of COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "Tuberculosis", "TB and COVID-19 co-infection", "comorbidities", "prognosis", "incidence", "outcomes" and "risk factors" for articles published between the 1st of January 2020 and the 31st of June 2024. Searches were limited to English language only. We included articles with primary outcomes including studies which reported TB incidence or notification rates, clinical presentation, treatment interruption or outcomes of TB due to COVID-19 and TB-COVID-19 co-infection. Cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies and surveillance or registry-based studies were included.

RESULTS: Information regarding COVID-19 and TB was collected from the databases, and out of 1973 articles, 41 articles were included. COVID-19 has had a negative impact on TB control programs leading to decrease in reporting of TB cases. As per the global tuberculosis report by WHO 2025, there has been approximately one-third reduction in incidence rates with TB case notifications declining by 21% of TB cases notification in 2020 compared to 2019. The reports indicated that the number of people diagnosed with TB was 7.5 million in 2022 above the baseline of 7.1 million in 2019 and 5.8 million in 2020.

CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has affected TB diagnosis and control, with a significant decline in TB case notifications leaving many undiagnosed cases, thereby reversing years of progress in TB control. The high-TB burden countries like India should tackle the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the needs of the poor and having a concrete agenda and perpetual TB strategy to reach the target by 2030.},
}

@article {pmid41979291,
year = {2026},
author = {Abid, S and Jannath, H},
title = {Cardiac Effects in Post-COVID-19 Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Imaging- and Biomarker-Based Structural and Functional Remodeling.},
journal = {Annals of cardiac anaesthesia},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {157-168},
pmid = {41979291},
issn = {0974-5181},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; Biomarkers/blood ; *Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/etiology/blood ; *Ventricular Remodeling/physiology ; Echocardiography ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Global Longitudinal Strain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 has been linked to persistent cardiovascular sequelae, yet the trajectory of structural and functional cardiac changes beyond the acute phase remains unclear. This systematic review synthesizes longitudinal evidence on post-COVID cardiac remodeling assessed by imaging and biomarkers. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed and Cochrane Library (January 2020-April 2025) for peer-reviewed studies enrolling adults (≥18 years) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/antigen-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and reporting cardiac outcomes ≥ 12 weeks post-infection. Eligible outcomes included imaging-based abnormalities (cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR]: T1/T2 mapping, late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]; echocardiography: left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], LV/RV strain). Longitudinal trends of biomarkers (troponin, NT-proBNP, C-reactive protein [CRP]) were also studied. Risk of bias was assessed using joanna briggs institute (JBI) tools; synthesis followed synthesis without metaanalysis (SWiM) principles. Fifteen studies (n ≈ 166,000; 14 cohorts, 1 case report) were included. Across CMR cohorts, global systolic function was largely preserved, but tissue abnormalities were frequent early and improved over time: edema indices normalized by ~ 12 months, while LGE prevalence declined (e.g. 50%→19% in paired scans). However, residual non-ischemic scars and elevated T1/T2 persisted in symptomatic subgroups. Echocardiography showed normal LVEF, but subtle left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) impairment versus controls (e.g. -18.5% vs - 19.3%). Biomarker trends were heterogeneous: natriuretic peptide positivity persisted in patients with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), while troponin and CRP generally normalized. Large population-based cohorts demonstrated sustained 12-month risk for heart failure, myocarditis, and major cardiovascular events, graded by acute severity. Most patients recover gross systolic function, yet subclinical myocardial changes and elevated population-level cardiovascular risk persist up to 1 year. These findings support risk-stratified follow-up, judicious use of advanced imaging, and preventive cardiology strategies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
Biomarkers/blood
*Heart Failure/diagnostic imaging/physiopathology/etiology/blood
*Ventricular Remodeling/physiology
Echocardiography
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Global Longitudinal Strain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging

@article {pmid41979592,
year = {2026},
author = {Rosińska, M and Czarkowski, MP and Sadkowska-Todys, M},
title = {Infectious diseases in Poland in 2023.},
journal = {Przeglad epidemiologiczny},
volume = {79},
number = {4},
pages = {730-749},
doi = {10.32394/pe/218649},
pmid = {41979592},
issn = {0033-2100},
mesh = {Humans ; Poland/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality ; *Communicable Diseases/epidemiology ; Incidence ; Adult ; Female ; Male ; Ukraine ; Middle Aged ; Infant ; Adolescent ; Child ; Registries ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Child, Preschool ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Infant, Newborn ; *Refugees/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study was to summarize the epidemiological situation of infectious diseases in Poland in 2023. The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the influx of refugees to Ukraine were taken into account. MATERIAL AND METHODS. We performed a narrative review of studies published in Epidemiological Chronicle, along with data from the national infectious disease registry, Epibaza, which collects data from epidemiological investigations conducted by the State Sanitary Inspectorate. Mortality data were obtained from reports of the Statistics Poland Office. RESULTS. In 2023, 381,244 cases of COVID-19 and 4,329 deaths due to this disease were recorded. The COVID-19 mortality rate in 2023 was several times lower than in 2022, although COVID-19 still accounted for more deaths than other infectious diseases. An "immunity gap" effect was observed following the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a significant increase in the incidence of pertussis (2.5 times compared to 2022), influenza and influenza-like illnesses, and intestinal infections (enteric salmonellosis +57.9%, campylobacteriosis +64.1%, yersiniosis +74.5%, norovirus +27.8%). A reduction in the incidence was observed for rotavirus infections, for which routine infant vaccinations were introduced in 2021. The increase in pneumococcal disease incidence occurred mainly in the adult and senior population. While the number of new HIV diagnoses among Polish nationals is increasing, the number of cases among migrants has declined, although they still account for 25% of all new diagnoses. The incidence of other sexually transmitted infections also continues to increase (compared to 2022, gonorrhoea +110.6%, syphilis +89.6%). CONCLUSIONS. For many diseases, incidence increased compared to previous years, for a variety of reasons, including the persistent "immunity gap" following the pandemic and the specific nature of the vaccination program. The impact of the influx of refugees from Ukraine was minor.},
}

Humans
Poland/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality
*Communicable Diseases/epidemiology
Incidence
Adult
Female
Male
Ukraine
Middle Aged
Infant
Adolescent
Child
Registries
Young Adult
Aged
Child, Preschool
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Infant, Newborn
*Refugees/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid41981625,
year = {2026},
author = {Graessner, H and Ripp, S and Pereira, AM and Schaefer, F and Mathijssen, I and Blay, JY and Mulders, PFA and Evangelista, T and Ligtenberg, MJL and Wilde, AAM and Ladenstein, R and Lohse, AW and Mosca, M and Swart, JF and Hernández, F and Fenaux, P and Dollfus, H and Verloes, A and Wagner, T and Bodemer, C and Wijnen, R and Scarpa, M and Jondeau, G and Tumienė, B and Gallina, S and Arzimanoglou, A and Sangiorgi, L},
title = {European Reference Networks - a flagship activity of the EU in the field of rare and complex diseases: from 2017 to 2025.},
journal = {Orphanet journal of rare diseases},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41981625},
issn = {1750-1172},
mesh = {Humans ; *Rare Diseases/epidemiology ; European Union ; Europe ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although individual rare and complex diseases (RDs) affect small patient populations, together they impact an estimated 27–36 million people across the European Union. Addressing this major public health challenge has been a long-term priority for the European Union, leading to the establishment of the European Reference Networks (ERNs) in 2017. MAIN BODY: ERNs are cross-border networks connecting clinical expert centres to share knowledge, improve and harmonise diagnosis and care for patients with rare and complex diseases. Since their inception, 24 ERNs have united 1,606 expert centres across 375 hospitals in all EU Member States and Norway. Their activities span multidisciplinary clinical collaboration, patient-centred governance, education and training, and the development of clinical guidelines. Over 4900 extremely rare or difficult cases have been discussed among experts without requiring the patients to travel abroad when expertise was not available in their own countries. A key factor for this success is the cross-border IT platform - known as the Clinical Patient Management System 2.0 - provided by the European Commission for medical discussions, which enables experts to share patient data, including medical images and lab results, in a secure and protected environment that is fully compliant with all relevant security and data privacy requirements. ERNs have demonstrated resilience in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, providing rapid, coordinated responses to sustain care for vulnerable patient groups. The first formal evaluation in 2023 confirmed that more than 95% of member centres met quality standards, underscoring the networks’ maturity and effectiveness. Moving into the next phase, the Joint Action JARDIN (2024–2027) aims to integrate ERNs into national healthcare systems to ensure sustainability and equitable access to high-quality RD care. CONCLUSIONS: ERNs exemplify European solidarity and innovation in healthcare, transforming how rare disease expertise is shared and applied across borders. Their continued integration into national systems will be pivotal to achieving a truly cohesive European Health Union that delivers improved outcomes for all patients with rare and complex diseases.},
}

Humans
*Rare Diseases/epidemiology
European Union
Europe

@article {pmid41981814,
year = {2026},
author = {Sjauw, DJT and Janssen, ML and Türk, Y and Reep, CAT and Heunks, L and Baart, SJ and Wils, EJ and , and , },
title = {Predicting Failure at Initiation of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen in Patients With COVID-19: Literature Review, Development and Internal Validation of a Prediction Model.},
journal = {Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)},
volume = {31},
number = {8},
pages = {798-807},
pmid = {41981814},
issn = {1440-1843},
support = {10430102110007/ZONMW_/ZonMw/Netherlands ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods ; *COVID-19/therapy/complications ; *Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/etiology ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Netherlands/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged ; Treatment Failure ; *Hypoxia/therapy/etiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: High-Flow Nasal Oxygen (HFNO) can reduce the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) from viral pneumonias, like COVID-19. Early prediction of HFNO failure is useful for timely decision-making at HFNO initiation. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for HFNO failure using predictors available just prior to HFNO initiation in patients with COVID-19 AHRF and compare its performance to existing models.

METHODS: This multicenter, prospective observational cohort study included hospitalized patients from 10 centers in the Netherlands between December 2020 and July 2021. Adults who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, had no treatment limitations, and initiated HFNO for hypoxemia were included. The primary outcome was HFNO failure, defined as the event of endotracheal intubation. Pre-defined candidate predictors were selected by multivariable logistic regression for prediction model development. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrapping.

RESULTS: Out of 608 patients, 277 (46%) experienced HFNO failure. Independent predictors of HFNO failure included (odds ratio [95% CI]): age (1.02 [1.00-1.03]), urea (1.04 [1.00-1.08]), platelet count (0.94 [0.92-0.97]), respiratory rate (1.05 [1.02-1.08]), oxygen saturation (0.89 [0.84-0.94]), and FiO2 (conventional oxygen 10-15 L/min vs. < 10 L/min: 3.00 [1.71-5.29], 15 L/min vs. < 10 L/min: 4.95 [3.19-7.70]) prior to HFNO initiation. The model C-statistic was 0.767; 95% CI [0.727-0.803], with excellent calibration (intercept: -0.005, slope: 1.001), and stable performance after internal validation.

CONCLUSIONS: This newly developed model, using variables available at HFNO initiation, effectively predicted HFNO failure in hospitalized hypoxemic patients due to COVID-19 pneumonia with good performance.

Dutch Trial Registry: DTR, NL9067.},
}

Humans
*Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods
*COVID-19/therapy/complications
*Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy/etiology
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Netherlands/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Aged
Treatment Failure
*Hypoxia/therapy/etiology

@article {pmid41981866,
year = {2026},
author = {Sepúlveda, MD and Cardona Maya, WD and Zapata-Builes, W and Velilla, PA},
title = {Decoding NK Cell Subset Dysregulation in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Phenotypic, Functional, and Transcriptomic Insights Into COVID-19 Pathogenesis.},
journal = {Scandinavian journal of immunology},
volume = {103},
number = {4},
pages = {e70115},
doi = {10.1111/sji.70115},
pmid = {41981866},
issn = {1365-3083},
support = {//Universidad de Antioquia/ ; //Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Killer Cells, Natural/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Transcriptome ; Phenotype ; Immunity, Innate ; CD56 Antigen ; *Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology ; Immune System Exhaustion ; },
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection significantly affects innate immune responses, particularly those of natural killer (NK) cells, which play an important role in antiviral defence. This review combines phenotypic, functional, and transcriptomic findings to explain the disruption of NK cell subsets in COVID-19. Flow cytometry studies have shown generalised lymphopenia and a significant reduction in the CD56bright and CD56[dim]CD16[+] subsets. This change is linked to an increase in the CD56[dim]CD16[-] and CD56[-]CD16[+] populations, which correlate with disease severity. At the molecular level, there is an imbalance between activating and inhibitory receptors. This includes increases in NKG2A, PD-1, and LAG-3, along with decreases in NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2D. These findings are consistent with an exhausted phenotype and weakened cytotoxicity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies have identified an increase in proliferative, cytotoxic, and platelet-associated CD56[dim] NK subpopulations in severe cases and a reduction of CD56[bright] cells. Transcriptomic profiling showed that upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and inflammatory pathways driven by STAT1/3, NF-κB activation, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling suppresses NK effector functions. Collectively, these findings suggest a model in which progressive NK cell dysfunction may be associated with the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19. The integration of multi-omic and phenotypic approaches provides a comprehensive view of NK cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 and suggests potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets to restore NK cell antiviral activity.},
}

Humans
*Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Transcriptome
Phenotype
Immunity, Innate
CD56 Antigen
*Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
Immune System Exhaustion

@article {pmid41981907,
year = {2026},
author = {Bechini, A and Salvati, C and Del Riccio, M and Bonito, B and Stancanelli, E and Bruschi, M and Ionita, G and Iamarino, J and Bentivegna, D and Buscemi, P and Ciardi, G and Cosma, C and Stacchini, L and Bega, M and Schirripa, A and Bertizzolo, L and Muzii, B and Azzi, MV and Parisi, S and Trippi, F and Bonanni, P and Boccalini, S},
title = {Burden and Characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Bronchiolitis in Hospitalized Infants in Italy: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {e70420},
pmid = {41981907},
issn = {2050-4527},
support = {//Sanofi and AstraZeneca/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology/virology ; Infant ; *Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/genetics ; Infant, Newborn ; *Bronchiolitis/epidemiology/virology ; Coinfection/epidemiology/virology ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Seasons ; Prevalence ; Child, Preschool ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of bronchiolitis in infants. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the burden of RSV-associated bronchiolitis among hospitalized Italian infants between 2000 and 2023.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search identified studies examining RSV-related hospitalizations for bronchiolitis in children aged 0-59 months. Eligible studies met the following criteria: conducted in Italy, focused on children, reported on RSV prevalence, co-infections, genotype distribution (RSV-A, RSV-B), and seasonal trends, and published in English or Italian. Data extraction focused on study design, infant characteristics (e.g., age, preterm birth), and RSV detection methods.

RESULTS: Twenty-four studies were included. Infants under 12 months were most affected. RSV was the primary pathogen identified, though co-infections with other respiratory viruses, such as human rhinovirus, were common. RSV infections typically peaked in late autumn and winter, but the COVID-19 pandemic altered these patterns. This review highlights the significant burden of RSV-associated bronchiolitis in Italian infants. While RSV remains the primary pathogen, co-infections and pandemic related factors have altered its epidemiological trends.

CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide RSV immunization programmes and improved diagnostics are crucial to ease the strain on pediatric intensive care units. Recent recommendations for widespread RSV long-acting monoclonal antibody use in infants offer promising solutions to address this challenge.},
}

Humans
Italy/epidemiology
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology/virology
Infant
*Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/genetics
Infant, Newborn
*Bronchiolitis/epidemiology/virology
Coinfection/epidemiology/virology
COVID-19/epidemiology
Seasons
Prevalence
Child, Preschool
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41981982,
year = {2026},
author = {Gou, H and Zhai, Y and Yu, Q and Liu, Y and Zhou, H and Zhao, Q},
title = {Epidemiological Changes in Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in Children and Adolescents Before and After COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {36},
number = {3},
pages = {e70151},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70151},
pmid = {41981982},
issn = {1099-1654},
support = {2024YFC3506000//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/microbiology ; Child ; *Mycoplasma pneumoniae/pathogenicity ; Adolescent ; Prevalence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Child, Preschool ; },
abstract = {Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in children and adolescents, yet its epidemiological burden before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. This meta-analysis, which searched Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for reports published up to December 25, 2025, aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence of M. pneumoniae infections across these three periods to guide clinical practice and public health responses. A total of 70 studies were included, and methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. The pooled prevalence of M. pneumoniae infections before, during, and after COVID-19 was calculated in R 4.5.0, with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation for extreme proportions. The prevalence of M. pneumoniae infections before COVID-19, during COVID-19, and after COVID-19 was 21.72% (95% CI: 17.09, 26.73), 10.73% (95% CI: 7.57, 14.35), and 28.64% (95% CI: 22.74, 34.93), respectively. Age-stratified analysis revealed the highest prevalence consistently in children > 6 years (pre-pandemic: 46.35%; during-pandemic: 27.32%; post-pandemic: 41.36%) and the lowest in infants < 1 year (8.21%, 4.87%, and 7.81%, respectively). Seasonally, pre-pandemic prevalence peaked in summer (33.34%) and autumn (31.00%). During the pandemic, overall rates declined but remained highest in autumn (15.51%). Post-pandemic, prevalence rebounded broadly, peaking in autumn (37.97%). In conclusion, this study summarises M. pneumoniae trends in children and adolescents before and after COVID-19, indicating a delayed resurgence following the pandemic, and highlights the need for further research to explain these patterns and improve future pandemic preparedness.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/microbiology
Child
*Mycoplasma pneumoniae/pathogenicity
Adolescent
Prevalence
SARS-CoV-2
Child, Preschool

@article {pmid41982246,
year = {2026},
author = {Welberry Smith, M and Wrigley, A and Kojro, A and Emmanouilidou, A and O'Callaghan, J and Woywodt, A},
title = {No more waiting: 10 tips to turn kidney transplantation green.},
journal = {Clinical kidney journal},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {sfag073},
pmid = {41982246},
issn = {2048-8505},
abstract = {To date, the environmental impact of kidney transplantation has received much less attention than that of dialysis. Facilitating a pre-emptive transplant is probably one of the most environmentally friendly interventions available in kidney care, as it avoids dialysis, with its requirements for water and energy. However, transplant assessment also requires scrutiny, as it involves a multitude of tests, often with duplication of tests and sometimes with little, if any, evidence (e.g. cardiac testing of asymptomatic patients). Organ retrieval often involves air travel of either the organ or a surgical team, although more innovative approaches, such as drone transport, are being tested. Transplant anaesthesia also has an environmental footprint linked to volatile substances. Surgical tray optimization is well established in other surgical specialties to reduce the effects of repeatedly sterilizing instruments that are only rarely used. Post-transplant patients have a lot of regular blood tests, and it is time we scrutinise those and find a better balance between safe care and environmental footprint. Virtual appointments have become much more common since the COVID-19 pandemic and we should use them where appropriate, for example in long-term care of stable transplant patients. Transplantation is a very research-oriented specialty, and this also has an environmental footprint that is amenable to intervention. In addition, our congresses and conferences have an environmental footprint, and it is for us to promote meetings with just as much learning and interaction but less travel, waste and energy use. The opportunities are there for us to take and our tips provide ideas for clinical teams to turn kidney transplantation into a showcase for excellent, safe and environmentally friendly care in nephrology.},
}

@article {pmid41982635,
year = {2026},
author = {Khezri, M and Holm, J and Dahlen, A and Johnson, C and Agyabeng, K and Lei, F and Pagán, JA and Healton, C and Farhat, T},
title = {Illicit drug supply, naloxone availability, and overdose mortality in the fentanyl era: a systematic review.},
journal = {Health affairs scholar},
volume = {4},
number = {4},
pages = {qxag074},
pmid = {41982635},
issn = {2976-5390},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The overdose crisis is shaped by increasing synthetic opioids and expanding access to naloxone. We synthesized evidence on associations between illicit drug supply, naloxone availability/distribution, and overdose mortality.

METHODS: Following PRISMA, we searched 4 databases for studies between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies examined associations of drug supply indicators or naloxone interventions, and overdose mortality. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively.

RESULTS: Forty-seven studies met inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies assessed drug supply changes and all but 2 found significant positive associations between increased fentanyl reports in drug seizures and overdose mortality. Drug seizure data were interpreted as indicators of supply trends or as enforcement disruptions. Thirty-one studies assessed naloxone availability. Thirteen studies reported naloxone access laws, take-home naloxone programs, and/or community interventions were associated with reductions in overdose deaths. Nine studies reported null effects, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: Fentanyl reports in drug seizures and drug potency are key drivers of overdose mortality. This review highlights variability in interpreting drug seizure data and the need for clearer conceptualization in future research. Naloxone interventions show promise but depend on consistent implementation and effective targeting of high-risk populations. Coordinated public health strategies are needed to monitor the drug market and strengthen overdose prevention.},
}

@article {pmid41983114,
year = {2025},
author = {Gushansky, KY and Sutinen, P and Jeon, S and Tuuminen, R},
title = {Exploring the Association Between Lipid-Lowering Medications and Dry Eye Disease in COVID-19 Patients.},
journal = {Romanian journal of ophthalmology},
volume = {69},
number = {4},
pages = {536-543},
pmid = {41983114},
issn = {2501-2533},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dry Eye Syndromes/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/prevention & control ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Aged ; *Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: To explore the associations between systemic lipid-lowering medications and dry eye disease (DED) in patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic medical records of SARS-CoV-2 patients hospitalized at Shaare Zedek Medical Center from April 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024. Adults without a previous DED diagnosis who had an ophthalmologic examination confirming no DED within the year preceding hospitalization were included. Exclusions included ICU admissions, specific systemic conditions, ocular surgeries, and systemic medications known to induce DED. Patients were categorized into those who developed DED within six months post-hospitalization and those who did not.

RESULTS: Among the 1,165 patients, 167 (14.3%) developed DED post-hospitalization. After adjusting for age, gender, and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, an inverse association between statins and dry eye disease was evident. Treatment with any statin was associated with reduced odds of developing dry eye disease (OR 0.289, p<0.001), particularly with atorvastatin (OR 0.374, p<0.001) and simvastatin (OR 0.297, p<0.001).

DISCUSSION: The inverse association observed in this study supports a potential protective effect of statins, consistent with their known anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to reduce cholesterol-driven Meibomian gland dysfunction.

CONCLUSION: Statin use is inversely associated with the development of DED in SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized patients. The anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects of statins provide a robust framework for understanding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.},
}

Humans
*Dry Eye Syndromes/epidemiology/diagnosis/etiology/prevention & control
Retrospective Studies
Female
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Male
Middle Aged
*SARS-CoV-2
*Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
Aged
*Hypolipidemic Agents/therapeutic use
Risk Factors

@article {pmid41983631,
year = {2026},
author = {El-Kafrawy, SA and Abbas, AT and Abdel-Dayem, UA and El-Kafrawy, MS and Azhar, EI},
title = {IgY passive immunotherapy for pandemic preparedness: a One Health platform approach against pathogen X.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology reviews},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {e0024925},
pmid = {41983631},
issn = {1098-6618},
mesh = {*Immunoglobulins/therapeutic use/immunology ; Humans ; Animals ; *Immunization, Passive/methods ; Zoonoses/prevention & control ; Pandemic Preparedness ; One Health ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; Chickens ; },
abstract = {SUMMARYThe rising threat of emerging infectious diseases, especially zoonotic pathogens crossing species barriers, highlights the urgent global need for scalable, rapid-response passive immunotherapy platforms. Chicken egg yolk-derived immunoglobulin Y (IgY) antibodies offer unique conceptual and practical advantages. This review critically evaluates IgY antibodies (IgY-Abs) as a One Health immunotherapeutic strategy with strong potential for mitigating zoonotic spillover risks. Drawing on insights from SARS-CoV-2, we highlight the advantages of IgY-Abs over traditional approaches in specific scenarios while emphasizing their role as a complementary rather than replacement platform within the broader passive immunotherapy landscape. We discuss key strategic considerations, regulatory challenges, and essential knowledge gaps. Finally, we propose a forward-looking research and development roadmap that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, optimized production methods, targeted regulatory frameworks, and integrated One Health strategies to facilitate the rapid deployment of IgY-based countermeasures against WHO-priority zoonotic pathogens.},
}

*Immunoglobulins/therapeutic use/immunology
Humans
Animals
*Immunization, Passive/methods
Zoonoses/prevention & control
Pandemic Preparedness
One Health
COVID-19/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Pandemics/prevention & control
Chickens

@article {pmid41983640,
year = {2026},
author = {Qu, Y and Xiao, Y and Liu, L and Qu, J},
title = {Diagnosis of Mucormycosis: Current Situation, Challenges and Future Prospects.},
journal = {Mycoses},
volume = {69},
number = {4},
pages = {e70175},
pmid = {41983640},
issn = {1439-0507},
mesh = {*Mucormycosis/diagnosis/microbiology ; Humans ; *Mucorales/isolation & purification ; Early Diagnosis ; Immunocompromised Host ; Biomarkers ; Artificial Intelligence ; COVID-19/complications ; },
abstract = {Mucormycosis, an aggressive fungal infection caused by members of the order Mucorales, progresses rapidly and is associated with high mortality, particularly in immunocompromised hosts such as patients with uncontrolled diabetes, transplant recipients or those with COVID-19-associated immunosuppression. Early diagnosis remains challenging with current clinical methods, yet it is essential to reduce mortality. This review examines the evolution of diagnostic strategies for mucormycosis, ranging from conventional techniques such as histopathology, culture and microscopy to advanced and emerging methods including molecular assays, serological testing, imaging and metabolomics. We also explore the ongoing transition towards integrated, rapid and non-invasive diagnostic platforms that leverage novel biomarkers, portable devices and artificial intelligence. These new technologies have the potential to facilitate early diagnosis, thereby enabling early treatment and reducing the mortality rate of mucormycosis.},
}

*Mucormycosis/diagnosis/microbiology
Humans
*Mucorales/isolation & purification
Early Diagnosis
Immunocompromised Host
Biomarkers
Artificial Intelligence
COVID-19/complications

@article {pmid41984151,
year = {2026},
author = {Myatra, SN and Nasa, P and Chanchalani, GP and Zimmerman, JL and Venkatesh, B and Machado, FR and Ostermann, M and Leeies, M and Coopersmith, CM and Sorce, LR and Weiss, B and Kuberkar, D and Abbenbroek, B and Acharya, SP and Akech, S and Akinci, SB and Al Duhailib, Z and Berger-Estilita, J and Branson, RD and De Waele, J and Derde, LPG and Divatia, MJ and Dzierba, AL and Elhoufy, AM and Fiest, KM and Fillipescu, D and Fox-Robichaud, AE and Freires, FJC and Fujii, T and Galarza, L and Gopalan, DP and Hamzaoui, O and Hidalgo, JL and Jayasinghe, AS and Kanoore Edul, VS and Lubis, AP and Matot, I and Mehta, S and Milic, V and Monnet, X and Morrow, BM and Nadkarni, VM and Needham, DM and Osinaike, BB and Patil, VP and Pérez Cornejo, MS and Perez-Fernandez, J and Ray, S and Robba, C and Rodriguez-Vega, GM and Rubulotta, F and Seifelnasr, O and Turnbull, AE and Ugarte, S and Vincent, JL and Wendon, J and Xie, J and Zabaleta Polo, YM and Burns, KEA},
title = {Gender equality and equity in intensive care: an international Delphi consensus study.},
journal = {Intensive care medicine},
volume = {52},
number = {5},
pages = {1035-1050},
pmid = {41984151},
issn = {1432-1238},
mesh = {Humans ; Delphi Technique ; Female ; *Gender Equity ; *Critical Care/standards ; Male ; *Consensus ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: We used Delphi methodology to provide guidance on gender equality and equity issues in professional life in intensive care, where information is evolving and no clear standard exists.

METHODS: A 12-member Steering Committee (7 women, 5 men) from 7 countries and 46 international panelists [(23 women, 21 men, 2 preferred not to disclose; median age 52 (33-75) years] from 32 countries (43% low- and middle-income) including intensive care practitioners, scientists, researchers, and trainees voted on 57 statements addressing issues related to gender equality and equity in 10 domains of professional life. Delphi rounds were conducted using online surveys. Consensus (at least 75% of panelists voting for a response option) and stability (consistent responses on iterative rounds) were assessed.

RESULTS: Six Delphi rounds were conducted between May and July 2025. A 100% response rate was achieved in each round. Consensus and stability were achieved on 43 (75%) of 57 statements from which 37 professional practice guidance statements were developed. Across domains, greater consensus was achieved on equality [23/27 (85.2%)] versus equity [12/18 (66.7%)] statements. Discordant equity statements primarily pertained to academia and engagement in multiprofessional meetings and the workplace.

CONCLUSION: Using a Delphi method, international experts reached consensus to generate 37 professional practice guidance statements. The consensus statements provide needed guidance for professional engagement and highlight areas for policy development to advance gender equity and equality for healthcare workers in intensive care. The discordant statements highlight areas for future research.},
}

Humans
Delphi Technique
Female
*Gender Equity
*Critical Care/standards
Male
*Consensus
Middle Aged
Adult
Aged
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid41984738,
year = {2026},
author = {Oliveira, TT and Medeiros, VPB and Freitas, JF and Melo Martins Silva, G and Xavier, TJDS and Fassarella Agnez-Lima, L},
title = {COVID-19 severity biomarkers identified by transcriptomics: a scoping review.},
journal = {Infectious diseases (London, England)},
volume = {58},
number = {7},
pages = {661-679},
doi = {10.1080/23744235.2026.2651977},
pmid = {41984738},
issn = {2374-4243},
mesh = {Humans ; Biomarkers/analysis ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/genetics/immunology ; Cytokines/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Severity of Illness Index ; *Transcriptome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Omics technologies, particularly transcriptomics, were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigate host and viral gene expression. Given the substantial number of studies published during this period, systematic reviews are essential for synthesising findings and identifying consistent patterns.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to identify and evaluate transcriptomic studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans published between 2020 and January 2023, with a focus on genes and pathways affected by the virus.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus, employing predefined keywords. Studies were screened using established inclusion and exclusion criteria, and only articles published in journals affiliated with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) or Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) were included. Data extraction followed a two-step process, collecting detailed information on sample and patient characteristics, transcriptomic methods, and main findings.

RESULTS: Despite methodological differences and varying time points of sample collection, several immune-related genes and pathways were recurrently reported. These included cytokines and chemokines (e.g. CXCL8, TNF-α, CCL2, CXCL10, and IL-1B), interferon-stimulated genes (e.g. MX1, IFI27, IRF7, and ISG15), and neutrophil degranulation markers (e.g. S100A8 and S100A9).

CONCLUSIONS: The recurrent identification of these genes underscores their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of immunopathological mechanisms and supporting the development of improved diagnostic tools and early intervention strategies. However, limited reproducibility across studies poses challenges for robust meta-analyses, underscoring the urgent need for standardised guidelines and protocols to improve consistency and reliability in future research.},
}

Humans
Biomarkers/analysis
*COVID-19/diagnosis/genetics/immunology
Cytokines/genetics
Gene Expression Profiling
Severity of Illness Index
*Transcriptome

@article {pmid41985440,
year = {2026},
author = {Crotty, S},
title = {Immunological memory to vaccines.},
journal = {Immunity},
volume = {59},
number = {4},
pages = {813-832},
pmid = {41985440},
issn = {1097-4180},
support = {U19 AI142742/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 AI144462/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunologic Memory/immunology ; *Vaccines/immunology ; Animals ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; B-Lymphocytes/immunology ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Adaptive Immunity ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The extraordinary success of vaccines saving lives and improving human health is predicated on immune memory. Within the armamentarium of adaptive immunity, a holistic view of the different components contributing to immune protection is important for understanding the myriad benefits of vaccines. This review presents the current understanding of vaccine-generated memory, integrating layers of immunity including B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and antibody responses, with emphasis on human vaccine data. Functions and durability of distinct memory types are considered, including those of tissue-resident and circulating cells as well as hybrid immunity, and within this context, common misconceptions and important next questions are discussed. Understanding the multifaceted layers that underlie protective immunity can guide future vaccines and broader immune-focused interventions. A video lecture accompanies this review (https://youtu.be/8DeZJ6V7nuI). VIDEO ABSTRACT.},
}

Humans
*Immunologic Memory/immunology
*Vaccines/immunology
Animals
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
B-Lymphocytes/immunology
CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Adaptive Immunity
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control