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Bibliography on: covid-19

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 28 Aug 2026 at 01:44 Created: 

covid-19

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

NOTE: To obtain the entire bibliography (all 22521 citations) in bibtek format (a format that can be easily loaded into many different reference-manager software programs, click HERE.

Created with PubMed® Query: ( SARS-CoV-2 OR COVID-19 OR (wuhan AND coronavirus) AND review[SB] ) AND (2023[PDAT] OR 2024[PDAT] OR 2025[PDAT] OR 2026[PDAT]) NOT 40982904[pmid] NOT 40982965[pmid] NOT 35908569[pmid] NOT pmcbook NOT ispreviousversion

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Pattyn J, Jindal S, Hendrickx G, et al (2026)

Overview of adult immunization in Finland: Successes, lessons learned and the way forward.

Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics, 22(1):2715930.

The exchange of knowledge and best practices is essential for improving adult vaccination strategies across the European region. Finland serves as a valuable example, with a centralized, publicly funded National Vaccination Program (NVP) supported by national evaluation for decision-making based on comprehensive population-based registers. These registers enable assessment of disease burden, facilitate the identification of high-risk groups, and enable evaluating vaccination coverage, impact, and safety during the implementation. The NVP allows a centralized tender with lower vaccine prices, centralized vaccine procurement, and uniform processes for vaccine administration by public health care. Despite these strengths, Finland faces challenges in adult vaccination similar to other EU countries, including budgetary constraints, as well as the need for improved implementation, especially for high-risk groups. The complex evaluation, decision, funding, and procurement process causes delays in vaccine introduction into the NVP. This review describes Finland's adult vaccination system, from policy to implementation, drawing on a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE, gray literature (2009-2024) and expert input. While there are areas for further improvement, Finland's commitment to provide cost-effective, equitable, evidence-based vaccination programs with high coverage, including for at-risk subpopulations, ensures continued progress.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Welfringer-Morin A, S Leclerc-Mercier (2026)

Cutaneous Pediatric Vasculitis: A Clinico-Histopathological Overview of Common and Novel Entities.

Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland), 13(3):.

Vasculitis encompasses a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the inflammation of blood vessels. In children, the diagnosis of vasculitis with cutaneous involvement relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, histopathological examination, and, in some cases, genetic investigations. Diagnosing pediatric vasculitis remains particularly challenging due to overlapping clinical manifestations, variable disease courses, and the evolving nature of histological features. Histopathological assessment aims to confirm inflammation of the vessel walls-either readily visible at low magnification or requiring serial sections-and to characterize the inflammatory infiltrate and other key features that aid in classifying the vasculitis subtype. Accurate diagnosis requires ongoing dialog and collaboration among multiple specialists. In this article, we present the clinical and histopathological features of the most common pediatric vasculitides-including IgA vasculitis and polyarteritis nodosa-as well as newly recognized entities such as COVID-19-associated vasculitis and monogenic vasculitides.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Zhang X (2026)

What does the internet mean to older adults? Evidence from research on health information behavior.

Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.), 73:104328 pii:S0197-4572(26)00533-1 [Epub ahead of print].

As the amount of health information available on the Internet continues to expand (such as digital health records, online consultation services, and support groups), people have more opportunities to enhance their daily well-being. Meanwhile, the Internet became integral to accessing health information and services during and after COVID-19. The evidence regarding the Internet's impact on improving the well-being of older adults, however, is mixed and inconsistent in academic research. To address these inconsistencies and better understand the Internet's role, this integrative review synthesized literature on the health information behaviour of older adults. Six databases were searched for English-language studies published from the earliest records available in each database through September 2025. After screening, 87 studies were included in the synthesis. This review identifies and explains three major themes: health information needs, health information seeking, and health information use. It demonstrates that although the Internet can be a valuable health information resource for older adults, its usefulness is shaped by age, digital and health literacy, social support, trust, Internet design, and the availability of interpersonal and professional sources. Overall, the Internet is best understood as a supplementary health information source for older adults. These findings can help healthcare providers and web designers develop more accessible, trustworthy, and supportive online tools for older adults in the post-pandemic era.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Takano T (2026)

FECV and FIPV: What biotype labels can, and cannot, tell us about feline coronavirus biology.

Veterinary microbiology, 321:111207 pii:S0378-1135(26)00344-5 [Epub ahead of print].

The distinction between feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) has long provided a practical framework for understanding how common feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection can give rise to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The internal mutation hypothesis remains central to explaining many cases. However, the two biotype labels are often used to imply genetic, anatomical, cellular, clinical, and epidemiological properties simultaneously, although these properties are neither synonymous nor invariably linked. Longitudinal observations made possible by effective antiviral treatment and the emergence of the recombinant lineage FCoV-23 have made these interpretive limitations particularly apparent. Clinical remission after treatment does not necessarily coincide with clearance of viral RNA, cessation of faecal shedding, or normalisation of all host-response measures, and post-treatment RNA detection does not by itself establish persistence of replication-competent virus or treatment failure. FCoV-23 combines between-cat transmission of a viral lineage with heterogeneous, cat-specific spike domain 0 deletions consistent with within-host emergence or selection. In this review, we reassess the FECV/FIPV dichotomy by separating five levels of description: genetic background, anatomical compartment, cell tropism, host clinical state, and transmissibility. These levels are analytically distinct but biologically interconnected, and experimentally measurable viral properties can provide mechanistic links between genetic variation and downstream biological outcomes. We examine how molecular markers, PCR findings, faecal shedding, experimental phenotypes, and post-antiviral observations should be interpreted in relation to the biological processes they directly reflect. We argue that FECV and FIPV remain useful terms, but should not be treated as fixed viral entities or used as substitutes for direct evidence. Matching the level of inference to the level of observation will improve interpretation of FCoV studies, diagnostic reporting, and the design of future work on within-host evolution, transmission, and treatment response.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Nadarajah N, Amanda LXM, Dempsey K, et al (2026)

Education programs on emerging and reemerging infectious disease outbreak management for pre-registration Nursing and Medical Students: A scoping review.

Nurse education today, 168:107368 pii:S0260-6917(26)00396-5 [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Preparing the future healthcare workforce in managing emerging and reemerging infectious disease (ERID) outbreaks is critical. However, knowledge gaps remain in education programs for ERID outbreaks for pre-registration nursing and medical students.

AIM: To comprehensively identify existing ERID outbreak education programs for medical and nursing students, summarizing evidence on program design, curriculum content, learning outcomes, and student experiences.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Eligible studies were searched from inception to 1st November 2025 across nine databases (Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase, MedNar, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest). Two reviewers screened for eligible studies and appraised the quality of included studies independently. This was followed by data charting and narrative synthesis of findings.

RESULTS: Among the 38 included studies, ERID outbreak management programs for medical (n = 16) and nursing (n = 22) students predominantly targeted COVID-19 and involved short-duration (1 to 5 h) online or simulation-based methods. Curriculum content of these programs included fundamentals of infectious diseases, epidemiology and surveillance, clinical management of infected persons, infection prevention and control and public health and pandemic preparedness. Nursing curricula emphasised infection prevention and control while medical programs prioritised epidemiology and clinical patient management. Most programs reported improvements in knowledge and clinical procedural skills, particularly via simulation. Non-procedural skills (e.g., critical thinking) and psycho-emotional outcomes (e.g., anxiety, fear and preparedness) yield inconsistent results. Students favour experiential learning but highlighted gaps in interdisciplinary collaboration and stress management.

CONCLUSION: This review identified curriculum design gaps in ERID outbreak management education programs and provided future pedagogical directions to prepare a pandemic-ready healthcare workforce. Key strategies include scaffolding ERID content across pre-registration training, incorporating interprofessional education, and leveraging blended pedagogies to balance theoretical and experiential learning. Future programs should integrate realistic scenarios to simulate emotional stressors, foster resilience, and evaluate knowledge and skill retention.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Song M, Wang S, Fei X, et al (2026)

Viral manipulation of DNA damage response signaling: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Virologica Sinica pii:S1995-820X(26)00143-4 [Epub ahead of print].

The DNA damage response (DDR) network maintains genomic integrity, functions as a signaling hub that viruses exploit to drive pathogenesis, and constitutes a central interface between viral infection and host cell fate. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which viruses subvert host DDR pathways, with an emphasis on viral replication, latency, immune evasion, and host genomic instability. Representative examples include PARP1-dependent cccDNA stabilization by hepatitis B virus (HBV), MRN complex sequestration by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) for immune evasion, ATM signaling modulation by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to maintain viral latency, and DDR activation triggered by RNA viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Zika virus (ZIKV), and influenza A virus (IAV) via oxidative stress. We evaluate emerging DDR-targeted antiviral strategies, including restoring intrinsic host restriction, exploiting synthetic lethality of dysregulated DDR kinases, and therapeutically modulating DDR-innate immune crosstalk to restore antiviral surveillance (e.g., by stabilizing MRE11 or inhibiting PARP7). Bridging molecular insights with clinical translation, this review positions DDR targeting as a mechanism-driven, host-directed antiviral paradigm.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

da Luz Goulart C, Meyer GMB, Santos-de-Araújo AD, et al (2026)

Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Review.

Heart, lung & circulation pii:S1443-9506(26)00471-3 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterised by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, leading to right heart failure and premature death. Although classically linked to idiopathic and autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases are increasingly recognised as contributors to PAH pathogenesis.

METHOD: This scoping review mapped current evidence on associations between infectious diseases and PAH, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for studies addressing epidemiology, mechanisms and clinical implications.

RESULTS: Evidence shows robust associations for human immunodeficiency virus and schistosomiasis (Tier 1); hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus (Tier 2); and coronavirus disease 2019 (Tier 3). Common mechanisms include chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling.

CONCLUSIONS: Infection-associated PAH remains underrecognised in diagnostic frameworks and clinical practice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where these infections are endemic. Integrating PAH screening and management into existing infectious disease programs could improve early diagnosis and outcomes. Addressing this neglected interface is crucial to reducing morbidity and advancing health equity for affected populations worldwide.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Gowda N, Harish S, Joy J, et al (2026)

Post-Infectious Cerebellitis: A Systematic Review of Aetiology, Clinical Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes.

Cerebellum (London, England), 25(5):.

Post-infectious cerebellitis is an immune-mediated cerebellar inflammatory syndrome that follows a preceding infection (or, rarely, vaccination) after a latent interval. It spans a spectrum from benign post-infectious/acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) through more severe acute cerebellitis (AC) with leptomeningeal enhancement and mass effect, to rare, life-threatening acute fulminant cerebellitis (AFC) with hydrocephalus risk. Evidence is largely limited to individual case reports and small case series, and no prior review has systematically pooled patient-level data across etiologies. A PRISMA-guided systematic review screened 899 records identified through electronic database searches, citation tracking, and supplementary bibliography searches. After duplicate removal and eligibility assessment, 47 studies (case reports, case series, and cohort studies) were included in the qualitative synthesis. Patient-level data from 73 individuals were extracted for quantitative pooling. Pooled patients had a mean age of 24.5 years (range 7 months-74 years; 40 pediatric, 28 adult); of 70 patients with sex reported, 51 (72.9%) were male. Based on neuroimaging findings and the presence of life-threatening features, 34 patients (46.6%) were classified as acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA), 26 (35.6%) as acute cerebellitis (AC), and 13 (17.8%) as acute fulminant cerebellitis (AFC), with complete recovery in 58.8%, 69.2%, and 69.2% of each subtype, respectively, and the cohort's only death occurring in the AFC subgroup. SARS-CoV-2 (n = 24, 32.9%) was the most frequently identified trigger, followed by patients with no pathogen identified (n = 18, 24.7%), varicella-zoster virus (n = 8, 11.0%), Epstein-Barr virus (n = 5, 6.8%), and influenza (n = 5, 6.8%). Corticosteroids were the most common treatment (54/73, 74.0%), followed by antivirals (35/73, 47.9%) and IVIG (19/73, 26.0%); plasma exchange was given for refractory cases. Complete recovery occurred in 47/73 patients (64.4%), partial recovery/residual deficit in 15/73 (20.5%), outcome was not stated for 10/73 (13.7%), and one death (1.4%) was recorded (COVID-19-associated necrotizing encephalopathy) - the only fatality, occurring in an adult. Post-infectious cerebellitis is a heterogeneous, largely immune-mediated syndrome with a generally favorable prognosis after corticosteroid-based immunotherapy, though outcomes and evidence quality vary by etiology and severity subgroup.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Ghasemi SA, SalarSadeghi M, Miri M, et al (2026)

Psychoeducational Challenges of Dyslexic Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

Dyslexia (Chichester, England), 32(4):e70047.

Dyslexic students faced psychological and educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and online learning, including increased anxiety, low self-esteem, reduced reading interest, limited access to educational technologies, insufficient teacher support, and difficulties with reading fluency and concentration. Examining these challenges is crucial for implementing effective measures and enhancing post-pandemic learning. This study investigates the psycho-educational challenges of dyslexic children during the pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support them in current and future contexts. This systematic review identified relevant articles through electronic searches of PubMed, Wiley, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, supplemented by the snowballing technique, which involved examining the bibliographies of retrieved references. The study identified two main categories of challenges for dyslexic children: psychological (mental health, emotional well-being, behavioural issues, parental stress) and educational (socioeconomic status, technology access, special educational needs, teacher support, remote learning difficulties) affecting children with learning disabilities. The research results show that dyslexic children faced various psychological and educational difficulties identified in this review during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, targeted, evidence-based strategies-such as teacher training, family-school collaboration, adaptive learning technologies, and psychological support-are needed to mitigate these challenges in the post-pandemic period.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Rakhimbayeva Z, Mussayev A, Oshibayeva A, et al (2026)

Mare's Milk for Gut Microbiome Restoration and Immune Recovery After COVID-19 in Children and Pregnant Women: A Hypothesis-Generating Systematic Review.

Biomolecules, 16(8): pii:biom16081203.

BACKGROUND: Mare's milk has gained attention as a functional food due to its bioactive compounds and potential microbiome-modulating properties. This systematic review evaluated the evidence on its potential role in gut microbiome restoration and immune modulation following COVID-19, particularly in pediatric and maternal populations.

METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched for studies investigating mare's milk or koumiss and their effects on gut microbiota, immune responses, inflammatory markers, or gastrointestinal outcomes.

RESULTS: Eight studies were included: five examined COVID-19-associated gut microbiome alterations, and three investigated the biological effects of mare's milk or fermented mare's milk. COVID-19 was consistently associated with reduced microbial diversity, depletion of beneficial bacteria, and enrichment of opportunistic pathogens, with some changes persisting after recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: Koumiss demonstrates biologically plausible microbiome-modulating and immunoregulatory properties that may support recovery from COVID-19-associated gut dysbiosis. However, current evidence remains indirect, and clinical studies are needed before recommendations can be made.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Kaya E, Ekinci N, Aslan I, et al (2026)

The Association Between Job Stress and Intention to Leave in Healthcare Institutions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(16): pii:healthcare14162541.

Background: Job stress is a pervasive issue in modern workplaces and is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including employees' turnover intention when stress levels are high. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between job stress and turnover intention among employees working in healthcare institutions through meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed following PRISMA guidelines. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; ID: CRD42024581906). Considering variations in sample sizes, publication years, and measurement scales, a random-effects model was employed. Effect sizes were illustrated with a forest plot, and publication bias analyses were performed. Subgroup analyses were conducted by occupational group, COVID-19 period, and geographic region, while meta-regression tested the moderating effects of publication year. Study quality was assessed using the AXIS tool. Results: Based on predefined inclusion criteria, 38 independent studies were included. Findings revealed a moderate-to-high, positive, and statistically significant relationship (r = 0.441; 95% CI [0.389, 0.490]) between job stress and turnover intention among healthcare workers. Moreover, although between-study heterogeneity was substantial (I[2] = 95.5%), the direction and statistical significance of the association remained consistent across different countries and healthcare systems. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant positive association between job stress and turnover intention among healthcare workers (r = 0.441). Although substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies, the relationship remained consistent across occupational groups, regions, and study contexts. Addressing job stress may therefore play an important role in supporting workforce retention in healthcare organizations.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Pérez-Jiménez JM, Feria Dávila A, E Torrado Val (2026)

Adolescent Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Bullying Dynamics, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies-A Systematic Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(16): pii:healthcare14162582.

Objectives: To analyze adolescent suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, examine the relationship between bullying, cyberbullying, and suicidal behavior, and identify evidence-based prevention strategies. Methods: A systematic review of 26 peer-reviewed articles (published between 2020 and 2025) was conducted across five databases. Studies were appraised for quality using STROBE and SRQR guidelines. Results: The pandemic significantly impacted adolescent mental health, increasing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, particularly among females and vulnerable populations. Notably, while traditional bullying decreased during school closures (78.2% reduction), cyberbullying reports saw a substantial increase (with a 264.4% spike documented in national helpline data). Key risk factors included social isolation, excessive social media use, pre-existing mental health conditions, and low socioeconomic status. Protective factors included family support and access to mental health services. Conclusions: COVID-19 created a significant adolescent mental health crisis. The shift to cyberbullying represents a critical emerging threat. Effective prevention requires a multitiered approach including universal screening, telehealth, and social-emotional learning programs while addressing the persistent shortage of mental health professionals.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Shaikh ZH, Yadav S, Sahoo BP, et al (2026)

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Health Sector: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review.

Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 14(16): pii:healthcare14162604.

Background: The health sector is getting transformed with the usage of AI, be it diagnosis, treatment planning, disease prediction, and or health system management. Research in this field has picked up in the last few years, which was made possible with the emergence of machine learning, natural language processing and the increasing number of e-health records. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the current trends in the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in medical settings by investigating the global scientific output/landscape on this theme, such as the annual publication trends, country-wise contributions, and publishing patterns. Methods: The current study is based on systematic review by combining bibliometric analysis and cluster analysis using VOSviewer version 1.6.20, R software version 4.5.0, and Biblioshiny (Bibliometrix package in R) along with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta analyses (PRISMA), 2020 which provides transparency and rigorous visualization to examine the articles published in English on the use of AI in healthcare, after the onset of COVID-19 till date i.e., from 2020 to 2026 on the Scopus database. Results: Using the relevant search string, 5940 documents were identified between 2020 and 2026, 1434 were included for analysis after screening and relevant filters. The publications have increased remarkably after 2020 on this theme and more than half of the publications have their roots in the discipline of Medicine. The USA, China, and the United Kingdom have contributed the most to the volume of research. Natural language processing and diagnosis are the emerging themes. The Journal of Medical Internet Research, BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, Computers in Biology and Medicine, IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Frontiers in Public Health, and Digital Health are some of the most influential sources in the field. Li J and Liu X are among the authors with remarkable local impact. Conclusions: The work aims to assist investigators, health care professionals, and policymakers to learn about modern trends and focus on critical areas of future research and collaboration in AI-enhanced health care. The limitation of the study is that it considered only the Scopus database but it has opened up opportunities for researchers for analysis using other databases such as Dimensions, Lens, and PubMed. Also, this review is considering the publication record since the onset of COVID-19 but a comparative analysis of pre and post-pandemic studies can also be conducted to get a holistic view of drastic collaboration of research in this field. Discussions: The findings suggest that the role of artificial intelligence in health care has paramount over recent years, with other supporting technologies but a technologically hesitant population as well as low acceptance of AI due to ethical issues, cannot be ignored for ensuring efficiency in the health sector.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Jash S, JM Sedivy (2026)

Advancing Human Placental Modeling Through Stem-Cell-Derived Trophoblast Organoids and Reprogramming Innovations.

Biomedicines, 14(8): pii:biomedicines14081729.

The human placenta is a temporary organ structured to optimize exchange between the maternal and fetal circulatory systems. Its fetal component consists of highly branched chorionic villi, which are anchored to the maternal uterine wall and project into the intervillous space. The outer surface of these villi is lined by a multinucleated, continuous layer called the syncytiotrophoblast, which is supported by an underlying layer of proliferative cytotrophoblast cells and the invasive extravillous trophoblast (EVT). This cellular bilayer forms a selective barrier that directly bathes in maternal blood, allowing for the efficient transfer of oxygen and nutrients while structurally preventing the direct mixing of maternal and fetal blood cells. Human placental studies have been stymied by ethical and accessibility constraints. Stem cell biology has now revolutionized the capacity to model human placental development, in particular with the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and organoids. Authentic, self-renewing human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) were first derived not from pluripotent stem cells but from primary tissue-first-trimester villous cytotrophoblasts and blastocysts. Derivation from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) followed only subsequently, along two principal routes: conversion of naive PSCs, which retain extraembryonic competence, and induction from primed PSCs, as well as by direct reprogramming of somatic cells to induced hTSCs. An important advance underlying these improvements is the mapping of a global reprogramming roadmap. Multi-omic and lineage-tracing experiments have mapped the stepwise transcriptional and epigenetic conversions of fibroblasts to hTSCs, including sequential chromatin reconfiguration, trophoblast gene network activation, and repression of somatic signatures. These results identify major regulatory bottlenecks and intermediate states, improving reprogramming fidelity. The derivation of stem-cell-based trophoblast organoids now enables complex modeling of placental architecture, function, and disease susceptibility in vitro. These organoids accurately recapitulate placental barrier functions and immunological features, allowing for examinations of maternal-fetal health, pregnancy disorders, and placental infection response to viruses like cytomegalovirus and SARS-CoV-2. Looking ahead, the integration of reprogramming and organoid technologies will propel patient-specific and tailor-made models for personalized diagnostics, drug screening, and mechanism studies. As we unravel the molecular ballet of trophoblast induction, such discoveries have the potential to bridge basic translational gaps in reproductive biology and maternal-fetal medicine.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Kuwayama T, K Kotani (2026)

Themes of Reported Rural Healthcare Challenges Related to Non-Communicable Diseases Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 23(8): pii:ijerph23080971.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, are major causes of death worldwide; addressing NCDs is thus essential. NCDs may contribute to health disparities between rural and urban areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered medical and social environments, and NCD management approaches may have changed accordingly. This scoping review aimed to examine themes of reported rural healthcare challenges related to NCD management before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A literature search of original articles was conducted via PubMed. A thematic analysis was applied to compare the content of studies classified as pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. A total of 23 articles were identified, including 12 studies classified as pre-pandemic and 11 studies classified as post-pandemic. Before the pandemic, commonly reported challenges included low management rates of hypertension and diabetes, instability in pharmaceutical supply, and insufficient training of healthcare personnel. We integrated these into a theme related to "healthcare". After the pandemic, in addition to the low management rates, studies increasingly addressed mental and nutritional health, multimorbidity, and socioeconomic disparities. We integrated there into a theme related to "society". Namely, studies classified as pre-pandemic primarily reported healthcare-related aspects, whereas studies classified as post-pandemic more frequently reported broader societal aspects in addition to healthcare-related aspects. These findings may reflect changes in how rural healthcare challenges related to NCDs have been recognized and discussed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to clarify the significance and implications of these reported themes.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Eigenheer Mühlbauer J, Ribeiro AP, B de-Salles Andrade J, et al (2026)

Assessing Adherence to Preventive Behaviors Among Patients with Mental Illness in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 23(8): pii:ijerph23081001.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global public health emergency, causing substantial disruptions in societal norms and behaviors. Among the affected population, individuals with mental health disorders are particularly vulnerable, facing heightened infection rates and worse outcomes. These challenges can be linked to factors such as insufficient adherence to vaccination and other preventive measures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the literature on the adherence of individuals with mental disorders to vaccination and other preventive behaviors such as social distancing, use of face masks, and hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: This scoping review was performed following the methodological guidelines outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A comprehensive search for published research containing original data was conducted in four databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science).

RESULTS: The search yielded 2778 records, and 10 additional relevant papers were identified through handsearching, resulting in a total of 50 studies meeting all inclusion criteria. Most of them focused on vaccination adherence, with approximately half reporting lower adherence in the patient group, particularly among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs), compared to the general population or to other control groups. However, some studies reported comparable-or, in specific psychiatric populations, even higher-levels of adherence to preventive behaviors. Out of the fifty selected studies, only four employed an interventional approach aimed at increasing preventative behaviors, but they were effective in most of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores a noticeable lack of intervention studies employing psychoeducational strategies to mitigate risky behaviors among individuals with mental disorders. This gap emphasizes the urgent need for increased research focus in this area, as it holds promise for reshaping future approaches and strategies to address other crises within this vulnerable population.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Triantafyllou C, Ntikoudi A, Papachristou A, et al (2026)

Mapping the Public Health Landscape in Greece: Governance, Stakeholders, Data Systems, and Policy Frameworks.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 23(8): pii:ijerph23081059.

BACKGROUND: Public health in Greece has undergone substantial changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, while challenges related to governance, workforce distribution, regional inequalities and service organization remain. This study aimed to map the current public health landscape in Greece by examining its institutional frameworks, stakeholder roles, policy implementation and public health data systems.

METHODS: A structured situation analysis combining a review of peer-reviewed and gray literature, policy analysis, and stakeholder mapping was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched for English- and Greek-language publications issued between 2005 and 2026, supplemented by reports, legislation, and policy documents from the Greek Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the European Commission, and other relevant institutions.

RESULTS: Public health responsibilities were distributed across multiple national, regional, and local institutions, creating challenges concerning coordination and accountability. Regional and socioeconomic inequalities continued to affect access to services, while workforce shortages and skill-mix imbalances constrained public health capacity. Public health information was dispersed across different institutions and data systems, with limitations concerning standardization, accessibility, and interoperability. Recent legislation, prevention programs, and digital-health initiatives indicated increased policy attention to prevention and population health, although publicly available evidence regarding their implementation and outcomes remained limited.

CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening public health in Greece requires clearer institutional responsibilities, improved coordination across governance levels, sustainable workforce planning and interoperable data systems that support routine monitoring of program coverage, equity, and population-level outcomes.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Ruggiero RM, Patel HJ, North CS, et al (2026)

Interventions to Support the Mental Health of Frontline Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

International journal of environmental research and public health, 23(8): pii:ijerph23081082.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to distress and an increased prevalence of psychopathology among front-line (FL) healthcare workers (HCWs). A synthesis of the available data on the effectiveness of MH interventions among FL HCWs is essential to inform an MH plan for FL HCWs in future pandemics. The objective of this systematic review is to examine interventions used to support the MH of FL HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. All studies published between 1 January 2020 and 1 March 2026 that reported on MH interventions among FL HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified using PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Google Scholar, Medline, and Web of Science. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals that reported data on interventions to support the MH of FL HCWs were included. The study was conducted using the approach by the PRISMA guidelines. The search generated 1450 records, of which 309 were reviewed at length, and 153 studies (N = 153) were included. Interventions in these studies included identification of risk for psychopathology and linkage to mental health care (n = 3), PE/PFA (n = 44), psychotherapy (n = 26), mindfulness programs (n = 58), medications (n = 5), and multiple/combined psychosocial support interventions (n = 17). The majority of studies found their interventions to be beneficial, largely based on user satisfaction scores and symptom screening scores. Importantly, symptoms in the vast majority of control arms also improved over time, though not to the degree that symptoms in intervention arms improved. This systematic review suggests that an established disaster MH response framework may be useful in directing the design of MH responses to FL HCWs in future pandemics, offering screening for psychopathology and connection with formal psychiatric services for full evaluation and provision of MH care, as well as supportive care with mindfulness interventions, crisis-oriented counseling, PE, and PFA.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Maghiar L, Iftode A, Maghiar TA, et al (2026)

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in the Post-COVID Era: From Barrier Dysfunction and Microbiome Dysbiosis to Prevention and Precision Management.

Journal of clinical medicine, 15(16): pii:jcm15166353.

Background/Objectives: Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is the most common work-related skin disease, accounting for roughly 90-95% of occupational dermatoses and falling predominantly on the hands. It is rarely dangerous yet imposes a substantial burden through impaired quality of life, lost productivity, and premature exit from affected trades. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this burden among healthcare workers, in whom the pooled one-year prevalence of self-reported hand eczema reaches around 27%; meta-analytic data link the increased risk principally to frequent handwashing and wet work rather than to alcohol-based hand rub. Methods: This narrative review, which follows a non-systematic, thematically organised search strategy rather than PRISMA methodology, integrates current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of OCD, with particular emphasis on the self-reinforcing cycle linking skin barrier disruption, microbiome dysbiosis, and antimicrobial-peptide dysregulation to inflammation. Results: We critically appraise the prevention evidence, foregrounding the low certainty of the existing trial base and the tension between the randomised trials of primary and secondary prevention, which have been null, and the encouraging but uncontrolled results of structured tertiary-prevention programmes. We summarise recent therapeutic advances, including topical delgocitinib, and situate the field within the World Health Organisation's 2025 recognition of skin diseases as a global public health priority. Established evidence and hypotheses are kept separate throughout: we additionally advance, explicitly as a conjecture rather than as a demonstrated mechanism, a conceptual trans-kingdom dialogue model in which protease-generated LL-37 fragments may modulate staphylococcal quorum sensing, and each step of that model is labelled according to whether the supporting evidence is direct, extrapolated, or as yet untested. Conclusions: We argue that the prevention failure is less one of biology than of trial design and measurement, and outline the research needed to close the gap.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Palamim CVC, Camargo TM, FAL Marson (2026)

Mechanical Power as a Predictor of Outcomes During Mechanical Ventilation in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): An Updated Systematic Review.

Journal of clinical medicine, 15(16): pii:jcm15166476.

Background/Objectives: Mechanical power (MP) quantifies the energy delivered to the respiratory system during ventilation and serves as a promising marker for ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). According to its original definition by Gattinoni, MP reflects the energy transferred from the ventilator to the respiratory system under conditions of deep sedation, passive breathing, neuromuscular blockade, and volume-controlled ventilation. Its role in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains under investigation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the association between MP and VILI, complications related to mechanical ventilation (MV), and mortality in adult patients with COVID-19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed-MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) for studies published in recent years, focusing on adult COVID-19 patients undergoing IMV. Inclusion criteria centered on studies reporting MP and its association with VILI, complications, or mortality. Ten studies met eligibility criteria after screening 356 retrieved articles. Results: Most included studies were retrospective and observational, encompassing critically ill COVID-19 patients. Elevated MP was correlated with more severe outcomes, including increased 28-day mortality, prolonged MV, and weaning failure. Franck et al. demonstrated strong correlations between MP and driving pressure, elastance, and positive end-expiratory pressure, emphasizing the importance of calculation methods. González-Castro et al. identified a threshold of 17 J/min, above which mortality risk increased. Stalla et al. highlighted that dynamic MP reductions during prone positioning were associated with survival. Registry-based analyses confirmed that both magnitude and cumulative exposure above 18 J/min increased intensive care unit mortality. Novel indices combining MP with oxygenation parameters improved prognostic accuracy. While absolute MP at initiation provided limited predictive value, temporal trends and individual components were strongly linked to VILI. Conclusions: Higher MP has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, supporting its potential role as a prognostic indicator. Its dynamic assessment, thresholds, and integration with ventilatory strategies such as prone positioning enhance risk stratification and may guide individualized, lung-protective ventilation. Continuous monitoring and standardized calculation are recommended to optimize clinical decision-making.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Chagas-Sena M, Lau WL, Lane TE, et al (2026)

Blood-Brain Barrier Changes and Related Microvascular Outcomes in Long-COVID: A Comprehensive Review.

Life (Basel, Switzerland), 16(8): pii:life16081227.

UNLABELLED: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the COVID-19 pandemic is still considered a complex challenge, with manifestations not only of respiratory issues, but also conditions related to chronic cerebrovascular damage. Endothelial biomarkers, neuropathological and neuroimaging findings indicate endothelial dysfunction, microthrombosis, and disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are central mechanisms for acute and chronic ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebral events. Understanding these mechanisms is vital to reducing their impact on population health, whether through treatment or prevention of adverse outcomes. The objective of this study is to perform a review of the scientific literature on the post-infection effects of SARS-CoV-2 affecting the cerebral endothelium and the BBB, correlating them with potential clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of studies extracted from the PubMed database using the following terms: Long-COVID "AND" SARS-CoV-2 "AND" blood-brain barrier.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: keywords, publications related to the topic, and primary studies published after peer review.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: preprint studies, publication outside of the timeframe 2020-2025, study design not compatible with this research, and full text not available.

RESULTS: An initial 121 studies were identified, of which 105 were excluded due to not meeting all inclusion criteria and 6 studies were inaccessible due to not being in the English language and full-text access limitations. Fifteen articles were included in the analysis, for topics as expression of viral receptors in the endothelium, markers of their activation, cerebral microvascular injury and coagulopathies. To clarify the pathogenic cascade, the evidence was stratified by biological model where in vitro evidence demonstrates that the Spike protein induces direct endothelial toxicity and platelet aggregation, establishing the primary molecular insult. Animal models confirm the translation of this insult into structural degradation of the BBB and pericyte loss. Clinically, infection-phase findings, characterized by multifocal microthrombosis and permeability spikes, act as the determining event that predisposes to the persistent neuroinflammatory environment. Biomarkers of BBB disruption and neuronal damage were consistently reported, with persistence of BBB dysfunction modifying risk stratification and rehabilitation efforts. Reported cases of Long-COVID demonstrated normalization of BBB markers without correlation with long-term symptoms, suggesting that other mechanisms are involved in Long-COVID.

CONCLUSION: Cerebral endotheliopathies and BBB dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 continue to impact the health of the population. The scientific literature indicates that SARS-CoV-2 induces cerebral endothelial injury, BBB disruption, and an increased risk of vascular events related to endotheliopathy, inflammation, and hypercoagulability. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 pathology on the population and developing prospective studies is essential to quantify the prevalence and mechanisms of brain injury. The identification of molecular targets and infection pathways are promising toward defining both preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in the Long-COVID population.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Trasca ET, Radulescu D, Ciupeanu-Calugaru ED, et al (2026)

Interpreting Abdominal Surgical-Site Infection Trends Across the COVID-19 Shock: A Critical Narrative Review and the SSI Signal-Validity Framework.

Life (Basel, Switzerland), 16(8): pii:life16081320.

Background/Objectives: Comparisons of abdominal Surgical-Site Infection (SSI) rates during COVID-19 often treat recorded incidence as a direct measure of biological risk, although the pandemic altered operative volume and case mix, prevention practices, and post-discharge detection. This review examines when reported SSI changes are interpretable. Methods: We conducted a critical narrative review, informed by SANRA and critical interpretive synthesis, of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Europe PMC (January 2018-25 June 2026). Comparative SSI studies formed the core evidence set, supported by contextual studies on emergency presentation, biological risk, prevention, and surveillance. Results: Studies reported lower, unchanged, non-monotonic, and higher SSI rates. These differences became more coherent when the recorded rate was separated into operative composition, true infection probability, and detection probability. No core study measured all domains required to isolate a biological pandemic effect. Evidence from acute pancreatitis and abdominal trauma showed that disease severity, care access, inflammatory status, and prognostic relationships varied with health-system context. Conclusions: We propose the Surgical-Site Infection Signal-Validity Framework (SSI-SVF). It classifies findings as probable true improvement, apparent improvement, masked deterioration, mixed deterioration, or indeterminate and requires joint assessment of operative composition, true infection risk, and detection probability before interpreting a calendar-period change as altered surgical safety.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Tsvetkova V, K Todorova (2026)

β-Cell Dysfunction in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome: Molecular Mechanisms Linking Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Insulin Secretion.

International journal of molecular sciences, 27(16): pii:ijms27167083.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly recognized as a multisystem disorder associated with persistent metabolic complications extending beyond the acute phase of infection. Accumulating evidence suggests that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may disrupt glucose homeostasis through mechanisms involving pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hypoxia-related signalling. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to impaired insulin secretion and post-COVID metabolic disturbances. Particular emphasis is placed on the regulation of insulin secretion, β-cell compensation and failure, oxidative stress, inflammatory signalling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the development of the post-COVID metabolic phenotype. Emerging evidence indicates that persistent metabolic abnormalities after COVID-19 may range from transient dysglycaemia to new-onset diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The review also discusses clinical implications, biomarkers, therapeutic perspectives, and unresolved questions regarding the reversibility of post-COVID β-cell dysfunction. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying post-COVID metabolic dysfunction may improve risk stratification, facilitate early intervention, and support development of targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving β-cell function and long-term metabolic health.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Paracchini V, Petrillo M, Fornara L, et al (2026)

Critical Evaluation of Key Methods for RNA Quantification.

International journal of molecular sciences, 27(16): pii:ijms27167379.

The approval of safe and effective lipid nanoparticles-encapsulated mRNA (LNP-mRNA) vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is catalysing the development of the next generation of mRNA therapeutics. Accurate characterisation methods are crucial for assessing the quality and efficacy of these complex formulations. Several analytical techniques exist for the quantification of the mRNA drug substance, including UV spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and digital PCR (dPCR). Here, we compare these methods, highlight their limitations, and discuss critical considerations for experimental design to improve the agreement between different analytical methods.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Șolea R, Șerban E, Călugăr-Solea SF, et al (2026)

Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Medical Potential of Cannabidiol in Mental and Neurological Disorders.

Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 19(8): pii:ph19081238.

Background/Objectives: Mental and neurological disorders contribute substantially to the global burden of disease, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. As their prevalence increases with age, their overall impact is expected to grow in the coming decades. Although psychological and pharmacological treatments are available, many patients fail to achieve satisfactory outcomes, underscoring the need for improved therapeutic strategies. Cannabis sativa L. has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, and cannabidiol (CBD) has attracted increasing attention because of its broad therapeutic potential. Scientific studies indicate that CBD may be beneficial in several mental and neurological disorders. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify articles investigating the therapeutic potential of CBD and cannabis in selected disorders. Results: Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies, together with findings from the broader cannabis literature, indicates that CBD may offer therapeutic benefits in a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Emerging data also support its potential use as an adjunctive therapy for COVID-19. Current research has improved understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these disorders and the molecular pathways through which CBD may exert its effects. CBD has demonstrated good tolerability, with predominantly mild adverse effects and a favorable safety profile. Conclusions: Despite promising findings, many available studies are preclinical or involve small patient cohorts, and the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of CBD remain incompletely understood. Further well-designed, randomized, controlled, multicenter trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of CBD and support its integration into clinical practice.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Nodola P, Molefe PSS, Tseki PF, et al (2026)

Recent Advances in the Design of Inhibitors Targeting the Viral Entry and Replication of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Driven by In Silico Approaches.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 31(16): pii:molecules31162877.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, politics, medicine, finance, and society. Since 2020, various mutations have been reported, leading to drug resistance in current treatments against different SARS-CoV-2 strains and a drastic increase in cases of long-COVID. This situation underscores the urgent need to develop targeted and effective drugs to combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 strains and their mutants, manage long-COVID symptoms and prepare for future pandemics. Currently, the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 focuses on targeting the virus's entry and replication mechanisms to disrupt its life cycle. This review examines approved drugs, clinical candidates, and inhibitors under development, along with their bioassay data, while highlighting associated challenges. It illustrates how inhibitors bind to active sites, providing insights and emphasizing the importance of in silico studies, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, FEP+, WaterMap, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses, and their correlation with experimental studies in expediting the drug discovery process. The review aims to provide researchers with insights into the gaps that need to be addressed concerning mutations affecting viral entry and to prepare for future pandemics.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Niazi SK (2026)

Two Classes of Protein Therapeutics: Why Dose-Response Architecture Defines the Boundary of mRNA Medicines.

Pharmaceutics, 18(8): pii:pharmaceutics18080941.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) entered clinical medicine through vaccines, where the innate immune reactivity that complicates protein therapeutics acts as a built-in adjuvant. The success of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines inspired an expansive vision of an mRNA 2.0 era extending the modality to rare and common diseases, with delivery framed as the principal challenge. This review accepts much of that vision but argues it rests on an unstated assumption: that all protein therapeutics form a single pharmacological class. They do not. We propose a taxonomy, the Dose-Response Architecture Classification, separating two classes. Exposure-controlled therapeutics require a specific quantity of active protein on a defined regimen, as outcomes depend on reproducible exposure; examples include insulin, erythropoietin, growth hormone, coagulation factors, and narrow-therapeutic-index biologics. Threshold-response therapeutics depend on surpassing a functional threshold rather than maintaining a precise concentration; these include vaccines, many enzyme-replacement therapies, genome editing, receptor-saturating antibodies, and immune-cell reprogramming. Because an mRNA drug is dosed as an instruction, and a single message is translated into a variable number of proteins through a multiplicative, stochastic intracellular chain, the dose-to-effect relationship is inherently variable. Our central, deliberately falsifiable proposition is that mRNA is suitable for threshold-response therapeutics but unsuitable for exposure-controlled therapeutics unless a construct or delivery system demonstrates validated post-delivery output control within predefined pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic limits. This is a pharmacological boundary, not a delivery obstacle. We conclude that the greatest advances in mRNA 2.0 will come not from delivery alone but from disciplined indication triage by class.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Nguyen HX, MP Ho (2026)

Microneedles for Vaccination: Mechanistic Foundations, Materials Innovation, Clinical Translation, and Global Health Implementation.

Pharmaceutics, 18(8): pii:pharmaceutics18081022.

Vaccination ranks among the most consequential interventions in medicine, yet cold-chain dependence, sharps hazards, needle phobia, and reliance on trained vaccinators limit coverage where vaccine-preventable mortality is highest. Microneedle patches deposit antigen into the antigen-presenting-cell-rich epidermis and upper dermis through projections that penetrate the stratum corneum without reaching dermal nociceptors. Such targeting yields immunogenicity matching or exceeding intramuscular injection at a fraction of the antigen mass, with dose-sparing up to six-fold recorded for influenza, polio, and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Solid-state formulation converts that immunological advantage into a logistical one, since polymeric matrices preserve potency for as long as two years at ambient temperature, removing the refrigeration infrastructure that consumes significant delivery cost. Six microneedle types have reached preclinical or clinical maturity, with dissolving microneedle patches the most advanced. Two trials provide the clinical evidence: a Phase I influenza study showing non-inferior antibody responses and successful self-application, and a Phase I/II measles-rubella trial in The Gambia reaching 93% measles and 100% rubella seroconversion in infants without related serious adverse events. Engineering advances currently include an automated printer producing thermostable mRNA-lipid nanoparticle patches that retain bioactivity for six months at ambient temperature, the first intradermal self-amplifying RNA patch, and quantum-dot on-body immunization records. Sterility assurance, dose uniformity, nucleic acid integrity within solid matrices, and fragmented regulatory guidance remain the challenging obstacles, alongside a clinical pipeline concentrated on few antigens. This review integrates the mechanistic, materials, manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, and global health dimensions of the field to guide translation and equitable deployment.

RevDate: 2026-08-27
CmpDate: 2026-08-27

Praet SFE (2026)

Targeting Bioenergetic, Redox and Prostaglandin Pathways in Long COVID-Associated Post-Exertional Malaise and Brain Fog: A Nutraceutical Translational Hypothesis.

Nutrients, 18(16): pii:nu18162650.

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) and cognitive dysfunction (hereafter "cognitive dysfunction", including the patient-reported syndrome often described as "brain fog") are among the most disabling features of Long COVID; yet, approved disease-modifying treatments remain lacking. Emerging evidence implicates interacting disturbances in mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox regulation and neurovascular inflammation, although much of the supporting evidence remains indirect and derives from acute COVID-19, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), primary mitochondrial disease, inflammatory biology and mechanistic pharmacology rather than from direct Long COVID intervention trials. This hypothesis-generating narrative review develops a mechanism-based translational framework: that a pathway-targeted nutraceutical programme may modulate selected elements of these three axes, subject to prior demonstration of formulation quality, pharmacokinetic feasibility, target engagement and safety. Candidate modules comprise coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid for bioenergetic/redox support; selenium, sulforaphane and resveratrol for Nrf2-thioredoxin-related redox regulation; and Boswellia serrata, luteolin and eicosapentaenoic acid for putative prostaglandin/resolution-pathway modulation. Sonlicromanol provides a conceptual mechanistic precedent for combined redox and prostaglandin-directed pharmacology, but it is not considered pharmacologically equivalent to an eight-agent nutraceutical combination. We summarise the mechanistic rationale, distinguish direct from indirect evidence, define qualitative evidence-grading criteria, outline safety and interaction considerations, and propose a staged translational research programme. This framework is intended to generate falsifiable hypotheses for future Long COVID studies, not to imply established clinical efficacy.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Czepiel D, van der Ven E, Sijbrandij M, et al (2026)

Rethinking mental disorders in COVID-19: evidence from prepandemic longitudinal data.

Current opinion in psychiatry, 39(5):375-384.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To synthesize longitudinal evidence of mental health outcomes, including prepandemic symptom measurements, among individuals with preexisting mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RECENT FINDINGS: Symptom exacerbation commonly occurred in bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, substance use disorders and in obsessive-compulsive psychopathology related to contamination, while symptom improvement was consistently observed in bipolar disorders. In autism spectrum, schizophrenia spectrum and posttraumatic stress disorders, contrasting symptom patterns were reported, possibly reflecting differences in preexisting demographic and clinical profiles and contextual influences. Symptoms in depressive and anxiety disorders, anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive psychopathology unrelated to contamination remained largely stable. Across most disorders, individuals with chronic mental disorders or higher prepandemic symptom levels more frequently showed stable or improving trajectories than those with milder presentations or recent-onset disorders.

SUMMARY: Given the small number of methodologically diverse studies, definitive statements regarding differential impact of the pandemic across disorders or underlying mechanisms remain premature. Nevertheless, current evidence does not indicate a generalised deterioration in individuals with preexisting mental disorders, including those with the highest prepandemic symptom burden. While some disorder-specific differences emerged, likely reflecting interactions between contextual changes and preexisting disorder processes, the overall picture is more nuanced than frequently portrayed in pandemic-related literature.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Fette F, Roll F, Kranke P, et al (2026)

[Hereditary disorders of hemostasis in obstetrics 2/2-Anesthesiological aspects of secondary hemostasis].

Die Anaesthesiologie, 75(9):667-680.

Hemophilia A and B as well as von Willebrand diseases account for 95-97% of all congenital blood coagulation disorders and the rare factor deficiency conditions (factors I, II, V, VII, X, XI, XIII) account for the remaining 3-5%. The clinical presentation varies considerably, whereby the correlation between factor activity and bleeding phenotype is only insufficiently expressed, especially for factor VII deficiency. Pregnancy represents a special challenge as the physiological alterations of hemostasis can compensate for the underlying defect to different extents. These heterogeneous dynamics require an individualized monitoring, which also includes the individual history of bleeding as the central instrument of risk stratification, in addition to factor activities. From an anesthesiological perspective two core aspects are prioritized, the safe performance of neuraxial anesthesia procedures and the management of peripartum hemorrhage.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Kazi F, Shapland CY, Spiga F, et al (2026)

Implications for future pandemics from a living systematic review and critical evaluation of observational studies of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against the Omicron variant.

Vaccine, 90:128993.

Reliable evidence on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness during the period of Omicron variant predominance was essential to inform global vaccination strategies. Our living systematic review, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO), was established to provide an ongoing synthesis and critical appraisal of comparative observational studies evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines against COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Omicron variant. Weekly searches covering seven databases up to 31 December 2022 sought evidence for WHO-approved vaccine platforms, including mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273), adenoviral vector vaccines (ChAdOx1-S, SII-ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Ad26.COV2·S, Gam-COVID-Vac) and inactivated virus vaccines (CoronaVac, BBV-152). We used the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to assess the validity of estimates of vaccine effectiveness. The review included 79 studies of over 53 million individuals, contributing 2032 estimates of vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (36; 45.6%), symptomatic COVID-19 (31; 39.2%), severe or critical COVID-19 (53; 67.1%) and all-cause mortality (2; 2.5%). Structured comparisons of vaccine performance across platforms, dosing schedules and populations, focussed on severe or critical COVID-19 disease. Vaccination was observed to be strongly protective against severe or critical disease caused by the Omicron variant, particularly for mRNA vaccines. Most results were judged to be at moderate risk of bias (361, 18%) or at serious risk of bias (1591, 78%) with the principal concern being confounding. We discuss implications for future pandemic preparedness, including the importance of standardized study protocols; robust data linkage between vaccination, testing and outcomes; and validated risk-of-bias frameworks for diverse observational designs.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-25

Kudryavtsev I, Starshinova A, Rubinstein A, et al (2024)

The role of the immune response in developing tuberculosis infection: from latent infection to active tuberculosis.

Frontiers in tuberculosis, 2:1438406.

Despite advancements in modern medicine, tuberculosis continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally. Findings indicate that COVID-19 may trigger the activation of tuberculosis infection (TB), leading to its spread. Despite the development of new immunological diagnostic methods for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), it is still unclear how the infection transitions to an active TB state. The goal of the study is to provide insights into the progression of tuberculosis infection from a latent to an active state. This article presents recent research data focused on investigating the pathogenesis of LTBI, particularly the immune responses in the interaction between Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) and the host. It describes the mechanisms of T-cell immunity and cytokine activation, supporting the concept of type 1, type 2, and type 3 immune responses. According to the conducted studies, Th17 cells have a significant role in the development of type 3 antigen-specific responses. The cytokines IL-6 and IL-23 activate STAT3, which is necessary to trigger the expression of Th17. Future research on the role of Th17 cells and cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IL-21, may be beneficial in understanding the shift from LTBI to active TB.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-25

Salgame P, Pentakota SR, Malabad JCM, et al (2024)

Diverse interactions of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and of BCG vaccination with SARS-CoV-2.

Frontiers in tuberculosis, 2:1378068.

The COVID pandemic and tuberculosis (TB) endemicity is double trouble to much of the world. SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), causative agents of COVID and TB, respectively, are both infectious respiratory pathogens involving close communities and individuals. Both pathogens can cause lung disease, involving unbalanced inflammatory cell immune responses that can lead to a syndemic impact. Moreover, dual infection is common in certain settings. In low- and middle- income countries, most individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19, in fact, will have been exposed to or infected with Mtb and some will develop active TB. Here we review the literature examining the diverse interactions of M. tuberculosis infection and of BCG vaccination with SARS-CoV-2. We discuss areas in which contradictory results have been published and conclude that there are still several unresolved issues that warrant further study on the co-pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and Mtb and BCG- mediated heterologous protection against COVID-19.

RevDate: 2026-08-25

Ürem Nokay M, Dinckol HA, G Sert (2026)

The compensation issue for covid-19 vaccines in Türkiye: ethical and legal assessment.

Monash bioethics review [Epub ahead of print].

RevDate: 2026-08-25
CmpDate: 2026-08-25

Karipidis YK, KY Karipidis (2026)

eNOS Uncoupling, Shear-Stress Tolerance, and the Two-Threshold Model of Post-Exertional Malaise in Long COVID: A Mechanistic Hypothesis With Implications for Physiotherapy and Recovery Protocols.

Microcirculation (New York, N.Y. : 1994), 33(6):e70082.

OBJECTIVE: To propose and make testable a mechanistic hypothesis for post-exertional malaise (PEM) in a clinically distinct subset of Long COVID patients, in whom delayed exertional symptoms coexist with consistently normal macrovascular investigations.

METHODS: Established vascular-biology literature is synthesized into an integrated, falsifiable model centered on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, from which mechanism-specific predictions and a dynamic pre-/post-exertion biomarker validation framework are derived.

RESULTS: We propose that SARS-CoV-2-induced endotheliitis activates inducible nitric oxide synthase and silently depletes the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pool on return to activity, shear-stress activation of structurally intact eNOS against a depleted BH4 background yields superoxide rather than nitric oxide, generating peroxynitrite that sustains a self-amplifying nitro-oxidative cycle. The Two-Threshold Model distinguishes a PEM threshold from a shear-stress-tolerance threshold and predicts that prolonged immobility may paradoxically erode endothelial function. eNOS uncoupling is positioned as one node among alternative microvascular pathways, and autonomic findings are proposed to be secondary within this phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS: This phenotype-specific, falsifiable hypothesis yields mechanism-derived predictions and rehabilitation implications consistent with symptom-contingent pacing guidance; it does not claim to explain all Long COVID presentations.

RevDate: 2026-08-25

Fanelli M, Petrone V, Chirico R, et al (2026)

Extracellular vesicles in COVID-19 and long COVID: Structural mediators of viral persistence and immune dysfunction.

Current opinion in structural biology, 101:103375 pii:S0959-440X(26)00157-0 [Epub ahead of print].

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as pivotal structural mediators of immune dysregulation and viral antigen persistence in long COVID. Rather than passive biological carriers, EVs released during SARS-CoV-2 infection function as highly organized lipid nanostructures that preserve the native conformational integrity of viral proteins, including the spike glycoprotein, thereby facilitating chronic signaling and systemic inflammation. Recent advancements in single-particle analytical techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography and atomic force microscopy, are now overcoming the limitations of bulk analysis, enabling the visualization of EV heterogeneity and the quantitative profiling of their nanomechanical properties. This review synthesizes current insights into how EV-associated viral remnants and host-derived inflammatory cargo propagate neuro-immune crosstalk and vascular injury. We conclude by evaluating the potential of EVs as precision biomarkers and bioengineered therapeutic platforms, emphasizing the need for standardized structural characterization to transition these nanovesicles from physiological mediators to clinical diagnostic and regenerative tools.

RevDate: 2026-08-25

Spasenoska D, Araya N, de Swart M, et al (2026)

Risk factors and mitigation strategies for spillover of MERS-CoV and other infections at the camel-human-interface: Rapid research needs appraisal.

Journal of infection and public health, 19(10):103327 pii:S1876-0341(26)00199-1 [Epub ahead of print].

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV), is a zoonotic disease transmitted from camels-to-humans. We applied a targeted rapid research needs appraisal (RRNA) to review evidence and gaps on spill-over risk, mitigation measures, associated social and behavioural research. We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science and WHO Global Index Medicus up to November 2024, studies on MERS and other zoonoses at the camel-to-human interface. The protocol and interpretation were informed by a WHO-coordinated MERS expert reference group and Secretariat. Of 82 records, 92.7% (76/82) were observational and 74.4% (61/82) focused on MERS. Most were set in the Eastern Mediterranean (69.5%, 57/82) region. Most studies explored spillover risk activities (n = 50), and host and occupational risk factors (n = 36). Current evidence overlooks social and cultural contexts of camel-to-human interactions, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary research and engagement with at-risk populations to inform mitigation strategies applicable to diverse contexts.

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Grašo M, Aquino K, Baral S, et al (2026)

Refining the role of behavioural and social sciences in pandemic response post-COVID-19.

Nature human behaviour [Epub ahead of print].

With the acute stage of COVID-19 behind us, reflection can inform future preparedness. During the pandemic, behavioural and social sciences often studied human behaviour through the lens of alignment with public health recommendations, implicitly treating concern and compliance as desirable and rational. While understandable, this emphasis was relatively narrow. Uncertainty, uneven risk distribution and competing values could have led to heterogeneous appraisals of risk and intervention benefit, even with the evidence available at the time. We show that engaging with the possibility that people could have been heterogeneously rational can broaden understanding of behaviour during COVID-19. Our aim is not to revisit the legitimacy of the response but to encourage reflection on the role of behavioural and social sciences in knowledge generation and highlight opportunities to examine pandemic salience and risk calibration. We outline research directions to guide the field and strengthen decision-making, trust and adaptability in future crises, promoting short-term compliance and long-term trust.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Ha NX, Nguyen A, Trang HNM, et al (2026)

The filtration performance of fabrics against particles of viral size: a systematic review.

BMC infectious diseases, 26(1):.

INTRODUCTION: Wearing a mask is part of the comprehensive strategy to suppress transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and respiratory tract infections. Despite available COVID-19 vaccines, wearing a mask has remained one of the simplest and most effective ways. There was, however, little data available regarding the filtration of fabrics in masks against infectious aerosols or particles of viral size. This study reviewed the filtration performance of fabrics against virus-sized particles.

METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. The literature search started with seven electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Institute of Science Index, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SciFinder) and two preprints, then manual search. Quality assessment was performed on all included studies using an adaptive tool for in vitro studies.

RESULTS: Eighteen studies were finally included. Cotton was most commonly investigated, followed by polymers and nanofibers. A study reported filtration performance as droplet blocking efficiency (%), and materials with the highest blocking efficiency comprised polypropylene (99.7 [95.2-99.9]), cotton (98.9 [96.8-99.8]), silk (98.7 [81.1-99.8]), and polyester/polyamide (98.2 [90-99.8]). Other studies reported filtration efficiency (%). Fabrics showing highest filtration efficiency were polymers (polypropylene, polyethylene, spunbond/meltblown/spunbond) (100, 94.4, 93.9, respectively), nanofibers (nanofiber-fabric-layered composite, polyvinyl alcohol/nylon-taffeta composite) (99.8 ± 0.24, 97.3, respectively), cotton (cotton/chiffon, cotton quilt, cotton/flannel, cotton/silk) (97 ± 2, 96 ± 2, 95 ± 2, 94 ± 2, respectively). Quality assessment showed that most of the studies were adequate to evaluate the filtration performance against aerosol or virus particles.

CONCLUSION: Some fabrics showed effectiveness in protective applications for respiratory infections; particularly nanofibers and polymers were promising materials for specialized masks or respirators.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Devarshi R, C Myers (2026)

Factors influencing implementation of telemedicine in rural dementia care services in high-income countries: a scoping review.

BMC health services research, 26(1):.

BACKGROUND: Dementia care presents unique challenges in rural areas in high-income countries (HICs) due to limited access to specialised healthcare, fragmented services, and geographical isolation. Telemedicine has emerged as a promising solution, particularly accelerated by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding how telemedicine is operationalised within existing dementia care systems, particularly in rural contexts. The aim of this scoping review is to map and analyse existing evidence on the integration of telemedicine into dementia care systems in rural areas in HICs, with a specific focus on identifying barriers, facilitators, and strategies that shape effective implementation.

METHODS: This scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's framework, refined by Levac et al. and reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches covered MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL for studies published from January 2014 to March 2025. Records were screened against predefined eligibility criteria. Studies were included only where telemedicine involved synchronous, real-time, video-mediated clinical interaction. Data were extracted using a standardised form and analysed through thematic analysis. Themes were subsequently mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research 2.0 (CFIR 2.0) to structure interpretation across implementation levels.

RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria across rural settings in the USA, Australia, Canada, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Telemedicine was delivered across home, facility, and community settings, with several studies using blended delivery models. Key barriers included limited connectivity, digital literacy, health impairments, and caregiver capacity. Key facilitators included trust and continuity in provider relationships, perceived practical advantages, and organisational support. Key strategies included training and capacity building, dedicated coordination roles, and co-design with caregivers and patients.

CONCLUSION: The integration of telemedicine in rural dementia care systems in HICs is shaped by complex interdependencies between technological, organisational, and relational factors. Strengthening health system readiness requires investment in infrastructure, policy alignment, and inclusive design approaches that centre the needs of older adults with dementia, caregivers, and rural health systems.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Alabdulaali M, Alharthi A, Siemers O, et al (2026)

Systems thinking in public health interventions: a systematic review of barriers and facilitators.

BMC health services research, 26(1):.

BACKGROUND: Systems thinking has been promoted to address complex public health challenges involving fragmented systems, multi-sectoral governance, and interacting social determinants of health. However, its application in real-world public health interventions and the conditions influencing implementation remain understudied. This systematic review examines how systems thinking has been operationalized in public health interventions, identifies key facilitators and barriers to implementation, and interprets these findings in relation to broader public health practice and ongoing health system reforms in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review (2013-2025; final search November 2025) using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Studies applying systems thinking in population- or community-level public health interventions with implementation findings were included; conceptual and non-intervention studies were excluded. Data on approaches, frameworks, facilitators, and barriers were extracted and narratively synthesized. Quality was appraised using the MMAT (2018). The review was registered (PROSPERO; registration number CRD420251267775).

FINDINGS: Of 948 records identified, fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, spanning communicable and non-communicable disease interventions across high-, middle-, and low-income countries. Systems thinking approaches included learning health systems, systems analysis and improvement approaches, community-based system dynamics, causal loop diagramming, and whole-system or multi-sectoral designs. Systems thinking was embedded within implementation processes, including iterative learning cycles, participatory system mapping, and quality improvement mechanisms. Key facilitators included stakeholder engagement and co-production, integration within existing health system structures, incremental capacity building, and leadership support. Barriers included challenges translating systems concepts into actionable interventions, workforce constraints, fragmented or non-interoperable data systems, rigid governance arrangements, and external disruptions such as COVID-19. Study designs were predominantly qualitative or mixed methods, with heterogeneity in evaluation approaches and limited long-term outcome assessment.

INTERPRETATION: Systems thinking in public health is applied mainly as an implementation-embedded practice rather than an analytical tool. Its effectiveness depends on participatory processes, adaptive learning, and supportive governance and data systems. These findings provide practical insights for health system reform contexts, including Saudi Arabia, where systems thinking can support integrated and adaptive public health interventions.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Alshahrani NZ, AlQahtani M, Alshahrani AM, et al (2026)

Speeding up respiratory diagnosis: clinical drivers, barriers, and system readiness for rapid molecular point-of-care testing in Saudi Arabia.

Frontiers in public health, 14:1871669.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory tract infections place substantial strain on healthcare systems, particularly during seasonal respiratory surges and mass-gathering events. Delayed confirmation of respiratory pathogens contributes to diagnostic uncertainty, unnecessary antimicrobial use, delayed infection prevention decisions, and inefficient patient flow. Rapid molecular point-of-care testing (mPOCT) offers near-PCR-level diagnostic accuracy with turnaround times compatible with real-time clinical decision-making; however, implementation and integration into routine clinical pathways remain variable across healthcare systems.

METHODS: We conducted an implementation-focused mixed-methods descriptive study integrating a synthesis of published evidence with structured stakeholder engagement in Saudi Arabia. Primary data were collected through three multidisciplinary scientific meetings and a stakeholder survey (N = 35) involving physicians, point-of-care experts, and laboratory professionals from Ministry of Health (MOH), institutional, and private healthcare settings. Quantitative survey data were analyzed descriptively using R version 4.3.3, including exploratory descriptive subgroup summaries by workplace sector and stakeholder role. Qualitative findings from expert discussions were synthesized thematically and integrated with survey findings and published evidence through methodological triangulation.

RESULTS: Physicians represented 48.6% of respondents, with most participants working in MOH facilities (60.0%). Rapid mPOCT was reported to be routinely used during respiratory seasons, with 68.6% indicating daily use. Immediate treatment decision-making (74.3%) and patient management activities, including bed designation (57.1%), were the most frequently reported indications for testing. Nearly half of respondents preferred results within 15 min (45.7%), while most preferred turnaround times of 30 min or less (85.7%). Participants reported generally moderate-to-high implementation of rapid mPOCT (mean implementation score 7.69/10; range 2-10), although variability remained in guideline integration, standard operating procedures, and institutional implementation. Frequently reported implementation barriers included limited education or guidance (31.4%), perceived availability of alternative diagnostic approaches (28.6%), and financial or reimbursement constraints (28.6%).

CONCLUSION: Saudi healthcare stakeholders perceived rapid mPOCT as a valuable diagnostic tool for respiratory infections, particularly in emergency and acute care settings where timely results may support clinical decision-making. Wider implementation will require standardized diagnostic pathways, workforce education, supportive governance, and sustainable reimbursement strategies to facilitate consistent integration into routine clinical practice.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Ziaka M, A Exadaktylos (2026)

Awake Prone Positioning in Non-Intubated Non-COVID-19 ARDS: A Comprehensive Review.

Advances in respiratory medicine, 94(4): pii:arm94040053.

Despite advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), treatment options remain limited and are mainly supportive, while mortality remains high. Prone positioning (PP) has been shown to improve oxygenation and lung mechanics in ARDS by reducing the imbalance in ventilation distribution between ventral and dorsal lung regions, altering pulmonary blood flow distribution, modifying the density distribution of edematous lung tissue, and limiting areas with low ventilation-perfusion ratios. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of PP, referred to as awake prone positioning (APP), was extended to non-intubated patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, several concerns remain, including worsening oxygenation following the transition from prone to supine position, the potential development of patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI), and delays in endotracheal intubation and initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Evidence regarding the use of APP in non-COVID-19 ARDS is scarce and consists mainly of small case series and a limited number of prospective studies with small and heterogeneous populations. Therefore, in the present work, we aim to summarize the existing evidence on APP in non-COVID-19 ARDS and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF), describe the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and highlight areas for future research.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Yin Y, Yi Y, Yu Y, et al (2026)

Paper-Based Biosensors for Monitoring Binding, Blocking, and Surrogate Neutralizing Antibody Responses Against Viral Infections.

Biosensors, 16(8): pii:bios16080420.

Virus-specific antibody responses, including binding antibodies and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs), are important indicators of antiviral immune status after infection or immunization. They provide complementary information on antiviral humoral immunity after infection or vaccination. Antigen-binding antibodies indicate previous exposure and the magnitude of the immune response, whereas receptor-blocking and functional neutralization assays assess whether antibodies interfere with viral entry or infection. Conventional neutralization assays, such as plaque reduction neutralization tests and pseudovirus neutralization tests, provide functional information but are labor-intensive, time-consuming, biosafety-restricted, and difficult to deploy for large-scale or decentralized monitoring. Paper-based biosensors, including lateral flow assays (LFAs), microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), and paper-based ELISA, have emerged as promising point-of-care tools owing to their low cost, portability, simple operation, and compatibility with visual or digital readouts. This review critically evaluates these platforms according to whether they measure antigen-binding antibodies, receptor-blocking activity, surrogate neutralization, or functional neutralization and summarizes the applications of these three platforms for monitoring antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, influenza, dengue, Zika, and monkeypox viruses. Unlike previous reviews that mainly focus on general paper-based biosensor design or conventional nAb assays, this review emphasizes the distinction between antigen-binding, receptor-blocking, and surrogate neutralization readouts, and critically discusses how paper-based signals should be interpreted in relation to functional immunity. We further analyze key translational challenges, including quantitative accuracy, antigen cross-reactivity, standardization, clinical validation, regulatory positioning, and real-world implementation. Future development should combine multiplex detection, standardized calibration, digital and AI-assisted interpretation, and clinically validated assay formats. Paper-based biosensors have considerable potential for decentralized antibody monitoring and public health surveillance, but their clinical utility depends on clear assay positioning and validation against appropriate functional or reference methods.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Takahashi K, Minami N, Horie K, et al (2026)

Interventional Endoscopic Ultrasound in Gastroenterology: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (2001-2024).

Clinics and practice, 16(8): pii:clinpract16080153.

Background/Objectives: Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (I-EUS) has evolved from a diagnostic imaging modality into a transformative therapeutic platform encompassing biliary drainage, pancreatic interventions, luminal bypass, pain management, and ablative therapies. Despite the rapid proliferation of I-EUS research, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis characterizing the global intellectual architecture of this field is lacking. Methods: A Web of Science Core Collection search identified 4340 records, of which 2237 were included (2001-2024), analyzed with R bibliometrix (version 5.0) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). Results: Publication output demonstrated three distinct phases with pronounced acceleration from 2017. The United States led global output (n = 625, 27.9%), followed by Japan (n = 435, 19.4%) and Italy (n = 166, 7.42%). At the continental level, Asia collectively produced the largest share of output (n = 884, 39.5% of the total corpus), exceeding the Americas (n = 687, 30.7%) and Europe (n = 492, 22.0%). Gastrointestinal Endoscopy was the most productive journal (n = 173). Tokyo Medical University was the most productive institution (n = 93, 4.16%). Four thematic clusters were identified: EUS-guided biliary and pancreatic ductal drainage; diagnostic, ablative, and injection EUS for pancreatic tumors; LAMS-enabled luminal bypass and gallbladder drainage; and pancreatic fluid collections and necrotizing pancreatitis. Temporal overlay confirmed EUS-guided gastroenterostomy, EUS-guided gallbladder drainage, and EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation as the leading research frontiers. Annual output showed no discernible contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2021). Conclusions: The United States led global I-EUS research output with higher rates of international collaboration compared with East Asian nations, although Asia as a continent generated the largest aggregate volume of publications. EUS-guided biliary drainage and pancreatic fluid collection management constitute the established, high-volume core of the field, while EUS-guided gastroenterostomy and novel ablative technologies represent the most dynamic investigative frontiers.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Rahim A, Khan MN, Mehan S, et al (2026)

Chandipura virus encephalitis: an emerging pediatric neurotropic threat in india-virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and public health challenges.

Journal of neurovirology, 32(5):.

Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging neurotropic RNA virus and member of the Rhabdoviridae family, causing outbreaks of acute encephalitis in India, mostly in children under 15 years of age. The manuscript reviews in detail the virology, genetics, clinical features, epidemiology, transmission, immunopathogenesis, and treatment of CHPV. CHPV rapidly infects neuronal tissue and activates the extrinsic pathways of neuronal apoptosis through Fas-mediated apoptosis, resulting in rapid neuronal degeneration within 24-48 h. The recent re-emergence of CHPV is another significant re-emergence in Gujarat in 2024, with the distribution of cases by space and time further suggesting CHPV is seasonal, adds new districts, and is still a threat to children. Outbreaks of CHPV typically coincide with monsoonal flooding, and Phlebotomus sandflies primarily spread the disease. The monsoonal flooding and environmental degradation that occurred during the breeding season, rendering sandflies more susceptible to outbreaks, are remarkable. Differentiation of other encephalitic viruses, such as Japanese encephalitis, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and dengue, is important for clinical diagnosis and also because of the rapid progression of CHPV. Several points to consider are low CSF pleocytosis and the neuroimaging characteristics that are identifiable. The immune response after infection is marked by a cytokine storm, followed by lymphocyte apoptosis and reduction in CNS viral clearance. Over the past decade, laboratories in India have developed in the realm of diagnosis and treatment of CHPV with the advent of molecular diagnostics such as real-time RT-PCR and IgM ELISA. However, a lack of a licensed vaccine and antivirals would make this new infectious disease more difficult to manage. This review highlights the critical importance of further surveillance, vector control, public health preparedness, and vaccine development/therapeutics for CHPV.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Dolci M, Signorini L, Perego F, et al (2026)

Possible involvement of viral infection in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis.

Journal of neurovirology, 32(5):.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that involves the targeting of neuromuscular junctions and is primarily driven by autoantibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). While genetic susceptibility is a factor, environmental triggers, particularly viral infections, are being increasingly investigated as potential contributors to MG pathogenesis. This review examines the complex interplay between viral pathogens and MG, highlighting mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, bystander activation, and the aberrant stimulation of innate immune pathways via Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Key DNA viruses, including Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV) and parvovirus B19, have been detected within hyperplastic thymic tissues and thymomas, suggesting that they may sustain local autoreactive B-cell activation. Furthermore, recent clinical data emphasize the role of RNA viruses, most notably SARS-CoV-2, as significant triggers of new-onset MG and myasthenic crises. Despite substantial evidence linking viral infections to MG, further mechanistic research and large-scale observational studies are needed to definitively establish causality and refine therapeutic strategies targeting these virus-induced immune responses.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Guarino P, Chiari F, La Via L, et al (2026)

Global Burden of Upper Airway Infections: Epidemiology, Current Challenges and Future Perspectives.

Infectious disease reports, 18(4): pii:idr18040089.

BACKGROUND: Upper airway tract infections (UATIs) are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide, accounting for an estimated 12.8 billion episodes annually and more than 8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Despite their generally self-limiting nature, their cumulative clinical, socioeconomic, and public health burden remains substantial, particularly in children, older adults, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

METHODS: We performed a structured narrative review of the peer-reviewed literature and reports from major international health organizations to summarize the current evidence on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical impact, socioeconomic burden, prevention strategies, and future challenges associated with UATIs. Particular attention was given to the influence of antimicrobial resistance, vaccination policies, and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: UATIs remain one of the leading causes of healthcare utilization worldwide. Children experience the highest incidence, averaging 6-8 episodes annually, whereas vulnerable populations are at increased risk of complications and hospitalization. Marked geographical disparities persist, with LMICs experiencing a disproportionate burden due to limited healthcare access, lower vaccination coverage, and higher complication rates. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing continues to accelerate antimicrobial resistance, while the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly altered the epidemiology of respiratory infections and demonstrated the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions. Advances in vaccination, antimicrobial stewardship, rapid diagnostics, and novel therapeutic strategies offer promising opportunities to reduce disease burden.

CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the global burden of UATIs requires integrated public health strategies combining equitable vaccine access, effective antimicrobial stewardship, strengthened healthcare systems, and sustained surveillance. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic provide a unique opportunity to improve preparedness for future respiratory outbreaks while addressing persistent regional inequalities in prevention and care.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Oiegar VF, Călărașu C, Postolache P, et al (2026)

The Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 14(4):.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 syndrome represents a global health problem, manifesting with persistent multiple organ symptoms, including respiratory ones. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different pulmonary rehabilitation interventions in the management of the disease, including its particularities.

METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement and prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420261292824). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2021 to January 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Twenty randomized controlled trials involving 2101 adult patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis.

RESULTS: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity, with notable increases in 6MWT and VO2max. Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength significantly increased. The quality of life, dyspnea and fatigue consistently improved. The results for intrinsic pulmonary function, anxiety, and depression were heterogeneous, suggesting benefits more related to reconditioning.

CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential and efficient component in post-COVID-19 syndrome, improving physical function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, the quality of life, fatigue and dyspnea. Telerehabilitation is a viable alternative. Adapting protocols is crucial, recognizing that most benefits derive from physical reconditioning and muscle training, not necessarily from major structural pulmonary changes.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Alkhidir M, K Sridharan (2026)

Seroconversion Rates Following COVID-19 Vaccination in People Living with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

Background: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) remain at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes; however, conflicting evidence exists regarding the seroconversion rates of COVID-19 vaccines in this population. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on studies reporting seroconversion outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination in PLWH. Results: Forty-four studies (5391 PLWH) were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled seroconversion proportion was 93.5%. Bootstrap analysis confirmed robustness (92.8%). Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher seroconversion rates for mRNA vaccines (98.2%) compared to non-mRNA vaccines (80.5%). CD4 count demonstrated a graded association: <200 cells/mm[3] (53.8%), 200-500 cells/mm[3] (86.2%), and >500 cells/mm[3] (93.5%). Prior COVID-19 infection (99.1% vs. 89.5%) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status (93.5% vs. 49.6%) were significant determinants. Safety data demonstrated a favorable profile, with predominantly mild-to-moderate local (injection-site pain: 23.8%) and systemic (headache: 12.95%, fatigue: 6.4%) adverse events; serious adverse events were rare and no consistent association with HIV disease progression was observed. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination induces high seroconversion rates in PLWH, particularly among those receiving mRNA vaccines, with preserved CD4 counts, on ART, or with prior infection.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Khatiwada M, Chen YT, Dochez C, et al (2026)

Mapping the Global Landscape of Vaccine Acceptance Among the General Population from 2009 to 2024: A Systematic Review Across COVID-19 Pandemic Phases, Vaccine Categories, and Economic Strata.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

Background: Vaccine acceptance is a fundamental prerequisite for uptake, which may vary over time in response to contextual and vaccine-specific factors and major global disruption. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated global trends and determinants of vaccine acceptance between 2009 and 2024. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using pre-defined keywords and controlled vocabulary related to vaccination, vaccine acceptance or hesitancy, with a broad search strategy designed to capture global evidence across multiple vaccine categories and geographic settings. Studies restricted to high-risk groups or other specific sub-populations (e.g., healthcare workers) were excluded. Studies reporting vaccine acceptance outcomes were systematically identified and pooled estimates were calculated across vaccine categories, WHO regions, income groups, and pandemic periods. Temporal trends and interaction effects were assessed to evaluate changes in vaccine acceptance among different vaccines and before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 264 publications, including 650,772 participants from 97 countries, were included. Overall, pooled vaccine acceptance was 70.63% and remained relatively stable throughout the study period. Most studies originated from high-income countries, whereas low-income countries and the African region were underrepresented. Childhood vaccines demonstrated the highest pooled acceptance (80.26%), followed by HPV vaccines (66.48%), while influenza vaccines showed the lowest acceptance (52.00%). Childhood vaccine acceptance increased over time and during the COVID-19 period, whereas significant negative interaction trends were observed for HPV and influenza vaccines. Higher vaccine acceptance was observed in African and South-East Asian regions compared with Western Pacific and European regions. Acceptance also varied across income groups, with greater hesitancy generally observed in higher-income settings. Conclusions: Vaccine acceptance among the general population remained relatively stable globally between 2009 and 2024 but varied substantially by vaccine categories, geographic regions, and economic settings. These findings highlight the context-specific nature of vaccine acceptance and the need for harmonized measurement tools and stronger evidence from underrepresented regions to support equitable immunization strategies.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Park GS, Park M, Lee S, et al (2026)

The Vaccine-Field Strain Gap in Bovine Neonatal Diarrhea: Molecular Epidemiology of Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Priorities for Vaccine Updating.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

Bovine neonatal diarrhea (BND) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in pre-weaned calves. Commercial maternal vaccines targeting bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCoV), and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) have been available for decades, yet field outbreaks continue in vaccinated herds. This review examined peer-reviewed literature published between January 2019 and March 2026, identified through a structured PubMed search supplemented by reference-list screening. For BRV, a field strain sharing its VP7 genotype with a vaccine component was not neutralized by vaccine-induced antiserum, indicating that genotype concordance does not predict serologic coverage. For BCoV, hemagglutinin-esterase variation and regional lineage divergence indicate surface-protein evolution, although data linking these changes to reduced efficacy are not available. For ETEC, adhesin diversity and antimicrobial resistance affect both vaccination strategy and case management. Maternal vaccination retains biological value, but field performance is constrained by colostral variability, incomplete passive transfer, and product-to-product immunogenic differences. For all three pathogens, antigenic divergence from vaccine strains is located at individual epitopes, receptor-binding domains, or adhesins rather than at the level of whole-pathogen identity. Subunit and multi-epitope antigen designs, for which proof-of-concept constructs have been reported, operate at this level, and their selection requires characterization of candidate antigens for efficacy, diversity, polymorphism, and cross-protective breadth. Such antigen improvements address the pathogen-side gap but not the passive-transfer and mucosal constraints. Functional surveillance to guide antigen updating, field trials that measure passive-transfer efficiency, and adjunctive strategies are identified as priorities for BND control.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Ding L, Chen S, Yu FY, et al (2026)

Determinants of the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Uptake Among People Aged 50 Years or Above During and After the Pandemic: A Systematic Review.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

Background/Objectives: Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) coverage remains suboptimal among adults aged ≥50 years, and the COVID-19 pandemic might influence the determinants of SIV uptake. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants of SIV uptake among adults aged ≥50 years during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Global Health, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, APA PsycINFO, and APA PsycArticles for studies published between 1 December 2019 and 1 January 2026. The pooled prevalence of SIV uptake was synthesized using random-effects models in meta-analysis. Results: A total of 50 studies were included in the systematic review. COVID-19-related factors, such as perceived risk of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal influenza and concerns about potential interactions between COVID-19 vaccines and SIV, were determinants of SIV uptake. Other modifiable determinants included those that existed before the pandemic (e.g., knowledge and perceptions of seasonal influenza and SIV). Subgroup analysis showed that cost and inaccessibility were barriers to receiving SIV in places without a fully subsidized SIV, and perceived susceptibility and vaccine safety concerns were commonly identified as facilitators and barriers in studies with data collected after the pandemic. The pooled prevalence of SIV uptake among adults aged 50 years or above was 53% (95% confidence interval: 44-62%). Such uptake appeared lower among adults aged 50-64 years, in regions without a fully subsidized SIV, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: These findings could inform service planning and interventions promoting SIV uptake among adults aged ≥50 years in the post-pandemic era. More studies are needed to explore determinants specific to people aged 50-64 years to inform health promotion tailored to their needs.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Pinte L, Balanescu P, Dima A, et al (2026)

Comparator-Dependent Safety Signals for Incident Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance systems have flagged possible associations between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and systemic autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs), generating uncertainty for rheumatologists counselling patients. As the first population-scale deployment of an mRNA vaccine platform, COVID-19 vaccination provides a unique setting to examine whether autoimmune safety signals detected in spontaneous reporting systems correspond to measurable disease risk. We synthesised pharmacovigilance and population-based evidence on incident EULAR-defined systemic AIRDs after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and assessed whether disproportionality signals were corroborated by analytical studies.

METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from 2019 to April 2026, supplemented by medRxiv and trial registries. Eligible studies included pharmacovigilance disproportionality analyses and analytical studies, including cohorts and randomised controlled trials, evaluating BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 in adults without known pre-existing autoimmune disease. Risk of bias was assessed using READUS-PV, ROBINS-I, and RoB 2. Meta-analysis was not performed because of substantial heterogeneity.

RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included: seven pharmacovigilance studies and seven analytical studies. Disproportionality analyses suggested increased reporting of selected AIRDs, most consistently polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, mainly when all other adverse-event reports served as comparators. These signals were largely neutral when influenza vaccines were the reference. Across analytical studies, associations were inconsistent; modest increases in systemic lupus erythematosus appeared only in selected analyses. Long-term evidence was scarce: only four studies, from three countries (South Korea, Israel, and Norway), followed participants for up to approximately one year, and three of these reported at least one positive association-systemic lupus erythematosus, post-booster rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica in older adults-whereas studies restricted to risk windows of three months or less reported no increase.

CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not indicate a consistent increase in incident systemic AIRDs after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Although pharmacovigilance studies identified comparator-dependent signals for selected diseases, particularly polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis, these findings were generally not confirmed in comparative population-based studies and should be considered hypothesis-generating. Delayed-onset disease remains poorly characterised, and studies with at least one year of follow-up are needed.

RevDate: 2026-08-26
CmpDate: 2026-08-26

Egelkrout E (2026)

Plant-Produced Vaccines for Protection from Human and Veterinary Coronaviruses.

Vaccines, 14(8):.

Coronaviruses are responsible for numerous diseases causing substantial morbidity and mortality to both humans and animals. In particular, they have caused three significant outbreaks in humans including severe acute respiratory syndrome 1 (SARS-CoV-1), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and, most recently, the severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Two relevant veterinary diseases are porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which cause severe losses in the pork industry. While efficacious vaccines were developed in an unprecedented timeframe for COVID-19, vaccines have not been commercialized for other human coronaviruses and vaccines against animal coronaviruses have limited efficacy and logistical challenges in administration. There is a clear need for more efficacious vaccines with simpler methods of delivery and administration for both human and veterinary use. The production of subunit vaccines in plant systems holds great promise in addressing the current challenges and facilitate the preparation for future potential outbreaks and new viruses. This review will summarize the state of development of vaccines in plant systems including tobacco, rice, maize, and others.

RevDate: 2026-08-22

Gentile G, Agostinetto E, Arecco L, et al (2026)

From Site-Centered to Patient-Centered: Promises and Challenges of Decentralized Clinical Trials in Oncology.

Critical reviews in oncology/hematology pii:S1040-8428(26)00432-4 [Epub ahead of print].

Decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) are an innovative model of clinical trials in which some or all activities take place at, or near, participants' homes rather than at traditional clinical sites. DCTs represent a shift from a traditional site-centered approach to a more patient-centered one, leveraging digital tools, home-based services, and local healthcare networks. While DCTs can broaden participation and improve equity, they remain underutilized worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their practicality, but also highlighted challenges such as uneven regulations, logistical complexity, digital literacy gaps, and data-privacy concerns. The objective of this narrative review is to critically evaluate the implementation of DCTs in oncology, examining their potential benefits and limitations and how decentralization may reshape key trial activities, including recruitment, informed consent, investigational drug delivery, monitoring, and data collection. We further assess the organizational, regulatory, technological, and equity-related conditions required for sustainable implementation and discuss the role of hybrid models. Rather than representing a universal alternative to conventional trials, DCTs should be viewed as a flexible model whose value depends on the clinical context, trial design, patient population, and healthcare infrastructure.

RevDate: 2026-08-23
CmpDate: 2026-08-23

Kordyukova LV, Serebryakova MV, Panina IS, et al (2026)

Differential S-Acylation of Viral and Cellular Proteins: Structural Determinants, Enzymes, and Putative Functional Implications.

Biochemistry. Biokhimiia, 91(7):1157-1173.

S-acylation is post-translational attachment of fatty acid residues, mostly palmitoyl-groups to cysteines. This lipid modification could influence protein oligomerization, localization, and topology within the membrane, and could play a regulatory role in cellular signaling. Improvements in the experimental techniques, specifically, MALDI-TOF MS, have elevated the study of S-acylation to a level of refined detail. It was possible to conclusively show that, beyond palmitate, other types of fatty acids, such as stearate and oleate could be attached to the specific binding sites. For example, fusion proteins of the enveloped viruses have been shown to attach stearates exclusively to the cysteine located at the C-terminal end of the transmembrane domain, while cysteines in the cytoplasmic domain have been modified with palmitates. In addition, emerging evidence suggests that the covalently linked fatty acids in the viral fusion proteins could recruit cholesterol into the viral membrane. We termed this preferential attachment of fatty acid residues of different types to the specific sites, depending on their localization, as "differential" S-acylation. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF MS detected attachment of unsaturated fatty acids (oleates) to the GNAI protein in response to stearate supplementation, shifting this regulatory protein out of the detergent-resistant membranes (lipid rafts) and, consequently, exerting antitumor effect. Solving the first 3D-structures of DHHC acyltransferases allowed proposing a mechanism of different fatty acids selection. However, it remains unclear whether preference for the acyl chain length is determined by the structure of the enzyme, protein substrate, or by the lipid composition of the membrane. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the study of protein S-acylation with different types of fatty acids and substantiate significance of this post-translational modification from both fundamental and practical perspectives.

RevDate: 2026-08-24

Saghafi F, Heydari B, Motevali Haghighi S, et al (2026)

Effectiveness of Pentoxifylline in Adult Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Current medicinal chemistry pii:CMC-EPUB-157758 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is characterized by immune dysregulation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombo-inflammation. Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been proposed as an adjunctive modality for COVID-19. Regarding the inconsistent results of earlier trials, this systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PTX in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS: For the study literature up to 16 September 2025 was systematically searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating pentoxifylline in COVID-19. Continuous outcomes were expressed as Mean Differences (MDs) or Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs), whereas dichotomous outcomes were expressed as Odds Ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool.

RESULTS: Seven randomized trials (551 participants) were included. Pentoxifylline significantly improved oxygen saturation (SMD = 0.215; 95% CI: 0.016 to 0.415; P = 0.034) and was associated with reduced ICU admission (OR = 0.454; 95% CI: 0.224 to 0.917; P = 0.028). It also significantly reduced inflammatory markers, including CRP and ESR. Effects on mortality, mechanical ventilation requirement, and hospital length of stay were not statistically significant. Risk-of-bias assessments indicated generally low methodological concerns, with minor issues related to blinding. Publication bias could not be reliably assessed for several outcomes because of the small number of included studies.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that pentoxifylline may reduce systemic inflammation and improve oxygenation in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. It may also be associated with reduced ICU admission; however, its effects on mortality, mechanical ventilation requirement, and hospital length of stay remain uncertain. Larger, rigorously designed randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

RevDate: 2026-08-24

Mól N, P Kwinta (2026)

Cardiovascular Sequelae After SARS-CoV-2 in Children: From Myocardial Injury to Dysautonomia and Implications for Phenotype-Guided Follow-Up.

Pediatric cardiology [Epub ahead of print].

To summarise current paediatric evidence on long-term cardiovascular sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with particular emphasis on the place of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), persistent subclinical myocardial abnormalities and autonomic dysfunction. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted for studies published online or in print between January 2020 and 30 May 2026. Eligible studies included original research reporting cardiovascular, autonomic, or exercise-related outcomes in children after SARS-CoV-2 infection or MIS-C, with a minimum follow-up of four weeks. Studies across the full spectrum of acute disease severity were considered. Owing to substantial heterogeneity in study design, patient populations, and outcome definitions, a narrative rather than systematic review approach was adopted. Across paediatric cohorts, overt cardiac dysfunction after MIS-C usually resolves and conventional medium-term outcomes are generally reassuring. However, a subset of children show persistent abnormalities on strain imaging or cardiac magnetic resonance despite normalisation of standard echocardiographic findings, and the clinical significance of these abnormalities remains uncertain. In parallel, growing evidence indicates that autonomic dysfunction contributes to persistent symptoms such as palpitations, orthostatic complaints, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, particularly when structural cardiac evaluation is unremarkable. Current studies are limited by heterogeneity in phenotype, timing of follow-up and diagnostic protocols. Across paediatric cohorts spanning mild acute SARS-CoV-2 infection to severe MIS-C, overt cardiac dysfunction generally resolved and conventional medium-term outcomes were reassuring. However, selected cohorts reported persistent abnormalities on strain imaging or CMR, while their prognostic significance remained uncertain.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Gul A, Sahoo OS, Kashyap N, et al (2026)

Evolutionary co-option of endogenous retroviruses: syncytins as regulators of placental development and disease.

Molecular biology reports, 53(1):.

Syncytins are envelope proteins of retroviral origin that have been evolutionarily co-opted to play essential roles in placental biology. Primarily recognized for mediating the fusion of cytotrophoblasts into the syncytiotrophoblast, a multinucleated epithelium, critical for nutrient transport and maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Syncytins also contribute to broader aspects of placental development through diverse mechanistic pathways. This review focuses on the evolutionary origins and functional mechanisms of Syncytin-1 (encoded by HERV-W) and Syncytin-2 (encoded by HERV-FRD) in orchestrating placental morphogenesis and homeostasis. We further discuss the clinical significance of aberrant syncytin expression, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes mellitus, and trophoblastic disease. Additionally, we examine how exogenous viral infections, such as cytomegalovirus and SARS-CoV-2, may disrupt syncytin transcriptional regulation and compromise placental integrity. Collectively, syncytins represent a paradigm of evolutionary viral domestication, wherein pathogenic genetic elements have been repurposed into indispensable mediators of human reproduction. Their precise spatiotemporal regulation is paramount for optimal placental function and maternal-fetal health. Future research leveraging advanced omics technologies and placental organoid systems will be instrumental in elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic interventions for pregnancy-related disorders.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Gaevert JA, CE van de Sandt (2026)

The ageing immune system and its battle with viruses.

The Journal of general virology, 107(8):.

The global increase in life expectancy has resulted in a growing proportion of older individuals at increased risk of severe disease outcomes following viral infections. CD8[+] T cells play a vital role in controlling viral infections and provide protection against severe disease by eliminating virus-infected cells. Furthermore, CD8[+] T cells recognize conserved internal viral proteins, enabling cross-reactivity and the formation of long-term immunological memory. However, a lifetime of exposures to acute and persistent latent viruses, vaccinations and the age-associated decline in immune functions (immunosenescence and inflammaging) have a profound impact on virus-specific CD8[+] T cell populations. The age-associated progressive decline of naïve CD8[+] T cells, reduced T cell receptor (TCR) diversity, the accumulation of highly differentiated memory and/or exhausted CD8[+] T cells and low-level chronic inflammation directly affect virus-specific immunity. These age-associated changes impair both primary and recall CD8[+] T cell responses to infections and vaccinations in older individuals. Both ageing and exposure history impact the CD8[+] T cell correlates of protection, including frequency, phenotype, TCR diversity, polyfunctionality, cytotoxic potential and proliferation capacity. The implications of these changes are discussed in the context of acute (influenza and respiratory syncytial virus), persistent latent (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and varicella-zoster virus) and novel (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) viruses. An in-depth understanding of how lifelong viral exposures intersect with immunosenescence will elucidate how virus-specific CD8[+] T cells change with age. These insights will aid vaccine strategies to effectively harness CD8[+] T cells and induce long-lasting, broadly reactive virus-specific immunity.

RevDate: 2026-08-25
CmpDate: 2026-08-25

Khoshnam Rad N, Lakzaei T, Nakhostin M, et al (2026)

A clinician's guide to corticosteroid therapy in pneumonia and critical illness: agent selection, dosing, monitoring, and interactions.

Pneumonia (Nathan Qld.), 18(1):.

Corticosteroids are cornerstone therapies in critically ill patients with severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and septic shock. However, their optimal application requires nuanced, syndrome-specific decision-making rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach. This review provides a practical, evidence-based framework tailored specifically for adult patients in the ICU, defining a clear target audience of intensivists, pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and critical care pharmacists. We focus on six pillars: (1) the pathophysiology of critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI); (2) syndrome-specific agent selection supported by landmark trials; (3) precise dosing, administration, and tapering strategies; (4) structured safety monitoring; (5) management of high-risk drug-drug interactions; and (6) a comparative analysis of efficacy across agents. By synthesizing data from the CAPE COD, RECOVERY, DEXA-ARDS, APROCCHSS, and ADRENAL trials alongside the 2024 SCCM/ESICM focused guidelines, this guide offers a bedside roadmap for optimizing corticosteroid therapy in the ICU. Important distinctions are made between viral etiologies (benefit in COVID-19, systematic harm in influenza), and clinical exceptions are clearly defined. A dedicated section addresses the unique challenges of corticosteroid use in immunocompromised hosts, a population systematically excluded from landmark trials but increasingly encountered in ICU practice. Practical algorithms, monitoring tables, and drug interaction checklists are provided to support real-time clinical decision-making.

RevDate: 2026-08-25

Choi I, Zander A, Chan B, et al (2026)

Saliva Liquid Biopsy for Detection of Oral and Systemic Diseases.

Journal of periodontal research [Epub ahead of print].

Saliva has emerged as a compelling liquid biopsy for the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of both oral and systemic diseases. Secreted by major and minor salivary glands and enriched by gingival crevicular fluid, epithelial turnover, immune mediators, microbial products, and plasma-derived constituents, saliva reflects a biologically integrated interface between local oral environments and systemic physiology. This dual origin enables detection of disease-associated signals across multiple molecular layers, including extracellular RNA, cell-free DNA, genomic and epigenetic material, proteins, metabolites, microbial signatures, and hormones. Advances in high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry, and ultrasensitive immunoassays have revealed that salivary analytes can capture dynamic pathological processes ranging from periodontal inflammation and dental caries to oral and head and neck cancers, as well as systemic conditions such as non-oral cancers and autoimmune, cardiometabolic, infectious, endocrine, and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, extracellular vesicle-encapsulated RNA, cfDNA fragmentomics, and methylation patterns have expanded the diagnostic reach of saliva beyond conventional protein-based biomarkers, while integrated multi-omics approaches increasingly improve diagnostic performance. Despite this progress, clinical translation remains constrained by biological complexity, including variable glandular contributions, oral microbiome interactions, and pre-analytical variability in collection and processing. Emerging point-of-care technologies, microfluidic platforms, and artificial intelligence-driven multi-omic integration are beginning to address these limitations, enabling higher analytical sensitivity and improved disease stratification. Regulatory pathways, including in vitro diagnostic frameworks and laboratory-developed test structures, are progressively accommodating salivary assays, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, widespread clinical adoption will require rigorous standardization, large-scale validation, and demonstration of clinical utility. Together, saliva-based liquid biopsy represents a rapidly evolving diagnostic paradigm with the potential to shift disease detection towards earlier, minimally invasive, and data-rich precision medicine approaches across dentistry and systemic healthcare.

RevDate: 2026-08-25
CmpDate: 2026-08-25

Wu F, He Q, Zhang F, et al (2026)

MicroRNA regulation in pulmonary fibrosis: a bibliometric analysis of global research trends, collaborative networks, and emerging frontiers.

Frontiers in medicine, 13:1914903.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary fibrosis, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is a progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease with limited treatment options. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of fibrotic processes, yet a systematic overview of the research landscape in this rapidly growing field is lacking.

METHODS: We performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications on miRNA regulation in pulmonary fibrosis from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2025, using the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. After deduplication, a total of 2,093 valid documents (articles and reviews) were analyzed. Multiple analytical tools-VOSviewer (v1.6.20), CiteSpace (v6.4R1), and the bibliometrix R package (v3.2.1)-were employed to examine annual publication trends, collaborative networks (countries, institutions, authors), co-citation clusters, citation bursts, journal dual-map overlays, and keyword evolution.

RESULTS: The annual publication output increased steadily from 2007 to 2021, peaking at 229 papers, then stabilized at 150-193 papers per year (2022-2025). China (889 papers, 38.4%) and the United States (477 papers, 20.6%) were the most productive countries, although United States and European papers exhibited higher average citation impact (United States: 74.79; Germany: 86.49) compared to China (29.28). Nanjing Medical University (43 papers) and the University of Pittsburgh (28 papers) were leading institutions. Author productivity followed Lotka's Law, with 89.6% of authors publishing only one paper. Co-citation network analysis (1,108 nodes, Q = 0.8242, S = 0.9284) revealed well-defined clusters centered on non-coding RNAs, extracellular vesicles, and cellular senescence. Citation burst detection identified 25 key references, with the Raghu G (2022) clinical guideline showing the most sustained influence. Keyword co-occurrence analysis generated six clusters, with the newest frontier (exosomes, extracellular vesicles, mesenchymal stem cells, COVID-19) having average publication years of 2022-2023. Recent keyword bursts included "systematic review" (2021-2023), "immunofluorescence" (2022-2025), and "circular ribonucleic acid" (2023-2025).

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis provides a systematic mapping of the global research landscape on miRNA regulation in pulmonary fibrosis over the past 26 years. The field has evolved from basic molecular mechanisms toward emerging frontiers including extracellular vesicle-based communication, circular RNAs, and cellular senescence. These findings serve as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to understand current trends, collaborative networks, and future directions in miRNA-targeted pulmonary fibrosis research.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Keřková B, Kolenič M, Knížková K, et al (2026)

Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on verbal memory function in schizophrenia: Multiple case study and brief literature review.

Applied neuropsychology. Adult, 33(3):867-878.

Individuals recovering from COVID-19 may experience persistent impairment in verbal memory performance, potentially due to illness-related hippocampal injury. Although verbal memory dysfunction is central to schizophrenia, the interactions between this vulnerability and COVID-19 remain unclear, with no imaging studies addressing the issue to-date. To explore this gap and generate hypotheses for future research, we adopted a multiple case study approach. Two pairs of individuals with an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia were selected, each consisting of one case with a positive COVID-19 anamnesis and one without. We calculated the Reliable Change Index to estimate the clinical significance of verbal memory performance changes, with annualized change rates in hippocampal volumes assessed against normative data. Compared to their matches, COVID-19 positive cases did not show mutually consistent changes in verbal memory performance: one case experienced a significant decline in verbal memory and learning, while the other showed a general normalization of test scores. Left hippocampal volumes showed a comparatively slowed increase, while the right hippocampi decreased in volume, although these atrophy rates did not exceed those expected in general population samples. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that COVID-19 alone does not lead to verbal memory decline in schizophrenia. Instead, the relationship between the diseases may depend on additional factors. Our case pairs differed in body mass index, systolic blood pressure, sex, phase of illness, and whole grey matter volume trajectories, leading us to hypothesize that these variables represent additional predictors or moderators of this relationship.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Trautner BW, Cortés-Penfield NW, Gupta K, et al (2026)

Clinical Practice Guidelines by Infectious Diseases Society of America: 2025 Guidelines on Management and Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections - Timing of Intravenous to Oral Antibiotics Transition for Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i68-i78.

BACKGROUND: These recommendations provide guidance on the optimal timing for transitioning from intravenous to oral antibiotics in patients with complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), especially in presence of associated Gram-negative bacteremia.

METHODS: The panel's recommendations are based upon evidence derived from systematic literature reviews which focused on comparative benefits and harms of transitioning to oral therapy versus continuing parenteral therapy of the total duration of treatment, including publications since 2000. These recommendations adhere to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach.

RESULTS: The guidelines panel suggests transitioning to oral antibiotics in patients with cUTI who are clinically improving, able to take medication, and for whom an effective oral option is available, rather than continuing parenteral therapy for the remaining treatment duration, regardless of the presence of associated Gram-negative bacteremia. An effective oral option needs to be active against the causative pathogen and achieve therapeutic levels in the urine and relevant tissue.

CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral and oral antibiotics used to complete treatment courses for cUTI provide similar efficacy and adverse events, especially in the context of shorter duration of therapy. This recommendation places a high value on reducing avoidable intravenous catheter-related adverse events, costs, and resources, as well as taking into account practical aspects of antibiotic administration.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Trautner BW, Cortés-Penfield NW, Gupta K, et al (2026)

Clinical Practice Guidelines by Infectious Diseases Society of America: 2025 Guideline on Management and Treatment of Complicated Urinary Tract Infections-Selection of Antibiotic Therapy for Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i36-i67.

BACKGROUND: These recommendations address the empiric choice of antibiotics in suspected complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI). Issues to balance include the need for appropriate initial empiric antimicrobial therapy, the patient's severity of illness, and antimicrobial stewardship concerns.

METHODS: The panel's recommendations are based upon evidence derived from systematic literature reviews that focused on comparative benefits and harms of classes of antibiotics approved for cUTI, starting with publications from 2008 onwards, and our review of predictors of resistance in uropathogens included references identified since 2000. These recommendations adhere to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach.

RESULTS: The guidelines panel suggests initially selecting among preferred empiric antibiotic choices rather than alternative options, stratified for the patient's severity of illness and antimicrobial stewardship considerations. When choosing among these antibiotics for a specific patient, the guideline panel suggests a 4-step process to account for changing resistance patterns and individualized patient needs. The steps are: (1) assess the severity of illness (for initial prioritization of antibiotics), (2) consider patient-specific risk factors for resistant uropathogens (for optimization of coverage), (3) evaluate other patient-specific considerations (to reduce the risk of adverse events), and (4) for patients with sepsis, consult a relevant local antibiogram if available (to further improve the likelihood of giving appropriate empiric therapy). Lastly, the guideline panel suggests selecting definitive effective therapy with a targeted spectrum based on the result of the urine culture.

CONCLUSIONS: Many of the classes of antibiotics approved to treat cUTI demonstrate similar efficacy as other classes of antibiotics in randomized controlled trials. Bacterial resistance prevalence is always changing, and new antibiotics will be developed. In this context, the guidelines panel provides recommendations for choosing empiric antibiotic therapy for cUTI that will help clinicians decide among available antibiotic options at the point of care.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Nellore A, Bajema K, Belden K, et al (2026)

IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19 Infections in Immunocompromised Patients.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i111-i116.

Immunocompromised individuals face elevated risks of severe COVID-19, yet vaccination guidance for these populations continues to evolve. To support evidence-based decision-making for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) convened a multidisciplinary panel to develop rapid guidelines on the use of US-licensed COVID-19 vaccines in adults and children with hematologic malignancies, primary immunodeficiency, autoimmune disease on immunosuppressive therapy, HIV with severe immunosuppression, solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T), or solid tumor chemotherapy. A systematic evidence review of studies published from June 2024 to July 2025 identified comparative data on vaccine effectiveness and safety. Using the GRADE framework, the panel evaluated 7 observational effectiveness studies and 4 safety-focused studies. Across studies, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reduced hospitalization (33%-56% effectiveness), critical illness, mortality, and COVID-19-related outpatient or emergency care visits. Serious adverse events were rare, and available evidence did not show consistent increases in exacerbations of underlying immunocompromising conditions. Most studies had short follow-up durations, likely reflecting higher-end estimates of vaccine effectiveness. Given moderate certainty of benefit and low certainty of harm, the panel strongly recommends the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for all immunocompromised individuals aged ≥6 months, with timing tailored to immunosuppressive therapy, clinical stability, and community transmission levels. Adjunct strategies-including vaccination of household contacts and early antiviral access-remain essential. Research priorities include defining immunologic correlates of protection, evaluating durability, optimizing vaccine timing, and improving real-world effectiveness and safety data.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Nellore A, Goepfert P, Tan CS, et al (2026)

IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Infections in Immunocompromised Patients.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i105-i110.

Respiratory viruses-including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza-pose significant risks to immunocompromised patients, who experience attenuated vaccine responses and higher morbidity. To address evolving vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 season, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), in collaboration with the Vaccine Integrity Project (VIP) and partner organizations, developed rapid guidelines for US-licensed vaccines targeting these viruses. The guideline applies to adults and children with compromised immunity due to hematologic malignancy, solid organ or hematopoietic cell transplantation, autoimmune disease on immunosuppressants, human immunodeficienty virus with severe immunosuppression, and similar conditions. Strong recommendations, supported by moderate certainty evidence, endorse timely administration of age-appropriate COVID-19, RSV, and influenza vaccines, with guidance on optimal timing relative to immunosuppressive therapy and transplantation. Coadministration of these vaccines is considered appropriate. Research gaps remain in immunogenicity, durability, and clinical effectiveness, particularly for patients receiving B-cell-depleting therapies or early post-transplant. Priority areas include defining correlates of protection, optimizing vaccine schedules, evaluating high-dose or adjuvanted formulations, and improving real-world effectiveness and safety data. Equity and access strategies are essential to ensure uptake among vulnerable populations. These guidelines aim to support evidence-based decision-making and highlight the need for harmonized, multi-virus research to inform tailored vaccination strategies for immunocompromised individuals.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Tan CS, Anjan S, Ariza-Heredia EJ, et al (2026)

IDSA 2025 Guidelines on the Use of Vaccines for the Prevention of Seasonal RSV Infections in Immunocompromised Patients.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i123-i128.

Immunocompromised individuals experience disproportionately severe outcomes from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, yet direct evidence to guide vaccination in this population remains limited. To support clinical and shared decision-making for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) convened a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop rapid, evidence-based recommendations on RSV vaccination among immunocompromised adults and children. The panel conducted a systematic review of comparative effectiveness and harms data published between August 2024 and July 2025, supplemented by additional evidence from the Vaccine Integrity Project. Certainty of evidence and recommendation strength were assessed using the GRADE approach. Two test-negative case-control studies in immunocompromised adults showed vaccination reduced RSV-associated hospitalization by 70% (95% CI: 66%-73%). Indirect evidence from older-adult populations demonstrated 81% effectiveness (95% CI: 52%-92%) against critical illness. Across three randomized trials, serious adverse events were comparable between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Guillain-Barré syndrome was rare, with an estimated 11 excess cases per million doses. Given substantial reduction in severe disease and low likelihood of serious harm, the panel issued a strong recommendation for age-appropriate RSV vaccination in adults and adolescents with compromised immunity. For immunocompromised patients <18 years, shared decision-making is advised. Timing should be individualized by subgroups, considering treatment cycles, transplant status, and B-cell-depleting therapies. Household members should remain up to date when eligible, and coadministration with influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 vaccines is acceptable. Research priorities include correlates of protection, durability of immunity, subgroup safety, and the role of booster doses.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Nadig N, Bhimraj A, Cawcutt K, et al (2026)

2025 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the Treatment and Management of COVID-19: Baricitinib vs. Tocilizumab.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i18-i23.

This article provides a focused update to the clinical practice guideline on the treatment and management of patients with COVID-19, developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The guideline panel presents a new recommendation on the use of baricitinib vs. tocilizumab in hospitalized adults with severe or critical COVID-19. The panel has previously issued recommendations on baricitinib vs. no baricitinib and tocilizumab vs. no tocilizumab, but this new recommendation compares baricitinib to tocilizumab when the decision has been made to give one or the other. The new recommendation does not address combinations of multiple immunomodulatory agents (ie, baricitinib, tocilizumab, abatacept, infliximab). The recommendation is based on evidence derived from a systematic literature review and adheres to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Shumaker AH, Bhimraj A, Bedimo R, et al (2026)

2025 Clinical Practice Guideline Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America on the Treatment and Management of COVID-19: Antiviral Treatment for Mild to Moderate COVID-19 in Adults.

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, 82(Supplement_3):i1-i17.

This article provides a focused update to the clinical practice guideline on the treatment and management of people with COVID-19, developed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. The guideline panel presents 9 updated recommendations on the use of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir, in adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. The recommendations are based on evidence derived from a systematic literature review and adhere to a standardized methodology for rating the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendation according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The panel also provides a section on how to apply these recommendations, including an algorithm on the selection of antivirals.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-24

Ci Q, Bian Y, Meng XJ, et al (2026)

Engineering next-generation nanovaccines for maternal immunization and piglet protection against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.

Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society, 396:115070.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) remains a major threat to the global swine industry, causing severe disease with high morbidity and mortality in neonatal piglets. Current vaccine strategies are challenged by the need for rapid, local protection at the intestinal mucosa in newborn piglets, and emerging PEDV variants can partially evade vaccine immunity. Nanoplatforms can help address these challenges. Across recent PEDV nanovaccine studies, a consistent theme emerges in that vaccine platform architecture and immunization route are not only delivery parameters but also the primary determinants of neutralizing activity, mucosal IgA induction, and lactogenic immunity transfer. Here in this critical review, we synthesize important design perspectives from the PEDV nanoparticle vaccine literature spanning self-assembling protein scaffolds such as ferritin and mi3, bacteriophage and virus-like particles including AP205 and HBcAg, polymeric carriers such as PLGA, chitosan, and alginate-chitosan microcapsules, and inorganic particles including silica and layered double hydroxide. All PEDV vaccine design considerations are organized into three interlocking layers including antigen choice and display, adjuvant-carrier integration, and maternal-mucosal vaccination strategy. Concurrently, mechanistic patterns are observed across models. For instance, multivalent display strengthens protective breadth, and mucoadhesive or M-cell-targeted approaches improve antigen retention and epithelial transport. Practical vaccine design principles are derived throughout this review to support translation of PEDV nanoparticle vaccines into maternal immunization strategies focused on protecting piglets against PEDV variants.

RevDate: 2026-08-24

Deverakonda A, Ricotta EE, JT Kubale (2026)

Mapping the Surveillance Data Infrastructure in the U.S. for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

Current epidemiology reports, 13(1):24.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infectious disease surveillance forms the epidemiological bedrock of public health, supporting the continuous and systematic collection, and analysis of health data. However, these data are collected by a fragmented network of systems and entities which complicate their accessibility and efficient use. This review describes the key surveillance systems tracking three important respiratory viruses: influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2; highlights these systems' limitations; and identifies opportunities for improvement.

RECENT FINDINGS: High quality surveillance data are vital for effective public health interventions. The decentralized nature of the U.S. public health infrastructure and the subsequent patchwork of surveillance networks create a formidable challenge for epidemiologists seeking to mobilize these data for outbreak response, policy evaluation, or population-based research. Greater clarity on these key surveillance systems, the data they collect, and the populations they represent could support their more effective use to support public health research and emergency response.

SUMMARY: We identified thirteen surveillance data sources monitoring influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in the U.S; all but one were governmental. Most (9) were case-based systems, 2 were syndromic surveillance systems (that monitor for increases in illness-associated symptoms in a population rather than the disease itself), and 2 were classified as "non-traditional" sources like wastewater surveillance systems. We also assessed the relative accessibility of data from these systems and of data from state and local entities which often feed into these systems, and collated this information to improve its findability and accessibility.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40471-026-00405-w.

RevDate: 2026-08-24
CmpDate: 2026-08-22

Francis DL, SSP Reddy (2026)

From fragmented to integrated surveillance in LMICs: digital pathways for outbreak detection and vaccine intelligence.

Frontiers in public health, 14:1843782.

BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often rely on fragmented, disease-specific surveillance systems that produce delayed and incomplete data. Recent outbreaks, including COVID-19, have highlighted the urgent need for integrated, real-time digital surveillance to improve early outbreak detection and optimize vaccine deployment.

METHODS: A structured narrative review was conducted following SANRA recommendations on the literature published between 2019 and 2025 on digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), genomic surveillance, and vaccine-information systems in LMIC infectious disease surveillance. PubMed, Scopus, WHO IRIS, and regional CDC repositories were searched using pre-specified Boolean strings. Over 312 records were screened; 46 unique references were selected for final synthesis.

RESULTS: Traditional indicator-based systems in LMICs suffer from siloed reporting, poor connectivity, and workforce shortages. Digital platforms (DHIS2, mobile reporting, cloud dashboards) can unify multi-sector data and accelerate outbreak signals. AI tools offer predictive capabilities, though LMIC-specific external validation remains limited in only 14% of published models. Electronic immunization registries demonstrate measurable improvements: stockout reductions of up to 76%, coverage gains of 12.3%, and median reporting delays cut from 28 to 3 days. Key barriers include non-standardized data formats, intermittent connectivity, algorithmic bias, and data governance gaps.

CONCLUSIONS: Achieving integrated surveillance in LMICs requires adherence to interoperability standards, robust digital infrastructure, One Health data integration, and equitable data governance. A four-layer conceptual framework is presented. Investment in local capacity, supportive policy, and ethical AI frameworks is critical for sustainable innovation.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-22

Ahmadi P, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Faraj TA, et al (2026)

"IL-40: A novel immunoregulatory axis at the crossroads of inflammation, tissue remodeling, and cancer immunity".

Immunologic research, 74(1):.

Interleukin-40 (IL-40), encoded by the C17orf99 gene, is a recently identified B cell-associated cytokine that bridges innate and adaptive immune responses. Since its discovery in 2017, IL-40 has emerged as a pleiotropic immunoregulatory factor with broad implications in human diseases. Elevated IL-40 levels are consistently reported across systemic and organ-specific autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. In these conditions, IL-40 correlates with disease activity, inflammatory burden, and adverse outcomes. Mechanistically, beyond B-cell differentiation and IgA production, IL-40 induces neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation (NETosis), triggering extracellular release of peptidylarginine deiminase 4. PAD4 catalyzes citrullination of intracellular proteins, converting arginine to citrulline residues, generating neoepitopes that break immune tolerance and drive anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) production-a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis and related autoimmunities. Beyond autoimmunity, dysregulated IL-40 is observed in viral infections (COVID-19, Epstein-Barr virus), sepsis, and pneumonia, suggesting roles in host defense, systemic inflammation, and immunopathology. IL-40 deficiency impairs IgA homeostasis and alters gut microbiota, implicating it in mucosal immunity and microbiome crosstalk. In oncology, aberrant IL-40 expression is reported in solid tumors (breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma) and hematologic malignancies (acute/chronic myeloid leukemias, Hodgkin lymphoma), indicating context-dependent functions in tumor biology. Elevated IL-40 in obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and allergic diseases further implicates this cytokine in low-grade chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity. Overall, IL-40 represents a promising immunoregulatory cytokine with diagnostic and therapeutic potential across immune-mediated diseases and cancer. However, current evidence remains largely observational and animal-based, while mechanistic and clinical investigations are scarce. Future research should prioritize identifying IL-40 receptor(s) and downstream signaling pathways through well-designed cellular and molecular studies, alongside large-scale multicenter trials, to fully elucidate its biological functions and clinical utility.

RevDate: 2026-08-22

Kumar D, Avery R, Danziger-Isakov L, et al (2026)

Vaccination and Safe Living Strategies for Solid Organ Transplant Candidates and Recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice.

American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons pii:S1600-6135(26)02698-5 [Epub ahead of print].

These updated guidelines of the AST IDCOP review safe living practices including routine vaccinations, travel vaccinations including general travel advice, as well as non-pharmacological strategies for safe living. General principles of vaccination as well as the use of specific vaccines in this population are discussed. Vaccination status should be reviewed and updated in the pre-transplant setting and when travel is planned. The optimal timing of vaccination post-transplant should be taken into account. There are accumulating data that live-attenuated vaccines can also be given to select post-transplant pediatric and young adult patients. Since the last update of the guidelines in 2019, several new vaccines are recommended such as those for COVID-19 and RSV. In addition, newer formulations of pneumococcal, meningococcal, and hepatitis B vaccinations are available. There are expanded age indications for recombinant zoster vaccine. Close contacts of transplant patients can receive most routine live and inactivated vaccines. For travel, location, duration, and activity during the trip determines the vaccine requirements as well as the need for malaria chemoprophylaxis. Other strategies for safe living include considerations for food, water, pets, and sexual activity. Detailed recommendations surrounding these are included in these guidelines.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-22

Zhang N, Fan Y, Ge W, et al (2026)

Familial acute necrotizing encephalopathy temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: Two case reports and literature review.

Medicine, 105(34):e50329.

RATIONALE: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a rare but life-threatening parainfectious encephalopathy characterized by rapid neurological deterioration following viral infections. Although most cases occur sporadically, familial clustering is uncommon and suggests the involvement of genetic susceptibility factors. The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has broadened the spectrum of viral triggers associated with ANE; however, familial COVID-19-associated ANE remains rarely reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS: We retrospectively reviewed 2 siblings who developed ANE following laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in December 2022. The first patient was an 18-year-old woman who presented with seizures and progressive impairment of consciousness 2 days after COVID-19 infection. Her 24-year-old brother developed a similar neurological syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 infection, characterized by altered mental status and rapid clinical deterioration.

DIAGNOSE: Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female patient demonstrated typical bilateral symmetrical lesions involving the thalami, basal ganglia, corpus callosum, cerebellum, and cerebral white matter. MRI of her brother revealed bilateral symmetrical lesions predominantly affecting the lenticular and caudate nuclei. Genetic analysis showed no pathogenic variants in the RANBP2 gene. After comprehensive exclusion of alternative diagnoses, including other infectious encephalitis, metabolic disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, and toxic encephalopathy, both patients were diagnosed with COVID-19-associated ANE.

INTERVENTIONS: Both patients received immunomodulatory therapy, including high-dose corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin. Supportive treatments and intensive neurological monitoring were also provided according to clinical conditions.

OUTCOMES: Following treatment, both patients achieved partial neurological recovery; however, residual neurological impairment remained during short-term follow-up. The clinical course and neuroimaging findings were consistent with previously reported characteristics of ANE.

LESSONS: These familial cases highlight a potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of ANE and suggest that genetic susceptibility factors other than RANBP2 mutations may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Early recognition of neurological deterioration, prompt brain MRI evaluation, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory therapy may improve clinical outcomes. Further genetic and mechanistic studies are warranted to identify additional susceptibility genes involved in COVID-19-associated ANE.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-21

Estupiñán-Pérez VH, Jiménez-Urrego ÁM, A Botero Carvajal (2026)

Clinical and environmental risk factors for childhood developmental disabilities: A narrative review (1990-2025).

World journal of clinical pediatrics, 15(3):119109.

Developmental disabilities (DD) affect millions of children worldwide and disproportionately burden low- and middle-income countries. Modifiable risks include early-life clinical procedures and environmental/psychosocial exposures, but syntheses spanning 1990-2025, including the coronavirus disease 2019, remain limited. To narratively review evidence on clinical and environmental risk factors for DD in children < 18 years. PubMed (1990-2025) was searched using SPIDER. Clinical trials, cohorts, and population-based studies were thematically synthesized across clinical procedural and environmental/psychosocial domains. Thirty-two studies were included (19 clinical/procedural; 13 environmental/psychosocial/early intervention), enrolling > 100000 participants; registry studies added > 1.8 million. Cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease was associated with below-average cognitive and motor scores, driven mainly by perioperative complexity, low birth weight, and prolonged intensive care rather than surgical technique. Maternal mental illness was linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (adjusted odds ratio: Approximately 3-4). Multidomain, family-centered interventions - including telehealth - improved developmental outcomes and reduced delay. Several cohorts reported increased developmental concerns during and after coronavirus disease 2019, particularly in communication and social-emotional domains. Clinical and environmental/psychosocial factors are major, potentially modifiable determinants of DD; priorities include strengthened developmental surveillance, caregiver mental health assessment, and equitable access to early intervention.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-21

Müller L, Di Benedetto S, V Müller (2026)

Host-virus resilience networks and viral inflammaging circuits in aging and long COVID: a CMV-centered perspective.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1896480.

Aging and long COVID are increasingly recognized as states of disrupted host homeostasis characterized by chronic inflammation, immune remodeling, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired stress adaptation. These alterations may compromise the mechanisms that normally maintain viral latency, thereby increasing susceptibility to reactivation of persistent viruses such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV). In this mini-review, we propose a systems-level framework in which latent viral reactivation emerges as a manifestation of declining organismal resilience rather than an isolated virological event. We introduce the concept of host-virus resilience networks, encompassing interconnected immune, metabolic, epigenetic, and cellular stress-response pathways that collectively preserve CMV latency across the lifespan. Age-associated immunosenescence, inflammaging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic drift may progressively destabilize these networks, weakening antiviral surveillance and facilitating viral reactivation. We further propose the concept of viral inflammaging circuits, defined as self-reinforcing feedback loops in which chronic inflammation promotes viral reactivation, while viral activity further amplifies immune dysregulation, tissue stress, and inflammatory signaling. Within this framework, CMV is considered both a marker and a potential driver of immune aging through persistent antigenic stimulation, T-cell remodeling, and chronic inflammatory activation. Long COVID may represent a convergent resilience failure state in which persistent immune perturbation and metabolic stress intersect with latent herpesvirus biology. By integrating concepts from geroscience, immunology, and systems virology, this review aims to provide a conceptual model linking CMV persistence to network-level dysregulation in ageing and post-viral syndromes and highlights the importance of resilience-based approaches for understanding chronic inflammatory disease progression across the lifespan.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-21

Jain P, Wu HHL, Ali W, et al (2026)

Shadows of infection: Post-coronavirus disease condition and outcome patterns in patients receiving dialysis and kidney transplant recipients.

World journal of nephrology, 15(3):118018.

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition describes a constellation of persistent or fluctuating symptoms and organ dysfunction following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients (KTR) inhabit a landscape of immune dysfunction, multimorbidity, and high healthcare interaction, which may amplify both the risk and consequences of post-COVID condition (PCC). In this article, we aimed to review current evidence on PCC and related post-acute sequelae in dialysis patients and KTR-focusing on symptom burden, risk factors, functional outcomes, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), kidney and graft outcomes, and recovery trajectories. It was found that dialysis patients and KTR experience a substantial burden of PCC superimposed on already complex symptoms and risk profiles. Long COVID in these groups encompasses not only fatigue, dyspnea and a "brain fog" phenomenon but also impaired HRQoL, reduced functional recovery, and potential acceleration of kidney and graft decline. Harmonized PCC definitions, kidney-specific outcome measures, and prospective multicentre studies in ESKD and kidney transplant populations are urgently required to inform prevention and management strategies embedded within the dialysis and kidney transplantation pathways.

RevDate: 2026-08-22

Geerdink TH, Dijkgraaf MGW, van Veen RN, et al (2026)

Trends and patterns in hand injuries during the a pandemic.

Journal of orthopaedic reports, 5(4):None.

PURPOSE: A significant portion of the musculoskeletal extremity injuries are hand and finger injuries. Strict government measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in incidence, types and mechanisms of hand injuries. Data is needed to develop targeted strategies for management and treatment of these injuries effectively in case of future pandemics.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, data were gathered during calendar weeks 11-18 in the years 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (pandemic). Patients were categorized into adults and children (<18 years). Type of hand injury was further categorized into: carpal injuries or dislocations, metacarpal injuries or dislocations, phalangeal fractures, finger dislocations and mallet fingers.

RESULTS: During the pandemic the absolute number of hand injuries decreased by 55%, the decrease was larger in children (73%) then in adults (48%). In children, sports as underlying trauma mechanism decreased from 50% to 16%, metacarpal injuries due to physical interactions doubled proportionally from 33% to 70%. In adults, hand injuries caused by sports decreased while injuries resulting from physical interactions increased from 9% to 20%, more patients were operated on (13% versus 7%; p = 0.018). Metacarpal injuries proportionally increased and experienced a higher operation rate (20% versus 7%; p = 0.026), mallet patients were more often female (50% versus 13%; p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS: Restrictions during a pandemic lead to an absolute decrease in number of patients with hand and finger injuries, cause a shift in underlying trauma mechanisms from sport to physical interactions, result in a significantly higher probability of needing operative treatment when being an adult patient.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

RevDate: 2026-08-21

La Via L, Cuttone G, Misseri G, et al (2026)

Contemporary Sedation Strategies for Mechanical Ventilation: Balancing Patient Outcomes, Delirium Prevention, and Early Recovery.

Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases pii:000550984 [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND: The traditional deep sedation approach has been linked to prolonged ventilation, increased delirium incidence, and long-term cognitive impairment. Modern evidence now supports lighter sedation protocols with daily interruptions and spontaneous breathing trials.

SUMMARY: The authors explore the pathophysiology of sedation-related complications including delirium, ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, and ICU-acquired weakness. They analyze clinical assessment tools ranging from validated scales to emerging objective monitoring technologies (processed electroencephalography, automated pupillometry). The pharmacological discussion contrasts traditional benzodiazepines with newer alternatives (propofol, dexmedetomidine, remifentanil) that show improved outcomes regarding delirium, ventilation duration, and cognitive function. Critical examination of sedation-ventilator mode interactions and comparison of analgosedation versus traditional sedation-first paradigms addresses unresolved clinical questions in integrating these therapeutic domains. Structured approaches including goal-oriented protocols and the ABCDEF bundle are presented as implementation frameworks. The review highlights non-pharmacologic interventions as essential complements to drug therapy: sleep promotion, early mobilization, family engagement, and environmental modifications. Special consideration is given to unique populations requiring tailored approaches, including geriatric, neurologic, cardiac, and COVID-19 patients.

KEY MESSAGES: The authors conclude by addressing future directions in sedation practice, emphasizing cost-effectiveness analysis, quality improvement initiatives, and research priorities that will guide the next phase of sedation management in mechanical ventilation.

RevDate: 2026-08-21

Espinoza Díaz CI, ME Barreto Espinoza (2026)

[Polypharmacy and mortality in hospitalized older adults: Systematic review with exploratory meta-analysis].

Revista espanola de geriatria y gerontologia, 61(6):101835 pii:S0211-139X(26)00094-6 [Epub ahead of print].

Polypharmacy is common in hospitalized older adults, but its independent relationship with mortality remains uncertain. We conducted a PRISMA 2020 systematic review, prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261398125), of observational studies assessing polypharmacy, excessive polypharmacy, or potentially inappropriate medication and mortality in hospitalized older patients. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and LILACS were searched. Of 134 records, seven studies entered the qualitative synthesis and three the exploratory meta-analysis. The pooled estimate showed substantial statistical uncertainty and high heterogeneity (OR=2.23; 95%CI: 0.77-6.43; I[2]=87.2%). After excluding the COVID-19 study, the magnitude of the association decreased (OR=1.20; 95%CI: 0.77-1.88; I[2]=11.7%). Polypharmacy appears to function mainly as a marker of multimorbidity, frailty, and clinical severity. These findings are hypothesis-generating and do not support causal inference. Excessive polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescribing may discriminate risk better than the isolated five-medication threshold.

RevDate: 2026-08-22
CmpDate: 2026-08-22

Wu C, Yu Y, Wu Z, et al (2026)

Exploring the research progression and evolutionary trends of medical adverse events: A bibliometric analysis over the period from 2014 to 2024.

Medicine, 105(34):e50094.

BACKGROUND: Medical adverse events pose a major global health challenge that affects millions of patients. Despite growing research interest, bibliometric analysis in this area is lacking. This study seeks to map the current landscape of medical adverse events and identify the relevant knowledge domains and trends through a bibliometric approach.

METHODS: We comprehensively reviewed the research on medical adverse events using the Web of Science Core Collection database and summarized the findings. Our analysis encompassed data ranging from 2014 to 2024, utilizing the topic keywords "medical" and "adverse events." We employed the R package "Bibliometrix" to compute key bibliometric characteristics, and a three-field plot was generated to illustrate the interrelationships among authors, institutions, and countries. Using CiteSpace, we developed knowledge maps and conducted co-occurrence analyses, clustering analyses, timeline evaluations and burst term detections.

RESULTS: A total of 2539 articles on medical adverse events were published, with a steady annual increase that peaked in 2022. The U.S. led with 862 articles (34%), followed by China with 253 (10%). The top 10 countries contributed 1782 articles, or 70% of the total. The leading 5 institutions were all US-based, and the Journal of Patient Safety had the most publications. The focus of recent research has been placed on "immune checkpoint inhibitors," "COVID-19 vaccines," "public health," and 'maternal mortality', indicating that these are emerging popular topics. COVID-19 vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors have become prominent research areas, with strengths of 4.71 and 4.38, respectively.

CONCLUSION: In summary, this study systematically depicted the knowledge structure and evolution pattern of the medical adverse event research field from 2014 to 2024. The United States leads in publication output and institutional influence, while the developing countries relatively lacked the global research network. Traditional drug safety research remains central, with immune checkpoint inhibitor-related adverse events and COVID-19 vaccine safety emerging as new hotspots. These findings provide valuable references for researchers and empirical evidence for the formulation of global patient safety strategies.

RevDate: 2026-08-21
CmpDate: 2026-08-20

He H, Hu M, Li S, et al (2026)

The historical and contemporary aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in recent 30 years: a bibliometric study.

Frontiers in psychiatry, 17:1878379.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has become the leading intervention for insomnia over the past two decades, with well-established efficacy. Yet, no systematic approach exists to rapidly capture its intellectual foundations, research frontiers and research hotspots. This study addresses this gap through bibliometric analysis.

METHOD: Using a comprehensive set of synonyms and related terms for CBT-I as search keywords, a methodical literature search was carried out. The search was restricted to review papers and articles published in peer-reviewed journals between the years 1996 and 2025. This resulted in 6996 records from Scopus and 4595 records from the Web of Science(WoS) Core Collection. CiteSpace was applied to analyze cited references and terms. VOSviewer was applied to analyze the co-authorship in authors, organizations and countries/regions.

RESULTS: (a)Eight primary knowledge bases were identified, encompassing management guidelines and reference books on insomnia; face-to-face CBT-I interventions for individuals with insomnia; self-help or digital CBT-I interventions for insomnia; CBT-I applications in mental disorders comorbid insomnia; CBT-I interventions for insomnia comorbid with medical conditions; the overview of information about insomnia; sleep assessment tools; and other related topics. (b)Three emerging research frontiers in the CBT-I domain over the past 5 years include: digital delivery of CBT-I interventions, the practice of CBT-I in sleep apnea, and CBT-I among cancer populations. (c)Morin CM is the leading researcher in the field; University of California has emerged as the leading institution in CBT-I research; the United States collectively produces the highest volume of CBT-I related research globally. (d)Current research hotspots in CBT-I include: adding CBT-I applications to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the practice of CBT-I during the COVID-19 epidemic, population-specific modifications of CBT-I for at-risk teenagers, new studies on CBT-I's digital delivery methods, assessing CBT-I's effectiveness and adaptation in comorbid psychiatric diseases (especially anxiety-related conditions).

CONCLUSION: This study delineates the intellectual base and evolving trends of CBTI research. The results help beginners quickly grasp the field's development, improve practice accuracy and consistency, and provide researchers with a comprehensive overview to inform future innovations.

RevDate: 2026-08-21
CmpDate: 2026-08-20

Barry M, Al-Tawfiq JA, Farahat F, et al (2026)

Pre-Travel Consultation for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases among International Travelers from GCC Countries: Travel Medicine Recommendations for Clinicians.

Saudi journal of medicine & medical sciences, 14(3):183-196.

Travel has been increasing globally since the COVID-19 pandemic ended, including travel from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to international destinations. This creates unique risks for travelers, who may return with various infectious diseases. Travel medicine is a well-established medical specialty worldwide; however, it has only recently been introduced within the GCC, with limited healthcare and public awareness of the importance of these services in preventing infectious diseases among international travelers. This document presents travel medicine recommendations for practicing clinicians in the GCC to help prevent these diseases through pre-travel consultation.

RevDate: 2026-08-21
CmpDate: 2026-08-20

Li X, Cheng S, Wang S, et al (2026)

Post-COVID varicella-zoster virus reactivation: lowering the immunological threshold for latency breakdown.

Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology, 16:1904565.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is the clinically apparent manifestation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. Aging and immunosuppression are established risk contexts. SARS-CoV-2 infection has prompted renewed attention to whether acute or post-acute immune changes can reduce the reserve needed to maintain VZV latency. Large observational studies report a modest increase in HZ after COVID-19, most consistently after severe disease or hospitalization and within early post-infection windows. These associations do not establish direct causation or a population-wide shift of HZ toward younger adults. A threshold-lowering interpretation is more consistent with the available evidence: SARS-CoV-2 infection may narrow latency-control reserve through cellular immune disruption, interferon dysregulation, and inflammation, particularly in hosts already affected by comorbidity or treatment-related immunosuppression. Long COVID provides a setting in which persistent immune dysregulation can be studied, but it is not yet a proven causal framework for VZV disease. Post-COVID HZ may therefore represent a clinically visible manifestation of disrupted host-virus homeostasis in susceptible individuals. Prospective studies that combine clinical phenotyping with VZV-specific cellular immune measurements are needed to test this model.

RevDate: 2026-08-20

Cénat JM, Moshirian Farahi SMM, Darius WP, et al (2026)

Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on 144 Studies Including 406,043 Participants: Prévalence et corrélats des symptômes dépressifs au Canada pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 : revue systématique et méta-analyse de 144 études comprenant 406 043 participants.

Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie [Epub ahead of print].

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures, including lockdowns, school closures, quarantine, and social restrictions, substantially disrupted social and economic life in Canada. These conditions intensified risk factors for depressive symptoms. However, reported prevalence estimates vary widely across studies, highlighting the need for comprehensive syntheses of evidence specific to the Canadian context. The present study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms and examine key demographic, geographic, and methodological sources of variability.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following a PROSPERO-registered protocol (CRD42024552536). Five databases were searched for studies published since 2020 assessing depressive symptoms in Canada during COVID-19. Methodological quality was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklists. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated pooled prevalence, with subgroup analyses and meta-regressions.ResultsA total of 144 studies including 406,043 participants were analysed. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic was 31.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.4%-33.9%), with substantial heterogeneity (I[2] = 99.71). Prevalence was higher among women (29.2% [95% CI, 25.8%-32.7%]) than men (21.1% [95% CI, 18.5%-23.8%]) (p = .0003) and varied significantly across provinces (p = .0001), measurement tools (p < .0001), evaluation periods (p = .017), and study designs (p = .041). No significant publication bias was detected (Egger's test: z = 1.05, p = .295).ConclusionsThese findings underscore the critical need for a comprehensive and coordinated national mental health strategy in Canada. Such a strategy should expand the mental health workforce, implement large-scale promotion and early intervention program across schools, workplaces, and community settings, and provide gender-responsive support. Future research should focus on standardizing depressive assessment measurements and prioritizing studies and interventions targeting healthcare workers, as well as racialized and Indigenous populations, to promote equitable access, strengthen resilience, and enhance preparedness for future public health crises.

RevDate: 2026-08-20

Weiner AA, Chang L, Dance MJ, et al (2026)

Contingency Plans in a Radiation Oncology Department in a Pandemic Outbreak.

Seminars in radiation oncology, 39:151054 pii:S1053-4296(26)00056-1 [Epub ahead of print].

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impacted radiation oncology departments as efforts were made to maintain high-quality, timely oncologic care in the setting of multiple competing factors. By close collaborations with public health organizations, institutions, and within individual departments, innovative workflows and strategies were created to evolve the field with sustainable programs impacting all aspects of radiation oncology. This manuscript details the response of radiation oncology in a pandemic, the transformation of current radiation oncology practice and education, and the generation of preparedness for a future pandemic.

RevDate: 2026-08-20

Garkisch M, S Popp (2026)

Lessons learned from crises in blood donation services: A systematic review of operational practices.

Vox sanguinis [Epub ahead of print].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood donation services are vital to healthcare delivery, ensuring the continuous availability of safe and adequate blood products, particularly during periods of disruption and crisis. Disruptive events such as pandemics, mass-casualty incidents, (natural) disasters, pandemics, armed conflicts and blood shortages can affect donor availability, logistics, workforce capacity, communication and operational continuity. This study systematically identifies and synthesizes lessons learned from crises affecting blood donation and translates them into a structured framework of operational practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review between 2010 and 2025 was conducted using four databases. Study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 142 included publications were analysed using qualitative content analysis with MAXQDA and organized using an analytical framework adapted from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) COVID-19 Operational Recommendations Framework.

RESULTS: The analysis identified six overarching dimensions of operational practice in blood donation services: collaboration, coordination and standards; blood supply chain design and management; resource management; disaster preparedness and risk management; communication; and operations. Three overarching operational practice themes emerged: coordinated governance and communication, operational continuity and organizational resilience.

CONCLUSION: Crises affecting blood donation services generate transferable lessons for maintaining safe and reliable blood supply operations under disruptive conditions. This review provides a structured synthesis of cross-crisis operational practices and offers an evidence-based foundation for blood services.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-20

Halwe NJ, F Krammer (2026)

Vaccine strategies and development before and during the 1968 H3N2 influenza pandemic.

Vaccine, 89:128877.

Nearly 60 years ago, in 1968, the global population was confronted with the emerging pandemic influenza A virus (IAV) subtype H3N2 (1968 H3N2pdm). An estimate of up to two million fatalities have been linked to 1968 H3N2pdm, and the H3N2 subtype continues to circulate as seasonal IAV among humans until today. The last IAV pandemic dates back to the year 2009 but concerns about a new IAV pandemic in the near future are increasing. The global spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus and its spill-over into new mammalian hosts, discovery of novel influenza A virus with zoonotic or even pandemic potential, as well as seasonal influenza viruses undergoing antigenic changes necessitate constant vigilance. Here, we highlight the proactive actions, precautionary measures and vaccination strategies used during the 1968 H3N2 IAV pandemic. Our review highlights the emergence and spread of 1968 H3N2pdm over the course of the pandemic, alongside a delineation of vaccine development before, during and after the 1968 pandemic. Updating these strategies in the context of new findings combined with our experiences during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is necessary to improve preparedness for the next pandemic. Influenza viruses with zoonotic potential will remain a constant threat to public health, and improving countermeasures and communication to the public is key to limit the pandemic ramifications.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-20

Brown J, Brennan H, Levine CB, et al (2026)

A historical overview of the anti-vaccine movement and its public health implications.

Vaccine, 89:128903.

Vaccination is one of the most effective public health interventions in history, yet resistance to vaccines has persisted across centuries. This narrative historical review examines the evolution of vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine sentiment from the smallpox era to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources were identified through PubMed and major public health organizations, including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spanning the early 18th century through 2025. Across distinct historical periods, including early smallpox vaccination, mid-20th-century vaccine controversies, the 1998 Wakefield publication, and the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring themes emerge. Concerns regarding vaccine safety, distrust of institutions, and objections grounded in personal liberty have consistently shaped resistance. While these core arguments have remained stable, the mechanisms of dissemination have transformed dramatically. Modern digital platforms enable rapid, large-scale spread of misinformation, often amplified by algorithms that prioritize emotionally engaging content. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a critical inflection point, with vaccine hesitancy becoming increasingly politicized and, in some cases, economically incentivized through monetized online content. Historical examples demonstrate that both genuine safety events and misinformation can produce long-lasting effects on public trust, even after scientific refutation. This review highlights that vaccine resistance is not solely a deficit of scientific knowledge but a complex interplay of social, political, and cultural factors. Effective public health strategies must therefore extend beyond evidence dissemination to include trust-building, transparent communication, and engagement within modern information ecosystems. Sustaining vaccine confidence will require addressing both the historical roots and contemporary drivers of hesitancy.

RevDate: 2026-08-18

Mujica-Coopman MF, Cordero M, C Corvalán (2026)

Triple Harm of Malnutrition and Mental Health in Low- and- Middle Income Countries: After COVID-19.

Archives of medical research, 57(7):103501 pii:S0188-4409(26)00123-2 [Epub ahead of print].

Low- and- middle income countries (LMICs), particularly in Latin America, face a growing double burden of malnutrition, characterized by the coexistence of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies alongside high rates of mental health disorders. From the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) perspective, maternal nutrition and mental health are critical determinants of offspring growth, neurodevelopment, and long-term health. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global food crisis have exacerbated food insecurity, unhealthy diets, and symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing the risk of maternal malnutrition in all its forms. Although most evidence on the interaction between maternal nutrition and mental health during early development comes from Asian and European populations, Latin America presents a particularly vulnerable context due to its high prevalence of obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and perinatal mental health disorders. This work discusses the potential consequences of disruptions in maternal nutrition and mental health during early life on obesity and neurodevelopmental programming, with a focus on the role of micronutrient deficiencies in Latin America. We conclude that urgent action is needed to prevent and mitigate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal nutrition and mental health in LMICs. Special attention should be given to children conceived and developing during and after the pandemic, as early-life exposure to maternal malnutrition, and poor mental health may adversely affect growth and future health outcomes. Strengthening food security programs, improving access to maternal mental health services, and implementing early-life interventions are essential strategies to reduce the potential intergenerational impacts of the pandemic on the offspring.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-18

Yoshida M, J Araya (2026)

Ageing-associated regenerative failure in the lung: stem cell senescence and transitional cell persistence in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 35(181):.

Alveolar regeneration failure due to alveolar stem cell senescence is a defining feature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), yet the epithelial mechanisms underlying this dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Recent single-cell and lineage-tracing studies have identified distinct transitional epithelial states, such as pre-alveolar type-1 transitional cells, damage-associated transient progenitors, and alveolar-basal intermediates, which normally serve as intermediates during type 2 alveolar cell (AT2) to type 1 alveolar cell (AT1) differentiation. While these states are transient and successfully resolved during acute lung injury, these populations persist abnormally in IPF lungs, exhibiting features of senescence, cell-cycle arrest, and impaired differentiation.We review recent evidence showing how premature alveolar epithelial senescence, suppression of developmental regenerative programmes, and sustained transforming growth factor-β signalling within the fibrotic niche contribute to this disruption. These factors promote the accumulation of dysfunctional transitional cells, such as cytokeratin (KRT)8[+]/KRT17[+] basaloid cells, which fail to regenerate alveolar epithelium and instead contribute to fibrosis and bronchiolisation through pathological crosstalk with macrophages and fibroblasts. Notably, similar transitional states appear in COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, but they typically exhibit minimal features of senescence and resolve during regeneration, underscoring the pathological importance of accelerated epithelial senescence in IPF.Understanding the molecular checkpoints that regulate transitional cell fate may offer novel strategies to restore regenerative capacity in fibrosing lung diseases.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-18

Franco G, Zanini U, Peri G, et al (2026)

Vaccinations in patients with interstitial lung diseases: a narrative review.

European respiratory review : an official journal of the European Respiratory Society, 35(181):.

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of lung disorders marked by progressive fibrosis and increased vulnerability to respiratory infections, which can trigger sudden outbreaks and worsen outcomes. Vaccination is a key preventive strategy in ILD patients to reduce infection-related morbidity and mortality. This review examines the importance of immunisation in individuals with ILDs, with particular emphasis on influenza, pneumococcal and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines endorsed by major health organisations. Despite evidence of their effectiveness, vaccination rates among patients with ILD remain low. Tailored vaccine strategies may enhance protection in this group. Additionally, although data are limited, immunisations against respiratory syncytial virus, Haemophilus influenzae, varicella-zoster virus, and pertussis may provide additional protection, particularly in older adults and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Hepatitis B vaccination should also be considered for patients on immunosuppressive therapies to prevent infection. Healthcare providers should actively encourage vaccination and address obstacles to immunisation in ILD patients. More research is necessary to assess the safety, effectiveness and optimal vaccination approaches for this vulnerable group. Ultimately, implementing systematic vaccination programmes and clear clinical guidelines is essential to improve preventive care and health outcomes for those with ILDs.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-19

Ugwu OP, Ugwu CN, Anyanwu GE, et al (2026)

From pathogen defence to precision health infrastructure: mRNA vaccines beyond infectious disease in preventive health, chronic disease management, and population wellbeing.

Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology, 14:1869761.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology is often portrayed as a pandemic-era innovation for infectious disease control, but this perspective no longer reflects its expanding clinical and societal significance. Although global attention intensified during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, mRNA platforms are founded on more than three decades of pre-pandemic research in cancer immunotherapy and experimental vaccinology. Emerging evidence demonstrates that programmable RNA technologies can extend beyond pathogen prevention into oncology, immune modulation, protein replacement, cardiovascular risk reduction, and population-level preventive medicine. Nevertheless, existing literature remains fragmented across disciplines and lacks a unifying framework explaining how a single platform can simultaneously support prevention, therapy, and health-system resilience. This narrative review addresses this gap by synthesising literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, emphasising studies published between 2018 and 2025 while retaining seminal pre-2018 mechanistic contributions. We integrate mechanistic, translational, and policy evidence to propose that mRNA vaccines should be reconceptualised as adaptive health infrastructure rather than single-purpose biologics. We introduce the Adaptive Preventive Therapeutics Continuum (APTC), a framework positioning mRNA intervention along a spectrum from anticipatory prevention to chronic disease management and precision restoration of physiological function. The central innovation of mRNA technology lies not only in rapid manufacturing but also in its programmable temporality the capacity to generate transient, titratable, and updateable biological responses tailored to disease stage and population need, thereby supporting resilient and adaptable healthcare systems.

RevDate: 2026-08-20
CmpDate: 2026-08-19

Ataguba JE, Muriithi GN, Achala DM, et al (2026)

Vaccine equity in Africa: a rapid review of policy, legal and governance frameworks to improve research and development.

Frontiers in health services, 6:1678143.

BACKGROUND: Vaccines are instrumental in promoting preventive health and improving health outcomes globally. However, stark inequities in vaccine production, distribution, and access disproportionately burden low and middle-income countries (LMICs), which suffer significantly from these disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic further reinforced these existing inequities, prompting renewed debates on scaling up Africa's research and development (R&D) capacity as a proactive approach to enhance very limited domestic vaccine production and counter persistent inequities. However, there has been no consolidated review of the policy, legal, and governance frameworks that shape this capacity and their implications for vaccine equity. This rapid review asked which policy, legal, governance, and investment frameworks influence vaccine R&D and manufacturing capacity in African countries, and how they affect the continent's ability to secure equitable access to vaccines.

METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA guided rapid review of peer-reviewed and grey literature. Searches were conducted in Academic Search Premier, Business Source Premier, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, EconLit, Embase, and Ovid Medline via OVID Platform, as well as Google Scholar databases. Eligible documents reported on African vaccine R&D, manufacturing, or related policy, legal, governance, or investment frameworks. Grey literature was identified from the WHO, the World Bank, the Africa CDC, government organizations, private institutions, and policy think tanks. Data was extracted using a structured template and synthesized narratively into thematic areas that aligned with the study objectives.

FINDINGS: From 18,038 records, 68 publications met the inclusion criteria. We identified twelve active vaccine manufacturers in Africa and eleven additional initiatives in development, with the majority focusing on fill-and-finish operations and relatively few investing in upstream R&D and drug substance manufacturing. Persistent under-investment in vaccine R&D, fragmented and weak regulatory systems, and dependence on external financing constrain sustainable local manufacturing. Global and regional instruments, including the TRIPS Agreement, the Doha Declaration, ACT-A/COVAX, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, create opportunities for technology transfer and impose intellectual property and supply-chain barriers that limit expansion of African vaccine R&D.

CONCLUSION: Africa has the capacity to produce vaccines and related health products. However, this potential is undermined by structural under-investment in R&D, constrained access to technologies and inputs, and weak coordination of policy and regulatory frameworks. Strengthening domestic R&D financing, enhancing regional regulatory and policy harmonization, and proactively engaging in IP and trade negotiations, alongside strategic public-private and product development partnerships, are critical to achieving vaccine equity for African populations.

RevDate: 2026-08-19

Chong EH, Wee IJY, Low JGH, et al (2026)

Post-Acute Sequelae of Non-COVID-19 Respiratory Viral Infections: A Systematic Review.

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) [Epub ahead of print].

Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) affect millions annually, yet long-term consequences outside COVID-19 are poorly defined. Post-acute sequelae, encompassing persistent or new physical, cognitive, and mental health impairments, are increasingly recognised as clinically important. We systematically reviewed evidence on post-acute outcomes in adults following non-COVID RVIs to characterise pathogen-specific patterns and highlight areas for future research. Major databases were searched from January 2004 to August 2025 for observational studies reporting symptoms, functional impairment, or new diagnoses ≥ 4 weeks after RVIs. Study characteristics, pathogens, follow-up duration, and organ-specific outcomes were extracted. Risk of bias was evaluated using ROBINS-I, and certainty of evidence was determined with the GRADE approach. Narrative synthesis was performed owing to heterogeneity. Thirteen studies (n = 631,863) met eligibility criteria. Influenza was the most studied pathogen and consistently associated with long-term pulmonary dysfunction, reduced diffusion capacity, dyspnoea, fatigue, and poorer quality of life. Large cohorts corroborated substantial pulmonary morbidity and less frequent cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric burdens. Two RSV cohorts (n = 1553 and n = 471) showed a predominance of cardiovascular sequelae; respiratory and neurological outcomes were less frequent. A single HMPV cohort (n = 92) reported persistent symptoms in 55% of adults at 90-270 days, most commonly dyspnoea, fatigue, and cough. Overall, the available evidence suggests that non-COVID RVIs are associated with post-acute multi-organ sequelae, particularly following severe infection. Nevertheless, evidence remains fragmented due to inconsistent study designs, limited pathogen coverage, and low certainty. Standardised, prospective, pathogen-specific studies are required to refine these preliminary signals and inform clinical follow-up and prevention strategies.

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

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

ESP Support

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

ESP Rationale

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

ESP Goal

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

ESP Usage

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

ESP Content

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

ESP Help

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

ESP Plans

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

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

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Papers in Classical Genetics

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

Digital Books

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

Timelines

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

Biographies

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

Selected Bibliographies

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

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