@article {pmid40231930,
year = {2025},
author = {Jackson, A and Lewis-Lloyd, CA and Merotohun, O and Crooks, CJ and Humes, DJ},
title = {Venous thromboembolism risk in the postoperative interval during the COVID-19 pandemic: meta-analysis.},
journal = {BJS open},
volume = {9},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/bjsopen/zraf039},
pmid = {40231930},
issn = {2474-9842},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; *Venous Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology ; *Postoperative Complications/epidemiology ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, global trends emerged, indicating increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence among postoperative patients, potentially attributable to perioperative COVID-19 infection. However, there are insufficient data on VTE incidence among postoperative patients in the context of the pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the global incidence of postoperative VTE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase databases, as well as three other registered databases, was conducted from 1 January 2019 to 3 November 2023, with pre-registration in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42023460464). Any study reporting patients aged ≥18 years undergoing surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic was included. Outcomes were aggregated absolute and unadjusted relative risks, plus incidence rates per 1000 person-years, of 30- or 90-day postoperative VTE in patients operated on before or during the COVID-19 pandemic and those with or without perioperative COVID-19 infection during the pandemic.

RESULTS: Of 5943 studies, 17 were available for meta-analysis, reporting on 3 035 037 patients. VTE incidence rates in perioperative COVID-19-positive compared with COVID-19-negative patients were significantly higher after total joint arthroplasty (244 (95% c.i. 110 to 541) versus 71 (95% c.i. 47 to 108) per 1000 person-years), other orthopaedic surgery (253 (95% c.i. 240 to 266) versus 138 (95% c.i. 84 to 229) per 1000 person-years), and emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery (474 (95% c.i. 226 to 995) versus 97 (95% c.i. 61 to 157) per 1000 person-years). No significant differences in VTE rates were reported in studies comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic VTE incidence rates.

CONCLUSION: There were consistent increased VTE rates in perioperative COVID-19-positive patients, particularly those undergoing orthopaedic surgery, and emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery. Further investigation is required to delineate postoperative VTE risk and how it varies by COVID-19 variant and vaccination to inform future practice.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
*Venous Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology
*Postoperative Complications/epidemiology
Incidence
SARS-CoV-2
Risk Factors

@article {pmid40231656,
year = {2025},
author = {Phillips, B and Abbott, C and Breit, S and St Onge, E},
title = {Olezarsen for the Treatment of Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome.},
journal = {The Annals of pharmacotherapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10600280251332500},
doi = {10.1177/10600280251332500},
pmid = {40231656},
issn = {1542-6270},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of olezarsen (Tryngolza) in treating familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia.

DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed from January 2022 to mid-March 2025, using keywords such as olezarsen, antisense oligonucleotide, triglyceride, hypertriglyceridemia, apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), and cardiovascular.

Relevant English-language studies assessing the pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, efficacy, or safety of olezarsen were included. Data from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved package insert were also reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Olezarsen is an antisense oligonucleotide targeting APOC3 mRNA, a key regulator of plasma triglyceride levels. It has been shown to significantly reduce triglyceride levels via APOC3 protein degradation. Clinical trials have demonstrated substantial reductions in triglyceride levels and APOC3, with minimal adverse events. Phase 2 and 3 trials showed consistent efficacy and safety profiles, with common adverse events including COVID-19 infection, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Drugs:Olezarsen offers a targeted and effective treatment for FCS, addressing limitations of traditional therapies such as fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and statins. Its novel mechanism of action and once-monthly dosing regimen may improve patient adherence, providing significant advancement in FCS management.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Olezarsen represents a new treatment for FCS, offering a targeted approach to significantly reduce triglyceride levels. Its integration into clinical practice has the potential to transform the management of FCS; however, more studies are needed to firmly establish its role.},
}

@article {pmid40231214,
year = {2025},
author = {Serafini, RA and Frere, JJ and Giosan, IM and Nwaneshiudu, CA},
title = {SARS-CoV-2-induced sensory perturbations: A narrative review of clinical phenotypes, molecular pathologies, and possible interventions.},
journal = {Brain, behavior, & immunity - health},
volume = {45},
number = {},
pages = {100983},
pmid = {40231214},
issn = {2666-3546},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The acute and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been of great clinical interest since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a high prevalence of individuals with persistent symptoms, a wholistic view of the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on special sensory systems is lacking. Considering the significant impact of normal sensory function on quality of life, the goal of this review is to highlight unresolved issues related to SARS-CoV-2-associated insults to the sensory nervous system.

MAJOR FINDINGS: In this narrative review, we discuss the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2-induced sensory perturbations, underlying pathological mechanisms, and possible therapeutic strategies across the olfactory, gustatory, somatosensory, visual, and auditory systems. Examined literature included studies with human biospecimens, human-derived cell lines, and naturally susceptible animal models, which highlighted evidence of persistent functional disruption in all sensory systems. SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with persistent inflammation in the olfactory epithelium/bulb, somatosensory ganglia, and gustatory systems, long-term transcriptional perturbations in the sensory central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, and detectable degeneration/apoptosis in the gustatory and visual systems. Few studies have proposed evidence-based therapeutic strategies for attenuating specific sensory abnormalities after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSION: While the olfactory system, and to some extent the visual and somatosensory systems, have been more thoroughly investigated from symptomatology, behavioral and molecular perspectives, there is still an unmet need for the development of therapeutics to treat COVID-induced impairment of these systems. Further, additional attention must be placed on COVID-associated impairment of the gustatory, visual, and auditory systems, which lack detailed mechanistic investigations into their pathogenesis.},
}

@article {pmid40231071,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, X and Du, X and Bai, S and Zheng, P and Zhou, X and Wang, Z},
title = {Differences in depression prevalence among older adults in China before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19251},
pmid = {40231071},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; China/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Aged ; *Depression/epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Female ; Male ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Changes in the prevalence of depression during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic among older adults in China have not been systematically evaluated. We aimed to systematically summarize existing evidence to conduct a meta-analysis to quantify changes in the prevalence of depression before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WangFang Data, CQVIP, and China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc) databases were searched from January 1, 2017, to November 20, 2024. Studies reporting the prevalence of depression among Chinese individuals aged 60 or older using validated diagnostic tools were included. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled prevalence, with subgroup analyses performed by demographic and socio-economic factors. Relative risks (RR) were calculated to compare prevalence across different pandemic stages.

RESULTS: A total of 101 studies involving 264,758 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of depression among older adults was 25.8% (95% CI [21.7-29.9]) from 2017-2019 and 23.8% (95% CI [19.8-27.8]) from 2020-2023. During the early pandemic stage (January-April 2020), prevalence significantly decreased (RR = 0.849, P < .001) but increased in later stages, reaching 24.4% by 2021-2023. The prevalence of depression among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic showed a significant increasing trend (P trend  < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence among females, rural residents, individuals with lower education levels, and those living alone.

CONCLUSION: Depression prevalence among older adults in China decreased during the early pandemic response but showed an increasing trend over time, reflecting the complex mental health impact of prolonged public health measures. Effective interventions are needed to address the specific needs of vulnerable subgroups during and beyond public health crises.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
China/epidemiology
Prevalence
Aged
*Depression/epidemiology
Middle Aged
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Female
Male
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid40228664,
year = {2025},
author = {Gabizon, AA},
title = {Cancer nanomedicine from a clinician-scientist perspective: Lessons and prospects.},
journal = {Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {113731},
doi = {10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.113731},
pmid = {40228664},
issn = {1873-4995},
abstract = {The nanomedicine field has progressed enormously in the last couple of decades. From a loose group of liposomologists, polymer scientists, chemical engineers, and experts in metal nanoparticles, mesoporous silica, and other nanomaterials, the field has gradually consolidated and has generated vast amounts of research and clinical data, but, until the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based vaccinations for Covid-19, has remained with low visibility in the clinic. Applications in the cancer field are the most frequently sought projects in nanomedicine. For the last 45 years, my clinical career has mingled with my research career focusing on ways to formulate drugs in liposomes to improve their safety and efficacy in cancer therapy. In this review, I will discuss my contribution to the development of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and other cancer nanomedicines from my privileged position as a clinician and scientist.},
}

@article {pmid40227513,
year = {2025},
author = {Casazza, M and Bolz, M and Huemer, J},
title = {Telemedicine in ophthalmology.},
journal = {Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40227513},
issn = {1563-258X},
abstract = {Since its beginnings in the 1970s, telemedicine has advanced extensively. Telemedicine is now more accessible and powerful than ever thanks to developments in medical imaging, Internet accessibility, advancements in telecommunications infrastructure, exponential growth in computing power, and related computer-aided diagnoses. This is especially true in the field of ophthalmology. With the COVID 19 pandemic serving as a catalyst for the widespread adoption and acceptance of teleophthalmology, new models of healthcare provision integrating telemedicine are needed to meet the challenges of the modern world. The demand for ophthalmic services is growing globally due to population growth, aging, and a shortage of ophthalmologists. In this review, we discuss the development and use of telemedicine in the field of ophthalmology and shed light on the benefits and drawbacks of teleophthalmology.},
}

@article {pmid40227096,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, J and Zhou, J and Li, P and Wang, Y and Ridderhof, N and Al-Tawfiq, JA and Brouwer, WP and Chen, K and de Knegt, RJ and Peppelenbosch, MP and Hansen, BE and Engel, MFM and Zheng, MH and Memish, ZA and Eslam, M and Janssen, HLA and Pan, Q and Ayada, I},
title = {The global prevalence and impact of steatotic liver disease and viral infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Hepatology communications},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1097/HC9.0000000000000689},
pmid = {40227096},
issn = {2471-254X},
mesh = {Humans ; Prevalence ; *Fatty Liver/epidemiology/virology ; Coinfection/epidemiology ; *HIV Infections/epidemiology/complications ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Global Health ; Hepatitis C/epidemiology ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) affects ~30% of adults worldwide. The global population is continuously threatened by epidemic and endemic viral diseases. This study aims to thoroughly examine the interaction between SLD and major viral diseases.

METHODS: We systematically searched databases from inception to April 2, 2024, for observational studies recording viral-infected adult patients with eligible data on the presence of hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS: Six hundred thirty-six eligible studies were included in the analysis of SLD prevalence. Among patients with monoinfections, the highest SLD prevalence was observed in those infected with HCV at 49% (95% CI: 47%-51%), followed by SARS-CoV-2 (39%, 95% CI [34%-44%]), HIV (39%, 95% CI [33%-44%]), and HBV (36%, 95% CI [32%-40%]). Additionally, co-infections, such as HCV-HIV and HBV-HCV, exhibit even higher SLD prevalence. The prevalence of steatohepatitis is particularly high in HIV-infected (24%, 95% CI: 17%-30%) and HCV-infected (18%, 95% CI: 13%-24%) populations. The co-existence of SLD with viral infections was associated not only with the progression of liver disease but also with more severe outcomes of the infections and poorer responses to antiviral treatment. The combination of cardiometabolic risk factors and viral-associated and host factors contributes to the higher risk of SLD in viral-infected populations.

CONCLUSIONS: SLD is highly prevalent in viral-infected populations, and the reciprocal interactions between SLD and viral diseases exacerbate both conditions, leading to poorer patient outcomes in general.},
}

Humans
Prevalence
*Fatty Liver/epidemiology/virology
Coinfection/epidemiology
*HIV Infections/epidemiology/complications
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Global Health
Hepatitis C/epidemiology
Hepatitis B/epidemiology/complications
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40227027,
year = {2025},
author = {Wetherell, W},
title = {Review of the Emergency Preparedness, Resilience, and Response Exercise Frequency of NHS Acute Trusts in England.},
journal = {Disaster medicine and public health preparedness},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {e91},
doi = {10.1017/dmp.2025.99},
pmid = {40227027},
issn = {1938-744X},
mesh = {Humans ; England ; State Medicine/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data ; *Civil Defense/methods/statistics & numerical data/standards ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Disaster Planning/methods/statistics & numerical data/standards ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: In England, the Civil Contingencies Act (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005 require National Health Service (NHS) Trusts which provide hospital accommodation and services in relation to accidents or emergencies to conduct Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response (EPRR) exercises. The NHS England EPRR Framework specifies the minimum frequencies of these exercises. This review assessed the number of Trusts conducting exercises in accordance with these frequencies one year after the national NHS COVID-19 response was stepped down.

METHODS: The outcome of interest was the number of Trusts having a record of conducting their most recent exercises in accordance with the minimum frequencies required by the NHS England EPRR Framework.

RESULTS: Of the applicable 122 Trusts, 95 had a record of conducting a communication systems exercise, 115 had a record of conducting a table-top exercise, 106 had a record of conducting a live play exercise and 90 had a record of conducting a command post exercise in accordance with the minimum frequencies.

CONCLUSION: Over one fifth of Trusts did not have a record of conducting an EPRR communications systems exercise as required. This review may also be of interest to other state-level bodies which specify high level EPRR requirements to healthcare providers.},
}

Humans
England
State Medicine/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data
*Civil Defense/methods/statistics & numerical data/standards
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Disaster Planning/methods/statistics & numerical data/standards

@article {pmid40226776,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, Y and Sun, L and Guan, S and Li, R and Yang, J and Cao, Y and Zhang, L and Li, T and Zhang, H and Bueber, M and Hall, BJ and Phillips, MR and Li, C},
title = {Evolving role of the internet in China as a medium for promoting psychological well-being and mental health: a scoping review.},
journal = {The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific},
volume = {56},
number = {},
pages = {101515},
pmid = {40226776},
issn = {2666-6065},
abstract = {The rapid development of China's 5G 'Internet Plus' industry has led to increasing use of the Internet to provide healthcare services. Internet-based services in China are already widely used to prevent, identify, monitor, and manage mental disorders, but few of these services have been formally evaluated. To provide a clear baseline of this rapidly evolving field, we searched articles published before December 31, 2022, about internet-based interventions and surveys for mental health-related conditions in China in five international databases (Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and four Chinese databases (CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and WanFang). The 143 identified studies-54 in Chinese and 89 in English-described internet-based interventions and surveys in individuals with mental disorders, community residents, college students, older adults, pregnant women, and health professionals. The number of identified studies, which were mainly conducted in economically developed regions of the country, quadrupled after the 2019 onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Available studies suggest-but do not prove-that internet-based interventions can reduce the severity of psychiatric symptoms, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for individuals with mental disorders. Innovative smartphone applications could potentially improve the quality and expand the scope of internet-based interventions, making them a key component in ongoing efforts to prevent and monitor mental illness, enhance the self-management of mental disorders, and alleviate psychological distress among adolescents and other at-risk populations. However, achieving this long-term goal will require establishing standardised methods of administering internet-based interventions, training mental health professionals to implement and monitor the interventions, identifying methods of maintaining the confidentiality of collected information, and rigorously assessing the effectiveness of the interventions based on periodic assessment of uniform outcome measures. Clinical and policy research about expanding internet-based mental health interventions should focus on confidentiality, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.},
}

@article {pmid40226433,
year = {2025},
author = {Abou Mansour, M and El Rassi, C and Sleem, B and Borghol, R and Arabi, M},
title = {Thromboembolic Events in the Era of COVID-19: A Detailed Narrative Review.},
journal = {The Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses et de la microbiologie medicale},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {3804576},
pmid = {40226433},
issn = {1712-9532},
abstract = {COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is not only characterized by respiratory symptoms but is also associated with a wide range of systemic complications, including significant hematologic abnormalities. This is a comprehensive review of the current literature, using PubMed and Google Scholar, on the pathophysiology and incidence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients and thromboprophylaxis. COVID-19 infection induces a prothrombotic state in patients through the dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), endothelial dysfunction, elevated von Willebrand factor (vWF), and a dysregulated immune response involving the complement system and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). As a result, thromboembolic complications have emerged in COVID-19 cases, occurring more frequently in severe cases and hospitalized patients. These thrombotic events affect both venous and arterial circulation, with increased incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), systemic arterial thrombosis, and myocardial infarction (MI). While DVT and PE are more common, the literature highlights the potential lethal consequences of arterial thromboembolism (ATE). This review also briefly examines the ongoing discussions regarding the use of anticoagulants for the prevention of thrombotic events in COVID-19 patients. While theoretically promising, current studies have yielded varied outcomes: Some suggest potential benefits, whereas others report an increased risk of bleeding events among hospitalized patients. Therefore, further large-scale studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 patients.},
}

@article {pmid40226161,
year = {2025},
author = {Etesami, I and Ansari, MS and Pourgholi, E and Heidari, S and Rafati, A and Bahramian, S and Danaei, B and Demokri, S and Fazeli, P and Memari, H and Mirzaee Godarzee, H and Sadeghi, B and Vahabi, SM},
title = {Drug- and Vaccine-Induced Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Review of the Literature.},
journal = {Journal of skin cancer},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {3103865},
pmid = {40226161},
issn = {2090-2905},
abstract = {Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that usually involves the skin. It has different subtypes including mycosis fungoides (MFs), Sézary syndrome (SS), primary cutaneous anaplastic large lymphoma (PC-ALCL), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), and subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL). There are several reports of incidence, relapse, or progression of CTCLs by using specific drugs. We aim to identify drug- and vaccine-induced CTCL characteristics. A systematic search was conducted using MeSH terms/keywords: CTCL and drug-induced or drug-associated or vaccine-associated or vaccine induced through PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase until May 10, 2024. Out of 14,031 papers, 60 articles were included, involving 71 patients with a mean age of 53.5 ± 17 years. Among them, 52.1% were male. Medications were categorized into four groups: conventional, biologics, small molecules, and vaccines. The most frequently reported medications in the first group were fingolimod (n = 8) and methotrexate (n = 7). Infliximab (n = 6) and etanercept (n = 5) were the most commonly reported biologics. Pfizer-BioNTech (n = 11) vaccine and JAK inhibitors (n = 3) were the most reported vaccine and small molecules. LyP (n = 17) was the most frequently reported type of CTCL, followed by PC-ALCL (n = 13), MF (n = 11), SS (n = 8), and SPTCL (n = 8). The most common underlying conditions were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 15) and multiple sclerosis (n = 10). Twenty patients (28%) experienced disease regression after discontinuing the drug, with a mean ± SD of 8.6 ± 8.8 weeks. In 14 patients (20%), chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were initiated. Six patients passed away after being diagnosed with CTCL: two because of CTCL recurrence and four because of other complications. It is important recognizing CTCL as a possible, although rare, adverse effect of certain drugs and vaccines, and taking a history of vaccinations, especially COVID-19 vaccines, and immunosuppressive drugs such as fingolimod, TNF-a inhibitors, and methotrexate.},
}

@article {pmid40198822,
year = {2025},
author = {O'Connor, H and DiSalvo, M and Gersten, M and Boyden, S and Uchida, M},
title = {Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Child Development: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP},
volume = {46},
number = {2},
pages = {e227-e239},
doi = {10.1097/DBP.0000000000001352},
pmid = {40198822},
issn = {1536-7312},
support = {1K23MH122667-01//Foundation for the National Institutes of Health/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Child Development/physiology ; *Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology/etiology ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Infant ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on early childhood development and identify areas of interest surrounding development.

METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed to identify articles examining how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected early childhood development, and a meta-analysis was conducted from the results of those articles to examine the degree of the impact of the pandemic on the areas of childhood development.

RESULTS: Ten articles from 6 countries were identified that met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. The multivariate meta-analysis showed no significant difference in overall development (pooled Cohen's d = 0.28, 95% CI, -0.33 to 0.88; p = 0.18) or odds for developmental delay (pooled odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI, 0.77 to 2.67; p = 0.20) between pre-COVID-19 development and COVID-19 development. However, there was significantly more impairment (d = 0.46, p = 0.003) and greater odds (72%; OR = 1.72, p = 0.01) for developmental delay in the language and communication domain for COVID-19 children versus pre-COVID-19 children.

CONCLUSION: While exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with global developmental delays, it had a significant impact on child development regarding language and communication. Further research monitoring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary, and parents and communities should focus on increasing early intervention and enriched curriculum to offset these delays.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Child Development/physiology
*Developmental Disabilities/epidemiology/etiology
Child, Preschool
Child
Infant

@article {pmid40148247,
year = {2025},
author = {Beaton, S and Abah, T and Miller-Hammond, K},
title = {Impact of Limited Access to Surgical Care in Medically Underserved Communities.},
journal = {The American surgeon},
volume = {91},
number = {5},
pages = {685-689},
doi = {10.1177/00031348251324265},
pmid = {40148247},
issn = {1555-9823},
mesh = {Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Health Services Accessibility ; *Healthcare Disparities ; *Medically Underserved Area ; Minority Groups ; *Surgical Procedures, Operative/statistics & numerical data ; United States ; Vulnerable Populations ; },
abstract = {Summary/BackgroundMedically underserved communities and ethnic minorities constitute a significant portion of the vulnerable population within the United States. Recent changes in the health care structure, rising inflation with a decline in median household income, and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have disproportionately impacted communities of low socioeconomic status. Healthcare providers and federal organizations must be aware of how these factors influence access to surgical care to tailor treatment, interventions, and policies better to meet the needs of these populations.MethodWe systematically reviewed 19 articles to identify key factors influencing barriers to health care for minority populations and how the dynamic changes in healthcare structures can further exacerbate this divide.DiscussionMedically underserved populations face significant barriers to health care due to socioeconomic factors like income, housing instability, and lack of insurance. These areas often have shortages of primary care providers, access to healthy foods, and high-value health care that may lead to unfavorable outcomes. Poor access and utilization of health services can also affect hospital systems, leading to decreased funding and increased hospital closures. Despite federal intervention and policy changes, the need for further support for rural healthcare institutions and underserved populations remains, requiring financial assistance, resource allocation improvements, and incentives for healthcare providers and investors.ConclusionHealthcare systems can work towards bridging the gap in access to surgical services by implementing targeted outreach programs and ensuring equitable resource distribution. Additionally, fostering partnerships with community organizations can enhance awareness and address specific barriers these populations face.},
}

Humans
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Health Services Accessibility
*Healthcare Disparities
*Medically Underserved Area
Minority Groups
*Surgical Procedures, Operative/statistics & numerical data
United States
Vulnerable Populations

@article {pmid40145745,
year = {2025},
author = {Krammer, F and Hermann, E and Rasmussen, AL},
title = {Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1: history, current situation, and outlook.},
journal = {Journal of virology},
volume = {99},
number = {4},
pages = {e0220924},
doi = {10.1128/jvi.02209-24},
pmid = {40145745},
issn = {1098-5514},
support = {175622,187244/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; 2217296//National Science Foundation/ ; 75N93021C00014, 75N93019C00051, AI168631, AI154470, AI162130, AI144616, 75N93023C00019, 75N93023C00042, R25GM150146, CA260560, 75N91019D00024/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; N/A//Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity/genetics/classification ; Humans ; *Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/virology/transmission/history ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology/virology/transmission ; Birds ; Zoonoses/virology/epidemiology/transmission ; Viral Zoonoses/transmission/virology/epidemiology ; History, 21st Century ; Cattle ; Disease Outbreaks ; History, 20th Century ; Pandemics ; Poultry ; },
abstract = {The H5N1 avian panzootic has resulted in cross-species transmission to birds and mammals, causing outbreaks in wildlife, poultry, and US dairy cattle with a range of host-dependent pathogenic outcomes. Although no human-to-human transmission has been observed, the rising number of zoonotic human cases creates opportunities for adaptive mutation or reassortment. This Gem explores the history, evolution, virology, and epidemiology of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 relative to its pandemic potential. Pandemic risk reduction measures are urgently required.},
}

Animals
*Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity/genetics/classification
Humans
*Influenza in Birds/epidemiology/virology/transmission/history
*Influenza, Human/epidemiology/virology/transmission
Birds
Zoonoses/virology/epidemiology/transmission
Viral Zoonoses/transmission/virology/epidemiology
History, 21st Century
Cattle
Disease Outbreaks
History, 20th Century
Pandemics
Poultry

@article {pmid39918873,
year = {2025},
author = {Chhabra, KH and Shoemaker, R and Herath, CB and Thomas, MC and Filipeanu, CM and Lazartigues, E},
title = {Molecular dissection of the role of ACE2 in glucose homeostasis.},
journal = {Physiological reviews},
volume = {105},
number = {3},
pages = {935-973},
doi = {10.1152/physrev.00027.2024},
pmid = {39918873},
issn = {1522-1210},
support = {R01 DK124619/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R56 DK140148/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; BX004294//U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/ ; HL150592//HHS | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; },
mesh = {*Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/genetics ; Animals ; Humans ; *Homeostasis/physiology ; *Glucose/metabolism ; COVID-19 ; },
abstract = {Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was discovered 25 years ago as a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system, opposing the effects of angiotensin II. Beyond its well-demonstrated roles in cardiovascular regulation and COVID-19 pathology, ACE2 is involved in a plethora of physiopathological processes. In this review, we summarize the latest discoveries on the role of ACE2 in glucose homeostasis and regulation of metabolism. In the endocrine pancreas, ACE2 is expressed at low levels in β-cells, but loss of its expression inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and impairs glucose tolerance. Conversely, overexpression of ACE2 improved glycemia, suggesting that recombinant ACE2 might be a future therapy for diabetes. In the skeletal muscle of ACE2-deficient mice a progressive triglyceride accumulation was observed, whereas in diabetic kidney the initial increase in ACE2 is followed by a chronic reduction of expression in kidney tubules and impairment of glucose metabolism. At the intestinal level dysregulation of the enzyme alters the amino acid absorption and intestinal microbiome, whereas at the hepatic level ACE2 protects against diabetic fatty liver disease. Not least, ACE2 is upregulated in adipocytes in response to nutritional stimuli, and administration of recombinant ACE2 decreased body weight and increased thermogenesis. In addition to tissue-specific regulation of ACE2 function, the enzyme undergoes complex cellular posttranslational modifications that are changed during diabetes evolution, with at least proteolytic cleavage and ubiquitination leading to modifications in ACE2 activity. Detailed characterization of ACE2 in a cellular and tissue-specific manner holds promise for improving therapeutic outcomes in diabetes and metabolic disorders.},
}

*Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism/genetics
Animals
Humans
*Homeostasis/physiology
*Glucose/metabolism
COVID-19

@article {pmid39432732,
year = {2025},
author = {Cho, HK and Frivold, C and Chu, HY},
title = {Maternal Immunization.},
journal = {The Journal of infectious diseases},
volume = {231},
number = {4},
pages = {830-836},
doi = {10.1093/infdis/jiae509},
pmid = {39432732},
issn = {1537-6613},
mesh = {Humans ; Pregnancy ; Female ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control ; *Vaccination ; COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Immunization ; Vaccination Hesitancy ; Infant ; },
abstract = {Pregnant individuals and infants are at risk from vaccine-preventable diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy can protect both the mother and child. Recent progress in developing these vaccines is notable, but vaccine hesitancy and the exclusion of pregnant individuals from clinical trials limit their use. Maternal immunization safeguards mothers from severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes while providing infants with antibodies through the placenta and breast milk. Inactivated vaccines are generally effective and safe during pregnancy. Limited safety and efficacy data due to exclusion from trials hinder vaccine uptake; however, vaccines like tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap), influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 have proven effective, and are recommended vaccines during pregnancy. New vaccines for group B Streptococcus (GBS) and cytomegalovirus are in development, with the GBS vaccine being the most advanced. Combating vaccine hesitancy through strong health care provider recommendations is vital to enhance uptake and protect pregnant individuals and their infants.},
}

Humans
Pregnancy
Female
*COVID-19/prevention & control
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control
*Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Immunization
Vaccination Hesitancy
Infant

@article {pmid39298208,
year = {2025},
author = {Bleidorn, W and Stahlmann, AG and Hopwood, CJ},
title = {Big Five personality traits and vaccination: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {44-56},
doi = {10.1037/hea0001398},
pmid = {39298208},
issn = {1930-7810},
support = {/SNSF_/Swiss National Science Foundation/Switzerland ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination/psychology ; *Personality ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Intention ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Male ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Despite the proven benefits of vaccination, people differ in their willingness to get vaccinated. These differences are the result of multiple factors, including social, cultural, and psychological variables. This meta-analysis estimated the effects of people's Big Five personality traits on their vaccination attitudes, intentions, and behaviors and examined the role of theoretically and empirically derived moderator variables.

METHOD: We meta-analyzed data from 28 studies that sampled over 48,000 individuals to estimate the effects of Big Five personality traits on vaccination attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. In addition, we tested the moderating effects of age, gender, sample region, sample type (representative vs. convenience), vaccination measure (attitude, intention, behavior, compound), vaccination type (COVID-19, Influenza, or other), and reliability of the Big Five measure on the links between personality traits and vaccination.

RESULTS: People with high levels in agreeableness and extraversion, and low levels in neuroticism reported more positive attitudes toward vaccination, whereas open people reported stronger intentions to get vaccinated. Open and agreeable people were also more positive about novel COVID-19 vaccines, whereas extraverted people were more positive about influenza vaccines. There were no effects for conscientiousness. Overall, effect sizes were small but generalized across age. Other moderator effects suggested a more nuanced picture across cultural regions, sample types, and gender.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide a compelling picture of significant, albeit small, effects of personality traits on vaccination. Questions remain about the processes through which personality traits may affect vaccination attitudes, intentions, and potentially also behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).},
}

Humans
*Vaccination/psychology
*Personality
*COVID-19/prevention & control
Intention
COVID-19 Vaccines
*Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Male

@article {pmid40225829,
year = {2025},
author = {Maglione, MA and Klausner, JD and Wirnkar, PK and Fallarme, I and Lak, R and Sysawang, K and Fu, N and Yagyu, S and Motala, A and Tolentino, D and Hempel, S},
title = {A Rapid Systematic Review of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-Authorized COVID-19 Treatments.},
journal = {Open forum infectious diseases},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {ofaf097},
pmid = {40225829},
issn = {2328-8957},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic era saw numerous treatments authorized for emergency use by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The purpose of the review was to determine if convalescent plasma, antivirals, or monoclonal antibodies are associated with serious adverse events (SAEs) and, if so, which specific populations are at risk.

METHODS: PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the FDA submission database were searched through December 2023, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines, international COVID Network Meta-analysis database, and systematic reviews were reference mined to identify controlled studies with at least 1 US site. Reviewers abstracted study characteristics, number of patients experiencing each type of SAE, and methods of adverse event collection and reporting.

RESULTS: Fifty-four studies met inclusion criteria, including 31 randomized controlled trials. We found insufficient evidence of association of any SAE with antivirals and spike protein receptor-binding antibodies. In patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the monoclonal antibody tocilizumab, an interleukin 6 inhibitor, may be associated with elevated risk of neutropenia (moderate certainty) and infection (limited certainty). Convalescent plasma may be associated with thrombotic events (limited certainty) as well as bleeding events and infection in patients with hematologic cancers (moderate certainty). Inclusion of studies without a US site could potentially change the findings.

CONCLUSIONS: Severe COVID-19 infection may have serious consequences, especially in hospitalized patients with comorbidities. These consequences may be confused with toxicities of the interventions. Based on our analysis, approved treatments for COVID-19 should be prescribed as clinically indicated, although continued vigilance is warranted to identify rare and potentially significant toxicities that may arise in clinical practice.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42023467821).},
}

@article {pmid40225770,
year = {2025},
author = {Joshi, KM and Salve, S and Dhanwade, D and Chavhan, M and Jagtap, S and Shinde, M and Holkar, R and Patil, R and Chabukswar, V},
title = {Advancing protein biosensors: redefining detection through innovations in materials, mechanisms, and applications for precision medicine and global diagnostics.},
journal = {RSC advances},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {11523-11536},
pmid = {40225770},
issn = {2046-2069},
abstract = {Protein biosensors are significant tools in modern diagnostics due to their exceptional sensitivity and specificity in detecting protein biomarkers critical for disease diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring, and biomedical research. Innovations in transduction methods, nanomaterials, and point-of-care system integration have spurred recent advancements in biosensor technology. This summary examines key developments in protein biosensors, focusing on their structure, applications, and future potential. Nanomaterial-enhanced electrochemical biosensors, such as graphene, polyaniline, and carbon nanotubes, offer improved signal transmission due to their large surface area and faster electron transfer rates. Label-free immunosensors activated with gold nanoparticles and MXene-based sensors capable of combined biomarker analysis for detecting ovarian cancer are notable examples. During the COVID-19 pandemic, colorimetric and fluorescence optical biosensors facilitated easier diagnostics. An example of this is the incorporation of SARS-CoV-2 detection technologies into mobile phones. Real-time, label-free tracking with molecular precision is now possible due to the development of new methods, such as CRISPR-based platforms and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based biosensors. This advancement is crucial for effectively managing infectious diseases and cancer. Synthetic fluorescence biosensors increase diagnostics by improving the visualization of protein interactions and cellular communication. Despite these achievements, challenges related to scalability, sustainability, and regulatory compliance remain. Proposed solutions include sustainable biosensor manufacturing, artificial intelligence-enhanced analytics for efficacy evaluation, and multidisciplinary approaches to optimize interaction with decentralised diagnostic systems. This work demonstrates how protein biosensors can advance precision medicine and global health.},
}

@article {pmid40225255,
year = {2025},
author = {Ma, L and Ye, F},
title = {Effect of Isolation Measures on Nosocomial Infection Rates in Nursing Practice during COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Iranian journal of public health},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {297-308},
pmid = {40225255},
issn = {2251-6093},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections represent a critical challenge in nursing practice, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation measures have been implemented widely to curb the spread of infections within healthcare settings. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of isolation measures in reducing nosocomial infection rates in nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using keywords such as "isolation measures," "nosocomial infection," and "COVID-19" and their combinations in international databases, focusing on articles published between 2020 and 2024. Data were analyzed using meta-analysis and a random effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the I[2] test, and analyses were performed using STATA software.

RESULTS: The analysis of 8 selected articles with a total sample size of 10,532 individuals showed that the implementation of isolation measures significantly reduced nosocomial infection rates, with an average effect size of 0.58 (95% CI: 42.1-74.5).

CONCLUSION: Isolation measures are effective in reducing nosocomial infection rates in nursing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings support the continued use of these measures to enhance patient safety and control infection spread within healthcare facilities.},
}

@article {pmid40225252,
year = {2025},
author = {Akbari, H and Mohammadi, M and Hosseini, A},
title = {A Scientometric Perspective on Stigma Research in Medicine: A Bibliometric Review.},
journal = {Iranian journal of public health},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {346-360},
pmid = {40225252},
issn = {2251-6093},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Stigma is a critical social determinant of health, influencing individuals' access to resources, quality of life, and overall well-being. Despite its significant implications, bibliometric studies on stigma in the medical field remain sparse. We provide a comprehensive scientometric analysis of stigma research in medicine over the past 30 years, highlighting trends, key focus areas, and evolving challenges.

METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software, utilizing data from the Scopus database. The search included articles with the keyword "stigma*" in the title, published between 1992 and 2022, within the fields of Medicine, Nursing, and Professional Health. The initial search yielded 20,284 articles, narrowed down to 7,854 relevant publications for detailed analysis. Key metrics analyzed included co-authorship, co-occurrence of keywords, and co-citation patterns.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed a significant increase in stigma-related publications in the medical field, particularly since 2010, with a peak in 2022, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research identified nine major keyword clusters, 40 associated diseases, and 36 target groups. Persistent diseases like HIV, mental illness, addiction, and cancer continue to be strongly associated with stigma.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the evolving nature of stigma research in medicine, with an increasing focus on intersecting stigmas and their persistent impact on public health. Future research should aim to develop comprehensive models and strategies to manage and reduce stigma, particularly for diseases with enduring stigmatic associations. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, healthcare providers, and society are crucial to address the social and economic consequences of stigma and improve health outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40225082,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, B and Xu, L and Wang, Y and Hao, C and Jiang, W},
title = {Understanding the unconventional reemergence of M. pneumoniae epidemics during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Translational pediatrics},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {473-479},
pmid = {40225082},
issn = {2224-4344},
abstract = {Since the implementation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restrictions since 2020, the number of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infections in children has significantly decreased. However, after the end of the COVID pandemic, there has been a notable resurgence in M. pneumoniae infections, which is particularly unusual in terms of both the number of infections and their severity. The purpose of this article is to review the existing evidence and explore theories that underlying the epidemiological shifts of M. pneumoniae following the COVID-19 pandemic, and propose factors contributing to the unconventional resurgence of M. pneumoniae infections. Proposed factors include decline of M. pneumoniae immunity, circulation of different genetic types and emergence of new macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (MRMP) variants, immune dysregulation following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and others. Among these factors, the decline in M. pneumoniae immunity and the circulation of different genetic types are considered significant contributors. Further research in bacterial genomics and more robust immunology studies are needed to guide the prevention of M. pneumoniae infections and the allocation of healthcare resources. International cooperation and information sharing are crucial for understanding the epidemiological changes of M. pneumoniae. Further cross-regional collaboration is called to enhance our understanding of the scope of M. pneumoniae outbreaks and facilitate a collective response.},
}

@article {pmid40224740,
year = {2024},
author = {O' Regan-Hyde, M and Dalton-O Connor, C and Flynn, A and Murphy, A and McCarthy, VJC},
title = {Nurses' Experiences of the Caring Role during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research.},
journal = {Journal of nursing management},
volume = {2024},
number = {},
pages = {7147203},
pmid = {40224740},
issn = {1365-2834},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/nursing/epidemiology/psychology ; Qualitative Research ; *Nurse's Role/psychology ; Pandemics ; *Empathy ; *Nurses/psychology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {AIMS: To synthesize the evidence on nurses' experiences of their caring role during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify emerging concepts that have affected nurses within the caring role in relation to (a) their professional lives and (b) their personal lives.

BACKGROUND: The concept of caring is central to the science and art of nursing practice, and fulfilment of the caring role is fundamental to the profession. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed unprecedented change globally transforming the caring role of the nurse. The WHO highlights that a well-supported workforce is paramount to emergency preparedness; therefore, understanding the experiences of the nurse's caring role during the COVID-19 crisis is paramount to practice in future healthcare crises.

METHODS: A scoping review. Data Sources. Studies published between January 2020 and November 2023 were identified from the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Coronavirus Database, PUBMED, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Scopus, Web of Science, and SocINDEX. Reporting Method. The scoping review adhered to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

RESULTS: The search identified 1,347 studies, subsequent review of title and abstract, resulted in 117 full-text papers for further eligibility screening, with a total of 52 studies being included in the scoping review. Findings were grouped thematically using the Braun and Clarke (2006) approach. The five distinctive themes that emerged were (a) emotional turmoil, (b) erosion of care, (c) relationships and solidarity, (d) expansion of role, and (e) professional growth.

CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an evolutionary shift in the caring role of the nurse, on a trajectory from emotional turmoil to professional growth. The process followed a theoretical framework of transformative learning that could support nurses' capability and preparedness in their caring role for future inevitable extreme events and crisis in healthcare. Implications for Nursing Management. Mapping current knowledge of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis from a nurse's professional and personal perspective purposefully aims to highlight gaps for future research, education, and policy and is paramount to emergency preparedness and a well-supported workforce in future healthcare crisis.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/nursing/epidemiology/psychology
Qualitative Research
*Nurse's Role/psychology
Pandemics
*Empathy
*Nurses/psychology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40223920,
year = {2025},
author = {Ralston, MR and McCreath, G and Lees, ZJ and Salt, IP and Sim, MAB and Watson, MJ and Freeman, DJ},
title = {Beyond body mass index: exploring the role of visceral adipose tissue in intensive care unit outcomes.},
journal = {BJA open},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {100391},
pmid = {40223920},
issn = {2772-6096},
abstract = {Obesity is a worldwide health crisis and poses significant challenges in critical care. Many studies suggest an 'obesity paradox', in which obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), is associated with better outcomes. However, the inability of BMI to discriminate between fat and muscle or between visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue, limits its prediction of metabolic ill health. We suggest that the 'obesity paradox' may be more reflective of the limitations of BMI than the protective effect of obesity. We explore the biological processes leading to visceral fat accumulation, and the evidence linking it to outcomes in critical illness. In the 'spillover' hypothesis of adipose tissue expansion, caloric excess and impaired expansion of storage capacity in the subcutaneous adipose tissue lead to accumulation of visceral adipose tissue. This is associated with a chronic inflammatory state, which is integral to the link between visceral adiposity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and ischaemic heart disease. We review the current evidence on visceral adiposity and critical illness outcomes. In COVID-19, increased visceral adipose tissue, irrespective of BMI, is associated with more severe disease. This is mirrored in acute pancreatitis, suggesting visceral adiposity is linked to poorer outcomes in some hyperinflammatory conditions. We suggest that visceral adiposity's chronic inflammatory state may potentiate acute inflammation in conditions such as COVID-19 and acute pancreatitis. Further work is required to investigate other critical illnesses, especially sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, in which current evidence is scarce. This may give further insights into pathophysiology and inform tailored treatment and nutrition strategies based on body fat distribution.},
}

@article {pmid40222787,
year = {2025},
author = {Gautam, G and Moradikor, N},
title = {Stress in specific population: Cognitive decline in aging, occupational challenges, strategies for medical professionals.},
journal = {Progress in brain research},
volume = {291},
number = {},
pages = {363-379},
doi = {10.1016/bs.pbr.2025.01.017},
pmid = {40222787},
issn = {1875-7855},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology/etiology ; *Aging/psychology ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; Burnout, Professional/psychology ; *Occupational Stress/psychology ; *Stress, Psychological/psychology ; Mindfulness ; },
abstract = {Understanding cognitive decline and its contributing causes, such as stress, which presents differently in different groups, is crucial given the aging population's rapid growth. This chapter looks at how stress affects older persons' cognitive decline, with a particular emphasis on the difficulties faced by medical professionals in their line of work and how to lessen the consequences. The severity and course of cognitive decline differ from person to person and are impacted by factors such as lifestyle, medical history, and stress at work. The COVID-19 pandemic has made medical practitioners' already high demands even more precarious. Stress in underprivileged areas and among veterans emphasizes the negative effects of work-related stress on mental health even more. Techniques that improve psychological well-being and lessen burnout include resilience training, digital tools, supportive leadership, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Enhancing work-life balance and promoting a healthier work environment can be achieved by combining these interventions with organizational changes. Aging-related cognitive impairment necessitates a multimodal strategy that includes targeted stress reduction methods and organizational adjustments. Setting mental health as a top priority in healthcare settings promotes the wellbeing of staff members, enhances patient care, and improves healthcare results.},
}

Humans
*Cognitive Dysfunction/psychology/etiology
*Aging/psychology
*COVID-19/psychology
*Health Personnel/psychology
Burnout, Professional/psychology
*Occupational Stress/psychology
*Stress, Psychological/psychology
Mindfulness

@article {pmid40222381,
year = {2025},
author = {Amouzou, A and Barros, AJD and Requejo, J and Faye, C and Akseer, N and Bendavid, E and Blumenberg, C and Borghi, J and El Baz, S and Federspiel, F and Ferreira, LZ and Hazel, E and Heft-Neal, S and Hellwig, F and Liu, L and Munos, M and Pitt, C and Shawar, YR and Shiffman, J and Tam, Y and Walker, N and Akilimali, P and Alkema, L and Behanzin, P and Binyaruka, P and Bhutta, Z and Blanchard, A and Blencowe, H and Bradley, E and Brikci, N and Caicedo-Velásquez, B and Costello, A and Dotse-Gborgbortsi, W and El Arifeen, S and Ezzati, M and Freedman, LP and Guillot, M and Hanson, C and Heidkamp, R and Huicho, L and Izugbara, C and Jiwani, SS and Kabiru, C and Kiarie, H and Kinney, M and Kirakoya-Samadoulougou, F and Lawn, J and Madise, N and Mady, GRM and Masquelier, B and Melesse, D and Nilsen, K and Perin, J and Ram, U and Romanello, M and Saad, GE and Sharma, S and Sidze, EM and Spiegel, P and Tappis, H and Tatem, AJ and Temmerman, M and Victora, CG and Villavicencio, F and Wado, Y and Waiswa, P and Wakefield, J and Walton, S and You, D and Chopra, M and Black, RE and Boerma, T},
title = {The 2025 report of the Lancet Countdown to 2030 for women's, children's, and adolescents' health: tracking progress on health and nutrition.},
journal = {Lancet (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00151-5},
pmid = {40222381},
issn = {1474-547X},
}

@article {pmid40222324,
year = {2025},
author = {De Gagne, JC and Randall, PS and Koppel, PD and Cho, E and Blackwood, ER and Kang, HS},
title = {Online learning in nursing education: A 21st century bibliometric analysis.},
journal = {Nurse education today},
volume = {151},
number = {},
pages = {106740},
doi = {10.1016/j.nedt.2025.106740},
pmid = {40222324},
issn = {1532-2793},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Online learning has become an integral part of nursing education, especially in response to the growing reliance on technology and the global transition to remote learning.

AIM: This study explored research outputs and impact, collaborative networks, and thematic trends in online learning within nursing education to guide future educational advancements.

METHODS: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database to examine publications spanning from 2000 to August 2024. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny were utilized to assess publication trends, co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence, providing a comprehensive view of the research landscape. Descriptive statistics and visualizations were employed to enhance clarity and facilitate interpretation of key findings.

RESULTS: The dataset encompassed 703 institutions across 56 countries, demonstrating the global scope of online learning research in nursing education. Publication output grew steadily, reaching a peak of 111 articles in 2022 (17 % of the total). The United States led with 555 publications and 2669 citations, followed by Australia (n = 92), Canada (n = 62), and Iran (n = 45). Co-authorship analysis revealed dense regional networks, with the University System of Ohio and the University of North Carolina as central hubs, though international collaborations were sparse. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three primary thematic clusters: (1) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) student engagement, readiness, and motivation, and (3) technological integration and pedagogical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of online learning research in nursing education, highlighting its growth, thematic focus areas, and collaborative networks. The findings serve as a foundation for advancing evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative educational practices. Online learning is no longer a peripheral aspect of nursing education but a cornerstone for driving excellence, equity, and innovation. By addressing existing gaps and embracing emerging opportunities, stakeholders can reimagine nursing education to better prepare students for the challenges of modern healthcare.},
}

@article {pmid40219885,
year = {2025},
author = {Krotkiewicz, M and Szynkaruk, A and Stachyra, A},
title = {Digital transformation in healthcare management: from Artificial Intelligence to blockchain.},
journal = {Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)},
volume = {78},
number = {3},
pages = {578-583},
doi = {10.36740/WLek/202445},
pmid = {40219885},
issn = {0043-5147},
mesh = {*Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; *Blockchain ; COVID-19 ; Big Data ; *Internet of Things ; Telemedicine ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; Computer Security ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {The digital transformation of healthcare is revolutionizing the management of medical institutions, improving operational efficiency, patient outcomes, and data security. With the increasing complexity of healthcare systems, the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated digital transformation, compelling healthcare institutions to adopt telemedicine, AI-assisted diagnostics, and cloud-based medical records to meet growing patient demands and resource constraints. The rapid digital transformation of healthcare is driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data. This review article aims to analyze the objectives and implications of digital transformation in medical institutions, focusing on the integration of AI, blockchain, and IoT in hospital management. The methodological approach for this review article focuses on synthesizing existing literature to examine the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data in the digital transformation of healthcare management. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data has demonstrated significant improvements in healthcare management, enhancing efficiency, patient outcomes, and data security.},
}

*Artificial Intelligence
Humans
*Blockchain
COVID-19
Big Data
*Internet of Things
Telemedicine
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
Computer Security
Pandemics

@article {pmid40219884,
year = {2025},
author = {Kamińsk, PI and Rizvi, F and Trubalski, M and Kaczmarski, M and Bełżek, A and Żerebiec, M and Rupeć, Z and Saj, N and Zulfiqar, Z and Niezbecka-Zając, J},
title = {Bone mineral density and pandemic.},
journal = {Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960)},
volume = {78},
number = {3},
pages = {571-577},
doi = {10.36740/WLek/202327},
pmid = {40219884},
issn = {0043-5147},
mesh = {Humans ; *Bone Density/physiology ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; *Osteoporosis/etiology/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Exercise ; Pandemics ; Depression/complications ; Sedentary Behavior ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted physical health, including bone mineral density (BMD). This review aims to explore the effects of various pandemic-related factors such as reduced physical activity, stress, depression, dietary changes, and SARS-CoV-2 infection on BMD. Methods involved analyzing studies that investigate the impact of these factors on bone health, including observational studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results show that decreased physical activity, depression, and changes in diet lead to a reduction in BMD, particularly in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. SARS-CoV-2 infection and the use of corticosteroids are also associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, cytokine storms induced by the virus further exacerbate bone resorption. The review also highlights the complex interaction between obesity, sedentary behavior, and BMD, which may contribute to either increased BMD in certain areas or lead to a higher risk of fractures. The study suggests that the pandemic may have long-term effects on bone health, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies, including promoting physical activity, managing stress, and cautious use of medications like corticosteroids. Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences and to develop therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse skeletal effects of COVID-19 and its treatments. Understanding the lasting impact on bone health requires a comprehensive approach considering the multifactorial aspects of the pandemic's effect on human physiology.},
}

Humans
*Bone Density/physiology
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
*Osteoporosis/etiology/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
Exercise
Pandemics
Depression/complications
Sedentary Behavior

@article {pmid40219044,
year = {2025},
author = {Marchesi, N and Allegri, M and Bruno, GM and Pascale, A and Govoni, S},
title = {Exploring the Potential of Dietary Supplements to Alleviate Pain Due to Long COVID.},
journal = {Nutrients},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40219044},
issn = {2072-6643},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dietary Supplements ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Chronic Pain/etiology ; Analgesics/therapeutic use ; *Pain Management/methods ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Pain/etiology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, significantly impacts individuals' health and daily functioning due to fatigue and pain. Focusing on pain, this review addresses nociplastic and chronic pain conditions. Interventions designed to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and enhance vagal activity may offer a promising approach to managing post-pandemic pain. This review presents individual components of food supplements with demonstrated efficacy in one or more pain conditions, focusing on their proposed mechanisms and clinical activity in pain, including their use in post-COVID-19 pain when available. Many of these substances have a long history of safe use and may offer an alternative to long-term analgesic drug treatment, which is often associated with potential side effects. This review also explores the potential for synergistic effects when combining these substances with each other or with conventional analgesics, considering the advantages for both patients and the healthcare system in using these substances as adjunctive or primary therapies for pain symptoms related to long COVID. While preclinical scientific literature provides a mechanistic basis for the action of several food supplements on pain control mechanisms and signaling pathways, clinical experience, particularly in the field of long COVID-associated pain, is still limited. However, the reviewed literature strongly suggests that the use of food supplements in long COVID-associated pain is an attainable goal, provided that rigorous clinical trials are conducted.},
}

Humans
*Dietary Supplements
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
*Chronic Pain/etiology
Analgesics/therapeutic use
*Pain Management/methods
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Pain/etiology/drug therapy

@article {pmid40095845,
year = {2025},
author = {Inglis, JG and Cabral, HV and Cosentino, C and Bonardi, A and Negro, F},
title = {Motor unit discharge behavior in human muscles throughout force gradation: a systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.},
journal = {Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)},
volume = {138},
number = {4},
pages = {1050-1065},
doi = {10.1152/japplphysiol.00863.2024},
pmid = {40095845},
issn = {1522-1601},
support = {101045605//EC | ERC | HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council (ERC)/ ; 101151712//EC | Horizon Europe | Excellent Science | HORIZON EUROPE Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Muscle, Skeletal/physiology ; *Isometric Contraction/physiology ; *Motor Neurons/physiology ; Electromyography/methods ; Muscle Contraction/physiology ; },
abstract = {The analysis of motor unit (MU) discharge behavior provides an effective way of assembling information about the generation and control of movement. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we identified and summarized the literature investigating MU discharge rate and discharge rate variability (CoV-ISI) during voluntary isometric contractions at various force levels. Databases were searched up to January 7, 2025, and a total of 262 studies were included. The meta-means of MU discharge rate and CoV-ISI were estimated and compared across human muscles. The influence of contraction intensity on MU discharge behavior was assessed through linear meta-regressions. At low-to-moderate forces [<60% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)], the first dorsal interosseous, biceps brachii (BB), and forearm extensors (FEs) had the highest discharge rate, whereas the soleus had the lowest. At high force levels (>60% MVC), the tibialis anterior (TA) had the highest mean discharge rate compared with all other muscles, with the soleus maintaining the lowest. Regarding CoV-ISI results at low forces (<30% MVC), the TA had the lowest CoV-ISI values, except in comparison with the vastii. In addition, the vastii had lower CoV-ISI values than the FE, gastrocnemius medialis, and soleus. Contraction intensity was positively associated with the mean discharge rates in all muscles investigated, although some muscles showed steeper slopes than others. Similar results were observed for CoV-ISI meta-regressions, with muscle-specific differences in slope. These findings suggest potential variations in neural control strategies across muscles during force gradation, such as differences in the relative contribution of rate coding to facilitate increasing force demands.},
}

Humans
*Muscle, Skeletal/physiology
*Isometric Contraction/physiology
*Motor Neurons/physiology
Electromyography/methods
Muscle Contraction/physiology

@article {pmid40225624,
year = {2023},
author = {Alameddine, M and Al-Yateem, N and Bou-Karroum, K and Hijazi, H and Al Marzouqi, A and Al-Adawi, S},
title = {Measurement of Work-Life Balance: A Scoping Review with a Focus on the Health Sector.},
journal = {Journal of nursing management},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {3666224},
pmid = {40225624},
issn = {1365-2834},
mesh = {Humans ; *Work-Life Balance/standards ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Psychometrics/methods/instrumentation ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Health Care Sector ; Job Satisfaction ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is an agreement on the importance of measuring work-life balance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the available tools to do so are not sufficient to address all dimensions, contexts, and professions.

AIM: The article reviews existing instruments that have been widely utilised to tap into the breadth and depth of work-life balance. Evaluation. This is a perspective scoping review guided by PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Articles reporting on the measurement of work-life balance were reviewed. The authors performed the review based on agreed-upon search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, search databases, and the data extraction process. Key Issues. The existing tools appear to have divergent underpinning theoretical models, factors, structural/psychometric properties, and the number of accumulated citations. The existing tools also varied in terms of their target sector, with limited tools available for the analysis of work-life balance among healthcare professionals. We argue that while the existing tools provide a general base for the work-life balance measurement, it would be imperative to adjust those tools to the specific cultural and professional contexts. Future work-life balance measures should consider the changes imposed by atypical or disruptive events that have the potential to alter work-life balance, such as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. The onus is on researchers and policymakers to work collaboratively in each context to adapt, implement, and evaluate those tools as they become integrated into the matrix of labour market assessments in the future.

CONCLUSIONS: The article highlighted current gaps and improvement opportunities in the work-life balance measurement field. Implications for Healthcare and Nursing Management. The maintenance of work-life balance will remain an issue for years to come. Ensuring comprehensive and context-specific measurements would be essential to guide the evidence-based recommendations necessary to support the workforce across the various sectors of the economy in the future.},
}

Humans
*Work-Life Balance/standards
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Psychometrics/methods/instrumentation
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
*Health Care Sector
Job Satisfaction
*Health Personnel/psychology

@article {pmid40225607,
year = {2023},
author = {Morgado-Toscano, C and Gómez-Salgado, J and García-Iglesias, JJ and Fagundo-Rivera, J and López-López, D and Allande-Cussó, R},
title = {Levels of Anxiety and Fear among Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Journal of nursing management},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {2191984},
pmid = {40225607},
issn = {1365-2834},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/nursing/epidemiology ; *Fear/psychology ; *Anxiety/psychology/etiology/epidemiology ; *Nurses/psychology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {AIM: The aim of this review is to find out what levels of anxiety and fear have been shown by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Health security crises affect not only physical health but also the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals due to a higher level of exposure. Evaluation. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA statement. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) electronic databases based on the keywords that the research question yielded following the PECOT strategy. For the selection of articles, original articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, short communication articles, and case reports were included. Then, a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, screening the results to obtain a total of 18 articles, which were used to elaborate the study. Key Issues. Fear and anxiety levels were described in a total of 18 selected studies. The main fear-related concerns of the nurses were associated with the fear of infecting their family or friends and the fear of the death of a family member or friend.

CONCLUSIONS: The main psychological impact on nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic was related to fear, anxiety, stress, and depression. Fear of infecting family members or of being infected were the main impacts perceived by nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. In general, high scores were found for levels of fear and anxiety, although the figures varied by country and time of data collection. Resilience was considered the main tool for coping with the loss and trauma experienced by nurses.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/nursing/epidemiology
*Fear/psychology
*Anxiety/psychology/etiology/epidemiology
*Nurses/psychology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40217931,
year = {2025},
author = {Olesińska, W and Biernatek, M and Lachowicz-Wiśniewska, S and Piątek, J},
title = {Systematic Review of the Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Systems and Society-The Role of Diagnostics and Nutrition in Pandemic Response.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm14072482},
pmid = {40217931},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed deep vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and public health preparedness. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of epidemiological procedures, the role of diagnostics, and the influence of nutritional status on immune function and disease severity. A total of 88 studies were analyzed, encompassing diagnostics, micronutrient deficiencies (notably vitamin D, C, E, zinc, and selenium), and the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. The results underscore the importance of integrated strategies-including accurate testing, preventive nutritional measures, and mental health support-in improving outcomes and societal resilience during global health crises. Unlike previous reviews that focused on isolated biomedical or public health elements, this study integrates diagnostics, immune-nutritional status, and psychosocial effects to present a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis of pandemic impact and preparedness.},
}

@article {pmid40217755,
year = {2025},
author = {Flisiak, R and Jaroszewicz, J and Kozielewicz, D and Kuchar, E and Parczewski, M and Pawłowska, M and Piekarska, A and Rzymski, P and Simon, K and Tomasiewicz, K and Zarębska-Michaluk, D},
title = {Management of SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Polish Association of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists, for 2025.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm14072305},
pmid = {40217755},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {The first Polish recommendations for the management of COVID-19 were published by the Polish Society of Epidemiologists and Infectiologists (PTEiLChZ) on 31 March 2020, and the last three years ago. The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, a different course of the disease, as well as new knowledge about therapies and vaccines, requires updating diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic guidelines. Despite the reduction in the threat associated with COVID-19, there is a risk of another epidemic caused by coronaviruses, which was an additional reason for developing a new version of the guidelines. In preparing these recommendations, the Delphi method was used, reaching a consensus after three survey cycles. Compared to the 2022 version, the names of the individual stages of the disease have been changed, adapting them to the realities of clinical practice, and attention was paid to the differences observed in immunosuppressed patients and in children. Some previously recommended drugs have been discontinued, including monoclonal antibodies. In addition, general principles of vaccination were presented, as well as issues related to the post-COVID syndrome.},
}

@article {pmid40217604,
year = {2025},
author = {Cioboata, R and Balteanu, MA and Osman, A and Vlasceanu, SG and Zlatian, OM and Mitroi, DM and Catana, OM and Socaci, A and Tieranu, EN},
title = {Coinfections in Tuberculosis in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Epidemiology, Clinical Implications, Diagnostic Challenges, and Management Strategies-A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/jcm14072154},
pmid = {40217604},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where high burdens of coinfections exacerbate the disease's impact. In 2023, an estimated 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis worldwide, reflecting an increase from 7.5 million in 2022 and 7.1 million in 2019. In LMICs, limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and poor living conditions contribute to higher coinfection rates among TB patients, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which in turn exacerbates disease severity and facilitates transmission. This narrative review synthesizes the epidemiology, clinical implications, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies related to TB coinfections with viral pathogens including HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi such as Aspergillus and Candida species, and parasites. This review highlights that overlapping symptoms, immune system compromise, and socioeconomic barriers in LMICs lead to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment outcomes, while also addressing the challenges of managing drug interactions particularly in HIV-TB coinfections and underscoring the need for integrated diagnostic approaches, improved treatment regimens, and strengthened healthcare systems, thereby consolidating current evidence to inform future research priorities and policy interventions aimed at reducing the overall burden of TB and its coinfections in resource-limited settings.},
}

@article {pmid40217329,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, ZZ and Cai, HW and Huang, YF and Zhou, LL and Yuan, ZY and He, LP and Li, J},
title = {Prevalence of depression among university students in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC psychology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {373},
pmid = {40217329},
issn = {2050-7283},
support = {20241180013//National Undergraduate Training Program for Innovation and Entrepreneurship/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Students/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; China/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Universities ; Prevalence ; *Depression/epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Depression among university students in China represents a critical public health challenge, with emerging evidence suggesting exacerbated risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite prior regional studies, a comprehensive national analysis comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic-era prevalence, while accounting for profession-specific stressors, remains lacking. This study aims to quantify depression prevalence across Chinese universities, identify high-risk subgroups, and assess the pandemic's impact.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, CNKI, Wang-fang Database, and Web of Science. The articles were cross-sectional studies focusing on the prevalence of depression among university students in China, with clearly defined criteria for diagnosing depression included. MetaXL 5.3 was used to pool the outcomes and perform a meta-analysis, assessing the prevalence of depression among university students and influential factors such as the impact of COVID-19.

RESULTS: Data from 32 cross-sectional studies (n = 93,679) on depression prevalence among students were analyzed. The prevalence estimates ranged from 12.1% to 77.1%, with a summary prevalence of 34.70% after meta-analytic pooling. Subgroup investigations based on major, sample size, geographical region, gender, and the influence of COVID-19 were conducted. Prior to the pandemic, student depression prevalence was 35.0% (95%CI, 26.9%-43.4%), which increased to 38.7% (95%CI, 33.6%-44.0%) during and after the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: This study underscores a substantial mental health burden among Chinese university students, intensified by pandemic-related disruptions. Medical students and those in high-stress regions warrant prioritized interventions. Systemic reforms in healthcare education and regionally tailored mental health policies are urgently needed. Longitudinal studies are critical to track post-pandemic recovery trajectories.

CRD42024502949.},
}

Humans
*Students/psychology/statistics & numerical data
China/epidemiology
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Universities
Prevalence
*Depression/epidemiology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Male
Female
Young Adult
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40216549,
year = {2025},
author = {Mueller, HJ and Pennington, EL and Carr, AS and Barner, JC},
title = {Effectiveness of Telehealth for Disease Management During the Perinatal Period: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/tmj.2024.0501},
pmid = {40216549},
issn = {1556-3669},
abstract = {Introduction: Many perinatal services to manage chronic diseases transitioned to telehealth following the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study was conducted to review the literature and summarize the effectiveness of telehealth for diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), mental health (anxiety and depression), and opioid use disorder (OUD) management during the perinatal period postonset of COVID-19. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2023 using keywords (COVID-19) and (maternal, maternity, obstetrics, perinatal, pregnancy) and (telemedicine, telehealth). Inclusion criteria were: intervention or change in practice with clinical results, postonset of COVID-19, English language, and addressed disease management (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, mental health, OUD) during pregnancy or postpartum. Exclusion criteria were: commentary, guideline, protocol, or review articles and perspectives. Results: The review included 24 articles, including 7 randomized controlled trials. Articles evaluated diabetes (N = 9), HDP (N = 4), mental health (N = 10), and OUD (N = 1). One-half (N = 12) were conducted in the United States and telehealth interventions (e.g., app, videoconferencing, audio visits) and clinical effectiveness varied by disease state. Most studies reported at least one positive outcome of telehealth (N = 19, 79.2%); however, some also reported negative outcomes (N = 8, 33.3%). Glycemic control was adequately achieved in most studies (N = 8, 88.9%), and the majority of studies (N = 3, 75%) reported positive or neutral results for the management of HDP. Various telehealth interventions resulted in lower anxiety and depression symptoms. Only one study examined OUD and reported negative outcomes. Conclusions: Telehealth offered effective management of diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression in perinatal women and often improved patient outcomes during COVID-19. Therefore, telehealth should continue to be offered to perinatal women with these chronic conditions as appropriate for individual and clinical situations. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for OUD management.},
}

@article {pmid40215094,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, R and Jiang, J and Ding, L and Song, D and Chen, Y},
title = {Innovation of Ratiometric Sensing Strategies Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride.},
journal = {Critical reviews in analytical chemistry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-25},
doi = {10.1080/10408347.2025.2486213},
pmid = {40215094},
issn = {1547-6510},
abstract = {Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a π-conjugated semiconductor with visible-light absorption, has emerged as a versatile material for ratiometric sensing due to its thermal/chemical stability, biocompatibility, and tunable optoelectronic properties. This review highlights recent advances in g-C3N4-based ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL), fluorescence (FL), and photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors for ultrasensitive detection of diverse analytes. Ratiometric ECL platforms achieved remarkable detection limits, such as 0.2 nM for Hg[2+] and 59 aM for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene, leveraging dual-potential or dual-wavelength strategies. FL sensors enabled selective quantification of analysts, such as Ce[3+] (6.4 × 10[-8 ]mol/L) and tetracycline (5.0 nM) via aggregation-induced emission or inner filter effect mechanisms. In PEC sensing, spatial-resolved dual-electrode systems attained ultrahigh sensitivity for Escherichia coli (0.66 cfu/mL) and alpha-fetoprotein (0.2 pg/mL). These g-C3N4-based sensors demonstrated enhanced sensitivity and reliability across environmental, biomedical, and food safety applications. The synergy of g-C3N4's structural advantages and ratiometric design principles demonstrates broad application prospects in fields such as food and environmental safety analysis, as well as early disease diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid40214651,
year = {2025},
author = {Akingbola, A and Adewole, O and Adegbesan, A and Peters, F and Odukoya, T and Aremu, O and Adeleke, O and Idris, A and Owolabi, A and Aiyenuro, A},
title = {From Wuhan to Omicron K.P2 strain: A comprehensive review of SARS-CoV-2 phylogeny and public health implications of the latest booster vaccine.},
journal = {Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {2485840},
doi = {10.1080/21645515.2025.2485840},
pmid = {40214651},
issn = {2164-554X},
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology/classification ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology/virology/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage ; Immunization, Secondary ; Phylogeny ; Public Health ; Mutation ; },
abstract = {The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve, with the Omicron KP.2 variant, a descendant of BA.2.86, emerging as a public health concern due to its rapid spread and resistance to existing immunity. This review examines the phylogenetic evolution of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on KP.2 and its key mutations (R346T, F456L, V1104L), alongside its epidemiological implications. It also discusses the development and approval of the KP.2-adapted booster vaccine, shown in clinical trials to significantly enhance immune responses and protect against symptomatic and severe disease, particularly in vulnerable groups. Despite vaccine advancements, challenges in global distribution and inequity persist, especially in low- and middle-income countries, increasing the risk of vaccine-resistant variants. The manuscript underscores the importance of equitable access to the KP.2-adapted booster to control the pandemic and prevent future outbreaks, while highlighting the need for continuous surveillance and broader-spectrum vaccine research as the virus evolves.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/immunology/classification
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology/virology/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/administration & dosage
Immunization, Secondary
Phylogeny
Public Health
Mutation

@article {pmid40214136,
year = {2025},
author = {Baruah, A},
title = {A Paradigmatic Shift: Telehealth Counselling's Expansion and Challenges in India.},
journal = {Journal of evaluation in clinical practice},
volume = {31},
number = {3},
pages = {e70089},
doi = {10.1111/jep.70089},
pmid = {40214136},
issn = {1365-2753},
support = {//This study was supported by Christ University Delhi NCR./ ; },
mesh = {India/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Telemedicine/organization & administration ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Counseling/organization & administration/methods ; *Mental Health Services/organization & administration ; Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the rapid expansion and transformative impact of telehealth counselling in India, a trend significantly propelled by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODOLOGY: This paper presents a perspective on the current telehealth landscape, synthesizing insights from an extensive literature review. The investigation integrates qualitative insights from health care practitioners and clients, allowing for a multifaceted understanding of the emerging obstacles linked to telehealth implementation. The synthesis is structured around several key concepts identified in the literature, including the efficacy of telehealth counselling services compared to traditional face-to-face interactions, the resilience of mental health services during crises, and the growing acceptance of digital modalities among patients. Additionally, it explores significant challenges such as disparities in technological access, the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks, varying levels of patient receptivity, infrastructural limitations, and the readiness of health care professionals to adopt telehealth technologies.

RESULTS: By focusing on these areas, the paper elucidates the complex interplay of technical, regulatory, and cultural factors shaping the telehealth ecosystem in India. It advocates for urgent policy enhancements and the continuous integration of technology to effectively address these barriers.

DISCUSSION: This perspective underscores the potential for telehealth counselling to evolve into a permanent and essential component of India's mental health service delivery model, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and accessible health care system.

CONCLUSION: The conclusions drawn emphasize the necessity for targeted policy interventions and the establishment of robust technological infrastructures to foster a more inclusive and effective telehealth environment, ensuring mental health services reach all segments of the population.},
}

India/epidemiology
Humans
*Telemedicine/organization & administration
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Counseling/organization & administration/methods
*Mental Health Services/organization & administration
Health Services Accessibility/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40213632,
year = {2025},
author = {Dezawa, M},
title = {Macrophage- and pluripotent-like reparative Muse cells are unique endogenous stem cells distinct from other somatic stem cells.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1553382},
pmid = {40213632},
issn = {2296-4185},
abstract = {Muse cells are endogenous reparative stem cells with dual characteristics: pluripotent-like and macrophage-like. They can be identified by the pluripotent surface marker stage-specific embryonic antigen-3-positive (SSEA-3 (+)) cells in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and various organs, including the umbilical cord and amnion. Muse cells can differentiate into ectodermal, endodermal, and mesodermal lineage cells, self-renew, and selectively migrate to damaged sites by sensing one of the universal tissue damage signals, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). At these sites, they phagocytose damaged/apoptotic cells and differentiate into the same cell type as the phagocytosed cells. In this manner, Muse cells replace damaged/apoptotic cells with healthy, functioning cells, thereby repairing tissues. Due to their specific immunosuppressive and immunotolerant mechanism, clinical trials have been conducted for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), subacute ischemic stroke, epidermolysis bullosa, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cervical spinal cord injury, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. These trials involved the intravenous injection of ∼1.5 × 10[7] donor Muse cells without human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching or immunosuppressant treatment, and they demonstrated safety and therapeutic efficacy. Thus, donor Muse cell treatment does not require gene manipulation, differentiation induction, or surgical intervention. These unique characteristics distinguish Muse cells from other somatic stem cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, VSEL stem cells, and marrow-isolated adult multi-lineage inducible (MIAMI) cells.},
}

@article {pmid40184037,
year = {2025},
author = {Radcliffe, C and Kotton, CN},
title = {Vaccination strategies for solid organ transplant candidates and recipients: insights and recommendations.},
journal = {Expert review of vaccines},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {313-323},
doi = {10.1080/14760584.2025.2489659},
pmid = {40184037},
issn = {1744-8395},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vaccination/methods ; *Transplant Recipients ; Immunocompromised Host ; *Organ Transplantation ; *Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology ; *Vaccine-Preventable Diseases/prevention & control ; Vaccine Efficacy ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Vaccines save lives. They are integral to reducing the morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable infections in solid organ transplant recipients. Pre-transplant vaccination provides a unique opportunity for administration of live, viral vaccines, and enhanced vaccine efficacy, compared to the post-transplant period with decreased vaccine response due to immunosuppression.

AREAS COVERED: We discuss a general approach to pre- and post-transplant vaccination in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients. We then review guideline statements and recent literature related to individual vaccines, including the recently developed respiratory syncytial virus vaccine. Travel and occupation-related vaccines are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION: The challenge of vaccination for immunocompromised patients expands as the prevalence of immunocompromised adults rises, and immunocompromised patients are frequently excluded from vaccine trials. In an age of vaccine hesitancy and reemerging vaccine-preventable infections, well-powered, prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of vaccines in solid organ transplant candidates and recipients.},
}

Humans
*Vaccination/methods
*Transplant Recipients
Immunocompromised Host
*Organ Transplantation
*Vaccines/administration & dosage/immunology
*Vaccine-Preventable Diseases/prevention & control
Vaccine Efficacy

@article {pmid40212904,
year = {2025},
author = {Schipper, AE and Sloane, CSM and Shimelis, LB and Kim, RT},
title = {Technological innovations in layperson CPR education - A scoping review.},
journal = {Resuscitation plus},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {100924},
pmid = {40212904},
issn = {2666-5204},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Rapid initiation of CPR is key for survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, making bystander CPR education a key part of the cardiac chain-of-survival. CPR classes continue to include new technologies that enable more widespread and high-fidelity training. We aimed to examine the landscape of technological innovations in layperson CPR training since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: We searched Cochrane, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2024 for studies. We included articles with layperson CPR classes that included a technological advance, either in the equipment or mode of delivery of education. We focused on studies published after the start of 2020.

RESULTS: Out of 1070 studies screened, 50 met the selection criteria. The primary groups of technology found were extended reality (20), feedback devices (11), asynchronous video instruction (10), tele-education (5), and low-cost CPR manikins (4). These technologies show promise to offer comparable or improved effectiveness compared to traditional options. Several topics may warrant further investigation, such as cognitive load associated with extended reality, the practicality of student-created CPR training devices, and possible interactive effects between technologies.

CONCLUSION: Future systematic reviews should evaluate the specific learning contexts for which these individual technologies, or combinations of these technologies, may be best suited to guide regulating bodies and CPR instructors in their pedagogical decisions.},
}

@article {pmid40212158,
year = {2025},
author = {Abbas, AH and Haji, MR and Shimal, AA and Kurmasha, YH and Al-Janabi, AAH and Azeez, ZT and Al-Ali, ARS and Al-Najati, HMH and Al-Waeli, ARA and Abdulhadi, NASA and Al-Tuaama, AZH and Al-Ashtary, MM and Hussin, OA},
title = {A multidisciplinary review of long COVID to address the challenges in diagnosis and updated management guidelines.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {4},
pages = {2105-2117},
pmid = {40212158},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {Long COVID has emerged as a significant challenge since the COVID-19 pandemic, which was declared as an outbreak in March 2020, marked by diverse symptoms and prolonged duration of disease. Defined by the WHO as symptoms persisting or emerging for at least two months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection without an alternative cause, its prevalence varies globally, with estimates of 10-20% in Europe, 7.3% in the USA, and 3.0% in the UK. The condition's etiology remains unclear, involving factors, such as renin-angiotensin system overactivation, persistent viral reservoirs, immune dysregulation, and autoantibodies. Reactivated viruses, like EBV and HSV-6, alongside epigenetic alterations, exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction and energy imbalance. Emerging evidence links SARS-CoV-2 to chromatin and gut microbiome changes, further influencing long-term health impacts. Diagnosis of long COVID requires detailed systemic evaluation through medical history and physical examination. Management is highly individualized, focusing mainly on the patient's symptoms and affected systems. A multidisciplinary approach is essential, integrating diverse perspectives to address systemic manifestations, underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Enhanced understanding of long COVID's pathophysiology and clinical features is critical to improving patient outcomes and quality of life. With a growing number of cases expected globally, advancing research and disseminating knowledge on long COVID remain vital for developing effective diagnostic and management frameworks, ultimately supporting better care for affected individuals.},
}

@article {pmid40212143,
year = {2025},
author = {Nayak, SS and Amini-Salehi, E and Ulrich, MT and Sahli, Y and Fleischman, M and Patel, M and Naeiji, M and Maghsoodifar, H and Sadeghi Douki, SAH and Alotaibi, A and Faraji, N and Hassanipour, S and Hashemi, M and Keivanlou, MH},
title = {Exploring the evolution of evidence synthesis: a bibliometric analysis of umbrella reviews in medicine.},
journal = {Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)},
volume = {87},
number = {4},
pages = {2035-2048},
pmid = {40212143},
issn = {2049-0801},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Umbrella review studies have become increasingly vital in evidence synthesis, offering a comprehensive overview by analyzing multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses. This bibliometric study aimed to delineate the growth and thematic evolution of umbrella reviews within evidence-based medicine, illuminating their integral role in synthesizing high-level evidence.

METHODS: Utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection, we performed a search for publications on umbrella reviews, identifying relevant articles through a refined strategy. Analytical tools including VOS Viewer and CiteSpace were employed to visualize connections and trends among the gathered data, converting intricate bibliometric information into comprehensible visual maps.

RESULTS: Our search yielded 2965 pertinent publications, highlighting a marked growth in research output, particularly from 2010 to 2023. The United States, United Kingdom, and China were predominant in this field, with leading institutions like King's College London and the University of Toronto at the forefront. The analysis identified major journals such as BMJ Open and PLOS One as key publishers. Co-citation and keyword analysis revealed current research focuses, with recent trends emphasizing COVID-19 and mental health. The study also uncovered a robust international collaboration network, underscoring the global impact of umbrella reviews.

CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis confirms the expanding influence and utility of umbrella reviews in medical research and decision-making. By charting the evolution and current trends in this field, our study not only showcases the geographical and institutional distribution of research but also guides future scholarly efforts to advance evidence synthesis methodologies.},
}

@article {pmid40211768,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, J and Zhao, D and Nouri, HR and Chu, HW and Huang, H},
title = {Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse Mast Cell Differentiation and the Role of Human Lung Mast Cells in Airway Inflammation.},
journal = {Immunological reviews},
volume = {331},
number = {1},
pages = {e70026},
doi = {10.1111/imr.70026},
pmid = {40211768},
issn = {1600-065X},
support = {R01AI083986/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI107022/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI150082/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI152504/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; R01AI161296/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; U19AI125357/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; *Mast Cells/immunology/metabolism ; Cell Differentiation/genetics ; Mice ; *Lung/immunology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Inflammation/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology ; Transcription Factors/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Mast cells (MCs) play a critical role in allergic inflammation, anaphylaxis, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and osteoarthritis. Dysregulated MC activation can lead to MC activation syndrome (MACS), which is observed in patients with long COVID. MCs express the high-affinity receptor for IgE and, upon activation, release mediators and cytokines that trigger anaphylactic shock and promote allergic inflammation. They also interact with epithelial and nerve cells, which are crucial in forming a complex network of cell-cell and gene-gene interactions driving chronic inflammation that can confer resistance to treatment. In this review, in the context of the literature, we focus on experiments conducted in our laboratory investigating how transcription factors and enhancers regulate genes critical in mouse MC differentiation and function related to human lung inflammation.},
}

Animals
Humans
*Mast Cells/immunology/metabolism
Cell Differentiation/genetics
Mice
*Lung/immunology
Gene Expression Regulation
Inflammation/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology
Transcription Factors/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology

@article {pmid40211538,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhojnagarwala, PS and Jose, J and Zhao, S and Weiner, DB},
title = {DNA based Immunotherapy for Cancer: in vivo Approaches for Recalcitrant Targets.},
journal = {Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ymthe.2025.04.008},
pmid = {40211538},
issn = {1525-0024},
abstract = {Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment which complements traditional therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted therapies. Immunotherapy redirects the patient's immune system against tumors via several immune mediated approaches. Over the past few years, therapeutic immunization, which enable the patient's T cells to better recognize and kill tumors, have been increasingly tested in the clinic with several approaches demonstrating treatment improvements. There has been a renewed interest in cancer vaccines due to advances in tumor-antigen identification, immune response optimization, novel adjuvants, next-generation vaccine delivery platforms and antigen designs. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated progress in nucleic acid-based vaccine manufacturing, which spurred broader interest in mRNA or plasmid platforms. Enhanced DNA vaccine designs including optimized leader sequences, RNA and codon optimizations, improved formulations and delivery via adaptive electroporation using stereotactic intramuscular/intradermal methods have improved T cell responses to plasmid-delivered tumor-antigens. Additionally, advancements for direct in vivo delivery of DNA-encoded mono/bispecific antibodies offer novel tumor-targeting strategies. This review summarizes recent clinical data for therapeutic cancer vaccines utilizing the DNA platform, including vaccines targeting common tumor-associated and viral antigens and neoantigen vaccines using nucleic acid technologies. We also summarize preclinical data using DNA-launched monoclonal/bispecific antibodies, underscoring their potential as a novel cancer therapy tool.},
}

@article {pmid40210368,
year = {2025},
author = {Verduzco-Gutierrez, M and Fleming, TK and Azola, AM},
title = {Considerations for Long COVID Rehabilitation in Women.},
journal = {Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {371-387},
doi = {10.1016/j.pmr.2024.11.009},
pmid = {40210368},
issn = {1558-1381},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/rehabilitation/epidemiology ; Female ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Sex Factors ; },
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has given rise to long COVID, a prolonged manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, which presents with varied symptoms and conditions lasting beyond expected acute illness. Despite efforts, diagnostic and treatment approaches remain insufficient, particularly for women who experience higher prevalence rates. Rehabilitation professionals have played a crucial role during the pandemic. Individualized rehabilitation plans, encompassing various therapies and interdisciplinary collaborations, are essential. Addressing disparities and biological sex differences is paramount, requiring increased research, understanding, and advocacy for effective rehabilitative care tailored to all individuals affected by long COVID.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/rehabilitation/epidemiology
Female
SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Sex Factors

@article {pmid40209971,
year = {2025},
author = {Adiguzel, Y and Bogdanos, DP and Shoenfeld, Y},
title = {Molecular/antigenic mimicry and immunological cross-reactivity explains SARS-CoV-2-induced autoimmunity.},
journal = {Autoimmunity reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {103811},
doi = {10.1016/j.autrev.2025.103811},
pmid = {40209971},
issn = {1873-0183},
abstract = {COVID-19 pandemic is over, but its effects on chronic illnesses remain a challenging issue. Understanding the influence of SARS-COV-2-mediated autoimmunity and overt autoimmune disease is of paramount importance, as it can provide a critical mass of information regarding both infection-mediated (and vaccination-induced) autoimmune phenomena in susceptible individuals during the disease course, and short or long-term post-disease sequelae. The high prevalence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibody positivity in patients with COVID-19 led to studies attempting to delineate the origin and the underlying mechanism responsible for their induction nature, identifying novel autoantigens, and the self-epitope sequences which could be the impetus for the initiating autoreactive responses. Herein, we provide a meticulous review of the studies reporting those mimicking sequences that have been experimentally validated, based on the assumption that molecular mimicry and immunological crossreactivity may account for autoantibody development. Most reports are based on bioinformatics approaches, and only a disproportionally small number of studies currently demonstrate immunological crossreactivity. We took the opportunity to further review and searched for the linear human epitope sequences of human, through the epitopes deposited at the Immune Epitope Database. This included an analysis of autoimmune disease as the disease data to comprehensively understand the subject matter. The critical overview of the findings underscore the urgent and immense need for further research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved and the anticipated appraisal that molecular mimicry and immunological crossreactivity is indeed central to the loss of immunological tolerance during SARS-COV-2 infection.},
}

@article {pmid40208120,
year = {2025},
author = {Fournier, L and Pérez-Rodriguez, F and Rohr, M and Buvelot, H and Vetter, P},
title = {[Measles: a persistent threat despite an effective vaccine].},
journal = {Revue medicale suisse},
volume = {21},
number = {913},
pages = {736-741},
doi = {10.53738/REVMED.2025.21.913.736},
pmid = {40208120},
issn = {1660-9379},
mesh = {Humans ; *Measles/prevention & control/epidemiology/diagnosis ; *Measles Vaccine/administration & dosage ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Vaccination ; Immunocompromised Host ; Child ; },
abstract = {Measles is a highly transmissible viral disease. Following a decrease in vaccination rate between 2020 and 2023 due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a new surge of cases is observed worldwide. No direct antiviral is currently licensed against measles. Young children and immunocompromised individuals are the most at risk to develop complications. The best way to prevent transmission and complications is through vaccination. Public health measures are required to break transmission chains and protect the most fragile ones. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology and the virological aspects of measles, to clarify the protection conferred by vaccination and to specify the key elements of diagnosis and management.},
}

Humans
*Measles/prevention & control/epidemiology/diagnosis
*Measles Vaccine/administration & dosage
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
Vaccination
Immunocompromised Host
Child

@article {pmid40206484,
year = {2025},
author = {Satyanarayanan, SK and Yip, TF and Han, Z and Zhu, H and Qin, D and Lee, SMY},
title = {Role of toll-like receptors in post-COVID-19 associated neurodegenerative disorders?.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1458281},
pmid = {40206484},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {In the intricate realm of interactions between hosts and pathogens, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which play a crucial role in the innate immune response, possess the ability to identify specific molecular signatures. This includes components originating from pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, as well as the resulting damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), the endogenous molecules released after cellular damage. A developing perspective suggests that TLRs play a central role in neuroinflammation, a fundamental factor in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease (PD). This comprehensive review consolidates current research investigating the potential interplay between TLRs, their signaling mechanisms, and the processes of neurodegeneration following SARS-CoV-2 infection with an aim to elucidate the involvement of TLRs in the long-term neurological complications of COVID-19 and explore the potential of targeting TLRs as a means of implementing intervention strategies for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19-associated long-term brain outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid40049397,
year = {2025},
author = {Camelo, S and Dioh, W and Teixeira, JP and Busse, LW and Nair, G and Plantefeve, G and Morelot-Panzini, C and Lobo, SM and Self, WH and Collins, SP and Van Maanen, R and Veillet, S},
title = {Modulation of the renin-angiotensin system against COVID-19: A path forward?.},
journal = {International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases},
volume = {154},
number = {},
pages = {107867},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2025.107867},
pmid = {40049397},
issn = {1878-3511},
mesh = {Humans ; *Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Pandemics ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *Betacoronavirus/drug effects ; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Soon after the pandemic outbreak in 2020, it was proposed that binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 may explain most of COVID-19's manifestations. Therefore, manipulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) by using well known and commercialized blockers of its classical arm or by repurposing new stimulators of the alternative RAS pathway in clinical development was seen as a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of COVID-19. Moreover, this therapeutic approach had previously shown significant promise in the treatment of other respiratory viral respiratory infections and forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Consequently, several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were launched to test the efficacy of rebalancing the RAS to reduce the severity of COVID-19. While most of these trials produced neutral results, certain studies reached their primary endpoints. In the present collaborative review, sponsors and main investigators of some of these trials attempt to reach a consensus regarding their clinical significance and which factors influenced their differing outcomes. The knowledge gained through the careful analysis of these RCTs of RAS modulators in patients with severe COVID-19 may prove useful for other forms of acute lung injury.},
}

Humans
*Renin-Angiotensin System/drug effects
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
*Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Pandemics
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*Betacoronavirus/drug effects
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use
Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism

@article {pmid39979191,
year = {2025},
author = {Pederson, T and Tainter, CK and Self, M and Ghobrial, M and Sloane, C and Mergen, S and Kennis, B and Aminlari, A and McGuire, WC and Wardi, G},
title = {Controversies in the Management of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department.},
journal = {The Journal of emergency medicine},
volume = {71},
number = {},
pages = {31-43},
doi = {10.1016/j.jemermed.2024.10.003},
pmid = {39979191},
issn = {0736-4679},
support = {K23 GM146092/GM/NIGMS NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Pulmonary Embolism/diagnosis/therapy ; Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration ; COVID-19/complications ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use ; Risk Assessment/methods ; Acute Disease ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is frequently diagnosed in the Emergency Department (ED), and the management approach can be nuanced.

OBJECTIVE: In this narrative review, we synthesize the literature in selected areas of ongoing controversy regarding the diagnostic and management approaches for acute PE in the ED, and provide evidence-based recommendations to empower emergency physicians (EPs) to provide optimal care in these situations.

DISCUSSION: d-Dimer is used to clinically exclude the diagnosis of PE patients who are stratified as low risk. However by utilizing likelihood ratio and with certain scoring tools, patient historically considered moderate or high risk for PE may safely be able to have the diagnosis excluded with a negative d-dimer. Traditional risk stratification and management strategies can be cautiously applied to patients with concomitant Coronavirus-19 infection while awaiting more definitive studies. There is an increasing trend in the diagnosis of isolated subsegmental PE, and many patients receiving this diagnosis may be treated without anticoagulation provided that they have no evidence of associated deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and can be closely followed as an outpatient. There is a persistent hesitancy to discharge patients with newly diagnosed acute PE, and existing well-supported risk stratification tools and clinical decision frameworks can support the EP's decision to safely discharge low-risk patients.

CONCLUSION: tThis review of the literature empowers emergency clinicians to manage challenging PE cases in the ED.},
}

Humans
*Pulmonary Embolism/diagnosis/therapy
Emergency Service, Hospital/organization & administration
COVID-19/complications
Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis
Anticoagulants/therapeutic use
Risk Assessment/methods
Acute Disease

@article {pmid39971694,
year = {2025},
author = {Tsang, MS and Zhou, IW and Zhang, AL and Xue, CC},
title = {Chinese herbal medicine for dyspnea and persistent symptoms of long COVID: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {Journal of integrative medicine},
volume = {23},
number = {2},
pages = {126-137},
doi = {10.1016/j.joim.2025.01.001},
pmid = {39971694},
issn = {2095-4964},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dyspnea/drug therapy/etiology ; *Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19/complications ; Fatigue/drug therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Anxiety/drug therapy ; Depression/drug therapy ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy ; Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Over 65 million people have long COVID. Evidence for using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to treat long COVID is growing. A systematic review of evidence for guiding clinical decision is warranted.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects and safety of CHM in alleviating the severity of dyspnea, fatigue, exercise intolerance, depression, anxiety and insomnia in long COVID adults based on registered randomized clinical trials (RCT).

SEARCH STRATEGY: World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for registered trial protocols from database inception to February 10, 2023. English (PubMed, Embase, AMED and CINAHL) and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data and CQVIP) were then searched to identify relevant publications from December 2019 through April 6, 2023.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Registered RCTs that compared the effects of Chinese herbal medicines or Chinese herbal formulas against a control treatment (i.e., the placebo or usual care) in adults with persistent symptoms of long COVID. The primary outcome of dyspnea, and secondary outcomes of fatigue, exercise intolerance, depression, anxiety and insomnia were measured using validated tools at the end of the treatment.

DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted, and eligible RCTs were evaluated using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations independently by two researchers. Effect sizes were estimated by random-effects modelling and mean difference (MD). Heterogeneity between trials was quantified by I[2].

RESULTS: Among the 38 registered clinical trials we identified, seven RCTs (1,519 patients) were included in the systematic review. One RCT had a low overall risk of bias. Compared to the control, CHM reduces dyspnea on the Borg Dyspnea Scale score (MD = -0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.65 to 0.25) with moderate certainty, and reduces fatigue on the Borg Scale (MD = -0.48, 95% CI = -0.74 to -0.22) with low certainty. CHM clinically reduces depression on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score (MD = -6.00, 95% CI = -7.56 to -4.44) and anxiety on Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score (MD = -6.10, 95% CI = -7.67 to -4.53), and reduces insomnia on the Insomnia Severity Index (MD = -4.86, 95% CI = -12.50 to 2.79) with moderate certainty. Meta-analysis of two RCTs (517 patients) showed that CHM clinically improves exercise intolerance by increasing 6-minute walking distance (MD = -15.92, 95% CI = -10.20 to 42.05) with substantial heterogeneity (I[2] = 68%) and low certainty.

CONCLUSION: CHM is associated with a post-treatment clinical reduction in depression and anxiety in long COVID adults, compared to the control, but it does not have a strong treatment effect on dyspnea and insomnia. Effects of CHM on exercise intolerance and fatigue are uncertain, and the safety of using CHM remains questionable. Please cite this article as: Tsang MS, Zhou IW, Zhang AL, Xue CC. Chinese herbal medicine for dyspnea and persistent symptoms of long COVID: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 126-137.},
}

Humans
*Dyspnea/drug therapy/etiology
*Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19/complications
Fatigue/drug therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Anxiety/drug therapy
Depression/drug therapy
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/drug therapy
Betacoronavirus

@article {pmid39543801,
year = {2025},
author = {Parua, P and Ghosh, S and Jana, K and Seth, A and Debnath, B and Rout, SK and Sarangi, MK and Dash, R and Halder, J and Rajwar, TK and Pradhan, D and Rai, VK and Dash, P and Das, C and Kar, B and Ghosh, G and Rath, G},
title = {Therapeutic Potential of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies (nMAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant.},
journal = {Current pharmaceutical design},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {753-773},
pmid = {39543801},
issn = {1873-4286},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/drug effects ; *Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred significant endeavors to devise treatments to combat SARS-CoV-2. A limited array of small-molecule antiviral drugs, specifically monoclonal antibodies and interferon therapy, have been sanctioned to treat COVID-19. These treatments typically necessitate administration within ten days of symptom onset. There have been reported reductions in the effectiveness of these medications due to mutations in non-structural protein genes, particularly against Omicron subvariants. This underscores the pressing requirement for healthcare systems to continually monitor pathogen variability and its impact on the efficacy of prevention and treatments.

AIM: This review aimed to comprehend the therapeutic benefits and recent progress of nMAbs for preventing and treating the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs) provide a treatment avenue for severely affected individuals, especially those at high risk for whom vaccination is not viable. With their specific epitope affinity, they pose no significant risk of severe adverse effects. The degree of reduction in neutralization varies significantly across different monoclonal antibodies and variant combinations. For instance, Sotrovimab maintained its neutralization effectiveness against Omicron BA.1, but exhibited diminished efficacy against BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, and BA.2.12.1.

CONCLUSION: Bebtelovimab has been observed to preserve its efficacy against all subtypes of the Omicron variant. Subsequently, WKS13, mAb-39, 19n01, F61-d2 cocktail, etc., have become effective. This review has highlighted the therapeutic implications of nMAbs in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron treatment and the progress of COVID-19 drug discovery.},
}

Humans
*Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/drug effects
*Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology

@article {pmid40206686,
year = {2024},
author = {Raissi Dehkordi, N and Raissi Dehkordi, N and Karimi Toudeshki, K and Farjoo, MH},
title = {Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome: A Review of Current State, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.},
journal = {Mayo Clinic proceedings. Digital health},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {21-31},
pmid = {40206686},
issn = {2949-7612},
abstract = {Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a potentially life-threatening cardiac repolarization disorder characterized by an increased risk of fatal arrhythmias. Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for risk stratification and appropriate management. However, traditional diagnostic approaches have limitations, necessitating more objective and efficient tools. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers promising solutions by enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of electrocardiography (ECG) interpretation. The AI algorithms can process ECG data more rapidly than human experts, providing real-time analysis and prompt identification of individuals at risk, and reducing interobserver variability. By analyzing large volumes of ECG data, AI algorithms can extract meaningful features that may not be apparent to the human eye. Advancements in AI-driven corrected QT interval monitoring using mobile ECG devices, such as smartwatches, offer a valuable and convenient tool for identifying individuals at risk of LQTS-related complications, which is particularly applicable during pandemic conditions, such as COVID-19. Integration of AI into clinical practice poses a number of challenges. Bias in data gathering and patient privacy concerns are important considerations that must be addressed. Safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring data protection are crucial for maintaining trust in AI-driven systems. In addition, the interpretability of AI algorithms is a concern because understanding the decision-making process is essential for clinicians to trust and confidently use these tools. Future perspectives in this field may involve the integration of AI into diagnostic protocols, through genetic subtype classifications on the basis of ECG data. Moreover, explainable AI techniques aim to uncover ECG features associated with LQTS diagnosis, suggesting new insights into LQTS pathophysiology.},
}

@article {pmid40206609,
year = {2023},
author = {Nguyen, AM and Rivera, AM and Gualtieri, L},
title = {A New Health Care Paradigm: The Power of Digital Health and E-Patients.},
journal = {Mayo Clinic proceedings. Digital health},
volume = {1},
number = {3},
pages = {203-209},
pmid = {40206609},
issn = {2949-7612},
abstract = {The integration of digital health into the field of medicine has seen a marked increase with the advancement of technology. Before the pandemic, a marked portion of the adult population, more than 66%, owned smartphones, and approximately 15% owned wearables. The widespread use of such devices, along with the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a transformation in health care culture that prioritizes cocreation, codesign, and collaboration. This shift promotes a model of health care centered on patient empowerment and self-management. In a recent interview with Dave deBronkart, known as e-Patient Dave, we revisited the possibilities of this new approach aimed at empowering, engaging, and equipping e-patients in the context of the pandemic. This interview with deBronkart was originally used for a graduate course on digital health. However, after noticing many reoccurring themes throughout the discussion, we decided to further explore this matter. It was discovered that participatory medicine is a new paradigm in health care, which challenges the conventional, paternalistic model and emphasizes the importance of a collaborative relationship between patients and providers. The realization of the full potential of health care can be achieved by promoting patient engagement and activation through the adoption of participatory medicine.},
}

@article {pmid40206469,
year = {2025},
author = {Snopkowska Lesniak, SW and Maschio, D and Henriquez-Camacho, C and Moreno Cuerda, V},
title = {Biomarkers for SARS-CoV-2 infection. A narrative review.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1563998},
pmid = {40206469},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 with devastating effects on health-care systems. The magnitude of the problem has moved physicians and investigators to identify strategies to detect patients at a high risk of severe disease. The aim of this study was to identify the most relevant biomarkers in the published literature and their correlation with clinical outcomes. To this end, we performed a revision of studies that investigated laboratory abnormalities in patients with COVID-19, comparing non-severe and severe patients. Blood biomarkers were classified into five main categories: hematological, coagulation related to the liver or kidney, and inflammatory. From our analysis, the most relevant biomarkers associated with severe infection for each category were increased levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; decreased platelet count; and high levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatine kinase, troponin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and IL-6. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer levels were independent risk factors for death.},
}

@article {pmid40205144,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonanni, P and Heo, JY and Honda, H and Lee, PI and Mouliom, A and Leong, HN and Del Pilar Martin Matos, M and Dawson, R},
title = {Optimal Timing of Vaccination: A Narrative Review of Integrating Strategies for COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.},
journal = {Infectious diseases and therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40205144},
issn = {2193-8229},
abstract = {Lower respiratory tract infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cause a significant disease burden globally, despite the availability of effective vaccines. Certain populations, such as older adults (≥ 60 years) and individuals of all ages with particular comorbidities, are at increased risk for severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. National administration schedules for available vaccines against respiratory viruses are not unified, and not all current guidelines are clear and directive, concerning the optimal timing of vaccination. Herein, we formulate an evidence-based position regarding the optimal timing of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccination for older adults and individuals with chronic comorbidities, based on a synthesis of the literature and current guidelines. Vaccination impact and timing were found to be influenced by vaccinee risk factors, including age and comorbidities, and waning vaccine effectiveness and seasonal pathogen burden. Because COVID-19, influenza, and RSV display unique seasonal patterns within and between regions, local epidemiological surveillance of each virus is crucial for determining optimal vaccination timing and guidelines. To maximize the benefits of these respiratory virus vaccines, the timing of peak vaccine effectiveness and period of greatest risk for severe outcomes should be aligned. Thus, COVID-19, influenza, and other recommended vaccines given ahead of the start of the respiratory virus season (or other regionally appropriate time) and co-administered at a single, routine visit represent the optimal approach to protecting at-risk populations. More data will be required to establish the clinical benefit of additional RSV vaccine doses and whether these may be integrated within a seasonal schedule. Coordinated policy decisions that align with strain selection for new and annually reformulated vaccines would enable the timely raising of public health awareness, ultimately leading to enhanced vaccine uptake. Implementation strategies will require engagement of healthcare providers and strong, evidence-based public health recommendations for integrated vaccine schedules.},
}

@article {pmid40205087,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, Q and Zhang, N and Leng, C and Wang, S and Ma, J},
title = {Emerging Viral Infections (ZIKV, SARS-CoV-2, and MPXV) and Depression: Ketamine and (S, R)-Ketamine as Promising Antidepressants.},
journal = {Reviews in medical virology},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70036},
doi = {10.1002/rmv.70036},
pmid = {40205087},
issn = {1099-1654},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ketamine/therapeutic use/chemistry ; *Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/psychology/complications/virology ; *Depression/drug therapy/virology/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Emerging viral pathogens, newly reported or rapidly evolving viruses, are a significant public health concern worldwide. Beyond their characteristic clinical presentations, emerging viruses, such as monkeypox virus (MPXV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have been increasingly implicated in the development of various neuropsychiatric complications including depression, mainly due to their ability to induce neuroinflammation, immune dysfunction, and neurotransmitter imbalances. Depression is a common mental health condition characterised by continuous low mood or sadness, pessimism, anxiety, and even a tendency to suicide as the main symptoms. Post viral depression commonly shows significant challenges, as traditional antidepressant agents exhibit suboptimal efficacy and prolonged onset of action. Regarding this, ketamine and its enantiomers, S-ketamine and R-ketamine, have recently received increasing attention as potential options in light of their potent and effective antidepressant properties. The present review describes the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of depression associated with emerging viruses, highlighting the role of neuroinflammation and disturbances inneurotransmitter systems. It also discusses the antidepressant mechanisms of ketamine and its enantiomers, the current clinical evidence demonstrating their effectiveness and safety, especially in the case of treatment-resistant depression, and their growing relevance for mood complications linked to emerging viral infections, including depression. Although preliminary reports propose effectiveness, additional studies are needed to present optimal treatment strategies, long-term safety, and incorporation into clinical practice. Addressing these challenges will be critical for optimising the effectiveness of ketamine- and (S, R)-ketamine-containing therapeutic protocols in treating depression linked to emerging viral infections.},
}

Humans
*Ketamine/therapeutic use/chemistry
*Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use
*COVID-19/psychology/complications/virology
*Depression/drug therapy/virology/etiology
SARS-CoV-2/drug effects

@article {pmid40204184,
year = {2025},
author = {Higgins, DM and Bryan, MA and O'Leary, ST and Opel, DJ},
title = {The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Parental Childhood Vaccine Attitudes in the US.},
journal = {Academic pediatrics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {102829},
doi = {10.1016/j.acap.2025.102829},
pmid = {40204184},
issn = {1876-2867},
}

@article {pmid40203968,
year = {2025},
author = {Fuster-Casanovas, A and Melero, SM and Cabutto, D and Carrion, C and Vidal-Alaball, J and Herrera-Ramos, E and Barcons, C and Duarte-Díaz, A},
title = {Exploring digital health tools for depression management in primary health care: Systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of affective disorders},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.187},
pmid = {40203968},
issn = {1573-2517},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital health tools are transforming mental health care, particularly in treating depression, which affects 5 % of the global population and is projected to be the top disease burden by 2030. In primary care, these tools improve accessibility and efficacy, addressing rising mental health demands, especially post-COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of digital health tools for the management of depression within primary care.

METHODS: A systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines, focusing on digital health tools for reducing depressive symptoms. Controlled trials were included, with RCTs assessed via the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and non-RCTs evaluated using the JBI checklist for quasi-experimental studies. Depressive symptom reduction was the primary outcome.

RESULTS: A total of 29 controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, identifying were web-based platforms, mobile apps, phone calls, text messages, and decision algorithms. The meta-analysis revealed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = -0.22, 95 % CI: -0.37; -0.06, I[2] = 79.64 %). At 6 to 12-month follow-up, the random effects meta-analysis showed that digital health tools had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (g = -0.19, 95%CI: -0.29; -0.09, I[2] = 53.42 %).

CONCLUSIONS: Digital health tools are effective in reducing the symptoms of repression. Symptom severity does not predict suitability for digital treatment, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches and strategies for older adults. Integrating digital interventions into clinical guidelines requires studies like this to support their adoption in real-world practice.},
}

@article {pmid40203050,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Hu, Y and Zhang, Y and Cheng, K and Zhang, C and Wang, J},
title = {Advances in Subacute Thyroiditis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapies.},
journal = {FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology},
volume = {39},
number = {7},
pages = {e70525},
doi = {10.1096/fj.202403264R},
pmid = {40203050},
issn = {1530-6860},
support = {YDZJ202501ZYTS133//the Science and Technology Development Project of Jilin Province/ ; 2024SCZ90//the Health Talent Project of Jilin Province department of Finance/ ; 2024B12//Bethune Project of Jilin Unversity/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Thyroiditis, Subacute/diagnosis/therapy/etiology/drug therapy ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; },
abstract = {Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an inflammatory thyroid disease that is often associated with viral infections. In particular, SARS-COV-2 and its vaccine were found to cause SAT during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pathogenesis, clinical features, and processes still need further profiling. Recently, there are new findings and understanding about the pathogenic mechanisms of SAT. Some HLA genes have been shown to increase the risk of SAT development, and inflammatory cytokine storms could promote the progression of SAT. Some new diagnostic criteria for SAT have been proposed to facilitate clinicians' diagnosis of SAT when facing atypical symptoms in a manner of rapidity and accuracy. Plus, new treatments for SAT with herbal medicines have been proposed recently as an addition to the conventional steroidal drugs and NSAIDs. This review will provide a summary of these recent progresses of SAT on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapies with emphasis on the role of a variety of virus pathogens, including the COVID-19 virus.},
}

Humans
*Thyroiditis, Subacute/diagnosis/therapy/etiology/drug therapy
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 Drug Treatment

@article {pmid40202690,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Q and Han, J and Yan, Y and Kuo, YH and Shen, ZM},
title = {Reinforcement learning for healthcare operations management: methodological framework, recent developments, and future research directions.},
journal = {Health care management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40202690},
issn = {1572-9389},
support = {21222881//Health Bureau/ ; 27200419//University Grants Committee/ ; },
abstract = {With the advancement in computing power and data science techniques, reinforcement learning (RL) has emerged as a powerful tool for decision-making problems in complex systems. In recent years, the research on RL for healthcare operations has grown rapidly. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, RL has played a critical role in optimizing decisions with greater degrees of uncertainty. RL for healthcare applications has been an exciting topic across multiple disciplines, including operations research, operations management, healthcare systems engineering, and data science. This review paper first provides a tutorial on the overall framework of RL, including its key components, training models, and approximators. Then, we present the recent advances of RL in the domain of healthcare operations management (HOM) and analyze the current trends. Our paper concludes by presenting existing challenges and future directions for RL in HOM.},
}

@article {pmid39929362,
year = {2025},
author = {Kara-Junior, N and Rossi, S},
title = {Epidemiology of Cataract-Related Blindness in Brazil: 30 Years of Public Policy Evolution: A Review Article.},
journal = {American journal of ophthalmology},
volume = {273},
number = {},
pages = {205-211},
doi = {10.1016/j.ajo.2025.01.023},
pmid = {39929362},
issn = {1879-1891},
mesh = {Humans ; *Blindness/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control ; Brazil/epidemiology ; *Cataract/epidemiology/complications ; *Cataract Extraction/statistics & numerical data ; *Public Policy ; *Health Policy ; Public Health ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: This review evaluated the impact of various public policies on the number of cataract surgeries performed annually by the Public Health System (SUS) in Brazil and its regions. The goal was to provide insights for managers and the medical community to assess the effectiveness of strategies to prevent cataract-related blindness.

DESIGN: Trend studies based on literature review.

METHODS: This study was developed through a literature review, with a bibliographic survey conducted in databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and SciELO.

RESULTS: Until the early 2000s, approximately 130 000 cataract surgeries were performed annually in Brazil. In 2001, the National Cataract Campaign (CNC) was introduced, which significantly increased surgical volume by providing unrestricted federal funding. By 2003, the SUS had performed 430 000 surgeries, underscoring the critical role of funding in combating cataract blindness. However, the Ministry of Health discontinued the CNC in 2006, leading to a decline in surgeries in subsequent years. The annual surgical volume recovered to 430 000 only in 2011, following the adoption of new policies that involved directly contracting private companies through government tenders. In 2013, the SUS achieved the minimum number of surgeries required to prevent an accumulation of cataract blindness cases, conducting 530 000 procedures. By the early 2020s, parliamentary amendments directed to specific municipalities through Health Social Organizations became a primary funding source for cataract procedures. This approach proved effective, with approximately 860 000 surgeries performed in 2022 to prevent new accumulations and reduce overall cataract blindness. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted progress, causing a 23% decline in surgeries in 2020. However, surgical rates surged with the relaxation of restrictions in 2021, exceeding prepandemic levels by 21%. By 2022, the number of cataract surgeries increased by 63% compared with the prepandemic average, fully addressing the backlog created during the health crisis.

CONCLUSIONS: The increase in surgeries was driven by unlimited federal funding, private contracts, and targeted parliamentary amendments. Despite these efforts, regional disparities persist, requiring equitable policies based on local epidemiologic data. Ensuring access to cataract surgery demands sustained public investment. The resilience of Brazil's SUS in the postpandemic era underscores the need for consistent investments to effectively address health care challenges.},
}

Humans
*Blindness/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control
Brazil/epidemiology
*Cataract/epidemiology/complications
*Cataract Extraction/statistics & numerical data
*Public Policy
*Health Policy
Public Health

@article {pmid39724286,
year = {2025},
author = {Ghatak, A and Pierides, I and Singh, RK and Srivastava, RK and Varshney, RK and Prasad, M and Chaturvedi, P and Weckwerth, W},
title = {Millets for a sustainable future.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {76},
number = {6},
pages = {1534-1545},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/erae507},
pmid = {39724286},
issn = {1460-2431},
support = {//Vienna Metabolomics Center/ ; 5234//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {*Millets/genetics/growth & development ; *Crops, Agricultural/genetics ; Climate Change ; COVID-19 ; Agriculture ; },
abstract = {Our current agricultural system faces a perfect storm-climate change, a burgeoning population, and unpredictable outbreaks such as COVID-19 which disrupt food production, particularly for vulnerable populations in developing countries. A paradigm shift in agriculture practices is needed to tackle these issues. One solution is the diversification of crop production. While ~56% of the plant-based protein stems from three major cereal crops (rice, wheat, and maize), underutilized crops such as millets, legumes, and other cereals are highly neglected by farmers and the research community. Millets are one of the most ancient and versatile orphan crops with attributes such as fast growing, high yielding, withstanding harsh environments, and rich in micronutrients such as iron and zinc, making them appealing to achieve agronomic sustainability. Here, we highlight the contribution of millet to agriculture and focus on the genetic diversity of millet, genomic resources, and next-generation omics and their applications under various stress conditions. Additionally, integrative omics technologies could identify and develop millets with desirable phenotypes having high agronomic value and mitigating climate change. We emphasize that biotechnological interventions, such as genome-wide association, genomic selection, genome editing, and artificial intelligence/machine learning, can improve and breed millets more effectively.},
}

*Millets/genetics/growth & development
*Crops, Agricultural/genetics
Climate Change
COVID-19
Agriculture

@article {pmid39688608,
year = {2025},
author = {Tsionis, A and Stefanatou, P and Konstantakopoulos, G},
title = {Under pressure: A systematic review of the mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health workers.},
journal = {Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {55-71},
doi = {10.22365/jpsych.2024.025},
pmid = {39688608},
issn = {1105-2333},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; *Mental Health ; Anxiety/epidemiology/psychology ; Burnout, Professional/epidemiology/psychology ; Depression/epidemiology/psychology ; Pandemics ; Female ; Male ; Stress, Psychological/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic emerged suddenly, profoundly impacting the lives of us all, including mental health workers (MHW). This unprecedented crisis introduced significant challenges for MHW, exposing them to increased risks of psychological distress. This systematic review aims to evaluate the psychopathological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on MHW. Additionally, it seeks to explore factors-social, regional, occupational, and others-influencing these effects. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 2621 citations were screened, with 29 studies meeting the inclusion criteria for analysis. Our review focused exclusively on studies utilizing validated measurement tools to ensure reliability. Our findings revealed a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related disorders, and burnout among mental health nurses and other MHW during the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant variations based on regional, occupational, gender, and other demographic factors. Depressive symptoms ranged from 16.8% to 52.2%, and anxiety levels varied from 9.7% to 63% among MHW. Interestingly, MHW exhibited lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to other healthcare workers and the general population, possibly indicating higher resilience. Factors such as younger age, female gender, profession, work setting, fear of COVID-19, and workload were associated with increased psychological distress. Our review also underscores the need for more systematically accurate trauma research, particularly in how trauma is defined and assessed during global crises. While the consistency in study findings highlights the considerable effect of the pandemic, we observed differences that suggest the influence of multiple interacting factors. The lack of longitudinal studies and comparative data limits the ability to determine changes over time and differences with other groups. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of those responsible for caring for the mental health of others, with considerable variations influenced by multiple interacting factors. Our findings highlight the critical need for protective protocols and psychological support systems to mitigate adverse effects on MHW during global crises. The variance in impact across different countries, in relation to local, political, cultural, and other factors, provides a foundation for future research.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Health Personnel/psychology
*Mental Health
Anxiety/epidemiology/psychology
Burnout, Professional/epidemiology/psychology
Depression/epidemiology/psychology
Pandemics
Female
Male
Stress, Psychological/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39688606,
year = {2025},
author = {Deli, D and Tsouvelas, G and Roukas, D and Mentis, M},
title = {A systematic review of depressive and anxiety symptoms in caregivers of dementia patients.},
journal = {Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki},
volume = {36},
number = {1},
pages = {72-80},
doi = {10.22365/jpsych.2024.023},
pmid = {39688606},
issn = {1105-2333},
mesh = {Humans ; *Caregivers/psychology ; *Dementia/psychology/nursing ; *Anxiety/epidemiology/psychology ; *Depression/epidemiology/psychology ; Quality of Life/psychology ; COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Male ; Caregiver Burden/psychology ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {The current number of dementia cases in Europe stands at 7.7 million, a figure projected to double by 2050. Caregivers of individuals with dementia experience a heightened burden compared to those caring for other chronically ill individuals, increasing the risk of depression and stress disorders. This systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines, explores the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in dementia caregivers. Searches in academic databases, restricted to studies from the last 15 years, identified 85 articles with 16 meeting the inclusion criteria. Results indicate significant caregiver burden, diminished self-reported quality of life, and a propensity for clinical depression. Depression and anxiety symptoms were more pronounced among female caregivers. Caregiver depression correlated with increased emergency department utilization by dementia patients, with a surge in depressive symptoms reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregiving for dementia patients was associated with burnout, adversely impacting caregiver quality of life. Depression and anxiety symptoms in caregivers correlated with substance use. Sociodemographic variables, including low socioeconomic status, high urbanization levels, and older age, were associated with caregiver depression. Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease reported higher anxiety, burden, and depression scores compared to those assisting individuals with other dementias, particularly when neuropsychiatric symptoms were evident. The identification of the factors that are linked to the mental burden of caregivers allows mental health professionals to enhance symptom detection and provide tailored support, ultimately alleviating caregiver burden and improving dementia care quality. Systematic professional assistance and training opportunities through health policies can effectively alleviate caregiver burden.},
}

Humans
*Caregivers/psychology
*Dementia/psychology/nursing
*Anxiety/epidemiology/psychology
*Depression/epidemiology/psychology
Quality of Life/psychology
COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
Female
Male
Caregiver Burden/psychology
Prevalence

@article {pmid40202004,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Z and Du, B and Wu, X and Hu, X and Diao, S and Dong, R},
title = {[Research progress on the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics imbalance and novel coronavirus infection-related acute respiratory distress syndrome].},
journal = {Zhonghua wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue},
volume = {37},
number = {3},
pages = {300-304},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20241126-00957},
pmid = {40202004},
issn = {2095-4352},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/metabolism/virology/etiology ; COVID-19 ; *Mitochondrial Dynamics ; *Mitochondria/metabolism ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism ; Dynamins ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Patients with severe pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection are often complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which has a high mortality. ARDS is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary edema, and hypoxemia. Mitochondria are prone to morphological and functional abnormalities under hypoxia and viral infection, which can lead to cell apoptosis and damage, severely impacting the disease progression. Mitochondria maintain homeostasis through fission and fusion. In ARDS, hypoxia leads to the phosphorylation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), triggering excessive mitochondrial fission and damaging the alveolar epithelial barrier. Animal experiments have shown that inhibiting this process can alleviate lung injury, providing a potential direction for treatment. The pathology of novel coronavirus infection-related ARDS is similar to that of typical ARDS but more severe. Viral infection and hypoxia disrupt the mitochondrial balance, causing fission and autophagy abnormalities, promoting oxidative stress and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release, activating inflammasomes, inducing the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), exacerbating viral infection, inflammation, and coagulation reactions, and resulting in multiple organ damage. Mechanical ventilation and glucocorticoids are commonly used in the treatment of novel coronavirus infection-related ARDS. Mechanical ventilation is likely to cause lung and diaphragm injuries and changes in mitochondrial dynamics, while the lung protective ventilation strategy can reduce the adverse effects. Glucocorticoids can regulate mitochondrial function and immune response and improve the patient's condition through multiple pathways. The mitochondrial dynamics imbalance in novel coronavirus infection-related ARDS is caused by hypoxia and viral proteins, leading to lung and multiple organ injuries. To clarify the pathophysiological mechanism of mitochondrial dynamics imbalance in novel coronavirus infection-related ARDS and explore effective strategies for regulating mitochondrial dynamics balance to treat this disease, so as to provide new treatment targets and methods for patients with novel coronavirus infection-related ARDS. The existing treatments have limitations. Future research needs to deeply study the mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction, develop new therapies and regulatory strategies, and improve the treatment effect.},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Distress Syndrome/metabolism/virology/etiology
COVID-19
*Mitochondrial Dynamics
*Mitochondria/metabolism
DNA, Mitochondrial
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
Dynamins
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40201990,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, J and Li, Y and Li, H and Zhou, J},
title = {[Acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by severe respiratory infectious diseases: clinical significance and solution of maintaining artificial airway closure].},
journal = {Zhonghua wei zhong bing ji jiu yi xue},
volume = {37},
number = {3},
pages = {221-224},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20240506-00404},
pmid = {40201990},
issn = {2095-4352},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy/etiology ; *Respiration, Artificial ; Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury/prevention & control ; *Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; COVID-19 ; Clinical Relevance ; },
abstract = {Since the beginning of the 21st century, the severe respiratory infectious diseases worldwide [such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza A H1N1 and novel coronavirus infection have attracted wide attention from all walks of life due to their superior pathogenicity and transmissibility. Aerosols-carrying pathogens are the main transmission route of many severe respiratory infectious diseases, which can lead to severe respiratory failure and even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infected individuals. Mechanical ventilation is the primary treatment for ARDS, and the small tidal volume, appropriate level of positive end-expiratory pressure based lung protective ventilation strategy can effectively reduce the incidence of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). However, in the process of clinical treatment, it is sometimes necessary to briefly disconnect the connection between the artificial airway and the ventilator circuit, which will not only cause the residual aerosol in the respiratory system to spill out and pollute the surrounding environment, increase the risk of nosocomial infection including medical staff, but also interfere with the implementation of lung protective ventilation strategy and aggravate ventilator-induced lung injury. In addition, studies have shown that a lot of medical staff have nosocomial infections, especially staff involved in tracheal intubation, extubation and other airway related operations. In addition to enhancing personal protective measures, it is crucial to safeguard healthcare workers from aerosol contamination and minimize associated risks during airway management. At present, there are few researches on the temporary sealing of airway lines and ventilator system, and there is a lack of clear guidance. This review summarizes the research status in related fields to provide a reference for corresponding solutions and programs.},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Distress Syndrome/therapy/etiology
*Respiration, Artificial
Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury/prevention & control
*Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
COVID-19
Clinical Relevance

@article {pmid40199308,
year = {2024},
author = {Bona, JP},
title = {Knowledge Representation and Management in the Age of Long Covid and Large Language Models: a 2022-2023 Survey.},
journal = {Yearbook of medical informatics},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {216-222},
doi = {10.1055/s-0044-1800747},
pmid = {40199308},
issn = {2364-0502},
mesh = {*COVID-19 ; Humans ; *Artificial Intelligence ; *Language ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Large Language Models ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To select, present, and summarize cutting edge work in the field of Knowledge Representation and Management (KRM) published in 2022 and 2023.

METHODS: A comprehensive set of KRM-relevant articles published in 2022 and 2023 was retrieved by querying PubMed. Topic modeling with Latent Dirichlet Allocation was used to further refine this query and suggest areas of focus. Selected articles were chosen based on a review of their title and abstract.

RESULTS: An initial set of 8,706 publications were retrieved from PubMed. From these, fifteen papers were ultimately selected matching one of two main themes: KRM for long COVID, and KRM approaches used in combination with generative large language models.

CONCLUSIONS: This survey shows the ongoing development and versatility of KRM approaches, both to improve our understanding of a global health crisis and to augment and evaluate cutting edge technologies from other areas of artificial intelligence.},
}

*COVID-19
Humans
*Artificial Intelligence
*Language
Surveys and Questionnaires
Large Language Models

@article {pmid40199042,
year = {2025},
author = {Baaden, M and Glowacki, DR},
title = {Virtual reality in drug design: Benefits, applications and industrial perspectives.},
journal = {Current opinion in structural biology},
volume = {92},
number = {},
pages = {103044},
doi = {10.1016/j.sbi.2025.103044},
pmid = {40199042},
issn = {1879-033X},
abstract = {Virtual reality (VR) is a tool which has transformative potential in domains which involve the visualization of complex 3D data such as structure-based drug design (SBDD), where it offers new ways to visualize and manipulate complex molecular structures in three dimensions, and enable intuitive exploration of protein-ligand complexes. In this article, we outline three levels of interaction which are available in immersive VR environments for drug discovery, and provide illustrative case studies with applications in COVID-19 research and protein-ligand docking. We discuss VR's role in drug discovery based on conversations with experts from the pharmaceutical industry. While industry experts are mostly optimistic about the potential of VR, they point to the challenges related to integration with existing workflows and the need for improved hardware ergonomics, as well as ensuring a synergistic relationship between VR and an expanding suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.},
}

@article {pmid40198513,
year = {2025},
author = {Correia, E and Mandel, J and Cullison, SRJ},
title = {Analyzing Social Media Trends in Cosmeceuticals: Insights From Google Trends and TikTok Analytics.},
journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
volume = {24},
number = {4},
pages = {e70172},
doi = {10.1111/jocd.70172},
pmid = {40198513},
issn = {1473-2165},
mesh = {Humans ; *Social Media/trends/statistics & numerical data ; *Cosmeceuticals/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Search Engine/trends/statistics & numerical data ; *Dermatology/trends ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Social media usage has surged, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Dermatology invokes intense interest on social media, and cosmeceuticals are among the most trending topics, offering a unique space for dermatologists to share their expertise. By using tools like Google Trends and TikTok viewership, we aim to capture cosmeceutical trends to guide dermatologists' educational efforts.

METHODS: A Google Trends search from January 2004 to December 2023 was performed on retinol, bakuchiol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, niacinamide, vitamin C serum, and hyaluronic acid. Trend lines were created for each term, and yearly percent differences in relative search volume index (SVI) were calculated. Relative interest for each cosmeceutical was analyzed, comparing the average SVI and TikTok views.

RESULTS: Google data shows sustained cosmeceutical search volume growth, with the largest increase from 2020 to 2021, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Cosmeceutical search volume corresponds with TikTok views. Both platforms demonstrate retinol as the most popular cosmeceutical, followed by hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C. Niacinamide has considerably more TikTok views compared to search interest. Bakuchiol was the least popular cosmeceutical.

CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal growing curiosity in cosmeceuticals, with interest correlating with consumers' views on social media. Awareness of skincare trends and growth in cosmeceutical interest empower dermatologists to anticipate patient inquiries and develop targeted education on product efficacy, cost effectiveness, and potential adverse reactions. Social media platforms are a possible space for dermatologists to engage with their patients and ensure dissemination of accurate cosmeceutical information.},
}

Humans
*Social Media/trends/statistics & numerical data
*Cosmeceuticals/therapeutic use
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Search Engine/trends/statistics & numerical data
*Dermatology/trends
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40198477,
year = {2025},
author = {Allela, OQB and Ali, NAM and Sanghvi, G and Roopashree, R and Kashyap, A and Krithiga, T and Panigrahi, R and Kubaev, A and Kareem, RA and Sameer, HN and Yaseen, A and Athab, ZH and Adil, M},
title = {The Role of Viral Infections in Acute Kidney Injury and Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy.},
journal = {Stem cell reviews and reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40198477},
issn = {2629-3277},
abstract = {Viruses may cause a wide range of renal problems. Furthermore, many kidney diseases may be brought on by viral infections. Both the primary cause and a contributing factor of acute kidney injury (AKI) may be viral infections. As an example, it is recommended that patients with dengue virus (DENV) infections undergo careful monitoring of their AKI levels. Also, researchers' data so far lend credence to the several hypothesized pathophysiological mechanisms via which AKI can develop in SARS-CoV- 2 infection. Thus, it is critical to comprehend how viral infections cause AKI. Finding an effective method of treating AKI caused by viruses is also vital. Thus, a potential cell-free method for treating AKI that uses regenerative and anti-inflammatory processes is mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes (MSC-EXOs). MSCs alleviate tissue damage and enhance protective effects on damaged kidneys in AKI. Furthermore, MSC-EXOs have exhibited substantial regulatory impact on a range of immune cells and exhibit robust immune regulation in the therapy of AKI. Thus, in models of AKI caused by ischemia-reperfusion damage, nephrotoxins, or sepsis, MSCs and MSC-EXOs improved renal function, decreased inflammation, and improved healing. Therefore, MSCs and MSC-EXOs may help treat AKI caused by different viruses. Consequently, we have explored several innovative and significant processes in this work that pertain to the role of viruses in AKI and the significance of viral illness in the onset of AKI. After that, we assessed the key aspects of MSCs and MSC-EXOs for AKI therapy. We have concluded by outlining the current state of and plans for future research into MSC- and EXO-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of AKI brought on by viruses.},
}

@article {pmid40197228,
year = {2025},
author = {Noma, K and Asano, T and Taniguchi, M and Ashihara, K and Okada, S},
title = {Anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human susceptibility to infectious diseases: insights from Inborn errors of immunity.},
journal = {Immunological medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-17},
doi = {10.1080/25785826.2025.2488553},
pmid = {40197228},
issn = {2578-5826},
abstract = {The study of Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEIs) is critical for understanding the complex mechanisms of the human immune response to infectious diseases. Specific IEIs, characterized by selective susceptibility to certain pathogens, have enhanced our understanding of the key molecular pathways and cellular subsets involved in host defense against pathogens. These insights revealed that patients with anti-cytokine autoantibodies exhibit phenotypes similar to those with pathogenic mutations in genes encoding signaling molecules. This new disease concept is currently categorized as 'Phenocopies of IEI'. This category includes anti-cytokine autoantibodies targeting IL-17/IL-22, IFN-γ, IL-6, GM-CSF, and type I IFNs. Abundant anti-cytokine autoantibodies deplete corresponding cytokines, impair signaling pathways, and increase susceptibility to specific pathogens. We herein demonstrate the clinical and etiological significance of anti-cytokine autoantibodies in human immunity to pathogens. Insights from studies of rare IEIs underscore the pathological importance of cytokine-targeting autoantibodies. Simultaneously, the diverse clinical phenotype of patients with these autoantibodies suggests that the influences of cytokine dysfunction are broader than previously recognized. Furthermore, comprehensive studies prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the substantial clinical impact of autoantibodies and their potential role in shaping the outcomes of infectious disease.},
}

@article {pmid40197159,
year = {2025},
author = {Alizon, S and Sofonea, MT},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, kinetics, and evolution: A narrative review.},
journal = {Virulence},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {2480633},
doi = {10.1080/21505594.2025.2480633},
pmid = {40197159},
issn = {2150-5608},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity ; Pandemics ; Evolution, Molecular ; },
abstract = {Since winter 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has emerged, spread, and evolved all around the globe. We explore 4 y of evolutionary epidemiology of this virus, ranging from the applied public health challenges to the more conceptual evolutionary biology perspectives. Through this review, we first present the spread and lethality of the infections it causes, starting from its emergence in Wuhan (China) from the initial epidemics all around the world, compare the virus to other betacoronaviruses, focus on its airborne transmission, compare containment strategies ("zero-COVID" vs. "herd immunity"), explain its phylogeographical tracking, underline the importance of natural selection on the epidemics, mention its within-host population dynamics. Finally, we discuss how the pandemic has transformed (or should transform) the surveillance and prevention of viral respiratory infections and identify perspectives for the research on epidemiology of COVID-19.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics/pathogenicity
Pandemics
Evolution, Molecular

@article {pmid40197126,
year = {2025},
author = {Klingl, YE and Petrauskas, A and Jaślan, D and Grimm, C},
title = {TPCs: From plant to human.},
journal = {Physiological reviews},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1152/physrev.00044.2024},
pmid = {40197126},
issn = {1522-1210},
support = {DFG GR4315/6-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; DFG GR4315/7-1//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; SFB1328 A21//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; TRR152 P04//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; GRK2338 P08//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)/ ; },
abstract = {In 2005, the Arabidopsis thaliana two-pore channel TPC1 channel was identified as a vacuolar Ca[[2+]]-release channel. In 2009 three independent groups published studies on mammalian TPCs as NAADP-activated endolysosomal Ca[2+] release channels, results that were eventually challenged by two other groups, claiming mammalian TPCs to be PI(3,5)P2 activated Na[+] channels. By now this dispute seems to have been largely reconciled. Lipophilic small molecule agonists of TPC2, mimicking either the NAADP or the PI(3,5)P2 mode of channel activation, revealed, together with structural evidence, that TPC2 can change its selectivity for Ca[2+] versus Na[+] in a ligand-dependent fashion (N- versus P-type activation). Furthermore, NAADP-binding proteins, JPT2 and Lsm12 were discovered, corroborating the hypothesis that NAADP activation of TPCs only works in the presence of these auxiliary NAADP-binding proteins. Pathophysiologically, loss or gain of function of TPCs has effects on autophagy, exocytosis, endocytosis, and intracellular trafficking, e.g., LDL cholesterol trafficking leading to fatty liver disease or viral and bacterial toxin trafficking, corroborating roles of TPCs in infectious diseases such as Ebola or Covid19. Defects in trafficking of EGFR and (?)1-integrin suggested roles in cancer. In neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease models, P-type activation of TPC2 was found to have beneficial effects on both in vitro and in vivo hallmarks of Niemann- Pick disease type C1, Batten disease, and Mucolipidosis type IV. Here, we cover the latest on structure, function, physiology, and pathophysiology of these channels with a focus initially on plant followed by mammalian TPCs, and we discuss their potential as drug targets, including currently available pharmacology.},
}

@article {pmid40196380,
year = {2025},
author = {Safi, D and Khouri, F and Zareef, R and Arabi, M},
title = {Antivirals in COVID-19: A Focus on Pediatric Cardiac Patients.},
journal = {The Canadian journal of infectious diseases & medical microbiology = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses et de la microbiologie medicale},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {4573096},
pmid = {40196380},
issn = {1712-9532},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented public health crisis, driven by its rapid global spread and the urgent need for worldwide collaborative interventions to contain it. This urgency spurred the search for therapeutic agents to prevent or manage the infection. Among these, various types of antivirals emerged as a prominent treatment option, supported by a wealth of observational studies and randomized controlled trials. The results from such studies conflict, with some concluding efficacy and others the lack thereof, with variability also occurring depending on the severity of COVID-19 in the studied population. In addition, many agents have been explored using randomized controlled trials-the gold standard in evaluating the efficacy of an intervention-to only a limited degree, with most of the evidence behind their use concluded using observational studies. Thus, the sheer volume of data has made it challenging to resolve inconsistencies and determine true efficacy. Furthermore, there is a paucity in the literature regarding the use of antivirals in the pediatric population infected with COVID-19, with their use being extrapolated from the results of studies done on adult patients. As such, additional trials are needed to solidify the effectiveness of antivirals in managing COVID-19, particularly in the underexplored and especially vulnerable pediatric cardiac patients. Therefore, utilizing the results from randomized controlled trials, this narrative review evaluates the rationale behind the use of antivirals, summarizes the findings from the literature, and concludes with a focused discussion on their application in pediatric cardiac patients.},
}

@article {pmid40195851,
year = {2025},
author = {Chung, J and Pierce, J and Franklin, C and Olson, RM and Morrison, AR and Amos-Landgraf, J},
title = {Translating animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection to vascular, neurological and gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19.},
journal = {Disease models & mechanisms},
volume = {18},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/dmm.052086},
pmid = {40195851},
issn = {1754-8411},
support = {U42OD010918//Institutes of Health (NIH)/ ; T32OD011126//NIH Office of the Director/ ; IK2BX002527//U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/ ; },
mesh = {*COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology ; Animals ; *Disease Models, Animal ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; *Gastrointestinal Diseases/virology/etiology/pathology ; Humans ; *Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology/pathology ; *Vascular Diseases/virology/etiology ; Gastrointestinal Tract/pathology/virology ; *Translational Research, Biomedical ; },
abstract = {Since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiated a global pandemic resulting in an estimated 775 million infections with over 7 million deaths, it has become evident that COVID-19 is not solely a pulmonary disease. Emerging evidence has shown that, in a subset of patients, certain symptoms - including chest pain, stroke, anosmia, dysgeusia, diarrhea and abdominal pain - all indicate a role of vascular, neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) pathology in the disease process. Many of these disease processes persist long after the acute disease has been resolved, resulting in 'long COVID' or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). The molecular mechanisms underlying the acute and systemic conditions associated with COVID-19 remain incompletely defined. Appropriate animal models provide a method of understanding underlying disease mechanisms at the system level through the study of disease progression, tissue pathology, immune system response to the pathogen and behavioral responses. However, very few studies have addressed PASC and whether existing models hold promise for studying this challenging problem. Here, we review the current literature on cardiovascular, neurological and GI pathobiology caused by COVID-19 in patients, along with established animal models of the acute disease manifestations and their prospects for use in PASC studies. Our aim is to provide guidance for the selection of appropriate models in order to recapitulate certain aspects of the disease to enhance the translatability of mechanistic studies.},
}

*COVID-19/complications/pathology/virology
Animals
*Disease Models, Animal
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
*Gastrointestinal Diseases/virology/etiology/pathology
Humans
*Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology/pathology
*Vascular Diseases/virology/etiology
Gastrointestinal Tract/pathology/virology
*Translational Research, Biomedical

@article {pmid40195015,
year = {2025},
author = {Zubair, A and Ahmad, H and Arif, MM and Ali, M},
title = {mRNA vaccines against HIV: Hopes and challenges.},
journal = {HIV medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/hiv.70024},
pmid = {40195015},
issn = {1468-1293},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of the first licensed mRNA-based vaccines against COVID-19, there has been significant interest in leveraging this technology for other vaccines. An unprecedented surge of mRNA vaccines has emerged in preclinical, clinical, and various research phases since 2020. The rapid development of mRNA formulations, delivery methods, and manufacturing processes has made this trend foreseeable. There is an urgent demand for effective and easily transportable vaccines in regions where the virus is prevalent, and mRNA technology shows promise in addressing this need.

METHODOLOGY: The data was retrieved from various databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, ClinicalTrials.gov, and government websites. The following terms were used in the search strategies: HIV, vaccines, mRNA vaccines, clinical trials, and preclinical trials. A total of 35 articles were identified and subsequently screened for data regarding mRNA vaccines for HIV.

RESULTS: mRNA vaccines are an effective solution for HIV treatment, as demonstrated by various research studies referenced in the article.

CONCLUSION: This review evaluates the current state of HIV-1 mRNA vaccine development, clarifies various targeting strategies, highlights recent research findings, and provides insights into the challenges and potential solutions associated with these issues. In this review, we have explored mRNA vaccines, focusing on their functional structure, design, manufacturing, and distribution methodologies.},
}

@article {pmid40194536,
year = {2025},
author = {Bejon, P and Agweyu, A and Ochola-Oyier, LI and Hamaluba, M and Kamuya, D and Kinyanjui, S and Barasa, E},
title = {Rethinking the evidence on COVID-19 in Africa.},
journal = {The Lancet. Infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S1473-3099(25)00071-4},
pmid = {40194536},
issn = {1474-4457},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic was predicted to cause substantial mortality in Africa. However, some countries in Africa had a striking absence of overwhelmed hospitals and low reported mortality. The marked contrast with the overwhelmed hospitals and high mortality seen in Europe and other high-income settings was regarded as puzzling and a paradox. In this Review, we reflect on possible explanations for the paradox with particular reference to observations made on the ground in Kenya. The evidence is inconsistent with reduced viral transmission or poor surveillance as primary explanations for the discrepancy. Population age structure is an important but incomplete explanation of the epidemiology. Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic infection, low mortality, and evidence of reduced inflammatory responses, we hypothesise that some populations in Africa might have reduced susceptibility to symptomatic COVID-19. The reduced inflammatory responses might result from immunoregulation or cross-reactive, pre-pandemic cellular immunity, although the evidence is not definitive. Local data are essential to develop public health policies that align with the reality on the ground rather than external perceptions.},
}

@article {pmid39218423,
year = {2025},
author = {Morris, JS},
title = {Tracking vaccine effectiveness in an evolving pandemic, countering misleading hot takes and epidemiologic fallacies.},
journal = {American journal of epidemiology},
volume = {194},
number = {4},
pages = {898-907},
doi = {10.1093/aje/kwae280},
pmid = {39218423},
issn = {1476-6256},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *Vaccine Efficacy ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Social Media ; Bias ; },
abstract = {With the emergence of Omicron during the pandemic and the establishment of antibody waning over time, vaccine effectiveness, especially against infection, declined sharply from the original levels seen after the initial rollout. However, studies have demonstrated that they still provided substantial protection vs severe/fatal disease even with Omicron and after waning. Social media has been rife with reports claiming vaccines provided no benefit and some even claiming they made things worse, often driven by simple presentations of raw observational data using erroneous arguments involving epidemiologic fallacies including the base rate fallacy, Simpson's paradox, and the ecological fallacy and ignoring the extensive bias especially from confounding that is an inherent feature of these data. Similar fallacious arguments have been made by some in promoting vaccination policies, as well. Generally, vaccine effectiveness cannot be accurately estimated from raw population summaries but instead require rigorous, careful studies using epidemiologic designs and statistical analysis tools attempting to adjust for key confounders and sources of bias. This article summarizes what aggregated evidence across studies reveals about effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines as the pandemic has evolved, chronologically summarized with emerging variants and highlighting some of the fallacies and flawed arguments feeding social media-based claims that have obscured society's collective understanding.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*Vaccine Efficacy
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Social Media
Bias

@article {pmid39168833,
year = {2025},
author = {Nguyen, NN and Do, TD and Truong, HH and Mai, AN and Chen, YC},
title = {Difference in precocious puberty between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {American journal of epidemiology},
volume = {194},
number = {4},
pages = {1131-1139},
doi = {10.1093/aje/kwae295},
pmid = {39168833},
issn = {1476-6256},
support = {//National Science and Technology Council/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Puberty, Precocious/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Incidence ; Child ; Body Mass Index ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Female ; Risk Factors ; },
abstract = {We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the trend of precocious puberty (PP) incidence after the COVID-19 outbreak and explore potential contributing factors, such as age at presentation and body mass index (BMI) SD score (SDS). Children visiting pediatric endocrinology clinics for the first time for suspected PP were included. We searched databases until February 28, 2023, for studies reporting various indicators of PP incidence before and during the pandemic. Total numbers of events and observations were recorded. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the odds of PP, BMI SDS, and age at presentation between the 2 periods. The dose-response relationships between time points (by number of years away from the pandemic) and PP risk were explored. In summary, a total of 32 studies including 24 200 participants were recruited. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with the increasing odds of PP among children referred for a suspicious condition (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.56-2.47; I2 = 54%; P < .001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the findings. The BMI SDS did not vary between the 2 periods, whereas age at presentation was lower after the pandemic. Precocious puberty incidence increased more rapidly during the pandemic period than during the prepandemic period. Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; identifier: CRD42023402212).},
}

Humans
*Puberty, Precocious/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Incidence
Child
Body Mass Index
SARS-CoV-2
Female
Risk Factors

@article {pmid40194268,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeremic, D and Navarro-Lopez, JD and Jimenez-Diaz, L},
title = {Clinical Benefits and Risks of Antiamyloid Antibodies in Sporadic Alzheimer Disease: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis With a Web Application.},
journal = {Journal of medical Internet research},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e68454},
doi = {10.2196/68454},
pmid = {40194268},
issn = {1438-8871},
mesh = {*Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy ; Humans ; Network Meta-Analysis as Topic ; *Internet ; Bayes Theorem ; Risk Assessment ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing approval of antiamyloid antibodies for Alzheimer disease (AD), their clinical relevance and risk-benefit profile remain uncertain. The heterogeneity of AD and the limited availability of long-term clinical data make it difficult to establish a clear rationale for selecting one treatment over another.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to assess and compare the efficacy and safety of antiamyloid antibodies through an interactive online meta-analytic approach by performing conventional pair-wise meta-analyses and frequentist and Bayesian network meta-analyses of phase II and III clinical trial results. To achieve this, we developed AlzMeta.app 2.0, a freely accessible web application that enables researchers and clinicians to evaluate the relative and absolute risks and benefits of these therapies in real time, incorporating different prior choices and assumptions of baseline risks of disease progression and adverse events.

METHODS: We adhered to PRISMA-NMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for reporting of systematic reviews with network meta-analysis) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines for reporting and rating the certainty of evidence. Clinical trial reports (until September 30, 2024) were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical trial databases (including ClinicalTrials.gov). Studies with <20 sporadic AD patients and a modified Jadad score <3 were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB-2 tool. Relative risks and benefits have been expressed as risk ratios and standardized mean differences, with confidence, credible, and prediction intervals calculated for all outcomes. For significant results, the intervention effects were ranked in frequentist and Bayesian frameworks, and their clinical relevance was determined by the absolute risk per 1000 people and number needed to treat (NNT) for a wide range of control responses.

RESULTS: Among 7 treatments tested in 21,236 patients (26 studies with low risk of bias or with some concerns), donanemab was the best-ranked treatment on cognitive and functional measures, and it was almost 2 times more effective than aducanumab and lecanemab and significantly more beneficial than other treatments on the global (cognitive and functional) Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sum of Boxes (NNT=10, 95% CI 8-16). Special caution is required regarding cerebral edema and microbleeding due to the clinically relevant risks of edema for donanemab (NNT=8, 95% CI 5-16), aducanumab (NNT=10, 95% CI 6-17), and lecanemab (NNT=14, 95% CI 7-31), which may outweigh the benefits.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that donanemab is more effective and has a safety profile similar to aducanumab and lecanemab, highlighting the need for treatment options with improved safety. Potential bias may have been introduced in the included trials due to unblinding caused by frequent cerebral edema and microbleeds, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.},
}

*Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy
Humans
Network Meta-Analysis as Topic
*Internet
Bayes Theorem
Risk Assessment

@article {pmid40194267,
year = {2025},
author = {Bakhti, R and Daler, H and Ogunro, H and Hope, S and Hargreaves, D and Nicholls, D},
title = {Exploring Engagement With and Effectiveness of Digital Mental Health Interventions in Young People of Different Ethnicities: Systematic Review.},
journal = {Journal of medical Internet research},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e68544},
doi = {10.2196/68544},
pmid = {40194267},
issn = {1438-8871},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mental Disorders/therapy/ethnology ; COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Ethnicity/psychology ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; *Mental Health ; Telemedicine ; *Mental Health Services ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health difficulties among young people has risen in recent years, with 75% of mental disorders emerging before the age of 24 years. The identification and treatment of mental health issues earlier in life improves later-life outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred the growth of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs), which offer accessible support. However, young people of different ethnicities face barriers to DMHIs, such as socioeconomic disadvantage and cultural stigma.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to summarize and evaluate the engagement with and effectiveness of DMHIs among young people of different ethnicities.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO for studies published between January 2019 and May 2024, with an update in September 2024. The inclusion criteria were participants aged <25 years using DMHIs from various ethnic backgrounds. Three reviewers independently screened and selected the studies. Data on engagement (eg, use and uptake) and effectiveness (eg, clinical outcomes and symptom improvement) were extracted and synthesized to compare findings. Studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS: The final search yielded 67 studies, of which 7 (10%) met inclusion criteria. There were 1853 participants across the 7 studies, all from high-income countries. Participants were predominantly aged 12 to 25 years, with representation of diverse ethnic identities, including Black, Asian, Hispanic, mixed race, and Aboriginal individuals. Engagement outcomes varied, with culturally relatable, low-cost interventions showing higher retention and user satisfaction. Linguistic barriers and country of origin impeded the effectiveness of some interventions, while near-peer mentorship, coproduction, and tailored content improved the effectiveness of DMHIs. While initial results are promising, small sample sizes, heterogeneity in outcome assessments, and a paucity of longitudinal data impeded robust comparisons and generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS: DMHIs show potential as engaging and effective mental health promotional tools for young people of different ethnicities, especially when coproduced and culturally relatable. Initial data suggest that interventions facilitating near-peer mentoring, linguistic adaptation, low cost, and cultural relatability have improved engagement and effectiveness. Future research should focus on developing a consensus definition of DMHIs, exploring DMHIs in children aged <12 years, and conducting detailed qualitative and quantitative research on use factors and treatment efficacy of DMHIs for young people of different ethnicities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024544364; https://tinyurl.com/yk5jt8yk.},
}

Humans
*Mental Disorders/therapy/ethnology
COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Ethnicity/psychology
Adolescent
Young Adult
*Mental Health
Telemedicine
*Mental Health Services

@article {pmid40193038,
year = {2025},
author = {Sadowski, J and Ostrowska, SA and Klaudel, T and Zaborska, M and Chruszcz, M and Sztangreciak-Lehun, A and Bułdak, RJ},
title = {Neuropsychiatric disorders in the course to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, including biological pathomechanisms, psychosocial factors and long COVID-19 associated with "brain fog".},
journal = {Journal of neurovirology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40193038},
issn = {1538-2443},
abstract = {During the COVID-19 pandemic, neuropsychiatric disorders began to be observed in a significant proportion of patients, occurring at different times after infection and characterised by varying degrees of severity. This article discusses neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, taking into account biological pathomechanisms and psychosocial factors. The long COVID-19 along with the "brain fog" phenomenon were considered in the study. The purpose of the study is to analyse and discuss the available information from the scientific literature on the possible association between SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders with different degrees of severity and temporal correlation. To discuss the correlation of COVID-19 with the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders, a systematic literature review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Elsevier and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used when searching the materials used: "neuropsychiatric disorders", "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "NeuroCOVID", "cytokine storm" and "long COVID-19". Focusing on the characteristics of the materials and methods used, as well as the results obtained and conclusions reached in each article, 164 publications of research, meta-analysis, review and case reports were included in the study. Neuropsychiatric disorders resulting from SARS-CoV-2 virus infection are multifactorial in nature. The main elements responsible for the varied pattern of symptoms include direct and indirect central nervous system effects of the disease, individual patient conditions, psychosocial factors, severity of immune responses and severity of infection. The neuropsychiatric effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be divided into symptoms directly related to the neurological and psychiatric zones and mixed disorders.},
}

@article {pmid40191963,
year = {2025},
author = {Anandari, D and Kurniawan, A and Gamelia, E},
title = {Enablers and Barriers of Telemedicine in Indonesia: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/phn.13552},
pmid = {40191963},
issn = {1525-1446},
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Health-seeking behavior related to the utilization of health services has experienced exceptionally noteworthy changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. That is telemedicine, which has become more commonplace amid lockdowns. The pandemic status has ended today, but since telemedicine utilization has numerous benefits, the innovation must stay accessible. This systematic review aimed to describe telemedicine utilization and which factors could become enablers and barriers.

DESIGN: The literature search for the review was conducted in November 2024. The articles reviewed were published in 2019-2024 and selected from Science Direct, Springer, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost databases.

RESULTS: The articles were research articles and used qualitative methods. Based on search results, screening process, and review articles, we describe enabling factors and barriers of telemedicine utilization through users' (patients) and providers' (health practitioners) points of view. We also define infrastructures, such as smart city development, that contribute to the development of telemedicine.

CONCLUSIONS: Future research into people's perception of telemedicine, developing telemedicine technology, and finding alternatives to getting electricity and internet connection with a low budget will promote telemedicine utilization.},
}

@article {pmid40191455,
year = {2025},
author = {Prashar, N and Mohammed, SB and Raja, NS and Mohideen, HS},
title = {Rerouting therapeutic peptides and unlocking their potential against SARS-CoV2.},
journal = {3 Biotech},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {116},
pmid = {40191455},
issn = {2190-572X},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential of peptide-based therapies as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Our review explores the role of therapeutic peptides in modulating immune responses, inhibiting viral entry, and disrupting replication. Despite challenges such as stability, bioavailability, and the rapid mutation of the virus, ongoing research and clinical trials show that peptide-based treatments are increasingly becoming integral to future viral outbreak responses. Advancements in computational modelling methods in combination with artificial intelligence will enable mass screening of therapeutic peptides and thereby, comprehending a peptide repurposing strategy similar to the small molecule repurposing. These findings suggest that peptide-based therapies play a critical and promising role in future pandemic preparedness and outbreak management.},
}

@article {pmid40191438,
year = {2025},
author = {Karimi, R and Norozirad, M and Esmaeili, F and Mansourian, M and Marateb, HR},
title = {COVID-19 Vaccination and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Multivariate Meta-Analysis of Preventive Benefits and Risks.},
journal = {International journal of preventive medicine},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {14},
pmid = {40191438},
issn = {2008-7802},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: To provide a detailed understanding and apply a comprehensive strategy, this study examines the association between COVID-19 vaccination and cardiovascular events. We conducted a Bayesian multivariate meta-analysis using summary data across multiple outcomes including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia, and CAD, considering potential dependencies in the data. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods were detected for easy implementation of the Bayesian approach. Also, the sensitivity analysis of the model was done by using different priors.

METHODS: Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, with eleven studies comparing the results between the vaccine group and the unvaccinated group. Additionally, six studies were used for further analysis to compare mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna).

RESULTS: Bayesian meta-analysis revealed a link between vaccines and CAD risk (OR, 1.70; 95% CrI: 1.11-2.57), particularly after BNT162b2 (OR, 1.64; 95% CrI: 1.06-2.55) and second dose (OR, 3.44; 95% CrI: 1.99-5.98). No increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, or stroke was observed post-COVID-19 vaccination. As the only noteworthy point, a protective effect on stroke (OR, 0.19; 95% CrI: 0.10-0.39) and myocardial infarction (OR, 0.003; 95% CrI: 0.001-0.006) was observed after the third dose of the vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS: Secondary analysis showed no notable disparity in cardiovascular outcomes between BNT162b2 and mRNA vaccines. The association of COVID-19 vaccination with the risk of coronary artery disease should be considered in future vaccine technologies for the next pandemic.},
}

@article {pmid40190856,
year = {2025},
author = {Khan, S and Hussain Timraz, J and Al Ghamdi, NA and Metwali, NY and Yaseen, FA and Alshaqha, AM and Alamri, SH and Turkistani, H and Dwaima, A and Ali Algarni, I},
title = {COVID-19 and Its Effects on the Hepatobiliary System: A Literature Review.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e80231},
pmid = {40190856},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {COVID-19 encompasses a wide clinical spectrum, from mild influenza-like illness to severe pneumonia and systemic complications. There is emerging literature on hepatobiliary involvement in COVID-19, especially elevation in liver enzymes as surrogate markers of liver injury. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors within the hepatobiliary system are a portal of entry for SARS-CoV-2, after which injury may be perpetuated through hypoxia and cytokine storms. This literature review covers studies published before 2024 from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and BMC Library. The keywords used were "COVID-19", "liver", "SARS-CoV-2", "chronic liver disease", and other relevant terms to ensure a wide scope of investigation. The most common liver enzymes elevated among COVID-19 patients include aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase, all of which are associated with the severity of the disease. Chronic liver disease (CLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have worse outcomes with increased ICU admission rates and increased mortality. COVID-19 vaccination in CLD and liver transplant recipients is very often associated with suboptimal antibody responses, adding to the risks. SARS-CoV-2 causes liver involvement through direct viral cytopathic effects, immune-mediated injury, and systemic hypoxia. Individuals with CLD are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.},
}

@article {pmid40190702,
year = {2025},
author = {Cho, JY and Prakash, T and Lam, W and Seegert, N and Samore, MH and Pavia, AT and Nelson, RE and Chaiyakunapruk, N},
title = {Understanding macroeconomic indicators affected by COVID-19 containment policies in the United States: a scoping review.},
journal = {Health affairs scholar},
volume = {3},
number = {4},
pages = {qxaf045},
pmid = {40190702},
issn = {2976-5390},
abstract = {Containment policies were essential in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, but they also introduced significant economic challenges. This scoping review aimed to examine the macroeconomic indicators used to assess COVID-19 closure and containment policies in the United States. We reviewed 42 eligible studies from 4516 records identified across PubMed, Web of Science, and EconLit. These studies explored various economic impacts, focusing on employment, labor market indicators, consumer spendings, etc., primarily using publicly available sources. During the pandemic, high-frequency data (eg, mobility and card transactions) became newly accessible and played a key role in evaluating the real-time effects of mitigation policies. Our review summarizes macroeconomic indicators investigated and provides researchers and policymakers with a list of data sources for assessment of economic impacts in the future. This review emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluations to balance public health measures with economic considerations in future pandemic responses.},
}

@article {pmid40190619,
year = {2025},
author = {Williams, KA},
title = {Advancing Health Equity and Addressing Health Disparities.},
journal = {American journal of lifestyle medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {15598276251329888},
pmid = {40190619},
issn = {1559-8284},
abstract = {This article describes the factors contributing to ethnic health disparities and their impact on health equity in the United States. Historical examples of infectious diseases, such as smallpox, yellow fever, polio, HIV, and COVID-19, illustrate racial mortality differences that were eliminated by removing the diseases. In addition, disparities in cardiovascular death risk factors, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and obesity, are examined. The adoption of whole food plant-based (WFPB) diets is proposed as a practical and culturally sensitive solution to mitigate these disparities and promote health equity. Evidence-based strategies are discussed to support implementation.},
}

@article {pmid40190037,
year = {2025},
author = {Heiser, BJ and Veyssi, A and Ghosh, D},
title = {Recent strategies for enhanced delivery of mRNA to the lungs.},
journal = {Nanomedicine (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-27},
doi = {10.1080/17435889.2025.2485669},
pmid = {40190037},
issn = {1748-6963},
abstract = {mRNA-based therapies have emerged as a transformative tool in modern medicine, gaining significant attention following their successful use in COVID-19 vaccines. Delivery to the lungs offers several compelling advantages for mRNA delivery. The lungs are one of the most vascularized organs in the body, which provides an extensive surface area that can facilitate efficient drug transport. Local delivery to the lungs bypasses gastrointestinal degradation, potentially enhancing therapeutic efficacy. In addition, the extensive capillary network of the lungs provides an ideal target for systemic delivery. However, developing effective mRNA therapies for the lungs presents significant challenges. The complex anatomy of the lungs and the body's immune response to foreign particles create barriers to delivery. This review discusses key approaches for overcoming these challenges and improving mRNA delivery to the lungs. It examines both local and systemic delivery strategies aimed at improving lung delivery while mitigating off-target effects. Although substantial progress has been made in lung-targeted mRNA therapies, challenges remain in optimizing cellular uptake and achieving therapeutic efficacy within pulmonary tissues. The continued refinement of delivery strategies that enhance lung-specific targeting while minimizing degradation is critical for the clinical success of mRNA-based pulmonary therapies.},
}

@article {pmid40189700,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Sun, J and Li, H and Han, Z and Wang, T and Gao, S and Zhu, P and Chen, Y and Yan, P and Wang, M and Liu, G},
title = {Expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 in human brain and its association with Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19.},
journal = {Molecular psychiatry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40189700},
issn = {1476-5578},
support = {82071212, and 81901181//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
abstract = {It is known that infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cause coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is widely reported that Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with the highest risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and mortality. However, it remains largely unclear about the link between AD and COVID-19. ACE2 is an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. We consider that there may be a link between AD and COVID-19 through the expression of ACE2. Here, we summarize recent findings about the ACE2 expression especially in AD and COVID-19, and shows that (1) ACE2 shows mRNA and protein expression in human brain tissues, especially in neurons and non-neuron cells; (2) low ACE2 mRNA and protein expression are sufficient for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the human brain through the neural route (olfactory and/or vagal) and the hematogenous route; (3) SARS-CoV-2 RNA and protein were detected in brains of COVID-19 patients; (4) SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in human brain dependent on ACE2; (5) SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load shows a positive association with ACE2 mRNA levels and COVID-19 severity; (6) ACE2 shows increased expression in AD compared with controls in human brain; (7) ACE2 shows increased expression in COVID-19 compared with controls in human brain; (8) ACE2 expression levels affect COVID-19 outcomes. Together, ACE2 shows significantly increased mRNA and protein expression in AD compared with controls in human brain. Consequently, the increased expression of ACE2 would facilitate infection with SARS-CoV-2, and play a role in the context of COVID-19. These findings suggest that the expression of ACE2 may partly explain the link of AD with COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and mortality.},
}

@article {pmid40189453,
year = {2025},
author = {Lorea, CF and Pressman, K and Schuler-Faccini, L},
title = {Infections during pregnancy: An ongoing threat.},
journal = {Seminars in perinatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {152075},
doi = {10.1016/j.semperi.2025.152075},
pmid = {40189453},
issn = {1558-075X},
abstract = {Congenital infections are an ongoing relevant cause of congenital and perinatal abnormalities since effective vaccination is not available for many diseases. Moreover, climate change, mutational evolution of pathogens, or their vectors associated with intense human traveling predispose to outbreaks and modification of the geographic distribution of traditionally limited infectious diseases. Here, we review the so-called TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, others, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes) with a special emphasis on the arboviral infections (zika, dengue, chikungunya, oropouche). Although respiratory viruses are rarely transmitted through the placenta, the maternal condition itself can cause adverse effects on the developing embryo/fetus (COVID-19, influenza). Some perinatal-acquired infections will also be briefly discussed due to their relevance in the child's development. The majority of teratogenic congenital and some perinatal-acquired infections have effects on the central nervous system or sensory organs with long-lasting disabilities. Vaccines are unavailable for several teratogenic or perinatal infections, and treatment options are still limited, particularly for arboviral and other emergent diseases. Social inequalities are associated with the prevalence, fetal outcomes and long-term disabilities of these diseases. The One Health approach could be an essential way to reduce the burden of these diseases in the population.},
}

@article {pmid40189198,
year = {2025},
author = {Azeem, M and Cancemi, P and Mukhtar, F and Marino, S and Peri, E and Di Prima, G and De Caro, V},
title = {Efficacy and limitations of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines - A systematic review.},
journal = {Life sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {123610},
doi = {10.1016/j.lfs.2025.123610},
pmid = {40189198},
issn = {1879-0631},
abstract = {The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide led to the call for the development of effective and safe vaccines to contain the spread and effects of COVID-19. Using information from 40 publications, including clinical trials and observational studies from 2019 to 2024, this review assesses the effectiveness, safety, and limitations of four major vaccines: Sinopharm (BBIBP-CorV), Moderna (mRNA-1273), Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2), and CoronaVac. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's mRNA vaccines proved to be more effective than others; Moderna's vaccines showed an efficacy of 94.1 % against symptomatic infection, while Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccines showed an efficacy of up to 95 %, against severe diseases and hospitalization. These vaccinations, which included protection against Omicron and Delta variants, offered notable protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and mortality. Severe adverse events were rare while most adverse events were mild to moderate, such as headaches, fatigue, and localized reactions. In contrast, inactivated virus vaccines such as Sinopharm and CoronaVac with efficacies ranging from 50 to 79 % against symptomatic infection showed lower levels of effectiveness. In Phase 3 trial, Sinopharm showed 72.8 % efficacy, whereas CoronaVac demonstrated roughly 67 % efficacy in population against hospitalization and severe disease. Booster doses were required for adequate immunological response, especially against novel strains, as these vaccinations proved to be less effective in older populations. They showed considerable safety profiles, with mild side effects, but their low immunogenicity is concerning. This review emphasizes the importance of continuously evaluating vaccines in response to the evolving virus, essential for improving international immunization programs.},
}

@article {pmid40188989,
year = {2025},
author = {Khalaf, WS and Morgan, RN and Elkhatib, WF},
title = {Clinical microbiology and artificial intelligence: Different applications, challenges, and future prospects.},
journal = {Journal of microbiological methods},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107125},
doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2025.107125},
pmid = {40188989},
issn = {1872-8359},
abstract = {Conventional clinical microbiological techniques are enhanced by the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI). Comprehensive data processing and analysis enabled the development of curated datasets that has been effectively used in training different AI algorithms. Recently, a number of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms are developed and evaluated using diverse microbiological datasets. These datasets included spectral analysis (Raman and MALDI-TOF spectroscopy), microscopic images (Gram and acid fast stains), and genomic and protein sequences (whole genome sequencing (WGS) and protein data banks (PDBs)). The primary objective of these algorithms is to minimize the time, effort, and expenses linked to conventional analytical methods. Furthermore, AI algorithms are incorporated with quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models to predict novel antimicrobial agents that address the continuing surge of antimicrobial resistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, AI algorithms played a crucial role in vaccine developments and the discovery of new antiviral agents, and introduced potential drug candidates via drug repurposing. However, despite their significant benefits, the implementation of AI encounters various challenges, including ethical considerations, the potential for bias, and errors related to data training. This review seeks to provide an overview of the most recent applications of artificial intelligence in clinical microbiology, with the intention of educating a wider audience of clinical practitioners regarding the current uses of machine learning algorithms and encouraging their implementation. Furthermore, it will discuss the challenges related to the incorporation of AI into clinical microbiology laboratories and examine future opportunities for AI within the realm of infectious disease epidemiology.},
}

@article {pmid40187944,
year = {2025},
author = {Pavia, AT},
title = {Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children and Adolescents.},
journal = {Infectious disease clinics of North America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.idc.2025.02.018},
pmid = {40187944},
issn = {1557-9824},
abstract = {Compared to adults, children are more likely to experience asymptomatic infections or mild-to-moderate symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection that resemble other viral infections. However, a substantial proportion of children experience severe disease; more than 2000 US children have died of COVID-19, significantly exceeding the death toll from influenza. Risk factors for severe disease include age less than 6 months and 12 to 17 years, as well as the presence of underlying conditions, especially 2 or more conditions. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a life-threatening post-infectious complication seen in children. Children experience post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 but at lower rates than adults.},
}

@article {pmid40187784,
year = {2025},
author = {Oliwa, J and Guleid, FH and Owek, CJ and Maluni, J and Jepkosgei, J and Nzinga, J and Were, VO and Sim, SY and Walekhwa, AW and Clapham, H and Dabak, S and Kc, S and Hadley, L and Undurraga, E and Hagedorn, BL and Hutubessy, RC},
title = {Framework to guide the use of mathematical modelling in evidence-based policy decision-making.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e093645},
doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2024-093645},
pmid = {40187784},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Policy Making ; *Health Policy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Models, Theoretical ; *Decision Making ; Developing Countries ; Pandemics ; Public Health ; Translational Research, Biomedical ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Capacity Building ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of mathematical modelling in decision-making and the limited capacity in many low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we studied how modelling supported policy decision-making processes in LMICs during the pandemic (details in a separate paper).We found that strong researcher-policymaker relationships and co-creation facilitated knowledge translation, while scepticism, political pressures and demand for quick outputs were barriers. We also noted that routine use of modelled evidence for decision-making requires sustained funding, capacity building for policy-facing modelling, robust data infrastructure and dedicated knowledge translation mechanisms.These lessons helped us co-create a framework and policy roadmap for improving the routine use of modelling evidence in public health decision-making. This communication paper describes the framework components and provides an implementation approach and evidence for the recommendations. The components include (1) funding, (2) capacity building, (3) data infrastructure, (4) knowledge translation platforms and (5) a culture of evidence use.

KEY ARGUMENTS: Our framework integrates the supply (modellers) and demand (policymakers) sides and contextual factors that enable change. It is designed to be generic and disease-agnostic for any policy decision-making that modelling could support. It is not a decision-making tool but a guiding framework to help build capacity for evidence-based policy decision-making. The target audience is modellers and policymakers, but it could include other partners and implementers in public health decision-making.

CONCLUSION: The framework was created through engagements with policymakers and researchers and reflects their real-life experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its purpose is to guide stakeholders, especially in lower-resourced settings, in building modelling capacity, prioritising efforts and creating an enabling environment for using models as part of the evidence base to inform public health decision-making. To validate its robustness and impact, further work is needed to implement and evaluate this framework in diverse settings.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Policy Making
*Health Policy
SARS-CoV-2
*Models, Theoretical
*Decision Making
Developing Countries
Pandemics
Public Health
Translational Research, Biomedical
Evidence-Based Medicine
Capacity Building