@article {pmid40322032,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhou, F and Pang, Z and Chen, Z and Hu, K and Luo, J and Huang, S and Qu, Q},
title = {Bibliometric Analysis of Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACS) in the Prevention of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.},
journal = {Drug design, development and therapy},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {3589-3610},
pmid = {40322032},
issn = {1177-8881},
mesh = {Humans ; *Pulmonary Embolism/prevention & control ; *Anticoagulants/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *Bibliometrics ; Administration, Oral ; *Venous Thrombosis/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) offer effective therapy without injections or blood monitoring. This bibliometric analysis explores the research on NOACs for preventing VTE and pulmonary embolism.

METHODS: Literature up to July 20, 2024, was searched in Web of Science Core Collection. Citespace software was used for screening and analysis.

RESULTS: In this study, we analyzed 2124 articles and 767 reviews from 11,282 institutions across 528 countries and regions, encompassing 830 publications and 60 research directions. The USA led in publication count, followed by Germany and Canada. Cardiovascular System Cardiology, Hematology, and General Internal Medicine were the top research areas, while THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS was the leading journal. From 2004 to 2024, we observed accelerated publication growth, particularly from 2008, highlighting the emergence of NOACs as a major research focus. Key contributors, including Bengt I. Eriksson, and major institutions like Harvard Medical School and University of Amsterdam, played pivotal roles in advancing anticoagulant research. Co-citation and keyword clustering analyses revealed research hotspots in NOACs, cancer-associated venous thromboembolism, stroke prevention, and COVID-19-related thrombotic events, reflecting a shift towards individualized anticoagulation therapy and the growing importance of NOACs in various clinical contexts.

CONCLUSION: The development of NOACs has progressed rapidly, with an increasing number of publications, indicating the lead research in the United States and other Western nations. Comparative studies on the safety and efficacy of NOACs have become a significant focus, shifting from traditional anticoagulants. Pharmacogenetics-guided use of NOACS shows new hope of precision medicine.},
}

Humans
*Pulmonary Embolism/prevention & control
*Anticoagulants/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*Bibliometrics
Administration, Oral
*Venous Thrombosis/prevention & control

@article {pmid40321932,
year = {2025},
author = {Rehman, S and Ghazali, SR and Elklit, A},
title = {COVID-19 and Psychopathologies in Children-A Single Session Intervention Plan to Promote Mental Health during Crises Management: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Iranian journal of public health},
volume = {54},
number = {4},
pages = {688-700},
pmid = {40321932},
issn = {2251-6093},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The world has experienced numerous natural and man-made disasters throughout history. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, children and adolescents have reported significant psychopathologies in response to traumatic experiences. We aimed to investigate the surge of internalizing and externalizing psychopathologies during COVID-19 and to assess the efficacy of single-session therapies used to treat mental health issues during this period.

METHODS: Overall, 270 articles were retrieved across both phases of the study, with 250 articles identified in Phase I and 20 in Phase II. Following the PRISMA flowchart guidelines, approximately 30 studies were selected to meet the objective of Phase I, while 10 studies were chosen to address the objective of Phase II. The articles were retrieved from various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Ovid, CENTRAL, JSTOR, NCBI, and Science Direct. Only articles published between 2019 and 2022 were included in the study.

RESULTS: The findings of first phase of study indicated a surge in internalizing psychopathologies (such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and somatic problems) and externalizing psychopathologies (including conduct/oppositional disorders, sleep disturbances, suicidal ideation, ADHD, and substance abuse) over the past four years. Additionally, according to the findings of the second phase of the study, single-session therapies were found to be effective in mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION: The study's findings are discussed in the context of counseling adolescents, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues in this demographic.},
}

@article {pmid40321796,
year = {2025},
author = {Walewangko, OC and Purnomo, JS and Jo, PA and Vidian, V and Jo, J},
title = {Prophylactic vaccination strategies for adult patients with diabetes: a narrative review of safety profiles and clinical effectiveness.},
journal = {Clinical and experimental vaccine research},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {101-115},
pmid = {40321796},
issn = {2287-3651},
abstract = {This narrative review analyzed roles of several prophylactic vaccinations in adult patients with diabetes, focusing on their safety profiles and clinical effectiveness. Individuals with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for infections, making vaccination a critical component of their healthcare. The review assessed various vaccines that are particularly relevant for this population, i.e., vaccines for pneumococcus, meningococcus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, influenza, herpes zoster, human papillomavirus, and dengue. It highlighted the safety profiles and clinical effectiveness of these vaccines in preventing serious infections and improving long-term health outcomes in diabetic patients. Taken together, this review emphasized the importance of prophylactic vaccinations in reducing infection-related morbidity and mortality as well as encouraged fostering greater adoption and advocacy for immunization programs among diabetic adults.},
}

@article {pmid40321651,
year = {2025},
author = {Mosley, TJ and Zajdel, RA and Alderete, E and Clayton, JA and Heidari, S and Pérez-Stable, EJ and Salt, K and Bernard, MA},
title = {Intersectionality and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the healthcare and scientific workforces.},
journal = {Lancet regional health. Americas},
volume = {41},
number = {},
pages = {100973},
pmid = {40321651},
issn = {2667-193X},
abstract = {Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the scientific and healthcare workforces∗ promotes research innovation and equitable access to quality healthcare. Efforts to advance DEI within the global scientific and healthcare workforces have assumed a new urgency given the strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the aging of the global population, and the persistent shortages in the healthcare workforce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, these fields continue to struggle to promote DEI. Considering the impact of intersectionality-how multiple identities interact to create unique experiences of privilege and power-within these workforces will enhance efforts to promote DEI. This series explores the impact of intersectionality on scientific and healthcare workforce DEI and how prominent institutional and structural factors (e.g., sexism and racism), as well as their interpersonal manifestations, can create barriers for workers with multiple intersecting marginalised identities. This paper, the first in a three-part series, describes how intersecting identities interact with workplace inequities and suggests ways to incorporate intersectionality into DEI efforts within the scientific and healthcare workforces. ∗We use the phrase scientific and healthcare workforces throughout this article to broadly encompass individuals associated with the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and population science workforce.},
}

@article {pmid40321580,
year = {2025},
author = {Zheng, J and Pang, Q and Fu, Z},
title = {Replication Features of SARS-CoV-2 and Advantages of Targeting S Protein with Aptamers to Block Viral Entry.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {10},
number = {16},
pages = {15840-15851},
pmid = {40321580},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus of the coronaviridae family. The virus enters the cell through binding to the corresponding receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on host cell membrane with the spike protein (S protein) on its envelope; thus, we can design inhibitors that bind the S protein to block the entry of the virus into cells. Aptamers are single stranded DNA or RNA molecules that can form specific three-dimensional structures and bind their target molecules with high affinity and specificity and thus are promising candidates for S protein inhibitors. This paper reviews the replication cycle and cell entry mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the preparation principle and characteristics of aptamers, features a discussion of the advantages of using aptamers to target the S protein to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells, and finally summarizes the research progress in S protein-blocking aptamers.},
}

@article {pmid40321454,
year = {2025},
author = {Miyamoto, T and Fujita, M and Hachiya, M and Yokobori, Y and Komada, K and Murakami, H},
title = {Overview of global governance, capacity, and health systems implication of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response: A narrative review and descriptive analysis of open-source data.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {112-126},
pmid = {40321454},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR) in global health. This review first examined global health governance (GHG) for PPPR, identifying its core-satellite structure. Key GHG functions include rule-setting, resource mobilization, medical countermeasures (MCMs) supply, surveillance and data/pathogen sharing with rapid response, and One Health. Major gaps exist in global collaboration, enforcement of the International Health Regulations (IHR), and the World Health Organization's (WHO) capacity. The most urgent issue is pathogen access and benefit-sharing (PABS). Second, the PPPR capacity across world regions were assessed using two public datasets: eSPAR and GHS Index. Sub-Saharan Africa requires urgent support to strengthen most PPPR aspects, while epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, infection prevention and control (IPC), and regulatory functions need improvement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in various regions outside Europe. Japan, with its strong PPPR capacity, is well-positioned to assist. Lastly, the review explored the link between PPPR and health systems strengthening (HSS). PPPR must be firmly integrated into HSS to ensure resilience, equity, inclusiveness, continuity of care, and sustainability. Core health system components - service delivery, workforce, health information systems, MCMs access, and governance - along with communication and trust-building, effectively contribute to PPPR. However, pandemic exceptionalism and the over-securitization of PPPR and health security may hinder coordination. The enhanced GHG for PPPR, led by the empowered WHO, should effectively facilitate and coordinate technical assistance to LMICs to strengthen their PPPR capacities and promote PPPR-HSS integration by bringing together the often-divided health security and HSS communities.},
}

@article {pmid40321452,
year = {2025},
author = {Saito, T and Sunagawa, T and Suzuki, M and Matano, T and Wakita, T},
title = {Enhancing health security against infectious diseases: Perspectives on the emergency operations capabilities of the Japan Institute for Health Security.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {82-89},
pmid = {40321452},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) will be established in April 2025 by merging the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM). JIHS aims to enhance health security against infectious disease crises by integrating NIID's surveillance, epidemiologic investigation, and research expertise with NCGM's clinical care and research capabilities. An effective response to an infectious disease crisis depends on robust intelligence, systematic data analysis, and surge capacity - the ability to rapidly scale responses through mobilization of resources and an established infrastructure. An Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which centralizes emergency response coordination, is critical to harmonizing these diverse capabilities, enabling technical experts to focus effectively on specialized tasks. NIID has contributed to disease prevention through surveillance, laboratory reference services, and devising medical countermeasures. The establishment of NIID's Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPR) in 2020 and the EOC in 2021 markedly improved crisis management in the NIID, as demonstrated during events like Tokyo 2020 and the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant outbreak. These experiences highlight the importance of centralized coordination, which is being incorporated in the operational framework of the newly established JIHS. This article reviews NIID EOC's evolution and its crucial role in enhancing Japan's health security by consolidating lessons learned from recent public health crises.},
}

@article {pmid40321451,
year = {2025},
author = {Chu, C},
title = {Effect of the establishment of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency from the perspective of global health security.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {141-150},
pmid = {40321451},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) was established in 2004 after the SARS epidemic. As a national disease control agency, KCDC strengthened its capacities for global health security based on experiences from some important issues such as the Influenza A/H1N1 pandemic (2009), the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak in Korea (2015), the Zika epidemic (2016), and COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2024). KCDC can make or revise infectious disease prevention and control related law, and collect, manage and analyze disease data from all the local public health centers and medical institutions in Korea. Based on the indicator-based surveillance, event-based surveillance and laboratory-based surveillance, KCDC conducts risk assessment for public health threats and has full responsibility as a competing authority in responding to outbreaks on a legal basis, which is specified in the national disaster framework. All quarantine stations in airports and sea ports belong to KCDC, and individual international travel history data at point of entries are linked to the National Health Insurance Services Database and medical doctors can access the database when the symptomatic individual visits the clinics/hospitals to check his/her travel history in the affected countries. This is a backbone to identify and notify imported infectious diseases from local clinic/hospitals to KCDC. Based on risk assessment in KCDC, KCDC triggers the Emergency Operations Center to respond. This KCDC-centered public health governance with centralized, comprehensive surveillance and response is one of the model cases from the health security perspective to consider for countries that are to establish new national public health institutes in the post-COVID-19 era.},
}

@article {pmid40321449,
year = {2025},
author = {Saito, H and Jindai, K and Shibata, T and Sonoda, M and Iiyama, T},
title = {How to build a better clinical trial ecosystem for future infectious disease emergencies in Japan: Findings from a narrative review and stakeholder meetings.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {96-105},
pmid = {40321449},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic posed a serious challenge to national and global pandemic preparedness and response (PPR). Timely identification and development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines through prompt evidence generation from clinical trials was recognized as an important health security agenda. In 2022, under the guidance of Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), a health policy research team was convened to analyze the COVID-19 related clinical trial ecosystem in the context of PPR in Japan and abroad with a focus on clinical trials for therapeutics. The research mainly composed of the following: a narrative review of relevant peer reviewed journals and grey literature, interview of global experts and stakeholders including those from the United States and the United Kingdom, and a culminating meeting in Japan with various stakeholders. Based on the outcomes of this research, the team makes the following three recommendations: (1) Strengthen the leadership group's role in infectious disease clinical trials, (2) Promote sustained coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, and (3) Apply innovative clinical trial designs and create an enabling research environment. Clinical trials, as a public health good, must be further integrated into healthcare. The team advocates for the implementation of these recommendations at the policy level to help improve the clinical trial ecosystem for future health emergencies in Japan.},
}

@article {pmid40321448,
year = {2025},
author = {Kokudo, N and Wada, K and Takei, T and Matano, T and Wakita, T},
title = {The establishment of the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS): A new era in infectious disease response and research.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {77-81},
pmid = {40321448},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {On April 1, 2025, the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) will be merged to establish the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS). This merger strengthens Japan's capacity to address infectious diseases and health threats, aiming for a resilient and secure society. This paper highlights the establishment of JIHS, its alignment with government reforms, and its strategic priorities for the future. The initiative originated on October 6, 2020, when the Liberal Democratic Party's Policy Research Council proposed measures to address vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19. In 2022, the Japanese government called for formulating a central control tower, the Cabinet Agency for Infectious Disease Crisis Management (CAICM), upgrading the divisions related to infectious diseases to the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and establishing the JIHS. JIHS will serve as a scientific advisory body during infectious disease crises, guiding the Prime Minister and the MHLW. It focuses on four key areas: i) Disease intelligence: risk assessment and data analysis; ii) Research, development, and innovation: advancing medical science; iii) Comprehensive medical services: strengthening clinical response capacity; and iv) Human resource development and international cooperation: building expertise and partnerships. Through integration, JIHS aims to improve existing systems and create synergy between basic and clinical research. As a hub for domestic and international collaboration, JIHS will consolidate critical information, catalyze innovative research, and deliver transformative solutions to address domestic and global infectious disease challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40321447,
year = {2025},
author = {Kayama, M and Sudo, K and Kamata, K and Igarashi, K and Nakao, T and Watanuki, S},
title = {Capacity development of nursing professionals for the next pandemic: Nursing education, on-the-job training, and networking.},
journal = {Global health & medicine},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {90-95},
pmid = {40321447},
issn = {2434-9194},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of nursing professionals in infection control and patient care across various healthcare settings in Japan. Despite their dedication, the crisis exposed significant gaps in preparedness, training, and leadership development. This paper examines the challenges nurses and public health nurses faced during the pandemic and proposes a framework for strengthening capacity development to enhance future public health emergency responses. Fundamental infection control education must be systematically incorporated into basic nursing curricula, equipping nurses with essential skills such as proper use of personal protective equipment, zoning principles, and infection prevention strategies. Simulation-based training should complement theoretical instruction to ensure practical application. Continuous professional development through structured on-the-job training is crucial, particularly for smaller hospitals and elderly care facilities where infection control expertise remains limited. Public health nurses require specialized training in epidemiological investigations and outbreak management to coordinate community health responses effectively. Leadership in clinical settings and public health must be reinforced. The Infectious Disease Health Emergency Assistance Team (IHEAT) and supervisory public health nurses played key roles in the pandemic response. Still, challenges in rapid deployment and infrastructure readiness hindered their effectiveness. Strengthening managerial education and crisis response training will be critical to improving future outcomes. Additionally, networking and knowledge-sharing systems should be expanded to enhance communication and coordination. Mental health support for nursing professionals engaged in infection control must also be prioritized. This paper advocates a comprehensive approach to nursing education, training, and leadership development to fortify Japan's healthcare system against future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid40321006,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Zheng, L and Zhong, J and Gao, X},
title = {Advancing mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases: key components, innovations, and clinical progress.},
journal = {Essays in biochemistry},
volume = {69},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1042/EBC20253009},
pmid = {40321006},
issn = {1744-1358},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology ; *RNA, Messenger/immunology/genetics ; *mRNA Vaccines/immunology ; Vaccine Development/methods ; Nanoparticles/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Vaccination remains a cornerstone in preventing infectious diseases and managing outbreaks. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the revolutionary impact of mRNA vaccine technology, which utilizes pathogenderived genomic sequences to generate specific antigens. This process involves in vitro transcription of mRNA, encoding target antigens that are subsequently encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for efficient delivery into host cells. Once internalized, the mRNA enables antigen expression, triggering a robust immune response. This platform dramatically accelerates vaccine development timelines and offers unparalleled adaptability, making mRNA vaccines particularly advantageous in addressing emerging infectious diseases. The clinical success of BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) has fueled broader applications, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Zika, and HIV. Notably, mRNA-1345 became the first FDA-approved RSV mRNA vaccine, while self-amplifying RNA and multivalent vaccines are advancing in trials. However, CureVac's CVnCoV failed due to lack of nucleoside modifications, and mRNA-1325 (Zika) showed poor immunogenicity. Additionally, mRNA-1365 (RSV) faced an FDA clinical hold due to safety concerns. These cases highlight the need for continued optimization in sequence design, delivery, and safety assessment. Despite advancements, a key hurdle persists, including mRNA instability, ultra-low storage requirements, and LNP liver accumulation. Innovations such as lyophilization and selective organ targeting technology are being explored to improve stability extrahepatic delivery. This review examines mRNA vaccine optimization strategies, clinical progress, and challenges, providing insights into future developments in this evolving field.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
*RNA, Messenger/immunology/genetics
*mRNA Vaccines/immunology
Vaccine Development/methods
Nanoparticles/chemistry

@article {pmid40320267,
year = {2025},
author = {Nádas, M and Becker, O and Mallow, M and Rand, S},
title = {Medication Abortion: Out of the Clinic and into the Mail.},
journal = {Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America},
volume = {52},
number = {2},
pages = {219-237},
doi = {10.1016/j.ogc.2024.12.014},
pmid = {40320267},
issn = {1558-0474},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Telemedicine/organization & administration ; Pregnancy ; *Abortion, Induced/methods ; *Health Services Accessibility ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Abortifacient Agents ; United States ; },
abstract = {Abortion access is a critical component of comprehensive reproductive health care. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID -19) pandemic, telehealth emerged as a promising solution to expand abortion access, which has continued in the wake of significant policy shifts and clinical updates. Several early programs paved the way for broader adoption; however, the pandemic forced existing telehealth abortion programs to alter their models and made way for new virtual clinics dedicated to abortion care as well as the integration of telehealth abortion care into established health systems and brick-and-mortar clinics. Published protocols can be used to expand practice.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Telemedicine/organization & administration
Pregnancy
*Abortion, Induced/methods
*Health Services Accessibility
SARS-CoV-2
*Abortifacient Agents
United States

@article {pmid40319833,
year = {2025},
author = {Suleiman, AS and Bhattacharya, P and Islam, MA},
title = {Global prevalence and dynamics of mecA and mecC genes in MRSA: Meta-meta-analysis, meta-regression, and temporal investigation.},
journal = {Journal of infection and public health},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {102802},
doi = {10.1016/j.jiph.2025.102802},
pmid = {40319833},
issn = {1876-035X},
abstract = {This study aimed to conduct first robust meta-meta-analysis on mecC and mecA-positive MRSA strains, determining their overall prevalence and temporal trends. It encompassed 14 meta-analyses, involving 322,269 samples from 553 index studies. MRSA strains exhibited mecA / mecC positivity ranging from 0.90 % to 69.98 %. Varied AMSTAR and QUOROM scores were observed. mecC-positive MRSA prevalence was 2.41 % (95 % CI: 0.72-7.78 %). Human mecA-positive MRSA had 21.77 % prevalence (95 % CI: 9.08-43.67 %), animal samples had 7.08 % prevalence (95 % CI: 3.93-12.42 %), and worldwide prevalence was 14.58 % (95 % CI: 6.61-29.14 %). Temporal trends reveal fluctuations, mecA prevalence spiked to 52.68 % in 2012 and decreased to 7.11 % in 2022. For mecC gene, the year 2015 marked a low incidence of 0.41 % (95 % CI: 0.05-3.54 %). Overall, mecA gene carriage surpassed mecC in MRSA strains, especially in humans.},
}

@article {pmid40319254,
year = {2025},
author = {Bizuneh, FK and Biwota, GT and Tsheten, T and Bizuneh, TK},
title = {Incidence of recovery rate and predictors among hospitalized COVID- 19 infected patients in Ethiopia; a systemic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1644},
pmid = {40319254},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; Ethiopia/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy ; Incidence ; *Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite global efforts to mitigate COVID-19 infection through vaccination and therapeutic interventions, morbidity and mortality rates continued at variable rates. Although mortality risk and clinical features of COVID-19 are well-documented, recovery patterns and prognostic factors post-admission remain inconclusive, particularly in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRM) aimed to estimate the pooled incidence rate of recovery and predictors among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia.

METHODS: We searched (N = 1,191) articles using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline from PubMed/MEDLINE (N = 755), Scopus (N = 137), Web of Science (N = 84), Science Direct (N = 148), Cochran (N = 25), and Google Scholar searching (N = 42) from December 2019 to February 2024. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and exported to Stata TM version 17.0 for further analysis. The Article quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. The pooled incidence rate of recovery was estimated using a weighted inverse variance random-effects meta-regression. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I[2] statistic. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity tests were also conducted to explore publication bias. This file is registered in international Prospero with ID (CRD42024518569).

RESULT: Sixteen (N = 16) published studies with 7,676 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included in the final report. The mean age of participants ranged from 29 (± 17) to 57.5 (± 3) years, with male patients constituting the largest proportion of participants, 4,491(58.5%). During recovery screening, 6,304(82.21%) cases were discharged as improved, 159 (2.1%) attriters, and 818 (10.6%) died during inpatient treatment. The pooled incidence of recovery, mortality, and attrition rates were found to be 82.32% (95% CI: 78.81-85.83; I[2] = 94.8%), 14.3% (I[2] = 98.45%), and 2.7% (I[2] = 81.34%), respectively. Incidence of recovery rate varied across regions and epidemic phases, with the highest rate observed in Addis Ababa (89.94%, I[2] = 78.33%) and the lowest reported in the Tigray region (59.7%, I[2] = 0.0%). Across epidemic phases, the recovery rate was 88.05% (I[2] = 29.56%) in Phase II, 84.09% (I[2] = 97.57%) in Phase I, and 78.92% (I[2] = 96.9%) in Phase III, respectively. Factors included being aged 15-30 years (pooled OR = 2.01), male sex (pooled OR = 1.46), no dyspnea (pooled OR = 2.4; I[2] = 79%), and no baseline comorbidities (pooled OR = 1.15; I[2] = 89.3%) were predictors for recovery. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In Ethiopia, more than eight out of ten hospitalized COVID-19 patients recovered after inpatient treatment. However, the incidence of recovery rates varied significantly across epidemic phases, study settings, and regions. Factors including younger age, male sex, no dyspnea (shortness of breathing), and no underlying comorbidity heightened recovery. It is highly recommended those inpatients cares should focus on high-risk groups (older adults) and implement standardized treatment protocols in each study setting. Regions with lower recovery rates need aid in logistical support and training for healthcare providers.},
}

Humans
Ethiopia/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy
Incidence
*Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
Male
SARS-CoV-2
Female

@article {pmid40319249,
year = {2025},
author = {Stevenson, H and Alzyood, M},
title = {Healing through art: a thematic synthesis within a quasi-systematic review of art's impact on adult mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1641},
pmid = {40319249},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Art Therapy/methods ; *Mental Health ; Adult ; Social Isolation/psychology ; Pandemics ; Qualitative Research ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {AIM: To synthesise evidence on how both structured art therapy and informal creative engagement supported adult mental well-being during COVID-19-related isolation, and to evaluate their applicability across diverse populations and contexts.

METHOD: A quasi-systematic review of qualitative studies from CINAHL, PsycInfo, and PubMed (2020-2024), analysed through thematic synthesis.

RESULTS: Analysis of seven studies identified five key themes: (1) emotional processing and expression through symbolic creation, (2) adaptive communication and nonverbal connection, (3) communal support and collective meaning-making, (4) empowerment and regaining agency, and (5) transformation of trauma into post-traumatic growth. Marginalised groups-including isolated elderly individuals, disabled adults, and low-income families-benefited significantly from both formal art therapy and informal artistic activities, which addressed barriers such as limited mobility, communication challenges, and social disconnection.

DISCUSSION: Art-based interventions demonstrate potential as scalable, low-resource tools for mental health support, particularly for individuals experiencing isolation or other forms of vulnerability, such as disability or displacement. However, equitable implementation requires hybrid delivery models and cultural adaptation. While qualitative findings highlight art's capacity to externalise distress and sustain connection, methodological constraints (small homogenous samples) necessitate mixed-methods validation of long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION: Integrating art into public health frameworks could mitigate isolation-related psychological harm, particularly for marginalised groups. Future research should prioritise cross-cultural adaptation of interventions, community-led co-design, and studies that examine how social factors like disability, income, and cultural context intersect to shape the effectiveness of art-based mental health support.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Art Therapy/methods
*Mental Health
Adult
Social Isolation/psychology
Pandemics
Qualitative Research
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40318913,
year = {2025},
author = {Pittao, MLV and Nava, S and Hill, NS and Pisani, L},
title = {Tailoring non-invasive respiratory supports in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A practical approach for clinicians.},
journal = {European journal of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.ejim.2025.04.018},
pmid = {40318913},
issn = {1879-0828},
abstract = {The use of non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) for acute respiratory failure (ARF), particularly hypoxemic respiratory failure, has advanced in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. NIRS modalities like high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) have shown efficacy, though evidence is inconsistent, especially for "de novo" acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF). This review outlines the physiological rationale for NIRS and offers practical guidance on tailoring treatment to individual patients. Successful AHRF management with NIRS requires a personalized approach, guided by clinical expertise. Further research is needed to refine patient selection and optimize NIRS application.},
}

@article {pmid40318375,
year = {2025},
author = {Kumar, P and Hama, S and Cheung, HYW and Hadjichristodoulou, C and Mouchtouri, VA and Anagnostopoulos, L and Kourentis, L and Wang, Z and Galea, ER and Ewer, J and Grandison, A and Jia, F and Siilin, N},
title = {Airborne pathogen monitoring and dispersion modelling on passenger ships: A review.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {980},
number = {},
pages = {179571},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179571},
pmid = {40318375},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated a profound inability of pre-pandemic passenger ship policies implemented by both ship operators and governmental authorities to detect and address newly emerging diseases. The essentiality of maritime transport puts into focus the risk of approach to address known and new emerging airborne infectious diseases that, due to increasing capacity, are likely to occur on passenger ships. In order to enhance the passenger experience, prepare shipping for pandemics like COVID-19, and improve the resilience and safety of the industry, this review critically synthesises existing literature on (1) monitoring ventilation conditions and aerosol dispersion, linking them to airborne transmission risk using airborne aerosols and ventilation performance as input parameters for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, and (2) modelling airborne disease transmission risk in controlled passenger ship environments. This review analysed 39 studies on aerosol monitoring, thermal comfort, and infection risk modelling on passenger ships (2000-2023). Additionally, 55 papers on CFD modelling of airborne pathogen dispersion were reviewed: 22 included validation, with most focused on built environments and only four specifically addressing ship environments. Two major challenges relate to the complexity and poorly characterised ventilation boundary conditions on passenger ships, and the other is the lack of suitable validation data. For this reason, ship experimental studies are required for CFD model validation. Only a handful of studies were found that have measured aerosol concentrations on board passenger ships. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies conducted on aerosol mass or airborne transmission sampling on board passenger ships or other types of vessels. The results of this review have the potential to create synergistic connections between experimental and modelling studies to inform, characterise and improve the development of numerical models that can accurately estimate infection risk on ships for prevention, mitigation and management of outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid40317651,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, SR and Kim, SK and Asai, A and Nishikawa, H},
title = {Comparison between Japan and Korea in liver transplantation: Focusing on a higher deceased donation rate in Korea.},
journal = {Hepatology research : the official journal of the Japan Society of Hepatology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/hepr.14177},
pmid = {40317651},
issn = {1386-6346},
abstract = {Over the past 30 years, liver transplantations (LTs) and deceased-donor LTs (DDLTs) have been higher in Korea than in Japan. In 2019, the number of DDLT reached 88 (22.3% of LTs) in Japan and 391 (24.7% of LTs) in Korea. The deceased-donor rate (per million population) was 0.70 in Japan and 7.56 in Korea. Presently, Korea is one of the Asian countries with the highest rate of DDLT. Factors conducive to the deceased donation rate in Korea encompass the socio-legal system, including the Korean Network for Organ Sharing, Korean Organ Donation Agency, the healthcare system and public awareness. During 2009-2019, two major indications of DDLT were hepatitis B cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease in Korea, and acute liver failure and metabolic diseases in Japan. For living-donor LT, two major indications were hepatitis B cirrhosis and neoplastic diseases in Korea, and biliary atresia and neoplastic diseases in Japan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the indications for DDLT in Korea were alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis B cirrhosis with a higher rate of alcoholic liver disease than during the pre-pandemic period. In 2021, the 5-year survival rate of DDLT was 66.5% in Korea compared with 82.6% in Japan, whereas that rate of living-donor LT in Korea reached 80.8% compared with 79.4% in Japan. To promote LT in Japan and Korea, mutual understanding and intercommunication between the two countries is crucial.},
}

@article {pmid40315803,
year = {2025},
author = {Boniek, D and Malamut, C},
title = {A mini-review: Application of the radiopharmaceutical [[18]F]DPA-714 in neuroinflammation research in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients.},
journal = {Journal of the neurological sciences},
volume = {473},
number = {},
pages = {123518},
doi = {10.1016/j.jns.2025.123518},
pmid = {40315803},
issn = {1878-5883},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been linked to significant neurological complications, including neuroinflammation. This mini review explores the application of the radiopharmaceutical [[18]F]DPA-714 in neuroinflammation studies in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients using Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (PET-CT) imaging technology. [[18]F]DPA-714, a specific ligand for the translocator protein (TSPO), enables precise visualization and quantification of microglial activation, a key marker of neuroinflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that post-COVID-19 patients exhibit increased uptake of [[18]F]DPA-714 in various brain regions, correlating with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and mood alterations. The application of [[18]F]DPA-714 in longitudinal studies can monitor the progression of neuroinflammation and evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions, allowing personalized treatment adjustments. Additionally, exploring new TSPO ligands can complement data obtained with [[18]F]DPA-714, offering a more comprehensive view of neuroinflammatory processes. This article discusses the technical challenges in synthesizing and applying [[18]F]DPA-714, including the need for standardized imaging protocols and variability in binding due to genetic polymorphisms in TSPO. As a conclusion that [[18]F]DPA-714 is a valuable tool for research and treatment of neuroinflammation in post-SARS-CoV-2 patients, with significant implications for the development of personalized therapies and clinical monitoring.},
}

@article {pmid40313948,
year = {2025},
author = {Michalak, KP and Michalak, AZ and Brenk-Krakowska, A},
title = {Acute COVID-19 and LongCOVID syndrome - molecular implications for therapeutic strategies - review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1582783},
pmid = {40313948},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications/virology/therapy ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology ; Autophagy ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been recognized not only for its acute effects but also for its ability to cause LongCOVID Syndrome (LCS), a condition characterized by persistent symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. This review examines the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying LCS, with a particular focus on autophagy inhibition, chronic inflammation, oxidative, nitrosative and calcium stress, viral persistence and autoimmunology. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in LCS include (1) autoimmune activation, (2) latent viral persistence, where SARS-CoV-2 continues to influence host metabolism, (3) reactivation of latent pathogens such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), exacerbating immune and metabolic dysregulation, and (4) possible persistent metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation, where the body fails to restore post-infection homeostasis. The manipulation of cellular pathways by SARS-CoV-2 proteins is a critical aspect of the virus' ability to evade immune clearance and establish long-term dysfunction. Viral proteins such as NSP13, ORF3a and ORF8 have been shown to disrupt autophagy, thereby impairing viral clearance and promoting immune evasion. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulated calcium signaling, oxidative stress, chronic HIF-1α activation and Nrf2 inhibition create a self-sustaining inflammatory feedback loop that contributes to tissue damage and persistent symptoms. Therefore understanding the molecular basis of LCS is critical for the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Targeting autophagy and Nrf2 activation, glycolysis inhibition, and restoration calcium homeostasis may provide novel strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Future research should focus on personalized therapeutic interventions based on the dominant molecular perturbations in individual patients.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/complications/virology/therapy
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology
Autophagy
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Animals

@article {pmid40313858,
year = {2025},
author = {Gan, S and Qu, S and Zhu, H and Gong, M and Xiang, Y and Ye, D},
title = {Role and Mechanism of Olfactory Stem Cells in the Treatment of Olfactory Disorders.},
journal = {Stem cells international},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {6631857},
pmid = {40313858},
issn = {1687-966X},
abstract = {Olfactory dysfunction is one of the most prevalent diseases in otorhinolaryngology, particularly since the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with a potential impact on daily life. Several etiological factors can contribute to olfactory dysfunction owing to the complexity and specificity of the olfactory transmission pathway. However, current treatments for olfactory dysfunction are limited and their efficacy is unsatisfactory. Olfactory stem cells are multifunctional stem cells in the olfactory mucosa that comprise both horizontal and global basal stem cells (HBCs and GBCs, respectively). These cells can differentiate into various cell types in response to different stimuli with distinct characteristics. The aim of the study was to discuss the mechanisms and functions of stem cells and their application in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction.},
}

@article {pmid40053131,
year = {2025},
author = {Erdekian, A and Glock, M and Huetter, S and Rueb, M and Riedinger, D and Stoffers-Winterling, J and Lindner, S and Baum, F and Hölzel, LP and Tüscher, O and Lieb, K and Adorjan, K and Wiegand, HF},
title = {[Utilization of mental health services in Germany during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic-Systematic review and meta-analysis].},
journal = {Der Nervenarzt},
volume = {96},
number = {3},
pages = {257-265},
pmid = {40053131},
issn = {1433-0407},
mesh = {*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; Humans ; Germany/epidemiology ; *Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data ; Pandemics ; *Mental Disorders/epidemiology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic studies showed indications of changes in the utilization of inpatient, outpatient and emergency mental healthcare services; however, the level of observation and representativeness of these studies were heterogeneous.

OBJECTIVES: Changes in the utilization of psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic were classified through a systematic literature search, evaluation of the quality and observational levels as well as a meta-analysis of the effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase until June 2023 and a follow-up search in PubMed up to and including October 2024. Data were assigned to the periods first lockdown phase, between lockdown phases, second lockdown phase and entire pandemic year 2020.

RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included. There were reductions in the number of inpatient admissions for the first lockdown phase of relative risk, RR 0.74, 95% confidence interval CI 0.70-0.79, I[2] 95.5%, t[2] 0.0053 and for the second lockdown phase of RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.75-0.81, I[2] 97.1%, t[2] 0.0058. Only studies with a low observational level were found for psychiatric emergency care and only two studies with different indicators for outpatient utilization. There were no clear changes in the prescription of psychotropic drugs.

CONCLUSION: In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic utilization of mental healthcare services was reduced, especially for the inpatient sector. The effects of these significant restrictions are unclear. We therefore propose a mental healthcare surveillance that could promptly record such changes and possible consequences.},
}

*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
Humans
Germany/epidemiology
*Mental Health Services/statistics & numerical data
Pandemics
*Mental Disorders/epidemiology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid39948338,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, C and Zhang, T and Guo, L and Sun, S and Miao, Y and Yung, CF and Tomlinson, J and Stolyarov, K and Shchomak, Z and Poovorawan, Y and Nokes, DJ and Muñoz-Almagro, C and Mandelboim, M and Keck, JW and Langley, JM and Heikkinen, T and Deng, J and Colson, P and Chakhunashvili, G and Caballero, MT and Bont, L and Feikin, DR and Nair, H and Wang, X and Li, Y and , },
title = {Characterising the asynchronous resurgence of common respiratory viruses following the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {1610},
pmid = {39948338},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; 82473692//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; 82404372//National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/virology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/epidemiology ; Metapneumovirus ; Rhinovirus ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and relevant non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) interrupted the circulation of common respiratory viruses. These viruses demonstrated an unprecedented asynchronous resurgence as NPIs were relaxed. We compiled a global dataset from a systematic review, online surveillance reports and unpublished data from Respiratory Virus Global Epidemiology Network, encompassing 92 sites. We compared the resurgence timings of respiratory viruses within each site and synthesised differences in timings across sites, using a generalised linear mixed-effects model. We revealed a distinct sequential timing in the first post-pandemic resurgence: rhinovirus resurged the earliest, followed by seasonal coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, metapneumovirus and influenza A virus, with influenza B virus exhibiting the latest resurgence. Similar sequential timing was observed in the second resurgence except influenza A virus caught up with metapneumovirus. The consistent asynchrony across geographical regions suggests that virus-specific characteristics, rather than location-specific factors, determining the relative timing of resurgence.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/virology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
*Respiratory Tract Infections/virology/epidemiology
Metapneumovirus
Rhinovirus

@article {pmid39935478,
year = {2025},
author = {Gattinger, P and Kozlovskaya, LI and Lunin, AS and Gancharova, OS and Sirazova, DI and Apolokhov, VD and Chekina, ES and Gordeychuk, IV and Karaulov, AV and Valenta, R and Ishmukhametov, AA},
title = {Fusion protein-based COVID-19 vaccines exemplified by a chimeric vaccine based on a single fusion protein (W-PreS-O).},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1452814},
pmid = {39935478},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Animals ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology ; Humans ; Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/blood ; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology ; Cricetinae ; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology ; Mesocricetus ; },
abstract = {In this article we discuss characteristics of fusion protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We focus on recombinant vaccine antigens comprising fusion proteins consisting of combinations of SARS-CoV-2-derived antigens or peptides or combinations of SARS-CoV-2 antigens/peptides with SARS-CoV-2-unrelated proteins/peptides. These fusion proteins are made to increase the immunogenicity of the vaccine antigens and/or to enable special targeting of the immune system. The protein-based vaccine approach is exemplified solely in a proof of concept study by using W-PreS-O, a chimeric vaccine based on a single fusion protein (W-PreS-O), combining RBDs from Wuhan hu-1 wild-type and Omicron BA.1 with the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived PreS surface antigen adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide. The W-PreS-O vaccine was evaluated in Syrian hamsters which were immunized three times at three-week intervals with W-PreS-O or with aluminum hydroxide (placebo) before they were infected with Omicron BA.1. Neutralizing antibody (nAB) titers, weight, lung symptoms, and viral loads, as measured using RT-PCR in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, were determined. In addition, infectious virus titers from the lungs were measured using a plaque-forming assay. We found that W-PreS-O-vaccinated hamsters developed robust nABs against Omicron BA.1, showed almost no development of pneumonia, and had significantly reduced infectious virus titers in the lungs. Importantly, the viral loads in the nasal cavities of W-PreS-O-vaccinated hamsters were close to or above the PCR cycle threshold considered to be non-infectious. The data of our proof-of-concept study provides compelling evidence that the W-PreS-O vaccine has protective effect against Omicron BA.1 in a Syrian hamster in vivo infection model and thus support the promising results obtained also for other fusion protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.},
}

Animals
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
Humans
Antibodies, Viral/immunology/blood
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology/blood
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
Cricetinae
Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
Mesocricetus

@article {pmid39935262,
year = {2025},
author = {Matsushita, S},
title = {[Associations between Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Addiction].},
journal = {Brain and nerve = Shinkei kenkyu no shinpo},
volume = {77},
number = {2},
pages = {141-147},
doi = {10.11477/mf.188160960770020141},
pmid = {39935262},
issn = {1881-6096},
mesh = {Humans ; *Loneliness/psychology ; *Social Isolation/psychology ; COVID-19 ; *Behavior, Addictive/psychology ; Alcohol Drinking ; Animals ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {Isolation and loneliness have been reported to be associated with premature death and are therefore considered to be serious public health issues. In animal studies, social isolation beginning in adolescent rodents has consistently been shown to increase alcohol consumption over time; however, this trend was observed only in males. In adult rodents, isolation has little effect on alcohol consumption. In human studies, population surveys have reported that isolation and loneliness are associated with less frequent drinking, whereas another study reported that greater loneliness is associated with alcohol problems in men. A nationwide Internet cohort study in Japan revealed that non-high-risk drinkers experiencing significant loneliness were more likely to become high-risk drinkers than those not experiencing significant loneliness. Another study examined the effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on drinking behavior among young adults and showed that the harmful use of alcohol was reduced only among women. Notably, in participants with increased depression and anxiety, loneliness was associated with increased alcohol use. Behaviors such as gambling and gaming have also been reported to be associated with loneliness and stress. A follow-up study in Finland determined that loneliness increased gaming problems, but not gambling problems. Interestingly, stress was reported to increase both gambling and gaming problems.},
}

Humans
*Loneliness/psychology
*Social Isolation/psychology
COVID-19
*Behavior, Addictive/psychology
Alcohol Drinking
Animals
Male
Female

@article {pmid39879996,
year = {2025},
author = {Rollnik, JD},
title = {[Neurological evaluation of "post-COVID-19 syndrome" (PCS)].},
journal = {Fortschritte der Neurologie-Psychiatrie},
volume = {93},
number = {5},
pages = {186-199},
doi = {10.1055/a-2465-3570},
pmid = {39879996},
issn = {1439-3522},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/psychology ; *Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis/etiology ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *Neurologic Examination ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology ; Fatigue/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The so-called "post-COVID-19 syndrome" (PCS) includes a variety of subjective complaints and represents a challenge to medical evaluation. The review focuses on symptom validation of the most common neurological, neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological PCS symptoms like fatigue, loss of smell and taste, problems speaking or communicating, cognitive disorders, dysaesthesia and persistent muscle pain.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/psychology
*Nervous System Diseases/diagnosis/etiology
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*Neurologic Examination
Olfaction Disorders/etiology
Fatigue/etiology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40313573,
year = {2025},
author = {Cheng, M and Chai, Y and Rong, G and Xin, C and Gu, L and Zhou, X and Hong, J},
title = {Nanotechnology-based strategies for vaccine development: accelerating innovation and delivery.},
journal = {Biomaterials translational},
volume = {6},
number = {1},
pages = {55-72},
pmid = {40313573},
issn = {2096-112X},
abstract = {The key role and impact of nanotechnology in vaccine development became particularly prominent following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019. Especially in the process of designing and optimising COVID-19 vaccines, the application of nanomaterials significantly accelerated vaccine development and efficient delivery. In this review, we categorised and evaluated conventional vaccines, including attenuated live vaccines, inactivated vaccines, and subunit vaccines, highlighting their advantages and limitations. We summarised the development history, mechanisms, and latest technologies of vaccine adjuvants, emphasising their critical role in immune responses. Furthermore, we focused on the application of nanotechnology in the vaccine field, detailing the characteristics of nanoparticle vaccines, including virus-like particles, lipid-based carriers, inorganic nanoparticles, and polymer-based carriers. We emphasised their potential advantages in enhancing vaccine stability and immunogenicity, as well as their ability to deliver vaccines and present antigens through various routes. Despite facing challenges such as low drug loading efficiency, issues with long-term storage, high costs, and difficulties in large-scale production, nano-vaccines hold promise for the future. This review underscores the pivotal role and prospects of nanotechnology in vaccine development, offering new pathways and strategies to address current and future disease challenges.},
}

@article {pmid40312748,
year = {2025},
author = {Nayak, SS and Ameen, D and Nobakht, S and Nayak, R and Prabhu, SV and Keivanlou, MH and Hassanipour, S and Amini-Salehi, E and Thakker, N},
title = {The predictive value of endocan as a novel biomarker: an umbrella study on meta-analyses.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {98},
pmid = {40312748},
issn = {2046-4053},
mesh = {Humans ; *Proteoglycans/blood/metabolism ; Biomarkers/blood ; *COVID-19/blood/diagnosis ; *Neoplasm Proteins/blood/metabolism ; Meta-Analysis as Topic ; Predictive Value of Tests ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIM: In recent years, endocan has emerged as a potential biomarker in various medical conditions. This multifaceted molecule, involved in key processes such as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, has shown promise in predicting disease progression and therapeutic response across a spectrum of pathologies. However, the heterogeneity of studies and the complexity of endocan's role in different diseases necessitate a comprehensive review. This umbrella review aimed to systematically synthesize and evaluate the evidence from multiple meta-analyses, offering a view of endocan's effectiveness as a predictive biomarker in medical diseases.

METHODS: An extensive search was carried out on March 12, 2024, using the following four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The goal was to identify meta-analyses that assess endocan's predictive efficacy. The pooled effect size and its 95% confidence interval were taken out of each discovered meta-analysis. Furthermore, power analyses were performed to assess the robustness and dependability of the results. An additional GRADE assessment was carried out to gauge the epidemiological reliability of the findings.

RESULTS: In the final analysis, 12 meta-analyses were included in the current umbrella review. The results showed that there is a significant correlation between a higher endocan level and COVID-19 (SMD: 1.40, 95% CI 0.21-2.58, P = 0.02), followed by chronic kidney disease (SMD: 1.34, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.48, P < 0.01), obstructive sleep apnea (SMD: 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.54, P < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (SMD: 1.00, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.19, P < 0.01), coronary artery disease (SMD: 0.99, 95% CI 0.58-1.39, P < 0.01), hypertension (SMD: 0.91, 95% CI 0.44-1.38, P < 0.01), and preeclampsia (SMD: 0.37, 95% CI 0.13-0.62, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Endocan has emerged as a highly promising biomarker with considerable potential across various medical conditions. Its relevance spans critical areas such as COVID-19, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and preeclampsia. The broad applicability of endocan highlights its value in improving diagnostic accuracy and enhancing our understanding of these diseases. Clinically, incorporating endocan testing could aid in early detection, monitoring disease progression, and refining patient management, particularly for high-risk populations. However, additional research is needed to fully assess its specificity, sensitivity, and overall clinical utility, paving the way for its integration into routine healthcare practices and enabling more precise, individualized treatment strategies.},
}

Humans
*Proteoglycans/blood/metabolism
Biomarkers/blood
*COVID-19/blood/diagnosis
*Neoplasm Proteins/blood/metabolism
Meta-Analysis as Topic
Predictive Value of Tests
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40244866,
year = {2025},
author = {Ladetto, MF and Gantner, ME and Rodenak-Kladniew, BE and Rodriguez, S and Cuestas, ML and Talevi, A and Castro, GR},
title = {Promising Prodiginins Biological Activities.},
journal = {Chemistry & biodiversity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e202402940},
doi = {10.1002/cbdv.202402940},
pmid = {40244866},
issn = {1612-1880},
abstract = {Prodiginins are a large family of at least 34 pyrrolic compounds, including the well-studied red pigment prodigiosin. Prodiginins are produced by several microorganisms displaying broad biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiproliferative, and immunosuppressive activities. The present review aims to compile and analyze the main physicochemical and biological properties and mechanisms of action of prodiginins for microbial disease treatment, particularly SARS-CoV-2 disease and opportunistic infections related to COVID-19. The interaction of prodigiosin, as a model molecule, with cellular membranes, potential drug delivery devices, and toxicological studies, and in silico studies using molecular dynamics showed that the prodigiosin motif, which interacts with lipids, opens a new door for the potential therapeutic use of prodiginins.},
}

@article {pmid39878050,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramesh, R and Ranganathan, LN},
title = {Headache in infections.},
journal = {Current opinion in neurology},
volume = {38},
number = {3},
pages = {281-287},
doi = {10.1097/WCO.0000000000001348},
pmid = {39878050},
issn = {1473-6551},
mesh = {Humans ; *Headache/etiology/diagnosis/physiopathology ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Infections/complications ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the phenomenology, pathogenesis, and nosology of headaches associated with infections, an often-overlooked yet clinically significant symptom. With the increasing recognition of secondary headaches in infections, understanding their clinical patterns, mechanisms, and classifications is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

RECENT FINDINGS: Headaches in infections are ubiquitous but vary in presentation, severity, and underlying mechanisms depending on the causative pathogen. Elevated intracranial pressure, meningeal irritation, and activation of the trigeminovascular system are key contributors to headache generation, which varies depending on each pathogen. Pathogen-specific predilection for one of these mechanisms may subtly alter the clinical phenotype of the headache, which can be used to guide management. Emerging evidence highlights postinfectious headache syndromes, particularly following bacterial meningitis and SARS-CoV-2 infection, underscoring the need for long-term follow-up in these patients.

SUMMARY: The diverse presentations of infection-related headaches necessitate a systematic approach to evaluation and management. While the pathophysiology is complex and multifaceted, understanding these mechanisms aids in differentiating primary headaches from those secondary to infections.},
}

Humans
*Headache/etiology/diagnosis/physiopathology
*COVID-19/complications
*Infections/complications

@article {pmid39657248,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhao, Q and Wallace, B and Ronis, T and Jung, L},
title = {Risk factors of COVID-19 related hospitalization of paediatric patients with rheumatic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Rheumatology (Oxford, England)},
volume = {64},
number = {5},
pages = {2369-2376},
doi = {10.1093/rheumatology/keae664},
pmid = {39657248},
issn = {1462-0332},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy/complications ; *Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; *Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy/epidemiology/complications ; Risk Factors ; Child ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: Among adults who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), those with rheumatic diseases (RDs) have similar hospitalization rates compared with those without RDs. Similar comparisons are lacking in children, due to the overall rarity of COVID-19-related hospitalization in this population. We aimed to examine the risk factors for COVID-19-related hospitalization in paediatric patients with RDs.

METHODS: We conducted a systemic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from 1 December 2019, through 22 January 2024. We included observational studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were calculated.

RESULTS: Eight cohort studies capturing 1501 paediatric RD patients with SARS-CoV-2 and 118 COVID-19-related hospitalization were included. Odds of hospitalization was increased in children with RDs compared with healthy children. While the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was associated with reduced odds of hospitalization overall (OR 0.43 [95% CI: 0.27, 0.68]), systemic JIA was associated with increased odds of hospitalization (OR 2.54 [95% CI: 1.01, 6.40]). The use of glucocorticoids (OR 5.36 [95% CI: 2.21, 13.04]), rituximab (OR 4.62 [95% CI: 1.87, 11.40]), mycophenolate mofetil (OR 4.17 [95% CI: 1.08, 16.16]), hydroxychloroquine (OR 2.97 [95% CI: 1.42, 6.21]), and IL-1 inhibitors (OR 2.28 [95% CI: 1.09, 4.78]) was associated with increased odds of hospitalization, while the use of TNFα inhibitors was associated with reduced odds (OR 0.35 [95% CI: 0.20, 0.66]).

CONCLUSION: Children with RDs are at risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, while children with JIA taking TNFα inhibitors might be at a lower risk.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/therapy/complications
*Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
*Rheumatic Diseases/drug therapy/epidemiology/complications
Risk Factors
Child
SARS-CoV-2
Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use

@article {pmid39506442,
year = {2025},
author = {Barlattani, T and Celenza, G and Cavatassi, A and Minutillo, F and Socci, V and Pinci, C and Santini, R and Pacitti, F},
title = {Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of COVID-19 Disease and Post COVID Syndrome: The Role of N-acetylcysteine and Acetyl-L-carnitine.},
journal = {Current neuropharmacology},
volume = {23},
number = {6},
pages = {686-704},
pmid = {39506442},
issn = {1875-6190},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/psychology ; *Acetylcysteine/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Acetylcarnitine/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *Mental Disorders/drug therapy/etiology ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 is associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anosmia, anxiety, depression, stress-related reactions, and psychoses. The illness can cause persistent cognitive impairment and "brain fog", suggesting chronic brain involvement. Clinical entities of ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and Post COVID Syndrome (PCS) mainly present neuropsychiatric symptoms such as dysgeusia, headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The pathophysiology of COVID-19-related brain damage is unclear, but it is linked to various mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, impaired glutamate homeostasis, glial and glymphatic damage, and hippocampal degeneration. Noteworthy is that the metabotropic receptor mGluR2 was discovered as a mechanism of internalisation of SARS-CoV-2 in Central Nervous System (CNS) cells. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) are two supplements that have already been found effective in treating psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, NAC showed evidence in relieving cognitive symptomatology in PCS, and ALC was found effective in treating depressive symptomatology of PCS. The overlapping effects on the glutamatergic system of ALC and NAC could help treat COVID-19 psychiatric symptoms and PCS, acting through different mechanisms on the xc-mGluR2 network, with potentially synergistic effects on chronic pain and neuro-astrocyte protection. This paper aims to summarise the current evidence on the potential therapeutic role of NAC and ALC, providing an overview of the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology. It proposes a pathophysiological model explaining the effectiveness of NAC and ALC in treating COVID-19-related neuropsychiatric symptoms.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/psychology
*Acetylcysteine/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Acetylcarnitine/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*Mental Disorders/drug therapy/etiology
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Animals
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40312682,
year = {2025},
author = {Faske, A and Reis, S and Pscheidl, T and Saal-Bauernschubert, L and Meybohm, P and Weibel, S},
title = {An urgent call to publish COVID-19 trials: a systematic search revealed ZERO studies regarding the incidence of thromboembolic events in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-infected COVID-19 patients.},
journal = {Critical care (London, England)},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {173},
pmid = {40312682},
issn = {1466-609X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications/epidemiology ; Incidence ; *Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Clinical Trials as Topic ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications, particularly in hospitalized patients. While early research focused on pre-Omicron variants, the thrombotic risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections remains unclear. Given the evolving nature of the pandemic, it is critical to assess whether current anticoagulation recommendations remain appropriate.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of clinical studies to determine the incidence of thromboembolic events in COVID-19 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants. The main outcome was thromboembolic events within 28 days of infection, using objective diagnostic criteria. We systematically searched the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, covering multiple databases, for studies published between November 30, 2021, and January 31, 2024. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers, and missing data were requested from study authors.

RESULTS: Our search identified 7843 records, of which 238 underwent full-text screening. Ultimately, no study met our inclusion criteria due to issues such as lack of Omicron-specific data, inadequate reporting of diagnostic methods, and failure to specify the timing of outcome assessment. Despite contacting study authors, no additional eligible data were obtained.

CONCLUSION: There is currently no high-quality evidence on the incidence of thromboembolic events in Omicron-infected COVID-19 patients. The absence of relevant studies highlights a critical research gap and raises concerns about the applicability of current anticoagulation guidelines. Future studies should stratify outcomes by SARS-CoV-2 variant, ensure transparent reporting, and provide rigorous diagnostic confirmation to guide clinical decision-making.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications/epidemiology
Incidence
*Thromboembolism/epidemiology/etiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Clinical Trials as Topic

@article {pmid40312598,
year = {2025},
author = {de Assis Carvalho, EM and Ozanic, K and Machado, AFB and Dias, VC and Diniz, CG and da Silva, VL and Bellei, N and Watanabe, A},
title = {Respiratory virus circulation during pandemic: Why were some viruses still circulating?.},
journal = {Brazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40312598},
issn = {1678-4405},
abstract = {A few months after the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in March 2020, several non-pharmacological measures were adopted worldwide, with varying degrees of strictness, to contain the transmission of the virus and mitigate its impacts. These measures, in addition to effectively reducing the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2), these measures also appeared to impact the circulation of other respiratory viruses. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the most relevant data available regarding the circulation of the major respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring the factors that allowed some viruses to continue circulating while others experienced a decline. Several authors report that the detection of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human coronaviruses (hCoVs), human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) dropped significantly. However, non-enveloped viruses such as adenovirus, and especially human rhinovirus (HRV), did not seem to be as affected. Hypotheses for this scenario include adopting of non-pharmacological measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, behavioral changes in hygiene habits, intrinsic characteristics of each virus such as transmission mode, the presence or absence of a viral envelope and viral interference. Rhinovirus is particularly intriguing, as it maintained a high prevalence during the years of the pandemic. Further investigation into the possible explanations for this phenomenon may be worthwhile.},
}

@article {pmid40311676,
year = {2025},
author = {Martinuka, O and le Cessie, S and Wolkewitz, M},
title = {Target trial emulation framework: mitigating methodological challenges and application in COVID-19 treatment evaluation studies.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2025.04.027},
pmid = {40311676},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, real-world data and observational studies played an important role in assessing treatment effectiveness. Methodological challenges such as immortal time bias, confounding, and competing risks were observed. Target trial emulation provides a structured framework for evaluating treatment effectiveness using observational data while mitigating these biases.

OBJECTIVES: To describe common biases in observational COVID-19 research, introduce the target trial emulation framework, and discuss how these biases can be addressed in this framework. Specifically, we discuss the clone-censor-weight approach and provide real-world study examples demonstrating its application in COVID-19 research.

SOURCES: We summarize key principles of target trial emulation and the clone-censor-weight approach using published methodological articles. Additionally, we demonstrate its practical implementation by reviewing three studies that emulated a target trial to evaluate the effects of treatments in COVID-19 patients. These studies were selected without a predefined search strategy.

CONTENT: We define and discuss immortal time bias, confounding, and competing risks in studies using observational data. To facilitate the understanding of these biases, we use a hypothetical example evaluating the effects of hydroxychloroquine in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. We provide an overview of the target trial emulation framework and its core elements, explaining how it can mitigate these challenges. To illustrate the clone-censor-weight approach, we describe published examples demonstrating its application during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMPLICATIONS: The target trial emulation is an important framework for evaluating treatment effects using observational data, but it requires careful implementation to mitigate methodological biases. Identifying and addressing confounding, immortal time bias, and competing risks during study design and analysis is important in any causal study evaluating treatment effects. This framework can improve the quality of observational studies and complement evidence from clinical trials, particularly when evidence is urgently needed, as during the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.},
}

@article {pmid40311049,
year = {2025},
author = {Mombo, N and Le Nguyen, KN},
title = {Practices for collecting, analyzing and disseminating data on health and its social determinants among Black populations in Quebec: a scoping review.},
journal = {Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practice},
volume = {45},
number = {4},
pages = {165-189},
doi = {10.24095/hpcdp.45.4.03},
pmid = {40311049},
issn = {2368-738X},
mesh = {Humans ; Quebec/epidemiology ; *Social Determinants of Health/ethnology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology ; *Black People/statistics & numerical data ; *Data Collection/methods ; Health Status Disparities ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the deficiencies in healthcare systems both within and outside of Canada, affecting racialized populations, particularly Black communities, who face an increased risk of infection and mortality from the disease. Although Black populations in Quebec make up more than 25% of the Black population in Canada, detailed data on the impact of COVID-19 on these communities are only available at the national level. This scoping review documents the methods and issues related to the collection, analysis and dissemination of data on the health of Black populations in Quebec, and its social determinants.

METHODS: We conducted a review of studies published in English and French from January 2010 to June 2024 by consulting six databases. This review exclusively comprised studies involving data collection from racialized populations, including Black populations in Quebec, and excluded Canada-wide studies involving only a subsample of Black populations in Quebec. The main keywords used were: "data on race", "ethnic data collection", "race data collection", "culturally appropriate", "health", "survey", "questionnaire", "racial groups", "racialized groups", "Black and minority ethnic people", "people of colour", "migrants", "Quebec", "collecte de données", "minorité", "noir" and "ethnicité".

RESULTS: We selected 43 studies covering four sectors: health, social services, education and employment. We identified the main issues, methods and strategies used to recruit members of Black communities and to collect and analyze data according to ethnoracial categories while minimizing bias to better understand the sociocultural and socioeconomic context of the target populations.

CONCLUSION: Our review highlights the importance of collecting data on racialized groups, particularly Black communities in Quebec, to support public policies aimed at promoting health equity.},
}

Humans
Quebec/epidemiology
*Social Determinants of Health/ethnology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/ethnology
*Black People/statistics & numerical data
*Data Collection/methods
Health Status Disparities

@article {pmid40310895,
year = {2025},
author = {Russell, NG and Rodney, T and Peterson, JK and Baker, A and Francis, L},
title = {Nurse-Led Mental Health Interventions for College Students: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Preventing chronic disease},
volume = {22},
number = {},
pages = {E17},
doi = {10.5888/pcd22.240200},
pmid = {40310895},
issn = {1545-1151},
mesh = {Humans ; *Students/psychology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Universities ; *Mental Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Mental Health Services/organization & administration ; *Nurse's Role ; *Mental Disorders/nursing ; Young Adult ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation or suicide are prevalent among college students and are a growing public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis. Nurses are a vital component of college health services and may be the first or only health care provider to evaluate college students experiencing a mental health condition. However, the literature has limited evidence on the nurse's role and its impact on college mental health. Our systematic review examines nurse-led mental health interventions for college students.

METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for nurse-led interventions in college mental health by using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and ERIC databases. A total of 2,814 articles were identified, and 2,290 were screened after removal of 524 duplicates. Thirty-five studies were reviewed for eligibility, and 16 were included in this review. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) Hierarchy of Evidence Guide and Appraisal Tools were used to rate the strength and quality of the evidence, and the selected articles were generally of good quality.

RESULTS: The 16 articles came from institutions in North America (n = 5), southeastern Europe (n = 3), and Asia (n = 8). The studies focused on samples with a pre-existing mental health diagnosis or on mental health symptoms and interventions aimed at addressing mental health concerns. The interventions were facilitated by nurses and included various approaches, including experimental, quality improvement, and educational strategies.

CONCLUSION: This review underscores the crucial role of nurses in addressing mental health issues among college students. Despite variability in approaches, nurse-led interventions offer promise in enhancing student well-being. Further studies are essential to gauge effectiveness and shape policies for supporting the nurse's unique role in higher education. Integrating these findings into practice and policy will equip college health services to meet students' evolving needs. Leveraging the expertise of nurses can enhance student mental well-being, leading to improved academic outcomes and overall quality of life.},
}

Humans
*Students/psychology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Universities
*Mental Health
SARS-CoV-2
*Mental Health Services/organization & administration
*Nurse's Role
*Mental Disorders/nursing
Young Adult

@article {pmid40310051,
year = {2025},
author = {Grilli, S and Perrotta, G and Eleuteri, S and Petruccelli, I},
title = {Critical Issues in Psychological Services Within Italian Schools: Definition, Contexts, Interventions, and Legislation for Vulnerable Populations.},
journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40310051},
issn = {2227-9067},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This paper presents a comprehensive literature review that investigates the pivotal role of school psychologists within the Italian educational context, highlighting their importance in promoting mental health and students' well-being, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive school psychology evidence-based service to facilitate the personal and professional development of both students and staff.

METHODS: To conduct this review, we utilized databases such as Scopus, ResearchGate, PsycINFO, and PubMed to access recent scientific literature related to school psychologists in Italy, focusing primarily on studies published between 2018 and 2025. We employed keywords including "school psychologist in Italy", "mental health", "COVID-19", "COVID-19 and school psychologists", and "school psychologist legislation in Italy" to guide our search.

RESULTS: By synthesizing the existing literature, this study aims to explore the integration and effectiveness of psychological services in Italian schools, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of the current state of school psychology evidence-based services in Italy, with particular attention to the emotional and psychological challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. This event that has profoundly impacted community life highlighted the importance of mental health, prompting Italy to enhance the presence of psychologists within schools. Furthermore, this review critically analyzes the existing laws and psychological frameworks, drawing on data from an extensive examination of legislative documents and the previous literature regarding the implementation of school psychology services. The findings reveal that 69.2% of Italian schools adopted a school psychology service following legislative initiatives, aimed at addressing the trauma and discomfort caused by the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite this progress, the presence of this figure is still rare and while significant steps have been taken, a shift towards a more preventative and holistic model is currently essential.},
}

@article {pmid40310013,
year = {2025},
author = {Becerra, JA and Roohani, I and Parikh, NU and Jolibois, MI and Kondra, K and Swerdlow, M and Nicholson, LT and Carey, JN},
title = {A Systematic Review of Hand Surgery Simulation.},
journal = {Annals of plastic surgery},
volume = {94},
number = {5S Suppl 3},
pages = {S474-S483},
pmid = {40310013},
issn = {1536-3708},
mesh = {Humans ; *Hand/surgery ; *Simulation Training/methods ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Clinical Competence ; Animals ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and duty hour restrictions illuminated a role for surgical simulation in hand surgery training that permits meaningful technical experience outside the operating room. Implementation of surgical simulation infrastructure alongside clinical training accounting for complexity and cost should be considered. This systematic review analyzes cadaveric, benchtop, 3D-printed, augmented/virtual reality, and animal models that may effectively simulate hand surgical techniques and procedures with subjective or objective competence assessment.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA-P guidelines using the following databases: PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Selected search terms included procedures relevant to hand surgery and various simulation training modalities. Inclusion criteria were English-language peer-reviewed articles about surgical simulation techniques or hand surgery-related training. Abstracts, conference proceedings, non-English literature, and reviews were excluded. Data, including skills and techniques taught and assessed, model type, equipment, cost, and emphasis placed in training for each article, were entered into an electronic database. Additional articles were identified through references from the initial search.

RESULTS: Our search criteria identified 2745 articles, 39 of which met the inclusion criteria. Models were described with the following frequency: synthetic benchtop/3D printed (41.0%), animal (25.6%), cadaveric (17.9%), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR; 10.3%), and other computer simulation (10.3%). Three models incorporated both a physical benchtop and AR/VR components. The procedures most represented by the simulation tools assessed include tendon repair (30.8%), fracture fixation (25.6%), wrist arthroscopy (15.4%), and carpal tunnel release (15.4%). Of all articles, 51.3% evaluated the efficacy of the educational tool. Of these, 40.0% were evaluated via subjective methods only, 10.0% via objective methods, and 50% via both. Eighty-seven percent of articles emphasized the importance of surgical simulation in a surgeon's training.

CONCLUSIONS: A diverse collection of hand surgical simulation models exists for the practice of various aspects of hand surgery. The existing literature demonstrates their utility for increasing expertise with surgical techniques and procedures in a low-risk setting. Integration into surgical training will depend on program time and budget constraints.},
}

Humans
*Hand/surgery
*Simulation Training/methods
COVID-19/epidemiology
Clinical Competence
Animals
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40309618,
year = {2025},
author = {Ahmadnia, E and Haseli, A and Davoudian, A and Abbasi, M},
title = {Adolescents' Sexual Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {8},
number = {5},
pages = {e70774},
pmid = {40309618},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted adolescents' access to sexual health services, resulting in a decline in their overall sexual well-being. This systematic review explored adolescent sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A systematic review of quantitative studies-including observational research, clinical trials, and quasi-experimental interventions-examined English-language articles published between January 2020 and February 10, 2025, sourced from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies, Cochrane RoB 2 for clinical trials, and ROBINS-1 for quasi-experimental designs. Due to the heterogeneity of the data.

RESULTS: After identifying 781 articles, 10 studies with a total sample size of 636,873 participants were included in the final systematic review. Observational studies during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed diminished access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, greater dependence on informal information sources, widening health inequalities, and negative impacts on adolescent sexual behavior. Intervention studies on online SRH education demonstrate significant positive impacts across key areas: access to SRH services, safe sex practices, communication with parents about sexual health, lower acceptance of dating violence, normative beliefs regarding adolescent sexuality, HIV/STI awareness, and condom use. The findings emphasize notable improvements in communication, knowledge, and attitudes toward sexual health, driven by these targeted interventions.

CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted adolescent SRH globally, reducing service access and amplifying inequities. While some behaviors (e.g., sexual activity) showed resilience, systemic gaps in education and healthcare persist. Multisectoral efforts are needed to ensure adolescents' SRH rights are upheld during crises. However, the interventional studies underscore the viability of digital, media-literate interventions in improving adolescent sexual health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: The review study was officially registered on the PROSPERO website on 02/08/2023 under the code CRD42023438631 and received approval from the jury.},
}

@article {pmid40308622,
year = {2025},
author = {Parizad, R and Batta, A and Hatwal, J and Taban-Sadeghi, M and Mohan, B},
title = {Emerging risk factors for heart failure in younger populations: A growing public health concern.},
journal = {World journal of cardiology},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {104717},
pmid = {40308622},
issn = {1949-8462},
abstract = {Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health concern, with an increasing incidence among younger populations. Traditionally, HF was considered a condition primarily affecting the elderly, but of late, emerging evidence hints at a rapidly rising HF incidence in youth in the past 2 decades. HF in youth has been linked to a complex interaction between emerging risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome, environmental exposures, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle behaviors. This review examines these evolving determinants, including substance abuse, autoimmune diseases, and the long-term cardiovascular effects of coronavirus disease 2019, which disproportionately affect younger individuals. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study highlights the importance of early detection, targeted prevention strategies, and multidisciplinary management approaches to address this alarming trend. Promoting awareness and integrating age-specific interventions could significantly reduce the burden of HF and improve long-term outcomes among younger populations.},
}

@article {pmid40307795,
year = {2025},
author = {Garza, M and Miguel, LA},
title = {Health disparities among indigenous populations in Latin America: a scoping review.},
journal = {International journal for equity in health},
volume = {24},
number = {1},
pages = {119},
pmid = {40307795},
issn = {1475-9276},
mesh = {Humans ; Latin America/epidemiology ; *Health Status Disparities ; *Healthcare Disparities/ethnology ; *Population Groups/statistics & numerical data ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Health disparities persist among Indigenous populations in Latin America, reflecting systemic inequities and historical marginalization. These disparities span infectious diseases, malnutrition, and chronic conditions, necessitating a comprehensive understanding to inform equitable public health strategies. This scoping review aims to map health disparities affecting Indigenous populations in Latin America, identify research gaps, and inform policy recommendations.

METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Scielo for studies with data collected between May 2014 and May 2024. Studies were included if they examined health disparities among Indigenous populations in Latin America, contained a comparator related to disparities, and presented quantitative data. We excluded studies on oral health, risk factors, genetic disparities, health system access, and ecological studies, as well as non-research articles such as commentaries and letters to the editor. Data were synthesized narratively, summarizing key themes.

RESULTS: Of 1,116 identified articles, 35 met inclusion criteria, spanning nine Latin American countries. Most studies were cross-sectional (n = 18) or cohort-based (n = 16). Infectious diseases and malnutrition were the most studied topics, consistently showing higher incidence and mortality rates among Indigenous populations. Many papers highlighted COVID-19 disparities, with Indigenous groups experiencing higher incidence and mortality. Malnutrition, particularly stunting and anemia, was significantly more prevalent among Indigenous children and women. Studies on overweight and obesity showed mixed results. Chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular issues, showed notable disparities, while mental health and cancer were underrepresented.

CONCLUSION: Indigenous populations in Latin America face a dual burden of infectious and chronic diseases, compounded by structural barriers such as poverty, geographic isolation, and systemic discrimination. Addressing these disparities requires culturally tailored interventions, structural reforms, and policy prioritization. This scoping review is limited by database restrictions, search term variability, language and time frame constraints, the absence of a methodological quality assessment, inconsistencies in defining Indigenous status, exclusion of grey literature, and a focus on disease prevalence rather than disparities in risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment, which may result in an incomplete representation of Indigenous health disparities in Latin America. Future research should incorporate mental health outcomes to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous health disparities.},
}

Humans
Latin America/epidemiology
*Health Status Disparities
*Healthcare Disparities/ethnology
*Population Groups/statistics & numerical data
COVID-19/epidemiology

@article {pmid40307505,
year = {2025},
author = {Rolin, SA and Appelbaum, PS},
title = {Expansion of Colleges' Legal Responsibilities Regarding Student Mental Health.},
journal = {Current psychiatry reports},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40307505},
issn = {1535-1645},
abstract = {PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: We review recently published literature about the mental health of college students, as well as current court cases litigating colleges' liability for student mental health and safety.

RECENT FINDINGS: College students experienced a dramatic increase in mental health symptoms during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, with clinically significant increases in anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, in contrast to the past when colleges were mostly immune to liability for harm to students, a major shift occurred with the courts beginning to recognize colleges as having a legally defined "special relationship" to protect students from foreseeable harm. Recently, court cases in many states have expanded the circumstances under which colleges have a responsibility to protect students from themselves and from each other, and to foster students' mental health. The past few years have constituted a changing landscape for colleges with regard to their legal responsibilities related to student mental health. As college students experienced worsening mental health distress, recent court cases increased colleges' liability to ensure safety and create a supportive environment for students' mental health.},
}

@article {pmid40306545,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, H and Min, L and Du, H and Wei, X and Tong, A},
title = {Cancer mRNA vaccines: clinical application progress and challenges.},
journal = {Cancer letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {217752},
doi = {10.1016/j.canlet.2025.217752},
pmid = {40306545},
issn = {1872-7980},
abstract = {Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as one of the most promising and rapidly evolving immunotherapeutic approaches due to their ease of production, demonstrated clinical efficacy, and high safety. The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic has showcased the remarkable therapeutic potential of mRNA vaccines, prompting researchers to explore their use for cancer treatment. Preclinical studies and human clinical trials have indicated their substantial clinical applicability. However, current research faces several challenges, including the complexity of tumor antigen selection, vaccine stability, and the development of resistance. This review summarizes the optimization strategies for cancer mRNA vaccines in preclinical settings, the progress of clinical trials, and the challenges encountered while analyzing various delivery vehicle types, infusion methods, and application cases across different cancer types, highlighting key factors in vaccine design. The findings demonstrate that mRNA vaccines elicit specific immune responses and exhibit favorable safety and tolerability in clinical trials. Moreover, developing personalized neoantigen vaccines offers a novel direction for cancer immunotherapy. The unique contribution of this review lies in its comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in therapeutic mRNA vaccines for cancer treatment while identifying critical areas for future research to propel the field forward.},
}

@article {pmid40306115,
year = {2025},
author = {Aghaali, Z and Zargar, M and Naghavi, MR},
title = {Encapsulation of Ferula-derived bioactive compounds in nanoparticles: A promising therapeutic route for cancers and infectious diseases.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {157},
number = {},
pages = {114705},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114705},
pmid = {40306115},
issn = {1878-1705},
abstract = {The biomedical sector is constantly searching for new drugs that efficiently improve human health and well-being with minimum side effects. Bio-inspired nanomedicine has emerged as a feasible alternative to chemotherapeutic agents for diagnosis and therapy due to its safety, biocompatibility, affordability, and sustainability. Among biological sources available for green nanomedicine are plants offering the avoidance of the labor-intensive and time-consuming processes of cultivation and maintenance compared to microorganisms. With a long history of treating over a hundred health-related issues, Ferula-derived metabolites have received special consideration for combining with nanoparticles (NPs) since they have been reported to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of NPs, enable targeted drug delivery, and ensure controlled release, which make them elusive candidates for green nanotechnology. This review aimed to provide comprehensive information about the inhibitory effects of NPs carrying Ferula-originated bioactive compounds on several cancers and pathogenic bacteria. Plus, it explores the potential of these NPs in addressing different viral diseases, such as HIV, SARS-CoV2, and hepatitis. The anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral mechanisms of action are also briefed. The valuable insights provided by this article may result in the development of designer Ferula-based NPs that satisfy the growing needs of the pharmaceutical industry for innovative and effective medications.},
}

@article {pmid39890207,
year = {2025},
author = {Diaz Brochero, C and Nocua-Báez, LC and Cortes, JA and Charniga, K and Buitrago-Lopez, A and Cucunubá, ZM},
title = {Decoding mpox: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the transmission and severity parameters of the 2022-2023 global outbreak.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39890207},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data ; Global Health ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission ; Severity of Illness Index ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak has been the largest in history. We aim to synthesise the key epidemiological parameters related to the dynamics, transmission, and severity of mpox (incubation period, serial interval, generation time, infectious period, basic (R0) and effective (R(t)) reproductive number, and case fatality rate (CFR)).

METHODS: Systematic review of observational studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE and other sources up to September 2023 (PROSPERO: CRD42023404503). Quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal for case series, cross-sectional and cohort studies, and a designed quality assessment questionnaire for mathematical models. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.

RESULTS: For transmissibility parameters, we estimated a pooled incubation period of 7.60 (95% CI 7.14 to 8.10) days and a pooled serial interval of 8.30 (95% CI 6.74 to 10.23) days. One study reported a generation time of 12.5 days (95% CI 7.5 to 17.3). Three studies reported presymptomatic transmission in 27-50% of paired cases investigated. R(t) varied between 1.16 and 3.74 and R0 varied between 0.006 and 7.84. The epidemic peaked between August and September 2022 in Europe and the Americas whereas transmission has continued in African countries. For severity parameters, we estimated a pooled CFR by continent: 0.19% (95% CI 0.09% to 0.37%) for the Americas and 0.33% (95% CI 0.15% to 0.7%) for Europe. For Africa, we found that the CFRs of countries associated with group I were higher (range 17-64%) than those associated with group IIb (range 0-6%).

CONCLUSION: Pooled mpox serial interval was slightly larger than pooled incubation period, suggesting transmission occurs mostly postsymptom onset, although presymptomatic transmission can occur in an important proportion of cases. CFR estimates varied by geographical region and were higher in Africa, in countries linked with clade I. Our results contribute to a better understanding of mpox dynamics, and the development of mathematical models to assess the impact of current and future interventions.},
}

Humans
*Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data
Global Health
*COVID-19/epidemiology/transmission
Severity of Illness Index

@article {pmid40305976,
year = {2025},
author = {Dakiniewich, A and Graham, S and Dyda, A and McHugh, L},
title = {Pregnancy loss <28 weeks gestation in maternal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination studies: a review of data sources, 2009-2024.},
journal = {Public health},
volume = {243},
number = {},
pages = {105733},
doi = {10.1016/j.puhe.2025.105733},
pmid = {40305976},
issn = {1476-5616},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: To address gaps in maternal vaccination and pregnancy loss research, large, complex datasets are needed. We aimed to identify and evaluate data sources and data collection methods currently used to capture pregnancy losses <28 weeks following maternal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination research.

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative Review.

METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to identify studies that investigated pregnancy loss <28 gestational weeks following influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations from January 1st[,] 2009, to March 19th[,] 2024. Within the resulting studies, the data source(s) used to capture exposure and outcome data were identified and categorised. The capacity to capture and measure exposures, outcomes, and missing data within categories was investigated.

RESULTS: 28 articles met the inclusion criteria, representing 1,113,878 participants. Most articles (n = 19) used multiple data sources within the one study, often obtaining exposure and outcome data from separate data sources. Categories of data sources included: registries, adverse reporting systems, medical records, and survey or interview methods.

CONCLUSION: Current data collection practices and existing data sources are adversely impacting data quality, and the ability to combine large datasets necessary for analysing early pregnancy loss risk factors. This also hinders our ability to evaluate the safety of early maternal vaccination and subsequent miscarriage. Establishing pregnancy loss registries using standardised data collection and coding practices, consistent terminology, and accurate exposure and outcome timing is critical. In the absence of registries, we propose an alternative source to capture both pregnancy loss and maternal vaccination data.},
}

@article {pmid40305634,
year = {2025},
author = {Gilliland, K and Kilinsky, A},
title = {Vaccine Hesitancy: Where Are We Now?.},
journal = {Pediatric annals},
volume = {54},
number = {5},
pages = {e154-e159},
doi = {10.3928/19382359-20250307-01},
pmid = {40305634},
issn = {1938-2359},
mesh = {Child ; Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology ; Social Media ; *Vaccination/psychology ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology ; *Vaccination Refusal/psychology ; },
abstract = {Vaccine hesitancy is the delay in acceptance or outright refusal of immunizations, which has evolved into a growing public health threat. In this article, we explore recent trends in vaccine hesitancy in the setting of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic, vaccine-specific variations, social media influence, and sociodemographic factors. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the antivaccine movement gained increasing support and generated widespread conspiracy theories and mistrust. This highlighted the importance of enhancing communication between the health care field and general public. While the impact of antivaccine social media is widespread, physicians have also begun to use technology to spread factual information and increase vaccination uptake. There is a growing body of evidence regarding sociodemographic data, including the pervasive impact of medical racism on vaccine hesitancy, with additional studies on age, education, income, and more. Providers must serve as communicators and focus on presumptive language, strong recommendations, and tailored conversations with families who are hesitant about vaccines. [Pediatr Ann. 2025;54(5):e154-e159.].},
}

Child
Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology
Social Media
*Vaccination/psychology
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology
*Vaccination Refusal/psychology

@article {pmid40305533,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, R and Lin, M and Yu, S and Xue, X and Hu, X and Wang, Z},
title = {Predictors of post-COVID-19 syndrome: a meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of infection in developing countries},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {490-497},
doi = {10.3855/jidc.18574},
pmid = {40305533},
issn = {1972-2680},
mesh = {Female ; Humans ; Male ; Comorbidity ; *COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; Dyspnea/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Severity of Illness Index ; Sex Factors ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Post Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Syndrome also known as long COVID-19 would affect survivors of various patients. At present, the evidence for predicting a poor prognosis of COVID-19 remains insufficient. This study aims to explore potential predictors of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

METHODOLOGY: A systematic review process and meta-analysis method are applied to identify the predictors. Systematic searches were conducted without language restrictions from December 1, 2019, to February 28, 2022, on PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library using specific keywords relevant to our targets. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale observational research tool was used to assess study quality and the R (4.1.1) package meta was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Our meta-analysis of 14 studies showed that females (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.19-1.70), the severity of patients (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.26-4.68), comorbidity (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.29-3.35), dyspnea (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.34-3.04) associated with a higher risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that females, the severity of COVID-19, comorbidity, and dyspnea were associated with a higher risk of post-COVID-19 syndrome. More attention should be paid to these factors to prevent and treat post-COVID-19 syndrome.},
}

Female
Humans
Male
Comorbidity
*COVID-19/complications/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology
Dyspnea/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome/diagnosis/epidemiology/virology
Prognosis
Risk Factors
SARS-CoV-2
Severity of Illness Index
Sex Factors

@article {pmid39879967,
year = {2025},
author = {Leibenguth, M and Rieg, S and Thimme, R and Hornuss, D},
title = {[Community acquired gastroenteritis].},
journal = {Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)},
volume = {150},
number = {4},
pages = {133-139},
doi = {10.1055/a-2301-6781},
pmid = {39879967},
issn = {1439-4413},
mesh = {Humans ; *Gastroenteritis/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology ; Germany/epidemiology ; Child ; },
abstract = {Gastrointestinal infections are widespread and a major cause of global mortality, mainly affecting young children and the elderly. In Germany, each resident typically experiences one episode yearly. After COVID-19 pandemic, gastrointestinal infection rates have significantly increased again. Acute gastroenteritis typically presents with sudden stool changes, vomiting, and fever. In Germany, common pathogens include norovirus, rotavirus, Campylobacter spp., and Salmonella spp. New German guidelines on infectious gastroenteritis (published 2023) reflect recent studies and international treatment standards. The diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis should be based on clinical presentation and a thorough medical history, with stool testing reserved for severe cases or suspected outbreaks. Symptomatic treatment and rehydration of the patient are usually sufficient. Antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended except in severe cases, risk situations or the detection of specific pathogens.},
}

Humans
*Gastroenteritis/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Community-Acquired Infections/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology
Germany/epidemiology
Child

@article {pmid40303741,
year = {2023},
author = {Moloney, GK and Gaubert, P and Gryseels, S and Verheyen, E and Chaber, AL},
title = {Investigating Infectious Organisms of Public Health Concern Associated with Wild Meat.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {5901974},
pmid = {40303741},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; *Animals, Wild/microbiology/parasitology ; *Meat/microbiology/parasitology/virology ; *Zoonoses/microbiology/parasitology/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Public Health ; },
abstract = {The wild meat trade poses a significant threat to public health as it facilitates the spillover of zoonotic pathogens through high-risk activities such as the hunting, butchering, trade, and consumption of wild animals. Despite the health risks and association with marking epidemics including SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19, the global wild meat trade continues to thrive. To summarize the evidence available, primary literature published between 2000 and 2022 was systematically and critically assessed for evidence of zoonotic pathogens or other infectious organisms detected in samples directly from wild meat, from animals hunted for wild meat, or from humans exposed through high-risk activities. Within the 97 articles analyzed, a total of 114 pathogen genera (15 viruses, 40 bacteria, 54 parasites, and 5 fungi) were detected in wild meat animals belonging to 168 vertebrate species including mammals, reptiles and birds sampled in 32 countries. In the context of wild meat specifically, infectious organisms were differentiated between those with zoonotic potential (32% of reported genera), ectoparasitic vectors (1%), and possible opportunistic or environmental contaminants. Thirteen viral, four bacterial, and one parasitic genera were also documented in humans participating in wild meat trade activities, supporting pathogen spillover potential. Most studies employed a targeted approach to evaluate the presence of (i.e., polymerase chain reaction (PCR); n = 65) or exposure to (i.e., ELISA; n = 19) a specific pathogen, while only one study employed broad-spectrum metabarcoding techniques. The diversity of infectious organisms associated with wild meat are highlighted through this review and could be used to guide policy development. However, the common use of a selected set of targeted detection assays likely biases the exploration of pathogen diversity, therefore potentially preventing the discovery of "disease x". The global health risk demonstrated should make the illegal wild meat trade a priority for law-enforcement agencies and future research.},
}

Animals
*Animals, Wild/microbiology/parasitology
*Meat/microbiology/parasitology/virology
*Zoonoses/microbiology/parasitology/epidemiology
Humans
*Public Health

@article {pmid40303414,
year = {2025},
author = {Lupu, A and Gavrilovici, C and Mihai, CM and Tonco, DC and Nedelcu, AH and Pertea, L and Chisnoiu, T and Baciu, G and Stoicescu, RM and Salaru, DL and Badescu, MC and Cuciureanu, M and Cirstea, O and Lupu, VV},
title = {Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and Kawasaki disease.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1554787},
pmid = {40303414},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology/immunology ; *Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology/immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/therapy/complications ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Infant ; },
abstract = {This narrative review aims to analyze and compare the current literature on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD), with a focus on case definitions, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Through a comprehensive review of relevant studies, including screening titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, key similarities and differences were identified. Both MIS-C and KD involve immune system dysregulation and share clinical manifestations such as rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular involvement, with treatments often centered around immunomodulatory therapies. However, significant differences were observed, particularly in terms of age distribution, demographic prevalence, clinical presentation, and diagnostic criteria, with KD primarily affecting younger children and being associated more prominently with coronary artery abnormalities. While both diseases raise concerns about severe cardiac involvement and the need for intensive care, their pathogenic mechanisms have not been fully understood. Ongoing research is critical to elucidating these mechanisms, refining diagnostic criteria, and optimizing therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes for affected children. This comparative analysis is essential for advancing the understanding of both conditions, as accurately distinguishing between MIS-C and KD has significant implications for clinical decision-making and patient management. Given their overlapping yet distinct clinical features, precise differentiation is critical for ensuring timely diagnosis, optimizing therapeutic strategies, and improving patient outcomes. The concern among pediatric patients stems from the potential for severe complications, particularly cardiac involvement, which underscores the need for heightened awareness, early recognition, and evidence-based treatment strategies to minimize long-term morbidity and mortality.},
}

Humans
*Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology/immunology
*Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome/diagnosis/therapy/epidemiology/immunology
Child
Child, Preschool
*COVID-19/diagnosis/therapy/complications
Diagnosis, Differential
Infant

@article {pmid40164729,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, S and Liang, Y and Mo, JMY and Li, QHY and He, B and Luo, S and Burgess, S and Au Yeung, SL},
title = {Challenges in interpreting Mendelian randomization studies with a disease as the exposure: Using COVID-19 liability studies as an exemplar.},
journal = {European journal of human genetics : EJHG},
volume = {33},
number = {5},
pages = {658-665},
pmid = {40164729},
issn = {1476-5438},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/genetics/epidemiology ; *Mendelian Randomization Analysis/methods/standards ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; },
abstract = {Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using diseases as exposures are increasingly prevalent although any observed associations do not necessarily imply effect of diseases. To illustrate this challenge, we conducted a systematic review of MR studies focusing on COVID-19 consequence. We hypothesized if outcome genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted before COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, any observed associations in these studies were unlikely to be driven by COVID-19. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for all MR studies published between 1 January 2019 and 20 May 2023. Inclusion criteria included MR studies which used COVID-19 as the exposure and designed to assess COVID-19's impact on health outcomes. We extracted relevant information, such as result interpretation and relevance assumption assessment. This review was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023421079). Amongst 57 included studies, 45 studies used outcome GWAS published prior to 2019 whilst the remaining studies likely used outcome GWAS containing data collected before 2019. Relevance assumption was assessed mainly by p values. A total of 35 studies showed an association of COVID-19 liability with health outcomes. Regardless of the results, 45 studies attributed these as evidence (or lack of evidence) of COVID-19 consequence. In MR studies using disease liability as exposure, relevance assumption should consider the prevalence of the disease in the outcome GWAS in the context of 2 sample Mendelian randomization study rather than p values/F-statistic alone. Even when these are verified, these studies likely suffered from pleiotropy, making corresponding interpretation as effect of disease challenging.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/genetics/epidemiology
*Mendelian Randomization Analysis/methods/standards
Genome-Wide Association Study
SARS-CoV-2
Genetic Predisposition to Disease

@article {pmid39923763,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, Y and Jia, J and Liu, B and Ke, Y and Liu, Y},
title = {Adherence to 24-Hour Movement Guidelines before and during COVID-19 in children: A review.},
journal = {International journal of sports medicine},
volume = {46},
number = {5},
pages = {305-315},
doi = {10.1055/a-2464-3228},
pmid = {39923763},
issn = {1439-3964},
support = {23&ZD197//Research on the High-Quality Development of Youth Sports in China/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Child ; *Exercise ; Sleep ; Screen Time ; *Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {This study aims to describe and compare adherence to the 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (recommendations for physical activity, screen time, and sleep duration) among children before and during COVID-19 pandemic . The literature search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus for quantitative studies on 24-hour movement behaviors, published in English. The studies were categorized by collection date into before the pandemic (June 16th, 2016 - March 10, 2020) and during the pandemic (March 11th, 2020 - May 5, 2023), with all studies included. A random-effects model was employed to synthesize the adherence rates, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, sex, region, and Human development index (HDI) groups. Before the pandemic, 12.1% (95% CI:10.3%-13.9%) of overall children met the three recommendations. During the pandemic, 8.6% (95% CI: 6.4%-11.4%) of overall children met the three recommendations. The adherence to the three recommendations during the pandemic was 3.5% lower (p<0.05) than before the pandemic, with significant regional differences (p<0.05). Most children fail to meet the guidelines in any period. The adherence to the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines during the pandemic was lower than before, with varying degrees of low adherence across different groups.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Child
*Exercise
Sleep
Screen Time
*Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics

@article {pmid40303661,
year = {2023},
author = {Abozeid, HH},
title = {Global Emergence of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Variants: Evolution, Immunity, and Vaccination Challenges.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {1144924},
pmid = {40303661},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {*Infectious bronchitis virus/genetics/immunology ; Animals ; *Poultry Diseases/virology/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology ; *Viral Vaccines/immunology ; *Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/virology/epidemiology/immunology ; *Vaccination/veterinary ; Chickens ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Infectious bronchitis is an acute, extremely contagious viral disease affecting chickens of all ages, leading to devastating economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Affected chickens show respiratory distress and/or nephritis, in addition to decrease of egg production and quality in layers. The avian coronavirus, infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is a rapidly evolving virus due to the high frequency of mutations and recombination events that are common in coronaviruses. This leads to the continual emergence of novel genotypes that show variable or poor crossprotection. The immune response against IBV is complex. Passive, innate and adaptive humoral and cellular immunity play distinct roles in protection against IBV. Despite intensive vaccination using the currently available live-attenuated and inactivated IBV vaccines, IBV continues to circulate, evolve, and trigger outbreaks worldwide, indicating the urgent need to update the current vaccines to control the emerging variants. Different approaches for preparation of IBV vaccines, including DNA, subunit, peptides, virus-like particles, vectored and recombinant vaccines, have been tested in many studies to combat the disease. This review focuses on several key aspects related to IBV, including its clinical significance, the functional structure of the virus, the factors that contribute to its evolution and diversity, the types of immune responses against IBV, and the characteristics of both current and emerging IBV vaccines. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of IBV and explore the emergence of variants, their dissemination around the world, and the challenges to define the efficient vaccination strategies.},
}

*Infectious bronchitis virus/genetics/immunology
Animals
*Poultry Diseases/virology/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology
*Viral Vaccines/immunology
*Coronavirus Infections/veterinary/prevention & control/virology/epidemiology/immunology
*Vaccination/veterinary
Chickens
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid40302570,
year = {2025},
author = {Feng, SS and Zhang, S},
title = {[Advances in pulmonary pathology in China over the past ten years: retrospect and prospect].},
journal = {Zhonghua bing li xue za zhi = Chinese journal of pathology},
volume = {54},
number = {5},
pages = {425-434},
doi = {10.3760/cma.j.cn112151-20241024-00697},
pmid = {40302570},
issn = {0529-5807},
mesh = {Humans ; China ; *COVID-19/pathology/diagnosis ; *Lung Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Lung/pathology ; Lung Diseases, Interstitial/pathology/diagnosis ; Artificial Intelligence ; Liquid Biopsy ; },
abstract = {Over the past decade, China has made remarkable achievements in the updating of molecular characteristics and diagnostic criteria of lung cancer, pathological characteristics of COVID-19, classification scheme of interstitial lung disease, application of artificial intelligence in pulmonary pathological diagnosis, and clinical application of new biomarkers such as liquid biopsy. The Chinese Journal of Pathology has witnessed a revolution in this field. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the journal, this article reviews the development of pulmonary pathology over the past decade and looks forward to the future trend.},
}

Humans
China
*COVID-19/pathology/diagnosis
*Lung Neoplasms/pathology/diagnosis
SARS-CoV-2
*Lung/pathology
Lung Diseases, Interstitial/pathology/diagnosis
Artificial Intelligence
Liquid Biopsy

@article {pmid40302322,
year = {2025},
author = {Xi, Y and Zhou, Z and Chang, T and Dou, G and Chu, Z},
title = {Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy Mediated by COVID-19 Infection: Insights into its Clinical Features and Pathogenesis.},
journal = {Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition)},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {26412},
doi = {10.31083/FBL26412},
pmid = {40302322},
issn = {2768-6698},
support = {82371071//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 81970814//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82000905//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021JSTS28//Clinical AFFMU foundation support/ ; 22YXYJ0053//Science and Technology Project of Xi'an/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Retinal Diseases/etiology/pathology/virology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Adult ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Acute Disease ; Blood-Retinal Barrier/pathology ; Macula Lutea/pathology ; },
abstract = {Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare retinal condition that predominantly affects young females. The incidence of AMN increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing a unique opportunity to elucidate the etiology of this disease. In the present study, 24 articles reporting 59 patients were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 33.51 ± 14.02 years, ranging from 16 to 75 years, with females comprising 71.19% of the cases. The average duration of ocular symptoms post-infection was 8.22 ± 10.69 days, ranging from 4 to 150 days. This study investigated the potential pathogenesis of AMN, including the impact of COVID-19 on retinal neurovascular structure and function, immune-mediated inflammatory factor production, blood-retinal barrier disruption, and retinal microvascular damage, as well as potential clinical therapeutic interventions. This research provides a theoretical framework that can inform further investigations of AMN.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
*Retinal Diseases/etiology/pathology/virology
SARS-CoV-2
Adult
Female
Male
Middle Aged
Aged
Adolescent
Young Adult
Acute Disease
Blood-Retinal Barrier/pathology
Macula Lutea/pathology

@article {pmid40301951,
year = {2025},
author = {Jafari-Vayghan, H and Rahimlou, M and Almasi-Hashiani, A and Aframehr, E and Saleh-Ghadimi, S},
title = {Effect of the vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes and inflammatory status in COVID-19 patients: an umbrella review.},
journal = {BMC nutrition},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {86},
pmid = {40301951},
issn = {2055-0928},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The role of vitamin D supplementation in modulating clinical outcomes and inflammatory responses in COVID- 19 patients has garnered significant interest. This umbrella review consolidates current evidence to evaluate the association between vitamin D supplementation and COVID- 19-related outcomes.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases to identify relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Studies assessing the impact of vitamin D supplementation on disease severity, mortality, hospitalization, and inflammatory markers in COVID- 19 patients were included. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools.

RESULTS: The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be associated with reduced mortality and improved clinical outcomes in COVID- 19 patients. Several studies reported a decrease in inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin- 6, following supplementation. However, variations in study design, dosage regimens, and baseline vitamin D status limit the generalizability of results.

CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation appears to have a potential role in improving clinical outcomes and modulating inflammatory responses in COVID- 19 patients. Nevertheless, due to heterogeneity among studies, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.},
}

@article {pmid40301825,
year = {2025},
author = {Khanlari, P and NoorbalaTafti, A and Ghasemi, F and Ghiyasvandian, S and Azam, K and Zakerian, SA},
title = {Identification and classification of risk factors for mental health problems in healthcare workers using a systemic framework: an umbrella review.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {1581},
pmid = {40301825},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *Health Personnel/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Risk Factors ; *Depression/epidemiology ; COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; *Anxiety/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Mental Disorders/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are high among healthcare workers (HCWs) due to difficult and complex working conditions. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and anxiety through existing meta-analyses and identify risk factors related to these mental health issues at different levels of the work system.

METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review with a scoping approach to identify and select studies related to depression and anxiety among HCWs. This study was conducted according to a five-step scoping approach. The search included only studies published before January 2024. The final studies were reviewed and selected using EndNote X9, with information extracted according to specific criteria.

RESULTS: Sixty-one studies were included in the final stage and necessary information was extracted from them, 47 articles reported prevalence and risk factors were extracted from 29 articles. Most of the studies were conducted in the context of Covid-19. prevalence of depression varied between 20.5% and 46.2% and for anxiety, it was between 21.9 and 47%. Factors related to depression and anxiety were divided into four levels of the work system, including individual factors, work and unit factors, organizational factors, and external factors.

CONCLUSIONS: Numerous secondary studies indicate a high prevalence of depression and anxiety among HCWs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study introduces a framework for systematically identifying mental health problems. Future research is encouraged to utilize this framework to identify risk factors contributing to mental health challenges. It is recommended to use a systemic approach to managing mental health problems.},
}

Humans
*Health Personnel/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Risk Factors
*Depression/epidemiology
COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
*Anxiety/epidemiology
Prevalence
Mental Disorders/epidemiology

@article {pmid40301746,
year = {2025},
author = {Han, Y and Wang, Z and Li, X and Zhong, Z},
title = {Differences in chest imaging between Omicron and non-Omicron coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {631},
pmid = {40301746},
issn = {1471-2334},
support = {No. JJKH20221045KJ//Scientific and technological research program of Jilin provincial education department/ ; No. JJKH20221045KJ//Scientific and technological research program of Jilin provincial education department/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/diagnostic imaging/virology ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; *SARS-CoV-2/genetics ; *Lung/diagnostic imaging/virology/pathology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have posed a great threat to human health. We carried out this systematic review and meta-analysis for two objectives. First, to evaluate the differences in lung infection between the Omicron variants and the non-Omicron strains by chest computed tomography (CT); second, to evaluate the differences in chest CT features between COVID-19 patients with the Omicron variants and those with non-Omicron strains in CT-positive cases.

METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for articles and performed a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 with a random effects model.

RESULTS: Our study included a total of 8126 patients with COVID-19, 4113 with the Omicron variants, and 4013 with non-Omicron strains. Patients with the Omicron variants were less likely to be CT-positive (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.08-0.25), and further analysis among CT-positive patients was performed. Compared with the CT images of patients with non-Omicron strains, those of patients with the Omicron variants showed atypical pulmonary features (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 2.31-6.98). Moreover, patients with the Omicron variants typically had lesions that were mainly located in the center of the lung (OR = 4.51, 95% CI: 1.38-14.76) and in a single lobe (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.10-2.70). The patients with the Omicron variants were less likely to have lesions in both lungs (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.69), more likely to have bronchial wall thickening (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.05-3.77) and less likely to have the crazy-paving pattern (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.33-0.81), linear opacity (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12-0.60), and vascular enlargement (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.84).

CONCLUSIONS: Through meta-analysis, which yields the highest level of evidence for evidence-based medicine, we further confirmed that there were significant differences in the distribution and manifestations of lesions between patients with non-Omicron strains and those with the Omicron variants on chest CT. The variation in SARS-CoV-2 has never stopped. Our findings are useful for the diagnosis and treatment of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that may appear in the future and provide a basis for public health decision-making.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024581869.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/diagnostic imaging/virology
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
*SARS-CoV-2/genetics
*Lung/diagnostic imaging/virology/pathology

@article {pmid40163647,
year = {2025},
author = {Amarsanaa, J and Batsaikhan, O and Jargalsaikhan, B and Kubo, T and Ghotbi, N and Kayano, R and Chimed-Ochir, O},
title = {Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health emergency and disaster risk management systems: a scoping review of mental health support provided to health care workers.},
journal = {Journal of occupational health},
volume = {67},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/joccuh/uiaf020},
pmid = {40163647},
issn = {1348-9585},
support = {//World Health Organization Kobe Centre for Health Development/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; *Health Personnel/psychology ; *Risk Management ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Mental Health ; Pandemics ; Resilience, Psychological ; *Mental Health Services/organization & administration ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: This systematic scoping review examined the strategies used by different countries and institutions to support the mental health of health care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify effective practices and the lessons learned in dealing with the associated challenges.

METHODS: Of 1330 retrieved articles from PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science, 34 articles were ultimately included in the final analysis.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed that mental health consultation services, especially telephone support lines, online interventions, and apps, played a critical role in addressing the psychological burden experienced by HCWs. Group activities and peer support strategies offered personalized support, and educational programs offered crucial information regarding stress management. Improvements in the work environment, such as the addition of dedicated rest areas, enhanced the well-being of HCWs. However, many interventions suffered from low participation and a lack of tailored content, despite their apparent effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS: Many interventions have focused on psychological support and resilience-building for HCWs, but they often overlook systemic issues. Comprehensive mental health support must address these systemic factors, such as adequate staffing, training, and resource allocation. Future strategies should emphasize leadership commitment to tackling root causes and actively involve HCWs in program design to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Educational resources and wellness interventions, although reported as effective, need to be tailored and adapted to specific emergencies. Additionally, research gaps, especially in low-resource settings, highlight the need for further studies to enhance preparedness for future crises.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
*Health Personnel/psychology
*Risk Management
SARS-CoV-2
Mental Health
Pandemics
Resilience, Psychological
*Mental Health Services/organization & administration

@article {pmid40147466,
year = {2025},
author = {, },
title = {Global, regional, and national burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis, 1990-2021, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.},
journal = {The Lancet. Respiratory medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {5},
pages = {425-446},
doi = {10.1016/S2213-2600(25)00003-7},
pmid = {40147466},
issn = {2213-2619},
mesh = {Humans ; *Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology/mortality ; *Asthma/epidemiology/mortality ; *Global Burden of Disease/trends ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Incidence ; Global Health ; Adult ; Female ; Male ; Forecasting ; Bayes Theorem ; Cost of Illness ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Asthma and atopic dermatitis are common allergic conditions that contribute to substantial health loss, economic burden, and pain across individuals of all ages worldwide. Therefore, as a component of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, we present updated estimates of the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), incidence, and deaths due to asthma and atopic dermatitis and the burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, with forecasted prevalence up to 2050.

METHODS: Asthma and atopic dermatitis prevalence, incidence, DALYs, and mortality, with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), were estimated for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. A systematic review identified data from 389 sources for asthma and 316 for atopic dermatitis, which were further pooled using the Bayesian meta-regression tool. We also described the age-standardised DALY rates of asthma attributable to four modifiable risk factors: high BMI, occupational asthmagens, smoking, and nitrogen dioxide pollution. Furthermore, as a secondary analysis, prevalence was forecasted to 2050 using the Socio-demographic Index (SDI), air pollution, and smoking as predictors for asthma and atopic dermatitis. To assess trends in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis before (2010-19) and during (2019-21) the COVID-19 pandemic, we compared their average annual percentage changes (AAPCs).

FINDINGS: In 2021, there were an estimated 260 million (95% UI 227-298) individuals with asthma and 129 million (124-134) individuals with atopic dermatitis worldwide. Asthma cases declined from 287 million (250-331) in 1990 to 238 million (209-272) in 2005 but increased to 260 million in 2021. Atopic dermatitis cases consistently rose from 107 million (103-112) in 1990 to 129 million (124-134) in 2021. However, age-standardised prevalence rates decreased-by 40·0% (from 5568·3 per 100 000 to 3340·1 per 100 000) for asthma and 8·3% (from 1885·4 per 100 000 to 1728·5 per 100 000) for atopic dermatitis. In 2021, there were substantial variations in the burden of asthma and atopic dermatitis across different SDI groups, with the highest age-standardised DALY rate found in south Asia for asthma (465·0 [357·2-648·9] per 100 000) and the high-income super-region for atopic dermatitis (3552·5 [3407·2-3706·1] per 100 000). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the decline in asthma prevalence had stagnated (AAPC pre-pandemic -1·39% [-2·07 to -0·71] and during the pandemic 0·47% [-1·86 to 2·79]; p=0·020); however, there was no significant difference in atopic dermatitis prevalence in the same period (pre-pandemic -0·28% [-0·33 to -0·22] and during the pandemic -0·35% [-0·78 to 0·08]; p=0·20). Modifiable risk factors were responsible for 29·9% of the global asthma DALY burden; among them, high BMI was the greatest contributor (39·4 [19·6-60·2] per 100 000), followed by occupational asthmagens (20·8 [16·7-26·5] per 100 000) across all regions. The age-standardised DALY rate of asthma attributable to high BMI was highest in high-SDI settings, whereas the contribution of occupational asthmagens was highest in low-SDI settings. According to our forecasting models, we expect 275 million (224-330) asthma cases and 148 million (140-158) atopic dermatitis cases in 2050, with population growth driving this increase. However, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable (-23·2% [-44·4 to 5·3] for asthma and -1·4% [-9·1 to 7·0] for atopic dermatitis) from 2021 to 2050.

INTERPRETATION: Although the increases in the total number of asthma and atopic dermatitis cases will probably continue until 2050, age-standardised prevalence rates are expected to remain stable. A considerable portion of the global burden could be managed through efforts to address modifiable risk factors. Additionally, the contribution of risk factors to the burden substantially varied by SDI, which suggests the need for tailored initiatives for specific SDI settings. The growing number of individuals expected to be affected by asthma and atopic dermatitis in the future suggests that it is essential to improve our understanding of risk factors for asthma and atopic dermatitis and collect disease prevalence data that are globally generalisable.

FUNDING: Gates Foundation.},
}

Humans
*Dermatitis, Atopic/epidemiology/mortality
*Asthma/epidemiology/mortality
*Global Burden of Disease/trends
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
Incidence
Global Health
Adult
Female
Male
Forecasting
Bayes Theorem
Cost of Illness

@article {pmid39847571,
year = {2025},
author = {Tshokey, T and Ko, AI and Currie, BJ and Munoz-Zanzi, C and Goarant, C and Paris, DH and Dance, DAB and Limmathurotsakul, D and Birnie, E and Bertherat, E and Gongal, G and Benschop, J and Savelkoel, J and Stenos, J and Saraswati, K and Robinson, MT and Day, NPJ and Graves, SR and Belmain, SR and Blacksell, SD and Wiersinga, WJ},
title = {Leptospirosis, melioidosis, and rickettsioses in the vicious circle of neglect.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {1},
pages = {e0012796},
pmid = {39847571},
issn = {1935-2735},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Melioidosis/epidemiology/diagnosis/prevention & control ; *Neglected Diseases/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology ; *Leptospirosis/epidemiology/prevention & control/diagnosis ; *Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/diagnosis/prevention & control ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Global Health ; },
abstract = {The global priorities in the field of infectious diseases are constantly changing. While emerging viral infections have regularly dominated public health attention, which has only intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous bacterial diseases have previously caused, and continue to cause, significant morbidity and mortality-deserving equal attention. Three potentially life-threatening endemic bacterial diseases (leptospirosis, melioidosis, and rickettsioses) are a huge public health concern especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite their continued threat, these diseases do not receive proportionate attention from global health organizations and are not even included on the WHO list of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This, in turn, has led to a vicious circle of neglect with continued, yet conceivably preventable, hospitalizations and deaths each year especially in the vulnerable population. This is a call from a group of multi-institutional experts on the urgent need to directly address the circle of neglect and raise support in terms of funding, research, surveillance, diagnostics, and therapeutics to alleviate the burden of these 3 diseases.},
}

Humans
*Melioidosis/epidemiology/diagnosis/prevention & control
*Neglected Diseases/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology
*Leptospirosis/epidemiology/prevention & control/diagnosis
*Rickettsia Infections/epidemiology/diagnosis/prevention & control
COVID-19/epidemiology
Global Health

@article {pmid39642382,
year = {2025},
author = {Shin, SY and Chen, J and Milman Krentsis, I and Reisner, Y and Abrencillo, R and Hussain, R and Wu, D and Karmouty-Quintana, H},
title = {From Epithelium to Therapy: Transitional Cells in Lung Fibrosis.},
journal = {American journal of respiratory cell and molecular biology},
volume = {72},
number = {5},
pages = {472-483},
doi = {10.1165/rcmb.2024-0372TR},
pmid = {39642382},
issn = {1535-4989},
support = {R01 HL138510/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01 HL157100/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R35 HL171346/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; 1R01HL138510/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/pathology/therapy ; Lung/pathology ; *Pulmonary Fibrosis/therapy/pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; COVID-19/complications ; Stem Cells/metabolism ; Alveolar Epithelial Cells/metabolism/pathology ; Epithelium/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung fibrosis secondary to infections such as influenza A and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have limited treatment options outside of supportive therapy and lung transplantation. Multiple lung stem cell populations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis, and more progenitor cell populations continue to be discovered and characterized. In this review, we summarize the functions and differentiation pathways of various cells that constitute the lung epithelium. We then focus on two subpopulations of KRT5[+] or KRT8[+] transitional cells that both originate from alveolar type II cells but experience different cell fates and play important roles in lung regeneration and repair. We address these transitional cells' potential role in fibrosis and bronchiolization of the alveoli, as they are correlated to aggregate near fibrotic foci in both in vivo models and in human fibrotic lung disease. We conclude by discussing recent advances in cell and organoid therapy to replace aberrant transitional cells and treat lung fibrosis. Namely, we focus on strategies to minimize immune clearance of transplanted cells and to optimize engraftment by transplanting cells precultured as three-dimensional organoids.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/pathology/therapy
Lung/pathology
*Pulmonary Fibrosis/therapy/pathology
Cell Differentiation
COVID-19/complications
Stem Cells/metabolism
Alveolar Epithelial Cells/metabolism/pathology
Epithelium/pathology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid37661829,
year = {2025},
author = {Tay Wee Teck, J and Butner, JL and Baldacchino, A},
title = {Understanding the use of telemedicine across different opioid use disorder treatment models: A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of telemedicine and telecare},
volume = {31},
number = {4},
pages = {500-514},
pmid = {37661829},
issn = {1758-1109},
mesh = {Humans ; *Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy/therapy ; *Telemedicine/organization & administration ; *Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods ; Methadone/therapeutic use ; Buprenorphine/therapeutic use ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has instigated the development of telemedicine-mediated provision of medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenorphine and methadone, referred to as TMOUD in this study. As services start to return to pre-pandemic norms, there is a debate around the role of TMOUD as addition to or replacement of the conventional cascade of care for people with opioid use disorder (PWOUD). This scoping review is designed to characterize existing TMOUD services and provide insights to enable a more nuanced discussion on the role of telemedicine in the care of PWOUD.MethodsThe literature search was conducted in OVID Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to and including April 2023, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The review considered any study design that detailed sufficient descriptive information on a given TMOUD service. A data extraction form was developed to collect and categorize a range of descriptive characteristics of each discrete TMOUD model identified from the obtained articles.ResultsA total of 45 articles met the inclusion criteria, and from this, 40 discrete TMOUD services were identified. In total, 33 services were US-based, three from Canada, and one each from India, Ireland, the UK, and Norway. Through a detailed analysis of TMOUD service characteristics, four models of care were identified. These were TMOUD to facilitate inclusion health, to facilitate transitions in care, to meet complex healthcare needs, and to maintain opioid use disorder (OUD) service resilience.ConclusionsCharacterizing TMOUD according to its functional benefits to PWOUD and OUD services will help support evidence-based policy and practice. Additionally, particular attention is given to how digital exclusion of PWOUD can be mitigated against.},
}

Humans
*Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy/therapy
*Telemedicine/organization & administration
*Opiate Substitution Treatment/methods
Methadone/therapeutic use
Buprenorphine/therapeutic use
COVID-19/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40303240,
year = {2023},
author = {Kamrath, C and Eckert, AJ and Holl, RW and Rosenbauer, J},
title = {Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes.},
journal = {Pediatric diabetes},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {7660985},
pmid = {40303240},
issn = {1399-5448},
mesh = {Humans ; *Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/complications ; Child ; Adolescent ; Incidence ; Diabetic Ketoacidosis/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on the incidence of type 1 diabetes and frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis. However, the exact relationships are unclear. It is also not known whether this is a short-term phenomenon or whether the effects have long-term relevance. Furthermore, it is not known whether these changes during the pandemic are due to direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 or to changes in the patient's environment during the pandemic.

METHODS: We conducted an extensive literature search on PubMed. For the estimation of relative risks of new-onset type 1 diabetes, we applied a Poisson regression model and for the comparison of incidences and we included the logarithm of person-years. Furthermore, we performed a meta-analysis using the logarithm of the relative risk for new-onset type 1 diabetes as effect size.

RESULTS: Pooling the relative risk estimates in a random-effects meta-analysis revealed that the type 1 diabetes incidence rate increased by 20% (relative risk 1.200 (95% CI 1.125, 1.281)), and that the risk of new-onset type 1 diabetes after a SARS-CoV-2 infection increased by 62% (relative risk 1.622 (95% CI 1.347, 1.953)) compared with the prepandemic period.

CONCLUSION: There is considerable evidence that there is an increase in type 1 diabetes in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many studies suggesting a direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 have methodological weaknesses. As no evidence of an increase in presymptomatic cases with isolated islet autoimmunity was found, this could also suggest an accelerated transition from presymptomatic patients to clinically overt type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, there was a marked exacerbation of the preexisting increase in the prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes during the pandemic. Both the increased incidence of paediatric type 1 diabetes and the higher prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis led to a massive rise in the number of children with diabetic ketoacidosis during the pandemic.},
}

Humans
*Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/complications
Child
Adolescent
Incidence
Diabetic Ketoacidosis/epidemiology
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid35543389,
year = {2025},
author = {Louie-Poon, S and Idrees, S and Plesuk, T and Hilario, C and Scott, SD},
title = {Racism and the mental health of East Asian diasporas in North America: a scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of mental health (Abingdon, England)},
volume = {34},
number = {2},
pages = {166-181},
doi = {10.1080/09638237.2022.2069715},
pmid = {35543389},
issn = {1360-0567},
mesh = {Humans ; *Racism/psychology ; *COVID-19/psychology/ethnology ; *Mental Health/ethnology ; North America ; Asia, Eastern/ethnology ; East Asian People ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened anti-Asian racism towards East Asian diasporas in North America. Experiences of racism encountered by East Asian communities have been documented to negatively impact their mental health.

METHODS: A scoping review was undertaken following Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) methodology to (a) map the foci of literature on racism and the mental health of East Asian diasporas in North America and (b) identify gaps in the current literature.

RESULTS: A total of 1309 articles were identified in May 2021. Based on the inclusion criteria, 35 records were included. Two distinct mental health foci were found: mental health outcomes and mental healthcare access and utilization. The majority (n = 22) of the articles focused on racism at the interpersonal level. Six articles provided anti-racism solutions at the individual level, such as overcoming biases. Five articles targeted anti-racism solutions from both the individual and institutional levels, while 1 article addressed barriers at the institutional level, such as dismantling sanctioned power hierarchies.

CONCLUSION: The expanding knowledge base on COVID-19-related racial discrimination is reminiscent of previous literature examining the history of anti-Asian racism in North America. Greater attention is needed to navigate impactful anti-racism solutions for East Asian populations' mental health in North America.},
}

Humans
*Racism/psychology
*COVID-19/psychology/ethnology
*Mental Health/ethnology
North America
Asia, Eastern/ethnology
East Asian People

@article {pmid40300883,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, P and Huang, Q and Liu, B and Xu, Q and Li, X and Feng, G and Liu, Y},
title = {Oxygen therapy in the intensive care unit.},
journal = {Medical gas research},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {478-487},
doi = {10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-24-00143},
pmid = {40300883},
issn = {2045-9912},
mesh = {Humans ; *Intensive Care Units ; *Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods ; COVID-19/therapy ; Respiration, Artificial ; Oxygen ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Oxygen therapy is a crucial treatment method for maintaining vital signs in patients in the intensive care unit. However, several controversial issues have emerged regarding its clinical application. This article analyzes current research trends in oxygen therapy in the intensive care unit and provides guidance and recommendations. Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, and keyword co-occurrence and highly cited literature hotspot analyses were conducted using VOSviewer 1.6.19 software. The key topics related to oxygen therapy in the intensive care unit primarily focus on four areas: oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 and its role in reducing mortality, research on hypoxia and oxygen saturation monitoring, and oxygen inhalation therapy in the intensive care unit. The analysis of highly cited literature indicates that the main research hotspots regarding oxygen therapy used in the intensive care unit focus primarily on conservative oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal oxygen therapy, comparisons of high- and low-oxygenation strategies, and research on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. First, the potential of conservative oxygen therapy to reduce mortality rates in the intensive care unit has attracted considerable attention; however, further clinical studies are needed to validate its optimal parameters and suitable patient populations. Second, high-flow nasal oxygen therapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating respiratory distress and reducing the need for intubation. This therapy can deliver oxygen flows of up to 60 L/min, effectively improving respiratory distress and decreasing intubation demands. In patients subjected to high-risk extubation, the combination of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy and noninvasive ventilation significantly lowers the rate of reintubation, making the combined approach one of the best strategies to prevent respiratory failure after extubation in the intensive care unit. Third, there are differences between lower and higher oxygenation strategies regarding their effects on patient mortality, long-term outcomes, and clinician preferences; however, there is currently no clear evidence indicating which strategy is superior. Clinicians' preferences regarding various oxygenation targets may impact the design of future studies. Finally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized as an effective supportive treatment for various critical conditions and has significant application value in acute severe traumatic brain injury, cerebral resuscitation, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Currently, researchers are continually exploring the latest oxygen therapies in the intensive care unit. Several randomized controlled clinical trials investigating automated oxygen control, novel high-flow nasal oxygen therapy, and combined oxygen therapy are underway. The results of these trials should be closely observed. Overall, this article provides a systematic review and valuable reference for the scientific and rational application of oxygen therapy in the intensive care unit. Future research should focus on verifying the optimal parameters of conservative oxygen therapy, assessing oxygen needs in different patient populations, evaluating the long-term effects of oxygen treatment, and developing novel oxygen therapy technologies and devices.},
}

Humans
*Intensive Care Units
*Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/methods
COVID-19/therapy
Respiration, Artificial
Oxygen
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40299886,
year = {2025},
author = {Okmi, M and Ang, TF and Mohd Zaki, MF and Ku, CS and Phan, KY and Wahyudi, I and Por, LY},
title = {Mobile Phone Network Data in the COVID-19 era: A systematic review of applications, socioeconomic factors affecting compliance to non-pharmaceutical interventions, privacy implications, and post-pandemic economic recovery strategies.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e0322520},
pmid = {40299886},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/economics ; *Cell Phone/statistics & numerical data ; Pandemics ; Privacy ; Socioeconomic Factors ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smartphone ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of traditional mobility datasets, such as travel surveys and census data, has significantly impacted various disciplines, including transportation, urban sensing, criminology, and healthcare. However, because these datasets represent only discrete instances of measurement, they miss continuous temporal shifts in human activities, failing to record the majority of human mobility patterns in real-time. Bolstered by the rapid expansion of telecommunication networks and the ubiquitous use of smartphones, mobile phone network data (MPND) played a pivotal role in fighting and controlling the spread of COVID-19.

METHODS: We conduct an extensive review of the state-of-the-art and recent advancements in the application of MPND for analyzing the early and post-stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additionally, we evaluate and assess the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). Furthermore, we apply bibliometric analysis to visualize publication structures, co-authorship networks, and keyword co-occurrence networks.

RESULTS: After the full-text screening process against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, our systematic literature review identified 55 studies that utilized MPND in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: 46 (83.6%) were quantitative, and 9 (16.4%) were qualitative. These quantitative studies can be classified into five main groups: monitoring and tracking of human mobility patterns (n = 11), investigating the correlation between mobility patterns and the spread of COVID-19 (n = 7), analyzing the recovery of economic activities and travel patterns (n = 5), assessing factors associated with NPI compliance (n = 5), and investigating the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) measures on human behaviors, urban dynamics, and economic activity (n = 18). In addition, our findings indicate that NPI measures had a significant impact on reducing human movement and dynamics. However, demographics, political party affiliation, socioeconomic inequality, and racial inequality had a significant impact on population adherence to NPI measures, which could increase disease spread and delay social and economic recovery.

CONCLUSION: The usage of MPND for monitoring and tracking human activities and mobility patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic raises privacy implications and ethical concerns. Thus, striking a balance between meeting the ethical requirements and maintaining privacy risks should be further discovered and investigated in the future.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/economics
*Cell Phone/statistics & numerical data
Pandemics
Privacy
Socioeconomic Factors
SARS-CoV-2
Smartphone

@article {pmid40299497,
year = {2025},
author = {Galindo-Méndez, M and Galindo-Ruiz, M and Concheso-Venegas, MF and Mendoza-Molina, SU and Orozco-Cruz, D and Weintraub-Benzion, E},
title = {The Impact of Vitamin D in the Prevention of Influenza, COVID-19, and Dengue: A Review.},
journal = {Biomedicines},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40299497},
issn = {2227-9059},
abstract = {Since its discovery, vitamin D (VD) has been known for its implications in maintaining bone homeostasis. However, in recent years it has been discovered that the vitamin D receptor is expressed on different cells of the immune system and that these cells can locally produce the active form of this molecule, calcitriol, strongly suggesting that this vitamin might play a key role in both branches of the immune system, innate and adaptive. Recent evidence has demonstrated that VD participates in the different protective phases of the immune system against invading microorganisms, including in the activation and production of antimicrobial peptides, in the inactivation of replication of infectious agents, in the prevention of the exposure of cellular receptors to microbial adhesion, and, more importantly, in the modulation of the inflammatory response. In recent years, the world has witnessed major outbreaks of an ancient infectious disease, dengue fever; the emergence of a pandemic caused by an unknown virus, SARS-CoV-2; and the resurgence of a common respiratory infection, influenza. Despite belonging to different viral families, the etiological agents of these infections present a common trait: their capacity to cause complications not only through their cytopathic effect on target tissues but also through the excessive inflammatory response produced by the human host against an infection. This review outlines the current understanding of the role that vitamin D plays in the prevention of the aforementioned diseases and in the development of their complications through its active participation as a major modulator of the immune response.},
}

@article {pmid40298974,
year = {2025},
author = {Pettenuzzo, T and Balzani, E and Sella, N and Giani, M and Bassi, M and Fincati, V and Cescon, R and Pacchiarini, G and Pandolfo, G and Ceccato, R and Grønlykke, L and Staudacher, DL and Nesseler, N and Raasveld, SJ and Carron, M and Pistollato, E and Mormando, G and Zarantonello, F and De Cassai, A and Boscolo, A and Rezoagli, E and Foti, G and Navalesi, P},
title = {Prone positioning during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Intensive care medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40298974},
issn = {1432-1238},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The evidence supporting the benefit on clinical outcomes of prone positioning during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure remains inconclusive. We aimed to assess the association of prone positioning, compared to no prone positioning, with 28-day mortality and other clinical outcomes in different patient subgroups.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using a random-effects model was conducted. An electronic database search up to September 1st, 2024 was performed (PROSPERO CRD42024517602). The RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools were used for risk of bias assessments.

RESULTS: We analyzed two RCTs and 20 non-RCTs (3,465 patients). Compared to no prone positioning, the use of prone positioning was associated with lower 28-day (odds ratio [OR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42-0.98, p = 0.040, I[2] = 66%, low certainty of evidence [CoE]) and hospital mortality (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.83, p < 0.001, I[2] = 39%, low CoE), despite fewer 28-day ventilator-free days and longer ECMO duration. Younger age (p = 0.005), a higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.022), non-Covid-19 etiology (p = 0.003), and lower rates of prone positioning before cannulation (p = 0.049) were associated with a greater benefit from prone positioning.

CONCLUSION: In this analysis, among patients supported with V-V ECMO for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, we observed improved 28-day and hospital mortality in those who received prone positioning, compared to those who did not. However, these findings do not imply causation. Further research is needed to clarify the role of prone positioning in this population.},
}

@article {pmid40298723,
year = {2025},
author = {Carbonera, JB and Silva, SMD and Cunha, CJCA},
title = {Leading a hospital in the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.},
journal = {Ciencia & saude coletiva},
volume = {30},
number = {4},
pages = {e14682023},
doi = {10.1590/1413-81232025304.14682023},
pmid = {40298723},
issn = {1678-4561},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Leadership ; Pandemics ; *Hospital Administration ; },
abstract = {The objective of this review was to investigate the experiences lived by leaders during the pandemic period and their potential contributions. It is an integrative review based on the methodology proposed by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, LILACS, SciELO, and CINAHL, resulting in the retrieval of 1,538 articles. In the analysis of the included articles, the difficulties faced by identified leaderships were: fear, stress, burnout syndrome, insecurity, prejudice, anger, communication problems, external challenges related to lockdown, school and daycare closures, Personal Protective Equipment, budget and funding, separation of family members from the hospital, overload, and difficulties in leading the team and leading individually. In cases where the leader managed to deal with the difficulties and shifted their focus to people-focused leadership, it was possible to confront one of the greatest health crises in history. Leadership produced positive outcomes such as streamlining, a sense of professional appreciation, improvement in continuous education, strengthening of team spirit, knowledge sharing, and development of health services.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Leadership
Pandemics
*Hospital Administration

@article {pmid40298344,
year = {2025},
author = {Collà Ruvolo, C and Morra, S and Di Bello, F and Cilio, S and Fraia, A and Polverino, F and Creta, M and Longo, N and Imbimbo, C and Checcucci, E and Puliatti, S and Dell'oglio, P and Califano, G},
title = {A systematic review assessing the reliability of studies focusing on urological content on YouTube.},
journal = {Minerva urology and nephrology},
volume = {77},
number = {2},
pages = {192-201},
doi = {10.23736/S2724-6051.24.05994-9},
pmid = {40298344},
issn = {2724-6442},
mesh = {*Social Media/standards ; Humans ; *Urology ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Reproducibility of Results ; *Video Recording ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In recent years, several publications have focused on analyzing the quality of medical content on YouTube. The current systematic review aimed to summarize and analyze the available studies examining YouTube video content in the urological field.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This is a systematic review including studies examining urological content uploaded on the YouTube platform published before November 2023. The following keywords were combined to capture relevant publications with a title/abstract search: ("Urology" OR "Andrology") AND ("YouTube" OR "Social media").

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: According to the inclusion criteria, 84 studies were included. Of all, 74 (88%) studies were published after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. A total of 52 (62%) studies used the DISCERN score, 29 (35%) the PEMAT A/V score, 30 (36%) the GQS, 23 (27%) the Misinformation score, 14 (17%) the Likert scale, and 13 (15%) the JAMA score. According to the conclusion, 62 (74%) studies reported poor quality results. Among all, only 10 (12%) studies respected our criteria of best quality methodology, defined as: 1) description of the research time frame; 2) use of incognito status; 3) the description of the inter-rater variability between reviewers; 4) use of at least one quality assessment tool.

CONCLUSIONS: The systematic review highlights significant variability in results and methodologies across studies on the quality analysis of urological content on YouTube. The official urological community should establish guidelines for authors, aiming to enhance the reliability and importance of such publications as valuable resources for daily clinical practice.},
}

*Social Media/standards
Humans
*Urology
COVID-19/epidemiology
Reproducibility of Results
*Video Recording

@article {pmid40298141,
year = {2025},
author = {Taylor, BD and Haggerty, CL and Amabebe, E and Richardson, LS},
title = {Current Evidence of Maternal Infection With Chlamydia trachomatis and Preeclampsia Risk.},
journal = {American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)},
volume = {93},
number = {5},
pages = {e70080},
doi = {10.1111/aji.70080},
pmid = {40298141},
issn = {1600-0897},
support = {1R01AI143653//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; 1R01AI141501//National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; *Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology ; *Chlamydia trachomatis/physiology ; *Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology/complications/immunology ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology ; Animals ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Ascending C. trachomatis can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), potentially leading to subsequent infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is growing evidence implicating infections (e.g., COVID-19, cytomegalovirus) in preeclampsia etiology, a maternal hypertensive disorder and leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have investigated the impact of STIs on preeclampsia risk. In this review, we provide an overview of the potential association between C. trachomatis and preeclampsia and identify future research needs through a critical evaluation of epidemiologic, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Unfortunately, current methodological limitations such as lower-quality study designs, selection bias, confounding bias, and variations in chlamydia diagnostic methods inhibit our understanding of the impact of C. trachomatis on preeclampsia. In addition, bench-side approaches such as animal models and in vitro studies have not elucidated the mechanisms linking C. trachomatis to preeclampsia. Understanding the biological pathways that could be disrupted by chlamydia is important as it may ultimately guide the development and use of novel therapeutics to augment standard antibiotic therapy to reduce pathology.},
}

Humans
Female
Pregnancy
*Pre-Eclampsia/epidemiology
*Chlamydia trachomatis/physiology
*Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology/complications/immunology
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology
Animals
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40297833,
year = {2025},
author = {Baby, K and Vithalkar, MP and Dastidar, SG and Mukhopadhyay, C and Hamdy, R and Soliman, SSM and Nayak, Y},
title = {Exploring TMPRSS2 Drug Target to Combat Influenza and Coronavirus Infection.},
journal = {Scientifica},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {3687892},
pmid = {40297833},
issn = {2090-908X},
abstract = {Respiratory viral infections, including influenza and coronaviruses, present significant health risks worldwide. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for novel and effective antiviral agents. The host cell protease, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), facilitates viral pathogenesis by playing a critical role in viral invasion and disease progression. This protease is coexpressed with the viral receptors of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) for SARS-CoV-2 in the human respiratory tract and plays a significant role in activating viral proteins and spreading. TMPRSS2 activates the coronavirus spike (S) protein and permits membrane fusion and viral entry by cleaving the virus surface glycoproteins. It also activates the hemagglutinin (HA) protein, an enzyme necessary for the spread of influenza virus. TMPRSS2 inhibitors can reduce viral propagation and morbidity by blocking viral entry into respiratory cells and reducing viral spread, inflammation, and disease severity. This review examines the role of TMPRSS2 in viral replication and pathogenicity. It also offers potential avenues to develop targeted antivirals to inhibit TMPRSS2 function, suggesting a possible focus on targeted antiviral development. Ultimately, the review seeks to contribute to improving public health outcomes related to these viral infections.},
}

@article {pmid40297655,
year = {2025},
author = {Appiah, PO and Odoom, A and Tetteh-Quarcoo, PB and Kotey, FCN and Donkor, ES},
title = {Microbial Contamination of Door Handles: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Public and Healthcare Settings.},
journal = {Environmental health insights},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {11786302251328550},
pmid = {40297655},
issn = {1178-6302},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The public health risk of microbial contamination of fomites is evident from the numerous fomite-associated outbreaks that have occurred in several countries. Despite the high-touch nature of door handles across various settings, no comprehensive synthesis of contamination rates and microbial profiles has been performed.

AIM: The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence and types of microbial contamination on door handles in public and healthcare settings.

METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for studies published up to July 2024. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated via a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed to assess differences on the basis of pathogen type, handle location, and setting.

RESULTS: A total of 27 studies met the eligibility criteria. The overall estimation of microbial contamination of door handles revealed a prevalence of 9.96% (95% CI: 5.87‒14.11). Compared with viral contamination which was observed to be 17.73% (95% CI: 9.24‒27.81), bacterial contamination was less common at 6.20% (95% CI: 2.90‒10.42). The most predominant bacterial agent was Bacillus spp. (55.74%), followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (25.00%); the most prevalent virus was rotavirus (62.50%). The rate of contamination was higher for toilet door handles (23.04%) than for other public and healthcare handles (7.75%). Hospitals presented slightly higher contamination rates (10.82%) than did public settings (8.97%).

CONCLUSION: This systematic review highlights the widespread microbial contamination of door handles, particularly in public and healthcare environments. While bacterial contamination is predominant, the finding of viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus and even SARS-CoV-2 highlights the stringency of cleaning that has to be applied. These findings emphasise the need for targeted hygiene interventions to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission via door handles, particularly in high-traffic areas.},
}

@article {pmid40174915,
year = {2025},
author = {Bahadir, Z and Narayan, P and Wolters, R and Permar, SR and Fouda, G and Hessell, AJ and Haigwood, NL},
title = {Monoclonal Antibodies for Pediatric Viral Disease Prevention and Treatment.},
journal = {Pediatrics},
volume = {155},
number = {5},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1542/peds.2024-068690},
pmid = {40174915},
issn = {1098-4275},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use ; Child ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; *Virus Diseases/prevention & control/drug therapy/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Infant, Newborn ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; },
abstract = {Medical advancements over the last century have improved our ability to treat pediatric infectious diseases, significantly reducing associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although vaccines have been pivotal in this progress, many viral pathogens still do not currently have effective vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rapid responses to emerging viral pathogens and introduced new tools to combat them. This review addresses human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a strategy for treating and preventing viral infections in pediatric populations. We discuss previously used and currently available mAbs and advancements in mAb discovery. We address the future of mAb therapy by describing novel approaches in drug production and delivery platforms in addition to alternative antibody classes. Finally, we review the challenges and limitations of mAb therapy development for newborns and children.},
}

Humans
*Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
Child
COVID-19/prevention & control
*Virus Diseases/prevention & control/drug therapy/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Infant, Newborn
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment

@article {pmid40015326,
year = {2025},
author = {Heudorf, U and Stalla, K},
title = {[Contact-restricting measures in care facilities in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on residents - a plea].},
journal = {Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))},
volume = {87},
number = {5},
pages = {359-368},
doi = {10.1055/a-2476-9220},
pmid = {40015326},
issn = {1439-4421},
mesh = {Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/psychology/transmission ; Germany/epidemiology ; *Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data ; *Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Patient Isolation/psychology ; Quality of Life/psychology ; },
abstract = {During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of care homes for the elderly were at a particularly high risk of contracting the virus and dying from it. Strict protective measures were therefore taken, including bans on visits. However, the negative effects of these contact-restricting measures on the mental and physical health, quality of life, right to self-determination and ultimately the dignity of the residents soon became apparent and the question was raised as to whether isolation (confinement disease) was even more harmful to health than the disease itself. Statements on infection control measures in care facilities, studies with the views of those affected (residents, relatives, employees in care facilities) and interviews with residents of care facilities as well as reviews on adverse effects of the protective measures were researched. The search included both so-called "gray literature" and publications from PubMed. The residents suffered greatly from isolation and from the fact that decisions were made about them without consulting them. They complained about the loss of their autonomy and felt that their dignity was violated. The reviews showed that the residents generally experienced loneliness, anxiety, sadness and depression more frequently, and in some cases also physical deterioration. In future, care must be taken to achieve a good balance from a legal and health perspective between protection against infection and protection of the mental and physical health, well-being and quality of life of residents, respect for autonomy, the right to self-determination and the dignity of residents. This requires a broad social discussion in which not only experts from the fields of infectiology but also from the fields of geriatrics, nursing, public health, ethics and law, but in particular also those affected themselves or their representatives, their relatives, are heard and their arguments taken into account.},
}

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Humans
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control/psychology/transmission
Germany/epidemiology
*Homes for the Aged/statistics & numerical data
*Nursing Homes/statistics & numerical data
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Patient Isolation/psychology
Quality of Life/psychology

@article {pmid40295963,
year = {2025},
author = {Rotundo, S and Serapide, F and Berardelli, L and Gullì, SP and Mongiardi, S and Tassone, MT and Trecarichi, EM and Russo, A},
title = {Early combined therapy for COVID-19 in immunocompromised patients: a promising approach against viral persistence and drug resistance.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {616},
pmid = {40295963},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunocompromised Host ; *COVID-19/therapy/immunology/virology ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/immunology ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; *Drug Resistance, Viral ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; },
abstract = {Immunocompromised (IC) patients face significant challenges in managing COVID-19 due to their heightened susceptibility to severe illness, persistent infections, and the potential development of drug resistance. Studies indicate that IC patients, particularly those with hematologic malignancies (HM), hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTR), or solid organ transplants (SOTR), experience higher mortality rates and worse outcomes compared to the general population, even post-vaccination. The persistence of the virus in these patients, combined with its rapid mutation, further complicates treatment. Recent evidence supports the use of combined neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) as a more effective approach to viral clearance, reducing mortality, and preventing relapses. However, the rise of resistant variants, especially to mAbs, and concerns about the safety of prolonged or intensive therapies pose ongoing challenges. Monotherapies often fail short to address these issues, highlighting the need for early combined therapy (ECT) with mAbs and DAAs. ECT has shown promise in managing COVID-19 in IC individuals by targeting multiple stages of the viral lifecycle, reducing viral load, and clearing infections at earlier stages, which helps mitigate the risks of severe disease and drug resistance. Continued research is essential to refine these treatment protocols, especially as the virus evolves. Although further studies are needed, current findings suggest that ECT may become the standard of care for managing COVID-19 in severely IC patients, offering better clinical outcomes and hindering viral persistence.},
}

Humans
*Immunocompromised Host
*COVID-19/therapy/immunology/virology
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/immunology
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
*Drug Resistance, Viral
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
Drug Therapy, Combination

@article {pmid40295886,
year = {2024},
author = {Marano, V and Vlachová, Š and Tiano, SML and Cortese, M},
title = {A portrait of the infected cell: how SARS-CoV-2 infection reshapes cellular processes and pathways.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {66},
pmid = {40295886},
issn = {2948-1767},
support = {HT-ECF 763//Human Technopole/ ; },
abstract = {Positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA) viruses exert a profound influence on cellular organelles and metabolic pathway by usurping host processes to promote their replication. In this review, we present a portrait of selected cellular pathways perturbed in SARS-CoV-2 infection: the effect of viral translation, replication and assembly on the morphology and function of the ER, the remodelling of degradative pathways with a focus on the autophagic processes, and the alterations affecting cellular membranes and lipid metabolism. For each of these cellular processes, we highlight the specific viral and host factors involved and their interplay in this microscopic tug-of-war between pro-viral and anti-viral effects that ultimately tip the scale toward the propagation or the resolution of the infection.},
}

@article {pmid40295852,
year = {2025},
author = {Kayesh, MEH and Kohara, M and Tsukiyama-Kohara, K},
title = {Effects of oxidative stress on viral infections: an overview.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {40295852},
issn = {2948-1767},
abstract = {Viral infections can trigger increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a reduced antioxidant response in the host, leading to redox stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and ultimately, cell and tissue damage, which contribute to disease development. A better understanding of how ROS contributes to viral pathogenesis is critical for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on ROS production and its effects across various viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2, influenza A virus, dengue virus, Zika virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections, to improve future therapeutic and preventive strategies for these infections.},
}

@article {pmid40295844,
year = {2025},
author = {Lauster, D and Haag, R and Ballauff, M and Herrmann, A},
title = {Balancing stability and function: impact of the surface charge of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {23},
pmid = {40295844},
issn = {2948-1767},
support = {431232613//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 431232613//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 434130070//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 431232613//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
abstract = {The ectodomain of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 spike has an increased positive surface charge, favoring binding to the host cell surface, but may affect the stability of the ectodomain. Thermal stability studies identified two transitions associated with the flexibility of the receptor binding domain and the unfolding of the whole ectodomain, respectively. Despite destabilizing effects of some mutations, compensatory mutations maintain ECD stability and functional advantages thus supporting viral fitness.},
}

@article {pmid40295787,
year = {2025},
author = {Cabrera, A and Mason, E and Mullins, LP and Sadarangani, M},
title = {Antimicrobial resistance and vaccines in Enterobacteriaceae including extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.},
journal = {npj antimicrobials and resistance},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {34},
pmid = {40295787},
issn = {2731-8745},
abstract = {Antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are increasingly a clinical challenge. In particular, extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae threaten public health. Vaccination presents a long-term strategy to reduce both drug-susceptible and resistant infections while maintaining current clinical therapies. The review aims to emphasize the need for vaccines targeting extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae by providing an overview of disease burden, antimicrobial resistance, therapeutics, and vaccine development.},
}

@article {pmid40295763,
year = {2024},
author = {Koolaparambil Mukesh, R and Yinda, CK and Munster, VJ and van Doremalen, N},
title = {Beyond COVID-19: the promise of next-generation coronavirus vaccines.},
journal = {Npj viruses},
volume = {2},
number = {1},
pages = {39},
pmid = {40295763},
issn = {2948-1767},
abstract = {Coronaviruses (CoVs) have caused three global outbreaks: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) in 2003, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, with significant mortality and morbidity. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) raised serious concerns about the global preparedness for a pandemic. Furthermore, the changing antigenic landscape of SARS-CoV-2 led to new variants with increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Thus, the development of broad-spectrum vaccines against current and future emerging variants of CoVs will be an essential tool in pandemic preparedness. Distinct phylogenetic features within CoVs complicate and limit the process of generating a pan-CoV vaccine capable of targeting the entire Coronaviridae family. In this review, we aim to provide a detailed overview of the features of CoVs, their phylogeny, current vaccines against various CoVs, the efforts in developing broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccines, and the future.},
}

@article {pmid40295300,
year = {2025},
author = {Qi, Y and Li, JY and Wang, J and Mu, J and Deng, Q and Cui, R},
title = {De novo AML spontaneously achieved PR after COVID-19 infection, and CR after reduced dose of azacytidine combined with venetoclax: A case report and literature review.},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {104},
number = {17},
pages = {e42039},
pmid = {40295300},
issn = {1536-5964},
support = {TJWJ2022XK021//Tianjin Health Research Project/ ; Y-SY2021QN-0184//Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation/ ; Y-NCJH202201-0027//Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology Beijing Xisike Clinical Oncology Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; *Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy/complications ; *Sulfonamides/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Azacitidine/administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Remission Induction ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {RATIONALE: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection increases the mortality of patients with hematological malignancies. The optimal treatment for de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with severe pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is not clear.

PATIENT CONCERNS: A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our department with fever, cough dyspnea, and thrombocytopenia for 1 week.

DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with AML associated with a TP53 mutation and complex chromosomal abnormalities by bone marrow examination. In addition, she had severe COVID-19 pneumonia when her AML was diagnosed.

INTERVENTIONS: We delayed leukemia therapy to adequately treat her severe COVID-19 pneumonia. In the therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia, the patient presented with high levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6. Surprisingly, after being treated for severe COVID-19 pneumonia, she obtained partial remission in the absence of leukemia therapy. When the severe COVID-19 pneumonia was under control, the patient achieved complete remission after she received a reduced dose of azacytidine combined with venetoclax for only 1 cycle.

OUTCOMES: After a standard dose of azacytidine combined with venetoclax for 2 cycles, the patient achieved a deep molecular remission. The results of next-generation sequencing analysis indicated that the TP53 mutation turned negative.

LESSONS: This case suggests that azacytidine combined with venetoclax could be a safe and valid option compared with intensive chemotherapy in newly diagnosed AML patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Whether the increased cytokine levels could indicate that COVID-19 infection might have an anti-tumor effect on AML patients remains to be further observed.},
}

Humans
Female
Middle Aged
*Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy/complications
*Sulfonamides/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*COVID-19/complications
*Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Azacitidine/administration & dosage/therapeutic use
SARS-CoV-2
Remission Induction
Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage

@article {pmid40295228,
year = {2025},
author = {Yao, YT and Xie, CM and Wang, HB and Yu, SC and , },
title = {Acute type A aortic dissection patients undergoing surgical repair during the COVID-19 pandemic.},
journal = {Medicine},
volume = {104},
number = {17},
pages = {e42249},
pmid = {40295228},
issn = {1536-5964},
support = {2021-I2M-C&T-B-038//the Youth Teacher Training Program of Peking Union Medical College/ ; 2024RCTJ-QN002//Talent Trusteeship Program of Fuwai Yunnan Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Aortic Dissection/surgery/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; *Aortic Aneurysm/surgery ; Risk Factors ; Male ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a deadly form of acute aortic syndrome which necessitates emergency surgical repair. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant impact on surgery globally. The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on ATAAD patients undergoing surgical repair remains undetermined.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing ATAAD patients undergoing aortic surgery before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic and literature review of published cases reporting COVID-19 patients undergoing surgical repair for ATAAD. PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WANFANG, and SinoMed databases were searched for relevant studies and case reports till January 21st, 2023, and the database search was updated on January 3rd, 2024. Meta-analysis was performed by utilizing RevMan. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for dichotomous data, and weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI for continuous data, respectively. All P-values were 2-sided and statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 5 included studies comparing ATAAD patients undergoing aortic surgery before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that, the patients in Group During-Pandemic (DP) were older than those in Group Before-Pandemic (BP; P = .005), and the body mass index of the patients in Group DP was lower than that of the patients in Group BP (P = .002), more patients in Group DP were smokers (P = .02). Meta-analysis also showed that, either the composite incidence of mortality and morbidities or individual morbidity was comparable between 2 groups, except that more patients in Group DP developed pneumonia (P = .05). Literature reviews of 24 published cases reporting COVID-19 patients undergoing surgical repair for ATAAD demonstrated that, twenty (83.3%) patients recovered well after aortic surgery and were finally discharged from hospital. Unfortunately, 4 patients died postoperatively, 3 due to multiple organ failure and one due to respiratory failure (RF). Reported postoperative complications included hypoxia, endotracheal re-intubation, RF, renal failure, coagulopathy, fever, multi-organ failure and shock.

CONCLUSION: The hospitalized outcomes of ATAAD patients undergoing surgical repair before versus during the COVID-19 were mostly comparable. ATAAD patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection who underwent emergent surgical repair had a high risk of mortality and morbidities.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Aortic Dissection/surgery/epidemiology
SARS-CoV-2
*Aortic Aneurysm/surgery
Risk Factors
Male
Postoperative Complications/epidemiology
Pandemics

@article {pmid40294421,
year = {2025},
author = {Bilinski, A and Emanuel, N and Ciaranello, A},
title = {Sins of Omission: Model-Based Estimates of the Health Effects of Excluding Pregnant Participants From Randomized Controlled Trials.},
journal = {Annals of internal medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7326/ANNALS-24-00689},
pmid = {40294421},
issn = {1539-3704},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: More than 90 million women in the United States have given birth. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of medications almost always exclude pregnant participants.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the health effects of excluding pregnant participants from RCTs.

DESIGN: Decision analytic framework applied to case studies of thalidomide, COVID-19 vaccines, and dolutegravir.

SETTING: Varied.

PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant people and their children.

MEASUREMENTS: The authors modeled the ex post facto health effects of RCTs, comparing projected health effects of medication uptake had an RCT been conducted versus historically observed outcomes. They also modeled the a priori health effects that could have been anticipated in trial planning. They converted health effect estimates to monetary value using standard benchmarks.

RESULTS: Across case studies, health benefits from conducting RCTs during pregnancy were projected to far exceed expected adverse effects (AEs) from RCTs. For example, had thalidomide been tested in a completed RCT with 200 treated participants, about 33 children would have experienced severe AEs, whereas knowledge from the RCT would have prevented 8000 thalidomide-related birth defects, 99.6% of all thalidomide-related birth defects from 1956 to 1962. Likewise, if RCTs for COVID-19 vaccines had included pregnant participants and if posttrial pregnant uptake were conservatively assumed to mirror that of age- and state-matched nonpregnant women, a projected 20% of COVID-19-related maternal deaths and stillbirths (8% of all maternal deaths and 1% of all stillbirths) in the United States would have been prevented from March to November 2021. Across case studies, the a priori value of RCT data would have exceeded the approximately $100 million cost of phase 1 to 3 RCTs.

LIMITATION: Parameter uncertainty.

CONCLUSION: Systematic inclusion in RCTs could benefit both pregnant people and their children by both speeding AE detection and increasing uptake of beneficial medications.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.},
}

@article {pmid40293968,
year = {2025},
author = {Thiriveedi, M and Sto Domingo, FG and Longley, S and Patel, S and Baddam, S and Chimakurthy, A},
title = {Post-COVID-19 Guillain-Barré Syndrome with GM1 and GD1b Antibodies: A Case Study and Literature Review.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {26},
number = {},
pages = {e947416},
doi = {10.12659/AJCR.947416},
pmid = {40293968},
issn = {1941-5923},
mesh = {Humans ; *Guillain-Barre Syndrome/immunology/diagnosis/therapy/etiology ; Male ; *COVID-19/complications ; *G(M1) Ganglioside/immunology ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Gangliosides/immunology ; *Autoantibodies/blood ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to the emergence of various neurological complications, including Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). GBS is an acute, immune-mediated disorder characterized by progressive weakness, sensory deficits, and autonomic dysfunction. Anti-ganglioside antibodies are often seen in GBS; however, they are rarely reported in the setting of COVID-19-related GBS. We present a case of post-COVID-19 GBS with positive GM1 and GD1b antibodies. CASE REPORT An 86-year-old man presented with progressive quadriparesis, sensory deficits, and hyporeflexia 4 weeks after COVID-19 infection. Brain and spine imaging were unremarkable. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed albuminocytological dissociation, consistent with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). Despite 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), the patient showed minimal improvement in muscle strength. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) revealed severe sensorimotor polyneuropathy, with axonal and demyelinating features. Serum testing showed elevated GM1 and GD1b anti-ganglioside antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS Although numerous cases of COVID-19-related GBS have been reported, anti-ganglioside antibody positivity, particularly GM1 and GD1b, is uncommon. The underlying mechanism is presumed to be autoimmune, likely triggered by molecular mimicry. Our case contributes to the evolving understanding of GBS immunology in the context of COVID-19. Although this case report may not alter current GBS management, the co-occurrence of GM1 and GD1b antibodies in post-COVID-19 GBS underscores the need for continued vigilance, immunological profiling, and research into potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.},
}

Humans
*Guillain-Barre Syndrome/immunology/diagnosis/therapy/etiology
Male
*COVID-19/complications
*G(M1) Ganglioside/immunology
Aged, 80 and over
*Gangliosides/immunology
*Autoantibodies/blood
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use

@article {pmid40293964,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Y and Meagher, RB and Lin, X},
title = {Tailoring mRNA lipid nanoparticles for antifungal vaccines.},
journal = {PLoS pathogens},
volume = {21},
number = {4},
pages = {e1013091},
pmid = {40293964},
issn = {1553-7374},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fungal Vaccines/immunology ; *Nanoparticles/chemistry ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *RNA, Messenger/immunology ; *Lipids/chemistry/immunology ; *Mycoses/prevention & control/immunology ; Animals ; Liposomes ; },
abstract = {Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures for preventing and managing infectious diseases. Despite intensive efforts from the relatively small medical mycology community, developing effective vaccines against invasive fungal infections remains a scientific challenge. This is predominantly due to large antigenic repertoires, complicated life cycles, and the capacity of fungal pathogens to evade the host immune system. Additionally, antifungal vaccines often need to work for at-risk individuals who are immunodeficient. We anticipate that the success of mRNA vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its exploration for various infectious diseases and cancers will usher a new wave of antifungal vaccine research. Herein, we discuss recent advancements and key scientific areas that need to be explored to actualize the development of effective antifungal mRNA vaccines.},
}

Humans
*Fungal Vaccines/immunology
*Nanoparticles/chemistry
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*RNA, Messenger/immunology
*Lipids/chemistry/immunology
*Mycoses/prevention & control/immunology
Animals
Liposomes

@article {pmid40293510,
year = {2025},
author = {Abraham, JN and Rawat, D and Srikanth, P and Sunny, LP and Abraham, NM},
title = {Alpha-synuclein pathology and Parkinson's disease-related olfactory dysfunctions: an update on preclinical models and therapeutic approaches.},
journal = {Mammalian genome : official journal of the International Mammalian Genome Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40293510},
issn = {1432-1777},
support = {BT/RLF/Re-entry/45/2014//Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India/ ; IA/S/22/2/506517//Wellcome Trust DBT India Alliance/ ; },
abstract = {Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is considered one of the early signs of Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting over 90% of PD patients. OD often appears several years before the onset of motor symptoms and is therefore considered an early biomarker of PD. Recent studies have shown that COVID-19 infection might lead to worsening of symptoms and acceleration of disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders, where OD is a common symptom to both. Hence, it is essential to accurately monitor olfactory fitness in clinical settings using any of the currently available olfactory function tests. Even after a quarter of a century of the discovery of α-synuclein (α-syn) pathogenesis in PD, many aspects related to the α-syn pathogenesis in OD remain unknown. Currently, there is no definitive cure for PD; the disease management options include dopaminergic medications, deep brain stimulations, stem cells, and immunotherapy. Generating reliable PD animal models is critical for understanding the molecular pathways and neural circuits affected by disease conditions. This might contribute to the development and validation of new therapeutic approaches. This review discusses the known mechanisms of α-syn aggregated forms causing neuronal death, the recent developments in the PD preclinical models with ODs, and the treatment strategies employed.},
}

@article {pmid40293430,
year = {2025},
author = {Tian, E and Ho, MK and Chou, OHI and Chong, S and Kwan, CT and Lam, AH and Chan, KT},
title = {Effectiveness of telepsychiatry interventions for youth with depressive and/or anxiety disorders: A systematic review with meta-analysis.},
journal = {Clinical child psychology and psychiatry},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {13591045251338475},
doi = {10.1177/13591045251338475},
pmid = {40293430},
issn = {1461-7021},
abstract = {ObjectiveSince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression in youth have risen. Telepsychiatry is a potential mode of intervention for such digital natives. This systematic review aims to examine the effectiveness of telepsychiatry for youth with depression and/or anxiety.MethodsFour electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, were searched from their inception to May 12, 2024. Included studies were assessed for study quality and risk of bias.ResultsA search returning 29,944 records yielded 26 included studies, comprising 1,558 youths. Of 13 studies comparing depressive symptoms pre- and post-telepsychiatry intervention, symptom severity was significantly lower post-intervention compared to baseline (Hedges' g: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.59, 1.08). Similarly, of six studies comparing pre- and post-telepsychiatry intervention anxiety symptoms, anxiety scores were significantly lower post-intervention (Hedges' g: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.79, 1.50). Patients undergoing telepsychiatry also had superior outcomes when compared to waitlist control groups for depression (Hedges' g: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.85) but not anxiety (Hedges' g: 0.50; 95% CI: -0.09, 1.10). Certainty of these estimates ranged from moderate to very low. Qualitative feedback noted subjective improvement in symptoms and high levels of satisfaction.ConclusionTelepsychiatry has potential as a therapeutic intervention for youth anxiety and depression. Further research with more controlled methodology is needed for development of recommendations that can guide growing use of this technology.},
}

@article {pmid40177822,
year = {2025},
author = {Ranganathan, B and Natarajan, K and Nandhan, R and Abdlehamid, A},
title = {Granulomatous disorders of the nose and paranasal sinuses: perspective from low- and middle-income countries.},
journal = {Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery},
volume = {33},
number = {3},
pages = {170-175},
doi = {10.1097/MOO.0000000000001048},
pmid = {40177822},
issn = {1531-6998},
mesh = {Humans ; *Paranasal Sinus Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy/etiology ; *Developing Countries ; *Nose Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy/etiology ; *Granuloma/epidemiology/therapy/diagnosis/etiology ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This is a comprehensive overview of current trends in the prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and management of granulomatous disorders involving the nose and paranasal sinuses in low- and middle-income countries. Emphasis is placed on infective aetiologies contributing to granulomatous diseases and the emerging innovations in the diagnosis and management of these conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS: Granulomatous inflammations represent a distinctive spectrum of conditions arising from infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic, and chemical exposures. The prevalence of these disorders varies globally, with infectious aetiologies being more common in subtropical regions and autoimmune inflammatory conditions predominating in Western countries. Notably, the global burden of certain infectious granulomatous diseases is declining due to improved awareness, socio-economic conditions, and enhanced access to healthcare.However, the incidence of invasive fungal mucormycosis has risen sharply following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. Contributing factors include diabetes mellitus, excessive use of high-dose corticosteroids, and environmental influences. Early diagnosis, along with aggressive surgical debridement and antifungal therapy, remains critical for successful management.

SUMMARY: Otolaryngologists must be aware of granulomatous conditions affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses, given their potential to cause significant morbidity if left untreated. Timely diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion supported by blood tests, imaging, and histopathology for effective intervention.},
}

Humans
*Paranasal Sinus Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy/etiology
*Developing Countries
*Nose Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy/etiology
*Granuloma/epidemiology/therapy/diagnosis/etiology
COVID-19/epidemiology
Prevalence

@article {pmid40167111,
year = {2025},
author = {Ocampo, FF and Holroyd, KB},
title = {Updates on the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection.},
journal = {Current opinion in infectious diseases},
volume = {38},
number = {3},
pages = {234-241},
doi = {10.1097/QCO.0000000000001110},
pmid = {40167111},
issn = {1473-6527},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology/therapy ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since its emergence in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a global surge of survivors experiencing neurologic effects from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to provide an updated synthesis of the acute and chronic neurological manifestations of COVID-19, and to outline the current therapeutic strategies for these conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological studies have shown that COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms during acute infection tend to have poorer hospital and functional outcomes. While the risk of adverse neurologic symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, headache, autonomic dysfunction, and chronic fatigue are thought to be greatest following infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain and its alpha variant, they remain prevalent after infection with subsequent less virulent strains as well. Some recent work has also found a link between SARS-CoV-2 and structural brain changes. However, ongoing trials show promising results for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments targeting the postacute neurological sequelae of COVID-19.

SUMMARY: Lingering neurological manifestations after COVID-19 still pose considerable individual, healthcare system, and socioeconomic repercussions. Both preventive and multimodal treatment approaches are necessary to address these conditions. Further research is required to assess the lasting impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system, particularly its potential contribution to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/complications
*Nervous System Diseases/virology/etiology/therapy
*SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid39757876,
year = {2025},
author = {Choo, LX and Ng, IKS and Tan, LF and Teo, DB},
title = {Clinical practice in an age of medical misinformation and conspiracy theories.},
journal = {Internal medicine journal},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {158-164},
doi = {10.1111/imj.16588},
pmid = {39757876},
issn = {1445-5994},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Communication ; *Social Media ; *Physician-Patient Relations ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Deception ; },
abstract = {Medical misinformation (false health or medical-related information) has seen a rapid increase in volume recently, with the global surge in social media usage and further exacerbation by the COVID-19 pandemic. This may put more lives at stake, as misinformation is an often-cited reason that people make dangerous health choices, engage in harmful practices and reject beneficial health treatments. In this article, we explore the drivers and consequences, as well as suggest several strategies at the personal, educational and systemic level, for physicians to guide and communicate with patients who subscribe to medical misinformation.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Communication
*Social Media
*Physician-Patient Relations
SARS-CoV-2
Deception

@article {pmid40292087,
year = {2025},
author = {Mukae, H and Yotsuyanagi, H and Ohmagari, N and Doi, Y and Yamato, M and Imamura, T and Sakaguchi, H and Sanaki, T and Sonoyama, T and Tsuge, Y and Uehara, T},
title = {Ensitrelvir as a novel treatment option for mild-to-moderate COVID-19: a narrative literature review.},
journal = {Therapeutic advances in infectious disease},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {20499361251321724},
pmid = {40292087},
issn = {2049-9361},
abstract = {To address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, several antiviral agents targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed for clinical use. However, antivirals that can be administered irrespective of risk factors were lacking until the approval of ensitrelvir fumaric acid (hereafter, ensitrelvir) in Japan, which took effect in November 2022. Ensitrelvir is an oral SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease inhibitor currently approved in Japan and Singapore. This narrative review summarizes preclinical, clinical trial, and real-world data on ensitrelvir. The efficacy and safety of ensitrelvir were assessed in a seamless, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II/III study conducted in Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials identifier, jRCT2031210350). This study enrolled patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms or asymptomatic individuals irrespective of the presence of risk factors for severe illness. Overall, ensitrelvir demonstrated favorable antiviral efficacy and symptom improvement, with an acceptable safety profile. In the phase III part, the time to resolution of the composite of five typical COVID-19 symptoms showed a difference between the ensitrelvir 125 mg and placebo groups, and the difference in median was approximately 1 day when the patients were randomized in less than 72 h of disease onset. This study is one of the clinical trials that used patient symptoms as a clinical efficacy endpoint. Additional clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the efficacy and safety of ensitrelvir in various patient populations. Moreover, published evidence generally supports the effectiveness of ensitrelvir in routine clinical practice and its antiviral activity against various SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Further research is granted to establish ensitrelvir as a novel antiviral treatment. Royalty-free licensing agreements concluded between drug manufacturers and the Medicines Patent Pool will facilitate access to COVID-19 therapeutics, including ensitrelvir, in low- and middle-income countries.},
}

@article {pmid40291986,
year = {2024},
author = {Alibudbud, R},
title = {Navigating the Philippine mental health system for the nation's youth: challenges and opportunities.},
journal = {BJPsych international},
volume = {21},
number = {3},
pages = {56-58},
pmid = {40291986},
issn = {2056-4740},
abstract = {The challenges besetting the Philippine mental health system demand multifaceted, strategic responses to ensure the holistic well-being of Filipino youth. Through the integration of mental health into primary care, augmentation of the professional workforce, bolstering information infrastructure, reforming medication accessibility, augmenting budgetary allocations and invigorating governance, the Philippines can pave the way for an inclusive mental health system that adequately addresses the exigencies of its younger demographic. In doing so, the nation can make substantial strides towards alleviating the negative impacts of adverse social conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on the mental well-being of its youth.},
}

@article {pmid40291378,
year = {2025},
author = {Chakraborty, C and Lo, YH and Bhattacharya, M and Das, A and Wen, ZH},
title = {Looking beyond the origin of SARS-CoV-2: Significant strategic aspects during the five-year journey of COVID-19 vaccine development.},
journal = {Molecular therapy. Nucleic acids},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {102527},
pmid = {40291378},
issn = {2162-2531},
abstract = {It has been five years since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and we are also approaching the five-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccine is a significant weapon in combating infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2. Several vaccines were developed against SARS-CoV-2, and they demonstrated efficacy and safety during these five years. The rapid development of multiple next-generation vaccine candidates in different platforms with very little time is the success story of the vaccine development endeavor. This remarkable success of rapid vaccine development is a new paradigm for fast vaccine development that might help develop infectious diseases and fight against the pandemic. With the completion of five years since the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 origin, we are looking back on the five years and reviewing the milestones, vaccine platforms, animal models, clinical trials, successful collaborations, vaccine safety, real-world effectiveness, and challenges. Lessons learned during these five years will help us respond to public health emergencies and to fight the battle against future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid40290510,
year = {2025},
author = {Othman, M and Selnow, GW},
title = {Community health workers: a narrative review of a curriculum and training program for low-income communities facing limited access to healthcare.},
journal = {Frontiers in public health},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1504490},
pmid = {40290510},
issn = {2296-2565},
mesh = {*Community Health Workers/education ; Humans ; *Curriculum ; *Health Services Accessibility ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Poverty ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The aim of this narrative review is to examine a WHO-compliant program that prepares Community Health Workers (CHWs) in low-resource environments. The intended outcome of the training is to enhance healthcare access and address health equity disparities. We examined the program's curriculum, instructional methods, and a complementary continuing medical education (CME) program designed to sustain CHWs' knowledge and skills.

METHODOLOGY: We review, in detail, the CHW training program-its curriculum, delivery, and implementation-launched prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing today. This program develops critical human resources to expand the reach of overburdened healthcare professionals in disproportionately affected regions.

RESULTS: Our review highlights the positive impact of this program on marginalized communities. We propose the adoption of its curriculum and pedagogical framework by local leaders seeking to train teams of well-prepared CHWs to improve healthcare and bridge the gap between communities and medical professionals. This no-cost program is accessible even to the most under-resourced settings.

CONCLUSION: The program examined in this paper offers small, disproportionately affected communities a valuable opportunity to implement a program that equips CHWs to provide essential clinical services and conduct community-wide health education initiatives. These CHWs serve as vital bridges between their communities and the professional medical system. Their demonstrated effectiveness in serving the health needs of their communities, even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, is noteworthy. When called for, they can support refugees fleeing war and climate pressures by offering basic clinical care and prevention training.},
}

*Community Health Workers/education
Humans
*Curriculum
*Health Services Accessibility
COVID-19/epidemiology
*Poverty
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid40290477,
year = {2025},
author = {Nagai, Y and Kartar, A and Pfaff, M and Elkholy, H},
title = {The paradox of hikikomori through a transcultural lens.},
journal = {BJPsych international},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {22-24},
pmid = {40290477},
issn = {2056-4740},
abstract = {This article appraises cultural understanding and controversies regarding hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal), with reference to research over the past 20 years. Initially viewed as a uniquely Japanese phenomenon, hikikomori is now recognised globally, prompting a re-evaluation of its cultural, psychological and socioeconomic demographics. A revision in lifestyle after the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing technological advancements - particularly the rise of social media, gaming and the internet - have paradoxically both exacerbated isolation and provided new forms of social interaction for young adults who confine themselves at home. This phenomenon underlines the complex interplay between putative individual psychopathology, neurodiversity and broader societal shifts across the globe.},
}