@article {pmid39858858,
year = {2025},
author = {Onisiforou, A and Charalambous, EG and Zanos, P},
title = {Shattering the Amyloid Illusion: The Microbial Enigma of Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis-From Gut Microbiota and Viruses to Brain Biofilms.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858858},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {#101031962//European Commission Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship/ ; EXCELLENCE/0421/0543//Research & Innovation Foundation of Cyprus - Excellence Hubs 2021/ ; NA//IDSA Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {For decades, Alzheimer's Disease (AD) research has focused on the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which identifies amyloid-beta (Aβ) as the primary driver of the disease. However, the consistent failure of Aβ-targeted therapies to demonstrate efficacy, coupled with significant safety concerns, underscores the need to rethink our approach to AD treatment. Emerging evidence points to microbial infections as environmental factors in AD pathoetiology. Although a definitive causal link remains unestablished, the collective evidence is compelling. This review explores unconventional perspectives and emerging paradigms regarding microbial involvement in AD pathogenesis, emphasizing the gut-brain axis, brain biofilms, the oral microbiome, and viral infections. Transgenic mouse models show that gut microbiota dysregulation precedes brain Aβ accumulation, emphasizing gut-brain signaling pathways. Viral infections like Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to AD by modulating host processes like the immune system. Aβ peptide's antimicrobial function as a response to microbial infection might inadvertently promote AD. We discuss potential microbiome-based therapies as promising strategies for managing and potentially preventing AD progression. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut microbial balance, reduces Aβ accumulation, and improves cognition in preclinical models. Probiotics and prebiotics reduce neuroinflammation and Aβ plaques, while antiviral therapies targeting HSV-1 and vaccines like the shingles vaccine show potential to mitigate AD pathology. Developing effective treatments requires standardized methods to identify and measure microbial infections in AD patients, enabling personalized therapies that address individual microbial contributions to AD pathogenesis. Further research is needed to clarify the interactions between microbes and Aβ, explore bacterial and viral interplay, and understand their broader effects on host processes to translate these insights into clinical interventions.},
}

@article {pmid39858831,
year = {2025},
author = {Garcia-Rodriguez, J and Janvier, F and Kill, C},
title = {Key Insights into Respiratory Virus Testing: Sensitivity and Clinical Implications.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858831},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Acute respiratory infections are a significant challenge in primary care and hospital settings. Viruses are the most common etiology and the overlapping symptomatology among major respiratory viruses, such as influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and respiratory syncytial virus, requires the use of diagnostic tests that deliver early and accurate results. With the increasing availability of rapid antigen tests (RATS), it is tempting to prefer them over polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. However, compelling arguments support the existing recommendations in some European countries to maintain PCR testing for patient management throughout the year. RATs show sensitivities below 30% with lower viral loads, which are common and can have significant clinical implications. RATs perform well at lower cycle threshold (Ct) values, with sensitivity reaching 97.9% for Ct values below 20, which drops significantly for values above 25. Factors affecting viral load include disease stage, vaccination status, and viral variants, all of which can compromise the accuracy of antigen tests. Multi-target PCR tests effectively overcome these issues, ensuring reliable diagnosis. Additionally, the early detection of paucisymptomatic cases is essential in primary care and hospital settings to facilitate isolation and prevent secondary infections. Economic analyses support the use of comprehensive PCR tests, such as triplex-type tests, detecting SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses, and RSV, as a first-line approach, as they can reduce case numbers and healthcare resource utilization. Maintaining PCR testing year-round is therefore crucial for the effective management of respiratory infections.},
}

@article {pmid39858529,
year = {2025},
author = {Rizatdinova, SN and Ershova, AE and Astrakhantseva, IV},
title = {Pseudotyped Viruses: A Useful Platform for Pre-Clinical Studies Conducted in a BSL-2 Laboratory Setting.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858529},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {24-25-20139//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology/epidemiology ; Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology ; Animals ; Virus Internalization ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology/therapeutic use ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {The study of pathogenic viruses has always posed significant biosafety challenges. In particular, the study of highly pathogenic viruses requires methods with low biological risk but relatively high sensitivity and convenience in detection. In recent years, pseudoviruses, which consist of a backbone of one virus and envelope proteins of another virus, have become one of the most widely used tools for exploring the mechanisms of viruses binding to cells, membrane fusion and viral entry, as well as for screening the libraries of antiviral substances, evaluating the potential of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, developing neutralization tests, and therapeutic platforms. During the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pseudotyped virus-based assays played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of virus-cell interactions and the role of its proteins in disease pathogenesis. Such tools facilitated the search for potential therapeutic agents and accelerated epidemiological studies on post-infection and post-vaccination humoral immunity. This review focuses on the use of pseudoviruses as a model for large-scale applications to study enveloped viruses.},
}

Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology/epidemiology
Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
Animals
Virus Internalization
Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology/therapeutic use
Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology

@article {pmid39858469,
year = {2025},
author = {Barros de Lima, G and Nencioni, E and Thimoteo, F and Perea, C and Pinto, RFA and Sasaki, SD},
title = {TMPRSS2 as a Key Player in Viral Pathogenesis: Influenza and Coronaviruses.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858469},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {2018/ 11874-5//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 001//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism/genetics ; *SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity/metabolism ; *Influenza, Human/virology/metabolism/genetics ; COVID-19/virology/metabolism ; Animals ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Influenza A virus/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology ; },
abstract = {TMPRSS2, a human transmembrane protease enzyme, plays a crucial role in the spread of certain viruses, including influenza and coronaviruses. This enzyme promotes viral infection by cleaving viral glycoproteins, which helps viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A enter cells more effectively. Genetic differences in TMPRSS2 may affect people's susceptibility to COVID-19, underscoring the need for studies that consider diverse populations. Beyond infectious diseases, TMPRSS2 has also been linked to some cancers, suggesting it could be a valuable target for drug development. This review provides a summary of TMPRSS2 inhibitors currently under study, with some already in clinical trials to test their effectiveness against viral infections. As we uncover more about TMPRSS2's role in pathogenesis, it could open new doors for therapies to combat future outbreaks.},
}

Humans
*Serine Endopeptidases/metabolism/genetics
*SARS-CoV-2/pathogenicity/metabolism
*Influenza, Human/virology/metabolism/genetics
COVID-19/virology/metabolism
Animals
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/therapeutic use
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Influenza A virus/pathogenicity/genetics/physiology

@article {pmid39858385,
year = {2025},
author = {Al Hussain, SK and Deslandes, R and Edwards, D and Hodson, KL},
title = {Oral Antibacterial Drug Prescribing in Primary Care Out-of-Hours Services: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858385},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a critical threat to global health. Primary care plays a significant role in this crisis, with oral antibacterial drugs among the most prescribed medications. Antibacterial prescribing rates are often high and complicated in out-of-hours (OOH) services, including weekdays outside regular hours, weekends, and holidays, potentially exacerbating AMR. This review aims to identify the existing literature on oral antibacterial drug prescribing within primary care OOH services.

METHODS: This review followed established frameworks, adhered to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, and the protocol was registered on Open Science Framework. Seven databases were searched from 2017 to May 2022. Data were summarised, tabulated, and presented narratively to explore themes and patterns that aligned with the review objectives.

RESULTS: The search identified 28 studies from nine high-income countries, mainly the UK (n = 6) and Belgium (n = 5). Most were quantitative studies (n = 23). Key areas identified included common oral antibacterial prescriptions, prescribing trends, presentations and conditions managed in OOH services, factors and predictors associated with prescribing, prescribing appropriateness, the impact of interventions on prescribing, prescribing in the context of COVID-19, patient satisfaction and expectations, and the challenges encountered, such as factors influencing prescribing behaviour and decision making, safety netting, and communication.

CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights key areas around oral antibacterial prescribing in primary care OOH services. Despite the numerous articles identified covering various areas within OOH services, the variability in OOH services approaches across countries and studies complicates the comparison of practice. Further research is needed to better understand practices in these settings.},
}

@article {pmid39858349,
year = {2025},
author = {Sakalauskienė, GV and Malcienė, L and Stankevičius, E and Radzevičienė, A},
title = {Unseen Enemy: Mechanisms of Multidrug Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative ESKAPE Pathogens.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858349},
issn = {2079-6382},
abstract = {Multidrug antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a formidable challenge in the therapy of infectious diseases, triggered by the particularly concerning gram-negative Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE) pathogens. Designated as a "priority" in 2017, these bacteria continue to pose a significant threat in 2024, particularly during the worldwide SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, where coinfections with ESKAPE members contributed to worsened patient outcomes. The declining effectiveness of current treatments against these pathogens has led to an increased disease burden and an increase in mortality rates globally. This review explores the sophisticated mechanisms driving AMR in gram-negative ESKAPE bacteria, focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. Key bacterial mechanisms contributing to resistance include limitations in drug uptake, production of antibiotic-degrading enzymes, alterations in drug target sites, and enhanced drug efflux systems. Comprehending these pathways is vital for formulating innovative therapeutic strategies and tackling the ongoing threat posed by these resistant pathogens.},
}

@article {pmid39858149,
year = {2025},
author = {Baek, SH and Park, JE},
title = {Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus: An Overview of Virus Structure and Virus-Host Interactions.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39858149},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {RS-2024-00345532//National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT)/ ; },
abstract = {SADS-CoV, a recently identified Rhinolophus bat coronavirus HKU2-associated swine coronavirus, is a malignant pathogen that causes acute diarrhea, severe diarrhea, and weight loss in infected piglets. The virus was first detected in Guangdong Province, China, in 2017 and has since been observed in Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangxi Provinces. In 2023, the virus was detected in Henan Province, in inland China. This virus can infect various cell lines, including human cell lines, showing significant potential for cross-species transmission and posing a possible zoonotic threat. However, the molecular biology of SADS-CoV remains largely unknown, and there are no commercially available therapeutics or vaccines to prevent SADS-CoV infection. In this review, an update on progress in SADS-CoV research is provided, with a focus on the history of outbreaks, the characteristics of the virus, its interactions with the host, and developments in therapeutics and vaccines.},
}

@article {pmid39857924,
year = {2025},
author = {Demir, A and Aydin, A and Büyükgebiz, A},
title = {Thematic Review of Endocrine Disruptors and Their Role in Shaping Pubertal Timing.},
journal = {Children (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857924},
issn = {2227-9067},
support = {3583, 5593//Suomen Lääketieteen Säätiö (Finnish Medical Foundation)/ ; 2024//Lastentautien Tutkimussäätiö (Foundation for Pediatric Research in Finland)/ ; 04877942//University of Helsinki/ ; },
abstract = {This review examines the inconsistent effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pollutants on pubertal timing, emphasizing the methodological challenges contributing to variability in findings. Data from nine key studies reveal that chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS impact pubertal onset differently based on exposure timing, dosage, and sex. For instance, BPA is linked to earlier puberty in girls but delayed onset in boys, while other EDCs show mixed effects across populations. These discrepancies often arise from challenges in study design, such as the difficulty in establishing reliable control groups, accurately measuring exposures, and accounting for confounding factors like socioeconomic status, diet, and obesity. Sex-specific differences and environmental shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased indoor exposure and stress, further complicate the picture. These factors highlight the urgent need for more robust research methodologies, including standardized exposure assessments and longitudinal studies, to clarify the mechanisms driving these effects. Despite these challenges, the findings stress the importance of public health interventions, such as stricter EDC regulations, improved pollutant monitoring, and minimizing exposures during sensitive developmental windows. Addressing methodological gaps is crucial for producing reliable, actionable insights to protect adolescent development from the adverse effects of EDCs.},
}

@article {pmid39857492,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, H and Kalembo, F and Nair, A and Lim, E and Hou, XY and Ng, L},
title = {Unravelling Factors Shaping International Students' Learning and Mental Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857492},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Mental Health ; *Students/psychology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Learning ; Pandemics ; Education, Distance ; },
abstract = {The international tertiary education sector was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of negative learning and psychosocial experiences. Most international students who remained in the host countries demonstrated admirable resilience and adaptability during those challenging times. An integrative review of factors shaping international students' learning and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Five electronic databases-CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PsycINFO, and Web of Science-were searched from 2020 to 2023 using the key search terms 'international students', 'tertiary education', 'mental health and wellbeing', and 'COVID'. A total of 38 studies were included in this review. They revealed six factors across learning and psychosocial experiences. Predisposing factors for maladjustments included the students being younger and possessing poor English proficiency. Precipitating factors were related to online teaching/learning, and lack of accessibility and or insufficient learning and living resources. Perpetuating factors pertained to living arrangements. The protective factor identified was institutional support. This review highlighted that multifaceted factors were associated with international students' experiences and mental health and wellbeing. In-depth understanding of risk and protective factors can help policymakers to prepare for unprecedented challenges and reduce disruptions to international students' education and mental health when studying abroad.},
}

*COVID-19/psychology/epidemiology
Humans
*Mental Health
*Students/psychology
SARS-CoV-2
Learning
Pandemics
Education, Distance

@article {pmid39857454,
year = {2024},
author = {Kolahdooz, F and Jang, SL and Deck, S and Ilkiw, D and Omoro, G and Rautio, A and Pirkola, S and Møller, H and Ferguson, G and Evengård, B and Mantla-Look, L and DeLancey, D and Corriveau, A and Irlbacher-Fox, S and Wagg, A and Roache, C and Rittenbach, K and Conter, HJ and Falk, R and Sharma, S},
title = {A Scoping Review of the Current Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health and Infectious Diseases (Specifically COVID-19, Tuberculosis, and H1N1 Influenza) in Canadian Arctic Indigenous Communities.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857454},
issn = {1660-4601},
support = {FRN 172676/CAPMC/CIHR/Canada ; N/A//Hoffman-La Roche Limited/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology ; *Social Determinants of Health ; Arctic Regions ; Canada/epidemiology ; *Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; *Tuberculosis/epidemiology/ethnology ; *Influenza, Human/epidemiology ; Indigenous Canadians ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Indigenous Peoples ; },
abstract = {Social determinants of health (SDHs) and the impact of colonization can make Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities susceptible to infectious diseases, including the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This scoping review followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and studied what is known about selected pandemics (COVID-19, tuberculosis, and H1N1 influenza) and SDHs (healthcare accessibility, food insecurity, mental health, cultural continuity, housing, community infrastructure, and socioeconomic status (SES)) for Canadian Arctic Indigenous communities. Original studies published in English and French up to October 2024 were located in databases (PubMed, Medline, and CINAHL), AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, and through reference tracking. We included 118 studies: 6 relating to COVID-19, 5 to influenza, 5 to TB, 27 to food insecurity, 26 to healthcare access, 22 to mental health, 9 to SES, 8 to housing, 7 to cultural continuity, and 3 to community infrastructure. SDHs affecting Indigenous individuals include food insecurity, limited healthcare access, mental health challenges, low SES, suboptimal housing, and limited cultural continuity. These findings are relevant to other Arctic regions. It is crucial to understand how SDHs impact the health of Arctic communities and to utilize this information to inform policy and practice decisions for pandemic prevention, management, and treatment. Many SDHs pose challenges for preventing and managing infectious diseases.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/psychology
*Social Determinants of Health
Arctic Regions
Canada/epidemiology
*Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
*Tuberculosis/epidemiology/ethnology
*Influenza, Human/epidemiology
Indigenous Canadians
SARS-CoV-2
Indigenous Peoples

@article {pmid39857166,
year = {2025},
author = {Karimi, SM and Khan, SM and Moghadami, M and Parh, MYA and Shakib, SH and Zarei, H and Poursafargholi, S and Little, BB},
title = {Multidimensional Demographic Analyses of COVID-19 Vaccine Inequality in the United States: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857166},
issn = {2227-9032},
support = {OGMB220965//Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: COVID-19 vaccination uptake is associated with demographic characteristics such as age, sex, and ethnicity-race in the United States (U.S.). Prior research predominantly analyzed COVID-19 vaccination uptake unidimensionally, limiting insights into multidimensional demographic inequalities. Multidimensional studies provide a closer insight into vaccination inequality and assist in designing more effective vaccination strategies.

OBJECTIVES: Review descriptive studies of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake across combinations of at least two of the three key demographic characteristics: age, sex, and ethnicity-race in the U.S.

METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and adhering to the PRISMA-ScR principles for reporting. Six impartial reviewers examined all of the papers. The data were obtained using a tailored data extraction template.

RESULTS: A total of 2793 records were initially downloaded, 461 of them were dropped for duplication, and 2332 were reviewed. Based on the title and abstract reviews, 2115 records were excluded. After reviewing the full text of the remaining records, 212 more records were excluded. The remaining six records were reviewed to identify and compare their population, study period, data, the studied dose number, methodology, and results.

CONCLUSIONS: Multidimensional COVID-19 vaccine uptake analyses are rare and mostly focused on the dose-one vaccination. Improving researchers' access to immunization registry data while preserving data security is a prerequisite for such analyses.},
}

@article {pmid39857123,
year = {2025},
author = {Ferrara, E and Scaramuzzino, M and Murmura, G and D'Addazio, G and Sinjari, B},
title = {Emerging Evidence on Balneotherapy and Thermal Interventions in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857123},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects 10-60% of SARS-CoV-2 survivors. While conventional treatments show limited efficacy, emerging evidence suggests the potential benefits of balneotherapy in managing persistent symptoms. We aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy and thermal treatment interventions in treating post-COVID-19 syndrome.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching major databases through 31 January 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and pilot studies investigating thermal spa treatments for adult post-COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS: Analysis of six eligible studies (n = 617) demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits. The largest cohort (n = 159) showed 47% reduction in fatigue and 48% reduction in muscle pain (p < 0.01). Comprehensive spa therapy achieved complete symptom resolution in one-third of the participants. Combined spa-ubiquinol therapy improved metabolic function (p < 0.05). All interventions demonstrated favorable safety profiles.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests balneotherapy effectively ameliorates multiple post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly fatigue, muscle pain, and exercise intolerance. While safety profiles appear favorable, larger randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols are needed to establish definitive therapeutic recommendations.},
}

@article {pmid39857114,
year = {2025},
author = {Eldien, HMS and Almaeen, AH and El Fath, AA and Taha, AE and Ahmed, R and Elfadil, H and Hetta, HF},
title = {Unlocking the Potential of RNA Sequencing in COVID-19: Toward Accurate Diagnosis and Personalized Medicine.},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857114},
issn = {2075-4418},
support = {(DSR 2020-04-2621)//Deanship of Scientific Research at Jouf University through research/ ; },
abstract = {COVID-19 has caused widespread morbidity and mortality, with its effects extending to multiple organ systems. Despite known risk factors for severe disease, including advanced age and underlying comorbidities, patient outcomes can vary significantly. This variability complicates efforts to predict disease progression and tailor treatment strategies. While diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are still under debate, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) has emerged as a promising tool to provide deeper insights into the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and guide personalized treatment. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and relevant keywords to identify studies that explored the role of RNAseq in COVID-19 diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics. RNAseq has proven instrumental in identifying molecular biomarkers associated with disease severity in patients with COVID-19. It allows for the differentiation between asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals and sheds light on the immune response mechanisms that contribute to disease progression. In critically ill patients, RNAseq has been crucial for identifying key genes that may predict patient outcomes, guiding therapeutic decisions, and assessing the long-term effects of the virus. Additionally, RNAseq has helped in understanding the persistence of viral RNA after recovery, offering new insights into the management of post-acute sequelae, including long COVID. RNA sequencing significantly improves COVID-19 management, particularly for critically ill patients, by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and predicting therapeutic responses. It refines patient stratification, improving outcomes, and holds promise for targeted interventions in both acute and long COVID.},
}

@article {pmid39857007,
year = {2025},
author = {Lakshmanan, K and Liu, BM},
title = {Impact of Point-of-Care Testing on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Viral Infections.},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {39857007},
issn = {2075-4418},
support = {P30 AI117970/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; U54 AI150225/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; P30AI117970; U54AI150225/GF/NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {With the advent of a variety of vaccines against viral infections, there are multiple viruses that can be prevented via vaccination. However, breakthrough infections or uncovered strains can still cause vaccine-preventable viral infections (VPVIs). Therefore, timely diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of these viruses is critical to patient care and public health. Point-of-care (POC) viral diagnostics tools have brought significant improvements in the detection and management of VPVIs. These cutting-edge technologies enable prompt and accurate results, enhancing patient care by facilitating timely treatment decisions. This review delves into the advancements in POC testing, including antigen/antibody detection and molecular assays, while focusing on their impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of VPVIs such as mpox, viral hepatitis, influenza, flaviviruses (dengue, Zika, and yellow fever virus), and COVID-19. The role of POC tests in monitoring viral infection is crucial for tracking disease progression and managing outbreaks. Furthermore, the application of POC diagnostics has shown to be vital for public health strategies. In this review, we also highlight emerging POC technologies such as CRISPR-based diagnostics and smartphone-integrated POC devices, which have proven particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings. We underscore the importance of continued research to optimize these diagnostic tools for wider global use for mpox, viral hepatitis, influenza, dengue, and COVID-19, while also addressing current challenges related to their sensitivity, specificity, availability, efficiency, and more.},
}

@article {pmid39856670,
year = {2025},
author = {Bouchlaghem, MA and Estey-Amyot, Z and Ethier, E and Anohim, M and Ouellet-Pelletier, ML and Langlois, L and Pageau, F},
title = {Ethical issues raised in the care of the elderly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and possible solutions for the future: a systematic review of qualitative scientific literature.},
journal = {BMC medical ethics},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {10},
pmid = {39856670},
issn = {1472-6939},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Qualitative Research ; Pandemics/ethics ; Health Services for the Aged/ethics ; Health Personnel/ethics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has led governments worldwide to make ethically controversial decisions. As a result, healthcare professionals are facing several ethical dilemmas, especially in terms of healthcare services provided to senior citizens. Thus, the aim of this review is to identify and categorize ethical dilemmas as well as propose solutions regarding health care services for elderly individuals.

METHODS: A qualitative systematic review of the literature was undertaken in the first tier of the pandemic. All identified scientific and editorial articles published in English or French between December 2019 and October 2021 were included. An article was excluded if it was commercial, did not address an issue in the care of the elderly or present any qualitative data. Article eligibility was determined through a process of triangulation among three independent reviewers.

RESULTS: Initially, 69 articles met our inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. These studies can be divided into 2 distinct categories: scientific articles (17 studies) and expert opinion articles (52 articles). However, due to the large quantity of qualitative data that was extracted, only the results from the scientific literature are presented here. The analysis of the data of 17 studies has allowed the emergence of 2 main themes of ethical dilemmas: 1) access to care (3 subthemes: A) triage decisions for admission, B) access to the intensive care unit and C) vaccine allocation) and 2) infection control decisions (2 subthemes: (D) isolation and E) autonomy). Our results also revealed 4 categories of potential solutions to the encountered ethical dilemmas, namely, optimal protocols, enhanced communication, caregiver support and technological assistance (virtual team-based, AI).

CONCLUSIONS: The ethical dilemmas that emerged from our results highlight the interest of a serious international discussion around the phenomena of ageism and its potential ethical implications for health care workers (be it under normal circumstances or exceptional circumstances such as those of a pandemic). We highly recommend that future research be undertaken to test the efficacy of the proposed solutions in providing age-friendly, dilemma-free health care and environments.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Aged
*SARS-CoV-2
Qualitative Research
Pandemics/ethics
Health Services for the Aged/ethics
Health Personnel/ethics

@article {pmid39856588,
year = {2025},
author = {Bou Sanayeh, E and Al Mahmasani, L and Khamis, Z and Barakat, S and El Chamieh, C and Khattar, G and Matar, A and Kreidieh, F and Temraz, S},
title = {COVID-19 associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: a case report and review of the literature.},
journal = {Expert review of hematology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1080/17474086.2025.2459260},
pmid = {39856588},
issn = {1747-4094},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication whose association with COVID-19 is controversial. Understanding this connection is essential due to its significant impact on patient outcomes, and timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in managing this condition effectively.

AREAS COVERED: This paper presents a case of TTP triggered by COVID-19 infection in a 48-year-old female. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases, from inception through August 2024, to identify all published cases of COVID-19-associated TTP. The literature search focused on adult cases of TTP secondary to COVID-19 infection, highlighting the treatments used and patient outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION: In this report, we highlight the importance of recognizing TTP as a possible complication of COVID-19. While the standard treatment for TTP - plasma exchange and corticosteroids - remains the primary approach, we note that COVID-19-related cases exhibit a high risk of early relapse, as seen in our patient. The literature review suggests that TTP triggered by COVID-19 may have unique characteristics, such as a persistent low ADAMTS13 activity and increased relapse rates. Larger studies are necessary to develop optimal treatment guidelines and understand whether the presence of COVID-19 alters the typical clinical course of TTP.},
}

@article {pmid39856560,
year = {2025},
author = {Dykgraaf, SH and Parkinson, A and Wright, M and Wong, WCW and Desborough, J and Ball, L and Sturgiss, E and Dut, GM and Barnes, K and Butler, D and Davis, S and Douglas, K and Kendir, C and Martin, D and Marten, R and Rouleau, K and Barkley, S and de Toca, L and Kidd, M},
title = {Ten pressure points in primary care during COVID-19: findings from an international narrative review.},
journal = {BMC primary care},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {19},
pmid = {39856560},
issn = {2731-4553},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *Primary Health Care/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Strong primary care (PC) services are the foundation of high-performing health care systems and can support effective responses to public health emergencies. Primary care practitioners (PCPs) and PC services played crucial roles in supporting global health system responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these contributions have come at a cost, impacting on PC services and affecting patient care. This secondary analysis of data from an integrative systematic review across international PC settings aimed to identify and describe burdens and challenges experienced by PCPs and PC services in the context of their contributions to COVID-19 pandemic responses.

METHODS: We conducted an integrative systematic review and narrative analysis, searching PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Proquest Central and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, plus reference lists of key publications. Included studies were published in peer-reviewed English or Chinese language journals, and described collective responses to COVID-19 undertaken in PC settings or by PCPs. Narrative data regarding impacts on PC services and challenges experienced by PCPs were extracted and analysed using inductive coding and thematic analysis.

RESULTS: From 1745 screened papers 108, representing 90 countries, were included. Seventy-eight contained data on negative impacts, challenges or issues encountered in PC. Ten 'pressure points' affecting PC during COVID-19 were identified, clustered in four themes: demand to adopt new ways of working; pressure to respond to fluctuating community needs; strain on PC resources and systems; and ambiguity in interactions with the broader health and social care system.

CONCLUSIONS: PCPs and PC services made critical functional contributions to health system responsiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, both practitioners and PC settings were individually and collectively impacted during this period as a result of changing demands in the PC environment and the operational burden of additional requirements imposed on the sector, offering lessons for future pandemics. This study articulates ten empirically derived 'pressure points' that provide an initial understanding of burdens and demands imposed on the international primary care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of these contributions should inform future pandemic planning, guided by involvement of PCPs in public health preparedness and policy design.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*Primary Health Care/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics

@article {pmid39855660,
year = {2025},
author = {Abebe, GF and Alie, MS and Yosef, T and Asmelash, D and Dessalegn, D and Adugna, A and Girma, D},
title = {Role of digital technology in epidemic control: a scoping review on COVID-19 and Ebola.},
journal = {BMJ open},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {e095007},
pmid = {39855660},
issn = {2044-6055},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Digital Technology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Contact Tracing/methods ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the role of digital technologies in epidemic control and prevention, focussing on Ebola and COVID-19.

DESIGN: A scoping review.

DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was done on PubMed, HINARI, Web of Science, Google Scholar and a direct Google search until 10 September 2024.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all qualitative and quantitative studies, conference papers or abstracts, anonymous reports, editorial reports and viewpoints published in English.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist was used to select the included study. Data analysis was performed using Gale's framework thematic analysis method, resulting in the identification of key themes.

RESULTS: A total of 64 articles that examined the role of digital technology in the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics were included in the final review. Five main themes emerged: digital epidemiological surveillance (using data visualisation tools and online sources for early disease detection), rapid case identification, community transmission prevention (via digital contact tracing and assessing interventions with mobility data), public education messages and clinical care. The identified barriers encompassed legal, ethical and privacy concerns, as well as organisational and workforce challenges.

CONCLUSION: Digital technologies have proven good for disease prevention and control during pandemics. While the adoption of these technologies has lagged in public health compared with other sectors, tools such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, wearable devices and data analytics offer significant potential to enhance epidemic responses. However, barriers to widespread implementation remain, and investments in digital infrastructure, training and strong data protection are needed to build trust among users. Future efforts should focus on integrating digital solutions into health systems, ensuring equitable access and addressing ethical concerns. As public health increasingly embraces digital innovations, collaboration among stakeholders will be crucial for effective pandemic preparedness and management.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Digital Technology
SARS-CoV-2
Contact Tracing/methods

@article {pmid39854914,
year = {2025},
author = {Fragoso-Saavedra, M and Liu, Q},
title = {Towards developing multistrain PEDV vaccines: Integrating basic concepts and SARS-CoV-2 pan-sarbecovirus strategies.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {604},
number = {},
pages = {110412},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2025.110412},
pmid = {39854914},
issn = {1096-0341},
abstract = {Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a major pathogen impacting the global pig industry, with outbreaks causing significant financial losses. The genetic variability of PEDV has posed challenges for vaccine development since its identification in the 1970s, a problem that intensified with its global emergence in the 2010s. Since current vaccines provide limited cross-protection against PEDV strains, and the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines remains an underexplored area of research, there is an urgent need for improved vaccine solutions. The rapid development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines and ongoing pan-sarbecovirus vaccine research, have demonstrated the potential of next-generation vaccine platforms and novel antigen design strategies. These advancements offer valuable insights for the development of multistrain PEDV vaccines. This review summarizes key aspects of PEDV virology and explores multistrain vaccine development considering SARS-CoV-2 vaccine innovations, proposing a framework for developing next-generation PEDV vaccine solutions.},
}

@article {pmid39681293,
year = {2025},
author = {Meerovich, G and Kogan, E and Romanishkin, I and Zharkov, N and Avraamova, S and Shchelokova, E and Akhlyustina, E and Strakhovskaya, M and Meerovich, I and Demura, S and Tiganova, I and Romanova, Y and Chen, ZL and Reshetov, I},
title = {Potential of photodynamic therapy using polycationic photosensitizers in the treatment of lung cancer patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and bacterial complications: Our recent experience.},
journal = {Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy},
volume = {51},
number = {},
pages = {104447},
doi = {10.1016/j.pdpdt.2024.104447},
pmid = {39681293},
issn = {1873-1597},
mesh = {*Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use ; *Photochemotherapy/methods ; Humans ; *Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/complications ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Polyelectrolytes ; },
abstract = {The problem of treating cancer patients with lung cancer has become more difficult due to the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and concomitant bacterial lesions. The analysis shows that the photodynamic effect of long-wavelength polycationic photosensitizers suppresses the tumor process (including the destruction of cancer stem cells), SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including those that can cause pneumonia. Therefore, the photodynamic approach using such photosensitizers is promising for the development of an effective treatment method for patients with lung cancer, including those with SARS-CoV-2 infection and bacterial complications.},
}

*Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use
*Photochemotherapy/methods
Humans
*Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/complications
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
Polyelectrolytes

@article {pmid39644586,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, H and Xu, S and Li, P and Ruan, W},
title = {The battle between infectious bronchitis virus and innate immunity: A mini review.},
journal = {Virology},
volume = {603},
number = {},
pages = {110321},
doi = {10.1016/j.virol.2024.110321},
pmid = {39644586},
issn = {1096-0341},
mesh = {*Infectious bronchitis virus/immunology/genetics ; *Immunity, Innate ; Animals ; *Coronavirus Infections/immunology/virology/veterinary ; Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology ; Immune Evasion ; Poultry Diseases/virology/immunology ; Interferons/immunology/metabolism/genetics ; Virus Replication ; },
abstract = {Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is the causative agent of infectious bronchitis (IB), leading to acute or persistent infections in poultry. IBV triggers innate immune response, and the production of interferon (IFN) varies depending on the viral strains and host cell types. To evade the host immune system, IBV has developed numerous immune escape strategies. These include hijacking host proteins, modulating protein synthesis, antagonizing IFN production, promoting autophagosome formation and expansion, manipulating apoptosis, blocking antigen presentation, stabilizing viral mRNA, and inhibiting stress granule (SG) formation. The ongoing interaction between IBV and the host immune system reflects a dynamic battle, as the virus employs various tactics to ensure its replication. Understanding these pathogenic mechanisms of IBV is crucial for developing effective control measures.},
}

*Infectious bronchitis virus/immunology/genetics
*Immunity, Innate
Animals
*Coronavirus Infections/immunology/virology/veterinary
Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
Immune Evasion
Poultry Diseases/virology/immunology
Interferons/immunology/metabolism/genetics
Virus Replication

@article {pmid39854809,
year = {2025},
author = {Maliha, ST and Fatemi, R and Akter, M and Zheng, Q and Araf, Y and Tabassum, T and Munif, MR and Saha, S and Xue, M and Wang, H and Zheng, C and Hossain, MG},
title = {Exploring the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV Co-infection: Mutation risks, therapeutic efficacy, and future variant prevention.},
journal = {Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease},
volume = {111},
number = {3},
pages = {116707},
doi = {10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2025.116707},
pmid = {39854809},
issn = {1879-0070},
abstract = {High mutation rates in SARS-CoV-2, particularly among immunocompromised patients living with HIV, continue to complicate the current COVID-19 pandemic. The threshold for severe COVID-19 and a greater risk of mortality have increased in many immunocompromised individuals due to a weakened immune system. Low CD4+ T-cell counts in people living with both HIV and COVID-19 lead to prolonged disease duration and, therefore, an increased likelihood of viral infection with SARS-CoV-2 mutations in such individuals. These mutations could decrease the efficiency of ongoing vaccines and cause new outbreaks. Recently, the rise of new mutations in this patient population has created increasing concern; however, few data are currently available on the direct association of HIV infection with SARS-CoV-2 mutations. This review highlights the implications of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV co-infection, highlighting the need for extra caution and monitoring of the immune-compromised population during a pandemic. Access to HIV care and COVID-19 treatments, careful surveillance, and adapted health strategies are key to reducing risks and protecting these populations. Further research is required to elucidate the dynamics of mutations and develop intervention methods to manage COVID-19 among immunocompromised patients.},
}

@article {pmid39854158,
year = {2025},
author = {Lau, RI and Su, Q and Ng, SC},
title = {Long COVID and gut microbiome: insights into pathogenesis and therapeutics.},
journal = {Gut microbes},
volume = {17},
number = {1},
pages = {2457495},
pmid = {39854158},
issn = {1949-0984},
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Humans ; *Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; *COVID-19/therapy/microbiology ; *Probiotics/therapeutic use ; *Dysbiosis/therapy/microbiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Prebiotics/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 syndrome (PACS), following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is typically characterized by long-term debilitating symptoms affecting multiple organs and systems. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of effective treatment strategies. Altered gut microbiome has been proposed as one of the plausible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of PACS; extensive studies have emerged to bridge the gap between the persistent symptoms and the dysbiosis of gut microbiome. Recent clinical trials have indicated that gut microbiome modulation using probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) led to improvements in multiple symptoms related to PACS, including fatigue, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, gastrointestinal upset, and disturbances in sleep and mood. In this review, we highlight the latest evidence on the key microbial alterations observed in PACS, as well as the use of microbiome-based therapeutics in managing PACS symptoms. These novel findings altogether shed light on the treatment of PACS and other chronic conditions.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans
*Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
*COVID-19/therapy/microbiology
*Probiotics/therapeutic use
*Dysbiosis/therapy/microbiology
*SARS-CoV-2
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Prebiotics/administration & dosage

@article {pmid39853876,
year = {2025},
author = {Wu, Y and He, L and Li, R and Li, J and Zhao, Q and Shao, B},
title = {A20 as a Potential Therapeutic Target for COVID-19.},
journal = {Immunity, inflammation and disease},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {e70127},
pmid = {39853876},
issn = {2050-4527},
support = {//This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82171003)./ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3/genetics/metabolism ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology ; Cytokines/immunology/metabolism ; Inflammation/immunology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a major concern due to its astonishing prevalence and high fatality rate, especially among elderly people. Patients suffering from COVID-19 may exhibit immunosuppression in the initial stage of infection, while a cytokine storm can occur when the disease progresses to a severe stage. This inopportune immune rhythm not only makes patients more susceptible to the virus but also leads to numerous complications resulting from the excessive production of inflammatory factors. A20, which is widely accepted as a pivotal regulator of inflammation, has been shown to be implicated in the processes of antiviral responses and immunosuppression. Thus, A20 may participate in regulating the pathological processes of COVID-19.

METHODS: This narrative literature review summarizes recent evidence on the mechanisms of A20 in regulating the pathological processes of COVID-19. We also downloaded single-cell RNA-seq data sets from healthy individuals and patients with varying severities of COVID-19 from the NCBI GEO database to further dissect A20's regulatory mechanisms of these intricate cytokine pathways that are closely associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

RESULTS: A20 might be one of the most critical anti-infectious and anti-inflammatory factors involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. It effectively suppresses the immune damage and inflammatory storm caused by viral infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the relationship between A20-regulated signaling pathways and pathological processes of COVID-19 can provide insight into potential targets for intervention. Precise regulation of A20 to induce antiviral activity and an anti-inflammatory response could mediate the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and could become an effective treatment.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha-Induced Protein 3/genetics/metabolism
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Cytokine Release Syndrome/immunology
Cytokines/immunology/metabolism
Inflammation/immunology

@article {pmid39853516,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, L and Wang, Y and Zuo, Y},
title = {Associated factors related to production of autoantibodies and dermo-epidermal separation in bullous pemphigoid.},
journal = {Archives of dermatological research},
volume = {317},
number = {1},
pages = {303},
pmid = {39853516},
issn = {1432-069X},
support = {2022-PUMCH-B-092//National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding/ ; 2022-PUMCH-B-092//National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding/ ; 2022-PUMCH-B-092//National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding/ ; 7232118//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; 7232118//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; 7232118//Beijing Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology/diagnosis ; Humans ; *Autoantibodies/immunology ; COVID-19/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Epidermis/immunology/pathology ; },
abstract = {Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a debilitating autoimmune skin blistering disease, characterized by the deposition of specific autoantibodies at the dermal-epidermal junction. This leads to an inflammatory cascade involving the activation of complement proteins, mast cell degranulation, immune cell recruitment, and the release of proteases by granulocytes. While several cytokines and signaling pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BP, the precise mechanism behind autoantibody production remains unclear. A variety of factors, including natural aging, genetic polymorphisms, microbiota, medications, vaccinations, and infection, may contribute to disease onset. Recent evidence also suggests that both vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 and infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 may also play a role in BP's development. This review aims to elucidate the mechanism underlying the production of autoantibodies in BP, address gaps in understanding disease progression, and explore opportunities for improving diagnosis and prognosis to enhance patient care.},
}

*Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology/diagnosis
Humans
*Autoantibodies/immunology
COVID-19/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Epidermis/immunology/pathology

@article {pmid39852835,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeon, J and Kim, E},
title = {Exploring Future Pandemic Preparedness Through the Development of Preventive Vaccine Platforms and the Key Roles of International Organizations in a Global Health Crisis.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852835},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {NRF2021R1F1A1062044//Ministry of Science and ICT/ ; 2021R1A6A1A03044296//the Ministry of Education/ ; },
abstract = {Background: The emergence of more than 40 new infectious diseases since the 1980s has emerged as a serious global health concern, many of which are zoonotic. In response, many international organizations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have developed strategies to combat these health threats. The need for rapid vaccine development has been highlighted by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and mRNA technology has shown promise as a platform. While the acceleration of vaccine development has been successful, concerns have been raised about the technical limits, safety, supply, and distribution of vaccines. Objective: This study analyzes the status of vaccine platform development in global pandemics and explores ways to respond to future pandemic crises through an overview of the roles of international organizations and their support programs. It examines the key roles and partnerships of international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccine research and development expertise of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and technology transfer capabilities of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) in supporting the development, production, and supply of vaccine platform technologies for pandemic priority diseases announced by WHO and CEPI and analyzes their vaccine support programs and policies to identify effective ways to rapidly respond to future pandemics caused by emerging infectious diseases. Methods: This study focused on vaccine platform technology and the key roles of international organizations in the pandemic crisis. Literature data on vaccine platform development was collected, compared, and analyzed through national and international literature data search sites, referring to articles, journals, research reports, publications, books, guidelines, clinical trial data, and related reports. In addition, the websites of international vaccine support organizations, such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI, were used to examine vaccine support projects, initiatives, and collaborations through literature reviews and case study methods. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic brought focus on the necessity for developing innovative vaccine platforms. Despite initial concerns, the swift integration of cutting-edge development technologies, mass production capabilities, and global collaboration have made messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines a game-changing technology. As a result of the successful application of novel vaccine platforms, it is important to address the remaining challenges, including technical limits, safety concerns, and equitable global distribution. To achieve this, it is essential to review the regulatory, policy, and support initiatives that have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with particular emphasis on the key stages of vaccine development, production, and distribution, to prepare for future pandemics. An analysis of the status of vaccine development for priority pandemic diseases implies the need for balanced vaccine platform development. Also, international organizations such as WHO, CEPI, GAVI, and IVI play key roles in pandemic preparedness and the development and distribution of preventive vaccines. These organizations collaborated to improve accessibility to vaccines, strengthen the global response to infectious diseases, and address global health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic response demonstrates how the synergistic collaboration of WHO's standardized guidelines, CEPI's vaccine research and development expertise, GAVI's control of the vaccine supply chain and distribution, and IVI's technology transfer capabilities can be united to create a successful process for vaccine development and distribution. Conclusions: In preparation for future pandemics, a balanced vaccine platform development is essential. It should include a balanced investment in both novel technologies such as mRNA and viral vector-based vaccines and traditional platforms. The goal is to develop vaccine platform technologies that can be applied to emerging infectious diseases efficiently and increase manufacturing and distribution capabilities for future pandemics. Moreover, international vaccine support organizations should play key roles in setting the direction of global networking and preparing for international vaccine support programs to address the limitations of previous pandemic responses. As a result, by transforming future pandemic threats from unpredictable crises to surmountable challenges, it is expected to strengthen global health systems and reduce the social and economic burden of emerging infectious diseases in the long term.},
}

@article {pmid39852823,
year = {2025},
author = {Okay, S},
title = {COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Various Segments of the Population in Turkey: A Literature Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852823},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {Vaccine hesitancy, which refers to the reluctance to be vaccinated, poses a major risk to public health in preventing infectious diseases. This hesitancy has been evident for many years, especially regarding childhood vaccines. The main factors contributing to this hesitancy include religious or personal beliefs, concerns about safety and efficacy, and desire to receive more information from healthcare providers. This literature review examines hesitancy regarding COVID-19 vaccines in different population segments in Turkey. Hesitancy rates and reasons in the general population and specific groups such as pregnant women, parents, healthcare workers and students were presented based on published research articles. Approximately half of the Turkish population declared their hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines. A negative correlation was found between vaccine hesitancy and health literacy. The relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and religiosity was also investigated. Age is another factor affecting this vaccine hesitancy. Older age was shown to be correlated with positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, participants with positive attitudes towards other vaccines, those with chronic diseases and those with a personal history of COVID-19 were more likely to have positive perceptions of COVID-19 vaccines. Higher life satisfaction and non-smoking status were associated with a higher likelihood of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Increased scientific data on the efficacy and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines and more information from healthcare professionals would likely reduce the hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines.},
}

@article {pmid39852816,
year = {2025},
author = {Pennisi, F and D'Amelio, AC and Cuciniello, R and Borlini, S and Mirzaian, L and Ricciardi, GE and Minerva, M and Gianfredi, V and Signorelli, C},
title = {Post-Vaccination Anaphylaxis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852816},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vaccines have been recognized as one of the most effective public health interventions. However, vaccine-associated anaphylaxis, although rare, is a serious adverse reaction. The incidence of anaphylaxis related to non-COVID-19 vaccines in adults remains underreported. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the incidence of post-vaccination anaphylaxis across various vaccines in adults.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science identified studies on anaphylaxis following vaccination in adults (≥18 years), excluding COVID-19 vaccines. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO in advance (ID CRD42024566928). Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to pool data and estimate the logit proportion, with the logit-transformed proportion serving as the effect size, thereby allowing for the calculation of event rates.

RESULTS: A total of 37 studies were included in the systematic review, with 22 studies contributing to the meta-analysis, representing a combined population of 206,855,261 participants. Most studies focused on influenza vaccines (n = 15). Across all studies, 262 anaphylactic cases were reported, with 153 cases related to influenza vaccines, followed by herpes zoster virus vaccines (38 cases) and yellow fever vaccines (29 cases). Td/Tdap vaccine had the lowest rate (0.0001 per 100,000 participants). The overall random-effects model yielded a logit proportion of -10.45 (95% CI: -12.09 to -8.82, p < 0.001), corresponding to an event rate of 2.91 events per 100,000 subjects (95% CI: 0.56 to 14.73). Sensitivity analysis showed a higher incidence for influenza, hepatitis vaccines, and in vulnerable populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Anaphylaxis following vaccination in adults is rare but varies by vaccine type. Strengthened monitoring and preparedness are essential, especially in non-medical settings, to ensure a rapid response to anaphylaxis and maintain public confidence in vaccination programs.},
}

@article {pmid39852809,
year = {2024},
author = {Chentoufi, AA and Ulmer, JB and BenMohamed, L},
title = {Antigen Delivery Platforms for Next-Generation Coronavirus Vaccines.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852809},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {R41 AI138764/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI143348/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R43 AI174383/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI158060/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; AI158060, AI150091, AI143348, AI147499, AI143326, AI138764, AI124911, AI110902, R43AI174383/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R43 AI124911/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 AI150091/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI143326/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI110902/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI147499/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is in its sixth year and is being maintained by the inability of current spike-alone-based COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission leading to the continuous emergence of variants and sub-variants of concern (VOCs). This underscores the critical need for next-generation broad-spectrum pan-Coronavirus vaccines (pan-CoV vaccine) to break this cycle and end the pandemic. The development of a pan-CoV vaccine offering protection against a wide array of VOCs requires two key elements: (1) identifying protective antigens that are highly conserved between passed, current, and future VOCs; and (2) developing a safe and efficient antigen delivery system for induction of broad-based and long-lasting B- and T-cell immunity. This review will (1) present the current state of antigen delivery platforms involving a multifaceted approach, including bioinformatics, molecular and structural biology, immunology, and advanced computational methods; (2) discuss the challenges facing the development of safe and effective antigen delivery platforms; and (3) highlight the potential of nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) as the platform that is well suited to the needs of a next-generation pan-CoV vaccine, such as the ability to induce broad-based immunity and amenable to large-scale manufacturing to safely provide durable protective immunity against current and future Coronavirus threats.},
}

@article {pmid39852796,
year = {2024},
author = {Angius, F and Puxeddu, S and Zaimi, S and Canton, S and Nematollahzadeh, S and Pibiri, A and Delogu, I and Alvisi, G and Moi, ML and Manzin, A},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Evolution: Implications for Diagnosis, Treatment, Vaccine Effectiveness and Development.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852796},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {PE00000007, INF-ACT//NextGeneration EU-MUR PNRR/ ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the rapid evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents ongoing challenges to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by rapidly evolving mutations, especially in (but not limited to) the spike protein, complicating predictions about its evolutionary trajectory. These mutations have significantly affected transmissibility, immune evasion, and vaccine efficacy, leading to multiple pandemic waves with over half a billion cases and seven million deaths globally. Despite several strategies, from rapid vaccine development and administration to the design and availability of antivirals, including monoclonal antibodies, already having been employed, the persistent circulation of the virus and the emergence of new variants continue to result in high case numbers and fatalities. In the past four years, immense research efforts have contributed much to our understanding of the viral pathogenesis mechanism, the COVID-19 syndrome, and the host-microbe interactions, leading to the development of effective vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments. The focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the functional impact of mutations on diagnosis, treatments, and vaccine effectiveness. We further discuss vaccine safety in pregnancy and the implications of hybrid immunity on long-term protection against infection, as well as the latest developments on a pan-coronavirus vaccine and nasal formulations, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance, research, and adaptive public health strategies in response to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 evolution race.},
}

@article {pmid39852788,
year = {2024},
author = {Lau, CS and Oh, HML and Aw, TC},
title = {Reflections on COVID-19: A Literature Review of SARS-CoV-2 Testing.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852788},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {Although the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has ended, there are still many important lessons we can learn, as the pandemic profoundly affected every area of laboratory practice. During the pandemic, extensive changes to laboratory staffing had to be implemented, as many healthcare institutions required regular screening of all healthcare staff. Several studies examined the effectiveness of different screening regimens and concluded that repeated testing, even with lower sensitivity tests, could rival the performance of gold-standard RT-PCR testing in the detection of new cases. Many assay evaluations were performed both in the earlier and later periods of the pandemic. They included both nucleocapsid/spike antibodies and automated antigen assays. Early in the pandemic, it was generally agreed that the initial nucleocapsid antibody assays had poor sensitivity when used before 14 days of disease onset, with total or IgG antibodies being preferred over the use of IgM. Spike antibody assays gradually replaced nucleocapsid antibody assays, as most people were vaccinated. Spike antibodies tracked the rise in antibodies after vaccination with mRNA vaccines and became invaluable in the assessment of vaccine response. Studies demonstrated robust antibody secretion with each vaccine dose and could last for several months post-vaccination. When antigen testing was introduced, they became effective tools to identify affected patients when used serially or in an orthogonal fashion with RT-PCR testing. Despite the numerous findings during the pandemic period, research in COVID-19 has slowed. To this day it is difficult to identify a true neutralizing antibody test for the virus. An appropriate antibody level that would confer protective immunity against the plethora of new variants remains elusive. We hope that a summary of events during the pandemic could provide important insights to consider in planning for the next viral pandemic.},
}

@article {pmid39852780,
year = {2024},
author = {Song, S and Gan, J and Long, Q and Gao, Z and Zheng, Y},
title = {Decoding NAD+ Metabolism in COVID-19: Implications for Immune Modulation and Therapy.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852780},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {2023J01016//Fujian Province Science and Technology Association/ ; },
abstract = {The persistent threat of COVID-19, particularly with the emergence of new variants, underscores the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antiviral treatments. Current immunotherapies, including IL-6/IL-6R monoclonal antibodies and JAK inhibitors, exhibit suboptimal efficacy, necessitating alternative approaches. Our review delves into the significance of NAD+ metabolism in COVID-19 pathology, marked by decreased NAD+ levels and upregulated NAD+-consuming enzymes such as CD38 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Recognizing NAD+'s pivotal role in energy metabolism and immune modulation, we propose modulating NAD+ homeostasis could bolster the host's defensive capabilities against the virus. The article reviews the scientific rationale behind targeting NAD+ pathways for therapeutic benefit, utilizing strategies such as NAD+ precursor supplementation and enzyme inhibition to modulate immune function. While preliminary data are encouraging, the challenge lies in optimizing these interventions for clinical use. Future research should aim to unravel the intricate roles of key metabolites and enzymes in NAD+ metabolism and to elucidate their specific mechanisms of action. This will be essential for developing targeted NAD+ therapies, potentially transforming the management of COVID-19 and setting a precedent for addressing other infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid39852639,
year = {2025},
author = {MacLean, R and Durepos, P and Keeping-Burke, L and Witherspoon, R and Morris, P and Gibbons, C and Taylor, N and McCloskey, R},
title = {Education and Training on Infection Prevention and Control Provided by Long-Term Care Homes to Visitors: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Nursing reports (Pavia, Italy)},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39852639},
issn = {2039-4403},
support = {C0076//Public Health Agency of Canada/ ; },
abstract = {Objective: The objective of this study is to identify, examine, and map the literature on infection prevention and control (IPAC) education and training for visitors to long-term care (LTC) homes. Introduction: Visitor restrictions during infectious outbreaks in LTC homes aim to reduce virus transmission to vulnerable residents. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the negative impacts of such restrictions, prompting the need for IPAC education for visitors. Inclusion Criteria: This review includes research, narrative papers, and grey literature on IPAC education and training for LTC visitors. It focuses on intentional education aimed at preventing infection transmission. Studies not involving visitors or offered in other settings were excluded. Methods: Following the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, bibliographic databases (CINAHL, Embase, AgeLine, Medline, and ERIC) were searched from 1990 to present in English or French. Data were extracted by two reviewers, focusing on the educational content, delivery mode, frequency, timing, and qualifications of educators. A narrative summary and descriptive statistics were produced. Results: The 26 included documents contained guidelines, policies, educational resources, and opinion papers. Pre-2020, healthcare workers were responsible for educating visitors. Post-2020, more detailed recommendations emerged on the frequency, content, and delivery methods. Key topics included hand hygiene (92.3%), respiratory hygiene (80.8%), and PPE use (73.1%). Conclusions: IPAC education and training for LTC visitors is essential for safe visitation. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these educational interventions.},
}

@article {pmid38431196,
year = {2025},
author = {Madigan, S and Vaillancourt, T and Dimitropoulos, G and Premji, S and Kahlert, SM and Zumwalt, K and Korczak, DJ and von Ranson, KM and Pador, P and Ganshorn, H and Neville, RD},
title = {A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Child and Adolescent Healthcare Utilization for Eating Disorders During the COVID-19 Pandemic.},
journal = {Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry},
volume = {64},
number = {2},
pages = {158-171},
doi = {10.1016/j.jaac.2024.02.009},
pmid = {38431196},
issn = {1527-5418},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Adolescent ; *Feeding and Eating Disorders/epidemiology/therapy ; Child ; *Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Male ; Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis documenting healthcare service utilization rates for pediatric (age <19 years) eating disorders during compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD: PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for studies published up to May 19, 2023. Studies with pediatric visits to primary care, inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department for eating disorders before and during the pandemic were included. This preregistered review (PROSPERO CRD42023413392) was reported using PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed with random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS: A total of 52 studies reporting >148,000 child and adolescent eating disorder-related visits to >300 health settings across 15 countries were included (mean age, 12.7 years; SD = 4.1 years; 87% girls). There was strong evidence of an increase in healthcare use for eating disorders during the pandemic (rate ratio [RR] = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.38-1.71). Moderator analysis revealed larger rate increases among girls (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.28-1.71) compared to boys (RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.06-1.45) and for adolescents (age ≥12 to 19 years) (RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.29-1.81) compared to children (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.53-1.43). Moderator analysis demonstrated strong evidence of increased use of emergency department (RR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.48-1.97), inpatient (RR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.33-1.84), and outpatient (RR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.35-1.95) services, as well as strong evidence of increased rates of anorexia nervosa (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.24-1.75).

CONCLUSION: Healthcare use for pediatric eating disorders increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among girls and adolescents. It is important to continue to monitor whether changes in healthcare use associated with acute pediatric mental distress are sustained beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: In this study, the authors analyzed data from 52 studies from 15 countries and found a significant increase in healthcare utilization for eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings suggest a larger rate increase among adolescents as compared to children, in girls versus boys, and for anorexia nervosa in particular. Results also indicate increased use of emergency department, inpatient and outpatient services for eating disorders during the pandemic.

Risk factors for eating disorders for youth during the COVID-19 pandemic; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/; CRD42023413392.

One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as living with a disability. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Adolescent
*Feeding and Eating Disorders/epidemiology/therapy
Child
*Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data
Female
Male
Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data

@article {pmid37285904,
year = {2025},
author = {Petito, E and Gresele, P},
title = {Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Two Years Later: Should It Still Be on the Scientific Agenda?.},
journal = {Thrombosis and haemostasis},
volume = {125},
number = {2},
pages = {97-107},
doi = {10.1055/a-2107-0891},
pmid = {37285904},
issn = {2567-689X},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology/etiology ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) was recognized around 2 years ago, at the beginning of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) vaccination campaign, as a rare but life-threatening complication of adenoviral vector vaccines. Two years later, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been tamed, although not defeated, and the vaccines provoking VITT have been abandoned in most high-income countries, thus why should we still speak about VITT? Because a significant fraction of the world population has not been vaccinated yet, especially in low/middle-income countries that can only afford adenoviral vector-based vaccines, because the adenoviral vector platform is being used for the development of a large series of new vaccines for other transmissible diseases, and lastly because there are some clues suggesting that VITT may not be exclusive to anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Therefore, a deep understanding of this new syndrome is highly warranted as well as the awareness that we still miss some crucial insight into its pathophysiology and on some aspects of its management. This snapshot review aims to portray our knowledge on VITT, focusing on its clinical presentation, pathophysiological insight, diagnostic and management strategies, and to pinpoint the main unmet needs, highlighting the aspects on which research should focus in the near future.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects/immunology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology/etiology
Vaccination/adverse effects

@article {pmid39851466,
year = {2024},
author = {Imataka, G and Shiraishi, H},
title = {Youth Suicide in Japan: Exploring the Role of Subcultures, Internet Addiction, and Societal Pressures.},
journal = {Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39851466},
issn = {2079-9721},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Youth suicide remains a significant public health concern in Japan, driven by multifaceted factors such as academic pressures, social isolation, bullying, and family dysfunction. Recent societal changes, including the rise of internet addiction and subcultural influences from anime, manga, and gaming, have further shaped the psychological landscape of Japanese youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, intensifying feelings of loneliness and anxiety about the future.

METHODS: This study explores the impact of these factors on youth suicide risk through a systematic review of existing literature and statistical data, focusing on trends from 2000 to 2024.

RESULTS: In 2023, 513 school-aged youth in Japan died by suicide, marking persistently high rates. High school students accounted for the majority of cases, followed by middle and elementary school students. Key risk factors include intense academic expectations, cyberbullying, and internet addiction, which are often compounded by cultural stigmas surrounding mental health. Subcultures offer both solace and potential alienation, influencing youth emotions in complex ways. The COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened mental health issues and heightened suicide risks among this vulnerable group.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support systems tailored to Japanese cultural contexts. Recommendations include enhancing access to school-based counseling, promoting family-based interventions, and implementing policies to regulate harmful online content. Additionally, efforts must address cultural attitudes that stigmatize mental health care. Collaborative societal and policy-level interventions are crucial for mitigating youth suicide and fostering a supportive environment for young people in Japan.},
}

@article {pmid39850714,
year = {2025},
author = {Demircioğlu, D and Öztürk Durmaz, E},
title = {Acrocyanosis: The Least Known Acrosyndrome Revisited With a Dermatologic Perspective.},
journal = {Dermatology research and practice},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {2904301},
pmid = {39850714},
issn = {1687-6105},
abstract = {Background: Acrocyanosis is a functional peripheral vascular disorder, currently categorized under the canopy of acrosyndromes, i.e., a group of clinically similar and significantly overlapping vascular disorders involving the acral skin. The disorder might be primary or secondary, depending on the cause. Recently, there has been a remarkable surge in acrocyanosis prevalence along with the COVID-19 pandemic. Both COVID-19 infection and vaccines for COVID-19 have been affixed to the list of disorders instigating acrocyanosis. Objectives: The goal of this narrative review was to evaluate the existing literature, project acrocyanosis from the viewpoint of dermatologists in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, and assess the need for targeted research, education, and/or clinical practice. Methods: An English literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google. All abstracts on acrocyanosis, irrespective of the article type and publication date, were retrieved and reviewed and those most relevant for the focus of this article were selected and summarized. Discussion/Results: A narrative review was carried out. There is paucity of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies on acrocyanosis in the English literature, implicating the need for targeted research. Pertinent information still relies on anecdotal observations, case reports, case series, or scarce reviews, which are dated rather old and published in vascular-oriented journals. The scarcity of published literature on acrocyanosis in dermatology-oriented journals points to the necessity of professional education and improvement of clinical diagnostic skills for dermatologists. Conclusions: Although acrocyanosis is the least known and the least studied acrosyndrome, it is increasingly more commonly confronted in the COVID-19 era. The diagnosis still largely relies on clinical findings. Accordingly, it has become a growing necessity for a dermatologist to remain updated on this peculiar disorder and be able to differentiate acrocyanosis from clinically similar cold-induced or cold-exacerbated acrosyndromes. Acrocyanosis is still misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, underreported, and undertreated by the dermatology community.},
}

@article {pmid39850323,
year = {2024},
author = {Stefanou, MI and Panagiotopoulos, E and Palaiodimou, L and Bakola, E and Smyrnis, N and Papadopoulou, M and Moschovos, C and Paraskevas, GP and Rizos, E and Boutati, E and Tzavellas, E and Gatzonis, S and Mengel, A and Giannopoulos, S and Tsiodras, S and Kimiskidis, VK and Tsivgoulis, G},
title = {Current update on the neurological manifestations of long COVID: more questions than answers.},
journal = {EXCLI journal},
volume = {23},
number = {},
pages = {1463-1486},
pmid = {39850323},
issn = {1611-2156},
abstract = {Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a global surge in patients presenting with prolonged or late-onset debilitating sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, colloquially termed long COVID. This narrative review provides an updated synthesis of the latest evidence on the neurological manifestations of long COVID, discussing its clinical phenotypes, underlying pathophysiology, while also presenting the current state of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Approximately one-third of COVID-19 survivors experience prolonged neurological sequelae that persist for at least 12-months post-infection, adversely affecting patients' quality of life. Core neurological manifestations comprise fatigue, post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, headache, lightheadedness ('brain fog'), sleep disturbances, taste or smell disorders, dysautonomia, anxiety, and depression. Some of these features overlap substantially with those reported in post-intensive-care syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and postural-orthostatic-tachycardia syndrome. Advances in data-driven research utilizing electronic-health-records combined with machine learning and artificial intelligence have propelled the identification of long COVID sub-phenotypes. Furthermore, the evolving definitions reflect the dynamic conceptualization of long COVID in both research and clinical contexts. Although the underlying pathophysiology remains incompletely elucidated, neuroinflammatory responses, endotheliopathy, and metabolic imbalances, rather than direct viral neuroinvasion, are implicated in neurological sequelae. Genetic susceptibility has also emerged as a potential risk factor. While major limitations remain with existing definitions, collaborative strategies to standardize diagnostic approaches are needed. Current therapeutic paradigms advocate for multimodal approaches, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions along with comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Although preliminary evidence of therapeutic efficacy has been provided by a number of clinical trials, methodological constraints limit the generalizability of this evidence. Preventive measures, notably vaccination, have proven integral for reducing the global burden of long COVID. Considering the healthcare and socioeconomic repercussions incurred by long COVID worldwide, international collaborative initiatives are warranted to address the remaining challenges in diagnosing and managing patients presenting with neurological sequelae. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).},
}

@article {pmid39850285,
year = {2024},
author = {Sungkono, and Makrufardi, F and Azizah, AFN and Ekaputra, F},
title = {Video role-play versus powerpoint lecture in the knowledge domain among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic era: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Journal of education and health promotion},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {476},
pmid = {39850285},
issn = {2277-9531},
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted conventional teaching methodologies, forcing educational institutions to swiftly adapt to remote learning. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of video- and powerpoint-based teaching methods in the knowledge of medical students using a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies that compared the efficacy of video-based and PowerPoint-based teaching methods in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were systematically searched, and studies published before October 2023 were considered. Fixed and random-effects meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled effect of estimates. All statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager software. The analysis included nine studies that met the inclusion criteria. We observed a significant effect of video-based education methods compared to powerpoint-based education methods, with a mean difference of 2.42 (95% CI: 2.09-2.75, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, our sensitivity analysis did not reveal a substantial alteration, with the mean difference remaining at 2.42 (95% CI: 2.09-2.75, P < 0.0001). After analyzing the funnel plot, no indications of publication bias were observed. Video role-play proved to be a powerful tool for knowledge acquisition among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lecturers should consider incorporating video role-play into teaching methods for asynchronous learning purposes.},
}

@article {pmid39850282,
year = {2024},
author = {Seyedfatemi, N and Peyrovi, H and Goharinezhad, S and Oghli, SH},
title = {Barriers and facilitators of community-based nursing development: A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of education and health promotion},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {488},
pmid = {39850282},
issn = {2277-9531},
abstract = {In the last few decades, chronic diseases have spread and new and emerging health and social issues have affected people's health. COVID-19 and other emerging and re-emerging diseases are creating new challenges for societies that affect how healthcare is managed. It is through the development of community-based nursing that some of these problems can be solved. This study was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators of community-based nursing development. To determine the type, extent, and nature of research conducted on barriers and facilitators of CBN, a scoping review was conducted, and five databases (ProQuest, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) were systematically searched during the years 2000-2023. Relevant articles were extracted according to the inclusion criteria (studies related to community-based nursing dimensions published in English). The articles were reviewed in terms of title, summary, and relevant content, and finally, 22 articles remained. Then, 22 articles were analyzed by the thematic analysis method. Education, promoting cultural sensitivities, planning and reforming health policies, increasing public awareness for community-based nursing, providing more care experiences and opportunities, and improving community-based nursing service delivery approache. The obstacles to the development of community-oriented nursing in four categories included weak organizational power, job burnout, false beliefs and expectations, and the negative influence of the media. Based on the results of this review, reforming existing policies with an emphasis on culture building, education, and public awareness, and, the other hand, trying to remove obstacles with the help of the media and correcting public beliefs are among the important measures that can be taken in the field of community-oriented nursing development.},
}

@article {pmid39849947,
year = {2025},
author = {Tran, BX and Joarder, T and Pang, VJ and Carballo, CM and Thi Do, H and Nguyen, CT and Vu, LG and Van Toan, N and Tang, S},
title = {Pandemic preparedness in Vietnam: a review of health system resilience and areas for improvement.},
journal = {Journal of global health},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {03001},
pmid = {39849947},
issn = {2047-2986},
mesh = {Humans ; Vietnam/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; Telemedicine/organization & administration ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemic Preparedness ; },
abstract = {In this viewpoint, we explore Vietnam's health system vulnerabilities and its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as critical areas of health system resilience, including health financing, workforce distribution, information systems, and governance. While Vietnam achieved early success through strong governance and mass vaccination campaigns, the pandemic revealed weaknesses in resource procurement, workforce imbalance, and limitations of its health information system. There are challenges in ensuring the rapid disbursement of financial resources and reliance on imported medical supplies, which delayed response times. Uneven healthcare workforce distribution, particularly in rural areas, further strained the health system. Although telemedicine and digital health solutions were implemented, weak digital infrastructure and inadequate information technology literacy hindered their effectiveness. Governance efforts, while generally strong, highlighted the need for better coordination and role clarity during health emergencies. Our findings identify areas for improvement, including effective resource mobilisation and allocation, enhanced digital infrastructure, expanded telemedicine access, and better support for healthcare workers. Governance enhancements, such as improved priority setting and interagency coordination, were also critical. These insights offer valuable guidance for strengthening Vietnam's health system and ensuring greater preparedness for future pandemics, but could also help other low- and middle-income countries facing similar challenges.},
}

Humans
Vietnam/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration
*Pandemics/prevention & control
Telemedicine/organization & administration
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemic Preparedness

@article {pmid39849822,
year = {2025},
author = {Torres, A and Cilloniz, C and Aldea, M and Mena, G and Miró, JM and Trilla, A and Vilella, A and Menéndez, R},
title = {Adult vaccinations against respiratory infections.},
journal = {Expert review of anti-infective therapy},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/14787210.2025.2457464},
pmid = {39849822},
issn = {1744-8336},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Lower respiratory infections have a huge impact on global health, especially in older individuals, immunocompromised people, and those with chronic comorbidities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of vaccination. However, there are lower rates of vaccination in the adult population that are commonly due to a missed opportunity to vaccinate. Vaccination offers the best strategy to prevent hospitalization, complications, and death caused by lower respiratory infections.

AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors provide an overview of the vaccines for lower respiratory infections in the adult population. The review highlights the available data about the impact of vaccines on preventing respiratory infections, focusing on the pneumococcal vaccine, influenza vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines. The authors discuss the currently available scientific evidence on the role of vaccines against respiratory infections. Finally, the authors review the current recommendations for vaccines in the adult population.

EXPERT OPINION: Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vaccines against respiratory infections is important. An efficient implementation of adult immunization strategies will provide an opportunity to decrease the global burden of lower respiratory infections. Recognizing the existing vaccines and their recommendations for the adult population is essential to achieve a high vaccination rate in the population.},
}

@article {pmid39849406,
year = {2025},
author = {Iqbal, NT and Khan, H and Khalid, A and Mahmood, SF and Nasir, N and Khanum, I and de Siqueira, I and Van Voorhis, W},
title = {Chronic inflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 modulates gut microbiome: a review of literature on COVID-19 sequelae and gut dysbiosis.},
journal = {Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)},
volume = {31},
number = {1},
pages = {22},
pmid = {39849406},
issn = {1528-3658},
support = {U01 AI151698/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; 3U01AI151698//Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/complications ; *Dysbiosis ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; *Brain-Gut Axis ; Inflammation ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Long COVID or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 is an emerging syndrome, recognized in COVID-19 patients who suffer from mild to severe illness and do not recover completely. Most studies define Long COVID, through symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and headache prevailing four or more weeks post-initial infection. Global variations in Long COVID presentation and symptoms make it challenging to standardize features of Long COVID. Long COVID appears to be accompanied by an auto-immune multi-faceted syndrome where the virus or viral antigen persistence causes continuous stimulation of the immune response, resulting in multi-organ immune dysregulation.

MAIN TEXT: This review is focused on understanding the risk factors of Long COVID with a special emphasis on the dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Two proposed mechanisms are discussed here. The first mechanism is related to the dysfunction of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 infection, leading to impaired mTOR pathway activation, reduced AMP secretion, and causing dysbiotic changes in the gut. Secondly, gut-brain axis dysregulation accompanied by decreased production of short-chain fatty acids, impaired enteroendocrine cell function, and increased leakiness of the gut, which favors translocation of pathogens or lipopolysaccharide in circulation causing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The altered Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis is accompanied by the reduced level of neurotransmitter, and decreased stimulation of the vagus nerve, which may cause neuroinflammation and dysregulation of serum cortisol levels. The dysbiotic microbiome in Long COVID patients is characterized by a decrease in beneficial short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Dorea, and Bifidobacterium) and an increase in opportunistic bacteria (Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Enterococcus). This dysbiosis is transient and may be impacted by interventions including probiotics, and dietary supplements.

CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required to understand the geographic variation, racial and ethnic differences in phenotypes of Long COVID, the influence of viral strains on existing and emerging phenotypes, to explore long-term effects of gut dysbiosis, and gut-brain axis dysregulation, as well as the potential role of diet and probiotics in alleviating those symptoms.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/complications
*Dysbiosis
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
*Brain-Gut Axis
Inflammation

@article {pmid39535361,
year = {2025},
author = {Volkmer, A and Alves, EV and Bar-Zeev, H and Barbieri, E and Battista, P and Beales, A and Beber, BC and Brotherhood, E and Cadorio, IR and Carthery-Goulart, MT and Cartwright, J and Crutch, S and Croot, K and Freitas, MIDÁ and Gallée, J and Grasso, SM and Haley, K and Hendriksen, H and Henderson, S and Jiskoot, L and Almeida, IJ and Kindell, J and Kingma, R and Kwan-Chen, LL and Lavoie, M and Lifshitz-Ben-Basat, A and Jokel, R and Mahut-Dubos, A and Matias-Guiu, JA and Masson-Trottier, M and Meinzer, M and McGowan, E and Mendez-Orellana, C and Meyer, AM and Millanski, C and Montagut, N and Mooney, A and Morhardt, DJ and Nickels, L and Norvik, M and Nowenstein, IE and Paplikar, A and Pozzebon, M and Renard, A and Ruggero, L and Rogalski, E and Rysop, AU and Sand Aronsson, F and Suárez-González, A and Savage, S and Thi, MT and Tsapkini, K and Taylor-Rubin, C and Tippett, DC and Unger, N and van Ewijk, L and Wielaert, S and Winsnes, IE and Whitworth, A and Yasa, IC and Copland, D and Henry, ML and Warren, JD and Varley, R and Wallace, SJ and Hardy, CJD},
title = {An international core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia (COS-PPA): Consensus-based recommendations for communication interventions across research and clinical settings.},
journal = {Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association},
volume = {21},
number = {1},
pages = {e14362},
pmid = {39535361},
issn = {1552-5279},
support = {P30 AG013854/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; NIHR203680//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; R01 AG077444/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; //National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre/ ; R01AG055425/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01DC016291//NIH/NIDCD/ ; //Estelle and Carl Epstein Family Philanthropic Funds/ ; NIHR203680//NIHR/ ; NIHR302240//Research Trainees Coordinating Centre/ ; //UK Research and Innovation/ ; R01AG056258/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; P30 AG072977/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; R01AG068881//NIH/NIA/ ; R01AG075404//NIH/NIA/ ; R01AG080470//NIH/NIA/ ; G105_WARREN//Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Research UK, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People/ ; 1175821//National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)/ ; Grand Challenges//University College London/ ; 223265//Research Council of Norway, Centres of Excellence funding scheme/ ; R01AG075111//NIH/NIA/ ; //National Brain Appeal (Frontotemporal Dementia Research Studentship in Memory of David Blechner/ ; 627//Fellowship award from Alzheimer's Society, UK/ ; COV-LT2-0014//National Institute for Health and Care Research/ ; //NIDCD/ ; OPP1144/GATES/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/United States ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Aphasia, Primary Progressive/therapy ; *Consensus ; Outcome Assessment, Health Care ; Delphi Technique ; Communication ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Interventions to treat speech-language difficulties in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often use word accuracy as a highly comparable outcome. However, there are more constructs of importance to people with PPA that have received less attention.

METHODS: Following Core Outcome Set Standards for Development Recommendations (COSSTAD), this study comprised: Stage 1 - systematic review to identify measures; Stage 2 - consensus groups to identify important outcome constructs for people with PPA (n = 82) and care partners (n = 91); Stage 3 - e-Delphi consensus with 57 researchers.

RESULTS: The systematic review identified 84 Outcome Measurement Instruments. Core outcome constructs identified included: (1) Participate in conversations with family and friends, (2) get words out, (3) be more fluent, (4) convey a message by any means, and (5) understand what others are saying. Researchers were unable to reach a consensus on measurement instruments.

DISCUSSION: Further work is required to develop appropriate measurement instruments that address all core outcome constructs important to key stakeholders.

HIGHLIGHTS: We introduce new symptom-led perspectives on primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The focus is on non-fluent/agrammatic (nfvPPA) and semantic (svPPA) variants. Foregrounding of early and non-verbal features of PPA and clinical trajectories is featured. We introduce a symptom-led staging scheme for PPA. We propose a prototype for a functional impairment scale, the PPA Progression Planning Aid.},
}

Humans
*Aphasia, Primary Progressive/therapy
*Consensus
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Delphi Technique
Communication

@article {pmid39436819,
year = {2025},
author = {Kain, VJ and Phumdoung, S and Vetcho, S and Chaisri, P},
title = {The Impact of Pandemic-Induced Separation and Visitation Restrictions on the Maternal-Infant Dyad in Neonatal Units: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {84-91},
pmid = {39436819},
issn = {1536-0911},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology/psychology ; Infant, Newborn ; Female ; *Mother-Child Relations/psychology ; *Visitors to Patients/psychology ; *Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Mothers/psychology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the maternal-infant dyad, especially due to visitation restrictions in neonatal units. These changes may impact the psychological, physical, and developmental health of mothers and newborns.

PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the impact of enforced separation and restrictive visitation policies in neonatal units during the pandemic, focusing on the maternal-infant dyad.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources include CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, Academic Search Ultimate, and Embase, covering studies published between 2020 and 2024.

STUDY SELECTION: A detailed search was conducted using terms related to COVID-19, maternal and neonatal health, and visitation restrictions in neonatal units. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed, written in English, and focused on the impact of visitation restrictions on maternal and neonatal health.

DATA EXTRACTION: The data extraction process began with 789 references. After removing duplicates, we screened titles and abstracts. We then conducted a full-text assessment of the remaining studies, selecting 14 that met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: The analysis showed significant emotional, psychological, and developmental impacts on mothers and newborns due to pandemic-induced separation and inconsistent policies. It highlighted depressive symptoms, stress, bonding disruptions, and the effectiveness of virtual bonding.

The review emphasizes the need for family-centered care, coping strategies, and virtual bonding in neonatal units. It calls for culturally sensitive policies to support mothers and infants during crises. The review also highlights the importance of studying the long-term effects of pandemic-induced separations and improving support for future health emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology/psychology
Infant, Newborn
Female
*Mother-Child Relations/psychology
*Visitors to Patients/psychology
*Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Mothers/psychology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics

@article {pmid39849202,
year = {2025},
author = {Ilesanmi, AE and Ilesanmi, T and Ajayi, B and Gbotoso, GA and Belhaouari, SB},
title = {Unlocking the Power of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks for COVID-19 Detection: A Comprehensive Review.},
journal = {Journal of imaging informatics in medicine},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39849202},
issn = {2948-2933},
abstract = {The advent of three-dimensional convolutional neural networks (3D CNNs) has revolutionized the detection and analysis of COVID-19 cases. As imaging technologies have advanced, 3D CNNs have emerged as a powerful tool for segmenting and classifying COVID-19 in medical images. These networks have demonstrated both high accuracy and rapid detection capabilities, making them crucial for effective COVID-19 diagnostics. This study offers a thorough review of various 3D CNN algorithms, evaluating their efficacy in segmenting and classifying COVID-19 across a range of medical imaging modalities. This review systematically examines recent advancements in 3D CNN methodologies. The process involved a comprehensive screening of abstracts and titles to ensure relevance, followed by a meticulous selection and analysis of research papers from academic repositories. The study evaluates these papers based on specific criteria and provides detailed insights into the network architectures and algorithms used for COVID-19 detection. The review reveals significant trends in the use of 3D CNNs for COVID-19 segmentation and classification. It highlights key findings, including the diverse range of networks employed for COVID-19 detection compared to other diseases, which predominantly utilize encoder/decoder frameworks. The study provides an in-depth analysis of these methods, discussing their strengths, limitations, and potential areas for future research. The study reviewed a total of 60 papers published across various repositories, including Springer and Elsevier. The insights from this study have implications for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Despite some limitations, the accuracy and efficiency of 3D CNN algorithms underscore their potential for advancing medical image segmentation and classification. The findings suggest that 3D CNNs could significantly enhance the detection and management of COVID-19, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid39848784,
year = {2025},
author = {Loo, YS and Yusoh, NA and Lim, WF and Ng, CS and Zahid, NI and Azmi, IDM and Madheswaran, T and Lee, TY},
title = {Phytochemical-based nanosystems: recent advances and emerging application in antiviral photodynamic therapy.},
journal = {Nanomedicine (London, England)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-16},
doi = {10.1080/17435889.2025.2452151},
pmid = {39848784},
issn = {1748-6963},
abstract = {Phytochemicals are typically natural bioactive compounds or metabolites produced by plants. Phytochemical-loaded nanocarrier systems, designed to overcome bioavailability limitations and enhance therapeutic effects, have garnered significant attention in recent years. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified interest in the therapeutic application of phytochemicals to combat viral infections. This review explores nanoparticle-based treatment strategies incorporating phytochemicals for antiviral application, highlighting their demonstrated antiviral mechanisms. It specifically examines the antiviral activities of phytochemical-loaded nanosystems against (i) influenza virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); (ii) mosquito-borne viruses [dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV)]; and (iii) sexually transmitted/blood borne viruses [e.g. herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. Furthermore, this review highlights the emerging role of these nanosystems in photodynamic therapy (PDT)-mediated attenuation of viral proliferation, and offers a perspective on the future directions of research in this promising area of multimodal therapeutic approach.},
}

@article {pmid39848030,
year = {2025},
author = {Botella-Juan, L and Vargas-Caraballo, D and Molina, AJ and Hernández-Segura, N and Fernández-Villa, T},
title = {Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol consumption in young adults: A systematic review.},
journal = {Public health},
volume = {240},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1016/j.puhe.2025.01.004},
pmid = {39848030},
issn = {1476-5616},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented restrictions, leading to differences in the frequency and patterns of alcohol consumption, especially among young adults. This systematic review aims to investigate the overall evidence concerning changes in alcohol consumption in this period.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review.

METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA and SWiM guidelines, this study's review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023464591). The studies research was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria involved observational studies focusing on participants aged 18 to 35, exploring alcohol consumption during at least the first wave of COVID-19, and publications in English or Spanish.

RESULTS: A total of 28 studies conducted in different countries were included, European (18), North American (9), and Latin American (1). Although in many studies the overall prevalence of alcohol use was reduced, it was mainly among occasional users, in which the main motivation was the lack of social contact. It was exposed that participants with a high risk of problematic use increased their alcohol consumption, showing associated factors such as poor mental health, depressive symptoms, stress, and coping motivations. Males generally exhibited a higher risk of problem use and risky behaviours than females.

CONCLUSIONS: During COVID-19, youth alcohol consumption decreased overall, especially among social drinkers, but increased among high-risk users due to factors like distress and loneliness. Similar trends during other disasters emphasize the importance of addressing high-risk drinking in disaster planning. Also, preventing high-risk drinking from adolescence and youth could be helpful in reducing the global burden and impact of alcohol consumption.},
}

@article {pmid39847975,
year = {2024},
author = {Deguchi, S and Yokoi, F and Takayama, K},
title = {Organoids and microphysiological systems for pharmaceutical research of viral respiratory infections.},
journal = {Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics},
volume = {60},
number = {},
pages = {101041},
doi = {10.1016/j.dmpk.2024.101041},
pmid = {39847975},
issn = {1880-0920},
abstract = {In the pharmaceutical research of viral respiratory infections, cell culture models have traditionally been used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of candidate compounds. Although cell lines are easy to handle and cost-effective, they do not fully replicate the characteristics of human respiratory organs. Recently, organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS) have been employed to overcome this limitation for in vitro testing of drugs against viral respiratory infections. Advanced disease modeling using organoids, self-organized three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models derived from stem cells, or MPS, models for culturing multiple cell types in a microfluidic device and capable of recapitulating a physiological 3D dynamic environment, can accurately replicate the complex functions of respiratory organs, thus making them valuable tools for elucidating the organ damages caused by viral respiratory infections and evaluating the efficacy of candidate drugs against them. Recently, a wide range of organoids and MPS have been developed to model the complex pathophysiology caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and assess therapeutic drugs. In this review, we evaluate the latest pharmaceutical research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that utilizes organoids and MPS and discuss future perspectives of their applications.},
}

@article {pmid39847276,
year = {2025},
author = {Preti, A and Bevione, F and Lacidogna, MC and Raballo, A and Poletti, M and Abbate-Daga, G},
title = {Early intervention in eating disorders: introducing the chronopathogram.},
journal = {Eating and weight disorders : EWD},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {9},
pmid = {39847276},
issn = {1590-1262},
mesh = {Humans ; *Feeding and Eating Disorders/therapy/psychology/diagnosis ; *COVID-19/psychology ; *Early Medical Intervention/methods ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Early Diagnosis ; Prodromal Symptoms ; },
abstract = {Eating disorders (EDs) pose significant challenges to mental and physical health, particularly among adolescents and young adults, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating risk factors. Despite advancements in psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, improvements remain limited. Early intervention in EDs, inspired by the model developed for psychosis, emphasizes the importance of timely identification and treatment initiation to improve prognosis. Challenges in identifying prodromal phases and measuring the duration of untreated illness highlight the complexity of early intervention efforts in EDs. Current research focuses on reducing the duration of untreated eating disorder (DUED) and understanding the cognitive and behavioral symptoms preceding ED onset. However, current early intervention programs for EDs showed mixed results, necessitating further investigation. We introduce here the chronopathogram, a tool that may aid in precisely investigating the role of development in EDs. A chronopathogram is a graphical representation of pathological events as they unfold over time. Understanding the neurodevelopmental aspects of EDs and utilizing tools like the chronopathogram can aid in tracking the unfolding of symptoms over time, facilitating early detection and intervention efforts. Overall, addressing the key factors influencing the onset and course of EDs is essential for effective early intervention in these conditions.Level of evidence: Level V narrative review.},
}

Humans
*Feeding and Eating Disorders/therapy/psychology/diagnosis
*COVID-19/psychology
*Early Medical Intervention/methods
Adolescent
Young Adult
Early Diagnosis
Prodromal Symptoms

@article {pmid39846670,
year = {2025},
author = {Halma, M and Marik, P and Varon, J and Tuszynski, J},
title = {Reversing Decline in Aging Muscles: Expected Trends, Impacts and Remedies.},
journal = {Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {39846670},
issn = {2411-5142},
support = {N/A//Frontline Covid-19 Critical Care Alliance/ ; },
abstract = {Background: Age-related decline in musculoskeletal function is a significant concern, particularly in Western countries facing demographic shifts and increased healthcare demands. This review examines the typical trajectories of musculoskeletal deterioration with age and evaluates the effectiveness of various interventions in preventing or reversing these changes. Methods: The review analyzes documented rates of decline across multiple parameters, including muscle mass, Type II muscle fiber reduction, and decreased motor unit firing rates. It examines evidence from studies on targeted interventions aimed at reversing these trends or preventing further decline. Results: The evidence suggests that multimodal interventions, including strength training can effectively maintain or improve physical function in aging adults. These interventions have shown potential in altering the trajectory of age-related decline in musculoskeletal function. Conclusions. The findings of this review have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers in addressing the challenges of an aging population. By providing a framework for understanding and addressing age-related physical decline through evidence-based interventions, this review offers potential strategies for reducing healthcare costs and improving the quality of life for older adults.},
}

@article {pmid39846399,
year = {2025},
author = {Jana, S and Alayash, AI},
title = {Exploring the Molecular Interplay Between Oxygen Transport, Cellular Oxygen Sensing, and Mitochondrial Respiration.},
journal = {Antioxidants & redox signaling},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1089/ars.2023.0428},
pmid = {39846399},
issn = {1557-7716},
abstract = {Significance: The mitochondria play a key role in maintaining oxygen homeostasis under normal oxygen tension (normoxia) and during oxygen deprivation (hypoxia). This is a critical balancing act between the oxygen content of the blood, the tissue oxygen sensing mechanisms, and the mitochondria, which ultimately consume most oxygen for energy production. Recent Advances: We describe the well-defined role of the mitochondria in oxygen metabolism with a special focus on the impact on blood physiology and pathophysiology. Critical Issues: Fundamental questions remain regarding the impact of mitochondrial responses to changes in overall blood oxygen content under normoxic and hypoxic states and in the case of impaired oxygen sensing in various cardiovascular and pulmonary complications including blood disorders involving hemolysis and hemoglobin toxicity, ischemia reperfusion, and even in COVID-19 disease. Future Directions: Understanding the nature of the crosstalk among normal homeostatic pathways, oxygen carrying by hemoglobin, utilization of oxygen by the mitochondrial respiratory chain machinery, and oxygen sensing by hypoxia-inducible factor proteins, may provide a target for future therapeutic interventions. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.},
}

@article {pmid39845988,
year = {2025},
author = {Flores, EM and Michetti, CP and Fakhry, SM and Joseph, K and Wysocki, E and Newcomb, A},
title = {Trauma Survivors Network: history and evolution of a program empowering survivors and families impacted by traumatic injury.},
journal = {Trauma surgery & acute care open},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {e001576},
pmid = {39845988},
issn = {2397-5776},
abstract = {The Trauma Survivors Network (TSN), a program of the American Trauma Society (ATS), has a unique history spanning decades with a vision to continue expanding and strengthening services to support survivors and families impacted by traumatic injury. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATS has adapted TSN services to provide both virtual and in-person services for trauma survivors, increasing equity and inclusion for many survivors to access TSN services for the first time. The recent policy changes in the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma New Standards for Care of the Injured Patient provide an impetus for the TSN to grow and expand services in support of a diverse group of trauma survivors and their loved ones. This paper highlights the collateral impact of traumatic injury, the history and ongoing growth of the TSN and its services to date, the challenges encountered in establishing and maintaining the TSN program, and the equity and inclusion that the TSN offers internationally to support a diverse range of survivors with various forms of trauma and polytrauma.},
}

@article {pmid39845945,
year = {2024},
author = {Zhou, T and Yu, Y and Li, L and Liu, X and Xiang, Q and Yu, R},
title = {Bibliometric analysis of metformin as an immunomodulator (2013-2024).},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {15},
number = {},
pages = {1526481},
pmid = {39845945},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {*Metformin/therapeutic use ; Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use ; Animals ; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use ; Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology ; Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy/immunology ; SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; COVID-19/immunology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Metformin, the frontline treatment for diabetes, has considerable potential as an immunomodulator; however, detailed bibliometric analyses on this subject are limited.

METHODS: This study extracted 640 relevant articles from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection and conducted visual analyses using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace.

RESULTS: The findings showed that research on the immunomodulatory function of metformin has grown steadily since 2017, with China and the United States being the leading contributors. These studies have mostly been published in journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Cancers, Frontiers in Immunology, and Scientific Reports. Keyword co-occurrence analysis highlighted metformin's role as an immunomodulator, particularly in the context of the tumor immune microenvironment, immunosuppressive checkpoints, and metformin derivatives. Recent research has highlighted metformin's application in aging, autoimmune diseases, COVID-19, and tuberculosis. Additionally, its role in regulating inflammation and gut microbiota is also being investigated.

CONCLUSION: Overall, the immunomodulatory effects of metformin were investigated in anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-aging, and autoimmune disease research. This highlights the scope of metformin use in these fields, while also significantly enhancing its clinical value as a repurposed drug.},
}

*Metformin/therapeutic use
Humans
*Bibliometrics
Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
Animals
Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
Immunomodulating Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
Neoplasms/drug therapy/immunology
Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy/immunology
SARS-CoV-2/immunology
COVID-19/immunology

@article {pmid39803741,
year = {2025},
author = {Hemilä, H and Chalker, E},
title = {Vitamin C for the common cold and pneumonia.},
journal = {Polish archives of internal medicine},
volume = {135},
number = {1},
pages = {},
doi = {10.20452/pamw.16926},
pmid = {39803741},
issn = {1897-9483},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ascorbic Acid/therapeutic use ; *Common Cold/drug therapy/prevention & control ; *Pneumonia/drug therapy/prevention & control ; Dietary Supplements ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {This paper provides an overview of the efficacy of vitamin C for preventing and treating respiratory infections. Studies in a wide variety of animals have shown vitamin C to be protective against infections. In controlled trials in the general human population, vitamin C at a dose greater than 1 g/day did not prevent common colds. However, in 5 trials with participants undertaking heavy physical activity, vitamin C halved the incidence of colds. In 15 trials (n = 6244), regular supplementation of 1 g or more of vitamin C per day decreased the severity of colds by 15%. Results of therapeutic trials in which vitamin C was initiated after the onset of common cold symptoms have been inconsistent. However, 2 therapeutic trials found that 6-8 g/day of vitamin C was twice as effective at reducing the duration of colds as 3-4 g/day. In 3 controlled trials, vitamin C was shown to prevent pneumonia, but the contexts were atypical: the participants were schoolboys attending a boarding school in the United Kingdom before World War II, soldiers hospitalized for influenza A, and United States Marine recruits. It is unlikely that vitamin C would reduce the risk of pneumonia in the general population; however, 4 trials reported a treatment benefit for pneumonia patients, although the findings encourage further research rather than providing firm evidence of efficacy. Vitamin C has been tested for efficacy in COVID‑19 and sepsis with conflicting results. Given the evidence that vitamin C reduces the severity and duration of the common cold, paired with its good safety profile and low cost, it is not unreasonable for patients to test whether therapeutic vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 6-8 g/day is beneficial at the individual level.},
}

Humans
*Ascorbic Acid/therapeutic use
*Common Cold/drug therapy/prevention & control
*Pneumonia/drug therapy/prevention & control
Dietary Supplements
Male
Female

@article {pmid39702572,
year = {2024},
author = {Hajizadeh, A and Seyedmohammadi, M and Nosratnejad, S and Najafi, B and Sadeghi-Bazargani, H and Imani, A},
title = {A scoping review of COVID-19 economic response policies in the MENA countries: lessons learned for Iran for future pandemics.},
journal = {Health economics review},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {106},
pmid = {39702572},
issn = {2191-1991},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Given the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to examine the economic response policies implemented by governments. This study aims to review evidence from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including Iran, on COVID-19 economic response policies designed to protect households, vulnerable groups, and businesses.

METHODS: Utilizing Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology, electronic search engines and databases were systematically searched to identify published studies within the timeframe of December 31, 2019, to 2022. Additionally, a gray literature search for relevant policy documents and reports was conducted. The following six-step approach was employed: (1) defining the review questions, (2) identifying relevant studies through database searches, (3) screening studies for inclusion, (4) extracting and charting data, (5) analyzing and presenting results, and (6) providing guidance and suggestions. Narrative synthesis was utilized for data analysis.

RESULTS: After a rigorous screening process, 53 studies were selected from a pool of 3392 search results. The findings are categorized into three primary groups: Households, vulnerable groups, and economic businesses. The majority of MENA countries implemented economic and social measures to support these groups, including stimulus packages, tax deferrals and exemptions, wage subsidies, and debt obligation deferments. The size of stimulus packages in MENA countries varied significantly, ranging from 0 to 14% of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The average stimulus package size in MENA countries was 3.67%, notably lower than the global average of 11%. Among the 64 selected countries, the average government support as a share of GDP was 6.3%, with Ecuador at the lowest (0.05%) and Germany at the highest (23%). In Iran, government financial support contributed approximately 7% to the Gross National Product.

CONCLUSION: MENA countries, including Iran, implemented diverse economic strategies and policies in response to the critical circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, tailored to their specific conditions. Assessing the effectiveness of these policies and the extent of the pandemic's long-term economic, health, and lifestyle impacts requires a more extended timeframe.},
}

@article {pmid39673764,
year = {2025},
author = {Kitano, T and Salmon, DA and Dudley, MZ and Saldanha, IJ and Thompson, DA and Engineer, L},
title = {Age- and sex-stratified risks of myocarditis and pericarditis attributable to COVID-19 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Epidemiologic reviews},
volume = {47},
number = {1},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1093/epirev/mxae007},
pmid = {39673764},
issn = {1478-6729},
mesh = {Humans ; *Myocarditis/epidemiology/etiology ; *Pericarditis/epidemiology/etiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects ; Male ; *COVID-19/prevention & control ; Female ; Adolescent ; Child ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Young Adult ; Sex Factors ; Adult ; Age Factors ; BNT162 Vaccine ; Vaccination/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Although COVID-19 vaccines are generally very safe, the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis after receiving an messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine have been established, with the highest risk in young men. Most systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the risk of myocarditis or pericarditis have included passive surveillance data, which is subject to reporting errors. Accurate measures of age-, sex-, and vaccine dose- and type-specific risks are crucial for assessment of the benefits and risks of the vaccination. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis attributable COVID-19 vaccines were conducted, stratified by age groups, sex, vaccine type, and vaccine dose. Five electronic databases and gray literature sources were searched on November 21, 2023. Article about studies that compared a COVID-19-vaccinated group with an unvaccinated group or time period (eg, self-controlled) were included. Passive surveillance data were excluded. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models. A total of 4030 records were identified; ultimately, 17 articles were included in this review. Compared with unvaccinated groups or unvaccinated time periods, the highest attributable risk of myocarditis or pericarditis was observed after the second dose in boys aged 12-17 years (10.18 per 100 000 doses [95% CI, 0.50-19.87]) of the BNT162b2 vaccine and in young men aged 18-24 years (attributable risk, 20.02 per 100 000 doses [95% CI, 10.47-29.57]) for the mRNA-1273 vaccine. The stratified results based on active surveillance data provide the most accurate available estimates of the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis attributable to specific COVID-19 vaccinations for specific populations. Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) Identifier: CRD42023443343.},
}

Humans
*Myocarditis/epidemiology/etiology
*Pericarditis/epidemiology/etiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects
Male
*COVID-19/prevention & control
Female
Adolescent
Child
SARS-CoV-2
Young Adult
Sex Factors
Adult
Age Factors
BNT162 Vaccine
Vaccination/adverse effects

@article {pmid39637142,
year = {2024},
author = {Kothari, R and Baran, RV and Rudziak, P and Shah, V and Nouvet, E},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV healthcare delivery for females in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {12},
pages = {e0002975},
pmid = {39637142},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Throughout sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), females are disproportionately impacted by HIV and face generalized but also gendered social and economic barriers to accessing HIV healthcare and services. At the outset of the pandemic, many anticipated COVID-19 would represent a major set-back for HIV care in the region. The impact of COVID-19 on HIV health services and HIV-affected populations has been reported in specific populations but has not been synthesized for females in the SSA region. The objective of this scoping review is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on HIV healthcare delivery and services for females in SSA. Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies. Studies included were limited to English primary research articles reporting on the interactions between COVID-19 and HIV healthcare delivery and services amongst females in SSA. Two pairs of reviewers each screened 1390 articles via abstract and full-text screening, and data extraction was facilitated with a standardized protocol. A total of 39 studies were included in this review. Through thematic analysis of the articles, we identified five major themes-accessibility, availability, affordability, clinical barriers, and psychosocial barriers-which complicated the provision of HIV care during the COVID-19 pandemic and facilitators of HIV care during the pandemic. The literature highlighted two special populations, female sex workers and pregnant females, as having unique challenges in accessing HIV care due to societal stigma and their personalized health needs. Reviewed articles indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic introduced and exacerbated barriers to the accessibility, availability, and affordability of HIV healthcare and services for females in SSA. This review should be used by healthcare workers, healthcare administrators, policymakers, and the government to better understand the current gaps in HIV service provision to females during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can support the delivery of HIV care to females for future public health emergencies.},
}

@article {pmid39606403,
year = {2024},
author = {Boesen, K and Hemkens, LG and Janiaud, P and Hirt, J},
title = {Publicly available continuously updated topic specific databases of randomised clinical trials: A scoping review.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {39606403},
abstract = {Conducting systematic reviews of clinical trials is arduous and resource consuming. One potential solution is to design databases that are continuously and automatically populated with clinical trial data from harmonised and structured datasets. We aimed to map publicly available, continuously updated, topic-specific databases of randomised clinical trials (RCTs). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the preprint servers medRxiv, ArXiv, and Open Science Framework, and Google. We described seven features (access model, database architecture, data input sources, retrieval methods, data extraction methods, trial presentation, and export options) and narratively summarised the results. We did not register a protocol for this review. We identified 14 continuously updated clinical trial databases, seven related to COVID-19 (first active in 2020) and seven non-COVID databases (first active in 2009). All databases, except one, were publicly funded and accessible without restrictions. They mainly employed methods similar to those from static article-based systematic reviews and retrieved data from journal publications and trial registries. The COVID-19 databases and some non-COVID databases implemented semi-automated features of data import, which combined automated and manual data curation, whereas the non-COVID databases mainly relied on manual workflows. Most reported information was metadata, such as author names, years of publication, and link to publication or trial registry. Two databases included trial appraisal information (risk of bias assessments). Six databases reported aggregate group level results, but only one database provided individual participant data on request. We identified few continuously updated trial databases, and existing initiatives mainly employ methods known from static article -based reviews. The main limitation to create truly live evidence synthesis is the access and import of machine-readable and harmonised clinical trial data.},
}

@article {pmid39564155,
year = {2024},
author = {Almeida, SLM and da Cunha, ADSL and Silva, RC and Dos Santos, RK and Novelleto, ALMT and Estevam, TLL and de Carvalho, LIA and Tuda, LTS and Souza, CDSM and Araujo Júnior, E and Amorim, LADR},
title = {Challenges in congenital heart disease in the Amazon region countries: A scoping review.},
journal = {Annals of pediatric cardiology},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {188-195},
pmid = {39564155},
issn = {0974-2069},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to systematically analyze and describe the main challenges of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) in the countries in the Amazon region.

METHODS: The methodology followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist utilizing the Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases. The inclusion criteria were articles addressing any topic involving CHD in the Amazon region. Incomplete articles, book chapters, lectures, conference abstracts, and editorials were excluded.

RESULTS: Nine studies were identified, 7 of which were published in the last decade and were of Colombian and Brazilian origin. The methodology of the studies was cross-sectional and ecological, evaluating the regional and epidemiological factors, challenges to diagnosis and treatment, multidisciplinary team challenges, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies carried out by surgeons demonstrate more existing data regarding the challenges of the health-care system.

CONCLUSIONS: There is growing interest in analyzing the situation of CHD in the region. However, only a few studies are available, mostly on ecological and cross-sectional analysis. These records show the lack of hospital infrastructure and multidisciplinary teams for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD in the Amazon region; we see an initiative by specialists from two countries (Colombia and Brazil) to demonstrate the difficulties by seeking international training programs and government aid to improve the health system situation.},
}

@article {pmid39394107,
year = {2024},
author = {Kang, B and Oh, EG and Kim, S and Jang, Y and Choi, J and Konlan, KD and Lee, H},
title = {Roles and experiences of nurses in primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC nursing},
volume = {23},
number = {1},
pages = {740},
pmid = {39394107},
issn = {1472-6955},
support = {6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; 6-2022-0154//2022 Policy Research Grant from Yonsei University College of Nursing/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nurses form the frontline of the healthcare system's response to both epidemics and pandemics, and this was especially the case during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the influence of COVID-19 on nursing roles has attracted interest, there is no integrated knowledge of nurses' roles and experiences in primary health care settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study identifies the roles and experiences of nurses in primary health care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A scoping review study design and the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology were used. The study searched five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsychINFO) and included studies published in English from March 2020 to June 2023 that focused on the roles and experiences of nurses (participants) during COVID-19 (concept) in primary health care settings (context).

RESULTS: Fourteen articles were selected for review, involving a total of 1,487 nurses as study participants. The various roles undertaken by nurses in primary health care settings were categorized as comprehensive care providers, supporters and empowerers, coordinators and collaborators, information navigators, and change agents. Challenges and strategies are multilevel intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal issues, but are not mutually exclusive.

CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic-induced challenges revealed primary health care nurses' vital and indispensable roles and resilience. They also fostered a heightened awareness of technological influence on the progression of primary health care in the current milieu. Policymakers and healthcare organizations need to integrate primary health care nurses' expanding and emerging roles within the scope of practice, ensuring their effective implementation without excessive regulatory constraints. This study emphasizes the importance of developing multilevel interventions to address the support needs of primary health care nurses through a system-based approach. Building a strong infrastructure to support nurses' self-care, offering continuing professional development opportunities, and securing official government recognition will be essential for enhancing the resilience of primary healthcare nurses in preparation for future, potentially devastating pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid39386249,
year = {2024},
author = {Alberts, F and Berke, O and Rocha, L and Keay, S and Maboni, G and Poljak, Z},
title = {Predicting host species susceptibility to influenza viruses and coronaviruses using genome data and machine learning: a scoping review.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {1358028},
pmid = {39386249},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Predicting which species are susceptible to viruses (i.e., host range) is important for understanding and developing effective strategies to control viral outbreaks in both humans and animals. The use of machine learning and bioinformatic approaches to predict viral hosts has been expanded with advancements in in-silico techniques. We conducted a scoping review to identify the breadth of machine learning methods applied to influenza and coronavirus genome data for the identification of susceptible host species.

METHODS: The protocol for this scoping review is available at https://hdl.handle.net/10214/26112. Five online databases were searched, and 1,217 citations, published between January 2000 and May 2022, were obtained, and screened in duplicate for English language and in-silico research, covering the use of machine learning to identify susceptible species to viruses.

RESULTS: Fifty-three relevant publications were identified for data charting. The breadth of research was extensive including 32 different machine learning algorithms used in combination with 29 different feature selection methods and 43 different genome data input formats. There were 20 different methods used by authors to assess accuracy. Authors mostly used influenza viruses (n = 31/53 publications, 58.5%), however, more recent publications focused on coronaviruses and other viruses in combination with influenza viruses (n = 22/53, 41.5%). The susceptible animal groups authors most used were humans (n = 57/77 analyses, 74.0%), avian (n = 35/77 45.4%), and swine (n = 28/77, 36.4%). In total, 53 different hosts were used and, in most publications, data from multiple hosts was used.

DISCUSSION: The main gaps in research were a lack of standardized reporting of methodology and the use of broad host categories for classification. Overall, approaches to viral host identification using machine learning were diverse and extensive.},
}

@article {pmid39361630,
year = {2024},
author = {Gafari, O and Agyapong-Badu, S and Alwan, NA and Tully, MA and McDonough, S and Stokes, M and Barker, M},
title = {Misaligned or misheard? Physical activity and healthy eating messaging to ethnic minority communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study and scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {10},
pages = {e0003345},
pmid = {39361630},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {This mixed-methods study identified physical activity (PA) and healthy eating messages produced during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored how they were received by UK ethnic minority communities. A scoping review of research and grey literature identified categories of PA and healthy eating messaging targeted at ethnic minorities. Individual and group interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. There was active community engagement in all study phases to ensure relevance and co-production of findings. Interviews were held with 41 study participants aged 18-86 years (20 men) residing in England and Wales using digital conferencing and in person. The scoping review identified 24 records containing messages grouped into three categories: 1) PA messages; 2) healthy eating messages; 3) risk messages. Five themes described participants' views of these messages: 1) lack of awareness of messaging; 2) responses to PA messaging; 3) responses to healthy eating messaging; 4) perceptions of risk messaging and 5) perceptions of conflict in messages. The review revealed that physical activity and healthy eating messaging specifically targeting ethnic minority communities is limited. This limited messaging was almost entirely missed by these communities. When received, the messaging was not interpreted as intended, perceived to be conflicting and risk messaging was perceived as blaming. More work with ethnic minority communities needs to be done to co-produce meaningful and appropriate PA and healthy eating messaging in a timely manner.},
}

@article {pmid39328292,
year = {2024},
author = {Huynh, T and Kerr, ML and Kim, CN and Fourianalistyawati, E and Chang, VY and Duncan, LG},
title = {Parental Reflective Capacities: A Scoping Review of Mindful Parenting and Parental Reflective Functioning.},
journal = {Mindfulness},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {1531-1602},
pmid = {39328292},
issn = {1868-8527},
support = {K01 AT005270/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States ; P50 HD105353/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; T32 AT003997/AT/NCCIH NIH HHS/United States ; T32 HD007489/HD/NICHD NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: Two key parental reflective capacities-mindful parenting (MP) and parental reflective functioning (PRF) - have been shown to promote healthy parent-child relationships through parents' increased sensitivity and responsiveness to their children's needs in spite of parenting stressors. Despite the theoretical overlap between these two constructs, researchers have continued to examine them independently. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to review the overlapping and distinctive outcomes and correlates in the empirical MP and PRF literatures.

METHOD: A comprehensive literature search across the MP and PRF literature for studies published from 2005 through early 2020 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) was conducted.

RESULTS: A review of 301 articles (n = 180 MP and n = 121 PRF) revealed overlapping study outcomes and correlates, including improvement in parent and child well-being, parenting behaviors, and attachment. Both MP and PRF literatures suggest MP and PRF are amenable to intervention-induced changes, although mostly documented in White mothers, which results may not be generalizable to diverse populations.

CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should consider the impact MP and PRF have on positive family relationships. Results suggest that scholars should consider investigating and intervening on MP and PRF simultaneously. Specifically, results identified MP and PRF convergent associations and perhaps synergistic impacts on positive parenting behaviors. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

PREREGISTRATION: This review was not preregistered.},
}

@article {pmid39312539,
year = {2024},
author = {Dsouza, SM and Katyal, A and Kalaskar, S and Kabeer, M and Rewaria, L and Satyanarayana, S and Nallamalla, KR and Chokshi, M},
title = {A scoping review of health systems resilience assessment frameworks.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {9},
pages = {e0003658},
pmid = {39312539},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Health system resilience is a prerequisite for effectively managing cataclysmic events adversely affecting health outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic reasserted the importance of having resilient health systems and called for a relook at the existing framework that measures health system resilience. Mixed methods were used in this study. The review started with the measurement of health systems resilience and its context. Ebola epidemic triggered the importance, hence our search focused on published literature from 2014 to 2021. Based on the review, a semi-structured tool was developed for key in-depth interviews of seven experts from different countries. The frameworks focused on climate change, disaster management, health systems, city-specific resilience, and e-resilience were reviewed. In-depth interviews highlighted that resilient health systems need to engage the private sector, priority areas like leadership and governance, health resources, and a unified agenda for global collaboration. From experts' point of view, the inherent nature of health systems to respond to shock was clearly defined as the resilient health system. Health systems resilience definition needs to be defined, based on which assessment indicators will be identified. Indicators need to evolve continuously and be able to measure resilience at sub-national, national, regional, and global levels.},
}

@article {pmid39301228,
year = {2024},
author = {Alcendor, DJ and Juarez, PD and Ramesh, A and Brown, KY and Tabatabai, M and Matthews-Juarez, P},
title = {A Scoping Review on the Impact of COVID 19 on Vulnerable Populations: LGBTQ+ Persons, Persons Experiencing Homelessness, and Migrant Farm Workers in the US.},
journal = {Archives of internal medicine research},
volume = {7},
number = {3},
pages = {136-145},
pmid = {39301228},
issn = {2688-5654},
support = {OT2 HL156812/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; OT2 HL158287/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {PURPOSE: The goal of the National Center for Medical Education Development and Research Center (NCMEDR) is to support the education and training of medical students in the care of vulnerable populations. Access to primary care services in the US is fundamental to the health and wellness of all people regardless of their socioeconomic status. LGBQ+ persons, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority), Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH), and Migrant Farm Workers (MFW) are among the most underserved, marginalized, and socially vulnerable groups in the US. NCMEDR in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Meharry Medical College was established in part, with funding from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). NCMEDR was developed to provide educational pathways for transforming medical education and clinical practice in the US by ascertaining whether medical students were being trained to provide primary care, and behavioral health services to LGBTQ+ persons, PEH, and MFW. Here we focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these specific populations because they represent marginalized groups that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, have poor social determinants of health (SDOH), and are more likely to be uninsured, and are less likely to engage primary care providers outside of emergency room care.

METHODS: In this study, a scoping literature review was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on primary care of LQBTQ+ persons, PEH, and MFW.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The pandemic provided a serious health disparities gap for the defined vulnerable populations under review by the NCMEDR. The pandemic identified the need for transformative measures for clinical practices, medical education, and health care policies required for implementation to improve health care for vulnerable groups. We make recommendations for interventions with defined populations that may influence clinical, environmental health, and SDOH in the COVID era.

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID pandemic directed the need for medical schools, health care and social organizations to intervene in new and different ways in vulnerable and marginalized communities. The recommendations provide a model for advancing health equity, access, quality, utilization, care coordination, and treatment.},
}

@article {pmid39116432,
year = {2024},
author = {Nagpal, MS and Jalali, N and Sherifali, D and Morita, PP and Cafazzo, JA},
title = {Managing Type 2 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review and Qualitative Study Using Systematic Literature Review and Reddit.},
journal = {Interactive journal of medical research},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e49073},
pmid = {39116432},
issn = {1929-073X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted how people accessed health services and likely how they managed chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Social media forums present a source of qualitative data to understand how adaptation might have occurred from the perspective of the patient.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective is to understand how the care-seeking behaviors and attitudes of people living with T2D were impacted during the early part of the pandemic by conducting a scoping literature review. A secondary objective is to compare the findings of the scoping review to those presented on a popular social media platform Reddit.

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted in 2021. Inclusion criteria were population with T2D, studies are patient-centered, and study objectives are centered around health behaviors, disease management, or mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exclusion criteria were populations with other noncommunicable diseases, examining COVID-19 as a comorbidity to T2D, clinical treatments for COVID-19 among people living with T2D, genetic expressions of COVID-19 among people living with T2D, gray literature, or studies not published in English. Bias was mitigated by reviewing uncertainties with other authors. Data extracted from the studies were classified into thematic categories. These categories reflect the findings of this study as per our objective. Data from the Reddit forums related to T2D from March 2020 to early March 2021 were downloaded, and support vector machines were used to classify if a post was published in the context of the pandemic. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling was performed to gather topics of discussion specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: A total of 26 studies conducted between February and September 2020, consisting of 13,673 participants, were included in this scoping literature review. The studies were qualitative and relied mostly on qualitative data from surveys or questionnaires. Themes found from the literature review were "poorer glycemic control," "increased consumption of unhealthy foods," "decreased physical activity," "inability to access medical appointments," and "increased stress and anxiety." Findings from latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling of Reddit forums were "Coping With Poor Mental Health," "Accessing Doctor & Medications and Controlling Blood Glucose," "Changing Food Habits During Pandemic," "Impact of Stress on Blood Glucose Levels," "Changing Status of Employment & Insurance," and "Risk of COVID Complications."

CONCLUSIONS: Topics of discussion gauged from the Reddit forums provide a holistic perspective of the impact of the pandemic on people living with T2D, which were found to be comparable to the findings of the literature review. The study was limited by only having 1 reviewer for the literature review, but biases were mitigated by consulting authors when there were uncertainties. Qualitative analysis of Reddit forms can supplement traditional qualitative studies of the behaviors of people living with T2D.},
}

@article {pmid39114582,
year = {2024},
author = {Mirasghari, F and Ayatollahi, H and Velayati, F and Abasi, A},
title = {Challenges of using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.},
journal = {Journal of clinical & translational endocrinology},
volume = {37},
number = {},
pages = {100361},
pmid = {39114582},
issn = {2214-6237},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Telemedicine has aided patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in receiving better healthcare services. However, despite its numerous benefits, the use of this technology has faced several challenges. This study aimed to identify the challenges of using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: This scoping review was conducted in 2024. Relevant articles published between 2020 and 2023 were searched in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library. Initially, 822 articles were retrieved, and after screening 21 articles were selected.

RESULTS: The challenges of using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic were categorized into the clinical, individual, organizational, and technical challenges. The clinical challenges included the lack of physical examinations and unavailability of patients' medical history. The individual challenges contained difficulties in using smart phones by patients and their low level of literacy. The organizational challenges were related to insufficient laws about obtaining patient consent and limited reimbursement for telemedicine services, and the technical challenges included limited access to the high-speed Internet services and inadequate technical infrastructure for telemedicine services. Most studies highlighted the role of individual and organizational challenges in using this technology.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the numerous challenges experienced in using telemedicine for patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that more attention should be paid to address each of these challenges to improve the actual usage, service quality, and user acceptance of telemedicine technology. This, in turn, can lead to saving costs and improving the health status and quality of life of patients with diabetes.},
}

@article {pmid39104958,
year = {2024},
author = {Scaravilli, V and Turconi, G and Colombo, SM and Guzzardella, A and Bosone, M and Zanella, A and Bos, L and Grasselli, G},
title = {Early serum biomarkers to characterise different phenotypes of primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation: a systematic scoping review.},
journal = {ERJ open research},
volume = {10},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {39104958},
issn = {2312-0541},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation (LUTX) is often complicated by primary graft dysfunction (PGD). Plasma biomarkers hold potential for PGD phenotyping and targeted therapy. This scoping review aims to collect the available literature in search of serum biomarkers for PGD phenotyping.

METHODS: Following JBI and PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review searching MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library for papers reporting the association between serum biomarkers measured within 72 h of reperfusion and PGD, following International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines. We extracted study details, patient demographics, PGD definition and timing, biomarker concentration, and their performance in identifying PGD cases.

RESULTS: Among the 1050 papers screened, 25 prospective observational studies were included, with only nine conducted in the last decade. These papers included 1793 unique adult patients (1195 double LUTX, median study size 100 (IQR 44-119)). Most (n=21) compared PGD grade 3 to less severe PGD, but only four adhered to 2016 PGD definitions. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and the multiplex bead array technique were utilised in 23 and two papers, respectively. In total, 26 candidate biomarkers were identified, comprising 13 inflammatory, three endothelial activation, three epithelial injury, three cellular damage and two coagulation dysregulation markers. Only five biomarkers (sRAGE, ICAM-1, PAI-1, SP-D, FSTL-1) underwent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, yielding a median value of 0.58 (0.51-0.78) in 406 patients (276 double LUTX).

CONCLUSIONS: Several biomarkers exhibit promise for future studies aimed at PGD phenotyping after LUTX. To uncover the significant existing knowledge gaps, further international prospective studies incorporating updated diagnostic criteria, modern platforms and advanced statistical approaches are essential.},
}

@article {pmid39033194,
year = {2024},
author = {Casubhoy, I and Kretz, A and Tan, HL and St Clair, LA and Parish, M and Golding, H and Bersoff-Matcha, SJ and Pilgrim-Grayson, C and Berhane, L and Pekosz, A and Mostafa, HH and Cox, AL and Burd, I and Klein, SL and Morgan, R},
title = {A scoping review of global COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant persons.},
journal = {NPJ vaccines},
volume = {9},
number = {1},
pages = {131},
pmid = {39033194},
issn = {2059-0105},
support = {U01 FD005942/FD/FDA HHS/United States ; U54 AG062333/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States ; U54AG062333//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | Office of Research on Women's Health (NIH Office of Research on Women's Health)/ ; U01FD005942//U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)/ ; },
abstract = {Uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among pregnant persons is lower than the general population. This scoping review explored pregnant people's attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine, reasons for vaccine hesitancy, and whether attitudes about COVID-19 vaccines differ by country of origin. A scoping review was conducted across PubMed, Embase, CINHAL, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were articles published in English from 2019-2022 focused on attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant persons. Data analysis was done via the 5Cs framework for vaccine hesitancy: Constraints, Complacency, Calculation, Confidence, and Collective Responsibility. 44 articles were extracted. A lack of confidence in vaccine safety was the most prevalent theme of hesitancy among pregnant persons. This was largely driven by a lack of access to information about the vaccine as well as mistrust of the vaccine and medical professionals. Meanwhile, vaccine acceptance was mostly driven by a desire to protect themselves and their loved ones. Overall, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant persons continues to be high. Vaccine hesitancy is primarily driven by fear of the unknown side effects of the vaccine on pregnant persons and their fetuses along with a lack of information and medical mistrust. Some differences can be seen between high income and low- and middle-income countries regarding vaccine hesitancy, showing that a single solution cannot be applied to all who are vaccine hesitant. General strategies, however, can be utilized to reduce vaccine hesitancy, including advocating for inclusion of pregnant persons in clinical trials and incorporating consistent COVID-19 vaccine counseling during prenatal appointments.},
}

@article {pmid39022438,
year = {2024},
author = {Uddin, M and Ganapathy, K and Syed-Abdul, S},
title = {Digital Technology Enablers of Tele-Neurorehabilitation in Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era - A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International journal of telerehabilitation},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {e6611},
pmid = {39022438},
issn = {1945-2020},
abstract = {Neurorehabilitation (NR), a major component of neurosciences, is the process of restoring a patient's damaged/disorganized neurological function, through training, therapy, and education, while focusing on patient's independence and well-being. Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, various applications of telecare and telehealth services surged drastically and became an integral part of current clinical practices. Tele-Neurorehabilitation (TNR) is one of such applications. When rehabilitation services were disrupted globally due to lockdown and travel restrictions, the importance of TNR was recognized, especially in developed, low, and middle-income countries. With exponential deployment of telehealth interventions in neurosciences, TNR has become a distinct stand-alone sub-specialty of neurosciences and telehealth. Digital technologies, such as wearables, robotics, and Virtual Reality (VR) have enabled TNR to improve the quality of patients' lives. Providing NR remotely using digital technologies and customized digital devices is now a reality, and likely to be the new norm soon. This article provides an overview of the needs, utilization, and deployment of TNR, and focuses on digital technology enablers of TNR in pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic era.},
}

@article {pmid38988625,
year = {2024},
author = {Qamar, K and Essar, MY and Siddiqui, JA and Salman, A and Salman, Y and Head, MG},
title = {Infant and child mortality in Afghanistan: A scoping review.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {7},
number = {7},
pages = {e2224},
pmid = {38988625},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Since 1990, global child and infant mortality rates have typically stabilized or decreased due to improved healthcare, vaccination rollouts, and international funding. However, Afghanistan continues to face the highest child and infant mortality rates globally, with 43 deaths per 1000 live births. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to this high mortality rate and propose interventions to address the issue.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on articles published in English within the last 10 years (2013-2023). The search terms included "Child mortality," "Infant mortality," "SIDS," "COVID-19," and "Afghanistan." Original studies, systematic reviews, case studies, and reports meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Additional sources from organizations such as UNICEF, the World Bank Group, WHO, and EMRO were also reviewed.

RESULTS: The study findings reveal significant challenges contributing to Afghanistan's high infant and child mortality rates. These challenges include birth defects, preterm birth, malnutrition, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), traumatic injuries, fatal infections, infanticide, and abuse. The ongoing conflict, insecurity, and humanitarian crises further exacerbate the situation, leading to increased child casualties. Despite efforts by international agencies like UNICEF to provide vaccines and maternal education, the infant mortality rate remains high.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Afghanistan's child and infant mortality rates are of significant concern, and it is imperative that action be taken to reduce the incidence of child and infant mortality rates.},
}

@article {pmid38959278,
year = {2024},
author = {Marco, MH and Ahmedov, S and Castro, KG},
title = {The global impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis: A thematic scoping review, 2020-2023.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {7},
pages = {e0003043},
pmid = {38959278},
issn = {2767-3375},
support = {P30 AI168386/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: This thematic scoping review of publications sought to understand the global impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis (TB), interpret the scope of resonating themes, and offer policy recommendations to stimulate TB recovery and future pandemic preparedness.

DATA SOURCES: Publications were captured from three search engines, PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, and applicable websites written in English from January 1, 2020, to April 30, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION: Our scoping review was limited to publications detailing the impact of COVID-19 on TB. Original research, reviews, letters, and editorials describing the deleterious and harmful--yet sometimes positive--impact of COVID-19 (sole exposure) on TB (sole outcome) were included. The objective was to methodically categorize the impacts into themes through a comprehensive review of selected studies to provide significant health policy guidance.

DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently screened citations and full texts, while the third arbitrated when consensus was not met. All three performed data extraction.

DATA SYNTHESIS/RESULTS: Of 1,755 screened publications, 176 (10%) covering 39 countries over 41 months met the inclusion criteria. By independently using a data extraction instrument, the three authors identified ten principal themes from each publication. These themes were later finalized through a consensus decision. The themes encompassed TB's care cascade, patient-centered care, psychosocial issues, and health services: 1) case-finding and notification (n = 45; 26%); 2) diagnosis and laboratory systems (n = 19; 10.7%) 3) prevention, treatment, and care (n = 22; 12.2%); 4) telemedicine/telehealth (n = 12; 6.8%); 5) social determinants of health (n = 14; 8%); 6) airborne infection prevention and control (n = 8; 4.6%); 7) health system strengthening (n = 22; 13%); 8) mental health (n = 13; 7.4%); 9) stigma (n = 11; 6.3%); and 10) health education (n = 10; 5.7%).

LIMITATIONS: Heterogeneity of publications within themes.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified ten globally generalizable themes of COVID-19's impact on TB. The impact and lessons learned from the themed analysis propelled us to draft public health policy recommendations to direct evidence-informed guidance that strengthens comprehensive global responses, recovery for TB, and future airborne pandemic preparedness.},
}

@article {pmid38947060,
year = {2024},
author = {Holtgrewe, L and Jain, S and Dekova, R and Broger, T and Isaacs, C and Nahid, P and Cattamanchi, A and Denkinger, CM and Yerlikaya, S},
title = {Innovative COVID-19 Point-of-Care Diagnostics Suitable for Tuberculosis Diagnosis: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1101/2024.06.13.24308880},
pmid = {38947060},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Rapid and accurate point-of-care (POC) tuberculosis (TB) diagnostics are a key priority to close the TB diagnostic gap of 3.1 million people without a diagnosis. Leveraging the recent surge in COVID-19 diagnostic innovation, we explored the potential adaptation of commercially available SARS-CoV-2 tests for TB diagnosis, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) target product profiles (TPPs).

METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to systematically map commercially available POC molecular and antigen SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests potentially meeting the TPPs for TB diagnostic tests for peripheral settings. Data were gathered from PubMed/MEDLINE, bioRxiv, and medRxiv, along with publicly accessible in vitro diagnostic test databases, and developer websites, up to November 23, 2022. Data on developer and test attributes, operational characteristics, pricing, and clinical performance were charted using standardized data extraction forms. Each identified test was evaluated using a standardized scorecard. A narrative synthesis of the charted data is presented.

RESULTS: Our database search yielded 2,003 studies, from which 408 were considered eligible. Among these, we identified 58 commercialized diagnostic devices, including 17 near-POC antigen tests, one POC molecular test, 29 near-POC molecular tests, and 11 low-complexity molecular tests. We summarized the detailed characteristics, regulatory status, and clinical performance data of these tests. The LumiraDx (Roche, Switzerland) emerged as the highest- scoring near-POC antigen platform, while Visby (Visby, USA) was the highest-performing near-POC molecular platform. The Lucira Check-It (Pfizer, USA) was noted as the sole POC molecular test. The Idylla [TM] (Biocartis, Switzerland) was identified as the leading low- complexity molecular test.

DISCUSSION: We highlight a diverse landscape of commercially available diagnostic tests suitable for potential adaptation to TB POC testing. This work aims to bolster global TB initiatives by fostering stakeholder collaboration, leveraging COVID-19 diagnostic technologies for TB diagnosis, and uncovering new commercial avenues to tackle longstanding challenges in TB diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid38848374,
year = {2024},
author = {Dos Santos, B and Farzan Nipun, R and Maria Subic, A and Kubica, A and Rondinelli, N and Marentette, D and Muise, J and Paes, K and Riley, M and Bhuiya, S and Crosby, J and McBride, K and Salter, J and Orkin, AM},
title = {Virtual opioid poisoning education and naloxone distribution programs: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS digital health},
volume = {3},
number = {6},
pages = {e0000412},
pmid = {38848374},
issn = {2767-3170},
abstract = {The global opioid poisoning crisis is a complex issue with far-reaching public health implications. Opioid Poisoning Education and Naloxone Distribution (OPEND) programs aim to reduce stigma and promote harm reduction strategies, enhancing participants' ability to apply life-saving interventions, including naloxone administration and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to opioid poisoning. While virtual OPEND programs have shown promise in improving knowledge about opioid poisoning response, their implementation and evaluation have been limited. The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked renewed interest in virtual health services, including OPEND programs. Our study reviews the literature on fully virtual OPEND programs worldwide. We analyzed 7,722 articles, 30 of which met our inclusion criteria. We extracted and synthesized information about the interventions' type, content, duration, the scales used, and key findings. Our search shows a diversity of interventions being implemented, with different study designs, duration, outcomes, scales, and different time points for measurement, all of which hinder a meaningful analysis of interventions' effectiveness. Despite this, virtual OPEND programs appear effective in increasing knowledge, confidence, and preparedness to respond to opioid poisoning while improving stigma regarding people who use opioids. This effect appears to be true in a wide variety of populations but is significantly relevant when focused on laypersons. Despite increasing efforts, access remains an issue, with most interventions addressing White people in urban areas. Our findings offer valuable insights for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future virtual OPEND programs.},
}

@article {pmid38813579,
year = {2024},
author = {Hamilton, A and Haghpanah, F and Tulchinsky, A and Kipshidze, N and Poleon, S and Lin, G and Du, H and Gardner, L and Klein, E},
title = {Incorporating endogenous human behavior in models of COVID-19 transmission: A systematic scoping review.},
journal = {Dialogues in health},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {100179},
pmid = {38813579},
issn = {2772-6533},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic there was a plethora of dynamical forecasting models created, but their ability to effectively describe future trajectories of disease was mixed. A major challenge in evaluating future case trends was forecasting the behavior of individuals. When behavior was incorporated into models, it was primarily incorporated exogenously (e.g., fitting to cellphone mobility data). Fewer models incorporated behavior endogenously (e.g., dynamically changing a model parameter throughout the simulation).

METHODS: This review aimed to qualitatively characterize models that included an adaptive (endogenous) behavioral element in the context of COVID-19 transmission. We categorized studies into three approaches: 1) feedback loops, 2) game theory/utility theory, and 3) information/opinion spread.

FINDINGS: Of the 92 included studies, 72% employed a feedback loop, 27% used game/utility theory, and 9% used a model if information/opinion spread. Among all studies, 89% used a compartmental model alone or in combination with other model types. Similarly, 15% used a network model, 11% used an agent-based model, 7% used a system dynamics model, and 1% used a Markov chain model. Descriptors of behavior change included mask-wearing, social distancing, vaccination, and others. Sixty-eight percent of studies calibrated their model to observed data and 25% compared simulated forecasts to observed data. Forty-one percent of studies compared versions of their model with and without endogenous behavior. Models with endogenous behavior tended to show a smaller and delayed initial peak with subsequent periodic waves.

INTERPRETATION: While many COVID-19 models incorporated behavior exogenously, these approaches may fail to capture future adaptations in human behavior, resulting in under- or overestimates of disease burden. By incorporating behavior endogenously, the next generation of infectious disease models could more effectively predict outcomes so that decision makers can better prepare for and respond to epidemics.

FUNDING: This study was funded in-part by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MInD-Healthcare Program (1U01CK000536), the National Science Foundation (NSF) Modeling Dynamic Disease-Behavior Feedbacks for Improved Epidemic Prediction and Response grant (2229996), and the NSF PIPP Phase I: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Messaging and Modeling during Pandemics grant (2200256).},
}

@article {pmid38774843,
year = {2023},
author = {Tahmasebi, A and Masoudi Asl, I and Aryankhesal, A and Vatankhah, S and Masoumi, G},
title = {Best Practices of Hospitals in Management of Epidemic Conditions: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Galen medical journal},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1-14},
pmid = {38774843},
issn = {2322-2379},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Many hospitals globally have valuable experiences in preparing for management and responding to infectious epidemics. Identifying and analyzing these experiences can provide comprehensive and practical data for decision-making and effective performance. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review and content analysis of the best practices of hospital (private or public) management in epidemic conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is a scoping review and content analysis, conducted in 2021. Data was collected by searching different databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, ProQuest, websites, search engines, and public reports without time limits. Content analysis was performed for data analysis.

RESULTS: We retrieved 8842 records from databases and other sources. Finally, 24 studies from 12 countries were selected for analysis. Most studies belonged to the United States (9 cases), and most subjects were on Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) (19 studies). We classified the results into two major categories of in-hospital executive readiness and logistic readiness. Executive readiness included 11 main categories (physical structure, resource management, exposure reduction, patients and caregivers' management, corpse management, disinfection, staff support, patient admission, instructions and guidelines, tele- communication, and education) and 26 sub-categories. Logistic readiness consisted of three major categories (leadership/team making, communication, and using capabilities) and five sub-categories.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare managers can use the identified categories and dimensions of managerial readiness and responsiveness as an action plan during an infectious disease epidemic.},
}

@article {pmid38712055,
year = {2024},
author = {Avendano, EE and Blackmon, SA and Nirmala, N and Chan, CW and Morin, RA and Balaji, S and McNulty, L and Argaw, SA and Doron, S and Nadimpalli, ML},
title = {Race, ethnicity, and risk for colonization and infection with key bacterial pathogens: a scoping review.},
journal = {medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {38712055},
support = {UM1 AI104681/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in infectious disease burden have been reported in the USA and globally, most recently for COVID-19. It remains unclear whether such disparities also exist for priority bacterial pathogens that are increasingly antimicrobial-resistant. We conducted a scoping review to summarize published studies that report on colonization or community-acquired infection with pathogens among different races and ethnicities.

METHODS: We conducted an electronic literature search of MEDLINE[®], Daily, Global Health, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Web of Science from inception to January 2022 for eligible observational studies. Abstracts and full-text publications were screened in duplicate for studies that reported data for race or ethnicity for at least one of the pathogens of interest.

RESULTS: Fifty-four observational studies in 59 publications met our inclusion criteria. Studies reported results for Staphylococcus aureus (n=56), Escherichia coli (n=8), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=2), Enterobacterales (n=1), Enterococcus faecium (n=1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=1), and were conducted in the USA (n=42), Israel (n=5), New Zealand (n=4), Australia (n=2), and Brazil (n=1). USA studies most often examined Black and Hispanic minority groups and regularly reported a higher risk of these pathogens in Black persons and mixed results for Hispanic persons. Ethnic minority groups were often reported to be at a higher risk in other countries.

CONCLUSION: Sufficient evidence was identified to justify systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the relationship between race, ethnicity, and community-acquired S. aureus and E. coli, although data were rare for other pathogens. We recommend that future studies clarify whether race and ethnicity data are self-reported, collect race and ethnicity data in conjunction with the social determinants of health, and make a concerted effort to include non-English speakers and Indigenous populations from the Americas, when possible.},
}

@article {pmid38709792,
year = {2024},
author = {Hafez, S and Ismail, SA and Zibwowa, Z and Alhamshary, N and Elsayed, R and Dhaliwal, M and Samuels, F and Fakoya, A},
title = {Community interventions for pandemic preparedness: A scoping review of pandemic preparedness lessons from HIV, COVID-19, and other public health emergencies of international concern.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {5},
pages = {e0002758},
pmid = {38709792},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Community action is broadly recognised as central to comprehensive and effective system responses to pandemics. However, there is uncertainty about how and where communities can be best supported to bolster long-term resilience and preparedness. We applied a typology of community interventions (Community Informing, Consulting, Involving, Collaborating or Empowering-or CICICE) to cover the diverse range of interventions identified across the literature and used this to structure a scoping review addressing three linked topics: (i) how CICICE interventions have been understood and applied in the literature on epidemic and pandemic preparedness; (ii) the spectrum of interventions that have been implemented to strengthen CICICE and (iii) what evidence is available on their effectiveness in influencing preparedness for current and future emergencies. We drew on peer-reviewed and grey literature from the HIV (from 2000) and COVID-19 pandemics and recent public health emergencies of international concern (from 2008), identified through systematic searches in MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Collaboration database, supplemented by keyword-structured searches in GoogleScholar and websites of relevant global health organisations. Following screening and extraction, key themes were identified using a combined inductive/deductive approach. 130 papers met the criteria for inclusion. Interventions for preparedness were identified across the spectrum of CICICE. Most work on COVID-19 focused on informing and consulting rather than capacity building and empowerment. The literature on HIV was more likely to report interventions emphasising human rights perspectives and empowerment. There was little robust evidence on the role of CICICE interventions in building preparedness. Evidence of effect was most robust for multi-component interventions for HIV prevention and control. Much of the reporting focused on intermediate outcomes, including measures of health service utilisation. We put forward a series of recommendations to help address evidence shortfalls, including clarifying definitions, organising and stratifying interventions by several parameters and strengthening evaluation methods for CICICE.},
}

@article {pmid38450276,
year = {2023},
author = {Ichsan, I and Redwood-Campbell, L and Mahmud, NN and Dimiati, H and Yani, M and Mudatsir, M and Syukri, M},
title = {Risk factors of MDR-TB and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on escalating of MDR-TB incidence in lower-middle-income countries: A scoping review.},
journal = {Narra J},
volume = {3},
number = {2},
pages = {e220},
pmid = {38450276},
issn = {2807-2618},
abstract = {The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting tuberculosis (TB) treatment in many ways that might lead to increasing the prevalence of multi-drugs-resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB), especially in lower-middle-income-countries (LMICs). This scoping review aimed to identify the risk factors of MDR-TB and to determine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on MDR-TB prevalence in LMICs. This study was reported according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. The relevant keywords were used to search studies in three databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect and SpringerLink) to identify the related articles. The English-written articles published from January 2012 to December 2022 that explored risk factors or causes of MDR-TB in LMICs were included. Out of 1,542 identified articles, 17 retrospective, prospective, case-control and cross-sectional studies from ten LMICs met were included in this scoping review. Twenty-one risk factors were discovered, with prior TB treatment (relapsed cases), diabetes, living area, living condition, smoking and low socioeconomic status were the main factors in developing MDR-TB during COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic increased the MDR-TB prevalence through drug resistance transmission inside households, the distance between home and healthcare facilities and low socioeconomic status. This scoping review demonstrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the rising incidence of MDR-TB in LMICs.},
}

@article {pmid38441021,
year = {2025},
author = {Sotoudeheian, M and Mirahmadi, SM and Pirhayati, M and Farahmandian, N and Azarbad, R and Toroudi, HP},
title = {Targeting SIRT1 by Scopoletin to Inhibit XBB.1.5 COVID-19 Life Cycle.},
journal = {Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {4-13},
doi = {10.2174/0127724328281178240225082456},
pmid = {38441021},
issn = {2772-4336},
mesh = {Humans ; *Sirtuin 1/metabolism ; *Scopoletin/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *COVID-19/metabolism ; Autophagy/drug effects ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology ; Animals ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; },
abstract = {Natural products have historically driven pharmaceutical discovery, but their reliance has diminished with synthetic drugs. Approximately 35% of medicines originate from natural products. Scopoletin, a natural coumarin compound found in herbs, exhibits antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties through diverse intracellular signaling mechanisms. Furthermore, it also enhances the activity of antioxidants. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes viral pneumonia through cytokine storms and systemic inflammation. Cellular autophagy pathways play a role in coronavirus replication and inflammation. The Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1) pathway, linked to autophagy, protects cells via FOXO3, inhibits apoptosis, and modulates SIRT1 in type-II epithelial cells. SIRT1 activation by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) enhances the autophagy cascade. This pathway holds therapeutic potential for alveolar and pulmonary diseases and is crucial in lung inflammation. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) activation, inhibited by reduced expression, prevents COVID-19 virus entry into type-II epithelial cells. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus binds ACE-2 to enter into the host cells, and XBB.1.5 COVID-19 displays high ACE-2-binding affinity. ACE-2 expression in pneumocytes is regulated by signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3), which can increase COVID-19 virus replication. SIRT1 regulates STAT3, and the SIRT1/STAT3 pathway is involved in lung diseases. Therapeutic regulation of SIRT1 protects the lungs from inflammation caused by viral-mediated oxidative stress. Scopoletin, as a modulator of the SIRT1 cascade, can regulate autophagy and inhibit the entry and life cycle of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 in host cells.},
}

Humans
*Sirtuin 1/metabolism
*Scopoletin/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*COVID-19/metabolism
Autophagy/drug effects
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology
Animals
Virus Replication/drug effects

@article {pmid38386621,
year = {2024},
author = {Nunes, C and McKee, M and Howard, N},
title = {The role of global health partnerships in vaccine equity: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {e0002834},
pmid = {38386621},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {The emergence of global health partnerships (GHPs) towards the end of the twentieth century reflected concerns about slow progress in access to essential medicines, including vaccines. These partnerships bring together governments, private philanthropic foundations, NGOs, and international agencies. Those in the vaccine field seek to incentivise the development and manufacture of new vaccines, raise funds to pay for them and develop and support systems to deliver them to those in need. These activities became more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the COVAX Facility Initiative promoting global vaccine equity. This review identifies lessons from previous experiences with GHPs. Findings contribute to understanding the emergence of GHPs, the mechanisms they leverage to support global access to vaccines, and the inherent challenges associated with their implementation. Using Arksey and O'Malley's method, we conducted a scoping review to identify and synthesise relevant articles. We analysed data thematically to identify barriers and opportunities for success. We included 68 eligible articles of 3,215 screened. Most (65 [95%]) were discussion or review articles describing partnerships or programmes they supported, and three (5%) were commentaries. Emerging themes included policy responses (e.g., immunisation mandates), different forms of partnerships arising in vaccine innovation (e.g., product development partnerships, public-private partnerships for access), and influence on global governance decision-making processes (e.g., the rising influence of foundations, diminishing authority of WHO, lack of accountability and transparency, creation of disease silos). If global health partnerships are to maximise their contributions, they should: (1) increase transparency, especially regarding their impacts; (2) address the need for health systems strengthening; and (3) address disincentives for cooperative vaccine research and development partnerships and encourage expansion of manufacturing capacity in low and middle-income countries.},
}

@article {pmid38384976,
year = {2024},
author = {Ameri, A and Ameri, A and Salmanizadeh, F and Bahaadinbeigy, K},
title = {Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) in assistance to COVID-19 diagnosis: A scoping review on types and evaluation methods.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {7},
number = {2},
pages = {e1919},
pmid = {38384976},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a precise and reliable diagnosis of this disease is critical. The use of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can help facilitate the diagnosis of COVID-19. This scoping review aimed to investigate the role of CDSS in diagnosing COVID-19.

METHODS: We searched four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase) using three groups of keywords related to CDSS, COVID-19, and diagnosis. To collect data from studies, we utilized a data extraction form that consisted of eight fields. Three researchers selected relevant articles and extracted data using a data collection form. To resolve any disagreements, we consulted with a fourth researcher.

RESULTS: A search of the databases retrieved 2199 articles, of which 68 were included in this review after removing duplicates and irrelevant articles. The studies used nonknowledge-based CDSS (n = 52) and knowledge-based CDSS (n = 16). Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) (n = 33) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) (n = 8) were employed to design the CDSS in most of the studies. Accuracy (n = 43) and sensitivity (n = 35) were the most common metrics for evaluating CDSS.

CONCLUSION: CDSS for COVID-19 diagnosis have been developed mainly through machine learning (ML) methods. The greater use of these techniques can be due to their availability of public data sets about chest imaging. Although these studies indicate high accuracy for CDSS based on ML, their novelty and data set biases raise questions about replacing these systems as clinician assistants in decision-making. Further studies are needed to improve and compare the robustness and reliability of nonknowledge-based and knowledge-based CDSS in COVID-19 diagnosis.},
}

@article {pmid38365878,
year = {2024},
author = {Agulnik, A and Boykin, D and O'Malley, DM and Price, J and Yang, M and McKone, M and Curran, G and Ritchie, MJ},
title = {Virtual facilitation best practices and research priorities: a scoping review.},
journal = {Implementation science communications},
volume = {5},
number = {1},
pages = {16},
pmid = {38365878},
issn = {2662-2211},
support = {K23 DK125666/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R25 DK123008/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R25DK123008/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; UL1 TR003107/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; R00 CA256043/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; R25DK123008-S1/DK/NIDDK NIH HHS/United States ; R00CA256043-03/CA/NCI NIH HHS/United States ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Facilitation is an implementation strategy that supports the uptake of evidence-based practices. Recently, use of virtual facilitation (VF), or the application of facilitation using primarily video-based conferencing technologies, has become more common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Thorough assessment of the literature on VF, however, is lacking. This scoping review aimed to identify and describe conceptual definitions of VF, evaluate the consistency of terminology, and recommend "best" practices for its use as an implementation strategy.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to identify literature on VF following the PRISMA-ScR guidance. A search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases was conducted in June 2022 for English language articles published from January 2012 through May 2022 and repeated in May 2023 for articles published from January 2012 through April 2023. Identified articles, including studies and conference abstracts describing VF, were uploaded into Covidence and screened independently by two reviewers. Data extraction was done by two reviewers in Microsoft Excel; additionally, studies were evaluated based on the Proctor et al. (2013) reporting guidelines for specifying details of implementation strategies.

RESULTS: The search strategy identified 19 articles. After abstract and full-text screening, eight studies described by 10 articles/abstracts were included in analysis. Best practices summarized across studies included (1) stakeholder engagement, (2) understanding the recipient's organization, (3) facilitator training, (4) piloting, (5) evaluating facilitation, (6) use of group facilitation to encourage learning, and (7) integrating novel tools for virtual interaction. Three papers reported all or nearly all components of the Proctor et al. reporting guidelines; justification for use of VF was the most frequently omitted.

CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review evaluated available literature on use of VF as a primary implementation strategy and identified significant variability on how VF is reported, including inconsistent terminology, lack of details about how and why it was conducted, and limited adherence to published reporting guidelines. These inconsistencies impact generalizability of these methods by preventing replicability and full understanding of this emerging methodology. More work is needed to develop and evaluate best practices for effective VF to promote uptake of evidence-based interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.},
}

@article {pmid38361915,
year = {2024},
author = {Quincho-Lopez, A and Poma, N and José Montenegro-Idrogo, J},
title = {COVID-19 associated with cryptococcosis: a scoping review.},
journal = {Therapeutic advances in infectious disease},
volume = {11},
number = {},
pages = {20499361241232851},
pmid = {38361915},
issn = {2049-9361},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence of fungal infections associated with COVID-19. The development of cryptococcosis in these patients has been infrequently reported. However, it can be life-threatening.

OBJECTIVE: To identify cases of COVID-19 patients who developed cryptococcosis and to compare baseline characteristics and management between those who survived and those who died.

METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase to identify studies that reported patients with COVID-19 and cryptococcosis. No language restriction was applied. Single case reports, case series, and original articles were included. It is important to note that 'n' refers to the total number of individuals with the specified variable.

RESULTS: A total of 58 studies were included. Among these studies, 51 included individual patient data, detailing information on a total of 65 patients, whereas eight studies reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients. One study provided both individual and aggregate case information. From individual patient data, the majority were male (73.9%; n = 48) with a median age of 60 years (range: 53-70). Severe COVID-19 and multiple comorbidities, led by arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, were frequently reported, but few had classic immunosuppression factors. On the other hand, HIV status, either negative or positive, was reported in just over half of the patients (61.5%; n = 40). Most were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (58.5%; n = 31), received mechanical ventilation (MV) (50.0%; n = 26), and developed disseminated cryptococcosis (55.4%; n = 36). Secondary infection, mainly bacterial, was reported in 19 patients (29.2%). Mortality was 47.7% (n = 31). Of the studies that reported the proportion of cryptococcosis in COVID-19 cases, the majority were descriptive studies published as conference abstracts.

CONCLUSION: Cryptococcosis in COVID-19 patients has been reported more frequently. However, it is still not as common as other fungal infections associated with COVID-19. Few patients have some classic immunosuppression factors. The factors associated with mortality were male sex, age, ICU admission, MV, secondary infections, and lymphopenia.},
}

@article {pmid38354211,
year = {2024},
author = {Walley, D and McCombe, G and Broughan, J and O'Shea, C and Crowley, D and Quinlan, D and Wann, C and Crowley, T and Cullen, W},
title = {Use of telemedicine in general practice in Europe since the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review of patient and practitioner perspectives.},
journal = {PLOS digital health},
volume = {3},
number = {2},
pages = {e0000427},
pmid = {38354211},
issn = {2767-3170},
abstract = {General practice is generally the first point of contact for patients presenting with COVID-19. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic general practitioners (GPs) across Europe have had to adopt to using telemedicine consultations in order to minimise the number of social contacts made. GPs had to balance two needs: preventing the spread of COVID-19, while providing their patients with regular care for other health issues. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of the literature examining the use of telemedicine for delivering routine general practice care since the start of the pandemic from the perspectives of patients and practitioners. The six-stage framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley, with recommendations by Levac et al was used to review the existing literature. The study selection process was conducted according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Braun and Clarke's' Thematic Analysis' approach was used to interpret data. A total of eighteen studies across nine countries were included in the review. Thirteen studies explored the practitioner perspective of the use of telemedicine in general practice since the COVID-19 pandemic, while five studies looked at the patient perspective. The types of studies included were: qualitative studies, literature reviews, a systematic review, observational studies, quantitative studies, Critical incident technique study, and surveys employing both closed and open styled questions. Key themes identified related to the patient/ practitioner experience and knowledge of using telemedicine, patient/ practitioner levels of satisfaction, GP collaboration, nature of workload, and suitability of consultations for telemedicine. The nature of general practice was radically changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain patient groups and areas of clinical and administrative work were identified as having performed well, if not better, by using telemedicine. Our findings suggest a level of acceptability and satisfaction of telemedicine by GPs and patients during the pandemic; however, further research is warranted in this area.},
}

@article {pmid38331913,
year = {2024},
author = {Isaacs, AN and Mitchell, EKL},
title = {Mental health integrated care models in primary care and factors that contribute to their effective implementation: a scoping review.},
journal = {International journal of mental health systems},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {5},
pmid = {38331913},
issn = {1752-4458},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In the state of Victoria, Australia, the 111-day lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the population's prevailing state of poor mental health. Of the 87% of Australians who visit their GP annually, 71% of health problems they discussed related to psychological issues. This review had two objectives: (1) To describe models of mental health integrated care within primary care settings that demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were transferable to Australian settings, and (2) To outline the factors that contributed to the effective implementation of these models into routine practice.

METHODS: A scoping review was undertaken to synthesise the evidence in order to inform practice, policymaking, and research. Data were obtained from PubMed, CINAHL and APA PsycINFO.

RESULTS: Key elements of effective mental health integrated care models in primary care are: Co-location of mental health and substance abuse services in the primary care setting, presence of licensed mental health clinicians, a case management approach to patient care, ongoing depression monitoring for up to 24 months and other miscellaneous elements. Key factors that contributed to the effective implementation of mental health integrated care in routine practice are the willingness to accept and promote system change, integrated physical and mental clinical records, the presence of a care manager, adequate staff training, a healthy organisational culture, regular supervision and support, a standardised workflow plan and care pathways that included clear role boundaries and the use of outcome measures. The need to develop sustainable funding mechanisms has also been emphasized.

CONCLUSION: Integrated mental health care models typically have a co-located mental health clinician who works closely with the GP and the rest of the primary care team. Implementing mental health integrated care models in Australia requires a 'whole of system' change. Lessons learned from the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program could form the foundation on which this model is implemented in Australia.},
}

@article {pmid38327389,
year = {2024},
author = {Musuuza, JS and Kumar, S and Posa, DK and Hans, A and Nayyar, S and Christensen, L and Kamoga, GR},
title = {Cold Agglutinin Disease and COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Treatments and Outcomes.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine research},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {8-14},
pmid = {38327389},
issn = {1918-3003},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reports suggest that patients with both acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and cold agglutinin disease (CAD) may experience poorer survival when treated with rituximab. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate severe outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality, in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with CAD on various treatments, including rituximab.

METHODS: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four literature databases were searched on December 19, 2023, for studies reporting lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and CAD, excluding rheumatological conditions.

RESULTS: Of the 741 screened articles, 19 were included. Studies, predominantly case reports (17/19) or case series (2/19), were mainly from the USA (8/19) and India (3/19), with others across Europe and Asia. Among 23 patients (61% female, median age 61 years), 21/23 had a new CAD diagnosis; only two had pre-existing CAD. Overall, 74% recovered, 21% died, and outcomes for one were unreported. Nine (39%) were ICU-admitted. Of rituximab-treated patients (n = 4), 25% were ICU-admitted, none died. Non-rituximab treatments (n = 19) saw 42% ICU admissions and 26% mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: This review found no increased risk of severe outcomes in CAD and COVID-19 patients treated with rituximab.},
}

@article {pmid38091336,
year = {2023},
author = {Berg de Almeida, G and Mendes Simon, L and Maria Bagattini, Â and Quarti Machado da Rosa, M and Borges, ME and Felizola Diniz Filho, JA and de Souza Kuchenbecker, R and Kraenkel, RA and Pio Ferreira, C and Alves Camey, S and Castelo Branco Fortaleza, CM and Toscano, CM},
title = {Dynamic transmission modeling of COVID-19 to support decision-making in Brazil: A scoping review in the pre-vaccine era.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {3},
number = {12},
pages = {e0002679},
pmid = {38091336},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Brazil was one of the countries most affected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a pre-vaccine era, and mathematical and statistical models were used in decision-making and public policies to mitigate and suppress SARS-CoV-2 dispersion. In this article, we intend to overview the modeling for COVID-19 in Brazil, focusing on the first 18 months of the pandemic. We conducted a scoping review and searched for studies on infectious disease modeling methods in peer-reviewed journals and gray literature, published between January 01, 2020, and June 2, 2021, reporting real-world or scenario-based COVID-19 modeling for Brazil. We included 81 studies, most corresponding to published articles produced in Brazilian institutions. The models were dynamic and deterministic in the majority. The predominant model type was compartmental, but other models were also found. The main modeling objectives were to analyze epidemiological scenarios (testing interventions' effectiveness) and to project short and long-term predictions, while few articles performed economic impact analysis. Estimations of the R0 and transmission rates or projections regarding the course of the epidemic figured as major, especially at the beginning of the crisis. However, several other outputs were forecasted, such as the isolation/quarantine effect on transmission, hospital facilities required, secondary cases caused by infected children, and the economic effects of the pandemic. This study reveals numerous articles with shared objectives and similar methods and data sources. We observed a deficiency in addressing social inequities in the Brazilian context within the utilized models, which may also be expected in several low- and middle-income countries with significant social disparities. We conclude that the models were of great relevance in the pandemic scenario of COVID-19. Nevertheless, efforts could be better planned and executed with improved institutional organization, dialogue among research groups, increased interaction between modelers and epidemiologists, and establishment of a sustainable cooperation network.},
}

@article {pmid38064415,
year = {2023},
author = {Das, S and Grant, L and Fernandes, G},
title = {Task shifting healthcare services in the post-COVID world: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {3},
number = {12},
pages = {e0001712},
pmid = {38064415},
issn = {2767-3375},
support = {MR/V021400/1/MRC_/Medical Research Council/United Kingdom ; },
abstract = {Task shifting (TS) is the redistribution of healthcare services from specialised to less-qualified providers. Need for TS was intensified during COVID-19. We explore what impact TS had on service delivery during the pandemic and examine how the pandemic affected TS strategies globally. We searched five databases in October 2022, namely Medline, CINAHL Plus, Elsevier, Global Health and Google Scholar. 35 citations were selected following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We analysed data thematically and utilised the WHO health systems framework and emergent themes to frame findings. We uncovered instances of TS in countries across all income levels. 63% (n = 22) of the articles discussed the impact of TS on healthcare services. These encompassed services related to mental healthcare, HIV, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and rheumatoid diseases. The remaining 37% (n = 13) focused on how the pandemic altered strategies for TS, particularly in services related to mental healthcare, HIV, hypertension, diabetes and emergency care. We also found that studies differed in how they reported TS, with majority using terms "task shifting", followed by "task sharing", "task shifting and sharing" and "task delegation". Our analysis demonstrates that TS had a substantial impact across healthcare systems. Modifying roles through training and collaboration strengthened workforce and enhanced diagnostic services. Strategic leadership played a crucial role in the process. More research on the financial aspects of TS during pandemics is required. Stakeholders generally accepted TS, but transferring staff between healthcare programs caused unintended disruptions. The pandemic reshaped TS, moving training, patient care and consultations to digital platforms. Virtual interventions showed promise, but digital access remained a challenge. Healthcare organisations adapted by modifying procedures, pathways and staff precautions. We recommend refining strategies for TS, and expanding on it to address workforce shortages, improve access, and enhance services, not only during crises but also beyond.},
}

@article {pmid38026065,
year = {2023},
author = {Chung-Lee, L and Catallo, C and Meade, A},
title = {What are COVID-19 Patient Preferences for and Experiences with Virtual Care? Findings From a Scoping Review.},
journal = {Journal of patient experience},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {23743735231215603},
pmid = {38026065},
issn = {2374-3735},
abstract = {Virtual care became a routine method for healthcare delivery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient preferences are central to delivering patient-centered and high-quality care. The pandemic challenged healthcare organizations and providers to quickly deliver safe healthcare to COVID-19 patients. This resulted in varied implementation of virtual healthcare services. With an increased focus on remote COVID-19 monitoring, little research has examined patient experiences with virtual care. This scoping review examined patient experiences and preferences with virtual care among community-based self-isolating COVID-19 patients. We identified a paucity of literature related to patient experiences and preferences regarding virtual care. Few articles focused on patient experiences and preferences as a primary outcome. Our research suggests that (1) patients view virtual care positively and to be feasible to use; (2) patient access to technology impacts patient satisfaction and experiences; and (3) to enhance the patient experience, healthcare organizations and providers need to support patient use of technology and resolve technology-related issues. When planning virtual care modalities, purposeful consideration of patient experiences and preferences is needed to deliver quality patient-centered care.},
}

@article {pmid37978416,
year = {2023},
author = {Elkin, R and Duff, JP and LaForest, ML and Stapleton, S and Ramachandra, G and Palaganas, JC and Gross, IT},
title = {Distance simulation in the health professions: a scoping review.},
journal = {Advances in simulation (London, England)},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {37978416},
issn = {2059-0628},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Distance simulation is defined as simulation experiences in which participants and/or facilitators are separated from each other by geographic distance and/or time. The use of distance simulation as an education technique expanded rapidly with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, with a concomitant increase in scholarly work.

METHODS: A scoping review was performed to review and characterize the distance simulation literature. With the assistance of an informationist, the literature was systematically searched. Each abstract was reviewed by two researchers and disagreements were addressed by consensus. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools.

RESULTS: Six thousand nine hundred sixty-nine abstracts were screened, ultimately leading to 124 papers in the final dataset for extraction. A variety of simulation modalities, contexts, and distance simulation technologies were identified, with activities covering a range of content areas. Only 72 papers presented outcomes and sufficient detail to be analyzed for risk of bias. Most studies had moderate to high risk of bias, most commonly related to confounding factors, intervention classification, or measurement of outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Most of the papers reviewed during the more than 20-year time period captured in this study presented early work or low-level outcomes. More standardization around reporting is needed to facilitate a clear and shared understanding of future distance simulation research. As the broader simulation community gains more experience with distance simulation, more studies are needed to inform when and how it should be used.},
}

@article {pmid37967067,
year = {2023},
author = {Dudley, L and Couper, I and Kannangarage, NW and Naidoo, S and Ribas, CR and Koller, TS and Young, T},
title = {COVID-19 preparedness and response in rural and remote areas: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {3},
number = {11},
pages = {e0002602},
pmid = {37967067},
issn = {2767-3375},
support = {001/WHO_/World Health Organization/International ; },
abstract = {This scoping review used the Arksey and O'Malley approach to explore COVID-19 preparedness and response in rural and remote areas to identify lessons to inform future health preparedness and response planning. A search of scientific and grey literature for rural COVID-19 preparedness and responses identified 5 668 articles published between 2019 and early 2022. A total of 293 articles were included, of which 160 (54.5%) were from high income countries and 106 (36.2%) from middle income countries. Studies focused mostly on the Maintenance of Essential Health Services (63; 21.5%), Surveillance, epidemiological investigation, contact tracing and adjustment of public health and social measures (60; 20.5%), Coordination and Planning (32; 10.9%); Case Management (30; 10.2%), Social Determinants of Health (29; 10%) and Risk Communication (22; 7.5%). Rural health systems were less prepared and national COVID-19 responses were often not adequately tailored to rural areas. Promising COVID-19 responses involved local leaders and communities, were collaborative and multisectoral, and engaged local cultures. Non-pharmaceutical interventions were applied less, support for access to water and sanitation at scale was weak, and more targeted approaches to the isolation of cases and quarantine of contacts were preferable to blanket lockdowns. Rural pharmacists, community health workers and agricultural extension workers assisted in overcoming shortages of health professionals. Vaccination coverage was hindered by weaker rural health systems. Digital technology enabled better coordination, communication, and access to health services, yet for some was inaccessible. Rural livelihoods and food security were affected through disruptions to local labour markets, farm produce markets and input supply chains. Important lessons include the need for rural proofing national health preparedness and response and optimizing synergies between top-down planning with localised planning and coordination. Equity-oriented rural health systems strengthening and action on rural social determinants is essential to better prepare for and respond to future outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid37904901,
year = {2023},
author = {Maltby, A and Underhill, A and Woodbridge, S},
title = {The use of telephone and video consultations in upper limb musculoskeletal rehabilitation: A scoping review.},
journal = {Hand therapy},
volume = {28},
number = {3},
pages = {89-102},
pmid = {37904901},
issn = {1758-9991},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a rapid uptake of virtual consultations (VCs) to minimise disease transmission and for this reason, research into telerehabilitation has been expanding. This review aimed to map and synthesize evidence on the use of VCs in upper limb musculoskeletal rehabilitation, describe key characteristics, and identify gaps in the research.

METHODS: This scoping review investigated synchronous rehabilitation consultations performed over VC. All asynchronous, wearable or pre-recorded technology was excluded. CINAHL Complete, Medline, PEDro, Google Scholar and grey literature sources were searched. Screening and data extraction were done by a single researcher. Frequency counts were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS: Nineteen studies were identified, with patients with shoulder injury/pain most frequently studied. Most sources (n = 9) used bespoke video programmes. Range of motion (ROM) was the most common assessment (n = 10) and exercise prescription (n = 7) was the most common treatment. Benefits included time and cost savings, maintaining therapeutic relationships and increasing patient independence. Most diagnostic assessments, except joint and nerve tension tests, were found to be reliable and valid. Studies noted increased function in activities, decreased pain and increased ROM after VCs. Limitations included restricted 'hands-on' treatment, resource and training concerns and limiting patient factors.

CONCLUSIONS: This review mapped available evidence and identified several gaps in the literature. Further robust research into VCs for hand/wrist disorders, ROM assessment and cost-effectiveness is needed.},
}

@article {pmid37847427,
year = {2023},
author = {Hearty, P and Canvin, K and Bellass, S and Hampton, S and Wright, N and Sheard, L},
title = {Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on the delivery and receipt of prison healthcare: an international scoping review.},
journal = {Health & justice},
volume = {11},
number = {1},
pages = {42},
pmid = {37847427},
issn = {2194-7899},
support = {EP/V058517/1//Economic and Social Research Council/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: People being held in prison are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 infection, as places of detention are high-risk environments for spread of infection. Due to this risk, many prisons across the globe introduced measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The pandemic changed almost all aspects of prison life, including prison healthcare provision. We undertook a scoping review to understand what is known about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the receipt and delivery of prison healthcare. This scoping review is part of a wider mixed-methods study focusing more specifically on the impact that Covid-19 had on prison healthcare delivery in England.

METHODS: We conducted an international scoping review of peer-reviewed articles published between December 2019 and January 2022, across six electronic databases. We also conducted a hand search of key journals and the reference lists of included articles.

RESULTS: Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. The articles focused primarily on prisons in high-income countries and mostly explored the impact that the pandemic had on the provision of drug treatment services. Some aspects of drug treatment services were more impacted than others, with those delivered by external providers and preparations for release particularly hindered. Whilst prison mental health services were purportedly available, there were changes regarding how these were delivered, with group therapies suspended and most consultations taking place using telehealth. The articles reported both digital and non-digital adaptations or innovations to prison healthcare services to ensure continued delivery. Collaboration between different agencies, such as the prison itself, healthcare providers, and non-governmental organisations, was key to facilitating ongoing provision of healthcare to people in prison.

CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 impacted on prison healthcare internationally, but different treatment services were affected in disparate ways, both within and between countries. The published literature concentrates on the impact on drug treatment services. Prison healthcare providers rapidly adapted their processes to attempt to maintain service provision.},
}

@article {pmid37611014,
year = {2023},
author = {Dalton, M and Sanderson, B and Robinson, LJ and Homer, CSE and Pomat, W and Danchin, M and Vaccher, S},
title = {Impact of COVID-19 on routine childhood immunisations in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.},
journal = {PLOS global public health},
volume = {3},
number = {8},
pages = {e0002268},
pmid = {37611014},
issn = {2767-3375},
abstract = {Routine vaccines are critical to child health. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted essential health services, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We reviewed literature to determine the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery and uptake of routine childhood immunisation in LMICs. We reviewed papers published between March 2020 and June 2022 using a scoping review framework, and assessed each paper across the World Health Organisation health system strengthening framework. Our search identified 3,471 publications; 58 studies were included. One-quarter of studies showed routine childhood immunisation coverage declined (10% to 38%) between 2019 to 2021. Declines in the number of vaccine doses administered (25% to 51%), timeliness (6.2% to 34%), and the availability of fixed and outreach services were also reported. Strategies proposed to improve coverage included catch-up activities, strengthening supply chain and outreach services. Re-focusing efforts on increasing coverage is critical to improve child health and reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid37484060,
year = {2023},
author = {Knox-Kazimierczuk, F and Trinh, S and Odems, D and Shockley-Smith, M},
title = {Challenges and lessons learned birthing during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {6},
number = {7},
pages = {e1387},
pmid = {37484060},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare system facilitated a change in policies to redress the consequences of increased demand and fear of disease transmission. Restrictive measures throughout the healthcare system limiting access to accompanying partners of birthing people in addition to fears of contracting COVID-19, an increasing number of birthing people chose to have an out-of-hospital birth. Out-of-hospital births are not prevalent in the United States. However, in recent years the percentage of out-of-hospital births has been steadily increasing. COVID-19 was a novel virus imposing a unique birthing situation for millions of women, complicated by lack of integration and varied policies in the U.S.

METHODS: To better understand the challenges of birthing people during the pandemic a scoping review was conducted to explore the literature during the first wave of the pandemic related to out-of-hospital births. The approach for this review made use of the methodology manual published by the Joanna Briggs Institute for scoping reviews. All manner of publications (i.e. peer-reviewed published articles, grey articles, conference proceedings, webinars, editorials, and textbook chapters) were included in the review.

RESULTS: Articles retrieved from the database search yielded sixty-three articles, after duplicate removal forty-six records were available for screening. Articles were further excluded using the PRISMA process, yielding thirty-one remaining records. From the thirty-one records twelve themes emerged, which were collapsed into four meta-themes.

CONCLUSION: These meta-themes focused on (a) advocacy, (b) homebirth infrastructure, (c) support networks, and (d) uncertainty during the pandemic. COVID-19 has accelerated this movement to birthing at home and thought must be given to how the healthcare system is going to support and integrate this mode of birthing.},
}

@article {pmid37359409,
year = {2023},
author = {Jawed, A and Tharwani, ZH and Siddiqui, A and Masood, W and Qamar, K and Islam, Z and Jawed, A and Shah, M and Adnan, A and Essar, MY and Rackimuthu, S and Head, MG},
title = {Better understanding extrapulmonary tuberculosis: A scoping review of public health impact in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh.},
journal = {Health science reports},
volume = {6},
number = {6},
pages = {e1357},
pmid = {37359409},
issn = {2398-8835},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: South Asian countries, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh, have a high prevalence of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). This prevalence is influenced by various risk factors such as ethnicity, nutrition, socioeconomic disparities, high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, and specific Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) lineages. The COVID-19 pandemic has likely hindered access to healthcare and led to under-reporting of EPTB cases nationally and internationally. This rapid review aimed to summarize the literature on the prevalence and disease outcomes of EPTB in the mentioned countries, compare the situations across countries, and provide recommendations for future action.

METHODS: The review utilized PubMed and Google Scholar databases to search for literature on EPTB in South Asian countries. The search string included keywords related to different forms of EPTB and the countries of interest while excluding pulmonary tuberculosis.

RESULTS: The results showed that both TB, including drug-resistant TB, and EPTB are prevalent and burdensome in South Asia. In Pakistan, pleural TB was the most commonly reported form of EPTB, followed by lymph node TB, abdominal TB, osteoarticular TB, Central Nervous System TB, and miliary TB. In India, lymph node TB(LNTB) was more common among EPTB cases. Bangladesh reported a high prevalence of EPTB involving lymph node, pleura, and abdomen, while Afghanistan had a higher prevalence of forms such as LNTB and tuberculous meningitis.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the prevalence of EPTB in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh is alarmingly high and negatively impacts population health. Effective measures are needed for treatment and management of this condition, along with addressing current and future challenges. Strengthening the evidence base through surveillance and research is crucial to understand the patterns and significant factors related to EPTB, requiring investment in these areas.},
}

@article {pmid37337228,
year = {2023},
author = {Iddrisu, M and Poku, CA and Mensah, E and Attafuah, PYA and Dzansi, G and Adjorlolo, S},
title = {Work-related psychosocial challenges and coping strategies among nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.},
journal = {BMC nursing},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {210},
pmid = {37337228},
issn = {1472-6955},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nurses and midwives have been stretched by the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the heroic roles they have played during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses stood tall among their peers in the healthcare industry saving lives. The pandemic has had a toll on nurses physically, psychologically, and socio-economically. The numerous deaths have traumatized nurses coupled with the fear of possible infection. Nurses have seen their colleagues and loved ones lose their lives to the pandemic, nevertheless, they still render care to patients no matter the circumstances. Due to that, it is imperative to ascertain the extent to which nurses who are much needed in healthcare delivery have been affected by this pandemic. This scoping review used Arksey and O'Malley's review methodology to investigate the nature of work-related psychosocial challenges nurses encountered during the peak of the pandemic, noting the major contributors to the challenges and the coping strategies used to address them.

METHODS: We performed a scoping review and searched for articles from five databases including PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Grey literature from December 2019 to December 2021. A total of 7,334 articles were retrieved for the study but 45 met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Work-related psychosocial challenges identified included stress, burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Factors that accounted for the challenges were inadequate personal protective equipment (PPEs), discomfort using the PPEs, extreme workload, and fatigue. Nurses experienced job insecurity, business closure, and separation from family and loved ones, and these contributed to their challenges. Strategies used to deal with the challenges centred on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping.

CONCLUSIONS: The study recommends regular counselling and support for all nurses working at the frontline to help them better cope with the devastating effects of the pandemic so that they could build resilience towards future pandemics.},
}

@article {pmid37317684,
year = {2023},
author = {Sanchez, MC and Nyarko, D and Mulji, J and Džunić, A and Surti, M and Mangat, A and Mainali, D and Spitzer, DL},
title = {Health Care for All: Undocumented Migrants and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Alberta, Canada-A Scoping Review.},
journal = {Journal of migration and health},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {100192},
pmid = {37317684},
issn = {2666-6235},
abstract = {• What can be learned about the healthcare access of undocumented workers? How can health equity be advanced through sensitivity to the process of precaritization and the precarities informing their lives? • Thailand and Spain are the only countries in the world that offer the same healthcare access to undocumented migrants as citizens. Most European countries only offer emergency services: France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland allow undocumented migrants to access similar services to citizens if they meet conditions (proof of identity; length of residence in the country). European cities such as Ghent, Frankfurt, and Dusseldorf, offer barrier-free healthcare. Throughout the USA, Federally Qualified Health Centers support care to the uninsured regardless of immigration status. • In Canada, Ontario and Quebec, provide a base level of healthcare access to undocumented migrants, and a small number of stand-alone community-based clinics offer additional care and specialized services. • To promote healthcare for undocumented migrants in Alberta, barrier-free access to vaccination, COVID-19 treatment, and proof of vaccinations are essential, but an equity lens to healthcare service— informed by analytic understanding and robust approach to precaritization as a social determinant, is most needed.},
}