@article {pmid41884447,
year = {2026},
author = {Panda, PK and Garg, R},
title = {Rethinking COVID-19 seasonality: A summer respiratory virus in the tropics, contrast to influenza.},
journal = {World journal of virology},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {116492},
pmid = {41884447},
issn = {2220-3249},
abstract = {This opinion challenges the conventional view that coronavirus disease 2019 behaves as a uniformly winter-dominant respiratory infection. Analysis of multi-year surveillance data across hemispheres reveals that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 exhibits seasonal divergence, with consistent summer surges in tropical regions, such as India, and winter peaks in temperate climates. We propose that this pattern arises primarily from human (host) behavioural responses to multi-animal tropism to climatic (environment) extremes, which recreate high-risk indoor transmission settings under both heat and cold. Unlike influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (agent) combines thermal resilience, broad tissue tropism, and efficient pre-symptomatic transmission, allowing persistence beyond classical winter bounds. Recognizing coronavirus disease 2019 as a behaviourally modulated (through agent-host-environment triad) seasonal virus may help tailor regional surveillance, ventilation, and vaccination strategies in an era of accelerating climatic change.},
}

@article {pmid41884458,
year = {2026},
author = {Younas, S and Farooq, S and Sahu, S and Mwita, RP and Özdemir, Ö},
title = {Next-generation mucosal vaccines for respiratory viruses: Immunological correlates, platform design and clinical translation.},
journal = {World journal of virology},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {116939},
pmid = {41884458},
issn = {2220-3249},
abstract = {Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continue to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Currently licensed intramuscular (IM) vaccines effectively reduce severe disease and death but only partially suppress infection and transmission because they induce limited immunity in the respiratory mucosa. This minireview summarizes next-generation mucosal vaccines for respiratory viruses, focusing on the immunological correlates of protection, platform design, and clinical translation. The literature was identified through focused searches of PubMed and Scopus, prioritizing human studies and late-stage preclinical data published between 2000 and 2025. We outline the key mucosal immune correlates required to block viral entry at the airway epithelium, including secretory IgA and tissue-resident memory T cells, and review advances across major vaccine platforms. Current clinical experience with coronavirus disease 2019, influenza, and RSV mucosal vaccines is discussed, along with challenges related to immune measurement, delivery optimization, evaluation of transmission outcomes, and scalable global implementation, including heterologous systemic-mucosal prime-boost strategies. Overall, accumulating evidence positions mucosal vaccination as a promising complement to IM vaccines, with the potential to shift respiratory virus control from disease mitigation to prevention of infection and transmission.},
}

@article {pmid41884461,
year = {2026},
author = {Capobianco, M and Cappellani, F and Visalli, F and Avitabile, A and Gagliano, G and Nicolosi, SG and Khouyyi, M and D'Esposito, F and Gagliano, C and Zeppieri, M},
title = {Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis with viral triggers.},
journal = {World journal of virology},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {117124},
pmid = {41884461},
issn = {2220-3249},
abstract = {Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis (PKC) goes beyond limbal nodules. This pediatric ocular surface condition caused by delayed-type hypersensitivity to microbial antigens. The trigger is context-dependent: Mycobacterial antigens in tuberculosis-endemic areas; staphylococcal eyelid disease and rosacea in high-income areas. Although classically bacterial-driven, virus-associated presentations like herpes simplex virus (HSV)-linked phlyctenular disease, pediatric PKC during acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, and molluscum contagiosum-driven keratoconjunctivitis suggest the same antigen-mediated pathway. Photophobia and discomfort are prevalent, and corneal involvement can cause neovascularization, scarring, amblyopia, and perforation. This minireview combines epidemiologic, clinical, and immunopathologic data to identify causes and update care. Practical takeaways: (1) Treat the antigen source (blepharitis/rosacea, chlamydia, parasites) and screen for tuberculosis when risk factors exist. Consider viral triggers when history or exam suggest HSV, recent COVID-19, or eyelid molluscum; (2) Suppress inflammation promptly with a short, carefully tapered course of topical corticosteroids; (3) Use topical cyclosporine as a steroid-sparing agent in recurrent or steroid-dependent disease; and (4) Reduce antigen load with lid hygiene and targeted antimicrobials. Start antitubercular treatment for tuberculosis. If a viral cause is anticipated, add antiviral medication or molluscum lesion eradication to the steroid-sparing regimen. Trigger-focused, steroid-sparing treatment reduces recurrences, vision-threatening consequences, and steroid exposure.},
}

@article {pmid41884491,
year = {2026},
author = {Ayoubkhani, D and Atchison, CJ and Banerjee, A and Brightling, C and Calvert, M and Diamond, I and Eggo, RM and Elliott, P and Evans, RA and Haroon, S and Herrett, E and Nafilyan, V and O'Mahoney, LL and Pinto Pereira, SM and Routen, A and Shafran, R and Stephenson, T and Sterne, J and Ward, H and Zaccardi, F and Khunti, K},
title = {Considerations for epidemiological studies investigating emerging post-acute infection syndromes: Long Covid as a case study.},
journal = {EClinicalMedicine},
volume = {94},
number = {},
pages = {103833},
pmid = {41884491},
issn = {2589-5370},
abstract = {Epidemiological research studies into Long Covid, currently defined by prolonged symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, have reported widely varying prevalence estimates. As well as rapidly evolving scientific knowledge of Long Covid, these differences are partly driven by substantial methodological heterogeneity between studies, including the outcome definition of Long Covid; duration of follow-up; study design, period and population; sampling frame; data source; and the statistical techniques employed. Having a robust understanding of the prevalence of and risk factors for Long Covid is essential for informing treatment pathways, service provision and policy decisions. In preparation for the public health response to future epidemics and pandemics, this review outlines key epidemiological and statistical considerations and recommendations when designing studies of emerging post-acute infection syndromes, focussing on Long Covid as a case study.},
}

@article {pmid41886256,
year = {2026},
author = {Bilezikian, JP and di Filippo, L and Bianchi, A and Bikle, DD and Binkley, N and Bouillon, R and Fassio, A and Frara, S and Jones, G and Latella, G and Laterza, L and Graniel, IP and Taccari, F and Trasciatti, S and White, JH and Giustina, A},
title = {Vitamin D in Gut and Systemic Immune Tolerance and in Infections' Risk: An International Evidence-Based Consensus Statement.},
journal = {Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders},
volume = {27},
number = {2},
pages = {183-200},
pmid = {41886256},
issn = {1573-2606},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vitamin D/immunology ; *Immune Tolerance/drug effects/physiology ; *Vitamin D Deficiency/immunology ; Intestinal Barrier Function ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/immunology ; *Infections/immunology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology ; },
abstract = {Vitamin D, classically linked to calcium-phosphate metabolism and skeletal health, is increasingly recognized as a pleiotropic hormone with effects on gastrointestinal and systemic immune functions. This International Consensus aims to critically evaluate the role of vitamin D in gastrointestinal homeostasis, infection prevention, and immune regulation. A multidisciplinary panel of experts conducted a comprehensive review of the literature, distinguishing between associative evidence from observational studies and causal inferences derived from interventional trials addressing gut barrier integrity, dysbiosis, intestinal cancer prevention, respiratory infections, and autoimmune diseases. While vitamin D deficiency has been consistently associated with alterations in gut microbiota composition, increased intestinal permeability, impaired immune tolerance, and increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune conditions, evidence from interventional studies remains more variable. Clinical outcomes are influenced by baseline 25(OH)D status, supplementation dose and formulation, timing of intervention, and disease context. Vitamin D supplementation has shown potential benefits in selected settings (i.e., autoimmune diseases and acute respiratory infections), and particularly in cases of documented deficiency. Given its pleiotropic role and favourable safety profile, appropriate screening and optimization of vitamin D represent a low-cost and potentially impactful strategy to support gut barrier function and immune competence. While further research is needed to define these therapeutic applications, maintaining vitamin D concentrations above 20 or 30 ng/mL in individuals at skeletal or immunological risk emerges as a reasonable clinical target. This Consensus Panel supports the integration of vitamin D assessment and correction into routine care for at-risk populations and calls for greater awareness of its extra-skeletal relevance.},
}

Humans
*Vitamin D/immunology
*Immune Tolerance/drug effects/physiology
*Vitamin D Deficiency/immunology
Intestinal Barrier Function
*Gastrointestinal Tract/immunology
*Infections/immunology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology

@article {pmid41887023,
year = {2026},
author = {Rosso, A and Riccio, M and Renzi, E and Patania, F and Baccolini, V and Kaisy, AM and Marzuillo, C and De Vito, C and Villari, P and Massimi, A},
title = {The role of school-based health education in promoting childhood and adolescent vaccination: A systematic review and Meta-analysis.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {128479},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128479},
pmid = {41887023},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; *Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; *Health Education/methods ; *School Health Services ; Schools ; Vaccination Hesitancy ; Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescent vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, yet coverage has stagnated or declined in several regions, partly due to vaccine hesitancy. Schools offer a unique setting to promote vaccination by reaching children and adolescents during formative years. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of school-based health education interventions in improving vaccine-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and uptake.

METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched six databases up to August 2024 for interventional studies evaluating school-based educational programmes targeting students aged 6-18 years. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies assessing outcomes related to vaccine knowledge, attitudes, intention to vaccinate, or uptake were included. Studies focusing on COVID-19 vaccination were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using validated tools. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for HPV vaccination uptake.

RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies (1985-2024) were included: 9 RCTs/cluster-RCTs, 14 controlled quasi-experimental studies, and 15 pre-post studies. HPV vaccination was the most frequently studied vaccine (26/38). Most interventions significantly improved vaccine knowledge, while effects on attitudes and intention were less consistent. Eleven studies assessed vaccine uptake, with most reporting post-intervention increases. Meta-analysis of randomized trials showed a significant effect on HPV uptake (RR 4.18, 95% CI 1.41-12.37), although heterogeneity was high and methodological quality varied.

CONCLUSIONS: School-based health education appears to improve vaccine knowledge and may contribute to increased uptake, particularly for HPV. However, evidence is limited by heterogeneity and risk of bias. More rigorous, theory-informed, and sustainable whole-school approaches are needed.},
}

Humans
Adolescent
Child
*Vaccination/psychology/statistics & numerical data
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
*Health Education/methods
*School Health Services
Schools
Vaccination Hesitancy
Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage

@article {pmid41887024,
year = {2026},
author = {Silva, LL and Lopes, VDS and da Silva, DCB and Nemer, CRB and Sartori, AL and Lima, JC and Freitas, BHBM},
title = {Global overview of vaccine trust: Evidence from a scoping review.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {128482},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128482},
pmid = {41887024},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Humans ; *Trust/psychology ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/psychology/epidemiology ; *Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology ; *Vaccination/psychology ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; *Vaccines ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Health Personnel/psychology ; Immunization Programs ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Vaccine trust is essential for achieving high coverage rates and sustaining immunization programs worldwide. However, hesitancy intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and the spread of misinformation has challenged trust in vaccines, healthcare professionals, and institutions. This scoping review maps global evidence on the determinants, challenges, and strategies to strengthen vaccine trust.

METHOD: The review followed the JBI Brazilian Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with a protocol registered on the Open Science Framework. Searches were conducted in seven databases and additional sources. Studies that directly addressed vaccine trust in any population were included. Data extraction and analysis combined descriptive statistics with narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: A total of 66 studies published between 2020 and 2024 were included, most of them conducted in the United States and focused on COVID-19. Vaccine trust was found to be influenced by perceptions of safety and effectiveness, trust in health systems, professionals, and institutions, as well as individual beliefs and cultural factors. The pandemic increased uncertainty but also encouraged new strategies for community engagement. Health literacy and the involvement of trusted professionals were identified as key elements in strengthening trust. Evidence gaps remain concerning groups such as adolescents, older adults, migrants, and populations in vulnerable situations. Several measurement instruments were mapped, but standardization remains limited.

CONCLUSION: Vaccine trust is a complex and context-dependent phenomenon. Strengthening it requires clear communication, context-specific strategies, active community engagement, and the involvement of healthcare professionals as trusted sources. Future research should include understudied populations, use validated instruments, and assess trust-building interventions to inform more equitable and effective immunization policies.},
}

Humans
*Trust/psychology
*COVID-19/prevention & control/psychology/epidemiology
*Vaccination Hesitancy/psychology
*Vaccination/psychology
COVID-19 Vaccines
*Vaccines
SARS-CoV-2
Health Personnel/psychology
Immunization Programs

@article {pmid41888606,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, Y and Li, Y and Zeyneloglu, C and Tian, W and Babayev, H and D'Avino, P and He, Y and Ogulur, I and Bicer, C and Lu, G and Li, Y and Zhao, B and Li, S and Chang, L and Li, M and Liu, X and Huang, X and Cheng, H and Göksel, O and Göksel, T and Agache, I and Khaitov, M and Kudlay, D and Nadeau, K and Cheng, L and Shamji, M and Torres, MJ and Zhang, L and Akdis, M and Gao, YD and Akdis, CA},
title = {Risk and Protective Factors for Infection, Severe Disease, and Mortality in Epidemic Respiratory Viruses.},
journal = {Allergy},
volume = {81},
number = {5},
pages = {1397-1432},
doi = {10.1111/all.70314},
pmid = {41888606},
issn = {1398-9995},
support = {72204214,82400012//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; LTGY24H260001,LQN25H030006//Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; CXTD202501015//Zhejiang Clinovation Pride/ ; BQD2306//Start-up Research fund by The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine/ ; No.2023M743729//China Postdoctoral Science Foundation/ ; 2023SKY138//Shaoxing Health Commission/ ; JJKH20221077KJ//Scientific Research Project of Education Department of Jilin Province/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Risk Factors ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality/epidemiology/virology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Protective Factors ; *Virus Diseases/epidemiology/mortality ; },
abstract = {The post-COVID pandemic era has witnessed a concerning resurgence of respiratory viruses, driving a global increase in acute respiratory infections. This trend may stem from relaxed non-pharmaceutical interventions, waning herd immunity, immunological imprinting limiting heterosubtypic protection, or viral antigenic evolution. This review aims to identify and characterize risk and protective factors associated with infection, hospitalization, severe illness, and mortality, while elucidating the drivers of the rising incidence of respiratory virus infections post-pandemic. Evidence on SARS-CoV-2 sublineages, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus, human coronaviruses, and cytomegalovirus has been collected and identified. Identified risk factors include demographic characteristics such as pediatrics and older age, male sex, race (Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska native), preterm birth, and HLA-DQA1, IFNAR2, ST6GAL, and B3GALT5 genetic susceptibility. Behavioral, socioeconomic (low socioeconomic status, crowded living conditions), environmental influences (cold seasons, pollution), smoking, obesity and malnutrition could also exacerbate the risk of infection and adverse outcomes. Comorbidities, such as chronic conditions and immunocompromised states, significantly increase the risk of severe disease and hospitalization. Laboratory indices linked to severe disease outcomes include neutrophilia or neutropenia, lymphopenia, eosinopenia, and elevated C-reactive protein. Viral subtypes, viral load kinetics, vaccination status, and antiviral therapies further delineate risk profiles. Epithelial barrier impairment and underlying chronic airway diseases characterized by type 2 immunity also play a detrimental role in the development and severity of respiratory viral infections. Our findings highlight the need for stratified prevention strategies, which combine universal measures targeting shared determinants with virus-specific interventions addressing unique virological and transmission dynamics. It will provide a critical framework for optimizing precision public health strategies to counter repeated respiratory threats in the evolving post-COVID-19 pandemic landscape.},
}

Humans
Risk Factors
*Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality/epidemiology/virology
*COVID-19/epidemiology/mortality
SARS-CoV-2
Protective Factors
*Virus Diseases/epidemiology/mortality

@article {pmid41888810,
year = {2026},
author = {Lam, CHM and Cheung, KC and Mason, T and Hollingsworth, B},
title = {COVID-19's disruptions to cancer care pathways and widening of health inequalities in the UK: a systematic review.},
journal = {BMC health services research},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41888810},
issn = {1472-6963},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; United Kingdom/epidemiology ; *Neoplasms/therapy/diagnosis ; *Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data ; *Health Services Accessibility ; Socioeconomic Disparities in Health ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Socioeconomic Factors ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted cancer care services in the United Kingdom (UK), potentially exacerbating pre-existing health inequalities. While emerging studies have documented service disruptions, a comprehensive synthesis of how these disruptions have widened disparities remains absent. This systematic review examines the extent to which the pandemic disrupted the cancer care pathway and intensified existing disparities across the UK, identifying key sociodemographic and geographical factors influencing access to services. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL was conducted for studies published between January 2020 and October 2024. Eligible studies included observational and empirical research examining disparities in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the corresponding mitigation strategies. Data extraction followed a structured approach using a custom-developed extraction form designed for this review. Study quality was appraised using a bespoke scoring system, classifying studies as high, moderate, or low importance. Narrative synthesis, following the framework outlined by Popay et al., was then employed to identify key themes and explore relationships between findings. RESULTS: 30 out of 457 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review found that socioeconomic status (SES) emerged as the most significant determinant, with individuals from deprived areas experiencing greater barriers to screening, urgent referrals, and treatment access, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Ethnic minorities, particularly Black patients, faced disproportionate reductions in hospital admissions and cancer screening participation. Age-related disparities were also evident, as older adults maintained higher screening rates but faced greater COVID-19 risks, while younger adults from lower-income backgrounds encountered delays in diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The review highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in UK cancer care, with SES, ethnicity, and age emerging as key determinants. Targeted interventions are essential, including the establishment of COVID-free “cold sites”, deployment of mobile screening units, and culturally tailored outreach programmes for ethnic minority communities. Strengthening regional healthcare capacity and conducting longitudinal assessments will be crucial in addressing disparities and ensuring equitable cancer care. Future research should focus on the long-term consequences of these disruptions on cancer outcomes and healthcare resilience. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO under the ID CRD42024602280.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/epidemiology
United Kingdom/epidemiology
*Neoplasms/therapy/diagnosis
*Healthcare Disparities/statistics & numerical data
*Health Services Accessibility
Socioeconomic Disparities in Health
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Socioeconomic Factors

@article {pmid41890193,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhu, B and Qu, S and Li, J and Deng, W and Shen, WJ and Chen, J},
title = {The mechanisms underlying COVID-19 induced insulin resistance: a narrative review.},
journal = {Frontiers in endocrinology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1781679},
pmid = {41890193},
issn = {1664-2392},
mesh = {Humans ; *Insulin Resistance/physiology ; *COVID-19/complications/metabolism/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in a significant increase in insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes among recovered individuals. This review examines the multifactorial mechanisms underlying these metabolic complications, including activation of the immune system and inflammatory cascades, lifestyle changes, nutritional deficiencies, imbalances in amino acid metabolism, alterations in ketogenesis, disruptions in the gut microbiome, psychological impacts, and COVID-19 vaccines. We discuss how these factors collectively contribute to insulin resistance, particularly in the context of COVID-19, and highlight potential therapeutic strategies, such as dietary interventions and ACE2 activators, that may mitigate these effects. Our analysis underscores the need for targeted approaches to prevent and treat insulin resistance in post-COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pandemic's long-term metabolic consequences.},
}

Humans
*Insulin Resistance/physiology
*COVID-19/complications/metabolism/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

@article {pmid41890586,
year = {2025},
author = {Sadat Hoseini, AS and Divani, A and Nadali, J and Zare, L},
title = {Social Stigma Associated with COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers: A Concept Analysis.},
journal = {Journal of caring sciences},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {278-292},
pmid = {41890586},
issn = {2251-9920},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Despite the presence of "COVID-19-related social stigma" in health literature, there is no clear definition of this concept in healthcare setting. It is often confused with related terms such as shame, discrimination, and prejudice, leading to imprecise research questions and ineffective evaluations. The aim of this study was to elucidate the concept of social stigma associated with COVID-19 in healthcare workers using Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method.

METHODS: Rodgers' evolutionary method of concept analysis was employed to clarify COVID-19-related social stigma in healthcare workers. A literature review was conducted using key terms "COVID-19", "social stigma", and related terms in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest databases, and Google Scholar from January 2019 to September 2024. Among 3993 studies found, 46 were selected for analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: COVID-19-related social stigma among healthcare workers is a multidimensional concept characterized by three primary attributes: Alienation, Humiliation, and Ignorance. The antecedents identified include Fear, Fake news, and the Contagious Nature of the virus. Consequences of this stigma encompass Psychological Issues, Feelings of Worthlessness, Impaired Functionality, and Job Attrition.

CONCLUSION: Social stigmatization associated with COVID-19 exerts significant pressure on healthcare workers. It is crucial to understand the factors that exacerbate this issue. Identifying the dimensions of this stigma can provide valuable insights for policymakers and the media. The implementation of preventive measures, such as clear protocols tailored to the public's educational level and addressing fears of contamination, can improve the situation and reduce the financial strain caused by the loss of healthcare personnel, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.},
}

@article {pmid41890759,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, K and Zhu, S and Zhang, M and Hu, H and Qin, S and Li, H and Zhao, P and Xu, Y},
title = {Convergent hub pathways targeted by IAV, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV in type II alveolar epithelial cells: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1781447},
pmid = {41890759},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Alveolar Epithelial Cells/virology/immunology/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology ; *Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology ; Signal Transduction/immunology ; *COVID-19/immunology/virology/metabolism ; *Influenza A virus/immunology/physiology ; Animals ; *Influenza, Human/immunology ; Innate Immunity Recognition ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Immunity, Innate ; },
abstract = {Type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) maintain surfactant homeostasis, support distal-lung repair, and contribute to antiviral innate defense. Influenza A virus (IAV), SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) use distinct entry receptors, yet severe disease is repeatedly marked by AEC2 dysfunction, alveolar barrier failure, and dysregulated inflammation. We synthesize cross-virus evidence for convergence on a small set of host hubs: innate sensing and interferon signaling, mitochondria-centered immunometabolism and oxidative stress, post-translational signaling modules, barrier and surfactant programs, and regulated cell-death checkpoints. We summarize structural and post-translational mechanisms by which viral proteins disrupt pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) signaling, couple mitochondrial injury to weakened antiviral responses, and bias epithelial fate toward inflammatory lytic injury. Where AEC2-specific evidence is incomplete, especially for integrated PANoptosis-like programs, we label these elements as working models and highlight validation needs. We compare model systems used to study AEC2 infection, including ALI cultures, organoids, lung-on-chip platforms, and single-cell or network analyses. Finally, we discuss host-directed therapeutic opportunities along the cascade, separating near-term approaches from longer-term platform strategies such as targeted protein degradation and targeted nanodelivery, and noting constraints in distal-lung delivery, onset kinetics, and safety. This AEC2-centered convergence framework supports mechanism-driven interpretation of severe viral pneumonia and guides broader-spectrum intervention concepts.},
}

Humans
*Alveolar Epithelial Cells/virology/immunology/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology/physiology
*Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology
Signal Transduction/immunology
*COVID-19/immunology/virology/metabolism
*Influenza A virus/immunology/physiology
Animals
*Influenza, Human/immunology
Innate Immunity Recognition
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Immunity, Innate

@article {pmid41891493,
year = {2026},
author = {Nakae, A and Matsubara, T and Hattori, T and Ohga, S and Shimo, K and Kumazaki, H and Oi, H and Takeda, K and Sumioka, H},
title = {Telework-related health outcomes in Japan and globally: Implications for avatar-based work standards.},
journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10519815261434906},
doi = {10.1177/10519815261434906},
pmid = {41891493},
issn = {1875-9270},
abstract = {BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has driven a global shift in teleworking, serving as a real-world experiment in remote labor. As workplaces advance toward technologically mediated environments, including avatar-based systems for remote interaction, understanding the health implications of teleworking is crucial for future occupational health standards.ObjectiveThis review examined the health-related outcomes of teleworking during the pandemic, comparing Japan and other countries to inform health-supportive remote work systems.MethodsA structured narrative review was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed) and IEEE Xplore through January 9, 2026. Studies were included if they examined teleworking in adult workplace environments and reported physical, mental, behavioral, or performance-related outcomes. Data from 67 eligible studies (12 from Japan and 55 from other countries) were analyzed for the physical health, mental health, lifestyle factors, and work performance domains. Cultural and institutional factors were examined to understand the regional differences.ResultsTelework has been linked to musculoskeletal discomfort, sedentary behavior, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Japanese and international studies have identified these challenges, although the manifestations vary by context. In Japan, inflexible teleworking, inadequate home infrastructure, and an office-centric culture exacerbate negative outcomes, particularly for women and caregivers. International studies have highlighted the benefits of flexible scheduling and organizational support. Cultural norms and institutional readiness mediated these effects.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates the need for evidence-based health standards for next-generation remote work environments including avatar-based systems. We propose recommendations incorporating ergonomic design, health monitoring, organizational flexibility, and cultural adaptation. As remote work technologies evolve, policy frameworks must prioritize worker well-being.},
}

@article {pmid41893739,
year = {2026},
author = {Cui, Y and Liang, Z and Cong, H},
title = {From Design to Clinical Use: mRNA Vaccines for Infectious Diseases and Cancer.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893739},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {mRNA vaccines represent a revolutionary advance in vaccinology, boasting advantages like rapid development, robust immunogenicity and flexible antigen design over traditional vaccines. This review systematically summarizes the core research progress of mRNA vaccines, including their structural composition with five functional elements and novel subtypes (linear mRNA, self-amplifying RNA, circular RNA) with unique biological characteristics and application value. It elaborates on the immune activation mechanism of mRNA vaccines, which mimic natural viral infection to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, and analyzes mainstream delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles, dendritic cells, protamine, exosomes, polymers) with their respective performance, advantages and bottlenecks. This review also details the clinical application status of mRNA vaccines in infectious diseases (influenza, rabies, monkeypox, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, parasites) and cancer therapy, highlighting promising preclinical and clinical results of candidate vaccines and combined therapeutic regimens. Additionally, it addresses the current limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as delivery inefficiency, production costs, and cold chain constraints. Finally, this review prospects the future development direction, emphasizing that the optimization of delivery systems, antigen design and production processes will further promote the clinical translation and diversified application of mRNA vaccines in disease prevention and treatment.},
}

@article {pmid41893762,
year = {2026},
author = {Siniscalchi, C and Basaglia, M and Tufano, A and Imbalzano, E and Di Micco, P},
title = {Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT): An Immunopathogenic Model of Dysregulated Vaccine-Triggered Immunity.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893762},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare but severe immune-mediated adverse event associated with adenoviral vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Beyond its clinical relevance, VITT provides a unique human model of vaccine-triggered autoimmunity and immune-thrombosis. This review critically reassesses the immunopathogenic framework of VITT in light of recent evidence.

METHODS: We conducted a structured narrative review of studies published between 2021 and 2025, focusing on clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic data relevant to PF4 immunogenicity, platelet activation, and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS: Current evidence supports a multistep model in which adenoviral vector components form immunogenic PF4-polyanion complexes that induce high-affinity anti-PF4 IgG antibodies. These antibodies activate platelets via FcγRIIa, amplify complement signaling, promote neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and drive endothelial perturbation, establishing a self-sustaining thrombo-inflammatory loop. Recent longitudinal studies refine earlier interpretations by distinguishing persistent anti-PF4 seropositivity from sustained platelet-activating capacity. Epidemiological data support platform-enriched risk rather than absolute platform exclusivity, with a proposed mechanistic "border zone" for incomplete phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: VITT represents a tractable human model of vaccine-induced autoimmunity in which innate immune activation and multivalent antigen presentation converge to break tolerance. Updated evidence clarifies antibody persistence, platform enrichment, and translational implications, while highlighting unresolved questions regarding host susceptibility and long-term immune regulation.},
}

@article {pmid41893763,
year = {2026},
author = {Huang, S and Yu, S and Zhang, M and Huang, Y and Tian, B and Lu, J},
title = {From Innate to Adaptive: Paradigm Shifts and Frontier Challenges in Next-Generation Vaccine Design.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893763},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {82400472//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic marks a fundamental paradigm shift in vaccinology, moving the field from empirical pathogen modification toward the rational engineering of host immunity. This review synthesizes recent breakthroughs to construct a conceptual framework for understanding how modern vaccines function as programmable immune instructions. We first analyze the innate immune system as an instructional center, where recognition of vaccine components dictates the quality of ensuing adaptive responses. We then examine the germinal center (GC) as a micro-evolutionary engine for antibody maturation, the output of which can be tuned by vaccine design. The discussion centers on three integrated pillars of next-generation vaccines: computationally designed immunogens, spatiotemporally controlled adjuvant systems, and intelligent delivery platforms, emphasizing that their synergy is essential for achieving broad, durable protection against complex pathogens. Finally, we explore how the convergence of systems vaccinology, artificial intelligence, and personalized medicine is guiding the field toward a more predictable and rapid-response future, while also outlining key advances and persistent challenges.},
}

@article {pmid41893791,
year = {2026},
author = {Pjanova, D and Rafeeque, A},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination, Immune Dysregulation, and Cancer.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893791},
issn = {2076-393X},
abstract = {Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection induces heterogeneous immune responses that influence both acute disease severity and long-term immune remodeling. A key question in the context of infection and vaccination is whether SARS-CoV-2 exerts direct oncogenic effects or instead acts as a transient immunological stressor capable of reinforcing tumor-permissive pathways. Current evidence does not support classical viral oncogenesis. Rather, severe infection is characterized by early interferon (IFN) imbalance followed by NF-κB-dominant inflammatory amplification, promoting sustained IL-6/JAK-STAT3 and MAPK signaling, chronic cytokine production, metabolic reprogramming, and impaired antitumor immune surveillance. At the molecular level, viral structural proteins modulate host signaling networks. The spike (S1) protein engages TLR2/TLR4-MyD88 pathways, activating NF-κB and MAPK cascades, while the membrane (M) protein reinforces NF-κB-STAT3 circuits linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and inflammatory gene expression. These mechanisms intensify pre-existing oncogenic signaling without initiating malignant transformation. Tissue-specific responses are further shaped by IFN competence, renin-angiotensin system balance, and metabolic context. In parallel, immune evasion programs shared by chronic viral infection and cancer, including checkpoint upregulation, impaired antigen presentation, and suppressive myeloid expansion, may be transiently reinforced following severe infection. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induces spatially restricted, self-limited innate activation without sustained inflammatory signaling or persistent antigen exposure. By preventing severe disease and chronic immune dysregulation, vaccination interrupts pathways hypothesized to intersect with cancer biology, with no evidence of increased cancer incidence. Ongoing longitudinal studies are required to clarify the long-term oncologic implications of post-infectious immune remodeling.},
}

@article {pmid41893795,
year = {2026},
author = {Asaad, M and Mustafa, MO and Al-Haneedi, Y and Shalaby, L and Shams Eldin, R and Mohamedahmed, Y and Yassine, HM and Abdallah, AM and Emara, MM},
title = {The Feasibility of Developing a Universal SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893795},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {ARG01-0521-230249//Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council/ ; },
abstract = {As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve with increased transmissibility and immune evasion, the need for vaccines that provide broader and more durable protection has become increasingly urgent. The extensive research spurred by the pandemic has accelerated the development of diverse vaccine platforms, including mRNA, DNA, virus-like particles (VLPs), recombinant proteins, and mosaic mono- and polyvalent vaccines. While several of these platforms have reached regulatory approval and widespread clinical employment, others remain under evaluation or in various stages of clinical development. These vaccines have significantly reduced infection rates, severe disease, and hospitalizations, particularly among high-risk group. Nevertheless, the ongoing emergence of novel variants and subvariants has challenged the efficacy of both existing and newly developed vaccines. This evolving landscape underscores the urgent need for a universal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platform capable of providing comprehensive and long-lasting immunity. In this review, we evaluate current and emerging strategies for SARS-CoV-2 universal vaccine development, with a focus on antigen design, breadth of immune protection, and clinical feasibility. Attention is given to various universal vaccine platforms such as the mosaic polyvalent spike construct, multi-epitope vaccines targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and approaches centered on the conserved S2 subunit of the spike protein. We also discuss strategies leveraging additional conserved viral proteins and T helper (Th) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes from across coronaviruses. By highlighting the advances in these areas, this review provides a framework to guide the rational design of next-generation universal vaccines capable of delivering broad and durable protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants.},
}

@article {pmid41893818,
year = {2026},
author = {Kamransarkandi, M and Varyushina, EA and Gorshkov, AN and Stukova, MA},
title = {SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Co-Circulation and Co-Vaccination: A Narrative Review.},
journal = {Vaccines},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41893818},
issn = {2076-393X},
support = {government contract, grant 125020401358-1//Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus are dangerous respiratory pathogens with high pandemic potential. Since 2021, these two viruses have been co-circulating, which implies additional risks of co-infection with both pathogens. Prophylactic vaccination is widely recognized as the most effective way to prevent COVID-19 and influenza and to reduce the severity of these diseases. This review analyzes recent data on the simultaneous circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses worldwide, including epidemiological data and the pathogenetic mechanisms of co-infection. Next, we focus on current approaches to simultaneous and combined vaccination against influenza and COVID-19. We outline the types of vaccines and summarize the available findings on the effectiveness and safety of co-vaccination.

METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials to identify data relevant to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza co-circulation and dual vaccination.

RESULTS: Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 cause similar symptoms, and co-infection can significantly enhance the risks of pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome progressing with a poor outcome, especially among children and the elderly. A range of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines built on different technological platforms is currently available on the market, with proven effectiveness, immunogenicity, and safety. A co-vaccination approach is more convenient for patients and is associated with better response to treatment, while also improving vaccine coverage and compliance and offering significant resource savings for healthcare systems.

CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses presents a growing public health challenge. Simultaneous and combination vaccination strategies have emerged as effective tools to streamline immunization, enhance protection, and reduce healthcare burden. Future studies should elucidate the mechanisms of the exacerbation of respiratory disease caused by co-infection, as well as the optimal strategies for co-administering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for long-term control of seasonal and potentially pandemic respiratory viruses.},
}

@article {pmid41894963,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, Y and Fan, Z and Wang, Y and Liu, Y and Yang, B},
title = {A review of UVC air disinfection for built environments: Inactivation mechanisms, kinetic models, and influencing determinants.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {404},
number = {},
pages = {129461},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.129461},
pmid = {41894963},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Ultraviolet Rays ; *Disinfection/methods ; *Air Microbiology ; Kinetics ; Humans ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly heightened public awareness of air quality and its implications for human health, propelling air sterilization technologies to the forefront research. This Review synthesizes recent progress in ultraviolet C (UVC)-based air disinfection, integrating inactivation mechanisms, irradiance distribution models and microbial inactivation kinetics. We compare major UVC light sources and examine how optical properties, spatial deployment and environmental conditions govern dose delivery and disinfection efficacy. Key physical and biological factors-including wavelength, airflow, humidity and microbial heterogeneity-are discussed in the context of predictive modelling and system optimization. We highlight critical limitations related to safety, penetration depth and energy efficiency, and outline future directions centred on far-UVC technologies, solid-state light sources and intelligent control strategies. Together, this Review provides a conceptual framework for the rational design and safe implementation of UVC air disinfection systems in public and built environments.},
}

*Ultraviolet Rays
*Disinfection/methods
*Air Microbiology
Kinetics
Humans
COVID-19/prevention & control

@article {pmid41895046,
year = {2026},
author = {Tscherne, A and Krammer, F},
title = {Seven decades after the Asian influenza pandemic: A historical review about immunity and vaccines against H2N2.},
journal = {Vaccine},
volume = {79},
number = {},
pages = {128467},
doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128467},
pmid = {41895046},
issn = {1873-2518},
mesh = {Humans ; *Influenza Vaccines/immunology ; *Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype/immunology ; *Influenza, Human/prevention & control/epidemiology/immunology/history ; History, 20th Century ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; History, 21st Century ; Animals ; Asia/epidemiology ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology ; Neuraminidase/immunology ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology ; Protein Subunit Vaccines ; },
abstract = {In 1957, a reassortant influenza A virus (IAV) H2N2 subtype emerged in humans and encountered a population that was antigenically naïve to this subtype. The lack of pre-existing immunity to the H2 hemagglutinin (HA) facilitated efficient human-to-human transmission, and by the end of the Summer of 1957, most countries around the world reported increasing influenza cases caused by the new influenza virus subtype. The pandemic lasted until 1958, resulting in millions of infections globally, with 1-4 million estimated deaths. The first vaccines targeting specifically the H2N2 subtype were available in autumn 1957, but their limited immunogenicity hampered a successful fight against the "Asian influenza pandemic". After the pandemic, H2N2 became seasonal in the following years. Most individuals developed immunity against both the H2 HA and N2 neuraminidase (NA) proteins of the virus, and vaccines administered in the early 1960s successfully boosted this immunity. In 1968, the circulating H2N2 was replaced by the H3N2 subtype, and individuals with pre-existing N2 immunity were partially cross-protected against severe H3N2 infection, as the two N2 NAs were antigenically similar. Since the disappearance of H2N2 from the human population in 1968, global H2 immunity has been decreasing. This raises concerns about a possible re-emergence of the H2 subtype from animal reservoirs, where the virus has circulated for decades, into the human population. As preparedness for future pandemics, research on H2-specific vaccines is currently ongoing, with several candidates being tested in preclinical studies and early-phase clinical trials. In contrast to 1957, vaccine technology platforms, but also the assays used to assess vaccine immunogenicity, and efficacy, have significantly improved. This review aims to summarize the key historical milestones of the Asian influenza pandemic, the impact of H2N2 immunity during and after the 1957 pandemic, the immunogenicity of H2N2-specific vaccines in both a pandemic and pre-pandemic situation, and H2N2-specific antiviral treatment.},
}

Humans
*Influenza Vaccines/immunology
*Influenza A Virus, H2N2 Subtype/immunology
*Influenza, Human/prevention & control/epidemiology/immunology/history
History, 20th Century
*Pandemics/prevention & control
History, 21st Century
Animals
Asia/epidemiology
Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
Neuraminidase/immunology
Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology
Protein Subunit Vaccines

@article {pmid41895350,
year = {2026},
author = {Karthik S, S and Jadhav, P and Paul, A and Kumar, R and Paul, D and Bose, S},
title = {Understanding gut microbiota dysbiosis as a plausible link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), viral infections, and lifestyle diseases.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {108466},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2026.108466},
pmid = {41895350},
issn = {1096-1208},
mesh = {Humans ; *Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/microbiology/complications ; *Dysbiosis/complications/microbiology ; *Virus Diseases/complications/microbiology ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Life Style ; Inflammation ; Obesity ; },
abstract = {Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multifactorial disorder which is influenced by intermittent hypoxia, sleep fragmentation, and systemic inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that lifestyle diseases and viral infections further exacerbate OSA severity through common inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Parallelly, gut dysbiosis has gained recognition as a key mediator which links respiratory, metabolic, and infectious disease processes via the gut-lung axis. This review explores the convergent role of gut microbial dysbiosis across OSA, lifestyle-associated comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and viral infections including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, dengue, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and SARS-CoV-2. Across these conditions, a recurring pattern of reduced beneficial commensals (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia, Akkermansia muciniphila) and a noted increase of pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Escherichia, Streptococcus, Enterobacteriaceae) has been observed. It contributes to epithelial barrier breakdown, endotoxemia, metabolic dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. In OSA patients, intermittent hypoxia is observed that causes gut barrier impairment and microbial translocation, thus amplifying systemic inflammation. Similarly, viral infections reshape the gut ecology, bringing adverse effects to host immunity and respiratory outcomes. The review highlights upon the therapeutic potentials of prebiotics and probiotics supplementation for modulating gut dysbiosis. It discusses the role of these therapeutic interventions in improving metabolic homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and potentially mitigating OSA-related complications. Collectively, this analysis highlights gut dysbiosis as a plausible unifying mechanism connecting lifestyle diseases, viral infections, and OSA, presenting a compelling avenue for integrated, microbiome-targeted interventions.},
}

Humans
*Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/microbiology/complications
*Dysbiosis/complications/microbiology
*Virus Diseases/complications/microbiology
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Life Style
Inflammation
Obesity

@article {pmid41895458,
year = {2026},
author = {Fehrer, A and Windzio, L and Schoening, S and Steiner, S and Aschenbrenner, AC and Babel, N and Behrends, U and Bellmann-Strobl, J and Cammà, G and Cash, A and Doehner, W and den Dunnen, J and Fluge, Ø and Franke, C and Hoffmann, K and Kedor, C and Kim, L and Löhden, W and Mella, O and Mihatsch, LL and Peluso, MJ and Puta, C and Putrino, D and Ramoji, A and Sato, W and Sawitzki, B and Schlieper, G and Schoenfeld, Y and Seifert, M and Sigurdsson, F and Slaghekke, A and Sommerfelt, K and Sotzny, F and Stein, E and Steinacker, JM and Stingl, M and Systrom, DM and Tronstad, KJ and Wirth, K and Wörmann, B and Wüst, RCI and Yamamura, T and Scheibenbogen, C},
title = {Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3[rd] International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.},
journal = {Autoimmunity reviews},
volume = {25},
number = {5},
pages = {104043},
doi = {10.1016/j.autrev.2026.104043},
pmid = {41895458},
issn = {1873-0183},
mesh = {Humans ; *Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy/diagnosis/immunology/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Quality of Life ; },
abstract = {Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystemic disorder mostly triggered by viral infections, with core symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. Its prevalence has increased significantly in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite its severity and impact on patients' quality of life, ME/CFS remains poorly understood. On May 12 and 13, 2025, the 3[rd] International Conference hosted by the Charité Fatigue Center brought together nearly 200 researchers from various disciplines on-site, and around 3,700 participants online to discuss recent advances in ME/CFS research, diagnostics, clinical care, and therapeutic trials. The program featured 33 lectures by international experts on key topics such as post-COVID syndrome (PCS), care structures, and pathophysiological mechanisms including cardiovascular dysregulation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune mechanisms, and metabolic dysfunction. In addition, results from clinical trials addressing disease mechanisms, including those specifically targeting autoantibodies, were presented. While public awareness and funding opportunities have increased in the wake of the pandemic and the emergence of PCS, ME/CFS remains severely underresearched. Sustained and adequately funded research efforts are urgently required to advance understanding, identify diagnostic markers, and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.},
}

Humans
*Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy/diagnosis/immunology/epidemiology
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Quality of Life

@article {pmid41895795,
year = {2026},
author = {Farag, NH and Ozen, A and Spaulding, AB and Khan, G and Barbouche, MR and Khan, MA and Zalloua, P and Al-Mahruqi, S and Zaher, W and Almayahi, ZK and Alsheikh-Ali, A and Burke, H and Sayegh, MH},
title = {Lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic: Middle East and North Africa regional perspective for future preparedness.},
journal = {BMJ global health},
volume = {11},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41895795},
issn = {2059-7908},
mesh = {Humans ; Africa, Northern/epidemiology ; Middle East/epidemiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Pandemic Preparedness ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Public Health ; Public Health Infrastructure ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in preparedness and response capacities globally. These gaps were evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as the region faces unique challenges due to ongoing humanitarian crises, political instability and large-scale religious gatherings, which further exacerbate the risk of spread of infectious diseases.In April 2024, a conference hosted by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention MENA Regional Office and National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, brought together 200 scientists and public health professionals from 16 countries to discuss lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to strengthen future preparedness and response. This report presents the key barriers to regional collaboration and data sharing identified during the conference, along with the proposed solutions, including establishing regional collaboration platforms, increasing public-private partnerships, operationalising the one health approach and leveraging technological advances.Reflections on the global pandemic response emphasise the need for improved communication, preparedness extending beyond the health sector and distribution of resources. The collective insights and recommendations in this report aim to provide a roadmap for strengthening emergency preparedness and response in the MENA region and globally, ensuring improved readiness for future public health emergencies.},
}

Humans
Africa, Northern/epidemiology
Middle East/epidemiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Pandemic Preparedness
*Pandemics/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Public Health
Public Health Infrastructure

@article {pmid41896064,
year = {2026},
author = {Lee, MM and Talbot, TR},
title = {The Role of Infection Prevention in Monitoring and Preventing Healthcare-Associated Viral Respiratory Infection.},
journal = {Infectious disease clinics of North America},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.idc.2026.01.012},
pmid = {41896064},
issn = {1557-9824},
abstract = {Health care-associated viral respiratory infections are common and cause increased patient morbidity and mortality. Although the threat of viral respiratory infection was underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory viruses continue to have a significant impact in health care settings. Studies report decreased nosocomial transmission when aggressive infection control measures are implemented with more success using a multicomponent approach. This review focuses on the epidemiology, transmission, and role of infection prevention in the control of health care-associated respiratory viral infections.},
}

@article {pmid41897014,
year = {2026},
author = {Berg, A and Richter, C and Meyer, G},
title = {Internationally studied parameters related to the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes: a scoping review.},
journal = {Systematic reviews},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897014},
issn = {2046-4053},
mesh = {*Nursing Homes/organization & administration ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Humans ; *Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Nursing Home Residents ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nursing homes were severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Standardised parameters are essential to understand and monitor the unintended consequences of pandemic control measures and changes in work processes. In this scoping review, we aimed to identify COVID-19-related parameters studied in nursing homes that could form a minimum data set suitable for database development. We focused on the perspectives of all interest-holders: facilities, residents, their relatives and nursing home staff.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and CINAHL and included quantitative studies published in English since the beginning of the pandemic (2020 to 2024). The extracted parameters were initially categorised according to five dimensions: pandemic-related data, facility level, staff level, residents and relatives. Within each dimension, the original terms were compared and inductively organised into (sub-)categories based on conceptual similarities, with synonymous terms subsequently standardised.

RESULTS: From 82 included articles, 96 different parameters related to COVID-19 in nursing homes were identified. Infection and mortality rates emerged as the pandemic-related data most often reported, particularly within this dimension but also across all dimensions. However, we found a broad range of resident-related parameters. Our most often identified facility-related parameters include the number of staff and the provision of personal protective equipment. Staff-related parameters most often studied were personal burden and stress. Only a few parameters (n = 9) were considered for relatives.

CONCLUSIONS: The diversity of the reported parameters indicates that a comprehensive database is required to adequately assess a pandemic situation in this vulnerable population. In terms of pandemic preparedness, our overview of the reported parameters offers a basis for the development of country- and context-specific data capture approaches.},
}

*Nursing Homes/organization & administration
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Humans
*Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2
Nursing Home Residents

@article {pmid41897224,
year = {2026},
author = {Guillari, A and Abagnale, M and Palazzo, C and Fulco, MA and Rea, T and Giordano, V},
title = {Nurse Retention in Hospitals: A Multilevel Integrative Review of Organizational Determinants.},
journal = {Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897224},
issn = {2227-9032},
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Nurse retention remains a major global challenge for healthcare systems, intensified by workforce aging, rising care complexity, and the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite extensive research, the evidence on nurse retention remains fragmented and frequently focuses on isolated determinants. This review aimed to synthesize the multifactorial determinants of nurse retention by integrating organizational, relational, and individual perspectives. Methods: An integrative review was conducted following Whittemore and Knafl's approach and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines where applicable. A systematic search of six databases identified studies published between 2016 and 2026 addressing nurse retention in hospital settings. Included studies underwent methodological quality appraisal using validated tools, and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Twenty-five articles were included. The analysis revealed differences in perspective between nurse managers and nurses regarding the factors that influence retention. Transformational and participative leadership among nurse managers enhanced staff retention through supportive organizational climates and higher professional commitment. For staff nurses, positive work environments, collegial support, and psychological resources such as self-efficacy and resilience were key predictors of intention to stay. These findings can be interpreted through Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, Self-Determination Theory and Theory of Planned Behavior, which collectively highlight how recognition, autonomy, and competence satisfaction drive nurses' intention to remain in their roles. Conclusions: Nurse retention reflects dynamic, multilevel processes rather than the influence of single determinants. Integrated, theory-informed approaches targeting organizational structures, relational climates, and individual psychological resources are required to strengthen workforce sustainability and support high-quality care delivery.},
}

@article {pmid41897288,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatfield, JS and Thielen, BK and Goyal, SM},
title = {Avian Metapneumovirus: Virology, Epidemiology, and Insights from a Comparative Analysis with Human Metapneumovirus-A Review.},
journal = {Biomolecules},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897288},
issn = {2218-273X},
support = {T32 TR004385/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; UM1 TR004405/TR/NCATS NIH HHS/United States ; NU50CK000628/CC/CDC HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Metapneumovirus/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/classification ; Humans ; Animals ; *Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/veterinary ; Birds/virology ; Viral Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Genome, Viral ; },
abstract = {Metapneumoviruses comprise a genus of negative-sense RNA viruses that cause significant respiratory disease across human and avian hosts. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a globally prevalent pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) imposes substantial economic losses on the poultry industry through respiratory disease, reproductive impairment, and high mortality in the presence of secondary infections. Despite their distinctive host ranges, hMPV and aMPV share a conserved genomic architecture and encode homologous structural and non-structural proteins that mediate viral entry, replication, assembly, and evasion of host innate immunity. Comparative analysis highlights that both have deeply conserved polymerase and nucleocapsid functions, and yet have a wide range of diversity in the attachment glycoprotein (G) and small hydrophobic protein (SH), reflecting divergent evolutionary pressures in human versus avian hosts that have led to such distinctive differences. The recent emergence and detection of aMPV/A and aMPV/B across the previously aMPV-free United States beginning in late 2023, combined with rising cases globally of hMPV post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, underscore the continued challenges of metapneumovirus surveillance and control in humans and animals. This review aims to highlight the current knowledge on the history, molecular virology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostics, and control strategies for aMPV while drawing mechanistic parallels to hMPV. By contextualizing shared biology and structure alongside host-specific adaptations, we aim to identify key gaps that shape vaccine design, antiviral development, and future research priorities aimed at mitigating the health and economic burden posed by metapneumoviruses found in both birds and humans.},
}

*Metapneumovirus/genetics/pathogenicity/physiology/classification
Humans
Animals
*Paramyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology/virology/veterinary
Birds/virology
Viral Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Genome, Viral

@article {pmid41897449,
year = {2026},
author = {Ciullo, R and Femminò, S and Brizzi, MF and Pagliaro, P and Penna, C},
title = {Oxidative Stress in Takotsubo Syndrome: Insights into Extracellular Vesicles and Their Potential Clinical Relevance.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897449},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {117295 / 2025.1833//CRT Foundation/ ; PAGP_PRIN_2022_23_01-2022AA37N3//PRIN/ ; PENC_PRIN_2022_23_01-2022S74XWB//PRIN/ ; },
abstract = {Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and reversible form of heart failure characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction, typically triggered by acute stress stimuli. TTS, also referred to as "stress cardiomyopathy", may paradoxically be triggered not only by negative stressors but also by intense positive emotional experiences. Interestingly, TTS was sharply incremented during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increased clinical recognition, reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis remains limited. Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key mechanism in TTS, acting downstream of sympathetic overactivation, thus contributing to myocardial stunning, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and as potential circulating biomarkers, as they reflect the molecular state of their cells of origin. In this review, we summarize the current diagnostic approaches for TTS, including the InterTAK Diagnostic Score, imaging gold standards, and emerging biomarkers such as circulating miRNAs and EV cargo associated with TTS. Furthermore, we critically examine the mechanistic interplay between oxidative stress and EVs in TTS, highlighting translational perspectives and future directions for integrating EV-based biomarkers into personalized clinical management.},
}

@article {pmid41897663,
year = {2026},
author = {Alzahrani, AJ},
title = {Molecular Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Infections: A Comprehensive Literature Review (2006-2026).},
journal = {Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {16},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41897663},
issn = {2075-4418},
abstract = {Molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) for respiratory infections has undergone remarkable advancement over the past two decades, driven by technological innovation and urgent clinical needs highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizing evidence from 254 peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2026, with detailed analysis of the 30 most relevant papers selected through a rigorous four-stage screening process. The review examines the evolution of molecular POCT technologies, including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), and CRISPR-based detection systems. Key findings demonstrate that modern molecular POCT platforms achieve diagnostic performance comparable to laboratory-based testing, with sensitivities ranging from 88% to 100% and specificities from 98% to 100%, while delivering results in 15 to 80 min. These technologies enable rapid, accurate detection of major respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and atypical bacteria. The integration of microfluidic systems, portable devices, and smartphone-based analysis has expanded access to testing in resource-limited settings, emergency departments, and wearable platforms. This review provides critical insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers regarding the current state, clinical applications, and future directions of molecular POCT for respiratory infections.},
}

@article {pmid41898473,
year = {2026},
author = {Higuchi, R and McBride, L},
title = {A Memoir of Inventing Real-Time PCR and Developing the ABI 7700.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41898473},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/instrumentation/methods/history ; Humans ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; *COVID-19/diagnosis/virology ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification ; },
abstract = {Real-time PCR (qPCR) is today's definitive quantitative technology in molecular biology and diagnostics. Until 30 years ago, PCR product analyses were generally performed after amplification using gel-based methods. Quantification typically relied on visual inspection or densitometry of end-point products and was therefore relatively unreliable and poorly suited to high-throughput automation. To celebrate real-time PCR's 30-year anniversary of commercial availability, Professor Stephen Bustin, Guest Editor for the special edition, "Advancing Molecular Science Through Reproducible qPCR: MIQE Guidelines and Beyond," asked Russell Higuchi to give a historical account on how his idea of real-time PCR was conceived and brought to fruition. Dr. Higuchi then asked his collaborator, Lincoln McBride, who drove the development of the ABI 7700-the high-throughput real-time PCR instrument that gave researchers access to this technology-to co-author this dual memoir. This story is told from the perspectives of the two scientists most directly responsible for making real-time PCR practical and widely accessible. Taking turns, Russell Higuchi describes the conceptual and experimental steps at Cetus and then Roche that led from homogeneous PCR detection to continuous fluorescence monitoring, whilst Lincoln McBride details ABI's parallel efforts to commercialize Russ's invention. Together, they trace how experimental insight, engineering constraints, product development, and commercial decision-making shaped the Applied Biosystems 7700 Sequence Detection System and established real-time PCR as a practical and reliable quantitative technology. Their team's efforts persevered through technological uncertainty and within a complex corporate collaboration. They share key historical documents in their original form. Their accounts show how the 7700 system emerged as the convergence of chemistry, optics, software, and product development. The eventual global reliance on real-time PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, at unprecedented scale, the profound and enduring impact of these early technical and organizational choices.},
}

*Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/instrumentation/methods/history
Humans
History, 20th Century
History, 21st Century
*COVID-19/diagnosis/virology
SARS-CoV-2/genetics/isolation & purification

@article {pmid41898506,
year = {2026},
author = {Oshitari, T},
title = {Pathogenesis of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated with COVID-19.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {27},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41898506},
issn = {1422-0067},
mesh = {Humans ; *Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/etiology/pathology/virology ; *COVID-19/complications ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) results from vascular insufficiency within the optic nerve head. The precise pathogenesis of NAION remains unclear; however, insufficient blood supply from the short posterior ciliary arteries and the choroidal circulation has been associated with its development. Although major risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may also contribute to the development of NAION. This literature review presents our case of NAION associated with COVID-19 infection and summarizes previously reported cases of NAION following COVID-19 infection published in the English-language literature worldwide. Because direct infection of ocular tissues, including ocular vessels, via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is thought to contribute to the development of NAION, cases of NAION associated with COVID-19 vaccination were excluded from this review. Furthermore, we discuss the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the development of NAION after COVID-19 infection and highlight the potential risks of COVID-19 for clinical ophthalmologists.},
}

Humans
*Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic/etiology/pathology/virology
*COVID-19/complications
SARS-CoV-2
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism

@article {pmid41899041,
year = {2026},
author = {Alkhalifah, SA and Alshahrani, WA and Alshehri, AM and Al Yami, MS},
title = {Clinical Outcomes with the Use of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor Among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899041},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: Diabetics with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest more adverse clinical outcomes with elevated rates of death. It has been suggested that the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pathway of entrance into the host cell might be assisted by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), leading to inflammation and cytokine storm, with replication into the airways and unfavorable effects in the lungs. Consequently, the goal of this systematic review is to investigate the most recent data on the effect of DPP-4i (dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor) medications on clinical outcomes, mainly mortality among COVID-19 patients. Methods: By conducting a systematic search using PubMed and the Cochrane library, observational studies were identified to examine the association between DPP-4i medications and clinical outcomes including mortality, intensive care unit and hospital admissions. The methodologies of included studies were assessed utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results: A total of nineteen studies were included with sample sizes varying from over 100 patients to 2.8 million and variant follow-up durations from 30 days up to discharge or death. Most of the population across the studies had COVID-19 for the first time, and the majority were hospitalized. Similarly, mortality definition varied among studies with different time points consisting of 30-day mortality, in-hospital mortality, or all-cause mortality. The majority of the studies identified no effect on mortality by DPP-4i, while a considerable proportion revealed beneficial effects; only four studies showed increased mortality. Conclusions: Real-world data from this review suggested a safe use of DPP-4i among COVID-19 patients; however, randomized clinical trials are required to confirm the beneficial outcomes and safe use.},
}

@article {pmid41899217,
year = {2026},
author = {Boccatonda, A and Brighenti, A and Piamonti, D and Bandini, G and Fiorini, G and Vetrugno, L and Marchetti, G and Accogli, E and Serra, C and D'Ardes, D},
title = {The Role of CEUS in the Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Pleuropulmonary Diseases and Interventional Procedures.},
journal = {Journal of clinical medicine},
volume = {15},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899217},
issn = {2077-0383},
abstract = {Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) recently emerged as a valuable imaging modality for evaluating pleuropulmonary diseases. By combining morphological information from conventional B-mode ultrasound with real-time assessment of microvascular perfusion, CEUS can provide functional insights that improve diagnostic accuracy, guide interventions, and support patient surveillance. Methods: This review summarizes the current evidence on the use of CEUS in major pleuropulmonary disorders, including pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, neoplasms, and COVID-19-related lung injury. The most relevant clinical studies and meta-analyses were analyzed, focusing on CEUS parameters, diagnostic performance, and integration with other imaging techniques. Results: CEUS enables the differentiation between inflammatory, ischemic, and malignant lesions through qualitative and quantitative analyses of enhancement patterns. Early and homogeneous enhancement is typical of inflammatory or infectious processes, whereas heterogeneous or delayed enhancement with early washout strongly suggests malignancy or ischemia. In pneumonia and pleural infections, CEUS identifies non-perfused or necrotic areas, guiding drainage and evaluating therapeutic responses. In pulmonary embolism, it reveals avascular consolidations corresponding to infarction, even when CT angiography is inconclusive. For peripheral lung tumors, CEUS assesses angiogenesis and vascular supply, correlating perfusion parameters with histopathology, and improving biopsy targeting. Furthermore, in COVID-19 pneumonia, CEUS can detect microvascular alterations related to thrombosis and fibrosis. Conclusions: CEUS is a safe, noninvasive, and radiation-free technique that provides unique real-time information on pulmonary perfusion. Its integration with conventional ultrasound enhances diagnostic precision, optimizes interventional guidance, and allows for dynamic monitoring of treatment response. Future developments in quantitative analysis, artificial intelligence, and targeted contrast agents are expected to further expand CEUS clinical applications in pleuropulmonary imaging.},
}

@article {pmid41899685,
year = {2026},
author = {Motebang, ME and Ramphalla, P and Tsoka-Gwegweni, J},
title = {Scoping Review of the Models for Case-Based Health Programs in Africa: Towards Case-Based Surveillance for HIV in Lesotho.},
journal = {International journal of environmental research and public health},
volume = {23},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41899685},
issn = {1660-4601},
mesh = {Lesotho/epidemiology ; Humans ; *HIV Infections/epidemiology ; *Population Surveillance/methods ; Public Health Infrastructure ; },
abstract = {The review aims at exploring models for case-base health programs across Africa that could best help Lesotho succeed in its efforts to establish a case-based surveillance (CBS) system for their HIV program. The review involves looking through several sources and databases including EBSCOHOST, Google Scholar, Science Direct and PubMed. The insights of suitable models were from the following Africa countries: South Africa, Kenya, Guinea, Tanzania, Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia. The study articles were published within the last 10 years, specifically from 2014 to 2024. This range was used as part of their inclusion criteria to ensure relevance of the articles. The studied models focused on infectious diseases such as measles, HIVand COVID-19. The key takeaway is that setting up electronic medical records systems (EMRs) is critical as a first step for any effective CBS. Using unique identifiers, establishing clear data governance policies and building strong infrastructure is a necessity in making CBS work. For a successful establishment of CBS, Lesotho should adopt these strategies that can be sustainable, improve disease tracking, response and ultimately health outcomes for Basotho.},
}

Lesotho/epidemiology
Humans
*HIV Infections/epidemiology
*Population Surveillance/methods
Public Health Infrastructure

@article {pmid41900073,
year = {2026},
author = {Topolewska, A and Zahorska, A and Łakocka, A and Kumirska, J},
title = {Z-Drugs in the Environment: A Review.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {31},
number = {6},
pages = {},
pmid = {41900073},
issn = {1420-3049},
support = {DS-531-T130-D507-25//UNIVERSITY OF GDANSK/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Piperazines/analysis ; *Hypnotics and Sedatives/analysis ; Zolpidem/analysis ; Azabicyclo Compounds/analysis ; COVID-19 ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; Acetamides ; Pyrimidines ; },
abstract = {According to the World Health Organization (WHO), substance dependence and mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, affect >360 million people worldwide. As a result the increasing use of psychoactive pharmaceuticals, including non-benzodiazepines (also referred to as Z-drugs), has been observed. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an additional significant negative effect on people's mental health. Among the aforementioned mental health disorders, chronic insomnia is reported to affect approximately 10% of the adult population. Z-drugs are frequently used in the treatment of insomnia due to their rapid onset of action. They are metabolized in the human organism, but noticeable amounts of the original compound are released to the environment via household wastewater. The extensive use of these pharmaceuticals has led to growing concern about the occurrence of their residues in the environment. Unfortunately, the information on the analytical methods for determining Z-drugs, their main metabolites and transformation products in the environment, efficiency of their removal in wastewater treatment plants, their fate, their presence in environmental matrices, and their ecotoxicological effects is limited. This review paper focuses on summarizing data on these topics. To the best of our knowledge, such a comprehensive review has not yet been published.},
}

Humans
Piperazines/analysis
*Hypnotics and Sedatives/analysis
Zolpidem/analysis
Azabicyclo Compounds/analysis
COVID-19
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
Acetamides
Pyrimidines

@article {pmid41900169,
year = {2026},
author = {Feng, Y and La, M},
title = {Overview in Machine-Learning-Assisted Sensing Techniques for Monitoring COVID-19.},
journal = {Micromachines},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41900169},
issn = {2072-666X},
support = {252102240012//Science and Technology Development Program of Henan Province/ ; },
abstract = {Viruses suddenly emerging from obscurity or anonymity affect our quality of life and increase incidence rate and mortality. A typical example is the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, known as the pathogen of COVID-19 has been significantly eliminated, its monitoring is still crucial, as the infectious disease may break out again. Therefore, it is necessary to develop simple and effective tools for monitoring COVID-19 and other diseases. Here, we summarize the progress of machine-learning-based biosensors in the monitoring and management of COVID-19. This article mainly includes three sections: machine learning algorithms, machine-learning-assisted biosensors, and challenges and future perspectives. We believe that this work is valuable for developing artificial-intelligence-based innovative analytical devices for healthcare monitoring and management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.},
}

@article {pmid41900303,
year = {2026},
author = {Hommos, L and Gohil, H and Rob, M and Manyama, J and Ramy, H and Naseem, N and Nishan, H and Ibrahim, RS and Ibrahim, SS and Njoku, VCE and Al-Mutawa, I and Khan, AF and Holroyd, S and Zakaria, D},
title = {Long-Term Thyroid Complications Post-COVID-19: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {14},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41900303},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly shown to be a multisystem disorder with long-term complications, including endocrine system complications. The thyroid gland is also susceptible, as it contains ACE2 receptors, making it exposed to both direct viral damage and autoimmune-mediated dysfunction. Recent reports document the various thyroid complications that persist well after the acute infection phase. This systematic review investigates the long-term thyroid complications in individuals with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive literature search across several databases was conducted. Eligible studies reported new onset long-term thyroid complications occurring post-COVID-19 infection. Abstract and full-text screening as well as data extraction and quality assessment was performed by two independent reviewers. Only 28 studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting 419 patients from 18 countries. These studies included case reports, case series, cohort, and cross-sectional studies. Reported thyroid disorders included subacute thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism (including Graves' disease), isolated high T3/T4, hypothyroidism, central hypothyroidism, and non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS). While many of these eventually resolved, a significant portion persisted or recurred, especially autoimmune thyroiditis. COVID-19 is associated with a range of long-term thyroid complications. Although some cases are temporary, others last, especially autoimmune thyroid disorders. Proposed mechanisms include direct viral cytotoxicity, cytokine-mediated Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis suppression, post-viral autoimmunity, vascular injury, and neuroendocrine disruption. Routine thyroid function monitoring in COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with severe disease or persistent symptoms is recommended, and larger prospective studies are needed to better understand incidence and outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41901738,
year = {2026},
author = {Arthur, SE and Eyeson, J and Kubi, AA and Amartey, FA and Matey, R and Aboagye, JO and Kyei, GB},
title = {Acute Respiratory Infections in Ghanaian Children: Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Prevention Strategies.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41901738},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Humans ; Ghana/epidemiology ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology/virology/drug therapy ; Child ; COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Acute Disease ; },
abstract = {Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where countries such as Ghana are severely affected. This review presents recent data on ARI etiology, clinical burden, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from Ghana, spanning the pre-COVID-19 era (2010-2019) to the post-pandemic period (2020-2025). Before the COVID-19 pandemic, viral infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, and influenza viruses, were the major contributors, along with established bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Social determinants, including undernutrition and indoor air pollution, also influenced these infections. In the COVID era, we have seen dramatic shifts in pathogen seasonality, the scaling of oxygen delivery systems, and the implementation of genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, as well as new features such as maternal RSV vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapy. Despite its successes in vaccination coverage and health system strengthening, some challenges remain, including fluctuations in implementation and surveillance issues. The simultaneous challenges of pneumonia and hygiene will require integrated, coordinated, multisectoral responses that incorporate surveillance with antibiotic stewardship, sustainable oxygen systems, and interventions for nutrition and environmental health. The review also highlights research priorities and makes policy recommendations well aligned to support national ARI control efforts aimed at reducing child mortality due to ARI and achieving Sustainable Development Goals targets on child health.},
}

Humans
Ghana/epidemiology
*Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology/prevention & control/microbiology/virology/drug therapy
Child
COVID-19/epidemiology/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Acute Disease

@article {pmid41902184,
year = {2026},
author = {Hetényi, R and Hanna, D and Kopasz, Z and Szentpéteri, JL and Szabó, P and Somogyi, BA and Bányai, K and Szabó-Meleg, E},
title = {Wavelength-Specific UV-C Inactivation of Viruses in Liquids: Dose-Response, Mechanistic Insights, and Structural Integrity-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {Viruses},
volume = {18},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {41902184},
issn = {1999-4915},
support = {TKP2021-NVA-07//National Research, Development, and Innovation Office of Hungary/ ; 2024-2.1.1-EKÖP//Ministry of Culture and Innovation, National Fund for Research, Development and Innovation/ ; },
mesh = {*Ultraviolet Rays ; *Virus Inactivation/radiation effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects ; *Viruses/radiation effects ; Humans ; Disinfection/methods ; },
abstract = {This study evaluates fragmented data on ultraviolet-C (UV-C, 100-280 nm) irradiation for viral inactivation in liquid media, supporting advances such as whole-pathogen vaccine development and downstream research. Included studies reported viral strain identification, baseline titers (PFU or TCID50), UV-C wavelength, dosage, and log reductions, excluding studies employing alternative treatments. We searched (PubMed, Ovid Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science; 10 April 2024) and identified 2813 records, of which 33 met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I V2 to evaluate methodological rigor and inform improved reporting. Narrative synthesis summarized findings across viruses, while meta-analysis focused on 16 SARS-CoV-2 studies with standardized reporting. Meta-regression revealed a strong dose-response relationship (log_dose β = 3.38, 95% CI [2.95, 3.82], p < 0.001) with low heterogeneity (I[2] = 15.1%). Strain and wavelength-specific efficacy peaked at 267 nm (β = 6.42) and 275 nm (β = 3.78), while 253.7 nm offered structural preservation for downstream applications. Limitations included inconsistent dose reporting, matrix effects, and assay sensitivity. We propose a refined reporting framework and standard definitions for 'inactivation', ''disinfection,' and 'complete inactivation.' Our findings support reproducible UV-C evaluation, regulatory alignment, and safe implementation in pathogen control, biosafety, and clinical applications.},
}

*Ultraviolet Rays
*Virus Inactivation/radiation effects
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
SARS-CoV-2/radiation effects
*Viruses/radiation effects
Humans
Disinfection/methods

@article {pmid41903098,
year = {2026},
author = {Alwashmi, ASS and Khan, NU and Unar, A},
title = {Decoding Microbiota-Immune Interplay in Viral Pathogenesis: Toward Next-Generation Antiviral Therapies.},
journal = {Probiotics and antimicrobial proteins},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41903098},
issn = {1867-1314},
abstract = {Emerging viral threats, including COVID-19, influenza, and hepatitis B, underscore the urgent need for innovative antiviral strategies. Traditional antiviral drugs and vaccines are often limited by viral mutations, drug resistance, and inter-individual variability. The human microbiota has emerged as an active regulator of viral pathogenesis, influencing host susceptibility, immune responses, and therapeutic outcomes. This review comprehensively explores microbiota–virus interactions, including direct viral modulation by commensal bacteria and bacteriophages, metabolic reprogramming of host cells, and immunomodulation by microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) through the GPR43–NLRP3–MAVS axis. The gut–lung–immune axis and systemic consequences of virus-induced dysbiosis, including “leaky gut” and amplified cytokine responses (TNF-α, IL-6), are highlighted. Translational applications discussed include probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and next-generation engineered microbial consortia. Evidence from clinical FMT trials in chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, and COVID-19 recovery, along with FDA-approved oral microbiota therapies, suggests therapeutic promise. The integration of AI-guided multi-omics approaches enables patient stratification and personalized interventions while addressing safety, strain specificity, and regulatory challenges. This review integrates mechanistic insights and clinical evidence to guide the development of next-generation microbiota-based precision antiviral therapies with improved efficacy and durability.},
}

@article {pmid41904986,
year = {2026},
author = {Voget, R and Gütschow, M},
title = {Early Kinetic Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors: A Review and Guidance for Biochemical Assessments.},
journal = {Biochemistry},
volume = {65},
number = {7},
pages = {860-881},
doi = {10.1021/acs.biochem.5c00794},
pmid = {41904986},
issn = {1520-4995},
mesh = {Kinetics ; Humans ; *SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects ; *Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry ; High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; Substrate Specificity ; },
abstract = {Optical, microplate reader-based assays are a standard tool for the initial biochemical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (M[pro]) inhibitor candidates. Such assays monitor M[pro]-catalyzed substrate proteolysis in order to investigate the kinetic impact of inhibitors under examination on the catalytic reaction. This review outlines the numerous intricate considerations involved in establishing suitable assay protocols. Commonly employed M[pro] substrates that exploit different mechanisms for the optical detection of the cleavage reaction are introduced and compared with respect to their suitability for specific assay applications. The contribution of native or tagged forms of M[pro] and of the assay medium to representative kinetic data is debated. Protocols for high-throughput screening, IC50 investigation, elucidation of binding mode and modality, as well as for the determination of the kinetic parameters, Ki, αKi, kon, koff, and kinac/KI, are discussed with continuous reference to the underlying kinetic models. This review provides guidelines for the design and establishment of robust assays for precisely characterizing the kinetics of M[pro] inhibitor candidates. Typical confounders and false conclusions are demonstrated, along with strategies to circumvent these pitfalls.},
}

Kinetics
Humans
*SARS-CoV-2/enzymology/drug effects
*Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry
High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
Substrate Specificity

@article {pmid41905269,
year = {2026},
author = {Liu, J and Jawahar, B and Wang, Y and O'Neill, B and Batson-Wright, Y},
title = {Understanding digital clinical communication in healthcare: A qualitative synthesis.},
journal = {Patient education and counseling},
volume = {149},
number = {},
pages = {109606},
doi = {10.1016/j.pec.2026.109606},
pmid = {41905269},
issn = {1873-5134},
mesh = {Humans ; Clinical Competence ; *Communication ; *Digital Health ; *Physician-Patient Relations ; Qualitative Research ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The use of digital tools for two-way, real-time clinician-patient interactions has significantly increased, especially since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This qualitative synthesis examines existing qualitative and mixed-method studies with qualitative components to capture the experiences of clinicians and patients using digital tools for real-time communication post-pandemic.

METHODS: A thematic synthesis approach was applied, reviewing 97 studies sourced from six databases. The synthesis identified three descriptive themes and two analytical themes.

RESULTS: Three primary descriptive themes included: improvising information gathering, managing emotional complexity, and enhancing understanding to facilitate care planning. Additionally, two analytical themes emphasised the need for training and teamwork in digital clinical communication.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of 'webside manner' as a key clinical competence and highlight the value of collaborative decision-making between clinicians and patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This synthesis led to the development of the ICE-T Digital Clinical Communication Model, offering conceptual and educational guidance for clinicians and healthcare students engaging in real-time digital communication. The study addresses an educational gap, emphasising the need to train both clinicians and patients to navigate the digital divide and ensure high-quality care in digital interactions.},
}

Humans
Clinical Competence
*Communication
*Digital Health
*Physician-Patient Relations
Qualitative Research

@article {pmid41905519,
year = {2026},
author = {Oudhini, A and Elghali, M and Zanina, Y and Changuel, M and Sakly, N},
title = {Autoimmunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination: Systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.)},
volume = {285},
number = {},
pages = {110702},
doi = {10.1016/j.clim.2026.110702},
pmid = {41905519},
issn = {1521-7035},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control ; *Autoimmunity/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Autoimmune Diseases/immunology/etiology ; *Vaccination/adverse effects ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/adverse effects ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology ; },
abstract = {AIM: To systematically review and meta-analyze the available evidence on the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and the development of new autoimmune conditions (AIC).

METHODS: This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched until December 31, 2024, for studies reporting new-onset autoimmunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Meta-analyses using random-effects models calculated pooled odds ratios using RStudio 4.3.

RESULTS: Of the 2544 records identified, 39 studies were included in the systematic review, and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association was found between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new AIC (p = 0.0054) and particularly type 1 diabetes (p = 0.0229), blistering diseases (p = 0.0452), systemic sclerosis (p = 0.0153), and vitiligo (p = 0.0122). Regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced autoimmunity, no association between COVID-19 vaccines and new AIC was observed.

CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection may strongly induce autoimmunity.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/prevention & control
*Autoimmunity/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Autoimmune Diseases/immunology/etiology
*Vaccination/adverse effects
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology/adverse effects
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/immunology

@article {pmid41906154,
year = {2026},
author = {Granton, D and Hajjaj, OI and Ishaq, L and Ahimsadasan, R and Paleczny, SG and Ahimsadasan, N and Ying, E and Jabri, G and Mansuri, A and Warfield, N and Pettenuzzo, T and Honarmand, K and Gandhi, P and Englesakis, M and Fan, E},
title = {Complications in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Critical care (London, England)},
volume = {30},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41906154},
issn = {1466-609X},
mesh = {Humans ; *Respiratory Distress Syndrome/complications/therapy ; *Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) carries substantial morbidity and mortality. Supportive care with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains a cornerstone of management. The breadth and prevalence of complications experienced by patients with ARDS undergoing IMV is unclear. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify complications reported by studies featuring patients with ARDS undergoing IMV. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process/ePubs, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ClinicalTrials.gov from database inception until November 28, 2025. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies featuring adults with ARDS undergoing IMV that reported at least one complication. We excluded studies of COVID-19, studies with 25% or more patients on extracorporeal life support, and studies with under 200 participants. We extracted data on any reported clinical complication, based on author definitions. For complications reported by three or more studies we performed a random effects meta-analysis of logit-transformed complication proportions using inverse-variance weighting. RESULTS: Of 25,421 citations, we reviewed 2620 full texts and included 53 studies (25 RCTs and 28 cohort studies). Complications were variably and infrequently reported. Only barotrauma, ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), hypotension, arrhythmia, stroke, myopathy and cardiac arrest were reported by three or more RCTs. In cohort studies, barotrauma, VAP, acute renal failure, sepsis and bacteremia were reported by three or more studies. All estimates featured considerable heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review of studies including patients with ARDS receiving IMV, reporting of complications was variable and infrequent. Our synthesis was descriptive and did not investigate causality. Future studies should establish consensus on the spectrum of complications to improve reporting and help evaluate the risks and benefits of novel therapies. We propose a process to develop a core outcome set for complications experienced by patients with ARDS undergoing IMV. Preliminary results of this work were presented at the ESICM LIVES conference in October 2021},
}

Humans
*Respiratory Distress Syndrome/complications/therapy
*Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects

@article {pmid41906362,
year = {2026},
author = {Jin, F and Tao, X and Wu, H and Wu, L and Wang, Y},
title = {Invasive Necrotizing Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis in Children: A Case Series and Literature Review.},
journal = {The American journal of case reports},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {e950588},
pmid = {41906362},
issn = {1941-5923},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Child ; Male ; Bronchoscopy ; Child, Preschool ; *Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/diagnosis ; Necrosis ; Aspergillus flavus/isolation & purification ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND Invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis is rare in children. Here, we describe 3 cases in which mucosal necrosis and erosion were observed on bronchoscopy, with pseudomembrane-like attachments on the mucosal surface. CASE REPORT Case 1: An 8-year-old girl with leukemia was admitted because of recurrent fever, persistent cough (>1 month), and 1 day of hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed progression of patchy opacities and consolidation in the right upper and middle lobes compared with prior imaging. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) detected Aspergillus flavus. Case 2: An 8-year-old girl with fever for 4 days and cough for 2 days was admitted. After admission, recurrent fever occurred; hemophagocytic syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related multisystem inflammatory syndrome were diagnosed. Sputum culture results were positive for A. fumigatus. Chest CT demonstrated atelectasis of the right upper lobe and left lower lobe. NGS of BALF also detected A. fumigatus. Case 3: A 4-year-old boy was admitted for mesenchymal stem cell infusion. He had undergone bone marrow transplantation 6 months prior to admission. Occasional cough and fever were reported. Chest CT indicated infectious lesions in both lungs. NGS detected A. fumigatus. Bronchoscopy in all 3 children revealed necrotizing tracheobronchitis. All patients were successfully treated and discharged in stable condition. CONCLUSIONS This report describes 3 cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis with invasive necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis, highlighting diagnostic and management challenges, as well as a potential role for bronchoscopy in treatment of this disease.},
}

Humans
Female
Child
Male
Bronchoscopy
Child, Preschool
*Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis/diagnosis
Necrosis
Aspergillus flavus/isolation & purification
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology

@article {pmid41906527,
year = {2026},
author = {Pan, WKM and Castillo, EC},
title = {Evaluation of the Healthy and Productive Aging Program in a Primary Care Facility Among Older Population in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.},
journal = {Public health nursing (Boston, Mass.)},
volume = {43},
number = {4},
pages = {990-997},
doi = {10.1111/phn.70119},
pmid = {41906527},
issn = {1525-1446},
mesh = {Humans ; *Health Literacy/statistics & numerical data ; *Primary Health Care ; Aged ; Philippines/epidemiology ; Female ; Male ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; Program Evaluation ; *Healthy Aging ; Aged, 80 and over ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Health literacy is a critical factor for the well-being and self-management of the elderly. As the population ages, programs that enhance health literacy among the elderly are vital. This study evaluated the impact of the healthy and productive aging program on health literacy among Filipino elderly in a primary care setting.

METHOD: A quasi-experimental design involving 324 senior citizens were nonrandomly assigned to the intervention group or control group. Researchers measured health literacy across nine domains using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA to analyze changes before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers (p = 0.022), having sufficient health information (p = 0.040), actively managing health (p = 0.001), social support (p = 0.001), navigating the healthcare system (p = 0.001), and finding reliable health information (p < 0.045). One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in perceived health literacy levels across the three periods among the intervention group (F = 31. 859, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The program significantly impacted multiple health literacy domains. Results highlight the need for adaptable and responsive interventions with regular monitoring to improve the well-being of senior citizens and address specific literacy needs continuously.},
}

Humans
*Health Literacy/statistics & numerical data
*Primary Health Care
Aged
Philippines/epidemiology
Female
Male
*COVID-19/epidemiology
Program Evaluation
*Healthy Aging
Aged, 80 and over

@article {pmid41906767,
year = {2026},
author = {Luna-Tenorio, E and Torres-Mendoza, J and Franco-Colin, M and Alvarez-González, I and de la Cruz-Lopez, F and Garcés-Ramírez, L and Luna-Muñoz, J},
title = {COVID-19 and neurodegeneration: Perspectives on the impact of viruses on the brain.},
journal = {Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD},
volume = {111},
number = {3},
pages = {935-943},
doi = {10.1177/13872877261434258},
pmid = {41906767},
issn = {1875-8908},
mesh = {Humans ; *Neurodegenerative Diseases/virology ; *COVID-19/complications ; *Brain/virology/pathology ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; *Coronavirus Infections/complications ; *Pneumonia, Viral/complications ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to affect various systems in the human body, including the central nervous system (CNS). A number of neurological manifestations have been documented in patients with COVID-19, ranging from acute symptoms to long-term sequelae such as 'mental fog' and encephalitis. Persistent cognitive symptoms such as memory and attention deficits have been reported after COVID-19, based on clinical and epidemiological evidence. COVID-19-associated encephalitis has also been described in case reports. In addition, it has been proposed that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to neurodegeneration through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and alterations in tau protein and amyloid-β. This article reviews the interrelation between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the CNS and its possible involvement in the development of neurodegenerative pathologies. Although this evidence is preliminary, it highlights the need for long-term neurological follow-up in patients who have overcome COVID-19, especially those who presented neurological symptoms during the acute phase of the disease.},
}

Humans
*Neurodegenerative Diseases/virology
*COVID-19/complications
*Brain/virology/pathology
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
*Coronavirus Infections/complications
*Pneumonia, Viral/complications

@article {pmid41906773,
year = {2026},
author = {Andersson, G and Carlbring, P},
title = {Preferences, tailoring, and self-tailoring in internet-delivered treatments: lessons learned.},
journal = {Expert review of neurotherapeutics},
volume = {26},
number = {5},
pages = {477-483},
doi = {10.1080/14737175.2026.2652294},
pmid = {41906773},
issn = {1744-8360},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods ; *Internet ; *Patient Preference ; *Internet-Based Intervention ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Internet-delivered psychological treatments have been developed and tested in many trials and are also implemented.

AREAS COVERED: The authors focus on treatment preferences when clients are allowed to choose treatment orientation and how the treatment is set up. The literature was searched using Medline, Google Scholar and Scopus in November 2025, locating eight preference studies. They showed benefits in treatment satisfaction when preferences are included and possibly improved outcomes. The second focus was on tailored internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (ICBT). The authors review six recent controlled studies published from 2000 onwards on various subjects including COVID-19, domestic violence, chronic pain, climate distress, depression in older adults in Lithuania, and young adults with anxiety and depression in Brazil. These examples are in line with previous findings showing that tailored ICBT is effective, despite there being no clear benefits over diagnosis-specific or transdiagnostic ICBT. Finally, the authors reviewed published findings from two trials demonstrating that self-tailoring can work without clinician input.

EXPERT OPINION: There are robust findings showing that tailored internet interventions are effective, with further indication that preferences and self-tailoring may work too. Future research will likely incorporate artificial intelligence tools to a greater extent to improve treatment efficacy.},
}

Humans
*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods
*Internet
*Patient Preference
*Internet-Based Intervention

@article {pmid41907803,
year = {2026},
author = {Venkatesan, T and Demetriou, AM and Hempel, A and Bowling, DL},
title = {A scoping review of music-based digital therapeutics for stress, anxiety, and depression.},
journal = {Frontiers in human neuroscience},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {1602004},
pmid = {41907803},
issn = {1662-5161},
abstract = {Rising rates of stress, anxiety, and depression-fueled by rapid sociocultural and economic shifts, digital overexposure, and the lasting impact of COVID-19-are accelerating investment in scalable tools aimed at enhancing resilience and wellbeing. Music-based digital therapeutics (MDTs) hold promise given music's unique ability to modulate core dimensions of health-affect, anxiety, and reward, as well as autonomic and social functioning-through a medium that is universal, intuitive, and increasingly accessible. To assess the current state of MDTs targeting stress, anxiety, and depression in adults, we conducted a scoping review using a modified Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) keyword framework to structure Google search results. Twenty-two commercially available MDTs were identified for inclusion. We organize these MDTs into five principal categories based on underlying treatment strategies: (1) Preference-based music selection; (2) Affective Parameterization; (3) Affect Matching and Compensation; (4) Neural Entrainment; and (5) Biofeedback. We review general evidence supporting each strategy from music neuroscience and therapy research, as well as limited applied research testing specific MDTs. We conclude that, while general evidence supporting musical-based interventions for stress, anxiety, and depression is substantial, evidence for MDTs specifically is presently too limited to draw conclusions about real world effectiveness. Determining whether MDTs are likely to fulfill their potential will require increased focus on rigorous laboratory studies testing specific treatment strategies and randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials conducted in ecologically valid settings. To support progress in this field, we make recommendations to support the sustainable development of MDTs as evidence-based tools to support mental health and wellbeing.},
}

@article {pmid41908878,
year = {2026},
author = {Czylok, MA and Prokopiuk, M and Meller, K and Nazar, G and Kamieniecka, H and Jankowski, W and Zawadzka, M and Mazurkiewicz-Bełdzińska, M},
title = {Screen exposure and circadian disruption in paediatric epilepsy: risks and technology-based approaches - a literature review.},
journal = {Postepy psychiatrii neurologii},
volume = {35},
number = {1},
pages = {65-78},
pmid = {41908878},
issn = {2720-5371},
abstract = {PURPOSE: The increased use of digital devices, particularly following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has raised concerns about their impact on sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy. Blue light exposure from screens disrupts circadian rhythms by suppressing melatonin production, which can worsen sleep disturbances and potentially increase seizure frequency. This review aims to examine the relationships among technology use, sleep disturbances, and seizure control in paediatric patients with epilepsy.

VIEWS: We conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed studies from databases such as PubMed. The search terms included "blue-light exposure," "screen time," "sleep disturbances," and "epilepsy in children." Studies addressing the effects of blue light, screen time, and digital devices on sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy were included. Data on sleep quality, seizure frequency, melatonin levels, and the use of mobile applications for sleep and seizure monitoring were analysed. Prolonged screen time was consistently linked to delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and poorer sleep quality, which may worsen seizure frequency. Children with epilepsy, especially those with photosensitivity, appear particularly susceptible to blue light's adverse effects. Some studies noted reduced melatonin and increased seizure activity following blue light exposure. The review also found growing interest in mobile apps and wearable devices for tracking sleep and seizures, though many tools lack validation.

CONCLUSIONS: Excessive screen time and exposure to blue light negatively affect sleep and seizure control in children with epilepsy. Digital tools offer promise for the nonpharmacological management of epilepsy but require further research to confirm their clinical value.},
}

@article {pmid41909201,
year = {2026},
author = {Agouridis, AP and Hadjivasilis, A and Vougiouklakis, G and Ioannou, T and Charitonos, S and Christoforou, M and Ionas, E and Giannakakis, D and Spernovasilis, N},
title = {Inflammatory Bowel Disease Incidence following COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {GE Portuguese journal of gastroenterology},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {387-395},
pmid = {41909201},
issn = {2341-4545},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: A surge of cases of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess whether COVID-19 has a role in IBD risk.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library and OpenGrey databases up to October 30, 2025, for studies evaluating the incidence of IBD following COVID-19 infection (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024534916).

RESULTS: After a full-text review of 84 manuscripts, a total of 8 studies were used in the qualitative analysis. The studies were conducted between 2023 and 2024 and included in total 28,659,801 people, 8,560,826 of which were previously infected with COVID-19 and 20,098,975 that served as healthy controls. The results from the pooled synthesis of 6 studies indicate a 39% higher incidence of IBD in people that were previously infected with COVID-19 (risk ratio [RR] 1.39, 95% CI: [1.12-1.74], p = 0.003, I [2] = 97%). Furthermore, from the pooled analysis of 4 eligible studies, a higher incidence of new ulcerative colitis cases following COVID-19 was observed (RR 1.25, 95% CI: [1.17-1.33], p < 0.00001, I [2] = 0%). On the contrary, no difference was observed in Crohn's disease incidence between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients (RR 1.23 95% CI: [0.88, 1.72], p = 0.22, I [2] = 91%).

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present meta-analysis suggest an increased risk of IBD after COVID-19 infection. Although this is more evident regarding ulcerative colitis, we believe that the available outcomes arising from future studies will clarify the real incidence of Crohn's disease following COVID-19 infection.},
}

@article {pmid41909248,
year = {2026},
author = {He, F and Xu, J and Yu, T and Zhu, X and Wang, X and Yang, J and Xia, Y and Wu, F and Su, S},
title = {Traditional Chinese medicine in influenza treatment: a bibliometric analysis integrating multiple databases.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1761339},
pmid = {41909248},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, is especially severe for the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its antiviral, immune-modulating, and symptom-relieving properties, has gained attention as a potential treatment. This study uses bibliometric analysis to assess the research trends, hotspots, and progress of TCM in treating influenza.

METHODS: Literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), Scopus, and PubMed was analyzed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix to explore author collaboration, research trends, clinical trials, and key advancements in TCM for influenza.

RESULT: Research on TCM for influenza has steadily increased since 2000, with a marked surge post-2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. China leads the field, contributing nearly two-thirds of the publications. Research focuses on TCM interventions, antiviral mechanisms, and immune modulation, with emerging hotspots in network pharmacology and molecular mechanisms.

CONCLUSION: The study shows a steady annual growth rate of 16.94%, reflecting global interest in TCM for respiratory viral infections. Despite China's leadership, international collaboration remains limited (10.23%). Research has shifted from empirical formulations to modern scientific methods, but further large-scale trials are needed to confirm TCM's efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41909619,
year = {2026},
author = {Díez-Martínez, A and Strobl, K and Cámara-Ballesteros, A and Delgado-Buscalioni, R and de Pablo, PJ},
title = {Using atomic force microscopy for physical virology: touching and manipulating single virus particles.},
journal = {Biophysical reviews},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {95-108},
pmid = {41909619},
issn = {1867-2450},
abstract = {Atomic force microscopy (AFM) employs a nanometer-scale tip mounted on a microcantilever to scan surfaces where virus particles have been captured. Beyond generating high-resolution images of individual virions in liquid, AFM offers unique capabilities: manipulation of single particles, investigation of their biomechanical properties, and real-time observation of assembly and disassembly processes, including genome release. This chapter begins by outlining fundamental aspects of virus adsorption and imaging, highlighting, among other factors, the influence of tip-convolution artifacts. These principles are applied to reveal the adsorption behavior of the TGEV coronavirus on surfaces. Subsequent sections detail approaches for probing TMV's mechanical properties through single-indentation experiments and mechanical fatigue protocols. In this section, the mechanical fatigue approach is also discussed when used on 2D arrays of viral coat proteins. The review also discusses how these mechanical techniques can trigger genome release in minute virus of mice (MVM), a process that can alternatively be induced by temperature, as happens in bacteriophage T7. Finally, the chapter illustrates how AFM can serve as a nanomanipulation tool to move individual viruses across surfaces and estimate their adhesion strength.},
}

@article {pmid41912095,
year = {2026},
author = {Wei, Q and Zhang, T and Schmit, N},
title = {Post-acute sequelae after Lassa fever: A systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {The Journal of infection},
volume = {92},
number = {5},
pages = {106743},
doi = {10.1016/j.jinf.2026.106743},
pmid = {41912095},
issn = {1532-2742},
mesh = {Humans ; *Lassa Fever/complications/epidemiology ; *Hearing Loss/epidemiology/etiology/virology ; Incidence ; Lassa virus ; Prevalence ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Africa, Western/epidemiology ; Post-Infectious Disorders ; },
abstract = {Post-acute sequelae are symptoms that persist or arise after the acute phase of an infection, but their frequency following outbreaks remains poorly understood. Recurrent Lassa fever outbreaks pose a significant public health threat in West Africa and may have long-term health effects. This study systematically reviewed the prevalence, incidence, duration, and characteristics of post-acute sequelae in survivors of Lassa virus infection. We searched PubMed and Web of Science up to November 17, 2025. Two reviewers screened and extracted data independently. We included six articles in the review. The most frequently reported post-acute sequela was hearing loss, with a pooled prevalence of 18% (95% CI 9-32) across 6 studies. Odds ratios for the association between Lassa fever and hearing loss were heterogeneous, with a statistically significant positive association in 2 of 5 studies and a positive effect direction in 2 further studies. Of an additional 37 potential post-acute sequelae, several with high prevalence also related to the audiovestibular system (e.g., tinnitus, balance disorder, and vertigo). Our findings highlight that Lassa fever survivors can experience diverse symptoms after recovery from acute infection, with hearing loss being the best-characterised. However, data gaps remain on its incidence after mild infections and its duration. A better understanding of post-acute sequelae after Lassa fever is necessary for accurate disease burden estimation and mathematical modelling studies.},
}

Humans
*Lassa Fever/complications/epidemiology
*Hearing Loss/epidemiology/etiology/virology
Incidence
Lassa virus
Prevalence
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Africa, Western/epidemiology
Post-Infectious Disorders

@article {pmid41912221,
year = {2026},
author = {Ijaz, M and Mizori, R and Al Omran, Y},
title = {Effectiveness of Teledermatology on Clinical, Patient-Reported, and Operational Outcomes: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {Dermatology practical & conceptual},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41912221},
issn = {2160-9381},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Teledermatology (TD), the remote diagnosis and management of skin conditions using digital platforms, has rapidly evolved since its initial adoption in 1995. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the utilization of TD expanded significantly, offering a viable alternative to face-to-face (F2F) consultations, particularly in settings where access to dermatologists are limited.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of TD across three key domains: clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and July 2024. Studies comparing TD with in-person consultations in terms of diagnostic accuracy, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness were included. The quality of the included studies were as assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS: From 2,768 articles, 23 studies met the inclusion criteria. Clinical outcomes indicated moderate agreement between TD and F2F consultations, with a mean kappa coefficient of 0.57, reflecting diagnostic concordance. Patient satisfaction varied widely, with 26.57% of patients willing to replace F2F consultations with TD. TD was associated with significant cost savings, averaging US$81.31 per patient, with percentage savings ranging from 6.27% to 45.33%, depending on the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS: TD provides moderate diagnostic accuracy, substantial cost savings, and varying degrees of patient acceptance. However, successful implementation requires high-quality imaging, clinician training, and robust technical infrastructure. Further research is needed to optimize TD's role in dermatology, particularly in balancing virtual and F2F care.},
}

@article {pmid41912702,
year = {2026},
author = {Candel-Pau, J and Maya-Enero, S and García-García, J and Valle-Del Barrio, B and Muñoz-Molinero, J and López-Vílchez, MÁ},
title = {Factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 placental antibody transfer and neonatal transmission. A prospective, cohort study and review of available literature.},
journal = {Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association},
volume = {46},
number = {5},
pages = {717-725},
pmid = {41912702},
issn = {1476-5543},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; Infant, Newborn ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; *COVID-19/transmission/immunology ; *Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data/prevention & control ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; *Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology ; *Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology/virology ; *Immunity, Maternally-Acquired/immunology ; *Placenta/immunology ; Adult ; Male ; },
abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To describe SARS-CoV-2 serologic status, associated factors, and neonatal transmission following gestational COVID-19.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study including neonates born to mothers with gestational COVID-19 at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona) between March 2020 and May 2022.

RESULTS: A total of 263 infants and 261 mothers were included. High seropositivity was observed in infected mothers (88.9%) and their newborns (82.8%), particularly following early gestational and mild-to-moderate infections and among vaccinated mothers. Higher placental antibody transfer ratios were observed in earlier maternal infections. However, a longer infection-to-delivery interval increased transfer ratios only for anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. Neonatal antibodies persisted for at least six months. Only 6.1% of neonates born to mothers with active infection tested positive, with no evidence of congenital transmission.

CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 antibody placental transfer is frequent and efficient, conferring passive immunity during the first six months of life. Neonatal infection rate was low and attributable to horizontal transmission.},
}

Humans
Female
Infant, Newborn
Pregnancy
Prospective Studies
*COVID-19/transmission/immunology
*Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data/prevention & control
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
*Antibodies, Viral/blood/immunology
*Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology/virology
*Immunity, Maternally-Acquired/immunology
*Placenta/immunology
Adult
Male

@article {pmid41914563,
year = {2026},
author = {Theo, CH and Sam, IC and Chan, YF},
title = {The Diverse Roles of Heparan Sulfate in RNA Virus Infections: Insights From Enterovirus A71, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, and Chikungunya Virus.},
journal = {Journal of medical virology},
volume = {98},
number = {4},
pages = {e70888},
doi = {10.1002/jmv.70888},
pmid = {41914563},
issn = {1096-9071},
support = {//University Malaya Faculty of Medicine's Postgraduate Scholarship Fund/ ; MG001-2024//Universiti Malaya Matching Grant/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Heparan Sulfate/metabolism ; *Chikungunya virus/physiology/metabolism ; *SARS-CoV-2/physiology ; *Enterovirus A, Human/physiology/metabolism ; Virus Attachment ; Animals ; Virus Internalization ; COVID-19/virology/metabolism ; Chikungunya Fever/virology/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Heparan sulfate (HS), a ubiquitously expressed glycosaminoglycan, functions as an attachment and/or internalization factor for diverse RNA and DNA viruses. Its broad viral attachment capacity arises from structural heterogeneity in sulfation patterns. This review examines HS interactions in enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), emphasizing shared features and virus-specific distinctions. HS mediates viral attachment in all three, and additionally promotes SARS-CoV-2 internalization when host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 is absent. Positively charged residues on the virion dictate HS affinity. High HS affinity enhances in vitro infectivity and plaque size in EV-A71 and SARS-CoV-2, though evidence for CHIKV remains inconclusive. In vivo, elevated HS affinity is associated with viral attenuation and diminished inflammatory responses for both EV-A71 and CHIKV; in EV-A71 specifically, increased HS affinity further correlates with reduced capsid stability and heightened sensitivity to neutralizing antibodies. HS mimetics targeting viral-HS interactions represent promising broad-spectrum antivirals, particularly those advancing in clinical trials.},
}

Humans
*Heparan Sulfate/metabolism
*Chikungunya virus/physiology/metabolism
*SARS-CoV-2/physiology
*Enterovirus A, Human/physiology/metabolism
Virus Attachment
Animals
Virus Internalization
COVID-19/virology/metabolism
Chikungunya Fever/virology/metabolism

@article {pmid41914684,
year = {2026},
author = {Brüssow, H},
title = {Antivirals Targeting Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase and Main Protease: From Mechanisms of Action to Outcomes in COVID-19 Clinical Trials.},
journal = {Microbial biotechnology},
volume = {19},
number = {4},
pages = {e70342},
pmid = {41914684},
issn = {1751-7915},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; COVID-19 ; Animals ; *Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *Betacoronavirus/drug effects/enzymology ; Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology ; *Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors ; Proline/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Cytidine/analogs & derivatives ; Hydroxylamines ; },
abstract = {The rapid global spread of SARS-CoV-2 triggered an unprecedented effort to develop effective antivirals. Among the first approved agents was remdesivir, an injectable nucleoside analogue developed by Gilead Sciences, that led to chain termination of viral RNA synthesis and showed broad antiviral activity against RNA viruses. Early clinical results were mixed: The US ACTT-1 trial reported an accelerated recovery and reduced mortality in treated patients, while the WHO Solidarity and a European trial revealed no impact of remdesivir on mortality. In contrast, a US trial in outpatients demonstrated a clear clinical benefit when treatment was administered early. Molnupiravir, an orally applicable nucleoside analogue developed by Merck, induces lethal mutations in the viral genome rather than chain termination. Molnupiravir showed in vivo antiviral activity against coronaviruses in different animals. In MOVe-OUT trials, molnupiravir reduced the rate of hospitalisation in treated outpatients. In the PANORAMIC trial, molnupiravir reduced the time to recovery in outpatients but not their rate of hospitalisation. No drug effect of molnupiravir was seen in the RECOVERY trial with hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Using structural biology and medicinal chemistry approaches, Pfizer developed nirmatrelvir, an oral inhibitor of the major coronavirus protease. In high-risk but not in standard-risk COVID-19 patients, the combination nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduced the rate of hospitalisation (EPIC HR and SR trials). Retrospective cohort studies showed treatment effects in defined patient groups. This review compares the efficacy and clinical performance of different antivirals, including emerging drugs such as obeldesivir and alternative protease inhibitors (lopinavir, simnotrelvir). It further examines their roles in prophylaxis, treatment of long covid symptoms, pharmacological considerations and antiviral resistance. Particular attention is given to factors underlying variable outcome of the trials, including viral variant evolution, population immunity increases, disease severity changes and timing of therapy initiation.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects/enzymology
Clinical Trials as Topic
COVID-19
Animals
*Coronavirus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors
COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*Betacoronavirus/drug effects/enzymology
Coronavirus 3C Proteases/antagonists & inhibitors
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/virology
*Viral Nonstructural Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
Proline/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome
Cytidine/analogs & derivatives
Hydroxylamines

@article {pmid41914738,
year = {2026},
author = {Xu, W and Okumura, CYM},
title = {Carbon metabolism and niche adaptation in Streptococcus pyogenes pathogenesis.},
journal = {mSphere},
volume = {11},
number = {4},
pages = {e0066825},
pmid = {41914738},
issn = {2379-5042},
support = {125033//Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine/ ; U54GM104942//West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute/ ; R15AI176429/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {*Streptococcus pyogenes/pathogenicity/metabolism/genetics ; *Carbon/metabolism ; Humans ; Virulence Factors/metabolism ; Virulence ; *Streptococcal Infections/microbiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Host-Pathogen Interactions ; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial ; },
abstract = {Responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually around the world, Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]) infections have resurged in the post-COVID-19 era due to immune debt and the rise of strains with enhanced adaptive capabilities. The formidable pathogenicity of GAS is fueled by metabolic plasticity that coordinates virulence with niche-specific adaptation. In this minireview, we dissect how GAS functions as a sophisticated metabolic decision-maker, revealing survival strategies of the bacteria that allow persistence and vulnerabilities that can be targeted for therapeutic development. From the oropharynx to the bloodstream, niche-specific carbon sources and availability dictate downstream biosynthetic processes, creating an integrated metabolic network that controls pathogen fitness. Dynamic shifts in central carbon metabolism are orchestrated by an expanded repertoire of global regulators that directly couple nutrient availability to virulence factor expression. The resulting bacterial metabolic byproducts serve as dual-purpose weapons, limiting competition with commensal microbes and reprogramming host cell immune responses. The ability of GAS to fine-tune and couple metabolism to niche-specific survival factors reveals pathogen-specific targets that can be exploited for therapy. We evaluate high-potential therapeutic strategies that aim to disrupt this critical metabolism-virulence nexus. The development of these precision anti-virulence strategies to counter GAS infections is critical in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance.},
}

*Streptococcus pyogenes/pathogenicity/metabolism/genetics
*Carbon/metabolism
Humans
Virulence Factors/metabolism
Virulence
*Streptococcal Infections/microbiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

@article {pmid41915408,
year = {2026},
author = {Maynes, MA and Johnson, AJ},
title = {The impact of antigen presentation on BBB disruption and neuroinflammation.},
journal = {Physiology (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41915408},
issn = {1548-9221},
support = {T32 AI170478/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R01 NS103212/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; T32AI170478//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)/ ; RF1 NS122174/NS/NINDS NIH HHS/United States ; NS108212//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; NS12274//HHS | NIH | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ ; },
abstract = {Blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption is a potentially deadly complication of numerous neurological diseases as diverse as cerebral malaria, dengue hemorrhagic fever, tauopathies, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, narcolepsy, and COVID-19. Neuroinflammation and immune cell infiltration are both drivers and a consequence of BBB disruption. In this review, we will provide an overview of how brain infiltrating T cell responses engage cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) which regulates the BBB in preclinical models. This will provide context on how the immune system can contribute to vascular leakage and neuropathology in neurological diseases. We will discuss how discrete MHC class I and class II molecules on NVU cell types govern T cell entry, retention, and barrier disruption in neuroinflammatory diseases. Finally, we will summarize our current understanding of how discrete HLA genes associate with specific neurological diseases characterized by neuroinflammation and BBB disruption.},
}

@article {pmid41915598,
year = {2026},
author = {Pacheco, FS and da Rocha Mota, RG and Pinho Jannini de Sá, YA and Hogaboam, CM and Castro-Faria-Neto, HC and Carvalho, VF},
title = {Glucocorticoids and Neutrophil Biology: Impact on the Development of Resistance to Glucocorticoid Therapy.},
journal = {Neuroimmunomodulation},
volume = {33},
number = {1},
pages = {213-224},
pmid = {41915598},
issn = {1423-0216},
mesh = {Humans ; *Glucocorticoids/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *Neutrophils/drug effects/immunology ; Animals ; *Drug Resistance/immunology/physiology ; Th17 Cells/immunology/drug effects ; Inflammation/immunology/drug therapy ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in peripheral circulation and play a crucial role in combating infections and mediating inflammatory responses. Neutrophils are produced in bone marrow, have a short half-life in the blood, and are rapidly attracted to the tissues in response to infection or tissue damage.

SUMMARY: Glucocorticoids (GCs), stress hormones, and potent anti-inflammatory agents exert complex effects on neutrophils. While they generally suppress immune responses, GCs can paradoxically enhance neutrophil survival and function under certain conditions. This duality is evident in their ability to delay neutrophil apoptosis and to induce a shift of neutrophils from the marginated to the circulating pool, increasing the neutrophil presence in the bloodstream. Th17 cells, a subset of T-helper cells, recruit neutrophils to sites of infection and inflammation. In addition, neutrophils promote Th17 cell differentiation. GCs can enhance Th17 differentiation and IL-17 production, exacerbating neutrophil accumulation. Nevertheless, in glucocorticoid-resistant diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and encephalomyelitis, Th17 cells and neutrophils contribute to persistent inflammation. This resistance complicates the treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders, also in the central nervous system, where standard glucocorticoid therapy fails to mitigate symptoms effectively.

KEY MESSAGES: In this context, we propose a mechanism for the development of resistance to GC driving by uncontrolled TH17 response and neutrophils induced by chronic stress. Understanding the interactions between neutrophils, Th17 cells, and GCs is essential for developing targeted therapies for diseases resistant to GC, such as MS, TBI, and encephalomyelitis.},
}

Humans
*Glucocorticoids/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*Neutrophils/drug effects/immunology
Animals
*Drug Resistance/immunology/physiology
Th17 Cells/immunology/drug effects
Inflammation/immunology/drug therapy

@article {pmid41915901,
year = {2026},
author = {Nunns, M and Febrey, S and Becker, K and Weiland, M and Buckland, J and Abbott, R and Whear, R and Bethel, A and Shaw, L and Boddy, K and Carville, S and Harris, T and Thompson Coon, J and Melendez-Torres, GJ},
title = {The Effectiveness of Contact Tracing to Reduce Transmission of Infectious Diseases During Epidemic or Pandemic Response: Rapid Systematic Review.},
journal = {JMIR public health and surveillance},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {e84805},
pmid = {41915901},
issn = {2369-2960},
mesh = {Humans ; *Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Epidemics/prevention & control ; *Communicable Diseases/transmission/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Contact tracing (CT), the process of identifying and managing contacts of infected cases, is one public health and social measure that may reduce the spread of infectious diseases. While previous systematic reviews of CT exist, a comprehensive review of both the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences has not been undertaken to our knowledge. Understanding effective CT strategies could help governments and health authorities prepare effectively for emergency epidemic or pandemic situations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to systematically review the evidence on the effectiveness of CT across infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential. Effectiveness is measured in terms of impacts on disease transmission, health care use, mortality, or unintended consequences.

METHODS: We searched 6 bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, CINAHL Ultimate, Cochrane, and Scopus) between November 29 and December 3, 2024, with supplementary citation searching. We sought human studies comparing CT with interventions with no CT or other forms of CT, delivered in the community, in prespecified diseases of epidemic or pandemic potential. We included studies with any measure of disease transmission, related health care use, or unintended consequences of CT and prioritized studies with concurrent comparators. Screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal were performed in duplicate. Due to substantial heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. This review was informed by meetings with a patient and public involvement and engagement group.

RESULTS: After deduplication, a total of 12,816 titles and abstracts were screened, with 198 records assessed for eligibility at full text. Five additional studies were found through supplementary searching. Finally, 88 reports (of 86 studies) were included, of which 57 reports (of 55 studies) were prioritized. Two main routes of transmission were represented: respiratory (tuberculosis [TB], 15 studies; COVID-19, 5 studies) and blood-borne or sexually transmitted infections (STIs; 35 studies, of which 13 were in HIV, and 22 were bacterial or parasitic infections). No evidence was found on vector-borne, direct contact, or food- or water-borne routes of transmission. Evidence was highly heterogeneous, and more than half of the studies had notable methodological limitations. While there was no difference between CT and comparator interventions for most outcomes, there was some evidence of reductions in disease prevalence in TB and for provider-initiated CT to be superior to patient-led approaches in STIs. Only 2 studies reported measures of unintended consequences.

CONCLUSIONS: We found inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of CT, focused primarily on TB and on contrasts between provider-initiated CT and patient-led referral in STIs and HIV. High heterogeneity in study design precluded clear assertions regarding optimal strategies for CT, including with respect to relevant subgroups. Future work should consider generalizability of CT mechanisms across contexts, including by route of transmission and from the Global South, and a more thorough account of unintended consequences.},
}

Humans
*Contact Tracing/methods/statistics & numerical data
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Epidemics/prevention & control
*Communicable Diseases/transmission/epidemiology

@article {pmid41915996,
year = {2026},
author = {Yao, J and Shi, M and Chen, S and Zhang, H and Lin, Y and Hua, C and Gao, S},
title = {Mitochondrial kinase CMPK2 in immune homeostasis and disease: from metabolic regulation to inflammatory signaling.},
journal = {International immunopharmacology},
volume = {178},
number = {},
pages = {116582},
doi = {10.1016/j.intimp.2026.116582},
pmid = {41915996},
issn = {1878-1705},
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Mitochondria/metabolism/enzymology/immunology ; Homeostasis ; *Inflammation/immunology/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway ; *Nucleoside-Phosphate Kinase/metabolism/immunology ; Immunity, Innate ; Energy Metabolism ; DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism ; Virus Diseases/immunology ; Inflammasomes/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Cytidine monophosphate kinase 2 (CMPK2) is a pivotal mitochondrial enzyme that plays a multifaceted role in cellular nucleotide metabolism, immune regulation, and disease pathogenesis. This review comprehensively examines the structural characteristics, enzymatic functions, and regulatory mechanisms of CMPK2, emphasizing its significance in maintaining mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) integrity and energy metabolism. We explore how CMPK2 links mitochondrial stress to inflammation through its involvement in key immune signaling pathways, including the NLRP3 inflammasome and cGAS-STING pathway, thereby modulating innate immune responses. Notably, CMPK2 is upregulated during viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus, where it restricts virus replication and enhance antiviral defenses. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of CMPK2 dysregulation in various non-communicable diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and neuroblastoma, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic biomarker and candidate therapeutic target. By integrating recent advances in our understanding of CMPK2's roles across infectious and non-infectious diseases, this review establishes CMPK2 as a pivotal node connecting mitochondrial metabolism, immune responses, and disease mechanisms. Our findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate CMPK2's complex functions and to explore its therapeutic potential in clinical applications, ultimately contributing to improved disease management strategies.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Mitochondria/metabolism/enzymology/immunology
Homeostasis
*Inflammation/immunology/metabolism
Signal Transduction
cGAS-STING Signaling Pathway
*Nucleoside-Phosphate Kinase/metabolism/immunology
Immunity, Innate
Energy Metabolism
DNA, Mitochondrial/metabolism
Virus Diseases/immunology
Inflammasomes/metabolism

@article {pmid41917406,
year = {2026},
author = {Ota, M and Sano, K and Yoshihara, K and Watanabe, S and Hasegawa, H and Miyakawa, K},
title = {Applications of Pseudoviruses Bearing Glycoproteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Virus.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1491},
number = {},
pages = {361-372},
pmid = {41917406},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {*Virology/methods ; *Viral Envelope ; *Glycoproteins ; *Orthomyxoviridae ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Vaccine Development ; },
abstract = {This review discusses pseudoviruses, which are chimeric viral particles constructed by replacing the envelope glycoproteins of viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) with those of target viruses, and their advantages in the study of highly pathogenic respiratory viruses. These systems serve as valuable tools for elucidating viral entry mechanisms, screening antiviral drugs, quantitatively assessing virus-neutralizing antibodies, and evaluating vaccine efficacy, while reducing the safety risks associated with live viruses. Despite limitations such as applicability primarily to enveloped viruses, ongoing technological advances continue to improve pseudovirus systems, increasing their utility in vaccine development, antiviral research, and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.},
}

*Virology/methods
*Viral Envelope
*Glycoproteins
*Orthomyxoviridae
*SARS-CoV-2
Vaccine Development

@article {pmid41917409,
year = {2026},
author = {Hatakeyama, D and Shoji, M and Kuzuhara, T},
title = {Pharmacophores of Influenza Virus PA Endonuclease Inhibitors.},
journal = {Advances in experimental medicine and biology},
volume = {1491},
number = {},
pages = {413-445},
pmid = {41917409},
issn = {0065-2598},
mesh = {Humans ; *Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use ; *RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry ; *Endonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism ; *Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Orthomyxoviridae/enzymology/drug effects ; Animals ; *Influenza, Human/drug therapy/virology ; Virus Replication/drug effects ; },
abstract = {With the emergence of the novel coronavirus in 2020, influenza viruses have remained out of the spotlight for some time. However, influenza viral infections have been reported in recent years, indicating that this pathogen remains a major threat. Therefore, in addition to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying viral proliferation, new drugs are being actively developed. One of the most effective targets for anti-influenza drugs is the endonuclease activity of the PA subunit, a component of the viral RNA-dependent polymerase, for which a wide variety of compounds have been reported to date. In this review, we introduce 100 compounds that inhibit the activity of this enzyme and the viral proliferation efficiency, showing their potential to be used as novel anti-influenza drugs.},
}

Humans
*Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/chemistry/therapeutic use
*RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Viral Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism/chemistry
*Endonucleases/antagonists & inhibitors/metabolism
*Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology/chemistry
*Orthomyxoviridae/enzymology/drug effects
Animals
*Influenza, Human/drug therapy/virology
Virus Replication/drug effects

@article {pmid41918076,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, X and Meng, J and Li, Y and Xiang, Y and Wu, Y and Xiong, Y and Liu, P and Gao, S},
title = {The role of ivermectin in the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.},
journal = {BMC infectious diseases},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41918076},
issn = {1471-2334},
mesh = {*Ivermectin/therapeutic use/adverse effects ; Humans ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; *COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; *SARS-CoV-2/drug effects ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Hospitalization ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Ivermectin, as a potential drug for the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, remains controversial regarding its efficacy and safety. This study aims to systematically evaluate the therapeutic and preventive effect of ivermectin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on October 11, 2025, to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing ivermectin for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measures were mortality rate and adverse event rate for hospitalized patients and outpatient patients, while secondary outcomes included hospitalization time and recovery time. Given the anticipated clinical and methodological heterogeneity across the included RCTs (e.g., variations in ivermectin dosage, study population characteristics, trial implementation time and SARS-CoV-2 variants), a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis to obtain a robust synthesis of heterogeneous study results and reliable estimation of pooled effect sizes.

RESULTS: A total of 40 RCTs involving 23,243 participants were included. Among them, 4 studies evaluated the preventive effect of ivermectin on SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the other 36 studies evaluated the therapeutic effect of ivermectin in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. For prevention, there was no statistically significant difference between the ivermectin group and control group in SARS-CoV-2 infection rate [risk ratio (RR) 0.37; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.12 to 1.20]. For treatment, all-cause mortality for both hospitalized patients (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.74 to 1.20) and outpatients (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.55 to 1.42) showed no statistically significant difference. Adverse events for hospitalized patients (RR 1.02; 95%CI 0.76 to 1.37) and outpatients (RR 0.96; 95%CI 0.82 to 1.13) also showed no statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides evidence that ivermectin does not statistically significantly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or improve clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Further high-quality trials are needed to clarify the potential benefits of ivermectin.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.},
}

*Ivermectin/therapeutic use/adverse effects
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
*COVID-19 Drug Treatment
*SARS-CoV-2/drug effects
*COVID-19/prevention & control/mortality
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
Treatment Outcome
Hospitalization

@article {pmid41918096,
year = {2026},
author = {Çeleğen, İ and Sarıöz, A},
title = {Exposure to health misinformation on social media across key health domains: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survey-based studies.},
journal = {BMC public health},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {41918096},
issn = {1471-2458},
mesh = {Humans ; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data ; Media Exposure ; COVID-19 ; *Communication ; Neoplasms ; Oral Health ; Vaccination ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exposure to health misinformation on social media has emerged as a significant public health concern; however, survey-based evidence remains conceptually heterogeneous across health domains and outcome definitions. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized individual-level observational studies examining direct exposure to health misinformation across key domains, including COVID-19, vaccination, cancer, and oral health. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 and MOOSE guidelines, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched (2010–2025). Eligible studies were observational and survey-based, reporting prevalence or determinants of individual-level exposure to health misinformation encountered on social media. Exposure was operationalized as (i) perceived exposure (self-reported encountering of misinformation) or (ii) item-level encounter/recognition of predefined misinformation claims framed as prior exposure. Constructs reflecting belief, attitudinal agreement, susceptibility, or behavioral responses were excluded from prevalence pooling to prevent conceptual conflation. Interventional or experimental correction studies were excluded to preserve comparability with naturalistic observational exposure measures. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted in R (meta/metafor), with heterogeneity quantified using I[2]. Subgroup analyses were conducted by health domain, geographic region, and platform context. RESULTS: Eight studies (N = 22,780) met inclusion criteria. Reported prevalence estimates varied substantially (10%–87%) across domains and exposure operationalizations. The pooled prevalence was 59.0% (95% CI: 44.0–73.0); however, heterogeneity was extreme (I[2] = 99.8%). Accordingly, the pooled estimate is interpreted as a descriptive contextual summary rather than a generalizable population parameter. Subgroup analyses suggested domain-dependent patterns, with comparatively higher reported exposure in COVID-19 and oral health contexts and lower levels in cancer-related contexts. Across studies, younger age, lower health or digital literacy, and minority ethnicity were recurrently associated with higher reported exposure. Platform-related associations were context-dependent and varied by outcome construct and health domain, indicating that platform effects operate as environmental modifiers rather than intrinsic determinants. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to health misinformation on social media appears common but highly variable across health domains, operational definitions, and platform environments. Given extreme between-study heterogeneity, reliance on cross-sectional self-reported measures, and variability in exposure operationalization, findings should be interpreted as contextual rather than universally generalizable. The most informative insights derive from domain- and context-specific patterns, which may inform targeted and evidence-sensitive public health strategies.},
}

Humans
*Social Media/statistics & numerical data
Media Exposure
COVID-19
*Communication
Neoplasms
Oral Health
Vaccination
Surveys and Questionnaires

@article {pmid41918638,
year = {2026},
author = {Darkhabani, O and Ahmed, A},
title = {Pandemic-Induced Disruption and the Adaptive Resilience of the Medical Supply Chain: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia.},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {18},
number = {2},
pages = {e104419},
pmid = {41918638},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed profound vulnerabilities in global medical supply chains, largely driven by a reliance on Just-In-Time (JIT) efficiency and geographically concentrated manufacturing. While many Western economies faced sustained shortages and distribution chaos, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) achieved a rapid transition from initial scarcity to a surplus of essential supplies. This report analyzes the Saudi Arabian experience as a successful hybrid resilience model that synthesized centralized government authority with decentralized private sector agility. Centrally, the National Unified Procurement Company (NUPCO) utilized unified purchasing power to secure international deals, while the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) provided regulatory agility by fast-tracking imports and registrations. Complementing this, major private distributors like Al Nahdi Medical Company reported digital logistics investments enabling distribution efficiency. The study concludes that Saudi Arabia's success stemmed from the ability to rapidly pivot from cost-efficiency to security and speed operations. For future preparedness, the report advocates for a paradigm shift that prioritizes localization of manufacturing, supply chain diversification, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and blockchain to ensure long-term national health security.},
}

@article {pmid41918727,
year = {2026},
author = {Stallmach, A and Layer, P and Katzer, K and Reuken, PA},
title = {Lessons from irritable bowel syndrome: potential for understanding and managing post-COVID.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1717324},
pmid = {41918727},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/etiology ; *COVID-19/complications ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome ; Post-Infectious Disorders ; },
abstract = {Post-COVID presents a complex medical challenge characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Similarities between post-COVID and post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (PI-IBS) suggest that the latter can serve as a useful model for understanding pathophysiological mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches. Both conditions are functional disorders triggered by an acute infection, with multifactorial etiology and limited biomarker-based diagnostics. The variability of symptoms and the high frequency of comorbidities make these disorders particularly difficult to diagnose. Diagnostic efforts may be further hindered by the stigmatization of such disorders among healthcare providers, the health insurance industry, and the general public. This article explores the parallels between PI-IBS and post-COVID, highlighting, on the one hand, what can be learned from the management of IBS to better address the needs of patients with post-COVID long-term sequelae, and, on the other hand, raising doubts-based on decades of research into drug therapy development for IBS-about the likelihood of a rapidly available treatment for post-COVID.},
}

Humans
*Irritable Bowel Syndrome/therapy/diagnosis/etiology
*COVID-19/complications
*SARS-CoV-2
Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
Post-Infectious Disorders

@article {pmid41918740,
year = {2026},
author = {Yan, L and Fu, H and Zhang, H and Dong, H and Chen, J and Yu, L and Zhang, L},
title = {The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1741698},
pmid = {41918740},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; *Mycoplasma pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity ; *Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/drug therapy/microbiology ; *COVID-19/epidemiology ; *SARS-CoV-2 ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Macrolides/therapeutic use ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Pandemics ; },
abstract = {Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a major causative agent of acute respiratory tract infections in children. Since 2023, its high prevalence coupled with rising rates of macrolide resistance has presented substantial challenges in the clinical management of pediatric MP infections. In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens, this article reviews relevant global studies conducted before, during, and after the pandemic. A comprehensive narrative review approach was adopted, with literature searches conducted in databases including PubMed and Web of Science up to December 2025.The findings reveal notable shifts in the epidemiology of MP in the post-pandemic period: the epidemic season has lengthened with a displaced peak, the proportion of cases among school-aged children has risen, and the incidence of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) has increased. Globally, macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) rates continue to climb, remaining especially high in East Asia (>80%), and are closely linked to specific genotypes such as P1-1 and M4572. Disease severity is associated with both host-derived exaggerated inflammatory responses (e.g., elevated IL-6 and LDH) and the virulence activity of the CARDS toxin. The profile of co-infections has also undergone change. In summary, against a background of reduced pathogen exposure and the formation of immune intervals and high antimicrobial resistance, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the clinical complexity of managing MP infections. Future efforts should prioritize enhanced global surveillance, the development of rapid diagnostics and novel therapeutics, and the optimization of antibiotic stewardship strategies.},
}

Humans
*Mycoplasma pneumoniae/genetics/drug effects/pathogenicity
*Pneumonia, Mycoplasma/epidemiology/drug therapy/microbiology
*COVID-19/epidemiology
*SARS-CoV-2
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Macrolides/therapeutic use
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
Pandemics

@article {pmid41919061,
year = {2026},
author = {Ziaka, M and Zagalioti, SC and Zgouridou, A and Fyntanidou, B and Exadaktylos, A},
title = {Pathophysiology of Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with Severe Respiratory Failure and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Scoping Review.},
journal = {International journal of general medicine},
volume = {19},
number = {},
pages = {575001},
pmid = {41919061},
issn = {1178-7074},
abstract = {Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are increasingly identified in critically ill patients with severe respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This scoping review aims to systematically examine the existing literature to explore the mechanisms contributing to the development of CMBs in ARDS and to summarize current evidence on CMBs associated with severe respiratory failure. We conducted a comprehensive search across two databases, PubMed and CENTRAL, and relevant study registries (PROSPERO and Clinicaltrials.gov), between February 1 and March 3, 2025. Eligible studies included those reporting on the presence of CMBs in adult patients with severe respiratory failure or ARDS, regardless of whether mechanical ventilation (MV) was used. Eighteen observational studies involving critically ill patients with respiratory failure or ARDS were included, with sample sizes ranging from 9 to 214 patients. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of CMBs include hypoxaemia and inflammation leading to endothelial injury and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, cerebral hypoperfusion facilitating interaction between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, microangiopathy with the formation of diffuse microthrombi, and renal failure contributing to uraemia-associated BBB disruption. CMBs were predominantly localized in the corpus callosum and juxtacortical white matter. The majority of patients with CMBs were mechanically ventilated and experienced a prolonged duration of ventilation. Identified risk factors for CMBs development included greater disease severity, coagulation abnormalities, and renal dysfunction. In conclusion, CMBs are increasingly recognized in critically ill patients with ARDS, particularly in the corpus callosum and juxtacortical white matter, but current evidence is associative rather than causal. Their pathophysiology likely involves compromised small vessel integrity due to hypoxia-induced endothelial injury, inflammation, and possible direct viral effects on cerebral microvasculature. These mechanisms are further exacerbated by coagulation abnormalities and disruption of the BBB.},
}

@article {pmid41919347,
year = {2026},
author = {Heald, CL and Kroll, JH and Murphy, JG and Farmer, DK and Fry, JL},
title = {Atmospheric Chemistry Insights from the Global COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review.},
journal = {Environmental science & technology},
volume = {60},
number = {14},
pages = {10393-10404},
pmid = {41919347},
issn = {1520-5851},
mesh = {*COVID-19 ; *Atmosphere/chemistry ; Air Pollutants/analysis ; Particulate Matter/analysis ; Ozone/analysis ; Pandemics ; Air Pollution ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting reductions in worldwide emissions, associated primarily with the transport sector, provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore the response of atmospheric chemistry and composition to large anthropogenic emissions perturbations. While air quality generally improved in early 2020, this was tempered by increased formation of secondary pollutants (e.g., O3 and secondary particulate matter, PM) in many regions studied. Declines in NOx emissions were largely responsible for the changes in O3, driving decreases in O3 concentrations in remote regions and increases in urban regions due to both decreases in O3 titration by NOx and also nonlinear changes in O3 production. Lower NOx levels also increased the levels of other oxidants (e.g., OH and O3), leading to a general increase in atmospheric oxidation in polluted urban regions. This enhanced oxidation promoted additional PM formation in some regions but was generally outweighed by decreases in primary PM and other secondary precursors (SO2 and VOCs). The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to large local perturbations in air quality but only modest reductions in the global abundance of short-lived climate forcers (including O3 and PM).},
}

*COVID-19
*Atmosphere/chemistry
Air Pollutants/analysis
Particulate Matter/analysis
Ozone/analysis
Pandemics
Air Pollution
SARS-CoV-2
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid41920064,
year = {2026},
author = {Splane, J and Hotta, TA and Lillington, S and Ulhman, M and Ippoliti, M and Castaneda, R},
title = {Canadian Clinical Practice Recommendations for Preventing Infections in Aesthetic Medicine.},
journal = {Plastic and aesthetic nursing},
volume = {46},
number = {2},
pages = {101-113},
pmid = {41920064},
issn = {2770-3517},
mesh = {Humans ; Canada ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology ; *Infection Control/standards/methods ; *Practice Guidelines as Topic ; *Cross Infection/prevention & control ; SARS-CoV-2 ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in infection protection and control (IPC) protocols across health care settings, underscoring the urgent need for health care systems, organizations, and providers to prioritize robust safety standards to protect patient, provider, and public well-being. In aesthetic medicine-where demand for procedures continues to rise-maintaining stringent IPC practices is more important than ever. This article reviews fundamental IPC principles, current best-practices specific to aesthetic medicine, and facility-level recommendations in Canada. As IPC standards continue to evolve, their application within aesthetic settings remains essential to protecting patient, provider, and public health. Ongoing adaptation and improvement in response to emerging risks and rising procedural volumes are crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of aesthetic practice.},
}

Humans
Canada
*COVID-19/prevention & control/epidemiology
*Infection Control/standards/methods
*Practice Guidelines as Topic
*Cross Infection/prevention & control
SARS-CoV-2

@article {pmid41920287,
year = {2026},
author = {Qiao, N and Chen, JX and Liu, Y and Chen, Z and Chen, SJ},
title = {mRNA vaccines in cancer immunotherapy: current progress and perspectives in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.},
journal = {MedScience},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {23-58},
pmid = {41920287},
issn = {3091-4981},
mesh = {Humans ; *Immunotherapy/methods ; *Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use/immunology ; *Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; Animals ; *Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/immunology ; *mRNA Vaccines/immunology/therapeutic use ; Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology ; Nanoparticles ; COVID-19/prevention & control ; Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly in oncology. Decades of foundational research on mRNA design, delivery, and immunogenicity have laid the groundwork for the application of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. Herein, we summarize the key principles of synthetic mRNA engineering, including the optimization of structural elements, nucleoside modification, and codon usage to improve stability, enhance translation efficiency, and modulate immune responses. We highlight diverse antigen strategies, including tumor-associated antigens; neoantigens; and novel sources, such as cryptic antigens, aberrant splicing variants, and transposable element-derived antigens. We discuss delivery platforms, particularly lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and dendritic cell-based systems, in the context of improving mRNA biodistribution and immune activation. We further examine how mRNA vaccines stimulate antitumor responses by encoding antigens, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and supporting adoptive T cell therapies. We review preclinical and clinical advances in combining mRNA vaccine with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors (e.g., melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma) and hematologic malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and multiple myeloma). Finally, we explore emerging innovations, such as targeted LNP platforms for in vivo chimeric antigen receptor T/T cell receptor T engineering and artificial intelligence-assisted vaccine design, underscoring the transformative potential of mRNA technology in cancer immunotherapy.},
}

Humans
*Immunotherapy/methods
*Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use/immunology
*Neoplasms/therapy/immunology
Animals
*Hematologic Neoplasms/therapy/immunology
*mRNA Vaccines/immunology/therapeutic use
Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
Nanoparticles
COVID-19/prevention & control
Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41920581,
year = {2026},
author = {Yoshizawa, M and Rafeedie, J and Tang, JJ and Lei, BT and Durazo-Arvizu, R and Azucar, D and Hudson, S and Rao, S and Imagawa, KK and Deavenport-Saman, A},
title = {Screen Time, Child Depression, and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.},
journal = {JMIR pediatrics and parenting},
volume = {9},
number = {},
pages = {e83228},
pmid = {41920581},
issn = {2561-6722},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world enforced stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines that amplified the use of screen time among pediatric populations. Excessive screen time may negatively impact mental health by increasing depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: The first aim was to conduct a systematic review of articles examining screen time and mental health outcomes among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023. The second aim was to determine the combined effect sizes for the associations of screen time and depression and/or anxiety among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023 and whether gender or age influenced outcomes.

METHODS: Bibliographic databases were searched including MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Library (Wiley), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). There were a total of 6462 nonduplicate studies that were screened. Study inclusion criteria included children ages 0 to <18 years, the effects of screen time on children during the COVID-19 pandemic, screen time and depression and/or anxiety, articles written in English, and articles, including quantitative and qualitative studies, published between 2020 and 2023. A total of 452 articles underwent full-text review with 23 articles meeting criteria for final article extraction.

RESULTS: A total of 23 studies totaling 29,581 children and adolescents were included in the study. Results showed that most studies reported a positive association between screen time and depression and/or anxiety (r=0.175, 95% CI 0.124-0.226, P<.001 and r=0.157, 95% CI 0.0994-0.214, P<.001, respectively) during COVID-19. Meta-regression revealed that screen time measured in problematic use of electronic devices had a 0.15 higher correlation with anxiety compared to screen time measured in duration of electronic device use.

CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents with higher levels of screen time had increased depression and/or anxiety. Findings suggest the need for ongoing parent, professional, and self-monitoring of youth screen behaviors and habits as well as activities that promote social connectedness during global or national health emergencies.},
}

@article {pmid41921044,
year = {2026},
author = {Dubey, S and Khan, J and Alishlash, AS and Matalon, S},
title = {The cell with many faces: lung macrophage plasticity and function in response to environmental and pathogenic insults.},
journal = {Physiological reviews},
volume = {106},
number = {3},
pages = {1999-2055},
pmid = {41921044},
issn = {1522-1210},
support = {R01 HL031197/HL/NHLBI NIH HHS/United States ; R01HL031197-29S1//HHS | NIH | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/ ; REINVENT grant from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine//University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; Animals ; *Macrophages, Alveolar/immunology/physiology ; *Cell Plasticity ; COVID-19/immunology ; *Lung Diseases/immunology ; *Lung/immunology ; *Environmental Exposure/adverse effects ; },
abstract = {Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are pivotal immune sentinels, essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and mediating immune responses to inhaled particles and pathogens. They demonstrate remarkable plasticity by transitioning from proinflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory/reparative (M2) phenotypes in response to local signals. Upon exposure to environmental agents, such as particulate matter, atypical respiratory pathogens, opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria, or respiratory viruses, they undergo dynamic activation that profoundly influences their functional repertoire. Acute or chronic environmental/biological insults disrupt normal AM activities such as phagocytosis, efferocytosis, and cytokine production, inciting oxidative stress, inflammasome activation, and in some cases forms of programmed cell death such as pyroptosis. Although these responses are indispensable for eliminating noxious particles and pathogens, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae, influenza A, or SARS-CoV-2, they can also derail the resolution phase by perpetuating inflammation, driving tissue remodeling and fibrosis, and thereby fueling chronic lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumoconiosis, and post-COVID interstitial lung disease. Moreover, environmental and microbial exposures modify AMs by altering receptor repertoires, intracellular phenotype by signaling cascades, and cross talk with epithelial and mesenchymal cells that collectively determine the disease trajectory. Elucidating how diverse environmental agents, together with pathogens such as M. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, influenza A, and SARS-CoV-2, shape AM biology is therefore pivotal for understanding the pathogenesis of COPD, pneumoconiosis, progressive fibrotic lung disease, and COVID-19-related pulmonary sequelae. This review brings together the current insights into exposure-driven modulation of AM functions, highlighting recent advances and identifying knowledge gaps relevant for therapeutic targeting of exposure-induced and pathogen-mediated lung pathology.},
}

Humans
Animals
*Macrophages, Alveolar/immunology/physiology
*Cell Plasticity
COVID-19/immunology
*Lung Diseases/immunology
*Lung/immunology
*Environmental Exposure/adverse effects

@article {pmid41922045,
year = {2026},
author = {Gupta, J and Pinjari, D and Aggarwal, Y and Kumar, D and Syal, K and Bhattacharyya, R and Banerjee, D},
title = {Vitamin D in health and disease and potential shield against COVID-19.},
journal = {Advances in clinical chemistry},
volume = {132},
number = {},
pages = {223-254},
doi = {10.1016/bs.acc.2025.12.001},
pmid = {41922045},
issn = {2162-9471},
mesh = {Humans ; *Vitamin D/therapeutic use/analogs & derivatives/blood ; COVID-19 ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Pandemics ; Dietary Supplements ; *Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/prevention & control ; *Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/prevention & control ; Betacoronavirus ; Vitamins/therapeutic use ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; },
abstract = {Vitamin D acts as a micronutrient, hormone, and immunomodulator. While well known for supporting bone health and preventing rickets, researchers are now exploring its potential to help fight infection, including COVID-19. Certain laboratory studies and observational research suggest that vitamin D supplementation may lower the risk of developing serious illnesses. Unfortunately, clinical studies have generated mixed results. This gap between laboratory findings and real-world outcomes highlights the need for high-quality research in the field. Another promising domain is the utilization of vitamin D analogs that can provide similar or even better benefits than native vitamin D, but with fewer side effects. Additionally, the standardization of vitamin D measurement from biologic samples in clinical and research laboratories must be improved to successfully manage individual patients and clinical research. All these aspects are dealt with in detail in this chapter.},
}

Humans
*Vitamin D/therapeutic use/analogs & derivatives/blood
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Pandemics
Dietary Supplements
*Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy/prevention & control
*Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy/prevention & control
Betacoronavirus
Vitamins/therapeutic use
COVID-19 Drug Treatment

@article {pmid41922871,
year = {2026},
author = {Tanriover, MD and Heininger, U and Çiftçi, E and Drăgănescu, AC and Fal, A and Tsolia, M and Zavadska, D and Orozco Fernández, R and Hozbor, DF and Middleton, DB and Muloiwa, R and Muñoz, FM and Ong-Lim, A and Tan, TQ and Forsyth, K},
title = {The Ongoing Challenge of Pertussis in Eastern and Northern Europe: Recommendations from the Global Pertussis Initiative.},
journal = {Infectious diseases and therapy},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {1175-1201},
pmid = {41922871},
issn = {2193-8229},
abstract = {Pertussis (whooping cough), a vaccine-preventable disease that affects people of any age, has resurged globally after the COVID-19 pandemic. Key reasons for recent pertussis outbreaks include suboptimal pertussis vaccination coverage (particularly for vaccination during pregnancy) and growing vaccination hesitancy. During the 2023-2024 pertussis outbreaks in Europe, adolescents aged 10-14 years and 15-19 years had the first and third highest incidence rates, respectively. To reduce pertussis burden, it is essential to strengthen vaccination programs in the indicated target groups. This requires increased awareness among healthcare professionals about the local epidemiology of pertussis and its clinical presentation, alongside reinforcement of the benefits of vaccination for disease prevention. In parallel, robust surveillance systems and strong public health capacity for early disease detection and response are crucial to effectively manage outbreaks and build resilience against future outbreaks. Infants remain at high risk for pertussis, with complications, hospitalisation, and death being more common than in other age groups. Immunisation programmes combining vaccination during pregnancy, to protect newborn infants until their primary immunisation series has induced immunity, and infant immunisation are key to reducing morbidity and mortality. Strategies to improve pertussis vaccination uptake among adolescents and adults, especially those with high-risk medical conditions, are also essential. Strengthening global collaborations to invest in and build surveillance systems capable of identifying and responding to future outbreaks, to align national policies, to scale up immunisation during pregnancy, and to adopt a life-long immunisation approach are needed to better control endemic pertussis and manage future outbreaks.},
}

@article {pmid41923421,
year = {2026},
author = {Sharma, V and Arora, P and Dhiman, A and Harish, S and Gandhi, TK and Dash, S},
title = {Effectiveness of Telehealth-Based Speech Therapy in Improving Articulation, Resonance, Nasal Emission, and Intelligibility in Children With Repaired Cleft lip and Palate: A Systematic Review.},
journal = {International journal of language & communication disorders},
volume = {61},
number = {3},
pages = {e70236},
doi = {10.1111/1460-6984.70236},
pmid = {41923421},
issn = {1460-6984},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cleft Palate/surgery/complications ; *Cleft Lip/surgery/complications ; *Speech Therapy/methods ; Speech Intelligibility ; Telemedicine ; Child ; *Speech Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; *Articulation Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a prevalent congenital anomaly associated with persistent speech disorders, including articulation errors, resonance imbalances, and nasal emission, despite surgical repair. Access to specialized speech-language pathologist care remains limited, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Telehealth has emerged as a scalable solution, yet systematic evidence on its efficacy, technological reliability, and implementation in CLP-specific speech therapy is lacking.

AIMS: This systematic review critically evaluates the effectiveness of telehealth-based speech interventions in improving articulation, resonance, nasal emission, and intelligibility in children with repaired CLP, while examining technological modalities, feasibility, data security, and barriers to adoption.

METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception to 30 December 2025 using structured Boolean terms combining CLP, speech therapy, and telepractice. Interventional studies in English reporting paediatric speech outcomes were included. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, intervention delivery, outcomes, and risk of bias using RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I, and SCED tools. Narrative synthesis was applied due to heterogeneity.

MAIN CONTRIBUTION: Eleven studies demonstrated consistent improvements in articulation accuracy (e.g., PCC increases of 15%-30%), resonance, and intelligibility via synchronous (Zoom, WhatsApp) and hybrid platforms. AI-assisted feedback and acoustic optimization enhanced fidelity. High caregiver satisfaction, reduced costs, and continuity during restrictions were key resilience factors. Connectivity issues, audio distortion, and small sample sizes were common limitations. Risk of bias was moderate overall.

CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth is a clinically effective, feasible, and secure modality for CLP speech rehabilitation, comparable to in-person therapy when technologically optimized. Hybrid models and caregiver integration are recommended. Large-scale RCTs are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Telehealth has been used for speech therapy in various paediatric populations, with evidence of comparable outcomes to in-person care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prior to this review, no systematic synthesis existed specifically evaluating telepractice for speech disorders in children with repaired cleft lip and/or palate, despite their unique needs for targeted articulation and resonance intervention. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This review demonstrates that telehealth-based speech therapy consistently improves articulation accuracy, resonance, and intelligibility in children with repaired cleft lip and palate, with gains equivalent to in-person therapy across synchronous and hybrid models. It identifies platform-specific acoustic fidelity (e.g., Google Meet, optimized hardware) and caregiver engagement as critical enablers, while highlighting connectivity and audio distortion as manageable barriers. These findings establish telepractice as a viable, scalable standard for cleft-related speech rehabilitation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? Clinicians can confidently implement hybrid telepractice models with encrypted platforms and external microphones to maintain treatment continuity, especially in underserved areas. Routine integration of caregiver training and AI-assisted feedback is recommended to enhance adherence and outcomes. Health systems should prioritize low-bandwidth protocols and standardized acoustic calibration to ensure equitable access.},
}

Humans
*Cleft Palate/surgery/complications
*Cleft Lip/surgery/complications
*Speech Therapy/methods
Speech Intelligibility
Telemedicine
Child
*Speech Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
*Articulation Disorders/etiology/rehabilitation/therapy
Treatment Outcome

@article {pmid41923926,
year = {2026},
author = {De Lucia, A and Donisi, V and Rimondini, M and Del Piccolo, L and Perlini, C},
title = {Has the COVID-19 pandemic changed characteristics, administration modalities, and implementation of psychological interventions for chronic headache? An updated systematic review.},
journal = {Health psychology and behavioral medicine},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
pages = {2650006},
pmid = {41923926},
issn = {2164-2850},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased global attention to headache disorders. Building on a pre-pandemic published systematic review covering the period from 2008 to 2018, we updated the literature on evidence-based psychological interventions for adults with chronic headaches (CH), with a specific focus on the potential impact of the pandemic. Besides exploring characteristics of the interventions, evidence, and possible factors influencing their implementation in clinical practice, we aimed to investigate whether the pandemic affected interventions' features, delivery modalities, and uptake.

METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and PsycINFO (2019-2024), checked ClinicalTrials.gov for upcoming trials, and consulted websites of clinical centers cited in the included studies. We assessed the quality of selected studies using the Quality Assessment Tool with Diverse Designs and carried out a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS: We included 20 studies (10 new and 10 updates of previously reviewed studies), with migraine being the most represented disease, and 12 upcoming trials. An emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation training still emerged, alongside a significant rise in eHealth solutions, particularly in upcoming trials, after the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: While the pandemic seems to have accelerated the adoption of eHealth for CH, the gap between research and clinical implementation of psychological intervention has not yet been effectively bridged.},
}

@article {pmid41924267,
year = {2026},
author = {Ohta, E and Okada, E and Sawada, Y},
title = {Pustular psoriasis flare following COVID-19 infection: a case report and literature review.},
journal = {Frontiers in immunology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1740000},
pmid = {41924267},
issn = {1664-3224},
mesh = {Humans ; Female ; *COVID-19/complications/immunology ; *Psoriasis/drug therapy/pathology/immunology/etiology ; Middle Aged ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; },
abstract = {Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease characterized by neutrophilic pustules and systemic inflammation. We report a case of severe GPP triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 46-year-old woman with a long history of psoriasis. Eleven days after recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia, she developed widespread pustules and fever. Histopathology revealed subcorneal spongiform pustules and dermal neutrophilic infiltration consistent with GPP. Systemic corticosteroids followed by etretinate and deucravacitinib achieved complete remission. A literature review identified 11 infection- and 10 vaccine-related GPP cases. Compared with vaccine-associated cases, infection-related flares showed longer latency and higher corticosteroid use. Mechanistically, both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may be associated with IL-36 axis activation, potentially via spike protein-driven, Toll-like receptor-mediated innate immune signaling. This case highlights that distinct immune kinetics may underlie infection- and vaccine-related GPP, while supporting a putative role of IL-36-driven inflammation in COVID-19-associated disease exacerbation.},
}

Humans
Female
*COVID-19/complications/immunology
*Psoriasis/drug therapy/pathology/immunology/etiology
Middle Aged
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology

@article {pmid41924509,
year = {2026},
author = {Pathak, H and Baliga, SP and Shibu, A and Thirthalli, J},
title = {Electroconvulsive therapy research in India: A scoping review.},
journal = {Indian journal of psychiatry},
volume = {68},
number = {3},
pages = {218-254},
pmid = {41924509},
issn = {0019-5545},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), since its introduction, remains one of psychiatry's most effective treatments. India has contributed substantially to research across its clinical, technical, ethical, and sociocultural dimensions. Despite this extensive body of work, the evidence has remained scattered and heterogeneous, without a single comprehensive synthesis.

AIM: The present review sought to systematically summarize the scope of ECT research conducted in India.

METHODS: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of major databases and Indian psychiatric journals was undertaken, and eligible studies were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS: A total of 270 articles were included. The findings demonstrate effectiveness of ECT in schizophrenia, depression, mania, and catatonia. Research on ECT parameters has refined understanding of stimulus dosing, seizure thresholds, pulse widths, and electrode placements, contributing to safer and more individualized treatment delivery. Literature on adverse effects indicates that most cognitive and noncognitive effects are transient and can be systematically monitored using structured tools. Anesthesia-related studies highlight agents that optimize seizure quality and cardiovascular stability, with propofol, etomidate, and ketamine offering distinct advantages. Adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine and esmolol effectively moderate sympathetic responses. Knowledge-attitude-practice studies reveal persistent knowledge gaps and media-driven stigma, although educational interventions improve perceptions. Legal and ethical discussions predominantly address challenges following the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. Additional literature addresses neurobiology, biomarkers, device development, service delivery trends, including COVID-19-related disruptions.

CONCLUSION: Overall, Indian ECT research is broad and methodologically diverse, yet important gaps remain, particularly regarding long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, qualitative perspectives, and ultrabrief pulse ECT. Addressing these gaps, enhancing awareness, and strengthening service capacity remain paramount.},
}

@article {pmid41924744,
year = {2026},
author = {Khuna, L and Sriarmad, R and Pang, MYC and Longlalerng, K},
title = {Effects of exercise programs on cardiopulmonary function and signs and symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 condition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.},
journal = {Frontiers in medicine},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {1772741},
pmid = {41924744},
issn = {2296-858X},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective adjuvant therapy for individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. However, exercise interventions vary widely in intensity, frequency, setting, and duration. To date, no systematic review and meta-analysis has evaluated programs lasting at least 6 weeks in this population. This study aimed to assess the effects of exercise on cardiopulmonary function and clinical symptoms in patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

METHODS: We systematically searched for studies involving patients with post-COVID-19 condition in the Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Scopus databases. The databases were searched using keywords including COVID-19 OR coronavirus OR SARS-CoV-2, AND exercise OR physical exercise OR rehabilitation program, AND pulmonary function OR lung function OR signs and symptoms, AND randomiz* contro* trial OR clinical trial OR RCT on July 2024. The risk of bias of individual trials and the certainty of the body of evidence were evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach, respectively. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement was used to describe the study selection process. The mean (± standard deviation) for continuous data and the frequency (n) and percentage (%) for dichotomous data were estimated, and the effects across trials were combined using a meta-analysis with random-effects models.

RESULTS: We included 10 randomized controlled trials comprising 602 participants. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 70 years. The average exercise duration across the 10 studies was 8.6 weeks (ranging from 6 to 16 weeks). Most exercise programs included aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, breathing exercise, thoracic mobility exercise, chest expansion exercise, and respiratory muscle training. The exercise programs included home-based or telehealth-based programs, center-based programs, and combined center- and home-based programs. Compared with control groups (e.g., usual care, exercise advice, or no structured exercise), exercise interventions significantly improved exercise capacity (6-min walk distance), pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s), dyspnea (the modified Medical Research Council scale), physical pain, and health-related quality of life domains. The overall certainty of evidence for all outcome measures ranged from moderate to high.

CONCLUSION: Exercise programs of at least 6 weeks are associated with improved cardiopulmonary function, reduced dyspnea and pain, and enhanced physical and health-related outcomes in patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024538786.},
}

@article {pmid41924886,
year = {2026},
author = {Pullamsetti, SS and Vanderpool, RR and de Man, F and de Jesus Perez, VA and Hemnes, AR and Mukherjee, M and Mercer-Rosa, L and Spiekerkoetter, E and Tello, K and Bonnet, S and , },
title = {Advanced Molecular, Metabolic, and Imaging Approaches to Characterizing Right Ventricular Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.},
journal = {Circulation},
volume = {153},
number = {19},
pages = {e1304-e1322},
doi = {10.1161/CIR.0000000000001422},
pmid = {41924886},
issn = {1524-4539},
mesh = {Humans ; *Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis ; *Heart Failure/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology ; American Heart Association ; United States ; Ventricular Remodeling ; Animals ; Ventricular Function, Right ; },
abstract = {Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a key predictor of outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH), substantially contributing to illness and death. As PH progresses, increased pulmonary vascular resistance places chronic pressure overload on the right ventricle. Initially, the right ventricle adapts through hypertrophic remodeling, thickening the heart wall to maintain cardiac output. Over time, this adaptive phase shifts to maladaptive remodeling, marked by RV dilation, fibrosis, stiffness, and decoupling from the pulmonary artery, known as RV-pulmonary arterial uncoupling. This uncoupling reflects the inability of the right ventricle to sustain contractility against elevated afterload, ultimately leading to right heart failure, the primary cause of death in late-stage PH. Awareness of RV dysfunction has grown, extending beyond PH and pulmonary arterial hypertension to systemic conditions, such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, congenital heart disease, COVID-19, and complications of left ventricular assist device implantation. Research is increasingly focused on understanding the molecular and hemodynamic drivers of RV failure, including inflammation and altered cellular signaling. Innovations in imaging and biomarker discovery are improving the detection of maladaptive RV remodeling. Promising treatments, such as the activin signaling inhibitor sotatercept, may reduce pulmonary vascular resistance and support RV recovery. Further work is needed to enhance RV function and prevent failure. This review summarizes current knowledge on RV dysfunction in PH, emphasizing its mechanisms, clinical relevance, and therapeutic potential. Recognizing the right ventricle as a central therapeutic target may lead to more personalized, effective interventions and improved patient outcomes in PH and related conditions.},
}

Humans
*Ventricular Dysfunction, Right/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis
*Heart Failure/metabolism/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/diagnosis
Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology
American Heart Association
United States
Ventricular Remodeling
Animals
Ventricular Function, Right

@article {pmid41925132,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhou, W and Fan, H},
title = {Towards sustainable age-inclusive workplaces: A systematic review on how technological tools support or hinder work participation for older workers (2014-2024).},
journal = {Work (Reading, Mass.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {10519815261435566},
doi = {10.1177/10519815261435566},
pmid = {41925132},
issn = {1875-9270},
abstract = {BackgroundThe rapid development of technological tools has significantly impacted the work participation of older workers. Technology opens new doors for older workers, though not everyone finds it easy to walk through them.ObjectiveThis review sought to investigate how technological tools influenced the participation of older workers in the workforce.MethodsWe searched four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies from the past decade (2014-2024).ResultsThirty-seven studies were included. Research on technology and older worker employment has grown substantially since 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic likely driving this increased interest. Technological tools advance economic engagement and social inclusion for older workers, but they also generate participation barriers across personal and institutional dimensions.ConclusionsThe impact of technology on the employment of older workers depends largely on implementation strategies. Three strategies can help older workers prosper in digital workplaces: providing comprehensive training, designing user-friendly tools with older workers involved, and creating organizational support systems.},
}

@article {pmid41926781,
year = {2026},
author = {Vidal, M and Gallego, C and Roncancio, G and Angarita, E and Cárdenas, R and Dueñas, K and García, JC and González, G and Granados, U and Londoño, JL and León, JDL and López, N and Marín, V and Martínez, É and Murgueitio, R and Mejía, A and Rodríguez, MJ and Silva, E and Uribe, LG},
title = {Expert consensus: first multidisciplinary consensus on nuclear cardiology.},
journal = {Archivos de cardiologia de Mexico},
volume = {96},
number = {Supl 2},
pages = {1-17},
pmid = {41926781},
issn = {1665-1731},
mesh = {Humans ; *Nuclear Medicine ; *Cardiology/methods ; *Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging ; Consensus ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Nuclear cardiology integrates nuclear medicine and cardiology to improve the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of cardiovascular diseases. The continuous development of these techniques and their increasing clinical use require standardized, evidence-based protocols to optimize their application. Therefore, developing consensus documents is essential to ensure appropriate use of imaging for patient benefit.

OBJECTIVE: To develop consensus recommendations for the use of nuclear imaging in cardiovascular infections, coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, amyloidosis, and sarcoidosis by addressing unresolved questions in clinical practice among general practitioners and specialists, promoting updated and safe application in prevalent national pathologies.

METHOD: A multidisciplinary panel of 19 experts in cardiology, nuclear medicine, and infectious diseases answered 18 clinical questions based on an initial literature review and applying the Nominal Group Technique in a nine-phase process.

RESULTS: The consensus generated 18 recommendations on specific indications for nuclear cardiology studies and key elements for report standardization, improving clinical interpretation, assessing the impact of pharmacological therapies and surgical procedures, and evaluating prognostic value and integration with other imaging techniques.

CONCLUSIONS: The consensus provides practical, evidence-based guidance to standardize and optimize nuclear cardiology use in common cardiovascular diseases, promoting rational, effective, and economically viable application of these advanced diagnostic techniques. It strengthens clinical decision-making, therapeutic planning, and interdisciplinary coordination in comprehensive cardiovascular patient management in Colombia.},
}

Humans
*Nuclear Medicine
*Cardiology/methods
*Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnostic imaging
Consensus

@article {pmid41926837,
year = {2026},
author = {Torres-Flores, A and Bautista-Sebastián, E and Rivera-Hernández, T and Ferat-Osorio, E and Arriaga-Pizano, L and Cérbulo-Vázquez, A and Ramírez-Ramírez, D and Bonifaz, L and Pelayo, R and López-Macías, C},
title = {COVID-19 in Latin America: Clinical and immunological insights, vaccine development, and lessons for pandemic preparedness.},
journal = {Seminars in immunology},
volume = {82},
number = {},
pages = {102025},
doi = {10.1016/j.smim.2026.102025},
pmid = {41926837},
issn = {1096-3618},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; Latin America/epidemiology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Pandemic Preparedness ; *Vaccine Development ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; },
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Latin America, exposing structural inequalities, fragmented healthcare systems, and longstanding technological dependence. The region experienced a high burden of infection and excess mortality, influenced by socioeconomic vulnerability and a high prevalence of metabolic comorbidities. In response, countries expanded diagnostic capacity, strengthened genomic surveillance, and increased participation in clinical research and therapeutic evaluation. Coordinated regional collaboration facilitated the detection and tracking of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Local innovation also advanced diagnostic platforms and vaccine development, leading to regionally produced vaccines such as Soberana, Abdala, ARVAC, and Patria. These initiatives generated valuable clinical and immunological data, including characterization of inflammatory biomarkers associated with severe disease and evidence of hybrid immunity in highly exposed populations. However, persistent inequities in healthcare access, research investment, and manufacturing capacity continue to constrain regional self-sufficiency. Although collaboration among academia, industry, and government reduced certain external dependencies, structural limitations in funding stability, regulatory harmonization, and large-scale production remain. The Latin American experience highlights both adaptive scientific capacity during crisis conditions and the challenges of consolidating emergency-driven advances into durable preparedness. Sustained investment and coordinated governance will likely determine whether short-term responsiveness translates into long-term regional strengthening.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/immunology/epidemiology/prevention & control
Latin America/epidemiology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Pandemic Preparedness
*Vaccine Development
Pandemics/prevention & control

@article {pmid41926893,
year = {2026},
author = {Borromeo, AS and Manaloto, AM and Vicedo, RV},
title = {Megatrends and equity gaps in global digital health: A bibliometric review (2010-2025).},
journal = {Health policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {169},
number = {},
pages = {105621},
doi = {10.1016/j.healthpol.2026.105621},
pmid = {41926893},
issn = {1872-6054},
mesh = {*Digital Health ; Humans ; *Bibliometrics ; *Global Health ; Evidence Gaps ; *Health Equity ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Digital health has become increasingly prominent in health systems and policy discourse, yet published evidence remains fragmented across technologies, regions, and equity dimensions.

OBJECTIVE: To descriptively map the evolution of global digital health research from 2010 to October 2025 and identify its intellectual foundations, thematic fronts, and equity gaps using bibliometric methods.

METHODS: A bibliometric review of Scopus-indexed English-language journal articles was conducted and analyzed in VOSviewer (v1.6.20). Co-citation mapping used association-strength normalization with a minimum citation threshold of 15 cited references, resolution 0.50, and minimum cluster size 5. Co-word analysis of author keywords used a minimum occurrence threshold of 462, resolution 1.03, and minimum cluster size 6. Descriptive indicators summarized annual output and citation impact.

RESULTS: The dataset comprised 8210 articles with 140,459 citations (mean=17.1). Output surged after 2020, with 82.9% of publications appearing from 2020 to 2025 and peaking in 2025 (n = 1705). Co-citation analysis revealed four clusters: systems-strengthening in LMICs, digital epidemiology and algorithmic equity, digital-health literacy and evidence-based eHealth, and virtual-care transformation during COVID-19. Co-word analysis identified four thematic fronts: adult care and health disparities, digital health systems and workforce access, youth health literacy and digital inclusion, and pandemic-era virtual care. Cross-cutting gaps included interoperability, sustainability, digital literacy, responsible AI governance, equity-by-design, and LMIC-led evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS: Global digital health research has expanded rapidly into an interdisciplinary field. This review maps major themes and gaps but does not establish causal evidence of policy impact. Findings highlight priorities for interoperability, responsible AI, digital inclusion, sustainability, and LMIC-led evaluation.},
}

*Digital Health
Humans
*Bibliometrics
*Global Health
Evidence Gaps
*Health Equity

@article {pmid41927463,
year = {2026},
author = {Griner, SB and Garza, SR and Alkhatib, SA and Footman, A and Brosnan, A and Farris, A and Van Der Pol, B},
title = {Point-of-care testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea: a narrative review of patient perspectives and implementation into non-traditional settings.},
journal = {Sexually transmitted infections},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1136/sextrans-2025-056736},
pmid = {41927463},
issn = {1472-3263},
abstract = {OBJECTIVES: The demand for point-of-care testing (POCT) increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a convenient and accessible method of virus detection outside of traditional laboratory settings. As high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a prominent public health concern, POCT for STI detection may offer an option that reduces key barriers to care such as stigma and limited clinic hours. The aim of this narrative review is to identify key facilitators, barriers and gaps related to the acceptability and implementation of STI POCT from patient perspectives in non-traditional settings.

METHODS: To conduct this narrative review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Scopus to identify relevant studies published between 1 January 2015 and May 2025, focusing on patient perspectives and contextual determinants of POCT implementation for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). Search terms included free-text keywords (such as "point of care") and indexed terms (such as Point-of-Care Testing (MeSH)). Findings were contextualised based on patient perspective data and implementation into non-traditional settings.

RESULTS: 40 studies were included in the narrative review, reflecting geographical regions where POCT implementation has been prioritised. Study designs and implementation environments varied. POCT for CT/NG screening generally reported high diagnostic accuracy and reliability as well as increased uptake and high acceptability across settings. Availability, perceived convenience and increased autonomy significantly influenced POCT uptake and implementation among patients. Implementation facilitators included ease of device usage, minimal training and improved quality of care. Implementation barriers primarily focused on logistics, workflow and cost.

CONCLUSIONS: Community-engaged approaches to designing and implementing STI POC tests in non-traditional settings are necessary to better understand specific needs. High patient satisfaction, device acceptability and improved health outcomes place STI POCT as a promising avenue for strengthening public health efforts against the STI epidemic.},
}

@article {pmid41927521,
year = {2026},
author = {Yi, T and O'Hara, DV and Levin, A},
title = {Global kidney health: Are we failing the silent pandemic?.},
journal = {Journal of internal medicine},
volume = {300},
number = {1},
pages = {26-38},
doi = {10.1111/joim.70088},
pmid = {41927521},
issn = {1365-2796},
mesh = {Humans ; *Global Health ; COVID-19 ; *Pandemics/prevention & control ; *Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Mass Screening ; *Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; *Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; Early Diagnosis ; },
abstract = {Chronic kidney disease (CKD), although not infectious, has a sharply rising global incidence, alarming rates of death and disability, and the potential to disrupt health systems and economies. Thus, it demands the urgency and global attention of past pandemics. Over 850 million people are affected, disproportionately impacting people in low- and middle-income countries. Although CKD can be detected with simple and cost-effective testing, it is a silent condition, often remaining asymptomatic until it has progressed to advanced stages where effective treatment options are limited. Early detection relies on systematic population-level screening, especially among individuals with comorbidities. The global response to CKD has remained largely silent: There is limited evidence of prioritization within health agendas and inadequate infrastructure for screening, surveillance, and treatment. Coordinated global action is required to halt this silent "pandemic," especially given advances in care and policy: New effective disease modifying therapies may lead to remission of CKD for many individuals, and the 2025 World Health Organization's adoption of the Kidney Health Resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly prioritizes kidney health to reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases through promoting early screening, strengthening disease prevention, and improving access to care. In this review, we examine the failure to address the escalating CKD "pandemic" and explore how the use of low-cost and cost-effective screening tools, such as simple urine dipstick testing, and applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic are critical to further reframing CKD as a public health emergency and prioritizing kidney health on the global agenda.},
}

Humans
*Global Health
COVID-19
*Pandemics/prevention & control
*Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy
SARS-CoV-2
Mass Screening
*Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
*Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
Early Diagnosis

@article {pmid41927611,
year = {2026},
author = {Longet, S and Paul, S},
title = {Current status of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19 vaccines.},
journal = {NPJ vaccines},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1038/s41541-026-01432-w},
pmid = {41927611},
issn = {2059-0105},
abstract = {The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the development of intranasal and inhaled COVID-19. vaccines. Four vector-based and one adjuvanted protein-based vaccines have been licenced. They have been shown to be safe. However, their ability to induce strong protective mucosal immunity in humans remains to be improved. Diversifying intranasal vaccine platforms, improving the delivery of vaccine components and determining mucosal correlates of protection could help in optimizing intranasal COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.},
}

@article {pmid41928484,
year = {2026},
author = {Iuzabchuk, DA and Andrianova, AA and Yampolsky, IV and Kaskova, ZM and Smirnov, IV},
title = {Beyond Antiviral Therapy: Untapped Potential of HIV & HCV Protease Inhibitors.},
journal = {Medicinal research reviews},
volume = {46},
number = {4},
pages = {1042-1050},
doi = {10.1002/med.70040},
pmid = {41928484},
issn = {1098-1128},
support = {25-76-30006//Russian Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Hepacivirus/enzymology/drug effects ; *Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry ; Drug Repositioning ; *Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; *HIV Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; Animals ; *Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use ; },
abstract = {Development of de novo therapeutic agents is a complex, costly, and a high-risk process, whereas repurposing approved and investigational drugs for novel targets offers a more efficient and cost-effective strategy, likely yielding higher success rates. This approach demonstrated its effectiveness during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, when existing drugs were repurposed to combat the virus. Originally pivotal in developing antiviral treatments against HIV and HCV, viral protease inhibitors represent a structurally privileged class of compounds capable of targeting difficult and non-classical protein sites. They have demonstrated promising biological activity against diverse alternative targets, including fungal pathogens, multidrug-resistant bacteria, and cancer, making them prime candidates for repurposing. This mini-review highlights the unique structural and physicochemical properties of approved HCV and HIV viral protease inhibitors that enable their repurposing for the development of new therapeutic agents.},
}

Humans
*Hepacivirus/enzymology/drug effects
*Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use/pharmacology/chemistry
Drug Repositioning
*Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
*HIV Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use
Animals
*Viral Protease Inhibitors/chemistry/pharmacology/therapeutic use

@article {pmid41928489,
year = {2026},
author = {Yagi, M and Tasaki, R and Komano, J},
title = {Meta-Analysis of COVID-19 Cluster Events Suggestive of Long-Distance Airborne Transmission/Inhalation.},
journal = {MicrobiologyOpen},
volume = {15},
number = {2},
pages = {e70232},
pmid = {41928489},
issn = {2045-8827},
mesh = {*COVID-19/transmission/epidemiology ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Cluster Analysis ; Pandemics ; Infectious Disease Incubation Period ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data ; *Coronavirus Infections/transmission/epidemiology ; *Pneumonia, Viral/transmission/epidemiology ; *Betacoronavirus ; },
abstract = {SARS-CoV-2 spreads through both contact and airborne routes, the latter encompassing airborne transmission/inhalation as well as the direct deposition of infectious respiratory particles. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous cluster events were suspected to involve long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation. We conducted a comparative analysis of these cluster events to characterize outbreak settings and associated clinical parameters. Thirteen cluster events from 2020 attributed to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain were examined, including choral activities, indoor sports, and bus tours. Incubation periods and infection-hospitalization rates (IHRs) were compared across settings and against estimates from large-scale cohort studies that predominantly reflect transmission via direct deposition. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). The mean incubation period in suspected long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation cases was 6.1 ± 3.9 days (median: 5 days; N = 176), with indoor sports and choral events showing significantly shorter incubation periods (p = 0.034). The average IHR was 6.7 ± 12.5%, with significantly higher rates in choral clusters (p = 0.013). Age-adjusted IHRs were lower in long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation-related clusters than those reported from contact-tracing datasets. This analysis provides an integrated evaluation of long-distance airborne transmission/inhalation settings and their associated clinical characteristics. Activities involving vigorous respiration may contribute to shorter incubation periods and higher disease severity, potentially reflecting increased viral inoculum at exposure.},
}

*COVID-19/transmission/epidemiology
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Cluster Analysis
Pandemics
Infectious Disease Incubation Period
Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data
*Coronavirus Infections/transmission/epidemiology
*Pneumonia, Viral/transmission/epidemiology
*Betacoronavirus

@article {pmid41929258,
year = {2026},
author = {Nayak, BB and Rajesh, R and Teppan, J and Gogg, T and Böhm, E},
title = {Interleukin-23 in lung and airway diseases: from pathogenesis to precision-guided therapeutic targeting.},
journal = {Frontiers in pharmacology},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1784434},
pmid = {41929258},
issn = {1663-9812},
abstract = {Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the IL-12 family and is predominantly produced by antigen-presenting cells. It plays a central role in shaping adaptive immunity by promoting the polarization, expansion, and maintenance of T helper 17 (Th17) cells, thereby driving the production of downstream effector cytokines such as IL-17A and IL-22. Under physiological conditions, IL-23 contributes to pulmonary immune homeostasis and host defense against bacterial and fungal pathogens. However, sustained or dysregulated IL-23 signaling promotes chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Beyond autoimmune diseases, where IL-23 is a well-established key mediator linked to disease severity and a validated therapeutic target, it has also emerged as a critical mediator in chronic lung diseases. Enhanced IL-23 signaling has been associated with increased disease severity, corticosteroid resistance, airway remodeling, and progressive tissue fibrosis, highlighting its contribution to both inflammatory and structural components of lung pathology. These findings suggest that IL-23 is not merely a bystander but an active driver of pathogenic processes in the respiratory system. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in understanding the role of IL-23 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and coronavirus disease 2019. We further discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting IL-23 as a precision-guided strategy to modulate respiratory inflammation and remodeling, with particular emphasis on corticosteroid resistance, fibrotic endotypes, safety and pharmacologic tradeoffs, and the emerging role of IL-23-related biomarkers and molecular endotyping for precision-guided patient stratification and targeted intervention.},
}

@article {pmid41929267,
year = {2025},
author = {Seguin, M and Cavagnoud, R and Gianella, C and Khomych, T and Vibla, N},
title = {Stressors, mental health and coping amongst forcibly displaced youth since the advent of COVID-19: A systematic review.},
journal = {Developmental child welfare},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {251-269},
pmid = {41929267},
issn = {2516-1040},
abstract = {Mental health is a key issue for forcibly displaced youth. The evidence base on the mental health of youth forcibly displaced since the start of the pandemic is undefined, as well as sources of stressors and coping approaches. This systematic review aims to identify literature on the mental health of forcibly displaced youth in low- and middle-income settings, with focus on displacement since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives are to examine (1) sources of stress, (2) prevalence and covariates of common mental disorders (CMDs) and (3) coping approaches. Six databases were searched in February 2023. Search terms focused on CMDs, stress and forcibly displaced populations. Articles based on data collected after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic focused on forcibly displaced persons aged 10-29 were included. Quantitative observation and intervention studies reporting CMD prevalences and related concepts were included, as were qualitative studies about stressors and/or coping approaches. Prevalences of CMDs and covariates were tabulated. Inductive thematic coding was conducted on qualitative data on stressors and coping. Interpretation of coping data was guided by a taxonomy including problem solving, support seeking, distraction/avoidance and positive cognitive restructuring. Twenty-one articles were included. Economic issues were the most prominent source of stress and led to subsequent stressors. Depression and anxiety symptom prevalence ranged from 6.2% to 77.4% and 17.2%-32.8% respectively. Problem-solving and support seeking were the most common coping approaches. Supporting the mental health and coping approaches of this marginalised group is critical to recovery in the post-COVID era.},
}

@article {pmid41929539,
year = {2026},
author = {Giannopoulou, I and Efstathiou, V and Stefanou, MI and Korkoliakou, P and Tsoporis, JN and Spandidos, DA and Rizos, E},
title = {Disrupted beginnings: Neurodevelopmental outcomes of COVID-19 lockdowns in early childhood (Review).},
journal = {Experimental and therapeutic medicine},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {137},
pmid = {41929539},
issn = {1792-1015},
abstract = {Early childhood development depends on stable routines, social interaction and responsive caregiving. The 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic disrupted these supports through lockdowns, reduced early-education access and elevated caregiver stress. The present review synthesized empirical studies (2020-2025) of children aged 0-5 years and found consistent evidence of modest increases in emotional and behavioral difficulties, particularly where caregiver stress or socioeconomic adversity was elevated. Cognitive, language and executive-function (EF) outcomes were found to be more heterogeneous and appeared most affected in the contexts of reduced stimulation or limited access to early learning, with EF processes showing particular sensitivity to stress-related and environmental disruptions. Biological findings (cortisol, DNA methylation and infant brain measures) showed a number of converging signals, particularly in higher-risk contexts, but remained preliminary given modest sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity and limited replication. Overall, this suggested that pandemic-related disruptions disproportionately affected children in vulnerable family contexts. Therefore, the present study suggested targeted caregiver mental-health support, preservation of early-education access during emergencies and longitudinal follow-up of high-risk cohorts.},
}

@article {pmid41930828,
year = {2026},
author = {Lotti, V and Lagni, A and Diani, E and Palmisano, A and Cecchetto, R and Tonon, E and Sorio, C and Gibellini, D},
title = {When viruses meet cystic fibrosis: Insights into host-pathogen dynamics.},
journal = {Microbiological research},
volume = {308},
number = {},
pages = {128508},
doi = {10.1016/j.micres.2026.128508},
pmid = {41930828},
issn = {1618-0623},
mesh = {Humans ; *Cystic Fibrosis/virology/complications ; *Virus Diseases/virology/complications/epidemiology ; *Host-Pathogen Interactions ; *Respiratory Tract Infections/virology ; Viruses/pathogenicity ; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics ; },
abstract = {Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal-recessive genetic disorder, is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which encodes for a membrane anion channel expressed on multiple organs, with major impact on the airways. The impaired ion transport leads to thickened mucus secretions, which in turn can cause pancreatic insufficiency, sinusitis, infertility and, particularly, chronic pulmonary infections. While bacterial colonization of the airways has been extensively studied, increasing evidence highlights the significant, yet underappreciated, role of respiratory viruses in exacerbating lung disease in people with CF (pwCF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical impact of key respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, coronaviruses, and emerging pathogens such as human bocavirus, as well as relevant non-respiratory viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis viruses. Viral infections in pwCF are associated, particularly in pediatric patients, with increased respiratory symptoms, higher hospitalization rate and long-term decline in lung function. Despite a similar incidence of viral infections to non-CF individuals, pwCF often exhibit more severe clinical outcomes, except for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which shows an incidence and severity unexpectedly attenuated in this cohort. Moreover, while CFTR modulators have dramatically improved clinical outcomes in pwCF, their effects on antiviral immunity remain poorly understood and are an area of active investigation. Elucidating virus-host interactions and the impact of CFTR restoration in this context is essential for optimizing preventive and therapeutic strategies against viral infections in CF.},
}

Humans
*Cystic Fibrosis/virology/complications
*Virus Diseases/virology/complications/epidemiology
*Host-Pathogen Interactions
*Respiratory Tract Infections/virology
Viruses/pathogenicity
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics

@article {pmid41932347,
year = {2026},
author = {Camici, M and Piano Mortari, E and Del Duca, G and Cimini, E and Mazzotta, V and De Ponte, C and Mastrorosa, I and Mazzotta, S and Pinnetti, C and Notari, S and Bordoni, V and Gili, S and Prencipe, G and Maggi, F and Carsetti, R and Girardi, E and Antinori, A and Agrati, C},
title = {Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for long COVID: a case report of clinical and immunological findings.},
journal = {The Lancet. Infectious diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/S1473-3099(26)00063-0},
pmid = {41932347},
issn = {1474-4457},
abstract = {A previously healthy 39-year-old man developed highly symptomatic post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) marked by cognitive dysfunction, disabling fatigue, and autonomic symptoms unresponsive to multiple multidisciplinary interventions. Given the presence of markedly elevated serum autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors, high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was initiated at 400 mg/kg per day for 5 consecutive days. After 4 weeks, a maintenance dose of 500 mg/kg was administered for 1 day, followed by two further maintenance cycles consisting of 500 mg/kg per day for 3 consecutive days, each given at 4-week intervals. In parallel, the patient underwent a cognitive stimulation intervention. Neurological symptoms were assessed with the Fatigue Assessment Scale and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, and the immunological profile was longitudinally analysed during intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Fatigue scores normalised, neurocognitive performance returned to normal value, and quality of life improved after the first infusion and fully recovered within 1 year. Immunological profiling revealed the presence of an inverted CD4 to CD8 T-cell ratio that persisted during the whole follow-up. We also identified a CD8[+] T cell-monocyte complex and spontaneous IFNγ release. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy was associated with a significant reduction of these complexes, spontaneous IFNγ and TNF production, markers of endothelial inflammation, and circulating autoantibody titres. This patient provides exploratory evidence that high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin was associated with sustained clinical recovery from long COVID over 1 year of follow-up, accompanied by immunological changes consistent with modulation of post-viral immune dysregulation, including a reduction in pathogenic T cell-monocyte synapses. Although causal inference cannot be established from a single patient, these findings suggest that this cellular interaction can contribute to long COVID and that immunomodulation could represent a rational therapeutic approach to be evaluated in selected patients.},
}

@article {pmid41932444,
year = {2026},
author = {Sithole, MN and Khan, MR and Mohammed, HA and Khan, RA and Naik, K and Choonara, YE},
title = {A systematic review on vaccine developmental approaches: Evaluating efficacy, and addressing challenges of infectious diseases in the post-COVID-19 era.},
journal = {Virus research},
volume = {367},
number = {},
pages = {199720},
pmid = {41932444},
issn = {1872-7492},
mesh = {Humans ; *COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology ; *COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology ; *Vaccine Development/methods ; *SARS-CoV-2/immunology ; Vaccine Efficacy ; Vaccination ; },
abstract = {Vaccination prevents millions of fatalities annually and works as one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions. This systematic review critically evaluates vaccine development strategies in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on platform technologies, delivery systems, and the regulatory and societal challenges that shape vaccine efficacy and accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic redefined expectations for vaccine science, compressing traditional development timelines, and accelerating the adoption of novel platforms, such as mRNA and viral vectors. While these innovations significantly reduced global morbidity and mortality, they also exposed persistent barriers, including unequal distribution and widespread vaccine hesitancy fuelled by misinformation. This review evaluates the biochemical foundations of vaccine design, including antigen selection, adjuvant use, and delivery optimisation, alongside the emerging formulation strategies and vaccine-platforms integration. The review emphasises the need for continuous alignment between scientific progress and equitable access. By integrating historical context, technical advancement, and social determinants, this review highlights the imperatives for future vaccine strategies to be not only scientifically robust, but also globally inclusive and implementation ready. By positioning recent advancements within the historical timeline of vaccine science, this review argues that the post-COVID-19 era represents an acceleration of progress where speed, adaptability and global equity are essential for safeguarding the populations against current and emerging threats from the pandemics and localized infectious challenges in medical emergencies.},
}

Humans
*COVID-19/prevention & control/immunology
*COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
*Vaccine Development/methods
*SARS-CoV-2/immunology
Vaccine Efficacy
Vaccination