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Bibliography on: covid-19

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ESP: PubMed Auto Bibliography 02 Sep 2026 at 01:44 Created: 

covid-19

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

NOTE: To obtain the entire bibliography (all 22555 citations) in bibtek format (a format that can be easily loaded into many different reference-manager software programs, click HERE.

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

Citations The Papers (from PubMed®)

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RevDate: 2025-08-05
CmpDate: 2025-03-25

Hanlon P, Butterly E, Wei L, et al (2025)

Age and Sex Differences in Efficacy of Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes: A Network Meta-Analysis.

JAMA, 333(12):1062-1073.

IMPORTANCE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors improve hyperglycemia, and SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is not clear whether efficacy varies by age or sex.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether age or sex are associated with differences in the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and DPP4 inhibitors.

The MEDLINE and Embase databases and US and Chinese clinical trial registries were searched for articles published from inception to November 2022; in August 2024, the search was updated to capture the trial results. Two reviewers screened for randomized clinical trials of SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, or DPP4 inhibitors vs a placebo or active comparator in adults with type 2 diabetes.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Individual participant data and aggregate data were used to estimate age × treatment interactions and sex × treatment interactions in multilevel network meta-regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and MACEs.

RESULTS: Of the 601 eligible trials identified (592 trials with 309 503 participants reported HbA1c; mean age, 58.9 [SD, 10.8] years; 42.3% were female and 23 trials with 168 489 participants reported MACEs; mean age, 64.0 [SD, 8.6] years; 35.3% were female), individual participant data were obtained for 103 trials (103 reported HbA1c and 6 reported MACEs). The use of SGLT2 inhibitors (vs placebo) was associated with less HbA1c lowering with increasing age for monotherapy (absolute reduction [AR], 0.24% [95% credible interval {CrI}, 0.10% to 0.38%] per 30-year increment in age), for dual therapy (AR, 0.17% [95% CrI, 0.10% to 0.24%]), and for triple therapy (AR, 0.25% [95% CrI, 0.20% to 0.30%]). The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with greater HbA1c lowering with increasing age for monotherapy (AR, -0.18% [95% CrI, -0.31% to -0.05%] per 30-year increment in age) and for dual therapy (AR, -0.24% [95% CrI, -0.40% to -0.07%]), but not for triple therapy (AR, 0.04% [95% CrI, -0.02% to 0.11%]). The use of DPP4 inhibitors was associated with slightly better HbA1c lowering in older people for dual therapy (AR, -0.09% [95% CrI, -0.15% to -0.03%] per 30-year increment in age), but not for monotherapy (AR, -0.08% [95% CrI, -0.18% to 0.01%]) or triple therapy (AR, -0.01% [95% CrI, -0.06% to 0.05%]). The relative reduction in MACEs with use of SGLT2 inhibitors was greater in older vs younger participants per 30-year increment in age (hazard ratio, 0.76 [95% CrI, 0.62 to 0.93]), and the relative reduction in MACEs with use of GLP-1 receptor agonists was less in older vs younger participants (hazard ratio, 1.47 [95% CrI, 1.07 to 2.02]). There was no consistent evidence for sex × treatment interactions with use of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with lower risk of MACEs. Analysis of age × treatment interactions suggested that SGLT2 inhibitors were more cardioprotective in older than in younger people despite smaller reductions in HbA1c; GLP-1 receptor agonists were more cardioprotective in younger people.

RevDate: 2026-09-01
CmpDate: 2026-09-01

Halabi KC (2026)

The return of measles: a dangerous comeback.

Current opinion in infectious diseases, 39(5):500-504.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Measles has reemerged as a significant global public health threat, with increasing morbidity and mortality associated with declining vaccination rates. This review summarizes current global outbreaks, history of measles, vaccination and elimination status, vaccine hesitancy, and outbreak response and lessons learned highlighting different novel digital epidemiological tools.

RECENT FINDINGS: Measles continues to surge worldwide with an estimated 11 million infections in 2024, which is more than prepandemic levels. Developing and developed countries are both facing measles outbreaks, with the United States at risk of losing measles elimination status. Recent studies have showed that worldwide percentages of two-dose measles vaccination were lower than 95% that is required to interrupt measles transmission in all WHO regions. Novel epidemiological tools such as interactive simulators, real-time use of dynamic models, serosurveillance, and others are transforming measles outbreak response and enable earlier outbreak detection, tracking, and targeted public health interventions.

SUMMARY: Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top global health threats and developing a tailored evidence-based approach is necessary to establish and maintain measles elimination.

RevDate: 2026-09-01
CmpDate: 2026-09-01

Ramakrishna BS (2026)

Tropical sprue: a forgotten entity.

Current opinion in infectious diseases, 39(5):444-449.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tropical sprue, once a major cause of malabsorption syndromes, is declining in prevalence. As a consequence of its rarity, and the absence of specific diagnostic tests, diagnosis of this condition is often delayed or missed. The purpose of this review is to draw attention again to this condition and to its overlap with postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome.

RECENT FINDINGS: Sporadic case reports of diagnosis in travelers to endemic countries as well as reports of its continuing occurrence in endemic countries indicate the need for continuing diagnosis of the disease. Most recently, the COVID pandemic saw a large number of patients with postinfection gastrointestinal symptoms that lasted longer than 6 months and were accompanied by malnutrition. These events deserve deeper investigation and resurrect coronaviruses as one possible cause of tropical sprue. Diagnosis of the disease is another evolving area and the original diagnostic criteria have to be modified in view of the lack of access to formal tests of absorption in most laboratories.

SUMMARY: Sporadic reports of nonceliac enteropathy with response to antibiotic treatment indicate that the disease needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of malabsorption in the appropriate clinical context.

RevDate: 2026-09-01
CmpDate: 2026-09-01

De Jesús-González LA, Santos-Mena AO, Farfán-Morales CN, et al (2026)

A network-driven antiviral discovery pipeline for emerging RNA viruses: a critical perspective from the Red Mexicana de Desarrollo de Antivirales (RMDA).

Expert opinion on drug discovery, 21(9):931-951.

INTRODUCTION: RNA viruses impose a disproportionate burden of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in Latin America, yet antiviral discovery in the region remains fragmented, target-limited, and frequently disconnected from translational pathways. This perspective discusses the Red Mexicana de Desarrollo de Antivirales (RMDA) as a network-driven model to organize antiviral discovery against clinically relevant RNA viruses.

AREAS COVERED: The authors describe the conceptual architecture of RMDA, a multi-institutional Mexican initiative that integrates computational prioritization, cell-based antiviral evaluation under BSL-2/BSL-3 conditions, mechanistic virology, assessment of pharmacological synergy, in vivo validation, and clinical linkage through healthcare systems such as the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. The framework is supported by prior work from participating groups on host-directed and virus-directed candidates, including metabolic modulators, lipid-lowering agents, nuclear transport inhibitors, natural products, polyphenols, melatonin, and rational drug combinations evaluated against dengue virus, Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and related RNA viruses.

EXPERT OPINION: RMDA provides a scalable and regionally adaptable model for antiviral drug discovery in low- and middle-income settings. By aligning distributed expertise, standardized workflows, and translational decision points, this framework may accelerate candidate prioritization, reduce duplication, and strengthen preparedness against RNA virus threats in Mexico and Latin America.

RevDate: 2026-09-01
CmpDate: 2026-08-30

Almushawah R, Davis D, E Khan (2026)

Tracing the Roots of Inquiry: A Historical Review of Nursing Research Through Professionalisation Theory.

Nursing inquiry, 33(4):e70160.

Nursing research has developed unevenly across history, shaped by shifting institutional structures, professional aspirations and societal demands. Yet existing historical reviews have largely adopted descriptive approaches, while few have applied an explicit theoretical lens to explain why this unevenness persists. This paper addresses that gap by examining the historical development of nursing research through Greenwood's trait-based professionalisation framework. Drawing on a narrative historical review spanning seven chronological periods, the analysis reveals a recurring pattern of partial professionalisation; nursing has consistently generated specialised knowledge yet has struggled to secure organisational infrastructure to embed and control that knowledge within clinical practice. The historical analysis suggests that knowledge production alone within a profession does not guarantee epistemic control.

RevDate: 2026-08-30
CmpDate: 2026-08-30

Kawamoto H, Kawase T, S Nagano (2026)

[Development of universal off-the-shelf T cell therapies derived from ES/iPS cells for leukemia and COVID-19].

[Rinsho ketsueki] The Japanese journal of clinical hematology, 67(8):974-985.

Cancer immunotherapy using patient-derived T cells genetically modified in vitro has been demonstrated to be effective. However, issues such as cost, time, and unstable quality must be resolved. To overcome these barriers, we developed the TCR-PS cell method, in which a specific TCR gene is introduced into pluripotent stem cells (PS cells), such as ES cells or iPS cells, and T cells are generated from those PS cells. We are currently preparing for a clinical trial in acute myeloid leukemia, targeting the WT1 antigen, with iPS cells provided by the CiRA Foundation as the starting material. In parallel, we are also investigating this approach for viral infections and preparing for clinical trials in COVID-19, with HLA-deficient ES cells as the starting material. This method should enable stockpiling of T cell therapies against known viruses such as SARS or avian influenza. Even for outbreaks caused by unknown viruses, it should be possible to produce T cell therapies within 100 days after the virus genome is defined.

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

Komada K, Sakamoto H, H Nakatani (2026)

Late release of World Health Organization governing body documents: Trends in documentation timing at the World Health Assembly and Executive Board and considerations for Member State engagement.

Global health & medicine, 8(4):248-252.

Timely access to documentation is essential for meaningful participation in global health governance. At the World Health Organization (WHO), governing body documents for the World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Executive Board (EB) provide the basis on which Member States assess agenda items, consult domestically, and prepare their negotiating positions. In this sense, the timing of document release directly affects transparency, accountability, and quality of decision-making. This study examines trends in documentation timing between 2016 and 2026 using data from the WHO governing body documentation portal. The findings show a clear and sustained shortening of the interval between document release and opening of WHA sessions since 2021, reaching the lowest level observed during the study period. By contrast, timelines for the EB, which were affected during the COVID-19 period, have largely recovered, suggesting that earlier circulation remains feasible in practice. Although this analysis does not directly measure downstream effects, shorter preparation periods may constrain Member States' ability to review materials carefully, coordinate across institutions, and develop negotiation strategies. These constraints may be felt most strongly by countries with limited participation capacities, potentially widening existing disparities in participation. A recent case further illustrates how late document release can affect not only meeting procedures but also depth and coherence of discussions. Despite ongoing WHO governance reforms, the timeliness of documentation has received limited attention. Ensuring earlier circulation and closer adherence to existing timelines would be a practical step toward strengthening transparency, equity, and effectiveness in global health governance.

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

Lu S, Wen J, Wang D, et al (2026)

From Occupational Hazard to Public Health Concern: A Bibliometric and Knowledge-Mapping Analysis of Sleep Disorders Among Nurses Worldwide (1985-2025).

Journal of nursing management, 2026(1):e7621317.

PURPOSE: Sleep disorders among nurses are highly prevalent, affecting well-being, clinical performance, and patient safety. A comprehensive mapping of global research trends is lacking. This study evaluates the evolution and focal points of research on sleep disorders among nurses over the last 4 decades, utilizing bibliometric analyses.

METHODS: We performed a bibliometric analysis of 1553 English-language publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) (1985-2025). Publication trends, country and institutional contributions, collaboration networks, cocitation, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed.

RESULTS: Research output increased steadily, with a sharp surge after 2020, reflecting the impact of COVID-19. The United States and China were leading contributors, but international collaboration was sparse. Core themes included insomnia and sleep quality, shift work and circadian misalignment, and psychological sequelae such as stress, depression, and burnout. Recent hotspots emphasized patient safety, measurement validation, and intervention trials.

CONCLUSION: The field is expanding rapidly yet remains fragmented. Harmonized measurement, system-level interventions, and stronger international collaboration are required to translate research into sustainable improvements in nurse health and patient safety.

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

Basile C, Monzo L, Farmakis D, et al (2026)

Trials and tribulations of spironolactone in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Insights from the SPIRIT-HF trial.

Heart failure reviews, 31(1):.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction represents a clinical challenge, accounting for at least 50% of heart failure (HF) cases globally, with a historical lack of efficacious and disease-modifying therapies. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, specifically the steroidal agent spironolactone, have a strong theoretical potential to mitigate systemic inflammation, microvascular endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis, which commonly affect patients with HF. However, the clinical validation of spironolactone has been influenced by methodological inconsistencies and safety concerns. The pivotal TOPCAT trial yielded neutral primary outcome results globally, confounded by significant geographical disparities. To provide further evidence the SPIRIT-HF trial evaluated spironolactone in a population with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. This trial was affected by critical operational issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an underpowered study population with a very high study drug discontinuation rate. The trial ultimately failed to demonstrate a cardiovascular benefit on any of the evaluated outcomes. The ongoing SPIRRIT-HFpEF trial represents a pragmatic, registry-based study to overcome traditional enrollment barriers, while evidence from the FINEARTS-HF trial on finerenone, a novel non-steroidal antagonist, has finally highlighted a major role for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism in patients with HF and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. This meeting report examines the SPIRIT-HF trial and place its results within the broader evidence on steroidal and nonsteroidal MRA in patients with HFpEF.

RevDate: 2026-08-31

Loubet P, Roubille F, Launay O, et al (2026)

Cardiovascular Outcomes and Acute Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Adults: A Systematic Literature Review.

The Journal of infection pii:S0163-4453(26)00169-6 [Epub ahead of print].

OBJECTIVES: Acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, are well-recognized as being associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs). In contrast, the cardiovascular impact of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) remains poorly characterized. We aimed to describe the prevalence of pre-existing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and the incidence of acute CVEs in adults with laboratory-confirmed HMPV infection.

METHODS: PRISMA-guided systematic literature review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar (Jan.-2000/Sept.-2025). Observational studies and clinical trials reporting pre-existing CVDs and/or CVEs in adults (≥18 years) were included.

RESULTS: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which nine underwent critical appraisal. Most involved hospitalized older adults. Pre-existing CVD was reported in 10%-80% of HMPV-infected patients, with chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease being the most common conditions. Acute CVEs, particularly heart failure exacerbations, occurred in 5%-25% of hospitalized patients. Underlying CVD was consistently linked to increased severity of HMPV illness, including higher rates of ICU admission and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: Acute HMPV infection frequently occurs in adults with pre-existing CVD and may be associated with CVEs in older hospitalized populations. However, evidence remains limited and largely observational. These findings highlight the need to increase awareness of the potential CV complications associated with HMPV infection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO [CRD420251164583].

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

Sankar J, K H PP, S Ranjit (2026)

The evolution of paediatric dengue management over the past three decades-a historical perspective.

Journal of tropical pediatrics, 72(5):.

Over the past three decades, the recognition and management of dengue fever (DF) and severe dengue (SD) in children have undergone significant transformation. In the 1990s, limited understanding of dengue pathophysiology led to delayed recognition, with aggressive fluid resuscitation, invasive ventilation, and frequent blood product use, often resulting in adverse outcomes. The 1997 World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines introduced a structured classification and emphasized cautious fluid management, improving survival. Advances in diagnostics, particularly non-structural (NS) protein antigen testing, enabled earlier detection in the 2000s. The revised WHO 2009 classification and recognition of Expanded Dengue Syndrome (EDS) in 2012 broadened the understanding of severe organ involvement beyond plasma leakage. In the 2020s, improved intensive care unit (ICU) technologies enabled advanced organ support, and the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted potential viral interactions. Ongoing controversy remains regarding the role of immunomodulation for dengue-associated hyperinflammation. Continued clinical research is essential to refine management strategies and optimize outcomes in severe dengue.

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

St-Jean A, Moriello C, Yu OHY, et al (2026)

A systematic review of observational studies of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and COVID-19 outcomes: a methodological assessment.

Journal of clinical epidemiology, 197:112347.

OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of observational studies examining the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the risk of mortality and of hospitalization compared with the use of other antidiabetic medications in patients with type two diabetes and COVID-19, with a focus on the methodological quality. We also describe how such studies can be improved when addressing a public health emergency.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a systematic review by searching Embase, MEDLINE, and the WHO COVID-19 research article databases up to March 2025. Observational studies reporting on the risk of mortality and of hospitalization with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors among patients with type two diabetes and COVID-19 were included and study quality was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Our systematic review focused on the methodological assessment of the literature.

RESULTS: We included 20 cohort studies, with 18 reporting on all-cause mortality and eight on COVID-19-related hospitalization. Five studies reported a decreased risk of all-cause mortality (range of effects estimates: 0.25 to 0.82), compared with nonuse or use of other drugs, and four studies reported a decreased risk of hospitalization (range: 0.79 to 0.92); the others reported no association. Overall, 14 studies were at serious risk of bias and six were at critical risk. We identified several methodological issues related to the selection of participants, inadequate control of confounding, and assessment of exposure and outcomes. No meta-analysis was conducted due to the low quality and heterogeneity of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS: The observational studies examining the effectiveness of SGLT2 inhibitors among patients with type two diabetes and COVID-19 outcomes have important methodological issues that limit the conclusions that can be drawn from this knowledge base. Although public health emergencies require rapid responses, methodological rigor remains essential to generate actionable evidence.

RevDate: 2026-08-31
CmpDate: 2026-08-31

Bidonde J, González-Teshima LY, Moreno López SM, et al (2026)

Patient-important outcomes reported as primary outcomes in clinical studies of treatments for COVID-19: a meta-epidemiological study.

Journal of clinical epidemiology, 197:112382.

OBJECTIVES: The reporting of patient-important outcomes (PIOs) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for COVID-19 varies widely, limiting their application in clinical decision-making. We evaluated how often PIOs were reported as primary outcomes in RCTs of COVID-19 treatments and identified trial characteristics associated with their reporting.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This meta-epidemiological study analyzed primary outcome data from 102 RCTs evaluating COVID-19 treatments.

RESULTS: Mortality outcomes were more frequently reported in trials with 15- to 28-day follow-up than in trials with ≤14-day follow-up (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 1.10-11.38), and less frequently in trials enrolling participants with moderate-severity COVID-19 compared with trials not enrolling such participants (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.64). Morbidity outcomes were less frequently reported in trials enrolling severe-COVID-19 participants compared with trials not enrolling them (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.78), and more frequently reported in trials conducted in Europe (OR: 12.78, 95% CI: 1.01-161.76), Asia (OR: 11.03, 95% CI: 1.50-81.03) and the Americas (OR: 8.92, 95% CI: 1.08-73.89), each compared with multicontinental trials. Trials with more than 200 participants were also more likely to report morbidity outcomes than trials with ≤50 participants (OR: 11.43, 95% CI: 1.37-95.55). Quality of life and functional status outcomes were not associated with any of the predictors examined.

CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of PIOs as primary outcomes in COVID-19 RCTs is inconsistent and influenced by region, disease severity, and sample size. Quality of life and functional recovery remain overlooked. The implementation of core outcome sets) is required to ensure that PIOs are routinely and consistently incorporated into trial designs.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Clinical trials should measure outcomes that matter most to patients, such as survival and quality of life. We investigated whether COVID-19 trials prioritized these outcomes as their main goals. We analyzed 102 COVID-19 trials and found that while survival and clinical complications were frequently measured, quality of life and long-term recovery were rarely used as primary goals. The choice of what to measure was often influenced by the trial's location or size rather than patient needs. The lack of focus on quality of life limits the ability of trials to inform decisions that reflect what patients truly value. Future research should use standardized "patient-important outcomes" to ensure clinical trials remain relevant to the people they intend to help.

RevDate: 2026-08-28

Atoom AM, Rizaev J, Polatova D, et al (2026)

Acute respiratory viral inflammation and metastatic dormancy: direct evidence, mechanistic convergence, and research priorities.

Cancer treatment and research communications, 49:101403 pii:S2468-2942(26)00314-X [Epub ahead of print].

Metastatic relapse can arise years after apparently successful treatment because disseminated cancer cells (DCCs) persist in reversible states of cellular, angiogenic, or immune-mediated dormancy. The strongest direct evidence that acute viral inflammation can disturb this equilibrium currently comes from experimental breast-cancer lung-dormancy models in which influenza A virus or SARS-CoV-2 promoted DCC cell-cycle re-entry and metastatic expansion, with interleukin-6 (IL-6) required for the initial awakening phenotype. Human findings reported in the same study are observational and do not establish that respiratory viral infection causes metastatic relapse. This hypothesis-generating Perspective therefore separates direct viral-dormancy evidence from direct inflammation-dormancy evidence, established metastatic-niche biology, mechanistic extrapolation, and unvalidated clinical hypotheses. We critically evaluate IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling, the time-dependent balance between antiviral and antitumor immunity, neutrophil extracellular trap-mediated matrix remodeling, epithelial RNA sensing, endothelial and perivascular responses, and selected extracellular-vesicle mechanisms. The evidence does not establish a universal infection-to-niche-to-relapse pathway across cancers or organs. Instead, it supports a context-dependent model in which respiratory infection may transiently perturb the DCC-niche equilibrium in susceptible settings. Priority studies should independently replicate the pulmonary phenotype, define causal timing, distinguish local lung injury from systemic effects, test cross-cancer and cross-organ generalizability, and prospectively evaluate human associations. No post-viral biomarker panel, intensified imaging strategy, or pathway-directed intervention is currently validated for routine clinical use.

RevDate: 2026-08-28

Chalmers J, Bansal K, Scott R, et al (2026)

Community-acquired pneumonia in adults: acute and long-term complications.

The lancet. Healthy longevity pii:S2666-7568(26)00056-5 [Epub ahead of print].

Annually, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) affects millions of individuals worldwide, resulting in more than 200 000 hospital admissions in England alone. CAP is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have explored the causes, risk factors, and the clinical course of CAP in detail. Sepsis and respiratory failure are important well-recognised consequences of progressive infection and have been researched extensively. In this Review, we focus on complications of CAP beyond the natural history of the condition. These sequelae of CAP often have long-term implications for patients and encompass a wide range of physical, functional, and psychosocial impairments, including reduced functional ability and persistent symptoms that adversely affect quality of life. Research on complications after CAP has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. A growing body of literature informs clinical trials and guides clinical management. We explore the recovery trajectory and discuss updates in the management of post-CAP pleural infection, the established risk of cardiovascular events after CAP, and association of CAP with cognitive impairment and lung cancer. Finally, we conclude that improved long-term data, standardisation, and targeted research are needed to understand, prevent, and manage these outcomes effectively.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Richards DP, Fink C, Granieri M, et al (2026)

Partnering with patients and the public in the clinical trials ecosystem: a decade of lessons learned and shared.

BMJ open, 16(8):e099469 pii:bmjopen-2025-099469.

BACKGROUND: In the health research space, it is becoming more common to see patient and public partners as members of teams and contributing to various initiatives rather than solely as participants in research. We use the term patient and public engagement (PPE) to describe this approach. While reporting mechanisms such as the Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public, Version 2 (GRIPP2), are being used to share teams' PPE efforts related to specific research projects, to date we have seen less about how organisations have collaborated with patient and public partners on a broader scale. Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) is a not-for-profit organisation in the clinical trials space that has been set up to improve the environment for trials rather than conduct trials. We share CTO's PPE processes, how they have evolved over the past decade, outputs related to this work, and lessons learned.

METHODS: Patient and public partners and team members from CTO used a co-production model. We have co-developed PPE processes to guide and carry out the work under CTO's strategic pillar of Engage. The Patient and Public Engagement Evaluation Tool has played a role in helping ensure CTO's approaches to co-production are on track. Feedback and insights provided in the evaluation tool after engagements have resulted in iterative changes to this work.

RESULTS: CTO has engaged patient and public partners in its work since its inception in 2014. Gradually, this work has evolved based on both the needs of CTO and the patient and public partners with whom it collaborates. Originally, a small group called the patient and public advisory group was created, which met quarterly in person and provided guidance related to specific products (eg, CTO's website about clinical trials, a clinical trial finder). Based on lessons learned with that group and the abilities of people to participate, the group was expanded to become CTO's College of Lived Experience. The College of Lived Experience includes more perspectives and meets more frequently and predominantly virtually, having been formed just before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Working with the College has resulted in: members being embedded in a range of CTO projects, a number of public-facing outputs and generating a research idea and carrying out a project that resulted in a patient partner co-authored, peer-reviewed publication. The College is also available to and has provided input and insights into projects and initiatives outside of CTO. We share lessons learned from organisational perspectives and from those College members who are co-authors of this work.

CONCLUSIONS: CTO's work in PPE has resulted in a co-production model that is critical to efforts in CTO's Engage strategic pillar and beyond. We provide templates and outputs of this co-production work and lessons learned. We hope our work helps other clinical trials organisations across the globe to include patient and public partners in their operational efforts.

RevDate: 2026-08-30
CmpDate: 2026-08-29

Kassymbek S, Abduldayeva A, Safonov N, et al (2026)

Risk factors for post-COVID-19 condition among previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Frontiers in public health, 14:1911482.

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 condition is a major source of long-term morbidity after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 may be at particularly high risk because hospitalization often reflects greater acute disease severity and comorbidity burden. However, evidence on risk factors in previously hospitalized populations remains inconsistent due to differences in outcome definitions, follow-up periods, and analytical approaches. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors associated with post-COVID outcomes among patients previously hospitalized for COVID-19.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA 2020 principles. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and the WHO COVID-19 Global Literature Database were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 24 February 2026. Eligible studies included hospitalized patients with confirmed or probable COVID-19, assessed post-acute outcomes at least 4 weeks after acute infection, hospitalization, recovery, or discharge, and evaluated at least one candidate risk factor. Adjusted effect estimates were prioritized, and random-effects meta-analyses were performed when at least two comparable estimates were available.

RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and seven contributed to quantitative meta-analysis. Five risk-factor groups were pooled: female sex, acute disease severity or respiratory support, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, vaccination status, and hypertension. Female sex was associated with higher odds of post-COVID outcomes (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.60-2.35; I [2] = 6.9%). The strongest association was observed for greater acute disease severity or advanced respiratory support (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.77-3.68; I [2] = 13.0%). ICU admission (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.24-2.83), no or incomplete vaccination (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.33-2.72), and hypertension (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.16-2.20) were also associated with increased odds. Additional predictors, including obesity, age, smoking, dysgeusia, symptom burden, and neurological or psychiatric comorbidity, were summarized narratively.

CONCLUSION: Among previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the most consistent risk factors for post-COVID outcomes were female sex, greater acute disease severity or respiratory support, ICU admission, no or incomplete vaccination, and hypertension. These findings support risk-based post-discharge follow-up, although the evidence remains limited by heterogeneous outcome definitions and the small number of studies available for several risk factors.

RevDate: 2026-08-30
CmpDate: 2026-08-29

Aguillon R, Dufourcq P, J Batut (2026)

Mechanical constraints on cell plasticity: insights from the olfactory epithelium.

Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 14:1841670.

The olfactory epithelium (OE) is a unique model to study how mechanical forces and tissue architecture regulate stem cell plasticity. In vertebrate, its lifelong neurogenesis and regenerative capacity depend on horizontal basal cells and globose basal cells, whose plasticity is gated by niche architecture and morphogenetic cues. While molecular pathways in OE development and regeneration are well-characterized, the role of physical forces, from basal niche stiffness to lamellar folding, remains unexplored. This review integrates single-cell analyses, developmental studies, and mechanobiology to propose that the unique structure of the OE (pseudostratified epithelium, spatial compartmentalization) and conserved pathways (YAP, CXCR4, retinoic acid) coordinate plasticity across ontogeny. We discuss how disrupted mechanoregulation might drive olfactory deficits in aging, infection (COVID-19), congenital disorders (Kallmann syndrome), cancer, and outline key questions and processes to decode the mechanobiological rules governing stem cell and progenitor plasticity. A table summarising the tools available at the cellular and tissue levels for manipulating forces and visualising their effects is provided.

RevDate: 2026-08-29

Vekety B, Takacs ZK, Kói T, et al (2026)

Kids These Days! A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Population-Based Samples Over the Past Decades.

Clinical child and family psychology review [Epub ahead of print].

There is a general belief that mental health problems are increasing in younger generations, though little objective comparisons exist. The current meta-analysis examines changes in subclinical mean-level overall symptom burden and shifts in specific domains among population-based samples of youth (1-18 years) globally over the last four decades. We search systematically in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO and Google Scholar with pre-registered criteria. Included studies (k = 175, N = 418,528) use the standardized and cross-culturally validated Child Behavior Checklist with parent-, teacher-, and self-report. A cross-temporal meta-analysis is conducted with data points between 1981 to 2019. Age, sex, response rate, and geographic continent, used as moderators. Meta-regression analyses, with year of data collection as a predictor, shows overall symptom burden did not change in the past 40 years except for some decreases in early childhood (parent report), middle childhood (self-report) and teenage boys (self-report). There is evidence of change in specific symptom domains. We find strong, multi-informant evidence for decreased externalizing problems (parent report and self-report in girls) including aggression in middle childhood over time (parent report and self-report), and internalizing problems (parent and teacher report of boys and girls) in middle childhood. Single-informant changes show varying patterns in subscales of internalizing problems with increases in anxiety/depression in teens (parent report) and somatic complaints in teenage boys (self-report) next to a decrease in withdrawn/depressed symptoms (self-report of children and youth overall and parent report in middle childhood). Further single-informant changes suggest an increase in social problems in European teens (self-report) and a decrease in rule-breaking behavior (parent report). Finally, contradicting results were found for attention problems (an increase based on parent report and a decrease in middle childhood boys based on teacher report) and thought problems (an increase based on parent report and decrease in teenage boys based on self-report). However, the finding regarding attention problems should be interpreted cautiously given declining reliability of the subscale over time and evidence suggesting potential measurement non-invariance. In sum, our results do not support concerns that young people today have more overall symptom burden than previous generations, rather, they show a different composition of symptom profiles. However, an important limitation of the study is that post COVID-19 changes were not studied.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Del Parco F (2026)

Beyond Exposure: A Comprehensive Vision for Healthcare Worker Protection.

La Clinica terapeutica, 177(5):1025-1027.

The protection of healthcare workers (HCWs) requires an integrated approach addressing both traditional occupational hazards and psychosocial challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that HCW safety cannot rely solely on infection prevention but must also consider work-related stress, burnout, and organisational determinants of well-being. Contact tracing supported the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, while validated tools such as the Mini-Z questionnaire enabled the assessment of stress and burnout. Evidence highlights the association between occupational stress and poorer health-related quality of life, supporting the need for comprehensive strategies. The Total Worker Health® framework integrates occupational safety, health promotion, and organisational well-being, combining individual interventions with organisational measures. A multidimensional approach based on surveillance, assessment, and evidence-based interventions is essential to promote resilient healthcare systems and sustainable working conditions.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Naddeo N, G Faraci (2026)

From Infection Control to Healthcare System Resilience: Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2 Research in Healthcare Workers.

La Clinica terapeutica, 177(5):1234-1237.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems and exposed healthcare workers (HCWs) to biological hazards, organizational pressures, and psychological strain. Evidence generated during the emergency shows that HCW protection cannot rely on isolated measures, but requires an integrated framework combining epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, vaccination, occupational health, and workforce support. Contact tracing helped identify occupational exposures and clarify how duration, proximity, and inadequate use of personal protective equipment jointly shaped infection risk. Subsequent studies of reinfection showed that susceptibility reflected the interaction of viral circulation, individual immunity, and vaccination status. Vaccination reduced the clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 and supported service continuity, although uptake depended on trust, communication, and management of adverse event concerns. The pandemic also highlighted substantial economic consequences and a high burden of psychological distress and burnout among HCWs. Building on this evidence, future preparedness should translate these lessons into permanent, adaptable infrastructure rather than temporary emergency arrangements, integrating interoperable, AI-assisted surveillance capable of combining occupational, diagnostic, vaccination, and genomic data to detect emerging risks early, while ensuring robust data governance and human oversight. Equally central is the need to address long-term workforce vulnerabilities, including Long COVID, attrition, and burnout, through early identification, rehabilitation, flexible return-to-work models, and sustained psychosocial support. Achieving this requires structured multidisciplinary collaboration among occupational medicine, infection control, epidemiology, mental health, and digital health specialists, moving from fragmented infection-control protocols to an integrated, proactive, and learning-oriented preparedness strategy. Protecting HCWs is therefore not only an occupational safety priority but a foundational prerequisite for safe, equitable, and sustainable healthcare delivery during future infectious threats.

RevDate: 2026-08-29
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Khan S, Mehmood A, Rehman N, et al (2026)

Recombinase polymerase amplification: transforming rapid detection of infectious diseases.

Virusdisease, 37(2):106-125.

UNLABELLED: Pathogens are the agents responsible for these infections, and they use various mechanisms to invade and evade host defenses, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have become the gold standard for detecting viral and bacterial pathogens due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and well-established validation. However, PCR requires thermal cycling equipment, a stable power supply, and trained personnel, which may limit its accessibility in resource-constrained settings. Isothermal amplification techniques are promising alternatives to PCR by providing simplicity, speed, and portability. Among these, recombinase polymerase amplification is particularly notable for its versatility, rapidity, and efficiency in amplifying nucleic acids at constant temperatures. This review discusses pathogen invasion mechanisms and recent advances in molecular diagnostics, with particular emphasis on RPA. The principles of RPA are compared with PCR, highlighting key advantages such as rapid amplification (typically within 20 min), low-temperature operation, minimal instrumentation, and compatibility with point-of-care (POC) platforms. At the same time, limitations of RPA, including primer design complexity, potential non-specific amplification, and current cost considerations, are addressed. RPA represents a versatile and promising tool that complements existing molecular methods and holds significant potential for expanding early infectious disease detection, particularly in decentralized and low-resource environments. By enabling timely and accessible diagnostics, RPA contributes substantially to improved disease surveillance, control, and patient outcomes.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: Traditional detection methodologies, such as culturing, PCR, and isothermal amplification techniques, with a focus on RPA. Due to its simple procedure, short detection time, high sensitivity and specificity, and suitability for point-of-care testing in remote areas, RPA can be the best alternative for the detection of infectious diseases.

RevDate: 2026-08-29
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Zhang Y, Krupinsky KC, Lauring AS, et al (2026)

Heterogeneity of Airborne Virus Transmission in the Built Environment: A Narrative Review.

Pathogens & immunity, 11(2):66-95.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated recognition of airborne transmission of respiratory infections. Despite improved mechanistic understanding, our ability to predict the risk of infection in a given scenario remains limited, owing, in part, to high heterogeneity in factors involved in transmission. The goal of this work is to quantify variability in factors that control risk of airborne virus transmission in the built environment. Using SARS-CoV-2 as a model, we conducted a narrative review on transmission via inhalable respiratory particles (≤100 μm). We divided transmission into 3 key processes: emissions of virus in respiratory particles from an infected individual (the source) into the air; transport and decay of virus in the environment; and deposition and infection in a new host (the receiver). Among the source-related factors, we found large variabilities spanning 7 or more orders of magnitude. For example, the rate of respiratory emissions from an infected individual ranges from ~1 to > 10[7] particles per second, depending in part on the type of respiratory activity and individual physiological factors. Unexplained inter-individual variations, such as those defining "superemitters," introduce additional uncertainties. We also found considerable variability in the physical and biological decay of virus-laden particles as they move from the source to the receiver. The air exchange rate, which controls physical loss of particles by ventilation, ranges from ~0.01 to > 20 air changes per hour in typical buildings. Lastly, upon inhalation, the efficiency and site of virus deposition vary with the physiological state of the receiver, whose immunological status further influences whether infection is established. Overall, we found the largest variability in the rate of respiratory particle production and viral load of respiratory fluid. These 2 factors determine the amount of virus released into the air by an infected person, which is a critical indicator of the potential for onward transmission. Predicting the risk of infection in a specific scenario remains challenging due to the combined effects of variability in key determinants.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Ali M, Brady MC, Campbell P, et al (2026)

Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (IPDMA) of long-term COVID-19 outcomes in a systematic review-informed, international, multidisciplinary database.

Health and social care delivery research, 14(29):1-160.

BACKGROUND: Identifying and addressing long-term health and societal challenges after COVID-19 is a research priority.

OBJECTIVES: To create an international, multidisciplinary COVID-19 database, and synthesise long-term outcomes, predictors and costs.

DESIGN: Systematic identification of COVID-19 data sets and meta-analysis of individual participant data on long-term outcomes after COVID-19.

SETTING: Contributed data were collected in clinical, community and research settings.

INTERVENTIONS: Interventions from original studies were included as covariates in models.

DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsycInfo[®] (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, World Health Organization Global Index Medicus, Epistemonikos, LitCOVID; World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; ClinicalTrials.gov and supplementary searches for studies (November 2019-November 2021) were searched for studies on > 10 people from cohort, case-control, survey or randomised controlled trial studies, across any setting, describing validated assessment instruments, symptoms, hospitalisation, discharge destination or mortality beyond 28-days after COVID-19 onset. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers.

METHODS: Principal investigators contributed fully anonymised individual participant data. Demography, equity and symptoms were described. Assessment instruments were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Factors associated with outcomes at 3-6 months, 9-12 months and beyond 12 months of index infection, for n > 500 individual participant data and > 1 data set were described using ratio of difference, point estimates, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, as appropriate. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool described study quality; models were appraised using a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-informed approach; heterogeneity was described using I[2].

OUTCOME MEASURES: Included overall perception of health, multidomain cognitive function, anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, fatigue, strength, walking ability, mobility, coping with daily life, breathlessness, mortality, later hospitalisation and health-related quality of life.

RESULTS: PRECIOUS collated 116 data sets from 40 countries (individual participant data = 62,849), comprising 20 randomised controlled trials, 13 case-control, 60 cohort 2 longitudinal, 1 survey and 20 other study types. Participants' median age was 58 years interquartile range (45-68); 34,185 (54.4%) were female; 158 unique symptoms and 137 unique assessment instruments were captured, predominantly describing International Classification of Function, Disability and Health-body functions. Women had poorer outcomes across 30/37 models, compared with men. In 15/37 models, pre-existing lung disease and increasing age were associated with poorer outcomes; hospitalisation, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were each associated with poorer outcomes in 8/37 models. Initial hospitalisation resulted in lower health-related quality of life that did not recover for up to 2 years after initial infection. Heterogeneity was low in 34/37 models; 22/37 models were of moderate and 11/37 were of low quality.

LIMITATIONS: Use of secondary data limits available covariates, outcomes and time points to those included in primary data sets; evidence was primarily based on high-income countries. There was a lack of data on longer-term healthcare resource use to estimate the costs to the healthcare system.

CONCLUSIONS: PRECIOUS contributes to the overall picture of long-term COVID-19 outcomes beyond the long-COVID condition and highlights poorer long-term outcomes in women and people with pre-existing comorbidities.

FUTURE WORK: Evidence gaps included healthcare resource use, isolation, loneliness, societal participation and return to work outcomes. Data are needed on the role of health inequity on long-term outcomes.

STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO (CRD42020224323, IRAS ID: 293578).

FUNDING: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR132895) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 14, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

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

Wase H, Nichlani M, Shaikh A, et al (2026)

Post-COVID Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children with Kawasaki-like Features: A Scoping Review of Middle Eastern Evidence.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 62(8):.

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was recognized in 2020 as a post-infectious hyperinflammatory condition occurring 2-6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. While large studies from Europe and North America have described its clinical spectrum and outcomes, evidence from the Middle East remains limited. MIS-C shares features with Kawasaki disease (KD), including persistent fever, mucocutaneous manifestations, and cardiac involvement, but differs in age distribution, gastrointestinal involvement, and patterns of cardiac injury. Objective: To map the reported Middle Eastern evidence on the clinical and laboratory phenotype, Kawasaki-like manifestations, cardiovascular involvement, management, short-term outcomes, and evidence gaps in children with MIS-C. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the WHO COVID-19 database were searched for studies published from 1 December 2020 through 30 September 2025. Two reviewers independently screened records in Rayyan and charted data using standardized forms. Findings were synthesized descriptively; numerical ranges reflect values reported across selected contributing studies and are not pooled regional estimates. Results: Twenty-seven original clinical studies met the eligibility criteria, including case reports, case series, and observational cohorts from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and multinational Middle Eastern collaborations. Across the included reports, affected children were generally older than the typical classic Kawasaki disease population. Gastrointestinal symptoms were commonly reported, and myocardial dysfunction was reported more frequently than coronary artery abnormalities. Most patients received intravenous immunoglobulin, often combined with corticosteroids. Short-term outcomes were generally favorable, but the evidence was heterogeneous and follow-up was limited. No meta-analysis was performed. Conclusions: The available Middle Eastern literature suggests that MIS-C commonly presents in school-aged children with gastrointestinal, mucocutaneous, and myocardial involvement. These patterns are descriptive rather than definitive because the evidence is predominantly retrospective, geographically uneven, and methodologically heterogeneous. The principal contribution of this review is to map the regional literature and identify priorities for prospective, standardized, multicenter studies and long-term follow-up.

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

Christou EE, Ashworth JL, Soliman NM, et al (2026)

Effect of COVID-19 on Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature in the Pediatric Population: A Literature Review.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 62(8):.

Backgroundand Objectives: Retinal microcirculation may serve as a surrogate marker of systemic vascular status and can be non-invasively assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Emerging evidence suggests that retinal and choroidal microvascular alterations may occur following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), potentially reflecting systemic vascular and inflammatory processes. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding retinal and choroidal microvascular changes detected by OCTA in pediatric patients with COVID-19 and MIS-C. Materials and Methods: A structured literature search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) PubMed database was conducted from inception until April 2026. Original English-language studies evaluating retinal and choroidal microcirculation using OCTA in pediatric patients with COVID-19 or MIS-C were identified and reviewed. Results: Available studies suggest variable retinal and choroidal microvascular alterations following COVID-19 and MIS-C, including changes in vessel density, perfusion, and foveal avascular zone parameters. Several investigations reported reduced vessel density, particularly within the deep capillary plexus, whereas others demonstrated increased peripapillary vascular parameters or no significant differences during the observation period. Differences in patient characteristics, disease severity, timing of imaging, OCTA protocols, and study design likely contribute to the heterogeneity of the reported findings. Conclusions: OCTA represents a promising research tool for investigating retinal and choroidal microvascular alterations associated with pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C. However, the available evidence remains limited by small observational studies, methodological heterogeneity and inconsistent findings. Larger prospective longitudinal studies using standardized imaging protocols are needed to determine the clinical significance and reproducibility of OCTA-derived parameters and to establish whether they may have potential as biomarkers of ocular or systemic vascular involvement.

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

Zhao Y, Guo R, Yang Y, et al (2026)

Structural and Mechanistic Perspectives on SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Protein 14-Mediated Cap Formation and Drug Discovery.

Microorganisms, 14(8):.

SARS-CoV-2 relies on a virus-encoded RNA capping pathway to produce 5' cap structures that are essential for mRNA stability, efficient translation, and evasion of host innate immune surveillance. Within this pathway, nonstructural protein 14 (nsp14) catalyzes N7 methylation of the guanine cap, a key step that converts the cap core into a functional Cap-0 structure and enables subsequent maturation. Owing to its essential role in viral replication and its high conservation across coronaviruses, nsp14 has emerged as an attractive antiviral target. Recent structural and biochemical studies have elucidated the architecture of the nsp14 N7-methyltransferase domain, revealing an S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)-dependent fold with a defined cofactor-binding site and an adjacent cap-binding pocket that orients the RNA substrate for methyl transfer. These insights have guided the development of diverse inhibitor classes, including SAM-competitive analogs, bisubstrate-like compounds, and non-nucleoside inhibitors identified through screening approaches. While early SAM-like inhibitors demonstrated target tractability, their therapeutic potential has been limited by challenges in selectivity and cellular permeability. More recent inhibitors that target the cap-binding pocket or exploit product-assisted ternary complex mechanisms highlight alternative strategies for achieving improved potency and specificity. Despite these advances, current structural models rely on truncated RNA substrates and isolated protein constructs, which may not fully capture the native catalytic environment. Future efforts to resolve nsp14 within the replication-transcription complex and develop novel inhibition strategies will be critical for advancing mechanistic understanding and antiviral development.

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

Dai Y, Xia L, Yang Y, et al (2026)

Recent Advances in CRISPR/Cas Systems for Respiratory Pathogen Diagnostics.

Viruses, 18(8):.

Early, rapid, and accurate detection is essential for clinical management and epidemiological control of acute respiratory infections caused by pathogens. Traditional testing methods such as microbial culture, serological testing, and PCR are restrictive in terms of operation and logistics and are therefore not easily used in point-of-care settings. The CRISPR/Cas system is an adaptive prokaryotic immune system composed of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and their associated proteins, which has been used as a nucleic acid diagnostic platform with programmable sequence-specific target recognition and signal-amplifying collateral cleavage activity. Existing reviews have mostly focused on the classification of Cas enzymes or amplification strategies; in this review, a pathogen-centric approach was taken, covering viral pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, RSV, HAdV and VZV), bacterial pathogens (Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal pathogens (Aspergillus fumigatus and Pneumocystis jirovecii). Key technological advances, such as isothermal amplification coupling, single-vessel integrated reaction designs, amplification-free digital detection, and electrochemical biosensor integration, are evaluated for Cas9-, Cas12-, and Cas13-based systems, with their mechanistic bases outlined. The current challenges that hinder clinical translation, such as sample matrix interference, multiple signal cross-talk, crRNA off-target effects, and the lack of large-scale validation studies, are critically assessed. At the same time, future pathways for portable, integrated, and inexpensive diagnostic platforms are suggested.

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

Wang D, Zhang W, Nie Z, et al (2026)

A Review: Bovine Coronavirus Evolution, Molecular Epidemiology, and Genetic Variation.

Viruses, 18(8):.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a key pathogen causing calf diarrhea and bovine respiratory diseases, bringing sustained economic losses to the cattle industry. As an RNA virus, BCoV possesses high mutation and recombination capacities, leading to prominent genomic genetic diversity. The genome contains hypervariable and conserved regions, with the S (especially S1), HE and Open Reading Frame (ORF4) genes serving as major variation hotspots linked to viral antigenicity, tissue tropism shift and immune evasion. Host immune pressure drives strong positive selection on S protein antigenic variation. This review discusses existing research limitations and proposes future directions including genomic surveillance, reverse genetics verification and broad-spectrum vaccine development to support BCoV prevention and control.

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

Krnjić H, Hrapović A, Galijatović A, et al (2026)

Molecular Insights into High-Pathogenicity RNA Viruses.

Viruses, 18(8):.

Highly pathogenic RNA viruses, such as Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza, cause severe disease in humans. High mutation rates, which enable RNA viruses to evade immunity and escape antivirals, and their ability to spread from animals to humans and cause pandemics and outbreaks, make RNA viruses significant threats to public health. Diseases caused by Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza are prevented and treated with only a limited number of approved antiviral drugs, the effectiveness of which is limited by mutations in the viral targets. It is crucial to understand the structural determinants, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions of pathogenic RNA viruses to develop effective antiviral strategies. In this review, we discuss selected RNA viruses, focusing on the structure of their RNA polymerases and interactions with host factors during the different stages of the viral lifecycle, as well as the traditional antivirals targeting these structures and pathways. Furthermore, emerging concepts such as liquid-liquid phase separation and biomolecular condensates, and novel promising antiviral strategies are discussed. Understanding shared and distinct structures, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions across highly pathogenic RNA viruses enables the discovery of new and more effective antiviral strategies, ultimately improving clinical outcomes against evolving RNA viruses.

RevDate: 2026-08-28

Geerts JWHJ, Bosman B, Papenhuijzen MHG, et al (2026)

The effect of the respiratory rate on mechanical power and patient outcomes - a systematic review.

Expert review of respiratory medicine [Epub ahead of print].

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical power (MP) is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Respiratory rate (RR) is a key component of MP. The aim of this systematic review was to assess whether, among mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients, a low versus high RR is associated with differences in MP, clinical outcomes and ventilation parameters.

METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar was performed in January 2026. Studies were included if they reported on invasively ventilated adult patients in the ICU and evaluated RR in relation to MP or patient outcomes.

RESULTS: 12 studies were included. Most studies involved patients with ARDS or COVID-19. Lower RR was associated with reduced MP across most studies. Studies using automated ventilation or protocolized RR adjustments showed the largest reductions in MP. Higher RR was associated with increased mortality in three studies. Reducing RR did not lead to significant changes in other ventilation parameters or gas exchange.

CONCLUSION: Lowering RR is a promising strategy to reduce MP with minimal effects on gas exchange over short durations. RR may represent an underrecognized setting in lung-protective ventilation, but prospective studies are needed to confirm effects on clinical outcomes.

STUDY REGISTRATION: The search strategy was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD420251240779).

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

Sharma S, Elhassan H, Anderson KK, et al (2026)

Changes in mental health outcomes of middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review.

PloS one, 21(8):e0342140.

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted mental health, particularly among middle-aged and older adults, who have emerged as especially vulnerable. This scoping review synthesizes findings from 44 population-based studies retrieved from six databases, aiming to map changes in mental health outcomes during the pandemic and identify associated factors. During the global spread and response phase of the pandemic (May 2020-December 2021), a notable rise in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, distress, loneliness, and poor well-being was documented, highlighting a decrease in overall mental health of middle-aged and older adults. Whereas some studies from the transition period toward the endemic phase of the pandemic (2022-2023), began reporting signs of stabilization or improvement, particularly in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and stress. Factors influencing these negative mental health outcomes were multidimensional (demographic, socioeconomic, health-related, behavioral, and COVID-19-related factors). Female sex, old age, being married, unemployment, lower education status, higher income, poor physical health, limited physical activity, perceived threat of COVID-19, social isolation, and lack of support were mainly associated with worsening mental health changes during the pandemic among middle-aged and older adults. However, there is little research highlighting population-level factors (COVID-19 cases, deaths, vaccination status, etc.) associated with these changes. Also, the evidence remains limited regarding mental health changes during the transition to the endemic phase, possibly due to shifts in research priorities, but it is essential to continue monitoring mental health outcomes to track long-term changes and to prepare for future public health emergencies.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Jang S, Pyo SI, Kim EJ, et al (2026)

Stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination: a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-controlled case series studies.

Expert review of vaccines, 25(1):2720955.

INTRODUCTION: Whether BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccination increases stroke risk remains a public health concern. This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize self-controlled case series (SCCS)-derived stroke risk estimates specifically for BNT162b2 vaccination.

METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched from inception through 9 May 2026, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eight eligible SCCS studies were pooled using a random-effects model with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation and the Knapp-Hartung adjustment.

RESULTS: Eight studies across six countries encompassing several million vaccinated individuals were included. The pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 0.967 (95% CI 0.892-1.049; I[2] = 69.2%), indicating no statistically significant increase in stroke risk. Subgroup analyses showed no evidence of effect modification across continent, risk-window length, dose category, SCCS variant, or age group.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide no evidence of increased short-term stroke risk following BNT162b2 vaccination at the population level. The observed heterogeneity appeared to be partly driven by methodological differences rather than true biological variation in vaccine effect.

RevDate: 2026-08-28
CmpDate: 2026-08-28

Mousa AM, HA Mohammed (2026)

A Comprehensive Review on Cardioprotective Biological Properties of Crataegus orientalis in Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Cardiovascular Disorders.

Molecular nutrition & food research, 70(17):e70590.

The growing use of herbal medicinal plants like hawthorn is recognized globally as a way to meet the demand for new natural pharmaceuticals with health benefits. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical constituents and heart-protective therapeutic properties of Crataegus orientalis. Despite numerous reviews on the biological properties of the Crataegus genus. C. orientalis has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in managing the increasing cardiovascular complications that have followed the COVID-19 pandemic. This review highlights the primary cardioprotective biological effects of C. orientalis, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-ischemic, diuretic, and cardiotonic properties, supported by numerous scientific studies in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. This updated review provides an overview of the bioactive molecular components of C. orientalis and their cardioprotective mechanisms in cardiac muscle cell biology following the post-COVID-19 Pandemic, exploring its potential as an innovative functional food dietary supplement to enhance plant-derived cardioprotective formulations and its possible health benefits. This study presents a significant challenge for analyzing the active constituents of C. orientalis, which require further research, as they are expected to be promising candidates for developing new approaches to prevent and treat various post-pandemic cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Zhang X (2026)

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

Takano T (2026)

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

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

Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Review.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biomolecules, 16(8): pii:biom16081203.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jash S, JM Sedivy (2026)

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

Biomedicines, 14(8): pii:biomedicines14081729.

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

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

Kuwayama T, K Kotani (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palamim CVC, Camargo TM, FAL Marson (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tsvetkova V, K Todorova (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Evaluation of Key Methods for RNA Quantification.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niazi SK (2026)

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

Pharmaceutics, 18(8): pii:pharmaceutics18080941.

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

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

Nguyen HX, MP Ho (2026)

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

Pharmaceutics, 18(8): pii:pharmaceutics18081022.

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

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

Praet SFE (2026)

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

Nutrients, 18(16): pii:nu18162650.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vaccine, 90:128993.

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

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

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

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

Frontiers in tuberculosis, 2:1438406.

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

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

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

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

Frontiers in tuberculosis, 2:1378068.

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

RevDate: 2026-08-25

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

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

Monash bioethics review [Epub ahead of print].

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

Karipidis YK, KY Karipidis (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-25

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-25

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-26

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

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

Nature human behaviour [Epub ahead of print].

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

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

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

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

BMC infectious diseases, 26(1):.

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

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

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

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

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

Devarshi R, C Myers (2026)

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

BMC health services research, 26(1):.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BMC health services research, 26(1):.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frontiers in public health, 14:1871669.

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

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

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

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

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

Ziaka M, A Exadaktylos (2026)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biosensors, 16(8): pii:bios16080420.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal of neurovirology, 32(5):.

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

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

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

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

Journal of neurovirology, 32(5):.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alkhidir M, K Sridharan (2026)

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

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

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

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

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

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

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

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

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

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

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

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

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

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

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

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

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

Egelkrout E (2026)

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

Vaccines, 14(8):.

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

RevDate: 2026-08-22

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-24

Mól N, P Kwinta (2026)

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

Pediatric cardiology [Epub ahead of print].

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

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

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

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

Molecular biology reports, 53(1):.

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

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

Gaevert JA, CE van de Sandt (2026)

The ageing immune system and its battle with viruses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RevDate: 2026-08-25

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

Saliva Liquid Biopsy for Detection of Oral and Systemic Diseases.

Journal of periodontal research [Epub ahead of print].

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

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

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

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

Frontiers in medicine, 13:1914903.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ESP Quick Facts

ESP Origins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Papers in Classical Genetics

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

Digital Books

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

Timelines

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

Biographies

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

Selected Bibliographies

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

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