Global Health Impact Research Articles

Impact of physical activity on respiratory diseases

Chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, asthma, lung cancer, and COVID-19, significantly impact global health, quality of life, and healthcare systems. Physical activity is increasingly recognized for its preventive and therapeutic roles. Regular exercise enhances lung function, mitigates disease progression, and improves psychological well-being. Studies demonstrate that physical activity benefits patients with COPD, asthma, and lung cancer, promoting spirometric improvements, endurance, and post-operative recovery. Moreover, tailored exercise regimens during and after COVID-19 infection aid rehabilitation and immune resilience. Environmental considerations, such as pollution, must be addressed to maximize exercise benefits. Comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation programs incorporating aerobic, resistance, and breathing exercises yield significant health improvements. This evidence underscores the critical role of physical activity in managing respiratory diseases, advocating its integration into patient care and public health strategies to enhance overall outcomes.

Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has profoundly impacted global health, with pneumonia emerging as a major complication in severe cases. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 is marked by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an excessive inflammatory response, resulting in oxidative stress and significant tissue damage, particularly in the respiratory system. Antioxidants have garnered considerable attention for their potential role in managing COVID-19 pneumonia by mitigating oxidative stress and modulating immune responses. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature on the use of antioxidants in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Studies exploring antioxidants, including vitamins, trace elements, nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3), glutathione (GSH), L-carnitine, melatonin, bromelain, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and numerous polyphenols, have yielded promising outcomes. Through their ROS-scavenging properties, these molecules support endothelial function, reduce the thrombosis risk, and may help mitigate the effects of the cytokine storm, a key contributor to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Clinical evidence suggests that antioxidant supplementation may improve patient outcomes by decreasing inflammation, supporting immune cell function, and potentially shortening recovery times. Furthermore, these molecules may mitigate the symptoms of COVID-19 by exerting direct antiviral effects that inhibit the infection process and genomic replication of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells. Moreover, antioxidants may work synergistically with standard antiviral treatments to reduce viral-induced oxidative damage. By integrating findings from the literature with real-world data from our clinical experience, we gain a more profound understanding of the role of antioxidants in managing COVID-19 pneumonia. Further research combining comprehensive literature reviews with real-world data analysis is crucial to validate the efficacy of antioxidants and establish evidence-based guidelines for their use in clinical practice.

Obesity Aggravates the Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized in the North of Mato Grosso, Brazil: A Cohort Study

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has significantly impacted global health, particularly among patients with obesity. This study evaluates the prevalence and effects of overweight and obesity on the clinical profiles and complications of COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in Northern Mato Grosso. We conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing medical records of COVID-19 patients hospitalized from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients were classified into normal body weight, overweight, and obesity groups. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis’s test and Dunn’s post-test (continuous variables) or by the chi-square test (χ2) (categorical variables). Among 145 ward records, 24.1% were normal body weight, 46.2% were overweight, and 29.7% were obese. In the intensive care unit, data from 243 patients indicated that 17.3% were normal body weight, 37.9% were overweight, and 44.9% were obese, highlighting a concerning prevalence of overweight/obesity. Chest computed tomography revealed that moderate pulmonary involvement (25–50%) was most frequent in the overweight group, while severe involvement (>50%) was predominant in the obesity group. The obesity group experienced more complications, including increased use of mechanical ventilation. Notably, in both settings, mortality rates were higher among patients with overweight and obesity. This study concludes that overweight and obesity significantly worsen COVID-19 outcomes.

The burden of irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia in Poland: a cross-sectional study from West Pomeranian Voivodship

BackgroundFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), now known as disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD), significantly impact global health, reducing quality of life and burdening healthcare systems. This study addresses the epidemiological gap in Poland, focusing on the West Pomeranian Voivodeship.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 2070 Caucasian patients (58.2% female, mean age 57.5 ± 15.1 years) undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations at Pomeranian Medical University from 2021 to 2023. Data were collected using Rome IV diagnostic questionnaires and correlated with gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy findings. Exclusion criteria were age under 18, pregnancy, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, severe comorbidities, cancer, immunosuppressive therapy, ileostomy/colostomy, incomplete questionnaires, or lack of consent.ResultsUsing Rome IV criteria, IBS was diagnosed in 436 participants (21.1%) and FD in 248 participants (12.0%). Post-endoscopic evaluation revised FD diagnoses to 184 individuals (8.9%). Females had a higher prevalence of IBS and FD (OR 1.64 and 1.61, respectively). No significant association was found between higher BMI and increased risk of IBS and FD. Hypertension and diabetes prevalence were 35.1% and 13.0%, respectively. Individuals with a history of COVID-19 had a higher risk of developing IBS (OR 1.47, P = 0.050).ConclusionsOur study provides crucial epidemiological data on IBS and FD in Poland, emphasizing the importance of endoscopic evaluations. Our findings highlight the need for regional studies to understand local DGBI prevalence, aiding targeted healthcare strategies.Graphical

Detection and identification of Naegleria species along with Naegleria fowleri in the tap water samples

Naegleria fowleri, the causative agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is commonly found in warm freshwater environments and can enter the brain through nasal passages during activities like swimming or ablution. PAM has a high fatality rate, raising concerns about its global health impact. In Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, a significant number of cases have been reported, often with no history of recreational water exposure, but with regular ablution using tap water. This study analyzed the physicochemical parameters, abundance of total and fecal coliforms, and detected N. fowleri and other Naegleria species in tap water samples from Karachi using PCR with ITS- and Naegl-primers. Almost all samples exhibited high temperatures, low chlorine levels, and a high presence of coliforms. N. fowleri and other Naegleria species were detected in 11 out of 39 samples. Sequence analysis identified N. fowleri in tap water from the Golimar and Lyari areas of Karachi, while the other nine samples revealed different Naegleria species. This study suggests that the combination of high temperatures, insufficient chlorination, and the presence of coliforms may create favorable conditions for N. fowleri growth. However, these factors are not exclusive to the Golimar and Lyari areas, indicating that other environmental or infrastructural factors, not detailed in this study, may have contributed to the presence of N. fowleri in that specific location.

Autoimmune rheumatic manifestations in a cohort of Egyptian COVID-19 patients

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had significant global health impact. Like systemic autoimmune diseases, COVID-19 may manifest with systemic and heterogenous clinical presentations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of autoimmune rheumatic manifestations among a cohort of Egyptian patients with COVID-19 infection. The study included 90 adult confirmed COVID-19 patients as determined by the polymerase chain reaction test. They were subjected to the following assessments: detailed medical history, full clinical and rheumatological examination, routine laboratory investigations, a panel of autoimmune markers, and high-resolution computed tomography chest. Then the patients studied were divided according to the positivity of autoimmune markers into positive and negative groups. According to the COVID-19 disease severity, patients were divided into mild, moderate, severe, and critical groups. The mean age of the study population was 54.60 ± 10.72 years, and 53.3% of them were females and 46.7% males. Of the patients studied 13.3% had positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), 15.6% positive for rheumatoid factor (RF), 8.9% positive for anticardiolipin (ACL) IgM, and 5.6% positive for ACL IgG. The autoimmune markers were not statistically different however, all cases with positive ANA were present among severe and critical COVID-19 cases. All cases with positive RF, ACL IgM, or ACL IgG were found among moderate, severe, and critical patients. In conclusion, COVID-19 disease is associated with variable autoimmune manifestations. Autoimmune rheumatic manifestations, either clinical or autoimmune markers, are more evident in severe and critical COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 patients with positive ANA or RF are more likely to develop cutaneous, musculoskeletal, and vascular manifestations.

Reemerging Infectious Diseases and Neuroimmunologic Complications.

During the past decade (and beyond), neurologists have become aware of the emergence, persistence, and consequences of some familiar and new infections affecting the nervous system. Even among the familiar CNS infections, such as herpes virus, polyoma virus/JC, influenza, arbovirus, and hepatitis, challenges remain in developing effective antiviral treatments and treatments of postinfection sequelae. With the changing environment and increased global travel, arthropod vectors that mediate zoonotic disease transmission have spread unfamiliar viruses such as West Nile virus, dengue, chikungunya, equine encephalitis, and Zika, among others. Although the global health impact of these diseases has not risen to that of COVID-19 and HIV, it is likely to dramatically increase with continued spread of transmission vectors and the emergence of new zoonotic animal-to-human diseases mediated by those transmission vectors. Furthermore, specific virus-targeting treatments or effective vaccines for arboviral infections are not yet available, and this represents a major challenge in limiting the morbidity of these infections. By contrast, HIV-1, a disease that originated by direct transmission from nonhuman primates to humans (as early as the 1930s), after many years of intense study, is now targeted by highly specific and effective antiviral drugs that can limit the spread of infection and extend human life and health in all populations. Even with these dramatic therapeutic effects of suppressing HIV replication, neurologic dysfunction (primarily cognitive impairment) affects significant numbers of persons living with HIV. This emphasizes not only the importance of treating the underlying infection but also developing treatments for legacy effects of the initial infection even after antiviral therapy. Notably, the rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was met with rapid implementation of highly effective and specific antiviral therapies. This resulted in early and dramatic lowering of the morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nonetheless, the postinfectious complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection (long COVID) are now among the more costly consequences of emerging zoonotic infections worldwide. Developing new antiviral therapies that can penetrate the CNS, vaccines, and therapies that target host immune responses and metabolic dysfunction will be necessary for management of infectious and postinfectious complications of established and emerging infections.

FISPGHAN statement on the global public health impact of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

As rates of obesity rise worldwide, incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly referred to as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is increasing, worsening the burden of healthcare systems. The council of the Federation of International Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (FISPGHAN) identified the topic of MASLD epidemiology, treatment, and prevention as a global priority issue to be addressed by an expert team, with the goal to describe feasible and evidence-based actions that may contribute to reducing MASLD risk. The FISPGHAN member societies nominated experts in the field. The FISPGHAN council selected and appointed members of the expert team and a chair. The subtopics included in this manuscript were chosen through a consensus of the experts involved. We review the epidemiology, natural history, and screening and management. We further expand to relevant public health measures aimed at MASLD prevention, including identifying interventions that could reduce risk factors (environmental and iatrogenic), optimize maternal and newborn health, and support healthier lifestyles for older children and adolescents on a local, national, and international scale. While recognizing that various aspects of population health and public policy can shape MASLD risk, we also review what we can do on an individual level to support our patients to reduce the significant burden of this ever rising disease in pediatrics.

Global Impact of COVID-19: Pandemic Preparedness, Healthcare Response, and Lessons Learned

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has profoundly impacted global public health, economies, and healthcare systems since its emergence in late 2019. This research paper examines the global response to the pandemic, focusing on healthcare infrastructure, public health strategies, vaccination campaigns, and digital health innovations. By analysing data from countries severely affected by the pandemic, such as Italy, the United States, India, and Brazil, this study explores the correlation between healthcare capacity, ICU utilization, and mortality rates. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of early interventions, including lockdowns, social distancing, and mask mandates, in controlling the virus’s spread and reducing healthcare strain. The analysis reveals that countries with robust healthcare systems and early implementation of public health measures were more successful in managing COVID-19 outbreaks and minimizing deaths. Vaccination played a critical role in mitigating the pandemic’s severity, with countries achieving higher vaccination coverage witnessing significant reductions in hospitalizations and fatalities. The study also highlights the essential role of digital health solutions, such as contact tracing apps and telemedicine, in maintaining healthcare services while curbing the virus's spread. This paper concludes with lessons learned from the pandemic, emphasizing the need for greater global cooperation, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and equitable access to vaccines and medical supplies. These findings aim to guide future pandemic preparedness strategies, ensuring that the world is better equipped to handle similar health crises.

Incident Cardiometabolic Comorbidities in Smokers with/Without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Long-Term Cohort Study.

Backgrounds: Despite the significant global health impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), our understanding of potential predictors associated with its development in smokers, remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether a new COPD diagnosis and the rate of lung function decline serve as predictors for incident CMM (defined as having at least two of the following comorbidities: cerebro-cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) in smokers. Methods: An observational longitudinal analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted, including smokers without a previous COPD diagnosis and any cardiometabolic conditions. Sociodemographic and clinical data (body mass index, smoking history, respiratory symptoms, and hospital admissions) were collected at baseline. Lung function tests were performed at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. The incidence of CMM, a new positive diagnosis of COPD, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) annual rate of decline were prospectively registered. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were adopted to explore risk factors associated with the incidence of CMM. Results: From the 391 smokers included in the study, 207 (53%) were newly diagnosed with COPD, and 184 had a preserved spirometry at baseline (non-COPD group). After nearly a decade of follow-up, 34% (n = 133) of smokers developed CMM. This group was characterized by male predominance, older age, higher BMI and pack-years of smoking, lower post-FEV1, baseline COPD diagnosis, and a history of hospital admission. A positive diagnosis of COPD at baseline and a greater rate of lung function decline (ΔFEV1 ≥ 40 mL/year) were independent predictors for developing CMM. Conclusions: A new COPD diagnosis and an accelerated decline in lung function are significantly associated with the development of CMM in smokers.

Mast Cells and Basophils in Major Viral Diseases: What Are the Correlations with SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A Viruses, HIV, and Dengue?

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has significantly impacted global health and has led the population and the scientific community to live in fear of a future pandemic. Based on viral infectious diseases, innate immunity cells such as mast cells and basophils play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of viral diseases. Understanding these mechanisms could be essential to better study practical therapeutic approaches not only to COVID-19 but also to other viral infections widely spread worldwide, such as influenza A, HIV, and dengue. In this literature review, we want to study these concepts. Mast cells and basophils intervene as a bridge between innate and acquired immunity and seem to have a role in the damage mechanisms during infection and in the stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity. In some cases, these cells can act as reservoirs and favor the replication and spread of the virus in the body. Understanding these mechanisms can be useful not only in therapeutic but also in diagnostic and prognostic perspectives. The prospects of applying artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for the creation of very accurate diagnostic/prognostic tools are interesting.

The impact of COVID-19 on accelerating of immunosenescence and brain aging

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly impacted global health, affecting not only the immediate morbidity and mortality rates but also long-term health outcomes across various populations. Although the acute effects of COVID-19 on the respiratory system have initially been the primary focus, it is increasingly evident that the virus can have significant impacts on multiple physiological systems, including the nervous and immune systems. The pandemic has highlighted the complex interplay between viral infection, immune aging, and brain health, that can potentially accelerate neuroimmune aging and contribute to the persistence of long COVID conditions. By inducing chronic inflammation, immunosenescence, and neuroinflammation, COVID-19 may exacerbate the processes of neuroimmune aging, leading to increased risks of cognitive decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and impaired immune function. Key factors include chronic immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and the disruption of cellular processes. These overlapping mechanisms between aging and COVID-19 illustrate how the virus can induce and accelerate aging-related processes, leading to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases and other age-related conditions. This mini-review examines key features and possible mechanisms of COVID-19-induced neuroimmune aging that may contribute to the persistence and severity of long COVID. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective interventions. Anti-inflammatory therapies, neuroprotective agents, immunomodulatory treatments, and lifestyle interventions all hold potential for mitigating the long-term effects of the virus. By addressing these challenges, we can improve health outcomes and quality of life for millions affected by the pandemic.

A stand-alone and point-of-care electrochemical immuno-device for Salmonella typhimurium testing.

The rapid development of accurate and point-of-care diagnostic tools for foodborne diseases has made a massive impact in global health. Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) exemplifies an enteric pathogen, being a gram-negative bacteria responsible for several gastrointestinal and systemic illnesses. However, the existing electrochemical devices used to detect S. typhimurium have always been bulky or unfully integrated, implying a critical need for the design and development of stand-alone and point-of-care electrochemical sensors for portable S. typhimurium testing. Herein, we present the first instance of a stand-alone and point-of-care electrochemical immuno-device (SPEID) capable of conducting S. typhimurium analysis in actual specimens of purified drinking water that is mixed with S. typhimurium and watermelon juice that is mixed with S. typhimurium at point-of-care. The development of SPEID for S. typhimurium testing is achieved by overcoming substantial engineering challenges in seamlessly integrating an autonomous-transportation module (ATM) for microfluidic autonomous and directional liquid transportation, an immune-testing module (ITM) for S. typhimurium testing, and an electronic-integration module (EIM) for converting signal and wirelessly transmitting. The SPEID is a stand-alone one which possesses pump-free and cost-effective feature for measuring S. typhimurium at point of care.

Key Mental Health Challenges: The Role of Health Policy After COVID-19

Background; The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted global mental health, revealing vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and exacerbating issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers, young adults, and children, faced heightened risks due to social isolation, economic uncertainty, and disruptions to daily life. These challenges emphasized the critical need for targeted interventions and systemic improvements in mental health care. Objective; This review aims to analyze the key mental health challenges emerging post-pandemic, evaluate the roles of government policies and community interventions, and propose evidence-based strategies for prevention and rehabilitation. Additionally, it highlights innovative solutions to address service gaps and promote resilience. Methodology; A narrative review methodology was employed, synthesizing data from peer-reviewed journals, organizational reports (e.g., WHO, OECD, UNICEF), and national datasets from 2019–2023. Key themes—mental health challenges, government roles, prevention strategies, and innovative interventions—were explored through qualitative and quantitative analyses. Selection criteria focused on mental health conditions exacerbated by the pandemic and policy responses at local and national levels. Conclusions; The pandemic underscored the importance of mental health as a public health priority. Effective interventions include integrating mental health into broader health policies, increasing funding, and promoting public awareness. Prevention strategies focusing on early detection, lifestyle interventions, and community support proved vital, while rehabilitation efforts such as family involvement, peer networks, and technological tools facilitated recovery. A multisectoral, evidence-based approach is essential to build resilient mental health systems capable of addressing future challenges.

Strategies to Enhance Diagnostic Capabilities for the New Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) Drugs.

The global burden of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) continues to challenge healthcare systems worldwide. There is a critical need to tackle DR-TB by enhancing diagnostics and drug susceptibility testing (DST) capabilities, particularly for emerging DR-TB drugs. This endeavor is crucial to optimize the efficacy of new therapeutic regimens and prevent the resistance and overuse of these invaluable weapons. Despite this urgency, there remains a lack of comprehensive review of public health measures aimed at improving the diagnostics and DST capabilities. In this review, we outline strategies to enhance the capabilities, especially tailored to address the challenges posed by resistance to new DR-TB drugs. We discuss the current landscape of DR-TB drugs, existing diagnostic and susceptibility testing methods, and notable gaps and challenges in these methods and explore strategies for ensuring fair access to DST while narrowing these disparities. The strategies include public health interventions aimed at strengthening laboratory infrastructure, workforce training, and quality assurance programs, technology transfer initiatives, involving drug developers in the DST development, establishing national or regional referral hubs, fostering collaboration and resources pooling with other infection control efforts, extending testing access in underserved areas through public-private partnerships, advocating for lowering costs or loans at low interest, remote technical support, and implementing mandatory molecular surveillance monitoring. This review underscores the urgent need to enhance DST capacities for new DR-TB drugs and identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement. Assessing the extent of the global health impact of these measures is crucial to ensure their effectiveness in combating DR-TB.

The Real-World Effectiveness of Inactivated COVID-19 Vaccines in Zimbabwe During the Omicron Variant Dominance: A Test-Negative Case-Control Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global health, with varying vaccine effectiveness (VE) across different regions and vaccine platforms. In Africa, where vaccination rates are relatively low, inactivated vaccines like BBIP-CorV (Sinopharm) and Coronovac (Sinovac) have been widely used. This study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of licensed inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe during a period dominated by Omicron variants. We conducted a prospective, test-negative, case-control study among symptomatic adults across six Zimbabwean provinces from November 2022 to October 2023. Participants were categorized based on vaccination status, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. Vaccine effectiveness was assessed using conditional logistic regression, adjusting for various covariates such as age, sex, and comorbidities. Among 5175 participants, 701 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 4474 tested negative. The overall adjusted VE against symptomatic COVID-19 was 31% (95% CI: 5.3-49.7%) among verified vaccinated individuals. Boosted individuals demonstrated a higher VE of 59.8% (95% CI: 40.3-72.9%). VE decreased significantly to 24% (95% CI: -4.1-44.8%) in individuals vaccinated over a year prior. Similar VE was observed for BBIP-CorV (36.8%, 95% CI: 11.4-54.9%) and Coronovac (38.1%, 95% CI: 16.3-54.2%). This study indicates modest protection from inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic Omicron infection, with significant enhancement following booster doses. These findings highlight the need for continued vaccine evaluation, particularly in resource-limited settings, to inform public health strategies and optimize vaccination programs.

Workplace-based prevention and management of knee pain: a systematic review.

Knee pain is highly prevalent and disabling among the general and working population. This systematic review explored the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions on knee pain among workers. A PICO-guided systematic search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection for articles published from 2003 until January 2023. Eligible articles included randomized and non-randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of workplace-based interventions on knee pain among currently employed adult workers. The quality assessment and evidence synthesis adhered to the systematic review approach, which the Institute for Work & Health developed, and was focused on developing practical recommendations for stakeholders. Of the 13 identified studies, 11 medium- and high-quality studies were entered into the evidence synthesis. Importantly, none of the included studies specifically aimed at reducing of knee pain. Still, among the included studies, a strong level of evidence suggested no benefit of workplace-based physical exercise/activity intervention on knee pain. The level of evidence was deemed too uncertain to guide current policy/practices for ergonomic and multifaceted interventions. No intervention types were associated with negative effects on knee pain. The current evidence-base pertaining to workplace-based prevention and management of knee pain is insufficient to guide effective preventive workplace practice or policy development. Considering the global prevalence and health impact of knee pain, development and implementation of effective workplace interventions aimed at prevention and management of knee pain is needed.

MPOX (Monkeypox): Current Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Advances in Treatment and Prevention Strategies

MPOX (formerly known as monkeypox) has emerged as a significant public health concern in recent years, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment options, prevention strategies, and global health impact. This literature review synthesizes the latest data on the spread and incidence of MPOX, with a focus on geographic distribution, affected populations, and emerging trends in transmission. The clinical presentation of MPOX, including symptoms, disease progression, and complications, is explored, with particular attention to variations across different demographics. Recent advances in the treatment of MPOX are analyzed, covering current antiviral therapies, the role of supportive care, and the potential of new treatments under investigation. Prevention strategies are also examined, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination efforts, public health measures, and containment and control strategies. The review further considers the broader impact of MPOX on global health, discussing its implications for public health policy and pandemic preparedness. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review aims to provide a robust foundation for understanding MPOX and inform future research, clinical practice, and public health initiatives.

The global impact of respiratory infectious diseases and their challenges to public health systems

Abstract. Respiratory infectious diseases pose a major challenge to public health systems worldwide. Influenza is a highly seasonal respiratory infectious disease. Tuberculosis, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the major threats to global public health. Pneumonia is a common and serious respiratory infection in children and adults. This article explores the global health impact of influenza, tuberculosis and pneumonia and the challenges they pose to public health systems. Taken together, influenza, tuberculosis, and pneumonia pose multiple challenges to global public health systems. The results show that understanding the prevalence patterns, risk factors, and social determinants of these diseases is critical to developing effective public health strategies and interventions.

From Polarities and Perspectives of Social Media: Instagram, TikTok, and Mental Well-Being in the Post-Pandemic Society

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global mental health, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok playing a crucial role in shaping individuals' experiences and well-being. This mixed-methods study investigates the influence of these platforms on mental health outcomes in the post-pandemic era, combining quantitative surveys ( N = 200) with qualitative interviews ( N = 15) across different age groups. The researchers explored relationships between social media use and mental health indicators, examined age-related differences in experiences, and uncovered themes related to social comparison, body image concerns, and the dual role of social media in providing both support and stress. Findings contribute to the growing body of research on social media's impact on mental health, highlighting the complex nature of social media use and its varied effects on different age groups. This study offers insights for mental health professionals, social media platforms, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions and guidelines for promoting healthy social media use and supporting digital well-being in the post-pandemic context.