Healthcare最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic Potentials of Virtual Blue Spaces: A Study on the Physiological and Psychological Health Benefits of Virtual Waterscapes.","authors":"Su-Hsin Lee, Yi-Chien Chu, Li-Wen Wang, Shu-Chen Tsai","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111353","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111353","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Physical and mental health issues are increasingly becoming a global focus of attention, and telemedicine is widely attracting academic interest. Objectives: This exploratory study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of immersive virtual blue spaces for individuals with distinct lifestyle backgrounds-specifically, office workers and retirees. The research explores how different virtual waterscapes influence emotional and physiological states in populations with varying stress profiles and life rhythms. <b>Methods</b>: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative measurements with qualitative interviews. In September 2023, forty participants (20 office workers and 20 retirees) from Hualien, Taiwan, were exposed to 360° VR simulations of three blue environments: a forest stream, a forest waterfall, and a beach scene. Pre- and post-session assessments included physiological indicators (blood pressure and heart rate) and emotional states measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. <b>Results</b>: Significant physiological relaxation was observed among retirees. Office workers demonstrated greater emotional improvements, with noticeable variation depending on the type of virtual environment. Comparative analysis highlighted the stream landscape's unique benefit for reducing depression and enhancing positive mood states. Thematic findings from post-session interviews further indicated that emotional responses were moderated by individual background and prior emotional experiences. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings underscore the short-term therapeutic potential of virtual blue spaces for diverse user groups and reveal the influence of personal context on their effectiveness. The study supports the integration of VR-based nature exposure into personalized digital healthcare interventions and offers a foundation for future development in immersive therapeutic technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the Oral Health Perceptions and Behaviours of Adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Cross Sectional Study.","authors":"Jasmin Habibovic, Kenan Demirovic, Edina Habibovic, Jasmina Mlaco Durek, Alisa Tiro","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111347","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The objective of this investigation was to assess the oral health (OH) of Bosnia and Herzegovinian adolescents in relation to differences and socioeconomic status (SES).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 306 school children from high schools located in the Tuzla Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The sample consisted of 183 females and 123 males between 15 and 18 years old (mean of 16.82 years old). The study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020, via an Annex 8 questionnaire from the World Health Organization (WHO), which collected information on OH behaviours, self-perceptions of oral health and dietary factors responsible for the OH of each subject. SES was categorized using five variables (occupation, education, income, place of residence and number of family members). Cross-tabulations were evaluated according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES) via the chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 40% of the participants consumed sweets, cakes and biscuits on daily basis, whereas 41.5% of the participants visited a dentist only in the case of pain. The consumption of sweets (<i>p</i> = 0.024) and cakes and biscuits (<i>p</i> = 0.011) on a daily basis was significantly greater in female adolescents than in male adolescents. Compared with male adolescents, female adolescents reported occasional toothaches more frequently (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and were more dissatisfied with their dental appearance (<i>p</i> = 0.008) but presented a greater frequency of flossing (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and toothbrushing (3-5 times a day) (<i>p</i> = 0.0001). There was no association between the different levels (below average, average, above average) of SES and factors affecting OH status of adolescents.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study revealed significant sex differences in several factors affecting OH status and revealed no relationship between SES and OH behaviours or between perceptions and risk factors affecting OH in 15-18-year-old adolescents. Data obtained from this study might help in the creation of new OH prevention programs aimed at improving the OH status of adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selective Activation of the Subscapularis Muscle: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.","authors":"Donghyun Kim, Soonjee Park","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111349","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111349","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Clinicians have employed various therapeutic exercises to enhance the function and strength of the subscapularis muscle (SSC). However, few studies have investigated the most effective exercise for selectively activating the SSC while minimizing compensation from surrounding shoulder musculatures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty healthy participants without any shoulder complex conditions participated in this study. Individuals with a history of shoulder pain or musculoskeletal or neurological conditions affecting shoulder internal rotation were excluded. Participants performed three exercises: (1) Belly Press, (2) Lift Off, and (3) Prone Wiper, in a randomized order generated using Microsoft Excel. Ultrasound was then performed to assess the SSC and infraspinatus (IS) muscle thickness. Surface electromyography was used to record anterior deltoid (AD), pectoralis major (PM), and posterior deltoid (PD) muscle activity. Radiographic imaging was employed to evaluate the path of the instantaneous center of rotation (PICR). Data were analyzed using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Bonferroni adjustment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant reduction in IS thickness and PICR was observed only following the Belly Press (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Electromyographic activity of AD, PM, and PD increased significantly across all exercises (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the Belly Press most effectively allows the SSC to generate force while maintaining a stable center of rotation during shoulder movement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Belly Press was most effective in selectively activating the SSC while minimizing surrounding shoulder rotator muscle activity and reducing PICR. This finding may help clinicians identify and treat patients with shoulder internal rotation injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Telepsychiatry and Artificial Intelligence: A Structured Review of Emerging Approaches to Accessible Psychiatric Care.","authors":"Artem Bobkov, Feier Cheng, Jinpeng Xu, Tatiana Bobkova, Fangmin Deng, Jingran He, Xinyan Jiang, Dinislam Khuzin, Zheng Kang","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111348","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Artificial intelligence is rapidly permeating the field of psychiatry. It offers novel avenues for the diagnosis, treatment, and prediction of mental health disorders. This structured review aims to consolidate current approaches to the application of AI in telepsychiatry. In addition, it evaluates their technological maturity, clinical utility, and ethical-legal robustness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for the period spanning 2015 to 2025. The selection and analysis processes adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The final synthesis included 44 publications, among which 14 were empirical studies encompassing a broad spectrum of algorithmic approaches-ranging from neural networks and natural language processing (NLP) to multimodal architectures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review revealed a wide array of AI applications in telepsychiatry, encompassing automated diagnostics, therapeutic support, predictive modeling, and risk stratification. The most actively employed techniques include natural language and speech processing, multimodal analysis, and advanced forecasting models. However, significant barriers to implementation persist-ethical (threats to autonomy and risks of algorithmic bias), technological (limited generalizability and a lack of explainability), and legal (ambiguous accountability and weak regulatory frameworks).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review underscores a growing disconnect between the rapid evolution of AI technologies and the institutional maturity of tools suitable for scalable clinical integration. Despite notable technological advances, the clinical adoption of AI in telepsychiatry remains limited. The analysis identifies persistent methodological gaps and systemic barriers that demand coordinated efforts across research, technical, and regulatory communities. It also outlines key directions for future empirical studies and interdisciplinary development of implementation standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of Distance Yoga Learning in Improving Maternal Pandemic-Related Depression and Stress During Pregnancy.","authors":"Wen-Ping Lee, Min-Yu Chang, Chiu-Tzu Lin, Whei-Mei Shih","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The aim of this study was to explore the effects of distance yoga learning in improving depression and pregnancy stress in pregnant women during the pandemic. <b>Methods:</b> A preference-based quasi-experimental study design with an experimental group (<i>n</i> = 30) and a control group (<i>n</i> = 31) was used to test both self-reported depression and stress status. The experimental group received a 12-week pregnancy yoga program, including one weekly 60 min distance yoga class followed by two sessions of DVD yoga exercise at home, while the control group received only routine nursing care. <b>Results:</b> There were significant differences in the depression and pregnancy stress indices between the two groups. As the number of weeks of pregnancy increased, both pregnancy depression and stress tended to gradually increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001). However, the experimental group had less pregnancy depression than the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the two groups in stress (<i>p</i> = 0.970). <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings inform clinical practice regarding the use of alternative exercise options such as distance yoga classes for pregnant women's mental health during a pandemic to reduce depression and pregnancy stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unpacking Young Adults' Fact-Checking Intent on Oral Health Misinformation: Parallel Mediating Roles of Need for Cognition and Perceived Seriousness-A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Donghwa Chung, Yongjun Zhang, Jiaqi Wang, Yanfang Meng","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111354","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111354","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oral health misinformation has increasingly proliferated across social media platforms in China, prompting rising concerns about the accuracy of health-related content. Fact-checking intent has been identified as a key strategy for mitigating the spread of such misinformation. However, empirical research on the psychological factors shaping engagement in fact-checking behaviors remains limited.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to examine the association between misinformation recognition and fact-checking intent among Chinese young adults (aged 18-36).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Guided by status quo bias theory, this study integrates psychological constructs into its theoretical framework. A stimulus-based online survey was conducted, yielding 452 valid responses. Direct, mediated, and serial mediation hypotheses were tested using SPSS 26.0 and Jamovi 2.6.24.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between misinformation recognition and fact-checking intent. A parallel mediation model involving need for cognition and perceived seriousness was supported, clarifying the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study contributes valuable empirical evidence to the understanding of fact-checking intent among Chinese young adults in the context of oral health misinformation. The findings offer practical implications for developing targeted interventions to increase misinformation awareness and promote active engagement in fact-checking behaviors.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Turkish Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity, and Reliability of the Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS) in Physically Active Healthy Adults.","authors":"Yıldız Analay Akbaba, Büşra Aksan Sadıkoğlu, Kübra Nur Menengiç, Meltem Besim Atakan, Doğukan Tongar, Gulfidan Tokgoz, Alper Ayas, Sahra Şirvan Tongar, Tuğba Akgüller Eker","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111343","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The Physical Activity and Social Support Scale (PASSS) is used to evaluate the physical activity and social support in a multidimensional way, but it has not yet been translated or culturally adapted for Turkish-speaking individuals. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PASSS, which evaluates social support for physically active, healthy young adults. <b>Methods:</b> Two hundred and two individuals (98 females, 104 males; mean ± SD age, 26.5 ± 6.1 years; BMI, 23.3 ± 3.2 kg/m²) participated in the study. The PASSS was translated into Turkish using the Beaton guidelines. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12) were used for construct, convergent, and divergent validity. <b>Results:</b> The PASSS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.84) and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.86-0.93). The PASSS showed good correlation with the MSPSS (r = 0.378, <i>p</i> = 0.001), fair correlation with the IPAQ-SF (r = 0.271, <i>p</i> = 0.001), and poor correlation with the SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12) (r = 0.15, <i>p</i> = 0.03); it was not correlated with the SF-12 mental component score (MCS-12) (r = 0.102 <i>p</i> = 0.15). We observed no ceiling and floor effects. <b>Conclusions:</b> The results show that the PASSS Turkish version is reliable and valid and can be utilized for physically active, healthy young Turkish adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the Frailty Phenotype and the Korean Version of the FRAIL Scale.","authors":"Dongwoo Lee, Inhye Cho, Dongmin Kwak","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111352","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Frailty is an important factor in the quality of life, because physical functions decrease with increasing frailty and cannot return to their previous state. This can lead to falls, hospitalization, dependency, and early mortality. However, the definition of and measurement tools for frailty remain unclear. Among these measurement tools, the frailty phenotype and frailty index are commonly used. In Korea, frailty is diagnosed using the Korean version of the FRAIL scale (K-FRAIL scale), which was developed using the frailty phenotype and frailty index. <b>Objectives:</b> The goals of this study were to compare the frailty phenotype and the K-FRAIL scale, and to identify measurement tools that can accurately diagnose frailty in Korea. <b>Methods:</b> Frailty was assessed in 40 older adults aged 65 years or older using the frailty phenotype and the K-FRAIL scale. <b>Results:</b> The prevalence of the frailty phenotype was observed in frail (7.5%), pre-frail (60%), and robust (32.5%) patients. In contrast, the K-FRAIL was observed in frail (0%), prefrail (22.5%), and robust (77.5%) patients. The mean score of the frailty phenotype was higher than the K-FRAIL score (<i>p</i> = 0.00). <b>Conclusions:</b> We identified a difference between the frailty phenotype and K-FRAIL. Collectively, these two measurement tools can provide different measurement frameworks depending on the measurement environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Ulceration with Bone Sequestration: Key Insights for Clinicians and Their Relevance in Contemporary Clinical Practice-A Narrative Systematic Review.","authors":"Mariana Agra Monteiro, Lázaro Andrade Rios da Silva, Sebastião Silvério Sousa-Neto, Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti de Albuquerque-Júnior, Cassiano Francisco Weege Nonaka, Pollianna Muniz Alves, John Lennon Silva Cunha","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Oral ulceration with bone sequestration (OUBS) is an uncommon clinical lesion characterized by painful mucosal ulceration associated with exposed and necrotic bone in the oral cavity, often without known factors inducing osteonecrosis. Despite its potential for diagnostic confusion with more serious lesions, such as medication-related osteonecrosis, OUBS remains poorly understood and underreported. <b>Objectives</b>: To systematically review the literature on OUBS and identify its main clinical and radiographic characteristics to assist in early diagnosis and appropriate management. <b>Methods</b>: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases on 27 January 2024, to identify case reports, case series, and observational studies that described OUBS. Data extraction focused on demographic information, lesion location, clinical features, radiographic findings, possible etiological factors, management, and outcomes. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools were utilized to assess the quality of the case reports and series. Data were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity among studies. <b>Results</b>: Fifty-seven patients from 22 studies were included. The male-to-female ratio was 2.5:1, with most cases (71.9%) occurring in males. The mean age was 50.22 ± 11.49 years, with the highest incidence in patients aged 50-59 years (64.9%). Most cases were localized to the mandible (94.7%). Clinically, lesions were shallow ulcers (mean size: 0.75 ± 0.85 cm). Pain was the most common symptom (88.9%). Radiographs revealed no significant maxillary abnormalities, but some cases showed radiopaque areas in the mandible. Surgical interventions were most common (40.4%), with complete healing in 67.7% of cases within 4 weeks. Limitations include the predominance of case reports and series, which limits the strength of evidence. <b>Conclusions</b>: Recognizing OUBS can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. Further studies are needed to clarify its etiology and natural history. <b>Registration</b>: This review was registered on the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42024541416).</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inflammatory and Angiogenic Mediators Are Differentially Ex-Pressed in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome with Normal and Abnormal Spirometry Results.","authors":"Laura Ileana Minjarez-Robles, Jesús Gilberto Arámburo-Gálvez, Oscar Gerardo Figueroa-Salcido, José Manuel Ornelas-Aguirre, Noé Ontiveros, Lilian Karem Flores-Mendoza","doi":"10.3390/healthcare13111346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13111346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Inflammatory and angiogenic mediators play a key role in post-COVID-19 syndrome pathophysiology. These mediators might be of prognostic value for pulmonary function in this syndrome.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine interleukin-6, -12, and -17, macrophage inflammatory protein-1A (MIP-1A), the vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) gene expression levels, the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plasma levels, and the association of clinical data with pulmonary function in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome with normal and abnormal spirometry results.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Demographic/clinical data and blood samples were collected (45 patients). Pulmonary function was evaluated (spirometry), and the gene expression levels of inflammatory and angiogenic mediators (IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1A, and VEGF-A) were determined in PBMCs (qPCR). MMP-9 plasma levels were determined (ELISA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventeen out of forty-five patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome had abnormal spirometry values, which were associated with arterial hypertension, pneumonia, previous hospitalization, and disease severity (<i>p</i> < 0.05). IL-6, IL-12, and VEGF-A gene expression was upregulated in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome compared with healthy controls. In patients with normal spirometry values, IL-17 and VEGF-A gene expression was upregulated (<i>p</i> < 0.05), but MIP-1A was downregulated (<i>p</i> < 0.05) (vs. the abnormal spirometry group). MMP-9 serum levels were increased in the normal spirometry group compared with the abnormal one (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Post-COVID-19 syndrome has a complex immune pathophysiology, but potential inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers, such as IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, MIP-1A, and VEGF-A, are differentially expressed in this syndrome and might be prognostic predictors of post-COVID-19 syndrome associated with pulmonary function alterations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12977,"journal":{"name":"Healthcare","volume":"13 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144283692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}