Evaluating the Correlation Between Prosthodontic Interventions and Chest Infections: A Comprehensive Research Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in the relationship between prosthodontic therapies and outcomes related to systemic health, particularly respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as immunocompromised individuals. The World Health Organization reports that lower respiratory infections are among the top causes of death worldwide, underscoring the importance of understanding their potential link to prosthodontic procedures. Dental operations, such as prosthodontic therapies, may alter the mouth flora and thus affect respiratory health. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to investigate the relationship between prosthodontic procedures and chest infections. METHODOLOGY: This research was an observational prospective cohort study conducted from January 2023 to December 2023 at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) located in Islamabad, Pakistan. One hundred thirty individuals in the cohort, who were at least 18 years old, had a range of prosthodontic procedures, such as total edentulous solutions and tooth restoration. Electronic health data were used for participant selection to minimize selection bias and guarantee diverse representation. Comprehensive evaluations of cardiovascular health, immunological state, pulmonary function, and medical histories were all part of the data-gathering process. Structured questionnaires and interviews were also used to get patient feedback. Using SPSS Statistics software (version 27; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), statistical analysis was performed to examine the relationships between prosthodontic treatments and chest infections using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: PIMS hosted 130 participants in this research, which found that 29 patients, or 22% of the total, had chest infections after surgery. Chest infection rates were 15.15% (five out of 33) in the 18-39 age group, 21.21% (14 out of 66) in the 40-59 age group, and 32.26% (10 out of 31) in the 60+ age group, according to age-specific analysis. Complete edentulous solutions (38 cases, 29.23%) and tooth restoration (55 cases, 42.31%) were the most frequently performed procedures. Compared to tooth restoration (n=15; 55.17%), complete edentulous solutions (n=8; 27.59%) had increased infection risks, according to logistic regression. Following prosthodontic procedures, respiratory health measures improved: respiratory rate dropped to 17.8/min, oxygen saturation rose to 98.1%, and frequency of coughing fell to 1.9/day. CONCLUSION: This research highlights the need for careful post-operative respiratory surveillance by elucidating the strong associations between prosthodontic procedures and chest infections.

A comprehensive study of adverse effects of chemotherapy on female breast cancer patients in NORI Cancer Hospital, Islamabad in a developing country.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the top three malignancies worldwide. While radiotherapy, hormone replacement therapys, and chemotherapy are treatments, chemotherapy causes adverse effects that hinder daily life activities. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence, severity, and association of symptomatic toxicities in female breast cancer patients affecting various organ systems post systemic chemotherapy (adjuvant and neoadjuvant), and their impact on daily activities. Additionally, to determine the severity of adverse effects in specific age groups and their association with family history and disease stage. METHODOLOGY: An observational study was conducted on 253 female breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at NORI Cancer Hospital from May to October 2023. Data collection tools included the NCI-PRO-CTCAE standardized questionnaire and patient medical records. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: Among the 253 patients, 41.4% were aged 41-50. Significant weight changes (p = 0.034) were observed with more than three chemotherapy cycles. Notable associations included increased chemotherapy cycles with gastrointestinal (mouth/throat sores p = 0.031, vomiting p = 0.021), respiratory (cough p = 0.04), cardiovascular (arm/leg swelling p = 0.007, palpitations p = 0.052), integumentary (hair loss p = 0.000, skin dryness p = 0.054), and musculoskeletal (fatigue p = 0.002) adverse effects. Positive family history and the 18-30 age group also showed significant associations with adverse effect severity. Disease stage significantly influenced the nervous system (stage 2 p = 0.007, stage 3 p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The severity of adverse effects varies among age groups, depending on disease stage, genetics, and treatment duration. These patient-reported outcomes highlight the need for better management strategies considering prognostic factors and treatment adverse effects.

Melatonin and copper oxide nanoparticles synergistically mitigate clubroot disease and enhance growth dynamics in Brassica rapa.

Clubroot, a devastating soil borne disease affecting 30%∼50% of Brassicaceae crops worldwide, lacks effective control measures. In the present study, we explored the potential of melatonin (MT) and copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO-NPs) in mitigating clubroot severity in the Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis. Following 18 h priming with MT, CuO-NPs, or both seeds were grown in controlled environment using synthetic potting mix. Inoculated with Plasmodiophora brassicae spores on 5th day, followed by a soil drench phyto-nano treatment with a week interval. Plants were assessed for various health and growth indices including disease, biometrics, photosynthesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activity, hormones and genes expression at onset of secondary clubroot infection using established protocols. Statistical analysis employed ANOVA with Fisher's LSD for significance assessment (P < 0.05). Our results revealed that seed priming with both MT (50 µMol/L) and CuO-NPs (200 mg/L), followed by soil drenching significantly reduced clubroot incidence (38%) and disease index (57%), compared to control treatments. This synergistic effect was associated with enhanced plant growth (shoots: 48% and roots: 59%). Plants treated with both MT and CuO-NPs showed robust antioxidant defenses, significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD (25/29%)), catalase (CAT (83/55%)), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX (83/46%)) activity in both shoots/roots, respectively, compared to infected control. Notably, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid levels doubled in treated plants, while stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) decreased by 80% in roots and 21% in shoots. Gene expression analysis corroborated these findings, showing that the combined treatment activated antioxidant defense genes (SOD, APX and CAT) by 1.9-7.2-fold and upregulated hormone signaling genes JAZ1 (7.8-fold), MYC2 (3.9-fold) and SABP2 (36-fold). Conversely, ABA biosynthesis genes (ABA1 and NCED1) were downregulated up to 7.2-fold, while plant resistance genes NPR1, PRB1 and PDF1.2 were dramatically increased by up to 6.3-fold compared to infected plants. Overall, our combined treatment approach significantly reduces clubroot severity in B. rapa via enhanced antioxidant defenses, improved ROS scavenging, coordinated hormonal regulation and increased pathogen response genes. This study offers promising strategy for developing effective control measures against clubroot in susceptible cruciferous crops.

LapBot-Safe Chole: validation of an artificial intelligence-powered mobile game app to teach safe cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Gaming can serve as an educational tool to allow trainees to practice surgical decision-making in a low-stakes environment. LapBot is a novel free interactive mobile game application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide players with feedback on safe dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). This study aims to provide validity evidence for this mobile game. METHODS: Trainees and surgeons participated by downloading and playing LapBot on their smartphone. Players were presented with intraoperative LC scenes and required to locate their preferred location of dissection of the hepatocystic triangle. They received immediate accuracy scores and personalized feedback using an AI algorithm ("GoNoGoNet") that identifies safe/dangerous zones of dissection. Player scores were assessed globally and across training experience using non-parametric ANOVA. Three-month questionnaires were administered to assess the educational value of LapBot. RESULTS: A total of 903 participants from 64 countries played LapBot. As game difficulty increased, average scores (p < 0.0001) and confidence levels (p < 0.0001) decreased significantly. Scores were significantly positively correlated with players' case volume (p = 0.0002) and training level (p = 0.0003). Most agreed that LapBot should be incorporated as an adjunct into training programs (64.1%), as it improved their ability to reflect critically on feedback they receive during LC (47.5%) or while watching others perform LC (57.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Serious games, such as LapBot, can be effective educational tools for deliberate practice and surgical coaching by promoting learner engagement and experiential learning. Our study demonstrates that players' scores were correlated to their level of expertise, and that after playing the game, most players perceived a significant educational value.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Zinc Sulfate Alleviate Boron Toxicity in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Boron toxicity significantly hinders the growth and development of cotton plants, therefore affecting the yield and quality of this important cash crop worldwide. Limited studies have explored the efficacy of ZnSO4 (zinc sulfate) and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in alleviating boron toxicity. Nanoparticles have emerged as a novel strategy to reduce abiotic stress directly. The precise mechanism underlying the alleviation of boron toxicity by ZnO NPs in cotton remains unclear. In this study, ZnO NPs demonstrated superior potential for alleviating boron toxicity compared to ZnSO4 in hydroponically cultivated cotton seedlings. Under boron stress, plants supplemented with ZnO NPs exhibited significant increases in total fresh weight (75.97%), root fresh weight (39.64%), and leaf fresh weight (69.91%). ZnO NPs positively affected photosynthetic parameters and SPAD values. ZnO NPs substantially reduced H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) by 27.87% and 32.26%, MDA (malondialdehyde) by 27.01% and 34.26%, and O2- (superoxide anion) by 41.64% and 48.70% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. The application of ZnO NPs increased the antioxidant activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) by 82.09% and 76.52%, CAT (catalase) by 16.79% and 16.33%, and POD (peroxidase) by 23.77% and 21.66% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. ZnO NP and ZnSO4 application demonstrated remarkable efficiency in improving plant biomass, mineral nutrient content, and reducing boron levels in cotton seedlings under boron toxicity. A transcriptome analysis and corresponding verification revealed a significant up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis pathway, and ABC transporter genes with the application of ZnO NPs. These findings provide valuable insights for the mechanism of boron stress tolerance in cotton and provide a theoretical basis for applying ZnO NPs and ZnSO4 to reduce boron toxicity in cotton production.

Effectiveness of rivaroxaban in preventing cerebral venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cerebral venous thromboembolism (CVT) poses a significant risk of venous infarction and haemorrhage, which can lead to neurological deficits and, in severe cases, even death. The optimal treatment regimen for patients with CVT remains unclear. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science (WoS), and Cochrane Central databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban in patients with CVT. All-site venous thromboembolism (VTE), risk of clinically relevant non-major bleeding, incidence of partial recanalization, complete recanalization and major haemorrhage were among outcomes of interest. Mantel-Haenszel weighted random-effects model was used to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs. Results: The analysis included 1 RCT and 3 observational studies containing 211 patients. Compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), rivaroxaban did not significantly decrease the all-site VTE [RR 0.31 (95% CI 0.01, 8.43); P=0.49, I2=0%]. Compared with VKAs, patients on rivaroxaban did not show a significantly reduced risk of recurrent cerebral venous thrombosis. In terms of incidence of partial recanalization, there was no discernible difference between rivaroxaban and VKAs [RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.66, 1.22); P=0.49, I2=0%]. There was no discernible difference in incidence of complete recanalization [RR 0.98 (95% CI 0.32, 3.03); P=0.97, I2=28%] and incidence of major haemorrhage [RR 0.19 (95% CI 0.01, 4.54); P=0.30]. Conclusion: Rivaroxaban was found to have similar efficacy to VKAs. Due to its lower risk of severe bleeding and no need for INR monitoring, rivaroxaban may be a preferable treatment option for CVT.

Valorization of algal biomass to synthesize heterogeneous gC3N4-Biochar photocatalyst for the treatment of industrial wastewater using photocatalysis-persulfate oxidation process.

Textile wastewater, heavily contaminated with organic dyes, is generating severe problems to environment and human health. The implementation of gC3N4 with biochar (gC3N4-BC) for the treatment of textile wastewater is less effective due to the limited adsorption capacity and slower degradation kinetics. To tackle these problems, peroxydisulfate (PDS) is integrated with gC3N4-BC photocatalyst to enhance the process efficiency and kinetics. The synthesized gC3N4-BC-5 composite shows higher separation of charge carriers, light absorbance, and lower energy bandgap (2.62 eV). The results of photocatalytic degradation and rate constant are enhanced up to 99.9 % and 0.041 min-1 using gC3N4-BC-5 with PDS as compared to without PDS (96.8 % and 0.028 min-1, respectively). The radicals (SO4-•,O2-•, and OH•) are responsible to improve the degradation process efficiency and kinetics. The reusability of optimized sample indicates that gC3N4-BC-5 is stable and effective up to five cycles. The gC3N4-BC-5 composite attains highest adsorption (70.9 %) when compared to BC (62.3 %) and pure gC3N4 (27.1 %). The well-fitted models of adsorption (Pseudo-Second-Order and Freundlich) confirm the favorable, chemical, and multilayered adsorption process. The coupling of gC3N4-BC-5 with PDS is effective, efficient, and stable process to enhance the kinetics and degradation of textile wastewater.

Opening the Black Box of Host Range, Vectorial Diversity, and Genetic Variants of Genus Anaplasma: The Contributing Factors Toward Its Zoonosis.

Background: Genus Anaplasma of the family Anaplasmataceae possesses bacteria of hematopoietic origin, which are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria transmitted mainly by tick vectors. The members of this group of infectious agents are not new as etiological agents of animal diseases worldwide. However, now, reports of their zoonotic potential have gained currency to study these pathogens. The emergence of new species of Anaplasma and the spread of existing species to new areas and hosts highlight the importance of monitoring and improving diagnostic and treatment options for zoonotic diseases caused by Anaplasma. Conclusion: This review focuses on the general and distinctive characteristics of Anaplasma spp., with particular emphasis on the novel species and their diverse spectrum of hosts as potential risk factors impacting its emerging zoonosis.

Sustainable hydrogen production via microalgae: Technological advancements, economic indicators, environmental aspects, challenges, and policy implications.

Hydrogen has emerged as an alternative energy source to meet the increasing global energy demand, depleting fossil fuels and environmental issues resulting from fossil fuel consumption. Microalgae-based biomass is gaining attention as a potential source of hydrogen production due to its green energy carrier properties, high energy content, and carbon-free combustion. This review examines the hydrogen production process from microalgae, including the microalgae cultivation technological process for biomass production, and the three main routes of biomass-to-hydrogen production: thermochemical conversion, photo biological conversion, and electrochemical conversion. The current progress of technological options in the three main routes is presented, with the various strains of microalgae and operating conditions of the processes. Furthermore, the economic and environmental perspectives of biomass-to-hydrogen from microalgae are evaluated, and critical operational parameters are used to assess the feasibility of scaling up biohydrogen production for commercial industrial-scale applications. The key finding is the thermochemical conversion process is the most feasible process for biohydrogen production, compared to the pyrolysis process. In the photobiological and electrochemical process, pure hydrogen can be achieved, but further process development is required to enhance the production yield. In addition, the high production cost is the main challenge in biohydrogen production. The cost of biohydrogen production for direct bio photolysis it cost around $7.24 kg-1; for indirect bio photolysis it costs around $7.54 kg-1 and for fermentation, it costs around $7.61 kg-1. Therefore, comprehensive studies and efforts are required to make biohydrogen production from microalgae applications more economical in the future.

Interleaved configurations of percutaneous epidural stimulation enhanced overground stepping in a person with chronic paraplegia.

Descending motor signals are disrupted after complete spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting in loss of standing and walking. We previously restored standing and trunk control in a person with a T3 complete SCI following implantation of percutaneous spinal cord epidural stimulation (SCES). We, hereby, present a step-by-step procedure on configuring the SCES leads to initiate rhythmic lower limb activation (rhythmic-SCES) resulting in independent overground stepping in parallel bars and using a standard walker. Initially, SCES was examined in supine lying at 2 Hz before initiating stepping-like activity in parallel bars using 20 or 30 Hz; however, single lead configuration (+2, -5) resulted in lower limb adduction and crossing of limbs, impairing the initiation of overground stepping. After 6 months, interleaving the original rhythmic-SCES with an additional configuration (-12, +15) on the opposite lead, resulted in a decrease of the extensive adduction tone and allowed the participant to initiate overground stepping up to 16 consecutive steps. The current paradigm suggests that interleaving two rhythmic-SCES configurations may improve the excitability of the spinal circuitry to better interpret the residual descending supraspinal signals with the ascending proprioceptive inputs, resulting in a stepping-like motor behavior after complete SCI.

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of a major QTL for oil content in the seed of Brassica napus.

KEY MESSAGE: By integrating QTL fine mapping and transcriptomics, a candidate gene responsible for oil content in rapeseed was identified. The gene is anticipated to primarily function in photosynthesis and photosystem metabolism pathways. Brassica napus is one of the most important oil crops in the world, and enhancing seed oil content is an important goal in its genetic improvement. However, the underlying genetic basis for the important trait remains poorly understood in this crop. We previously identified a major locus, OILA5 responsible for seed oil content on chromosome A5 through genome-wide association study. To better understand the genetics of the QTL, we performed fine mapping of OILA5 with a double haploid population and a BC3F2 segregation population consisting of 6227 individuals. We narrowed down the QTL to an approximate 43 kb region with twelve annotated genes, flanked by markers ZDM389 and ZDM337. To unveil the potential candidate gene responsible for OILA5, we integrated fine mapping data with transcriptome profiling using high and low oil content near-isogenic lines. Among the candidate genes, BnaA05G0439400ZS was identified with high expression levels in both seed and silique tissues. This gene exhibited homology with AT3G09840 in Arabidopsis that was annotated as cell division cycle 48. We designed a site-specific marker based on resequencing data and confirmed its effectiveness in both natural and segregating populations. Our comprehensive results provide valuable genetic information not only enhancing our understanding of the genetic control of seed oil content but also novel germplasm for advancing high seed oil content breeding in B. napus and other oil crops.

Use of artificial intelligence for decision-support to avoid high-risk behaviors during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injuries (BDIs) are a significant source of morbidity among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). GoNoGoNet is an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that has been developed and validated to identify safe ("Go") and dangerous ("No-Go") zones of dissection during LC, with the potential to prevent BDIs through real-time intraoperative decision-support. This study evaluates GoNoGoNet's ability to predict Go/No-Go zones during LCs with BDIs. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Eleven LC videos with BDI (BDI group) were annotated by GoNoGoNet. All tool-tissue interactions, including the one that caused the BDI, were characterized in relation to the algorithm's predicted location of Go/No-Go zones. These were compared to another 11 LC videos with cholecystitis (control group) deemed to represent "safe cholecystectomy" by experts. The probability threshold of GoNoGoNet annotations were then modulated to determine its relationship to Go/No-Go predictions. Data is shown as % difference [99% confidence interval]. RESULTS: Compared to control, the BDI group showed significantly greater proportion of sharp dissection (+ 23.5% [20.0-27.0]), blunt dissection (+ 32.1% [27.2-37.0]), and total interactions (+ 33.6% [31.0-36.2]) outside of the Go zone. Among injury-causing interactions, 4 (36%) were in the No-Go zone, 2 (18%) were in the Go zone, and 5 (45%) were outside both zones, after maximizing the probability threshold of the Go algorithm. CONCLUSION: AI has potential to detect unsafe dissection and prevent BDIs through real-time intraoperative decision-support. More work is needed to determine how to optimize integration of this technology into the operating room workflow and adoption by end-users.

What is the educational value and clinical utility of artificial intelligence for intraoperative and postoperative video analysis? A survey of surgeons and trainees.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical complications often occur due to lapses in judgment and decision-making. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible to train algorithms that identify anatomy and interpret the surgical field. These algorithms can potentially be used for intraoperative decision-support and postoperative video analysis and feedback. Despite the very early success of proof-of-concept algorithms, it remains unknown whether this innovation meets the needs of end-users or how best to deploy it. This study explores users' opinion on the value, usability and design for adapting AI in operating rooms. METHODS: A device-agnostic web-accessible software was developed to provide AI inference either (1) intraoperatively on a live video stream (synchronous mode), or (2) on an uploaded video or image file (asynchronous mode) postoperatively for feedback. A validated AI model (GoNoGoNet), which identifies safe and dangerous zones of dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, was used as the use case. Surgeons and trainees performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy interacted with the AI platform and completed a 5-point Likert scale survey to evaluate the educational value, usability and design of the platform. RESULTS: Twenty participants (11 surgeons and 9 trainees) evaluated the platform intraoperatively (n = 10) and postoperatively (n = 11). The majority agreed or strongly agreed that AI is an effective adjunct to surgical training (81%; neutral = 10%), effective for providing real-time feedback (70%; neutral = 20%), postoperative feedback (73%; neutral = 27%), and capable of improving surgeon confidence (67%; neutral = 29%). Only 40% (neutral = 50%) and 57% (neutral = 43%) believe that the tool is effective in improving intraoperative decisions and performance, or beneficial for patient care, respectively. Overall, 38% (neutral = 43%) reported they would use this platform consistently if available. The majority agreed or strongly agreed that the platform was easy to use (81%; neutral = 14%) and has acceptable resolution (62%; neutral = 24%), while 30% (neutral = 20%) reported that it disrupted the OR workflow, and 20% (neutral = 0%) reported significant time lag. All respondents reported that such a system should be available "on-demand" to turn on/off at their discretion. CONCLUSIONS: Most found AI to be a useful tool for providing support and feedback to surgeons, despite several implementation obstacles. The study findings will inform the future design and usability of this technology in order to optimize its clinical impact and adoption by end-users.

Traditional healers working with primary care and mental health for early intervention in psychosis in young persons: protocol for the feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: In low/middle-income countries (LMICs), more than half of patients with first-episode psychosis initially seek treatment from traditional and religious healers as their first care. This contributes to an excessively long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). There is a need for culturally appropriate interventions to involve traditional and spiritual healers to work collaboratively with primary care practitioners and psychiatrists through task-shifting for early detection, referral and treatment of first episode of psychosis. METHODS: To prevent the consequences of long DUP in adolescents in LMICs, we aim to develop and pilot test a culturally appropriate and context-bespoke intervention. Traditional HEalers working with primary care and mental Health for early interventiOn in Psychosis in young pErsons (THE HOPE) will be developed using ethnographic and qualitative methods with traditional healers and caregivers. We will conduct a randomised controlled cluster feasibility trial with a nested qualitative study to assess study recruitment and acceptability of the intervention. Ninety-three union councils in district Peshawar, Pakistan will be randomised and allocated using a 1:1 ratio to either intervention arm (THE HOPE) or enhanced treatment as usual and stratified by urban/rural setting. Data on feasibility outcomes will be collected at baseline and follow-up. Patients, carers, clinicians and policymakers will be interviewed to ascertain their views about the intervention. The decision to proceed to the phase III trial will be based on prespecified stop-go criteria. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been obtained from Keele University Ethical Review Panel (ref: MH210177), Khyber Medical University Ethical Review Board (ref: DIR/KMU-EB/IG/001005) and National Bioethics Committee Pakistan (ref no. 4-87/NBC-840/22/621). The results of THE HOPE feasibility trial will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences and disseminated to local stakeholders and policymakers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN75347421.

CRISPR-Cas9 System: A Prospective Pathway toward Combatting Antibiotic Resistance.

Antibiotic resistance is rising to dangerously high levels throughout the world. To cope with this problem, scientists are working on CRISPR-based research so that antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be killed and attacked almost as quickly as antibiotic-sensitive bacteria. Nuclease activity is found in Cas9, which can be programmed with a specific target sequence. This mechanism will only attack pathogens in the microbiota while preserving commensal bacteria. This article portrays the delivery methods used in the CRISPR-Cas system, which are both viral and non-viral, along with its implications and challenges, such as microbial dysbiosis, off-target effects, and failure to counteract intracellular infections. CRISPR-based systems have a lot of applications, such as correcting mutations, developing diagnostics for infectious diseases, improving crops productions, improving breeding techniques, etc. In the future, CRISPR-based systems will revolutionize the world by curing diseases, improving agriculture, and repairing genetic disorders. Though all the drawbacks of the technology, CRISPR carries great potential; thus, the modification and consideration of some aspects could result in a mind-blowing technique to attain all the applications listed and present a game-changing potential.

Current advances in microbial-based cancer therapies.

Microbes have an immense metabolic capability and can adapt to a wide variety of environments; as a result, they share complicated relationships with cancer. The goal of microbial-based cancer therapy is to treat patients with cancers that are not easily treatable, by using tumor-specific infectious microorganisms. Nevertheless, a number of difficulties have been encountered as a result of the harmful effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and alternative cancer therapies, such as the toxicity to non-cancerous cells, the inability of medicines to penetrate deep tumor tissue, and the ongoing problem of rising drug resistance in tumor cells. Due to these difficulties, there is now a larger need for designing alternative strategies that are more effective and selective when targeting tumor cells. The fight against cancer has advanced significantly owing to cancer immunotherapy. The researchers have greatly benefited from their understanding of tumor-invading immune cells as well as the immune responses that are specifically targeted against cancer. Application of bacterial and viral cancer therapeutics offers promising potential to be employed as cancer treatments among immunotherapies. As a novel therapeutic strategy, microbial targeting of tumors has been created to address the persisting hurdles of cancer treatment. This review outlines the mechanisms by which both bacteria and viruses target and inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells. Their ongoing clinical trials and possible modifications that can be made in the future have also been addressed in the following sections. These microbial-based cancer medicines have the ability to suppress cancer that builds up and multiplies in the tumor microenvironment and triggers antitumor immune responses, in contrast to other cancer medications.

Integrating Public Health Into Undergraduate Medicine in North America: A Systematic Review.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has served as a stark reminder of the importance of foundational public health training for all physicians. However, the most effective way to incorporate these concepts into undergraduate medical education remains unclear. Here, we characterize the literature regarding the effectiveness of public health integration into undergraduate medical education in North America. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for North American peer-reviewed literature, published from 01/01/2000 to 30/08/2021, that described outcomes of integrating public health training within an undergraduate medical curriculum. Results were qualitatively synthesized into key themes. A total of 38 studies, involving interventions across 43 medical schools, were included. Studies reported on a combination of public (n=13), global (n=9), population (n=9), community (n=6), and epidemiological (n=1) health interventions, and either implemented one-off workshops, electives, or international experiences (n=19); a longitudinal theme or long-term enrichment pathway (n=14); or a case-based learning curriculum (n=8). The majority (81.5%, 31/38) of integrations were self-described as successful and, of studies reporting on feasibility, most (94.1%, 16/17) were indicated as feasible. The definition of what constituted such success, however, was unclear. Innovative examples included the use of simulation workshops and mobile-optimized media content. Key challenges were noted, however, in securing adequate funding and buy-in from administrative leadership. Robust community partnerships and iterative cycles of implementation of the intervention were critical factors to success. In summary, foundational public health components can be effectively integrated into medical school curricula and would benefit from adequate resourcing, innovation, community partnerships, and continuous improvement.