Prematurity and neonatal sepsis account for about 50% of infant mortality in the world today, impacting low-resource countries more negatively, with slow development in strategies to combat sepsis in newborns. The first barrier continues to be the definition of neonatal sepsis, which, given the existence of multiple diagnostic criteria and how imprecise they are, complicates uniformity in clinical research, health care and work management in neonatal units, both in the diagnostic part and in terms of antimicrobial treatment. In addition to the above, there is the non-specificity of the clinical manifestations in neonatal sepsis, mainly in premature newborns, affecting the diagnostic approach and with it empirical antibiotic therapy. Since antimicrobial therapy is the mainstay of treatment, adequate administration times and schedules need to be ensured to improve clinical outcomes in the newborns being cared for.
The recent detection of dengue fever in Shendi City, Sudan, represents a pivotal public health event in a region long dominated by malaria. Following the conflict and population displacement, changing environmental and sanitation conditions have created favorable breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Clinically, dengue and malaria often overlap, posing diagnostic challenges in resource limited healthcare systems. However, simple hematological parameters can offer valuable clues for differentiation. This editorial discusses the implications of dengue’s emergence in Shendi, the diagnostic role of routine complete blood counts (CBC), and the urgent need for integrated surveillance and capacity building to mitigate future outbreaks.
The rise of antimicrobial resistance has driven the search for alternative therapeutic agents, particularly from natural sources. Syzygium aromaticum (clove) is known for its antimicrobial properties, and this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of its aqueous and ether extracts against clinically significant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar diffusion method at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. The results showed that both extracts exhibited antibacterial activity, with the aqueous extract generally being more effective. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Salmonella spp. showed the highest susceptibility to the aqueous extract (19.6 mm at 100%), while Proteus spp. exhibited the highest inhibition by the ether extract (17.0 mm at 25%). For Gram-positive bacteria, S. epidermidis was the most sensitive, with a 24.0 mm inhibition zone at 100% of the aqueous extract. The ether extract showed lower antimicrobial activity across all tested bacteria. These findings suggest that clove extracts, particularly the aqueous extract, possess significant antibacterial potential and may serve as alternative antimicrobial agents. Further studies are recommended to explore the phytochemical components and mechanisms of action responsible for this activity.
The outbreak and impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-Co-2) is still a mystery. Yet a sign of prospective epidemics cannot be ruled out. The current studies of COVID-19 (public health, medical and pharmaceutical) implied a benefit of diagnostic/therapeutic transition. To heighten global campaign for COVID-19 studies, global public healthcare and pharmaceutical strategies are highlighted herein. In the past, epidemic condition, countrywide stipulation and therapeutic variability worldwide were confronted before us. Different patterns of medical experience and pharmaceutical trends should be enhanced in the future.
The coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-Co-2) heavily swept the globe for several years. However, the healthcare state and legislature for COVID-19 is generally different due to various socioeconomic conditions of different countries. The more powerful vaccines, drugs or therapeutic strategy should be gradually superseded for current ones. The origin and hidden nature of COVID-19 pandemics and medication should be elucidated. The global vaccinations and therapeutic evaluation are ongoing now. Advanced knowledge and opinion continues to grow. The existing knowledge and technology for COVID-19 should be revaluated. The epidemic condition, different types of viral character, human vaccination, and therapeutic variability worldwide totally determine the outcomes and capability against COVID-19. Different strategic platforms can reach different therapeutic responses and benefit. To reduce viral-induced social damage, a possibility of futuristic guidelines in different medications should be established in the upcoming decade. This article summarizes this spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic achievements into COVID-19 trials.
Plant based amylases are affordable and sustainable alternative which are exploited these days to get immobilized by adsorption, entrapment, covalent attachment, and cross-linking. Amylases is well known thermostable enzyme (stable at 80-90°C) to economize various industrial processes like, leather, paper, wood, detergent, refinery, distillery and starch industries. Thermostable enzymes isolated from thermophilic organisms have found several commercial applications because of their overall inherent stability. Improved, cost effective and green method of enzyme immobilization was developed to immobilize Vigna mungo amylase onto activated cotton fabric with ease. 80% Retention of immobilized Vigna mungo Amylase was achieved onto woven activated cotton fabric (80%) when compared to inactivated woven cotton fabric (15%). Various Kinetic parameters were studied for free and immobilized enzyme for finding its improved stability on varying pH, time of incubation, temperature, CaCl2 Concentration. So, that immobilized amylase would further propose for various industrial applications like food, chemical, textiles and paper industries and used for various chemical/biological conversions for synthesising novel materials when found better for its improved kinetic parameters with free amylase.
In 144 years, cholera was declared a pandemic seven times, the first declaration in 1817 and the seventh in 1961. However the term pandemic became familiar only after corona was declared a pandemic in 2020. It is China for zoonotic pandemics and India for cholera pandemics. Out of the recent four zoonotic pandemics three started in China and out of seven cholera pandemics six originated in India, particularly the Ganges Delta Regions of West Bengal and so India is considered as the ‘ground-zero of cholera’. Cholera killed millions of people and ravaged the whole world. During the first pandemic, the death toll was estimated at 0.1 million in Korea and another 0.1 million in Java, 0.21 million in Vietnam and 1-2 million in the British India. The list goes on. This is the condition with all other pandemics. Vibrio cholera, an agent that thrives in polluted water, is the main cause for the spread of cholera. Lack of sanitation, particularly open defecation is the reason for its quick spread. The main symptom of cholera is severe diarrhoea, with expulsion of a large quantity of fluid and watery stool, apart from vomiting and sweating. However, it is an easily curable disease; the fluid outpoured should be immediately replaced by the same quantity of dehydration fluid, a chemical solution. Medical attention is required only if it goes beyond this stage. It is beyond doubt that if every household is provided with 100% safe drinking water and proper sanitation facility, cholera outbreaks can easily be stopped and people of every country can be free from the severity of the most feared disease of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is also necessary to maintain adequate supply of anti-cholera vaccines in every country.
Background: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne viral infection with rising global incidence, posing a significant public health challenge in many tropical regions, including Sudan. Kassala State has witnessed recurring outbreaks, underscoring the need for updated epidemiological data. Objective: To assess the prevalence of recent dengue virus infection among febrile patients and explore demographic and clinical associations with seropositivity. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2025 in Kassala State. Febrile patients were enrolled, and 3 mL blood samples were collected 4–6 days after fever onset. Serum samples were tested for anti-DENV IgM using a commercial ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Results: Among 93 patients tested, 83 (89.2%) were positive for DENV IgM and 10 (10.8%) were negative. The highest positive cases occurred in the 1–5 year age group (43.3% of seropositive cases). 47/93 (50.5%) were male and 46/93 (49.5%) were female. The majority (90.3%) reported symptom duration of 3–7 days. Urban residents comprised 74.2% of the patients, with no significant association between residence (urban vs. rural) and seropositivity (P = 0.23). Reported symptoms among IgM-positive patients included fever (100%), headache (89.2%), vomiting (52.7%), bleeding (16.1%), and convulsions (10.8%). There were no statistically significant associations between DENV IgM seropositivity and age group (P = 0.075), gender (P = 0.97), or duration of symptoms (P = 0.65). Conclusion: A high rate of recent dengue infection was observed among febrile patients in Kassala State, indicating active transmission and the need for strengthened surveillance and control measures.
The dawn of molecular biology has disclosed allied and distinct facets at the genetic and molecular level and one of the most fascinating assets that has allowed the researchers to further explore the insights of the gene is gene editing technology which was made possible through unique sequences that are commonly affiliated to prokaryotic system as a consequence of viral invasion. These sequences that are unique to prokaryotes are referred to as CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) and have high level of research application which has in turn extended its prominence to eukaryotes from prokaryotes. CRISPR technology has set its significance in several associated domains of life sciences that has enhanced the efforts to explore genome at the sub molecular level. As a matter of fact, gene editing has been made possible through CRISPR technology which makes use of unique sequences to divulge the hidden genetic insights. The eminence of this system in modifying genes has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering which has provided solutions to several genetic consequences. This article aims to disclose the role of CRISPR in gene editing technology and its application on a broader scale that has been a fortunate breakthrough in the field of biology. The article primarily emphasizes on the significance of the CRISPR as a promising option towards cancer therapy.
Chile’s health system faces persistent structural challenges despite progress in coverage and professional training. This essay critically examines key issues affecting the quality and equity of care, including inefficient hospital and administrative management, extensive waiting lists, and the shortage and migration of medical specialists from the public to private sector. It highlights how the dual public-private model deepens socioeconomic segmentation, resulting in unequal access to services. The consequences of these shortcomings- especially for vulnerable populations- are far-reaching, leading to frustration, inequality, and declining public trust. The essay concludes by advocating for a universal, equitable, and non-discriminatory health system centered on social justice, sustainable investment, and political will.
In this study, we previously isolated koji mold from the leaves of Rhus javanica (hereafter referred to as “Nurude”) and produced soybean miso. Following on from last time, we produced rice koji from Nurude leaves and produced rice miso. When the general components of the produced rice miso were measured, the moisture content was 44.3g/100g, protein 10.4g/100g, lipids 4.9g/100g, ash 15.5g/100g, and carbohydrates 24.9g/100g. Despite the very short maturation period of three months, this rice miso had the same components as regular miso, and the raw materials had been well decomposed. As with soybean miso, it was confirmed that the koji mold isolated from Nurude decomposed the raw materials well, confirming that koji mold isolated from Nurude leaves can be used to produce miso.
L-Methioninase (MGL) is a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of L-methionine to α-ketobutyrate, methanethiol, and ammonia. Due to its ability to deplete methionine, MGL has gained attention for its therapeutic potential, particularly in cancer treatment, as cancer cells exhibit high methionine dependence. While MGL is widely produced by bacteria, fungal sources offer advantages such as extracellular secretion, reduced immunogenicity, and higher substrate specificity. Beyond oncology, MGL has applications in food industries, biosensors, and gas odorants due to its role in methanethiol production. Recent research explores novel formulations, including PEGylation and recombinant oral administration, to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the sources, mechanisms, and diverse applications of MGL while emphasizing its potential as a promising biotherapeutic agent.
The meat color fades and the taste deteriorates as the chum salmon matures (hereafter referred to as “buna salmon”), which lowers its commercial value. To expand the use of buna salmon, fish sauce was produced and its general and functional food components as well as antibacterial properties were investigated. The total nitrogen and amino nitrogen contents of the produced fish sauce were 2.10g/100g and 0.66g/100g, respectively, both of which were higher than those of soy sauce. The volatile basic nitrogen content of the fish sauce was low at 16.4 mg/100 g. This confirmed the good quality of the fish sauce. The free amino acids in the fish sauce were particularly high in isoleucine, serine, arginine, lysine, leucine, and glutamic acid. The antioxidant activity and the γ-aminobutyric acid content of the fish sauce were 127 μmol Trolox/100g and 1.8mg/100g, respectively, making it a highly functional fish sauce. Fish soy sauce demonstrated antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, and fish soy sauce is presumed to contain factors that inhibit E. coli growth, demonstrating sufficient antibacterial properties. Using buna salmon as an ingredient in fish soy sauce, a highly functional fish soy sauce with antibacterial properties can be produced, and buna salmon has been confirmed to be used effectively. Results of this study indicate that fish sauce can be effectively produced from aged chum salmon, and that using this fish sauce in processed foods and cooking can not only impart a salty and umami taste but also produce functional foods that are less likely to spoil.
Advancements in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation are pivotal in advancing agricultural biotechnology, enhancing crop yields, nutritional value, and environmental resilience. Integration of sophisticated synthetic biology and precise genome editing techniques has significantly refined the accuracy of genetic modifications, enhancing crop yields, nutritional value, and resilience to environmental stresses. The burgeoning role of automation and artificial intelligence revolutionizes tissue culture processes by significantly improving both efficiency and scalability. Key challenges such as public skepticism, regulatory barriers, and technical issues like genetic stability and transformation efficacy are thoroughly discussed. It also explores ethical concerns and diverse global regulatory landscapes, highlighting factors that influence the adoption of these technologies. Case studies confirm the substantial benefits of these biotechnological advances, affirming their potential to dramatically transform agricultural productivity. The paper projects future trends that are likely to further revolutionize this field, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing innovation, ethical vigilance, and unified regulatory frameworks to fully leverage these advancements for global food security.
Dry reagent strip technology is known for carrying the controlled application of reagents in the manufacture of the reagent pads. These reagents contain indica- tor dyes, metals, enzymes, polymers, antibodies, and various other chemicals dried onto chosen carriers. Diagnostic dry reagent strips are mostly used in clinical chemical analysis of urine and blood, led to monitoring glucose concentration. Results are obtained instrumentally or visually as thresholds and quantitative outputs. Dry reagents are used in preparing various multivariate strips whose mechanisms are operational to review their performance, limitations and benefits of reagent strips by manufacturers. Pasteurizing milk is first public health requirement and quality assurance in the dairy industry. The present study takes a step forward in evolving dry reagent fabric biostrips as an immediate rapid and cost-effective solution for detecting pasteurization through the detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It is most conventional biomarker for testing the efficacy of procedure of milk pasteurization in dairy industries. Hence, quantitative wet-chemical analysis is gradually being replaced by quick and cost-effective dry reagent strip methods for quantifying clinical chemistry parameters and therapeutic drug monitoring in serum, plasma, or whole blood in various small and referring laboratories. Their analytical precision was found to be satisfactory including dry-chemistry measurements. The precision levels of such evaluation of dry chemistry reagent strip technology can be very efficient in terms of reference values because of their led matrix conditions.
In this study, we isolated a koji mold from urushi (Rhus javanica) leaves and used it to produce soybean miso. The general component quantification of the produced soybean miso indicated moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and carbohydrate contents of 45.2, 16.0, 8.6, 19.0, and 11.2g/100g, respectively. Judging from the components and color, this soybean miso was sufficiently matured. Moreover, despite the very short maturation period of 3 months, the components did not significantly differ from those of general miso, and the decomposition of the raw materials was good. We confirmed that koji mold decomposes the raw materials well and that miso could be produced using urushi leaves. Based on these results, we inferred that the koji mold isolated from Rhus javanica display a high protease activity, as the protein content was high despite the short maturation period of 3 months.
Urinary tract infection commonly abbreviated as UTI is an issue of health concern which is common among males and females. Despite the fact that the condition is common among males and females, the modified reproductive physiology of females enhances the rate of incidence and the prevalence is very high during pregnancy. The shorter urethra in females makes them highly susceptible to the condition and the degree of occurrence varies among pregnant and non-pregnant women. The hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy enhance the rate of incidence. Higher levels of progesterone hormone have been affiliated to increased rate of UTI and the anatomical changes have also resulted in higher prevalence of UTI during pregnancy. The condition can affect the lower and the upper urinary tract leading to conditions like bladder and kidney inflammation. The former is referred to as cystitis and the latter is called as phylonephritis. Though UTI is not life claiming the rate of mortality depends on the extent of infection. Severe phylonephritis have been linked with pulmonary manifestations and the use of empirical treatment with antibiotics has resulted in the resilience of the pathogen. Excess use of antibiotics not just benefits the pathogen but has known to cause congenital consequences in the new born. UTI during pregnancy has also been related to severe birth complications. The current review attempts to comprehend the consequences of UTI among women during pregnancy and attempts to explore the associated clinical factors.
Indoor mould contamination persists as a critical public health challenge, particularly following water damage events precipitated by climate extremes, structural defects, inadequate ventilation, poor building design, aging infrastructure, and deferred maintenance. This review extends on prior work evaluating environmental and clinical thresholds for airborne fungal contamination. We reassess the continued relevance of the 1000 spores/m³ (or CFU/m³) threshold as a practical and evidence-based benchmark for indoor air quality assessment, especially with regard to health implications. However, for evaluating building conditions and identifying likely point sources of contamination, the indoor/outdoor (I/O) spore concentration ratio and changes in species profile are more diagnostically significant. An I/O ratio exceeding 2:1 or a shift in the expected species distribution is a strong indicator of indoor fungal amplification, even if absolute concentrations are below the 1000 threshold. Drawing on studies published since 2023, we confirm that environments exceeding 1000 CFU/m³ often correlate with visible or hidden mould contamination and adverse health outcomes, while unaffected environments fall below this level. Despite growing empirical and regulatory support, recent updates to key industry standards - including ANSI/IICRC S520 (2024) and S590 (2023) - increasingly frame quantitative sampling as optional rather than essential, favouring discretionary visual or subjective assessments that may lack objective verification. This shift risks enabling substandard remediation or assessment practices, undermining scientific and legal defensibility. We argue that quantifiable, objective sampling remains essential at all stages of mould investigation and remediation. While subjective site information can supplement assessments, it must not displace validated techniques like spore trap analysis, tape lifts, and viable culture for air and surface. This review reinforces the central role of the 1000 spores/m³ threshold as a health-screening tool and advocates its continued use alongside comparative OA data and I/O ratios to ensure robust, accountable, and health-protective mould assessment protocols.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) are transforming the landscape of biological and biomedical research. These cutting-edge technologies are enabling faster, more accurate data interpretation, drug discovery, and personalized treatment approaches. AI/ML/DL tools can efficiently analyze large-scale datasets from genomics, proteomics, and imaging, while also supporting predictive modeling for protein structure, drug efficacy, and gene editing. From enhancing precision medicine to enabling advances in synthetic biology and CRISPR technologies, AI-driven approaches are becoming integral to innovation in life sciences. Despite their immense potential, challenges related to data quality, interpretability, and ethical concerns remain. This paper highlights key applications, current challenges, and future directions, emphasizing the need for integration with experimental biology and the development of a skilled workforce to fully leverage these tools in biological research.
The rise of drug-resistant infections poses a significant global health threat, undermining decades of medical progress. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to withstand the effects of drugs designed to kill them, rendering treatments ineffective. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Poor infection control, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to new antibiotics further exacerbate the crisis. Drug-resistant infections complicate routine medical procedures, such as surgeries, chemotherapy, and organ transplants, increasing the risk of complications and mortality. Pathogens like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are among the most concerning. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that without urgent action, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050, surpassing cancer-related fatalities. Combating drug-resistant infections requires a multifaceted approach, including the development of new antibiotics, alternative therapies, and improved diagnostics. Strengthening global surveillance, promoting responsible antibiotic use, and enhancing infection prevention strategies are essential to mitigating the crisis. Public awareness and policy interventions, such as antibiotic stewardship programs and investment in research, are crucial in slowing resistance. Without immediate and coordinated action, drug-resistant infections will continue to threaten public health, economic stability, and the future of modern medicine.
