Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health concern that threatens the efficacy of existing antibiotics and poses significant challenges to public health and the economy worldwide. This review explores the potential of CRISPR-Cas systems as a novel approach to combating AMR and examines current applications, limitations, and prospects. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications published from 2014 to August 2024. This review focuses on CRISPR-Cas technologies and their applications in AMR. Results: CRISPR-Cas systems have demonstrated efficacy in combating antimicrobial resistance by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistance genes. For example, studies have shown that CRISPR-Cas9 can effectively target and eliminate colistin resistance genes in MCR-1 plasmids, restoring susceptibility to carbapenems in bacteria such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Further molecular findings highlight the impact of CRISPR-Cas systems on various bacterial species, such as Enterococcus faecalis, in which CRISPR systems play a crucial role in preventing the acquisition of resistance genes. The effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas in targeting these genes varies due to differences in CRISPR locus formation among bacterial species. For instance, variations in CRISPR loci influence the targeting of resistance genes in E. faecalis, and CRISPR-Cas9 successfully reduces resistance by targeting genes such as tetM and ermB. Conclusion: CRISPR-Cas systems are promising for fighting AMR by targeting and eliminating antibiotic-resistant genes, as demonstrated by the effective targeting of colistin resistance genes on MCR-1 plasmids and their similar activities. However, the effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas is affected by variations in the CRISPR loci among bacterial species. Challenges persist, such as optimizing delivery methods and addressing off-target effects to ensure the safety and precision of CRISPR-Cas systems in clinical settings.

Background and Aim: Epilepsy is a major neurological challenge, especially for pediatric populations. It profoundly impacts both developmental progress and quality of life in affected children. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), there's a growing interest in leveraging its capabilities to improve the diagnosis and management of pediatric epilepsy. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of AI in pediatric epilepsy detection while considering the ethical implications surrounding its implementation. Methodology: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline. Search terms encompassed “pediatric epilepsy,” “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “ethical considerations,” and “data security.” Publications from the past decade were scrutinized for methodological rigor, with a focus on studies evaluating AI's efficacy in pediatric epilepsy detection and management. Results: AI systems have demonstrated strong potential in diagnosing and monitoring pediatric epilepsy, often matching clinical accuracy. For example, AI‐driven decision support achieved 93.4% accuracy in diagnosis, closely aligning with expert assessments. Specific methods, like EEG‐based AI for detecting interictal discharges, showed high specificity (93.33%–96.67%) and sensitivity (76.67%–93.33%), while neuroimaging approaches using rs‐fMRI and DTI reached up to 97.5% accuracy in identifying microstructural abnormalities. Deep learning models, such as CNN‐LSTM, have also enhanced seizure detection from video by capturing subtle movement and expression cues. Non‐EEG sensor‐based methods effectively identified nocturnal seizures, offering promising support for pediatric care. However, ethical considerations around privacy, data security, and model bias remain crucial for responsible AI integration. Conclusion: While AI holds immense potential to enhance pediatric epilepsy management, ethical considerations surrounding transparency, fairness, and data security must be rigorously addressed. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are imperative to navigate these ethical challenges effectively, ensuring responsible AI integration and optimizing patient outcomes in pediatric epilepsy care.

Background Iron deficiency is prevalent among heart failure patients and is associated with worse clinical outcomes, including decreased quality of life and functional capacity. This condition often results in a higher incidence of hospitalization and mortality. Iron supplementation, particularly with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), has shown potential benefits as an adjunct therapy in heart failure management. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of FCM in the treatment of patients with heart failure and iron deficiency anemia, with a focus on its impact on mortality and hospitalization rates. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from their inception until 1st December 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, employing a random-model effect. The results were reported as risk ratios (RRs), standard mean differences (SMDs), and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Results The meta-analysis included 13 studies with a total of 6271 patients. Ferric carboxymaltose administration resulted in a significant improvement in the 6-minute walk distance (SMD: 1.45; 95 % CI: 0.55, 2.36; p = 0.002), quality of life, as assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) (SMD: 1.49; 95 % CI: 0.87, 2.11; p < 0.00001), the rate of first hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular death (RR: 0.91; 95 % CI: 0.84, 0.98; p = 0.02). However, FCM did not show a significant impact on the risk of cardiovascular death (RR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.77, 1.05; p = 0.17), the need for intervention due to worsening heart failure (RR: 0.41; 95 % CI: 0.04, 4.51; p = 0.47), or all-cause mortality rates (RR: 0.89; 95 % CI: 0.69, 1.16; p = 0.28). Conclusion While FCM treatment in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency anemia significantly improves functional capacity and quality of life, it has no notable effect on mortality rates or the likelihood of hospitalization. These findings highlight the need for further research to explore comprehensive treatment strategies that address both the symptomatic and survival aspects of heart failure management in this patient population.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing neurodegenerative disorder causing cognitive decline, memory loss, and functional impairment. Lecanemab has shown safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Objective: This review aims to understand the clinical evidence of lecanemab's effectiveness and safety in managing early AD. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using the Scopus database and ClinicalTrials.gov. Studies from 2014 to 2024 on lecanemab's safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes for AD were included. Data extraction involved two independent reviewers, with synthesis using qualitative methodology. Results: Findings from 13 studies and 13 ongoing clinical trials were reported, showing that lecanemab substantially reduces amyloid plaque load in the brains of AD patients. The therapeutic regimens vary across reported studies and trials, ranging from 2.5 mg/kg biweekly, 5 mg/kg monthly, 5 mg/kg biweekly, 10 mg/kg monthly, and 10 mg/kg intravenously biweekly. The Clarity AD phase 3 trial, the AHEAD study, and the DIAN-TU-001 trials have reported positive study outcomes with robust efficacy and safety outcomes with minimal side effects. Completed and ongoing trials report on the onset of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and the continuation of care status following the onset of ARIA in these patients. The common infusion-related reactions were observed in 26.4% of the lecanemab group compared to 7% in the placebo group. Conclusions: The management of AD has evolved over the years with the introduction of novel therapeutic agents like lecanemab. While its safety profile is generally favorable, careful monitoring is essential.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an acute neurological condition characterized by a spectrum of clinical and radiological features. I

Poliovirus is a deadly disease that needs to be eradicated in the world. Recently, issues with circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been raised in the country. This article aims to determine the increase in Type 1 cVDPV1 and Type 2 cVDPV2 in the DRC. Relevant articles on PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Web of Science were searched from 2010 to 2023. Our findings indicate that the Democratic Republic of Congo has struggled with polio outbreaks, with the virus primarily linked to cVDPVs produced from vaccines rather than wild poliovirus. These cVDPVs have the potential to revert to their paralyzing capabilities by evolving from the weakened virus seen in the oral polio vaccination (OPV). Several regions in DRC have reported cVDPV outbreaks of cVDPVs. Numerous cVDPV2 outbreaks were documented in various provinces during the 2017–2018 period. Addressing the cVDPV outbreak in the DRC requires a concerted global effort, involving collaboration among governments, international health organizations, and donor agencies. There should be global support and collaboration among governments, international health organizations, and donor agencies to address the cVDPV outbreak in the DRC.