Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of many diseases including infectious mononucleosis (IM), and it is associated with different subtypes of lymphoma, sarcoma and carcinoma such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric carcinoma. With the advent of improved laboratory tests for EBV, a timelier and accurate diagnosis could be made to aid better prognosis and effective treatment. For histopathological lesions, the in situ hybridization (ISH) of EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) in biopsy tissues remains the gold standard for detecting EBV. Methods such as the heterophile antibody test, immunofluorescence assays, enzyme immunoassays, Western blot, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are also employed in the detection of EBV in different types of samples. The determination of EBV viral load using PCR, however, is gaining more prominence in the diagnosis of EBV-associated diseases. Given the challenge of false positive/negative results that are sometimes experienced during the detection of EBV, variability in results from different laboratories, and the impact of factors such as sample type and the immunological status of patients from whom samples are collected, the need to critically examine these present methods is invaluable. This review thus presents current advances in the detection of EBV, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques. In addition, fundamental virological concepts are highlighted to enhance the greater understanding, the proper application, and the interpretation of EBV tests.

Improper use of antimicrobials has resulted in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), including multi-drug resistance (MDR) among bacteria. Recently, a sudden increase in Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has been observed. This presents a substantial challenge in the treatment of CRE-infected individuals. Bacterial plasmids include the genes for carbapenem resistance, which can also spread to other bacteria to make them resistant. The incidence of CRE is rising significantly despite the efforts of health authorities, clinicians, and scientists. Many genotypic and phenotypic techniques are available to identify CRE. However, effective identification requires the integration of two or more methods. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), an advanced molecular approach, helps identify new strains of CRE and screening of the patient population; however, WGS is challenging to apply in clinical settings due to the complexity and high expense involved with this technique. The current review highlights the molecular mechanism of development of Carbapenem resistance, the epidemiology of CRE infections, spread of CRE, treatment options, and the phenotypic/genotypic characterisation of CRE. The potential of microorganisms to acquire resistance against Carbapenems remains high, which can lead to even more susceptible drugs such as colistin and polymyxins. Hence, the current study recommends running the antibiotic stewardship programs at an institutional level to control the use of antibiotics and to reduce the spread of CRE worldwide.

Stem cell therapy is growing in popularity as a form of regenerative medicine with the capacity to treat a wide range of ailments. Stem cells exhibit the ability to differentiate into a diverse array of cell types within the organism due to their undifferentiated state. These cell sources include bone marrow, induced pluripotent stem cells, and umbilical cord tissue 1. Significant advancements in clinical applications and fundamental research of stem cells in regenerative medicine and other domains have occurred in recent years, motivating individuals to delve deeper into the study of stem cells. Stem cells, owing to their virtually limitless capacity for self-renewal, offer vast potential for advancements in the treatment of various diseases and human organ damage. Stem cell-related technologies for induction and isolation are relatively developed in the field of stem cell research, and numerous stable stem cell lines have been constructed with outstanding results 2. This editorial will delve into the latest advancements in stem cell therapy, shedding light on key developments, their clinical applications, and the promising future prospects.

Background and Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a significant global concern. To combat this growing threat, various strategies have been employed, including the use of plant extracts and the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). The current study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical analysis of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts, characterize the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to see their antibacterial potentials against multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Methods: The extracts were prepared and initially assessed for their phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity. Then, AgNPs were synthesized from these extracts at room temperature, and various analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ATIR-FTIR, zeta sizer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA), were used to characterize the NPs. After confirmation of prepared NPs, they were subjected to their antibacterial activity. Results: HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of eight phytoconstituents in organic ginger extracts. The absorption spectra of the silver suspension exhibited surface plasmon resonance peaks with maxima between 420 and 448 nm. Functional groups like C-H, N-H, OH, C-O-C, C=O, and C-O were identified in both the organic and aqueous extracts of Z. officinale, playing a key role in the formation of AgNPs, as characterized by ATR-FTIR analysis. Both ginger organic and aqueous extract synthesized AgNPs crystalline structure was shown in XRD analysis and the particle size distribution showed average diameter of 200.5 nm of AgNPs from aqueous extracts. Scanning Electron Microscopy displayed spherical structure and EDA results showed the percentage of elements in synthesized AgNPs using plant extracts. Most promising antibacterial activity was obtained against Escherichia coli ie 20.83± 0.53 for 100 μg/mL. Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that AgNPs synthesized from different ginger extracts have promising antibacterial properties and can be potential candidates for alternative treatment options for bacterial infections.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an uncommon type of malignancy/cancer worldwide. However, NPC is an endemic disease in southeast Asia and southern China and the reasons behind the underlying for such changes are unclear. Even though the Epstein–Barr infection (EBV) has been suggested as an important reason for undistinguishable NPC, the EBV itself is not adequate to source this type of cancer. The risk factors, for example, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors might be associated with EBV to undertake a part in the NPC carcinogenesis. Normal healthy people have a memory B cell pool where the EBV persists, and any disturbance of this connection leads to virus-associated B cell malignancies. Less is known about the relationship between EBV and epithelial cell tumors, especially the EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (EBVaNPC) and EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC). Currently, it is believed that premalignant genetic changes in epithelial cells contribute to the aberrant establishment of viral latency in these tumors. The early and late phases of NPC patients’ survival rates vary significantly. The presence of EBV in all tumor cells presents prospects for the development of innovative therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, despite the fact that the virus’s exact involvement in the carcinogenic process is presently not very well known. EBV research continues to shed light on the carcinogenic process, which is important for a more comprehensive knowledge of tumor etiology and the development of targeted cancer therapeutics. In order to screen for NPC, EBV-related biomarkers have been widely used in a few high-incidence locations because of their close associations with the risks of NPC. The current review highlights the scientific importance of EBV and its possible association with NPC.

Background: The rise in antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the exploration of novel antimicrobial agents. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have gained prominence due to their biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties. This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of ZnO-NPs synthesized from Phoenix dactylifera root extract and their potential applications in disinfection. Methodology: ZnO-NPs were synthesized using an eco-friendly method involving Phoenix dactylifera root extract and zinc acetate at varied concentrations and ratios, followed by annealing. The nanoparticles were characterized and assessed for antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of bacterial and fungal isolates using microtiter broth dilution, disc diffusion, and pour plate assays. Disinfection efficacy was evaluated on water samples and surfaces. Additionally, the impact of ZnO-NPs on acid-fast bacilli (AFB) isolates was examined using VersaTrek Mycobottles. Results: ZnO-NPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 9.7 to 310 µg/mL. Disc diffusion assays revealed larger inhibition zones in Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative strains, with MRSA showing the widest zone (24 mm). ZnO-NPs significantly reduced colony-forming units (CFU) on water and surfaces, achieving complete bacterial inhibition on laboratory benches within 20 minutes. The nanoparticles demonstrated bactericidal effects against AFB isolates, highlighting their broad-spectrum efficacy. Conclusion: The study underscores the potential of ZnO-NPs as a versatile antimicrobial agent effective against MDR (multidrug-resistant) pathogens and environmental contaminants. Their rapid action and broad-spectrum activity make them suitable for disinfection in clinical and environmental settings. Future research could explore synergistic combinations with traditional antimicrobials to enhance efficacy against infections that are resistant to treatment.