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Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Synthetic Biology has the potential to change the way we approach medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. AI automates tasks, optimizes experimental designs, and predicts biological behaviours, resulting in more efficient design and engineering of biological systems. However, there are challenges such as data limitations, interpretability issues, and ethical considerations like biosafety and biosecurity concerns that need to be addressed. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns. This has led to successful applications of AI in high-throughput screening and biomanufacturing, which can drive innovation and address critical challenges. AI-powered closed-loop systems for real-time monitoring and control of biological processes also show promise in providing real-time feedback and optimizing systems on the fly. Despite these advancements, it's important to consider ethical implications to ensure the responsible development and application of AI in synthetic biology. Proper consideration of challenges and ethical considerations can help leverage the power of AI to drive innovation and tackle pressing societal challenges. Overall, the potential of AI in synthetic biology is significant. By addressing challenges and ethical considerations, we can use them effectively to solve pressing problems.

The background of this novel study is how to apply an empirically adjusted Passive House concept in the tropics - beyond its otherwise prevailing global standards. Even though well-insulated houses have been on the planet since people settled down in some of their first dwellings, passive in the 21st century is different. It includes strict rules for airtightness and fitting of windows along with a sophisticated concept for artificial ventilation. Fresh air reachable from outside by filtered ventilation with heat recovery describes the heart of the system - if natural outside air is not preferable, it is convenient just in seasons with thermal comfort.Hence, the purpose and aim of the study presented here is to use a less common and at the same time more cost-saving approach: It might seem that the modern type of passive house entails the same standards that have been developed firmly on its own global market niche. However, this article tries to contribute toward a new development of modern passive homes for low-cost affordable tropical and subtropical houses in their entirety.As a concluding note, the author states that nobody has ever disproven this evolving concept as a combination of airtightness and a new way of forced ventilation without heat- or coolness recovery which is highly applicable for low-cost residential areas in tropical countries. By generating lower temperatures, it can help to surpass the overheating caused by climate change in certain tropical climate zones in higher altitudes and during cooler seasons. The condition is that the occupants are willing to accept a thermal comfort of up to 28 °C and humidity in its 70s and 80s.

Septic arthritis is a serious inflammatory infectious state of the joint secondary to microbial infection. In the pediatric population the most common route of infection is haematogenous spread. Less than fifty percent of patients with septic arthritis will yield positive culture results with a mortality rate of up to 42% in some cases. Due to the challenge in obtaining culture and identification of the causative organism the management of septic arthritis has been more of empirical in nature with the chosen antibiotic synchronized with the epidemiological data. Here is a case of a 14 months old female patient presenting at our hospital with a left knee and lower thigh swelling for three days with failure to bare weight on the limb. In addition, she had fever and diarrhea for three days. Upon evaluation clinical, laboratory and radiological findings supported septic arthritis expect for her blood, pus and synovial fluid culture of which all came back negative. She had poor response to intravenous ceftriaxone, gentamycin, metronidazole, ampicillin- cloxacillin and amoxicillin clavunate. Over the course of therapy, she developed septic shock, severe anemia and acute liver failure and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Afterwards she was initiated vancomycin and developed a hypersensitivity reaction with generalized edema which prompted cessation of the drug. Due to her critical state and poor response a triple therapy regimen composing of meropenem, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole was selected and maintained for three weeks followed by an oral clindamycin course for another three weeks of which she responded. In addition, surgical debridement arthrotomy, irrigation and drainage were done. Physiotherapy for rehabilitation is ongoing with patient recovering well.

Robust anti-microbial surfaces that are non-toxic to users have widespread application in medical, industrial, and domestic arenas. Magnesium hydroxide has recently gained attention as an anti-microbial compound that is non-toxic, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly. Here we demonstrate melt compound and thermally embossed methods for coating polypropylene with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets. Polypropylene articles coated with Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets and copper-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets exhibit a log 8 kill of E.coli within 24 hours. In addition, Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced SARSCoV-2 virus titers in the solution by 2.5 x 103 PFU/mL or 29.4%, while the Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 NPs suspension, at 0.25% reduced titers by 8.1 x 103 PFU/mL or 95.3%. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in bacteria in response to Mg(OH)2 and Cu-infused Mg(OH)2 nanoplatelets which appears to be an important but not the sole mode of anti-microbial action of the nanoplatelets. Plastics with anti-microbial surfaces from where biocides are non-leachable are highly desirable. This work provides a general fabrication strategy for developing anti-microbial plastic surfaces.

Background: The frequency of latex allergy is increasing, posing a major health problem. This increase is related to the widespread use of latex materials and cross-reactions between latex proteins and certain foods. This cross-reactivity makes latex avoidance difficult, and latex sensitization is likely to worsen atopic conditions. Objective: The authors evaluated the role of latex sensitization in the poor control of asthma and rhinitis. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 1860 patients of all ages and genders, followed up for allergic asthma and rhinitis since March 2012 in the Immuno-Allergology Unit of the Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan. Prick tests with native extracts and the European standard battery were performed to identify allergenic sensitization. The impact of latex sensitization on asthma and rhinitis control was assessed by calculating odds ratios. Results: A high frequency of latex sensitization was associated with asthma and rhinitis. The risks of poor control were related to monosensitization to latex and were even higher in the context of polysensitization. Conclusion: The impact of latex sensitization on the progression of asthma and rhinitis has been well demonstrated. It is recommended to integrate the latex sensitization status into the therapeutic management strategy of these two pathologies.

Many studies from the early 20th century on the significance of the pores of Kohn were assessed based on the pathogenesis and pathology of pneumococci pneumonia occurring in man. The pneumococci were carried in the edema fluid directly from alveolus to alveolus through the pores of Kohn and from bronchiole to bronchiole as a result of repeated aspirations, aided by breathing, coughing, and gravity. With the emerging minimally invasive and non-invasive techniques experimentations and the current medications; tackling exacerbations and improving the pulmonary function in various lung diseases remains a dilemma for clinicians and researchers. In this article, we aim to review specifically the pores of Kohn as this is the portal for the spread of infection but also lung recruitment during breathing.

The National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) is a public institution created by Law 9782/1999, which integrates the field of Collective Health and acts in the prevention, control, and inspection of sanitary conditions in various sectors, such as food, health, pharmacies, hospitals, and commercial establishments. Its main objective is to guarantee the protection of public health, ensuring that products, services, and environments comply with established standards, to promote health and preventing diseases. To exercise its inspection and control function, Sanitary Surveillance has the power of sanitary police, which gives it the authority to apply necessary measures and curb practices that pose risks to the health of the population.The performance of the Sanitary Surveillance is fundamental to prevent health risks in any part of society and to guarantee national programs for patient safety. It is also essential to prevent diseases, control risks, and monitor compliance with health standards and specific regulations. The police power of Sanitary Surveillance consists of establishing norms and technical regulations, carrying out inspections and inspections, issuing temporary or permanent interdiction orders in establishments that do not comply with the norms, as well as forwarding complaints to the Public Ministry in cases of crimes against public health. Arrests carried out by Sanitary Surveillance agents are extreme measures and applied in serious situations of risk to public health or when there is repeated disrespect for sanitary regulations. The prohibited establishments have the right of defense and may seek to regularize the situation to obtain the release of activities.The performance of the Sanitary Surveillance has significant impacts on the prevention of disease outbreaks and epidemics. Identifying and correcting inappropriate practices helps to prevent the spread of pathogenic agents and reduce the risk of contagion in collective environments. The institution’s preventive and supervisory activities contribute to reducing risks to the population’s health, preventing disease outbreaks, food poisoning, and the proliferation of pests, among other problems. Finally, the importance of exercising police power with transparency, impartiality, and respect for individual rights is emphasized, always aiming at the collective interest and the promotion of the common good. In summary, Health Surveillance plays an essential role in protecting public health, seeking to ensure that the population has access to safe products and services, contributing to the improvement of quality of life and disease prevention.

Introduction: Bronchoscopy could lead to local spread of pre-existing infection, spread of infection from one patient to another if the bronchoscope is disinfected inadequately, or, isolation of microorganisms from bronchoscopic specimens in a patient who is clinically not infected, i.e., pseudo-infection. This study is one such investigation of an outbreak of bronchoscopic pseudo-infections in a tertiary care hospital.Materials and methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples were inoculated onto MacConkey Agar and 5% Sheep Blood Agar and incubated at 37 °C overnight. The growths obtained on culture media were processed for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility on Vitek 2 Compact as per manufacturer’s instructions. To investigate the outbreak, 5 mL - 10 mL of sterile water was flushed through the channels of disinfected bronchoscope and collected in a sterile container. The samples were centrifuged and inoculated onto MacConkey Agar and 5% Sheep Blood Agar. The growths obtained were further processed similarly as the BAL samples were processed. Environmental swabs collected from the bronchoscopy unit were also processed as the procedure mentioned above.Results: Bronchoalveolar lavage of 3 patients in a period of 1 week were contaminated with multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Two out of five bronchoscope fluid samples were also contaminated with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the swabs collected from bronchoscope unit, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the detergent box of the endowasher. Conclusion: The risk of propagation of infection via a bronchoscope can be evaded by proper reprocessing and improving the sterilization practices. 

Microplastics (MPs) pose a significant risk to human health, particularly through seafood consumption. Once ingested, MPs can spread from the digestive system to other organs via phagocytosis and endocytosis, leading to toxicological effects. Accumulation of MPs in tissues causes swelling, blockages, oxidative stress, and Cytotoxicity. Studies show MPs alter metabolism, disrupt immune function, and contribute to autoimmune diseases. Chronic exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity, vascular inflammation, and increased cancer risk due to DNA damage. MPs can cross biological barriers, including the placenta, affecting fetal development. Additionally, they serve as vectors for pollutants and bacteria, further complicating health risks. MPs in the bloodstream can trigger inflammatory responses, endothelial adhesion, and red blood cell coagulation, leading to cardiovascular complications. In vitro studies indicate MPs impair renal function and cause long-term inflammation in distal tissues. Moreover, oxidative stress caused by MPs plays a critical role in carcinogenicity. Despite growing evidence of adverse health effects, further research is necessary to understand the full impact of MPs’ exposure on human health and develop effective mitigation strategies.