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Introduction: Sleep disorders represent common complaints in different medical illnesses. They encompass a risk for diverse inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep disorders include disorders of hypersomnolence, insomnia, parasomnias, sleep-related movement disorders, circadian rhythm sleep-wake-disorders, and sleep-related breathing disorders, each one of which was associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in a different mechanism. In this review, the authors address the most recent research on the correlation between sleep and CVD., Methods: The literature on sleep disorders and their potential links to various cardiovascular diseases was reviewed in narrative form. For the published papers up to June 2023, the authors searched the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. Literature demonstrating the relationship between these illnesses, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, and various therapeutic approaches was included., Results: Sleep disorders were significantly linked to heart rate variability, hypertension, and obesity, which can eventually result in cardiovascular consequences and affect mortality and morbidity. The disruption in sleep cycles, which can be noticed in different sleep disorders, can obviously result in blood pressure, heart rate, and other cardiac functions. The clinical assessment acts as the cornerstone in the diagnosis of different spectrums of sleep disorders. The management of sleep disorders ranges from cognitive-behavioral therapy to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)., Conclusion: Additional research on the topic is needed to pinpoint any potential links and pathological processes. To improve clinical treatment and preventive measures, further observational studies should emphasize the reliability of early diagnostic signs., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The brain-machine interface (BMI), a crucial conduit between the human brain and computers, holds transformative potential for various applications in neuroscience. This manuscript explores the role of micro-engineered neuronal networks (MNNs) in advancing BMI technologies and their therapeutic applications. As the interdisciplinary collaboration intensifies, the need for innovative and user-friendly BMI technologies becomes paramount. A comprehensive literature review sourced from reputable databases (PubMed Central, Medline, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar) aided in the foundation of the manuscript, emphasizing the pivotal role of MNNs. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the diverse facets of MNNs in the context of BMI technologies, contributing insights into neural processes, technological advancements, therapeutic potentials, and ethical considerations surrounding BMIs. MNNs, exemplified by dual-mode neural microelectrodes, offer a controlled platform for understanding complex neural processes. Through case studies, we showcase the pivotal role of MNNs in BMI innovation, addressing challenges, and paving the way for therapeutic applications. The integration of MNNs with BMI technologies marks a revolutionary stride in neuroscience, refining brain-computer interactions and offering therapeutic avenues for neurological disorders. Challenges, ethical considerations, and future trends in BMI research necessitate a balanced approach, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure responsible and ethical advancements. Embracing the potential of MNNs is paramount for the betterment of individuals with neurological conditions and the broader community., Competing Interests: The author declared no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: Approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, with many not achieving seizure freedom. Organ-on-chip technology, which mimics organ-level physiology, could revolutionize drug development for epilepsy by replacing animal models in preclinical studies. The authors' goal is to determine if customized micro-physiological systems can lead to tailored drug treatments for epileptic patients., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing various databases, including PubMed, Ebscohost, Medline, and the National Library of Medicine, using a predetermined search strategy. The authors focused on articles that addressed the role of personalized micro-physiological systems in individual drug responses and articles that discussed different types of epilepsy, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Additionally, articles that explored the components and design considerations of micro-physiological systems were reviewed to identify challenges and opportunities in drug development for challenging epilepsy cases., Results: The micro-physiological system offers a more accurate and cost-effective alternative to traditional models for assessing drug effects, toxicities, and disease mechanisms. Nevertheless, designing patient-specific models presents critical considerations, including the integration of analytical biosensors and patient-derived cells, while addressing regulatory, material, and biological complexities. Material selection, standardization, integration of vascular systems, cost efficiency, real-time monitoring, and ethical considerations are also crucial to the successful use of this technology in drug development., Conclusion: The future of organ-on-chip technology holds great promise, with the potential to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning for personalized treatment of epileptic patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical neurovascular unit regulating substances' passage from the bloodstream to the brain. Its selective permeability poses significant challenges in drug delivery for neurological disorders. Conventional methods often fail due to the BBB's complex structure., Aim: The study aims to shed light on their pivotal role in revolutionizing neurotherapeutics and explores the transformative potential of BBB-on-a-Chip technologies in drug delivery research to comprehensively review BBB-on-a-chip technologies, focusing on their design, and substantiate advantages over traditional models., Methods: A detailed analysis of existing literature and experimental data pertaining to BBB-on-a-Chip technologies was conducted. Various models, their physiological relevance, and innovative design considerations were examined through databases like Scopus, EbscoHost, PubMed Central, and Medline. Case studies demonstrating enhanced drug transport through BBB-on-a-Chip models were also reviewed, highlighting their potential impact on neurological disorders., Results: BBB-on-a-Chip models offer a revolutionary approach, accurately replicating BBB properties. These microphysiological systems enable high-throughput screening, real-time monitoring of drug transport, and precise localization of drugs. Case studies demonstrate their efficacy in enhancing drug penetration, offering potential therapies for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's., Conclusion: BBB-on-a-Chip models represent a transformative milestone in drug delivery research. Their ability to replicate BBB complexities, offer real-time monitoring, and enhance drug transport holds immense promise for neurological disorders. Continuous research and development are imperative to unlock BBB-on-a-Chip models' full potential, ushering in a new era of targeted, efficient, and safer drug therapies for challenging neurological conditions., Competing Interests: The author declared no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article, (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is an important strategy for building a sustainable healthcare system in Africa. This involves investing in facilities, equipment, and supplies, as well as training and retaining skilled healthcare workers. Additionally, improving healthcare infrastructure and investing in healthcare education and training can lead to significant improvements in health outcomes, such as reducing maternal and child mortality. This is critical for building a sustainable healthcare system. Through a literature review, we assessed the approaches to building a sustainable healthcare system in Africa from the perspectives of Japan's and Switzerland's healthcare systems. It was discovered that Japan currently has the highest life expectancy, which can be attributed to insurance policies, healthcare policies, and the integration of emerging technologies and clinical research into their healthcare system. Lessons that Africa must emulate from the Japanese healthcare system include ensuring universal healthcare coverage, improving the workforce, improving primary healthcare, prioritizing the aging population, and investing in technology, infrastructure, and research. Japans healthcare system is also sustainable thanks to its stable workforce and primary healthcare. Switzerland also has an exceptional healthcare system globally, with technical and socioeconomic advancements leading to increased life expectancy and population aging through a worldwide health policy approach, programs tackling professional responsibilities and interprofessional cooperation, and initiatives to support family medicine. By learning from Japan's and Switzerland's approaches, Africa will gradually achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and build a sustainable healthcare system., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: Gut microbiota has emerged as a pivotal player in cardiovascular health and disease, extending its influence beyond the gut through intricate metabolic processes and interactions with the immune system. Accumulating evidence supports a significant association between gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. Dietary patterns have been identified as key factors shaping the composition of the gut microbiota and exerting notable impacts on cardiovascular health. Probiotics and prebiotics have shown promise in mitigating the risks of cardiovascular disease by modulating key cardiovascular parameters. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has recently emerged as a novel and intriguing therapeutic strategy., Aim: This review paper aims to explore and elucidate the multifaceted role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular health. It will also address the prevailing challenges and limitations in gut microbiota studies, emphasizing the importance of future research in overcoming these obstacles to expand our understanding of the gut-heart axis., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases including ClinicalTrials, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Ovid Resources. The search strategy included utilizing keywords such as "Gut microbiota," "Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)," "Gut-heart axis," "Dysbiosis," "Diet," "Probiotics," "Prebiotics," "Faecal Microbiota transplantation," "cardiovascular disease," "Meta-analyses," and other compatible terms thereof. Only articles written in English were considered, and selection criteria included relevance to the research objectives, reasonable sample sizes, and robust methodology. In addition to the identified articles, meta-analyses, animal models and studies, and references from the selected articles were also examined to ensure a comprehensive review of the literature., Results: Dietary patterns exert a significant influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, and certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been associated with a favourable gut microbiota profile and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Probiotics and prebiotics have emerged as potential interventions to mitigate CVD risks by modulating blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and gut dysbiosis. Another innovative therapeutic approach is FMT, which involves transferring faecal material from a healthy donor to restore a balanced gut microbiota. FMT holds promise for improving cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with CVD, although further research is needed to elucidate its precise mechanisms and assess its effectiveness., Conclusion: The gut microbiota is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for CVD prevention and management. However, current research has limitations, including the need for larger and more diverse studies, the challenges of establishing causality, and concerns regarding the long-term consequences and safety of gut microbiota modulation. Despite these limitations, understanding the gut-heart axis holds promise for the development of personalized therapies and interventions for cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to expand our knowledge and address the ethical and safety issues associated with gut microbiota modification., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought a conglomerate of novel chronic disabling conditions described as 'Long COVID/Post-COVID-19 Syndrome'. Recent evidence suggests that the multifaceted nature of this syndrome results in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sequelae,chronic dyspnoea, persistent fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction being the most common, debilitating symptoms. Several mechanisms engender or exacerbate cognitive impairment, including central nervous system and extra-central nervous system causes, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients may suffer varying degrees of cognitive impairment, ranging from fatigue and brain fog to prolonged deficits in memory and attention, detrimental to the quality-of-life years post-recovery. The aim of this review is to understand the underlying mechanisms, associations, and attempts for prevention with early intervention of long-term cognitive impairment post-COVID-19., Methodology: A systematic search was conducted through multiple databases such as Medline, National Library of Medicine, Ovid, Scopus database to retrieve all the articles on the long-term sequalae of cognitive dysfunction after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The inclusion criteria included all articles pertinent to this specific topic and exclusion criteria subtracted studies pertaining to other aetiologies of cognitive dysfunction. This search was carefully screened for duplicates and the relevant information was extracted and analysed., Results/discussion: To date, the exact pathogenesis, and underlying mechanisms behind cognitive dysfunction in COVID-19, remain unclear, hindering the development of adequate management strategies. However, the proposed mechanisms suggested by various studies include direct damage to the blood-brain barrier, systemic inflammation, prolonged hypoxia, and extended intensive care admissions. However, no clear-cut guidelines for management are apparent., Conclusion: This review of the COVID-19 pandemic has elucidated a new global challenge which is affecting individuals' quality of life by inducing long-term impaired cognitive function. The authors have found that comprehensive evaluations and interventions are crucial to address the cognitive sequelae in all COVID-19 patients, especially in patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. Nevertheless, the authors recommend further research for the development of relevant, timely neurocognitive assessments and treatment plans., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background/introduction: On the 13th of December 2022, a 5-year-old girl from Karnataka, India, tested positive for Zika virus. The first Zika virus was isolated from the serum of a rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947. Zika virus was largely dormant for about 70 years before suddenly resurfacing across all of America, from Brazil to the Pacific Islands and is connected to a grouping of microcephaly phenotypes based on a complete virus genome analysis. All of the aforementioned research provides an overview of the migration of this virus from the Americas to continental Africa via mosquitoes. The current study, therefore, aims to evaluate the virologic characteristics, prophylaxis, transmitting mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of ZIKV infection in light of the virus's widespread dissemination and deadly nature., Aim: The investigation's findings aim to demonstrate that in order to prevent further outbreaks, there is a national requirement for active epidemiological and entomological observation of Zika., Materials and Methods: Data were extracted from academic journals of medicine published in MEDLINE, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Ovid, and Embase inventory databases with a predetermined search strategy. Articles considering the Zika virus and its clinical manifestations, especially neurological, were included., Results: The Zika virus has been declared a public health emergency of global significance by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is of alarming concern that it is now one of the most prevalent infectious diseases associated with birth abnormalities discovered in the past five decades. The onset and accelerated spread of disease to other parts of the world is attributed to the migration of infected hosts and climate change. Rapid laboratory diagnosis, evaluation of serological techniques, and virus isolation are urgently needed, along with newer modalities such as mathematical modeling as prediction devices to curb this issue. Due to its grave neurological manifestations, it is mandated to engineer peptide therapies and a virus-specific vaccination to treat this neurotropic virus., Conclusion: There is currently no vaccination against Zika virus infection. If societies are not adequately prepared, the epidemiological wave will have an impact on the workforce and could pose a serious threat. To alleviate the significant cost on health systems and manage its promotion globally, improved investigation and response activities are needed., Competing Interests: No conflicts of interest were declared.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is one example of the scores of zoonotic diseases responsible for various outbreaks resulting in the deaths of millions of people for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has broken the age-old healthcare infrastructure and led to utter chaos. In the shadow of this pandemic, other zoonotic infections like the nipah virus, monkeypox, and langya virus, to name a few, have been neglected. Hence, outbreaks caused by such zoonotic viruses are rising in their endemic areas, like the Indian subcontinent. The mortality and morbidity due to such zoonoses are greater than usual due to the shortage of healthcare professionals caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Due to the lack of vaccines and therapeutics directed against this viral infection, treatment of patients is limited to supportive management and prevention, making preparedness for these potential zoonotic viral outbreaks essential. This paper highlights some of these zoonotic infections, which perpetuated and wreaked havoc while the world was occupied with containing the COVID-19 pandemic., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The recently detected virus in eastern China in 2018 led to some health concerns, especially with the global trend of spreading viruses. As a new RNA-detected genus of the henipavirus family was found in Eastern China, the number of patients affected has reached 35 through zoonotic spread, with symptoms ranging from simple fever to fatal affection of vital organs such as the brain, liver, and kidneys. Researchers have found that shrew animals might be a potential reservoir for the Langya virus; however, data is still limited regarding human-to-human transmission. Current efforts by the Chinese Health Ministry and the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to deduct the spread of the virus and track its origin by trying to sequence the disease genome are evident. With all this in mind, the recommendation to face this new novel virus revolves around protecting the most vulnerable population at risk of being infected, such as farmers, and preventing the spread of the virus. Efforts must be directed toward screening animals for henipavirus and diving more deeply into the etiology of how this virus has spread to humans to help understand the spread of zoonotic viruses in the future., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)