bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence for breast cancer screening in mammography (AI-STREAM): Preliminary analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Chang Yun Woo , Ryu Jung Kyu , An Jin Kyung , Choi Nami , Ko Kyung Hee , Han Kyunghwa , Park Young Mi
Published: July 2024

Several studies have shown that artificial intelligence (AI) improves mammography screening accuracy. Meanwhile, prospective evidence, particularly in a single-read setting, is lacking. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of breast radiologists, with and without an AI-based computer-aided detection (AI-CAD) for interpreting screening mammograms in a real-world, single-read setting. A prospective multicenter cohort study in six academic hospitals participant in South Korea’s national breast cancer screening program was done, where women aged ³40 years were eligible for enrollment between February 2021 and December 2022. The primary outcome was screen-detected breast cancer diagnosed at a one-year follow-up. The primary analysis compared cancer detection rate (CDRs) and recall rates (RRs) of breast imaging specialized radiologists, with and without AI assistance. The exploratory, secondary analysis compared CDRs and RRs of general radiologists, with and without AI, as well as radiologists versus standalone AI. Of 25,008 women who were eligible for enrollment, 24,543 women were included in the final cohort (median age 61 years [IQR 51-68]), with 140 (0.57%) screen-detected breast cancers. The CDR was significantly higher by 13.8% for breast radiologists with AI-CAD (n=140 [5.70 ‰]) versus those without AI (n=123 [5.01 ‰]; p <0.001), with no significant difference in RRs (p =0.564). Similar trends were observed for general radiologists, with a significant 26.4% higher CDR in those with AI-CAD (n=120 [4.89 ‰]) versus those without AI (n=95 [3.87 ‰]; p <0.001). The CDR of standalone AI (n=128 [5.21 ‰]) was also significantly higher than that of general radiologists without AI (p=0.027), with no significant differences in RRs (p =0.809). This preliminary result from a prospective, multicenter cohort study provided evidence of significant improvement in CDRs without affected RRs of breast radiologists when using AI-CAD, as compared to not using AI-CAD, when interpreting screening mammograms in a radiologist’s standard single reading setting. Furthermore, AI-CAD assistance could potentially improve radiologist’s reading performance, regardless of experience (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0524591).
Isolated Carbon(I) Species Featuring a Carbone Cation Radical
Authors: Ong Tiow-Gan , Chan Yi-Chen , Xiao He-Xin , Qin Lei , Shen Jiun-Shian Shen , Yang Chen-Rui , Yap Glenn P. A. , Ching Wei-Min , Chen Wen-Ching , Chiang Yun-Wei , Frenking Gernot , Zhoa Lili
Published: July 2024

Carbynes, characterized by radical and carbene attributes, possess three non-bonding electrons and have garnered significant scientific interest. The high reactivity and complex hybridization of valence orbitals in carbynes have impeded the isolation of free carbon(I) species, presenting a substantial challenge in carbon chemistry. Carbodicarbenes are divalent carbon (0) species with two electron lone-pairs, which are in principle capable of losing an electron to generate a radical cation C(I), a species containing three non-bonded electrons, similar to the frontier orbital of a carbyne without vacant orbital. Herein, we describe the isolation of a crystalline cation radical C(I) as [1-CDC]•+, prepared by a novel approach involving single electron transfer (SET) between carbodicarbene and nitro-aromatic compound to generate stable radical ionic pair. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray crystallography with quantum chemical analysis shows that the unpaired electron of [1-CDC]•+ resides in the p(π) AO of secondary carbon with some delocalization to the NHC ligands. Exploring the reactivity of this novel C(I) cation radical revealed its capacity to mediate a variety of C-O and C-C cross-coupling reactions with electron-deficient aryl halides. These findings not only expand the understanding of carbon(I) radical chemistry but also open new avenues for new methodologies in organic synthesis and catalysis via radical manifold.
Effect of waste pretreatments on growth parameters, bioconversion and quality of Black Soldier Fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Authors: Ornela Magatsing Falone , Kankeu Junior N. , Mube Hervé K. , Dzepe Daniel , Hako Blaise T. , Mbida Arthur M. , Djouaka Rousseau , Tchuinkam Timoleon
Published: July 2024

Rapid population growth is leading to changes in the global food system. Food insecurity arise because the current production system doesn’t solve the actual food shortage. Yet, the world population generates enormous amounts of waste which could become useful biomass by Black soldier fly larvae transformation. It is obvious that the type of waste has an impact on the development and quality of the black soldier fly larvae. However, the effect of pretreatment of waste on the larvae is poorly known. In this study, Waste were collected from a restaurant in Dschang, Cameroon and were treated diversely: crushed, heated, fermented, and then used to feed 5- day-old larvae of H. illucens. Mature larvae were later harvested from the substrate, then boiled in water at 100°C to take the growth parameters, and were crushed for bromatological analysis. In almost all treatments, larvae reached maturity after 15 days of feeding. Crushing of the organic waste yield the highest mortality rate (11.33%). Fermentation of the waste produced the highest consumption index (3.04) and the lowest bioconversion rate (12.49) conversely, crushing of the waste recorded the lowest consumption index (1.74) and the highest bioconversion rate (20.14). Treatment of substrate influenced Crude protein, organic matter and ash levels. Concerning abiotic parameters of substrate, lowest temperature was recorded in crushing treatment. In conclusion, waste pretreatment by crushing, heating and fermentation positively influences growth parameters, bioconversion of substrate and especially the quality of the larvae. Waste should be treated prior to the larval rearing.
Management of Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenia with Fostamatinib: A Case Report
Authors: Noor Khutaija , Qadri Henna Ahmadi , Hussein Atif Mahmoud
Published: July 2024

Background: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by autoantibodies targeting platelets, resulting in a prolonged reduction in platelet count that can persist for more than a year. Symptoms of thrombocytopenia can range from bleeding to asymptomatic. ITP can be idiopathic or caused by various factors such as pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, medications, and infections. Refractory ITP affects a subset of patients who do not respond to standard treatments or relapse after splenectomy, resulting in a fourfold increase in mortality risk compared to the general population, with 50% of deaths due to bleeding and 50% due to infections. Additional tests may identify underlying causes such as autoimmune disorders or infections. The incidence of ITP in adults is approximately 66 per 1,000,000 annually, with chronic refractory cases occurring at approximately 10 per 1,000,000. Fostamatinib, an oral spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor, offers a treatment option by reducing antibody-mediated platelet destruction. However, it is accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea, hypertension, nausea, elevated liver function tests, and neutropenia.
Primary Objective: To assess the effectiveness and challenges of using fostamatinib for the treatment of refractory ITP through a detailed case report.
Methods: This is a case report of a 66-year-old female who presented with symptoms, was diagnosed with ITP, and did not respond to treatment such as rituximab, splenectomy, IV immunoglobulin, and dexamethasone. The patient was started on 100 mg of fostamatinib twice daily in a clinical setting.
Results: Early detection of refractory ITP is critical due to its life-threatening condition. Management includes fostamatinib which has been proven to be effective when patient platelet levels return to the normal range.
Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of fostamatinib and its slow response in clinically improving the patient’s symptoms and maintaining a normal platelet range with adjunctive therapy with low-dose steroids.
Presenting natural continuous speech in a multisensory immersive environment improves speech comprehension and reflects the allocation of processing resources in neural speech tracking.
Authors: Frei Vanessa , Giroud Nathalie
Published: July 2024

Successful speech comprehension, though seemingly effortless, involves complex interactions between sensory and cognitive processing and is predominantly embedded in a multisensory context, providing acoustic and visual speech cues. Adding the perspective of ageing, the interaction becomes even more manyfold. The impact of cognitive load on speech processing has been investigated, however, characterized by a lack of realistic speech material and multimodality. In this study, we therefore investigated the effects of memory load on naturalistic immersive audiovisual speech comprehension in older adults with varying degrees of hearing impairment and cognitive capacities. By providing natural continuous multisensory speech, provided through virtual reality, we created an immersive three-dimensional visual of the speaker, and manipulated the memory load of the natural running speech inspired by a traditional n-back task. This allowed us to neural speech envelope tracking via EEG and behavioural speech comprehension in varying modalities and memory loads in a highly controllable environment, while offering a realistic conversational experience. Neural speech tracking depends on an interaction between modality and memory load, moderated by auditory working memory capacity (AWM). Under low memory load, there is an increase in neural speech tracking in the immersive modality, particularly strong for individuals with low AWM. Visually induced performance improvement is observed similarly in high and low memory load settings on a behavioural level. We argue that this dynamic reflects an allocation process of sensory- and cognitive processing resources depending on the presented sensory- and cognitive load of natural continuous speech and individual capacities.
Spin injection in graphene using ferromagnetic indium-cobalt van der Waals contacts
Authors: Sarkar Soumya , Oh Saeyoung , Newton Peter J. , Li Yang , Zhu Yiru , Ghani Maheera Abdul , Yan Han , Jeong Hu Young , Wang Yan , Chhowalla Manish
Published: July 2024

Graphene based spintronic devices require efficient spin injection and collection. Oxide dielectric tunnel barriers obtained by direct deposition or oxidizing thin metal films are typically used to facilitate spin injection. However, the yield of working devices with such tunnel barriers is low (typically 5-10%) as direct growth of oxides on dangling bond free 2D surfaces is challenging. Here we report a robust and simple method for spin injection in graphene lateral spin valves (LSVs) using ferromagnetic (FM) van der Waals (vdW) contacts of indium and cobalt (In/Co) that does not require deposition of dielectric tunnel barriers. We obtain magnetoresistance (MR) values of 1.5 % + 0.5% (spin signal ~ 50 ohms) - comparable to state-of-the-art graphene LSVs with oxide tunnel barriers – with a working device yield of >70% with FM In/Co vdW contacts. In contrast, LSVs with contacts containing only Co are highly inefficient and in the best cases show an MR ~ 0.2% (spin signal ≤ 3 ohms, only 10% devices work). The contact resistance of FM In/Co vdW contacts is 2 – 5 kohms, making them compatible for integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor devices for electrical switching. Our results promise facile and high yield fabrication of spintronic devices using direct deposition of In/Co vdW contacts.
Evaluation of The Relationships of Liraglutite, Red Yeast Rice And Atorvastatin With Metabolic Parameters In Rats Feed With A High-Fat Diet
Authors: SEDEFOĞLU GÜLBAHAR , YILDIRIM Duygu İlke , Akyürek Fikret
Published: July 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the effects of RYR (Red Yeast Rice), liraglutide and atorvastatin on metabolic parameters in rats fed a HFD (High-Fat Diet).Methods At the end of the study, FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose), C-LDL (LDL Cholesterol), TC (Total Cholesterol), TG (Triglyceride) levels, AIP (Atherogenic Index of Plasma) and TyG (Triglyceride Glucose Index) indices of the rats were compared.Results The C-LDL level of the group fed with HFD and given RYR in the last 4 weeks decreased significantly compared to the CG group fed only with HFD for 10 weeks (p < 0.001). Liraglutide significantly reduced TGs, TyG index and AIP index compared to HFD-fed CG alone (p < 0.001).Conclusion As a result of sufficient studies on RYR, RYR supplementation may be considered in addition to oral drug therapy for patients with hyperlipidemia. When used in accordance with its indication. Liraglutide can be reduce the AIP value as well as the single-parameter lipid values ​​measured for the risk of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, which are the causes of cardiovascular diseases.
Teaching Math: A Review of Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies in Higher Education
Authors: Castillo Darwin , Carrión Javier , Chamba Cristian , Jiménez Yuliana , Rodríguez-Álvarez María José , Lakshminarayanan Vasudevan
Published: July 2024

The enduring challenge of facilitating profound knowledge acquisition and meaningful learning of mathematical concepts has been a constant throughout contemporary and historical educational contexts. This issue is particularly pronounced at higher education levels, where many students struggle to connect theoretical mathematical concepts with practical applications in their professional careers. In this context, our research undertakes a systematic review of scientific literature from 2020 onwards, critically examining diverse pedagogical strategies to enhance the efficiency and depth of mathematical learning. Our findings indicate a marked prevalence of semiotic representations and gamification in the literature. Semiotic representations emerge as a potent strategy for achieving deep cognitive engagement and a thorough understanding of mathematical concepts. Gamification, as an active learning method, proves to be a highly effective approach for enhancing student engagement and motivation, thereby helping students overcome their apprehension towards mathematics. Furthermore, the literature underscores the crucial role of educator training in successfully implementing these strategies. The evidence suggests that a synergistic combination of semiotic representations and gamification could significantly enhance students’ mathematical learning experiences, fostering a meaningful understanding firmly rooted in real-world problem-solving. This integrated approach holds substantial promise for advancing educational outcomes and better-preparing students for the practical demands of their professional lives.
Postharvest VeSolution Treatment Reduced the Rot Progression and In-Transit Rotting of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruits during Long Distance Transportation
Authors: Shricharan Senthilkumar , Deenadayalan Akshay Ramaswamy , Vadher Bhavesh , Hemanth Kumar J , Bhattacharjee Arghyadeep Ashok
Published: July 2024

Pomegranate is of considerable economic significance, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat serving as the primary cultivation regions. In spite of the high production levels, postharvest losses are serious, with certain fruits experiencing fruit cracking, fungal infections, and poor handling during transportation, resulting in postharvest losses of up to 35%. Therefore, the present investigation examined the effectiveness of VeSolution in reducing these losses. The investigation entailed the isolation and identification of fungal pathogens from pomegranates that were infected. Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., and Coinella sp. were identified as the fungi that were associated with pomegranate fruit rotting. Following this, VeSolution's antifungal properties were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the growth of fungal colony was substantially inhibited by the 2% and 5% concentrations of VeSolution. The fruits rot development and progression were effectively restricted by the 2% VeSolution, as confirmed by in vivo assessments. Subsequent pilot and large-scale trials demonstrated that 1% VeSolution substantially reduced rot during longer transportation periods, thereby retaining the quality and reducing fruit rotting for up to 84 hours. These results emphasis VeSolution as a viable and non-toxic alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides for maintaining the postharvest quality of pomegranates.
Performance Evaluation of a Decentralized Learning Architecture for PCB Defect Classification
Authors: Dao Thi-Nga , Ta Chi-Hieu
Published: July 2024

Printed circuit board (PCB) defect detection, which is an important task in industrial factories, receives great attention from both researchers and practitioners. To achieve high detection accuracy, the traditional training method requires data collection from multiple industrial factories. However, in practice, factories possess their own data and do not want to share the private data with other participants. Therefore, we introduce a decentralized learning method that makes use the knowledge of clients in the system. By leveraging the federated learning technique, a consensus global detection model can be produced while maintaining data privacy. We have conducted extensive experiments to evaluate the detection performance under various learning methods: federated learning, centralized learning, and local learning. We also compare the detection performance of two well-known detection models: YOLOv5 and YOLOv8. The experimental results show that the federated learning based method yields better detection performance than the local learning.
How much for human dignity? A Kant-Maslow compared approach to the basic conditions of life
Authors: de Oliveira Cintra Farias Felipe , Pena Ferreira Hugo Luís
Published: July 2024

O artigo discute o papel do direito ao mínimo existencial como requisito para a autonomia individual, a dignidade humana e as possibilidades de autorrealização. O problema abordado, nesse sentido, é a tensão entre a afirmação formal e universal da autonomia e dignidade humana e os requisitos concretos para sua concretização em situações particulares, em um mundo em que o status humano por si só não é suficiente para a afirmação ativa e material dos direitos. Com isso em mente, o estudo aborda as perspectivas de Kant e Maslow sobre a formação da vontade livre e os motivadores do comportamento humano, em uma abordagem comparativa, a fim de compreender o papel da satisfação das necessidades básicas, ou mínimo existencial, na estruturação da dignidade humana em geral e na formação da livre vontade, em particular. A pesquisa bibliográfica é essencialmente a técnica empregada para abordar essa questão. A principal contribuição apresentada neste ensaio é de natureza ideacional. É importante ter uma compreensão material da liberdade e dignidade nos tempos contemporâneos, em que fatores econômicos desempenham papel crucial na superação da heteronomia por meio da satisfação das necessidades básicas que se apresentam como pré-condições para a autonomia.
The Neuro-Healing Frontier: Alpha-Mangostin's Potential in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Treatment
Authors: Goyal Ahsas , Agrawal Nandini , Agrawal Neetu , Verma Aanchal , Solanki Kunal , Yadav Harlokesh Narayan
Published: July 2024

Neurodegenerative disorders represent a set of advancing, severe, and incapacitating
conditions impacting millions globally, with a rising prevalence. Despite concerted efforts and
an enhanced understanding of the intricate pathophysiology of neurodegeneration, the quest for
effective treatments remains unfulfilled. Consequently, there exists a pressing clinical necessity
for the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches. Alpha-mangostin has exhibited beneficial
effects in alleviating the severity of neurodegenerative disorders, primarily attributed to its
antioxidant properties. Alpha-mangostin showcases diverse pharmacological effects, encompassing
anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and antioxidant effects. Consequently, it has surfaced as
a promising remedy with both prophylactic and restorative impacts on various neurodegenerative
ailments. Recent research has illuminated the therapeutic targets of alpha-mangostin, suggesting
its potential utility in addressing neurodegeneration. This review showcases the neuroprotective
effects of alpha-mangostin. Drawing from numerous preliminary studies and taking
into account the compound's remedial effects, the primary focus is on its role as a health-giving
compound for the therapy of diseases associated with the degeneration of the nervous system.
Given the substantial evidence supporting its efficacy in various experimental models, this review
advocates for further investigations, with a special highlight on elucidating neuroprotective
mechanisms and conducting clinical trials to validate its effectiveness in managing Alzheimer's
disease as well as Parkinson's disease.
Exploring the Mechanism of Shen Qi Gui Oral Liquid against Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression in Cancer Patients Based on Network
Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Wan Feng , Zheng Qiao , Zhou Tiecheng , Zhou Hang , Peng Fu , Yao Dejiao , Peng Cheng
Published: July 2024

Background:

Shen Qi Gui oral liquid (SQG) may be beneficial for chemotherapyinduced
myelosuppression (CIM). However, the underlying mechanism of CIM treated with
SQG is still lacking.

Methods:

A total of 27 blood samples from cancer patients were selected to perform RNA-seq to
obtain the Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs). Then, the active components and target genes
of SQG were acquired. Next, the drug targets and DEGs were intersected to obtain the intersection
genes, followed by functional enrichment analysis and construction of a drug-compoundgene-
disease network. Subsequently, core genes were selected. Then, immune cell infiltration,
molecular docking, pharmacokinetic and toxicity prediction, and RT-qPCR were performed.

Results:

A total of 1,341 DEGs, 51 active compounds, and 264 target genes were identified.
Then, 30 intersection genes were acquired. Next, a drug-compound-gene-disease network was
constructed, and 7 core genes were acquired. Immune infiltration analysis exhibited that only T
follicular helper cells were significantly increased in the CIM group, which was significantly
negatively correlated with MAPK1, MAPK14, MCL1, PTEN, and PTGS2. The luteolin, quercetin,
and beta-sitosterol showed better affinity with core genes. Luteolin and quercetin, which satisfied
Lipinski's rule of five, were likely absorbed by the gastrointestinal system. Toxicity predictions
showed that neither luteolin nor quercetin exhibited carcinogenicity or hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion:

PTEN, PTGS2, CCL2, FOS, MCL1, MAPK1, and MAPK14 were identified as the
core genes in CIM patients, which were involved in the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.
Luteolin and quercetin may be the promising drugs against CIM.
Successful Treatment of Switching EGFR-TKIs for Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma
Due to Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Zeng Xianghua , Wang Ting , Tang Ying , Liao Xingyun , Wang Jianghong , Li Yongsheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

Icotinib and almonertinib are efficacious for non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) factor patients with epidermal growth receptor (EGFR)-mutation. Patients who previously
used EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) may switch to another one due to the adverse
events.

Case Presentation:

Here, we report a case of a 73-year-old male patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
in which an EGFR (exon 21 L858R substitution) was found. Icotinib (125mg three
times daily) was administered initially. He achieved partial response two months later but developed
acute interstitial lung disease (grade 2) with dry cough and chest tightness five months later.
Icotinib was discontinued, and treatment with methylprednisolone improved the interstitial lung
disease. Chemotherapy with pemetrexed, carboplatin, and bevacizumab was initiated as subsequent
therapy. Considering the effectiveness of EGFR-TKIs, we decided cautiously to rechallenge
the third-generation TKI almonertinib administration. The patient successfully received almonertinib
for almost one year without the recurrence of interstitial lung disease and tumor progression.
ILD was an infrequent but often life-threatening reaction associated with icotinib.

Conclusion:

This is the first reported case of successful switching from icotinib to another EGFR
TKI because of interstitial lung disease associated with icotinib, suggesting that EGFR-TKIs
rechallenge because of adverse events rather than progression might provide a significant benefit
in patients with EGFR driver positive NSCLC.
N-Alkylation of Amines Utilizing Magnetic Nano Chitosan Functionalized with EDTA/Co(II)
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Farzaneh
Published: July 2024

This research work has explored the application of a magnetic catalyst composed of coreshell
nanoparticles [Fe3O4@SiO2@CS@EDTA/Co(II)], known as NCM@EDTA/Co(II), in the conversion
of various alcohols containing electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups into their
respective secondary or primary amine derivatives. The investigation has focused on optimizing reaction
conditions by considering factors, such as the inclusion of a base, duration of reaction time, reaction
temperature, catalyst quantity, and choice of transition metal, in order to determine the optimal
parameters. The most favorable outcomes have been achieved by using 0.2 mmol of catalyst per 1
mmol of substrate under reflux conditions for a duration ranging from 3 to 24 hours. The reaction has
demonstrated high efficiency, with the catalyst's easy separation via an external magnetic field, stability,
and recyclability, highlighting its potential applications in chemistry and industrial environments.
Methotrexate - Safe Backbone for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Krasselt Marco
Published: July 2024

Methotrexate (MTX) is the primarily used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). MTX is a safe agent, even when used for
years - provided that treatment is regularly monitored and prescribers follow some simple rules,
such as prescribing tablets of a single strength only. Proper patient education contributes greatly to
safe treatment. The knowledge of important pharmacologic facts, possible interactions, and clinical warning signs also helps to prevent or recognize intoxications early.

Therefore, this review addresses key aspects regarding the safety of MTX. In this respect, it includes adverse events, possible interactions with frequently used drugs and details on the rare but
life-threatening intoxication, e.g., due to erroneous daily intake.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Spirulina Algae and N-Acetylcysteine in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients: A Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Attaran Davood , Baniasad Amir , Najafzadeh Mohammad Javad , Poursadegh Farid , Saberi Mohammad Reza , Nabavi Shima , Ravanshad Sahar , Mozdourian Mahnaz , Hejazi Sepideh , Morovatdar Negar , Attaran Soroush
Published: July 2024

Background:

Spirulina algae are widely used in food, cosmetic, and dietary applications,
and laboratory and clinical studies have reported their antiviral and immune-enhancing properties.

Aim:

We aimed to evaluate the prescription of spirulina, a safe food supplement with antiviral
properties, and N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of hospitalized patients with Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19).

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted as a multicenter, randomized, single-masked,
open-label phase II clinical trial on 66 patients with COVID-19. Patients were randomly assigned
to two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups were defined as follows:
one group received spirulina algae (23 people), and the other group received N-acetylcysteine
plus spirulina algae (21 people). In the control group (22 people), the patients only received
the national standard treatment for COVID-19. The intervention groups were prescribed 80 mg/kg
of spirulina green algae daily.

Results:

The duration of hospitalization (P = 0.874), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission (P =
0.320), and mortality (P = 0.320) of patients between the three groups did not show any significant
difference. Side effects, including headache (P = 0.022) and nausea (P = 0.039), were significantly
less common in the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding
the frequency of symptoms after discharge in the three-month follow-up (P = 0.420).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that administering spirulina with or without N-acetylcysteine did
not affect the length of hospitalization, ICU admission, mortality, and the frequency of symptoms
or long COVID.
Radiotherapy Enhancing and Radioprotective Properties of Berberine: A Systematic Review
Authors: Raeisi Elham , Heidari-Soureshjani Saeid , MT Sherwin Catherine , Bagheri Zeinab
Published: July 2024

Background:

Natural compounds such as Berberine (Ber) have been considered due to
favorable anticancer properties, low side effects, and availability along with chemotherapy treatments.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing and radioprotective properties of
Ber.

Methods:

In this systematic review that was performed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines,
we searched the publications before 25 Sep 2023 in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase,
and Cochrane Library databases. After determining inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted
and imported into an Excel form, and the results of the studies were reviewed.

Results:

Ber by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA),
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), and increasing
interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels, showed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against ionizing
radiation. Reducing cell cytotoxicity and apoptosis were other radioprotective properties of
Ber. Conversely, in cancer cells, Ber, via inducing oxidative stress and accumulation ROS in tumor
tissues, inducing DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperpolarization, inducing
apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, inhibits the up-regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha
(HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) revealed radiosensitizing properties.

Conclusion:

Ber, via various mechanisms, showed favorable radioprotective and radiosensitizing
properties in clinical and experimental studies. However, more clinical studies are needed in this
field.
The Growth Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol and Gallic Acid on Prostate Cancer Cell Lines through the Alteration of Oxidative Stress Balance: The Interplay between Nrf2, HO-1, and BACH1 Genes
Authors: Moghadam Delaram , Zarei Reza , Rostami Amirabbas , Samare-Najaf Mohammad , Ghojoghi Rozita , Savardashtaki Amir , Jafarinia Morteza , Vakili Sina , Irajie Cambyz
Published: July 2024

Background:

The association between oxidative stress and prostate cancer (PC) has been demonstrated
both epidemiologically and experimentally. Balance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels depends on multiple
factors, such as the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BACH1 genes. Natural polyphenols, such as resveratrol
(RSV) and gallic acid (GA), affect cellular oxidative profiles.

Objective:

The present study investigated the possible effects of GA and RSV on the oxidative profiles of PC3
and DU145 cells, as well as Nrf2, HO-1, and BACH1 gene expression to achieve an understanding of the mechanisms
involved.

Methods:

PC3 and DU145 cells were treated with ascending concentrations of RSV and GA for 72 h. Then cell
growth and mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and BACH1 genes were analyzed by real-time PCR. Various spectrophotometric
analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers.

Results:

RSV and GA significantly decreased the growth of PC3 and DU145 cells compared to the control group
in a concentration-dependent manner. RSV and GA also decreased ROS production in PC3 cells, but in DU145
cells, only the latter polyphenol significantly decreased ROS content. In addition, RSV and GA had ameliorating
effects on SOD, GR, GPX, and CAT activities and GSH levels in both cell lines. Also, RSV and GA induced HO-
1 and Nrf2 gene expression in both cell lines. BACH1 gene expression was induced by RSV only at lower concentrations,
in contrast to GA in both cell lines.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that RSV and GA can prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells by disrupting
oxidative stress-related pathways, such as changes in Nrf2, HO-1, and BACH1 gene expression.
Molecular Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genotyping among Helicobacter pylori-Positive Dyspeptic Patients in North Iran
Authors: Kouhsari Ebrahim , Roshandel Gholamreza , Hosseinzadeh Sara , Besharat Sima , Khori Vahid , Amiriani Taghi
Published: July 2024

Background:

Iran has a relatively high prevalence of H. pylori, which correlates with
high-risk areas for gastric cancer worldwide.

Methods:

Our study aimed to investigate the underlying genetic mechanisms associated with resistance
to metronidazole (frxA, rdxA), clarithromycin (23S rRNA), tetracycline (16S rRNA),
and fluoroquinolone (gyrA) in H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients using PCR and sequencing.
We further examined the potential correlation between resistance profiles and various virulence
genotypes.

Results:

The rates of genetic mutations associated with resistance to metronidazole, fluoroquinolone,
clarithromycin, and tetracycline were found to be 68%, 32.1%, 28.4%, and 11.1%, respectively.
Well-documented multiple antibiotic resistance mutations were detected, such as rdxA and
frxA (with missense and frameshift alterations), gyrA (Asp91, Asn87), 23S rRNA (A2142G,
A2143G), and 16S rRNA (triple-base-pair substitutions AGA926-928→TTC). The cagA+ and
vacA s1/m1 types were the predominant genotypes in our study. With the exception of metronidazole
and tetracycline, no significant correlation was observed between the cagA+ and cagL+
genotypes and resistance-associated mutations.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance-associated mutations in H. pylori was remarkably
high in this region, particularly to metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and clarithromycin. By
conducting a simultaneous screening of virulence and resistance genotypes, clinicians can make
informed decisions regarding the appropriate therapeutic regimen to prevent the escalation of
antibiotic resistance against H. pylori infection in this specific geographical location.
Thermoablative Treatment of Papillary Microcarcinomas of Thyroid
Authors: Santi Francesca De , Mattarello Mee Jung , Vendraminelli Roberto , Peron CInzia , Mazzucco Mauro
Published: July 2024

Background:

Recently, locoregional treatment with ultrasound-guided radiofrequency
has been proposed as a new, effective, and safe procedure for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
(PTC < 1 cm), not eligible or recruitable for surgery. Until now, the gold standard
has been the surgery and then the active surveillance.

Objective:

The aim of the study is to present our experience of ultrasound-guidedthermoablation,
a procedure performed before demolitive surgery and post-active surveillance.
It is a non-invasive treatment that does not require general anesthesia, with a low risk of complications,
hypothyroidism, and hypoparathyroidism.

Methods:

All nodules described on ultrasound showed a volumetric increase (follow-up from
12 to 36 months). The cytological examination in all cases showed TIR 4b and TIR 5 papillary
microcarcinoma. All the patients were offered the possibility of radiofrequency thermoablation;
they were all informed and gave their consent. 18G active tip electrode needles 7 or 10 mm
(Amica Gen HS) were used with the moving shot method under local anesthesia in a day hospital
setting. No severe complications were reported.

Results:

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography (CEUS) with SonoVue (CEUS Sonovue) was
performed post-procedure and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, which documented complete revascularization
and progressive volumetric reduction of the treated area.

Conclusion:

Our experience has confirmed that radiofrequency ablation can effectively eliminate
small papillary thyroid carcinomas with fewer complications. In our opinion, it is a valid
alternative for the treatment of low-risk and indolent papillary thyroid microcarcinomas, even in
the absence of surgical contraindications.
An Intelligent Transport System Using Vehicular Network for Smart Cities
Authors: U Sesadri , Mudarakola Lakshmi Prasad , Krishna Raguru Jaya , Prasanthi B , C Dastagiraiah , Tayubi Iftikhar Aslam
Published: July 2024

Aims and background:

The integration of communication tools has allowed for effective
decision-making in smart cities and Internet-of-Things (IoT). One major issue that people who
commute to cities everyday encounter is traffic congestion. Thanks to the progress and backing of
ICTs, transportation solutions have been designed and implemented, leading to the development of
ITSs and the provision of numerous innovative services.

Objectives and Methods:

These services include ones that guarantee safety, provide drivers with
useful information, enable greater street movement, and avoid congestion, among many others. In
industrialized nations, traffic data is collected by specialized sensors that can anticipate future patterns.
Commuters are kept informed of any traffic updates through the Internet. When there is little
or no physical infrastructure and Internet connection, these methods become unworkable. Internet
access is still a problem in rural regions, and there are no roadside units in underdeveloped nations.
This article presents an architecture for smart cities' intelligent vehicular networks that can impromptu
accept data from nearby vehicles in real time and use it to choose routes. As embedded
devices in vehicles, we utilized Android-based smartphones with Wi-Fi Direct capabilities. To set
up our smart transportation system, we utilized a vehicular ad hoc network.

Results:

Data was collected and processed using separate methods between two major cities in a
developing nation. Resource utilization, transmission delay, packet loss, and total trip time were
measured against several fixed- and dynamic-route-selection algorithms to assess the framework's
performance.

Conclusions:

When equated to a conventional fixed-route-selection procedure, our results reveal a
33.3% reduction in trip times.
Phytosomes Nanocarrier with Insight Towards the Future in Cancer Therapy: A Mini-Review
Authors: Sutnga Innocent , Sharma Akash , Chakraborty Raja
Published: July 2024

Cancer is classified as having one of the highest mortality rates on a global scale, presenting
a significant challenge in its treatment, especially when conventional chemotherapy methodologies
are used. Conversely, there is a growing interest in utilizing herbal medicine as an alternative
to the treatment of cancer because of its lack of adverse effects compared to contemporary
medical strategies. The incorporation of nanotechnology into therapy has attracted attention owing
to its efficacy in the treatment of various illnesses. Phytosomes play a crucial role in the treatment
of cancer by enhancing the characteristics of drugs and nanostructures within carriers to enable targeted
drug delivery. The establishment of chemical bonds between phospholipid molecules and bioactive
compounds from plants ensures the stability of phytosomes, thus establishing them as an innovative
mechanism for drug delivery systems that transport plant-derived constituents to specific
areas. This mini-overview discusses the potential phytosome complexes, uses, drawbacks, patents,
challenges, and prospects of phytosomes in cancer treatment. Thus, numerous phytosomal formulations
incorporating plant-derived components have exhibited promising anticancer properties, with
several formulations currently undergoing clinical trials.
Radiosensitizing Effects of Metformin on Ionizing Irradiation: An Overview of Animal and Clinical Studies
Authors: Javadi Haghighi Seyedeh Kimia , Fardid Reza , Safari Arash
Published: July 2024

Background:

Radiation therapy is the most common modality to treat various types of
cancers. The use of radiosensitizers as an adjuvant therapy to increase the sensitivity of tumors
against radiation and to improve the efficiency of radiotherapy has risen over the past years. Metformin,
the first-line drug in type two diabetes has attracted the researcher’s attention because of
its anti-cancer and anti-proliferative properties and many studies have been conducted to investigate
the radiosensitization effects of metformin in different types of malignancies.

Objective:

This review aims to gather the existing evidence of radiosensitizing effects of metformin
in animal and clinical studies.

Method:

Various databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched over a period
of 35 years for this review.

Results:

The results include 54 studies on the radiosensitization effect of metformin in in-vivo and
clinical conditions including breast, colorectal, prostate, lung, liver, and other cancers.

Conclusion:

This review shows that metformin in animal and clinical studies appears to be a potential
radiosensitizer for many types of cancers. However, further investigations are needed to determine
whether metformin can be used as a radiosensitizer in adjuvant radiotherapy.
Compliance Among Healthcare Workers on Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Deb Tirthankar , Singh Astha , Beniwal Ankita , Rani Neha
Published: July 2024

Background:

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), under the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare, recommended chemoprophylaxis with Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for
asymptomatic healthcare workers treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease
during the initial period of the pandemic. Compliance remains a major determining factor behind the
success of any Community prophylaxis program.

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the extent of compliance with the Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)
prophylaxis schedule as per ICMR guidelines among healthcare workers and to find out the factors
associated with compliance.

Methods:

Informed consent was obtained from the study participants, and a questionnaire on parameters
and associated factors affecting compliance were filled out by every study participant upon
completion of their HCQ prophylaxis.

Results:

A total of 160 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of the staff enrolled was
the nursing staff (34%). 66% of the total participants were involved in the care of the suspected or
confirmed case of COVID-19. The major source of information about HCQ prophylaxis for COVID-
19 infection among all the participants was from the Institutional circular (56%). 10% of healthcare
workers believed that HCQ could give them 100% prevention against COVID-19 infection. 56% of
the enrolled healthcare workers consumed the medicine on the same day of collection throughout the
schedule. 24% of enrolled healthcare workers completed the full course as per ICMR guidelines. The
most motivating factor for compliance was the presence of cases of COVID-19 in the hospital. The
most common factor for lack of compliance among enrolled healthcare workers was cited to be no
contact with COVID-19-positive patients.

Conclusion:

In our study, 24% of healthcare workers enrolled for HCQ prophylaxis completed the
full course of the prescribed regimen as per ICMR guidelines. The main reason for the lack of compliance
was the absence of direct contact with COVID-19-positive patients, followed by fear of
ADRs.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of SARS, H1N1, Influenza, and
Rhinovirus to Identify Significant Genes Involved in Altering Immune
Response
Authors: Makhijani Richa , Kandala Keervani
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To identify significant genes responsible for altering immune response in viral
infections, including SARS, H1N1, Influenza, and Rhinovirus, as there are no previous studies that
have analyzed these viral infections together.

Methods:

Viral infection datasets pertaining to SARS, H1N1, Influenza, and Rhinovirus were obtained from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus. We have used three GEO datasets with accession
numbers: GSE47962, GSE48466, and GSE71766. The Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG’s) were
identified from each of the datasets, and then common DEGs were extracted. Protein-ProteinInteraction (PPI) network was constructed for the common DEGs obtained in all the virus datasets.
Finally, we analyzed the PPI network to identify the hub genes that have high interconnectivity with
other genes. The significantly enriched pathways are reported.

Results:

By performing the comparative analysis, we identified 463 common DEG’s among the viral
infection datasets under study. The highly interconnected PPI network constructed from these genes
contained 3396 edges with an average node degree of 14.7 and an average local clustering coefficient
of 0.406. There were 51 nodes with degree>50. The highest interconnected node, STAT1 had degree
113.

Conclusion:

STAT 1 gene is identified as the most significant hub gene related to the immune response in all four viral infections, including SARS, H1N1, Influenza, and Rhinovirus. Its trivial role
is already known in different viral infections, but being most significant in the four viruses together
is a novel finding. It is thus identified as a central gene that is a potential therapeutic drug and vaccine target for viral infections.
Bancos locales de Semilla en La Guajira: guía para su implementación
Authors: Patiño Moscoso Manuel Alfonso , Moreno Pérez Sheilla , Valencia Sánchez Juan Sebastián , Pérez Cantero Shirley Patricia , Ramírez Durán Julio , Hernández Nopsa John Fredy
Published: July 2024

La presente cartilla, producto del proyecto “Fortalecimiento estratégico de los sistemas locales de producción de semilla en La Media Guajira colombiana por medio de Bancos Locales de Semilla”, plasma rigurosamente el proceso de establecimiento de bancos locales de semilla (BLS), específicamente para especies de reproducción sexual. Este material, es fruto del trabajo de AGROSAVIA con las comunidades de los municipios de Distracción, El Molino, Fonseca, Maicao, Manaure, Riohacha, Uribia y Villanueva (La Guajira, Colombia), las cuales destacan por su diversidad: se trabajó con indígenas, afrodescendientes, campesinos, víctimas del conflicto armado y firmantes del acuerdo de paz.