CovidCTNet: an open-source deep learning approach to diagnose covid-19 using small cohort of CT images

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is highly contagious with limited treatment options. Early and accurate diagnosis of Covid-19 is crucial in reducing the spread of the disease and its accompanied mortality. Currently, detection by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard of outpatient and inpatient detection of Covid-19. RT-PCR is a rapid method; however, its accuracy in detection is only ~70�75. Another approved strategy is computed tomography (CT) imaging. CT imaging has a much higher sensitivity of ~80�98, but similar accuracy of 70. To enhance the accuracy of CT imaging detection, we developed an open-source framework, CovidCTNet, composed of a set of deep learning algorithms that accurately differentiates Covid-19 from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and other lung diseases. CovidCTNet increases the accuracy of CT imaging detection to 95 compared to radiologists (70). CovidCTNet is designed to work with heterogeneous and small sample sizes independent of the CT imaging hardware. To facilitate the detection of Covid-19 globally and assist radiologists and physicians in the screening process, we are releasing all algorithms and model parameter details as open-source. Open-source sharing of CovidCTNet enables developers to rapidly improve and optimize services while preserving user privacy and data ownership. © 2021, The Author(s)

Enhancing cancer immunotherapy using antiangiogenics: opportunities and challenges.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a major therapeutic modality in oncology. Currently, however, the majority of patients with cancer do not derive benefit from these treatments. Vascular abnormalities are a hallmark of most solid tumours and facilitate immune evasion. These abnormalities stem from elevated levels of proangiogenic factors, such as VEGF and angiopoietin 2 (ANG2); judicious use of drugs targeting these molecules can improve therapeutic responsiveness, partially owing to normalization of the abnormal tumour vasculature that can, in turn, increase the infiltration of immune effector cells into tumours and convert the intrinsically immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) to an immunosupportive one. Immunotherapy relies on the accumulation and activity of immune effector cells within the TME, and immune responses and vascular normalization seem to be reciprocally regulated. Thus, combining antiangiogenic therapies and immunotherapies might increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy and diminish the risk of immune-related adverse effects. In this Perspective, we outline the roles of VEGF and ANG2 in tumour immune evasion and progression, and discuss the evidence indicating that antiangiogenic agents can normalize the TME. We also suggest ways that antiangiogenic agents can be combined with immune-checkpoint inhibitors to potentially improve patient outcomes, and highlight avenues of future research

TRAIL in oncology: From recombinant TRAIL to nano- and self-targeted TRAIL-based therapies

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces the apoptosis pathway in tumor cells leading to tumor cell death. Because TRAIL induction can kill tumor cells, cancer researchers have developed many agents to target TRAIL and some of these agents have entered clinical trials in oncology. Unfortunately, these trials have failed for many reasons, including drug resistance, off-target toxicities, short half-life, and specifically in gene therapy due to the limited uptake of TRAIL genes by cancer cells. To address these drawbacks, translational researchers have utilized drug delivery platforms. Although, these platforms can improve TRAIL-based therapies, they are unable to sufficiently translate the full potential of TRAIL-targeting to clinically viable products. Herein, we first summarize the complex biology of TRAIL signaling, including TRAILs cross-talk with other signaling pathways and immune cells. Next, we focus on known resistant mechanisms to TRAIL-based therapies. Then, we discuss how nano-formulation has the potential to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TRAIL protein. Finally, we specify strategies with the potential to overcome the challenges that cannot be addressed via nanotechnology alone, including the alternative methods of TRAIL-expressing circulating cells, tumor-targeting bacteria, viruses, and exosomes

The Comparison of Pulse Oximetry and Cardiac Catheterization in Managing the Treatment of Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Bachground & aim: Pulse oximetry and cardiac catheterization are concerned in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease. Diagnosis of arterial oxygen saturation in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) can be used to assess and manage their effecacy. The purpose of this study was to compare pulse oximetry and cardiac catheterizations in treatment manage of children with congenital heart disease. Methods: In the present cross sectional study, 110 patients with cyanic and non syani heart disease were studied undergoing right and left heart catheterization by pulse oximetry of index finger and simultaneously, oxygen saturation was measured by cardiac catheterization. Data were analyzed with SPSS software by using Pearson correlation and linear regression. Results: A significant correlation was seen between arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry and arterial oxygen saturation (p<0.0001) as well as heart rate, electrocardiogram and pulse oximetry (p<0.0001) respectively. Furthermore, the presence of cyanosis (p=0.001), digital clubbing of the fingers ((p=0.001), low oxygen saturation in the superior vena cava and right atrium (p=0.002) can reduce the accuracy of pulse oximetry for detection of arterial oxygen saturation. The mean right atrial pressure can effect on accuracy of pulse oximetry to detect heartbeat (p=0.034). Maximum sensitivity and specificity for detection of pulse oximetry oxygen saturation was 88 % and 88 heart rate per minute. Conclusion: Pulse oximetric is a useful tool for estimating the arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and is a non-invasive method in comparison with cardiac catheterization. Key words: Pulse oximeter, Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiac Catheterizatio

Bioinspired hydrogels build a bridge from bench to bedside

During million years, Nature has created a �wealthy repertoire of novel features.� These features are frequently used in the fabric of artificial materials, referred to as �biomaterials.� Hydrogels are among the most attractive biomaterials because they are highly amenable to accept nature-derived properties/functionalities. The inclusion of these features in biomaterials serves as promising tools for today's most urged clinical needs, among others. In this review, we explore the major applications of different bioinspired hydrogels. We focused on rationale design, multi-faceted biomimetics strategies, and their potentials utility in the clinic. For the clinical application, we focused on four major clinical areas of i) regenerative medicine, ii) tissue engineering, iii) cancer therapy, and iv) bioinspired devices/actuators/robots. We discussed how incorporating nature-inspired properties into hydrogels� design can introduce novel solutions to the many unresolved and persistent problems in biomedicine. Finally, given the complexity of bioinspired hydrogels, we propose that a collective effort among the material scientists, artificial intelligence experts, clinicians, and life sciences is required to pave the path for the entrance of bioinspired hydrogel into personalized medicine and from bench to bedside. © 202

Presentation_1_Exercise intensity governs tumor control in mice with breast cancer.pdf

IntroductionExercise is recommended as an adjunct therapy in cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Our hypothesis is that the benefit depends on the exercise intensity.MethodsWe subjected mice to low intensity (Li), moderate intensity (Mi) or high intensity (Hi) exercise, or untrained control (Co) groups based on their individual maximal running capacity.ResultsWe found that exercise intensity played a critical role in tumor control. Only Mi exercise delayed tumor growth and reduced tumor burden, whereas Li or Hi exercise failed to exert similar antitumor effects. While both Li and Mi exercise normalized the tumor vasculature, only Mi exercise increased tumor infiltrated CD8+ T cells, that also displayed enhanced effector function (higher proliferation and expression of CD69, INFγ, GzmB). Moreover, exercise induced an intensity-dependent mobilization of CD8+ T cells into the bloodstream.ConclusionThese findings shed light on the intricate relationship between exercise intensity and cancer, with implications for personalized and optimal exercise prescriptions for tumor control.</p