Ru-Ce0.7Zr0.3O2-δ as an Anode Catalyst for the Internal Reforming of Dimethyl Ether in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

The development of direct dimethyl ether (DME) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has several drawbacks, due to the low catalytic activity and carbon deposition of conventional Ni-zirconia-based anodes. In the present study, the insertion of 2.0 wt.% Ru-Ce0.7Zr0.3O2-δ (ruthenium-zirconium-doped ceria, Ru-CZO) as an anode catalyst layer (ACL) is proposed to be a promising solution. For this purpose, the CZO powder was prepared by the sol-gel synthesis method, and subsequently, nanoparticles of Ru (1.0-2.0 wt.%) were synthesized by the impregnation method and calcination. The catalyst powder was characterized by BET-specific surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive spectroscopy detector (FESEM-EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Afterward, the catalytic activity of Ru-CZO catalyst was studied using DME partial oxidation. Finally, button anode-supported SOFCs with Ru-CZO ACL were prepared, depositing Ru-CZO onto the anode support and using an annealing process. The effect of ACL on the electrochemical performance of cells was investigated under a DME and air mixture at 750 °C. The results showed a high dispersion of Ru in the CZO solid solution, which provided a complete DME conversion and high yields of H2 and CO at 750 °C. As a result, 2.0 wt.% Ru-CZO ACL enhanced the cell performance by more than 20% at 750 °C. The post-test analysis of cells with ACL proved a remarkable resistance of Ru-CZO ACL to carbon deposition compared to the reference cell, evidencing the potential application of Ru-CZO as a catalyst as well as an ACL for direct DME SOFCs.

Low-Scaling Algorithms for GW and Constrained Random Phase Approximation Using Symmetry-Adapted Interpolative Separable Density Fitting.

We present low-scaling algorithms for GW and constrained random phase approximation based on a symmetry-adapted interpolative separable density fitting (ISDF) procedure that incorporates the space-group symmetries of crystalline systems. The resulting formulations scale cubically, with respect to system size, and linearly with the number of k-points, regardless of the choice of single-particle basis and whether a quasiparticle approximation is employed. We validate these methods through comparisons with published literature and demonstrate their efficiency in treating large-scale systems through the construction of downfolded many-body Hamiltonians for carbon dimer defects embedded in hexagonal boron nitride supercells. Our work highlights the efficiency and general applicability of ISDF in the context of large-scale many-body calculations with k-point sampling beyond density functional theory.

Metal-Insulator Transition in a Semiconductor Heterobilayer Model.

Transition metal dichalcogenide superlattices provide an exciting new platform for exploring and understanding a variety of phases of matter. The moiré continuum Hamiltonian, of two-dimensional jellium in a modulating potential, provides a fundamental model for such systems. Accurate computations with this model are essential for interpreting experimental observations and making predictions for future explorations. In this work, we combine two complementary quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods, phaseless auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo and fixed-phase diffusion Monte Carlo, to study the ground state of this Hamiltonian. We observe a metal-insulator transition between a paramagnet and a 120° Néel ordered state as the moiré potential depth and the interaction strength are varied. We find significant differences from existing results by Hartree-Fock and exact diagonalization studies. In addition, we benchmark density-functional theory, and suggest an optimal hybrid functional which best approximates our QMC results.

Emerging and multifaceted potential contributions of polyphenols in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is recognized as a serious public health concern with a considerable impact on human life, long-term health expenditures, and substantial health losses. In this context, the use of dietary polyphenols to prevent and manage T2DM is widely documented. These dietary compounds exert their beneficial effects through several actions, including the protection of pancreatic islet ß-cell, the antioxidant capacities of these molecules, their effects on insulin secretion and actions, the regulation of intestinal microbiota, and their contribution to ameliorate diabetic complications, particularly those of vascular origin. In the present review, we intend to highlight these multifaceted actions and the molecular mechanisms by which these plant-derived secondary metabolites exert their beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes patients.

Age-Dependent Changes in the Occurrence and Segregation of GABA and Acetylcholine in the Rat Superior Cervical Ganglia.

The occurrence, inhibitory modulation, and trophic effects of GABA have been identified in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. We have demonstrated that GABA and acetylcholine (ACh) may colocalize in the same axonal varicosities or be segregated into separate ones in the rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG). Neurotransmitter segregation varies with age and the presence of neurotrophic factors. Here, we explored age-dependent changes in the occurrence and segregation of GABA and ACh in rats ranging from 2 weeks old (wo) to 12 months old or older. Using immunohistochemistry, we characterized the expression of L-glutamic acid decarboxylase of 67 kDa (GAD67) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in the rat SCG at 2, 4, 8, 12 wo and 12 months old or older. Our findings revealed that GAD67 was greater at 2 wo compared with the other ages, whereas VAChT levels were greater at 4 wo than at 12 wo and 12 months old or older. The segregation of these neurotransmitters was more pronounced at 2 and 4 wo. We observed a caudo-rostral gradient of segregation degree at 8 and 12 wo. Data point out that the occurrence and segregation of GABA and ACh exhibit developmental adaptative changes throughout the lifetime of rats. We hypothesize that during the early postnatal period, the increase in GABA and GABA-ACh segregation promotes the release of GABA alone which might play a role in trophic actions.

Rapid generation of an RBL cellular model to study proteins that cause allergenic reactions in vitro.

Allergic diseases affect nearly 30% of people worldwide. There is a wide range of allergen sources, such as animal dander, food, venom, dust mites, and pollen. The skin prick test is the predominant technique used to identify allergenic sensitivity in vivo; the main problem is that it can be imprecise as many of the allergen extracts are made of mixtures of allergic and nonallergic components, making it difficult to identify the disease-eliciting allergen. An alternative to solve this problem is employing cellular models in vitro that may allow allergen identification, allergy diagnosis, and testing of novel potential compounds that can be used in immunotherapeutics. For example, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells are a well-suited model for studying allergies. Unfortunately, cells generated from RBL cells are not commercially available. Therefore, we developed an RBL model with a degranulation gene reporter capable of recognizing human IgE involved in allergenic sensitivity using commercial plasmids. Employing this model, we successfully evaluated the capacity of union between IgE from allergic patients to allergenic proteins from Oleaceae tree pollen. This RBL cell model can be used as a diagnostic method for sensitivity to any allergens from different sources in vitro.

Recurrent Ischemic Strokes due to Monogenic COL4A1 Mutation: The First Case Report from Latin America.

Introduction. Monogenic mutations as the cause of recurrent ischemic cerebral small-vessel disease with leukodystrophy are rare. COL4A1 gene mutations are a relatively new etiology of cerebrovascular lesions in young adults; however, any patient has been reported from Latin America. Case Presentation. We presented a Mexican young female with leukodystrophy and recurrent stroke secondary to COL4A1 monogenic mutation. Discussion/Conclusion. COL4A1 monogenic mutations are associated with cerebral small-vessel disease and other systemic manifestations. To date, there is little evidence to justify the treatment and prevention of recurrent strokes in patients with this mutation.

Hydrogen-Rich Gas Production by Steam Reforming and Oxidative Steam Reforming of Methanol over La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ: Effects of Preparation, Operation Conditions, and Redox Cycles.

La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (LSC) perovskite, as a potential catalyst precursor for hydrogen (H2)-rich production by steam reforming of methanol (SRM) and oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM), was investigated. For this purpose, LSC was synthesized by the citrate sol-gel method and characterized by complementary analytical techniques. The catalytic activity was studied for the as-prepared and prereduced LSC and compared with the undoped LaCoO3-δ (LCO) at several feed gas compositions. Furthermore, the degradation and regeneration of LSC under repeated redox cycles were studied. The results evidenced that the increase in the water/methanol ratio under SRM, and the O2 addition under OSRM, increased the CO2 formation and decreased both the H2 selectivity and catalyst deactivation caused by carbon deposition. Methanol conversion of the prereduced LSC was significantly enhanced at a lower temperature than that of as-prepared LSC and undoped LCO. This was attributed to the performance of metallic cobalt nanoparticles highly dispersed under reducing atmospheres. The reoxidation program in repetitive redox cycles played a crucial role in the regeneration of catalysts, which could be regenerated to the initial perovskite structure under a specific thermal treatment, minimizing the degradation of the catalytic activity and surface.

Perspectives of Proteomics in Respiratory Allergic Diseases.

Proteomics in respiratory allergic diseases has such a battery of techniques and programs that one would almost think there is nothing impossible to find, invent or mold. All the resources that we document here are involved in solving problems in allergic diseases, both diagnostic and prognostic treatment, and immunotherapy development. The main perspectives, according to this version, are in three strands and/or a lockout immunological system: (1) Blocking the diapedesis of the cells involved, (2) Modifications and blocking of paratopes and epitopes being understood by modifications to antibodies, antagonisms, or blocking them, and (3) Blocking FcεRI high-affinity receptors to prevent specific IgEs from sticking to mast cells and basophils. These tools and targets in the allergic landscape are, in our view, the prospects in the field. However, there are still many allergens to identify, including some homologies between allergens and cross-reactions, through the identification of structures and epitopes. The current vision of using proteomics for this purpose remains a constant; this is also true for the basis of diagnostic and controlled systems for immunotherapy. Ours is an open proposal to use this vision for treatment.

Low-Scaling Algorithm for the Random Phase Approximation Using Tensor Hypercontraction with k-point Sampling.

We present a low-scaling algorithm for the random phase approximation (RPA) with k-point sampling in the framework of tensor hypercontraction (THC) for electron repulsion integrals (ERIs). The THC factorization is obtained via a revised interpolative separable density fitting (ISDF) procedure with a momentum-dependent auxiliary basis for generic single-particle Bloch orbitals. Our formulation does not require preoptimized interpolating points or auxiliary bases, and the accuracy is systematically controlled by the number of interpolating points. The resulting RPA algorithm scales linearly with the number of k-points and cubically with the system size without any assumption on sparsity or locality of orbitals. The errors of ERIs and RPA energy show rapid convergence with respect to the size of the THC auxiliary basis, suggesting a promising and robust direction to construct efficient algorithms of higher order many-body perturbation theories for large-scale systems.

Long-term potentiation and its neurotrophin-dependent modulation in the superior cervical ganglion of the rat are influenced by KCNQ channel function.

Ganglionic long-term potentiation (gLTP) in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) is differentially modulated by neurotrophic factors (Nts): brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF). KCNQ/M channels, key regulators of neuronal excitability, and firing pattern are modulated by Nts; therefore, they might contribute to gLTP expression and to the Nts-dependent modulation of gLTP. In the SCG of rats, we characterized the presence of the KCNQ2 isoform and the effects of opposite KCNQ/M channel modulators on gLTP in control condition and under Nts modulation. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analyses showed the expression of the KCNQ2 isoform. We found that 1 µmol/L XE991, a channel inhibitor, significantly reduced gLTP (∼50%), whereas 5 µmol/L flupirtine, a channel activator, significantly increased gLTP (1.3- to 1.7-fold). Both modulators counterbalanced the effects of the Nts on gLTP. Data suggest that KCNQ/M channels are likely involved in gLTP expression and in the modulation exerted by BDNF and NGF.

Association between Love Breakup and Suicidal Ideation in Peruvian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between a major romantic breakup and suicidal ideation in medical students from three universities in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in 2021 on medical students from three universities in northern Peru. The outcome was suicidal ideation, measured with question nine of the PHQ-9. The exposure was the experience of a major love breakup during the pandemic. In addition, its association with other covariates (age, sex, family members infected with COVID-19, deceased family members with COVID-19, insomnia, and anxiety, among others) was examined. Results and discussions: Out of 370 students, 19.5% reported a major love breakup during the pandemic (95%CI: 15.5-23.8), and 34.3% had suicidal ideation (95%CI: 29.4-39.4). Having a major love breakup was associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.32-1.67). Moderate insomnia (PR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.70-3.87) and anxiety symptoms (PR: 1.94, 1.10-3.44) were also associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of a significant association between a major love breakup and suicidal ideation. This finding emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this association and inform the development of effective suicide prevention policies in medical education.

A New Cycler for Automated Peritoneal Dialysis to Provide Efficient Dialysis and Improved Sleep Quality.

INTRODUCTION: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) employs cyclers to control inflow and outflow of the dialysis fluid to the patient's abdomen. To allow more patients to use this modality, cyclers should support the achievement of an adequate dialysis dose and be easy to use, cost-effective, and silent. The new SILENCIA cycler (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany), designed to improve these characteristics in comparison to its predecessor device, was evaluated in this respect in a prospective study. METHODS: This cross-over study comprised two 2-week study periods, separated by a 3-week training phase. First, patients underwent APD with their current cycler (PD-NIGHT [Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany] or HomeChoice Pro [Baxter, Deerfield, IL, USA] as control), followed by training on the SILENCIA cycler. Then, patients were switched to the SILENCIA cycler. During each treatment period, we collected data on total Kt/Vurea, ultrafiltration (UF) volume, patient-reported outcomes (sleep quality, among others), and device handling. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were enrolled; 2 patients terminated the study prematurely before study intervention, 1 patient due to a protocol violation. In 13 patients, total Kt/Vurea and UF could be evaluated. Neither Kt/Vurea nor UF differed significantly between control and SILENCIA cyclers. Out of 10 patients answering the questionnaire on sleep quality after the 2-week phase with the SILENCIA cycler, sleep quality improved in 5 patients; in the other patients, sleep quality was rated unchanged compared to the previously used cycler. The average reported sleep time was 5.9 ± 1.8 h with the PD-NIGHT, 7.2 ± 2.1 h with HomeChoice Pro, and 8.0 ± 1.6 h with the SILENCIA cycler. All patients were much or very much satisfied with the new cycler. CONCLUSION: The SILENCIA cycler delivers adequate urea clearance and UF. Importantly, sleep quality improved, possibly related to less caution messages and alarms.

Laser transfer for circulating tumor cell isolation in liquid biopsy.

75Cancer research has found in the recent years a formidable ally in liquid biopsy, a noninvasive technique that allows the study of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and biomolecules involved in the dynamics of cancer spread like cell-free nucleid acids or tumor-derived extracellular vesicles. However, single-cell isolation of CTCs with high viability for further genetic, phenotypic, and morphological characterization remains a challenge. We present a new approach for single CTC isolation in enriched blood samples using a liquid laser transfer (LLT) process, adapted from standard laser direct write techniques. In order to completely preserve the cells from direct laser irradiation, we used an ultraviolet laser to produce a blister-actuated laser-induced forward transfer process (BA-LIFT). Using a plasma-treated polyimide layer for blister generation, we completely shield the sample from the incident laser beam. The optical transparency of the polyimide allows direct cell targeting using a simplified optical setup, in which the laser irradiation module, standard imaging, and fluorescence imaging share a common optical path. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were identified by fluorescent markers, while target cancer cells remained unstained. As a proof of concept, we were able to isolate single MDA-MB-231 cancer cells using this negative selection process. Unstained target cells were isolated and culture while their DNA was sent for single-cell sequencing (SCS). Our approach appears to be an effective approach to isolate single CTCs, preserving cell characteristics in terms of cell viability and potential for further SCS.

Resultados del Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise aplicado en la carrera de Enfermería. Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí, 2021

Fundamento en el contexto de las especialidades y carreras del campo de la salud se requiere implementar instrumentos de evaluación de prácticas clínicas basadas en competencias, los cuales cumplan con los criterios requeridos en correspondencia con su función. Objetivo evaluar los resultados del Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise aplicado en la evaluación de prácticas clínicas basadas en competencias para la carrera de Enfermería. Métodos estudio comparativo con intervención educativa, en el cual se aplicó el Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise como instrumento de evaluación de las competencias en las prácticas preprofesionales de estudiantes de la carrera de Enfermería, Facultad Ciencias de Salud de la Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí, en 2021. El test de Wilcoxon se usó para comparar las puntuaciones. Resultados las variables que mostraron diferencias significativas entre ambos momentos de aplicación del instrumento fueron las dimensiones: actitudinales hacia pacientes y equipo de salud (p=0,007) y valoración (p=0,10). Se observaron puntuaciones estadísticamente superiores en el segundo momento de evaluación (p=0,023). La evaluación realizada por los docentes evidenció la mejora del proceso de atención de enfermería, principalmente en cuanto a garantizar la privacidad del paciente (media de 7,46). Conclusiones el Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise es aplicable al contexto de la educación superior de Salud en Ecuador. Se constata como una alternativa para evaluar competencias en la carrera de Enfermería.

Background in the context of specialties and careers in the health field, it is necessary to implement clinical practice evaluation instruments based on competencies, which meet the required criteria in accordance with their function. Objective to evaluate the results of the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise applied in the evaluation of clinical practices based on competencies for the Nursing career. Methods comparative study with educational intervention, in which the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise was applied as an instrument for evaluating competencies in pre-professional practices of Nursing students, Health Sciences Faculty of the Southern State University of Manabí, in 2021. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare scores. Results the variables that showed significant differences between the instrument application two moments were the dimensions: attitudes towards patients and the health team (p=0.007) and assessment (p=0.10). Statistically higher scores were observed at the second evaluation moment (p=0.023). The evaluation carried out by the teachers evidenced the improvement of the nursing care process, mainly in terms of guaranteeing the patient's privacy (mean of 7.46). Conclusions the Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise is applicable to the context of higher health education in Ecuador. It is verified as an alternative to evaluate competencies in the Nursing career.

In vivo tracing of immunostimulatory raw starch microparticles after mucosal administration.

Raw starch microparticles (SMPs) proved efficient antigen carriers with adjuvant properties when administered via the mucosal route; however, the underlying mechanisms associated with this bioactivity are unknown. In the present study, we explored the mucoadhesion properties, fate, and toxicity of starch microparticles after mucosal administration. Nasally administered microparticles were mainly retained in nasal turbinates, reaching the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue; this step is facilitated by the ability of the microparticles to penetrate through the mucous epithelium. Likewise, we found intraduodenally administered SMPs on the small intestinal villi, follicle-associated epithelium, and Peyer's patches. Furthermore, under simulated gastric and intestinal pH conditions, we detected mucoadhesion between the SMPs and mucins, regardless of microparticle swelling. SMPs' mucoadhesion and translocation to mucosal immune responses induction sites explain the previously reported role of these microparticles as vaccine adjuvants and immunostimulants.

Complete Chloroplast Genome of an Endophytic Ostreobium sp. (Ostreobiaceae) from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

We present the complete chloroplast genome sequence of an endophytic Ostreobium sp. isolated from a 19th-century coralline red algal specimen from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The chloroplast genome is 84,848 bp in length, contains 114 genes, and has a high level of gene synteny to other Ostreobiaceae.

Categorizations of Trust and Distrust in the Classifications and Social Representations of Food among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Spain-Applying the Cultural Domains' Pile Sort Technique.

Food is fundamental in the decision making of pregnant and breastfeeding women to care for their own health and that of their child. In this paper, we explore some common food classification systems and certain attributes assigned to these categories, represented by values of trust and distrust. This study is based on an interdisciplinary research project in which we analysed discourses and practices regarding the dietary intake of pregnant and breastfeeding women in relation to the presence of chemical substances in foods. The results presented are part of the second phase of this research where we explored the results of our analysis of the pile sort technique based on an analysis of cultural domains in order to explore the categories and semantic relations among terms regarding trust and distrust in food. This technique was applied to the 62 pregnant and breastfeeding women of Catalonia and Andalusia. These women also participated in eight focus groups that provided information and narratives enabling us to analyse the meanings of the associative subdomains obtained in the pile sorts. They classified different foods and assigned certain attributes to them according to the level of trust and mistrust, providing a social representation of food risks. The mothers expressed great concern about the quality of the food they consume and about its possible effects on their own health and on that of their child. They perceive that an adequate diet is one based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, preferably fresh. Fish and meat generate serious concern, as their properties are considered ambivalent depending on the food's origin and mode of production. These criteria are perceived by women as relevant to their food decisions and, therefore, emic knowledge should be taken into account when developing food safety programmes and planning actions aimed at pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Quiebre en la publicación de artículos sobre la Vacuna contra el VIH mediado por la pandemia SARS-CoV-2

Introducción: el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es el patógeno causante del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana (SIDA). Su importancia radica en que durante el año 2020 en el mundo 37,6 millones de personas vivían con VIH, y 1,5 millones contrajeron la enfermedad, no existe una vacuna para prevenir su infección. Objetivo: estudiar las publicaciones sobre el desarrollo de las vacunas a nivel mundial usando estadística bibliométrica en el tema VIH y su progresión en los últimos 20 años, haciendo énfasis en el periodo de la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: se realizó un análisis estadístico bibliométrico, usando la base de datos PubMed (Medline). Para el análisis cualitativo se utilizó la base SCImago. Resultados: se observó un aumento en las publicaciones desde el año 2001, alcanzando un máximo el año 2016. Se consideraron las publicaciones en revistas del primer cuartil, con autores(as) con elevado índice H, con importantes interacciones entre ellos. Desde el año 2017 a la fecha se observa una disminución en el número de artículos publicados. Con este método no es factible, por ahora, determinar que la instalación de la pandemia impacto negativamente en la publicación de artículos de dicho tema. Conclusión: el VIH debería instaurarse como un ítem prioritario en el área científica/médica, esta metodología ofrece amplias posibilidades para profundizar y comprender cómo se está abordando la ciencia y el desarrollo de esta, en particular en cuestión cruciales como es la investigación en vacunas y el VIH.

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the pathogen that causes human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Its importance lies in the fact that during the year 2020 in the world 37.6 million people lived with HIV, 1.5 million contracted the disease, and there is no vaccine to prevent their infection. Objective: To study the publications on the development of vaccines worldwide using bibliometric statistics on the subject of HIV and its progression in the last 20 years, emphasizing the period of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: A bibliometric statistical analysis was performed using the PubMed (Medline) database. For the qualitative analysis, the SCImago database was used. Results: An increase in publications was observed since 2001, reaching a maximum in 2016. Publications in first quartile journals were considered, with authors with a high H index, with important interactions between them. From 2017 to date, there has been a decrease in the number of articles published. With this method, it is not feasible, for now, to determine that the installation of the pandemic had a negative impact on the publication of articles on this topic. Conclusion: HIV should be established as a priority item in the scientific/medical area, this methodology offers ample possibilities to deepen and understand how science and its development are being approached, particularly in crucial issues such as vaccine research and the HIV.

Lithium: A Promising Anticancer Agent.

Lithium is a therapeutic cation used to treat bipolar disorders but also has some important features as an anti-cancer agent. In this review, we provide a general overview of lithium, from its transport into cells, to its innovative administration forms, and based on genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Lithium formulations such as lithium acetoacetate (LiAcAc), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium citrate (Li3C6H5O7), and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) induce apoptosis, autophagy, and inhibition of tumor growth and also participate in the regulation of tumor proliferation, tumor invasion, and metastasis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, lithium is synergistic with standard cancer therapies, enhancing their anti-tumor effects. In addition, lithium has a neuroprotective role in cancer patients, by improving their quality of life. Interestingly, nano-sized lithium enhances its anti-tumor activities and protects vital organs from the damage caused by lipid peroxidation during tumor development. However, these potential therapeutic activities of lithium depend on various factors, such as the nature and aggressiveness of the tumor, the type of lithium salt, and its form of administration and dosage. Since lithium has been used to treat bipolar disorder, the current study provides an overview of its role in medicine and how this has changed. This review also highlights the importance of this repurposed drug, which appears to have therapeutic cancer potential, and underlines its molecular mechanisms.