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International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2023Environmental biophysical interactions are recognized to play an essential part in the human biological processes associated with trauma recovery. Many studies over... (Review)
Review
Environmental biophysical interactions are recognized to play an essential part in the human biological processes associated with trauma recovery. Many studies over several decades have furthered our understanding of the effects that Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) have on the human body, as well as on cellular and biophysical systems. These investigations have been driven by the observed positive clinical effects of this non-invasive treatment on patients, mainly in orthopedics. Unfortunately, the diversity of the various study setups, with regard to physical parameters, molecular and cellular response, and clinical outcomes, has made it difficult to interpret and evaluate commonalities, which could, in turn, lead to finding an underlying mechanistic understanding of this treatment modality. In this review, we give a birds-eye view of the vast landscape of studies that have been published on PEMF, presenting the reader with a scaffolded summary of relevant literature starting from categorical literature reviews down to individual studies for future research studies and clinical use. We also highlight discrepancies within the many diverse study setups to find common reporting parameters that can lead to a better universal understanding of PEMF effects.
Topics: Humans; Electromagnetic Fields; Magnetic Field Therapy
PubMed: 37510998
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411239 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Oct 2023
Topics: Humans; Nystagmus, Pathologic; Vertigo; Magnetic Fields
PubMed: 37519140
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-N2485 -
Micromachines Nov 2023In this theoretical study, we explore the enhancement of sensing capabilities in surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based magnetic field sensors through the integration of...
In this theoretical study, we explore the enhancement of sensing capabilities in surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based magnetic field sensors through the integration of engineered phononic crystals (PnCs). We particularly focus on amplifying the interaction between the SAW and magnetostrictive materials within the PnC structure. Through comprehensive simulations, we demonstrate the synchronization between the SAWs generated by IDTs and the resonant modes of PnCs, thereby leading to an enhancement in sensitivity. Furthermore, we investigate the Δ effect, highlighting the sensor's responsiveness to changes in external magnetic fields, and quantify its magnetic sensitivity through observable changes in the SAW phase velocity leading to phase shifts at the end of the delay line. Notably, our approach yields a magnetic field sensitivity of approximately S~138 °mT for a delay line length of only 77 µm in homogeneous magnetic fields. Our findings underline the potential of PnCs to advance magnetic field sensing. This research offers insights into the integration of engineered materials for improved sensor performance, paving the way for more effective and accurate magnetic field detection solutions.
PubMed: 38004987
DOI: 10.3390/mi14112130 -
Physical Review. E Aug 2023Recently a two-dimensional chiral fluid was experimentally demonstrated. It was obtained from cubic-shaped hematite colloidal particles placed in a rotating magnetic...
Recently a two-dimensional chiral fluid was experimentally demonstrated. It was obtained from cubic-shaped hematite colloidal particles placed in a rotating magnetic field. Here we look at building blocks of that fluid by analyzing short hematite chain behavior in a rotating magnetic field. We find equilibrium structures of chains in static magnetic fields and observe chain dynamics in rotating magnetic fields. We find and experimentally verify that there are three planar motion regimes and one where the cube chain goes out of the plane of the rotating magnetic field. In this regime we observe interesting dynamics-the chain rotates slower than the rotating magnetic field. In order to catch up with the magnetic field, it rolls on an edge and through rotation in the third dimension catches up with the magnetic field. The same dynamics is also observable for a single cube when gravitational effects are explicitly taken into account.
PubMed: 37723703
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.108.024601 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2023Cryptochromes are flavoproteins related to photolyases that are widespread throughout the plant and animal kingdom. They govern blue light-dependent growth in plants,... (Review)
Review
Cryptochromes are flavoproteins related to photolyases that are widespread throughout the plant and animal kingdom. They govern blue light-dependent growth in plants, control circadian rhythms in a light-dependent manner in invertebrates, and play a central part in the circadian clock in vertebrates. In addition, cryptochromes might function as receptors that allow animals to sense the Earth's magnetic field. As cryptochromes are also present in mammals including humans, the possibility of a magnetosensitive protein is exciting. Here we attempt to provide a concise overview of cryptochromes in mammals. We briefly review their canonical role in the circadian rhythm from the molecular level to physiology, behaviour and diseases. We then discuss their disputed light sensitivity and proposed role in the magnetic sense in mammals, providing three mechanistic hypotheses. Specifically, mammalian cryptochromes could form light-induced radical pairs in particular cellular milieus, act as magnetoreceptors in darkness, or as secondary players in a magnetoreception signalling cascade. Future research can test these hypotheses to investigate if the role of mammalian cryptochromes extends beyond the circadian clock.
PubMed: 37670767
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1250798 -
Nature Aug 2023Migratory songbirds have the remarkable ability to extract directional information from the Earth's magnetic field. The exact mechanism of this light-dependent magnetic...
Migratory songbirds have the remarkable ability to extract directional information from the Earth's magnetic field. The exact mechanism of this light-dependent magnetic compass sense, however, is not fully understood. The most promising hypothesis focuses on the quantum spin dynamics of transient radical pairs formed in cryptochrome proteins in the retina. Frustratingly, much of the supporting evidence for this theory is circumstantial, largely because of the extreme challenges posed by genetic modification of wild birds. Drosophila has therefore been recruited as a model organism, and several influential reports of cryptochrome-mediated magnetic field effects on fly behaviour have been widely interpreted as support for a radical pair-based mechanism in birds. Here we report the results of an extensive study testing magnetic field effects on 97,658 flies moving in a two-arm maze and on 10,960 flies performing the spontaneous escape behaviour known as negative geotaxis. Under meticulously controlled conditions and with vast sample sizes, we have been unable to find evidence for magnetically sensitive behaviour in Drosophila. Moreover, after reassessment of the statistical approaches and sample sizes used in the studies that we tried to replicate, we suggest that many-if not all-of the original results were false positives. Our findings therefore cast considerable doubt on the existence of magnetic sensing in Drosophila and thus strongly suggest that night-migratory songbirds remain the organism of choice for elucidating the mechanism of light-dependent magnetoreception.
Topics: Animals; Animal Migration; Cryptochromes; Magnetic Fields; Songbirds; Drosophila melanogaster; Models, Animal; Escape Reaction; Maze Learning; Sample Size; Negative Results; Light
PubMed: 37558871
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06397-7 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Soft magnetic materials normally show no magnetic properties outside of a magnetic field but can be easily magnetized and demagnetized within magnetic fields [...].
Soft magnetic materials normally show no magnetic properties outside of a magnetic field but can be easily magnetized and demagnetized within magnetic fields [...].
PubMed: 38203943
DOI: 10.3390/ma17010089 -
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Dec 2023Cancer treatment is one of the major health problems that burden our society. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.9 million new cancer cases and ∼0.6...
Cancer treatment is one of the major health problems that burden our society. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.9 million new cancer cases and ∼0.6 million deaths from cancer are expected in the US in 2023. Therapeutic targeting is considered to be the gold standard in cancer treatment. However, when a tumor grows beyond a critical size, its vascular system differentiates abnormally and erratically, creating a heterogeneous endothelial barrier that further restricts drug delivery into tumors. While several methods exist, these prompt tumor migration and the appearance of new metastatic sites. Herein, we propose an innovative method based on magneto-mechanical actuation (MMA) to induce endothelial permeability. This method employs FDA-approved PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (PEG-SPIONs) and alternating nonheating magnetic fields. MMA lies in the translation of magnetic forces into mechanical agitation. As a proof of concept, we developed a 2D cell culture model based on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which were incubated with PEG-SPIONs and then exposed to different magnetic doses. After adjusting the particle concentration, incubation times, and parameters (amplitude, frequency, and exposure time) of the magnetic field generator, we induced actin filament remodeling and subsequent vascular endothelial-cadherin junction disruption. This led to transient gaps in cell monolayers, through which fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran was translocated. We observed no cell viability reduction for 3 h of particle incubation up to a concentration of 100 μg/mL in the presence and absence of magnetic fields. For optimal permeability studies, the magnetic field parameters were adjusted to 100 mT, 65 Hz, and 30 min in a pulse mode with 5 min OFF intervals. We found that the endothelial permeability reached the highest value (33%) when 2 h postmagnetic field treatment was used. To explain these findings, a magneto-mechanical transduced stress mechanism mediated by intracellular forces was proposed. This method can open new avenues for targeted drug delivery into anatomic regions within the body for a broad range of disease interventions.
Topics: United States; Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Neoplasms; Permeability
PubMed: 38014849
DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01571 -
Biology Dec 2023Magnetic fields are a constant and essential part of our environment. The main components of ambient magnetic fields are the constant part of the geomagnetic field, its... (Review)
Review
Magnetic fields are a constant and essential part of our environment. The main components of ambient magnetic fields are the constant part of the geomagnetic field, its fluctuations caused by magnetic storms, and man-made magnetic fields. These fields refer to extremely-low-frequency (<1 kHz) magnetic fields (ELF-MFs). Since the 1980s, a huge amount of data has been accumulated on the biological effects of magnetic fields, in particular ELF-MFs. However, a unified picture of the patterns of action of magnetic fields has not been formed. Even though a unified mechanism has not yet been generally accepted, several theories have been proposed. In this review, we attempted to take a new approach to analyzing the quantitative data on the effects of ELF-MFs to identify new potential areas for research. This review provides general descriptions of the main effects of magnetic storms and anthropogenic fields on living organisms (molecular-cellular level and whole organism) and a brief description of the main mechanisms of magnetic field effects on living organisms. This review may be of interest to specialists in the fields of biology, physics, medicine, and other interdisciplinary areas.
PubMed: 38132332
DOI: 10.3390/biology12121506 -
FASEB Journal : Official Publication of... Oct 2023Despite encouraging advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing... (Review)
Review
Despite encouraging advances in early diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing evidence has shown that the electromagnetic field (EMF) influences many biological processes, which has attracted much attention for its potential therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in multiple diseases, such as musculoskeletal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Nonionizing EMF has been studied as a therapeutic or diagnostic tool in CVDs. In this review, we summarize the current literature ranging from in vitro to clinical studies focusing on the therapeutic potential (external EMF) and diagnostic potential (internal EMF generated from the heart) of EMF in CVDs. First, we provided an overview of the therapeutic potential of EMF and associated mechanisms in the context of CVDs, including cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Furthermore, we investigated the diagnostic and predictive value of magnetocardiography in CVDs. Finally, we discussed the critical steps necessary to translate this promising approach into clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Electromagnetic Fields; Hypertension; Coronary Artery Disease; Myocardial Ischemia
PubMed: 37650634
DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300201RR