Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in bone following intense magnetic field irradiation of short duration

Consideration of the biological effects of electromagnetic radiation is particularly important with regard to bone metabolism. Magnetic fields have been applied to the treatment of bone fractures, and similar fields are employed in the visualization of skeletal structures through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present investigation addressed the effect of MRI-intensity (1 Tesla) magnetic fields on enzymatic indices of bone metabolism. Mice were exposed to intense static (direct current) magnetic fields for 30 min on each of 10 successive days. After this exposure regimen the primary spongiosum of the humerus was assayed for acid and alkaline phosphatase activity. No significant difference was detected in tissue levels of either enzyme in bones from control (n = 10), sham-exposed (n = 10), and magnetic field-exposed (n = 10) mice. These results suggested that the effects of magnetic field irradiation do not appear to involve modification of the activities of regulatory enzymes in bone.     

Enhancement of biological effectiveness of carbon-ion beams by applying a longitudinal magnetic field

Abstract

Purpose: A magnetic field longitudinal to an ion beam will potentially affect the biological effectiveness of the radiation. The purpose of this study is to experimentally verify the significance of such effects.

Methods and materials: Human cancer and normal cell lines were exposed to low (12?keV/μm) and high (50?keV/μm) linear energy transfer (LET) carbon-ion beams under the longitudinal magnetic fields of B_// = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, or 0.6 T generated by a solenoid magnet. The effects of the magnetic fields on the biological effectiveness were evaluated by clonogenic cell survival. Doses that would result in a survival fraction of 10% (D₁₀s) were determined for each cell line and magnetic field.

Results: For cancer cells exposed to the low (high)-LET beams, D₁₀ decreased from 5.2 (3.1) Gy at 0 T to 4.3 (2.4) Gy at 0.1 T, while no further decrease in D₁₀ was observed for higher magnetic fields. For normal cells, decreases in D₁₀ of comparable magnitudes were observed by applying the magnetic fields.

Conclusions: Significant decreases in D₁₀, i.e. significant enhancements of the biological effectiveness, were observed in both cancer and normal cells by applying longitudinal magnetic fields of B_// ≥?0.1 T. These effects were enhanced with LET. Further studies are required to figure out the mechanism underlying the observed results.     

Evaluation of cell viability,DNA single-strand breaks,and nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW264 exposed to a 50-Hz magnetic field

Purpose: Synergistic effects between cellular oxidative stress and magnetic fields may explain the adverse biological effects of 50/60?Hz magnetic fields. To determine whether this hypothesis holds in macrophage RAW264 cells, we measured DNA single-strand breaks (SSB), cell viability, and nitric oxide (NO) production in cells with or without exposure to 0.5-mT, 50-Hz magnetic fields for 24?h and with or without simultaneous stimulation via the bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Materials and methods: Macrophages stimulated with 10?ng/ml LPS for 1?h were exposed to or not exposed to a magnetic field and were then subjected to (1) the alkaline comet assay to measure SSBs, (2) trypan-blue exclusion assay for cell viability, and (3) measurements of NO for evaluation of oxidative stress.

Results: The 50-Hz magnetic field enhanced DNA SSB and decreased cell viability only in the LPS-stimulated macrophages in which NO production was greatly enhanced. The magnetic field alone did not alter NO production.

Conclusion: Co-stimulation of the cell with LPS and a 50-Hz magnetic field promoted SSB and lowered cell viability, but these were not mediated by LPS-induced NO production.     

Predictors of Progression-Free Survival and Local Tumor Control after Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: Retrospective Study

PurposeTo describe ablation of bone, liver, lung, and soft tissue tumors from oligometastatic breast cancer and to define predictors of local progression and progression-free survival (PFS).Materials and MethodsA total of 33 women (mean age 52 ± 12 years old; range, 28–69 years), underwent 46 thermal ablations of liver (n = 35), lung (n = 7), and bone/soft tissue (n = 4) metastases. Mean tumor diameter was 18 ± 15 mm (range, 6–50 mm). Ablations were performed to eradicate all evident sites of disease (n = 24) or to control growing sites in the setting of other stable or responding sites of disease (n = 22). Patient characteristics, ablation margins, imaging responses, and cases of PFS were assessed. Follow-up imaging was performed using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, or positron-emission tomography/ CT.ResultsMedian PFS was 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.2 –14.5 months), and time to local progression was 11 months (95% CI, 5–16 months). Eight patients (24%) maintained no evidence of disease during a median follow-up period of 39 months. Ablation margin ≥5 mm was associated with no local tumor progression. Longer PFS was noted in estrogen receptor-positive patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .037) and younger patients (12 vs 4 months; P = .039) treated to eradicate all sites of disease (13 vs 5 months; P = .05). Eighteen patients (55%) developed new metastases during study follow-up.ConclusionsThermal ablation of oligometastatic pulmonary, hepatic, bone, and soft tissue tumors can eliminate local tumor progression if margins are ≥5 mm. Longer PFS was observed in patients who were estrogen receptor-positive and patients who were younger and in whom all sites of disease were eradicated.     

Effect of Yi Jin Jing exercise plus Elastic Band Resistance exercise on overall bone mineral density in postmenopausal women

ObjectivesThis work aimed to study the effects of Yi Jin Jing plus Elastic Band Resistance exercise on bone mineral density at all parts of the body and bone metabolism index levels in postmenopausal women.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsForty postmenopausal women were randomly assigned equally to the exercise or to the control group. The control group maintained their lifestyle behaviors unaltered, whereas the exercise group received Yi Jin Jing plus Elastic Band Resistance exercise. The primary outcome was overall bone mineral density at each part, and the secondary one was bone metabolism indicator levels and bone mineral density on both sides.ResultsThe results after six months showed increased bone mineral density at all parts of the body in the exercise group (spine, P = 0.002; thighs, lumbar, and whole body, P < 0.05) and decreased bone mineral density in the control group (trunk, pelvis, and spine, P < 0.01). In particular, the decrease and increase were greater on the non-preferred (left) side than on the right side. As for bone metabolism indexes, β-Crosslaps levels reduced (P = 0.016) and a significant increase in 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (P < 0.001) can be observed in the exercise group.ConclusionsThe results suggested that Yi Jin Jing plus Elastic Band Resistance exercise could delay the overall decrease of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, especially on the non-preferred side. It also increased bone formation metabolite levels and inhibited bone resorption metabolite levels.     

Microwave Ablation of Osteoid Osteomas Using Dynamic MR Imaging for Early Treatment Assessment: Preliminary Experience

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of microwave ablation for osteoid osteomas by using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in early treatment assessment.Materials and MethodsTen patients (two female, eight male; mean age, 28 y; range, 16–47 y) presenting with osteoid osteomas were treated between June 2010 and December 2012 with the use of computed tomography (CT)–guided microwave ablation. Osteoid osteomas were found at the femoral neck (n = 4), tibia (n = 3), calcaneus (n = 1), navicular bone (n = 1), and dorsal rib (n = 1). Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging at 3.0 T was performed 1 day before microwave ablation and again after ablation. The procedure was considered successful if the signal intensity (SI) of the lesion on MR imaging decreased by at least 50% and the patient was pain-free within 1 week of intervention.ResultsAll patients were pain-free within 1 week after microwave ablation and remained so during the 6 months of follow-up. No major or minor complications developed. On average, SI of the lesions decreased by 75% (range, 55.5%–89.1%) after treatment. The difference in lesion SI before versus after ablation was significant by t test (P < .0001; confidence interval, 120.26–174.96) and Wilcoxon test (P = .0020).ConclusionsMicrowave ablation treatment of osteoid osteoma was highly successful, without any complications observed. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging is a useful tool for diagnosing osteoid osteoma and evaluating treatment.     

Radioembolization with Infusion of Yttrium-90 Microspheres into a Right Inferior Phrenic Artery with Hepatic Tumor Supply Is Feasible and Safe

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y) radioembolization through the inferior phrenic arteries (IPAs).Materials and MethodsRetrospective analysis of 108 patients referred for radioembolization to treat primary (n = 103) or secondary (n = 5) liver malignancy was performed. Five patients had malignant hepatic tumors supplied by the IPA and met criteria for infusion of ⁹⁰Y spheres into the IPA. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA), catheter-directed computed tomographic (CT) angiography, and technetium-99m (^99mTc) macroaggregated albumin (MAA) single photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT were used to plan treatment. Bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT was performed 1 day after radioembolization. Follow-up included clinical and biochemical tests and cross-sectional CT or magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsParasitized extrahepatic arteries were detected in 37% of patients (n = 40). Of these, 62.5% (n = 25) had tumor supply through an IPA. Of the patients with IPA supply, 20% (n = 5) underwent infusion of ⁹⁰Y into the right IPA. Reasons for disqualifying patients from infusion into the IPA were less than 10% tumor supply (n = 11), failed catheterization of IPA (n = 3), arterioportovenous shunt (n = 2), failed identification of IPA on pretreatment angiography (n = 1), and gastric or esophageal enhancement on catheter-directed CT angiography (n = 3). In all five patients, technical success was demonstrated on ⁹⁰Y imaging, with no significant extrahepatic radionuclide activity. No adverse events related to IPA radioembolization occurred at mean follow-up of 4.5 months (range, 2.2–10.1 mo).ConclusionsDelivery of ⁹⁰Y microspheres through the right IPA is feasible and safe with the use of catheter-directed CT angiography in addition to DSA and ^99mTc MAA SPECT/CT in patients with tumors with greater than 10% IPA supply.     

Functional MR in the evaluation of dementia: correlation of abnormal dynamic cerebral blood volume measurements with changes in cerebral metabolism on positron emission tomography with fludeoxyglucose F 18.

PURPOSETo determine whether magnetic susceptibility functional MR imaging of cerebral blood volumes provides information similar to fludeoxyglucose F 18 positron emission tomography (PET) brain images in patients undergoing evaluation for dementia.METHODSTen subjects were studied with both PET and functional MR. Clinical diagnoses included probable Alzheimer disease (n = 5), possible Alzheimer disease (n = 1), Pick disease (n = 2), and primary progressive aphasia (n = 2). The studies were quantitatively evaluated by coregistration of PET and functional MR images followed by regression analyses of corresponding regions of interest. Qualitatively, each brain was categorized into eight regions, and each was classified as normal or abnormal by visual inspection.RESULTSCorrelation coefficients between registered functional MR and PET images were excellent (mean, r = 0.58) in most of the cerebrum. Significant correlations were observed in 72 of 74 brain sections. Qualitatively, 16 brain regions were judged to be abnormal by both MR imaging and PET; 46 regions were normal by both; 10 regions were abnormal by PET only; and 8 regions were abnormal only by functional MR. The concordance between functional MR and PET was 78%, which was highly significant.CONCLUSIONCerebral blood volumes images derived from magnetic susceptibility (functional MR) provide information similar to fludeoxyglucose F 18 PET images in demented patients undergoing evaluation for dementia.     

Lack of Acute Effects of 20 mT, 50 Hz Magnetic Fields on Murine Haemopoiesis

Summary

Some epidemiological studies have drawn attention to a possible association between exposure to extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields and the development of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in adults. At present there is no experimental evidence for such an association. We have investigated the acute effects of power frequency magnetic fields on haemopoiesis in CBA/H mice known to be susceptible to the induction of AML after exposure to ionizing radiation. Up to 19 days after exposure to 50 Hz fields at 20 mT for 7 days no significant effects on peripheral blood characteristics were observed. Assays of the bone marrow stem cells and myelomonocytic progenitor cells also failed to reveal significant effects. Our experiments cannot, however, rule out subtle effects on cell population dynamics, and further investigations, including longterm studies, are required to establish the extent to which ELF magnetic fields might affect the haemopoietic system.     

Congenital cholesteatoma of the temporal bone: MR findings and comparison with CT.

PURPOSETo describe the MR findings of temporal bone congenital cholesteatoma and MR usefulness in preoperative diagnosis and follow-up, in comparison with CT.METHODSSeven patients underwent CT and MR studies for facial palsy (n = 3), deafness (n = 3), vertigo (n = 1), tinnitus (n = 1), and otalgia (n = 1). Three patients had for congenital cholesteatoma previously undergone surgery. One of them was free of symptoms and referred for follow-up. Final diagnosis was obtained from surgical data in all the cases but one.RESULTSCongenital cholesteatoma signal intensity was low or intermediate on T1-weighted images and high on T2-weighted images in all the cases. MR was useful in diagnosis in six cases, helping to differentiate congenital cholesteatoma from other nonenhancing tumors. When temporal bone wall erosion was observed with CT (n = 6), MR ruled out intracranial extension in five cases; in one case, MR found an associated epidermoid cyst of the cerebellopontine angle not identified with CT. However, CT assessed relationships with labyrinthine structures more easily.CONCLUSIONMR and CT are complementary in initial diagnosis and follow-up.     

Effects of single- and hybrid-frequency extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field stimulations on long-term potentiation in the hippocampal Schaffer collateral pathway

Abstract

Purpose: To study the different effects of single- and hybrid-frequency magnetic fields on long-term potentiation (LTP) in synaptic plasticity.

Materials and methods: Based on the online electromagnetic field stimulation system and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) recording system, we applied four different single- and hybrid-frequency magnetic fields with an intensity of 1?mT to the Schaffer collateral (CA1) pathway of rat hippocampal slices in vitro.

Results: The amplitude of fEPSPs decreased significantly under both single- and hybrid-frequency magnetic stimulation. Lower single-frequency magnetic stimulation on LTP had a greater regulating effect, while the regulating effect among four different hybrid-frequency extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) stimulations on LTP showed no significant differences.

Conclusion: Single-frequency magnetic stimulation produces more significant regulatory effects, and the lower the frequency, the more significant the regulatory effect. The effect of hybrid-frequency magnetic stimulation in each group was similar, and there was no significant difference between each group. The 15-Hz single-frequency magnetic stimulation group showed the most significant regulatory effect, but once it was mixed with other higher frequency magnetic stimulation, its regulation effect was significantly weakened.     

Imaging findings in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Purpose-objectiveEpithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular malignancy with varying biologic behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify imaging findings most characteristic of EHE.MethodsRetrospective review of clinical and imaging records in patients referred to our Vascular Anomalies Center over a 17 year period with biopsy proven EHE.ResultsWe evaluated 29 patients (17 F) with median age of 16 years (range 2–76 y). The most common presenting symptoms were pain (n = 13) and palpable mass (n = 7). 22 (70%) had multifocal disease. Most common sites of involvement were lung (n = 25), liver (n = 16), bone (n = 12), soft tissue (n = 3) and lymph nodes (n = 1). Of patients with single site disease, 3 had lung, 3 liver, and 1 had bone lesions. In 18/25 with lung disease, there were multiple nodules of varying sizes and characteristics. In 14/16 with hepatic disease there were multiple nodules with predominantly peripheral distribution. Subcapsular retraction was seen in 10/16 and a “lollipop” sign (hepatic or portal vein tapering at the edge of a well-defined hypoenhancing lesion) identified in 5/16. Of 12 osseous lesions, 11 were lytic, 8 involved vertebrae and 9 involved the axial skeleton.ConclusionEHE has varied imaging findings. The most common sites are lungs, liver, and bone, with multi-organ involvement seen in most. Lung disease is most commonly characterized by multiple nodules. Hepatic lesions demonstrate the most distinctive findings, with peripheral distribution, lack of early enhancement, subcapsular retraction and “lollipop” sign. Osseous lesions are commonly lytic and more prevalent in the axial skeleton.     

Imaging findings in epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

Purpose-objectiveEpithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular malignancy with varying biologic behavior. The purpose of this study was to identify imaging findings most characteristic of EHE.MethodsRetrospective review of clinical and imaging records in patients referred to our Vascular Anomalies Center over a 17 year period with biopsy proven EHE.ResultsWe evaluated 29 patients (17 F) with median age of 16 years (range 2–76 y). The most common presenting symptoms were pain (n = 13) and palpable mass (n = 7). 22 (70%) had multifocal disease. Most common sites of involvement were lung (n = 25), liver (n = 16), bone (n = 12), soft tissue (n = 3) and lymph nodes (n = 1). Of patients with single site disease, 3 had lung, 3 liver, and 1 had bone lesions. In 18/25 with lung disease, there were multiple nodules of varying sizes and characteristics. In 14/16 with hepatic disease there were multiple nodules with predominantly peripheral distribution. Subcapsular retraction was seen in 10/16 and a “lollipop” sign (hepatic or portal vein tapering at the edge of a well-defined hypoenhancing lesion) identified in 5/16. Of 12 osseous lesions, 11 were lytic, 8 involved vertebrae and 9 involved the axial skeleton.ConclusionEHE has varied imaging findings. The most common sites are lungs, liver, and bone, with multi-organ involvement seen in most. Lung disease is most commonly characterized by multiple nodules. Hepatic lesions demonstrate the most distinctive findings, with peripheral distribution, lack of early enhancement, subcapsular retraction and “lollipop” sign. Osseous lesions are commonly lytic and more prevalent in the axial skeleton.     

Effects of 15 Hz square wave magnetic fields on the voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

Purpose: Although magnetic fields have significant effects on neurons, little is known about the mechanisms behind their effects. The present study aimed to measure the effects of magnetic fields on ion channels in cortical pyramidal neurons.

Materials and methods: Cortical pyramidal neurons of Kunming mice were isolated and then subjected to 15?Hz, 1?mT square wave (duty ratio 50%) magnetic fields stimulation. Sodium currents (I_Na), transient potassium currents (I_A) and delayed rectifier potassium currents (I_K) were recorded by whole-cell patch clamp method.

Results: We found that magnetic field exposure depressed channel current densities, and altered the activation kinetics of sodium and potassium channels. The inactivation properties of I_Na and I_A were also altered.

Conclusion: Magnetic field exposure alters ion channel function in neurons. It is likely that the structures of sodium and potassium channels were influenced by the applied field. Sialic acid, which is an important component of the channels, could be the molecule responsible for the reported results.     

Vascular Artifact Mimicking Thrombosis on MR Imaging Using Ferumoxytol as a Contrast Agent in Abdominal Vascular Assessment

PurposeTo describe an artifact that mimics thrombosis when assessing abdominal vasculature on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging using ferumoxytol in patients with contraindications to gadolinium-based contrast agents and to evaluate factors that may contribute to this artifact.Materials and MethodsThree radiologists in consensus retrospectively evaluated 61 abdominal MR imaging examinations using ferumoxytol as an intravenous contrast agent for the presence of an observed artifact that can mimic thrombosis. Patient demographics and contrast agent bolus concentrations were compared with an unpaired Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsAn artifact mimicking thrombosis was observed in 30 of 61 examinations, all on the arterial phase sequences. In examinations with this artifact, the average concentration of administered ferumoxytol was greater than in examinations where the artifact was not observed (P < .01). Several additional vascular findings were observed, including portal vein thrombosis (n = 2) and aneurysm (n = 1), renal vein thrombosis (n = 2), abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 1), abdominal and iliac artery dissection (n = 3), and sequelae of portal hypertension (n = 8).ConclusionsAlthough MR imaging using ferumoxytol as an intravenous contrast agent can be useful in detecting abdominal vascular abnormalities, an artifact mimicking vascular thrombosis was observed in nearly half of the examinations.     

Vitamins and glucose metabolism: The role of static magnetic fields

Abstract

Purpose: This review focuses on our own data and other data from the literature of static magnetic fields (SMF) bioeffects and vitamins and glucose metabolism. Three main areas of investigation have been covered: Static magnetic field and glucose metabolism, static magnetic field and vitamins and the role of vitamins on glucose metabolism.

Conclusion: Considering these articles comprehensively, the conclusions are as follows: The primary cause of changes in cells after incubation in external SMF is disruption of free radical metabolism and elevation of their concentration. Such disruption causes oxidative stress leading to an unsteadiness of glucose level and insulin release. Moreover, based on available data, it was concluded that exposure to SMF alters plasma levels of vitamin A, C, D and E; these parameters can take part in disorder of glucose homeostasis and insulin release.     

Influence of local exposure to static magnetic field on pain perception and bone turnover of osteoporotic patients with vertebral deformity – a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Static magnetic field (SMF) could improve pain sensation and bone turnover. In a single-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study we investigated the effects of SMF exposure on subjective pain and bone turnover.

Materials and methods: Postmenopausal osteoporotic women (aged 50–70 years) with bone deformity and back pain were randomized to 10 weekly visits of 30-min SMF (n = 6) or treatment with non-magnetized pads (n = 5) on the back. Primary and secondary outcomes were changes in pain sensation on a visual analogue scale (VAS) during each visit and over 10 weeks, respectively. Tertiary outcomes were changes in osteocalcin and β-crosslaps. SMF was inhomogeneous with 192 millitesla peak-to-peak value by 19 tesla/meter gradient of the magnetic flux density at 3 mm.

Results: Participants randomized to sham had higher VAS at baseline (mean difference: 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–5.2 cm). Both SMF and sham similarly reduced short term pain (sham-SMF: 0.59, 95% CI ? 0.31–1.49 cm, p = 0.195). VAS did not change in SMF, while it decreased in the sham group (between-group difference 0.27, 95% CI 0.04–0.50 cm/visit). Bone turnover markers remained stable.

Conclusions: SMF as used in this investigation is not recommended for pain relief in postmenopausal women with vertebral deformity. The finding on long-term pain relief may relate to unbalanced randomization.     

Force stability training decreased force variability of plantar flexor muscles without reducing postural sway in female older adults

BackgroundPrevious studies reported a relationship between postural sway and force variability of the plantar flexor muscles (PFM), such that less force variability related to lower postural sway; however, this association does not seem to exist in older adults.Research questionThis study investigated the effect of force stability training of the PFM on force variability (FV) of these muscles and postural sway in female older adults.MethodsThirty female older adults were divided into three groups: TG5 (n = 10), who trained at 5% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the PFM; TG10 (n = 10), who trained at 10 % of MVIC of the PFM; and CG (n = 10) who did not perform any specific training for the PFM. Postural sway was evaluated during upright bipodal posture. Postural sway and FV of the PFM were assessed before and after the training period. Participants trained once a week for four weeks.ResultsAfter the training period, the FV decreased significantly for both TG5 (pre = 3.26 ± 0.83; post = 2.53 ± 0.60 N) and TG10 (pre = 3.50 ± 0.72; post = 2.85 ± 0.86 N), but the mean sway amplitude increased for both TG5 (pre = 0.017 ± 0.03; post = 0.19 ± 0.04 cm) and TG10 (pre = 0.14 ± 0.04; post = 0.16 ± 0.04 cm).SignificanceThe force stability training decreased the FV of the PFM, but this decrease was insufficient to reduce postural sway in female older adults.     

Combination Radiofrequency Ablation and Percutaneous Osteoplasty for Palliative Treatment of Painful Extraspinal Bone Metastasis: A Single-Center Experience

PurposeTo evaluate combined radiofrequency (RF) ablation and percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) in patients with painful extraspinal bone metastases.Materials and MethodsIn a retrospective study, 38 patients with 54 extraspinal bone metastases (ilium, n = 24; acetabulum, n = 21; femur, n = 7; ischium, n = 1; tibia, n = 1) were treated with RF ablation and POP. All patients had pain refractory to analgesic medication with intensity > 3 on a visual analog scale (VAS). Changes in quality of life were evaluated based on pain relief (VAS score), function on a Karnofsky performance scale, and analgesic dose before and immediately after the procedure and during follow-up. VAS score was the primary outcome, and the others were secondary outcomes.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in 37 patients (97.4%). Mean VAS score declined significantly from 7.1 ± 1.5 before treatment to 2.2 ± 2.0 at 24 hours after treatment (P < .05), 1.6 ± 1.8 at 3 months after treatment (P < .05), and 1.3 ± 1.8 at 6 months after treatment (P < .05). Pain relief immediately after the procedure was reported by 35 patients (92.1%); pain regressed completely in 7 (18.4%) patients. After 6 months, narcotic analgesia had been suspended in 32 of 33 patients (97.0%). Pain was controlled by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in 8 patients (24.2%), and no analgesia was necessary in 24 patients (72.7%). Mean Karnofsky performance scale score after treatment was higher than before treatment (P < .05). The major complication rate was 2.6% (1 of 38 patients), with one case of vasovagal shock. The minor complication rate was 23.7% (9 of 38 patients).ConclusionsRF ablation with POP is effective for pain relief and functional recovery in patients with painful extraspinal bone metastases and can significantly improve quality of life.     

Neuropathology and behavioral impairments after bilateral global ischemia surgery and exposure to static magnetic field: Evidence in the motor cortex,the hippocampal CA1 region and the neostriatum

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of continuous magnetic field stimulation after four days of global encephalic ischemia on motor behavior and brain morphology in gerbils.

Material and methods: Sixty Mongolian gerbils were divided into five groups: Control (CG), sham (SG), ischemia (IG), ischemia north (INPG) and south (ISPG) pole. Experimental animals underwent bilateral occlusion of the carotid artery. In groups with magnetic stimulation, a 3200 gauss magnet was fixed to the skull. After brain perfusion, coronal sections of the striatum, motor cortex (M1) and CA1 area of the hippocampus (CA1) were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: In the open field test (OF) we observed an increase in crossing in the IG compared to the CG, INPG and ISPG (F = 20.19), and a reduction in the time spent on the Rota-rod test (RR) with the IG compared to CG, IPNG and ISPG (F = 17.59). Morphometric analysis revealed a reduction in the density of the neurons in the CA1, in the number of M1 and striatal neurons in the IG compared to the CG, INPG and ISPG.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a potential therapeutic application of static magnetic fields for the preservation of motor behavior and neurons in regions analyzed after global cerebral ischemia.