The exploration of pasteurization processes and mechanisms of inactivation of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 using radio frequency energy.

Radio frequency (RF) heating has been utilized to investigate sterilization techniques, but the mechanism of sterilization via RF heating, particularly on Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), has not been thoroughly examined. In this paper, sterilization processes and potential bactericidal mechanisms of B. cereus using RF were investigated. The best heating and sterilization efficiency was achieved at (Electrode gap 130 mm, conductivity of bacterial suspension 0.1 S/m, volume of bacterial suspension 40 mL). Heating a suspension of B. cereus to 90 °C in 80 s using RF reduced the number of viable bacteria by 4.87 logarithms. At the cellular level, there was a significant leakage of nucleic acids and proteins from the bacterial cells. Additionally, the integrity of the cell membrane was severely damaged, with a decrease in ATP concentration of 2.08 mM, Na, K-ATPase activity to 10.7 (U/109 cells), and Ca, Mg-ATPase activity to 11.6 (U/109 cells). At the molecular level, transcriptomics analysis showed that RF heating of B. cereus to 65 °C produced 650 more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with RF heating to 45 °C. The GO annotation analysis indicated that the majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly associated with cellular components. KEGG metabolic analysis showed enrichment in microbial metabolism in diverse environments, etc. This study investigated the potential bactericidal mechanism of B. cereus using RF, and provided some theoretical basis for the research of the sterilization of B. cereus.

Technical report on intra-operative trigeminal root mapping in percutaneous lesioning for trigeminal neuralgias.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous lesioning-techniques for treating refractory Trigeminal Neuralgias not amenable to Micro-Vascular Decompression remain useful in neurosurgical practice. Success, avoidance of complications and reduction of side-effects depend on the accurate location of the lesion-maker especially for Radio-Frequency-Thermo-Rhizotomy (RF-Th-Rh). Added to X-ray-guidance, Intra-Operative Neurophysiology can be of significant help to achieve optimal accuracy of the surgery. Based on previous research, this article aims to describe the simplest way to use direct electrical stimulation of the trigeminal root to evoke clinically observable muscle responses allowing to precisely position the tip of the needle for accurate lesioning. TECHNIQUE TO EVOKE SPECIFIC LOCALIZING MUSCLE RESPONSES: Masticatory twitches can be easily produced by stimulating the motor root, through orthodromic conduction to the masticatory muscles. Evoked Muscle Responses (EMRs) can be elicited in the facial nerve territory by stimulating the sensory rootlets, through Trigemino-Facial Reflexes' pathways (TFRs). Responses in the Orbicularis Oculi is the well-known and readily used "Blink reflex". On the contrary, TFRs in the lower territory of the facial nerve escaped clinical investigations not having been explored under direct stimulation of the trigeminal root. For both, stimulation at 5 c/s produces better observable twitches (because saccadic) than at 50 c/s which elicits tetanic contractions. CONCLUSION: The localizing-value of these facial EMRs (associated to evocation of paresthesias) and of the masticatory responses, justifies mapping the trigeminal root before lesioning. Their use could be extended to the other lesioning-techniques: not only Glycerol Neurolysis but also to Balloon Compression (to ascertain location of the trocar at the contact of the TGN inside the Meckel cave) and Open partial Rhizotomies (before deciding to cut the rootlets corresponding to the trigger-zone). This is of importance since lesioning-techniques are needed because not all trigeminal neuralgias are responsive to or even indications of Micro-Vascular Decompression.

Floating Wrist: A Rare Case Report and Review of Anatomical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Aspects.

Introduction: Joint injuries in the upper limb are uncommon and have received limited attention in the literature. This case report presents the first described case in the literature of a "floating wrist" and aims to highlight the diagnostic, anatomical, and therapeutic aspects of this injury. Case Report: A 27-year-old male was involved in a severe car accident, resulting in a closed deformity of the right wrist. The patient suffered fractures of the forearm bones and dislocation fracture of all five wrist rays. Surgical intervention was performed to repair the fractures and stabilize the wrist. Despite post-operative complications, the patient demonstrated positive functional outcomes after a 12-month follow-up. Discussion: The term "floating wrist" refers to a rare condition characterized by fractures and/or dislocations of all five wrist rays, accompanied by fractures of the forearm bones. Diagnosis can be complicated due to polytrauma and wrist edema. Early surgical management and rehabilitation are essential for achieving favorable outcomes. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of this uncommon injury. Conclusion: This case report highlights a unique instance of a "floating wrist" and emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and prompt rehabilitation in a comprehensive management of these complex injuries. Enhanced comprehension of this rare condition is crucial for improving patient outcomes in similar traumatic scenarios.

A Recurrent c.416C>T Variant in the B3GAT3 Gene in the Turkish Population: Report of Two Siblings and Expanding the Clinical Spectrum.

Introduction: Linkeropathies are a group of rare multi-systemic genetic disorders primarily affecting the skeletal and cardiac systems due to defects in the enzymes responsible for proteoglycan synthesis. Case Presentation: We present a case of two siblings with the B3GAT3 variant. The 14-year-old boy exhibited short stature, severe kyphoscoliosis, splenomegaly, and aortic root dilatation, along with several physical abnormalities including bifid uvula, blue sclera, limited elbow extension, and pectus carinatum. His 6-year-old sister also exhibited comparable yet less pronounced physical features. Clinical exome sequencing analysis revealed a homozygous c.416C>T variant in the B3GAT3 gene for the sister; the same variant was also present in the boy patient. The boy underwent preoperative halo-gravity traction for severe kyphoscoliosis, followed by posterior instrumentation and fusion surgery without complications. Discussion/Conclusion: B3GAT3-related linkeropathy syndrome is a rare disorder and we further expand the clinical spectrum with novel findings.

Autonomous nervous system responses to environmental-level exposure to 5G's first deployed band (3.5 GHz) in healthy human volunteers.

Following the global progressive deployment of 5G networks, considerable attention has focused on assessing their potential impact on human health. This study aims to investigate autonomous nervous system changes by exploring skin temperature and electrodermal activity (EDA) among 44 healthy young individuals of both sexes during and after exposure to 3.5 GHz antenna-emitted signals, with an electrical field intensity ranging from 1 to 2 V/m. The study employed a randomized, cross-over design with triple-blinding, encompassing both 'real' and 'sham' exposure sessions, separated by a maximum interval of 1 week. Each session comprised baseline, exposure and postexposure phases, resulting in the acquisition of seven runs. Each run initiated with a 150 s segment of EDA recordings stimulated by 10 repeated beeps. Subsequently, the collected data underwent continuous decomposition analysis, generating specific indicators assessed alongside standard metrics such as trough-to-peak measurements, global skin conductance and maximum positive peak deflection. Additionally, non-invasive, real-time skin temperature measurements were conducted to evaluate specific anatomical points (hand, head and neck). The study suggests that exposure to 3.5 GHz signals may potentially affect head and neck temperature, indicating a slight increase in this parameter. Furthermore, there was a minimal modulation of certain electrodermal metrics after the exposure, suggesting a potentially faster physiological response to auditory stimulation. However, while the results are significant, they remain within the normal physiological range and could be a consequence of an uncontrolled variable. Given the preliminary nature of this pilot study, further research is needed to confirm the effects of 5G exposure.

Liver tissue changes during and post 6-month spaceflight as measured by ultrasound radio frequency signal processing.

Background: Analysis of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signals allows for the determination of the index of reflectivity (IR), which is a new measure that is dependent on tissue properties. Previous work has shown differences in the IR of the carotid artery wall with long-duration spaceflight; therefore, it was hypothesized that liver tissue would also show differences in this measure with spaceflight. Methods: The RF signal of a liver tissue region of interest (ROI) was displayed and processed along six different lines covering a surface of approximately 2 cm × 2 cm. The IR was calculated as the energy backscattered by the liver ROI divided by the total energy returned to the ultrasound probe. Results: Seven astronauts were investigated preflight, inflight on day 150, and postflight 4 days and 6 months after rerunning to Earth. Compared to preflight (63% ± 18%), the liver tissue ROI IR was significantly lower on flight day 150 (46% ± 14%; p = 0.027) and 4 days postflight (46% ± 19%; p = 0.025). At 6 months postflight, the IR returned to preflight values (59% ± 13%; p = 0.919). Conclusion: The significant decrease in the coefficient of reflectivity inflight and 4 days postflight indicates an alteration in the liver tissue that reduces the reflection of ultrasound waves. This change in tissue properties could either be due to the addition of particles that do not reflect ultrasound waves or structural or cellular changes that alter the reflectivity of the tissue.

[Investigation of Coupling Effect for Adjacent Orthopedic Implants on MRI Radio-Frequency Heating].

This paper investigates the mechanism of radio-frequency (RF) heating that occurs when two adjacent orthopedic implants are present together under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 1.5 Tesla and 3.0 Tesla. When a patient has multiple implants close to each other, interactions between the implants may increase RF heating. Typical generic interlocking plate and antibiotic nail implants are adopted as examples. To analyze the effect of adjacent implants, the amplitude and direction of incident and scattering vector electric fields at the hot spot position are calculated and extracted using numerical simulation based on Huygens principle. It is shown that a strong coupling effect occurs due to the existence of both the incident field and a strong scattering field. Huygens principle can be used to obtain the first and second order scattering fields generated between implants. If the first- and second-order electric field terms are summed within a certain region, the RF-induced heating of this dual-implant system increases.

[Design of a Conformal Ablation System Based on Independent Control of Radiofrequency Electrode Arrays].

This study aims to develop an independent control system for radiofrequency electrode arrays, intended for the conformal ablation of unwanted tissues. Unlike traditional single radiofrequency voltage applications, this study employs high-frequency transformer isolation and radiofrequency load matching technologies to divide the radiofrequency signal source into eight independent groups. Each group operates at the same phase and frequency but with different voltage values. Experimental results indicate that the designed system can independently output various combinations of radiofrequency signals. The actual output voltage has a relative error controlled within 6%, the frequency error is less than 0.5%, and the phase difference among the groups is less than 1°. In the biomimetic tissue heating experiments, it is found that by controlling the voltage of each electrode within the electrode array, ablation of different shapes can be achieved, and the ablation depth is positively correlated with the applied radiofrequency voltage.

Deep learning-based automatic contour quality assurance for auto-segmented abdominal MR-Linac contours.

Objective.Deep-learning auto-segmentation (DLAS) aims to streamline contouring in clinical settings. Nevertheless, achieving clinical acceptance of DLAS remains a hurdle in abdominal MRI, hindering the implementation of efficient clinical workflows for MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy (MRgOART). Integrating automated contour quality assurance (ACQA) with automatic contour correction (ACC) techniques could optimize the performance of ACC by concentrating on inaccurate contours. Furthermore, ACQA can facilitate the contour selection process from various DLAS tools and/or deformable contour propagation from a prior treatment session. Here, we present the performance of novel DL-based 3D ACQA models for evaluating DLAS contours acquired during MRgOART.Approach.The ACQA model, based on a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN), was trained using pancreas and duodenum contours obtained from a research DLAS tool on abdominal MRIs acquired from a 1.5 T MR-Linac. The training dataset contained abdominal MR images, DL contours, and their corresponding quality ratings, from 103 datasets. The quality of DLAS contours was determined using an in-house contour classification tool, which categorizes contours as acceptable or edit-required based on the expected editing effort. The performance of the 3D ACQA model was evaluated using an independent dataset of 34 abdominal MRIs, utilizing confusion matrices for true and predicted classes.Main results.The ACQA predicted 'acceptable' and 'edit-required' contours at 72.2% (91/126) and 83.6% (726/868) accuracy for pancreas, and at 71.2% (79/111) and 89.6% (772/862) for duodenum contours, respectively. The model successfully identified false positive (extra) and false negative (missing) DLAS contours at 93.75% (15/16) and %99.7 (438/439) accuracy for pancreas, and at 95% (57/60) and 98.9% (91/99) for duodenum, respectively.Significance.We developed 3D-ACQA models capable of quickly evaluating the quality of DLAS pancreas and duodenum contours on abdominal MRI. These models can be integrated into clinical workflow, facilitating efficient and consistent contour evaluation process in MRgOART for abdominal malignancies.

Improved DC and RF Characteristics of GaN-Based Double-Channel HEMTs by Ultra-Thin AlN Back Barrier Layer.

In order to improve the off-state and breakdown characteristics of double-channel GaN HEMTs, an ultra-thin barrier layer was chosen as the second barrier layer. The strongly polarized and ultra-thin AlN sub-barrier and the InAlN sub-barrier are great candidates. In this article, the two epitaxial structures, AlGaN/GaN/AlN/GaN (sub-AlN) HEMTs and AlGaN/GaN/InAlN/GaN (sub-InAlN) HEMTs, were compared to select a more suitable sub-barrier layer. Through TEM images of the InAlN barrier layer, the segregation of In components can be seen, which decreases the mobility of the second channel. Thus, the sub-AlN HEMTs have a higher output current density and transconductance than those of the sub-InAlN HEMTs. Because the high-quality AlN barrier layer shields the gate leakage current, a 294 V breakdown voltage was achieved by the sub-AlN HEMTs, which is higher than the 121 V of the sub-InAlN HEMTs. The current gain cut-off frequency (fT) and maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) of the sub-AlN HEMTs are higher than that of the sub-InAlN HEMTs from low to high bias voltage. The power-added efficiency (PAE) and output power density (Pout) of the sub-AlN HEMTs are 57% and 11.3 W/mm at 3.6 GHz and 50 V of drain voltage (Vd), respectively. For the sub-InAlN HEMTs, the PAE and Pout are 41.4% and 8.69 W/mm, because of the worse drain lag ratio. Thus, the Pout of the sub-AlN HEMTs is higher than that of the sub-InAlN HEMTs.

Estimation of radiological health risks due to 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in foods consumed in Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

This study investigates the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in a diverse range of food samples in the Koya district markets food baskets, including both domestic and imported products. The samples cover annual crops (e.g. coffee, tea, kidney beans), tree nuts (e.g. almonds, pistachios), and other items (e.g. beef, fish, milk) by using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. This research addresses a notable gap by providing baseline data on radionuclide concentrations and assessing potential health risks. Average activity concentrations for ²²6Ra, ²³²Th, and 4°K were 0.943, 0.367, and 191.8 Bq kg-1, respectively. Radium equivalent activity values ranged from 2.88-58.48 Bq kg-1, all below the safety limit. The average excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was 0.154 mSv a-1, indicating safety for most samples, though coffee and tea showed higher levels. This study provides new data crucial for future research and regulatory monitoring, underscoring the need for further investigation into geological impacts on radionuclide levels.

[Retracted] hsa­miR­212 modulates the radiosensitivity of glioma cells by targeting BRCA1.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that there appeared to be overlapping sections in a pair of the fluorescence reporter assay data panels shown in Fig. 4B; moreover, upon having conducted an independent investigation of the data in this paper in the Editorial Office, one of the data panels shown in this figure was strikingly similar to data that had previously appeared in different form in a paper written by different authors at a different research institute. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Oncology Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a satisfactory reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 39: 977­984, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6156].

Radio-opaque contrast agents for liver cancer targeting with KIM during radiation therapy (ROCK-RT): an observational feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: This observational study aims to establish the feasibility of using x-ray images of radio-opaque chemoembolisation deposits in patients as a method for real-time image-guided radiation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: This study will recruit 50 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who have had or will have stereotactic ablative radiation therapy and have had transarterial chemoembolisation with a radio-opaque agent. X-ray and computed tomography images of the patients will be analysed retrospectively. Additionally, a deep learning method for real-time motion tracking will be developed. We hypothesise that: (i) deep learning software can be developed that will successfully track the contrast agent mass on two thirds of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) projection and intra-treatment images (ii), the mean and standard deviation (mm) difference in the location of the mass between ground truth and deep learning detection are ≤ 2 mm and ≤ 3 mm respectively and (iii) statistical modelling of study data will predict tracking success in 85% of trial participants. DISCUSSION: Developing a real-time tracking method will enable increased targeting accuracy, without the need for additional invasive procedures to implant fiducial markers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05169177) 12th October 2021.

AAPM task group report 135.B: Quality assurance for robotic radiosurgery.

AAPM Task Group Report 135.B covers new technology components that have been added to an established radiosurgery platform and updates the components that were not well covered in the previous report. Considering the current state of the platform, this task group (TG) is a combination of a foundational task group to establish the basis for new processes/technology and an educational task group updating guidelines on the established components of the platform. Because the technology discussed in this document has a relatively small user base compared to C-arm isocentric linacs, the authors chose to emphasize the educational components to assist medical physicists who are new to the technology and have not had the opportunity to receive in-depth vendor training at the time of reading this report. The TG has developed codes of practice, introduced QA, and developed guidelines which are generally expected to become enduring practice. This report makes prescriptive recommendations as there has not been enough longitudinal experience with some of the new technical components to develop a data-based risk analysis.

AVATAR 2.0: next level communication systems for radiotherapy through face-to-face video, biofeedback, translation, and audiovisual immersion.

Purpose: This paper discusses an advanced version of our audiovisual-assisted therapeutic ambience in radiotherapy (AVATAR) radiolucent display systems designed for pediatric radiotherapy, enabling anesthesia-free treatments, video communication, and biofeedback. The scope of the AVATAR system is expanded here in two major ways: (i) through alternative mounting systems to accommodate a broader range of radiotherapy machines (specifically to fit robotic-arm and toroidal geometry photon radiotherapy and proton radiotherapy systems) and (ii) through additional hardware to provide video-calling, optimized audio for clear communication, and combined video inputs for biofeedback, translation, and other advanced functionalities. Methods and materials: Because robustness requires strong parts and radio-transparency requires thin, light parts, three-dimensional printing was used to rapidly prototype hollow structures and to iteratively improve robustness. Two system designs were made: one that mounts superior and another that mounts inferior to the patient's head. Radiation dose measurements and calculations were conducted to assess dose perturbations at surface and depth due to the screen. Results: For 6-MV volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans, with and without the screen, the mean and maximum dose differences inside the planning target volume were 0.2% and 2.6% of the 200 cGy prescription, respectively. For a single static beam through the screen, the maximum measured excess surface dose was 13.4 ± 0.5%, and the largest measured dose attenuation at 5-cm water-equivalent depth was 2.1 ± 0.2%. These percentages are relative to the dose without the screen at those locations. Conclusions: The radiolucent screen systems provided here are shown to give minimal dosimetric effects on megavoltage VMAT photon treatments. For static beams, however, surface dose effects should be considered when these beams pass through the thickest components of the screen. Design files are also provided.

Effect of endogenous proteins and lipids on yam flour during radio frequency explosion puffing: Characterization, microstructure, function, and in vitro digestibility.

Radio frequency explosion puffing (RFEP) can improve yam flour properties, in which endogenous proteins and lipids play an important role, but the action mechanism is unclear. In this study, native yam flour was defatted and/or deproteinized and then treated with RFEP. The results indicated that RFEP caused protein covering layers on the starch surface to become loose, and these loose layers interacted with lipids and then rewrapped tightly around the starch surface to form compact matrixes. The existence of lipids prevented the shedding of protein covering layers from starch surface during RFEP. The compact matrixes caused decrease in intermolecular hydrogen bonds and relative crystallinity and changes in structure of protein peptide group and protein amide II bands. The compact matrixes reduced the contact of water molecules and enzyme with starch, inhibiting the gelatinization, swelling, and digestibility. Endogenous proteins had a greater impact on yam flour properties during RFEP. These findings offer new insights for the development of yam flour products and the extensive application of RFEP technology in the food industry.

Dual-labeled anti-GD2 targeted probe for intraoperative molecular imaging of neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is integral for the treatment of neuroblastoma, the most common extracranial solid malignancy in children. Safely locating and resecting primary tumor and remote deposits of disease remains a significant challenge, resulting in high rates of complications and incomplete surgery, worsening outcomes. Intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) uses targeted radioactive or fluorescent tracers to identify and visualize tumors intraoperatively. GD2 was selected as an IMI target, as it is highly overexpressed in neuroblastoma and minimally expressed in normal tissue. METHODS: GD2 expression in neuroblastoma cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. DTPA and IRDye® 800CW were conjugated to anti-GD2 antibody to generate DTPA-αGD2-IR800. Binding affinity (Kd) of the antibody and the non-radiolabeled tracer were then measured by ELISA assay. Human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2) cells were surgically injected into the left adrenal gland of 3.5-5-week-old nude mice and the orthotopic xenograft tumors grew for 5 weeks. 111In-αGD2-IR800 or isotype control tracer was administered via tail vein injection. After 4 and 6 days, mice were euthanized and gamma and fluorescence biodistributions were measured using a gamma counter and ImageJ analysis of acquired SPY-PHI fluorescence images of resected organs (including tumor, contralateral adrenal, kidneys, liver, muscle, blood, and others). Organ uptake was compared by one-way ANOVA (with a separate analysis for each tracer/day combination), and if significant, Sidak's multiple comparison test was used to compare the uptake of each organ to the tumor. Handheld tools were also used to detect and visualize tumor in situ, and to assess for residual disease following non-guided resection. RESULTS: 111In-αGD2-IR800 was successfully synthesized with 0.75-2.0 DTPA and 2-3 IRDye® 800CW per antibody and retained adequate antigen-binding (Kd = 2.39 nM for aGD2 vs. 21.31 nM for DTPA-aGD2-IR800). The anti-GD2 tracer demonstrated antigen-specific uptake in mice with human neuroblastoma xenografts (gamma biodistribution tumor-to-blood ratios of 3.87 and 3.88 on days 4 and 6 with anti-GD2 tracer), while isotype control tracer did not accumulate (0.414 and 0.514 on days 4 and 6). Probe accumulation in xenografts was detected and visualized using widely available operative tools (Neoprobe® and SPY-PHI camera) and facilitated detection ofputative residual disease in the resection cavity following unguided resection. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a dual-labeled anti-GD2 antibody-based tracer that incorporates In-111 and IRDye® 800CW for radio- and fluorescence-guided surgery, respectively. The tracer adequately binds to GD2, specifically accumulates in GD2-expressing xenograft tumors, and enables tumor visualization with a hand-held NIR camera. These results encourage the development of 111In-αGD2-IR800 for future use in children with neuroblastoma, with the goal of improving patient safety, completeness of resection, and overall patient outcomes.

Flexible X-ray Imaging and Stable Information Storage of SrF2:Eu Based on Radio-Photoluminescence.

X-ray imaging has garnered widespread interest in biomedical diagnosis and nondestructive detection. The exploration of radio-photoluminescence has hastened the advancement of X-ray information storage. However, significant challenges persist in achieving the prolonged imaging of curved objects without attenuation. Here, europium-doped strontium fluoride (SrF2:Eu) is meticulously created to exhibit a linear response to an extensive range of X-ray doses (maximum dose > 5000 Gy), showcasing excellent X-ray information reading/erasing reusability properties (10 cycles). This is accompanied by a red-to-blue emission transition under UV excitation, sustaining for 150 days without attenuation. To elucidate the phenomena of irradiated photoluminescent discoloration and the reversible X-ray storage of SrF2:Eu, we propose an electron-vacancy trap (valence conversion) mechanism, information stably retained by the SrF2:Eu-based device under ambient conditions due to high energy barriers. The time-lapse readout capability is further demonstrated for three-dimensional imaging of curved objects (10 lp mm-1) based on SrF2:Eu embedded within a polydimethylsiloxane (SrF2:Eu@PDMS). The SrF2:Eu demonstrates time-lapse imaging, reversible radio-photoluminescence, and recoverable X-ray storage, offering a promising avenue for optical information encryption and anticounterfeiting applications.

Frequency-Dependent Antioxidant Responses in HT-1080 Human Fibrosarcoma Cells Exposed to Weak Radio Frequency Fields.

This study explores the complex relationship between radio frequency (RF) exposure and cancer cells, focusing on the HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line. We investigated the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase, and glutathione (GSH), as well as mitochondrial superoxide levels and cell viability. Exposure to RF fields in the 2-5 MHz range at very weak intensities (20 nT) over 4 days resulted in distinct, frequency-specific cellular effects. Significant increases in SOD and GSH levels were observed at 4 and 4.5 MHz, accompanied by reduced mitochondrial superoxide levels and enhanced cell viability, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. In contrast, lower frequencies like 2.5 MHz induced oxidative stress, evidenced by GSH depletion and increased mitochondrial superoxide levels. The findings demonstrate that cancer cells exhibit frequency-specific sensitivity to RF fields even at intensities significantly below current safety standards, highlighting the need to reassess exposure limits. Additionally, our analysis of the radical pair mechanism (RPM) offers deeper insight into RF-induced cellular responses. The modulation of ROS and antioxidant enzyme activities is significant for cancer treatment and has broader implications for age-related diseases, where oxidative stress is a central factor in cellular degeneration. The findings propose that RF fields may serve as a therapeutic tool to selectively modulate oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in cancer cells, with antioxidants playing a key role in mitigating potential adverse effects.

Aspirin enhances radio/chemo-therapy sensitivity in C. elegans by inducing germ cell apoptosis and suppresses RAS overactivated tumorigenesis via mtROS-mediated DNA damage and MAPK pathway.

Previous studies have demonstrated that combination therapy involving radiotherapy and aspirin decreases the survival rate of cancer cells. However, the mechanism by which aspirin exerts its radiation sensitization effect at the in vivo level remains largely unclear. In this study, we employed Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model organism to investigate the effect of aspirin combined with radio/chemo-therapy on tumors at the individual level. Here, we illustrate that high-dose aspirin increases the expression of genes involved in core apoptosis pathways (egl-1, ced-9, ced-4 and ced-3) and induces germ cell apoptosis in C. elegans through mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Crucially, aspirin-induces ROS upregulates the expression of genes critical for DNA damage response (hus-1, clk-2 and cep-1) and genes involved in MAPK pathways (lin-45, mek-2, mpk-1, sek-1 and pmk-1), thereby mediating the enhanced sensitivity of radio/chemo-therapy by aspirin. Notably, aspirin fails to induce germ cell apoptosis and enhance radio/chemo-therapy in C. elegans lacking the expression of each of those genes. Furthermore, in a C. elegans tumor-like symptom model, aspirin enhances radio/chemo-therapy sensitivity through ROS induction. However, low-dose aspirin can diminish the apoptotic signal of reproductive cells in C. elegans and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Our research results suggest that the tumor-suppressive and radio/chemo-therapy sensitizing effects of aspirin provide robust experimental evidence for improving the clinical efficacy of tumor radio/chemo-therapy and deepening our understanding of aspirin's mechanism of action in cancer.