Experimental study for in vitro prostate cancer treatment with microwave ablation and pulsed electromagnetic field.

This paper presents the findings of a comprehensive study exploring the synergistic effects arising from the combination of microwave ablation and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on prostate cancer cells. The research encompassed five distinct experimental groups, with continuous electric field measurements conducted during the entire treatment process. Group 1 and Group 2, subjected to microwave power below 350 W, exhibited specific electric field values of 72,800 V/m and 56,600 V/m, respectively. In contrast, Group 3 and Group 4, exposed to 80 W microwave power, displayed electric field levels of approximately 1450 V/m, while remaining free from any observable electrical discharges. The migratory and invasive capacities of PC3 cells were assessed through a scratch test in all groups. Notably, cells in Group 3 and Group 4, subjected to the combined treatment of microwave ablation and PEMF, demonstrated significantly accelerated migration in comparison to those in Groups 1 and 2. Additionally, Group 5 cells, receiving PEMF treatment in isolation, exhibited decreased migratory ability. These results strongly suggest that the combined approach of microwave ablation and PEMF holds promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for prostate cancer, as it effectively reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, and impeded migration ability in PC3 cells. Moreover, the isolated use of PEMF demonstrated potential in limiting migratory capacity, which could hold critical implications in the fight against cancer metastasis.

In this study, a new approach to treat prostate cancer by combining microwave ablation (MWA) and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is explored. We used specific devices like rectangular waveguides for MWA and circular coils for PEMF. The energy sources utilized in the study comprised a magnetron tube system, similar to the microwave source found in a microwave oven, for generating microwaves, and a signal generator for producing PEMF. We used specialized equipment for MWA and PEMF to maintain controlled conditions, ensuring precise and reliable results. The research included testing various groups of prostate cancer cells exposed to different intensities of microwave power and magnetic flux density. The movement of cancer cells in different groups was examined through a wound healing assay, where cancer cells were placed on a flat surface, and we observed whether they filled the gap created by their movement. Interestingly, cells treated with both MWA and PEMF demonstrated faster movement compared to cells treated with MWA alone or PEMF alone. This combined treatment not only effectively decreased cell movement but also showed the potential cell death. The results showed that the combination of MWA and PEMF suggest a promising therapeutic strategy. The findings contribute to the development of precise and effective therapies that could enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. However, further research and validation are essential before translating these findings into clinical applications.

The Prognostic Accuracy of Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Score Alone and with Lactate Among Acute Symptomatic Heart Failure Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prognostic accuracy of the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure (GWTG-HF) score, Shock Index (SI), Modified Shock Index (MSI), and Age Shock Index (Age-SI) alone and with lactate in patients with acute symptomatic heart failure (HF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. Patients aged >18 years and diagnosed with acute symptomatic HF were consecutively included in the study. Patients referred from another center and missing medical records were excluded. Arrival type, vital parameters, demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, consciousness status, laboratory results, and outcomes of the patients were recorded. The primary endpoint of the study was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 368 patients were included in the final analysis. The in-hospital mortality rate of the patients was 7.6%. The GWTG-HF score outperformed other scores in predicting in-hospital, 24-hour, and 30-day mortality (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.807, 0.844, and 0.765, P <.001, respectively). The overall performance of the GWTG-HF score with lactate (GWTG-HF+L) was better in predicting in-hospital, 24-hour, and 30-day mortality than the original GWTG-HF score (AUC = 0.872, 0.936, and 0.801, P <.001, respectively). Adding lactate values to the SI, MSI, and Age-SI improved their overall performance for all 3 outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both the GWTG-HF and GWTG-HF+L scores have acceptable discriminatory power in patients with acute symptomatic HF. The GWTG-HF score, SI, MSI, and Age-SI can be used together with lactate to predict mortality in patients with acute HF.

Exploring Variations in Etiology and Clinical Presentations of Kounis Syndrome Across Pediatric and Adult Populations: A Comprehensive Review.

Kounis syndrome (KS), recognized as a rare yet significant form of acute coronary syndrome precipitated by allergy-mediated mechanisms, poses diagnostic challenges due to its varied clinical presentations and under-recognition. Despite its relevance across diverse populations, comprehensive insights into age-specific characteristics and management remain limited. The analysis of 420 studies yielded a total of 466 case reports of Kounis syndrome, categorized into pediatric (n = 31) and adult (n = 435) populations. After rigorous screening, 330 adult and 20 pediatric case reports were included for further analysis. Triggering factors were identified, with drugs (other) being the most prevalent in both groups. The breakdown of triggering factors, such as drugs (antibiotics), bee/wasp stings, and contrast media, was elucidated. Variations in presenting symptoms, diagnostic investigations, and treatment modalities between pediatric and adult populations were observed. Notably, all pediatric cases were diagnosed with subtype I Kounis syndrome and demonstrated favorable outcomes without any reported fatalities, whereas adult cases exhibited a broader range of Kounis subtypes. Mortality was recorded solely in adult case reports, with no fatalities reported among pediatric cases. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the nuances in the clinical presentation and management of Kounis syndrome across different age groups.