Review on the impact of cell phone radiation effects on green plants.

The aim of this review is to assess the impact of cell phone radiation effects on green plants. Rapid progress in networking and communication systems has introduced frequency- and amplitude-modulated technologies to the world with higher allowed bands and greater speed by using high-powered radio generators, which facilitate high definition connectivity, rapid transfer of larger data files, and quick multiple accesses. These cause frequent exposure of cellular radiation to the biological world from a number of sources. Key factors like a range of frequencies, time durations, power densities, and electric fields were found to have differential impacts on the growth and development of green plants. As far as the effects on green plants are concerned in this review, alterations in their morphological characteristics like overall growth, canopy density, and pigmentation to physiological variations like chlorophyll fluorescence and change in membrane potential etc. have been found to be affected by cellular radiation. On the other hand, elevated oxidative status of the cell, macromolecular damage, and lipid peroxidation have been found frequently. On the chromosomal level, micronuclei formation, spindle detachments, and increased mitotic indexes etc. have been noticed. Transcription factors were found to be overexpressed in many cases due to the cellular radiation impact, which shows effects at the molecular level.

Estimated all-day and evening whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields doses, and sleep in preadolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of estimated all-day and evening whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) doses with sleep disturbances and objective sleep measures in preadolescents. METHODS: We included preadolescents aged 9-12 years from two population-based birth cohorts, the Dutch Generation R Study (n = 974) and the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project (n = 868). All-day and evening overall whole-brain RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day) were estimated for several RF-EMF sources including mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) phone calls (named phone calls), other mobile phone uses, tablet use, laptop use (named screen activities), and far-field sources. We also estimated all-day and evening whole-brain RF-EMF doses in these three groups separately (i.e. phone calls, screen activities, and far-field). The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children was completed by mothers to assess sleep disturbances. Wrist accelerometers together with sleep diaries were used to measure sleep characteristics objectively for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS: All-day whole-brain RF-EMF doses were not associated with self-reported sleep disturbances and objective sleep measures. Regarding evening doses, preadolescents with high evening whole-brain RF-EMF dose from phone calls had a shorter total sleep time compared to preadolescents with zero evening whole-brain RF-EMF dose from phone calls [-11.9 min (95%CI -21.2; -2.5)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest the evening as a potentially relevant window of RF-EMF exposure for sleep. However, we cannot exclude that observed associations are due to the activities or reasons motivating the phone calls rather than the RF-EMF exposure itself or due to chance finding.

Effect of capacitive radiofrequency on the dermis of the abdominal region.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency (RF) on sagging skin. This is a case series study with five volunteers who received a single application of capacitive RF (BTL-6000 TR-Therapy Pro®) in the right infraumbilical abdominal region, with epidermal temperature above 40°C, for 10 min (2 min per applicator area), and the skin of the contralateral region was used as control. After 30 days, on average, the skin of the abdominal region was collected for histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Picro-sirus, and Verhoff. The percentage of collagen and elastic fibers found was marked by the Image J®. The statistical analysis was performed in the SPSS program (version 20), with a significance level of 95%. This was registered with the ethics and research comitee of UFTM n 3.461.688 on Jul 12, 2019 and clinical trial registration n. NCT04182542, retrospectively registered. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a remodeling of collagen and elastic fibers on the side treated with RF; however, the morphometry for collagen showed no significant difference, with an average percentage of 60.94 ± 0.32 for the control side and 61.97 ± 2.80 for the treated with p=0.32. Similarly, elastic fibers also showed no significant difference between groups, with a mean percentage of 5.67 ± 2.70 for control and 6.21 ± 2.01 for treated with p=0.19. The RF with the parameters used in this study was able to cause morphological changes in collagen and elastic fibers of the abdominal region skin; however, it showed no change in the percentage of these fibers.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile communication: Description of modeled dose in brain regions and the body in European children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) from mobile technology and resulting dose in young people. We describe modeled integrated RF dose in European children and adolescents combining own mobile device use and surrounding sources. METHODS: Using an integrated RF model, we estimated the daily RF dose in the brain (whole-brain, cerebellum, frontal lobe, midbrain, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobes) and the whole-body in 8358 children (ages 8-12) and adolescents (ages 14-18) from the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland during 2012-2016. The integrated model estimated RF dose from near-field sources (digital enhanced communication technology (DECT) phone, mobile phone, tablet, and laptop) and far-field sources (mobile phone base stations via 3D-radiowave modeling or RF measurements). RESULTS: Adolescents were more frequent mobile phone users and experienced higher modeled RF doses in the whole-brain (median 330.4 mJ/kg/day) compared to children (median 81.8 mJ/kg/day). Children spent more time using tablets or laptops compared to adolescents, resulting in higher RF doses in the whole-body (median whole-body dose of 81.8 mJ/kg/day) compared to adolescents (41.9 mJ/kg/day). Among brain regions, temporal lobes received the highest RF dose (medians of 274.9 and 1786.5 mJ/kg/day in children and adolescents, respectively) followed by the frontal lobe. In most children and adolescents, calling on 2G networks was the main contributor to RF dose in the whole-brain (medians of 31.1 and 273.7 mJ/kg/day, respectively). CONCLUSION: This first large study of RF dose to the brain and body of children and adolescents shows that mobile phone calls on 2G networks are the main determinants of brain dose, especially in temporal and frontal lobes, whereas whole-body doses were mostly determined by tablet and laptop use. The modeling of RF doses provides valuable input to epidemiological research and to potential risk management regarding RF exposure in young people.

Comparative analysis of SINC-shaped and SLR pulses performance for contiguous multi-slice fast spin-echo imaging using metamaterial-based MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively assess the performance of highly selective pulses computed with the SLR algorithm in fast-spin echo (FSE) within the current radiofrequency safety limits using a metamaterial-based coil for wrist magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS: Apodized SINC pulses commonly used for clinical FSE sequences were considered as a reference. Selective SLR pulses with a time-bandwidth product of four were constructed in the MATPULSE program. Slice selection profiles in conventional T1-weighted and PD-weighted FSE wrist imaging pulse sequences were modeled using a Bloch equations simulator. Signal evolution was assessed in three samples with relaxation times equivalent to those in musculoskeletal tissues at 1.5T. Regular and SLR-based FSE pulse sequences were tested in a phantom experiment in a multi-slice mode with different gaps between slices and the direct saturation effect was investigated. RESULTS: As compared to the regular FSEs with a conventional transmit coil, combining the utilization of the metadevice with SLR-based FSEs provided a 23 times lower energy deposition in a duty cycle. When the slice gap was decreased from 100 to 0%, the "slice cross-talk" effect reduced the signal intensity by 15.9-17.6% in the SLR-based and by 22.9-32.3% in the regular T1-weighted FSE; and by 0.0-6.4% in the SLR-based and by 0.3-9.3% in the regular PD-weighted FSE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: SLR-based FSE together with the metadevice allowed to increase the slice selectivity while still being within the safe SAR limits. The "slice cross-talk" effects were conditioned by the number of echoes in the echo train, the repetition time, and T1 relaxation times. The approach was more beneficial for T1-weighted SLR-based FSE as compared to PD-weighted. The combination of the metadevice and SLR-based FSE offers a promising alternative for MR investigations that require scanning in a "Low-SAR" regime such as those for children, pregnant women, and patients with implanted devices.

Short-wave diathermy in the clinical management of musculoskeletal disorders: a pilot observational study.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of pain and functional limitation in the general population. The study aim was  to evaluate short-wave diathermy (SWD) effects on pain and quality of life in people with musculoskeletal disorders. Eighty participants (31 men, mean age 56 ± 12.49 years) were enrolled, recruiting from outpatient clinics at the Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital, Padova. Inclusion criteria were pain lasting more than 15 days, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score higher than 50/100 mm, and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, neck/back pain, or tendinopathies. All participants underwent ten sessions of percutaneous SWD, 3 times/week. Each session lasted 15-20 min, with frequencies of 4 or 8 MHz and heat intensity between 40 and 60 W. Outcomes were assessed before and after treatment. Primary outcome was pain reduction, evaluated by short form McGill pain questionnaire, which includes VAS and present pain intensity (PPI). Secondary outcome was improvement in social and work-related activity limitations. Participants were grouped based on classification of pain [nociceptive and neuropathic pain (group A) vs nociceptive only (group B)]. VAS and PPI improved significantly (p < 0.01). No difference in pain reduction (VAS and PPI) emerged between the groups. Limitations due to pain in work-related and non-work-related activities decreased (p < 0.01); use of pain medications was reduced at T1 vs T0 (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that SWD is effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain in the short term, providing relief and improving quality of life.

Combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation versus hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after initial surgery: a propensity score matching study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare retrospectively the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (TACE-RFA) with that of repeat hepatectomy in the treatment of initial recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy by propensity score matching (PSM). METHODS: From September 2006 to June 2015, 186 patients who underwent TACE-RFA (n=107) or repeat hepatectomy (n=79) for recurrent HCC ≤ 5.0 cm were included. The overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared. PSM was used to correct potential confounding factors between these two groups. RESULTS: 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates after TACE-RFA and repeat hepatectomy were 84.6%, 66.9%, 49.1%, and 84.8%, 60.2%, 51.9%, respectively (p=.871). The corresponding DFS rates were 58.2%, 35.2%, 29.6% and 64.8%, 41.6%, 38.3% (p=.258). TACE-RFA has lower major complication rates (p=.009) and shorter hospital stay (p<.001). After PSM, 1-, 3-, 5- year OS rates after TACE-RFA (n=51) and repeat hepatectomy (n=51) were 84.3%, 60.4%, 46.4% and 84.3%, 64.5%, 49.8% (p=.951), the corresponding DFS rates were 54.9%, 35.0%, 30.6% and 58.7%, 35.8%, and 33.6% (p=.733). AFP and micro-vessel invasion of initial tumour were significant prognostic factors for OS and DFS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TACE-RFA provides comparable OS and DFS to repeat hepatectomy, fewer major complications and shorter hospital stay. KEY POINTS: • TACE-RFA achieved similar OS and DFS with repeat hepatectomy for recurrent HCC • Major complication rate was lower in the TACE-RFA group • The hospital stay was shorter in the TACE-RFA group • AFP was a predictor for OS, MVI was a predictor for DFS • The treatment strategies were not significant prognostic factor for OS or DFS.

Non-ablative radiofrequency associated or not with low-level laser therapy on the treatment of facial wrinkles in adult women: A randomized single-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Non-ablative Radiofrequency (RF) associated or not with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on aspect of facial wrinkles among adult women. METHODS: Forty-six participants were randomized into three groups: Control Group (CG, n = 15), RF Group (RG, n = 16), and RF and LLLT Group (RLG, n = 15). Every participant was evaluated on baseline (T0), after eight weeks (T8) and eight weeks after the completion of treatment (follow-up). They were photographed in order to classify nasolabial folds and periorbital wrinkles (Modified Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Scale and Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System, respectively) and improvement on appearance (Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale). Photograph analyses were performed by 3 blinded evaluators. RESULTS: Classification of nasolabial and periorbital wrinkles did not show any significant difference between groups. Aesthetic appearance indicated a significant improvement for nasolabial folds on the right side of face immediately after treatment (p = 0.018) and follow-up (p = 0.029) comparison. RG presented better results than CG on T8 (p = 0.041, ES = -0.49) and on follow-up (p = 0.041, ES = -0.49) and better than RLG on T8 (p = 0.041, ES = -0.49). RLG presented better results than CG on follow-up (p = 0.007, ES = -0.37). CONCLUSION: Nasolabial folds and periorbital wrinkles did not change throughout the study; however, some aesthetic improvement was observed. LLLT did not potentiate RF treatment.

Outdoor and indoor sources of residential radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, personal cell phone and cordless phone use, and cognitive function in 5-6 years old children.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the exposure of young children to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and potentially associated health effects. We assessed the relationship between residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations, residential presence of indoor sources, personal cell phone and cordless phone use, and children's cognitive function at 5-6 years of age. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on children aged 5-6 years from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study, the Netherlands (n=2354). Residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations was estimated with a 3D geospatial radio wave propagation model. Residential presence of indoor sources (cordless phone base stations and Wi-Fi) and children's cell phone and cordless phone use was reported by the mother. Speed of information processing, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and visuomotor coordination was assessed using the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks. RESULTS: Residential presence of RF-EMF indoor sources was associated with an improved speed of information processing. Higher residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations and presence of indoor sources was associated with an improved inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility whereas we observed a reduced inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility with higher personal cordless phone use. Higher residential RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone base stations was associated with a reduced visuomotor coordination whereas we observed an improved visuomotor coordination with residential presence of RF-EMF indoor sources and higher personal cell phone use. CONCLUSIONS: We found inconsistent associations between different sources of RF-EMF exposure and cognitive function in children aged 5-6 years.

Exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields from broadcast transmitters and risk of childhood cancer: a census-based cohort study.

We investigated the association between exposure to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from broadcast transmitters and childhood cancer. First, we conducted a time-to-event analysis including children under age 16 years living in Switzerland on December 5, 2000. Follow-up lasted until December 31, 2008. Second, all children living in Switzerland for some time between 1985 and 2008 were included in an incidence density cohort. RF-EMF exposure from broadcast transmitters was modeled. Based on 997 cancer cases, adjusted hazard ratios in the time-to-event analysis for the highest exposure category (>0.2 V/m) as compared with the reference category (<0.05 V/m) were 1.03 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74, 1.43) for all cancers, 0.55 (95% CI: 0.26, 1.19) for childhood leukemia, and 1.68 (95% CI: 0.98, 2.91) for childhood central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Results of the incidence density analysis, based on 4,246 cancer cases, were similar for all types of cancer and leukemia but did not indicate a CNS tumor risk (incidence rate ratio = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.46). This large census-based cohort study did not suggest an association between predicted RF-EMF exposure from broadcasting and childhood leukemia. Results for CNS tumors were less consistent, but the most comprehensive analysis did not suggest an association.

Radio Wave-Activated Chemotherapy-A Novel Nanoparticle Thermoresponsive Copolymer Drug Delivery Platform.

Radio waves are highly penetrating, non-ionizing, and cause minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Radio wave control of drug release has been achieved using a novel thermoresponsive copolymer bound to a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) core. A NIPAM-acrylamide-methacrolein copolymer underwent a coil-to-globular structure phase change upon reaching a critical temperature above the human body temperature but below hyperthermic temperatures. The copolymer was covalently bound to SPIONs which increase in temperature upon exposure to radio waves. This effect could be controlled by varying input energies and frequencies. For controlled drug release, proteins were bound via aldehyde groups on the copolymer and amine groups on the protein. The radio wave-induced heating of the complex thereby released the drug-bearing proteins. The fine-tuning of the radio wave exposure allowed multiple cycles of protein-drug release. The fluorescent tagging of the complex by FITC was also achieved in situ, allowing the tagging of the complex. The localization of the complex could also be achieved in vitro under a permanent magnetic field.

Comparative Analysis of Electric Field Strength, Magnetic Field Strength and Power Density around the Cell Phone Towers of Varying Characteristics with a Proposed Classification Facilitating Research on Human Population.

The continuous exposure of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phone towers may possibly have an influence on public health. Each cell phone tower is unique in terms of number of antennas and its associated attributes; thus, the radiation exposure varies from one tower to another. Hence, a standardized method for quantifying the exposure is beneficial while studying the effects of radiation on the human population residing around the cell phone towers. A mere collection of data or human samples without understanding the cell phone tower differences may show study results such as an increase or decrease in biological parameters. Those changes may not be due to the effects of EMF radiation from cell phone towers but could be due to any other cause. Therefore, a comparative study was designed with the aim of quantifying and comparing the electric field strength (EF), magnetic field strength (MF) and power density (PD) on four sides of cell phone towers with varying numbers of antennas at 50 m and 100 m. Further, an attempt was made to develop a PD-based classification for facilitating research involving human biological samples. Through convenience sampling, sixteen cell phone towers were selected. With the use of coordinates, the geographic mapping of selected towers was performed to measure the distance between the towers. Based on the number of antennas, the cell phone towers were categorized into four groups which are described as group I with 1-5 antennas, group II comprising of 6-10 antennas, group III consisting of 11-15 antennas and group IV comprised of towers clustered with more than 15 antennas. The study parameters, namely the EF, MF and PD, were recorded on all four sides of the cell phone towers at 50 m and 100 m. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the study parameters among study groups and different sides using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The mean MF in Group IV was 2221.288 ± 884.885 µA/m and 1616.913 ± 745.039 µA/m at 50 m and 100 m respectively. The mean PD in Group IV at 50 m was 0.129 ± 0.094 µW/cm2 and 0.072 ± 0.061 µW/cm2 at 100 m. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the MF and PD at 50 m compared to 100 m among cell phone tower clusters with more than 15 antennas (Group IV). On the other hand, a non-significant increase in EF was observed at 50 m compared to 100 m in Group II and IV. The EF, MF and PD on all four sides around cell phone towers are not consistent with distance at 50 m and 100 m due to variation in the number of antennas. Accordingly, a PD-based classification was developed as low, medium and high for conducting research involving any biological sample based on quantile. The low PD corresponds to 0.001-0.029, medium to 0.03-0.099 and high to 0.1-0.355 (µW/cm2). The PD-based classification is a preferred method over the sole criteria of distance for conducting human research as it measures the true effects of EMF radiation from the cell phone towers.

Radiosurgery in periodontics: Have we forgotten it?

Radiosurgery (RS) has evolved from electrosurgery and uses ultra-high-frequency radio waves at a frequency ranging from 3 to 4 MHz. It is used to address numerous soft-tissue concerns in dentistry and as well as medicine with excellent and predictable results. A review of the indexed literature disclosed that RS has been employed for various periodontal procedures such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, minimally invasive closed osteotomy, frenectomies, operculectomies, depigmentation, gingival curettage, periodontal flap procedures, mucogingival surgeries, harvesting soft-tissue grafts, and also in implantology. Reduced lateral heat production with minimal tissue damage, faster healing, availability of specialized electrodes, increased perception, and cost-effectiveness are some of the notable advantages of RS. The evidence available implies that RS when used appropriately might be a better and economical alternative to a scalpel, electrosurgery, and laser. Inadequate knowledge on the use of this treatment modality due to short of research conducted in this area could be the reason behind it becoming obsolete. This review is an attempt to reminiscence the uses of this versatile tool in periodontal therapy and reinstate its use in present-day clinical practice.

The Effect of Mobile Radiation on the Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Pregnant Mice.

Objective: Due to the growing use of communication instruments such as cell phones and wireless devices, there is growing public concern about possible harmful effects, especially in sensitive groups such as pregnant women. This study aimed to investigate the oxidative stress induced by exposure to 900 MHz mobile phone radiation and the effect of vitamin C intake on reducing possible changes in pregnant mice. Materials and methods: Twenty-one pregnant mice were divided into three groups (control, mobile radiation-exposed, and mobile radiation plus with vitamin C intake co-exposed (200 mg /kg)). The mice in exposure groups were exposed to 900 MHz, 2 watts, and a power density of 0.045 µw /cm2 mobile radiation for eight hours/day for ten consecutive days. After five days of rest, MDA (Malondialdehyde), 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine), and TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity) levels were measured in the blood of animals. The results were analyzed by SPSS.22.0 software. Results: The results showed that exposure to mobile radiation increased MDA (P=0.002), and 8-OHdG (P=0.001) significantly and decreased Total Antioxidant Capacity in the exposed groups (P=0.001). Taking vitamin C inhibited the significant increase in MDA and 8-OHdG levels in exposed groups. Conclusion: Although exposure to mobile radiation can cause oxidative stress in the blood of pregnant mice, vitamin C as an antioxidant can prevent it.

Association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields dose and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between estimated whole-brain radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) dose, using an improved integrated RF-EMF exposure model, and cognitive function in preadolescents and adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in preadolescents aged 9-11 years and adolescents aged 17-18 years from the Dutch Amsterdam Born Children and their Development Study (n = 1664 preadolescents) and the Spanish INfancia y Medio Ambiente Project (n = 1288 preadolescents and n = 261 adolescents), two population-based birth cohort studies. Overall whole-brain RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day) were estimated for several RF-EMF sources together including mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications phone calls (named phone calls), other mobile phone uses than calling, tablet use, laptop use (named screen activities), and far-field sources. We also estimated whole-brain RF-EMF doses in these three groups separately (i.e. phone calls, screen activities, and far-field) that lead to different patterns of RF-EMF exposure. We assessed non-verbal intelligence in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents, information processing speed, attentional function, and cognitive flexibility in the Spanish preadolescents, and working memory and semantic fluency in the Spanish preadolescents and adolescents using validated neurocognitive tests. RESULTS: Estimated overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was 90.1 mJ/kg/day (interquartile range (IQR) 42.7; 164.0) in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents and 105.1 mJ/kg/day (IQR 51.0; 295.7) in the Spanish adolescents. Higher overall estimated whole-brain RF-EMF doses from all RF-EMF sources together and from phone calls were associated with lower non-verbal intelligence score in the Dutch and Spanish preadolescents (-0.10 points, 95% CI -0.19; -0.02 per 100 mJ/kg/day increase in each exposure). However, none of the whole-brain RF-EMF doses was related to any other cognitive function outcome in the Spanish preadolescents or adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that higher brain exposure to RF-EMF is related to lower non-verbal intelligence but not to other cognitive function outcomes. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, the small effect sizes, and the unknown biological mechanisms, we cannot discard that our resultsare due to chance finding or reverse causality. Longitudinal studies on RF-EMF brain exposure and cognitive function are needed.

Estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields doses and brain volumes in preadolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) doses, using an improved integrated RF-EMF exposure model, and brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in preadolescents aged 9-12 years from the Generation R Study, a population-based birth cohort set up in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (n = 2592). An integrated exposure model was used to estimate whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses (mJ/kg/day) from different RF-EMF sources including mobile and Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) phone calls, other mobile phone uses than calling, tablet use, laptop use, and far-field sources. Whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses were estimated for all RF-EMF sources together (i.e. overall) and for three groups of RF-EMF sources that lead to a different pattern of RF-EMF exposure. Information on brain volumes was extracted from magnetic resonance imaging scans. RESULTS: Estimated overall whole-brain RF-EMF dose was 84.3 mJ/kg/day. The highest overall lobe-specific dose was estimated in the temporal lobe (307.1 mJ/kg/day). Whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses from all RF-EMF sources together, from mobile and DECT phone calls, and from far-field sources were not associated with global, cortical, or subcortical brain volumes. However, a higher whole-brain RF-EMF dose from mobile phone use for internet browsing, e-mailing, and text messaging, tablet use, and laptop use while wirelessly connected to the internet was associated with a smaller caudate volume. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that estimated whole-brain and lobe-specific RF-EMF doses were not related to brain volumes in preadolescents at 9-12 years old. Screen activities with mobile communication devices while wirelessly connected to the internet lead to low RF-EMF dose to the brain and our observed association may thus rather reflect effects of social or individual factors related to these specific uses of mobile communication devices. However, we cannot discard residual confounding, chance finding, or reverse causality. Further studies on mobile communication devices and their potential negative associations with brain development are warranted, regardless whether associations are due to RF-EMF exposure or to other factors related to their use.

Radiosurgery in dentistry: a review.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the clinical potential of radiosurgery applied to modern dentistry through a revision of the indexed literature. Radiosurgery represents a recent form of electrosurgery working at a frequency of 3.0-4.0 MHz. The depth of penetration of the waves is inversely proportional to the frequency. Radiowaves working at high frequency express a lower penetration with a consequent lower tissue alteration. The authors analyzed the literature in order to give to the scientific community an overview of the possible applications of radiosurgery in the clinical dental practice and their effectiveness. Radiosurgery can be used in prosthodontics, in periodontal and implant surgery, in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndromes (OSAS) and in endodontics. Our analysis shows that although there are few articles in indixed literature on the applications of radiosurgery in dentistry, thanks to the benefits that derive from it, radiosurgery will spread more in the daily clinical practice of the dentists.

Indications of the Neurotomy of Genicular Nerves by Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Literature Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent and incapacitating pathologies today, especially of the knee. Among the possible approaches for knee OA, the neurotomy of the genicular nerves by radiofrequency (RF) has been gaining prominence. However, as this is a relatively new procedure, indications for its implementation are still unclear. The objective of the present review is to identify the main indications of the use of RF for the treatment of knee OA in the medical literature. A review of the literature was performed in January 2018 through a search in the PubMed, ClinicalKey and Google Scholar databases. After reviewing the main articles on the subject, it was concluded that the main indications of the use of RF for the treatment of knee OA were: OA Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4, with moderate to severe pain and failure of conservative treatment, mainly in elderly people; persistence of pain even after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); patients with an indication for TKA who refuse to undergo surgical treatment.

The Value of Radio Frequency Identification in Quality Management of the Blood Transfusion Chain in an Academic Hospital Setting.

BACKGROUND: A complex process like the blood transfusion chain could benefit from modern technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID). RFID could, for example, play an important role in generating logistic and temperature data of blood products, which are important in assessing the quality of the logistic process of blood transfusions and the product itself. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether location, time stamp, and temperature data generated in real time by an active RFID system containing temperature sensors attached to red blood cell (RBC) products can be used to assess the compliance of the management of RBCs to 4 intrahospital European and Dutch guidelines prescribing logistic and temperature constraints in an academic hospital setting. METHODS: An RFID infrastructure supported the tracking and tracing of 243 tagged RBCs in a clinical setting inside the hospital at the blood transfusion laboratory, the operating room complex, and the intensive care unit within the Academic Medical Center, a large academic hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The compliance of the management of 182 out of the 243 tagged RBCs could be assessed on their adherence to the following guidelines on intrahospital storage, transport, and distribution: (1) RBCs must be preserved within an environment with a temperature between 2°C and 6°C; (2) RBCs have to be transfused within 1 hour after they have left a validated cooling system; (3) RBCs that have reached a temperature above 10°C must not be restored or must be transfused within 24 hours or else be destroyed; (4) unused RBCs are to be returned to the BTL within 24 hours after they left the transfusion laboratory. RESULTS: In total, 4 blood products (4/182 compliant; 2.2%) complied to all applicable guidelines. Moreover, 15 blood products (15/182 not compliant to 1 out of several guidelines; 8.2%) were not compliant to one of the guidelines of either 2 or 3 relevant guidelines. Finally, 148 blood products (148/182 not compliant to 2 guidelines; 81.3%) were not compliant to 2 out of the 3 relevant guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The results point out the possibilities of using RFID technology to assess the quality of the blood transfusion chain itself inside a hospital setting in reference to intrahospital guidelines concerning the storage, transport, and distribution conditions of RBCs. This study shows the potentials of RFID in identifying potential bottlenecks in hospital organizations' processes by use of objective data, which are to be tackled in process redesign efforts. The effect of these efforts can subsequently be evaluated by the use of RFID again. As such, RFID can play a significant role in optimization of the quality of the blood transfusion chain.

Localization strategies for robotic endoscopic capsules: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, mass screening campaigns for colorectal cancer diagnosis in the early and curable stage is essential yet limited due to many reasons, for example, invasiveness, fear of pain, and embarrassment for patients. Indeed, mass screening programs, allowing precancerous lesion detection, are the most cost-effective way to reduce mortality and potentially eradicate colorectal cancer threat. Accurate localization represents a key element in capsule endoscopy, that is, estimation of position and orientation of endoscopic capsule devices enables enhancement of technological and medical features, such as reliable closed-loop control of active-locomotion capsules, accurate lesions localization, retargeting of pathologies, and follow-up. AREAS COVERED: This contribution provides an exhaustive and critical review of localization strategies, both internal and external, implemented so far for endoscopic capsules. Starting from basic theoretical principles, it describes the most promising methodologies, for example, magnetic and electromagnetic-based ones, but also other significant techniques, such as, ultrasound-based localization strategies. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Authors believe that the integration of external and internal localization methodologies with a multimodality approach can increase the overall accuracy and reliability of the endoscopic device pose estimation both for establishing an optimal control during the endoluminal procedure within a deformable environment and for autonomously identifying position of internal pathologies for retargeting and follow-up.