Application Of Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Application of a Magnetic Field to Enhance the Environmental Sustainability and Efficiency of Microbial and Plant Biotechnological Processes

Despite the growing prevalence of using living organisms in industry, the control of biotechnological processes remains highly complex and constitutes one of the foremost challenges in these applications. The usage of electromagnetic fields offers a great opportunity to control various biotechnological processes by alternating growth and cell metabolism without influencing the characteristics of the cultivation medium or the products of the biotechnological process. The investigation of electromagnetic field applications across various industries, including food production, medicine, and pollutant mitigation, has yielded substantial insights. We used the scientific databases PubMed and ScienceDirect to select 103 experimental and theoretical articles that included original results suitable for further investigation. This type of search was repeated with every new relevant article iteratively until no new articles could be detected. Notably, even weak, low-frequency magnetic fields can accelerate the growth of certain organisms, further stabilize the bacterial community in activated sludge within wastewater treatment plants, enhance the fermentation capabilities of both yeast and bacteria, enhance metal bioleaching by the activation of bacterial metabolism, or improve the metal tolerance of plants during the phytoremediation process. Moreover, magnetic fields exhibit a promising sustainable possibility for the better control of biotechnological processes, thus making these processes more competitive compared with the currently used long-term unsustainable extraction of metals. Although with these interesting results, these examples represent highly exceptional applications. Despite these examples, the overall application potential of magnetic fields remains largely unexplored and unknown.

Performance of different magnetic and electromagnetic water treatment devices on soil and two tomato cultivars

The application of magnetic and Electromagnetic fields for irrigation water treatment is still an attractive and promising process for the alleviation of the adverse effects of salinity and the enhancement of crop production. Hence, a study was initiated to test the effectiveness of different commercial magnetic and electromagnetic water. treatment devices on soil and two Tunisian tomato crop cultivars, Senda and Dorra. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted at the experimental Station of Cherfech, located in the north of Tunisia. A randomized complete design with three replicates was used and five magnetic, GMX (1.2 T), Magiko (1.6 T), Deltawater (1.4 T), and Magnolith (0.62T), and electromagnetic Aqua-4D (0.0043T) treatment devices were applied for the treatment of a moderate saline water (EC = 2.9 dS m–1). Results showed that different magnetic and electromagnetic treatments tended to reduce soil salinity and pH, improve crop growth, yield, and fruit caliber, but decline the total soluble solids (°Brix) and the titratable acidity of both tomato cultivars. The greatest Magnetic effects were shown for Senda cultivar with Aqua 4-D treatment, whereas the least effect was recorded for Dorra cultivar with Magiko treatment. Accordingly, the influence of magnetic and electromagnetic treatment of irrigation water on soil and tomatoes depends on the choice of tomato cultivar and increases with the following trends: Magiko < Deltawater < GMX < Magnolith < Aqua 4-D. Likewise, their influence depends on their field intensity, which increases in the trend of: 1.6 T < 1.4T < 1.2T < 0.62T < 0.0043T, suggesting that the performance of each device increases as magnetic field intensity decreases. This study highlights that an electromagnetic device (Aqua 4-D) with a weak field intensity (<0.5mT) could also have similar effects to that of a magnetic device (Magnolith).

DEVELOPMENT OF MR-BASED PROCEDURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PATIENT-SPECIFIC DIELECTRIC MODELS FOR CLINICAL USE

Nowadays, many medical techniques are based on the application of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human body. For the optimization of these techniques, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms of interaction between the biological system under exposure and the applied EMF. Since this interaction is described by the dielectric properties of the biological system, an accurate dielectric characterization of human body is necessary. Biological tissues are complex and heterogeneous, and their dielectric properties can vary significantly from the ex-vivo to the in vivo condition. For this reason, there is the need to measure these properties for a specific subject. Unfortunately, traditional techniques used to measure dielectric properties of tissues are not able to reach this aim and an alternative method must be devised. In this work, a model is proposed for the reconstruction of dielectric properties of biological tissues from MR acquisitions. This model is wideband, specific, applicable in vivo and useful for those medical techniques that need a precise dielectric characterization of the patients.

Smart shape memory composite foam enabled rapid and conformal manipulation of electromagnetic wave absorption performance

With the development of communication and electronic technologies, smart electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials with tunable performance are highly desirable for applications under complicated electromagnetic circumstances. However, the performance of the ordinary EMW absorption materials is dominated by their electromagnetic parameters which are constant unless their compositions are changed. This study presents a porous EMW absorption material with adjustable effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) and reflection loss (RL) to satisfy the requirements of tunability for complex electromagnetic applications. First, a composite foam is fabricated by assembling the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to the melamine sponge (MS) framework. Next, the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is introduced to endow the MS/rGO composites with the desired shape memory property after crosslinking. In specific, the obtained MS/rGO composites show high flexibility, elasticity, and low density of 10.7 mg cm−3, and present the minimum RL of −63.29 dB with EAB of 7.18 GHz. Additionally, the tunable EMW absorption performance of MS/rGO-TPU composites is achieved through their shape memory effect. Notably, the EAB can be adjusted to a wide range from 5.5 to 18 GHz under the compressive deformations of those composites as modulated by cooling/heating, and correspondingly the minimum RL changes from −15.4 dB down to −39.2 dB. In a word, the smart, lightweight MS/rGO and MS/rGO-TPU composite foams with adjustable EMW absorption performance are strong candidates for practical applications in complex electromagnetic fields.

Challenges in unconventional catalysis

Catalysis science and technology increased efforts recently to progress beyond conventional "thermal" catalysis and face the challenges of net-zero emissions and electrification of production. Nevertheless, a better gaps and opportunities analysis is necessary. This review analyses four emerging areas of unconventional or less-conventional catalysis which share the common aspect of using directly renewable energy sources: (i) plasma catalysis, (ii) catalysis for flow chemistry and process intensification, (iii) application of electromagnetic (EM) fields to modulate catalytic activity and (iv) nanoscale generation at the catalyst interface of a strong local EM by plasmonic effect. Plasma catalysis has demonstrated synergistic effects, where the outcome is higher than the sum of both processes alone. Still, the underlying mechanisms are complex, and synergy is not always obtained. There is a crucial need for a better understanding to (i) design catalysts tailored to the plasma environment, (ii) design plasma reactors with optimal transport of plasma species to the catalyst surface, and (iii) tune the plasma conditions so they work in optimal synergy with the catalyst. Microfluidic reactors (flow chemistry) is another emerging sector leading to the intensification of catalytic syntheses, particularly in organic chemistry. New unconventional catalysts must be designed to exploit in full the novel possibilities. With a focus on (a) continuous-flow photocatalysis, (b) electrochemical flow catalysis, (c) microwave flow catalysis and (d) ultrasound flow activation, a series of examples are discussed, with also indications on scale-up and process industrialisation. The third area discussed regards the effect on catalytic performances of applying oriented EM fields spanning several orders of magnitude. Under well-defined conditions, gas breakdown and, in some cases, plasma formation generates activated gas phase species. The EM field-driven chemical conversion processes depend further on structured electric/magnetic catalysts, which shape the EM field in strength and direction. Different effects influencing chemical conversion have been reported, including reduced activation energy, surface charging, hot spot generation, and selective local heating. The last topic discussed is complementary to the third, focusing on the possibility of tuning the photo- and electro-catalytic properties by creating a strong localised electrical field with a plasmonic effect. The novel possibilities of hot carriers generated by the plasmonic effect are also discussed. This review thus aims to stimulate the reader to make new, creative catalysis to address the challenges of reaching a carbon-neutral world.

Electromagnetic investigation of neuron growth by using pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation

Electromagnetic field (EMF) applications for humans have been widely used for medical therapy for a long time. Various nerve diseases such as complex regional pain syndrome, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries may occur as a result of damage on the nerve cells. In addition, EMF applications are taken into consideration in terms of tissue regeneration. The use of electricity for nerve regeneration is applied internally or externally. The use of direct current (DC) electric fields to stimulate axon elongation and nerve regeneration in nerve cells has been applied in various studies. In our study, electromagnetic field was used for the controlled and directional growth of Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) nerve cells. An amplifier circuit, which can produce amplified signals to generate proposed pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) is designed. The electromagnetic field is produced on FR-4 copper plate, which highlights electrical field unlike previous studies, since there is no circular coil structure preferred. The elongation of nerve cells is planned to be in one direction, hence the signal to be applied is produced as a novel asymmetrical waveform (sawtooth) in addition to triangular and square waveforms which were previously preferred in recent studies. By the aid of proposed novel construction and produced signal waveform, PEMF system can be applied for nerve diseases effectively. The morphological nerve cell elongation results and PEMF results have been investigated and the effectiveness of the proposed system is verified.

The Application of Electromagnetic Fields in Cancer.

The use of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has attracted interest in cancer research during the past few decades due to its noninvasive therapeutic successes in the treatment of cancer. Some epidemiological studies suggest that there may be a link between exposure to EMF and developing malignancies (such as leukemia and gliomas) or neurodegenerative diseases since EMF has a variety of biological effects such as altering reactive oxygen species (ROS)-regulated pathways. EMF exposure, however, has the potential to cause cancer cells to undergo a period of regulated cell death. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly investigate how EMF might influence cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis - processes that are targeted in cancer treatment. In this chapter, we give a thorough summary of the most recent studies on the potential use of various EMF applications with adjustable settings to treat different forms of cancer.

Vacuum and Electromagnetic Fields Treatment to Regenerate a Diffuse Mature Facial Scar Caused by Sulfuric Acid Assault.

Acid attacks are on the rise, and they cause extensive and deep burns, especially on the face. The treatments used to improve the aesthetic, functional and social impact of non-acid scars do not always prove useful for acid scars. This article reports the case of a woman with an extended, mature, acid facial scar, caused by sulfuric acid assault, treated with a recent new procedure that combines the application of vacuum and electromagnetic fields. Before and after the treatment, the aesthetic appearance, and motor function of the face and neck were evaluated, as well as the level of hydration, the amount of sebum, the elasticity, and the pH of the skin. The improvements highlighted after the treatment of the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the face and neck, and of the physical parameters of the skin seemed to indicate that this particular treatment induces tissue regeneration, even in the nerve component. However, it is evident that the rehabilitation pathways of facial wounds and scars must be personalized, and must include continuous psychological support for the patient.

Effect of 40 Hz Magnetic Field Application in Posttraumatic Muscular Atrophy Development on Muscle Mass and Contractions in Rats

Muscle atrophy refers to the deterioration of muscle tissue due to a long-term decrease in muscle function. In the present study, we simulated rectus femoris muscle atrophy experimentally and investigated the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) application on the atrophy development through muscle mass, maximal contraction force, and contraction-relaxation time. A quadriceps tendon rupture with a total tenotomy was created on the rats' hind limbs, inhibiting knee extension for 6 weeks, and this restriction of the movement led to the development of disuse atrophy, while the control group underwent no surgery. The operated and control groups were divided into subgroups according to PEMF application (1.5 mT for 45 days) or no PEMF. All groups were sacrificed after 6 weeks and had their entire rectus femoris removed. To measure the contraction force, the muscles were placed in an organ bath connected to a transducer. As a result of the atrophy, muscle mass and strength were reduced in the operated group, while no muscle mass loss was observed in the operated PEMF group. Furthermore, measurements of single, incomplete and full tetanic contraction force and contraction time (CT) did not change significantly in the operated group that received the PEMF application. The PEMF application prevented atrophy resulting from 6 weeks of immobility, according to the contraction parameters. The effects of PEMF on contraction force and CT provide a basis for further studies in which PEMF is investigated as a noninvasive therapy for disuse atrophy development. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Preface

The beginnings of the Polish Society of Applied Electromagnetism (PTZE) date back to the end of the eighties of the last century, i.e. the time which was full of great historical events. Alongside those events, or perhaps along with them, other, smaller, but perhaps no less important, scientific, social and cultural initiatives germinated. One of them, initiated by a group of several people, was the idea of an association of specialists devoted to the applications of electromagnetic field.The goals of PTZE are generally concentrated on the following issues:• promotion of cooperation between scientists of various disciplines in the area of applied electromagnetism;• publishing books, monographs and training materials;• assistance in training young research staff through scholarship exchanges and organization of research internships;• organizing symposiums and conferences, both national and international;• collaboration with existing domestic and foreign companies,• coordination of research work in the area of various applications of electromagnetic field, with particular emphasis on research in response to social concern related to modern electromagnetic techniques.Fulfilling the above fields of activity the members of PTZE and collaborating scientists prepared contributions to the present issue of Journal of Physics Conference Series. The contributions were preceded and inspired by the conference presentations at the XXX Symposium of Applied Electromagnetism in Modern Engineering and Medicine. Therefore, the papers are devoted to the subject of the conference and present wide spectrum of the electromagnetic field applications. However, the three areas of interests are to be highlighted: modern electrical engineering applications, biotechnological and agricultural applications and bioelectromagnetic and biomedical applications. They constitute the image of the contemporary situation in the world-wide research of applied electromagnetism.All the articles, submitted to the issue, have passed the peer review procedure. The Guest Editors hope that the articles will be helpful in grasping and adopting some ideas connected with the modern applications of electromagnetic field.All papers published in this volume of Journal of Physics: Conference Series have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing.List of Editors of the conference proceedings, Organizing Committee, Scientifing Committee are available in this pdf.

Primary cilia: The central role in the electromagnetic field induced bone healing.

Primary cilia have emerged as the cellular "antenna" that can receive and transduce extracellular chemical/physical signals, thus playing an important role in regulating cellular activities. Although the electromagnetic field (EMF) is an effective treatment for bone fractures since 1978, however, the detailed mechanisms leading to such positive effects are still unclear. Primary cilia may play a central role in receiving EMF signals, translating physical signals into biochemical information, and initiating various signalingsignaling pathways to transduce signals into the nucleus. In this review, we elucidated the process of bone healing, the structure, and function of primary cilia, as well as the application and mechanism of EMF in treating fracture healing. To comprehensively understand the process of bone healing, we used bioinformatics to analyze the molecular change and associated the results with other studies. Moreover, this review summarizedsummarized some limitations in EMFs-related research and provides an outlook for ongoing studies. In conclusion, this review illustrated the primary cilia and related molecular mechanisms in the EMF-induced bone healing process, and it may shed light on future research.

Low-intensity electromagnetic field as a new engineering oriented bioaugmentation strategy for anammox granules

Improving the relative abundance of bacteria and their activity is still the basis for the efficient operation of anammox process. Here, biomagnetic effect was used to promote anammox granules. Batch test results show that the application of an electromagnetic field (EMF) with a strength of 0.09 μT increased the nitrogen removal performance of anammox by 32.44% while higher strength EMF of 0.20 and 0.25 μT inhibited the activity of anammox bacteria. Long-term experiment indicated that the addition of EMF with a strength of 0.09 μT greatly improved nitrogen removal performance of the granular sludge, especially the total nitrogen removal performance increased by 15.3%. After 120 days of reactor operation, the nitrogen loading rate was increased to 6.4 kg N/m3/d, and the total nitrogen removal rate of the reactors with and without EMF addition reached 4.92 kg N/m3/d and 4.25 kg N/m3/d, respectively. Throughout the experiment, the removal rate of NH4+-N and NO2−-N of anammox reactor with 0.09 μT EMT addition was always higher than that without EMF addition. The high-throughput sequencing analysis showed that the proportion of Candidatus Brocadia in reactors with and without EMF addition were 21.3% and 15.8%, respectively. The application of EMF with an intensity of 0.09 μT increased the relative abundance of the main anammox bacteria. 70 kos were enriched under EMF conditions, including ko00780 (Biotin metabolism), ko00540 (Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis), ko00590 (Arachidonic acid metabolism). 51 kos like ko03030 (DNA replication) decreased after EMF addition. This study demonstrates the feasibility of EMF to promote anammox and expands the application of EMF in wastewater treatment.

Absorption-based electromagnetic interference shielding composites with sandwich structure by one-step electrodeposition method

The absorption-dominant electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with light weight, great flexibility, fast heat dissipation and excellent mechanical strength are highly demanded in civil and military applications. In this regard, the absorption-based CNT/Co composite film with sandwich structure (Co/Co-CNT/Co layer) was designed for highly EMI shielding performance and heat dissipation. The existence of Co layers on CNT/Co composite film has suitable impedance matching between film and free space, which can increase EM waves absorption and decrease EM waves reflection. Appropriately incorporating Co nanoparticles into the CNT film can facilitate the interfacial polarization, dipole polarization and dielectric loss derived from conduction loss, thus CNT/Co composite film shows high EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE: 49 dB), tensile strength (120 MPa), excellent electrical and thermal conductivity of 61.1 S/cm and 66.8 W/mK respectively. Furthermore, the ratio of absorption (SEA) and total EMI SE (SET) for pristine CNT film is 86.64% and for CNT/Co composite film is 93.31%, and the ratios of A/R for pristine CNT film (0.58) and CNT/Co composite film (1.20) manifest that the EMI shielding mechanism transforms from reflection to absorption. This work offers a novel method to develop the sandwich-structure composites with absorption-dominant EMI shielding performance in the application of advanced multifunctional electromagnetic shielding field.

Membrane fouling remediation and modeling in phosphorous removal using electromagnetic field (EMF)-assisted nanofiltration (NF): In situ synchrotron imaging, experimental and statistical studies

Phosphorous loading in the natural waters is a current issue that is caused by the discharge of industrial water, agriculture run off, and municipal releases. Membrane technology is an emerging method to target the removal of phosphorous from wastewater and has several advantages over the traditional methods. However, the main challenge of membrane technology is membrane fouling. The main goal of this study was to optimize nanofiltration process of phosphates using electromagnetic field (EMF) as an eco-friendly membrane fouling remediation technique. To obtain this, several test runs were performed on a commercial membrane Dow NF270 for nanofiltration of synthesized water with various concentrations of phosphate. The application of EMF altered the particle size of phosphate that resulted in a significant decrease in membrane fouling while obtaining maximum flux. In situ synchrotron-based micro–Computed Tomography imaging (SR-μCT) available at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) was conducted to assess membrane fouling with and without EMF influence across layer by layer across membrane thickness. Synchrotron X-ray analysis revealed the decrease in internal membrane pores fouling, caused by increase of phosphate particles size when using EMF. In addition, SEM images of membrane showed reduced fouling. The influence of flowrate, pressure, pH, and phosphate concentration was observed on permeate volume, permeate flux, and membrane fouling. It was determined that flowrate, transmembrane pressure, and pH had were directly proportional to the permeate volume, while the phosphate concentration was indirectly proportional. Mathematical models were developed to obtain the optimized operating conditions and to determine which factor influenced water flux and membrane fouling the most. The transmembrane pressure was the most significant factor for water permeate flux, while the combination of the influence of pH and feed flowrate had also a positive effect. On the other hand, the feed concentration was the most significant for membrane fouling, according to mathematical model. The optimized conditions with the highest desirability had the concentration of phosphate at 0.368 mg/L, pressure at 97.8 psi, 6.98 pH, and flowrate of 5.13 L/min. Under these conditions, maximum flux of 7.43 mL/cm2/min and minimum fouling of 0.046 mg/cm2 was achieved.

Pathological impact and medical applications of electromagnetic field on melanoma: A focused review.

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) influences melanoma in various ways. EMF can be classified into extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field, low-frequency magnetic field, static moderate magnetic field, strong electromagnetic field, alternating magnetic field, and magnetic nanoparticles. Each type of EMF influences melanoma development differently, and the detailed influence of each specific type of EMF on melanoma is reviewed. Furthermore, EMF influences melanoma cell polarity and hence affects drug uptake. In this review, the impacts of EMF on the effectiveness of drugs used to treat melanoma are listed according to drug types, with detailed effects according to the types of EMF and specific melanoma cell lines. EMF also impacts clinical therapies of melanoma, including localized magnetic hyperthermia, focalized thermotherapy, proton radiation treatment, nanostructure heating magnetic hyperthermia, radiation therapy, Polycaprolactone-Fe3O4 fiber mat-based bandage, and optune therapy. Above all, EMF has huge potential in melanoma treatment.

Electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive alternative therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases

This review article elucidates the application and viability of electromagnetic fields as therapy and rehabilitation method for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. All studies were found in different databases such as Science Direct, Scielo, IEEE, ProQuest, Pubmed, among others, where the search for information contemplated a period of 5 years (2016-2020). Results evidenced that electromagnetic fields used to treat musculoskeletal conditions showed positive results and improvements in reducing chronic and acute pain in different musculoskeletal pathologies such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, nonunions, fractures, fibromyalgia, muscular system injuries, among others. It was possible to evidence that one of the most used magnetic treatments were pulsed electromagnetic fields, which have been implemented to treat joint, muscle and nervous diseases. Additionally, several devices to generate the magnetic stimulation have been designed with a therapeutic and rehabilitation approach, which elucidate the progress in the implementation and acceptance of this type of therapeutic alternatives to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Finally, magnetic stimulation has been also implemented to enhance biomaterials function, evidencing that scaffolds stimulated with electromagnetic fields improve musculoskeletal tissue regeneration.

Application of Electromagnetic Field to Produce Flattened Cereals from Emmer Wheat Grains

The study presents the results of the radiation of hulled emmer wheat grains during the production of flattened cereals. Emmer wheat grains (dehulling index 13–15 %) after moistening were exposed to the radiation in the microwave oven for 20–180 s. Flattened cereals were divided into the premium and first-grade quality, shredded cereals and middlings. The study focused on the changes in the output and culinary properties of flattened cereals depending on the duration of radiation, level of humidification and cultivar properties. Application of the electromagnetic field had a strong influence on the output of flattened cereals. Moistening had a positive influence on the output of flattened cereals of the premium grade. The total output of cereal products after flattening of cereal from emmer wheat № 1 of Holikvska variety without hydrothermal treatment varied from 85.5 to 97.3 % depending on the duration of treatment in a microwave oven. Moistening of cereals by 0.5 % didn’t raise the total output of cereals as it was expected. The output of flattened cereals varied depending on the cultivar. The highest output of flattened cereals (79.2 %) was obtained from emmer wheat of Holikovska variety. To obtain the highest output of flattened cereals of the premium grade should be exposed to the radiation for 80–120 s depending on the cultivar/ line. The increase in time of radiation in the microwave (&gt;120 s) leads to the considerable crushing of cereals after flattening. The cooking time of flattened cereals decreases as the time of treatment in the microwave oven increases. Only cultivar properties influence the organoleptic parameters (color, flavor). Radiation of cereals № 1 from emmer wheat Holikovska for 80–100 s without moistening provides a high output of flattened cereals of the premium grade with excellent organoleptic parameters.

The Bioelectromagnetics Journal

Bioelectromagnetics (BEM) is published for the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) by John Wiley & Sons. It is a peer-reviewed, internationally circulated scientific journal that specializes in reporting original data on biological effects and applications of electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields and radiations that range in frequency from zero hertz (static fields) to terahertz oscillations and visible light. Both experimental and clinical studies are of interest to the journal's readers as are theoretical papers or reviews that offer novel insights into or criticism of contemporary concepts and theories of field–body interactions. I have been serving as the BEM Editor-in-Chief (EiC) since 2006. The most recent 3-year term of my tenure as EiC of the BEM journal ended on June 30, 2021. At the beginning of 2021, I informed the Board of Directors of the Bioelectromagnetics Society (BEMS) that I did not intend to continue another 3-year term as BEM EiC. The BEMS Board of Directors asked me to stay and serve for one more year so that a new EiC of the BEM journal can be named. I agreed. Currently, the search for a new EiC for BEM journal is underway. All manuscript submission and editorial operations were transferred to the brand-new online manuscript handling system in January 2007. Soon after, the Journal ushered in an online version in addition to the traditional print version to enable publication using both platforms for each issue. The Journal moved to online publication only in January 2018. It now has a completely digital submission, review, and production process. The current BEM journal's impact factor is 2.01 and it reached an all-time high of 2.76 in 2010. I wish to take this opportunity to express my earnest thanks and sincere appreciation to members of the scientific community who have responded affirmatively to my invitation to serve on the BEM Editorial Board, during different time frames, since 2006. With special gratitude to the Associate Editors, I wish to say thank you so much for all you have done for the Bioelectromagnetics journal and our research community. To the many authors, engineers, and scientists, we are incredibly grateful for your research, submission, review, and feedback as they all contribute to disseminating knowledge and advance science that move our research space forward. It is my sincere hope that you will continue to do so in the years to come.

Biophysical Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation in the Context of Skeletal Repair.

A prominent feature of the skeleton is its ability to remodel in response to biophysical stimuli and to repair under varied biophysical conditions. This allows the skeleton considerable adaptation to meet its physiological roles of stability and movement. Skeletal cells and their mesenchymal precursors exist in a native environment rich with biophysical signals, and they sense and respond to those signals to meet organismal demands of the skeleton. While mechanical strain is the most recognized of the skeletal biophysical stimuli, signaling phenomena also include fluid flow, hydrostatic pressure, shear stress, and ion-movement-related electrokinetic phenomena including, prominently, streaming potentials. Because of the complex interactions of these electromechanical signals, it is difficult to isolate the significance of each. The application of external electrical and electromagnetic fields allows an exploration of the effects of these stimuli on cell differentiation and extra-cellular matrix formation in the absence of mechanical strain. This review takes a distinctly translational approach to mechanistic and preclinical studies of differentiation and skeletal lineage commitment of mesenchymal cells under biophysical stimulation. In vitro studies facilitate the examination of isolated cellular responses while in vivo studies permit the observation of cell differentiation and extracellular matrix synthesis.

Local Administration of ElectroMagnetic Field as Add-On Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Facial Pain: A Pilot Study.

Fibromyalgic syndrome and orofacial neuropathic pain are major public health concerns affecting up to 5% and 10%, respectively, of the general population. They generally require medications such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which may additionally impact the quality of life with their side effects. Modern technologies and related applications have changed several fields of human life, even in medicine. In the current study, the local administration of electromagnetic fields as add-on therapy for the treatment of cervical and facial pain in patients with fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain has been evaluated. A total of 15 patients were recruited, and an electromagnetic field was delivered through a small patch applied between C3 and C4. Patients were followed for 12 months, and pain levels were rated via the VAS scale; ∆% was calculated through the analysis of median VAS scale values at each time point. Mild-to-moderate improvements were found, especially after six months. Patients with fibromyalgic syndrome showed better response rates than those with orofacial neuropathic pain. Joint stiffness, masticatory fatigue, and sleep disturbances were also reduced. In conclusion, the local application of electromagnetic field appeared effective in treating fibromyalgic and neuropathic pain in the head and neck district, with broader improvements and no side effects.