Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Promotes Bone Anabolism in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis through the miR-6976/BMP/Smad4 Axis

Background. Insufficient bone formation is the key reason for the imbalance of bone metabolism and one of the main mechanisms for the occurrence and deterioration of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), as a physiotherapy, can treat osteoporosis by promoting osteogenic differentiation in osteoblasts. However, little is known about its mechanisms. Methods. In vivo, ovariectomized mice were administered PEMF for 4 weeks, and skeletal analysis was conducted. In vitro, hydrogen peroxide-treated mouse osteoblast precursor cells with or without PEMF intervention were subjected to osteogenic differentiation testing and miRNA microarrays. The potential target miRNAs were validated, followed by gene expression assays to further clarify their regulatory relationships with target pathways. Results. We found that PEMF reduced bone loss in ovariectomized mice and promoted osteogenic differentiation of hydrogen peroxide-treated osteoblast precursor cells via downregulation of miR-6976-5p. Mechanistically, reduced miR-6976-5p enhanced the nuclear transport of phosphorylated Smad1/5/9 by upregulating Smad4, thereby activating the BMP/Smad pathway. Additionally, the administration of miR-6976-5p inhibitors successfully promoted osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and its antagomirs protected bone mass in vivo. miR-6976-5p mimics and agomirs acted in the opposite way. Conclusion. These results provide evidence that PEMF alleviates estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss by activating osteoblastic progenitor cells and maintaining their osteogenic differentiation and shed light on the mechanisms involved, which may provide a potential option for the clinical application of PEMF in PMOP.

Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Drainless Abdominoplasty: A Single-Surgeon Experience of 454 Consecutive Patients.

The incidence of seroma after abdominoplasty is accepted as approximately 10% (with a range) in the literature. Progressive tension sutures (PTS) have arisen as a means of reducing seroma, however there are conflicting data regarding their efficacy. The primary aim of this study was to describe the incidence of postabdominoplasty seroma in the setting of drainless abdominoplasty with PTS. A retrospective chart review was performed of all abdominoplasties (n = 454) during a 20-year period. At approximately the halfway point of this time frame, the abdominoplasty technique was changed from the use of 2 drains to the use of PTS without drains. Additionally, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel, Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Parsippany, NJ) were added as pain control adjuncts. There were 194 patients in the drain group and 260 patients in the PTS/no drains group. The group without drains contained a significantly higher proportion of massive weight loss patients (4.1% vs 9.2%, P = .041). The majority of the group without drains underwent outpatient surgery (89.7% vs 98.8%, P < .001). The overall complication rate was significantly lower in the no drains group (31.4% vs 13.8%, P < .001). The incidence of seroma was dramatically reduced in the group without drains (24.7% vs 0.0%, P < .001). PTS are highly effective in preventing seroma and can be safely employed as an alternative to drains in abdominoplasty. PEMF may play a role in seroma prevention and is also helpful for pain control. With these techniques to mitigate complications and minimize postoperative pain, abdominoplasty can be performed safely and effectively in a purely outpatient setting.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Combined with Adipose-derived Stem Cells Protect Ischemic Myocardium by Regulating miR-20a-5p/E2F1/p73 Signalling.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious threat to human health. Although monotherapy with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) or adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) has been reported to have positive effect on the treatment of MI, a satisfactory outcome has not yet been achieved. In recent years, combination therapy has attracted widespread interest. Herein, we explored the synergistic therapeutic effect of combination therapy with PEMFs and ADSCs on MI and found that the combination of PEMFs and ADSCs effectively reduced infarct size, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and protected the cardiac function in mice with MI. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and RT‒qPCR showed that the combination therapy could affect apoptosis by regulating the expression of miR-20a-5p. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay also confirmed that the miR-20a-5p could target E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis by regulating the E2F1/p73 signalling pathway. Therefore, our study systematically demonstrated the effectiveness of combination therapy on the inhibition of cardiomyocyte apoptosis by regulating the miR-20a-5p/E2F1/p73 signalling pathway in mice with MI. Thus, our study underscored the effectiveness of the combination of PEMFs and ADSCs and identified miR-20a-5p as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of MI in the future.

Postoperative Rehabilitation to Improve Outcomes After Cervical Spine Fusion for Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis: A Systematic Review.

Postoperative rehabilitation has recently been identified as a high-priority research topic for improving surgical outcomes for degenerative cervical spondylosis (DCS). However, there remains no consensus on specific rehabilitation strategies. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation strategies for short-term and long-term outcomes after cervical spine fusion forDCS. A systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines using the PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid Medline databases. All level I-IV therapeutic studies in the English language investigating the outcomes of postoperative rehabilitation strategies after cervical spine fusion for DCS were included. Nine studies with 895 patients with DCS (747 anterior-only fusion, 55 patients with posterior-only fusion, 93 patients with physiotherapy alone) were included in this analysis, with 446 (49.8%) patients receiving physiotherapy alone or standard postoperative therapyand 449 (50.2%) patients receiving standard postoperative therapy with additional intervention or augmentation. These interventions included pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation, telephone-supported home exercise program (HEP), early cervical spine stabilizer training, structured postoperative therapy, and a postoperative cervical collar. One level II study demonstrated that PEMF led to increased fusion rates at six months postoperatively compared to standard therapy alone, one level II study demonstrated that postoperative cervical therapy in addition to standard therapy was better than standard therapy alone in the improvement of neck pain intensity, one level IV study demonstrated home exercise therapy led to an improvement in neck pain, arm pain, and disability, and six level II studies reported no difference in clinical outcome measures between augmented or targeted therapy and standard postoperative therapy for DCS. In conclusion, there is moderate evidence to suggest that there is no significant difference in clinical and surgical outcomes between standard postoperative therapy and augmented or targeted postoperative therapy for cervical fusion in the setting of cervical spondylosis. However, there is some evidence to support that certain therapeutic modalities, such as PEMF stimulation, may lead to improved fusion rates, clinical outcomes, and patient satisfaction when compared to standard postoperative therapy protocols. There is no evidence to support a difference in effectiveness with different types of postoperative rehabilitation strategies between anterior and posterior fusions for DCS.

Alterations in membrane stability after in vitro exposure of human erythrocytes to 2.41 GHz electromagnetic field

The growing use of wireless communication devices has been significantly increasing the level of high frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) in the environment, which raises a concern for possible deleterious effects on living organisms. Long lasting exposure to low-intensity EMFs can cause effects on the molecular and cellular level, and a number of morphological and physiological changes. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication systems on human erythrocytes after in vitro irradiation. The amount of the hemoglobin released from the cells was measured as an indicator for membrane destabilization. Effects of different exposure times (20 min or 4 h) and time elapsed after exposure to 2.41 GHz pulsed or continuous EMFs with different intensities, emitted from a textile (0.213–0.238 V/m) or a dipole (5, 20, 40 and 180 V/m) antenna, were investigated. The obtained results showed that the low intensity EMF had no significant effect on the hemoglobin release from irradiated cells; even a slight tendency for membrane stabilization was noticed 3–4 hours after the end of 20-min exposure to 0.213–0.238 V/m, 2.41 GHz EMF. There was no difference in the effects of continuous and pulsed EMFs. Increased hemoglobin release was observed only during the 4-hour exposure to 180 V/m, 2.41 GHz continuous EMF. Under these conditions, the temperature of the cell suspension had been rising, so we compared the results obtained under EMF with the effects of conventional heating. Moreover, after 1-hour exposure to 180 V/m the released hemoglobin level was a bit higher than the control one but the difference disappears within an hour after terminating the irradiation. In conclusion, the in vitro exposure to 2.41 GHz EMF emitted by wireless communication devices with power density below the reference level for population exposure does not change the stability of the cell membrane of human erythrocytes.

Applications and Future Perspective of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Foot and Ankle Sport-Related Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are common in many sports. One of the main athletes issues is the time for sport resumption after trauma. Recently, extensive efforts have been made to speed up the athletes’ return-to-sport and to prevent joint degeneration. Among the conservative treatment options, biophysical stimulation with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) is listed. This narrative review aims to outline current applications of PEMFs in main foot and ankle sport-related injuries, in particular in the treatment of bone marrow edema, osteochondral defects, fractures, and nonunions. Despite further high-quality studies on foot and ankle injuries are needed, PEMFs seem to be a valid aid to enhance the endogenous osteogenesis, to resolve the bone marrow edema, to inhibit the joint inflammation, preserving articular cartilage degeneration, and to relieve pain.

Progressive technologies of electrophysical treatment for regulation of stress-strain states of elements of welded structures

The development of industry stimulates the development of modern approaches to the optimization of welded structures. The use of pulsed electromagnetic fields, plasma currents, electrodynamic forces and their combined effects is a new trend in engineering practice to improve the mechanical characteristics of metal materials and welded joints (WJ). Treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (TwPEMF) is a promising direction for optimizing the stress-strain states (SSS) of welded structures made of non-ferromagnetic metal materials. Using the method of electronic speckle interferometry, the effect of TwPEMF on the SSS of specimens of circumferential WJ with a thickness of δ = 1.0 mm from aluminium AMg6 alloy was investigated. Based on the original procedure using an accelerometer, the kinetics of the action of the force P of the magnetic field pressure on the residual displacements f and SSS of the specimens during their TwPEMF were investigated. TwPEMF of WJ specimens was performed without and with the use of an additional shield made of AMg6 alloy δ = 5.0 mm. It was found that the use of a shield increases the amplitude values of force P by up to two times, which is caused by an increase in the active volume of the conductive medium. At the same time, TwPEMF without and with the use of a shield contributes to the reduction of f values by 2 and 4 times, respectively, and residual SSS by 50 and 80%. On the basis of mathematical modelling, the advantages of using electrodynamic treatment (EDT) of butt WJ δ = 3.0 mm of АMg61 (1561) alloy in the TIG welding process compared to EDT at room temperature (Tk) are substantiated. According to the results of the model verification, it was proved that EDT during TIG contributes to the formation of peak values of residual compressive stresses in the weld zone by 60% more than EDT during Tk. The use of a pulsed barrier discharge (PBD), which generates a low-temperature plasma on the surface of the metal being treated, contributes to the optimization of its structure. An increase in the hardness HV of structural 25KhGNMT steel as a result of its PBD treatment from 420 to 510 units was established, which is accompanied by the dispersion of the metal microstructure.

37 Short-term effects of a single pulsed electromagnetic field therapy session on lameness, gait quality, and stress in moderately exercising horses

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is applied to equids for a variety of preexisting conditions; however, research with its usage to enhance performance in the horse is limited. To test the hypothesis that a single PEMF therapy session improved stress, performance, and lameness parameters, 14 horses (11 ± 4.1 years) underwent a single 30-min whole body PEMF therapy session at 5 Hz and a single sham therapy session where horses were randomly assigned to a treatment order. A 2-week washout period was given between treatments. Resting heart rate, salivary cortisol, stride length, quality of movement, and lameness evaluation (fore limb vector sum, hip height difference, forehand stride rate, hind stride rate) on crushed gravel and loose sand surfaces were evaluated at 8 different time points: immediately before and after treatment, and at 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h post treatment. Videos were assessed for stride length and were assessed by 3 blinded, carded judges for quality of movement. Mixed model analysis for crossover design with repeated measures was used to determine the effect of treatment, time, period, and all interactions. At 7.5 h post treatment, horses were subjected to a 30 min lunge to simulate a moderate exercise session. Post hoc multiple comparisons were performed with Tukey's adjustment (mean ± SE).Heart rate was lowered immediately following PEMF treatment (29 ± 1 BPM, P < 0.0001) when compared with all other sampling time points. For quality of movement (1 = poor, 10 = excellent), judges found walk quality to decrease immediately following PEMF treatment (5.68 ± 0.18) and at 4 h post (5.59 ± 0.16) when compared with 2 h sham (5.98 ± 0.1, P = 0.006) while trot quality did not differ. Walk stride length was affected by time but not treatment, increasing at 8 h (2.49 ± 0.03 m) post treatment when compared with pre-treatment sampling (2.43 ± 0.04 m, P = 0.03) but not the trot. Salivary cortisol concentration was unaffected by treatment but did have an effect of time (P < 0.0001) varying depending on the time of day of the sample. Forehand and hind stride rate were affected by surface (P = 0.004, P = 0.004) with sand having a slower rate than gravel and time (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) slowing stride rate as the day progressed. No differences were observed with fore limb vector sum and hip height difference. This study shows PEMF therapy has a relaxing effect evidenced by lowered heart rate immediately following treatment; however, more work is needed to determine the full effects of PEMF in performance horses.

Prospective methods for determining water losses from irrigation systems to ensure food and water security of Ukraine

Purpose. To develop a complex system for technical diagnostics of soil hydrotechnical structures of irrigation systems for operative identification of damaged sites, reduction of nonproduction water losses, and maintaining ecological and economic efficiency of the hydroeconomic national complex in the context of water and food security. Methodology. The result of the represented scientific study is reached by complex application of geophysical methods of the Earth’s natural pulse electromagnetic field (NPEMFE) and vertical electrical sounding (VES). That allows determining qualitative indices and parameters of the damaged sites of hydrotechnical structures and water filtration paths. Mathematical methods for determining quantitative parameters of filtration losses are applied. Analytical and technoeconomic comparison of some most widely used methods with the complex of techniques proposed in the study are performed. Findings. Field studies and analytical calculations helped determine that, depending on the design parameters of retention basins and modes of their operations, water losses are from 50 to 60 m3/month per 1 m of the structure length. In some cases total filtration losses per month can reach up to 100 m3 per 1 m of the length. As for the monetary equivalent, in terms of average water cost being 0.12 EUR/m3, water loss in one standard retention basin with the conventional dimensions of 100  100 m is EUR 2.5 thousand per month (EUR 12.5 thousand per season). Originality. The possibility of using a complex of geophysical methods for diagnosing technical conditions of soil dams of retention agricultural basins has been substantiated scientifically. The complex is of high informativity making it possible to determine rapidly the sites with increased filtration in the hydrotechnical objects. According to the comparison of the available models for evaluating possible filtration losses from the retention basins of irrigation systems, the parameters of estimate indicators, ensuring high reliability of the results, have been substantiated. Practical value. Point determination of the sites with filtration water losses makes it possible to focus the repair and renewal operations on the most damaged sites that reduce considerably the time and costs along with the increase in general efficiency of the irrigation system operation.

Electromagnetic Induction for Treatment of Unspecific Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial

To evaluate the effects of high-energy pulsed electromagnetic fields on unspecific back pain. A prospective, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial with repeated measurements was performed. The study included 5 visits (V0 to V4) with 3 interventions during V1, V2 and V3. Sixty-one patients aged between 18 and 80 years with unspecific back pain (acute inflammatory diseases and specific causes were reasons for exclusion) were included. The treatment group (n = 31) received 1-2 pulses/s, with an intensity of 50 mT, and an electric field strength of at least 20 V/m on 3 consecutive weekdays for 10 min each time. The control group (n = 30) received a comparable sham therapy. Pain intensity (visual analogue scale), local oxyhaemoglobin saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and perfusion index were evaluated before (b) and after (a) V1 and V3 interventions. Change in visual analogue scale for V1 (ChangeV1a-b) and V3 (ChangeV3a-b), and ChangeData between V3a and V1b (ChangeV3a-V1b) for the remaining data were calculated (results were mean (standard deviation) (95% confidence interval; 95% CI)). Concerning the visual analogue scale: (i) compared with the control group, the treatment group had higher ChangeV1a-b (-1.25 (1.76) (95% CI -1.91 to -0.59) vs -2.69 (1.74) (95% CI -3.33 to -2.06), respectively), and comparable Change V3a-b (-0.86 (1.34) (95% CI -1.36 to -0.36) vs -1.37 (1.03) (95% CI -1.75 to 0.99), respectively); and (ii) there was a significant marked decrease in Change V3a-1b in the treatment group compared with the control group (-5.15 (1.56) (95% CI -5.72 to -4.57) vs -2.58 (1.68) (95% CI -3.21 to -1.96), p = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant ChangeV3a-V1b in local oxyhaemoglobin saturation, heart rate, blood pressure or perfusion index between the 2 groups and for the same group (before vs after). Non-thermal, non-invasive electromagnetic induction therapy had a significant and rapid influence on unspecific back pain in the treatment group.

Effect of the pulsed electromagnetic field in the repair of a calvaria critical bone defect in rats: cone beam computed tomographic and histomorphometric analysis.: PEMF in the repair of a calvaria critical bone defect: CBCT analyses.

IntroductionThe present study evaluated the effect of two protocols of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy on bone neoformation on calvaria critical defects in rats. Material & methods96 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control Group (CG; n=32); Test Group – PEMF 1 hour (TG1h; n=32) and Test Group – PEMF 3 hour (TG3h; n=32). A Critical-size Bone Defect (CSD) was surgically created in the calvaria of rats. The animals in the test groups were exposure to PEMF for 5 days a week. The animals were euthanized at 14, 21, 45 and 60 days. The specimens were processed for volume and texture (TAn) analysis, by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and histomorphometric analysis, ResultsHistomorphometric and volume analyses revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the repair of bone defects between groups receiving PEMF therapy and CG. TAn revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups only for the entropy parameter, in which TG1h group presented a higher value compared to CG on 21 days. TG1h and TG3h did not accelerate bone repair in calvarial critical size defect and the parameters of PEMF should be considered. DiscussionThis study showed that PEMF application on CSD in rats does not accelerate bone repair. Although literature showed a positive association in biostimulation on bone tissue with the parameters applied, studies with other PEMF parameters are essential to verify improving this study design.

THE POTENTIAL OF MAGNETIC CELL SHEET PATCHES IN TENDON REGENERATION

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) hold the promise to provide therapies for injured tendons despite the challenging cues of tendon niche and the lack of specific factors to guide regeneration. The emerging potential of magnetic responsiveness and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalities offers new perspectives to tackle TERM challenges. Moreover, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is FDA approved for orthopaedics with potential to control inflammation upon injury. We previously demonstrated that magnetic cell-sheets assisted by PEMF trigger the inflammation resolution by modulating cytokine-enriched environments [1]. To further understand the potential of magnetically assisted living patches, we have recently conducted in vivo studies using a rat patellar defect model.After labeling of human adipose stem cells with iron oxide MNPs for 16h, magCSs were cultured up to 3 days in α-MEM medium under non-magnetic or PEMF conditions. MagCSs were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, and real time RT-PCR for tendon markers. Cell metabolic activity was also assessed by MTS and ECM proteins quantified by Sirius Red/Fast Green.The MagCSs effect in ameliorating healing was assessed after implantation in window defects created in the patellar tendon of rats. PEMF was externally applied (3mT, 70Hz) 3d/week for 1h (magnetotherapy). After 4 and 8w, tendons were histologically characterized for immune-detection of tendon and inflammatory markers, and for Perls van Gieson and HE stains. Blood and detoxification organs were screened for inflammatory mediators and biodistribution of MNPs, respectively.In vitro results suggest that PEMF stimulates cellular metabolic activity, influences protein synthesis and the deposition of collagen and non-collagenous proteins is significantly increased compared to non-magnetic conditions. No adverse reactions, as infection or swelling, were observed after surgery or during follow-up. After 8w, magCSs remained at the implantation site and no MNPs were detected on detoxification organs. Plasma levels of IL1α, β, IL6 and TNFα assessed by multiplex assay were below detectable values (&lt;12.5pg/ml).Thus, the combination of cell sheets and magnetic technologies hold promise for the development of living tendon substitutes.Acknowledgement to ERC-COG MagTendon772817, H2020 Achilles 810850, FCT - 2020.01157.CEECIND.

PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ENHANCES HEALING OF A MENISCAL TEAR AND MITIGATES POST-TRAUMATIC OSTEOARTHRITIS IN A RAT MODEL

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) in the treatment of meniscal tears in the avascular region.Seventy-two twelve-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats with full-thickness longitudinal medial meniscal tears in the avascular region were divided into 3 groups: control group (Gcon), treated with classic signal PEMF (Gclassic), and high slew rate signal PEMF(GHSR). The HSR signal has the same pulse and burst frequencies as the classic signal, but with a higher slew rate. Macroscopic observation and histological analysis of the meniscus and articular cartilage were performed to evaluate the meniscal healing and progressions of osteoarthritis. The synovium was harvested for histological and immunofluorescent analysis to assess the intra-articular inflammation. The meniscal healing, articular cartilage degeneration, and synovitis were quantitatively evaluated according to their respective scoring system.Dramatic degenerative changes of the meniscus and articular cartilage were noticed during gross observation and histological evaluation in the control group at 8 weeks. However, the menisci in the two treatment groups were restored to normal morphology with a smooth surface and shiny white color. Particularly, the HSR signal remarkably enhanced the fibrochondrogenesis and accelerated the remodeling process of the regenerated tissue. The meniscal healing scores of PEMF treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group at 8 weeks. Specifically, the HSR signal showed a significantly higher meniscal repair score than the classic signal at week 8 (P &lt; .01). The degeneration score (Gcon versus Gclassic: P &lt; .0001; Gcon versus GHSR: P &lt; .0001) and synovitis score (Gcon versus Gclassic: P &lt; .0001; Gcon versus GHSR: P = .0002) of the control groups were significantly higher than those in the two treatment groups.PEMF promoted the healing of meniscal tears in the avascular region and restored the injured meniscus to its structural integrity in a rat model. Compared to the classic signal, the HSR signal showed the increased capability to promote fibrocartilaginous tissue formation and modulate the inflammatory environment and therefore protected the knee joint from post-traumatic osteoarthritis development.

Development of a phased array flexible Rayleigh-wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer for pipe inspection

In this paper, a novel Phased Array fully Flexible Rayleigh-wave EMAT (PAFR-EMAT) suitable for inspection of curved surface based on flexible coil bias field magnet EMAT is proposed. The PAFR-EMAT consists of a flexible racetrack coil generating long pulsed bias magnetic field instead of the conventional permanent magnets, and flexible meander coils triggered in sequence to induce transient eddy current for exciting enhanced Rayleigh wave of MHz frequency. Based on the Lorentz force mechanism, pulsed electromagnetic fields and the generated ultrasonic waves of the proposed new EMAT are studied through numerical simulation at first. Experiments are conducted then to check the practical performance of the PAFR-EMAT for pipe inspection. Results show that the PAFR-EMAT has good performance in Rayleigh wave generation for inspection of the curved surface of metallic pipe and is capable to detect surface crack of small depth.

INVESTIGATION OF THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF WATER DISCHARGE DEVICES OF HYDRAULIC STRUCTURES

Problem statement. Hydrotechnical structures undergo a process of inspection for their technical condition. This is necessary to maintain the durability of the structure. In the process of operation, structural defects occur, which are difficult to examine and investigate, due to the impossibility of access for visual inspection. Such defects include those formed in the body of gravity-type earth dams. This applies, first of all, to structures and devices that are located in the body of dams during their construction. They include, in particular, spillways and pipelines. Defects in these structures lead to leakage of water into the body of the dam, which eventually collapses from the inside. Timely detection of defects prevents the destruction of dams due to urgent repairs, and this extends the durability of the structure. The purpose of the article is to develop an analytical-instrumental method of finding, without destroying the body of the dam, erosional, loosened areas in leakage zones, and determining their volumes. Method. A modern method of geophysics, which is electrotomography, is used. As a theoretical justification, the method of the Earth's natural pulsed electromagnetic field (MENPEF) was taken as a basis. The result of the research is the development of a methodology using the methods of engineering geophysics: the method of the Earth's natural pulsed electromagnetic field (MENPEF) and geoelectric tomography. Scientific novelty lies in the fact that the method was developed for the first time for the examination of earth dambs spillways. Practical value. With the help of the developed method, in the future it will be possible to conduct surveys for earth dams of hydrotechnical structures for all organizations that are engaged in such work and have the necessary tools. Conclusions. An analytical-instrumental method of researching the sections of earth dams that cross the structures of ponds spillways and reservoirs has been developed. The location of the loosened soil halo around the spillway pipes inside the body of the earth dam was identified, and the volume of such soil was determined.

Слабые импульсные электромагнитные поля повышают урожайность и иммунитет картофеля

Цель исследований: оценка эффективности технологии дистанционной электромагнитной обработки сортов картофеля слабым неионизирующим нетепловым импульсным электромагнитным излучением (ЭМИ). Клубни картофеля отечественных сортов (местной селекции) Печорский и Зырянец перед посадкой подвергали электромагнитному воздействию аппаратом «ТОР-био», в режиме 15/5 (15 минут воздействия, 5 минут перерыв в течение 1 часа перед посадкой) с индивидуальным спектром воздействия. Эффективность воздействия ЭМИ на растения картофеля оценивали на опытных участках Федерального исследовательского центра Коми НЦ УрО РАН. Их площадь составляла 800 м². Посадку картофеля (0,7 × 0,3 м) и сопутствующие полевые наблюдения проводили по стандартным методикам. Почва опытного участка дерново-подзолистая. Агрохимические анализы почвы и химического состава клубней проводили в аттестованных аналитических лабораториях. По результатам исследований 2021–2022 годов, предпосевная обработка клубней ЭМИ способствовала существенному увеличению общей урожайности в сравнении с контрольными (необработанными) вариантами. в условиях Республики Коми более чувствительными к ЭМИ оказались сорта местной селекции. Доказано кратное снижение потерь картофеля, заложенного на длительное хранение, при автоматизированной ежедневной кратковременной дистанционной обработке по технологии «ТОР» помещений хранилища за счет снижения патогенной нагрузки. Доля клубней, пораженных паршой, при зимнем хранении (ноябрь 2021 года по март 2022 года) у обработанного картофеля составила 5% против 14% в контрольной (необработанной) группе. В 2022 году через три недели после уборки картофеля убыль у обработанного картофеля не превышала 2% (1,9%), у контрольного варианта она составляла 9%, у картофеля, выращенного на участке, подготовленном для выращивания сельхозкультур, убыль составляла 5,5%. Убыль массы, обусловленная сухой гилью, за период хранения с ноября 2022 года по апрель 2023 года для обработанного картофеля составляла 0,6%, необработанного – 0,95%. Доля клубней, зараженных паршой, у обработанного картофеля составляла 6%, у необработанного – 13%. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology of remote electromagnetic processing of potato varieties by weak non-ionizing pulsed alternating electromagnetic fields (EMF). Potato tubers (varieties of domestic local selection Pechorsky and Zyryanets) before planting were subjected to electromagnetic exposure using the TOR-bio apparatus, in the 15/5 mode (15 minutes of exposure, 5 minutes break for 1 hour before planting) with an individual spectrum of exposure. Evaluation of the effectiveness of EMF on the yield of potatoes was carried out at the sites of the Institute of Agrobiotechnology of the Federal Research Center of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The area of the experimental plots was 800 m². Potato planting (0.7 × 0.3 m), as well as field observations of potato plants, were carried out according to the standard generally accepted methodology. The soil of the experimental plot is soddy-podzolic. Soil analyzes were carried in certified analytical laboratories. Pre-planting treatment of tubers with EMF (results of 2021 and 2022 studies) led to a significant increase in overall crop compared to control options. Under the conditions of the Komi Republic, varieties of local selection turned out to be more EMF-sensitive. A multiple reduction in losses of potatoes laid down for long-term storage has been proven with automated daily short-term remote processing using the TOR technology of storage facilities by reducing the pathogenic load. The proportion of tubers affected by scab during winter storage (November 2021 to March 2022) in processed potatoes was 5% versus 14% in the control (untreated) group. In 2022, three weeks after potato harvesting, the decrease in processed potatoes did not exceed 2% (1.9%), in the control variant it was 9%, in potatoes grown on a plot prepared for growing crops, the decrease was 5.5%. The loss of weight due to the dry sleeve for the storage period from November 2022 to April 2023 for processed potatoes was 0.6%, unprocessed – 0.95%. The proportion of tubers infected with scab in processed potatoes was 6%, in unprocessed potatoes – 13%.

Biomechanical microenvironmental stimulating effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the regeneration of crush injured rat sciatic nerve.

This study evaluated the biomechanical microenvironmental stimulating effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the regeneration of crush-injured rat sciatic nerve, when combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF-β), in the form of an adenoviral vector-mediated NGF. Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into six groups; PBS, BMSC, NGF-Ad + BMSC, PEMF + PBS, PEMF + BMSC and PEMF + NGF-Ad + BMSC. The PBS group received PBS (volume: 10μL/rat), the BMSC group with BMSCs (1 × 106cell/10μL/rat) and NGF-Ad group with the rhNGF-β Ad infected BMSCs (1 × 106 cell/10μL/rat) immediate after right sciatic nerve crush injury. The PEMF groups were exposed to PEMF of 1mT, 50Hz, 1h/day. The rats were observed for 3weeks. PEMF alone did not showed the positive effect compared with negative control group. The groups transplanted with BMSCs showed higher axonal regeneration compared with the groups without transplantation of the cells whether BMSC was infected with NGF-Ad or not and whether the animals received PEMF. PEMF + NGF-Ad + BMSC group showed the significantly highest number of axons than the other groups. Functionally, all groups showed marked improvement at 3weeks postoperatively although the difference was not statistically significant among the groups. PEMF showed the positive effect when combined with BMSC and NGF-ad in aspect of number of axons. Therefore, combining the microenvironment stimulation methods of PEMF and conventional methods such as transplantation of stem cells and growth factor could be considered for the regeneration methods in the nerve damage.

Effect of StaticMagneticand Pulsated Electromagnetic Fields On the Dynamic and Kinematic Viscosity of Metal Cutting Fluids

In this paper, authors investigated the difference between the influenceof staticmagnetic field and pulsating electromagnetic field on metal cutting fluids. Two essential physical parameters of the cutting fluids, dynamic and kinematic viscosity coefficients were analyzedduring the experiment in the same laboratory condition.The results obtained from the experimental researchshow thatthe influence of thestatic magnetic field onsample metal cutting fluids is greaterthanthe influence ofthe pulsating electromagnetic field.Such as, after magnetizing cutting fluids under the effect of three various static magnetic field strengths, the kinematic and dynamic viscosity havedecreased about 17%and 6% respectively,while they declined about 7% and 4% after magnetizing the fluidsunder the effect of the same electromagnetic magnetic field strengths. Moreover, special magnetizing devices have beendesigned to magnetize different types offluids intheirflowing condition.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields and N-acetylcysteine on transplantation of vitrified mouse ovarian tissue

ABSTRACT In this experimental study, adult female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control ;(fresh ovarian transplantation, OT); sham ;(vitrified OT); NAC ;(vitrified OT treated with N-acetyl cysteine, NAC); EMF ;(vitrified OT treated with pulsed electromagnetic fields, PEMF); and NAC+EMF ;(vitrified OT combined with NAC and PEMF). We conducted histological assessments to evaluate follicle reservation and vascularization. Furthermore, we examined the relative expression of Fgf-2, Vegf, Tnf-α, Il-6, Il-1, and Cd31 genes on days 2 and 7 after OT. Additionally, we measured total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Our results demonstrated that NAC, PEMF, and NAC+PEMF treatments significantly increased the number of follicles. Moreover, we observed a more pronounced development of vascularization in the NAC, PEMF, and PEMF+NAC groups. The relative expression levels of Fgf-2, Vegf, Tnf-α, Il-1β, and Il-6 were significantly elevated in the NAC, PEMF, and NAC+PEMF groups. Notably, TAC levels decreased significantly in the NAC group compared to the control group. Additionally, the MDA level showed a significant decrease in the PEMF+NAC group when compared to the other groups. Overall, the combination of NAC and PEMF exhibited a synergistic effect in promoting angiogenesis and protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation during OT.

Positive effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on behavior, immune function, and oxidative and inflammatory state in old mice

ABSTRACT The establishment of chronic oxidative and inflammatory stress with aging leads to the deterioration of the nervous and immune systems and, consequently, to the loss of health. The aim of this work was to study the effect of exposure to low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) produced by the NEURALTER® system (15 min/day for 4 weeks) in the behavior, immune functions, and oxidative and inflammatory state of old mice. Female old CD1 mice were divided into three groups: control group, handling control group and Neuralter group. Then, behavioral tests were performed, and peritoneal leukocytes were extracted to analyze function, oxidative and inflammatory parameters. In peritoneal leukocytes from old mice, the effects in vitro of 15 min with NEURALTER® were studied on function and oxidative parameters. The results show that after this type of treatment, old mice had greater coordination and locomotion, better immune function, and an oxidative-inflammatory state. Similarly, the immune function and oxidative state of leukocytes showed an improvement when these cells were exposed directly to the NEURALTER® system. In conclusion, the exposure to low-frequency PEMFs produced by the NEURALTER® system has beneficial effects on health in aging. In addition, this effect is direct, at least in part, on immune cells.