Research
PEMF Research
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Electromagnetic Field Therapy: A Rehabilitative Perspective in the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain – A Systematic Review
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) provide a non-invasive, safe, and easy method to
treat pain with respect to musculoskeletal diseases. The purpose of this systematic review
was to describe the use of electromagnetic therapy in the rehabilitation field by investigating
the efficacy in acute and chronic pain in the musculoskeletal disorders. A database search
was conducted using the following resources: PubMed, Cochrane, PEDro, SCOPUS, and
WoS. The following MESH terms were used: [Electromagnetic field AND/OR
Rehabilitation], [Electromagnetic field AND/OR Pain], [Pulsed Magnetic field AND/OR
Rehabilitation] and [Pulsed Magnetic field AND/OR Pain], [Pulsed Electromagnetic field
AND/OR Rehabilitation] and [Pulsed Electromagnetic field AND/OR Pain], per the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. Articles published between January 1, 2009 and
December 31, 2018 were included as assessment of musculoskeletal pain conditions, randomized clinical trial including crossover and prospective design studies, full English text
available, population age > 18 years; instead were excluded neurological randomized clinical
trials, transcranial magnetic stimulation application, neuropathic pain, animal/in vitro studies,
and articles without English abstract or English full text. Three independent investigators
(AMC, NG, and LP) retrieved all the information. Twenty-one RTC (N=21) were considered
for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results showed as pulsed magnetic fields at low
intensity and frequency (from 1 Hz up to 100 Hz) are commonly used with efficacy in
resolving musculoskeletal pain. EMFs therapy is a well tolerated, effective with no negative
side effects, which can be integrated with rehabilitation for the treatment of chronic and acute
pain in musculoskeletal diseases, but further studies are needed to examine the use of more
standardized protocols. -
A Review on the Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF-EMF) on Cytokines of Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) is produced extensively in modern technologies. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that ELF-EMF has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the immune system response. This review was conducted on effects of ELF-EMF on cytokines of innate and adaptive immunity. Mechanisms of ELF-EMF, which may modulate immune cell responses, were also studied. Physical and biological parameters of ELF-EMF can interact with each other to create beneficial or harmful effect on the immune cell responses by interfering with the inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. According to the studies, it is supposed that short-term (2-24 h/d up to a week) exposure of ELF-EMF with strong density may increase innate immune response due to an increase of innate immunity cytokines. Furthermore, long-term (2-24 h/d up to 8 years) exposure to low-density ELF-EMF may cause a decrease in adaptive immune response, especially in Th1 subset.
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Physiological and Molecular Genetic Effects of Time-Varying Electromagnetic Fields on Human Neuronal Cells
The present investigation details the development of model systems for growing two- and threedimensional human neural progenitor cells within a culture medium facilitated by a time-varying
electromagnetic field (TVEMF). The cells and culture medium are contained within a two- or
three-dimensional culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from an electrode or
coil. These studies further provide methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of
culturing the neural cells in either configuration. Grown in two dimensions, neuronal cells
extended longitudinally, forming tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes
comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time-varying electrical
current was conducted. In the three-dimensional aspect, exposure to TVEMF resulted in the
development of three-dimensional aggregates, which emulated organized neural tissues. In both
experimental configurations, the proliferation rate of the TVEMF cells was 2.5 to 4.0 times the
rate of the non-waveform cells. Each of the experimental embodiments resulted in similar
molecular genetic changes regarding the growth potential of the tissues as measured by gene chip
analyses, which measured more than 10,000 human genes simultaneously. -
A Preliminary Study of Oscillating Electromagnetic Field Effects on Human Spermatozoon Motility.
Some effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on human spermatozoa are reported. Significant increases in the values of the motility and of the other kinematic parameters have been observed when spermatozoa were exposed to an ELF-EMF with a square waveform of 5 mT amplitude and frequency of 50 Hz. By contrast, a 5 mT sine wave (50 Hz) and a 2.5 mT square wave (50 Hz) exposure did not produce any significant effect on sperm motility. The effects induced by ELF-EMF (50 Hz; 5 mT) during the first 3 h of exposure persisted for 21 h after the end of the treatment. These results indicate that ELF-EMF exposure can improve spermatozoa motility and that this effect depends on the field characteristics.
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Biophysical Stimulation in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is the endpoint of a disease process that results from insufficient blood flow and bone-tissue necrosis, leading to joint instability, collapse of the femoral head, arthritis of the joint, and total hip replacement. Pain is the most frequent clinical symptom. Both bone tissue and cartilage suffer when osteonecrosis of the femoral head develops. Stimulation with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) has been shown to be useful for enhancing bone repair and for exerting a chondroprotective effect on articular …
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Electromagnetic fields and magnets: investigational treatment for musculoskeletal disorders
In technology, men know that all the wishes and prayers in the world will not change the nature of a grain of sand. AYN RAND, The Voice of Reason, Ayn Rand: Essays in Objectivist Thought Our generation has seen unprecedented advances in electromagnetic wave technology such as the microwave oven, the cellular telephone, and the magnetic resonance imager, each a creative exploitation of an invisible electromagnetic signal that was initially met with rigid skepticism. The modern bone growth stimulators that employ …
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Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in lateral epicondylitis
We aimed to investigate the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in lateral epicondylitis comparing the modality with sham PEMF and local steroid injection. Sixty patients with lateral epicondylitis were randomly and equally distributed into three groups as follows: Group I received PEMF, Group II sham PEMF, and Group III a corticosteroid+ anesthetic agent injection. Pain levels during rest, activity, nighttime, resisted wrist dorsiflexion, and forearm supination were investigated with visual analog scale (VAS). Pain …
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Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on articular hyaline cartilage: review of experimental and clinical studies
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disorder of the musculoskeletal system and is a consequence of mechanical and biological events that destabilize tissue homeostasis in articular joints. Controlling chondrocyte death and apoptosis, function, response to anabolic and catabolic stimuli, matrix synthesis or degradation and inflammation is the most important target of potential chondroprotective treatment, aimed to retard or stabilize the progression of OA. Although many drugs or substances have been recently introduced for the treatment of …
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Autoradiographic study of the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone and cartilage growth in juvenile rats
Application of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) has been used in growth and repair of non-union bone fractures. The similarities between the fibrocartilage callus in non-union bone fractures and the secondary cartilage in the mandibular condyle, both histologically and functionally, lead naturally to study the effects of PEMFs on growth in the condyle. The purposes of this study were:(1) to describe the effects of PEMFs on the growth of the condyle using autoradiography,[3H]-proline and [3H]-thymidine, and (2) to differentiate between the …
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Mechanisms and therapeutic applications of time varying and static magnetic fields
It is now commonplace to learn the successful use of weak, nonthermal electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the quest to heal, or relieve the symptoms of a variety of debilitating ailments. This chapter attempts to give the reader an introduction and assessment of EMF modalities that have demonstrated therapeutic benefit for bone and wound repair and chronic and acute pain relief. This chapter will concentrate on the use of exogenous timevarying and static magnetic fields. There is, however, a large body of research, including many clinical …
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Mechanisms and therapeutic applications of electromagnetic therapy in Parkinson’s disease
Electromagnetic therapy is a non-invasive and safe approach for the management of several pathological conditions including neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology caused by abnormal degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra pars compacta in the midbrain resulting in damage to the basal ganglia. Electromagnetic therapy has been extensively used in the clinical setting in the form of transcranial magnetic stimulation, repetitive transcranial …
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Modification of osteoarthritis by pulsed electromagnetic field—a morphological study
Objective: Hartley guinea pigs spontaneously develop arthritis that bears morphological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical similarities to human osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the appearance of superficial fibrillation by 12 months of age and severe cartilage lesions and eburnation by 18 months of age. This study examines the effect of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) upon the morphological progression of osteoarthritis in this animal model. Design: Hartley guinea pigs were exposed to a specific …
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Pulsed electromagnetic fields for treating osteo-arthritis
Background Osteo-arthritis, a painful joint disorder involving degenerative changes of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone, often results in progressive functional impairment and disability. One particular modality used by physiotherapists that shows very promising results in reducing the joint damage and pain found in osteo-arthritis is pulsed electromagnetic fields. Objective The present objective was to examine the rationale for, and the potential efficacy of, applying pulsed electromagnetic fields for reducing joint pain and …
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Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is becoming a great social and medical problem due to the elderly population. Various forms of prevention and treatment are needed to deal this problem. It has been found that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is safe and effective in treating osteoporosis. This review thus concentrates on the progress of recent studies done so far on pulse electromagnetic therapy in the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Safe alternative cancer therapy using electromagnetic fields
This article highlights recent research on the beneficial use of selected low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a safe alternative therapy for treatment of cancer and other health problems. It is shown that EMF therapy provides a safe alternative and adjunct modality for the treatment of cancer and other health problems, and therefore, research in this field deserves more support. The paper also discusses some reports and hypothesis of potential risk of human exposure to low frequency EMF, mainly to the power line frequency …
SEQEX Research
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Effects of ELF-EMF Treatment on Depression
Depression is an extremely widespread disorder that is also highly impactful on the quality of life and
general health of individuals, on a global scale. The aim of this study was a preliminary assessment of a potential non-pharmacological treatment, based on extremely
low frequency and intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), which could potentially reduce the impact of depression
on the lives of sufferers -
Seqex Therapy in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Case Report
The cause of non-traumatic Avascular Necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) is unknown in a large proportion of cases. Unless
diagnosed early and treated appropriately, it can progress to collapse of the femoral head leading to early degenerative
arthrosis. With the advent of modern imaging techniques, AVN can be detected early. Accurate diagnosis of AVN leads to
appropriate selection of effective joint-preserving treatment. Techniques aimed at preserving the femoral head, including
core decompression, and vascularized/nonvascularized bone graft which are often advised for early necrosis, have shown
varying clinical outcomes. For these reasons, further investigations to better understand the effectiveness of conservative
treatments are warranted. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, hyperbaric oxygen, extracorporeal shock wave
therapy and pulsed magnetic fields therapy are some of the technique proposal for AVN treatment. We utilized a new Seqex
therapy with total resolution of AVN in early stages -
New Study. Treatment with Pulsed Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (PELF-EMF) Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effect in Compression Spinal Cord Injury Model
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) pathology includes both primary and secondary
events. The primary injury includes the original traumatic event, and the secondary injury, beginning
immediately after the initial injury, involves progressive neuroinflammation, neuronal excitotoxicity,
gliosis, and degeneration. Currently, there is no effective neuroprotective treatment for SCI. However,
an accumulating body of data suggests that PELF-EMF has beneficial therapeutic effects on neurotrauma. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of the PELF-EMF SEQEX device using
a compression SCI mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to PELF-EMF for 4 h on
a daily basis for two months, beginning 2 h after a mild-moderate compression SCI. Results: The
PELF-EMF treatment significantly diminished inflammatory cell infiltration and astrocyte activation
by reducing Iba1, F4/80, CD68+ cells, and GAFP at the lesion borders, and increased pro-survival
signaling, such as BDNF, on the neuronal cells. Moreover, the treatment exhibited a neuroprotective
effect by reducing the demyelination of the axons of the white matter at the lesion’s center. Conclusions: Treatment with SEQEX demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective
effects. Considering our results, this safe and effective rehabilitative device, already available on the
market, may provide a major therapeutic asset in the treatment of SCI.
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The effect of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field on inflammation and performance following high intensity exercise training: double-blind crossover clinical trial
The overall objective of this original project is to determine the efficacy of extremely-low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) on recovery rate among elite cyclist. Electromagnetic field stimulation has complex effects on the physiological status of
cultured cells. Previous studies have shown the induce effects on proliferation of stem cells,
oxidative stress, and human chondrocytes. Moreover, resent works on animal models have
demonstrated the beneficial effects of magnetic stimulation at low frequency on recovery from
cervical spinal cord injury. To date, no study evaluates the impact of ELF electromagnetic field on
inflammation response to high intensity exercise. The anticipated results of this study will support
use of ELF electromagnetic field as a novel and effective intervention to accelerate the rate of
recovery and improve multistage exercise performance among athletes.
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ELF magnetic therapy and oxidative balance
Knowledge about the relationship between exposure to extremely low-frequency (ELF) EMF and formation (or neutralization) of free radicals in the living cells is limited. Studies performed on animals and plants have shown conflicting effects on the relation between EMF and oxidative stress. Very few experiments have been performed on humans. The present study reports on the effects of an ELF magnetic therapy device (Seqex) on oxidative scale in humans. This device supplies complex magnetic signals with specific choices of frequency, intensity, and shape that are based on Liboff's ion cyclotron resonance hypothesis. Thirty-two healthy volunteers were treated using the Seqex cycle. A quantitative determination of oxidative stress was obtained at three time points by measuring Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in peripheral blood before and after the cycle and one month following completion of the cycle. A highly significant reduction in mean MDA (53.8%, p = 0.0002) was found at the end of the treatment. One month later the mean MDA had again risen, but there was still a significant overall reduction of 15.6% (p = 0.010) compared to original values.
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ICR-Like and Osteoarthritis in Geriatric Patients: Pilot Study at an RCH Facility
Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is a rheumatic disease that affects the joints. It is a chronic degenerative disorder of an inflammatory nature affecting joint elements (cartilage, synovia, capsule). OA is one of the most common causes of painful disorders, affecting about 10% of the general adult population and 50% of people over the age of 60 years. One of the most widely used conservative approaches for treating pain from OA is the use of physical therapies. Among these, the use of low frequency low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) has attracted a rapid growth in interest and studies in recent years, thanks to its ease of use and the very safe nature of the treatment. One of the most complete and widely accredited explanations for the interaction between ELF-EMF and biological systems is the Ion Cyclotron Resonance-like (ICR-like) phenomenon. For this reason, at the Public Agency for Personal Services (PAPS) Residential Care Home (RCH) "Santa Maria" in Cles (TN, Italy), it was decided to conduct a pilot study to verify the effects of ICR-like therapy on patients affected by OA. Materials and methods This observational pilot study made use of a SEQEX device to treat 10 RCH residents with OA in different an atomical areas. Treatment with ELF-EMF was administered in packets of frequencies between 40 and 80 Hz, at a field intensity of 20 µT, 3 times per week for a total period of 4 months of therapy, followed by 4 months of follow-up. The effects were analyzed on: pain (at rest "NRS_R" and in movement "NRS_M") with assessment on the NRS scale, quality of life QoL with assessment on the SF-12 and EQ-5D scales, joint mobility, and the need for analgesic drugs in order to control pain. Results The results achieved for the control of pain (NRS_R and NRS_M) were very satisfactory with a significant reduction in pain (pNRS_R = 0.024, pNRS_M = 0.048), which also persisted in follow-up (pNRS_R = 0.015, pNRS_M = 0.011). The QoL exhibited a clear improvement during the treatment period (p = 0.041), declining during the follow-up for diverse reasons. Similarly, during the treatment cycle there was an improvement in joint mobility (in the joint treated for OA) of 75%. The need to assume analgesic drugs was completely eliminated during the treatment cycle (p = 0.018) and persisted in follow-up. Conclusions Considering the very satisfying results, ease of use, and high level of safety, ICR-like treatment may represent a valid option for the treatment of OA pain. The figures achieved deserve to be confirmed in a larger and more highly structured study.
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Endogenous Cyclotron Ionic Resonance Induced Complete Recovery in a Severely Lame Grand Prix Dressage Horse
Dressage is the ultimate athletic challenge in equestrian sports.
Once a dressage horse has reached Grand Prix level, the training predominantly involves
repetition of movements, thus dressage horses rarely succumb to acute stress-induced
traumatic injuries but more likely succumb to repetitive, acumulative subclinical injuries
that may surface at irregular intervals and resulting in chronic lesions associated with
disappointing therapeutical results, at least for what concern the traditional medicine.
Proximal sesamoiditis, as found in the present case, is a chronic disease with no effective
therapy. No improvement has been noted after prolonged rest.
Chronic desmitis of the LBSL, especially when ultrasonography shows soft tissue
metaplastic changements as in the present case, needs 12 to 14 months to stabilize but,
more often, the horse shows some degree of permanent lameness and, even when it looks
sound, proximal suspensory desmitis easily relapses despite a proper gradually increased
exercise program.
In this case, the most important evidence is the fact that, BL moved to 2/5 after the first
month, with no further improvement over time. Interestingly, the lameness degree gradually
decreased only after the first week of SEQEX ® therapy and the horse was sound in 3
weeks with no relapse. This horse is returned successfully to full training.
This new therapy in the horse needs further investigation in order to discover all the
therapeutical opportunities that SEQEX ® offers. In this case we’ve got very ecouraging
results with no negative side-effects. Furthermore SEQEX ® could be a very interesting
therapeutic tool considering its no doping effect. This fact will give us a chance to apply
antiinflammatory-analgesic therapy during competitions when needed. A big thing! -
Ion Cyclotron Resonance: Results and Prospects for Psychiatry
The Ion Cyclotron Resonance-like (ICR-like) phenomenon is a physical model for the ionic currents through cellular membranes obtained by application of very weak, extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). It was proposed in 1984 by the American physicist Abraham Liboff as a hypothesis to explain the results of the physicists Adey and Blackman in their studies of these currents. Liboff postulated that the ELF-EMF applied in the experiments interacted with the geomagnetic field (GMF), inducing facilitated movement of ion species through cellular membranes and so acting as modulators for the degree of movement of the ions.
As is well known, there is still much to learn about how ELF-EMF interact with living structures. In the current state-of-art the ICR-like phenomenon represents a very valid explanation of this interaction and deserves more in-depth studies into its application in medical fields. Among these psychiatry certainly offers numerous possibilities for the application of ELF-EMF.
In recent decades psychiatric practice has undergone a revolution, shifting its operative focus from the traditional psychiatric hospitals to services dispersed within the community. New medical, social, rehabilitative, and psychotherapeutic treatment methods have been tested. Among these the use of ELF-EMF has been found to offer both great versatility and interesting potential for therapeutic use.
An emblematic example is the so-called "repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation" (rTMS). It was introduced by Anthony Barker (University of Sheffield, UK) in 1985 [1] as a non-invasive instrument to activate the motor cortex, measure its connectivity, excitability, and assess the integrity of the motor pathways. Ever since, its use in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, and psychiatry has been spreading into both research and more strictly clinical applications [2]. In the psychiatric field it has been successfully applied for various disorders, including for example:
• Treatment-resistant depression
• Depression associated with metabolic disorders
• Depression in which drugs have to be avoided (hepatic or renal insufficiency, etc.)
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Psychosis
• Negative symptoms
• Auditory hallucinations
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
This and other examples of the application of ELF-EMF led the present authors to hypothesize that ICR-like might not only be a valid approach to psychiatric diseases, but also a good starting point to describe how ELF-EMF generate positive effects in these pathologies, and so cast new light on the physiology and psychopathology of the mind.
This article presents the results of a naturalistic observational study to assess the effectiveness of this methodology in the treatment of psychopathological disorders. -
Effects of Non-Focused Elf-Emf Treatment on Hrv: Preliminary Study
Background
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is involved in the response to various emotional stimuli like anxiety, stress, and the sense of wellbeing.
As a control system the ANS plays a variety of roles in humans, including regulation of the cardiac function, which can be studied by analyzing heart rate variability (HRV). HRV coherence has been associated with a sense of wellbeing, along with enhanced cognitive, social, and physical performance.
Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are used in a variety of clinical areas, however very little is known to date about the functional mechanisms involved in vivo.
An interaction with the ANS is one of the possible ways in which the effects of ELF-EMF therapy are modulated in living systems.
In this single-blind study the effects on the ANS of 5 different electromagnetic configurations were analysed by measuring the HRV using a HeartMath®EmWave®Pro device. -
Effects of Non-Focused ELF-EMF Treatment on EEG: Preliminary Study
The central nervous system (CNS) is known to be sensitive to focused magnetic stimulation, which is now used routinely for the treatment of various disorders. Extremely Low Frequency Electro Magnetic Fields (ELF-EMF) have been used in various clinical settings and tests however, to date, little is known regarding their functional mechanisms in vivo and, in particular, as a total-body non-focused administration. The CNS acts as the first interactive organ, capable of modulating the effects of ELF-EMF treatment on living systems. This study analysed the effects of 5 different electromagnetic frequency-ranges on the CNS, by studying the endogenous response to exposure. Spectrometry was used to measure the strength of different cerebral wavebands in various brain topographies, together with a component of Z-ratio, as a comparative reference system.
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Seqex Therapy in Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A Case Report
The cause of non-traumatic Avascular Necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) is unknown in a large proportion of cases. Unless diagnosed early and treated appropriately, it can progress to collapse of the femoral head leading to early degenerative arthrosis. With the advent of modern imaging techniques, AVN can be detected early. Accurate diagnosis of AVN leads to appropriate selection of effective joint-preserving treatment. Techniques aimed at preserving the femoral head, including core decompression, and vascularized/nonvascularized bone ...
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The Autistic Syndrome and Endogenous Ion Cyclotron Resonance
The autistic syndrome is a multigenic disease whose expression is different according to the level of involvement of different structures in the central nervous system. The pathogenesis is unknown. No completely effective medical therapy has yet been demonstrated. Accepting the request of the families of eight autistic children in Lomazzo, Milan and Naples, we used ion cyclotron resonance (Seqex® therapy) therapeutic support after many other therapies had been already carried out on these patients. After regimens consisting of 20–30 …
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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields prevent chemotherapy induced myelotoxicity
Side effects of chemo-radiotherapy reduce the quality and also the survivability of patients. The consequent fatigue and infections, related to myelodepression, act to reduce the dose-intensity of the protocol. Late side effects of chemo-radiotherapy include secondary tumours, acute myeloid leukemias and cardiotoxicity. Side effects of chemotherapy are related to oxidative stress produced by the treatment. Oxidative stress also reduces the efficacy of the treatment. Antioxidative treatment with natural (dietetic) or chemical agents has been …
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Cyclotronic ion resonance therapy and arthralgia
A total of 143 patients suffering various musculoskeletal disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, osteoporosis, and post-surgical discomfort were subjected to ELF magnetic treatments using the Seqex device. A clear trend in pain reduction was observed over the 10 treatment regimen as well as a stabilization of relevant lab tests, including cholesterol level and blood pressure. Improvements were also noted in posturometric footboard tests. An additional 20 patients with various neuromuscular difficulties were treated with Seqex as …
ICR Research
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Ion cyclotron resonance as a tool in regenerative medicine.
Abstract
The identification of suitable stem cell cultures and differentiating conditions that are free of xenogenic growth supplements is an important step in finding the clinical applicability of cell therapy in two important fields of human medicine: heart failure and bone remodeling, growth and repair. We recently demonstrated the possibility of obtaining cardiac stem cells (CSCs) from human endomyocardial biopsy specimens. CSCs self-assemble into multi-cellular clusters known as cardiospheres (CSps) that engraft and partially regenerate infarcted myocardium. CSps and cardiosphere-derived-cells (CDCs) were exposed for five days in an incubator regulated for temperature, humidity, and CO(2) inside a solenoid system. This system was placed in a magnetically shielded room. The cells were exposed simultaneously to a static magnetic field (MF) and a parallel low-alternating frequency MF, close to the cyclotron frequency corresponding to the charge/mass ratio of the Ca(++) ion. In this exposure condition, CSps and CDCs modulate their differentiation turning on cardiogenesis and turning off vasculogenesis. Cardiac markers such as troponin I (TnI) and myosin heavy chain (MHC) were up-regulated. Conversely, angiogenic markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and kinase domain receptor (KDR) were down-regulated as evidenced by immunocytochemistry. Exposure to the 7 Hz calcium ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) frequency can modulate the cardiogenic vs. angiogenic differentiation process of ex vivo expanded CSCs. This may pave the way for novel approaches in tissue engineering and cell therapy. With regard to bone remodeling, it has been suggested that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may be considered as a potential therapeutic tool. Using the Ca(++)-dependent specific differentiation potential of the ELF-MF 7 Hz ICR, we show here that exposure of human MSC to these same MF conditions enhanced the expression of osteoblast differentiation markers such as alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osteopontin, as analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, without affecting cell proliferation. As expected, while the differentiation marker factors were up regulated, the ICR electromagnetic field down regulated osteoprotegerin gene expression, a critical regulator of postnatal skeletal development and homeostasis in humans as well as mice. -
Effects of Endogenous Cyclotronic Ionic Resonance (ICR) on Macular Diabetic Edema: Preliminary Results
The intent in this research was to verify the effects of the application of low frequency magnetic fields to cases of macular diabetic edema. We treated six patients afflicted by non-proliferating diabetic retinopathy with macular oedema. Quantitative clinical appraisals of the retinal thickness were obtained for the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT I). None of the cases affected by non-cystoid macular oedema (non-CMO), or with a relevant ischemic component, evidenced by retinal fluorangiography, had further worsening in their clinical course during the treatment. Only one of the patients, who underwent a long treatment period with ICR demonstrated a significant reduction of the macular edema, with no need of other invasive therapeutic procedures (intravitreous injection of triamcinolone and/or laser therapy
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ION Cyclotron Resonance: Geomagnetic Strategy For Living Systems?
Except for relatively few polarity reversals the magnitude of the magnetic dipole moment of the
earth has remained constant since life first began, allowing evolutionary processes to integrate
the geomagnetic field (GMF) into several biological functions. One of these, bearing the classical
signature of an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR)-like interaction, results in biological change associated
with enhanced proton transport. The wide range of cation masses over which this effect is
found suggest a fundamental biological dependence on the GMF, one that functions equally well
for electric as well as magnetic fields. Such generalization of ICR requires two things: transparency
of tissues to the GMF and suitably tuned ELF resonant magnetic or electric fields. To complement
the widely reported ICR responses to applied AC magnetic fields, we hypothesize the existence of
weak endogenous ICR electric field oscillations within the cell. This equivalence implies that even
in the absence of applied AC magnetic fields, biological systems will exhibit intrinsic GMFdependent
ion cyclotron resonance intracellular interactions. Many ICR effects that have been
reported appear as antagonist pairs suggesting that the characteristics of the GMF have not only
been incorporated into the genome but also appear to function in an endocrine-like manner. -
Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic fields and electromagnetic fields tuned to the ion cyclotron resonance frequency of Ca²+ on chondrogenic differentiation
Previous studies provide strong evidence for the therapeutic effect of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on different tissues including cartilage. Diverse exposure parameters applied in scientific reports and the unknown interacting mechanism of EMF with biological systems make EMF studies challenging. In 1985, Liboff proposed that when magnetic fields are tuned to the cyclotron resonance frequencies of critical ions, the motion of ions through cell membranes is enhanced, and thus biological effects appear. Such exposure system consists of a weak alternating magnetic field (B1 ) in the presence of a static magnetic field (B0 ) and depends on the relationship between the magnitudes of B0 and B1 and the angular frequency Ω. The purpose of the present study is to determine the chondrogenic potential of EMF with regards to pulsed EMF (PEMF) and the ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) theory. We used different stimulating systems to generate EMFs in which cells are either stimulated with ubiquitous PEMF parameters, frequently reported, or parameters tuned to satisfy the ICR for Ca2+ (including negative and positive control groups). Chondrogenesis was analysed after 3 weeks of treatment. Cell stimulation under the ICR condition showed positive results in the context of glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen synthesis. In contrast, the other electromagnetically stimulated groups showed no changes compared with the control groups. Furthermore, gene expression assays revealed an increase in the expression of chondrogenic markers (COL2A1, SOX9, and ACAN) in the ICR group. These results suggest that the Ca2+ ICR condition can be an effective factor in inducing chondrogenesis.
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Ion Cyclotron Resonance Interactions in Living Systems
The interaction of weak magnetic fields, with intensities on the order of the geomagnetic field, is a very interesting subject that only recently, in the last few decades, has received much scientific attention. In the late 1970s a number of independent studies showed, counter to scientific prediction, that magnetic fields on the order of the geomagnetic field (GMF) appeared capable of interacting with living things. The first of these was the impressive data on bird sensitivity brought to the fore by husband-and-wife Wolfgang and …
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Differentiation of human adult cardiac stem cells exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields
Aims Modulation of cardiac stem cell (CSC) differentiation with minimal manipulation is one of the main goals of clinical applicability of cell therapy for heart failure. CSCs, obtained from human myocardial bioptic specimens and grown as cardiospheres (CSps) and cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), can engraft and partially regenerate the infarcted myocardium, as previously described. In this paper we assessed the hypothesis that exposure of CSps and CDCs to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs), tuned at Ca2+ ion …
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Expanding Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapies
Various types of magnetic and electromagnetic fields are now in successful use in modern medicine. Electromagnetic therapy carries the promise to heal numerous health problems, even where conventional medicine has failed. Today, magnetotherapy provides a non invasive, safe, and easy method to directly treat the site of injury, the source of pain and inflammation, and a variety of diseases and pathologies. Millions of people worldwide have received help in treatment of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for pain relief. Pulsed …
Other Research
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Efficacy of Low-Frequency Magnetic Therapy in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia
The number of patients who have had pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is increasing every month. However, despite the ongoing treatment, the consequences of this disease are possible, which may appear in the short term or after a while. Pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is characterized by the presence of such complications as cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sleep disturbances, appetite disorders, etc. Often, pneumonia leads to dysfunctions of the respiratory system, higher mental functions, functions of the cardiovascular system and, unfortunately, possible disability. The search and implementation of new methods of physical rehabilitation is an urgent task of modern medicine. Low-frequency magnetotherapy is one of the safest and most commonly recommended treatments for pneumonia.
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The Right a Healthy Environment: RF Radiation Exposure from Cell Towers
Presentation slides on RF exposure limits, precautionary guidelines and selected precautionary cell tower policies.
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The Role of Electromagnetic Pollution in Cancer Promotion
Exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) that include extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields, intermediate frequencies commonly referred to as dirty electricity, and both radio frequency and microwave wave radiation has been increasing. Epidemiological studies document an increased risk of cancer incidence and cancer deaths associated with cell phone use, Wi-Fi exposure, as well as living near broadcast antennas, cell phone antennas and power lines. Electromagnetic pollution at levels well below international guidelines has been shown to cause cancers (in vivo studies) and several plausible mechanisms (in vitro studies) have been identified that include, but are not limited to oxidative stress, altered calcium flux, and increased membrane permeability. Time is long overdue for the World Health Organization and governing bodies to establish guidelines that truly protect public health. Also, time it is for the medical community to incorporate strategies to deal with the harmful effects of electromagnetic pollution, as part of their medical protocol, and to teach about this concept at medical schools since our exposure is likely to continue to increase.
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Integrative Therapeutic Options for Treating Stage Four Breast Cancer
Traditional Western medicine treats breast cancer – the most commonly occurring cancer in women
with some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Few doctors’ council
their patients to use complementary modalities and some forbid their use. However, complementary
therapies in the form of agents or activities that minimize exposure to toxins, detoxify the body,
strengthen the immune system, increase cellular energy, promote circulation, reduce inflammation,
alleviate pain and create a hostile internal environment for the growth of cancerous cells without
damage to normal healthy cells have been shown to enhance survival and reduce morbidity of
cancer patients. Some of these complementary modalities are presented here as options for both
oncologists and patients to consider. -
Cancer Cell Proliferation is Inhibited by Specific Modulation Frequencies
There is clinical evidence that very low and safe levels of amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields administered via
an intrabuccal spoon-shaped probe may elicit therapeutic responses in patients with cancer. However, there is no known mechanism
explaining the anti-proliferative effect of very low intensity electromagnetic fields.
METHODS: To understand the mechanism of this novel approach, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells were exposed to 27.12 MHz
radiofrequency electromagnetic fields using in vitro exposure systems designed to replicate in vivo conditions. Cancer cells were
exposed to tumour-specific modulation frequencies, previously identified by biofeedback methods in patients with a diagnosis of
cancer. Control modulation frequencies consisted of randomly chosen modulation frequencies within the same 100 Hz – 21 kHz
range as cancer-specific frequencies.
RESULTS: The growth of HCC and breast cancer cells was significantly decreased by HCC-specific and breast cancer-specific
modulation frequencies, respectively. However, the same frequencies did not affect proliferation of nonmalignant hepatocytes
or breast epithelial cells. Inhibition of HCC cell proliferation was associated with downregulation of XCL2 and PLP2. Furthermore,
HCC-specific modulation frequencies disrupted the mitotic spindle.
CONCLUSION: These findings uncover a novel mechanism controlling the growth of cancer cells at specific modulation frequencies
without affecting normal tissues, which may have broad implications in oncology. -
Integrated Medicine to Improve the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients
The aim of integrated medicine is to treat patients in their entirety in order to enhance their physical, psychological, moral, and social wellbeing. It offers patients everything that the most advanced orthodox medicine has to offer, combined with the holistic perspective of complementary medicine. The result is a medicine focused on the individual, capable of reducing the side effects of therapies, and allowing patients to actively participate in their health process.
“Rational” medicine dates back to Hippocrates (IV century BC) and originated as holistic medicine. Hippocrates thought that treatment should be focused on the individual rather than the disease. This was in contrast with the rival Cnidus school, which adopted a reductionist conception similar to the contemporary medical approach. Volker Diehl was among the first in Europe to propose the term “integrated medicine”, and he explained in detail the reasoning and motivations that led him to embrace it in his review article (1). It should be remembered that Volker Diehl was one of the leading modern researchers into pathogenesis and the treatment of Hodgkin's disease.