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Alizadeh F, Saviz M, Khoraminia F, Talebipour A, Imani R, Shabani I. EMEMI: An interference-free mini-incubator with integrated electric and magnetic field exposure for real-time microscopic imaging of field effects. Bioelectromagnetics 2024; 45:33-47. [PMID: 37789661 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Uninterrupted microscopic observation and real-time imaging of cell behavior during exposure to the stimulus, for example, electric and/or magnetic fields, especially for periods of several days, has been a challenge in experimental bioelectromagnetics due to a lack of proper gas/temperature conditions outside the incubator. Conventional mini-incubators might suffer from stray fields produced by heating elements. We report an in vitro electric and magnetic fields (EMF) exposure system embedded inside a novel under-the-microscope mini-CO2 -incubator with a unique design to avoid electromagnetic interference from the heating and circulation functions while ensuring the requisite temperature. A unique, reconfigurable array of electrodes and/or coils excited by calculated current distributions among array elements is designed to provide excellent field uniformity and controllable linear or circular polarization (even at very low frequencies) of the EMF within the cell culture. Using standard biochemical assays, long-term cell viability has been verified and compared with a conventional incubator. Cell orientation/migration in three-dimensional culture made of collagen-hydrogels has been successfully observed in vitro, in long-term, and in real-time under the influence of DC electric fields with the device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Alizadeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Saviz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Khoraminia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Talebipour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Imani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Shabani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
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2
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Uzhytchak M, Smolková B, Frtús A, Stupakov A, Lunova M, Scollo F, Hof M, Jurkiewicz P, Sullivan GJ, Dejneka A, Lunov O. Sensitivity of endogenous autofluorescence in HeLa cells to the application of external magnetic fields. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10818. [PMID: 37402779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dramatically increased levels of electromagnetic radiation in the environment have raised concerns over the potential health hazards of electromagnetic fields. Various biological effects of magnetic fields have been proposed. Despite decades of intensive research, the molecular mechanisms procuring cellular responses remain largely unknown. The current literature is conflicting with regards to evidence that magnetic fields affect functionality directly at the cellular level. Therefore, a search for potential direct cellular effects of magnetic fields represents a cornerstone that may propose an explanation for potential health hazards associated with magnetic fields. It has been proposed that autofluorescence of HeLa cells is magnetic field sensitive, relying on single-cell imaging kinetic measurements. Here, we investigate the magnetic field sensitivity of an endogenous autofluorescence in HeLa cells. Under the experimental conditions used, magnetic field sensitivity of an endogenous autofluorescence was not observed in HeLa cells. We present a number of arguments indicating why this is the case in the analysis of magnetic field effects based on the imaging of cellular autofluorescence decay. Our work indicates that new methods are required to elucidate the effects of magnetic fields at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Uzhytchak
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Smolková
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Frtús
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Stupakov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Lunova
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague, 14021, Czech Republic
| | - Federica Scollo
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18223, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hof
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18223, Czech Republic
| | - Piotr Jurkiewicz
- J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18223, Czech Republic
| | - Gareth John Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, 18221, Czech Republic.
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3
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Zimmermann J, Sahm F, Arbeiter N, Bathel H, Song Z, Bader R, Jonitz-Heincke A, van Rienen U. Experimental and numerical methods to ensure comprehensible and replicable alternating current electrical stimulation experiments. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 151:108395. [PMID: 36773506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation has received increasing attention for decades for its application in regenerative medicine. Applications range from bone growth stimulation over cartilage regeneration to deep brain stimulation. Despite all research efforts, translation into clinical use has not yet been achieved in all fields. Recent critical assessments have identified limited documentation and monitoring of preclinical in vitro and in vivo experiments as possible reasons hampering clinical translation. In this work, we present experimental and numerical methods to determine the crucial quantities of electrical stimulation such as the electric field or current density. Knowing the stimulation quantities contributes to comprehending the biological response to electrical stimulation and to finally developing a reliable dose-response curve. To demonstrate the methods, we consider a direct contact electrical stimulation experiment that stands representative for a broad class of stimulation experiments. Electrochemical effects are addressed and methods to integrate them into numerical simulations are evaluated. A focus is laid on affordable lab equipment and reproducible open-source software solutions. Finally, clear guidelines to ensure replicability of electrical stimulation experiments are formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Zimmermann
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Franziska Sahm
- Department of Orthopaedics, Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nils Arbeiter
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Henning Bathel
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Zezhong Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rainer Bader
- Department of Orthopaedics, Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany; Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anika Jonitz-Heincke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Biomechanics and Implant Technology Research Laboratory, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
| | - Ursula van Rienen
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany; Department Life, Light & Matter, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany; Department of Ageing of Individuals and Society, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, D-18051 Rostock, Germany.
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Ronniger M, Aguida B, Stacke C, Chen Y, Ehnert S, Erdmann N, Eschenburg G, Falldorf K, Pooam M, Wing A, Ahmad M. A Novel Method to Achieve Precision and Reproducibility in Exposure Parameters for Low-Frequency Pulsed Magnetic Fields in Human Cell Cultures. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9100595. [PMID: 36290562 PMCID: PMC9598188 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9100595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure on living systems have been widely studied at the fundamental level and also claimed as beneficial for the treatment of diseases for over 50 years. However, the underlying mechanisms and cellular targets of ELF-MF exposure remain poorly understood and the field has been plagued with controversy stemming from an endemic lack of reproducibility of published findings. To address this problem, we here demonstrate a technically simple and reproducible EMF exposure protocol to achieve a standardized experimental approach which can be readily adopted in any lab. As an assay system, we chose a commercially available inflammatory model human cell line; its response to magnetic fields involves changes in gene expression which can be monitored by a simple colorimetric reporter gene assay. The cells were seeded and cultured in microplates and inserted into a custom-built, semi-automated incubation and exposure system which accurately controls the incubation (temperature, humidity, CO2) and magnetic-field exposure conditions. A specific alternating magnetic field (<1.0% spatial variance) including far-field reduction provided defined exposure conditions at the position of each well of the microplate. To avoid artifacts, all environmental and magnetic-field exposure parameters were logged in real time throughout the duration of the experiment. Under these extensively controlled conditions, the effect of the magnetic field on the cell cultures as assayed by the standardized operating procedure was highly reproducible between experiments. As we could fully define the characteristics (frequency, intensity, duration) of the pulsed magnetic field signals at the position of the sample well, we were, for the first time, able to accurately determine the effect of changing single ELF-MF parameters such as signal shape, frequency, intensity and duty cycle on the biological response. One signal in particular (10 Hz, 50% duty cycle, rectangular, bipolar, 39.6μT) provided a significant reduction in cytokine reporter gene expression by 37% in our model cell culture line. In sum, the accuracy, environmental control and data-logging capacity of the semi-automated exposure system should greatly facilitate research into fundamental cellular response mechanisms and achieve the consistency necessary to bring ELF-MF/PEMF research results into the scientific mainstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ronniger
- Sachtleben GmbH, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (M.A.); Tel.: +49-408-060-961-25 (M.R.); +33-014-427-2916 (M.A.)
| | - Blanche Aguida
- Photobiology Research Group, Sorbonne Université CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Yangmengfan Chen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Marootpong Pooam
- Siegfried Weller Institute for Trauma Research, Department of Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Tübingen, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Margaret Ahmad
- Photobiology Research Group, Sorbonne Université CNRS, 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (M.A.); Tel.: +49-408-060-961-25 (M.R.); +33-014-427-2916 (M.A.)
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Franczak A, Drzewiecka EM, Kozlowska W, Zmijewska A, Wydorski PJ, Koziorowska A. The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on synthesis and release of steroid hormones by the porcine conceptuses during the peri-implantation period. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:722-735. [PMID: 35491406 DOI: 10.1071/rd22040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Electrical devices and power systems are the sources of EM-waves which propagate everywhere in the environment. AIMS The study aimed to determine whether EMF induced changes in the steroidogenesis of conceptuses and whether progesterone (P4 ) may be a possible protectant against the effects of EMF radiation. METHODS The entire porcine conceptuses were collected during the peri-implantation period (days 15-16 of pregnancy), divided into fragments (100mg) and treated in vitro with EMF (50Hz or 120Hz, 2 or 4h exposure), and examined to determine of CYP17A1 , HSD3B1 , CYP19A3 , and HSD17B4 mRNA transcript and encoded protein abundance and the release of steroid hormones. Selected fragments of conceptuses were treated with P4 . KEY RESULTS In conceptuses incubated without P4 , EMF at 120Hz decreased androstenedione (A4 ) and testosterone (T) release after 2h and increased oestrone (E1 ) release at 50Hz and 120Hz after 4h exposure. In P4 -treated conceptuses, EMF (50 and 120Hz, 4h exposure) decreased CYP19A3 mRNA transcript abundance, and increased (120Hz, 2h exposure) oestradiol-17β (E2 ) release. CONCLUSIONS The EMF radiation alters androgen and oestrogen synthesis and release from the conceptuses of pigs during the peri-implantation period. The P4 exerts protective effects on androgens and E1 release but it sensitises the conceptuses when comes to the mechanism of oestrogen synthesis and release during EMF radiation. IMPLICATIONS The effect of EMF radiation on the steroidogenic pathway in conceptuses may induce disturbances in their proper development and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Franczak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Monika Drzewiecka
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Kozlowska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agata Zmijewska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Pawel Jozef Wydorski
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Koziorowska
- Institute of Materials Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Pigonia 1, 35-310 Rzeszow, Poland
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6
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Zimmermann J, Budde K, Arbeiter N, Molina F, Storch A, Uhrmacher AM, van Rienen U. Using a Digital Twin of an Electrical Stimulation Device to Monitor and Control the Electrical Stimulation of Cells in vitro. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:765516. [PMID: 34957068 PMCID: PMC8693021 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.765516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation for application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine has received increasing attention in recent years. A variety of stimulation methods, waveforms and amplitudes have been studied. However, a clear choice of optimal stimulation parameters is still not available and is complicated by ambiguous reporting standards. In order to understand underlying cellular mechanisms affected by the electrical stimulation, the knowledge of the actual prevailing field strength or current density is required. Here, we present a comprehensive digital representation, a digital twin, of a basic electrical stimulation device for the electrical stimulation of cells in vitro. The effect of electrochemical processes at the electrode surface was experimentally characterised and integrated into a numerical model of the electrical stimulation. Uncertainty quantification techniques were used to identify the influence of model uncertainties on relevant observables. Different stimulation protocols were compared and it was assessed if the information contained in the monitored stimulation pulses could be related to the stimulation model. We found that our approach permits to model and simulate the recorded rectangular waveforms such that local electric field strengths become accessible. Moreover, we could predict stimulation voltages and currents reliably. This enabled us to define a controlled stimulation setting and to identify significant temperature changes of the cell culture in the monitored voltage data. Eventually, we give an outlook on how the presented methods can be applied in more complex situations such as the stimulation of hydrogels or tissue in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Zimmermann
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Kai Budde
- Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Nils Arbeiter
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Francia Molina
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Storch
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Adelinde M Uhrmacher
- Institute for Visual and Analytic Computing, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ursula van Rienen
- Institute of General Electrical Engineering, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department Life, Light and Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.,Department Ageing of Individuals and Society, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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7
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Wood AW. Post-normal science and the management of uncertainty in bioelectromagnetic controversies. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:201-206. [PMID: 30615800 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W Wood
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.,Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research, Melbourne, Australia.,RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Smolková B, Uzhytchak M, Lynnyk A, Kubinová Š, Dejneka A, Lunov O. A Critical Review on Selected External Physical Cues and Modulation of Cell Behavior: Magnetic Nanoparticles, Non-thermal Plasma and Lasers. J Funct Biomater 2018; 10:jfb10010002. [PMID: 30586923 PMCID: PMC6463085 DOI: 10.3390/jfb10010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Physics-based biomedical approaches have proved their importance for the advancement of medical sciences and especially in medical diagnostics and treatments. Thus, the expectations regarding development of novel promising physics-based technologies and tools are very high. This review describes the latest research advances in biomedical applications of external physical cues. We overview three distinct topics: using high-gradient magnetic fields in nanoparticle-mediated cell responses; non-thermal plasma as a novel bactericidal agent; highlights in understanding of cellular mechanisms of laser irradiation. Furthermore, we summarize the progress, challenges and opportunities in those directions. We also discuss some of the fundamental physical principles involved in the application of each cue. Considerable technological success has been achieved in those fields. However, for the successful clinical translation we have to understand the limitations of technologies. Importantly, we identify the misconceptions pervasive in the discussed fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Smolková
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Mariia Uzhytchak
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Anna Lynnyk
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Šárka Kubinová
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 18221 Prague, Czech Republic.
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9
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Makinistian L, Muehsam DJ, Bersani F, Belyaev I. Some recommendations for experimental work in magnetobiology, revisited. Bioelectromagnetics 2018; 39:556-564. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Makinistian
- Department of Physics and Instituto de Física Aplicada (INFAP); Universidad Nacional de San Luis-CONICET; San Luis Argentina
- Department of Radiobiology; Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center; Slovak Academy of Science; Bratislava Slovakia
| | - David J. Muehsam
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Bologna Italy
| | - Ferdinando Bersani
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems; Bologna Italy
- DIFA Department of Physics and Astronomy; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Igor Belyaev
- Department of Radiobiology; Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center; Slovak Academy of Science; Bratislava Slovakia
- Laboratory of Radiobiology; Prokhorov General Physics Institute; Russian Academy of Science; Moscow Russia
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