The use of neodymium magnets in healthcare and their effects on health

Feasibility of a low-cost magnet tracking device in confirming nasogastric tube placement at point of care, a clinical trial

An affordable and reliable way of confirming the placement of nasogastric tube (NGT) at point-of-care is an unmet need. Using a novel algorithm and few sensors, we developed a low-cost magnet tracking device and showed its potential to localize the NGT preclinically. Here, we embark on a first-in-human trial. Six male and 4 female patients with NGT from the general ward of an urban hospital were recruited. We used the device to localize the NGT and compared that against chest X-ray (CXR). In 5 patients, with the sensors placed on the sternal angle, the trajectory of the NGT was reproduced by the tracking device. The tracked location of the NGT deviated from CXR by 0.55 to 1.63 cm, and a downward tracking range of 17 to 22 cm from the sternal angle was achieved. Placing the sensors on the xiphisternum, however, resulted in overt discordance between the device's localization and that on CXR. Short distance between the sternal angle and the xiphisternum, and lower body weight were observed in patients in whom tracking was feasible. Tracking was quick and well tolerated. No adverse event occurred. This device feasibly localized the NGT in 50% of patients when appropriately placed. Further refinement is anticipated.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05204901.

Pain in the penis due to attraction caused by neodymium magnets

Multiple neodymium magnets can pinch tissue and cause barotrauma. Be careful if the tissue of the penis or foreskin is pinched, as this may cause foreskin necrosis or damage to the urethra.

Novel Magnetic Composite Materials for Dental Structure Restoration Application

In general, magnetic nanoparticles are not often used in dental applications due to some limitations of these materials, such as aggregation problems and low mechanical and chemical resistance but also esthetic problems due to their black color. Our research presents the synthesis of novel magnetic dental composite materials based on magnetic nanoparticles, functionalized and properly coated to overcome the limitations of using magnetic nanoparticles in dental applications. The composites were prepared using a preparation flow containing several integrated reaction steps used previously sequentially. An adequate and deep characterization of dental magnetic composites has been carried out in order to demonstrate that each limitation has been successfully overcome. It was proved that each component brings particular benefits in dental interventions: Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles have biocompatible, non-toxic properties and also antimicrobial effects; the SiO₂ layer significantly increases the mechanical strength of the material; and the Ca(OH)₂ layer initiates local calcification and significantly improves the color of the dental composite material. Due to magnetic properties, an innovative application approach on the tooth surface can be achieved under an external magnetic field, which, compared to conventional methods, has a major impact on reducing the occurrence of dental caries under filling materials as well as on reducing microfractures.

Bioinorganic Preparation of Hydroxyapatite and Rare Earth Substituted Hydroxyapatite for Biomaterials Applications

Rare Earth elements in the lanthanide series are regarded as one of the finest options for the cationic substitution of calcium ions in hydroxyapatite (HA) because of their favorable impact on the biological characteristics of substituted HA. Neodymium and cerium were used to substitute 5% of calcium ions in HA, prepared via the wet precipitation method. Characterization tests for pure and substituted HA were conducted using XRD, FTIR, EDS, and FESEM. The results showed that changing part from calcium ions in hydroxyapatite to Nd and Ce ions altered its structure, composition, and morphology. Regarding the biological tests, the cytotoxicity test revealed a change in IC₅₀ for both normal and cancer cell lines, where substitution part of the Ca ions with rare Earth elements led to increasing antitumor activity in comparison with HA without substitution; in addition, antibacterial and fungicide activity was evident for both HA and Nd-Ce/HA, with a modest increase in antibacterial activity of Nd-Ce/HA against S. epidermidis and E. coli in comparison with HA. These findings may shed light on the process by which Nd and Ce ions improve the biological characteristics of pure HA and the increased potential of these bioceramics.

Possible Synergies of Nanomaterial-Assisted Tissue Regeneration in Plasma Medicine: Mechanisms and Safety Concerns

Cold atmospheric plasma and nanomedicine originally emerged as individual domains, but are increasingly applied in combination with each other. Most research is performed in the context of cancer treatment, with only little focus yet on the possible synergies. Many questions remain on the potential of this promising hybrid technology, particularly regarding regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In this perspective article, we therefore start from the fundamental mechanisms in the individual technologies, in order to envision possible synergies for wound healing and tissue recovery, as well as research strategies to discover and optimize them. Among these strategies, we demonstrate how cold plasmas and nanomaterials can enhance each other's strengths and overcome each other's limitations. The parallels with cancer research, biotechnology and plasma surface modification further serve as inspiration for the envisioned synergies in tissue regeneration. The discovery and optimization of synergies may also be realized based on a profound understanding of the underlying redox- and field-related biological processes. Finally, we emphasize the toxicity concerns in plasma and nanomedicine, which may be partly remediated by their combination, but also partly amplified. A widespread use of standardized protocols and materials is therefore strongly recommended, to ensure both a fast and safe clinical implementation.