Desarrollo de un sistema microfluidico (lab-on-a-chip) accesible y de bajo costo para detección de células tumorales circulantes de cáncer de mama / Development of an accessible and low-cost micro-fluidic system (lab-on-a-chip) for detecting circulating breast cancer tumor cells

RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar un sistema microfluídico (lab-on-a-chip) para la detección de células tumorales circulantes de cáncer de mama (CTCs). Materiales y métodos: se diseñó el dispositivo en 3D y se fabricó usando fotolitografía suave y una cortadora láser. Se evaluó el funcionamiento del sistema y del arreglo magnético usando células Jurkat y células de cáncer de mama que poseen diferente expresión de los marcadores superficiales CD45 y EpCAM. Los anticuerpos contra los marcadores fueron unidos a perlas magnéticas. Adicionalmente se usaron nanopartículas de hierro para evaluar su atrapamiento. Resultados: las nanopartículas lograron atraparse de manera significativa en el área propuesta por el modelamiento de campos magnéticos. Las células tumorales marcadas con los anticuerpos magnéticos quedaron atrapadas. Conclusiones: se logró fabricar un lab-on-a-chip capaz de atrapar CTCs generando una excelente herramienta de diagnóstico y de análisis de la progresión de la enfermedad.

ABSTRACT Objective. to develop a microfluidic system (lab-on-a-chip) for detecting circulating breast cancer tumor cells. Materials and methods . the device was designed using 3D technology, and it was manufactures using soft photolithography and a laser cutting machine. The system performance and its magnetic settings were assessed using Jurkat cells and breast cancer cells that show different expression of CD45 and EpCAM surface markers. Antibodies against these markers were bound to magnetic pellets. Additionally, iron nanoparticles were used for assessing their entrapment. Results . nanoparticles were significantly trapped in the area set by magnetic field modeling. Tumor cells labeled with magnetic antibodies became trapped. Conclusions . we were able to manufacture a lab-on-a-chip system that is capable to trap circulating breast cancer tumor cells, which may become an excellent tool for diagnosis and follow-up for this condition.

Clinical efficacy of magnetic compression anastomosis for congenital esophageal atresia and stenosis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of magnetic compression anastomosis for congenital esophageal atresia and stenosis.Methods The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted.The clinical data of 4 children who underwent magnetic compression anastomosis for congenital esophageal atresia and stenosis in the Northwest Women and Children's Hospital from December 2017 and February 2019 were collected.There were 2 males and 2 females.The children were aged 11 days,7 days,5 days,and 3 years,respectively.The children underwent magnetic compression anastomosis.Observation indicators:(1) surgical and postoperative situations;(2) follow-up.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect food intake and complications of children up to May 2019.Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD,and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range).Results (1) Surgical and postoperative situations:four children underwent magnetic compression anastomosis successfully.Of the 4 children,3 with esophageal atresia underwent open tracheoesophageal fistula repair and endoscopeassisted magnetic compression anastomosis,and 1 with congenital esophageal stenosis underwent endoscopic gastrostomy combined with magnetic compression anastomosis.The operation time of 4 children was (2.3±0.9) hours.The length of esophageal blind ending in the 3 children with esophageal atresia and length of esophageal stenosis were in the children with esophageal stenosis 30-35 mm and 8 mm.Four children has good magnet apposition,and time of postoperative magnet removal was (29± 10)days.Three children with esophageal atresia had oral removal of magnet,and 1 with esophageal stenosis had magnet removed by gastrostomy.One child complicated with postoperative fistula and anastomotic stenosis was cured by unobstructed drainage and nutritional support treatment.The duration of postoperative hospital stay was (39± 10)days.(2) Follow-up:4 patients were followed up for 3-17 months,with a median time of 10 months,and restored to oral intake after oral removal of magnet and removal of magnet by gastrostomy on the days 14-36 postoperatively.One child was detected anastomotic stenosis by esophagography at the postoperative 3 months,and was improved after esophageal dilatation.The other 3 children recovered to normal connectivity of esophagus postoperatively and maintain unobstructed.Four children had normal eating,without dysphagia or other serious complications.Conclusion Magnetic compression anastomosis is safe and feasible for congenital esophageal atresia and stenosis,with good short-term efficacy.

Properties of magnetic nanoparticles and its application in tumor magnetic targeting hyperthermia and challenges / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Magnetic nanoparticle application in the biological sciences and medicine get rapid development over the past decades.In the current cancer therapy,hyperthermia has become a new treatment method after surgical therapy,radiotherapy,chemotherapy and biological therapy.With the advent of magnetic nanoparticles,magnetic targeting hyperthermia has provided a new method for tumor hyperthermia,and has a broad development prospects.

Fístula intestinal após ingestão de magnetos / Intestinal fistula after magnets ingestion

Accidental ingestion of magnetic foreign bodies has become more common due to increased availability of objects and toys with magnetic elements. The majority of them traverse the gastrointestinal system spontaneously without complication. However, ingestion of multiple magnets may require surgical resolution. The case of an 18-month girl who developed an intestinal fistula after ingestion of two magnets is reported.

A ingestão acidental de corpo estranho magnético tem sido mais observada, devido à disponibilidade cada vez maior de brinquedos e objetos com imãs. A maioria deles é eliminada pelo trato digestivo espontaneamente. Porém, a ingestão de duas ou mais peças podem desencadear situações de resolução cirúrgica. Relatamos aqui o caso de uma menina de 18 meses que desenvolveu fístula intestinal após a ingestão de 2 peças imantadas.

Enhanced bone morphogenic protein adenoviral gene delivery to bone marrow stromal cells using magnetic nanoparticle

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the question of whether adenoviral magnetofection can be a suitable method for increasing the efficacy of gene delivery into bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) and for generation of a high level of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) secretion at a minimized viral titer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary BMSCs were isolated from C57BL6 mice and transduced with adenoviral vectors encoding beta galactosidase or BMP2 and BMP7. The level of BMP secretion, activity of osteoblast differentiation, and cell viability of magnetofection were measured and compared with those of the control group. RESULTS: The expression level of beta galactosidase showed that the cell transduction efficiency of AdLacZ increased according to the increased amount of magnetic nanoparticles. No change in cell viability was observed after magnetofection with 2 microL of magnetic nanoparticle. Secretion of BMP2 or BMP7 was accelerated after transduction of AdBMP2 and 7 with magnetofection. AdBMP2 adenoviral magnetofection resulted in up to 7.2-fold higher secretion of BMP2, compared with conventional AdBMP2-transduced BMSCs. Magnetofection also induced a dramatic increase in secretion of BMP7 by up to 10-fold compared to the control. Use of only 1 multiplicity of infection (moi) of magnetofection with adenoviral transduction of AdBMP2 or AdBMP7 resulted in significantly higher transgene expression compared to 20 moi of conventional adenoviral transduction. CONCLUSION: Magnetic particle-mediated gene transudation is a highly efficient method of gene delivery to BMSCs. Magnetofection can lower the amount of viral particles while improving the efficacy of gene delivery.

To establish a magnetic beads based nucleic acid extraction method and apply for quantitative detection of hepatitis B virus DNA / 中华检验医学杂志

ObjectiveTo facilitate the establishment of fully automatic clinical diagnostic nucleic acid assay,a study was carried out for developing a fast and convenient method of extracting highly purified viral nucleic acid from human blood with magnetic beads.Method Five KHB (Shanghai Kehua Biological Engineering Company Limited) internal strong positive HBV serum samples were used in the process,for the method development,screening and selecting the magnetic beads based on magnetism,suspension power and extraction effects of HBV DNA,the optimization of the selected key components of extraction reagents were performed,which including the quantity of magnetic beads( 1 - 1.75 μl/ml),the buffer pH of lysis (4 -9),washing conditions with or without alcohol,elution for proliferation with or without magnetic beads,and etc.The evaluation for the extraction method was carried out including linearity,precision,sensitivity,specificity,anti-interference and resistance to contamination.The magnetic beads method was compared with domestic mature boiling method in a quantitative test with 100 HBV serum samples,the magnetic beads method was also compared with the interntional Gold standard Roche COBAS Tagman test method ( Roche method) in a quantitative test with 50 HBV serum samples and the results were statistically compared for their linear regression.ResultsOptimization experiment result showed superparamagnetic beads A was the best among the candidates ( C,B,D) in terms of their physical properties and extraction effects of DNA.The optimum condition of the assay were as follow:magnetic beads best used at 1.25 μl/ml,buffer pH 7 - 8 of lysis,ethanol was eliminated from washing buffer,proliferation can be carried out with magnetic beads.The parallel comparison experiments with five KHB internal strong positive HBV serum sample and gradient diluted serum sample between beads method and boiling method were carried out.The results showed that the linear range of beads method was 4 × 101 -4 × 108 IU/ml and that of boiling method was 4 × 102 -4 × 108 IU/ml.The sensitivity for beads method was 30 IU/ml and that of boiling method was 100 IU/ml.The precision CV of beads method was 6.0％ and boiling method was 11.9％.The false positive rate was 0 for beads method vs 3.1％ for boiling method.The anti-interference ability experiment showed that when sample contained sodium heparin concentration exceed 62.5 U/ml, there was significant drop of HBV DNA detection with boiling method and no HBV DNA was detected when sodium heparin concentration in the sample reached 1000 U/ml.However,sample sodium heparin concentration had no effect on HBV DNA detection with beads method.The comparison study between beads method and boiling method was carried out by use of 100 clinical HBV positive serum samples.The result showed that the sensitivity for beads method was 86％ vs boiling method 74％.The correlation between the two method was R2 =0.948,P ＜ 0.05.The comparison study between beads method and Roche method was carried use of 50 clinical HBV DNA positive serum samples and the result showed that sensitivity for beads method was 95％ (49/50) vs Roche method was 100％ (50/50).The correlation was R2 =0.963,P ＜ 0.05.ConclusionsThe established method for automatic nucleic acid extraction with magnetic bead displayed characteristic of high yield nucleic acid extraction,broader testing range,accurate quantification and convenient in operation.This can be one choice for nucleic acid extraction and applicable for clinical automatic diagnostic system.( Chin J Lab Med,2012,35:843 -850 )

Magnetohyperthermia for treatment of gliomas: experimental and clinical studies / Magnetohipertermia para o tratamento de gliomas: estudos experimentais e clínicos

Gliomas comprise a group of heterogeneous primary tumors of the central nervous system that originate from glial cells. Malignant gliomas account for the majority of primary malignant CNS tumors and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Glioblastoma is the most frequent malignant glioma, and despite recent advances in diagnosis and new treatment options, its prognosis remains dismal. New opportunities for the development of effective therapies for malignant gliomas are urgently needed. Magnetohyperthermia consists of heat generation in the region of the tumor through the application of magnetic nanoparticles subjected to an alternating magnetic and has shown positive results in both preclinical and clinical assays. The aim of this review was to assess the relevance of hyperthermia induced by magnetic nanoparticles in treating gliomas and to describe possible variations of the technique and its implication in the effectiveness of treatment. An electronic search in the literature of articles published from January 1990 to November 2009 was performed, in databases ISI Web of Science and PubMed, and after screening according to the inclusion criteria, 11 articles were selected. Animal models showed that magnetohyperthermia was effective in promoting tumor cell death and reducing tumor mass or increasing survival of the animals. One clinical study demonstrated that magnetohyperthermia could be applied safely and with few adverse effects. Some studies suggested that mechanisms of cell death, such as apoptosis, necrosis, and antitumor immune response were triggered by magnetohyperthermia. Based on these data, it was concluded that the technique proved to be effective in most experiments, and improvement of the nanocomposites, as well as of the alternating magnetic equipment, can contribute towards establishing magnetohyperthermia as a promising tool to treat malignant gliomas.

Gliomas compõem um grupo de tumores primários heterogêneos do sistema nervoso central (SNC) derivados de células gliais. Gliomas malignos representam a maioria dos tumores primários malignos do SNC e estão associados a índices altos de morbidade e mortalidade. Glioblastoma é o glioma mais frequente e maligno e, apesar dos avanços recentes no diagnóstico e das novas opções de tratamento, seu prognóstico permanece obscuro. Novas oportunidades para o desenvolvimento de terapias efetivas para gliomas malignos são urgentemente necessárias. A magnetohipertermia, a qual consiste na geração de calor na região do tumor por meio da aplicação de nanopartículas magnéticas submetidas a um campo magnético alternado, tem apresentado resultados positivos em testes pré-clínicos e clínicos. O objetivo desta revisão foi verificar a relevância da hipertermia induzida por nanopartículas magnéticas no tratamento de gliomas e notar as possíveis variações da técnica e sua implicação na efetividade do tratamento. Realizamos uma busca eletrônica na literatura científica de publicações de Janeiro de 1990 a Novembro de 2009, nos bancos de dados ISI Web of Science e PubMed e, após a aplicação do critério de inclusão, obtivemos um total de 11 artigos. Estudos baseados em modelos animais demonstraram que a magnetohipertermia foi efetiva em promover a morte celular tumoral e reduzir a massa do tumor ou aumentar a sobrevida dos animais. Um estudo clínico mostrou que a magnetohipertermia pode ser aplicada seguramente e com poucos efeitos adversos. Alguns estudos sugerem que mecanismos de morte celular, tais como apoptose, necrose e resposta imune antitumoral foram desencadeadas por magnetohipertermia. Com base nesses dados podemos concluir que a magnetohipertermia foi efetiva na maioria dos experimentos e que o aperfeiçoamento dos nanocompostos, assim como dos equipamentos de campo magnético alternado, podem contribuir para o estabelecimento da magnetohipertermia como uma ferramenta promissora no tratamento dos gliomas malignos.

Thermo-chemotherapy effect of magnetic fluids combining with paclitaxel on human cervical cancer cells / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective To study the preparation method of magnetic fluids and its antitumor effect in combination with paclitaxel thermo-chemotherapy in vitro. Methods Magnetic fluids were prepared by copre-cipitation and modified by sodium oleate. Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy and other instruments were used to characterize the products. The heat effect was studied under ahemating magnetic field in vitro. MTT assay was performed to examine the effect of magnetic fluids in combination with pachtaxel thermo-chemotherapy of human cervical cancer cells Caski. Results The prepared magnetic fluids were global with a diameter of 20～30 nm,Zeta potential was -11 mVto -16 mV. They had distinct heat effect in a alterna-ting magnetic field and could rise to a temperature for tumor thermo-chemotherapy (41 ～ 46℃). Thermo-ehem-otherapy could significantly inhibit the proliferation and promote of the Caski cells, which were more distinct than the magnetic fluids hyperthermia and paclitaxel chemotherapy. Conclusion Magnetic fluids in combina-tion with paclitaxel thermo-chemotherapy has advantages of chemotherapy and hyperthermia. This treatment shows better effects on cell experiments than that of using paclitaxel chemotherapy alone and may provide a new way in clinical treatment for human cervical cancer.

Research status of magnetic nanoparticles mediated tumor MR imaging and hyperthermia / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Magnetic nanoparticles mediated hyperthermia, as a new kind of tumor therapy, promotes tumor hyperthermia to targered localization and precise control. In recent years, researchers stvdy deeply on surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles, combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as clinical application, at the same time, researchers find that superparamagnetic ferrite nanoparticles after obtai-ning water-soluble by surface modification, can be as the MR imaging agent. Magnetic nanoparticles both for tumor diagnosis and treatment, will further promote tumor therapy to a more safe and effective direction.

Low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the diagnosis and treatment of cranial dystonia / 中华神经科杂志

Objective To study the therapeutic effects of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)in cranial dystonia.Methods Twenty cranial dystoina patients were treated with low frequency rTMS.Their motor threshold,cortical silent period(CSP)were evaluated before and after the rTMS and after 1,2,6 months as well as the spares and Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale(TWSTRS)to evaluate the effects of rTMS in the treatment of cranial dvstonia.Results The patients scored(23.5±14.0)significantly lower after l and 2 months(17.6 ±14.3,18.5±14.2,t=2.632,2.149.both P<0.05).But there was an increasing tendeney of the score after 2 months.The 2-month efficient rate of low-frequency rTMS Was 60%(12/20),yet the long-term effect of rTMS was still to be studied.There was a very significant improvment of relaxed(46.5%±7.3%vs49.9%±9.2%,t=-3.235.P<0.05)and active threshold(40.2%±5.9%/)5 43.9%±8.8%,t=-2.339,P<0.05),prolongation of CSP((96.1±24.5)ms vs(121.6±27.7)ms,t=-7.223,P=0.000).Conclusion The low frequency rTMS is efficient to relieve the clinical symptoms of cranial dystonia.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Extracorporeal Magnetic Therapy on Low Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sexual Function in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To find whether extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMi) changes the low urinary tract symptoms and sexual function in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: ExMi treatment was performed in 51 patients, diagnosed as National Institute of Health (NIH) type III prostatitis, with each treatment session composed of 10 min at 40Hz, 2 min rest and 10 min at 50Hz. Both before and after the completion of 8 sessions of ExMi, self-administered NIH-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were completed to assess the changes in the patient's symptoms. RESULTS: Following the ExMi treatment, 25 of the 40 patients experienced a 30% or greater improvement of low urinary tract symptoms. The total NIH-CPSI scores ranged from 22.4 to 15.6 (p<0.05). Each domain of the NIH-CPSI was as follows: pain, from 9.0 to 6.2; urination, from 6.7 to 4.8 and effect on the quality of life, from 6.6 to 4.5, and 11 of the 26 patients experienced a 15% or greater improvement of their sexual function. The mean total IIEF scores ranged from 44.1+/-13.5 to 51.6+/-11.3 (p<0.05). Each domain of the IIEF was as follows: erectile function, from 19.5 7.0 to 21.7+/-5.6 (p<0.05); intercourse satisfaction, from 7.4+/-2.2 to 9.5+/-2.2 (p<0.05); orgasm function, from 6.5+/-2.2 to 6.6+/-2.6 (p=0.516); sexual desire, from 6.2+/-1.9 to 6.3+/-1.6 (p=0.294) and overall satisfaction from 5.4+/-1.5 to 7.3+/-1.3 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: result, ExMi was shown to reduce the lower urinary tract symptoms, and enhances the sexual function in CPPS, suggesting ExMi is effective and may help in the management of CPPS.

The Long Term Effect of Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation Therapy with Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise for Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) therapy has been known to be safe and immediately effective in stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, no long term follow-up results have been reported. Therefore; herein, are reported our results from a two year follow-up study on ExMI therapy, with pelvic floor muscle exercises, for SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group was comprised of 94 patients with SUI. ExMI therapy was performed for 20 minutes (10Hz and 50Hz for each 10 minutes), twice a week, for 6 weeks. Thereafter, 44 of the 94 patients underwent pelvic floor muscle exercises. Objective measures (quality-of-life surveys, pad changes, and leak episodes per day) were evaluated before, immediately after and 24 months after the ExMI therapy. RESULTS: After 6-week of ExMI therapy, the quality-of-life score improved from 5.1+/-0.9 to 1.8+/-1.1. The mean frequency of pad changes was reduced from 2.1+/-1.6 to 1.1+/-1.0. The mean frequency of leak episodes was also reduced from 2.8+/-1.8 to 1.7+/-1.5 times. After 24 months, the 44 patients having also undergone pelvic floor muscle exercise had persistent improvements in their leak episodes per day compared to the 50 patients that had not. CONCLUSIONS: When ExMI therapy was followed by pelvic floor muscle exercises, the favorable effect in leak episodes per day after ExMI therapy may persist for at least 24 months.

The Effect of Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation Therapy on Pain, Urination and Quality of Life in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome / 대한남성과학회지

PURPOSE: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome(CPPS) is the most common category of the chronic prostatitis. CPPS is a poorly defined, multifactorial condition characterized by pelvic pain and voiding symptoms. The effectiveness of extracorporeal magnetic innervation(ExMI) therapy was evaluated in patients with CPPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2003 to December 2004, 28 men who were diagnosed with CPPS who were refractory to medication underwent ExMI therapy for 2 visits weekly for 8 weeks. The patients completed the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index(NIH-CPSI) and a maximal flow rate index. RESULTS: Significant decreases occured in NIH-CPSI pain(9.7 to 8.3, p 0.05) score after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: ExMI therapy effectively improves the symptoms of CPPS. ExMI therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment in improving both the symptoms and the quality of life of men with CPPS refractory to conventional treatment. A larger controlled study is required to confirm these results.

Posterior Tibial Nerve Magnetic Stimulation in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of posterior tibial nerve magnetic stimulation (PTNS), using a newly developed magnetic arm stimulator, for the treatment of patients with neurogenic bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 patients with urgency, frequency and voiding difficulty symptoms of a neurogenic cause were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 19 and 6 had neurogenic detrusor overactivity and detrusor areflexia, respectively. The patients underwent a total of 16 PTNS sessions, twice a week, using an Arm type Magnetic Stimulator (BioCon 1000, Mcube, Korea). Subjective success was defined as the request to continue treatment, whereas objective success was defined as a significant reduction (>or=50%) in the total number of leakage episodes per 24 hours. RESULTS: 13 of the 16 patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (81.2%) reported subjective success, and 8 (50%) reported objective success. A statistically significant decrease in leakage episodes and voiding frequency (p<0.05), and an increase in the mean volume voided were observed (p<0.05). Statistically significant improvements were noted in quality of life score (p<0.05). In patients with detrusor areflexia, no significant improvements were observed in the frequency/volume chart data, quality of life scores or urodynamic data. No significant adverse events were noted in relation to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: PTNS can be considered to be a safe, non-invasive and effective treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

The Effect of Functional Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Patients with Overactive Bladder / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: There have only been a few reports concerning the treatment of choice for overactive bladder (OAB). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) in patients with an overactive bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the demonstrable overactive bladder patients, 21 were selected. They were classified into neuropathic and idiopathic OAB according to their etiology. Voiding diary, quality of life (QOL) questionnaire and urodynamic studies were evaluated before treatment. The treatment was performed for 20 minutes, 2 times a week, for 6 weeks. All of the evaluations were repeated immediately and 3 months after treatment. The treatment outcomes were evaluated for both the neuropathic and idiopathic groups. RESULTS: The overall mean age was 44.0+/-18.6 years. After 6 weeks of treatment, the mean frequency in the idiopathic group significantly decreased from 13.0+/-2.3 to 9.7+/-2.1 times (p<0.05). The mean urgency episodes in the neuropathic and idiopathic groups decreased from 11.3+/-7.5 and 4.5+/-5.8 times to 8.5+/-6.2 and 3.0+/-4.3 times, respectively. Significant improvements were noted in the frequency, mean voided volume, maximal voided volume and QOL in the idiopathic group, which were maintained for 3 months (p<0.05). There were improvements in the symptoms and QOL in the neuropathic group also, but these were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the FMS therapy has, at least, a short-term effect on idiopathic OAB. To our knowledge this is the first report on FMS therapy for neuropathic OAB. Although its acute effect on neuropathic OAB was minimal, there was some improvement in the QOL. Therefore, in our opinion, further studies are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of FMS therapy in patients with symptoms of OAB.

Comparison of Functional Magnetic Stimulation Therapy with Biofeedback in Patient with Female Urethral Syndrome / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) compared to biofeedback (BFB), with functional electrical stimulation (FES), in patients with recurrent or incurable female urethral syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty women with female urethral syndrome, based on the criteria of the NIADDK (the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases), and refractory to antibiotics therapy for more than two months, were consecutively assigned to one of the two treatment modalities. The BFB, with FES, group (32 patients) was treated with biofeedback and electrical stimulation. The FMS group (18 patients) received functional magnetic stimulation. Sessions of 30min were performed twice a week for 6 to 8 weeks. A detailed clinical evaluation and cystoscopy were performed prior to treatment. The results were determined by obtaining pre and post Bristol female lower tract symptoms questionnaires and from the subjective overall satisfaction. RESULTS: The irritative and obstructive voiding symptom scores improved markedly in both groups (p<0.05). The score for the quality of life decreased from 4.97+/-1.0 to 2.25+/-1.74 in the BFB with FES group, and from 4.96+/-1.64 to 2.89+/-2.32 in the FMS group. Improvements in the quality of life and pain relief were shown in both groups. 13 of the 32 patients (40.6%) in the BFB, with FES, group and 5 of the 18 patients (27.8%) in FMS group, were subjectively satisfied with their treatments. Minor complications, such as discomfort, unpleasantness and a vaginal itching sense, were note in 30% of the patients in the BFB, with FES, group only. CONCLUSIONS: FMS, compared to BFB, with FES, results in a lesser improvement of the symptom and subjective satisfaction of patients with recurrent or incurable female urethral syndrome, but may be an acceptable alternative to other more invasive treatment modalities.

Effect of Pelvic Floor Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on the Patient with Female Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Purpose: Pulsed magnetic technology has been developed for pelvic floor muscle strengthening in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This report includes a prospective multi-center study of pelvic floor magnetic stimulation (PMS) for SUI. Materials and Methods: Sixty-four women, with demonstrable SUI, were studied. Fifty-six completed the PMS therapy and were available for analyzed. Evaluations, both before and 6 weeks after treatment included bladder diaries, 1-hour pad weight test, perineometry and a quality-of-life survey. For the treatments the patients were seated, fully clothed, in a PMS system, with a magnetic field therapy head in the seat. The treatment sessions were for 20 minutes, twice a week, for 6 weeks. To compare the results, the patients were divided into pure SUI and mixed urinary incontinence groups. Results: Of the 56 patients, 13 were completely dry (23.2%). The mean weight of the used pad was reduced from 15.26 to 2g (p8 times/day) was also reduced from 10.55 to 8.14/day following the treatment (p<0.001). The pressure of the pelvic muscle contractions increased from 30.3 to 36.95cmH2O (p<0.001). Forty-five patients (80.35%) were satisfied with the results of the PMS. At the baseline, the number of incontinence episodes, weight of used pads and pressure of the pelvic muscle contractions were significantly higher in the mixed incontinence (n=17) than in the pure SUI (n=39) group. There were no differences in the treatment results between the pure SUI and mixed urinary incontinence groups. No adverse events were reported during the study period. Conclusions: PMS therapy is effective for both stress and mixed urinary incontinence. A longer follow-up will be required to determine how long the benefits of treatment last, and whether retreatment will be required.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Extracorporeal Magnetic Therapy in Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: A physical therapy, with extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMi) treatment, has recently substituted direct electrical stimulation for the treatment of many diseases. The efficacy of ExMi treatment was evaluated as a new therapeutic modality in chronic pelvic pain syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 30 patients, diagnosed as NIH type III prostatitis, the efficacy of an ExMi was evaluated. Each treatment session was composed of 10 min at 40Hz, 2 min rest and 10 min at 50Hz, with an on-off ratio of 5sec:5sec. Both before and after the completion of 8 sessions of ExMi treatment, self-administered (NIH-CPSI) questionnaire were recorded to assess the changes of patient's symptoms. Three months after treatment, any recurrence was evaluated in patients with symptom improvements of 30% or more by telephone interviews. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients and number of treatment sessions were 39.3 years and 10.5, respectively. Following the ExMi treatments, 20 of the 30 patients (66.7%) experienced a 30% or more improvement of their symptoms. The total NIH-CPSI score was significantly improved, from 23.7 to 15.2 (p<0.01). Each domain of the NIH-CPSI was improved as follows: pain, from 11.37 to 6.77; urination, from 5.03 to 3.27 and the effect on the QOL (quality of life), from 7.27 to 5.17. In responding patients, the improvement remained in 72% of the patients for 3 months after completion of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ExMi is an effective and useful tool in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients, ExMi treatment has advantages over other treatment options due to its easy, comfortable, non-invasive nature.

Effects of Functional Magnetic Stimulation Therapy on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sexual Function in Female Patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) therapy on the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) and sexual function in female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 39 sexually active women, with SUI treated by FMS therapy, were studied. Before treatment, female bladder questionnaires and a visual analog scale test (VAT) were used to acquire information relating to LUTS. Questions were asked about sexual function using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Treatments were performed for 20 minutes, twice a week, for 6 weeks. After treatment, the same questionnaires were repeated at 3, 6 and 12 months. The patients were divided into two groups: those with cured or improved SUI symptoms were defined as the success group, with the remainder defined as the failure group. The VAT scores of LUTSs, the domain scores and full scale scores of FSFI were analyzed. RESULTS: The success and failure groups comprised of 25 (64%) and 14 (36%) patients, respectively. In both groups, the frequency, urge incontinence and dysuria were improved. The VAT score for the overall satisfaction was significantly decreased in the success group only (p<0.05). In the success group, the domain score for 'satisfaction' in the FSFI was significantly increased (p<0.05). The full scale scores of the FSFI were significantly increased in the success group only (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results show that FMS therapy improves some LUTSs and sexual functions, with the correction of SUI symptom. Therefore, FMS therapy could be considered as a primary therapy in SUI women with LUTSs and sexual impairment.

Magnetocardiography in Coronary Artery Disease with Nonspecific Electrocardiographic Finding

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Magnetocardiography (MCG) is a noninvasive method for the registration of the magnetic component of electromagnetic fields in the heart that arise from electrical activity during the cardiac cycle. It has a theoretical advantage, over ECG, for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), mainly due to its higher sensitivity for local currents and better spatial resolution. However, its clinical value in the diagnosis of CAD, compared to other diagnostic tools, remains untested. The feasibility of MCG for detecting myocardial ischemia was studied. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety three patients (54 male, 39 female) with chest pain were enrolled in this study. Patients with a pacemaker or other metal implants, as well as those in unstable conditions, were excluded. Coronary angiography was performed on all the patients, following ECG and MCG measurements, on the same day. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed when intraluminal narrowing was greater than 70%. The ECG and MCG findings were compared to those of the coronary angiography, which was used as the gold standard. RESULTS: Forty two patients were diagnosed with CAD by the coronary angiography. The sensitivities and specificities of MCG and ECG for detecting a CAD were 76.2 and 47.1%, and 38.1 and 86.3%, respectively. Seventy patients showed non-diagnostic ECG for CAD. The sensitivity and specificity of MCG for detecting a CAD in this group of patients were 69.2 and 52.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MCG is a novel noninvasive technique for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, but further investigation for the optimization of the efficacy of this technology will be required.