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Abstract This paper describes the design and initial proof-of-concept of a single pre-clinical transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) system capable of performing histotripsy (mechanical ablation), hyperthermia, blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO), sonodynamic therapy, or neuromodulation in a murine brain. We have termed it the All-in-One FUS system for murine brain studies, which is the first FUS system of its kind. The 1.5 MHz ultrasound transducer was fabricated and driven using a custom electronic driver to produce 3-cycle pulses with a focal peak-negative pressure (P-) of up to 87 MPa at a low duty cycle (

Carbonaceous materials have gained significant attention in recent years for their various applications in the field of medicine and biotechnology. This comprehensive review explores the synthesis and characterization of carbon-based materials and their potentials in various medical applications. The paper delves into the methods of fabrication of carbon-based nanoparticles, such as carbon nanotubes, biochar, and graphene, while highlighting their unique properties. Characterization techniques, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and surface analysis, are discussed to provide insights into the chemical and structural properties of these materials. Furthermore, the review examined their wide-ranging medical applications, encompassing tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, and imaging, showcasing the versatility and promising contributions of carbonaceous materials in the healthcare industry. The review outlines the current challenges and prospects in the field, emphasizing the growing significance of carbon-based materials as valuable tools in advancing medical science and technology, as well as public health.

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the non-invasive radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFHT) device on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) rat model and investigate the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) normal control group, (2) CP/CPPS group, and (3) RFHT group. CP/CPPS rat models were induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone for 4 weeks and RFHT was administered for 5 weeks after model establishment. During RFHT administration, core body temperatures were continuously monitored with a rectal probe. After administering RFHT, we assessed pain index for all groups and collected prostate tissues for Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. We also collected adjacent organs to the prostate including urinary bladder, testes, and rectum for safety assessment via H&E staining along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Results: After administering RFHT, pain in rats was significantly alleviated compared to the CP/CPPS group. RFHT reduced high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression and improved inflammation by downregulating subsequent proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In prostate-adjacent organs, no significant histological alteration or inflammatory infiltration was detected. The area of cell death also did not increase significantly after RFHT. Conclusions: In conclusion, RFHT demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB pathway in CP/CPPS rat models. This suggests that RFHT could serve as a safe and promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.

Abstract First time compared the different metals doped ZnS nanoparticles for antibacterial and liver cancer cell line. In this study, copper, aluminum and nickel doped ZnS NPs were synthesized via co-precipitation method. The XRD analysis was confirmed the presence of cubic crystal structure and crystallite size decreased from 6 to 3 nm with doping elements. While as SEM micro-grains were revealed slightly irregular and agglomerated morphology with the presence of dopant elements. The presence of different dopant elements such as Cu, Al and Ni in ZnS NPs was identified via EDX analysis. The FTIR results demonstrate various vibrational stretching and bending modes attached to the surface of ZnS nanomaterials. After that the well diffusion method was used to conduct in-vitro bioassays for evaluation of antibacterial and anticancer activities against E.coli and B.cereus, as well as HepG2 liver cancer cell line. Our findings unveil exceptional results with maximum inhibition zone of approximately 9 to 23 mm observed against E.coli and 12 to 27 mm against B.cereus, respectively. In addition, the significant reduction in cell viability was achieved against the HepG2 liver cancer cell line. These favorable results highlight the potential of Ni doped ZnS NPs for various biomedical applications. In future, the doped ZnS nanomaterials will be suitable for hyperthermia therapy and wound healing process.

Abstract The primary purpose of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive medical therapy, is to precisely target and ablate tumors by focusing high-frequency ultrasound from an external power source. A series of ablations must be performed in order to treat a big volume of tumors, as a single ablation can only remove a small amount of tissue. To maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse side effects such as skin burns, preoperative treatment planning is essential in determining the focal site and sonication duration for each ablation. Here, we introduce a machine learning-based approach for designing HIFU treatment plans, which makes use of a map of the material characteristics unique to a patient alongside an accurate thermal simulation. A numerical model was employed to solve the governing equations of HIFU process and to simulate the HIFU absorption mechanism, including ensuing heat transfer process and the temperature rise during the sonication period. To validate the accuracy of this numerical model, a series of tests was conducted using ex vivo bovine liver. The findings indicate that the developed models properly represent the considerable variances observed in tumor geometrical shapes and proficiently generate well-defined closed treated regions based on imaging data. The proposed strategy facilitated the formulation of high-quality treatment plans, with an average tissue over- or under-treatment rate of less than 0.06%. The efficacy of the numerical model in accurately predicting the heating process of HIFU, when combined with machine learning techniques, was validated through quantitative comparison with experimental data. The proposed approach in cooperation with HIFU simulation holds the potential to enhance presurgical HIFU plan.

Background and Aim: Hypoxia is a common stressor during childbirth, while hyperthermia-induced seizures are prevalent in infancy and childhood. This study aims to investigate the impact of hypoxia induction at parturition on the severity of hyperthermia seizures, as well as cognition and motor coordination in rats. Methods: In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats were utilized. Four groups (7 rats each) included: control, hyperthermia (15 minutes of exposure to hot air at 41°C), hypoxia (7% oxygen and 93% nitrogen for 1 hour), and hypoxia combined with hyperthermia. We evaluated the number of tonic-clonic seizures and seizure threshold. Behavioral assessments in adult male offspring were conducted using new object recognition, open field, rotarod, inverted grid, and parallel bar tests. Results: In the hyperthermia + hypoxia group, the number of tonic-clonic seizures increased while the seizure threshold decreased (P < 0.05). Cognition in adult rats from the hypoxia + hyperthermia group was significantly impaired compared to the control group (P < 0.001). The distance traveled and speed in the open field (P

Abstract Birds maintain some of the highest body temperatures among endothermic animals. Often deemed a selective advantage for heat tolerance, high body temperatures also limits birds’ thermal safety margin before reaching lethal levels. Recent modelling suggests that sustained effort in Arctic birds might be restricted at mild air temperatures, which may require reductions in activity to avoid overheating, with expected negative impacts on reproductive performance. We measured within-individual changes in body temperature in calm birds and then in response to an experimental increase in activity in an outdoor captive population of Arctic, cold-specialised snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis), exposed to naturally varying air temperatures (− 15 to 36 °C). Calm buntings exhibited a modal body temperature range from 39.9 to 42.6 °C. However, we detected a significant increase in body temperature within minutes of shifting calm birds to active flight, with strong evidence for a positive effect of air temperature on body temperature (slope = 0.04 °C/ °C). Importantly, by an ambient temperature of 9 °C, flying buntings were already generating body temperatures ≥ 45 °C, approaching the upper thermal limits of organismal performance (45–47 °C). With known limited evaporative heat dissipation capacities in these birds, our results support the recent prediction that free-living buntings operating at maximal sustainable rates will increasingly need to rely on behavioural thermoregulatory strategies to regulate body temperature, to the detriment of nestling growth and survival.

Abstract Heat stress exposure in intermittent heat waves and subsequent exposure during war theaters pose a clinical challenge that can lead to multi-organ dysfunction and long-term complications in the elderly. Using an aged mouse model and high-throughput sequencing, this study investigated the molecular dynamics of the liver-brain connection during heat stress exposure. Distinctive gene expression patterns induced by periodic heat stress emerged in both brain and liver tissues. An altered transcriptome profile showed heat stress-induced altered acute phase response pathways, causing neural, hepatic, and systemic inflammation and impaired synaptic plasticity. Results also demonstrated that proinflammatory molecules such as S100B, IL-17, IL-33, and neurological disease signaling pathways were upregulated, while protective pathways like aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling were downregulated. In parallel, Rantes, IRF7, NOD1/2, TREM1, and hepatic injury signaling pathways were upregulated. Furthermore, current research identified Orosomucoid 2 (ORM2) in the liver as one of the mediators of the liver-brain axis due to heat exposure. In conclusion, the transcriptome profiling in elderly heat-stressed mice revealed a coordinated network of liver-brain axis pathways with increased hepatic ORM2 secretion, possibly due to gut inflammation and dysbiosis. The above secretion of ORM2 may impact the brain through a leaky blood–brain barrier, thus emphasizing intricate multi-organ crosstalk.

Abstract It is well known that hyperthermia greatly impairs neuromuscular function and dynamic balance. However, whether a greater level of hyperthermia could potentially alter the lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle in female participants remains unknown. Therefore we examined the effect of a systematic increase in oral temperature on lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle in female participants. Eighteen female participants were recruited where they underwent a control trial (Con) and two progressive passive heating trials with Δ 1°C and Δ 2°C increase of oral temperature (Toral) using a 45°C water bath. In each trial, we assessed lower limb simulated muscle activation when crossing an obstacle height of 10%, 20%, and 30% of the participant’s leg length and toe-off, toe-above-obstacle and heel-strike events were identified and analyzed. In all events, the lower limb simulated muscle activation were greater in Δ2°C than Δ1°C and Con when both leading and trailing limbs crossed the obstacle height of 20% and 30% leg length (all p 0.05). This study concluded that a greater level of hyperthermia resulted in a greater lower limb simulated muscle activation to ensure safety and stability when females cross an obstacle height of 20% leg length or higher.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have made magnetic fluid hyperthermia a potential therapeutic platform for cancer treatment. Magnetic fluid hyperthermia can be used alone or in combination with other conventional therapeutic methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc. In order to accurately control the temperature of cancerous tissue and prevent cell necrosis, it is necessary to identify and optimize the factors affecting the magnetic losses of nanoparticles. The type of nanoparticles, the size and shape of the particles, the type of solution used for dispersion, etc. are some of the factors that affect the rate of heat loss under alternating magnetic fields. In this review, the effect of various factors on the rate of heat generation has been briefly reviewed. Also, smart drug delivery systems based on drug release during temperature increase due to magnetic losses were investigated.

Abstract This study involves the development of a new nanocomposite material for use in biological applications. The nanocomposite was based on tragacanth hydrogel (TG), which was formed through cross-linking of Ca2+ ions with TG polymer chains. The utilization of TG hydrogel and silk fibroin as natural compounds has enhanced the biocompatibility, biodegradability, adhesion, and cell growth properties of the nanobiocomposite. This advancement makes the nanobiocomposite suitable for various biological applications, including drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Additionally, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in situ within the nanocomposite to enhance its hyperthermia efficiency. The presence of hydrophilic groups in all components of the nanobiocomposite allowed for good dispersion in water, which is an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of hyperthermia cancer therapy. Hemolysis and 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nanobiocomposite for in-vivo applications. Results showed that even at high concentrations, the nanobiocomposite had minimal hemolytic effects. Finally, the hyperthermia application of the hybrid scaffold was evaluated, with a maximum SAR value of 41.2 W/g measured in the first interval.

We report a subcutaneous mastocytoma in a mid-aged Italian greyhound dog with a small 41 bp genomic deletion of the c-kit gene leading to skipping of the authentic 3′-splice junction of intron 10. The shift to an alternative splice junction in exon 11 leads to a mis-spliced in-frame mRNA transcript with a 27 bp deletion of exon 11 coding for 9 amino acids in the juxtamembrane negative regulatory domain of c-kit tyrosine kinase. In the tumor, c-kit was activated as revealed by more pronounced c-kit-regulated signaling by the PI3K/Akt and G-coupled receptor pathways. The same 9 amino acids deletion was reported in several human gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) pointing to a remarkable similarity of c-kit activation by small deletions and aberrant splicing in humans and dogs, independent of exact sequence context, tumor type and location. Interestingly, the alternative splice junction in exon 11 has been conserved in Primates but less in other Orders with increased body temperature such as ruminants. We hypothesize that elevated body temperature has acted as evolutionary pressure to eliminate the alternative splice site at this hotspot. At a molecular level, hyperthermia may increase the frequency of small deletions in the c-kit gene by facilitating base slipping or hindering repair. An RT-qPCR assay was developed to detect c-kit alternative splicing in tumors and cell lines exposed to hyperthermia. The molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis are discussed.

Background: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of deep local hyperthermia on oxygen (O2) saturation and infected volumes of lungs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients who suffered from COVID-19 (according to their computed tomography (CT) images and laboratory findings) were included in this study. The mentioned patients were divided into two groups (I and II) with thirty-five participants. The infected volumes and COVID-19 infectious locations were diagnosed using their CT images, and deep local hyperthermia was performed for group II. After three consequent days, the SPO2, D-dimer, and infected volumes of lung parenchyma of both groups were compared to each other. Results: For group II, the mean ± SD (standard deviation) of O2 pressure saturation (SPO2) before/after hyperthermia was 85 ± 0.0/91.3 ± 0.5, respectively, while for group I, the mean ± SD of SPO2 before/after 3 days was 85 ± 0.0/88 ± 0.2, respectively. For infected volumes of lungs before/after hyperthermia in group II, the mean ± SD was 31.36 ± 3.13/4 ± 1.53, respectively. Nonetheless, the infected volumes of lungs for group I were 34.21 ± 3.41/10 ± 2.12 before/after three days. For group II, the amount of D-dimer before/after hyperthermia was 3200 ± 106/510 ± 121, respectively. However, for group I, it was 3100/740 before/after the consequent three days, respectively. Conclusion: Deep local lung hyperthermia for COVID-19 cancer patients is suggested, as a result of its positive impacts on SPO2 improvement and also D-dimer serum level, C-reactive protein, and Lactate dehydrogenaze reduction for the mentioned patients.

Objective(s): Febrile seizures (FS) are the most common neurological disorder at a young age in humans. Animal models of hyperthermia-induced seizures provide a tool to investigate the underlying mechanisms of FS related to epilepsy development and its co-morbidities. The present study investigates the alterations in monoamine neurotransmitters in two brain areas: the cortex and the hippo-campus in animals subjected to prolonged FS at their immature age. Materials and Methods: Experimental animals were divided into three groups: cage-control group (NHT-NFS), positive hyperthermic control group (HT-NFS), and the hyperthermia-induced febrile seizure group (HT-FS). Each group was further subdivided into young (Y) and adult (A) groups. Results: There were significant changes in the cortical and hippocampal serotonin neurotransmitters that were persistent until adulthood. However, the changes in the two other neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, were transient and have been recovered in adulthood. Conclusion: The present study sheds more light on the importance of monoamine neurotransmitters in epileptogenesis following FS.

Morphologic changes in organs vary from nonspecific to specific ones, depending on causes of sudden death, e.i whether it is an acute, subacute or chronic event. The aim of this pilot study was to observe the appearance and occurrence of morphological characteristics on organs that were exposed to long-term effects of hyperthermia. A sample of 7 rats was exposed to a water temperature of 41 °C, which is defined in the literature as “heat stroke temperature”, both sexes, weighing 250 to 300 g were used. Tissue samples, obtained by dissection of rats, were fixed in 10% buffered neutral formalin, at room temperature, then incorporated into paraffin blocks, cut at 4-5 microns, mounted and stained with standard hematoxylin-eosin (HE) method. In order to prove/exclude lipid and glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes we did additional histochemical staining, using Sudan black and Periodic Acid Shiff (PAS) method, respectively. We obtained samples from kidney, liver, pancreas, spleen, lung and brain. Analyzing tissue samples of different organs obtained from seven Wistar rats, we gained insight into morphological changes caused by induced hyperthermia. All sampled organs showed congestion and some degree of oedema. The most prominent changes were observed in liver and lung samples. Tissue samples of the lung of all seven rats showed signs of acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, together with signs of initial bronchopneumonia. We also noticed signs of focal acute emphysema as well as focal accumulations of foamy macrophages. Our study suggests that changes in the vascular bed occur soon after hyperthermia and while some organs are more tolerant to heat stroke than others, most organs show similar changes consisting of capillary dilation, congestion and interstitial extravasation, observed after 30 minutes at a temperature of 40.5 °C, with the most significant changes observed in liver and lung samples.

Sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) accounts for up to 20 % of all injuries that are obtained by athletes and its incidence rises annually due to rise in population involving in sports, growing popularity of extreme sports and high level of motivation to achieve record results among young sportsmen. The aim of the review is to present the potential benefits of using microwave radiothermometry and craniocerebral hypothermia technologies in sports-related TBI. The review considers most common form of traumatic brain injury in athletes - mild TBI, which in turn can provoke a wide range of complications and negative consequences in near and delayed periods after the injury. The main shortcomings of programs for complication prevention in treatment and rehabilitation of athletes after TBI are considered, which do not take into account the peculiarities of injury mechanisms, its significant differences from household, road or criminal injuries with brain damage. Lack of objective methods of instrumental diagnosis for injury severity is also described. In addition, pathophysiological component characteristics of sports TBI is accentuated: frequency of repetition, increasement of brain and body temperature, peripheral redistribution of blood flow and hypocapnia, which significantly affects cerebral blood flow. Based on the analysis of the available scientific literature, it is elicited that TBI is an independent cause of cerebral hyperthermia development, which significantly aggravates the consequences of the injury. Conclusions. The authors propose an innovative way to use microwave radiothermometry method as a diagnostic tool for sports-related TBI. In addition, the review highlights the main recommendations for complications prevention by using craniocerebral hypothermia technology, which reduces overall physical and cerebral hyperthermia, and augments the resistance of cerebral cortex neurons to hypoxia and trauma. However, the authors believe that the described approaches in sports medicine are not used purposefully due to lack of awareness of sports team doctors and coaches.

Abstracts: Tumor immunotherapy represents an intricate approach to combat tumors by modifying the immune microenvironment within the body. Nevertheless, the limited success rate and potential induction of systemic toxic reactions associated with immunotherapy introduce uncertainty regarding its therapeutic effectiveness. Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit multifaceted applications as therapeutic and diagnostic tools, enabling precise delivery of various immunotherapeutic agents and monitoring of tissue cellular responses. These capabilities facilitate the dynamic assessment of factors influencing immune activity, thereby optimizing future treatment strategies. The utilization of multimodal anti-tumor therapies has paved the way for the induction of potent immune responses, while simultaneously minimizing adverse effects and facilitating the monitoring of immune activities.This review aims to provide an overview of this emerging field and highlight new technologies for next-generation immunotherapy. The current therapeutic approaches are introduced, and the mechanism of action of nanomaterials in combination with thermotherapy to stimulate systemic immune responses is explored. Furthermore, recent advancements in synergistic immunotherapy involving photothermal therapy (PPT) and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) for tumor treatment are highlighted, summarized, and extensively discussed.

Simple Summary: Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor survival, despite advances in anti-cancer treatment. Most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, so the treatment goal is prolongation of survival and maintenance of quality of life instead of cure. In this context, integrative therapeutic approaches have become increasingly important in recent years. Integrative therapies are usually not used alone but complementary to conventional treatment to optimize its effect. Positive effects have been described for symptom alleviation, e.g., pain and quality of life improvement by the additional use of integrative therapies. However, the available data are not sufficient for a conclusive assessment regarding a possible influence on survival. The present work sought to describe the outcome of patients with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer not amenable to curative treatment, who received either conventional therapy or additional complementary integrative mistletoe and/or hyperthermia. This retrospective analysis investigated the influence of integrative therapies in addition to palliative chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, treated at a single institution specialized in integrative oncology between January 2015 and December 2019. In total, 206 consecutive patients were included in the study, whereof 142 patients (68.9%) received palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel 33.8%; FOLFIRINOX 35.9%; gemcitabine 30.3%) while the remainder were treated with best supportive and integrative care. Integrative therapies were used in 117 of 142 patients (82.4%) in addition to conventional chemotherapy, whereby mistletoe was used in 117 patients (82.4%) and hyperthermia in 74 patients (52.1%). A total of 107/142 patients (86.3%) died during the observation period, whereby survival times differed significantly depending on the additional use of integrative mistletoe or hyperthermia: chemotherapy alone 8.6 months (95% CI 4.7–15.4), chemotherapy and only mistletoe therapy 11.2 months (95% CI 7.1–14.2), or a combination of chemotherapy with mistletoe and hyperthermia 18.9 months (95% CI 15.2–24.5). While the survival times observed for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy alone are consistent with pivotal phase-III studies and German registry data, we found significantly improved survival using additional mistletoe and/or hyperthermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major contributor to bacterial infections on medical implants, currently treated by surgical removal of the device and the surrounding infected tissue at considerable morbidity and expense. In situ hyperthermia is being investigated as a non-invasive means of mitigating these bacterial biofilm infections, but minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue requires augmenting the thermal shock with other approaches such as antibiotics and discerning the minimum shock required to eliminate the biofilm. S. epidermidis biofilms were systematically shocked at a variety of temperatures (50–80 °C) and durations (1–10 min) to characterize their thermal susceptibility and compare it to other common nosocomial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Biofilms were also exposed to three classes of antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tobramycin and erythromycin) separately at concentrations ranging from 0 to 128 μg mL−1 to evaluate their impact on the efficacy of thermal shock and the subsequent potential regrowth of the biofilm. S. epidermidis biofilms were shown to be more thermally susceptible to hyperthermia than other common bacterial pathogens. All three antibiotics substantially decreased the duration and/or temperature needed to eliminate the biofilms, though this augmentation did not meet the criteria of synergism immediately following thermal shock. Subsequent reincubation, however, revealed strong synergism on a longer timescale.

The PEG-coated ferrite nanoparticles Co0.2Mn0.6Zn0.2Fe2O4 (X1), Co0.4Mn0.4Zn0.2Fe2O4 (X2), and Co0.6Mn0.2Zn0.2Fe2O4 (X3) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, Raman, VSM, XPS, and TEM. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency (MH) was determined for PEG-coated nanoparticles using an alternating magnetic field (AMF). X2 nanoparticles displayed the highest saturation magnetization and specific absorption rate (SAR) value of 245.2 W/g for 2 mg/mL in a water medium. Based on these properties, X2 nanoparticles were further evaluated for antiproliferative activity against HCT116 cells at an AMF of 495.25 kHz frequency and 350 G strength, using MTT, colony formation, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry analysis for determining the cell viability, clonogenic property, cell migration ability, and cell death of HCT116 cells upon AMF treatment in HCT116 cells, respectively. We observed a significant inhibition of cell viability (2% for untreated control vs. 50% for AMF), colony-forming ability (530 cells/colony for untreated control vs. 220 cells/colony for AMF), abrogation of cell migration (100% wound closure for untreated control vs. 5% wound closure for AMF), and induction of apoptosis-mediated cell death (7.5% for untreated control vs. 24.7% for AMF) of HCT116 cells with respect to untreated control cells after AMF treatment. Collectively, these results demonstrated that the PEG-coated (CoMnZn-Fe2O4) mixed ferrite nanoparticles upon treatment with AMF induced a significant antiproliferative effect on HCT116 cells compared with the untreated cells, indicating the promising antiproliferative potential of the Co0.4Mn0.4Zn0.2Fe2O4 nanoparticles for targeting colorectal cancer cells. Additionally, these results provide appealing evidence that ferrite-based nanoparticles using MH could act as potential anticancer agents and need further evaluation in preclinical models in future studies against colorectal and other cancers.

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) is a re-emerging treatment modality for brain tumors where magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are locally delivered to the brain and then activated with an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) to generate localized heat at a site of interest. Due to the recent advancements in technology and theory surrounding the intervention, clinical and pre-clinical trials have demonstrated that MHT may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of brain tumors. The future clinical success of MHT relies heavily on designing MNPs optimized for both heating and imaging, developing reliable methods for the local delivery of MNPs, and designing AMF systems with integrated magnetic particle imaging (MPI) for use in humans. However, despite the progression of technological development, the clinical progress of MHT has been underwhelming. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art of MHT and offers insight into the current barriers and potential solutions for moving MHT forward.

Cancer is a complex disease in which certain cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Although there have been advances observed in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, many studies are conducted to eliminate the side effects that occur during treatment. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of great interest in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment due to their magnetic features, biocompatibility, and stability. These features allow them to be used as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as a therapeutic system with a drug release system and hyperthermia. MNP-based imaging, drug release systems, and hyperthermia treatments have been studied by researchers and reported to be promising for the treatment of various types of cancer. Although the clinical applications of MNPs for cancer treatment are still controversial, researchers think that MNPs will play an important role in meeting health needs in the future. In this review, we present advances in in-vitro and in-vivo research for diagnosis and treatment, besides an overview of the basic technical principles of MNPs. [Med-Science 2022; 11(2.000): 934-41]

Background: To investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFH)-enhanced direct chemotherapy of pancreatic cancers. Method: Rat ductal PaCa cell line DSL-6A/C1 and orthotopic pancreatic cancers of Lewis rats were divided into four study groups with various treatments: i) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) as a control; ii) RFH alone; iii) intratumoral chemotherapy alone (gemcitabine); and (iv) combination therapy of gemcitabine plus intratumoral RFH at 42 ​°C for 30 ​min. In the in-vitro confirmation experiments, the viability and apoptosis of DSL-6A/C1 cells in each treatment group were evaluated using cell live/dead staining, flow cytometry, and Western blot. In the in vivo validation experiments, related proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of tumors. Results: Of the in-vitro experiments, the lowest cell viability and more apoptotic cells were shown in the group with combination therapy compared to other treatments. Western blot data showed elevated Bax/Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and HSP70 expressions in DSL cells with combination therapy, compared to other treatments. Of the in vivo experiments, IHC staining detected the significantly increased expressions of HSP70, IL-1β, TNF-ɑ, Bax, and Caspase-3 in pancreatic cancer tissues of the animal group treated by combination therapy of gemcitabine with RFH. Conclusion: Molecular imaging-guided interventional RFH can significantly enhance the chemotherapeutic effect on pancreatic cancers via potential molecular mechanisms of up-regulating Bax/caspase-3-dependent apoptosis pathways.

Abstract Background Psychological stress has been reported to cause hyperthermia. Persistent excessive hyperthermia can, in turn, cause hypercytokinemia and organ damage. We report a case of postoperative severe hyperthermia leading to a systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ failure in a child with Down syndrome. Case presentation A 10-month-old native Japanese boy with Down syndrome and Hirschsprung’s disease is described. Newborn screening showed congenital hypothyroidism and a ventricular septal defect, but these conditions were stable upon administration of levothyroxine and furosemide. His development was equivalent to that of a child with Down syndrome. He developed a noninfectious high fever twice after preoperative preparations at age 8 months and again at 9 months. He was readmitted to hospital at age 10 months to undergo the Soave procedure to correct Hirschsprung’s disease. However, he contracted a fever immediately after the surgical procedure. Hyperthermia (42 °C) was refractory to acetaminophen treatment and deteriorated to multiple organ failure due to hypercytokinemia, with increased serum levels of interleukin-6 (44.6 pg/mL) and interleukin-10 (1010 pg/mL). He died on postoperative day 2 with hypoxemia, respiratory/metabolic acidosis, increased serum levels of transaminases, reduced coagulation, and pancytopenia. Various infectious and noninfectious causes of hyperthermia could not be identified clearly by culture or blood tests. Conclusions We speculated that the proximate cause of the fever was psychological stress, because he suffered repeated episodes of hyperthermia after the invasive procedure. Hyperthermia, together with the immune-system disorders associated with Down syndrome, may have induced hypercytokinemia and multiple organ failure. This rare case of noninfectious postoperative hyperthermia leading to multiple organ failure may help to shed further light on the currently unclear pathogenic mechanism of hyperthermia and associated multiple organ failure during the perioperative period in children.

Lipoxygenase cascade is a source of physiologically active compounds, the presence of which is considered not only as a sign of damage but also as a trigger of adaptive responses to stress. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of short-term (2 h) heat (40°C) and cold (4°C) temperature stress and moderate soil drought on lipoxygenase (LOX) activity in 14-day-old winter rye (Secale cereale L. ‘Boguslavka’) plants. The shoots were found to have both membrane-bound 9-LOX1 and 9-LOX2 and soluble 13-LOX activity, the roots – membrane-bound 9-LOX activity. After heat stress, the activity of 9-LOX1 and 9-LOX2 in the shoots increased by 3 and 2 times, respectively, the activity of 9-LOX in the roots – by 2 times, and 13-LOX activity in the shoots decreased by 1.5 times. After the cold stress, the activity of 9-LOX1 and 9-LOX2 in the shoots raised by almost 1.5 times, the activity of 9-LOX in the roots – by 1.2 times. Moderate soil drought caused enhancement in the activity of both membrane-bound isoforms of 9-LOX in the shoots by 1.5–2 times and in the roots – by 3 times. The established fluctuations indicate that molecular forms of LOX with different localization are differentially involved in the winter rye response to temperature stress and moderate soil drought.

A newly introduced combination of intraperitoneal dehydration and hyperthermia has recently been shown to be feasible and cytotoxic for colon cancer cells in vivo. For the first time, our study now aims to evaluate dehydration under hyperthermic conditions combined with chemotherapy for potential use in the clinical setting. In this study, in vitro colon cancer cells (HT-29) were subjected to single or several cycles of partial dehydration under hyperthermic conditions (45 °C), followed by chemotherapy (triple exposure) with oxaliplatin or doxorubicin in various configurations. The viability, cytotoxicity, and proliferation of cells after the proposed protocols were assessed. Intracellular doxorubicin uptake was measured via flow cytometry. After one cycle of triple exposure, the viability of HT-29 cells was significantly reduced versus the untreated control (65.11 ± 5%, p < 0.0001) and versus only chemotherapy (61.2 ± 7%, p < 0.0001). An increased chemotherapeutic inflow into the cells after triple exposure was detected (53.4 ± 11%) when compared to cells treated with chemotherapy alone (34.23 ± 10%) (p < 0.001). Partial dehydration in a hyperthermic condition combined with chemotherapy increases the overall cytotoxicity of colon cancer cells significantly compared to chemotherapy alone. This could possibly be related to enhanced intracellular uptake of chemotherapeutic agents after partial dehydration. Further studies are required for the further evaluation of this new concept.

3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine (MDMA), also known as “ecstasy”, “tulips”, or “Molly”, is an increasingly used “recreational drug” particularly among teenagers and young adults along with the widespread conviction that MDMA is a “safe drug”. The reason for this substance being abused is a desire for closeness to other people, develop a greater tolerance of their views and feelings, and even to touch them physically. According to these effects MDMA is classified also as an “empatogenic” or “entactogenic”. Although MDMA is used for the above-mentioned socially acceptable purposes, in many individuals the drug usage is followed with side-effects varying from mild to severe, potentially even life-threatening. One of the most significant complication of MDMA intoxication is hyper-thermia in the consumer. Authors presented a case of MDMA toxicity with severe hyperthermia (42 ºC) with a fatal outcome to the ecstasy-influenced subject. The aim of this article is to describe the effects of ecstasy, the “recreational drug” widely used in local pubs, dance clubs, and during open air festivals, even in the Slovak Republic.

Background & Aims: Animal models provide crucial tools to study epilepsy which is one of the most common neurological disorder. Experimental models are valid and essential to discover new antiepileptic drugs as well as to elucidate circuitry dysfunction of disease. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the prominent used methods for induction experimental seizures and epilepsy induced by electrical, chemoconvulsants, traumatic brain injury, acoustic stimulation as well as hyperthermia and hypoxia condition. Material and Methods: In this review data were collected through searching electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar for several methods of induction seizure and epilepsy in experimental animals. Results: The maximal electroshock (MES), pentylentetrazole (PTZ), and 6-Hz seizure models are three simple seizure models for inducing acute seizure in intact animal. The pilocarpine, kainic acid, antibiotics, metals and organophosphorus compounds have epileptogenic potency for inducing motor seizures. The most common type of chronic models of epilepsy are electrical kindling, PTZ-induced kindling and transgenic models. Pharmacoresistance models include the phenytoin- or lamotrigine-pretreated kindled rats model, the 6-Hz mouse model, pentylentetrazole induced seizures in rats pre-exposed to pilocarpine and intrauterine exposure of rats to methylazoxymethanol. Lastly, Posttraumatic epilepsy, audiogenic seizures, hyperthermia and neonatal hypoxia model as well as in vitro models are used to induce and study seizures. Conclusion: Epilepsy and seizure in experimental animals can be modeled by several factors include acute and chronic stimulation, mechanical insults and changing environmental conditions in both forms in vivo and vitro.

Plant adaptation to climate conditions of certain territories has emerged within the course of evolution, shows at all organizational levels from morphological-anatomical to biochemical and is embedded into the plant genes. Survival of plants in such conditions as rapid temperature drops and rises in the range of 20 °C or more depends on their biochemical defense system’s ability to quickly respond to such stress, as well as on the plant’s structural features. Therefore, our goal was to analyze changes of biochemical parameters under conditions of abrupt hyperthermia in four species of Crassula Linne genus and to establish the connection between their anatomical and morphological features and the peculiarities of the biochemical reactions. Plants of Crassula brevifolia Harvey, Crassula lanuliginosa Harvey, Crassula muscosa Linne and Сrassula perfoliata var. minor (Haworth) G.D. Rowley species were held in air thermostats at 40 °C and 50 °C for 3 h, the control temperature being 26 °C. Stress response was analyzed by malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity and pigments content. Additionally, anatomical structure of the leaves was investigated. Antioxidant response to short-term high temperature varied in different species of the Crassula genus by its directionality and intensity, and depended on the anatomical features of the plant. The additional protective mechanisms were involved in the least heat-resistant plants, such as increased carotenoids­ and flavonoids contents. More powerful SOD and peroxidase activities under rapid heating in plants with more effective protection at the anatomical level were showed.

Long unclear fever in children of different ages remains one of the difficult and topical issues in the paediatric practice. Despite up-to-date techniques of laboratory and instrumental examination, verification of prolonged fever causes remains difficult; it cannot be deciphered in 10% of cases. It is especially important to differentiate fever from hyperthermia in paediatric practice. The article provides an overview of the status update on the issue. The mechanisms of fever and hyperthermia are described, criteria for fever of unknown origin are given. It is stated that infectious diseases under the guise of fever of unknown origin develop in 60–70% of children. Systemic connective tissue disease and vasculitis are detected in 20% of cases, hemato-oncological – in 5%, auto-inflammatory – in 5%, the cause of fever remains unknown in 10% of cases. The article provides clinical observations of children with diseases debuting as fever of unknown origin with the following diagnoses: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), a systemic variant with high activity (DAS index 28 = 5.1 at the rate of < 2.6); mucocutaneous lymphonodular syndrome (Kawasaki syndrome), damages of cardiovascular system (small coronary artery aneurysms), bacterial-viral infection; auto-inflammatory syndrome – mevalonate kinase deficiency syndrome (hyper-IgD syndrome). Diagnostic approaches to the verification of febrile condition are outlined. It is noted that treatment should not be started in a stable condition of the patient without establishing the cause of the fever, and it is advisable to use only an antipyretic agent with central and peripheral effects, pronounced antipyretic effect, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The review is devoted to the analysis of the problem of synergistic ideas application in oncology after simultaneous combined application of agents. An example of the determination and quantification of the synergistic enhancement ratio is presented. It is emphasized that independent addition is determined by product of probabilities of the effects induced by each agent applied separately. Elevated temperatures synergistically enhance the lethal effect of ionizing radiation and chemical compounds used in the treatment of cancer. Analyzing the dependence of the synergistic effect on the acting temperature after its simultaneous application with ionizing radiation or cisplatin, the existence of an optimal temperature ensuring the greatest synergistic interaction was shown for cultured mammalian and yeast cells. The universal regularities of the manifestation of synergism, independent on the agents, biological objects and tests used, are noted. The greatest synergy is observed with the simultaneous application of agents. The synergism recorded as a result of the combined effects of two factors is observed only with a certain ratio of the effects induced by each agent. Synergism depends on the intensity of the factors used — the current temperature, the dose rate of ionizing radiation or the concentration of chemical agents. These universal patterns have been demonstrated for proand eukaryotic cells, including oncological origin. The existence of universal patterns of synergism indicates the need to develop a new paradigm and theoretical model of synergism, which should take into account the identified patterns. An original biophysical concept of synergistic interaction is proposed. Concrete results are presented that demonstrate the possible ways of using the ideas of synergism in oncology by achieving the greatest synergistic enhancement ratio for the combined effects of various physical and chemical agents. It is concluded that the knowledge and the application of the ideas and general patterns of synergy described in this paper can be useful for specialists using the simultaneous action of various agents to optimize combined treatment methods in modern oncology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hyperthermia has been reported as a new and adjunctive treatment of cancer in inhibiting DNA repair, increasing radiation sensitivity of cancer stem cells, increasing the sensitivity of drug-resistant cancer cells, and inhibiting cancer signaling pathways that cause apoptosis, suppression of cancer stem cell proliferation and disruption in cellular function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperthermia on the gene expression pattern of drug resistance and cell survival. METHODS: In this in vitro study, two cell lines of human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29 and SW-48 were cultured. The cells of the hyperthermia and control groups were exposed to 42 or 43 °C and 37 °C for 2 hours, respectively. Then the effect of hyperthermia on cell survival was investigated by MTT method. The expression pattern of MDR1 and MRP4 genes was also measured using qRT-PCR. FINDINGS: Hyperthermia reduced cell survival, but this reduction was not significant. Hyperthermia decreased MDR1 gene expression in SW-48 cells (p=0.007). Although MDR1 expression in HT-29 cells was significantly reduced at 42 °C, no significant difference was observed between the hyperthermia and control groups. Hyperthermia also had no significant effect on MRP4 gene expression in SW-48 and HT-29 cell lines. CONCLUSION: The results showed that hyperthermia reduces the gene expression related to drug resistance, but has no significant effect on cell survival.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the climatic conditions predicted for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the capacity for repeated maximum effort (RSA), of soccer players. Twenty-four semi-professional soccer players participated in the study. The exercise test consisted of ten 6-second maximal efforts on a cycloergometer. A 90-second passive rest interval was used. Mechanical parameters were recorded in each repetition, and biochemical parameters at rest and even repetitions. The test was performed in a Weiss Technik WK-26 climate chamber under two different conditions: (1) thermoneutral (TNC - 20.5 °C; 58.7% humidity); (2) predicted for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (QSC - 28.5 ± 1.92 °C; 58.7 ± 8.64% humidity). Significantly higher mean maximum power values were recorded in the second repetition under QSC conditions (1731,8 ± 214,4 W) (p = 0.025). A significantly longer time to reach maximum power was also recorded under TNC conditions compared to QSC conditions in repetition 2 (1,32 ± 0,33 s), (1,05 ± 0,29 s) (p = 0.016) and 6 (1,41 ± 0,48 s), (1,17 ± 0,25) (p = 0.036). There was a significantly higher rate of power loss, between repetition 2 (p = 0.023) and 4 (p = 0.043) under QSC conditions, compared to TNC. Considering the biochemical parameters, a significantly higher pO2 concentration was registered under QSC conditions in the 10th repetition (p = 0.006). The ambient temperature during exercise should be taken into account to determine the anaerobic exercise capacity of the athletes. At higher temperatures, there is a greater capacity for maximal effort, in terms of maximal power achieved, but with a greater decrease in performance.

Abstract Hyperthermia in children is a known risk within enclosed vehicles. Exposure to an overheated hot tub poses a real risk in children due to unique pediatric physiology. Medical and aquatic professionals should understand the risk and mitigation strategies.

Abstract Psychogenic fever is stress‐related hyperthermia that is recognized as a psychosomatic condition. We treated a 46‐year‐old Japanese man who was worrying about the coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) and had a fever with a maximum temperature of 38.1℃. The patient was tested twice for SRAS‐CoV‐2 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), but both tests were negative. All tests were negative for organic diseases, including infections, allergy/collagen diseases, endocrine disorders, malignancies, and drugs‐induced conditions. The more he doubted the COVID‐19 in him, the more he complained of the already known various symptoms, such as smelling disorder. The patient believed firmly that he had COVID‐19 because PCR can be false negative. Finally, the patient was treated with the anxiolytic, loflazepate, at 4 mg/day. This treatment was highly effective. The patient's serum IL‐6 was 1.1 pg/ml (≤4.0). The patient was diagnosed with psychogenic fever due to irrational worry over coronavirus. Such typical cases should be treated with an anxiolytic.

Postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome is a common complication occurring after surgical treatment of medulloblastoma in children. The clinical course of this syndrome is characterized by delayed onset after the surgical intervention, loss of speech, emotional lability, hypotonia, and oropharyngeal dysfunction. This syndrome is rarely seen in adults. We report here a case of postoperative cerebellar mutism in a 25-year-old female patient, who underwent a surgical intervention due to medulloblastoma of the forth ventricle. There are very few reported cases in literature of this syndrome. In the discussion we discuss the likely reasons for the syndrome to develop in adult patients.

Magnetic microspheres (MMS) used for magnetic drug targeting consist of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and a pharmaceutical agent embedded in a polymeric matrix material. The application of MNP for drug targeting enables guiding the MMS to a target area, imaging the position of the MMS with magnetic particle imaging, and finally inducing drug release. As latter takes place by degradation of the MMS or diffusion through the matrix, an increase in temperature, e.g. through magnetic hyperthermia, leads to an accelerated drug release. Here, MMS consisting of poly(lactic-coglycolic) acid (PLGA) with different monomer ratios were prepared by an oil-in-water emulsion evaporation method. The model drug Camptothecin (CPT) and magnetic multicore nanoparticles (MCNP) with a high specific heating rate were embedded into the microspheres. We obtained MMS in the preferred size range of 1 to 2 μm with a concentration of MCNP of 16wt%, a drug load of about 0.5wt% and an excellent heating performance of 161 W/gMMS. Investigations of the drug release behaviour showed an accelerated drug release when increasing the temperature from 20 °C to 37 °C or 43 °C by using a water bath. In addition, an increase in drug release of about 50% through magnetic heating of the MMS up to 44 °C compared to 37 °C was observed. By this, a magnetic hyperthermia induced CPT release from PLGA MMS is demonstrated for the very first time.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is rare, but potentially lethal complication associated with the use of neuroleptic agents. NMS is most often observed after high-potency first-generation neuroleptic agents. NMS is characterised by a distinctive clinical syndrome including: hyperthermia, muscular rigidity, mental status change, autonomic disability. The most common laboratory finding is elevated serum CK. The management of patients with NMS demands aggressive care and discontinuing of the causative agent. A 49-year-old patient with recurrent depressive disorders is presented. NMS developed following the increase in haloperidol dose and concomitant use of olanzapine. The treatment with bromocriptine and lorazepam resulted in a prompt recovery.

Disorders of termoregulation is a phenomeon that can occur as a result of any kind of anaesthesia. In the perioperative period, infants and small children are most exposed to significant and dangerous changes in body temperature, especially hypothermia. When the body cools to values under 36˚C during simple surgery, it is called uncontrolled hypothermia and can be dangerous to the health or even lifethreating to a small patient. Preventive measures of intraoperative accidential hypothermia are according room temperature. Hypothermia as an intended phenomenon artificially produced is used in such medical fields as: • cardiosurgery in cases of cardiotomy surgery in infants • neurosurgery in lowering intracranial pressure • analgesia through cooling as an effective pain - relieving method Disorders of termoregulation mechanism leading to rising body temperature is called hyperthermia. It can occur as a sudden reaction to an anaesthetic agent (halothane, enufluran, izofluran, sewofluran, desfluran, suksametonium) revealed during anaesthesia – a genetically determined disease called Fulminant Hyperthermia. The essence of hyperthermia treatment is early diagnosis and fast treatment relying on the removal of causes and symptoms and, above all, needs to be preventative. Regular measurement of both surface and central temperature can allow for quick action against hypothermia or hyperthermia in children.

This study aims to investigate the potential effects of regional hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy (RHCT) as a treatment strategy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

Objective(s): Photo-thermal therapy (PTT) is a therapeutic method in which photon energy is converted into heat to induce hyperthermia in malignant tumor cells. In this method, energy conversion is performed by nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance induced heat efficacy. The low-cytotoxicity and high optical absorbance of NPs used in this technique are very important. In the present study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs were used as agents for PTT. For increasing water dispersibility and biocompatibility, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-TiO2 NPs (PEGylated TiO2 NPs) were synthesized and the effect of these NPs on reducing melanoma tumor size after PTT was experimentally assessed. Materials and Methods: To improve the dispersibility of TiO2 NPs in water, PEG was used for wrapping the surface of TiO2 NPs. The formation of a thin layer of PEG around the TiO2 NPs was confirmed through thermo-gravimetric analysis and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Forty female cancerous mice were divided into four equal groups and received treatment with NPs and a laser diode (λ = 808 nm, P = 2 W & I = 2 W/cm2) for seven min once in the period of the treatment. Results: Compared to the mice receiving only the laser therapy, the average tumor size in the mice receiving TiO2-PEG NPs with laser excitation treatment sharply decreased. Conclusion: The results of animal studies showed that PEGylated TiO2 NPs were exceptionally potent in destroying solid tumors in the PTT technique.

Hyperthermia is a method applied in the treatment of many diseases, including rheumatic diseases. There are relatively few reports concerning the role of that method in the treatment of these diseases, and most studies have not been randomised. Hyperthermia includes directed application of thermal energy. The aim of that therapy is to overcome the body’s natural thermoregulation mechanism through application of external heat sources such as electromagnetic radiation of various frequencies, or ultrasound. Usually, temperatures are used within the 38.5–43° range. Hyperthermia can be applied as topical, regional, or systemic treatment (the latter is called hyperthermia of the whole body). In rheumatology, mainly the effect of hyperthermia on the immune system of the body is used. That effect depends on the type of hyperthermia and temperatures applied. Best documented are the effects of hyperthermia in fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis.

By virtue of advantages including no exposure to radiation and low toxicity and side effects, hyperthermia has been increasingly applied in treating cancer and other diseases. However, the challenge of continuous temperature monitoring during hyperthermia limits its further application. Currently, temperature monitoring in the clinic is primarily carried out using invasive thermometry, which is hampered by incomplete detection and pain. To overcome the obvious limitations of invasive thermometry, a variety of noninvasive thermometry methods with suitable accuracy have been explored. Among these, ultrasonic thermal strain imaging (UTSI), which exploits the temperature dependence of ultrasonic echo time shift to form thermal strain images, shows significant potential. It not only possesses the merits of ultrasonography but also displays different tissue characteristics (thermal properties of tissue and sound velocity) from other ultrasound imaging methods, so it has been investigated extensively over the past few years. This paper reviews recent advances in UTSI for noninvasive thermometry and discusses its main limitations, hoping to show the strong clinical application potential of UTSI from solid basic theory and practical research results.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the management of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in adults. Study Design: Open label, unblinded series. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Department of Neurology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Jan 2015 to Dec 2015. Material and Methods: All the patients with the diagnosis of NMS during the study period were included in the study. Consective non-probability sampling technique was used. Patients were divided into two groups; uncomplicated and complicated cases of NMS. Results: A total of nineteen patients were included in this pilot study. Out of all, thirteen (68.4%) were males and six (31.6%) were females. Mean age of the patients was 35.05 (SD 13.362) years. The drug classes causing NMS were antipsychotic medicines in 73.7% of patients and antiemetics in 26.3% of patients. Mean electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sessions given were 6.16 (SD 2.062). Following treatment n=16 (84.2%) patients had complete recovery while n=3 (15.3%) patients died. Conclusion: In this small, open label, unblinded study ECT appears effective and safe in treating NMS in adults. Larger randomized studies will help to confirm data emerging from this preliminary study.

The article considers the current state of the problem related to fever of unknown origin (FUO). It highlights the main stages of studying this issue with a detailed description of the classification diagnostic criteria, etiological types, and clinical signs of certain types of FUO, which have undergone changes over time. The authors present a differential diagnostic algorithm for managing patients with FUO and analyze the diagnostic value of the most significant laboratory and instrumental studies. PPP-syndrome is described as one of the possible etiological factors for FUO. The circle of the most common of FUO is denoted in patients at different ages. It is noted that rheumatic diseases are the most common cause of FUO in elderly patients.

Background: Choosing the right temperature probe location is important, especially in VLBW infants. We aimed to determine five points of the skin surface and compare them with the axillary temperature of potentially suitable locations as well as the best location for skin probe placement. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 400 neonates with gestational age above 26 weeks were enrolled. The axillary temperature was measured using a mercury thermometer at 0 and 30 min. Then, the body temperature was measured using a surface probe on the five skin areas, including the thoracic area, epigastric region, RUQ area, hypogastric area, and left flanking area. Data recorded were compared with the axillary temperature at 0 and 30 min. Results: Mean neonatal axillary temperatures at 0 and 30 min were 36.60 and 36.61, respectively. The mean temperature was recorded using skin probes at 0 and 30 min in the thoracic region (36.34 and 36.35) in the epigastric region (36.45 and 36.47), in the RUQ region (36.50 and 36.52), in the Flank region (36.26 and 36.20), and in the hypogastric region (36.24 and 36.26). The lowest mean difference recorded by surface probes with the temperature measured by the thermometer in the axillary region was related to the surface probe RUQ (mean difference: 0.1 and 0.09), which was not statistically significant. Conclusions: RUQ area probe has the lowest difference with the temperature calculated using the thermometer in the axillary region and is the best place to put the skin probe for prevention of hypo/hyperthermia.

Our present oncological treatment arsenal has limited treatment options for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Extended reviews have shown the benefits of hyperthermia for PDAC, supporting the perspectives with the improvements of the treatment possibilities. METHODS: A retrospective single-center case-control study was conducted with the inclusion of 78 inoperable PDAC patients. Age-, sex-, chemotherapy-, stage-, and ascites formation-matched patients were assigned to two equal groups based on the application of modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT). The EHY2030 mEHT device was used. RESULTS: A trend in favor of mEHT was found in overall survival (p = 0.1420). To further evaluate the potential beneficial effects of mEHT, the presence of distant metastasis or ascites in the patients’ oncological history was investigated. Of note, mEHT treatment had a favorable effect on patients’ overall survival in metastatic disease (p = 0.0154), while less abdominal fluid responded to the mEHT treatment in a more efficient way (p ≤ 0.0138). CONCLUSION: mEHT treatment was associated with improved overall survival in PDAC in our single-center retrospective case-control study. The outcome measures encourage us to design a randomized prospective clinical study to further confirm the efficiency of mEHT in this patient cohort.

The gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases still represents a serious problem in the oncological surgery, whereas the peritoneal metastases arising from colorectal cancer can be successfully treated using a multimodal therapy concept consisting of systemic chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The best survival rates in patients suffering from peritoneal metastases of gastric cancer have been reported by the ToGa trial, in patients with HER-2 positive expression who received standard chemotherapy and trastuzumab. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC are increasingly wining a place in the multimodal therapy of gastric cancer with peritoneal metastases, the criteria for such an aggressive therapy are strict and the operability needs to be previously assessed by laparoscopic exploration. Interesting new data are awaited from the German GASTRIPEC study and from the French GASTRICHIP study.