Magnetic Fields and Cancer: Epidemiology, Cellular Biology, and Theranostics

Humans are exposed to a complex mix of man-made electric and magnetic fields (MFs) at many different frequencies, at home and at work. Epidemiological studies indicate that there is a positive relationship between residential/domestic and occupational exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and some types of cancer, although some other studies indicate no relationship. In this review, after an introduction on the MF definition and a description of natural/anthropogenic sources, the epidemiology of residential/domestic and occupational exposure to MFs and cancer is reviewed, with reference to leukemia, brain, and breast cancer. The in vivo and in vitro effects of MFs on cancer are reviewed considering both human and animal cells, with particular reference to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MF application on cancer diagnostic and therapy (theranostic) are also reviewed by describing the use of different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications for the detection of several cancers. Finally, the use of magnetic nanoparticles is described in terms of treatment of cancer by nanomedical applications for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs, nanosurgery by magnetomechanic methods, and selective killing of cancer cells by magnetic hyperthermia. The supplementary tables provide quantitative data and methodologies in epidemiological and cell biology studies. Although scientists do not generally agree that there is a cause-effect relationship between exposure to MF and cancer, MFs might not be the direct cause of cancer but may contribute to produce ROS and generate oxidative stress, which could trigger or enhance the expression of oncogenes

Magnetic field effects on plant growth, development and evolution

The geomagnetic field (GMF) is a natural component of our environment. Plants, which are known to sense different wavelengths of light, respond to gravity, react to touch and electrical signaling, cannot escape the effect of GMF. While phototropism, gravitropism, and tigmotropism have been thoroughly studied, the impact of GMF on plant growth and development is not well understood. This review describes the effects of altering MF conditions on plants by considering plant responses to MF values either lower or higher than those of the GMF. The possible role of GMF on plant evolution and the nature of the magnetoreceptor is also discussed

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology

L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is both a drug and a natural component of some dietary supplements. 5-HTP is produced from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), which is present in two isoforms (TPH1 and TPH2). Decarboxylation of 5-HTP yields serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) that is further transformed to melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). 5-HTP plays a major role both in neurologic and metabolic diseases and its synthesis from tryptophan represents the limiting step in serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis. In this review, after an look at the main natural sources of 5-HTP, the chemical analysis and synthesis, biosynthesis and microbial production of 5-HTP by molecular engineering will be described. The physiological effects of 5-HTP are discussed in both animal studies and human clinical trials. The physiological role of 5-HTP in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, obesity, myoclonus and serotonin syndrome are also discussed. 5-HTP toxicity and the occurrence of toxic impurities present in tryptophan and 5-HTP preparations are also discussed

Facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: empowering (human) design agency and capabilities through experimental learning

This article identifies and describes the transformation of designer skills within the Great Transformation (Brynjolfsson and McAfee, 2014) as defined by many economists and sociologists. The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution (Schwab, 2014) is a paradigm shift enabled by the convergence of technological changes - biotech, nanotech, 3D printing, robotics, big data and AI - that significantly influence the nature of work, the design and materialization of products and services, as well as their market, their structure, and their relations with human agents. This systemic process also changes the design field, its cultural and socio-economic structures, its traditional domains, and its consolidated practices. We witness both new opportunities for, but threats to, the conventional system of human imaginative and operational capacities that are changing how they can be learned. The re-discussion of the design(er) role affects the structure and meaning of the discipline, as well as the processes, places, and capacities that can generate learning. Design education is a core component of this change. It is so for those who will be shortly become designers and for retrofitting the knowledge and skills of practitioners and educators. This article reviews the principal studies and theories on the transformation of the production system and the market. Its focus is on the structural factors which enable identification of the leading transformational drivers of the experimental-experiential learning which will become the basis upon which changes in design education and design/designer skills will be defined considering the growth of open and distributed socio-technical systems in our contemporary society

Facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: empowering (human) design agency and capabilities through experimental learning

This article identifies and describes the transformation of designer skills within the Great Transformation (Brynjolfsson and McAfee, 2014) as defined by many economists and sociologists. The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution (Schwab, 2014) is a paradigm shift enabled by the convergence of technological changes - biotech, nanotech, 3D printing, robotics, big data and AI - that significantly influence the nature of work, the design and materialization of products and services, as well as their market, their structure, and their relations with human agents. This systemic process also changes the design field, its cultural and socio-economic structures, its traditional domains, and its consolidated practices. We witness both new opportunities for, but threats to, the conventional system of human imaginative and operational capacities that are changing how they can be learned. The re-discussion of the design(er) role affects the structure and meaning of the discipline, as well as the processes, places, and capacities that can generate learning. Design education is a core component of this change. It is so for those who will be shortly become designers and for retrofitting the knowledge and skills of practitioners and educators. This article reviews the principal studies and theories on the transformation of the production system and the market. Its focus is on the structural factors which enable identification of the leading transformational drivers of the experimental-experiential learning which will become the basis upon which changes in design education and design/designer skills will be defined considering the growth of open and distributed socio-technical systems in our contemporary society

Calcium Signaling in Plant-Insect Interactions

In plant–insect interactions, calcium (Ca2+) variations are among the earliest events associated with the plant perception of biotic stress. Upon herbivory, Ca2+ waves travel long distances to transmit and convert the local signal to a systemic defense program. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+ and electrical signaling are interlinked to form a network supporting rapid signal transmission, whereas the Ca2+ message is decoded and relayed by Ca2+-binding proteins (including calmodulin, Ca2+-dependent protein kinases, annexins and calcineurin B-like proteins). Monitoring the generation of Ca2+ signals at the whole plant or cell level and their long-distance propagation during biotic interactions requires innovative imaging techniques based on sensitive sensors and using genetically encoded indicators. This review summarizes the recent advances in Ca2+ signaling upon herbivory and reviews the most recent Ca2+ imaging techniques and methods