Plasma tool for destroying cancer cells

Inducing biological tissue damage with an atmospheric pressure plasma source could open the door to many applications in medicine

2014-03-25

(Press-News.org) Plasma medicine is a new and rapidly developing area of medical technology. Specifically, understanding the interaction of so-called atmospheric pressure plasma jets with biological tissues could help to use them in medical practice. Under the supervision of Sylwia Ptasinska from the University of Notre Dame, in Indiana, USA, Xu Han and colleagues conducted a quantitative and qualitative study of the different types of DNA damage induced by atmospheric pressure plasma exposure, the paper is published in EPJ D as part of a special issue on nanoscale insights into Ion Beam Cancer Therapy. This approach, they hope, could ultimately lead to devising alternative tools for cancer therapy as well as applications in hospital hygiene, dental care, skin diseases, antifungal care, chronic wounds and cosmetics treatments.

To investigate the DNA damage from the so-called non-thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet (APPJ), the team adopted a common technique used in biochemistry, called agarose gel electrophoresis. They studied the nature and level of DNA damage by plasma species, so-called reactive radicals, under two different conditions of the helium plasma source with different parameters of electric pulses.

They also identified the effect of water on DNA damage. To do so, they examined the role of reactive radicals involved in DNA damage processes occurring in an aqueous environment. They then compared them to previous results obtained in dry DNA samples.

The next step would involve investigating plasma made from helium mixtures with different molecular ratios of other gases, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and steam, under different plasma source conditions. The addition of another gas is expected to increase the level of radical species, such as reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, known to produce severe DNA damage. These could, ultimately, help to destroy cancerous tumour cells.

INFORMATION:Reference: X.Han, W. A. Cantrell, E. E. Escobar and S. Ptasinska (2014), Plasmid DNA damage induced by induced by Helium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet, European Physical Journal D, DOI 10.1140/epjd/e2014-40753-y

For more information visit: http://www.epj.org

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Neck ribs in woolly mammoths provide clues about their decline and eventual extinction

2014-03-25

Researchers recently noticed that the remains of woolly mammoths from the North Sea often possess a 'cervical' (neck) rib—in fact, 10 times more frequently than in modern elephants (33.3% versus 3.3%). In modern animals, these cervical ribs are often associated with inbreeding and adverse environmental conditions during pregnancy. If the same factors were behind the anomalies in mammoths, this reproductive stress could have further pushed declining mammoth populations towards ultimate extinction. Mammals, even the long-necked giraffes and the short-necked dolphins, almost ...

Famous paintings help study the Earth's past atmosphere

2014-03-25

A team of Greek and German researchers has shown that the colours of sunsets painted by famous artists can be used to estimate pollution levels in the Earth's past atmosphere. In particular, the paintings reveal that ash and gas released during major volcanic eruptions scatter the different colours of sunlight, making sunsets appear more red. The results are published today in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, an open access journal of the European Geosciences Union (EGU). When the Tambora volcano in Indonesia erupted in 1815, painters in Europe could see the colours ...

Risk of alcohol-related cancer lowers the intention for binge drinking in college students

2014-03-25

Washington, DC (March 21, 2014) – Binge drinking for college students has proven to be a huge problem at many universities. The risk of DUI or even death makes it a public health concern that students and administrators need to face. A recent study by researchers at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, found that college students exposed to the risk messages of alcohol-related cancer had lower intent to engage in binge drinking. Cindy Yixin Chen and Z. Janet Yang of the University at Buffalo, State University of New York will present their study at ...

Dialing is the most distracting activity for drivers young and old alike

2014-03-25

Dialing is the most distracting activity for drivers young and old alike Article provided by Fahrendorf, Viloria, Oliphant & Oster L.L.P. Visit us at http://www.renonvlaw.com In recent years, there have been numerous studies about the dangers of using cellphones while driving. In many of them, the research has assumed that the most distracting aspect of using a cellphone is talking. However, a new study has found that this is not the case. The study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on a sample of 42 young drivers that had ...

Product liability: defending against claims of unsafe goods

2014-03-25

Product liability: defending against claims of unsafe goods Article provided by Adler, Cohen, Harvey, Wakeman and Guekguezian, L.L.P. Visit us at http://www.adlercohen.com In our modern lives we are all dependent on manufactured products and rely on responsible, reputable manufacturers to keep those goods safe for our use. Because some companies have not historically lived up to their duties to keep the public safe from dangerous or defective products, laws and government agencies play a big role in setting safety standards, managing recalls and allowing individuals ...

The impact of divorce on business ownership

2014-03-25

The impact of divorce on business ownership Article provided by Anthony C. Williams & Associates, PC Visit us at http://www.anthonywilliamslaw.com Many married couples own and operate small businesses together. Both spouses perform essential functions to ensure that the business is able to maximize its profits. The couple may spend a great deal of their time and money trying to keep the company running as efficiently as possible. When one of these spouses decides to get a divorce, the entire process can quickly become very complex. The parties may not have ...

Missouri breathalyzer results may not be considered valid

2014-03-25

Missouri breathalyzer results may not be considered valid Article provided by Featherston Law Firm Visit us at http://www.mocriminallawattorney.com When law enforcement officers use breathalyzer tests to determine whether a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol, they are required to first test the breathalyzer to ensure it produces accurate results. The guidelines for testing breathalyzers in Missouri are established by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. In late November 2012, the regulations governing the testing of breathalyzers ...

Grandparent rights of custody and visitation in Texas

2014-03-25

Grandparent rights of custody and visitation in Texas Article provided by Law Office of V. Wayne Ward Visit us at http://www.wwlawman.com/ Under the laws of Texas, parents have the right to decide virtually any issue regarding the care and custody of their children. Included within this right is the right to control the access that other family members have to their children. Unfortunately, this also includes the grandparents of the children. As a result of this right, grandparents do not have an absolute right to custody of their grandchildren. However, situations ...

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act forces Americans to divorce the U.S.

2014-03-25

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act forces Americans to divorce the U.S. Article provided by M. Bradford Randolph, Esq., PLLC Visit us at http://www.mbrlawfirm.com/ Did you know that several U.S. citizens residing in other countries are letting go of citizenship in America in an effort to avoid harsh tax filing responsibilities? The problem is the difficult and complex tax reporting mandates from authorities. According to USA Today, there are approximately six million U.S. citizens living in other nations. Moreover, the Internal Revenue Service suggests that U.S. ...

Tax season is here, so which parent gets to claim the kids if divorced?

2014-03-25

Tax season is here, so which parent gets to claim the kids if divorced? Article provided by Mullins Law Firm Visit us at http://www.mullinslaw.net With April 15 just weeks away, tax season is indeed in full swing. However, as people begin to wade through the myriad of tax laws and regulations as they prepare their returns, there is one question specific to divorced parents that must be answered: Who gets to claim the dependency exemption for the children? The resolution of this particular matter can have significant financial implications for the parents, especially ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Global study reveals how bacteria shape the health of lakes and reservoirs

Biochar reimagined: Scientists unlock record-breaking strength in wood-derived carbon

Synthesis of seven quebracho indole alkaloids using "antenna ligands" in 7-10 steps, including three first-ever asymmetric syntheses

Lisbon to host world’s largest conference on ecosystem restoration in 2027, led by researcher from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon

Electrocatalysis with dual functionality – an overview

Scripps Research awarded $6.9 million by NIH to crack the code of lasting HIV vaccine protection

New post-hoc analysis shows patients whose clinicians had access to GeneSight results for depression treatment are more likely to feel better sooner

Bimodal tactile tomography with bayesian sequential palpation for intracavitary microstructure profiling and segmentation

Disrupted connectivity of the brainstem ascending reticular activating system nuclei-left parahippocampal gyrus could reveal mechanisms of delirium following basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage