Radiofrequency exposure in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit.

The aims of this study were to characterize electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency (RF-EMF) levels generated in a Neonatal Medium Care Unit and to analyze RF-EMF levels inside unit's incubators. Spot and long-term measurements were made with a dosimeter. The spot measurement mean was 1.51±0.48V/m. Higher values were found in the proximity to the window and to the incubator evaluated. Mean field strength for the entire period of 17h was 0.81 (±0.07)V/m and the maximum value was 1.58V/m for long-term RF-EMF measurements in the incubator. Values found during the night period were higher than those found during the day period. It is important to consider RF-EMF exposure levels in neonatal care units, due to some evidence of adverse health effects found in children and adults. Characterization of RF-EMF exposure may be important to further investigate the mechanisms and underlying effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on infant health. A prudent avoidance strategy should be adopted because newborns are at a vulnerable stage of development and the actual impact of EMF on premature infants is unknown.

[Validation in Havana City, Cuba of ENZYMEBA, an immunoassay for detecting Entamoeba histolytica in feces]. / Validación en ciudad de La Habana, Cuba, de ENZYMEBA, inmunoensayo para la detección de Entamoeba histolytica en heces.

Parasitologists from different medical institutions in Havana City carried out the external validation of ENZYMEBA, a diagnostic procedure of intestinal amebiasis developed at the "Pedro Kourí" Institute of Tropical Medicine. To this end, serial faeces specimens from 212 individuals were collected and observed on the microscope (reference test). The ENZYMEBA immunoassay (validation test) was also made. On comparing ENZYMEBA with the microscopic examination, satisfactory indexes of sensitivity and specificity were found. No cross-reactions were detected in faeces specimens, where found other parasites were present, too. Taking into account that only one faeces specimen per patient is enough for the diagnosis of intestinal amebiasis with ENZYMEBA, this procedure may be useful in studies of therapeutical efficacy and prevalence.