A study on effects of cell phone tower-emitted non-ionizing radiations in an Allium cepa test system.

Considering enormous growth in population, technical advancement, and added reliance on electronic devices leading to adverse health effects, in situ simulations were made to evaluate effects of non-ionizing radiations emitted from three cell phone towers (T1, T2, and T3) of frequency bands (800, 1800, 2300 MHz), (900, 1800, 2300 MHz), and (1800 MHz), respectively. Five sites (S1-S5) were selected near cell phone towers exhibiting different power densities. The site with zero power density was considered as control. Effects of radiations were studied on morphology; protein content; antioxidant enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), and glutathione reductase (GR); and genotoxicity using Allium cepa. Mean power density (µW/cm2) was recorded as 1.05, 1.18, 1.6, 2.73, and 12.9 for sites 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. A significant change in morphology, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight in Allium cepa was observed under the exposure at different sites. Protein content of roots showed significant difference for samples at all sites while bulbs at sites S4 and S5 when compared to control. Antioxidant activity for root in terms of APX, GST, and POD showed significant changes at S4 and S5 and GR at site S5 and SOD at S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5. Similarly, bulbs showed significant changes at sites S4 and S5 for APX while at sites S3, S4, and S5 for POD and S2, S3, S4, and S5 for SOD and S5 for GR and GST. Genotoxicity study has shown induction of abnormalities at different stages of the cell cycle in Allium cepa root tips. The samples under exposure to radiation with maximum power density have shown maximum induction of oxidative stress and genotoxicity.

Response of young Nerium oleander plants to long-term non-ionizing radiation.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Although exposure to low frequency electromagnetic radiation is harmful to plants, LF-EM irradiated Nerium oleander seedlings exhibited enhanced development and growth, probably taking advantage of defined structural leaf deformations. Currently, evidence supports the undesirable, often destructive impact of low frequency electromagnetic (LF-EM) radiation on plants. The response of plants to LF-EM radiation often entails induction in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, a subject matter that is well documented. Nerium oleander is a Mediterranean plant species, which evolved remarkable resistance to various environmental stress conditions. In the current investigation, cultivated N. oleander plants, following their long-term exposure to LF-EM radiation, exhibited major structural modifications as the flattening of crypts, the elimination of trichomes and the reduction of the layers of the epidermal cells. These changes co-existed with an oxidative stress response manifested by a significant increase in reactive oxygen species at both the roots and the above ground parts, a decline in the absorbance of light by photosynthetic pigments and the substantially increased biosynthesis of L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC), an enzyme catalyzing the production of secondary metabolites that alleviate stress. The exposed plants exhibited greater primary plant productivity, despite a manifested photosynthetic pigment limitation and the severe oxidative stress. This unique response of N. oleander to severe abiotic stress conditions may be owed to the advantage offered by a structural change consistent to an easier diffusion of CO2 within the leaves. A major plant response to an emerging "pollutant" was documented.

Green approach to the extraction of major capsaicinoids from habanero pepper using near-infrared, microwave, ultrasound and Soxhlet methods, a comparative study.

A simple method for the extraction of two major capsaicinoids from habanero peppers, using near-infrared irradiation, microwave irradiation or ultrasound as the energy source and ethanol as the solvent, was compared with Soxhlet extraction. The extraction processes were monitored by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The new processes offer better overall yields and a higher ratio of capsaicin to dihydrocapsaicin than Soxhlet extraction. The physical effect of the different energy sources on the peppers was determined using scanning electron microscopy. Extraction of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin using near-infrared irradiation, which has not been previously reported, was shown to be a simple and efficient alternative extraction procedure.

Effects of Linearly Polarized Near-Infrared Irradiation Near the Stellate Ganglion Region on Pain and Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Neuropathic Pain.

Background: Neuropathic pain associated with sympathetic overactivity can be effectively relieved by light irradiating the region near stellate ganglion (SGI), applied as an alternative to a conventional sympathetic blockade. The clinical effect of SGI on heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with pain outcomes require investigation. Objective: This study attempted to identify the effects of SGI on pain outcomes and HRV indices and to determine the association between pain and HRV outcomes. Design: A prospective double-blind, randomized study. Setting: An outpatient pain medicine clinic. Subjects and Methods: A total of 44 patients were enrolled and randomized into the experimental group ( n = 22) and control group ( n = 22). The experimental group received 12 sessions (twice weekly) of standard SGI, whereas the control group received the same protocol with sham irradiation. Pain and HRV were measured before and after each irradiation session. All outcome measures used in the first- and second-half treatment courses were analyzed. Results: Pain and HRV outcome measures of the experimental group significantly improved after SGI when compared with the control group in both courses. Considering time and frequency domains, the changes in HRV in the second-half treatment course exceeded those in the first-half treatment course. Pain was significantly associated with postirradiated HRV indices ( P < 0.001). Conclusions: Twelve sessions of SGI exerted time-dependent positive effects on pain and sympathovagal imbalance. HRV outcomes, including time and frequency domains, were an independent indicator of the clinical efficiency of SGI for treating pain in patients with neuropathic pain.

Bio-effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in context of cancer therapy.

Bio-effects mediated by non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have become a hot topic of research in the last decades. This interest has been triggered by a growing public concern about the rapid expansion of telecommunication devices and possible consequences of their use on human health. Despite a feasibility study of potential negative impacts, the therapeutic advantages of EMF could be effectively harnessed for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This review aims to examine recent findings relating to the mechanisms of action underlying the bio-effects induced by non-ionizing EMF. The potential of non-thermal and thermal effects is discussed in the context of possible applications for the induction of apoptosis, formation of reactive oxygen species, and increase of membrane permeability in malignant cells. A special emphasis has been put on the combination of EMF with magnetic nano-particles and ultrasound for cancer treatment. The review encompasses both human and animal studies.

[Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases. METHODS: On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007). RESULTS: All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards. CONCLUSION: There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.

Fotohemoterapia como método complementario en el abordaje de las adicciones / Fotohemoterapia as a complementary method in the approach to addictions

Uno de los problemas más serios de la medicina actual en el tratamiento de las adicciones. Las sustancias psicoactivas e ingredientes de su preparación y/o consumo generan un amplio espectro de metabolismo con un poder destructivo masivo contra los órganos y tejidos que adicionalmente se deterioran por la larga diversidad terapia medicamentosa. Fotohemoterapia (FHT) es un método no medicamentoso que consiste en la fotomodificación de sangre con fines de tratamiento y prevención con los cuantos de luz UV y visible producidos por equipos-irradiadores no ionizantes. Habiendo sido inventada en los Estados Unidos hace casi un siglo, la Fotohemoterapia recorrió un camino muy largo de estudios y modificaciones. Su eficiencia para diferentes enfermedades ha sido demostrada en varios países. Fotohemoterapia se distingue por un espectro terapéutico sumamente amplio, rapidez de aparición de los efectos y su duración. El uso de la Fotohemoterapia Intravascular (FIV) permite alcanzar nuevos horizontes en el tratamiento integral de las enfermedades adictivas por actuar a nivel de los mecanismos patogénicos de la addición, ayudar a mejorar las funciones de los órganos alterados por la intoxicación crónica y tener un efecto psicoterapéutico significativo.

One of the most serious problems of the curret medicine is the treatment of addictions. The psychoactive substances, ingredientes of its preparation and/or consumption, produce a wide spectrum of metabolites with a huge destructive power agaist the organs and tissues that, additionally, are damaged because of the long and diverse drugs therapy. Photo-hemotherapy (FHT) is a non medicinal method consisting of blood photo-modification for treatment and prevention with quantum of UV and visible light produced by non-ionizing radiator equipments. Being invented in United States almost a century ago, the photo-hemotherapy come a long way from studies and modifications. Its efficiency for different diseases has been show several countries. Photo-hemotherapy is distinguished by and extremely broad therapeutic spectrum, by the speed of appearance of effects and duration. The uso of Intravascular Photo-hemotherapy (FIV) allows reaching new horizons on integral treatment of addictive diseases because it acts at the level of the pathogenic mechanisms of addiction, it helps to improve organ functions altered by chronic intoxication and it has a significant psychotherapeutic effect.

Investigation of non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in 16 medical institutions / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions and to explore feasible control measures for occupational diseases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>On-site measurement and assessment of ultra-high-frequency radiation, high-frequency electromagnetic field, microwave radiation, and laser radiation were carried out in 16 medical institutions using the methods in the Measurement of Physical Agents in Workplace (GBZ/T189-2007).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the investigated medical institutions failed to take effective protective measures against non-ionizing radiation. Of the 17 ultra-short wave therapy apparatus, 70.6%, 47.1%, and 17.64% had a safe intensity of ultra-high-frequency radiation on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. Of the 4 external high-frequency thermotherapy apparatus, 100%, 75%, and 75%had a safe intensity of high-frequency electromagnetic field on the head, chest, and abdomen, respectively. In addition, the intensities of microwave radiation and laser radiation produced by the 18 microwave therapy apparatus and 12 laser therapeutic apparatus met national health standards.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are non-ionizing radiation hazards from physiotherapy equipment in medical institutions, and effective prevention and control measures are necessary.</p>

[Computational radiofrequency electromagnetic field dosimetry in evaluation of biological effects].

Given growing computational resources, radiofrequency electromagnetic field dosimetry is becoming more vital in the study of biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. The study analyzes numerical methods which are used in theoretical dosimetry to assess the exposure level and specific absorption rate distribution. The advances of theoretical dosimetry are shown. Advantages and disadvantages of different methods are analyzed in respect to electromagnetic field biological effects. The finite-difference time-domain method was implemented in detail; also evaluated were possible uncertainties of complex biological structure simulation for bioelectromagnetic investigations.

Normas básicas de seguridad durante el manejo de equipos de radiaciones no ionizantes / Safety basic rules when handling non-ionizing radiation equipment

La preocupación creciente de los trabajadores hacia los posibles efectos nocivos de la exposición a campos electromagnéticos, está suponiendo una percepción desproporcionada de los riesgos derivados de la exposición. En la actualidad, no existe evidencia científica sobre dichos efectos nocivos, siendo aconsejable la vigilancia sobre las exposiciones que están fuera de los límites de seguridad. Desde este Servicio de Prevención y en colaboración con el Servicio de Física Médica, hemos elaborado un procedimiento que garantice, mediante criterios preventivos básicos, la seguridad y salud de los trabajadores que manejan equipos emisores de radiaciones no ionizantes, en nuestro hospital y centros de especialidades. Para la elaboración de este procedimiento hemos revisado la literatura científica relativa a los efectos de los campos electromagnéticos sobre la salud, reuniones periódicas de trabajo entre ambos servicios, identificación y ubicación de los equipos de radiaciones no ionizantes, y asesoramiento por expertos en la materia. El procedimiento establece medidas de control para los trabajadores, y medidas de control para los equipos. Con la finalidad de conseguir una buena difusión e implantación de dicho procedimiento, hemos elaborado dípticos y carteles, donde reflejamos las medidas de control para trabajadores y equipos: Onda Corta, Microondas, Magnetoterapia, Resonancia Magnética Nuclear, Láser y Ultravioleta El procedimiento con sus carteles explicativos ha sido distribuido específicamente por servicios, realizando formación e información de los trabajadores que maneja dichos equipos (AU)

Employee increasing concern about possible dangerous effects of the exposure to electromagnetic fields is meaning a distorted perception of the exposure related risks. Currently, there is no scientific evidence of the dangerous effects mentioned although surveillance over the exposures out of the safety limits is recommended. Within this Prevention Department in cooperation with The Medical Physics Department a procedure based on basic preventive criteria has been elaborated to guarantee health and safety of the employees who handle non-ionizing radiation emitting equipment in our hospital and specialized centers. To draw the procedure: scientific literature related to the electromagnetic fields effects over health has been checked, periodical working meetings have been held between both above mentioned departments; non-ionizing radiation equipment have been identified as well as the places they are based or used; and expert people advice has been used. The procedure sets control and follow-up measurements both for people and equipment such as follows: Shortwave, microwave and magnetic therapy, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Laser, Ultraviolet radiation. The procedure and illustrative posters have been deployed to the linked departments, the information and training having been given to the employees who work with kind of equipment (AU)

How to report low-level laser therapy (LLLT)/photomedicine dose and beam parameters in clinical and laboratory studies.

BACKGROUND: Dose and beam parameters are critical for successful laser, LED, and other light therapy treatments; however, in our experience, researchers frequently make critical errors and omissions when submitting papers for publication. Journals frequently publish studies with missing data, mathematical errors, and no reported verification of beam parameters. This makes reproducibility impossible, and further confounds an already complex subject. OBJECTIVE: This article is intended to be a reference document for non-physicist researchers conducting low-level laser therapy (LLLT) laboratory studies and clinical trials to help them design and report the beam and dose aspects of their trials. RECOMMENDATIONS: It provides a checklist to help LLLT researchers understand and report all the necessary parameters for a repeatable scientific study. It includes the eight most important beam parameters to report, which are: wavelength, power, irradiation time, beam area at the skin or culture surface (this is not necessarily the same as the aperture size), pulse parameters, anatomical location, number of treatments, and interval between treatments. The three commonly used dose parameters are time, energy, and energy density. In addition, more thorough reporting would include coherence, application technique (contact, projection, scanning, pressure), beam profile, and spectral width, as these may also be considered important. Beam power often decreases as the device warms up and as the device ages; therefore, this should be checked routinely during an experiment/trial. Measurements of beam area and beam power require special instruments and trained technicians to operate them. Power measurements should be taken before, after, and at frequent intervals during research trials. CONCLUSION: Reviewers should insist that the minimum eight most important beam parameters are included, and authors should take care to measure and record these accurately before, during, and after an experiment or clinical trial.

Non-ionizing radiation with nanosecond pulsed electric fields as a cancer treatment: in vitro studies.

Cancer continues to be a major risk to the health and well being among populations around the world. A new method using ion-ionizing radiation with nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) provides a novel means to treat cancer at local sites. NsPEFs promote cell death in several cell types and here we investigated mechanisms for cell death induction. In murine B16f10 melanoma, murine E4 squamous carcinoma, murine Hep1-6 and human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma, nsPEFs induced cell death in 90-95% of cells. Cell death coincides with decreases in the mitochondria membrane potential, increases in YO-PRO-1 uptake and active caspases in the presence or absence of cytochrome c release. The results indicate that nsPEFs induced cell death by multiple apoptosis mechanisms that involve mitochondrial responses, but not necessarily through cytochrome c release. Further, these in vitro studies suggest a potential to induce cell death that bypasses cancer mechanisms that evade apoptosis.

Genotoxic effects of white fluorescent light on human lymphocytes in vitro.

Sources of light beams such as white fluorescent light, are present in our daily life to meet the needs of life in the modern world. This study was conducted with the objective of determining the possible genotoxic, cytotoxic and aneugenic effects caused by this agent in different stages of the cell cycle (G0/early G1, S, and late G2), using different cytogenetic parameters (sister chromatid exchanges--SCE, chromosome aberrations--CA, and detection of aneugenic effects) in lymphocytes from temporary cultures of human peripheral blood. WFL showed a genotoxic effect in vitro, expressed by an increase in the frequency of SCE's, regardless of the cell cycle stage. However, no increase in the frequency of CAs was observed. In addition, disturbances in cell cycle kinetics and chromosomal segregation were also observed. Taken together, such data may contribute to a better understanding and a different management in the use of phototherapy for some pathological conditions.

[The notion of ecological optimum and the determination of this optimum in freshwater poikilothermic animals].

The notion of ecological optimum is discussed as related to aquatic poikilothermic animals. Publications on the analysis of the influence of thermal factor on vital functions of invertebrates with the subsequent statement of the general pattern of optimal environmental factors are reviewed. It is concluded that the optimum includes not simply the range of the factor's values on the tolerance curve or the dose of the factor providing for the most favourable life conditions, but the oscillations of the factor within the optimum range, i.e., the astatic optimum, as termed by Prof. A.S. Konstantinov. It is shown, by the example of the influence on organisms and populations of zooplankton of stepwise changes of temperature, increased doses of mineral phosphorus, and low-power laser radiation, that to determine the optimum of an environmental factor it is important to use not only its absolute values and the parameters of cyclic changes, but also the presence or absence of stepwise changes, also determining the direction of the dynamics and the duration of influence of the "dose", as well as the presence and character of the after-effects (inertial action) of the factor on organisms. It is suggested to introduce more detailed and concrete definitions to distinguish between the "static" and then "dynamic" optimum. The former includes the range of optimum values of the factor on the tolerance scale and the "dose" of every factor matching the organism's requirements and providing for the maximum favourable life conditions. The latter includes optimum parameters of cyclic changes (frequency and amplitude) of the factor, along with determining their position in the range of optimum values (at its lower, middle, or upper part), the presence or absence of stimulating effects of stepwise changes of the factor, including the duration of influence of some "dose" of the factor and the order of alteration of the higher and the lower values (dynamics direction), as well as the presence or absence and the character of after-effects (inertial action) of the factor on the organism.

Light therapy for seasonal affective disorder with blue narrow-band light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

BACKGROUND: While light has proven an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), an optimal wavelength combination has not been determined. Short wavelength light (blue) has demonstrated potency as a stimulus for acute melatonin suppression and circadian phase shifting. METHODS: This study tested the efficacy of short wavelength light therapy for SAD. Blue light emitting diode (LED) units produced 468 nm light at 607 microW/cm2 (27 nm half-peak bandwidth); dim red LED units provided 654 nm at 34 microW/cm2 (21 nm half-peak bandwidth). Patients with major depression with a seasonal pattern, a score of > or =20 on the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-SAD version (SIGH-SAD) and normal sleeping patterns (routine bedtimes between 10:00 pm and midnight) received 45 minutes of morning light treatment daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four patients completed treatment following random assignment of condition (blue vs. red light). The SIGH-SAD was administered weekly. RESULTS: Mixed-effects analyses of covariance determined that the short wavelength light treatment decreased SIGH-SAD scores significantly more than the dimmer red light condition (F = 6.45, p = .019 for average over the post-treatment times). CONCLUSIONS: Narrow bandwidth blue light at 607 microW/cm2 outperforms dimmer red light in reversing symptoms of major depression with a seasonal pattern.

Efeitos do agaricus blazei na clastogenicidade induzida pela radiaçåo ultravioleta em cultura de células CHO-K1 / Effects of agaricus blazei on clastogenicity induced by ultraviolet radiation in culture of CHO-K1 cells

O Agaricus blazei Murril ss. Heinemann (ABM), cogumelo comestível nativo do Brasil, tem sido utilizado na medicina popular no tratamento de inúmeras doenças, incluindo o câncer. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do extrato ABM (0,4 por cento) na clastogenicidade induzida pela exposição à radiação ultravioleta (UV), em células CHO-k1, pelo teste de aberração cromossômica. As células foram tratadas em diferentes condições (tratamento contínuo, pré-tratamento e pós-tratamento), associadas à indução de danos no DNA pela UV. A análise dos dados demonstrou que a UV e o ABM apresentaram atividade clastogênica. Nos protocolos de pré e pós-tratamento não foram evidenciados efeitos anticlastogênicos. No entanto, o protocolo de tratamento contínuo demonstrou efeito protetor com redução de danos de 86,1 por cento. Os resultados não permitem inferir com clareza o tipo de mecanismo de ação do extrato de ABM, o qual poderia agir tanto por desmutagênese, quanto por bioantimutagênese. no entanto, é evidente o seu efeito na diminuição de danos causados por radiação não-ionizante, apesar de, em concentração muito elevada, apresentar atividade clastogênica.

[Physiotherapeutic treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer]. / Fizioterapevticheskoe lechenie iazvennoi bolezni zheludka i dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki.

The review presents 69 references of current literature on the problem of gastroduodenal ulcer physiotherapy which has a good potential of impact on gastroduodenal motility, lipid peroxidation, microcirculation, physiological and reparative regeneration of epithelial and glandular cells. The choice of a physiotherapeutic method depends on the disease stage and to a less extent on location of the ulcer defect.