Assessment of anthropogenic-causing-agents act on waterbirds-diversity in the vicinity of Tarbela Dam, Indus River, Pakistan / Avaliação de agentes antropogênicos que agem na diversidade de aves aquáticas nas proximidades da Represa de Tarbela, rio Indus, Paquistão

Abstract Birds are among the best bio-indicators, which can guide us to recognize some of the main conservation concerns in ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts such as deforestation, habitat degradation, modification of landscapes, and decreased quality of habitats are major threats to bird diversity. The present study was designed to detect anthropogenic causative agents that act on waterbird diversity in Tarbella Dam, Indus River, Pakistan. Waterbird censuses were carried out from March 2019 to February 2020 in multiple areas around the dam. A total of 2990 waterbirds representing 63 species were recorded. We detected the highest waterbird richness and diversity at Pehure whereas the highest density was recorded at Kabbal. Human activity impacts seemed to be the main factor determining the waterbird communities as waterbirds were negatively correlated with the greatest anthropogenic impacts. Waterbirds seem to respond rapidly to human disturbance.

Resumo As aves estão entre os melhores bioindicadores, o que pode nos orientar a reconhecer algumas das principais preocupações de conservação dos ecossistemas. Impactos antrópicos como desmatamento, degradação de habitat, modificação de paisagens e diminuição da qualidade dos habitats são as principais ameaças à diversidade de aves. O presente estudo foi desenhado para detectar agentes causadores antropogênicos que atuam na diversidade de aves aquáticas na Represa de Tarbella, rio Indus, Paquistão. Censos de aves aquáticas foram realizados de março de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020 em várias áreas ao redor da barragem. Um total de 2.990 aves aquáticas representando 63 espécies foi registrado. Detectamos a maior riqueza e diversidade de aves aquáticas em Pehure, enquanto a maior densidade foi registrada em Kabbal. Os impactos da atividade humana parecem ser o principal fator determinante das comunidades de aves aquáticas, uma vez que as aves aquáticas foram negativamente correlacionadas com os maiores impactos antrópicos. As aves aquáticas parecem responder rapidamente às perturbações humanas.

Assessment of anthropogenic-causing-agents act on waterbirds-diversity in the vicinity of Tarbela Dam, Indus River, Pakistan

Abstract Birds are among the best bio-indicators, which can guide us to recognize some of the main conservation concerns in ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts such as deforestation, habitat degradation, modification of landscapes, and decreased quality of habitats are major threats to bird diversity. The present study was designed to detect anthropogenic causative agents that act on waterbird diversity in Tarbella Dam, Indus River, Pakistan. Waterbird censuses were carried out from March 2019 to February 2020 in multiple areas around the dam. A total of 2990 waterbirds representing 63 species were recorded. We detected the highest waterbird richness and diversity at Pehure whereas the highest density was recorded at Kabbal. Human activity impacts seemed to be the main factor determining the waterbird communities as waterbirds were negatively correlated with the greatest anthropogenic impacts. Waterbirds seem to respond rapidly to human disturbance.

Resumo As aves estão entre os melhores bioindicadores, o que pode nos orientar a reconhecer algumas das principais preocupações de conservação dos ecossistemas. Impactos antrópicos como desmatamento, degradação de habitat, modificação de paisagens e diminuição da qualidade dos habitats são as principais ameaças à diversidade de aves. O presente estudo foi desenhado para detectar agentes causadores antropogênicos que atuam na diversidade de aves aquáticas na Represa de Tarbella, rio Indus, Paquistão. Censos de aves aquáticas foram realizados de março de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020 em várias áreas ao redor da barragem. Um total de 2.990 aves aquáticas representando 63 espécies foi registrado. Detectamos a maior riqueza e diversidade de aves aquáticas em Pehure, enquanto a maior densidade foi registrada em Kabbal. Os impactos da atividade humana parecem ser o principal fator determinante das comunidades de aves aquáticas, uma vez que as aves aquáticas foram negativamente correlacionadas com os maiores impactos antrópicos. As aves aquáticas parecem responder rapidamente às perturbações humanas.

Exploring UK Knife crime and its associated factors: A content analysis of online newspapers.

Knife crime has become a common phrase used by the media, but it is not always clear what it refers to or what they mean when they use the term. Knife crime can cover many offences, making it challenging to define and estimate its prevalence. This review aimed to evaluate potential knife crimes in the UK from 2011 to 2021 and analyse the causes and risk factors associated with the crimes. Six UK online news portals were purposefully chosen to be included in the study, and knife crime news was searched retrospectively. The term "knife crime" was used to search. The news portals were the: Metro, the Sun, the Guardian, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and the Evening Standard. In the assigned news portals, 692 reports were found between January 2011 and December 2021. The study revealed that the 11-20 years of age group individuals are more vulnerable as victims, and males are more reported as victims when compared to females. About 61.8% of knife crimes are reported from South England. Knife crime risk is higher in early adulthood and among males. Street violence, fights/gang attacks, family issues and robbery are the leading causes of knife crime and have all been identified as risk factors that must be addressed with caution.

Assessment of anthropogenic-causing-agents act on waterbirds-diversity in the vicinity of Tarbela Dam, Indus River, Pakistan.

Birds are among the best bio-indicators, which can guide us to recognize some of the main conservation concerns in ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts such as deforestation, habitat degradation, modification of landscapes, and decreased quality of habitats are major threats to bird diversity. The present study was designed to detect anthropogenic causative agents that act on waterbird diversity in Tarbella Dam, Indus River, Pakistan. Waterbird censuses were carried out from March 2019 to February 2020 in multiple areas around the dam. A total of 2990 waterbirds representing 63 species were recorded. We detected the highest waterbird richness and diversity at Pehure whereas the highest density was recorded at Kabbal. Human activity impacts seemed to be the main factor determining the waterbird communities as waterbirds were negatively correlated with the greatest anthropogenic impacts. Waterbirds seem to respond rapidly to human disturbance.

Mediators of increased self-harm and suicidal ideation in sexual minority youth: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual minority youth have elevated suicidal ideation and self-harm compared with heterosexual young people; however, evidence for mediating mechanisms is predominantly cross-sectional. Using a longitudinal design, we investigated self-esteem and depressive symptoms as mediators of increased rates of suicidal ideation or self-harm (SISH) among sexual minority youth, and the roles of childhood gender nonconformity (CGN) and sex as moderators of these relationships. METHOD: In total, 4274 youth from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort reported sexual orientation at age 15 years, and past-year SISH at age 20 years. Self-esteem and depressive symptoms were assessed at ages 17 and 18 years, respectively. CGN was measured at 30-57 months. Covariates included sociodemographic variables and earlier measures of mediator and outcome variables. Mediation pathways were assessed using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Sexual minority youth (almost 12% of the sample) were three times more likely than heterosexual youth to report past-year SISH (95% confidence interval 2.43-3.64) at 20 years. Two mediation pathways were identified: a single mediator pathway involving self-esteem and a multiple-mediated pathway involving self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Although CGN was associated with past-year SISH, it did not moderate any mediation pathways and there was no evidence for moderation by sex. CONCLUSIONS: Lower self-esteem and increased depressive symptoms partly explain the increased risk for later suicidal ideation and self-harm in sexual minority youth. Preventive strategies could include self-esteem-enhancing or protecting interventions, especially in female sexual minority youth, and treatment of depression.

Genetic polymorphisms in KCNJ11 (E23K, rs5219) and SDF-1ß (G801A, rs1801157) genes are associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global major health problem resulting from interaction of environmental and genetic factors, examples of the latter being KCNJ11 (coding for part of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel) and SDF-1ß (coding for chemokine CXCL12). Our case-control study was conducted to assess whether recessive, dominant or additive genotype model associations of KCNJ11 (E23K, rs5219) and SDF-1ß (G801A, rs1801157) were more strongly linked to type 2 diabetes. Subjects & Methods Genetic polymorphism analysis was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Alleles and genotype frequencies between 200 cases and 200 controls were determined and compared. Results The dominant (EE v EK + KK, p = 0.022) and additive (EK v EE + KK, p = 0.021) models, but not the recessive model (KK v EE + EK, p = 0.727) of KCNJ11 were linked to diabetes. Similarly, the dominant (GG v GA + AA, p < 0.001) and additive (AG v GG + AA, p=<0.001) models, but not the recessive model (AA v AG + GG, p = 0.430) of SDF-1ß were linked to diabetes. The A allele (p = 0.006) of SDF-1ß was protective against the risk of T2DM. Conclusion Both dominant and additive models in both KCNJ11 (E23K, rs5219) and SDF-1ß (G801A, rs1801157) genetic polymorphisms are significantly associated with type 2 diabetes.

Mental health among UK inner city non-heterosexuals: the role of risk factors, protective factors and place.

BACKGROUND: Sexual minorities experience excess psychological ill health globally, yet the UK data exploring reasons for poor mental health among sexual minorities is lacking. This study compares the prevalence of a measure of well-being, symptoms of common mental disorder (CMD), lifetime suicidal ideation, harmful alcohol and drug use among inner city non-heterosexual and heterosexual individuals. It is the first UK study which aims to quantify how much major, everyday and anticipated discrimination; lifetime and childhood trauma; and coping strategies for dealing with unfair treatment, predict excess mental ill health among non-heterosexuals. Further, inner city and national outcomes are compared. METHODS: Self-report survey data came from the South East London Community Health study (N = 1052) and the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (N = 7403). RESULTS: Adjustments for greater exposure to measured experiences of discrimination and lifetime and childhood trauma had a small to moderate impact on effect sizes for adverse health outcomes though in fully adjusted models, non-heterosexual orientation remained strongly associated with CMD, lifetime suicidal ideation, harmful alcohol and drug use. There was limited support for the hypothesis that measured coping strategies might mediate some of these associations. The inner city sample had poorer mental health overall compared with the national sample and the discrepancy was larger for non-heterosexuals than heterosexuals. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood and adult adversity substantially influence but do not account for sexual orientation-related mental health disparities. Longitudinal work taking a life course approach with more specific measures of discrimination and coping is required to further understand these associations. Sexual minorities should be considered as a priority in the design and delivery of health and social services.

Comparative Study of Adenosine Deaminase and Other Conventional Diagnostic Parameters in Diagnosis of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion.

Though pulmonary tuberculosis is the common presentation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is also a growing problem worldwide. Tuberculous pleural effusion is the second frequent form of extra-pulmonary presentation after tuberculous lymphadenitis and if untreated up to 65% of patients with tubercular pleural effusions will eventually develop active TB. Traditional diagnostic methods are very useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB but have a low yield when applied to pleural fluid. So,the aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ADA level in plural fluid and other conventional methods for diagnosis of tubercular plural effusion. This was a cross sectional study. This study was carried out in 64 Patients suffering from plural effusion and were consecutively selected and divided into two groups: tuberculous (n=40) and non tuberculous (n=24), depending upon etiology. Details clinical history, physical examination, routine and other relevant investigations including ADA estimation was measured. The mean value of ADA in the tuberculous group was 64.11 ± 19.50 U/L which was significantly higher (p<0.05). Cut off value of ADA was ≥ 40 U/L with 97% sensitivity and 93%specificity. In this study, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of ADA level in pleural effusion were more significant than other conventional parameters.

Correlation of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF/CCN2) with Hepatic Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B.

CTGF/CCN2 plays an important role in the formation and development of hepatic fibrosis. This study determined the correlation between serum CTGF/CCN2 and stages of hepatic fibrosis and explored the clinical value of serum CTGF/CCN2 in the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. This cross sectional study was done in department of Clinical Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from March 2012 to February 2013. Serum CTGF was measured by using of a sandwich immunoassay technique. Forty (40) chronic hepatitis B patients were included in this study. The sensitivity of CTGF/CCN2 was 71.6%, specificity 67.5%. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was 0.652 between serum CTGF/CCN2 and stages of hepatic fibrosis (p<0.001). The area under receiver-operating curve (ROC) was 0.750 for identification of hepatic fibrosis. This present data revealed that serum CTGF/CCN2 in chronic hepatitis B were strongly associated with stages of hepatic fibrosis. CTGF/CCN2 may useful diagnostic tool for assessing the hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B.

Nano-titanium dioxide induces genotoxicity and apoptosis in human lung cancer cell line, A549.

The increased inhaled application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs) increases the potential pulmonary health risks. The present investigations were carried out to study the TiO(2) NPs-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in the human lung cancer cell line, A549, a widely used cell system for pulmonary toxicity studies. Tetrazolium bromide salt and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were used to study the cytotoxicity. The genotoxicity studies were carried out using cytokinesis block micronucleus assay. Apoptosis was confirmed by the formation of apoptotic bodies and altered expression (messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein) of markers such as P(53), P(21), Bax, Bcl(2) and cleaved caspase-3. Cells exposed to TiO(2) NPs (10 and 50 µg/ml) for 6-24 h shows significant induction in oxidative stress, that is, the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde and decrease in the activity of catalase and glutathione. TiO(2) NPs exposure also induces the formation of apoptotic bodies and micronucleus as marker of genotoxicity. A significant up-regulation in the expression of apoptosis markers such as P(53), P(21) and cleaved caspase-3 was observed, while the levels were down-regulated for Bcl(2) at both mRNA and protein levels. TiO(2) NPs exposure could not pose significant effects on Bax expression. Data indicate that nano-TiO(2) induces oxidative stress, genotoxicity and apoptosis in human lung cancer cell line, A549. Our result also identifies the mechanisms involved in TiO(2) NP-induced changes in A549 cells. Perhaps, reporting for the first time, the association of TiO(2) NPs-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis at transcriptional and translational level in the human lung cancer cell line, A549 cells.

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid exosomes contribute to cytokine and leukotriene production in allergic asthma.

BACKGROUND: Leukotrienes (LTs) are potent pro-inflammatory mediators involved in asthma. Exosomes, nanosized vesicles released from various cells, can stimulate or down-regulate immune responses, depending on the state and nature of the originating cell. We have recently shown an altered exosome profile in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with sarcoidosis, but their role in asthma is unknown. Our aims were to investigate whether exosomes from BALF have LT biosynthetic capacity and to explore phenotypic and functional characteristics of BALF exosomes in asthma. METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid exosomes were collected from healthy individuals (n = 13) and patients with mild allergic asthma to birch pollen (n = 12) before and after birch allergen provocation. Exosomes were characterized by flow cytometry and Western blot. Their capacity to induce IL-8 and LT production in the human bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) line 16HB14o- was measured by ELISA and reverse-phase HPLC, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to BALF exosomes from healthy individuals, BALF exosomes from asthmatics displayed higher levels of exosome-associated markers, such as the tetraspanins CD63 and CD81 and the scavenger receptor CD36. No major differences were observed between BALF exosomes from before and after allergen provocation. Furthermore, we show that BALF exosomes contain enzymes for LT biosynthesis. The effect of exosomes to promote LTC(4) and IL-8 release in BEC was significantly increased for exosomes from asthmatics, and the CysLT(1) receptor antagonist Montelukast reduced exosome-induced IL-8 secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid exosomes from asthmatic and healthy individuals exhibit distinct phenotypes and functions. BALF exosomes from asthmatics might contribute to subclinical inflammation by increasing cytokine and LTC(4) generation in airway epithelium.

Genetic and environmental risk factors for sexual distress and its association with female sexual dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The DSM-V Working Group is currently re-evaluating distress as a primary diagnostic criterion for female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Here, for the first time, we explored the epidemiology of sexual distress and its putative aetiological relationship to FSD by estimating the influence of genetic and environmental risk factors. METHOD: Questionnaire data on a representative sample of 930 British female twins using validated scales of FSD and sexual distress were subject to variance components analyses to quantify latent genetic and environmental factors influencing phenotypic variation and covariation. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify other potential risk factors of sexual distress. RESULTS: Of 319 women with any sexual problems, only 36.5% reported distress. Of women classified as functional, 16.5% felt sexual distress. Sexual distress had a heritability of 44% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.54]. Bivariate analysis suggested that the majority (91% CI 86-99%) of the covariance between sexual distress and FSD was due to unique environmental effects common to both traits. Associations were found between sexual distress and other risk variables, including relationship dissatisfaction [odds ratio (OR) 1.6, p<0.001], anxiety sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology (OR 1.2, p<0.01, for both). CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a weak phenotypic and genetic basis for including sexual distress as a diagnostic indicator of FSD. Instead, the data indicate that unrelated psychological factors play an important role in sexual distress and tentatively suggest that sexual distress is less a consequence of FSD and more related to general anxiety among women.

Role of red cell distribution width (RDW) in the detection of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of gestation.

Iron deficiency anemia is common problem during pregnancy. Red cell size variation (anisocytosis) is the earliest morphologic changes in iron deficiency anemia. Red cell distribution width is a quantitative measure of red cell size variation and it can give the idea of early iron deficiency before other test to become positive. 190 pregnant women were included in this study. Red cell distribution width was compared between iron deficient & non-iron deficient pregnant women. Red cell distribution width also compared with Hb level, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and peripheral blood film in prelatent iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, mild and moderate iron deficiency anemia. Red cell distribution width had sensitivity 82.3% and specificity 97.4%. Whereas Hb level, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and peripheral blood film all had 56.6%, 29.2%, 68.1%, 15% and 38.9% sensitivity but specificity was 90.9%, 98.7%, 83.1%, 96.1% and 98.7% in the detection of iron deficiency. Red cell distribution width appears to be a reliable and useful parameter for detection of iron deficiency during pregnancy.

The semantics of sexual behavior and their implications for HIV/AIDS research and sexual health: US and UK gay men's definitions of having "had sex".

Understanding the definition and meaning of the word "sex" has implications for sexual medicine, HIV/AIDS research, and clinical practices. Previous studies have reported variations in the definition of having "had sex" and the necessity of using behaviorally specific terminology when taking sexual histories and assessing sexual risk. The purpose of the current study is to assess gay men's definitions of what constitutes having "had sex." Two international convenience samples are compared: a UK sample of 180 self-identified gay men ranging from 18 to 56 years of age (M=36 years; SD=8.29) and a US sample of 190 self-identified gay men ranging 18-74 years of age (M=33.9 years; SD=12.49). Both groups were asked to indicate whether each of a list of sexual behaviors was considered having "had sex." Almost all participants (~95%) believed that penile-anal intercourse constituted having "had sex." US and UK gay men differed in defining the following as having "had sex": giving oral-genital stimulation (US 71.6%, UK 84.9%, P=0.002); giving (G) and receiving (R) manual-anal stimulation (G: US 53.4%, UK 70.9%, P=0.001; R: US 53.7%, UK 71.2%, P=0.001); giving and receiving oral-anal stimulation (G: US 61.2%, UK 78.4%, P<0.001; R: US 59.3%, UK 78.1, P<0.001); and giving and receiving sex-toy stimulation (G: US 55%, UK 77.1%, P<0.001; R: US 56.1%, UK 77.7%, P<0.001). It is important to note that regardless of country there was not overall consensus on which behaviors constituted having "had sex." These findings reinforce the need for behavioral specificity in documenting sexual histories and assessing sexual risk. Further, researchers and clinicians should exercise caution by not assuming that their own definitions of the term "sex" is shared by their gay male participants or patients.

Psychiatric morbidity associated with same-sex sexual behaviour: influence of minority stress and familial factors.

BACKGROUND: Increased psychiatric morbidity has been widely reported among non-heterosexual individuals (defined as reporting a homosexual/bisexual identity and/or same-sex sexual partners). However, the causes of this psychiatric ill-health are mostly unknown. METHOD: We attempted to estimate the influence of minority stress and familial factors on psychiatric disorder among adults with same-sex sexual partners. Self-report data from a 2005 survey of adults (age 20-47 years, n=17,379) in the population-based Swedish Twin Registry were analysed with regression modelling and co-twin control methodology. RESULTS: Rates of depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), eating disorders, alcohol dependence and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were increased among men and women with same-sex sexual experiences. Adjusting for perceived discrimination and hate crime victimization lowered this risk whereas controlling for familial (genetic or environmental) factors in within-twin pair comparisons further reduced or eliminated it. CONCLUSIONS: Components of minority stress influence the risk of psychiatric ill-health among individuals with any same-sex sexual partner. However, substantial confounding by familial factors suggests a common genetic and/or environmental liability for same-sex sexual behaviour and psychiatric morbidity.

Vanadium pentoxide-coated ultrafine titanium dioxide particles induce cellular damage and micronucleus formation in V79 cells.

Surface-treated titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) particles coated with vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5)) are used industrially for selective catalytic reactions such as the removal of nitrous oxide from exhaust gases of combustion power plants (SCR process) and in biomaterials for increasing the strength of implants. In the present study, untreated ultrafine TiO(2) particles (anatase, diameter: 30-50 nm) and vanadium pentoxide (V(2)O(5))-treated anatase particles were tested for their cyto- and genotoxic effects in V79 cells (hamster lung fibroblasts). Cytotoxic effects of the particles were assessed by trypan blue exclusion, while genotoxic effects were investigated by micronucleus (MN) assay. In addition, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the acellular method of electron spin resonance technique (ESR) and by the cellular technique of determination of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Our results demonstrate that V(2)O(5)-treated TiO(2) particles induce more potent cyto- and genotoxic effects than untreated particles. Further, acellular and cellular radical formation was more pronounced with V(2)O(5)-anatase than untreated anatase. Thus, data indicate that V(2)O(5)-treated TiO(2) particles were more reactive than natural anatase and capable of inducing DNA damage in mammalian cells through production of free radicals.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction using costochondral graft.

Reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after release of ankylosis by condylectomy is a challenging problem in maxillo-facial surgery. A successful reconstruction implies correct restoration of form and, in children, future symmetrical growth. Bilateral bony ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint in a female patient was diagnosed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at the time when she had severe facial deformity with typical bird face appearance. The condition was treated with costochondral graft following a bilateral condylectomy. At the time of treatment, there was an expectation that further orthognathic surgery or bone grafting would be required to correct the skeletal deformity. However, with the release of the ankylosis and growth of the costochondral graft, a good functional and esthetic result can be achieved without further surgery. It is important that dentists be aware of the clinical signs and symptoms of TMJ ankylosis, to allow early diagnosis and treatment.

Hsp70 expression and free radical release after exposure to non-thermal radio-frequency electromagnetic fields and ultrafine particles in human Mono Mac 6 cells.

The contemporary urban environment has become increasingly complex in its composition, leading to discussions regarding possible novel health effects. Two factors that recently have received considerable attention are ultrafine particles (UFP; <0.1 microm) produced by combustion processes and emissions from wireless communication devices like mobile phones that emit in the radio-frequency (RF) part of the spectrum. Several studies have shown biological effects of both these exposures in various cell systems. Here we investigate if exposure to UFP (12-14 nm, 100 microg/ml) and RF-electromagnetic fields (EMF; 2 W/kg specific absorption rate (SAR); continuous wave (CW) or modulated (217Hz or GSM-nonDTX)), alone or in combination influences levels of the superoxide radical anion or the stress protein heat-shock protein (Hsp70) in the human monocyte cell line Mono Mac 6. Heat treatment (42-43 degrees C, 1h) was used as positive control for both stress reaction and for heat development in the RF exposure setup. Our results clearly show that Mono Mac 6 cells are capable to internalise UFP, and that this phagocytic activity is connected to an increased release of free radicals. This increase (40-45% above negative control) is stronger than the effect of heat treatment. On the other hand, none of the employed RF exposures showed any effects on free radical levels. Co-exposure of RF and UFP did not potentiate the UFP effect either. Our investigations showed a significantly increased Hsp70 expression level by heat treatment in a time-dependent manner, whereas UFP, RF, or UFP+RF were without any effect. Therefore, we conclude that in the investigated Mono Mac 6 cells, RF exposure alone or in combination with UFP cannot influence stress-related responses.