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Biomedical subjects

P Czerski

Publications and source records attributed to P Czerski.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Polymorphisms in the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporter genes and their relationship to temperamental dimensions measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory in healthy volunteers.

There is evidence for an association between polymorphisms of monoamine transporter genes and temperamental personality traits. Recent findings have shown that interaction of allelic variants of the different genes may contribute to the personality factors. We studied the association between temperamental personality dimensions measured with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and polymorphisms of the dopamine (DAT), norepinephrine (NET) and serotonin (5-HTT) transporter genes in 127 healthy Polish volunteers. There were no significant differences between means of TCI temperamental dimensions (novelty seeking, reward dependence, persistence and harm avoidance) and the transporter genes compared by ANOVA. There were some significant associations between genotypes and TCI subdimensions. Individuals carrying the A9/A9 DAT genotype have lower RD4 scores (dependence vs. independence) than A10/A10 individuals (3.0 +/- 1.4 vs. 3.5 +/- 1.3); p = 0.01. Examining 5-HTT gene promoter polymorphism, heterozygous individuals (l/s) and individuals with 44-bp deletion (s/s) scored significantly lower in the HA1 subdimension (anticipatory worry and pessimism vs. uninhibited optimism; 4.3 +/- 2.3 vs. 5.5 +/- 2.6) in comparison with individuals without deletion (l/l); p = 0.021. The NET transporter gene polymorphism showed no significant association with any of the temperamental TCI subdimensions.

Adult↗

Effects of continuous and pulsed 2450-MHz radiation on spontaneous lymphoblastoid transformation of human lymphocytes in vitro.

Normal human lymphocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. One-ml samples containing (10(6)) cells in chromosome medium 1A were exposed for 5 days to conventional heating or to continuous wave (CW) or pulsed wave (PW) 2450-MHz radiation at non-heating (37 degrees C) and various heating levels (temperature increases of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 degrees C). The pulsed exposures involved 1-microsecond pulses at pulse repetition frequencies from 100 to 1,000 pulses per second at the same average SAR levels as the CW exposures. Actual average SARs ranged to 12.3 W/kg. Following termination of the incubation period, spontaneous lymphoblastoid transformation was determined with an image analysis system. The results were compared among each of the experimental conditions and with sham-exposed cultures. At non-heating levels, CW exposure did not affect transformation. At heating levels both conventional and CW heating enhanced transformation to the same extent and correlate with the increases in incubation temperature. PW exposure enhanced transformation at non-heating levels. This finding is significant (P less than .002). At heating levels PW exposure enhanced transformation to a greater extent than did conventional or CW heating. This finding is significant at the .02 level. We conclude that PW 2450-MHz radiation acts differently on the process of lymphoblastoid transformation in vitro compared with CW 2450-MHz radiation at the same average SARs.

Hot Temperature↗

An automated dosimetry system for microwave and thermal exposure of biological samples in vitro.

A waveguide exposure system with automated sample temperature measurement is described. This system provides on-line determination of the temperature profile over time of biological samples in vitro. It allows automated computation of the specific absorption rate determined from heating/cooling curves, uses minimally-perturbing thermometry, is biocompatible and can be used for measurements of both microwave and conventional heating.

Electronic Data Processing↗

The development of biomedical approaches and concepts in radiofrequency radiation protection.

The approaches and concepts used in the development of radiofrequency radiation (RFR) protection guidelines evolved over the past quarter of a century. The values of exposure limits (EL) proposed by various groups are converging. Early guides specified ELs in incident power density. Recent ELs are based on considerations of the relationship between bioeffects and the magnitude of the whole body average specific absorption rate (WBA-SAR) and current densities induced in the body. Both these quantities may be considered as dosimetric ones. Thresholds for untoward health effects expressed in terms of these quantities were suggested, and may be considered as basic ELs. It is possible to derive a frequency-dependent relationship between incident RFR fields and WBA-SAR and/or induced current densities in the body. ELs specified for the purpose of determining compliance in terms of electric and magnetic field strengths or equivalent plane-wave power density existing at a point where a person could be present, but measured in the absence of the exposed subject, may be considered as derived working limits. The rationales offered for the recommended ELs indicate that the principal consideration in establishing limits for frequencies of 10 MHz and higher is the prevention of thermal injury, thermal being defined as relatable to heating, i.e. an increase in temperature. At lower frequencies, below 100 kHz or 30 kHz, direct effects on membranes of nerve and muscle cells may be the limiting factor. An additional consideration is the hazard of shock and burns from contact with ungrounded large metal objects that are charged by RFR fields. Recent advances in RFR dosimetry led to concerns that exposure to presently accepted derived ELs may result in large local SARs and induced current densities in certain parts of the body. The present review concludes that further refinements to the basis for RFR should be introduced. Threshold for health hazards should be investigated taking into account both direct and thermal bioeffects of RFR. The dose-thermal effects relationships should be quantified using the concepts of SAR, SA and thermal dosage. Several unresolved questions, such as the biological basis for SAR time-averaging, and the limitation of pulse peak power, are briefly discussed.

Adult↗

Modulation of mammalian immunity by electromagnetic radiation.

There have been reports that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) alters the function of the immune system; however, these reports are often contradictory. This review reexamines the literature and attempts to evaluate the data on potential mechanisms of interaction of EMR on mammalian immune function. This report concludes that there is no convincing evidence that EMR effects on the human immune system are a health hazard. It was suggested by some authors that long-term EMR exposure may impair immune surveillance, and hypothetically thus facilitate tumor growth. Additional research is needed to prove or disprove this hypothesis. Available data indicate that EMR exposure does not affect the ability of cells of the immune system to respond to a subsequent challenge. However, the time-course and magnitude of the response may be affected by exposure following stimulation. Research to date provided evidence that at least at some frequencies and/or amplitude and pulse modulations, the site of primary interaction of EMR is at the cell membrane. However, it was shown that one specific response, the increase in B complement-receptor positive lymphocytes (Cr+) in the mouse is under genetic control by a single gene localized on chromosome 5. It is suggested that cells of the immune system are a convenient model for further studies on mechanisms of EMR interaction with living systems. Future research should be directed at exploring beneficial medical applications of EMR modulation of immune responses.

Animals↗

Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits in Eastern Europe.

Eastern European standards on radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits (EL) are reviewed. These standards are mandatory. Additional standards specify requirements for equipment and methods for RFR measurements to determine compliance. The standards are based on USSR ELs with the exception of Poland and Czechoslovakia, where different approaches to exposure limitation were used. According to informal private communications, a new joint recommendation on RFR ELs for all countries belonging to the Council of Mutual Economic Cooperation (COMECON) is being developed. As far as can be judged from recent USSR publications, the new recommendations will establish ELs at levels comparable to those indicated in the international guidelines developed by the International Non-Ionizing Radiation Committee of the International Radiation Protection Association (INIRC/IRPA).

Czechoslovakia↗

Effect of microwaves (2450-MHz) on the immune system in mice: studies of nucleic acid and protein synthesis.

CBA/J adult male mice were given single or triple exposures to 2450-mHz microwaves in an environmentally controlled wave guide facility. The average absorbed dose rate for a single exposure varied from 12 to 15 mW/g. Sham-exposed mice served as controls. Lymphoid cells were collected and tested for metabolic activity on days 3, 6, and 9 following a single exposure, and on days 9, 12, and 16 following triple exposures on days 0, 3, and 6. Cells were cultured in vitro for four hours to seven days before their metabolic rates were assayed. Under these conditions, microwaves failed to produce any detectable change in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of methyl(3H)-thymidine (3H-TDR) (DNA substrate), 3H-uridine (3H-UR) (RNA substrate), and 3H-leucine (protein substrate) by spleen, bone marrow, and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in vitro. These data suggest that microwave-induced increases in the frequency of complement-receptor (CR)- or surface-immunoglobulin (sIg)-bearing cells were not associated with a concomitant increase in cell proliferation and/or protein synthesis, and favor the concept that microwaves under these conditions stimulate already existing B-cell precursors for maturation.

Animals↗

Effects of 9.4 GHz microwave exposure on meiosis in mice.

Exposure to 9.4 GHz pulsed microwaves at low power densities for 1 h/day during 2 weeks induces in adult male Balb/c mice disturbances in meiosis, consisting in an increase of translocations and the appearance of cells with several chromosome pair remaining univalents at MI.

Animals↗