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PubMed1989

DNA repair after gamma irradiation in lymphocytes exposed to low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields.

The effect of exposure to extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on DNA repair capability and on cell survival in human lymphocytes damaged in vitro with gamma rays was studied by two different micromethods. In the first assay, which measures DNA repair synthesis (unscheduled DNA synthesis, UDS), lymphocyte cultures were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) for 66 h and then treated with hydroxyurea (which blocks DNA replication), irradiated with 100 Gy of 60Co, pulsed with [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR), and then exposed to pulsed EMFs for 6 h (the period in which cells repaired DNA damage). In the second assay, which measures cell survival after radiation or chemical damage, lymphocytes were first irradiated with graded doses of gamma rays or treated with diverse antiproliferative agents, and then stimulated with PHA, cultured for 72 h, and pulsed with [3H]TdR for the last 6 h of culture. In this case, immediately after the damage induced by either the radiation or chemicals, cultures were exposed to pulsed EMFs for 72 h, during which cell proliferation took place. Exposure to pulsed EMFs did not affect either UDS or cell survival, suggesting that this type of nonionizing radiation--to which humans may be exposed in the environment, and which is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes--does not affect DNA repair mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Radiobiology and photobiology on Earth and in space: points of encounter and protection considerations.

All radiations originate in space, and the spectrum of radiations reaching the troposphere is limited only because of their range and absorption by the ozone layer above the atmosphere. Ultraviolet-C and the very heavy ions are therefore produced on earth only artificially, by special lamps and in accelerators. The range of biological effects of the different UV radiations and low and high LET radiations have been studied extensively, yet only recently new facts such as the production of DNA strand breaks by long wave UV light were established, adding to the various points of encounter existing between ionizing and nonionizing radiations. There are some similarities in radiation products, and the resulting effects of insult by radiation on biological systems very often are similar, if not the same. A common phenomenon that exists in all healthy biological cells is the ability to repair damage to DNA and thus either survive or mutate, and although the specific mechanisms of repair are somewhat different, the end result is the same. Recently a mechanism of improved radioprotection was found to involve an effect of certain radioprotective compounds on DNA repair. It is suggested that improved, and nontoxic, modes of protection may be offered by employing such compounds as biological response modifiers and natural substances. Further research is needed and is under way.

Cell Survival↗

PubMed2001

Cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz (GSM) microwaves on human lymphocytes.

The cytogenetic effects of 900 MHz radiofrequency fields were investigated with the chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange frequency methods. Three different modes of exposure (continuous, pseudo-random and dummy burst) were studied for different power outputs (0, 2, 8, 15, 25, 50 W). The specific absorption rates varied between 0 and 10 W/kg. We investigated the possible effects of the 900 MHz radiation alone as well as of combined exposure to the chemical or physical mutagens mitomycin C and X-rays. Overall, no indication was found of a mutagenic, and/or co-mutagenic/synergistic effect of this kind of nonionizing radiation.

Chromosome Aberrations↗

PubMed1985

Effect of sunlight and its component wavebands on contact hypersensitivity in mice and guinea pigs.

Exposure of mice to UVB (280-320 nm) radiation is known to suppress the development of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to chemicals that are applied subsequently to unirradiated skin, and this suppression is associated with the generation of suppressor lymphocytes. In this study, the systemic effect of other wavebands of nonionizing radiation on the development of CHS has been tested. Large doses of visible (greater than 400 nm) radiation produced a small but consistent systemic suppression of CHS in mice. In contrast, a large dose of UVA (320-400 nm) radiation did not suppress CHS but, rather, enhanced this immune response. Exposure of both mice and guinea pigs to sunlight produced systemic suppression of CHS. The suppression could be transferred to normal syngeneic animals by injection of splenic lymphoid cells obtained from animals that exhibited suppression, indicating that suppressor cells are associated with sunlight-induced systemic suppression of CHS. The immunomodulatory effect of sunlight was partially abrogated by a Mylar filter or prior application of a sunscreen containing para-aminobenzoic acid to the exposed skin. Thus, wavelengths mainly in the UVB portion of sunlight (295-320 nm) are responsible for sunlight-induced suppression of CHS, although wavelengths in the visible region may also play a role.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Photosensitizing drugs and their possible role in enhancing ocular toxicity. Parker Heath memorial lecture.

During the past decade there has been a considerable resurgence of interest in the photochemical effects of ultraviolet radiation capable of penetrating through the cornea (300-400 nm), on the intraocular tissues. The ocular lens and retina have received the most attention. The last few decades have also witnessed the development of a new therapeutic regimen, namely photosensitizing (phototherapy), in which the patients are given known photosensitizing agents and exposed to nonionizing radiation (ultraviolet, and on occasion, visible radiation). Such therapy has caused some ocular side effects, which in most cases could have been prevented. Drugs that are known photosensitizers and are capable of intraocular penetration through the blood-aqueous and blood-retina barrier are discussed with respect to their known or potential photosensitizing and/or phototoxic effects on intraocular tissues.

Aldehyde Reductase↗

PubMed1981

Influence of PUVA and UVB radiation on delayed hypersensitivity in the guinea pig.

Exposure of guinea pigs to UVA (320--400 nm) radiation following administration of 8-methoxypsoralen by gavage (referred to by the acronym, PUVA) or exposure to UVB (290--320 nm) radiation, produced suppression of the cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction at the site of exposure to radiation and at distant nonexposed sites. In these experiments, the animals were immunized by injection of dinitrophenyl-bovine gamma-globulin (DNP-BGG) in complete Freund's adjuvant and delayed hypersensitivity responses were provoked by intradermal injections of DNP-BGG, DNP and BGG on the flanks. Exposure to erythemogenic doses of either PUVA or UVB radiation for 7 days prior to immunization and for the 7 days between immunization and challenge (total period of radiation: 14 days) produced inhibiton of responses to each of the test substances. In addition, treatment with erythemogenic doses of PUVA either for 7 days prior to immunization or during the interval between immunization and challenge with DNP-BGG, inhibited the delayed hypersensitivity responses at the site of irradiation and at a nonexposed site. These findings suggest that in vivo exposure to nonionizing radiation leads to both local and systemic alteration of certain immune responses.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR) Technical Information Statement "exposure of medical personnel to electromagnetic fields from open magnetic resonance imaging systems".

Open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems enable performing image-guided medical procedures for long periods of time very close to, or inside, the patient imaging area. Medical personnel can be exposed to relatively high static, gradient, and radiofrequency fields compared to most other MRI systems. The Committee on Man and Radiation of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers calculated or used existing data on magnetic flux densities and field strengths in or near the patient area to assess occupational exposure levels. Potential exposures to each field type were analyzed and compared to relevant values specified in international exposure limits including those of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection. Exposures of the head or torso of a worker to gradient fields near the center of the patient-imaging area can exceed most exposure limits even for times less than a second. Exposures to radiofrequency fields can exceed limits if sustained exposures (minutes or more) occur to parts of the body. Static magnetic fields used by present Open MRI systems are below exposure limits of all of the standards that address these fields. Overall results of this study suggest that manufacturers and others who program or operate Open MRI systems should take care to ensure that operating parameters produce exposures that comply with the relevant exposure limits. Also, since field levels fall off rapidly with increasing distance, user practices may be implemented that reduce exposures significantly.

Electromagnetic Fields↗

PubMed1984

Systemic suppression of contact hypersensitivity by UVB radiation is unrelated to the UVB-induced alterations in the morphology and number of Langerhans cells.

Exposure of mice to UVB (280-320 nm) ultraviolet radiation reduces contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reactions to chemicals that are applied subsequently to unirradiated skin. It also decreases the number and alters the morphology of Langerhans cells at the site of irradiation. We addressed the question of whether the systemic suppression of CHS was related to these modifications of Langerhans cells by UVB radiation. In mice treated on the dorsum with UVB radiation, the number and morphology of Langerhans cells in the unexposed areas of skin used for inducing and eliciting CHS appeared normal. Therefore, the depression of CHS could not be attributed to a depletion of Langerhans cells at the sites of application of the sensitizing agent. We also examined the correlation between alterations in Langerhans cells and systemic suppression of CHS after treatment with various types of nonionizing radiation. Treatment of mice with UVA (320-400 nm) radiation eliminated detectable Langerhans cells from the exposed skin, based on ATPase staining and electron microscopy, but did not reduce CHS; in fact, CHS was enhanced in these animals. Neither rose bengal nor eosin, in combination with visible (greater than 400 nm) radiation, affected the number or appearance of Langerhans cells, even though microscopic evidence of phototoxicity was present. However, rose bengal plus visible radiation depressed CHS reactions that were induced and elicited through unexposed skin. Depletion of Langerhans cells from dorsal skin by exposure to UVA radiation did not prevent suppression of CHS by subsequent exposure of the Langerhans cell-depleted skin to UVB radiation. We conclude that systemic suppression of CHS by UVB irradiation is not related to the numerical and morphological alterations in Langerhans cells that occur locally at the site of irradiation.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Fluoroscopic study of tumor motion due to breathing: facilitating precise radiation therapy for lung cancer patients.

Target motion due to breathing is one of the major obstacles in dose escalation of radiation therapy to some tumors in the thoracoabdominal region. The development of beam gating or target motion tracking techniques provides a possibility to reduce normal tissue volume in a treatment field. Tumor motion monitoring in those techniques plays a crucial role, but has not yet been adequately explored. This paper reports our preliminary investigation on breath introduced tumor motion. Tumor locations and motion properties were determined from digitized fluoroscopic videos acquired during patient simulation. Image distortion due to irregularities in the imaging chain, such as the pincushion distortion, was corrected with a polynomial unwarping method. Temporal Fourier transformation of the fluoroscopic video was introduced to convert the motion information over time to a static view of a motion field, in which regions with different motion ranges can be directly measured. Patient breathing patterns vary from patient to patient and so does the kinematic behavior of individual tumors. In order to evaluate the feasibility for tracking internal target motion with nonionizing-radiation techniques, motion patterns between internal targets and external radio opaque markers placed on patient's chest during fluoroscopic video acquisition were compared. For some patients, significant motion phase discrepancies between an internal target and an external marker have been observed. Quantitative measurements are reported. These results will be useful in the design of a motion tracking or gated radiotherapy system.

Fluoroscopy↗

PubMed2003

Electrosensibility and electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

Electromagnetic sensibility, the ability to perceive electric and electromagnetic exposure, and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS), developing health symptoms due to exposure to environmental electromagnetic fields, need to be distinguished. Increased electrosensibility is a necessary, however, not a sufficient condition for electromagnetic hypersensitivity. At an extended sample of the general population of 708 adults, including 349 men and 359 women aged between 17 and 60 years, electrosensibility was investigated and characterized by perception threshold and its standard deviation. By analyzing the probability distributions of the perception threshold of electric 50 Hz currents, evidence could be found for the existence of a subgroup of people with significantly increased electrosensibility (hypersensibility) who as a group could be differentiated from the general population. The presented data show that the variation of the electrosensibility among the general population is significantly larger than has yet been estimated by nonionizing radiation protection bodies, but much smaller than claimed by hypersensitivity self-aid groups. These quantitative results should contribute to a less emotional discussion of this problem. The investigation method presented, is capable of exclusion diagnostics for persons suffering from the hypersensitivity syndrome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

High frequency electromagnetic fields (GSM signals) affect gene expression levels in tumor suppressor p53-deficient embryonic stem cells.

Effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) simulating exposure to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) signals were studied using pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro. Wild-type ES cells and ES cells deficient for the tumor suppressor p53 were exposed to pulse modulated EMF at 1.71 GHz, lower end of the uplink band of GSM 1800, under standardized and controlled conditions, and transcripts of regulatory genes were analyzed during in vitro differentiation. Two dominant GSM modulation schemes (GSM-217 and GSM-Talk), which generate temporal changes between GSM-Basic (active during talking phases) and GSM-DTX (active during listening phases thus simulating a typical conversation), were applied to the cells at and below the basic safety limits for local exposures as defined for the general public by the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). GSM-217 EMF induced a significant upregulation of mRNA levels of the heat shock protein, hsp70 of p53-deficient ES cells differentiating in vitro, paralleled by a low and transient increase of c-jun, c-myc, and p21 levels in p53-deficient, but not in wild-type cells. No responses were observed in either cell type after EMF exposure to GSM-Talk applied at similar slot-averaged specific absorption rates (SAR), but at lower time-averaged SAR values. Cardiac differentiation and cell cycle characteristics were not affected in embryonic stem and embryonic carcinoma cells after exposure to GSM-217 EMF signals. Our data indicate that the genetic background determines cellular responses to GSM modulated EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 25:296-307, 2004.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Microwave effects on isolated chick embryo hearts.

This study was designed to examine the effects of microwaves on the electric activity of hearts as a means of elucidating interactive mechanisms of nonionizing radiation with cardiac tissue. Experiments were performed on isolated hearts of 9-12-day-old chick embryos placed in small petri dishes. Oxygenated isotonic Ringer's solution at 37 degrees C permitted heart survival. Samples were irradiated at 2.45 GHz with a power density of 3 mW/cm2. The heart signal was detected with a glass micropipet inserted into the sinoatrial node and examined by means of a Berg-Fourier analyzer. Pulsed microwaves caused the locking of the heartbeat to the modulation frequency, whereas continuous wave irradiation might have induced slight bradycardia. Pulsed fields induced stimulation or regularization of the heartbeat in arrhythmia, fibrillation, or arrest of the heart.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided coronary interventions.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance for coronary interventions offers potential advantages over conventional x-ray angiography. Advantages include the use of nonionizing radiation, combined assessment of anatomy and function, and three-dimensional assessment of the coronary arteries leading to the myocardium. These advantages have prompted a series of recent studies in this field. Real-time coronary MR angiography, with low-dose catheter-directed intraarterial (IA) infusion of contrast media, has achieved in-plane spatial resolution as low as 0.8 x 0.8 mm2 and temporal resolution as short as 130 msec per image. Catheter-based IA injection of contrast agent has proven useful in the collection of multislice and three-dimensional images, not only for coronary intervention guidance, but also in the assessment of regional myocardial perfusion fed by the affected vessel. Actively visible guidewires and guiding catheters, based on the loopless antenna concept, have been effectively used to negotiate tortuous coronary vessels during catheterization, permitting placement of coronary angioplasty balloon catheters. Passive tracking approaches have been used to image contrast agent-filled coronary catheters and to place susceptibility-based endovascular stents. Although the field is in its infancy, these early results demonstrate the feasibility for performing MRI-guided coronary interventions. Although further methodological and technical developments are required before these methods become clinically applicable, we anticipate that MRI someday will be included in the armamentarium of techniques used to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease.

Contrast Media↗

PubMed2005

Combined helium-3/proton magnetic resonance imaging measurement of ventilated lung volumes in smokers compared to never-smokers.

PURPOSE: To use a combination of helium-3 (3-He) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) to compare ventilated lung volumes in groups of "healthy" smokers, smokers diagnosed with moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and never-smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All study participants were assessed with spirometry prior to imaging. 3-He images were collected during an arrested breath hold, after inhaling a mixture of 200 mL of hyperpolarized 3-He/800 mL of N2. Proton SSFSE images were acquired after inhaling 1 liter of room air. The ventilated volume for each study participant was calculated from the 3-He images, and a ratio was calculated to give a percentage ventilated lung volume. RESULTS: Never-smokers exhibited a 90% mean ventilated volume. The mean ventilated lung volumes for healthy smokers and smokers diagnosed with COPD were 75.2% and 67.6%, respectively. No correlation with spirometry was demonstrated for either of the smoking groups. CONCLUSION: Combined 3-He/Proton SSFSE MRI of the lungs is a noninvasive method, using nonionizing radiation, which demonstrates ventilated airspaces and enables the calculation of ventilated lung volumes. This method appears to be sensitive to early obstructive changes in the lungs of smokers.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Sonographic evaluation of suspected pediatric vascular diseases.

Sonographic studies on 52 children with suspected peripheral vascular disease examined between January 1988 and December 1989 were retrospectively reviewed. A technique for examining the jugular, subclavian veins, and superior vena cava (SVC) was developed and is described. The technique for examining the extremities in the child is similar to the adult except higher frequency transducers are used. Twenty-six patients had normal examinations. Twenty-six examinations were abnormal with arterial or venous thrombosis in patients with central lines [10 patients], deep venous thrombosis in patients with painful swollen extremities [9], arterial pseudoaneurysm as a complication of vascular punctures [1], arteriovenous fistula in a renal dialysis patient [1], dilated vessel presenting as a mass [1], compression of a vessel by a mass resulting in extremity swelling [2]. Two patients had other etiologies causing their symptoms and diagnosed on sonography including an infected hematoma and a hip effusion. The advantages of sonography include no contrast material necessary, nonionizing radiation, qualitative and quantitative characterization of vascular flow is possible with Doppler, and the examination can be performed portably. Color Doppler aided in localizing the vessel, visualizing the thrombus, as well as decreasing exam time. Doppler sonography usually answered the clinical question and made further invasive procedures such as venograms and arteriograms unnecessary.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Animal studies on the role of 50/60-Hertz magnetic fields in carcinogenesis.

A number of epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to 50/60-Hz magnetic fields (MF) from power lines and electrical equipment may be associated with a modestly increased incidence of various types of cancer. Laboratory studies have indicated that nonionizing radiation has no mutagenic effect, i.e. does not initiate cancer. Thus, if 50/60-Hz MF are truly associated with an increased risk of cancer, then these fields must act as a promoter or co-promoter of cancer in cells that have already been initiated. This paper reviews the evidence produced by animal studies. As shown in this review, the available animal data on 50/60-Hz MF exposures seem to indicate that intermediate MF exposure exerts co-promoting effects in different tumor models, particularly cocarcinogenesis models of breast cancer, while chronic (up to life-time) exposure may exert promoting effects on "spontaneous" development of certain tumors. The tumor promoting or co-promoting effects of 50/60-Hz MF exposure found in several animal studies could relate to actions of MF on gene expression, immune surveillance, and Ca2+ homeostasis as demonstrated by in vitro experiments in cell cultures. However, the most plausible evidence for an in vivo effect of MF exposure which could be related to tumor promotion is reduction of circulating levels of melatonin, i.e. a hormone which is inhibitory to the growth of a wide range of cancers, particularly breast cancer. Animal studies have shown that 50-Hz MF exposure at flux densities as low as 0.3-1 mu Tesla significantly reduces nocturnal melatonin levels in plasma. While decrease of melatonin levels alone could explain tumor promoting or co-promoting effects of MF exposure, recent data indicate that MF exposure also impairs the effects of melatonin at the cellular level. Thus, the oncostatic effect of melatonin on cell proliferation of a human breast cancer cell line was antagonized by 60-Hz MF exposure at a flux density of about 1 mu Tesla. All these data indicate that interactions between 50/60-HZ MF exposure and melatonin may be the key mechanism of any carcinogenic effects. Although the existing experimental evidence is still insufficient for discerning a cause-effect relationship for MF exposure and human disease or injury, it does suggest the need for further laboratory research under well-defined laboratory exposure conditions to allow for a realistic assessment of the possible health risks and their magnitude.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Microcirculatory parameters measured in subcutaneous tissue of the mouse using a novel dorsal skinfold chamber.

The dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) is a transparent devise useful for the long-term study of subcutaneous microcirculation. Commonly used chambers are made of metal, thus heavy and potentially stress including. Therefore, we developed a nonmetallic dorsal skinfold chamber and demonstrated that it performs as well as metal chambers. The essential structural parts of the nonmetallic chamber are made of polyacetal resin (Duracon), and its design was based on an existing titanium chamber. Both Duracon and titanium chambers were implanted onto an 8-week-old male BALB/c mice and microcirculatory parameters were compared. In subcutaneous venules, there were no significant differences between the chambers in terms of maximum blood velocity, blood flow rate, or the number of rolling or adhering leukocytes in vessels. In arterioles, main frequency of vasomotion showed no significant difference between the two types of chambers. This novel nonmetallic chamber frame was determined to be as practical as the metal frame. The nonmetallic chamber is about 40% lighter in weight than the metallic one, subjecting mice to less stress. Additionally, the chamber has greater applications in experimental use where metallic frames are unsuitable, such as those employing nonionizing radiation.

Animals↗

PubMed1984

Investigation of an acute microwave-oven hand injury.

A case of an acute microwave-oven injury is presented, demonstrating a selective radial hand neuropathy and chronic moderate dysesthesia with discussion of the potential mechanism of disease. Microwave characteristics, their spectrum of effects on biological structures, microwave-oven safety design, and the international controversy concerning nonionizing radiation research are described.

Female↗