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Seed priming is a physiological seed enhancement method for overcoming poor and erratic seed germination in many crop and flowering plants. Magnetopriming is a pre-sowing seed treatment with magnetic field that appears as a promising method to improve seed performances. This paper presents a cost-efficient design and optimization of an exposure system for magnetopriming treatments. The proposed static magnetic field applicator is modelled and designed with the aid of commercial software. The prototype is realized and tested based on the best set of geometry parameters for optimum performance, in terms of strength and high homogeneity of the magnetic flux density in the Region of Interest. Both analytical and measurement results are found to be in good agreement with the simulated results. The system is low cost, environmentally friendly and easy to operate. It allows seed treatments at different strengths with high homogeneity within the samples. In this way, the treatments can be carried out following good practice requirements strongly recommended for a high quality bioelectromagnetic research to assure reliability and reproducibility of the experiments.

A full wave method developed for the analysis of lossy dielectric disks is applied to the evaluation of the field induced in a Petri dish exposed in a reverberation chamber. The rich scattering environment can be modeled by means of a plane wave expansion, which is usually approximated taking into account only a few waves. The proposed method allows to assess the accuracy achieved for any given number of considered plane waves.

In this work we will present a picture of the published results on in vitro and in vivo studies aimed to evaluate the interactions with millimeter waves adopted for 5G/B5G and 6 G communication systems as well as the importance of high quality studies to obtain reliable results and therefore counteract misinformation.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most-used diagnostic imaging methods worldwide. There are ~50,000 MRI scanners worldwide each of which involves a minimum of five workers from different disciplines who spend their working days around MRI scanners. This review analyzes the state of the art of literature about the several aspects of the occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in MRI: regulations, literature studies on biological effects, and health surveillance are addressed here in detail, along with a summary of the main approaches for exposure assessment. The original research papers published from 2013 to 2021 in international peer-reviewed journals, in the English language, are analyzed, together with documents published by legislative bodies. The key points for each topic are identified and described together with useful tips for precise safeguarding of MRI operators, in terms of exposure assessment, studies on biological effects, and health surveillance. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

The occurrence of modulation-specific effects after co-exposures to radio-frequency (RF) and other agents has been discussed in the literature. In this paper, the influence of modulation and bandwidth in eliciting the DNA damage of RF alone and in combination with mitomycin-C (MMC) is analyzed in human lymphocytes. Blood cultures from healthy donors were exposed to 1950 MHz, and continuous wave (CW), wideband direct-sequence code division multiple access (WCDMA, 4.5 MHz bandwidth), and additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN, 9 MHz bandwidth) signals were considered. For each signal, specific absorption rate (SAR) values of 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.25 W/kg were tested. RF exposure alone never induced DNA damage in the micronucleus assay. When RF exposure was followed by MMC treatment, the effect depended on modulation and bandwidth. CW exposure never altered the MMC-induced DNA damage, while such damage was reduced when either signals WCDMA at 0.3 W/kg SAR or AWGN at 0.15 and 0.3 W/kg were applied. These results indicate the influence of modulation for the occurrence of the protective effect, with a relation between the bandwidth and the power absorbed by samples. If confirmed in vivo , clinical applications using modulated RF signals could be devised to protect cells from side effects of therapeutic treatments.

La diffusione di tecnologie basate sull'utilizzo di campi elettromagnetici (CEM) negli ambienti di lavoro, ha determinato un crescente interesse verso lo sviluppo di strumenti e metodi per la valutazione del rischio per i lavoratori sottoposti a tale tipologia di esposizione. La direttiva definisce un nuovo sistema di limiti e valori di azione, e prescrive l'obbligo per i datori di lavoro di effettuare la valutazione del rischio, e di informare e formare i lavoratori rispetto all'esito di tale valutazione. I sistemi per Imaging a Risonanza Magnetica (MRI) sono sorgenti di esposizioni multiple a CEM: campi di induzione magnetica statici (fino ad alcuni T), CM di bassa frequenza (campi di gradiente) e CEM impulsivi a radiofrequenza (RF). Gli scenari di esposizione dipendono dall'attività svolta (tecnici, infermieri, medici, addetti alla pulizia o alla manutenzione) e dal layout dell'impianto MRI. Dal 2012 al 2017 l'INAIL-CONTARP Regione Campania e il CNR-IREA hanno svolto un'intensa attività di valutazione del rischio a CM, bio-monitoraggio, formazione e informazione dei lavoratori in ambienti MRI, mettendo a punto strumenti e procedure che possono essere utilizzati dal datore di lavoro e dai responsabili per la sicurezza.

In this paper, we study the influence of radiofrequency signal modulation and bandwidth, in eliciting the genotoxic effect of radiofrequency per se and in combination with Mitomycin-C, a chemical mutagen, in a combined exposure protocol on cultured human lymphocytes.

I sistemi per Imaging a Risonanza Magnetica (MRI) costituiscono una sorgente di esposizioni multiple a campi elettromagnetici (CEM) per gli operatori del settore. La valutazione del rischio da esposizione ai CEM è particolarmente complessa considerando anche i diversi scenari di esposizione che dipendono dall'attività specifica svolta (tecnici, infermieri, medici, addetti alla pulizia o alla manutenzione), oltre che dal layout dell'impianto MRI. In questo lavoro verranno presentati i risultati di uno studio pilota condotto sui lavoratori MRI dell'Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G. Pascale di Napoli, con il duplice obiettivo di valutare i livelli di esposizione e di identificare potenziali biomarcatori per la valutazione del rischio.

Misure di campi magnetici di gradiente con metodo del picco ponderato presso impianti MRI di ospedali Campani. Bio-monitoraggio dei lavoratori esposti e di soggetti di controllo mediante analisi del danno cromosomico in campioni di mucosa buccale. Diffusione e disseminazione dei risultati in strutture pubbliche e private della Regione Campania

The invasive Red Palm Weevil is the major pest of palms. Several control methods have been applied, however concern is raised regarding the treatments that can cause significant environmental pollution. In this context the use of microwaves is particularly attractive. Microwave heating applications are increasingly proposed in the management of a wide range of agricultural and wood pests, exploiting the thermal death induced in the insects that have a thermal tolerance lower than that of the host matrices. This paper describes research aiming to combat the Red Palm pest using microwave heating systems. An electromagnetic-thermal model was developed to better control the temperature profile inside the palm tissues. In this process both electromagnetic and thermal parameters are involved, the latter being particularly critical depending on plant physiology. Their evaluation was carried out by fitting experimental data and the thermal model with few free parameters. The results obtained by the simplified model well match with both that of a commercial software 3D model and measurements on treated Phoenix canariensis palms with a ring microwave applicator. This work confirms that microwave heating is a promising, eco-compatible solution to fight the spread of weevil.

In this study, the effect of radiofrequency (RF) exposure to 1950 MHz, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System signal, was investigated in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cell line (V79). Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of 20-h exposure at specific absorption rate (SAR) values from 0.15 W/kg to 1.25 W/kg were measured by means of cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) assay. Exposure was carried out blinded under strictly controlled conditions of dosimetry and temperature. The effect of RF exposure alone at four SAR values was tested, that is, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.25 W/kg. A statistically significant increase in MN frequency was found in cultures exposed to 0.15 and 0.3 W/kg (P < 0.05) compared to sham-exposed ones, in the absence of cytotoxicity. SAR values of 0.6 and 1.25 W/kg did not exert any effect. Moreover, to evaluate the ability of RF to exert protective effects with respect to a chemical mutagen, cell cultures were also pre-exposed for 20 h at 0.3 or 1.25 W/kg, and then treated with 500 ng/ml of mitomycin-C (MMC). A significant reduction in the frequency of MN was detected in cultures pre-exposed to 1.25 W/kg compared to cultures treated with MMC alone (P < 0.05), indicating induction of adaptive response. Such a decrease was not induced by pre-exposure at 0.3 W/kg SAR. Taken together, our results indicated that V79 is a sensitive cell model to evidence either adverse or beneficial effects of RF exposure, depending on experimental conditions applied.

L'analisi dell'incidenza di micronuclei nelle cellule di mucosa buccale viene impiegata in studi di epidemiologia molecolare volti a valutare l'impatto dei fattori legati sia allo stile di vita sia all'esposizione occupazionale ad agenti chimici e fisici a potenziale effetto genotossico. Infatti, l'aumento dell'incidenza di micronuclei è stato associato al rischio di invecchiamento precoce, cancro e malattie neurodegenerative. La finalità di questo lavoro è verificare se la valutazione dell'incidenza di micronuclei in cellule di mucosa buccale può essere impiegata come bio-marcatore di rischio per i lavoratori in ambiente MRI. A questo scopo, mediante la compilazione di un questionario ad-hoc, sono stati reclutati 12 lavoratori in ambiente MRI, selezionati sulla base dell'età, sesso, stato di salute, stile di vita (fumo, consumo di alcool) ed esposizioni professionali a cancerogeni chimici o fisici. Inoltre, è stato selezionato un gruppo di 12 lavoratori non esposti (controllo) da confrontare agli esposti. Sebbene sia stata riscontrata una alta variabilità tra i lavoratori esposti, i risultati ottenuti indicano un lieve aumento di micronuclei che però, confrontato con il gruppo di controllo, non era statisticamente significativo. Al fine di validare l'impiego di questo test come marcatore di rischio per i lavoratori in ambiente MRI, sarebbe necessario aumentare il numero di donatori da coinvolgere nello studio.

La risposta adattativa è un fenomeno ben documentato in radiobiologia: pre-trattamenti con dosi molto basse di agenti mutageni chimici o fisici inducono protezione da un trattamento successivo con una alta dose dello stesso agente o di altri agenti. Tale fenomeno è stato evidenziato sia in colture cellulari sia nell'uomo e in particolare nei lavoratori. La maggior parte degli studi ha impiegato dosi molto basse e dosi elevate di radiazioni ionizzanti, ma è stato anche dimostrato che agenti chimici o combinazioni di agenti fisici e chimici sono altrettanto efficaci nell'indurre adattamento. Sebbene sia disponibile una discreta quantità di risultati pubblicati e siano state formulate diverse ipotesi, ad oggi non esiste ancora un consolidato meccanismo di azione in grado di spiegare l'insorgenza del fenomeno. Nel 2009 il nostro gruppo di ricerca ha evidenziato per la prima volta che pre-esposizioni di colture di linfociti umani alle frequenze in uso per la telefonia cellulare sono in grado di offrire protezione dal danno indotto al DNA da mutageni chimici. Successivamente, lo studio è stato esteso ed i risultati ottenuti ad oggi hanno mostrato che in diversi tipi cellulari, diverse frequenze e modulazioni offrono protezione nei confronti del danno indotto da svariati mutageni chimici e da radiazioni ionizzanti. Tali risultati sono stati anche confermati da altri gruppi di ricerca internazionali sia in vitro sia in vivo. In questa relazione verranno illustrati i principali risultati ottenuti dal nostro gruppo di ricerca. Verranno inoltre evidenziate le conoscenze da acquisire nonché le implicazioni di tale fenomeno per la popolazione in generale e i lavoratori in particolare.

Seeds and sprouts of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were exposed to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field (EMF) corresponding to a SAR of 40 mW/g. A The effects were assessed on the above-ground growth of mature plants. Seeds exposed to EMF showed a significant higher germination time in soil compared to control. No significant differences were observed in some growth parameters (total height, number of leaves and leaf expansion) between plants developed from seeds exposed to EMF and plant controls. On the contrary, when bean sprouts were exposed to EMF a significant decrease of the growth parameters was evident in plants developed from sprouts exposed to EMF compared to those obtained from sprouts not exposed.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária O médico veterinário municipal é a autoridade sanitária veterinária concelhia, fundamental nas diversas atividades das ciências veterinárias, desempenhando funções importantes na saúde e bem-estar animal, na saúde pública e na higiene e segurança alimentar. Os animais errantes e os sinantrópicos são responsáveis por problemas de saúde pública os quais têm impactos socioeconómicos consideráveis para a maioria das cidades. A atividade humana e a abundância de resíduos nas cidades favorece a proliferação de espécies resistentes e oportunistas. Em excesso, animais sinantrópicos, tornam-se pragas urbanas com impacto na qualidade de vida e salubridade das populações. O presente trabalho apresenta um projeto idealizado para dar resposta à problemática da sobrepopulação columbófila na cidade da Figueira da Foz, com o objetivo de reduzir o seu efetivo em determinados locais. O projeto engloba diferentes passos, durante os quais é feita a seleção dos indivíduos saudáveis e rastreadas doenças que possam apresentar perigo zoonótico, permanecendo num pombal municipal uma população residente controlada. É urgente difundir o conceito de guarda responsável através da sensibilização da população humana, bem como implementar medidas eficazes na resolução de problemas relacionados com o aumento do número de animais, tarefa que não se apresenta fácil mas que se impõe pela sua importância. É da competência da CM e da responsabilidade do médico veterinário municipal adequar estas medidas para que seja garantida a saúde pública. ABSTRACT - The Municipal Veterinarian and the overpopulation of stray and synanthropic animals - Project for the control of pigeons in the city of Figueira da Foz - The local veterinarian is the veterinary health authority of the district council, key-figure in the various activities of veterinary science, playing important roles in animal health and welfare, public health and food hygiene and safety. Stray and synanthropic animals are associated to health problems that have significant economic and social impact in cities. Human activity and the abundance of waste in cities favours the proliferation of resistant and opportunistic species. In excess, the synanthropic animals become urban pests with an impact on the quality of life and health of populations. This paper presents a project designed to address the problem of pigeon’s overpopulation in the city of Figueira da Foz, with the aim of reducing their numbers in specific locations. The project encompasses different steps during which the selection of healthy individuals is done, and zoonotic diseases that may present a potential risk, the resident population is assessed and remains in a controlled municipal dovecote. It is urgent to spread the concept of responsible ownership by raising awareness of human population as well as implement effective measures in for solving problems related to the increased number of animals, a task that does not look easy but it imposes on its importance. It is responsibility of city the council, and the responsibility of the municipal veterinarian to adapt these measures to ensure that public health is guaranteed.

To evaluate possible health risk related to occupational exposure in MRI, the micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa cells was measured in workers and in controls. Pilot results indicate no differences between the two groups, but a larger number of donors is required. A procedure for the evaluation of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields is being disseminated for workers formation.

The induction of an adaptive response (AR) was examined in human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields (RF). Cells from nine healthy human volunteers were stimulated for 24 h with phytohaemagglutinin and then exposed for 20 h to an adaptive dose (AD) of a 1950 MHz RF UMTS (universal mobile telecommunication system) signal used for mobile communications, at different specific absorption rates (SAR) of 1.25, 0.6, 0.3, and 0.15 W/kg. This was followed by treatment of the cells at 48 h with a challenge dose (CD) of 100 ng/ml mitomycin C (MMC). Lymphocytes were collected at the end of the 72 h total culture period. The cytokinesis-block method was used to record the frequency of micronuclei (MN) as genotoxicity end-point. When lymphocytes from six donors were pre-exposed to RF at 0.3 W/kg SAR and then treated with MMC, these cells showed a significant reduction in the frequency of MN, compared with the cells treated with MMC alone: this result is indicative of induction of AR. The results from our earlier study indicated that lymphocytes that were stimulated for 24 h, exposed for 20 h to a 900 MHz RF GSM (global system for mobile communication) signal at 1.25 W/kg SAR and then treated with 100 ng/ml MMC, also exhibited AR. These overall data suggest that the induction of AR depends on RF frequency, type of the signal and SAR. Further characterization of RF-induced AR is in progress.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil) is currently one of the major threats to palms in the Mediterranean area. No single technique developed up to now seems able to completely eradicate this pest. This paper introduces microwave treatment as an effective tool to help the control of this insect; the effect of microwave radiation on palm tissues and on the curculionid is described and discussed. The main advantage of microwaves is their eco-compatibility, and preliminary results of their application to Rhynchophorus ferrugineus control are very promising.

This study was designed to assess if radiofrequency (RF) radiation induces oxidative stress in cultured mammalian cells when given alone or in combination with ferrous ions (FeSO4). For this purpose the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by flow cytometry in human lymphoblastoid cells exposed to 1950 MHz signal used by the third generation wireless technology of the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) at Specific Absorption Rate of 0.5 and 2.0 W/kg. Short (5–60 min) or long (24 h) duration exposures were carried out in a waveguide system under strictly controlled conditions of both dosimetry and environment. Cell viability was also measured after 24 h RF exposure using the Resazurin and Neutral Red assays. Several co-exposure protocols were applied to test if RF radiation is able to alter ROS formation induced by FeSO4 (RF given before or concurrently to FeSO4). The results obtained indicate that non-thermal RF exposures do not increase spontaneous ROS formation in any of the experimental conditions investigated. Consistent with the lack of ROS production, no change in cell viability was observed in Jurkat cells exposed to RF radiation for 24 h. Similar results were obtained when co-exposures were considered: combined exposures to RF radiation and FeSO4 did not increase ROS formation induced by the chemical treatment alone. In contrast, in cultures treated with FeSO4 as positive control, a dose-dependent increase in ROS formation was recorded, validating the sensitivity of the method employed. Bioelectromagnetics 30:525–535, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The last decades have seen increased interest toward possible adverse effects arising from exposure to intense static magnetic fields. This concern is mainly due to the wider and wider applications of such fields in industry and clinical practice; among them, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities are the main sources of exposure to static magnetic fields for both general public (patients) and workers. In recent investigations, exposures to static magnetic fields have been demonstrated to elicit, in different cell models, both permanent and transient modifications in cellular endpoints critical for the carcinogenesis process. The World Health Organization has therefore recommended in vitro investigations as important research need, to be carried out under strictly controlled exposure conditions. Here we report on the absence of effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species levels and DNA integrity in MRC-5 human foetal lung fibroblasts exposed to 370 mT magnetic induction level, under different exposure regimens. Exposures have been performed by using an experimental apparatus designed and realized for operating with the static magnetic field generated by permanent magnets and confined in a magnetic circuit, to allow cell cultures exposure in absence of confounding factors like heating or electric field components.

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of electrical properties (EP) of human tissues, namely electric conductivity (s) and permittivity (e), could be used to detect pathologic tissue (e.g., cancer), as well as to accurately estimate radiofrequency (RF) safety limits for ultra-high field (UHF) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Various techniques have been proposed for non-invasive mapping of tissue EP in the radiofrequency range based on MR measurements. The aim of this work is to design and build a two-compartment MR phantom for validation of EP mapping techniques. We chose 300 MHz as the target operating frequency because RF-based EP mapping techniques are more promising at UHF.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv, known as the red palm weevil (RPW), has recently quickly spread in the Mediterranean Basin and United States infesting and destroying an increasing number of species of Phoenix canariensis palms. Of the various techniques suggested for treating the palms, high power microwave applications could be an attractive and eco-compatible solution. © 2015 International Union of Radio Science (URSI).

Sviluppo e analisi di sensori e metodi di misura della corrente indotta nel corpo umano da campi elettromagnetici a radiofrequenza.

Purtscher-like retinopathy is associated with retinal hemorrhages and ischaemia probably due to the complement-mediated leukoembolization. It is a rare and severe angiopathy found in conditions such as acute pancreatitis.Case. We present a case of a 53-year-old man who presented with a Purtscher-like retinopathy associated with the development of acute pancreatitis in the context of a Klatskin tumour (a hilar cholangiocarcinoma). The ophthalmologic evaluation revealed the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/32 in the right eye (RE) and of 20/40 in the left eye (LE); biomicroscopy of anterior segment showed scleral icterus and fundoscopy revealed peripapillary cotton-wool spots, optic disc edema, and RPE hypo- and hyperpigmentation in the middle peripheral retina in both eyes with an intraretinal hemorrhage in the LE. 15 months after the initial presentation, without ophthalmological treatment, there was an improvement of BCVA to 20/20 in both eyes and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed areas of reduction of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness corresponding to the previous cotton-wool spots.Conclusion. Purtscher-like retinopathy should not be neglected in complex clinical contexts. Its unclear pathophysiology determines an uncertain treatment strategy, but a meticulous follow-up is compulsory in order to avoid its severe complications.

Personnel working in the framework of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) facilities undergo exposure to static magnetic fields, switched gradient magnetic fields, and radiofrequency pulsed electromagnetic fields. A further source of exposure is represented by the movements of the human body through the static magnetic, spatially non-homogeneous, stray field around the MRI scanner: such movements cause exposure to low frequency (< 1 Hz) time varying magnetic fields inducing electric fields and currents in the human tissues. Exposure to switched gradient magnetic fields and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields is only possible when staying close to the scanner during a diagnostic procedure.

Studi in vitro per la valutazione degli effetti in termini di vitalità, specie reattive dell'ossigeno, apoptosi e danno al DNA in colture di fibroblasti umani esposte ad un campo magnetico statico, a valori di induzione magnetica riscontrabili nei pressi degli apparati per imaging a risonanza magnetica. Studi su campioni "ex vivo" per valutare il danno cromosomico (test del micronucleo) su cellule epiteliali provenienti da campioni di mucosa buccale da personale sanitario operante in ambiente MRI e da campioni di controllo provenienti da soggetti non esposti.

High power microwave applications can be considered an attractive and eco-compatibile solution for contrasting the diffusion of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, one of the major threats to palm in the Mediterranean area. In this work we present the results of a research activity aimed to obtain by palm dielectric heating temperatures that are lethal for the insect without damaging the plant tissues. Laboratory and semi-field tests showed an high effectiveness of the techniques.

Human peripheral blood leukocytes from six volunteers were exposed to a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) signal (frequency carrier of 1950 MHz) for 24 h. The exposures were carried out in a waveguide system at specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.5 and 2.0 W/kg, and for each blood donor, sham-exposed samples were also set up. The alkaline comet assay was used to quantify DNA damage, while cytotoxicity was determined by the Trypan blue exclusion method. The results obtained indicate the absence of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects at both SAR levels investigated, as assessed by comparing sham-exposed and exposed samples. Therefore, the findings indicate that, in the experimental conditions adopted, 24-h in vitro exposure to 1950-MHz radio-frequency radiation (UMTS signal) does not induce DNA damage in human leukocytes.

Human peripheral blood leukocytes from healthy volunteers have been employed to investigate the induction of genotoxic effects following 2 h exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation. The GSM signal has been studied at specific absorption rates (SAR) of 0.3 and 1 W/kg. The exposures were carried out in a waveguide system under strictly controlled conditions of both dosimetry and temperature. The same temperature conditions (37.0 ± 0.1 °C) were realized in a second waveguide, employed to perform sham exposures. The induction of DNA damage was evaluated in leukocytes by applying the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/comet assay, while structural chromosome aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges were evaluated in lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin. Alterations in kinetics of cell proliferation were determined by calculating the mitotic index. Positive controls were also provided by using methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) for comet assay and mitomycin-C (MMC), for chromosome aberration, or sister chromatid exchange tests. No statistically significant differences were detected in exposed samples in comparison with sham exposed ones for all the parameters investigated. On the contrary, the positive controls gave a statistically significant increase in DNA damage in all cases, as expected. Thus the results obtained in our experimental conditions do not support the hypothesis that 900 MHz radiofrequency field exposure induces DNA damage in human peripheral blood leukocytes in this range of SAR. Bioelectromagnetics 26:258–265, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The exposure to non-thermal microwave electromagnetic field (MW-EMF) at 1.95 MHz, a frequency used in mobile communication, affects the refolding kinetics of eukaryotic proteins (Mancinelli et al., 2004). On these basis we have evaluated the in vivo effect of MW-EMF in human epidermoid cancer KB cells. We have found that MW-EMF induces time-dependent apoptosis (45% after 3 h) that is paralleled by an about 2.5-fold decrease of the expression of ras and Raf-1 and of the activity of ras and Erk-1/2. Although also the expression of Akt was reduced its activity was unchanged likely as a consequence of the increased expression of its upstream activator PI3K. In the same experimental conditions an about 2.5-fold increase of the ubiquitination of ras and Raf-1 was also found and the addition for 12 h of proteasome inhibitor lactacystin at 10 microM caused an accumulation of the ubiquitinated isoforms of ras and Raf-1 and counteracted the effects of MW-EMF on ras and Raf-1 expression suggesting an increased proteasome-dependent degradation induced by MW-EMF. The exposure of KB cells to MW-EMF induced a differential activation of stress-dependent pathway with an increase of JNK-1 activity and HSP70 and 27 expression and with a reduction of p38 kinase activity and HSP90 expression. The overexpression of HSP90 induced by transfection of KB cells with a plasmid encoding for the factor completely antagonized the apoptosis and the inactivation of the ras --> Erk-dependent survival signal induced by MW-EMF. Conversely, the inhibition of Erk activity induced by 12 h exposure to 10 mM Mek-1 inhibitor U0126 antagonized the effects induced by HSP90 transfection on apoptosis caused by MW-EMF. In conclusion, these results demonstrate for the first time that MW-EMF induces apoptosis through the inactivation of the ras --> Erk survival signaling due to enhanced degradation of ras and Raf-1 determined by decreased expression of HSP90 and the consequent increase of proteasome dependent degradation.

In this paper we consider the problem of optimizing the design procedure of a waveguide slot array applicator radiating a generic dielectric slab. To this end, we use a commercial simulation code to obtain empirical curves describing the behaviour of a single slot radiating on a dielectric slab with a given complex permittivity. Some results regarding a slot linear array applicator designed by using the calculated empirical curves are presented. A significant improvement in efficiency is shown for the slot linear array applicator with respect to a similar applicator designed by using a standard approximate analytical method.

Due to the increasing interest in millimeter waves (MMW) applications in medicine and telecommunications, the investigation of their potential biological effects is of utmost importance. Here we report results of the study of interaction between low-intensity radiation at 53.37 GHz and giant vesicles. Direct optical observations of vesicles subjected to irradiation enabled the monitoring in real time of the response of vesicles. Physical changes of vesicles, i.e. elongation, induced diffusion of fluorescent dye di-8-ANEPPS, and increased attractions between vesicles are demonstrated. These effects are reversible and occur only during irradiation with a “switch on” of the effect requiring a short time. Since the average temperature change was very small the effects could not be attributed to thermal mechanisms. We assume that the interaction of MMW with lipid membrane leads to changes at the membrane–water interface, where charged and dipolar residues are located.

Background and objective: A critical aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments is understanding the effect of disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) on the long-term risk of disability and whether the effect is related to disability at start of treatment. Methods: We performed an observational study on 3060 MS patients. The effect of therapy on progression to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 3.0 and 6.0 from onset was analysed in treated vs untreated (UTP) patients using Cox regression analysis adjusted for propensity score and immortal time bias. Results: Compared to UTP, the risks of EDSS 3.0 were 94% and 73% lower in immunomodulant (IMTP-) and immunosuppressant (ISTP-) treated patients, respectively, while the risk of EDSS 6.0 was 86% lower in IMTP. The risk of EDSS 6.0 was, respectively, 91% and 75% lower in 1275 IMTP before and 114 after EDSS 3.0 than in 539 UTP; the risk was higher in IMTP starting therapy after EDSS 3.0 than before (HR = 4.42). Conclusions: DMDs delayed long-term disability in MS patients treated either in the early or, to a lesser extent, in the later phase of the disease. Thus, the window of therapeutic opportunity is relatively extended, assuming that early is better than late treatment, but late is better than never.

The nonthermal biological effects of millimeter waves have been mainly attributed to the interaction with biological membranes. Several data on biomimetic membrane systems seem to support this conclusion. In this paper a mechanistic hypothesis is evaluated to explain such an interaction taking into account experimental NMR data on deuterium-labeled phospholipid vesicles. These data showed that millimeter waves induce a time and a hydration-dependent reduction of the water ordering around the phosphocholine headgroups. This effect is here interpreted as a change in membrane water partitioning, due to the coupling of the radiation with the fast rotational dynamics of bound water molecules, that results in a measurable relocation of water molecules from the inner to the outer binding regions of the membrane interface. When millimeter wave exposure is performed in the vicinity of the transition point, this effect can lead to an upward shift of the membrane phase transition temperature from the fluid to the gel phase. At a macroscopic level, this unique sensitivity may be explained by the universal dynamic behaviour of the membranes in the vicinity of the transition point, where a pretransitional increase of membrane area fluctuations, i.e., of the mean area per phospholipid headgroup, is observed. Exposure to millimeter waves increases the above fluctuations and enhances the second order character of the transition.

Misure di campi elettromagnetici ad alta frequenza emessi da sistemi wi-fi. La campagna di misura, è stata richiesta dall'INAIL ed era finalizzata alla valutazione dell'esposizione in ambienti di lavoro. Il rapporto tecnico riporta nel dettaglio la metodologia e la strumentazione di misura, i risultati e l'incertezza di misura, e la normativa di riferimento.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv., known as the red palm weevil (RPW), has quickly spread in Southern Europe, infesting and destroying an increasing number of palms, particularly the Phoenix canariensis ones. Of the various techniques suggested for treating the palms, high power microwave applications are considered an attractive, eco-compatibile solution. However, in order to correctly design the exposure system, a knowledge of the electromagnetic properties of the materials involved is required. In this paper, we present a broad-band electromagnetic characterization in the 0.4–18 GHz frequency range of the tissues (both healthy and damaged) of the P. canariensis, with different moisture content, and of the R. ferrugineus in different stages (larva, pupa and adult). The palm tissues had a high water content and a dielectric model of the vegetation was applied to the experimental data in order to estimate the volume fraction of free water and of the bulk vegetation-bound water mixture as well as the...

Our previous study of interaction between low intensity radiation at 53.37 GHz and cell-size system – such as giant vesicles – indicated that a vectorial movement of vesicles was induced. This effect among others, i.e. elongation, induced diffusion of fluorescent dye di-8-ANEPPS, and increased attractions between vesicles was attributed to the action of the field on charged and dipolar residues located at the membrane–water interface. In an attempt to improve the understanding on how millimeter wave radiation (MMW) can induce this movement we report here a real time evaluation of changes induced on the movement of giant vesicles. Direct optical observations of vesicles subjected to irradiation enabled the monitoring in real time of the response of vesicles. Changes of the direction of vesicle movement are demonstrated, which occur only during irradiation with a “switch on” of the effect. This MMW-induced effect was observed at a larger extent on giant vesicles prepared with negatively charged phospholipids. The monitoring of induced-by-irradiation temperature variation and numerical dosimetry indicate that the observed effects in vesicle movement cannot be attributed to local heating.

The nonthermal biological effects of millimeter waves have been mainly attributed to the interaction with biological membranes. Several data on biomimetic membrane systems seem to support this conclusion. In this paper a mechanistic hypothesis is evaluated to explain such an interaction taking into account experimental NMR data on deuterium-labeled phospholipid vesicles. These data showed that millimeter waves induce a time and a hydration-dependent reduction of the water ordering around the phosphocholine headgroups. This effect is here interpreted as a change in membrane water partitioning, due to the coupling of the radiation with the fast rotational dynamics of bound water molecules, that results in a measurable relocation of water molecules from the inner to the outer binding regions of the membrane interface. When millimeter wave exposure is performed in the vicinity of the transition point, this effect can lead to an upward shift of the membrane phase transition temperature from the fluid to the gel phase. At a macroscopic level, this unique sensitivity may be explained by the universal dynamic behaviour of the membranes in the vicinity of the transition point, where a pretransitional increase of membrane area fluctuations, i.e., of the mean area per phospholipid headgroup, is observed. Exposure to millimeter waves increases the above fluctuations and enhances the second order character of the transition.

The aim of this preliminary investigation was to assess whether human peripheral blood lymphocytes which have been pre-exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields exhibit an adaptive response (AR) by resisting the induction of genetic damage from subsequent exposure to ionizing radiation. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from four healthy donors were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin for 24 h and then exposed for 20 h to 1950 MHz radiofrequency fields (RF, adaptive dose, AD) at an average specific absorption rate of 0.3 W/kg. At 48 h, the cells were subjected to a challenge dose (CD) of 1.0 or 1.5 Gy X-irradiation (XR, challenge dose, CD). After a 72 h total culture period, cells were collected to examine the incidence of micronuclei (MN). There was a significant decrease in the number of MN in lymphocytes exposed to RF + XR (AD + CD) as compared with those subjected to XR alone (CD). These observations thus suggested a RF-induced AR and induction of resistance to subsequent damage from XR. There was variability between the donors in RF-induced AR. The data reported in our earlier investigations also indicated a similar induction of AR in human blood lymphocytes that had been pre-exposed to RF (AD) and subsequently treated with a chemical mutagen, mitomycin C (CD). Since XR and mitomycin-C induce different kinds of lesions in cellular DNA, further studies are required to understand the mechanism(s) involved in the RF-induced adaptive response.

Resumen Objetivos Los objetivos fundamentales fueron: mejorar la eficacia, la adecuacion, la accesibilidad, mantener la continuidad asistencial y disminuir la variabilidad clinica en la atencion de los pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica. Metodos Analizar los motivos de derivacion de estos pacientes desde los Centros de Atencion Primaria a las consultas externas de Cardiologia y su atencion hospitalaria, buscando las oportunidades de mejora en cada uno de ellos, y crear una Unidad Funcional de Cardiopatia Isquemica con la metodologia de una gestion por procesos y con los objetivos planteados. Resultados Se describen los resultados del periodo junio 1999 a junio 2000. Se elaboraron de forma interdisciplinaria nueve Guias de Practica Clinica sobre cardiopatia isquemica, se organizo una consulta externa de un Programa de Diagnostico Rapido del Dolor Toracico con la incorporacion de pruebas complementarias cardiacas. Se atendieron todas las interconsultas sobre cardiopatia isquemica procedentes de los distintos centros y se establecio la realizacion de una sesion semanal del equipo de la unidad. Desde el inicio del funcionamiento de la misma se observo una reduccion del 71,9% en las listas de espera de las primeras visitas de Cardiologia en las consultas externas hospitalarias y una leve disminucion en la multiconsulta (8,4%). Conclusiones La puesta en marcha de la unidad funcional, como primera experiencia en gestion por procesos de nuestro grupo sanitario, ha logrado una mejoria en la gestion asistencial de los pacientes con cardiopatia isquemica permitiendo iniciar el camino hacia el objetivo de disminuir la variabilidad de la practica clinica e integrar, a partir de los diferentes conocimientos y experiencias, la actuacion multidisciplinar de un equipo de profesionales que asegure la continuidad asistencial y lleve a la organizacion hacia un cambio cultural de gestion.