The Effects of 2100 MHz Radio Frequency Radiation on Thyroid Tissues

ABSTRACT Objective: To reveal the effect of 2100 MHz radio frequency (RF) radiation on thyroid tissues of rats in the 10 days (group E1) and 40 days (group G1) exposure groups. Methods: In this study, 30 healthy female Wistar albino rats, weighing 200−256 g each, were used. The animals were randomly divided into four groups (E1, E2, G1 and G2). Groups E2 and G2 served as the control groups. The exposure groups were exposed to 2100 MHz RF radiation emitted by a generator, simulating a 3G-mobile phone for 6 hours/day, 5 consecutive days/week, at the same time of the day (between 9 am and 3 pm), for 10 days (group E1) and 40 days (group G1). Results: Catalase and xanthine oxidase enzyme activities were compared between the groups E1 and E2; it was found that the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Between the groups G1 and G2, the difference was found to be significant with respect to catalase activities. Tissue samples of the early and late groups showed no serious pathological findings in the histopathological examination. Conclusion: We believe that comprehensive, clinical and experimental studies are needed to assess the effect of the RF exposure duration and dosage of exposure on thyroid tissues.

Telefones celulares e o risco de tumores cerebrais: mito ou realidade? Scoping review / Cell phones and risk of brain tumors: myth or reality?

Contexto: Os telefones celulares emitem radiações eletromagnéticas que são classificadas como possivelmente cancerígenas para os seres humanos. A hipótese de que o uso de telefones celulares pode estar relacionado ao risco de desenvolvimento de tumor cerebral, tem sido motivo de muita controvérsia e de grande debate na comunidade científica. Objetivos: O objetivo foi avaliar as evidências na literatura, relativas à exposição à radiação de telefones celulares e o risco de desenvolvimento de tumores cerebrais. Desenho de estudo: Trata-se de scoping review. Métodos: Procedeu-se à busca por estudos no MEDLINE/PubMed e na Cochrane Library. Foram utilizados descritores do DeCS (Descritores em Ciências da Saúde) e não houve restrição geográfica e temporal das publicações. O critério de inclusão consistia em estudos em humanos abrangendo a exposição a telefones celulares e o desenvolvimento de neoplasias cerebrais. Resultados: A estratégia de busca recuperou 77 citações e, destas, 8 estudos foram incluídos nessa revisão. A grande maioria dos estudos são do tipo caso-controle e há resultados divergentes entre eles. A maioria não demonstra risco entre a exposição habitual ao celular e o desenvolvimento de tumores cerebrais. Entretanto, alguns estudos correlacionam um possível risco associado à exposição intensa à radiação do telefone celular. Conclusão: Os estudos realizados até o momento não permitem concluir sobre o risco da exposição ao telefone celular e o desenvolvimento de tumores cerebrais, sendo recomendada a realização de novos estudos para elucidação da questão.

Cardiotoxicidad de los quimioterapéuticos diferentes a antraciclinas de la lista oficial de medicamentosde la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social / Cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutics other than anthracyclines from the official list of medications of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund

Resumen La Cardio-oncología es una nueva disciplina que busca enfocarse en el tamizaje, monitoreo y tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer que presentan enfermedad cardiaca durante o después de recibir tratamiento. Esto debido a que el efecto cardiotóxico asociado a los quimioterapéuticos es ampliamente conocido y respaldado por abundantes estudios clínicos. Sin embargo, no es hasta épocas recientes que en Costa Rica se desarrollaron por primera vez Unidades Cardio-oncológicas, los cuales actualmente se ubican en diversos centros médicos de nuestro sistema de salud público. A continuación, se presenta un resumen de las manifestaciones clínicas de las diversas terapias oncológicas diferentes a las antraciclinas que tenemos a disposición en la Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (CCSS).

Abstract Cardio-oncology is a new discipline that looks to focus on the screening, monitoring and treatment of patients withcancer that show up with heart disease during and after their treatment. This is due to the fact that the cardiotoxic effectsassociated to chemotherapeutics is widely known and backed up with abundant clinical trials. Nevertheless, it is not untilrecently that in Costa Rica the Cardio-oncologic Units were created for the first time, which now can be found in multiplemedical centers of our public health system. Up next, we present a summary of the clinical manifestations of the diversenon-anthracycline oncologic therapies that are available in the "Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social".

Cardiotoxicidad inducida por radioterapia / Radiotherapy induced cardiotoxicity

Resumen Los avances en el tratamiento oncológico han generado un aumento de la expectativa de vida en este grupo de pacien tes. Consecuentemente, las complicaciones relacionadas al tratamiento oncológico se han convertido en un tema crucial, siendo la toxicidad cardiovascular una de las más temidas.1 La radioterapia sobre el tórax, utilizada fundamentalmente en el linfoma de Hodgkin, el cáncer de mama y de pulmón puede generar potenciales efectos colaterales como la enfermedad coronaria, afecciones a nivel pericárdico, miocardio patía, trastornos de la conducción y valvulopatías. Se presenta a continuación el caso de un paciente de 43 años que desarrolló múltiples manifestaciones de cardiotoxicidad inducida por radioterapia.

Abstract Advances in cancer therapy have led to an increase in life expectancy in this group of patients. Consequently, complications related to cancer treatment have become a crucial issue, with cardiovascular toxicity being the most feared. Radiation therapy on the thorax, used primarily in Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast and lung cancer can generate potential side effects such as coronary disease, pericardial conditions, cardiomyopathy, conduction disorders and valvulopathies. The case of a 43-year-old patient who developed multiple manifestations of cardiotoxicity induced by radiotherapy is presented below.

The radiation protection role of heparin-SOD conjugate in irradiated mice

ABSTRACT Heparin-SOD conjugate (Hep-SOD) was prepared by modifying Cu,Zn-SOD with heparin. An acute radiation-induced mouse injury model was constructed to study the radiation protection effects of Hep-SOD conjugate. Fifty-six mice were randomly divided into seven groups: (I) normal control group; (II) irradiated control group; (III) positive control group (amifostine group, 300 mg/kg); (IV) SOD group (35000 U/kg); (V) high dosage of Hep-SOD group (70000 U/kg); (VI) medium dosage of Hep-SOD group (35000 U/kg); (VII) low dosage of Hep-SOD group (17500 U/kg). Drugs were intraperitoneally injected into each mouse 1 h before radiation except for the normal control group. All the irradiated groups were irradiated with 6 Gy. Organ indices, haematopoietic function indices, peripheral blood cells, liver function test, oxidative stress state and pathological observation were detected to study the effects of Hep-SOD on irradiated mice. Results showed that bone marrow suppression of irradiated mice could be reduced when treated by Hep-SOD before radiation. Oxidative stress detection and pathological observation of the liver and intestine showed that the damage caused by radiation was relieved when mice were treated with Hep-SOD before radiation. This study shows a new direction to prevent organisms from the damage caused by radiation.

Analysis of agreement between Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and numerical questions to assess perception of teratogenic risks in treatment with drugs and radiotherapy in women / Análise de concordância entre as escalas visual analógica (VAS) e questões numéricas para avaliar a percepção de riscos teratogênicos em tratamento com medicamentos e radioterapia em mulheres

To evaluate the agreement between Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and numerical questions as a way of assessing the perception of teratogenic risk of treatment with drugs and radiotherapy. Methods: the sample comprised 144 pregnant and 143 non-pregnant women consecutively recruited at public health centers in Porto Alegre, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, from February to August 2011. The perception of risk for congenital malformations in the general population and the perceptions of teratogenic risk for exposure to acetaminophen, meto-clopramide, misoprostol and radiotherapy were measured using VAS and numerical questions. The agreement between the results of the two techniques was tested using a Bland-Altman plot. Results: the medians for the perceptions measured using VAS were higher than those obtained using numerical questions for all variables. The perception of risk for acetaminophen showed the lower bias of the two techniques (bias=13.17; p<0.001) and exposure to radiotherapy, the higher (bias=25.02; p<0.001). Conclusion: there was no agreement between the measurements obtained using the two techniques for any of the risk perceptions under study. Risk perceptions were higher using VAS, for all kinds of exposure. Studies should be conducted to assess whether there is overestimation in other situations and social contexts owing to the use of VAS...

Avaliar a concordância entre Escalas Visuais Analógicas (EVA) e perguntas numéricas para aferir a percepção de risco teratogênico de medicamentos e radioterapia. Métodos: a amostra foi constituída por 144 gestantes e 143 não gestantes recrutadas consecutivamente em centros públicos de saúde de Porto Alegre, RS, entre fevereiro e agosto de 2011. A percepção de risco de malformações congênitas na população geral e as percepções de risco teratogênico das exposições a paracetamol, metoclo-pramida, misoprostol e radioterapia na gestação foram aferidas por EVA e perguntas numéricas. A concordância entre as duas técnicas foi avaliada pela análise gráfica de Bland-Altman Resultados: as medianas das percepções de risco teratogênico medidas por EVA foram superiores às obtidas através da pergunta numérica, para todas as variáveis. A percepção de risco ao paracetamol apresentou o menor viés entre as duas técnicas de aferição (viés=13,17; p<0,001) e a exposição à radioterapia, o maior (viés=25,02;p<0,001). Conclusões: não houve concordância entre as duas técnicas, para nenhuma das percepções de risco estudadas. As percepções de risco foram maiores para EVA, para todas as exposições. Sugerimos a realização de estudos que avaliem se também ocorre superestimação em outras situações e contextos sociais, em função do uso de EVA...

Risco da radiação ionizante em mulheres férteis submetidas à ablação por radiofrequência / Risk of ionizing radiation in women of childbearing age undergoing radiofrequency ablation

FUNDAMENTO: A Comissão Internacional de Radiologia indica rastreamento com teste de gravidez a todas pacientes do gênero feminino em período fértil que serão submetidas a exame radiológico. Sabe-se que a radiação é teratogênica e que seu efeito é cumulativo. O potencial teratogênico inicia-se com doses próximas às das utilizadas durante esses procedimentos. Não se sabe a prevalência de teste de gravidez positivo em pacientes submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou à ablação por cateter em nosso meio. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de teste de gravidez positivo em pacientes do gênero feminino encaminhadas para estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou ablação por radiofrequência. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com análise de 2.966 pacientes submetidos a estudo eletrofisiológico e/ou ablação por cateter, de junho 1997 a fevereiro 2013, no Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram realizados 1.490 exames em mulheres sendo que, destas, 769 encontravam-se em idade fértil. Todas as pacientes foram rastreadas com teste de gravidez no dia anterior ao procedimento. RESULTADOS: Detectou-se positividade do teste em três pacientes, impossibilitando a realização do exame. Observou-se prevalência de 3,9 casos por 1.000 mulheres em idade fértil. CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao baixo custo e à segurança, indica-se a realização de teste de rastreamento para gravidez a todas pacientes em idade fértil, uma vez que o grau de radiação ionizante necessária nesse procedimento é muito próximo ao limiar de teratogenicidade, principalmente no primeiro trimestre, quando os sinais de gestação não são exuberantes.

BACKGROUND: The International Commission of Radiology recommends a pregnancy screening test to all female patients of childbearing age who will undergo a radiological study. Radiation is known to be teratogenic and its effect is cumulative. The teratogenic potential starts at doses close to those used during these procedures. The prevalence of positive pregnancy tests in patients undergoing electrophysiological studies and/or catheter ablation in our midst is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of positive pregnancy tests in female patients referred for electrophysiological study and/or radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: Cross-sectional study analyzing 2966 patients undergoing electrophysiological study and/or catheter ablation, from June 1997 to February 2013, in the Institute of Cardiology of Rio Grande do Sul. A total of 1490 procedures were performed in women, of whom 769 were of childbearing age. All patients were screened with a pregnancy test on the day before the procedure. RESULTS: Three patients tested positive, and were therefore unable to undergo the procedure. The prevalence observed was 3.9 cases per 1000 women of childbearing age. CONCLUSION: Because of their safety and low cost, pregnancy screening tests are indicated for all women of childbearing age undergoing radiological studies, since the degree of ionizing radiation needed for these procedures is very close to the threshold for teratogenicity, especially in the first trimester, when the signs of pregnancy are not evident.

Efeitos biológicos das radiações ionizantes: acidente radiológico de Goiânia / Biological effects of ionizing radiation: radiological accident in Goiânia

Neste artigo apresentamos as bases da Física das radiações, as fontes naturais e artificiais, os efeitos biológicos, a proteção radiológica. Examinamos também a sequência de eventos que resultou no acidente de Goiânia com uma fonte de césio-137 de um equipamento de radioterapia abandonado e suas terríveis consequências.

Repercusiones médico legales de los desastres nucleares / Medicolegal implications of nuclear disasters

Se han descrito múltiples efectos nocivos de las radiaciones ionizantes en el cuerpo humano. Cuando la exposición a fuentes radioactivas se produce en el contexto de un accidente se debe en primer lugar, brindar la atención médica necesaria y posteriormente sentar las responsabilidades del caso, para lo cual el médico forense debe estar capacitado en valorar los daños producidos...

There is a lot of harmful effects of ionizing radiation on the human body. When exposure to radioactive sources occurs in the context of an accident must first provide the necessary medical care and then lay the responsibilities required, for which the coroner should be trained to assess damage...

Efectos biológicos y aspectos de seguridad de las radiaciones no ionizantes en la resonancia magnética / Non-Ionizing Biological Effects and Security Issues in Magnetic Resonance

Objetivo: Hacer una revisión, en español, de los efectos biológicos determinísticos de los campos magnéticos estáticos, dinámicos y de radiofrecuencia, propios de los exámenes de resonancia magnética (RM) en hospitales. Metodología: Se hace referencia a los límites definidos dependiendo de los distintos usos de la radiofrecuencia en un examen de RM y sus posibles efectos biológicos. Además, se muestran los aspectos de seguridad que deben tenerse en cuenta cuando se diseñan zonas que incluyan esta técnica diagnóstica. Finalmente, se hace una breve revisión de los temas que deben tener en cuenta los entes reguladores ante este tipo de exámenes con radiaciones no ionizantes. Conclusiones: A pesar de no ser determinantes los estudios sobre riesgo biológico, sí hay riesgos, principalmente por la existencia de altos campos magnéticos, que aconsejan tener ciertas precauciones en cuanto a instalaciones y personal calificado, así como una legislación acorde, de la que, por otra parte, carece Colombia.

Objective: To review the deterministic biological effects of static, dynamic and dependent magnetic fields used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: The suggested limits are referenced depending on the different MRI applications, as well as their possible biological effects. In addition, safety aspects which must be taken into account when areas that include this diagnostic technique are shown. Lastly, a short description of the important items for the regulatory authorities to consider when facing these types of test with non-ionizing radiation is discussed. Conclusions: Even though there is no agreement in the literature about the biological risks, risks do exist due to the presence of high magnetic fields. Specific precautions should be taken in terms of proper facilities and qualified personnel, as well as an appropriate legislation which does not exist in Colombia.

Gamma radiation-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis, comparison of single and fractionated dose regimens / Deterioro de la neurogénesis en el hipocampo inducida por radiación gamma, comparación de los regímenes de dosis única y fraccionada

Radiation therapy of the brain is associated with many consequences, including cognitive disorders. Pathogenesis of radiation induced cognitive disorder is not clear, but reduction of neurogenesis in hippocampus may be an underlying reason. 24 adult male rats entered to study. Radiation absorbed dose to midbrain was 10 Gy, delivered by routine cobalt radiotherapy machine which its output was measured 115.24 cGy/min. The rats were divided in four groups of sixes, including groups of control, single fraction 10 Gy, fractionated 10 Gy and finally anaesthesia sham group. Number of pyramidal nerve cells was counted in two regions of hippocampus formation (CA1 and CA3). The radiation could reduce the number of cells in two regions of hippocampus significantly (p=0.000). It seems fractionated 10 Gy irradiation to more efficient than single fraction, while role of anaesthesia drug should be cautiously assessed. Moreover the rate of neurogenesis reduction was determined the same in these regions of hippocampus meaning the same radiosensitivity of cells.

La terapia de radiación cerebral está asociada con muchas consecuencias, incluyendo los trastornos cognitivos. La patogénesis del trastorno cognitivo inducido por la radiación no está claro, pero la reducción de la neurogénesis en el hipocampo puede ser una razón subyacente. Fueron etudiadas 24 ratas macho adultas. La dosis de radiación absorbida en el mesencéfalo fue de 10 Gy, proveniente de una máquina de radioterapia de cobalto con una salida de 115,24 cGy/min. Las ratas fueron divididas en cuatro grupos de seis ratas cada uno, incluyendo un grupo control, fracción única de 10 Gy, fraccionada de 10 Gy y finalmente el grupo de anestesia simulado. El número de células nerviosas piramidales se contó en dos regiones de la formación del hipocampo (CA1 y CA3). La radiación podría reducir significativamente (p = 0,000) el número de células en dos regiones del hipocampo . Al parecer, la radiacioón fraccionada de 10 Gy es más eficiente que la fracción única, mientras que el rol de la anestesia debe ser cuidadosamente evaluado. Por otra parte la tasa de reducción de la neurogénesis fue observada en las mismas regiones del hipocampo es decir, con la misma radiosensibilidad de las células.

Endocrinological response of rabbit after exposure of ovaries to diagnostic ultrasound

To study the serum progesterone and estradiol level in rabbit after exposed of their ovaries to ultrasound waves. Experimental study. NIH, Islamabad, Army Medical College Rawalpindi from Mar 2006 to Sep 2006. Forty, adult, non pregnant female rabbits [Oryctolagus cuniculus strain] weighing 900 gm to 1500 gm were used. They were divided in four groups, each containing ten rabbits, Group I was taken as control. Ovaries of other three groups [group II, III and IV] were exposed to ultrasound [frequency of 3.5 MHz and intensity of 96 dB for two minutes] for 3, 6 and 12 days respectively. Two milliliter of blood samples was withdrawn after 24 hours of last exposure. Progesterone and Estrogen levels in serum were analyzed by Chemiluminescence's method. Initial serum Progesterone and Estrogen levels in rabbits not exposed to ultrasound were compared with ultrasound exposed serum levels. The estradiol level decreased significantly in group IV [P= 0.014] and progesterone level increased significantly in group III [P=0.011]. The current study has revealed that exposure to ultrasound produces changes in hormonal level, if used for longer duration

Biological Profiles of Korean Atomic Bomb Survivors in Residence at Daegu and Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea

In 1945, many Koreans, in addition to Japanese, were killed or injured by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. This study compared the biological profiles of Korean atomic bomb survivors in residence at Daegu and Kyungbuk, Republic of Korea with those of a representative sample of Koreans obtained during a similar period. We evaluated anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood cell counts, blood chemistry, and urinalysis of survivors (n=414) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=414) recruited from the third Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2005. Univariate analyses revealed significantly higher systolic blood pressure, white blood cell count, and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and aspartate aminotransferase levels (p<0.01) in the survivors. Conversely, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and the proportion of positive urine occult blood (p<0.01) were lower in the survivors. Our findings suggest that biological profiles of Korean atomic bomb survivors were adversely affected by radiation exposure.

Radioiodine therapy and subsequent pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate abortion and fetal congenital anomaly rates in women previously submitted to radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study of 108 pregnant women, 48 cases whose pregnancies were evaluated after they had undergone radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and the control group consisted of 60 healthy pregnant women. RESULTS: Of a total of 66 pregnancies, 14 conceived within the first year, 51 one or more years after the last administration of 131I, the medical record of one patient was not available. The interval between the last radioiodine therapy administration and conception ranged from 1 month to 10 years. There were a total of 4 miscarriages, 2 of them for unknown reasons. There was one case of congenital anomaly and two preterms birth. Nine women presented the following pregnancy events: placental insufficiency, hypertensive crisis, placental detachment, risk of miscarriage, preterm labour and four miscarriages. No statistical difference was observed between the studied and control groups. CONCLUSION: Radioiodine was followed by no significant increase in untoward effects in neither the pregnancy nor the offspring.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a taxa de aborto e anomalia congênita em mulheres que engravidaram após radioiodoterapia para carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide. PACIENTES E MÉTODO: Estudo de caso controle com 108 mulheres, 48 submetidas à radioiodoterapia para carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide e 60 mulheres saudáveis (grupo controle). RESULTADOS: De 66 gestações (grupo de pacientes que receberam radioiodo), 14 ocorreram no primeiro ano e 51 mais de um ano após a administração do 131I. Não foi possível coletar dados de uma paciente. O intervalo entre a última dose de 131I e a concepção variou de 1 mês a 10 anos. Ocorreram 4 abortos, 2 de causas desconhecidas. Houve 1 caso de anomalia congênita e 2 pretermos. Nove pacientes que receberam 131I apresentaram intercorrências durante a gravidez: insuficiência placentária, crise hipertensiva, descolamento de placenta, ameaça de aborto, trabalho de parto prematuro e 4 abortos. Não houve diferença estatística entre o grupo estudado e o controle. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da radioiodoterapia para carcinoma diferenciado de tireóide em mulheres não foi relacionado com aumento de efeitos adversos nas mães e suas proles.

Persistent unstable chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of radiotherapy workers after 1[st] mitotic divison in Tehran, Iran

Studies indicate that ionizing radiation can induce persistent genetic instability in a high proportion of exposed cells. It has also been reported that exposure of radiotherapy workers to ionizing radiation causes chromosomal damages. Some of the damaged cells show a large number of aberrations such as dicentrics, polycentrics, rings, and numerous acentric fragments.To determine, whether chromosomal damages can be used as a biomarker of possible radiation in occupational exposure in a hospital setting. In this study, chromosome abnormalities were evaluated in peripheral blood lymphocytes from fifty medical radiotherapy workers who handled ionizing radiation for an average of twelve years, and forty three control individuals who did not knowingly come in contact with any radiation source. Chromosome aberrations were evaluated by the conventional solid stain technique. Dicentrics, fragments, followed by ring chromosomes, as well as total chromosome aberrations were elevated in the experimental group. We did not observe any aneuploidy chromosome in the present study. Although the level of exposure was below the annual permissible limit of twenty mSv/y recommended by the International Commission for Radiation Protection for whole body exposure, the mean frequencies of different chromosomal aberrations were higher in radiotherapy workers compared with controls [P=0.041]. Although the mean frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in the female workers [3.5 +/- 1.42] was slightly higher than in males [3.28 +/- 0.95], there was no significant differences [P=0.74] in the frequency of chromosome aberration between males and females of ionizing radiotherapy workers. The results of this study underscore the need of adopting measures to avoid or minimize overexposure to radiation in hospital settings

Actividad cognitivo-conductual de sujetos expuestos a las radiaciones electromagnéticas (radiaciones no ionizantes) / Cognitive behavioural activity of subjects exposed to electromagnetic radiations ( non-ionizing radiations)

Se ha confirmado que la exposición a las radiaciones electromagnéticas (radiaciones de microondas) provoca cambios en el sistema nervioso central, como dolor de cabeza, fatiga, debilidad general, sensación de mareos, mal humor, confusión, insomnio, depresión, pérdida de la memoria y hasta intentos suicidas juntos con cambios en la esfera cognitiva. Este complejo sintomático se ha denominado como el síndrome de las radiofrecuencias. El trabajo persigue el objetivo de dar a conocer la influencia del campo electromagnético sobre la actividad psíquica en un grupo de sujetos de las tropas radiotécnicas, que se compararon con un grupo control no perteneciente a esa especialidad. El estudio abarcó una evaluación psiquiátrica y psicológica, y utilizó la historia clínica de encuesta y aplicación de un grupo de test psicológicos. Se demostró un aumento del número de sujetos expuestos con memoria disminuida, mayor número de sujetos con estado de ansiedad grave y depresión en relación con el grupo control

Counseling patients exposed to ionizing radiation during pregnancy

Health physicists and knowledgeable clinicians have the responsibility to counsel women of reproductive age about the reproductive risks of ionizing radiation exposure before conception or during pregnancy. It is important to realize that lay individuals have many misconceptions about the reproductive risks of ionizing radiation. Many patients who have already had or will undergo some type of radiological test are apprehensive about the reproductive and developmental risks of diagnostic radiological procedures. Epidemiological studies and animal studies indicate that high exposures of ionizing radiation can cause miscarriage, congenital malformations, growth retardation, stillbirth, and cancer. With the exception of cancer, there are threshold exposures for those outcomes, with exposures below certain radiation doses not increasing the reproductive or developmental risks. The threshold exposure for birth defects at the most sensitive stage of development is 0.2 Gy, and the threshold for growth retardation and miscarriage is even higher. However, embryonic loss can occur from low exposures during the preimplantation and presomite stages of development ("the all or none period"). This is a stage when the embryo is more likely to die than survive malformed. The most sensitive period for the induction of mental retardation is from the 8th week to the 15th week of gestation. The threshold for deterministic effects increases after early organogenesis and also as the exposure is protracted, e.g., with radionuclides or multiple radiological procedures. Awareness that the threshold dose for developmental effects increases as the fetus develops complicates counseling because we do not have definitive data on threshold exposures at all stages of gestation. Ionizing radiation exposures prior to pregnancy represent a very low risk for the increased incidence of genetic disease in the offspring of the parents who have had radiation exposures to the ovary...

Los físicos que trabajan en el ámbito de la salud y los clínicos que tienen conocimientos de radiología tienen la responsabilidad de asesorar a las mujeres de edad fecunda acerca de los riesgos reproductivos de la exposición a radiaciones ionizantes antes de la concepción o durante el embarazo. Es importante entender que las personas legas albergan muchas nociones equivocadas acerca de los riesgos asociados con ese tipo de radiaciones. Muchas pacientes que ya se han sometido o serán sometidas a algún tipo de prueba radiológica les temen a los correspondientes riesgos reproductivos y a las posibles consecuencias de estas pruebas diagnósticas para el desarrollo fetal. Según estudios epidemiológicos y con animales, un alto grado de exposición a radiaciones ionizantes puede provocar un aborto, anomalías congénitas, retraso del crecimiento, muerte fetal y cáncer. A salvedad de esto último, hay umbrales de exposición establecidos en relación con cada uno de estos problemas, y una exposición por debajo de ciertas dosis de radiación no se asocia con ninguna elevación del riesgo de sufrir daños reproductivos o del desarrollo. El umbral de exposición asociado con anomalías congénitas durante la etapa del desarrollo de mayor vulnerabilidad es de 0,2 Gy, y el umbral en el caso del retraso del crecimiento y del aborto espontáneo es aun mayor. No obstante, la pérdida de un embrión puede ocurrir incluso a dosis bajas durante las fases del desarrollo que preceden a la implantación o en la fase presomática (el llamado período de "todo o nada"). Esta es la etapa en que un embrión corre un mayor riesgo de morir que de sobrevivir con malformaciones. El período de mayor vulnerabilidad para la inducción de retraso mental dura desde la octava hasta la decimoquinta semana de gestación. El umbral para la aparición de efectos deterministas aumenta después de la embriogénesis temprana y a medida que la exposición se prolonga, sea, por ejemplo, por el uso de radionúclidos...

Effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on reproduction of female mice and development of offsprings / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) on pregnant mice and development of offsprings.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Female mice were exposed to 50 Hz, 1.2 mT electromagnetic fields during the whole pregnant period (8 h/d). The body weight of dams, delivery and development of offsprings were observed and measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The increase of body weight of exposed dams (29.0%) was significantly slower than that of the control group (47.8%) during late pregnancy period (P < 0.05). The producing rate of exposed group was 60% of that of control group. Miscarriage, fetal loss and externally malformed fetus appeared in exposed group. The average number of offsprings of each exposed mouse was significantly decreased (11 +/- 1.6 vs 7 +/- 2.0, P < 0.05) and 11 for control group. Regarding the development of offspring, the body weight of prenatally exposed offsprings was increased more slowly than that of the control in the first two weeks after birth (P < 0.05). Developmental manifestations including eye opening [(252 +/- 24) h] and tooth eruption [(336 +/- 19) h] presented later in exposed offspring [(226 +/- 12), (319 +/- 15) h, respectively] (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Exposure to ELF EMFs during pregnancy period can cause adverse effects on pregnancy of female mice and development of offsprings.</p>

Non-cancer Diseases of Korean Atomic Bomb Survivors in Residence at Hapcheon, Republic of Korea

Many Koreans, in addition to Japanese, were killed or injured by the atomic bombs detonated over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945. Our study examined noncancer diseases of Korean A-bomb survivors in residence at Hapcheon, Republic of Korea and evaluated whether they had significantly higher prevalence of noncancer diseases than non-exposed people. We evaluated a number of tests, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, blood chemistry, hepatitis B surface antigen, and urinalysis, of survivors (n=223) and controls (n=372). Univariate analysis revealed significantly lower fasting glucose and creatinine, and higher diastolic blood pressure, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and blood urea nitrogen levels in the survivors than in the controls. The calculation of crude prevalence ratios (PRs) revealed that A-bomb survivors had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (PR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00-1.35) and chronic liver disease (2.20; 1.59-3.06) than controls. After adjusting for covariates (age, sex, body mass index, marital status, education, alcohol consumption, and smoking), A-bomb survivors had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (1.24; 1.06-1.44), chronic liver disease (2.07; 1.51-2.84), and hypercholesterolemia (1.79; 1.11-2.90) than controls. This study suggests that A-bomb exposure is associated with a higher prevalence of non-cancer diseases in Korean survivors.

Anomalias de desenvolvimento e retardo mental provocados pela exposição às radiações ionizantes: atenção à gestante e criança / development abnormalities and mental retardation caused by the exposure to ionizing radiation: attention to pregnant women and children

Este estudo objetiva uma análise das anomalias de desenvolvimento e retado mental provocados pelas radiações ionizantes, no intuito de orientar os profissionais de saúde quanto aos riscos das radiografias de diagnóstico em gestantes e crianças. É universalmente conhecido que as radiações ionizantes tem grande potencial nocivo aos tecidos vivos e os estudos a respeito de seus efeitos foram realizados a partir de acidentes nucleares ambientais. O maior problema em se avaliar o risco dos efeitos é que não se conhece um método de distinção entre os efeitos induzidos pela radiação daqueles provenientes de outras fontes. O feto, que se encontra em fase de organogênese, e as crianças, apresentam grande radiossensibilidade, pois estão em processo de crescimento e desenvolvimento, sendo que distúrbios podem ocorrer durante esta fase, acarretando anomalias de desenvolvimento. Retardo mental pode ser observado em embriões que sofreram irradiação na época de desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central (durante a 8ª e a 25ª semana gestacional). Os efeitos biológicos provenientes das radiações ionizantes variam de acordo com diversos fatores (dose, radiossensibilidade tecidual) e o conceito de altas e baixas doses é subjetivo. Apesar das tomadas radiográficas odontológicas serem consideradas de baixo risco, seu efeito pode não ser considerado insignificante, pois radiações têm ação cumulativa. Pelo exposto, são necessários cuidados para minimizar o risco, utilizando filmes ultra-rápidos, avental de chumbo, indicação e técnicas radiográficas precisas, principalmente quando se de crianças e gestantes. Observa-se necessidade de padronização das unidades de radiação mencionadas na literatura, para facilitar uma comparação entre trabalhos científicos