Electric and magnetic field pollution in near substations and investigation of anxiety and depressive effects on adult individuals living in this area.

Exposure to electromagnetic fields causes a variety of health problems in living systems. We investigated EMF pollution in Sanliurfa city center and also investigated anxiety-depression symptoms in individuals (18-40 years old) exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric field and magnetic field measurements were taken at Electricity Distribution Center and 44 substations (for each transformer), at 0 points, 1 meter away, 2 meters away and the house/office closest to the transformer. The experimental group was individuals living in electricity distribution center residences and individuals living near transformers (n = 55). The control group was selected from individuals who lived outside the city center of Sanliurfa, did not have transformers or high transmission lines near their homes, and did not have any chronic diseases that could cause stress (n = 50). Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory Scale (BDI). The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically. Maximum MF and EF values were recorded as 0.22 mT and 65.9 kV/m, respectively. All measured MF values were below standards, but EF values were above standards at some points. In conclusion, there is no statistically convincing evidence of a relationship between EMF exposure and anxiety-depression (p > 0.05). This result shows that there may be more meaningful results in places with higher EMF levels. We interpreted the fact that exposure to electromagnetic fields does not cause anxiety and depression in individuals, as the measured values are below the limit values.

Electromagnetic field pollution causes various health problems in living systems. Research on this subject continues.We investigated electromagnetic field pollution in Sanliurfa city center and investigated the psychological effects on individuals exposed to this pollution. For this purpose, electric and magnetic field measurements were made at 0 points, 1 meter, 2 meters away and at the closest places to the transformer in 44 substations.The experimental group was individuals living near a transformer, the control group was individuals living outside the city center and without a transformer/high transmission line near their home. Anxiety and depression symptoms of the groups were measured using the Beck Anxiety and Depression test.The relationship between EMF pollution and anxiety-depression was evaluated statistically.As a result, no statistical change was observed regarding a relationship between electromagnetic pollution and anxiety-depression.

Investigation of Fetuin-A pathway in diabetes mellitus formation in rats exposed to elf magnetic fields.

The presence of technological devices in our lives has increased exposure to environmental electromagnetic fields. As a result of this, especially Cancer and Diabetes are increasing.Rats were divided into 3 groups with 12 rats in each group. The 1st experimental group (n = 12) was exposed to a 50 Hz ELF magnetic field of 0.4 mT for 6 hours a day for 5 days, the 2nd experimental group (n = 12) was exposed for 10 days, and the control group (n = 12) was never exposed to a magnetic field. After completing the applications, blood collection from the rats was performed under appropriate conditions, measurements were made in the laboratory, and statistical analysis was performed between the groups. There was no significant difference between the groups in the results of transaminases and lipid profiles and C-Peptide. There was no significant difference in insulin, urea, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, and uric acid parameters between the groups. However, there was a significant increase in glucose, HbA1c, and Hba1 IFCC values between the control group and the experimental groups (p < .001). There was a significant increase in the level of Fetuin-A between the control group and the experimental groups (p < .05). There was an increase in the Fetuin-A, Glucose, HbA1c, and Hba1c IFCC values in both of the experimental groups compared to the control group. We believe that an increase in these values may cause Type 3 diabetes.

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Monitoring Fluid and Body Cell Mass Changes in Patients Undergoing Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preoperative and postoperative body fluid distribution with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Fifteen adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study. Total body fluid changes, basal metabolism rates, body fat masses, lean body masses, and total cell masses were recorded. The patients' values were measured before anesthesia, after anesthesia, after sternotomy, at the 5th, 30th, and 60th minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days. All values were compared with preoperative values. RESULTS: Total body fluid changed significantly after cardiopulmonary bypass (P<0.01). Metabolic velocity significantly changed compared to preoperative measurements (P<0.05). Fat mass and lean body mass also changed significantly. Body mass index and phase angle did not change significantly (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in body fluids during and after cardiopulmonary bypass are inevitable. The increase in total body weight shows that this fluid load shifts to the extracellular space during bypass and the fluid load in this area passes into the intravascular area in the early postoperative period. This may cause edema and dysfunction in the major organs. Therefore, the fluid balance should be adjusted very carefully, especially during the bypass phase and the early postoperative period.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis for monitoring fluid and body cell mass changes in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

Abstract Objective: To evaluate preoperative and postoperative body fluid distribution with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: Fifteen adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study. Total body fluid changes, basal metabolism rates, body fat masses, lean body masses, and total cell masses were recorded. The patients' values were measured before anesthesia, after anesthesia, after sternotomy, at the 5th, 30th, and 60th minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass, and on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days. All values were compared with preoperative values. Results: Total body fluid changed significantly after cardiopulmonary bypass (P<0.01). Metabolic velocity significantly changed compared to preoperative measurements (P<0.05). Fat mass and lean body mass also changed significantly. Body mass index and phase angle did not change significantly (P>0.05). Conclusion: Changes in body fluids during and after cardiopulmonary bypass are inevitable. The increase in total body weight shows that this fluid load shifts to the extracellular space during bypass and the fluid load in this area passes into the intravascular area in the early postoperative period. This may cause edema and dysfunction in the major organs. Therefore, the fluid balance should be adjusted very carefully, especially during the bypass phase and the early postoperative period.

The effect of 2 different surgical methods on intracompartmental pressure value in tibial shaft fracture: An experimental study in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) monitoring is a widely used modality, particularly after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. It was hypothesized that ICP value in fracture fixed with Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) might be lower than in fracture fixed with intramedullary pin (IMP). The present study is a comparison of ICP value in tibial fractures in a rabbit model fixed with ICF and IMP. METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups of equal size: ICF group (Group 1) and IMP group (Group 2). Under anesthesia, half of proximal part of the right tibia of all rabbits was fractured. Tibial fractures were fixed with ICF in Group 1 and IMP in Group 2. ICP values were monitored at 6-hour intervals for 48 hours. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in ICP value between groups (p<0.001). While there was statistically significant increase in ICP values 24 hours post surgery, there was statistically significant decrease during second 24 hours following surgery. Most importantly, ICP values of ICF group were significantly lower than those of IMP group at 30, 36, and 42 hours post surgery (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: At 24th hour after fixation, ICP values measured in ICF group were lower compared with those of IMP group. These results indicate that use of ICF in tibial fractures provides additional decompression in the anterior compartment. In light of these findings, ICF may be preferable for treatment of tibial fractures with high risk for compartment syndrome.

The body composition of patients with knee osteoarthritis: relationship with clinical parameters and radiographic severity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated body composition in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and evaluated its relationship with clinical parameters and radiographic severity. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with knee OA (52 females and 12 males with a mean age of 57.7 ± 8.6 years) and thirty healthy volunteers (20 females and 10 males with a mean age of 56.3 ± 9.5 years) were evaluated. Controls were selected among similar to demographic and hematologic characteristics of patients. Body compositions were assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Each patient was clinically evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, radiographic severity was classified according to Kellgren-Lawrence's criteria. RESULTS: Phase angle, body capacitance, resistance, reactance, lean body mass, and intracellular water values of the patients with knee OA were found to be significantly lower than those of the controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, fat mass and extracellular water levels were significantly higher in the patients compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Lean body mass was inversely correlated with WOMAC score (r = -0.716, p < 0.001), whereas fat mass was moderately correlated with WOMAC score (r = 0.281, p < 0.05) in bivariate analysis. However, with respect to the body composition, there was no significant difference between early grades and late grades in the knee OA with patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Body composition assessed using BIA might be associated with knee OA, and be a noninvasive tool for diagnosis of knee OA. However, body composition may not be predictive of the progression of knee OA.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis of basal metabolic rate and body composition of patients with femoral neck fractures versus controls.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare basal metabolic rate and body composition in patients with femoral neck fractures and controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients with femoral neck fractures (36 males, 32 females; mean age 73.9 ± 7.1 years, range 65 to 93 years) and 71 controls (33 males 38 females; mean age 72.1 ± 5.9 years; range 65 to 90 years) were prospectively analyzed. The controls were matched with the patients in terms of sex, age, and body mass index. The findings were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). RESULTS: The phase angle, body capacitance, resistance, reactance, body cell mass, lean body mass, basal metabolic rate, and intracellular water values of the patients were found to be significantly lower, compared to the controls. Extracellular mass, fat mass, extracellular mass/body cell mass and extracellular water levels were significantly higher in the patients, compared to the controls. There was no significant difference between the patient and control group in terms of the total body weight/lean body mass ratio. CONCLUSION: Although it is not clear whether these physiological changes are an exact cause of a predisposition for simple falls, the assessment of basal metabolic rate and body composition by BIA may be a useful adjunctive tool for the evaluation of physiological changes in the routine health screening of elderly people.

The effects of electromagnetic fields on the ultrastructure of heart / Efectos de los campos electromagnéticos en la ultraestructura del corazón

Increasingly the use and convenience of electrical appliances in our daily lives are the cause of harmful effects caused by electromagnetic fields (EMF). The aim of this study was to research the effect of EMF on the ultrastructure of the heart in EMF exposed rats. In this study 45 male Sprague Dawley rats ranging in weight between 260 and 280 grams were used. The rats were divided into 3 groups, control (n:15), Sham (n:15) and EMF group (n: 15) and exposed for 14 days 3 hours per day; gauss levels at 2.5 were applied to the EMF group, while the sham group in the same environment in Plexiglas cage was kept for 14 days 3 hours per day without magnetic field exposure. Control group at 14/10 hours light dark cycle fed in normal cages for 14 days. After two weeks rats were sacrificed by 50mg/kg of Ketalar anesthesia and heart tissue fixed in 2.5 gluteraldehide. Routine follow up with electron microscopic assessment. Mitochondrial structures and cellular structures observed in all the groups were normal. Myofibrillar loss, dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial swelling or cristalysis was not observed. Intercalated disc degeneration and apoptosis of nucleus was not observed. Therefore, and as a result of our study we did not observe differences between control and EMF groups.

El uso y la comodidad de los aparatos eléctricos en nuestra vida cotidiana cada vez más son causa de efectos perjudiciales debido a los campos electromagnéticos(CEM).El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el efecto de los CEM sobre la ultraestructura del corazón en ratas. Fueron utilizadas 45ratas Sprague Daw ley, con peso entre 260 y 280gramos. Las ratas fueron divididas en 3 grupos: control (n: 15); Sham (n:15), y grupo expuesto a CEM (n:15) durante 14 días,3 horas por día. Se aplicó niveles de 2,5gaussal grupo expuesto a CEM, mientras que el grupo de tratamiento simulado en el mismo entorno en jaulas plexiglás se mantuvo durante 14 días 3 horas día, sin exposición a campo electromagnético. Grupo control alimentado en jaulas normales durante 14 días con ciclo luz/oscuridad de 14/10. Al termino de dos semanas las ratas fueron sacrificadas por medio de anestesia Ketalar 50mg/kg y el tejido del corazón fijado engluteraldehido al 2,5. Se realizó seguimiento de rutina con correspondiente evaluación de microscopía electrónica. Las estructuras mitocondriales y celular es observadas en todos los grupos eran normales. No se observó pérdida miofibrilar, tampoco aumento del volumen mitocondrial ni dilatación del retículo endoplásmico lisoocristalysis. No se observó degeneración de los discosintercaladoso apoptosis de núcleo. Por lo tanto,y como resultado de nuestro estudio no encontramos diferencias entre los grupos control y CEM.

Intracellular Ca(2+) levels in rat ventricle cells exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic field.

OBJECTIVE: Electromagnetic fields can affect intracellular Ca(2+) levels. The aim of this study was to determine the changes intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in cardiac ventricle cells of rats exposed to 0.25 mT (2.5 Gauss) magnetic field. METHODS: Forty-five male rats were introduced to this study. The rats were divided into three groups: control, sham, and experiment. The experimental group was exposed to 0.25 mT extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field for 14 days, 3 h/day. The sham group was treated like the experimental group, except for elf-magnetic field exposure. The control group was not subjected to anything and differed from the experimental group and sham group. In the end of experiment, rats were sacrificed, cardiac tissue was removed, and these were fixed in 10% neutral formalin. Then, ventricular cells were stained by Alizarin red staining method. RESULTS: In the light microscopic examinations of control groups, in myofibril structures between groups, changes were not observed. In myofibril regions of the experimental group compared to other groups, increased heterogen Ca(2+) accumulations were found. CONCLUSION: ELF magnetic fields are used in daily life. The results of this study show that intracellular Ca(2+) accumulation in cardiac ventricles can increase in rats exposed to ELF magnetic field.

An investigation of the heart rate, heart rate variability, cardiac ions, troponin-I and CK-MB in men exposed to 1.5 T constant magnetic fields.

The aim of this study was to investigate heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and other cardiac parameters in individuals who were exposed to a high static magnetic field. 30 healthy male volunteers aged between 20-30 years were included. The searching was divided into three phases: pre-magnetic field, during the magnetic field and post-magnetic field. Every phase lasted 30 minutes. Pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiration rate and elektrocardiography (ECG), recorded for 30 minutes, in all of the individuals were measured during three phases. The men were exposed to a 1.5 T static magnetic field. The levels of Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Cl(-), CK-MB, troponin-I and HR and HRV parameters were investigated. There was an increase in the respiration rate, and no change in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse in the individuals exposed to the magnetic field. There was also an enhancement in the values of ions, CK-MB and troponin-I after exposure to the magnetic field. Heart rate parameters (minimum HR-I, maximum HR-I, average HR-I) were decreased and rMSSD, pNN50, power, VLF, HF, LF values increased during the magnetic field.

Alterations of hematological variations in rats exposed to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of in vivo exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on whole blood parameters (hematological parameters) in rats. METHODS: Forty eight female Wistar rats, obtained from the Medical Science Application and Research Center, Dicle University, Turkey in 2004 were divided into four separate groups: two exposed groups (0.97 mT, 50 and 100 days, 3h/day) and two controls (sham). RESULTS: Eosinophil, hemoglobin and MPV levels significantly decreased in rats that were exposed to EMF for 50 days. When the data for rats exposed for 50 days and 100 days were compared, it was found that MPV levels in rats exposed for 100 days were significantly lower. There was no significant difference in total leukocyte, neutrofil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts, or in erythrocyte, Hct, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT and PDW levels between the exposed and sham-exposed groups. ELF-EMF exposure had no effect on body weight. Also, liver weight did not show any significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the applied ELF-EMF exposure may induce slight but statistically significant alterations in some hematological parameters of rats, within the physiological range.

Determination of basal metabolic rate and body composition with bioelectrical impedance method in children with cerebral palsy.

This study uses the bioelectrical impedance method to assess the body composition, basal metabolic rate, and some other physical properties of children with cerebral palsy. In this study, 41 children with spastic cerebral palsy were assessed, and 56 normally developed children were included as control. Parameters such as body compositions, basal metabolic rate, body resistance, liquid compartment, and capacitance of patients and control group were measured and analyzed statistically. Basal metabolic rate, body mass index, extracellular liquid, intracellular liquid, body capacitance, and resistance differed significantly compared to the control group (P < .01), whereas extracellular mass, lean body mass, body cell mass, and fat mass did not differ significantly compared to the control group (P > .05). Parameters such as basal metabolic rate, body composition, and body resistance can be determined using the bioelectrical impedance method in children with cerebral palsy.

Change of nitric oxide concentration in men exposed to a 1.5 T constant magnetic field.

This study was carried out in order to determine nitric oxide (NO) production immediately after a 1.5 T magnetic field 30 min exposure to an experimental group, comprising 33 healthy young male volunteers aged 18-26 years old. In addition, a control group, comprising 30 healthy male volunteers aged 19-26 years old, was not exposed to the magnetic field and their NO levels were also measured. The experimental group was exposed using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. Nitrite and nitrate concentrations were determined by UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The results, related to the parameters measured in this study, were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Total nitrite concentration in post-magnetic field samples was found to be higher than in pre-magnetic field samples (P < .05).

Oxidative DNA damage in rats exposed to extremely low frequency electro magnetic fields.

Extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) is thought to prolong the life of free radicals and can act as a promoter or co-promoter of cancer. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) is one of the predominant forms of radical-induced lesions to DNA and is a potential tool to asses the cancer risk. We examined the effects of extremely low frequency electro magnetic field (ELF-EMF) (50 Hz, 0.97 mT) on 8OHdG levels in DNA and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma. To examine the possible time-dependent changes resulting from magnetic field, 8OHdG and TBARS were quantitated at 50 and 100 days. Our results showed that the exposure to ELF-EMF induced oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The 8OHdG levels of exposed group (4.39+/-0.88 and 5.29+/-1.16 8OHdG/dG.10(5), respectively) were significantly higher than sham group at 50 and 100 days (3.02+/-0.63 and 3.46+/-0.38 8OHdG/dG.10(5)) (p<0.001, p<0.001). The higher TBARS levels were also detected in the exposure group both on 50 and 100 days (p<0.001, p<0.001). In addition, the extent of DNA damage and LPO would depend on the exposure time (p<0.05 and p<0.05). Our data may have important implications for the long-term exposure to ELF-EMF which may cause oxidative DNA damage.

The effects of electromagnetic field on distraction osteogenesis.

The effects of electromagnetic field on distraction osteogenesis and new bony tissue were investigated. Twenty-five New Zealand rabbits were divided into an experimental (12 rabbits) and a control (13 rabbits) group. An osteotomy was performed on the right tibia in the diaphyseal region in both groups. The experimental group was exposed to a magnetic field of 50 Hz 1.0 mT for 3 hours a day for 13 weeks. The control group was kept in a similar environment but with no electromagnetic field. The distraction was continued until an increase of 10 mm was achieved. At weeks 4, 8, and 13, radiography, scintigraphy, and a biopsy were performed in both groups, and the results were statistically analyzed. The X-ray results were similar in both groups at all times. On the other hand while the scintigraphic and histopathological results were similar at weeks 4 and 13 in both groups, the osteoblastic activity was significantly greater in the experimental group at week 8 (p < 0.01). In conclusion an electromagnetic field increases the osteoblastic activity and osteogenesis, but has little effect during the remodeling phase.

The preventive effect on bone loss of 50-Hz, 1-mT electromagnetic field in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoporosis is a common health problem, especially in the elderly and in women after menopause. Although there are some treatment methods, they impose serious side effects. Recently, the use of an electromagnetic field (EMF) has been a promising candidate for better treatment of osteoporosis. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of low-frequency (50 Hz), low-intensity (1 mT), and long-term (6 weeks) EMF on bone loss in ovariectomized rats. We used 18 female albino Wistar rats (8 unexposed and 10 exposed) to assess the effect of EMF. We examined the mineralization and the morphology of the tibia in control and EMF-exposed rats. The cortical thickness of the tibia was increased in EMF-exposed rats ( P < 0.002). The levels of Na and K in the tibia were significantly increased in rats exposed to EMF ( P < 0.001; P < 0.002, respectively). We also observed an increased blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level after EMF exposure ( P < 0.05). No significant differences in the levels of Ca, Mg, Li, or creatine were found between the exposed and unexposed groups. Our data support the notion that an EMF may prove to be an effective treatment method for osteoporosis and other abnormalities related to bone loss.

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on hematologic and immunologic parameters in welders.

BACKGROUND: Electric arc welding is known to cause considerable exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Although some studies of exposure to magnetic fields and epidemiologic studies have included groups of welders, typically little information is available concerning the hematologic and immunologic effects of ELF electromagnetic fields on welders. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate whether or not extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMF) emitted from electric arc welding affect some hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders. METHODS: The study was carried out on 16 male welders and 14 healthy males between 20 and 40 years of age from the same geographic area and with similar life styles. The following hematologic and immunologic parameters were measured in both groups: red blood cells (RBC); hemoglobin (Hgb); hematocrit (Hct); platelets (Plt); total white blood cells (WBC); neutrophils; lymphocytes; eosinophils; and CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8. RESULTS: Some of the hematologic and immunologic parameters under investigation were similar in both groups. Although T lymphocyte surface antigens, such as levels of CD4 and CD8(,) were found to be lower in the welders than in the control subjects (p <0.001, p <0.05), the hematocrit levels of the welders were found to be higher than those of the control subjects (p <0.05). However, the differences observed were not clinically significant. ELF electromagnetic field intensities in the welding areas varied between 0.10 and 0.25 mT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ELF electromagnetic fields do not affect the hematologic and immunologic parameters of welders.