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1.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 10174, 2021 05 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33986349

ABSTRACT

Conflicting results have been reported regarding the effectiveness of light treatment (LT) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the effectiveness of blue-enriched white LT on sleep, cognition, mood and behavior in patients with mild and moderate AD. The treatment group (n = 14) sat about 60 cm away from a small (136 × 73 × 16 mm) LED light box for 1 h each morning for 2 weeks. The control group (n = 11) wore dark, blue-attenuating sunglasses during the 1 h exposures. The morning light started 9-10 h after each individual's dim light melatonin onset (DLMO). Assessments were done at baseline (T0), immediate post-treatment (T1), and 4 weeks after the end of the 2 weeks of LT (T2). Sleep was measured by actigraphy. Blue-enriched LT had a significantly better effect on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at T2 compared to blue-attenuated LT, and a trend of better effectiveness on total sleep time at T2. There was a significant increase in Mini-Mental State Examination score at T2 after blue-enriched LT than that at T0. Our findings suggest that morning blue-enriched LT has a benefit in improving sleep and cognitive function in AD patients.


Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease/therapy , Cognition/radiation effects , Light , Phototherapy/methods , Sleep/radiation effects , Actigraphy , Affect/radiation effects , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alzheimer Disease/complications , Behavior/radiation effects , Circadian Rhythm/radiation effects , Female , Humans , Male , Melatonin/metabolism , Saliva/metabolism , Severity of Illness Index , Sleep Wake Disorders/etiology , Sleep Wake Disorders/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome
2.
Electromagn Biol Med ; 39(2): 166-175, 2020 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32151189

ABSTRACT

The impact of electromagnetic waves on health has been clearly established by many studies in recent decades. No State, with the exception of Russia, takes any real precautions in terms of standards for the population. Conflicts of interest and political lies are used to hide the truth about the dangers of electromagnetic pollution.In addition, it would seem that other sources of radiation than the most well-known ones (mobile phones, digital enhanced cordless telecommunication (DECT) phones, bluetooth, base stations, Wi-Fi, 4G, 5G) come into play. A system such as HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program), as well as directed wave beams (related to past and recent scandals) must be analyzed and considered in a comprehensive way to understand why the wave level is only increasing despite the considerable amount of scientific work demonstrating that the standards are not adequate to maintain public health.Thus, official documents show that the impact of electromagnetic waves is not only physical and biological. Indeed, the climate and the behavior of the population are also targeted.


Subject(s)
Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Behavior/radiation effects , Climate , Humans , Mental Health
3.
J Biophotonics ; 12(12): e201900102, 2019 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31433569

ABSTRACT

Visible light synchronizes the human biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus to the solar 24-hour cycle. Short wavelengths, perceived as blue color, are the strongest synchronizing agent for the circadian system that keeps most biological and psychological rhythms internally synchronized. Circadian rhythm is important for optimum function of organisms and circadian sleep-wake disruptions or chronic misalignment often may lead to psychiatric and neurodegenerative illness. The beneficial effect on circadian synchronization, sleep quality, mood, and cognitive performance depends not only on the light spectral composition but also on the timing of exposure and its intensity. Exposure to blue light during the day is important to suppress melatonin secretion, the hormone that is produced by the pineal gland and plays crucial role in circadian rhythm entrainment. While the exposure to blue is important for keeping organism's wellbeing, alertness, and cognitive performance during the day, chronic exposure to low-intensity blue light directly before bedtime, may have serious implications on sleep quality, circadian phase and cycle durations. This rises inevitably the need for solutions to improve wellbeing, alertness, and cognitive performance in today's modern society where exposure to blue light emitting devices is ever increasing.


Subject(s)
Circadian Rhythm/radiation effects , Light , Aging/radiation effects , Behavior/radiation effects , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Color , Humans , Light/adverse effects , Retina/radiation effects
4.
Bioelectromagnetics ; 37(1): 25-36, 2016 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26769168

ABSTRACT

The relationship between exposure to electromagnetic fields from non-ionizing radiation and adverse human health effects remains controversial. We aimed to explore the association of environmental radiofrequency-electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) exposure with neurobehavioral function of children. A subsample of 123 boys belonging to the Environment and Childhood cohort from Granada (Spain), recruited at birth from 2000 through 2002, were evaluated at the age of 9-11 years. Spot electric field measurements within the 100 kHz to 6 GHz frequency range, expressed as both root mean-square (S(RMS) and maximum power density (S(MAX)) magnitudes, were performed in the immediate surrounds of childrens dwellings. Neurocognitive and behavioral functions were assessed with a comprehensive battery of tests. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used, adjusting for potential confounders. All measurements were lower than reference guideline limits, with median S(RMS) and S(MAX) values of 285.94 and 2759.68 µW/m(2), respectively. Most of the cognitive and behavioral parameters did not show any effect, but children living in higher RF exposure areas (above median S(RMS) levels) had lower scores for verbal expression/comprehension and higher scores for internalizing and total problems, and obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorders, in comparison to those living in areas with lower exposure. These associations were stronger when S(MAX) values were considered. Although some of our results may suggest that low-level environmental RF-EMF exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and/or behavior development in children; given limitations in the study design and that the majority of neurobehavioral functioning tasks were not affected, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Cognition/radiation effects , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Radio Waves/adverse effects , Child , Cohort Studies , Humans , Male
5.
Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi ; 51(2): 184-90, 2014.
Article in Japanese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24858123

ABSTRACT

AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of bright light exposure on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), including sleep disturbances and the burden on caregivers in institutionalized elderly with cognitive decline. METHODS: The subjects included eight people with cognitive decline (mean [SD] age, 79.9 [9.1] years) living in geriatric healthcare facilities for the elderly. BPSD and the burden on caregivers were measured over three weeks using the CMAI (Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory), NPI-NH (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home Version) and J-ZBI (Modified Japanese Version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview) at the end of each week. During the second week, the subjects received either 12,000 K (white) or 2,400 K (orange) of light corresponding to approximately 2,000 lux from a light-emitting diode (LED) device, measured before the eyes in the gaze direction, from 9 : 00 to 9 : 30 during occupational tasks, such as origami and coloring. Differences in the variables obtained at the different weeks were assessed using ANOVA with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The scores for the severity of BPSD, including sleep disturbances and the burden on caregivers, on the NPI-NH significantly (P<0.05) improved following the treatment with white light exposure, while the scores for the MMSE and J-ZBI did not change over the three-week study period. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exposure to white bright light during occupational tasks in the morning may have a benefit in improving BPSD, including sleep disturbances and the burden on caregivers.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Caregivers , Dementia , Light , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Caregivers/psychology , Dementia/physiopathology , Dementia/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nursing Homes
6.
Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys ; 88(2): 292-300, 2014 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24239386

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare quality of survival in "standard-risk" medulloblastoma after hyperfractionated radiation therapy of the central nervous system with that after standard radiation therapy, combined with a chemotherapy regimen common to both treatment arms, in the PNET4 randomised controlled trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Participants in the PNET4 trial and their parents/caregivers in 7 participating anonymized countries completed standardized questionnaires in their own language on executive function, health status, behavior, health-related quality of life, and medical, educational, employment, and social information. Pre- and postoperative neurologic status and serial heights and weights were also recorded. RESULTS: Data were provided by 151 of 244 eligible survivors (62%) at a median age at assessment of 15.2 years and median interval from diagnosis of 5.8 years. Compared with standard radiation therapy, hyperfractionated radiation therapy was associated with lower (ie, better) z-scores for executive function in all participants (mean intergroup difference 0.48 SDs, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.81, P=.004), but health status, behavioral difficulties, and health-related quality of life z-scores were similar in the 2 treatment arms. Data on hearing impairment were equivocal. Hyperfractionated radiation therapy was also associated with greater decrement in height z-scores (mean intergroup difference 0.43 SDs, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.76, P=.011). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperfractionated radiation therapy was associated with better executive function and worse growth but without accompanying change in health status, behavior, or quality of life.


Subject(s)
Cerebellar Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Executive Function/radiation effects , Growth/radiation effects , Health Status , Medulloblastoma/radiotherapy , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Age Factors , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Behavior/radiation effects , Cerebellar Neoplasms/drug therapy , Child , Child, Preschool , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Dose Fractionation, Radiation , Employment/statistics & numerical data , Europe , Executive Function/physiology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hearing/radiation effects , Hormone Replacement Therapy/methods , Humans , Male , Medulloblastoma/drug therapy , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Surveys and Questionnaires , Survivors , Young Adult
7.
Blood ; 122(4): 550-3, 2013 Jul 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23744583

ABSTRACT

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with cranial radiation therapy (CRT) are at risk for cognitive impairment, although whether impairment progresses with age into adulthood is unknown. We report change in intelligence for 102 adult survivors of childhood ALL (age range, 26.6-54.7 years) during a median interval of 28.5 years. Survivors demonstrated lower Performance intelligence (mean, 95.3; standard deviation, 16.5; P = .005) but not Verbal IQ (mean, 97.4; standard deviation, 15.44; P = .09) at initial testing. Verbal intelligence declined an average of 10.3 points (P < .0001) during the follow-up interval with no decline in Performance intelligence. Decline was associated with current attention problems (P = .002) but not gender, CRT dose, age at CRT exposure, or years between testing. Results suggest long-term survivors of childhood ALL treated with CRT are at risk for progressive decline in verbal intellect, which may be driven by attention deficits. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as no. NCT00760656.


Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders/epidemiology , Cognition Disorders/etiology , Cranial Irradiation/adverse effects , Intelligence/radiation effects , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/radiotherapy , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Age of Onset , Attention/radiation effects , Behavior/radiation effects , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Survivors/statistics & numerical data , Time Factors
8.
Int Rev Psychiatry ; 23(5): 467-75, 2011 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22200136

ABSTRACT

Brain stimulation techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) constitute promising clinical and research tools to investigate neural mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric diseases. They have enormous potential in modifying brain activity and subsequent function. However, it is still a matter of debate how either of these stimulation approaches operates to produce the clinical outcomes observed in patients. The combination of these techniques with functional neuroimaging is contributing significantly to disentangle the mechanisms through which brain stimulation affects neuronal activity and related networks. In the present review we outline the research done to date on the effects of DBS and TMS on motor, cognition and behaviour in Parkinson's disease (PD) with particular emphasis on neuroimaging.


Subject(s)
Deep Brain Stimulation/methods , Functional Neuroimaging/methods , Parkinson Disease , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Behavior/radiation effects , Brain/metabolism , Brain/physiopathology , Brain/radiation effects , Cognition/radiation effects , Humans , Motor Activity/radiation effects , Neural Pathways/physiopathology , Neural Pathways/radiation effects , Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism , Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care , Parkinson Disease/metabolism , Parkinson Disease/physiopathology , Parkinson Disease/psychology , Parkinson Disease/therapy , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods
9.
Rev. paul. pediatr ; 29(3): 430-436, set. 2011.
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-601116

ABSTRACT

OBJETIVO: Apresentar o conhecimento sobre efeitos biológicos dos campos eletromagnéticos, detalhes da absorção da energia dos campos de micro-ondas na criança, efeitos da exposição a esses campos no período pré e pós-natal e impacto do uso dos telefones celulares no sistema nervoso central e no comportamento de crianças. FONTES DE DADOS: Trabalhos em língua inglesa publicados entre 2004 e 2009 e indexados na base de dados PubMed com os unitermos: "crianças", "telefones celulares" e "micro-ondas". SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Telefones celulares emitem radiofrequência na faixa de micro-ondas, cujos efeitos biológicos podem ser térmicos (aquecimento dos tecidos) ou não térmicos (estresse oxidativo e mudanças na conformação da cromatina). Pesquisas experimentais sugerem que a dissipação da energia de radiofrequência nos tecidos seria maior na criança do que no adulto. Em ratos, a exposição pré-natal à radiofrequência em níveis não térmicos não produz efeito teratogênico ou mutagênico, nem aumento da permeabilidade da barreira hematoencefálica ou da expressão de heat shock proteins no encéfalo. Não há evidência de efeito nocivo da radiação dos celulares na cognição de crianças. Fazer ligações ou enviar mensagens de texto no horário noturno aumenta a probabilidade de sonolência diurna em adolescentes. Crianças que usam mais o celular podem ter déficit de memória e comportamento impulsivo. CONCLUSÕES: Não está comprovado que a exposição à radiação dos celulares, pré ou pós-natal, dentro dos limites de segurança para humanos, induz dano ao desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central. Entretanto, padrões culturais relacionados à posse e uso dos aparelhos influenciam o comportamento de crianças e adolescentes e podem provocar distúrbios do sono.


OBJECTIVE: To study the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, details of microwave electromagnetic field energy absorption in children, effects of pre and post-natal exposure to those fields, and the impact of mobile phones use on the central nervous system and behavior in children. DATA SOURCE: Articles written in English published from 2004 to 2009 and indexed on PubMed under the keywords: "children", "mobile phones", and "microwaves". DATA SYNTHESIS: Mobile phones emit radiofrequency in the microwave range, with possible thermal (tissue heating) or non-thermal (oxidative stress and chromatin conformation alteration) biological effects. Experimental research suggests that the dissipation of radiofrequency energy in tissues might be higher in children than in adults. Pre-natal exposure of rats to radiofrequency in non-thermal levels has not resulted in teratogenesis, mutagenesis, increased blood-brain barrier permeability or heat shock protein expression in the brain. There is no conclusive evidence of harmful effects of mobile phone radiation on cognitive function in children. Making voice calls or sending text messages at night increases the likelihood of day-time somnolence in adolescents. Children who use mobile phones may present memory impairment and impulsive behavior. CONCLUSIONS: There is no compelling evidence that pre- or post-natal exposure to mobile phone radiation, within the safety limits for human beings, causes damage to the central nervous system development. Nevertheless, cultural patterns related to mobile phones possession and use influence the behavior of children and adolescents and may trigger sleep disorders.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Adolescent , Microwaves , Cognition/radiation effects , Behavior/radiation effects , Cell Phone
10.
Int J Hyperthermia ; 27(4): 353-73, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21591899

ABSTRACT

This review focuses upon the past 8 years of research on hyperthermic effects on behavior. Heat stress and heat stoke become severe conditions when body temperatures exceed 40°C as this can lead to delirium, convulsions, coma, and death. The animal literature indicates that hyperthermia can increase glutamatergic and decrease GABAergic neurotransmission. Interestingly, µ-opiate receptor antagonists can attenuate the morphological and biochemical changes in brain, as well as, ameliorate some behavioral deficits induced by heart stress. In humans, heat stress can produce detrimental effects on motor and cognitive performance. Since most cognitive tasks require a motor response, some cognitive deficiencies may be attributed to decreased motor performance. Although hyperthermia may exert more deleterious effects on complex than simple cognitive tasks, systematic studies are needed to examine the effects of different levels and durations of hyperthermia (irrespective of dehydration) on cognition. Additionally, body temperatures should be carefully monitored where controls are run for baseline or brief exposures to a hyperthermic environment. Acute radiofrequency exposure can disrupt behavior when body temperatures increase >1°C with whole body SAR between 3.2-8.4 W/kg and time-averaged power densities at 8-140 mW/cm(2). Effects of lower levels of radiation are conflicting and some experiments fail to replicate even with the original investigators. This suggests either that brief exposure to the radiation is at a threshold where some individuals are affected while others are not, or that these levels are innocuous. Nevertheless, thermal changes appear to account for almost all of the behavioral effects reported.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Hot Temperature/adverse effects , Hyperthermia, Induced , Radio Waves/adverse effects , Adult , Animals , Body Temperature/physiology , Brain , Cognition , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Mice , Rats
11.
Bioelectromagnetics ; 32(4): 253-72, 2011 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21452356

ABSTRACT

For the last two decades, a large number of studies have investigated the effects of mobile phone radiation on the human brain and cognition using behavioral or neurophysiological measurements. This review evaluated previous findings with respect to study design and data analysis. Provocation studies found no evidence of subjective symptoms attributed to mobile phone radiation, suggesting psychological reasons for inducing such symptoms in hypersensitive people. Behavioral studies previously reported improved cognitive performance under exposure, but it was likely to have occurred by chance due to multiple comparisons. Recent behavioral studies and replication studies with more conservative statistics found no significant effects compared with original studies. Neurophysiological studies found no significant effects on cochlear and brainstem auditory processing, but only inconsistent results on spontaneous and evoked brain electrical activity. The inconsistent findings suggest possible false positives due to multiple comparisons and thus replication is needed. Other approaches such as brain hemodynamic response measurements are promising but the findings are few and not yet conclusive. Rigorous study design and data analysis considering multiple comparisons and effect size are required to reduce controversy in this important field of research.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Cell Phone , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Nervous System Physiological Phenomena/radiation effects , Animals , Behavior/physiology , Blood Volume/radiation effects , Cerebrovascular Circulation/radiation effects , Humans
12.
Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab ; 300(3): E518-27, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21177289

ABSTRACT

The human eye serves distinctly dual roles in image forming (IF) and non-image-forming (NIF) responses when exposed to light. Whereas IF responses mediate vision, the NIF responses affect various molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral variables. NIF responses can have acute and circadian phase-shifting effects on physiological variables. Both the acute and phase-shifting effects induced by photic stimuli demonstrate short-wavelength sensitivity peaking ≈450-480 nm. In the current study, we examined the molecular, neuroendocrine, and neurobehavioral effects of completely filtering (0% transmission) all short wavelengths <480 nm and all short wavelengths <460 nm or partially filtering (~30% transmission) <480 nm from polychromatic white light exposure between 2000 and 0800 in healthy individuals. Filtering short wavelengths <480 nm prevented nocturnal light-induced suppression of melatonin secretion, increased cortisol secretion, and disrupted peripheral clock gene expression. Furthermore, subjective alertness, mood, and errors on an objective vigilance task were significantly less impaired at 0800 by filtering wavelengths <480 nm compared with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. These changes were not associated with significantly increased sleepiness or fatigue compared with unfiltered light exposure. The changes in molecular, endocrine, and neurobehavioral processes were not significantly improved by completely filtering <460 nm or partially filtering <480 nm compared with unfiltered nocturnal light exposure. Repeated light-dark cycle alterations as in rotating nightshifts can disrupt circadian rhythms and induce health disorders. The current data suggest that spectral modulation may provide an effective method of regulating the effects of light on physiological processes.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Endocrine Glands/radiation effects , Light , Adult , Attention/radiation effects , Circadian Rhythm/physiology , Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Female , Gene Expression/radiation effects , Humans , Hydrocortisone/metabolism , Male , Melatonin/metabolism , Neuropsychological Tests , Photons , Psychometrics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Saliva/metabolism , Sleep/physiology
13.
Trends Mol Med ; 16(10): 435-46, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20810319

ABSTRACT

The adaptation of behavior and physiology to changes in the ambient light level is of crucial importance to life. These adaptations include the light modulation of neuroendocrine function and temporal alignment of physiology and behavior to the day:night cycle by the circadian clock. These non-image-forming (NIF) responses can function independent of rod and cone photoreceptors but depend on ocular light reception, suggesting the participation of novel photoreceptors in the eye. The discovery of melanopsin in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and genetic proof for its important role in major NIF responses have offered an exciting entry point to comprehend how mammals adapt to the light environment. Here, we review the recent advances in our understanding of the emerging roles of melanopsin and ipRGCs. These findings now offer new avenues to understand the role of ambient light in sleep, alertness, dependent physiologies and potential pharmacological intervention as well as lifestyle modifications to improve the quality of life.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Physiological/radiation effects , Behavior/radiation effects , Light , Rod Opsins/metabolism , Animals , Humans , Retinal Ganglion Cells/cytology , Retinal Ganglion Cells/metabolism , Retinal Ganglion Cells/radiation effects , Rod Opsins/chemistry , Rod Opsins/genetics , Vision, Ocular/radiation effects
14.
Arch. latinoam. nutr ; 59(3): 287-295, sept. 2009. graf, tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-588648

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of energy restriction and vitamin E supplementation on memory, learning, anxiety and spontaneous locomotion in adult rats. Three-month old male Wistar rats were grouped according to diet: Control (AIN 93-M; n=18), Supplemented (AIN 93-M + 1425 IU all-rac-alph-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet; n=22) and Restricted (AIN 93-M with 30 percent reduction in carbohydrate energy; n=23). Sixteen weeks after, the passive avoidance (PA), elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests were applied. In the EPM test, the behavioral profile of the supplemented group was characterized by a lower frequency of entries into the open arms (P < 0,026), whereas the restricted group showed a lower frequency of head dipping (P < 0,003). The ratio between the time span of the shocks and the number of attempts were larger for the supplemented than for the non-supplemented animals (P = 0,0474), thus suggesting a delay in learning in the PA test. Taken together, these results suggest that a long-term combination of carbohydrate energy restriction in rats should not cause negative behavioral alterations. Compared with vitamin E supplementation, the restricted diet performed equally or better in rats as an alternate antioxidant diet.


Se investigó la influencia de la restricción energética en comparación a la suplementación con vitamina E en la memoria, aprendizaje, ansiedad y locomoción espontánea en ratas adultas. Machos Wistar de tres meses de edad fueron agrupados de acuerdo a las dietas: Control (AIN 93-M, n=18), Suplementados (AIN 93-M + 1425 UI all-rac-alfa-tocoferil acetato /kg de dieta; n=22) y Restrictos (AIN 93-M con 30 por ciento de restricción energética en los carbohidratos; n=23). Dieciséis semanas después, fueron aplicadas las pruebas de esquiva pasiva (PA), laberinto elevado en cruz (EPM) y de campo abierto (OF). En la prueba de EPM, el grupo suplementado mostró una menor frecuencia de entradas en los corredores abiertos (P < 0,026), mientras el grupo restricto registró menor frecuencia de bajadas de cabeza (P = 0,003). La razón entre la duración de los choques y el número de intentos fue superior para el grupo suplementado, que para los no suplementados (P = 0,0474), lo cual sugiere un leve perjuicio en el aprendizaje de los suplementados, según la prueba de PA. Tomados en conjunto, estos resultados sugieren que la restricción crónica en energía de carbohidratos no provoca alteraciones negativas en el comportamiento de ratas adultas y que sus beneficios pueden superar los obtenidos al suplementar la dieta patrón con vitamina E, como opción de dieta antioxidante.


Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Antioxidants/therapeutic use , Behavior/radiation effects , Diet/adverse effects , Protein-Energy Malnutrition , Vitamin E
15.
Neuroimage ; 39(2): 549-52, 2008 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17945512

ABSTRACT

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is often described as a method for inducing reversible lesions in neurologically normal observers ("virtual lesions"). However, there is evidence that the behavioral and perceptual effects of TMS are too subtle to fit neatly into such a conceptualization. The objective of this commentary is to address some of the behavioral and perceptual consequences of TMS and to propose a novel mechanism by which TMS influences behavior. The approach presented here allows differential stimulation of functionally distinct neural populations and thus enables TMS studies not only to investigate the necessity of cortical regions, but also the neural processes that underlie that necessity.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Perception/radiation effects , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation , Animals , Behavior/physiology , Brain/physiology , Brain/radiation effects , Cognition/physiology , Cognition/radiation effects , Humans , Perception/physiology
16.
Neuro Endocrinol Lett ; 28(6): 749-56, 2007 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18063926

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Russian astronomer A.L. Tchijevsky published in the twenties of 20th century a study comparing the approximately 11-year cycling of "sunspot activity" and "historical process", analyzed globally since the 5th century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. According to him, phenomena of societal "excitation", as revolutions, occurred synchronously with the solar maxima, and, oppositely, those of peaceful activities of masses, as science and arts, with the solar minima. Recently, Slovak philosopher E. Páles describes periodic fluctuation of historical events in mutually distant geographic areas during more than three millennia. The period lengths, however, are longer, one of the most pronounced being around 500 years. THE QUESTION was therefore posed: does a similar correlation with sunspot activity, as found for 11-year cycles, exist also in the 500-year cycling? MATERIAL AND METHODS: The historical data consisted of two time series concerning revolutions in Europe and China, and of eight time series from activities in science and arts registered from five geographic areas. For the comparison, parallel time series of sunspot (Wolf) numbers, available since IInd century B.C., were constructed. Using periodic regression function, the times of peaking were estimated for each data set. RESULTS: In agreement with Tchijevsky's hypothesis, revolutions culminated near to solar maxima while cultural flourishing usually distinctly near to solar minima. This conclusion is based on the level of statistical significance alpha=0.05. CONCLUSION: Solar impact on geomagnetic field could be one of elucidating mechanisms. Recently, electromagnetic influencing of brain function has been realized artificially.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Dissent and Disputes/history , Electromagnetic Fields , History , Periodicity , Solar Activity , Cultural Characteristics , History, 15th Century , History, 16th Century , History, 17th Century , History, 18th Century , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , History, Ancient , History, Medieval , Humans , Sunlight
17.
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep ; 7(6): 491-7, 2007 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17999895

ABSTRACT

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that allows researchers to induce electrical currents in focal areas of the cerebral cortex. These currents can transiently activate or inhibit focal cortical areas and thus influence behavior. In the 20 years since its introduction, TMS has been applied to the study and treatment of a wide variety of neurologic and psychiatric conditions. This review focuses particular attention on the use of TMS as a research tool for understanding brain-behavior relationships, an adjunct to traditional neurorehabilitation strategies, and a potential treatment option for depression and other psychiatric disorders.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Brain Diseases/therapy , Mental Disorders/therapy , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/methods , Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation/trends , Behavior/physiology , Brain/physiology , Brain/radiation effects , Brain Diseases/physiopathology , Depressive Disorder/physiopathology , Depressive Disorder/therapy , Humans , Mental Disorders/physiopathology , Recovery of Function/physiology , Recovery of Function/radiation effects , Schizophrenia/physiopathology , Schizophrenia/therapy , Stroke/physiopathology , Stroke Rehabilitation
18.
Neurotoxicology ; 28(2): 434-40, 2007 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16962663

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a general concern on the possible hazardous health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiations (RFR) emitted from mobile phone base station antennas on the human nervous system. AIM: To identify the possible neurobehavioral deficits among inhabitants living nearby mobile phone base stations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on (85) inhabitants living nearby the first mobile phone station antenna in Menoufiya governorate, Egypt, 37 are living in a building under the station antenna while 48 opposite the station. A control group (80) participants were matched with the exposed for age, sex, occupation and educational level. All participants completed a structured questionnaire containing: personal, educational and medical histories; general and neurological examinations; neurobehavioral test battery (NBTB) [involving tests for visuomotor speed, problem solving, attention and memory]; in addition to Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ). RESULTS: The prevalence of neuropsychiatric complaints as headache (23.5%), memory changes (28.2%), dizziness (18.8%), tremors (9.4%), depressive symptoms (21.7%), and sleep disturbance (23.5%) were significantly higher among exposed inhabitants than controls: (10%), (5%), (5%), (0%), (8.8%) and (10%), respectively (P<0.05). The NBTB indicated that the exposed inhabitants exhibited a significantly lower performance than controls in one of the tests of attention and short-term auditory memory [Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT)]. Also, the inhabitants opposite the station exhibited a lower performance in the problem solving test (block design) than those under the station. All inhabitants exhibited a better performance in the two tests of visuomotor speed (Digit symbol and Trailmaking B) and one test of attention (Trailmaking A) than controls. The last available measures of RFR emitted from the first mobile phone base station antennas in Menoufiya governorate were less than the allowable standard level. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Inhabitants living nearby mobile phone base stations are at risk for developing neuropsychiatric problems and some changes in the performance of neurobehavioral functions either by facilitation or inhibition. So, revision of standard guidelines for public exposure to RER from mobile phone base station antennas and using of NBTB for regular assessment and early detection of biological effects among inhabitants around the stations are recommended.


Subject(s)
Behavior/radiation effects , Cell Phone , Electromagnetic Fields/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure , Nervous System/radiation effects , Radio Waves/adverse effects , Residence Characteristics , Adult , Attention/radiation effects , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/etiology , Dizziness/etiology , Egypt , Female , Headache/etiology , Humans , Male , Memory/radiation effects , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , Psychomotor Performance/radiation effects , Reaction Time/radiation effects , Sleep/radiation effects , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tremor/etiology
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