Brain structure alterations following neonatal exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields: A histological analysis.

Nitric oxide (NO) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been extensively studied for their roles in neurobiology, particularly in regulating cerebral functions and synaptic plasticity. This study investigates the impact of EMFs on NO modulation and its subsequent effects on neurodevelopment, building upon prior research examining EMF exposure's consequences on Wistar albino rats. Rats were exposed perinatally to either tap water, 1 g/L of L-arginine (LA) or 0.5 g/L of N-methylarginine (NMA). Half of the rats in each group were also exposed to a 7-Hz square-wave EMF at three separate intensities (5, 50 and 500 nT) for 2-14 days following birth. Animals were allowed to develop, and their brains were harvested later in adulthood (mean age = 568.17 days, SD = 162.73). Histological analyses were used to elucidate structural changes in key brain regions. All brains were stained with Toluidine Blue O (TBO), enabling the visualization of neurons. Neuronal counts were then conducted in specific regions of interest (e.g. hippocampus, cortices, amygdala and hypothalamus). Histological analyses revealed significant alterations in neuronal density in specific brain regions, particularly in response to EMF exposure and pharmacological interventions. Notable findings include a main EMF exposure effect where increased neuronal counts were observed in the secondary somatosensory cortex under low EMF intensities (p < 0.001) and sex-specific responses in the hippocampus, where a significant increase in neuronal counts was observed in the left CA3 region in female rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed females (t(18) = 2.371, p = 0.029). Additionally, a significant increase in neuronal counts in the right entorhinal cortex was seen in male rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed males (t(18) = 2.216, p = 0.040). These findings emphasize the complex interaction among sex, EMF exposure and pharmacological agents on neuronal dynamics across brain regions, highlighting the need for further research to identify underlying mechanisms and potential implications for cognitive function and neurological health in clinical and environmental contexts.

Smartphone-Based Methodology Applied to Electromagnetic Field Exposure Assessment.

This study presents the measurements of exposure to electromagnetic fields, carried out comparatively following standard methods from fixed sites using a broadband meter and using a smartphone on which an App designed for this purpose has been installed. The results of two measurement campaigns carried out on the campus of the University of Alcalá over an area of 1.9 km2 are presented. To characterize the exposure, 20 fixed points were measured in the first case and 860 points along the route made with a bicycle in the last case. The results obtained indicate that there is proportionality between the two methods, making it possible to use the smartphone for comparative measurements. The presented methodology makes it possible to characterize the exposure in the area under study in four times less time than that required with the traditional methodology.

Electromagnetic force from electric vehicles: Potential electromagnetic interference source for subcutaneous implantable defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: Electromagnetic interference (EMI) encompasses electromagnetic field signals that can be detected by a device's circuitry, potentially resulting in adverse effects such as inaccurate sensing, pacing, device mode switching, and defibrillation. EMI may impact the functioning of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) and lead to inappropriate therapy. METHOD: An experimental measuring device, a loop antenna mimicking the implantable cardioverted defibrillator (ICD) antenna, was developed, and validated at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sent to Wright State University for testing. Two sets of measurements were conducted while the vehicle was connected to a 220-Volt outlet with charging at ON and OFF. Each measurement set involved three readings at various locations, with the antenna oriented in three different positions to account for diverse patient postures. The experiment utilized a Tesla Model 3 electric vehicle (EV), assessing scenarios both inside and outside the car, including the driver's seat, driver's seat floor, passenger's seat, rear seat, rear seat floor, cup holder, charging port (car), and near the charging station. RESULTS: The detected voltage (max 400 to 504 millivolts) around the cup holder inside the car differed from all other measurement scenarios. CONCLUSION: The investigation highlights the identification of EMI signals originating from an EV) that could potentially interrupt the functionality of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (S-ICD). These signals fell within the R-wave Spectrum of 30-300 Hz. Further in-vivo studies are essential to determine accurately the level of interference between S-ICDs and EMI from Electric Vehicles.

Integrated influence of sulfide modification on the reactivity of nanoscale zero-valent iron towards decabromodiphenyl ether under an electromagnetic field.

Individual application of sulfide modification and electromagnetic field (EMF) can enhance the reactivity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI), yet the potential of both in combination is not clear. This work found that the reactivity of nZVI towards decabromodiphenyl ether was significantly enhanced by the combined effect of sulfidation and EMF. The specific reaction rate constant of nZVI increased by 7 to 10 times. A series of characterization results revealed that the sulfidation level not only affects the inherent reactivity but also the magnetic-induced heating (MIH) and corrosion (MIC) of nZVI. These collectively influence the degradation efficiency of nZVI under EMF. Sulfidation generally diminished the MIH effect. The low degree of sulfidation (S/Fe = 0.1) slightly reduced the MIC effect by 21.4%. However, the high degree of sulfidation (S/Fe = 0.4) led to significantly enhanced MIC effect by 107.1%. For S/Fe = 0.1 and 0.4, the overall enhancement in the reactivity resulting from EMF was alternately dominated by the contributions of MIH and MIC. This work provides valuable insights into the MIH and MIC effects about the sulfidation level of nZVI, which is needed for further exploration and optimization of this combined technology.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and genetic instability among residents near mobile phone base stations in Germany.

Human exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) is restricted to prevent thermal effects in the tissue. However, at very low intensity exposure "non-thermal" biological effects, like oxidative stress, DNA or chromosomal aberrations, etc. collectively termed genomic-instability can occur after few hours. Little is known about chronic (years long) exposure with non-thermal RF-EMF. We identified two neighboring housing estates in a rural region with residents exposed to either relatively low (control-group) or relatively high (exposed-group) RF-EMF emitted from nearby mobile phone base stations (MPBS). 24 healthy adults that lived in their homes at least for 5 years volunteered. The homes were surveyed for common types of EMF, blood samples were tested for oxidative status, transient DNA alterations, permanent chromosomal damage, and specific cancer related genetic markers, like MLL gene rearrangements. We documented possible confounders, like age, sex, nutrition, life-exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays), occupational exposures, etc. The groups matched well, age, sex, lifestyle and occupational risk factors were similar. The years long exposure had no measurable effect on MLL gene rearrangements and c-Abl-gene transcription modification. Associated with higher exposure, we found higher levels of lipid oxidation and oxidative DNA-lesions, though not statistically significant. DNA double strand breaks, micronuclei, ring chromosomes, and acentric chromosomes were not significantly different between the groups. Chromosomal aberrations like dicentric chromosomes (p=0.007), chromatid gaps (p=0.019), chromosomal fragments (p<0.001) and the total of chromosomal aberrations (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the exposed group. No potential confounder interfered with these findings. Increased rates of chromosomal aberrations as linked to excess exposure with ionizing radiation may also occur with non-ionizing radiation exposure. Biological endpoints can be informative for designing exposure limitation strategies. Further research is warranted to investigate the dose-effect-relationship between both, exposure intensity and exposure time, to account for endpoint accumulations after years of exposure. As established for ionizing radiation, chromosomal aberrations could contribute to the definition of protection thresholds, as their rate reflects exposure intensity and exposure time.

Central Causation of Autism/ASDs via Excessive [Ca2+]i Impacting Six Mechanisms Controlling Synaptogenesis during the Perinatal Period: The Role of Electromagnetic Fields and Chemicals and the NO/ONOO(-) Cycle, as Well as Specific Mutations.

The roles of perinatal development, intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i, and synaptogenesis disruption are not novel in the autism/ASD literature. The focus on six mechanisms controlling synaptogenesis, each regulated by [Ca2+]i, and each aberrant in ASDs is novel. The model presented here predicts that autism epidemic causation involves central roles of both electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and chemicals. EMFs act via voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation and [Ca2+]i elevation. A total of 15 autism-implicated chemical classes each act to produce [Ca2+]i elevation, 12 acting via NMDA receptor activation, and three acting via other mechanisms. The chronic nature of ASDs is explained via NO/ONOO(-) vicious cycle elevation and MeCP2 epigenetic dysfunction. Genetic causation often also involves [Ca2+]i elevation or other impacts on synaptogenesis. The literature examining each of these steps is systematically examined and found to be consistent with predictions. Approaches that may be sed for ASD prevention or treatment are discussed in connection with this special issue: The current situation and prospects for children with ASDs. Such approaches include EMF, chemical avoidance, and using nutrients and other agents to raise the levels of Nrf2. An enriched environment, vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3s in fish oil may also be helpful.

The Cellular Response Is Determined by a Combination of Different ELF-EMF Exposure Parameters: A Scope Review.

Since the establishment of regulations for exposure to extremely low-frequency (0-300) Hz electromagnetic fields, scientific opinion has prioritised the hypothesis that the most important parameter determining cellular behaviour has been intensity, ignoring the other exposure parameters (frequency, time, mode, waveform). This has been reflected in the methodologies of the in vitro articles published and the reviews in which they are included. A scope review was carried out, grouping a total of 79 articles that met the proposed inclusion criteria and studying the effects of the different experiments on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress and the cell cycle. These results have been divided and classified by frequency, intensity, exposure time and exposure mode (continuous/intermittent). The results obtained for each of the processes according to the exposure parameter used are shown graphically to highlight the importance of a good methodology in experimental development and the search for mechanisms of action that explain the experimental results, considering not only the criterion of intensity. The consequence of this is a more than necessary revision of current exposure protection regulations for the general population based on the reductionist criterion of intensity.

Chronic E. Coli Drug-Resistant Cystitis Treated with a Sequence of Modulated Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields: A Randomized Study of 148 Cases.

(1) Background: This study investigated the effects of sequenced electromagnetic fields, modulated at extremely low frequencies and intensities, in the treatment of drug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced chronic bacterial cystitis. (2) Methods: A total of 148 female participants, aged 18 to 80 years diagnosed with chronic bacterial cystitis caused by drug-resistant E. coli, were recruited for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 74) with osteopathic palpation and assessment treated with a sequence of electromagnetic fields, and a control group (n = 74) receiving a placebo treatment. Both groups were assessed at this study's outset, 4 weeks after eight applications, and at 12 weeks for symptomatic presentation and laboratory parameters. (3) Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, a significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding D-DIMER levels, IL-6 levels, erythrocyte levels, leukocyte levels, and E. coli levels (p < 0.001). By the 12th week, the experimental group continued to exhibit a significant reduction in the examined parameters compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the treatment did not induce any side effects in the patients in the experimental group. (4) Conclusions: Treatment with coherently sequenced electromagnetic fields, modulated at an extremely low frequency and intensity, not only appears to provide an effective alternative for the symptoms of chronic bacterial cystitis caused by drug-resistant E. coli but also demonstrates a potent antibacterial effect.

In Situ Assessment of Uplink Duty Cycles for 4G and 5G Wireless Communications.

In this presented study, we measured in situ the uplink duty cycles of a smartphone for 5G NR and 4G LTE for a total of six use cases covering voice, video, and data applications. The duty cycles were assessed at ten positions near a 4G and 5G base-station site in Belgium. For Twitch, VoLTE, and WhatsApp, the duty cycles ranged between 4% and 22% in time, both for 4G and 5G. For 5G NR, these duty cycles resulted in a higher UL-allotted time due to time division duplexing at the 3.7 GHz frequency band. Ping showed median duty cycles of 2% for 5G NR and 50% for 4G LTE. FTP upload and iPerf resulted in duty cycles close to 100%.

Effect of rmEGF combined with ELF-EMF on promoting wound healing in rats.

BACKGROUND: The process of wound healing is complex, and expediting it remains a challenge. The advantages of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMF) are its non-invasive treatment, promotes healing and promotes myogenesis of C2C12 cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to play a vital role in promoting wound healing, so a combination of ELF-EMF and EGF can have far-reaching significance. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of recombinant murine epidermal growth factor (rmEGF) combined with ELF-EMF on wound healing. METHODS: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group, EGF group, and ELF-EMF+EGF group, and a 20 mm × 20 mm dorsal wound was made. The wound healing rate of rats was calculated on the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 15th day. HE staining was used to observe the micro-morphological changes during the wound healing process. RESULTS: The wound healing rate of EGF+ELF-EMF group was better than other groups. On the 15th day of wound healing, the wounds of each group were completely healed. On the 3rd, 7th, 11th and 15th day of HE staining, the early inflammatory cell infiltration, the arrangement of fibroblasts and the number of new capillaries in the wounds of EGF+ELF-EMF group were better than those of the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: rmEGF combined with ELF-EMF significantly promotes wound healing in SD rats.

Cognitive Decline: Current Intervention Strategies and Integrative Therapeutic Approaches for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a pressing global health challenge, with an anticipated surge in diagnoses over the next two decades. This progressive neurodegenerative disorder unfolds gradually, with observable symptoms emerging after two decades of imperceptible brain changes. While traditional therapeutic approaches, such as medication and cognitive therapy, remain standard in AD management, their limitations prompt exploration into novel integrative therapeutic approaches. Recent advancements in AD research focus on entraining gamma waves through innovative methods, such as light flickering and electromagnetic fields (EMF) stimulation. Flickering light stimulation (FLS) at 40 Hz has demonstrated significant reductions in AD pathologies in both mice and humans, providing improved cognitive functioning. Additionally, recent experiments have demonstrated that APOE mutations in mouse models substantially reduce tau pathologies, with microglial modulation playing a crucial role. EMFs have also been demonstrated to modulate microglia. The exploration of EMFs as a therapeutic approach is gaining significance, as many recent studies have showcased their potential to influence microglial responses. Th article concludes by speculating on the future directions of AD research, emphasizing the importance of ongoing efforts in understanding the complexities of AD pathogenesis through a holistic approach and developing interventions that hold promise for improved patient outcomes.

Numerical Study on Electromagnetic Hydraulic Forming Process to Overcome Limitations of Electromagnetic Forming Process.

This paper provides a comparison between the conventional Electromagnetic Forming (EMF) technique and the novel Electromagnetic Hydraulic Forming (EMHF) approach. The EMHF involves the use of finite element analysis coupled with the EM and arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian techniques analyzed through LS-DYNA. In the free-bulge configuration, EMF is influenced by the forming coil, resulting in a dead zone and uneven forming. Additionally, EMF can only be used to shape materials with high electrical conductivity. In contrast, EMHF, driven by induced hydraulic pressure from the electromagnetic field-affected drive sheet, is independent of the electrical conductivity of the material and produces dome-shaped workpieces. For rectangular die shapes, EMF is prone to collision owing to the acceleration of the blank, which results in a reduced quality owing to bouncing. However, EMHF exhibits no bouncing effect and successfully achieves the target shape in most cases. The two techniques differ in the strain rate, with EMF at 4850/s, whereas EMHF operates at approximately 1250/s. Despite being slower, EMHF is still a high-speed forming technique. In conclusion, EMHF is a promising technique capable of addressing the shortcomings of conventional EMF and achieving improvements in forming processes.

The effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure on human self-reported symptoms: A systematic review of human experimental studies.

BACKGROUND: The technological applications of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have been steadily increasing since the 1950s exposing large proportions of the population. The World Health Organization (WHO) is assessing the potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF. OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the effects of exposure to RF-EMF on self-reported non-specific symptoms in human subjects and to assess the accuracy of perceptions of presence or absence of RF-EMF exposure. METHODS: Eligibility criteria: experimental studies carried out in the general population and in individuals with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to EMF (IEI-EMF), in any language. INFORMATION SOURCES: Medline, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, Embase and EMF portal, searched till April 2022. Risk of Bias (ROB): we used the RoB tool developed by OHAT adapted to the topic of this review. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: we synthesized studies using random effects meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses, where appropriate. RESULTS: Included studies: 41 studies were included, mostly cross over trials and from Europe, with a total of 2,874 participants. SYNTHESIS OF RESULTS: considering the primary outcomes, we carried out meta-analyses of 10 exposure-outcomes pairs. All evidence suggested no or small non-significant effects of exposure on symptoms with high (three comparisons), moderate (four comparisons), low (one comparison) and very low (two comparisons) certainty of evidence. The effects (standard mean difference, where positive values indicate presence of symptom being exposed) in the general population for head exposure were (95% confidence intervals) 0.08 (-0.07 to 0.22) for headache, -0.01 (-0.22 to 0.20) for sleeping disturbances and 0.13 (-0.51 to 0.76) for composite symptoms; and for whole-body exposure: 0.09 (-0.35 to 0.54), 0.00 (-0.15 to 0.15) for sleeping disturbances and -0.05 (-0.17 to 0.07) for composite symptoms. For IEI-EMF individuals SMD ranged from -0.19 to 0.11, all of them with confidence intervals crossing the value of zero. Further, the available evidence suggested that study volunteers could not perceive the EMF exposure status better than what is expected by chance and that IEI-EMF individuals could not determine EMF conditions better than the general population. DISCUSSION: Limitations of evidence: experimental conditions are substantially different from real-life situations in the duration, frequency, distance and position of the exposure. Most studies were conducted in young, healthy volunteers, who might be more resilient to RF-EMF than the general population. The outcomes of interest in this systematic review were symptoms, which are self-reported. The available information did not allow to assess the potential effects of exposures beyond acute exposure and in elderly or in chronically ill people. It cannot be ruled out that a real EMF effect in IEI-EMF groups is masked by a mix with insensitive subjects. However, studies on symptoms reporting and/or field perceptions did not find any evidence that there were particularly vulnerable individuals in the IEI-EMF group, although in open provocation studies, when volunteers were informed about the presence or absence of EMF exposure, such differences were consistently observed. INTERPRETATION: available evidence suggests that acute RF-EMF below regulatory limits does not cause symptoms and corresponding claims in the everyday life are related to perceived and not to real EMF exposure status.

The effect of ectomycorrhizal fungal exposure on nursery-raised Pinus sylvestris seedlings: plant transpiration under short-term drought, root morphology and plant biomass.

Drought is a major environmental stressor that limits seedling growth. Several studies have found that some ectomycorrhizal fungi may increase the drought tolerance of nursery-raised seedlings. However, the precise role that different ectomycorrhizal fungi species play in drought tolerance remains unclear. We evaluated the transpiration rate of Pinus sylvestris seedlings under drought stress in greenhouse conditions by exposing seedlings to 10 ectomycorrhizal fungi species, with different functional traits (exploration type and hydrophobicity), and to 3 natural soil inoculums. We measured the transpiration and water potential of the seedlings during a 10-day drought period and a 14-day recovery period. We then analyzed their root morphology, stem, needle, root biomass and needle chlorophyll fluorescence. We showed that exposing seedlings to ectomycorrhizal fungi or soil inoculum had a positive effect on their transpiration rate during the driest period and through the recovery phase, leading to 2- to 3-fold higher transpiration rates compared with the nonexposed control seedlings. Seedlings exposed to medium-distance ectomycorrhizal fungi performed better than other exploration types under drought conditions, but ectomycorrhizal fungi hydrophobicity did not seem to affect the seedlings response to drought. No significant differences were observed in biomass accumulation and root morphology between the seedlings exposed to different ectomycorrhizal fungi species and the control. Our results highlight the positive and species-specific effect of ectomycorrhizal fungi exposure on drought tolerance in nursery-raised Scots pine seedlings. The studied ectomycorrhizal fungi functional traits may not be sufficient to predict the seedling response to drought stress, thus physiological studies across multiple species are needed to draw the correct conclusion. Our findings have potential practical implications for enhancing seedling drought tolerance in nursery plant production.

Health and environmental effects to wildlife from radio telemetry and tracking devices-state of the science and best management practices.

This paper discusses the potential health risks and benefits to tagged wildlife from the use of radio tracking, radio telemetry, and related microchip and data-logger technologies used to study, monitor and track mostly wildlife in their native habitats. Domestic pets, especially canids, are briefly discussed as radio-tagging devices are also used on/in them. Radio tracking uses very high frequency (VHF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), and global positioning system (GPS) technologies, including via satellites where platform terminal transmitters (PTTs) are used, as well as geo-locating capabilities using satellites, radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips, and passive integrated responder (PIT) tags, among others. Such tracking technologies have resulted in cutting-edge findings worldwide that have served to protect and better understand the behaviors of myriad wildlife species. As a result, scientists, field researchers, technicians, fish and wildlife biologists and managers, plus wildlife and other veterinarian specialists, frequently opt for its use without fully understanding the ramifications to target species and their behaviors. These include negative physiological effects from electromagnetic fields (EMF) to which many nonhuman species are exquisitely sensitive, as well as direct placement/use-attachment impacts from radio collars, transmitters, and implants themselves. This paper provides pertinent studies, suggests best management practices, and compares technologies currently available to those considering and/or using such technologies. The primary focus is on the health and environmental risk/benefit decisions that should come into play, including ethical considerations, along with recommendations for more caution in the wildlife and veterinarian communities before such technologies are used in the first place.

Design and characterisation of a cell exposure system with high magnetic field homogeneity: RILZ coils.

In vitro studies requiring controlled exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields employ exposure systems with different geometries and configurations, the Helmholtz configuration being one of the most widely used. This configuration has limitations in the homogeneity of the spatial distribution of the magnetic field intensity values. We present the design, manufacturing, and characterisation of a new coil system, called RILZ configuration, which improves the distribution of magnetic field intensity values in the three dimensions of space for three different heights in comparison with the traditional circular coils in Helmholtz configuration. In addition, a comparative study of the cellular response in CT2A cultures exposed to a magnetic field of 50 Hz and 100 µT for 48 hrs is performed with both exposure systems. The results of the study show reduced values of deviation from the central value of magnetic field intensity using the RILZ coil system. These differences are statistically significant compared to the Helmholtz configuration for the three Cartesian directions: x (p < 0.01), y (p < 0.01), z (p < 0.01). In addition, the intensity values for three different heights are statistically significantly correlated using the RILZ coil system (p < 0.01). The differences in cell behaviour are also statistically significant between the two systems (p < 0.01) and may be directly related to the differences found in the distribution of intensity values between the two systems. This study highlights the importance of the homogeneity of the magnetic field intensity generated by the exposure systems used and offers an effective solution to control the magnetic field exposure parameters in vitro assays.

V-EMF therapy: A new painless and completely non-invasive treatment for striae gravidarum.

BACKGROUND: The appearance of striae gravidarum (SG) during pregnancy is a common problem. The most common SG are abdominal striae, which can cause the greatest sequelae after pregnancy, and in the long term. There are several solutions to prevent and treat these striae, but not all are completely effective, and not without side effects. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment that applies an electromagnetic field under vacuum (V-EMF therapy) on the abdominal SG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 26 women affected by abdominal SG and treated with V-EMF therapy. The results were evaluated using two different 5-point Likert Scales: one administered to the treated subjects to evaluate their satisfaction, and one to the doctors who performed the treatment, to evaluate the improvement of the striae. The presence of side effects, and the effects of sun exposure after treatment were also considered. RESULTS: Only two treated subjects rated their level of satisfaction with a Score III on the Liker Scale. Everyone else expressed higher levels of satisfaction. Only one doctor rated the improvement of the striae with a Liker scale score of III. All the others reported greater improvements. No discomfort or side effects were noted either during the individual treatment sessions, or at the end of the treatment. The striae showed a newfound ability to tan. CONCLUSIONS: V-EMF therapy proves to be a valid, safe, and effective treatment modality for SG.

Micro-environmental personal radio-frequency electromagnetic field exposures in Melbourne: A longitudinal trend analysis.

BACKGROUND: A knowledge gap exists regarding longitudinal assessment of personal radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposures globally. It is unclear how the change in telecommunication technology over the years translates to change in RF-EMF exposure. This study aims to evaluate longitudinal trends of micro-environmental personal RF-EMF exposures in Australia. METHODS: The study utilised baseline (2015-16) and follow-up (2022) data on personal RF-EMF exposure (88 MHz-6 GHz) measured across 18 micro-environments in Melbourne. Simultaneous quantile regression analysis was conducted to compare exposure data distribution percentiles, particularly median (P50), upper extreme value (P99) and overall exposure trends. RF-EMF exposures were compared across six exposure source types: mobile downlink, mobile uplink, broadcast, 5G-New Radio, Others and Total (of the aforementioned sources). Frequency-specific exposures measured at baseline and follow-up were compared. Total exposure across different groups of micro-environment types were also compared. RESULTS: For all micro-environmental data, total (median and P99) exposure levels did not significantly change at follow-up. Overall exposure trend of total exposure increased at follow-up. Mobile downlink contributed the highest exposure among all sources showing an increase in median exposure and overall exposure trend. Of seven micro-environment types, five of them showed total exposure levels (median and P99) and overall exposure trend increased at follow-up.

Static electromagnetic field and recombinant human fibroblasts encoding miR-451 and miR-16 increased cell trans-differentiation to CD71+ and CD235a+ erythroid like progenitor.

Introduction: Ex vivo blood production is an urgent need of most countries, and creating production protocols can save the lives of many patients. Despite the recent advances in blood production in ex vivo conditions, its high-scale production is not yet possible, and requires further studies. Therefore, by transfecting fibroblast cells with miR-16, and miR-451 genes, as well as applying low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) treatment, we tried to increase the differentiation of these cells into CD71+ and CD235a+ erythroid like progenitors. Methods: After preparation, and cultivation of human dermal transgenic fibroblast cells, they were transfected by Plenti3-hsa-miR451, Plenti3-hsa-miR16 and Plenti3-backbone inserted into E. coli Stbl4 genome. Then, transgenic fibroblast cells were treated with 10mT ELF-EMF every day for 20 minutes for 7 days. Using a flow cytometer, the expressions of CD71, and CD235a were studied in these cells, and the expressions of genes involved in hematopoiesis were studied using the RT-PCR technique. Results: The results indicated an increase in the differentiation of fibroblast cells treated with 10mT ELF-EMF to erythroid like progenitors. Furthermore, the percentage of CD71+ and CD235a+ cells was the highest in irradiated cells encoding miR-16 and miR-451, which indicates their differentiation into erythroid like progenitors. Also, in the transgenic cells treated with ELF-EMF, an increase in the expressions of α-chain, ß-chain, γ-chain and GATA1 genes was observed, which indicates the potential of these cells for hematopoiesis. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of CD34 and CD38 genes in these cell lines. Conclusion: Both ELF-EMF and upregulations of miR-16 and miR-451 lead to improved differentiation of fibroblast cells into erythroid like progenitors.

Contrasting responses of α- and ß-multifunctionality to aboveground plant community in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The aboveground plant communities are crucial in driving ecosystem functioning, particularly being the primary producers in terrestrial ecosystems. Numerous studies have investigated the impacts of aboveground plant communities on multiple ecosystem functions at α-scale. However, such critical effects have been unexplored at ß-scale and the comparative assessment of the effects and underlying mechanisms of aboveground plant communities on α- and ß-multifunctionality has been lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of aboveground plant communities on soil multifunctionality both at α- and ß-scale in the alpine meadow of the Tibetan Plateau. Additionally, we quantified the direct effects of aboveground plant communities, as well as the indirect effects mediated by changes in biotic and abiotic factors, on soil multifunctionality at both scales. Our findings revealed that: 1) Aboveground plant communities had significantly positive effects on α-multifunctionality whereas, ß-multifunctionality was not affected significantly. 2) Aboveground plant communities directly influence α- and ß-multifunctionality in contrasting ways, with positive and negative effects, respectively. Apart from the direct effects of plant community, we found that soil water content and bacterial ß-diversity serving as the primary predictors for the responses of α- and ß-multifunctionality to the presence of aboveground plant communities, respectively. And ß-soil biodiversity appeared to be a stronger predictor of multifunctionality relative to α-soil biodiversity. Our findings provide novel insights into the drivers of ecosystem multifunctionality at different scales, highlight the importance of maintaining biodiversity at multiple scales and offer valuable knowledge for the maintenance of ecosystem functioning and the restoration of alpine meadow ecosystems.