Psychophysiological indicators for children using mobile phones. Communication 2. Results of four-year monitoring

This study submits the results of a four-year monitoring of a complex diagnostics of the psychophysiological indicators for 196 children aged 7 to 12 years old: 147 of them are child users of mobile communication (test group) and 49 are in the control group. We have identified the following major trends of the psychophysiological indicators for child users of mobile communication: an increased number of phonemic perception disorders, abatement of efficiency, reduced indicators for the arbitrary and semantic memory, an increased fatigue. A steady decline of the parameters from high values to bottom standards has been found.     

Measuring generalization of visuomotor perturbations in wrist movements using mobile phones

Recent studies in motor control have shown that visuomotor rotations for reaching have narrow generalization functions: what we learn during movements in one direction only affects subsequent movements into close directions. Here we wanted to measure the generalization functions for wrist movement. To do so we had 7 subjects performing an experiment holding a mobile phone in their dominant hand. The mobile phone's built in acceleration sensor provided a convenient way to measure wrist movements and to run the behavioral protocol. Subjects moved a cursor on the screen by tilting the phone. Movements on the screen toward the training target were rotated and we then measured how learning of the rotation in the training direction affected subsequent movements in other directions. We find that generalization is local and similar to generalization patterns of visuomotor rotation for reaching.     

Testing the effectiveness of small radiation shields for mobile phones

Nine small radiation shields made to adhere to the case of mobile phones were tested at 914 and 1880 MHz. Five popular products were tested because advertisements typically claim they are up to 99% effective in blocking radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted from mobile phones. Also, four other conceptually unusual products were tested because advertisements typically claim they emit oscillations that counteract the RF radiation from mobile phones. Each shield was tested on the same mobile phone, and measurements were made to compare the absorption of RF energy in the head with and without each shield attached to the phone. The phone was positioned against a head model, and an automated measurement process was used to determine specific absorption rate (SAR) in the same way it is used at Motorola to test the compliance of mobile phones with respect to human exposure limits. The location of the peak SAR was not observed to change with any of the shields attached to the phone, and the 1 g, peak spatial average SAR did not change by any statistically significant amount. These results indicate the small shields are ineffective in reducing the exposure of the head to RF energy emitted by a mobile phone.     

Evaluation of selected biochemical parameters in the saliva of young males using mobile phones

Abstract

The biochemical status in the saliva of 12 males before/after using mobile phone has been evaluated. Radio frequency signals of 1800 MHz (continuous wave transmission, 217?Hz modulate and Global System for Mobile Communications [GSM – non-DTX]) with 1.09 w/kg specific absorption rate (SAR) value were used for 15 and 30?min. Cell phone radiation induced a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD); there was a statistically significant effect of talking time on the levels of SOD, F(2, 33)?=?8.084, p?<?0.05, ω?=?0.53. The trend analysis suggests a significant quadratic trend, F(1, 33)?=?4.891, p?<?0.05; indicating that after 15?min of talking the levels of SOD increased, but as talking time increased the SOD activity started to drop. In contrast to this, there was no statistically significant effect of talking time on the level of salivary albumin, cytochrome c, catalase or uric acid. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation may exert an oxidative stress on human cells as evidenced by the increase in the concentration of the superoxide radical anion released in the saliva of cell phone users.     

Current state of the problem of cortical inhibition

Results concerning neuronal, synaptic and ionic mechanism of inhibition in cortical neurons obtained during the last years are presented.     

Volume-averaged SAR in adult and child head models when using mobile phones: a computational study with detailed CAD-based models of commercial mobile phones

Previous studies comparing SAR difference in the head of children and adults used highly simplified generic models or half-wave dipole antennas. The objective of this study was to investigate the SAR difference in the head of children and adults using realistic EMF sources based on CAD models of commercial mobile phones. Four MRI-based head phantoms were used in the study. CAD models of Nokia 8310 and 6630 mobile phones were used as exposure sources. Commercially available FDTD software was used for the SAR calculations. SAR values were simulated at frequencies 900 MHz and 1747 MHz for Nokia 8310, and 900 MHz, 1747 MHz and 1950 MHz for Nokia 6630. The main finding of this study was that the SAR distribution/variation in the head models highly depends on the structure of the antenna and phone model, which suggests that the type of the exposure source is the main parameter in EMF exposure studies to be focused on. Although the previous findings regarding significant role of the anatomy of the head, phone position, frequency, local tissue inhomogeneity and tissue composition specifically in the exposed area on SAR difference were confirmed, the SAR values and SAR distributions caused by generic source models cannot be extrapolated to the real device exposures. The general conclusion is that from a volume averaged SAR point of view, no systematic differences between child and adult heads were found.     

Preneural transmitters as regulators of embryogenesis. Current state of the problem

Our knowledge about the preneural neurotransmitter systems and their functions were based on the old pharmacological and biochemical data that have recently been confirmed and substantially supplemented. Specific components of the preneural serotoninergic and endocannabinoid systems were identified in developing echinoderm embryos using immunocytochemistry, Western immunoelectroblotting, and HPLC-mass spectroscopy. These data were corroborated by the results of pharmacological experiments: it was found that some ligands of serotonin receptors, as well as the agonist of cannabinoid receptors anandamide induced the appearance of abnormal embryonic phenotypes, whose expression depended on the ligand-teratogen concentration. Their appearance was prevented, correspondingly, by serotonin and its lipophilic (or hydrophilic) analogs and antagonists of cannabinoid (CB1/CB2)-receptors.     

Preneural transmitters as regulators of embryogenesis. Current state of problem

Our knowledge about the preneural neurotransmitter systems and their functions were based on the old pharmacological and biochemical data that have recently been confirmed and substantially supplemented. Specific components of the preneural serotoninergic and endocannabinoid systems were identified in developing echinoderm embryos using immunocytochemistry, Western immunoelectroblotting, and HPLC-mass spectroscopy. These data were corroborated by the results of pharmacological experiments: it was found that some ligands of serotonin receptors, as well as the agonist of cannabinoid receptors anandamide induced the appearance of abnormal embryonic phenotypes, whose expression depended on the ligand-teratogen concentration. Their appearance was prevented, correspondingly, by serotonin and its lipophilic (or hydrophilic) analogs and antagonists of cannabinoid (CB₁CB₂)-receptors.     

Current state of problem of improving tools for plague vaccine prophylaxis

Literature data on main immunobiological characteristics of 1st generation plague vaccines as well as ways of development of new tools for specific prophylaxis of plague: recombinant live, chemical, antiidiotypic, and DNA vaccines are presented in the review. Their expected advantages and disadvantages, perspectives of development and practical use in system of antiepidemic measures are assessed.     

Metal-framed spectacles and implants and specific absorption rate among adults and children using mobile phones at 900/1800/2100 MHz

The specific absorption rate (SAR) from mobile telephones at horizontal and vertical positions is investigated in human adult and child heads wearing metal-rim spectacles and having metallic implants. The SAR values calculated by Finite Difference Time Domain (FTDT) method are compared to the actual ANSI/IEEE standards and to the 900/1800/2100 MHz electromagnetic radiation limits according to EU standards. Our calculation shows a maximum of the cellular SAR in the child head, which in the case of metallic implant could be as much as 100% higher than in the adult head. The averaging on 1 and 10 g tissue-masses shows SAR generally under the limit of 519/1999/EC standards. However, in the case of 2100 MHz with vertical position of the phone for adults and of the 900 MHz for children with metallic implants the ANSI/IEEE limits are exceeded.     

Factors that influence the radiofrequency power output of GSM mobile phones

Epidemiological studies of mobile phone use and risk of brain cancer have relied on self-reported use, years as a subscriber, and billing records as exposure surrogates without addressing the level of radiofrequency (RF) power output. The objective of this study was to measure environmental, behavioral and engineering factors affecting the RF power output of GSM mobile phones during operation. We estimated the RF-field exposure of volunteer subjects who made mobile phone calls using software-modified phones (SMPs) that recorded output power settings. Subjects recruited from three geographic areas in the U.S. were instructed to log information (place, time, etc.) for each call made and received during a 5-day period. The largest factor affecting energy output was study area, followed by user movement and location (inside or outside), use of a hands-free device, and urbanicity, although the two latter factors accounted for trivial parts of overall variance. Although some highly statistically significant differences were identified, the effects on average energy output rate were usually less than 50% and were generally comparable to the standard deviation. These results provide information applicable to improving the precision of exposure metrics for epidemiological studies of GSM mobile phones and may have broader application for other mobile phone systems and geographic locations.     

Proteasomes and transplantology: Current state of the problem and the search for promising trends

Basic research of the structure and functions of multiple forms of proteasomes is overviewed. The proteasomes of liver, acting as a primary lymphoid organ in embryogenesis, displaying nonspecific local immunity, and providing development of tolerance to food and other foreign antigens during the lifespan, are described. The role of individual forms of liver proteasomes in transplantology is considered as well as their utility as markers for endocrine transplant survival.     

Self‐report of physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices

The aim of our work was to study the working‐age population's self‐reported physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices. A qualitative method was applied using an open‐ended question in a questionnaire, which included questions about the possible influence of new technical equipment on health. We then created subgroups of respondents for different self‐reported symptoms associated with mobile phones and other electrical devices. The research questions were: (1) how the respondents described physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices and (2) how the answers can be classified into subgroups based on symptoms or devices. We identified the following categories: (1) respondents with different self‐reported symptoms which they associated with using mobile phones (headache, earache, or warmth sensations), (2) respondents who had skin symptoms when they stayed in front of a computer screen, (3) respondents who mentioned physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices. Total prevalence of self‐reported physical symptoms associated with using mobile phones and other electrical devices (categories 1 and 2) was 0.7%. In the future it will be possible to obtain new knowledge of these topics by using qualitative methods. Bioelectromagnetics 30:431–437, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Effects of electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones on the central nervous system

With the increasing use of mobile communication, concerns have been expressed about the possible interactions of electromagnetic radiation with the human organism and, in particular, the brain. The effects on neuronal electrical activity, energy metabolism, genomic responses, neurotransmitter balance, blood-brain barrier permeability, cognitive function, sleep, and various brain diseases including brain tumors are reviewed. Most of the reported effects are small as long as the radiation intensity remains in the nonthermal range, and none of the research reviewed gives an indication of the mechanisms involved at this range. However, health risks may evolve from indirect consequences of mobile telephony, such as the sharply increased incidence rate of traffic accidents caused by telephony during driving, and possibly also by stress reactions which annoyed bystanders may experience when cellular phones are used in public places. These indirect health effects presumably outweigh the direct biological perturbations and should be investigated in more detail in the future.