Self-reported symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields: a questionnaire study

In the last years, it has been discussed frequently whether there are any harmful effects of electromagnetic fields on human health. Electromagnetic fields are generated by several natural and man-made sources. Part of the electromagnetic spectrum called Radiofrequency is used in communication systems such as mobile (cellular) phone and computer. The aim of our study was to explore different self-reported symptoms that may be associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields. This survey study was conducted, using a questionnaire, on 350 people aged +9 years in Turkey. The chi-square test was used for data analysis. Self-reported symptoms were headache, vertigo/dizziness, fatigue, forgetfulness, sleep disturbance-insomnia, tension-anxiety, joint and bone pain, lacrimation of the eyes, hearing loss and tinnitus. As a result of the survey, the study has shown that users of mobile phone and computer more often complained of headache, joint and bone pain, hearing loss, vertigo/dizziness, tension-anxiety symptoms according to time of daily usage (p?p?相似文献   

Elevated neurofilament light chain (NFL) mRNA levels in prediabetic peripheral neuropathy

Evidence suggests that peripheral nerve injury occurs during the early stages of disease with mild glycemic dysregulation. Two proteins, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and neurofilament light chain (NFL), have been examined previously as possible markers of neuronal damage in the pathophysiology of neuropathies. Herein, we aimed to determine the potential value of circulatory NSE and NFL mRNA levels in prediabetic patients and in those with peripheral neuropathy. This prospective clinical study included 45 prediabetic patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. All prediabetic patients were assessed with respect to diabetes-related microvascular complications, such as peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. mRNA levels of NSE and NFL were determined in the blood by real-time polymerase chain reaction. NSE mRNA levels were similar between prediabetic and control groups (p > 0.05), whereas NFL mRNA levels were significantly higher in prediabetics than in controls (p < 0.001). NSE mRNA levels did not significantly differ between prediabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy (p > 0.05), while NFL mRNA levels were significantly higher in prediabetics with peripheral neuropathy than in those without (p = 0.038). According to correlation analysis, NFL mRNA levels were positively correlated with the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire score in prediabetic patients (r = 0.302, p = 0.044). This is the first study to suggest blood NFL mRNA as a surrogate marker for early prediction of prediabetic peripheral neuropathy, while NSE mRNA levels may be of no diagnostic value in prediabetic patients.     

The infection risk of visceral leishmaniasis among household members of active patients

Human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL), caused by Leishmania infantum is mainly observed as sporadic cases in Turkey and dogs are considered as the main reservoir of the disease. The incidence of visceral leishmaniasis among members of households where a HVL infection has already been diagnosed was studied in clusters around the diagnosed cases in different regions in Turkey. A total of 47 serum samples collected from the households of 11 proven visceral leishmaniasis patients were screened for anti-Leishmania antibodies by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Three and one such household members belonging to the different families were found to be seropositive and borderline, respectively. Diagnosis was confirmed with the presence of amastigotes in bone marrow aspiration samples in all seropositives while the borderline case with slight and indefinitive symptoms of VL was followed only serologically at 3-month intervals and improved spontaneously in 1 year. Household members of individuals with previously confirmed visceral leishmaniasis were found to have higher frequency of the disease suggesting the household members should be included in the risk group for visceral leishmaniasis and serological screening should be performed for the detection of possible infection.     

Antioxidant properties of chromium and zinc: in vivo effects on digestibility,lipid peroxidation,antioxidant vitamins,and some minerals under a low ambient temperature

The effects of chromium (chromium picolinate, CrPic) and zinc (ZnSO(4)H(2)O) supplementation on serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (an indicator of lipid peroxidation) and serum status of some antioxidant vitamins and minerals of laying hens (Hy-Line) reared at a low ambient temperature (6.8 degrees C) were evaluated. One hundred twenty laying hens (Hy-Line; 32 wk old) were divided into 4 groups, 30 hens per group. The hens were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 0.4 mg Cr/kg of diet, 30 mg Zn/kg of diet, or 0.4 mg Cr plus 30 mg Zn/kg of diet. Digestibility of nutrients (dry matter [DM], organic matter [OM], crude protein [CP], and ether extract [EE]) increased by supplementation of chromium and zinc (p < 0.05). Supplemental chromium and zinc increased serum vitamins C and E but decreased MDA concentrations (p < 0.05). Additionally, supplemental chromium and zinc caused an increase in the serum concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cr (p < 0.05). The present study showed that low ambient temperature causes detrimental effects on the digestibility of nutrients and antioxidant status and that such detrimental effects caused by low ambient temperature can be alleviated by chromium and zinc supplementation, particularly when Cr and Zn were simultaneously included into the diet. Data obtained in the present study suggest that such supplementation can be considered as a protective management practice in a diet of laying hens for alleviating negative effects of cold stress.     

The Therapeutic Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Simvastatin in a Rat Model of Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including collagen that occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases. Studies concerning the capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and simvasatain (SIMV) to repair fibrotic tissues through reducing inflammation, collagen deposition, are still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow (BM)-derived MSCs and SIMV on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Rats were divided into: normal, CCl₄, CCl₄/MSCs, CCl₄/SIMV, CCl₄/MSCs/SIMV, and SIMV groups. BM-derived MSCs were detected by RT-PCR of CD29 and were then infused into the tail vein of female rats that received CCl₄ injection to induce liver fibrosis. Sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene on Y-chromosome gene was assessed by PCR to confirm homing of the male stem cells in liver tissue of the female recipients. Serum liver function tests, liver procollagens I and III, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), endoglin, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) gene expressions, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) immunostaining, and histopathologicl examination were performed. MSCs and SIMV decreased liver procollagens I and III, TIMP-1 and endoglin gene expressions, TGF-β1 immunostaining, and serum liver function tests compared with the CCl₄ group. MMP-1 expression was increased in the CCl₄/MSCs group. Histopathological examination as well as fibrosis score supports the biochemical and molecular findings. It can be concluded that MSCs and SIMV were effective in the treatment of hepatic CCl₄-induced fibrosis-rat model. Treatment with MSCs was superior to SIMV. This antifibrotic effect can be attributed to their effect on the MMPs/TIMPs balance which is central in fibrogenesis.     

The association of receptor of advanced glycated end products and inflammatory mediators contributes to endothelial dysfunction in a prospective study of acute kidney injury patients with sepsis

The pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring due to sepsis is incompletely understood. Endothelial activation, defined as up-regulation of adhesion molecules by proinflammatory cytokines, may be central to the development of sepsis-induced AKI. Our aim was to determine levels of circulating adhesion molecules endothelial (E)-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), inflammatory mediators; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), vasoactive mediators; endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO), soluble receptor for advanced glycated end products (sRAGE) and serum fetuin-A in septic AKI patients before and after antibiotic therapy. Nineteen AKI patients with sepsis and fifteen healthy controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Results revealed that 12 weeks of therapy caused amelioration of endothelial and inflammatory injuries as well as renal function markers. Moreover, the positive correlations between levels of RAGE and E-selectin (r=0.88), ET-1 (r=0.90), and TNF-α (r=0.94) and negative with NO (r=-0.75-0.95) suggest that possible interaction of RAGE and inflammation may contribute to endothelial dysfunction in septic AKI patients.     

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin levels in serum and saliva of epileptic patients: hormonal changes can have a major effect on seizure disorders

Nesfatin-1 and ghrelin are the two recently discovered peptide hormones involved in the control of appetite. Besides its main appetite-control function, ghrelin also has anticonvulsant effects, while nesfatin-1 causes depolarization in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The aims of this study, therefore, were to investigate: (i) whether there are differences in the concentrations of nesfatin-1 and ghrelin in saliva and serum samples between eplilepsy patients and normal controls and (ii) whether salivary glands produce nesfatin-1. The study included a total of 73 subjects: 8 patients who were newly diagnosed with primary generalized seizures and had recently started antiepileptic drug therapy; 21 who had primary generalized seizures and were continuing with established antiepileptic drug therapy; 24 who had partial seizures (simple: n = 12 or complex: n = 12) and were continuing with established antiepileptic drug therapy; and 20 controls. Salivary gland tissue samples were analyzed for nesfatin-1 expression by immunochemistry and ELISA. Saliva and serum ghrelin levels were measured by ELISA and RIA, and nesfatin-1 levels by ELISA. Nesfatin-1 immunoreactivity was detected in the striated and interlobular parts of the salivary glands and the ducts. The nesfatin-1 level in the brain was around 12 times higher than in the salivary gland. Before antiepileptic treatment, both saliva and serum nesfatin-1 levels were around 160-fold higher in patients who are newly diagnosed with primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) than in controls; these levels decreased with treatment but remained about 10 times higher than the control values. Saliva and serum nesfatin-1 levels from patients with PGE and partial epilepsies who were continuing antiepileptic drugs were also 10-fold higher than control values. Serum and saliva ghrelin levels were significantly (twofold) lower in epileptic patients before treatment than in controls; they recovered somewhat with treatment but remained below the control values. These results suggest that the low ghrelin and especially the dramatically elevated nesfatin-1 levels might contribute to the pathophyisology of epilepsy. Therefore, serum and saliva ghrelin and especially the remarkably increased nesfatin-1 might be candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of epilepsy and for monitoring the response to anti-epileptic treatment.     

Allele frequency distribution of 1691G>A F5 (which confers Factor V Leiden) across Europe, including Slavic populations

The allele 1691A F5, conferring Factor V Leiden, is a common risk factor in venous thromboembolism. The frequency distribution for this allele in Western Europe has been well documented; but here data from Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe has been included. In order to assess the significance of the collated data, a chi-squared test was applied, and Tukey tests and z-tests with Bonferroni correction were compared. Results: A distribution with a North-Southeast band of high frequency of the 1691A F5 allele was discovered with a pocket including some Southern Slavic populations with low frequency. European countries/regions can be arbitrarily delimited into low (group 1, <2.8 %, mean 1.9 % 1691A F5 allele) or high (group 2, ≥2.8 %, mean 4.0 %) frequency groups, with many significant differences between groups, but only one intra-group difference (the Tukey test is suggested to be superior to the z-tests). Conclusion: In Europe a North-Southeast band of 1691A F5 high frequency has been found, clarified by inclusion of data from Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, which surrounds a pocket of low frequency in the Balkans which could possibly be explained by Slavic migration. There seem to be no indications of variation in environmental selection due to geographical location.     

Genetic and epigenetic effects of salinity on in vitro growth of barley

Morphological, physiological and molecular changes were investigated in in vitro salt-stressed barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Tokak). Mature embryos were cultured in Murashige and Skoog medium containing 0 (control), 50 and 100 mM NaCl for 20 days. Both concentrations inhibited shoot growth, decreased fresh weight and protein content, and increased SOD (EC 1.15.1.1) activity in a dose-dependent manner. The lower concentration increased root growth. Salinity caused nucleotide variations in roots, but did not affect shoot DNAs. The higher concentration caused methylation changes, mainly hypermethylation in shoots. This is the first study on genetic and epigenetic effects of salinity in barley.