Gabriela Henrykowska

THE EFFECT OF 50 Hz MAGNETIC FIELD OF DIFFERENT SHAPE ON OXYGEN METABOLISM IN BLOOD PLATELETS: IN VITRO STUDIES

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the influence that the shape of low frequency magnetic field may have on catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, malondialdehyde concentration and free radicals generation in human blood platelets. MATERIALS AND METHODS The suspension of human blood platelets was exposed for 15 min to 50 Hz magnetic field of different shape, and flux density of 10 mT. RESULTS The determinations of free radicals, malondialdehyde and catalase showed increased values compared with the initial level, regardless of the shape of the magnetic field applied. In contrast, superoxide dismutase activity was lower than at the onset of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that the oxidative stress resulting from exposure to 50 Hz magnetic field of 10 mT induction may produce a number of adverse effects within the cell and thus may lead to systemic disturbances in the human body.

The effect of electromagnetic radiation emitted by display screens on cell oxygen metabolism – in vitro studies

Introduction Research studies carried out for decades have not solved the problem of the effect of electromagnetic radiation of various frequency and strength on the human organism. Due to this fact, we decided to investigate the changes taking place in human blood platelets under the effect of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted by LCD monitors. Material and methods The changes of selected parameters of oxygen metabolism were measured, i.e. reactive oxygen species concentration, enzymatic activity of antioxidant defence proteins – superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and catalase (CAT) – and malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). A suspension of human blood platelets was exposed to electromagnetic radiation of 1 kHz frequency and 150 V/m and 220 V/m intensity for 30 and 60 min. The level of changes of the selected parameters of oxidative stress was determined after the exposure and compared to the control samples (not exposed). Results The measurements revealed an increase of the concentration of reactive oxygen species. The largest increase of ROS concentration vs. the control sample was observed after exposure to EMF of 220 V/m intensity for 60 min (from x = 54.64 to x = 72.92). The measurement of MDA concentration demonstrated a statistically significant increase after 30-min exposure to an EMF of 220 V/m intensity in relation to the initial values (from x = 3.18 to x = 4.41). The enzymatic activity of SOD-1 decreased after exposure (the most prominent change was observed after 60-min and 220 V/m intensity from x = 3556.41 to x = 1084.83). The most significant change in activity of catalase was observed after 60 min and 220 v/m exposure (from x = 6.28 to x = 4.15). Conclusions The findings indicate that exposure to electromagnetic radiation of 1 kHz frequency and 150 V/m and 220 V/m intensity may cause adverse effects within blood platelets’ oxygen metabolism and thus may lead to physiological dysfunction of the organism.

The impact of electromagnetic radiation of different parameters on platelet oxygen metabolism - in vitro studies.

BACKGROUND Electromagnetic radiation emitted by a variety of devices, e.g. cell phones, computers and microwaves, interacts with the human body in many ways. Research studies carried out in the last few decades have not yet resolved the issue of the effect of this factor on the human body and many questions are left without an unequivocal answer. Various biological and health-related effects have not been fully recognized. Thus further studies in this area are justified. OBJECTIVES A comparison of changes within catalase enzymatic activity and malondialdehyde concentration arising under the influence of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by car electronics, equipment used in physiotherapy and LCD monitors. MATERIAL AND METHODS The suspension of human blood platelets at a concentration of 1 × 109/0.001 dm 3, obtained from whole blood by manual apheresis, was the study material. Blood platelets were exposed to an electromagnetic field for 30 min in a laboratory stand designed for the reconstruction of the electromagnetic radiation generated by car electronics, physiotherapy equipment and LCD monitors. The changes in catalase activity and malondialdehyde concentration were investigated after the exposure and compared to the control values (unexposed material). RESULTS An increase in catalase activity and malondialdehyde concentration was observed after 30 min exposure of platelets to EMF regardless of the radiation source. The most significant changes determining the degree of oxidative stress were observed after exposure to the EMF generated by car electronics. CONCLUSIONS The low frequency electromagnetic fields generated by car electronics, physiotherapy equipment and LCD monitors may be a cause of oxidative stress in the human body and may lead to free radical diseases.

The Knowledge of a Selected Group of Medical Students on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract During the last decades, there has been a rapid development in the research and use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO), and modern medicine is increasingly taking advantage of its beneficial effects. The aim of the study was to check the level of knowledge of future doctors (medical students) on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The survey was conducted among 240 students of the medical faculty (3rd and 5th year of study) of the Military and Medical Faculty of the Medical University of Lodz. The author’s questionnaire with forced-choice questions was used as research tool. The students’ knowledge of hyperbaric oxygen therapy was varied and in some cases was not dependent on the year of study. It was observed that students’ knowledge of the subject matter depends on the number of teaching hours allocated to it.

Smoking-related behaviours of pregnant women depending on their place of residence

OBJECTIVES Smoking is a commonly recognized risk factor of civilization diseases. Despite many educational programmes concerning harmful effects of tobacco smoking, this habit is still very popular. Particularly alarming is a high percentage of pregnant women who smoke. METHODS The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of smoking among pregnant women depending on their place of residence. The research was conducted in randomly selected 30 outpatient clinics for women in Łodź and 16 outpatient clinics in rural communes of the Łodź province. The epidemiological analysis included 400 women. Collected data were processed statistically using the descriptive methods and statistical inference. RESULTS It has been demonstrated that smoking in the past was more popular among city residents than countryside residents (58.2% and 47.9%, respectively). Women living in the city smoked almost three times more frequently during the whole pregnancy than the respondents from the countryside (13.4% and 4.3%, respectively). Furthermore, every fifth respondent living in the urban area (f=0.21) smoked over 10 cigarettes a day, and every fourth respondent from rural communes (f=0.24) smoked from 5 to 10 cigarettes a day. However, in the month preceding the research, pregnant women from rural areas smoked slightly more frequently as compared to the subjects from the city. In the group of pregnant women who smoked in the past or who smoke at present, regardless from their place of residence, every other woman did not breastfeed her baby. 6.1% of city residents and 4.3% of countryside residents declared that they smoked during the breastfeeding period. CONCLUSIONS Within the analysed population the influence of place of residence on the prevalence of active smoking, number of smoked cigarettes and giving up smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding period has been evidenced.

The impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by LCD monitors on selected blood cell counts – in vitro studies

There are numerous reports on the effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in various cellular systems. The article presents the results of in vitro studies aimed at identifying changes in activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and protective antioxidant role of vitamin E during the exposure of blood platelets to EMR (electromagnetic radiation) generated by LCD monitors. Streszczenie. Istnieje wiele doniesień dotyczacych wpływu promieniowania elektromagnetycznego (EMR) na różne systemy komórkowe. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań in vitro mających na celu określenie zmian aktywności dysmutazy ponadtlenkowej (SOD) i antyoksydacyjnej roli witaminy E podczas ekspozycji płytek krwi na EMR (promieniowanie elektromagnetyczne) generowane przez monitory LCD (Wpływ pola elektromagnetycznego emitowanego przez monitory LCD na wybrane elementy morfotyczne krwi – badania in vitro).

Movement Activity Among Patients Diagnosed with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Abstract Frequent consumption of large amounts of alcohol usually does not correspond to regular physical activity. However, regular physical activity can lead to an improved well-being and greater satisfaction with life. The aim of the study was to determine the level of physical activity in the group of patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome and examine the correlation between these variables. The study was conducted among a selected group of individuals of both sexes, aged 22-65 and undergoing treatment. Our study indicated an absence of a correlation between gender and the level of physical activity among people addicted to alcohol. Moreover, no statistically significant relationship was found between alcohol dependence and physical activity undertaken in the researched group.

Impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by monitors on changes in the cellular membrane structure and protective antioxidant effect of vitamin A – In vitro study

OBJECTIVES The increasing number of devices emitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in peoples everyday life attracted the attention of researchers because of possible adverse effects of this factor on living organisms. One of the EMR effect may be peroxidation of lipid membranes formed as a result of free radical process. The article presents the results of in vitro studies aimed at identifying changes in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration - a marker of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant role of vitamin A during the exposure of blood platelets to electromagnetic radiation generated by liquid-crystal-display (LCD) monitors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Electromagnetic radiation emitted by LCD monitors is characterized by parameters: 1 kHz frequency and 220 V/m intensity (15 cm from display screen). The time of exposure was 30 and 60 min. The study was conducted on porcine blood platelets. The samples were divided into 6 groups: unexposed to radiation, unexposed + vitamin A, exposed for 30 min, exposed for 30 min + vitamin A, exposed for 60 min, exposed for 60 min + vitamin A. RESULTS The MDA concentration in blood platelets increases significantly as compared to control values after 60 min of exposure to EMR. A significant decrease in MDA concentration after the addition of vitamin A was noticed. In the blood samples exposed to EMR for 30 and 60 min the MDA concentration was significantly increased by addition of vitamin A. CONCLUSIONS The results show the possibly negative effect of electromagnetic radiation on the cellular membrane structure manifested by changes in malondialdehyde concentration and indicate a possible protective role of vitamin A in this process. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(5):695-703.

Authors’ response (September 1, 2017) to the letter to the Editor concerning the paper “Impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by monitors on changes in the cellular membrane structure and protective antioxidant effect of vitamin A – In vitro study”

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the letter to the Editor [1] concerning the paper entitled “Impact of electromagnetic radiation emitted by monitors on changes in the cellular membrane structure and protective antioxidant effect of vitamin A – In vitro study” [2]. This paper has evaluated the effect of electromagnetic radiation (1 kHz frequency, 220 V/m intensity) emitted by liquid-crystal-display (LCD) monitors on the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) that is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The study has also determined the antioxidant role of vitamin A during the exposure of blood platelets to electromagnetic radiation generated by LCD monitors. The results show the possible negative effect of electromagnetic radiation on the cellular membrane structure manifested by changes in malondialdehyde concentration and indicate a possible protective role of vitamin A in this process. Due to the objections about the radiation source and values of the electromagnetic radiation we can explain that the values of electromagnetic fields given in our article are the values measured in real terms emitted by the LCD monitors commonly used in the current period. Measurements were taken using the electrometers: Spectran NF – 5035 and Spectran HF – 6065 produced by Aaronia firm. In our opinion the measurements made under these conditions are correct. We measured the field by means of the measurement procedure on the location of points placed in front of the monitor adhering to the requirements of the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees (Tjänstemännens Centralorganisation – TCO) [3] which specifies strict conditions for the measurement of exposure. With regard to the question of the distance away from the monitor used in the in vitro study, we absolutely agree with the opinion that the standards set down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (according to OSHA) are 50 cm and 100 cm but from the realistic point of view these norms are usually ignored especially when using portable computers in the domestic area. Furthermore, we decided to choose the shorter distance because it is

The Assessment of Knowledge of Organisational - Administrative Procedures in the Case of a Bioterrorist Threat in Selected Environmental Populations

Abstract In the past we have seen numerous cases of the purposeful utilisation of micro-organisms and toxins. This situation forced us to undertake actions aimed at a limitation of the production and storage of biological weapons. Unfortunately, despite the signing of the Convention on Biological and Chemical Weapons, many countries are still involved in research into the use of biological agents as a military resource. The objective of the work was to perform an assessment of the knowledge of threats connected with bioterrorism as well as of the procedures in the case of a bioterrorist attack in two different urban populations - i.e. of below 50 thousand and above 500 thousand inhabitants. The study was conducted in two towns, Nysa and Łódź. A self-designed questionnaire included 100 persons from each town, both men and women aged between 18 and 65 years. Despite the small differences between the researched populations, the knowledge of respondents concerning bioterrorist threats and procedures during an attack is insufficient. On the basis of the obtained results we may conclude that there is a need to educate the entire society, irrespective of the place of residence, in order to raise an awareness with regard to the potential threat and procedures in the event of a bioterrorist attack.