Cytological effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields and static magnetic fields induced by a therapeutic device on in vivo exposed rats

Background: There is a trend towards the use of magnetic fields in medicine. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) technology was based upon 20 years of fundamental studies on the electromechanical properties of bone and other connective tissues. More recently, these magnetic fields have been used to treat several health conditions. There remains continuing concern that exposure to electromagnetic devices may cause adverse effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cytological effects induced in rats exposed in a patented medical device that uses PEMFs combined with static magnetic fields (SMFs).Material and Methods: Thirty sexually mature 14-week-old male and female Sprague Dawley rats were distributed into three groups: (a) 5 males and 5 females (independently) exposed to PEMFs combined with SMFs, (b) animals treated with SMFs only, and (c) non-exposed animals. Acridine orange fluorescent-staining micronucleus test and male germ cells analysis were performed according to standardized techniques.Results: A lack of evidence for alterations on micronucleus frequency, on polychromatic erythrocytes percentage, and on sperm counts and morphological characteristics of male germ cells were found in mature rats exposed to PEMFs medical device compared to non-exposed animals.Conclusions: This study suggests that the applied magnetic field generated in a therapeutic device did not have any detectable cytotoxic or genotoxic effect in exposed rats. In view of these findings and the contradictory reports in the literature, it is necessary to carry out more research to help clarify the controversy concerning cytogenotoxic risk associated with therapeutic magnetic fields exposures.Keywords: Cytotoxicity, pulsed electromagnetic fields, static magnetic fields, micronuclei, sperm abnormalitie

Genotoxicity by Electromagnetic Fields

Modern life implies a constant exposure of living organisms to many sources of radiation, especially electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by our technological devices. The question of whether or not EMFs in the non-ionizing extremely low frequency (ELF) range can induce genotoxic effects is currently a subject of interest. People of industrialized societies are commonly exposed to EMFs and waves in a very broad range of frequencies, including power lines, telecommunications, and domestic and industrial equipment. In this review, we present controversial evidence from our research group and others of genotoxicity induced by ELF-EMFs, since scientific community consider EMF devices produce marginal amounts of energy, which does not justify any DNA alterations, together with conflicting laboratory results and few epidemiological studies. However, in 2002 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorized ELF-EMFs as being potential carcinogenic and genotoxic agents to humans. The aim of the present chapter is to discuss the role of ELM-EMFs on human genotoxicity

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570

In vitro Trypanosoma cruzi Growth Inhibition by Extremely Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields

The influence of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on microorganisms has been a subject of experimental investigations with promising results. In the present study, it was demonstrated that 2.0 mT 60Hz ELF-EMFs inhibited Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes growth. In addition, no synergistic or antagonistic parasite growth and viability effects were observed after cultures were co-exposed to magnetic fields and Nifurtimox, a well-known anti-trypanosome drug. Moreover, the current study represents the first report regarding direct magnetic fields effects on Trypanosomas

Expectativas dos estudantes universitários para aprendizagem de metodologia científica

This article examines the expectations of university students from a Faculty of Biological Sciences towards the unit of learning scientific methodology, to verify their expectations before and after the course. It is a cross-sectional and exploratory study from 2012 to 2014, which was carried out through a 10-item survey that was applied to 237 students in the first instance, and then to 177 who completed the Scientific Methodology course. It was verified, that the program stimulates in students cognitive levels of understanding, knowledge, analysis and application and that the gender and career of the participants did not determine significant differences. It was also found about the history and philosophy of science that the expectations for the exercise of the elaboration of a protocol for investigation and search of are not met. Participants assert that this should be imparted to all students of a Faculty of Sciences. It is important to consider that science and its methods are in a constant structuring of knowledge and are linked to reality in time and space; therefore, it is pertinent to know the perceptions of students on a course of learning. Este artículo examina las expectativas de estudiantes universitarios de una Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas hacia la unidad de aprendizaje metodología científica, con el fin de verificar sus expectativas antes y después del curso. Es un estudio transversal y exploratorio de 2012 a 2014, que se llevó a cabo mediante una encuesta con 10 ítems que se aplicó a 237 alumnos en primera instancia, y posteriormente a 177 que cursaron la asignatura de Metodología Científica. Se verificó que el programa estimula en los estudiantes los niveles cognoscitivos de comprensión, conocimiento, análisis y aplicación; asimismo, que el género y la carrera que cursaban los participantes no determinan diferencias significativas. Se encontró, además, en relación con la historia y filosofía de la ciencia que no se cumplen las expectativas para la ejercitación de la elaboración de un protocolo de investigación y búsqueda de información. Los participantes aseveran de forma general que esto debe impartirse a todos los estudiantes de una Facultad de Ciencias. Es importante considerar que la ciencia y sus métodos están en una constante estructuración del conocimiento y están vinculados con la realidad en espacio y tiempo; por lo tanto, es pertinente conocer las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre una asignatura de aprendizaje. Este artigo examina as expectativas dos estudantes universitários de uma faculdade de ciências biológicas, em direção à unidade de aprendizagem de metodologia científica, a fim de verificar suas expectativas antes e depois do curso. Estudo transversal e exploratório de 2012 e 2014, foi realizado através de um levantamento com 10 itens aplicados para 237 alunos em primeira instância e depois para 177 quem frequentou o curso de metodologia científica. Foi verificado, que o programa estimula em níveis cognitivos de estudantes de entendimento, conhecimento, análise e aplicação. Verificou-se que o gênero e a raça que os participantes foram matriculados não determinar diferenças significativas. Encontrado em relação à história e filosofia da ciência não é cumprido as expectativas e sim para a aptidão da elaboração de um protocolo de investigação e encontrar informações. Os participantes afirmam geralmente que você deve fornecer a todos os alunos de uma faculdade de Ciências. É importante considerar que a ciência e seus métodos estão em uma estrutura constante do conhecimento vinculado com a realidade no tempo e no espaço, portanto, é pertinente conhecer a percepção dos alunos em um curso de aprendizagem

Expectativas dos estudantes universitários para aprendizagem de metodologia científica

This article examines the expectations of university students from a Faculty of Biological Sciences towards the unit of learning scientific methodology, to verify their expectations before and after the course. It is a cross-sectional and exploratory study from 2012 to 2014, which was carried out through a 10-item survey that was applied to 237 students in the first instance, and then to 177 who completed the Scientific Methodology course. It was verified, that the program stimulates in students cognitive levels of understanding, knowledge, analysis and application and that the gender and career of the participants did not determine significant differences. It was also found about the history and philosophy of science that the expectations for the exercise of the elaboration of a protocol for investigation and search of are not met. Participants assert that this should be imparted to all students of a Faculty of Sciences. It is important to consider that science and its methods are in a constant structuring of knowledge and are linked to reality in time and space; therefore, it is pertinent to know the perceptions of students on a course of learning. Este artículo examina las expectativas de estudiantes universitarios de una Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas hacia la unidad de aprendizaje metodología científica, con el fin de verificar sus expectativas antes y después del curso. Es un estudio transversal y exploratorio de 2012 a 2014, que se llevó a cabo mediante una encuesta con 10 ítems que se aplicó a 237 alumnos en primera instancia, y posteriormente a 177 que cursaron la asignatura de Metodología Científica. Se verificó que el programa estimula en los estudiantes los niveles cognoscitivos de comprensión, conocimiento, análisis y aplicación; asimismo, que el género y la carrera que cursaban los participantes no determinan diferencias significativas. Se encontró, además, en relación con la historia y filosofía de la ciencia que no se cumplen las expectativas para la ejercitación de la elaboración de un protocolo de investigación y búsqueda de información. Los participantes aseveran de forma general que esto debe impartirse a todos los estudiantes de una Facultad de Ciencias. Es importante considerar que la ciencia y sus métodos están en una constante estructuración del conocimiento y están vinculados con la realidad en espacio y tiempo; por lo tanto, es pertinente conocer las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre una asignatura de aprendizaje. Este artigo examina as expectativas dos estudantes universitários de uma faculdade de ciências biológicas, em direção à unidade de aprendizagem de metodologia científica, a fim de verificar suas expectativas antes e depois do curso. Estudo transversal e exploratório de 2012 e 2014, foi realizado através de um levantamento com 10 itens aplicados para 237 alunos em primeira instância e depois para 177 quem frequentou o curso de metodologia científica. Foi verificado, que o programa estimula em níveis cognitivos de estudantes de entendimento, conhecimento, análise e aplicação. Verificou-se que o gênero e a raça que os participantes foram matriculados não determinar diferenças significativas. Encontrado em relação à história e filosofia da ciência não é cumprido as expectativas e sim para a aptidão da elaboração de um protocolo de investigação e encontrar informações. Os participantes afirmam geralmente que você deve fornecer a todos os alunos de uma faculdade de Ciências. É importante considerar que a ciência e seus métodos estão em uma estrutura constante do conhecimento vinculado com a realidade no tempo e no espaço, portanto, é pertinente conhecer a percepção dos alunos em um curso de aprendizagem

Expectativas de estudiantes universitarios hacia el aprendizaje de metodología científica

This article examines the expectations of university students from a Faculty of Biological Sciences towards the unit of learning scientific methodology, to verify their expectations before and after the course. It is a cross-sectional and exploratory study from 2012 to 2014, which was carried out through a 10-item survey that was applied to 237 students in the first instance, and then to 177 who completed the Scientific Methodology course. It was verified, that the program stimulates in students cognitive levels of understanding, knowledge, analysis and application and that the gender and career of the participants did not determine significant differences. It was also found about the history and philosophy of science that the expectations for the exercise of the elaboration of a protocol for investigation and search of are not met. Participants assert that this should be imparted to all students of a Faculty of Sciences. It is important to consider that science and its methods are in a constant structuring of knowledge and are linked to reality in time and space; therefore, it is pertinent to know the perceptions of students on a course of learning. Este artigo examina as expectativas dos estudantes universitários de uma faculdade de ciências biológicas, em direção à unidade de aprendizagem de metodologia científica, a fim de verificar suas expectativas antes e depois do curso. Estudo transversal e exploratório de 2012 e 2014, foi realizado através de um levantamento com 10 itens aplicados para 237 alunos em primeira instância e depois para 177 quem frequentou o curso de metodologia científica. Foi verificado, que o programa estimula em níveis cognitivos de estudantes de entendimento, conhecimento, análise e aplicação. Verificou-se que o gênero e a raça que os participantes foram matriculados não determinar diferenças significativas. Encontrado em relação à história e filosofia da ciência não é cumprido as expectativas e sim para a aptidão da elaboração de um protocolo de investigação e encontrar informações. Os participantes afirmam geralmente que você deve fornecer a todos os alunos de uma faculdade de Ciências. É importante considerar que a ciência e seus métodos estão em uma estrutura constante do conhecimento vinculado com a realidade no tempo e no espaço, portanto, é pertinente conhecer a percepção dos alunos em um curso de aprendizagem.Este artículo examina las expectativas de estudiantes universitarios de una Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas hacia la unidad de aprendizaje metodología científica, con el fin de verificar sus expectativas antes y después del curso. Es un estudio transversal y exploratorio de 2012 a 2014, que se llevó a cabo mediante una encuesta con 10 ítems que se aplicó a 237 alumnos en primera instancia, y posteriormente a 177 que cursaron la asignatura de Metodología Científica. Se verificó que el programa estimula en los estudiantes los niveles cognoscitivos de comprensión, conocimiento, análisis y aplicación; asimismo, que el género y la carrera que cursaban los participantes no determinan diferencias significativas. Se encontró, además, en relación con la historia y filosofía de la ciencia que no se cumplen las expectativas para la ejercitación de la elaboración de un protocolo de investigación y búsqueda de información. Los participantes aseveran de forma general que esto debe impartirse a todos los estudiantes de una Facultad de Ciencias. Es importante considerar que la ciencia y sus métodos están en una constante estructuración del conocimiento y están vinculados con la realidad en espacio y tiempo; por lo tanto, es pertinente conocer las percepciones de los estudiantes sobre una asignatura de aprendizaje.

Identificación y evaluación de actividad de Fosfolipasas A1 y A2 en extractos de Trichomonas tenax

Antecedentes. Trichomonas tenax (T. tenax) se encuentra en la boca de sujetos con mala higiene bucal, generalmente se asocia con la presencia de enfermedad periodontal; sin embargo y a pesar de que se considera un organismo comensal puede ocasionar daño celular. Este es el primer reporte que evidencia actividad de fosfolipasas A1 y A2 en extractos de T. tenax. Objetivo. Identificar la actividad enzimática tipo fosfolipasa en extractos y fracciones obtenidas de cultivos axénicos de T. tenax; y evaluar la relación y dependencia con el tiempo de incubación, la dosis, el pH y el calcio. Métodos. Se determinó la actividad de fosfolipasas en extractos de T. tenax cultivados en medio TYI-S-33; y se evaluó la relación tiempo-actividad, dosis-actividad, pH-actividad y calcio-actividad después de la incubación a 37°C. Resultados. Las actividades tipo fosfolipasa A1 y A2 están presentes en la fracción subcelular, y en el sobrenadante, aumentan cuando se incrementa su concentración (contenido proteico del extracto), es máxima a los 120 min, con pH = 8 y depende de Ca+. Conclusiones. Las fosfolipasas de T. tenax dependen de la cantidad de proteína, el tiempo de incubación, el pH y el calcio; estos resultados añaden evidencia del probable papel patológico de T. tenax en el desarrollo de la enfermedad periodontal