PMID: 

Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2004 Feb ;207(2):141-50. PMID: 15031956

Abstract Title: 

Symptoms of ill health ascribed to electromagnetic field exposure–a questionnaire survey.

Abstract: 

From June 2001, health questionnaires were distributed to people who complained about symptoms of ill health which they ascribed to exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The objective of the survey was to gain a better knowledge of the anxieties of complainants, to obtain hints of possible problems and of actions that should be taken to solve the problems. The survey was not designed to establish a causal association between exposure to EMF and symptoms of ill health. Within one year, 429 questionnaires were returned of which 394 persons reported symptoms. The average age of the complainants was 51.0 years and 57 percent were female. The complainants were older, had a higher educational level and were more likely to be married compared to the general Swiss population. A mean of 2.7 different symptoms were reported. Sleep disorders (58%), headaches (41%), nervousness or distress (19%), fatigue (18%), and concentration difficulties (16%) were most common complaints. Complainants related their symptoms most frequently to exposure to mobile phone base stations (74%), followed by mobile phones (36%), cordless phones (29%) and power lines (27%). No distinct symptoms related to a specific field source could be identified. Eighty-five percent of the people who consulted a public authority because of their symptoms were unsatisfied with the response, whereas consultation of self-help groups or building ecologists usually fulfilled expectations. Two thirds of complainants had taken some action to reduce their symptoms. The most common measure was to avoid exposure if possible. Removing or disconnecting indoor sources was judged to be the most effective action.

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PMID: 

Environ Res. 2008 Jun ;107(2):277-87. Epub 2008 Mar 21. PMID: 18359015

Abstract Title: 

Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a systematic review.

Abstract: 

This article is a systematic review of whether everyday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) causes symptoms, and whether some individuals are able to detect low-level RF-EMF (below the ICNIRP [International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection] guidelines). Peer-reviewed articles published before August 2007 were identified by means of a systematic literature search. Meta-analytic techniques were used to pool the results from studies investigating the ability to discriminate active from sham RF-EMF exposure. RF-EMF discrimination was investigated in seven studies including a total of 182 self-declared electromagnetic hypersensitive (EHS) individuals and 332 non-EHS individuals. The pooled correct field detection rate was 4.2% better than expected by chance (95% CI: -2.1 to 10.5). There was no evidence that EHS individuals could detect presence or absence of RF-EMF better than other persons. There was little evidence that short-term exposure to a mobile phone or base station causes symptoms based on the results of eight randomized trials investigating 194 EHS and 346 non-EHS individuals in a laboratory. Some of the trials provided evidence for the occurrence of nocebo effects. In population based studies an association between symptoms and exposure to RF-EMF in the everyday environment was repeatedly observed. This review showed that the large majority of individuals who claims to be able to detect low level RF-EMF are not able to do so under double-blind conditions. If such individuals exist, they represent a small minority and have not been identified yet. The available observational studies do not allow differentiating between biophysical from EMF and nocebo effects.

PMID: 

Int J Occup Environ Health. 2000 Jul-Sep;6(3):187-93. PMID: 10926722

Abstract Title: 

Cancer in radar technicians exposed to radiofrequency/microwave radiation: sentinel episodes.

Abstract: 

Controversy exists concerning the health risks from exposures to radiofrequency/microwave irradiation (RF/MW). The authors report exposure-effect relationships in sentinel patients and their co-workers, who were technicians with high levels of exposure to RF/MW radiation. Information about exposures of patients with sentinel tumors was obtained from interviews, medical records, and technical sources. One patient was a member of a cohort of 25 workers with six tumors. The authors estimated relative risks for cancer in this group and latency periods for a larger group of self-reported individuals. Index patients with melanoma of the eye, testicular cancer, nasopharyngioma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and breast cancer were in the 20-37-year age group. Information about work conditions suggested prolonged exposures to high levels of RF/MW radiation that produced risks for the entire body. Clusters involved many different types of tumors. Latency periods were extremely brief in index patients and a larger self-reported group. The findings suggest that young persons exposed to high levels of RF/MW radiation for long periods in settings where preventive measures were lax were at increased risk for cancer. Very short latency periods suggest high risks from high-level exposures. Calculations derived from a linear model of dose-response suggest the need to prevent exposures in the range of 10-100 microw/cm(2).

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PMID: 

Lett Appl Microbiol. 2019 Apr ;68(4):321-328. Epub 2019 Mar 13. PMID: 30801748

Abstract Title: 

Synergistic cranberry juice combinations with natural-borne antimicrobials for the eradication of uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilm within a short time.

Abstract: 

Urinary tract infections (UTI), one of the most common diseases in humans, are caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Cranberry juice (CB) is a widely known prophylaxis for UTI, but the treatment of CB alone could not effectively eradicate preformed UPEC biofilms. The aim of this study was to develop enforced CB composites within a short time by adding a small quantity of natural borne antimicrobials. UPEC biofilms (initial: 6·0 log CFU per cm), formed on silicone coupons in artificial urine medium, were exposed to CB (4-8%), caprylic acid (CAR; 0·025-0·05%) and thymol (TM; 0·025-0·05%) at 37°C for 1 min. Individual treatment of each compound did not show the significant antibacterial effect on UPEC biofilms (P > 0·05). Otherwise, the survivor counts of biofilms were synergistically reduced with CB containing any of the antimicrobials. For example combined treatment with CB (8%) + CAR (0·05%) + TM (0·05%) resulted in a 6 log reduction in UPEC populations in the biofilm (no detectable bacteria remained) with 4·6 log of synergistic bactericidal effect. The confocal laser scanning microscope images indicated that any composites including TM might result in biofilm detachment from the surface. The present method is cost-effective and more acceptable to consumers as it is based on the synergisticinteraction of natural borne antimicrobials. The results of this study could be widely applicable in the functional food, medical and healthcare field. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Anti-biofilm effect of cranberry juice (CB) has been focused mainly on inhibiting biofilm formation of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC); however, combined treatment with natural borne antimicrobials derived from coconut oil (caprylic acid) and oregano essential oil (thymol) could synergistically enhance its eradicating activity against biofilms. This study developed novel CB composites showing marked anti-biofilm effects (complete eradication of UPEC biofilms within just 1 min).

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PMID: 

Occup Environ Med. 2007 Jun ;64(6):402-8. Epub 2007 Jan 25. PMID: 17259164

Abstract Title: 

Health response of two communities to military antennae in Cyprus.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated concerns that have been raised about past and future health effects caused by high power transmissions of high frequency (7-30 MHz) radio waves from military antenna systems at Akrotiri, Cyprus.METHODS: A cross-sectional study of three villages (two exposed, one unexposed) collected longitudinal and short-term radiofrequency measurements. Health data were collected using questionnaires containing information on demographic factors, specific illnesses, general health (SF-36 well-being questionnaire), reproductive history, childhood illnesses, risk perception and mortality. Analysis was with SPSS v11.5 using cross tabulations of non-parametric data and tests for significance. Key health outcomes were subjected to logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Field strengths within the two"exposed"villages were a maximum of 0.30 (Volts/Vm(-1) metre) from the 17.6 MHz military transmissions and up to 1.4 Vm(-1) from unspecified sources, mainly cell phone frequencies. The corresponding readings in the control village were

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PMID: 

J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010 ;21(2):201-10. PMID: 20853601

Abstract Title: 

Effect of cell phone exposure on physiologic and hematologic parameters of male medical students of Bijapur (Karnataka) with reference to serum lipid profile.

Abstract: 

The public awareness about cell phone safety increased greatly in the last few years as various reports of potential adverse health effects on humans exposed to radiations emitted from cellular phones were published. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of long term cell phone exposure on physiological and hematological parameters along with its impact on serum lipid profiles and a single call effect on heart rate, blood pressure and SpO2(%) of healthy male medical students. The students were divided into two groups, group I (n=22, age 20.63 +/- 1.17 yrs) comprising first year medical students who were never exposed to cell phones at the time of this study and group II (n=35, age 22.00 +/- 1.56 yrs) consists of final year (fourth year) male medical students who were using cell phone for more than four years before this study. The results showed no significant differences the groups in basal heart rate, systolic blood pressure, SpO2(%), or various hematologic parameters. Acute exposure (single call of cell phone with 900 MHz for 1 minute) in both groups showed a significant increase in peak heart rate in group II as compared with group I and a significant decrease in peak SpO2 (%) in group I as compared with group II. Serum total cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentration were significantly higher in group II (long term cell phone exposed) than in group I, suggesting a mild alteration of lipid profile among group II subjects.

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PMID: 

Pediatr Dent. 2019 Jan 15 ;41(1):56-62. PMID: 30803479

Abstract Title: 

Polyphenol-Rich Cranberry Extracts Modulate Virulence ofBiofilms Implicated in the Pathogenesis of Early Childhood Caries.

Abstract: 

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of polyphenol-rich cranberry extracts on dual-speciesbiofilms implicated in contributing to the severity of early childhood caries.biofilms were grown on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs (s-HA) mounted on the high-throughput Amsterdam Active Attachment model. The s-HA discs were treated with the cranberry extracts/vehicle control for five minutes just before biofilm growth and subsequently, for similar exposure times, after 12 hours and 24 hours of biofilm growth. The treated 24-hour-old biofilms were then assessed for acidogenicity, metabolic activity, exopolysaccharide (EPS)/microbial biovolumes, structural organization, and colony forming unit (CFU) counts.Treatment with 500 to 1,000μg/mL of the cranberry extracts produced significant reductions in acidogenicity and metabolic activity (P

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PMID: 

Support Care Cancer. 2019 Apr 2. Epub 2019 Apr 2. PMID: 30937600

Abstract Title: 

Effects of exercise on inflammation in patients receiving chemotherapy: a nationwide NCORP randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: 

PURPOSE: A growing body of research suggests that inflammation plays a role in many chemotherapy-related toxicities such as fatigue, anxiety, and neuropathy. Regular exercise can change levels of individual cytokines (e.g., reducing IL-6, increasing IL-10); however, it is not known whether exercise during chemotherapy affects relationships between cytokines (i.e., whether cytokine concentrations change collectively vs. independently). This study assessed how 6 weeks of exercise during chemotherapy affected relationships between changes in concentrations of several cytokines.METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial studying 6 weeks of moderate-intensity walking and resistance exercise during chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone. At pre- and post-intervention, patients provided blood to assess serum concentrations of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-γ, and receptor sTNFR1. We investigated relationships between cytokines using the correlations between changes in cytokine concentrations from pre- to post-intervention.RESULTS: We obtained complete data from 293 patients (149 randomized to exercise). Exercise strengthened the correlation between concentration changes of IL-10 and IL-6 (r = 0.44 in exercisers vs. 0.11 in controls; p = 0.001). We observed the same pattern for IL-10:IL-1β and IL-10:sTNFR1. Exercise also induced an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, per reductions in pro-inflammatory IFN-γ (p = 0.044) and perhaps IL-1β (p = 0.099, trend-level significance).CONCLUSIONS: Our hypothesis-generating work suggests that regular exercise during 6 weeks of chemotherapy may cause certain cytokine concentrations to change collectively (not independently). This work enhances our understanding of relationships between cytokines and complements traditional analyses of cytokines in isolation. Future work should test for replication and relationships to patient outcomes.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov, # NCT00924651, https://ift.tt/1xHjpsE .

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PMID: 

Foods. 2019 Aug 12 ;8(8). Epub 2019 Aug 12. PMID: 31408979

Abstract Title: 

Pure Polyphenols and Cranberry Juice High in Anthocyanins Increase Antioxidant Capacity in Animal Organs.

Abstract: 

Anthocyanins and the broader class of polyphenols are strong antioxidants in vitro. Polyphenols are one of the major antioxidants in plant foods, and the beverages derived from them. There is extensive evidence in the literature that polyphenols are beneficial to health. In order to be bioactive in vivo, they need to be bioavailable and be transported from the circulation to target organs. To date, there have been few studies testing the extent to which polyphenols and especially anthocyanins affect the antioxidant capacity of animal organs. In our first pilot study, we investigated how three pure polyphenols (the flavonoids quercetin, catechin and hesperetin) given to rats by intraperitoneal injection (49 to 63 mg/kg) affected their organ antioxidant capacity. This was followed by a subsequent study that injected one ml of 100% cranberry juice (high in anthocyanins) to hamsters. Antioxidant capacity of animal organs was determined by using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) colorimetric assay on methanolic extracts of select rat organs (i.e., liver, kidney, heart, prostate and brain) and in the hamster organs (i.e., liver, kidney, heart, bladder and brain). Overall the results showed that antioxidant capacity was significantly increased (

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PMID: 

Food Funct. 2019 Jun 19 ;10(6):3103-3112. PMID: 31140512

Abstract Title: 

Cranberries – potential benefits in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract: 

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) present many complications that potentially could be linked to increased cardiovascular mortality such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and gut dysbiosis. There is growing evidence suggesting that nutritional strategies may reduce some of these complications. Clinical studies suggest that supplementation of cranberries may have beneficial effects on human health such as prevention of urinary tract infections. More recently, the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects as well as modulation of gut microbiota provided by cranberry phytochemicals have drawn more attention. A better understanding of possible effects and mechanisms of action of cranberry supplementation in humans could inform researchers about warranted future directions for clinical studies targeting these complications in CKD patients by applying nutritional strategies involving cranberry supplementation.

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