Influence of electromagentic field exposure on serum glucose and cortisol levels in Guinea pigs

Studies showed significant disturbances of electromagnetic fields on metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid, proteins, as well as enzyme activities. In this investigation, the effect of whole-body magnetic field (MF) on glucose and cortisol levels was studied on 30 adult male Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs were exposed to sinusoidal 5 Hz, 0.015 µT and 50 Hz, 0.21 µT MF for 2 and 4 h per day over a 7-day period. Blood samples were taken, and serum glucose was measured by an auto analyzer, and cortisol by radioimmunoassay. The results showed significant decreased serum glucose and cortisol levels in 50 Hz, 0.21 µT MF after 2 or 4 h exposure. A greater decrease was noted in exposure after 2 or 4 h with 50 Hz, 0.21 μT compared to 5 Hz, 0.015 μT MF in all samples. The results indicated a direct relation between MF exposure, serum glucose, and cortisol levels.     

Elemental concentrations in air, water, and aquatic biota in two rural provinces in northern Vietnam

The present study on environmental pollution in northern Vietnam investigates elemental concentrations in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), freshwater, and aquatic biota at two sites with differing levels of industrial activities. An Thin is situated 47 km east of Hanoi in the neighbourhood of a coal combustion power plant, whereas the reference site, Duy Minh, is situated in the agricultural province of Ha Nam, 40 km south of Hanoi. Elemental concentrations were analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, total reflection X-ray fluorescence, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectro-metry. All investigated elements in fine particles (PM_2.5) had significantly higher concentrations in An Thin, thus identifying the air at this site as polluted. In contrast to the aerosol samples, elemental concentrations as well as quantitative differences between the sampling sites were low in freshwater and biota, indicating that the impact of atmospheric deposition was limited.