Experimental analysis of biological effects of microwaves: their systemic, ultrastructural and neuronal mechanisms

For 200 hours the cats were exposed to microwaves of 2375 mHz, the energy current density being 500 mWt/cm2. 6 diversions of the electrocorticogram and multi-cellular activity were registered by coal electrodes. After the exposure an electro-microscopic study of the lateral hypothalamic brain field was carried out. Under the radiation effect synchronization of slow bioelectric activity over the range of 6-10 to 12-16 took place. The analysis of the conditional probability matrix of series generation of action potential in the studied structures demonstrated their functional separation according to multi-cellular activity parameters in proportion to exposure growth. Damage of axodendritic synapses which provided morphologic links between brain structures was considered its morphologic substrate.     

The effect of low-frequency whole-body vibration on the vestibular apparatus

For the first time, effects of very low-frequency whole-body vibration (WBV) on the functional state of the vestibular system were examined by means of electronystagmography (ENG) which is considered as a sensitive and adequate method. During vertical WBV-exposure with 0.6 Hz and 1.87 ms-2 rms for 50 minutes, a vertical nystagmus was observed. The results suggest the applicability of the ENG under laboratory conditions with WBV-exposure as a method for the assessment of the vestibular function. Changes of ENG amplitudes occurred with longer duration of WBV-exposure; they were different between subjects.     

Rotator cuff tears: preliminary application of high-resolution MR imaging with counter rotating current loop-gap resonators

A new class of radio frequency (RF) coils for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy is introduced. The coils consist of two loop-gap resonators of equal diameters positioned along a common axis. They are tuned to the mode in which the current in the two loops flows in opposite directions. These coils are "decoupled" from a uniform excitation field of arbitrary orientation (including circularly polarized fields) by intrinsic decoupling and by means of back-to-back fast recovery diodes. Measurements made with the coils and a phantom saline tank indicate that the signal-to-noise ratio obtainable with these coils is almost identical to that obtained with single loops. Imaging of several anatomic areas, including knee, wrist, and shoulder, has been performed with a 1.5-T MR system that uses circularly polarized RF. A small series of patients with torn rotator cuffs underwent imaging. Difficulties in establishing the diagnosis with MR imaging because of anatomic complexity are illustrated. The value of pulse sequences with long repetition times to increase the signal intensity of fluid in the joint is shown.     

The research achievements and prospects in the field of railroad medicine in providing traffic safety

Experience in ensuring safe traffic at the All-Russian Research Institute of Railway Hygiene is summarized. Various aspects of this line of activities, such as medicopsychological professional selection, medical examination of engine-drivers, training how to behave in emergency, etc., are considered. Some new medical problems in ensuring safe traffic are presented.