Cell proliferation/cell death balance in renal cell cultures after exposure to a static magnetic field

The effect of a static magnetic field (MF) of 0.5 mT of intensity on the cell proliferation/cell death balance was investigated in renal cells (VERO) and cortical astrocyte cultures from rats. Magnetic stimulation was delivered by magnetic disks at known intensities. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells was evaluated using flow cytometry and morphological analysis following Hoechst chromatin staining. An index of cell proliferation was determined using sulfonated tetrazolium (WST-1). Control cultures were prepared without exposure to MFs. After 2, 4 and 6 days of exposure to a MF, we observed a gradual decrease in apoptosis and proliferation and a gradual increase in cells with a necrotic morphology with respect to the control group. In astrocyte cultures, over a 6-day exposure period. A gradual increase was observed in apoptotic, proliferating, and necrotic cells. Our findings suggest that the effect of exposure to MFs varies, depending on the cell type; MFs may also have a nephropathogenic effect.

Environmental air pollution in an intensive care unit for nephrology and dialysis

The quality of indoor air depends on external pollutant concentrations and on internal sources, such as heating and air conditioning systems, building materials, ventilation, cleaning products, personnel and their activity. This study assessed environmental air pollution in an intensive care unit (ICU) for nephrology and dialysis. Air-dispersed particulate pollution was measured using a gravimetric method and spectroscopic photocorrelation. Microbiological pollution was evaluated by passive and active collection. Particulate concentrations exceeded recommended limits in some of the environments. There was a prevalence of small particulates, which are the most harmful type of all. An overall evaluation of bacterial pollution showed low levels of contamination in some of the rooms. In none of the environments we were able to detect pathogens such as Aspergillus fumigatus, methycillin-resistant Staphylococci or toxin-producing fungi.