Delayed Growth in Immature Male Rats Exposed to 900 MHz Radiofrequency
, Franck Robidel 1, Stéphanie Rodrigues 1, Anthony Lecomte 1,2 and Anne-Sophie Villégier 1,2,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article "Delayed growth in immature male rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency" submitted by the authors for publication addresses a topic of both scientific and public interest. Of course, wireless technology is convenient to use without being performance related to the optical version and classic cabling. As long as the exposure levels comply with the recommendations, we can comfortably wait for a new, less harmful technological wave. At the moment this is the price of comfort and probably at the moment no one will give it up. Beyond this comment, the article is not very carefully drafted with some objections that are exposed below:
1. The figures are from another century. I understand that exposure to new technology should be avoided, but a little effort to be more clearer and more colorful. In their current form, they seem taken with the scanner from a magazine from decades ago;
2. It should be clarified if Figure 1 is really a figure or a table;
3. Figure 3 is beyond comprehension. I recommend a regrouping that is easier for readers to follow.
About scientific contain:
4. The equipment used, the antennas, the measuring equipment, etc. are not presented. No technical element about the experiment, experimental setup and the way in which the technical RF exposure conditions were ensured. Yes, there are references, but nothing is clear from this point of view;
5. The results of the investigation are not reflected in the conclusions;
6. My question is what effects did the RF exposure have on the investigators. What measures to avoid exposure for you were taken during the experiment. It is possible that as a result of this experiment, your health suffered major damage. I think it should be mentioned that you have not suffered anything, otherwise you are inducing panic about how difficult life is for researchers.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe study investigated the impact of exposure to 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on the growth and development of immature male rats. The focus was on understanding whether maternal exposure to these fields, at levels corresponding to occupational (0.4 W/kg) and public (0.08 W/kg) specific absorption rates (SAR), affects the development of their offspring. This was motivated by the ongoing public and occupational exposure to 900 MHz RF-EMF since the introduction of the 2G network and the need to assess potential health risks, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children. The manuscript requires major revisions before publication.
Comment for authors
1. Indicate the novelty of this work compared to existing literature in abstract
2. The introduction section lacks sufficient background information and requires significant improvements. It should include a recent literature review on the biological effects of EMF, detailing the specific impacts on biological systems.
3. Add information regarding the interaction of microwave radiation with the biological systems for new readers. Incorporation of the following recent article in the introduction section might be helpful [https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169288].
4. Explain the dosimetric methods used, specifically the finite difference time domain method, and how the correctness of the whole-body SAR estimations for the mother rats and their pups was ensured in the experiment.
6. What are the possible mechanisms or reasons to cause the observed decrease in body weight? Describe in the manuscript.
7. How were factors controlled for in the experimental design, such as genetic variability among the rats, environmental situations, and maternal behavior, to confirm the obtained effects caused by RF-EMF exposure?
8. How do the findings of this study compare with previous research on the effects of prenatal and postnatal RF-EMF exposure, particularly regarding body weight? Explain in the discussion section.
9. The conclusion section is too brief and needs significant modifications. Add key findings in the introduction section.
10. Use the journal format to cite the references.
11. The visibility of the Figure 5 is too poor. Enlarge the axis. Also use different colors for different groups (Sham, PuM, and OcM).
12. Describe the radiation type. Is it pulsed or continuous?
13. The paper contained typos and grammatical errors. Double-check and correct them in the revised version.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe paper contained typos and grammatical errors. Double-check and correct them in the revised version.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors
The authors of the revised version of the paper ”Delayed growth in immature male rats exposed to 900 MHz radiofrequency” have managed to add value to the article proposed for publication compared to the previous version. On this occasion the concepts are much better explained and the advantages of the approach are well highlighted. The paper has been revised in line with previous comments. In this form I consider the study presented interesting and acceptable for publication.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have addressed all of my comments and concerns in the revised version. I recommend accepting the paper for publication.
