Objective To evaluate the characteristics of dose distribution of neuronal networks in vitro on microelectrode arrays(MEAs)under 2.6 GHz radiofrequency(RF)exposure.Methods The MEAs were coupled with a real-time RF exposure setup,and electromagnetic simulation software was used to calculate the RF dose absorbed in cultured neuronal networks.A fiber-optic temperature probe was used for experimental validation and monitoring of the cell temperature during RF exposure.The MEAs were used to record the electrical activity of neurons.Results For an input power of 1 W,a specific absorption rate(SAR)level of(15.51±2.48)W/kg was calculated,and the variability of the SAR distribution was 16%.In our experimental system,the temperature elevation of neurons was up to 0.15℃for an SAR of 4 W/kg RF exposure.Conclusion The exposure device can provide high SAR efficiency and uniformity in the 2.6 GHz band,which is suitable for studying the real-time effects of RF fields on the electrical activity of neuronal networks in the 5G network band.

Objective To investigate the role of Kelch-like-epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid-derived factor-2-related factor 2(Keap1-Nrf2)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathways in sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE).Methods Male C57BL/6J mice of SPF were randomly divided into four groups(n=10):the control group and LPS 6 h,24 h and 48 h groups.The behavioral changes of the mice were assessed based on their general conditions and open field test(OFT).ELISA was used to measure the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum,and the antioxidant capacity assay kit to examine antioxidant activity in brain tissues of mice.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)was adopted to detect the mRNA levels of toll-like receptor4(Tlr4),NF-κB,Keap1 and Nrf2 in the hippocampus,and to determine protein expressions of NF-κB a Nrf2、Keap1 and Tlr4 with Western blotting.Results Compared to the control group,the serum concentrations of interleukin 6(IL-6)in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)groups increased at 6 h,and reached the peak at 24 h and 48 h(P＜0.01).The levels of serum interleukin 18(IL-18)in the LPS groups increased significantly at 6 h and 24 h(P＜0.01)but there was no statistically significant difference compared with the 48h group.The results indicated the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)in brain tissues in LPS groups increased(P＜0.01).OFT results showed the time spent in the center of the open field,the distance covered around the center,and total distance covered by mice in LPS groups were significantly reduced(P＜0.01),except for the time spent in the center of the open field in the LPS 24 h group.The mRNA expressions of Tlr4 and(LPS 6 h,48 h)NF-κB in the hippocampus tissue of mice in LPS groups were elevated(P＜0.05),so were the mRNA expressions of Keap1 and Nrf2 in LPS 6 h group.Additionally,the protein expressions of NF-κB,Keap1 and Tlr4 increased in LPS groups,so did the protein expression of Nrf2 in LPS 24 h and 48 h groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion Keap1-Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways may play a certain role in SAE.

Objective:To explore the effects of ultra-high dose rate pulsed electron beams on Caenorhabditis elegans ( C. elegans). Methods:The adult wild-type strain (N2) of C. elegans was synchronized and cultured to L4 stage, and then randomly divided into control group (SHAM group), conventional radiotherapy dose rate group (CONV group) and ultra-high dose rate radiation group (UHDR group). The CONV and UHDR groups were exposed to 3 Gy of the pulsed electron beam at dose rates of 0.3 and 200 Gy/s, respectively. After irradiation, the egg-laying capacity of each group was assessed, and the developmental progress, motility, and survival rates each were evaluated at day 3, 6, and 10. Results:On the 3 rd day post-irradiation, both the CONV and UHDR groups showed shorter body lengths compared to the SHAM group ( t=4.81, 4.83, P<0.05), with no significant differences in body width ( P>0.05). On the 6 th and 10 th days, the CONV group showed a significant reduction in both body length and width compared to the SHAM group ( t=3.18-3.63, P<0.05), whereas the UHDR group displayed a significant increase in body length ( t=-9.85, -2.87, P<0.05) with no significant change in body width. When comparing the UHDR group to the CONV group on day 6 and 10, a significant increase in body width was observed ( t=-4.43, -3.37, P<0.05). Motor activity, including head swinging and body bending, significantly decreased in the CONV and UHDR groups compared to the SHAM group on day 6 ( t=2.91, 3.52, 3.97, 2.71, P<0.05), with no significant differences among the three groups by day 10 ( P>0.05). Egg-laying capacity significantly reduced in both irradiated groups compared to the SHAM group ( t=1.72, 5.54, P<0.05), while the UHDR group exhibited higher fecundity than the CONV group ( t=-5.99, P<0.05). Lifespan was significantly shortened in the CONV group compared to the SHAM group ( χ2=8.49, P<0.05), whereas the survival time of the UHDR group was not significantly differ from that of the SHAM group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Exposure to a conventional electron beam result in developmental delays, reduced mobility, decreased fecundity, and a shortened lifespan in C. elegans. However, only slight side effects were observed when C. elegans were exposed to an ultra-high dose rate pulsed electron beam at the same dosage.

Objective:To analyze the damage in hippocampal tissues of mice after whole-body irradiation with high- or low-dose ionizing radiation and to investigate the roles of microglia/macrophages polarization in the injury.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham irradiation group, low-dose group (0.05 Gy) and high-dose group (7 Gy). Low- and high-dose groups were respectively treated by whole-body irradiation with single dose of 60Co γ-rays. Hippocampal tissues of the mice were collected at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after irradiation. The morphology, structure and apoptosis of neurons were detected by HE staining, Nissl staining and Tunnel staining, respectively. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay were performed to detect the expression of M1 and M2 microglial markers at mRNA and protein levels in hippocampus tissues. The cognitive and emotional behaviors of mice were evaluated one month after the irradiation by Morris water maze, open field test, elevated plus maze and tail suspension test. Results:There were morphological and structural changes in the nerve cells in the hippocampus region of mice after irradiation, accompanied by apoptosis. Acute injuries occurred at 6 h after radiation, alleviated at 1 d and 3 d, and persisted at 7 d in a dose-dependent manner. The results of immunofluorescence staining and confocal imaging analysis showed that compared with the sham irradiation group, the high-dose group showed increased number of microglia, down-regulated expression of M1 microglial markers and up-regulated expression of M2 microglial markers in the hippocampus at 6 h and 1 d after radiation, while M2 microglial markers decreased at 3 d and 7 d after irradiation. PCR results showed that the expression of M1 and M2 microglial markers at mRNA level in the irradiation groups increased at 6 h after irradiation, but there was no statistical significance. The expression of related proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory factors was significantly up-regulated. The results of behavioral experiments showed that compared with the sham irradiation group, there was no statistical difference in cognitive or emotional behaviors at one month after irradiation.Conclusions:60Co γ-rays could damage mouse hippocampal tissues and result in the overexpression and different polarization patterns of microglia/macrophages in mice.

Objective:To investigate the application of therapeutic grade ionization chamber to rapid measurement of short pulsed and high-dose-rate X-ray.Methods:The half-value layer of pulsed X-ray caused by an electron accelerator was measured by interpolation method and its equivalent energy was estimated. The cumulative doses from a certain amount of pulsed radiation at different distances in the same direction around the equipment were compared using the therapeutic grade ionization chamber and thermoluminescence measurement method . The relationship between the measurement result by using ionization chamber dosimeter and the distances away from source was analyzed. The cumulative doses from a certain amount of pulsed radiation at the same location at different frequencies were compared.Results:In working condition, 100 pulses of radiation were received accumulatively at 1 to 12 meters away from the outer wall of the equipment. The range of air Kerma was 0.08-9.65 mGy measured by using thermoluminescence dometers and 0.08 - 9.85 mGy using the ionization chamber dosimeters, respectively. The difference between both is within 10%. At different frequencies (1-10 Hz), there was no significant difference in X-ray air Kerma from 100 pulses measured by ionization chamber dosimeter at 2 m away from the front of the equipment ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The therapeutic grade ionization chamber dosimeter can be used for the rapid measurement of short pulsed X-ray radiation dose in the range of dose rates and pulse frequencies involved in the experimental accelerator device.

Objective:To construct a prokaryotic expression vector for liver and lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin carbohydrate recognition domain (LSECtin-CRD) in which two amino acids were mutated to Cys and to evaluate the bioactivity of LSECtin-CRD mutants.Methods:Mutation sites were selected based on predicted 3D model of LSECtin-CRD. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out using sequence overlapped extension PCR (SOE-PCR). The cDNA fragments of LSECtin-CRD mutants were subcloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28b-Tat. The expression of soluble LSECtin-CRD mutants was induced with IPTG and identified by SDS-PAGE. Ni-NTA affinity chromatography was used for purification. The bioactivities of LSECtin-CRD mutants were assessed by mannose and GlcNAc binding assays.Results:The prokaryotic expression vectors for LSECtin-CRD mutants G205C-A227C and G205C-D279C were successfully constructed as demonstrated by PCR and gene sequencing. The two mutants were efficiently expressed in soluble forms and had significant sugar-binding activities.Conclusions:Functional LSECtin-CRD mutants were successfully obtained, laying an experimental foundation for further study on the relationship between the function and structure of LSECtin-CRD.

Objective To explore the feasibility of EPR in vivo fingernail dosimetry to address the difficulty in separating mechanically induced signals from fingernail EPR dosimetry for need of nuclear medical emergency aid.Methods Using the specially designed EPR in vivo measurement system,uncut fingernails were measured to obtain the characteristics of EPR signal without mechanically induced signals.The in vivo fingernail experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of in vivo condition on the spectra.Actual in vivo measurement experiment was conducted to evaluate the interference of the in vivo condition on EPR spectra.Results The background signal distribution of uncut fingernails was obtained and background signals had no significant difference between male and female(P＞0.05).The dose response curve in the range of 2-10 Gy was established,and the half-life of the fingernail radiation-induced signal was approximately 5 d.The water treatment combined with temperature-changing was established for restoring the background signal.EPR signal obtained after restoring treatment has no significant difference with background signal (P＞ 0.05).The EPR spectra of in vivo fingernails were obtained.Conclusions The EPR spectra without mechanically induced signals can be acquired by this method.The feasibility of the in vivo fingernail EPR dosimetry is preliminarily verified.

Objective To discuss the feasibility of Mongolian medicine pulse diagnosis in assessment of the disease situation of acute critically ill patients. Methods The clinical data of acute critically ill patients admitted in the Department of Emergency of Inner Mongolia International Mongolian Medical Hospital from December 2015 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and the role of Mongolian medicine pulse diagnosis in the evaluation of disease situations of patients with acute critical illness was observed. Results The improved early warning score (MEWS) at admission was carried out for all the patients in the Emergency Department of this hospital, 996 critically ill patients with their MEWS score ≥ 5 scores in accord with the inclusion criteria were allowed to undergo the Mongolian medicine pulse diagnosis, and of them, 654 patients showed specific changes in pulse condition. Shock appeared rapid pulse, microphygmia in pulse diagnosis of Mongolian medicine, severe anemia appeared the slippery pulse and rapid pulse in pulse diagnosis of Mongolian medicine, severe arrhythmia appeared rapid pulse and slow pulse in pulse diagnosis of Mongolian medicine, acute myocardial infarction appeared rapid pulse, weak pulse and slow pulse in pulse diagnosis of Mongolian medicine, insufficiency of heart function appeared rapid pulse and weak pulse in pulse diagnosis of Mongolian medicine, hypertension complicated with cerebral hemorrhage with forceful pulse and pulsus pulse are all suggestive of critical condition. Conclusions The specific changes in pulse condition of patients with acute critical illness in Mongolian medicine are helpful to the assessment of the patient's condition. This method can also be used as one of the tools for rapid assessment of disease situation in critical patients before going to hospital or in the hospital.

Objectives: To explore the expression regulation of type 1 and type 2 (Th1 and Th2) cytokines from serum of coal miners and the evaluation in surveillance of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, 630 coal miners were studied. Methods: A total of 90 male patients diagnosed as coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) in a institute for occupational health and 19 male workers newly diagnosed as CWP patients was chosen as CWP group with simple random sampling method from a coal mine group from January 2013 to December in 2015. 180 male coal miners with abnormal but not diagnosed as CWP were selected as CWP suspected group with simple random sampling methods, meanwhile 180 male coal miners with normal chest X-ray photograph was as dust-exposed group by 1∶1 matched as age. And 161 healthy males accepted pre-employed examination were selected as control group, CWP suspected group, dust-exposed group and control group called as non-CWP group. According to screening test and diagnosis test, the basic information and occupational history of all subjects were collected, and cytokines including IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10 of serum were detected. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of each cytokine. Area under curve (AUC), the validity and reliability were calculated and judged. Results: The average age of control group, dust-exposed group, CWP suspected group and CWP group were (27.4±5.0) , (43.4±10.7) , (48.2±6.2) , (64.7±7.0) years old, respectively. The median level of IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-6 in cases group (1 638.30, 2 099.49, 815.18,140.32 pg/ml) were higher than that of non-cases group (1 445.57, 1 402.26, 736.38, 95.73 pg/ml) (P<0.05) . The level of IL-8 (1 503.99 pg/ml) in CWP suspected group was higher than that of control group (1 295.67 pg/ml) and dust-exposed group (1 376.94 pg/ml) , but the level of IL-10 (654.08 pg/ml) was lower than that of control group (596.64 pg/ml) . The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-6 ranged from 5 to 8, and the ratio in CWP group (5.87) was lower than that of non-CWP group (7.61) . The IL-6 and IL-8 among the subjects of dust-exposed group in terms of the age distribution of among had reached statistical significance. According to ROC, the cutoff value of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and INF-γ reached 1 582.65, 116.53, 1 791.54, 581.08 and 792.69 pg/ml, respectively. The AUC was 0.668, 0.895, 0.859, 0.716 and 0.637, respectively. It was found that IL-6 and IL-8 could be used as biomarkers in detecting CWP, the sensitivity and specificity was 82.6% and 84.6%, 78.0% and 84.8%, respectively; Youden's index was 0.674 and 0.628 and the consistency rate was 84.3% and 83.7%, while Kappa value was 0.55 and 0.52. Conclusion There was Type 1 and type 2 cytokine dysregulation in CWP patients. IL-6 and IL-8 can be used as effective biomarkers to forecast lung injury before X-ray changes.

Objective To develop a promising type of radiation dosimeter based on doped hydroxyapatite,and to study the stability of dosimetric characteristics indepth.Methods The samples prepared by stereotyping techniques were stored under different temperatures,humidity and illumination conditions after 60Co γ-ray irradiation.Electron spin resonance (ESR) technique was used to quantitatively measure the radiation-induced free radical signal.Results The signal change was less than 3% when the dosimeter was preserved at 4℃ or room temperature within 3 months in the experiment.At 40℃,the signal changed by about 13%,but at room temperature with the humidity less than 36%,the signal changed less than 2%.The change rose to about 8% when humidity was 76%.However,no significant decay of signal strength occurred at relatively high temperatures and under high humidity conditions.When the samples were stored under average illumination of 1600 lux or in a light-resistant container,the signal changes were less than 3.8% or 3.4% respectively.Long-term stability inspection at room temperature suggested a signal change within 4.8%.Conclusion The dosimetric properties of the material don't change significantly below room temperature in a natural environment and exhibit good stability over long-term storage.The free radical signal is not influenced drastically by relatively strong light exposure.However,a high temperature or a highly humid environment may have some effect on the measurement process,which should be taken into consideration in further applications.