Zero Magnetic Field Effect Observed in Human Cognitive Processes

In our previous works, we reported that compensation of the geomagnetic field to a level less than 0.4?μT (“zero magnetic field,” or ZMF) affected human cognitive processes. ZMF exposure increased the number of errors and the task processing time by 2.4% in average. However, in the array of the magnetic effects calculated from the experimental data, some readings have been found to deviate from the mean magnetic effect by more than three standard deviations. This finding could give rise to doubt as to whether the magnetic effect observed was a mere sequence of the presence of such unlikely data values. In the present work we examine the results of the unlikely data elimination and show that the corrected magnetic effect in tested humans remains statistically significant, though at a reduced magnitude 1.5%.     

内植静磁柱联合脉冲电磁场对骨组织修复作用的Micro-CT研究

目的:以永磁体构建静磁柱体内植入物,应用Micro-CT技术,探索研究内植静磁柱联合脉冲电磁场对骨组织的修复作用。方法:选取新西兰兔24只建立右侧股骨髁骨缺损模型,并随机分为联合磁场组,脉冲电磁场组和对照组。联合磁场组自兔右侧股骨干远端向髓内植入静磁柱,并联合施加体外脉冲电磁场(1 h/d);脉冲电磁场组及对照组均将无磁性钛合金棒植入右侧股骨干髓腔,同时,脉冲电磁场组于体外加载脉冲电磁场(1 h/d)。术后5周处死取材,应用Micro-CT对股骨远端样本进行扫描检测,并对骨缺损区域显微结构进行三维重建分析。结果:与非磁场组相比,联合磁场组骨缺损区域骨小梁相对体积及数目明显增加(P均0.05),骨小梁分离度下降(P0.01)。与传统脉冲电磁场组相比,联合磁场组骨小梁数目增加(P0.05),骨小梁分离度下降(P0.01)。扫描及重建图像可见,联合磁场组骨缺损区域骨量增多,外侧皮质区愈合完整,骨小梁结构连续致密,具有更好的骨显微结构。结论:内植静磁柱与脉冲电磁场的联合磁场干预方式能够在早期获得更好的成骨修复能力,为磁场治疗相关骨病的临床及基础研究提供了新的方向。     

300 mT恒磁场对于糖尿病大鼠创伤愈合的影响

目的:研究300mT恒磁作用对于糖尿病大鼠皮肤创伤愈合的修复效果,旨在为其系统的临床应用提供理论依据.方法:8周龄雌性SD大鼠,体重220±20g,行腹腔注射50mg/kg链脲做菌素,3天后空腹血糖高于16.7 mmol/L的大鼠用于实验.32只糖尿大鼠病和16只正常大鼠的背部构建直径2cm的圆形创口,将动物随机分为对照组、糖尿病组、糖尿病恒磁场作用组,每组16只,术后一天采用无菌纱布将创口进行包裹,磁场作用组的纱布表面粘附有300 mT中心场强的钕铁硼恒磁片.分别于第6、13、20天每组处死4只大鼠,对其进行创伤愈合率和创伤表皮组织生物力学实验评估.结果:相比于糖尿病组,糖尿病恒磁场治疗大鼠的伤口愈合速度在第6、13、20天显著提高(P＜0.05),伤口组织的抗张强度亦显著提升(P＜0.05),其愈合速度接近于正常状态下的大鼠.结论:300mT恒磁场作用对于促进糖尿病大鼠皮肤创伤的愈合速率具有积极的治疗作用,恒磁场治疗凭借经济、简单、方便等特点,具有广阔的临床应用前景.     

Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension

The present article describes how to use eye tracking methodologies to study the cognitive processes involved in text comprehension. Measuring eye movements during reading is one of the most precise methods for measuring moment-by-moment (online) processing demands during text comprehension. Cognitive processing demands are reflected by several aspects of eye movement behavior, such as fixation duration, number of fixations, and number of regressions (returning to prior parts of a text). Important properties of eye tracking equipment that researchers need to consider are described, including how frequently the eye position is measured (sampling rate), accuracy of determining eye position, how much head movement is allowed, and ease of use. Also described are properties of stimuli that influence eye movements that need to be controlled in studies of text comprehension, such as the position, frequency, and length of target words. Procedural recommendations related to preparing the participant, setting up and calibrating the equipment, and running a study are given. Representative results are presented to illustrate how data can be evaluated. Although the methodology is described in terms of reading comprehension, much of the information presented can be applied to any study in which participants read verbal stimuli.     

Diamagnetic Susceptibility and Root Growth Responses to Magnetic Fields in Lens culinaris,Glycine soja,and Triticum aestivum

We studied the response of root growth to different magnetic fields and forces. We submitted the seeds of three plant species, Lens culinaris L., Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc., and Triticum aestivum L., which differ in concentrations of paramagnetic (e.g., Fe or Co) and diamagnetic materials (e.g., starchy amyloplasts), to different static magnetic fields and forces. A magnetic field of 176 G reduced root growth of L. culinaris, G. soja, and T. aestivum, 37, 31, and 15%, respectively. A weaker magnetic field of 21 G reduced root growth of L. culinaris and G. soja only 13 and 21%, respectively, whereas it had no significant effect on the cereal T. aestivum. The germinating seeds of L. culinaris and G. soja were less diamagnetic than T. aestivum, and the latter had a smaller paramagnetic component. Since at room temperature, the paramagnetic component was much smaller than the diamagnetic one, the magnetic inhibition of root growth may be linked to the diamagnetic susceptibility, the inhibition being greater for the less diamagnetic materials and for the stronger magnetic forces. These results provide new examples of possible species-specific effects of moderate magnetic fields on plant growth, especially when growth is rapid, such as root growth after germination. We propose a simple hypothesis to relate root growth inhibition with magnetic fields and with the different responses found among species, seasons, and physiological and environmental conditions reported here and in the literature. It is based on a reduced magnetic force acting on the cell biological substances and on the cellular organelles such as amyloplasts, rather than on the cytoplasmic matrix where they are immersed as a consequence of their lower diamagnetic susceptibility. As a result, a nonuniform magnetic field exerts a ponderomotive force on the biological components in the opposite direction to the growing tip. This can result in intracellular magnetophoresis, and can account for inhibition of the root growth rate downwards. This inhibition would be stronger the lower the diamagnetic susceptibility.     

Exposure to Strong Static Magnetic Fields Induces Hypoactivity in Weaning Mice

We studied the effects of a prolongued exposure to a strong (1.0 Tesla) static and uniform magnetic field upon the open field behaviour and body weight of weaning mice. We observed a marked reduction in the exploratory activity of mice exposed to the field relative to that of control animals kept in similar surroundings, and handled in the same way as the exposed mice. One week of continuous exposure to a 1.0 T field significantly reduces peripheral square entries (p<0.01) as well as rearings (p<0.05), but has no effect on body weight. Our findings agree with the suggestion that a strong magnetic field may act as stressing agent.     

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Stimulation with Magnetic Fields on Chondrocytes

Magnetic fields (MFs) have been used as an external stimulus to increase cell proliferation in chondrocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis of articular cartilage. However, previously published studies have not shown that MFs are homogeneous through cell culture systems. In addition, variables such as stimulation times and MF intensities have not been standardized to obtain the best cellular proliferative rate or an increase in molecular synthesis of ECM. In this work, a stimulation device, which produces homogeneous MFs to stimulate cell culture surfaces was designed and manufactured using a computational model. Furthermore, an in vitro culture of primary rat chondrocytes was established and stimulated with two MF schemes to measure both proliferation and ECM synthesis. The best proliferation rate was obtained with an MF of 2 mT applied for 3 h, every 6 h for 8 days. In addition, the increase in the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans was statistically significant when cells were stimulated with an MF of 2 mT applied for 5 h, every 6 h for 8 days. These findings suggest that a stimulation with MFs is a promising tool that could be used to improve in vitro treatments such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, either to increase cell proliferation or stimulate molecular synthesis. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020;41:41–51 © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society     

Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields in Cars and Office Premises and the Geomagnetic Field Variations

In this study, we measured and analyzed the spectral characteristics of a low-frequency magnetic field (MF) inside several gasoline-powered cars while driving on busy city roads. The spectra obtained upon measurements in the interior of the cars are compared with those measured in office locations at different times of the day and with different disturbances of the geomagnetic field (k-index of disturbance 2–8). The power spectral density of the electromagnetic field in cars moving on busy roads in the frequency range of 10⁻³–10² Hz is one to three orders of magnitude higher than that in urban offices. This raises a question regarding the possible influence of these MFs on the psychophysiological state of drivers. In turn, in the daytime, the MF power in the range from 10⁻³ to 1 Hz inside the locations is three times higher compared with the power of a strong geomagnetic storm. Despite such an overwhelming magnetic background, geomagnetic storms affect various organisms. The nonspecific effect of magnetic storms is supposed to be associated with relatively long (lasting several hours or more [frequency range of 10⁻⁴−10⁻⁵ Hz]) periods of enhancement or weakening of the local geomagnetic field. In this range, especially at night, the power spectral density of geomagnetic disturbances is comparable to and can even exceed the power density of urban MFs. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.     

Modulation of the Cell Membrane Potential and Intracellular Protein Transport by High Magnetic Fields

To explore cellular responses to high magnetic fields (HMF), we present a model of the interactions of cells with a homogeneous HMF that accounts for the magnetic force exerted on paramagnetic/diamagnetic species. There are various chemical species inside a living cell, many of which may have large concentration gradients. Thus, when an HMF is applied to a cell, the concentration‐gradient magnetic forces act on paramagnetic or diamagnetic species and can either assist or oppose large particle movement through the cytoplasm. We demonstrate possibilities for changing the machinery in living cells with HMFs and predict two new mechanisms for modulating cellular functions with HMFs via (i) changes in the membrane potential and (ii) magnetically assisted intracellular diffusiophoresis of large proteins. By deriving a generalized form for the Nernst equation, we find that an HMF can change the membrane potential of the cell and thus have a significant impact on the properties and biological functionality of cells. The elaborated model provides a universal framework encompassing current studies on controlling cell functions by high static magnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:27–36. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.     

不同强度工频磁场对皮层神经元瞬时外向钾离子通道的影响

人们对电磁辐射越来越关注,但是工频磁场产生的生物效应并不确定.选用1、5、10 mT的工频磁场照射急性分离的小鼠皮层神经元(15 min),应用全细胞膜片钳技术离线记录瞬时外向钾通道电流,研究工频磁场对离子通道的影响.结果显示:工频磁场抑制通道的电流密度,并且1 mT、5 mT及10 mT工频磁场的抑制率分别为(63.0±2.2)%、(55.0±1.7)%和(38.0±1.8)%.工频磁场影响离子通道的激活和失活特性,半数激活电压和半数失活电压变小.不同强度工频磁场对离子通道产生的影响程度不同,其中1 mT工频磁场对通道电流的抑制率最大,5 mT工频磁场对通道的半数激活电压和半数失活电压影响最大,10 mT工频磁场增大了通道的失活斜率因子.研究结果表明,工频磁场影响了细胞膜上离子通道蛋白质构象的变化,进一步影响了离子通道的正常功能.     

静磁场对单株人体体表正常菌生长影响的研究

本文通过40mT和120mT两种静磁场作用下表皮葡萄球菌生长过程的研究,发现试验所选强度静磁场加速了表皮葡萄球菌在对数生长期的生长速率,而在进入稳定生长期后其生长速率反而低于对照组,但就整个生长周期而言,静磁场作用下表皮葡萄球菌的总量大于对照组,表明了试验所选静磁场对表皮葡萄球菌生长有一定促进作用.     

不同强度工频磁场对神经元延迟整流钾通道特性的影响

工频磁场是人类生活中接触最多的一类磁场,其引起的生物效应与人类健康的关系备受关注．本文选用1 mT、5 mT及10 mT工频磁场照射急性分离的小鼠皮层神经元(15 min),应用全细胞膜片钳技术离线记录通道电流,研究了工频磁场对神经元延迟整流钾通道特性的影响．结果显示,1 mT、5 mT及10 mT 3个强度的工频磁场对I_k均有抑制作用,但随着去极化电压的增加,发现1 mT和5 mT工频磁场的抑制率几乎不变,抑制率分别为(30 ± 4.2)%和(20 ± 2.2)%,而10 mT工频磁场的抑制率增加,最大抑制率为43.4%．另外,1 mT和5 mT工频磁场影响了延迟整流钾通道的激活特性,通道的半数激活电压变大,斜率因子不变．而10 mT工频磁场对通道的激活特性没有影响,半数激活电压和斜率因子均不改变．研究表明,工频磁场可能影响了细胞膜上离子通道蛋白质的结构和功能,并且不同强度工频磁场对通道的影响不同,存在强度窗口效应．     

Differential Effects of Wave form and the Subject's Possible Temporal Lobe Signs Upon Experiences During Cerebral Exposure to Weak Intensity Magnetic Fields

In three separate experiments a total of 85 male and female university students were exposed within a Ganzfeld setting to weak (1 mG, 100 nT), complex magnetic field patterns. They were applied across the temporal lobes and generated by computer software. When the patterns were rotated spatially over the temporal lobes the numbers of subjective experiences that simulate possible temporal lobe signs and symptoms were markedly increased and qualitatively more extreme than those evoked when the fields were not rotated. A 16 Hz pulsed square wave generated more experiences of thought intrusion than a 4 Hz wave. A positive-feedback ringing wave presented at 4 Hz evoked more visual memories and images than the mirror image of the same wave; the effect was only apparent when the subject's quantitative scores for possible temporal lobe signs was covaried. Only those subjects who displayed above average temporal lobe signs and were exposed to a burst-firing wave pattern for one second once every 4 seconds (a condition intended to release endogenous opiates), reported more emotional perturbations when the state was disrupted relative to subjects who were exposed continuously to the same pattern. The results indicate that a person's temporal lobe profile affects the types and intensities of experiences that are reported when very weak magnetic fields are applied through the human brain.     

稳恒磁场对两种不同构象状态的离体牛肝过氧化氢酶的生物学效应研究

通过活力测定,紫外差光谱,多维荧光光谱及差示扫描量热分析,研究了0.23～0.61T稳恒磁场对两种不同构象状态的离体牛肝过氧化氢酶的生物学效应,被选择用于研究的酶的构象状态分别为4℃的钝化状态和25℃的活化状态,二者具有明显不同的构象,4℃时,酚分子处于钝化状态,经0.23～0.61T稳恒磁场处理不同的时间后,几乎不表现出任何磁生物学效应;25℃时,酶分子处于活化状态,经磁场处理后,表现出明显的磁生物学效应;酶活力增加,同时构象发生变化。构象变化导致λ210～310nm紫外差光谱的出现,荧光偏振度的增加,在λ330nm荧光发射峰发射强度的改变及差示扫描量热曲线的产生,研究结果表明：不同的初始构象状态可能是产生不同磁效应的根本原因。     

磁场对急性胃损伤的治疗效应及其机制的实验研究

目的：探讨腹部恒磁场作用,对大鼠急性胃损伤模型的治疗效应及其作用机制.方法：10只健康SD大鼠,以indomethacin胃灌注法复制急性胃损伤模型,以表面磁强度为1300-1600GS,钡铁氧体恒磁场作用大鼠腹部3小时,观察胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分,同时对血浆中内皮素（endothelin,ET）、一氧化氮（nitric oxide,NO）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）及超氧化物岐化酶（SOD）水平进行比较.结果：恒磁场腹部作用后,大鼠胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分较对照组均显著减轻（p均〈0.05）;血浆ET-1和NO水平却无无明显改变（p均〉0.05）,血GSH-Px和SOD含量较对照组均明显升高（p均〈0.05）.结论：腹部1300-1600GS恒磁场作用3小时,对大鼠急性胃损伤具有明显的治疗效应,磁场的这一效应可能与其增加血浆中清除氧自由基的GSH-Px和SOD活性有关.     

Nitric oxide modulates the responses of osteoclast formation to static magnetic fields

Nitric oxide (NO) is involved in osteoclast differentiation. Our previous studies showed that static magnetic fields (SMFs) could affect osteoclast differentiation. The inhibitory effects of 16 T of high SMF (HiMF) on osteoclast differentiation was correlated with increased production of NO. We raised the hypothesis that NO mediated the regulatory role of SMFs on osteoclast formation. In this study, 500 nT of hypomagnetic field (HyMF), 0.2 T of moderate SMF (MMF) and 16 T of high SMF (HiMF) were utilized as SMF treatment. Under 16 T, osteoclast formation was markedly decreased with enhanced NO synthase (NOS) activity, thus producing a high level of NO. When treated with NOS inhibitor N-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME), NO production could be inhibited, and osteoclast formation was restored to control group level in a concentration-dependent manner. However, 500 nT and 0.2 T increased osteoclast formation with decreased NOS activity and NO production. When treated with NOS substrate L-Arginine (L-Arg) or NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the NO level in the culture medium was obviously elevated, thus inhibiting osteoclast differentiation in a concentration-dependent manner under 500 nT or 0.2 T. Therefore, these findings indicate that NO mediates the regulatory role of SMF on osteoclast formation.     

腹部恒磁场作用对大鼠药物性胃损伤的治疗机制探讨

目的：观察腹部恒磁场治疗急性药物性胃损伤模型的同时,大鼠胃粘膜组织内皮素1（endothelin—1,ET-1）、一氧化氮（nitric oxide,NO）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（glutathione peroxidase,GSH—Px）及超氧化物岐化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）的水平,探讨磁场治疗胃损伤的作用机制。方法：10只健康SD大鼠,在Indomethacin胃灌注法复制急性胃损伤模型后,以钡铁氧体恒磁场（表面磁强度为1300—1600GS）作用大鼠腹部3小时,观察胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分,同时对胃粘膜组织中ET-1、NO、GSH—Px及SOD水平进行比较。结果：腹部磁场作用3小时后,大鼠胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分均显著减轻（P均〈0．05）;胃粘膜组织内ET-1、NO及GSH—Px水平均无显著改变（p均〉0．05）,SOD含量较对照组均明显升高（P〈0．05）。结论：恒磁场（1300—1600CS）腹部作用3小时,大鼠急性胃损伤程度可明显减轻,磁场对胃粘膜组织内自由基的影响可能参与其作用机制。     

磁场对血浆和胃粘膜内胃肠激素及胃动力效应的实验研究

目的:探讨腹部恒磁场作用,对大鼠急性胃损伤模型的治疗效应及其作用机制。方法:10只健康SD大鼠,以indomethacin胃灌注法复制急性胃损伤模型,以表面磁强度为1300-1600GS,钡铁氧体恒磁场作用大鼠腹部3小时,观察胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分,同时对血浆中内皮素(endothelin,ET)、一氧化氮(nitricoxide,NO)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)及超氧化物岐化酶(SOD)水平进行比较。结果:恒磁场腹部作用后,大鼠胃损伤指数及病理损伤积分较对照组均显著减轻(p均<0.05);血浆ET-1和NO水平却无无明显改变(p均>0.05),血GSH-Px和SOD含量较对照组均明显升高(p均<0.05)。结论:腹部1300-1600GS恒磁场作用3小时,对大鼠急性胃损伤具有明显的治疗效应,磁场的这一效应可能与其增加血浆中清除氧自由基的GSH-Px和SOD活性有关。