Clinical Application of MRI in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Bibliometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to remain in the pandemic stage, leading to severe challenges in the global public healthcare system. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods have played an important role in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the structural evaluation of the affected organs. Reviewing and summarizing the application of MRI has significant clinical implications for COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze literature related to the application of MRI in COVID-19 using bibliometric tools, to explore the research status, hotspots, and developmental trends in this field, and to provide a reference for the application of MRI in the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of COVID-19. METHODS: We used the Web of Science Core Collection database to search and collect relevant literature on the use of MRI in COVID-19. The authors, institutes, countries, journals, and keyword modules of the bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to analyze and plot the network map. RESULTS: A total of 1506 relevant articles were shortlisted through the search; the earliest study was published in 2019, showing an overall upward trend every year. The research was mainly presented as published articles. Clinical neurology was found to be the primary discipline. The United States had the highest publication volume and influence in this field. Countries around the world cooperated more closely. The Cureus Journal of Medical Science was the main periodical to publish articles. Institutes, such as Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, and Massachusetts General Hospital, have published a large number of papers. Some of the high-frequency keywords were "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "magnetic resonance", "myocarditis", and "cardiac magnetic resonance imaging". The keyword clustering study showed that the current research mainly focuses on five "hot" directions. CONCLUSION: There is a need to strengthen cross-teamwork and multidisciplinary collaboration in the future to completely explore the positive role of MRI in COVID-19 and to discover breakthroughs for the challenges in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

Corrigendum: Assessing the causal relationship between genetically determined inflammatory biomarkers and low back pain risk: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1174656.].

Operational and Intervention Effects of Targeted Tuina in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Model Rabbits.

Tui Na or massage therapy alleviates symptoms related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, precise, repeatable, standardized instructions for Tuina manipulation are lacking. This study establishes IDD model rabbits induced by fibrous ring puncture, creates targeted Tuina stimulation protocols at the acupuncture points in the lumbar region, and describes in detail the operation methods and requirements of kneading, pointing, and flicking. New Zealand male white rabbits (n = 15) were selected and randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and a Tuina group. The rabbits in the model group and the Tuina group were molded by fibrous ring puncture; the rabbits in the model group were only immobilized on the operating table without treatment. In contrast, the Tuina group used the "8N/10N, 30 cycles/min" prescription for kneading, pointing, and flicking to perform the intervention, using tactile sensory aids to monitor and regulate the intensity of the Tuina operation. Imaging diagnosis and pathological tests were used to assess the effect of Tuina in rabbits, and the results showed improved imaging features and significantly lowered pathology scores of lumbar disc degeneration in the Tuina group compared to the model group (P < 0.01). Targeted Tuina in the lumbar region may be beneficial in the alleviation of lumbar disc degeneration, but further verification is needed. By regularly performing Tuina and recording the mechanical information involved enables reproducible manipulation prescriptions and helps to observe the basic features of the underlying mechanism of Tuina for IDD.

Assessing the causal relationship between genetically determined inflammatory biomarkers and low back pain risk: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Observational studies have suggested an association between inflammatory markers and low back pain (LBP), but the causal relationship between these factors remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) study to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between inflammatory markers and low back pain. We obtained genetic data for CRP, along with its upstream inflammatory markers IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10, as well as low back pain from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We applied several MR methods, including inverse variance weighting, weighted median, MR-Egger, Wald Ratio, and MR-PRESSO, to test for causal relationships. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Results: Our analyses utilizing the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method, the MR-Egger method, and the weighted median method indicated that IL-6 may be associated with an increased risk of LBP (Effect Size: -0.009, 95% Confidence Interval: -0.013-0.006, p = 9.16e-08); however, in the reverse direction, there was no significant causal effect of LBP on inflammatory markers. Conclusion: Our study used a Mendelian randomization approach and found that elevated IL-6 levels may reduce the risk of LBP.

Electroacupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study exploring the alteration of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation.

Background: Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (PED) can seriously affect emotional and marital wellbeing. Electroacupuncture (EA) seems an effective method for treating PED. However, the central mechanisms underlying PED and the beneficial effects of EA treatment are unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the central mechanisms of PED and to examine the impact of EA on erectile function. Methods: We recruited 14 PED patients and 14 matched normal controls (NCs). PED patients underwent twice rs-fMRI scans, respectively, pre- and post-treatment. The NCs only completed one rs-fMRI scan. We used the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) to compare spontaneous neural activity between the PED patients and NCs, and to examine the differences between the pre- and post-EA treatment scans in the PED patients. Results: Scores on the IIEF5, QEQ, and SEAR improved after EA treatment. Compared with the NCs, PED patients showed increased fALFF in the right posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right supplementary motor area (SMA), and left middle occipital gyrus. Most of these regions are closely implicated in sexual inhibition. The results of the correlation analysis results indicated that the fALFF of the right PCC was negatively correlated with IIEF5 scores. After treatment, fALFF values were substantially lower in the left triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus, right DLPFC, right SMA, bilateral PCC and the orbital part of the middle frontal gyrus, and higher in the left middle temporal gyrus and left caudate nucleus. These regions mainly belong to the default mode network (DMN), executive control network and primary sensory motor network. The results of the correlation analysis indicated a positive association between the changes in IIEF5 score and changes in the fALFF value in the right PCC after EA treatment. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study highlights that PED patients have abnormal patterns of activity in the right PCC, right DLPFC, and right SMA mainly involved in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network which could lead to a higher levels of sexual inhibition. EA might regulate the process of sexual inhibition to improve erection function in PED patients probably by modulating spontaneous brain activity in the DMN, executive central network, and sensory motor network.

Sleep traits, fat accumulation, and glycemic traits in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease: A Mendelian randomization study.

Background: Sleep traits, fat accumulation, and glycemic traits are associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in observational studies. However, whether their associations are causal remains unknown. We performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to determine these causal relationships. Methods: Independent genetic variants associated with insomnia, sleep duration, short sleep duration, body fat percentage, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass, type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for GERD were derived from a genome-wide association meta-analysis including 78,707 cases and 288,734 controls of European descent. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was used for the main analysis, with weighted median and MR-Egger as complements to IVW. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis to estimate the stability of the results. Results: The MR study showed the causal relationships of genetically predicted insomnia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.306, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.261 to 1.352; p = 2.24 × 10-51), short sleep duration (OR = 1.304, 95% CI: 1.147 to 1.483, p = 4.83 × 10-5), body fat percentage (OR = 1.793, 95% CI 1.496 to 2.149; p = 2.68 × 10-10), and visceral adipose tissue (OR = 2.090, 95% CI 1.963 to 2.225; p = 4.42 × 10-117) with the risk of GERD. There was little evidence for causal associations between genetically predicted glycemic traits and GERD. In multivariable analyses, genetically predicted VAT accumulation, insomnia, and decreased sleep duration were associated with an increased risk of GERD. Conclusion: This study suggests the possible roles of insomnia, short sleep, body fat percentage, and visceral adiposity in the development of GERD.

Potential causal association between leisure sedentary behaviors, physical activity and musculoskeletal health: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence shows that leisure sedentary behaviors (LSB) and physical activity (PA) are associated with various musculoskeletal disorders. However, the causality between LSB/PA and musculoskeletal health remained unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the causal relationships between LSB/PA and lower back pain (LBP), intervertebral disc disorder (IVDD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and bone mineral density (BMD) by using a two-sample Mendelian randomization method. METHODS: The exposure data were obtained from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including the PA dataset (self-reported PA, n = 377,234; accelerometer-assessed PA, n = 91,084) and LSB dataset (n = 422,218). The outcome data were derived from the FinnGen LBP dataset (n = 248,528), FinnGen IVDD dataset (n = 256,896), BMD GWAS dataset (n = 56,284), and RA GWAS dataset (n = 58,284). The causal relationships were estimated with inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed with Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis to estimate the robustness of our findings. RESULTS: Genetically predicted leisure television watching increased the risk of LBP (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.01; P = 8.23×10-9) and IVDD (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.91; P = 2.13 × 10-8). In addition, this study revealed a potential causal relationship between computer use and a reduced risk of IVDD (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.86; P = 0.005) and RA (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.60; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that leisure television watching is a risk factor for LBP and IVDD, whereas leisure computer use may act as a protective factor against IVDD and RA. These findings emphasized the importance of distinguishing between different sedentary behaviors in musculoskeletal disease studies.

Effects of acupuncture on cartilage p38MAPK and mitochondrial pathways in animal model of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.

Background: Most previous studies on acupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) have focused on improving functional efficacy and safety, while related mechanisms have not been systematically reviewed. Acupuncture modulates cytokines to attenuate cartilage extracellular matrix degradation and apoptosis, key to the pathogenesis of KOA, but the mechanisms are complex. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of acupuncture quantitatively and summarily in animal studies of KOA. Methods: Nine databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (including Medline), Cochrane library, Scopus, CNKI, Wan Fang, and VIP were searched to retrieve animal studies on acupuncture interventions in KOA published since the inception of the journal. Relevant literature was screened, and information extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software. Results: The 35 included studies involved 247 animals, half of which were in acupuncture groups and half in model groups. The mean quality level was 6.7, indicating moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture had the following significant effects on cytokine levels in p38MAPK and mitochondrial pathways: (1) p38MAPK pathway: It significantly inhibits p38MAPK, interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), phosphorylated (p)-p38MAPK, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), MMP-1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-5 (ADAMST-5) expression, and significantly increased the expression of collagen II and aggrecan. (2) mitochondrial pathway: It significantly inhibited the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine protease-3 (caspase-3), caspase-9, and Cytochrome-c (Cyt-c). And significantly increased the expression of B cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2). In addition, acupuncture significantly reduced chondrocyte apoptosis, Mankin's score (a measure of cartilage damage), and improved cartilage morphometric characteristics. Conclusion: Acupuncture may inhibit cytokine expression in the p38MAPK pathway to attenuate cartilage extracellular matrix degradation, regulate cytokines in the mitochondrial pathway to inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, and improve cartilage tissue-related phenotypes to delay cartilage degeneration. These findings provide possible explanations for the therapeutic mechanisms and clinical benefits of acupuncture for KOA. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY20 2290125.

Effect of constant compressive stress induced by imitating Tuina stimulation with various durations on the cell cycle, cellular secretion, apoptosis, and expression of myogenic differentiation and myogenic factor 5 of rat skeletal muscle cells in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of constant compressive stress induced by imitating Tuina stimulation with various durations on the cell cycle, cellular secretion, apoptosis, and expression of myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), myogenic factor 5(Myf5) and myogenic differentiation (MyoD) of rat skeletal muscle cells (RSkMCs) in vitro. METHODS: Third passage RSkMCs were subjected to constant compressive stresses with various durations at 2000 strain for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min via a four-point bending system. The control group (CG) was cultured in the absence of mechanical loading. Alterations of the cell cycle and apoptosis rate were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). The concentrations of interleukin 6 (IL-6) / prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) in supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and the nitrate reductase method, respectively. Expression of Myf5 and MyoD was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the CG, a significant alteration was observed in the synthesis phase fraction (SPF) (P < 0.01). The SPF and proliferation index (PI) were reduced from 15 to 90 min, but reached levels similar to those at 120 min. Apoptosis was increased significantly at 30 min (P < 0.05) and especially at 90 and 120 min (P < 0.01). Expression of MyoD and Myf5 was increased significantly at 15, 30, and 90 min (P < 0.01). Compared with 15 and 30 min, MyoD and Myf5 expression at 60 and 120 min was decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Compared with 60 min, MyoD expression at 90 min was increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas MyoD and Myf5 expression at 120 min was significantly lower (P < 0.05). The IL-6 concentration was increased at 60 min compared with the CG and 15 min (P < 0.05), whereas the concentrations of PGE2 and NO were the highest at 15 and 30 min, respectively, compared with the CG and other time points (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The cell cycle, secretion, apoptosis, and Myf5 and MyoD expression of RSkMCs were regulated by compressive stress in a time-dependent manner. SPF and PI were inhibited at short durations (< 90 min), but NO and PGE2 secretion was the highest at shorter durations (< 30 min). With the prolongation of stimulation time, SPF, PI, and apoptosis were increased, but Myf5 and MyoD expression was decreased gradually at 15-30 min.

Effect of electroacupuncture at the ST36 and GB39 acupoints on apoptosis by regulating the p53 signaling pathway in adjuvant arthritis rats.

p53 and mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) serve key regulatory roles in the apoptosis of synovial cells. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the 'Zusanli' (ST36) and 'Xuanzhong' (GB39) acupoints on apoptosis in an adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat model. A total of 40 male Sprague­Dawley rats were randomly divided into Control, AA, AA + EA and AA + sham EA groups (n=10 rats in each group). Rats in all the groups, with the exception of the control group, were injected with Complete™ Freund's adjuvant into the bilateral hindlimb footpad to establish the AA model. Rats in the AA + EA group were treated with EA at the ST36 and GB39 acupoints. Rats in the AA + sham EA group were treated with percutaneous electrical stimulation at a position of 5 mm away from the ST36 and GB39 acupoints. The arthritis index scores and hindlimb paw volumes of the rats in each group were recorded. Subsequently, pathological changes in the synovial tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the apoptotic rate of the synovial cells was detected by TUNEL staining. In addition, the expression levels of the apoptosis­associated proteins, Bax, phorbol­12­myristate­13­acetate­induced protein 1 (Noxa) and p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), were determined by western blot analysis. The expression of both the gene and protein of p53 and MDM2 in synovial tissue was detected by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. The results indicated that the arthritis index scores and hindlimb paw volumes upon EA stimulation were significantly decreased compared with those of the AA group (P<0.05). H&E staining revealed that the synovial inflammation of EA stimulation was significantly decreased compared with the AA group (P<0.05). The TUNEL assay results indicated that the apoptotic rate of synovial cells in the AA + EA group was significantly increased compared with that in the AA group (P<0.05). Furthermore, an increased expression of proapoptotic proteins was confirmed by the increased expression levels of Bax, Noxa and PUMA in the AA + EA group. The results of RT­qPCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that, compared with the AA group, EA stimulation led to a marked increase in p53 (P<0.05) and a significant decrease in MDM2 (P<0.05) gene and protein expression. Taken together, these results demonstrated that EA performed on the ST36 and GB39 acupoints led to a significant amelioration in AA injury of model rats, by regulating the p53 signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis.

[Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Xuanzhong"(GB39) improves inflammatory reactions and reduces levels of serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 in adjuvant arthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Xuanzhong" (GB39) on joint inflammatory reactions and serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and MMP-9 contents in rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA), so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of AA. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, acupoint and non-acupoint groups (n=10 in each group). The arthritis model was established by hypodermic injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 mL) into the bilateral footpads. EA (2 Hz, 3 V) was applied to bilateral ST36 and GB39 or two non-acupoints (5 mm left to ST36 and GB39) for 15 min, once every other day for a total of 8 times. The arthritis index score was evaluated according to the severity of local erythema and swelling of the ankle joint, plantar joint, toe joint and foot metacarpal joint (0-4 points). The inflammatory conditions of the ankle joint were observed by H.E. staining, and the contents of serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 were assayed by ELISA. RESULTS: The arthritis index score and serum concentrations of MMP-3 and MMP-9 were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.01), and obviously decreased after EA intervention on the 18th day (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of acupoint EA was notably superior to non-acupoint EA in down-regulating the arthritis index score and serum MMP-3 and MMP-9 concentrations (P<0.01). Under light microscope, marked proliferation of the synovial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration and increase of newly blood vessels were observed in the ankle joint of the model group, which was relatively milder in the acupoint group. CONCLUSION: acupoint EA intervention can significantly alleviate the inflammatory reaction of AA rats, which may be related to its effects in reducing the levels of serum MMP-3 and MMP-9.

Electroacupuncture on ST36 and GB39 Acupoints Inhibits Synovial Angiogenesis via Downregulating HIF-1α/VEGF Expression in a Rat Model of Adjuvant Arthritis.

Introduction. The hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play a key role in synovial angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that electroacupuncture (EA) may inhibit RA synovial angiogenesis via HIF-1α/VEGF expression. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed to 4 groups: control, adjuvant arthritis (AA), AA+electroacupuncture (AA+EA), and AA+sham EA groups. AA model was induced by injection of Freund's complete adjuvant in bilateral hind footpad. 3 days after injection, EA was delivered to the acupoints Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) once every two days for a total of 8 times in the AA+EA group, while sham EA treatment was applied in the AA+sham EA group. The arthritis score, paw volume, and H&E staining for each animal were measured. CD34 expression in synovial tissue of ankle joint was observed by immunohistochemistry. HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA and protein levels in synovial tissue were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results. Compared with rats in AA group, EA stimulation significantly decreased arthritis scores, paw volume, and pathological damage of synovial tissues. Moreover, EA markedly suppressed the synovial angiogenesis of AA rats, as evidenced by reduced CD34 positive expression. Furthermore, EA significantly reduced HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA and protein levels in synovial of AA rats. Finally, the CD34 expression in synovial tissue was positively correlated with HIF-1α and VEGF protein levels. Conclusion. EA on ST36 and GB39 acupoints can effectively inhibit synovial angiogenesis in the AA rat model via downregulating HIF-1α/VEGF expression.

[Anterior-posterior acupoint combination for low back pain].

The meridian diseases, abnormal psoas and abdominal muscles and abdominal pressure are key causes of low back pain. We treat low back pain mainly with lumbar back area, neglecting abdomen. The anterior-posterior acupoint combination, regulating yin to treat yang, is effective. Based on the Chinese meridian-collateral and contemporary anatomy related to low back pain, the combination method, tuina and its mechanism are introduced, so as to develop the thought and method for low back pain. A typical case is added.

[Amplitude Changes of Low Frequency Fluctuation in Brain Spontaneous Nervous Activities Induced by Needling at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel].

OBJECTIVE: To observe amplitude changes of low frequency fluctuation in brain spontaneous nervous activities induced by needling at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel, and to preliminarily explore the possible brain function network of Hand Taiyin Lung Channel. METHODS: By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 16 healthy volunteers underwent resting-state scanning (R1) and scanning with retained acupuncture at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel (acupuncture, AP). Data of fMRI collected were statistically calculated using amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF). RESULTS: Under R1 significantly enhanced ALFF occurred in right precuneus, left inferior parietal lobule, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, left medial frontal gyrus. Under AP significantly enhanced ALFF occurred in right precuneus, bilateral superior frontal gyrus, cerebellum, bilateral middle frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, and so on. Compared with R1, needing at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel could significantly enhance ALFF in right gyrus subcallosum and right inferior frontal gyrus. Significant decreased ALFF appeared in right postcentral gyrus, left precuneus, left superior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, and so on. CONCLUSION: Needing at Hand Taiyin Lung Channel could significantly change fixed activities of cerebral cortex, especially in right subcallosal gyrus, right inferior frontal gyrus, and so on.

[Effect of acupuncture at pericardium points of amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of healthy people in resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at the whole points of Hand Jueyin pericardium meridian on the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of healthy people in resting state (R1) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS: Totally 16 healthy subjects received structure scan of T1 and T2. Then two fMRI scans were conducted for each participant. fMRI included the resting-state scan (R1; the scanning time was 8 min 6 s), the stimulating-acupoint scan (AP; the scanning time was 8 min 6 s). fMRI data acquisition from structure scanning and function scanning were processed with format conversion and statistical analysis. RESULTS: Under R1 state, brain regions with activated ALFF signals included bilateral superior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, precuneus, superior temporal gyrus, and cingulate gyrus. Under the AP state, brain regions with activated ALFF signals were bilateral superior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, precuneus, posterior cingulate, and declivis. Compared with R1 state, obvious difference of ALFF signal areas of the brain caused by acupuncture at pericardium were: bilateral cuneus, precuneus, left posterior cingulate gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, and right occipital lingual gyrus. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at the whole points of Hand Jueyin pericardium meridian could significantly change inherent activity states of the cerebral cortex, especially in bilateral superior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, and precuneus.

[Ammonia volatilization loss of nitrogen fertilizer from rice field and wet deposition of atmospheric nitrogen in rice growing season].

Plot and field experiments showed that the NH3 volatilization loss from rice field reached its maximum in 1-3 days after N-fertilization, which was affected by the local climate conditions (e.g., sun illumination, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and rainfall), fertilization time, and ammonium concentration in surface water of the rice field. The wet deposition of atmospheric nitrogen was correlated with the application rate of N fertilizer and the rainfall. The amount of nitrogen brought into soil or surface water by the wet deposition in rice growing season reached 7.5 kg.hm-2. The percent of NH4(+)-N in the wet deposition was about 39.8%-73.2%, with an average of 55.5%. There was a significant correlation of total ammonia volatilization loss with the average concentration of NH4(+)-N in wet deposition and total amount of wet deposition in rice growing season.