[Early electroacupuncture intervention delays progression of disease in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying alleviation of ALS. METHODS: Fifty-four ALS (ALS-SOD1G93A) mice with SOD1G93A gene mutation identified by PCR were randomly divided into model group, 60 day(d) EA group and 90 d EA group(n=18 mice in each group), and other 18 ALS-SOD1G93A negative mice were used as the control group. At the age of 60 and 90 days, mice of the two EA groups received EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) stimulation of bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B2) of L1-L2 and L5-L6 for 20 min, twice a week for 4 weeks,respectively. When being 60 days old, the mice in the model and control groups were subjected to the same binding as that in the two EA groups but without EA intervention. The tail suspension test was used to judge the onset time of disease and the survival period, and rotary rod fatigue test was used to evaluate the hind limb motor function. Nissl staining method was used to observe the content of Nissl bodies in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord, and Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of TLR4, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lumbar spinal cord. RESULTS: The disease onset time apparently delayed in the 60 d EA group than in the model group (P<0.01). The survival time was apparently shorter in the model group than in the control group (P<0.01), and obviously prolonged in the 60 d EA and 90 d EA groups than in the model group (P<0.01). The rotatory rod time was obviously shorter in the model group than in the control group (P<0.05), and apparently longer in the 60 d EA group than in the model group and 90 d EA group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a decrease in the number of Nissl bodies in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.01), and an increase in the expression levels of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α in the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.01). In contrast to the model group, both 60 d EA and 90 d EA groups had an apparent increase in the number of Nissl bodies and a marked decrease in the expression levels of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α in the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.05, P<0.01). The therapeutic effects of 60 d EA group were evidently superior to those of 90 d EA group in delaying the onset time of disease, prolonging the survival time and rotatory rod time, increasing the number of Nissl bodies, and in down-regulating the expression of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The early intervention of EX-B2 EA is more effective in delaying the progression of ALS than post-onset intervention in ALS-SOD1G93A mice, which may be related to its functions in inhibiting the excessive activation of microglia, and down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling.

[Effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture on anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect between Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with psychotherapy and simple psychotherapy on anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 78 patients were randomized into an observation group (39 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off). Psychotherapy was given in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Neiguan (PC 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 6 days were as one course and totally 4 courses were required in both groups. The scores of Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), quality of life for drug addicts (QOL-DA) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after treatment were observed in both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the various scores and the total scores of HAMA, QOL-DA and PSQI were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the scores of somatic anxiety factor, the psychic anxiety factor and the total score of HAMA, each various score and the total score of QOL-DA as well as the scores of sleep quality, time to fall asleep, sleep time, daytime dysfunction and the total score of PSQI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with psychotherapy can relieve the anxiety in patients with anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal, improve the quality of life and sleep, the therapeutic effect is superior to the simple psychotherapy.

[Clinical observation of Tiaoshen acpuncture for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.

[Essence of SUN Shen-tian's clinical features on acupuncture and moxibustion].

To summarize SUN Shen-tian's treatment ideas and clinical features. SUN applies meridian syndrome differentiation to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases; advocates that prevention and treatment of diseases should be regulated mind firstly; applies transcranial repetitive acupuncture combined modern cerebral cortex function positioning; emphasizes the application of multiple acupuncture methods and manipulation, and includes the meridian penetrating needling method, the flat needling and penetrating needling method, and the stagnant needle lifting method, pays attention to the importance of achieving qi and manipulation for the effect.

[Professor SUN Shen-tian's clinical experience of acupuncture and moxibustion for peripheral facial paralysis].

Professor SUN Shen-tian's academic thought and clinical experience of acupuncture for peripheral facial paralysis are summarized. According to the different stages of facial paralysis, professor SUN 's treatment plan has its own emphasis. In the acute stage, professor SUN emphasizes the importance of standardized western medicine treatment, and proposes early acupuncture treatment. The treatment mainly focuses on dispersing wind and cold, promoting blood circulation and dredging collaterals. In the recovery stage, professor SUN emphasizes the method of "pulling the sticking needle", and applies repeated transcranial acupuncture according to the functional orientation of cerebral cortex. In the sequelae stage, professor SUN emphasizes the value of regulating the mind. In the course of treatment, professor SUN highly values the use of flexible acupoint selection, repeated transcranial acupuncture, "pulling the sticking needle" method, acupoint pressing and giant-needle method, combined with electroacupuncture and targeted injection. In addition, based on the clinical experience, professor SUN summarizes the common methods to estimate the prognosis of peripheral facial paralysis.

[Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with electroacupuncture for diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome : a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect between Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with electroacupuncture (EA) and EA alone in the treatment of diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHODS: A total of 76 patients of IBS-D were randomly divided into a Tiaoshen group (38 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and an EA group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off). The EA group was treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), etc. for 30 min. The bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and the same side of Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) were connected EA (discontinuous wave, 1 Hz in frequency, 4-6 mA in current intensity). In the Tiaoshen group, the Tiaoshen acupuncture method was added on the basis of the EA group. The acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24) and Benshen (GB 13), and the needles were retained for 30 min. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment, with an interval of 1 d between treatment courses, and a total of 4 courses of treatment were required. The IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) score, IBS quality of life scale (IBS-QOL) score and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate in the Tiaoshen group was 94.4% (34/36), which was higher than 78.4% (29/37) in the EA group (P<0.05). The IBS-SSS and HAMD scores of both groups after treatment were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), while IBS-QOL scores were higher than before treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes of above scores in the Tiaoshen group were higher than those in the EA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with EA have a significant effect in treatment of IBS-D, can significantly reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhea in patients, effectively improve patients' quality of life and depression condition, the effect is better than the simple EA treatment.

Selective Decarbonylation via Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Carbon-Carbon Bond Cleavage.

Transition-metal-catalyzed decarbonylation via carbon-carbon bond cleavage is an essential synthetic methodology. Given the ubiquity of carbonyl compounds, the selective decarbonylative process offers a distinct synthetic strategy using carbonyl groups as "traceless handles". This reaction has been significantly developed in recent years in many respects, including catalytic system development, mechanistic understanding, substrate scope, and application in the synthesis of complex functional molecules. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the recent progress on transition-metal-catalyzed decarbonylative process, from the discovery of new transformations to the understanding of reaction mechanisms, to reveal the great achievements and potentials in this field. The contents of this review are categorized by the type of chemical bond cleavage in the decarbonylative process. The main challenges and opportunities of the decarbonylative process are also examined with the goal of expanding the application range of decarbonylation reactions.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver (MCN-L) is a cyst-forming epithelial neoplasm. The most distinguishing feature is the ovarian-type subepithelial stroma on pathological examination. CASE SUMMARY: An abdominal ultrasound incidentally revealed a liver tumor in a 32-year-old woman. Physical and laboratory examination results did not reveal any abnormalities. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a cystic space measuring 7.2 cm × 5.4 cm in the liver. Subsequent CT showed an increase in tumor size. Thus, we performed surgical resection of the tumor and gallbladder. Postoperative histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of MCN-L. At the 6-mo of follow-up, no recurrence was observed on ultrasound or CT. CONCLUSION: Since preoperative diagnosis of MCN-L is difficult, active surgery is recommended and helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of MCN-L.

Cobalt-catalyzed intramolecular decarbonylative coupling of acylindoles and diarylketones through the cleavage of C-C bonds.

We report here cobalt-N-heterocyclic carbene catalytic systems for the intramolecular decarbonylative coupling through the chelation-assisted C-C bond cleavage of acylindoles and diarylketones. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups such as alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, giving the decarbonylative products in moderate to excellent yields. This transformation involves the cleavage of two C-C bonds and formation of a new C-C bond without the use of noble metals, thus reinforcing the potential application of decarbonylation as an effective tool for C-C bond formation.

Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of unstrained ketones via chelation-assisted C-C bond cleavage.

Herein, we report that unstrained ketones can be efficiently employed as electrophiles in Suzuki-Miyaura reactions via catalytic activation of unstrained C-C bonds assist by an N-containing directing group. A wide range of aromatic ketones directly coupled with boronic ester with excellent functional group tolerance. This strategy provides an alternative and versatile approach to constructing biaryls from unstrained ketones.

Synthesis of Acyl Azides from 1,3-Diketones via Oxidative Cleavage of Two C-C Bonds.

A metal-free PhI(OAc)2-mediated method for the synthesis of acyl azides through oxidative cleavage of 1,3-diketones is described. This method is shown to have a broad substrate scope, providing a useful tool for multiproduct synthesis in a single procedure. A possible reaction pathway is proposed based on mechanistic studies.

PPh3O as an Activating Reagent for One-Pot Stereoselective Syntheses of Di- and Polybrominated Esters from Simple Aldehydes.

An efficient one-pot method for the syntheses of di- and polybrominated esters from readily available aldehydes is reported. The direct use of the in situ generated byproduct PPh3O in the following reactions greatly improves the efficiency of the cascade. Also, the substrate scope of the reaction is proved to be broad.

Rationally designed multifunctional supramolecular iminium catalysis: direct vinylogous Michael addition of unmodified linear dienol substrates.

The development of a direct vinylogous Michael addition of linear nucleophilic substrates is a long-standing challenge because of the poor reactivity and the considerable difficulty in controlling regioselectivity. By employing a rationally designed multifunctional supramolecular iminium catalysis strategy, the first direct vinylogous Michael addition of unmodified linear substrates to α,ß-unsaturated aldehydes, to afford chiral 1,7-dioxo compounds with good yields and excellent regio- as well as enantioselectivity, has been developed.

Triphenylphosphine oxide-catalyzed stereoselective poly- and dibromination of unsaturated compounds.

A novel PPh3O catalyzed bromophosphonium salt-mediated dibromination of α,ß-unsaturated esters and ß,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters has been developed. The products were obtained with good to excellent yields and excellent diastereoselectivities. This dibromination reaction is a good complement to the field of dibromination.

An unusual triphenylphosphine oxide catalyzed stereoselective 1,3-dichlorination of unsaturated ketoesters.

An unusual Ph3PO-catalyzed stereoselective 1,3-dicholorination of an unsaturated ketoester has been developed. The novel activation mode involved in this cascade reaction can promote consecutively elusive transformations. The products were obtained with good yields and excellent stereoselectivities. This reaction makes important complementation to the limitations associated with the field of dichlorination.