Preparation of Mesophase Pitch with Fine-Flow Texture from Ethylene Tar/Naphthalene by Catalytic Synthesis for High-Thermal-Conductivity Carbon Fibers.

Mesophase pitch is usually prepared by radical polymerization or catalytic polymerization from coal tar, petroleum, and aromatic compounds, and the catalytic synthesis of mesophase pitch from pure aromatic compounds is more controllable in the preparation of high-quality mesophase pitch. However, the corrosive and highly toxic nature of the catalyst has limited the further development of this method. In this study, mesophase pitch was synthetized using ethylene tar and naphthalene as raw materials and boron trifluoride diethyl etherate as a catalyst. The effect of the catalytic reaction on the structure and properties of the mesophase pitch was investigated. The results show that naphthalene plays an important role in the mesophase content and reaction pressure (from above 6 MPa to 2.35 MPa). Mesophase pitch with fine-flow texture can be prepared by introducing more methylene groups, naphthenic structures, and aliphatic hydrocarbons during synthesis. Carbon fibers prepared from mesophase pitch show a split structure, and the thermal conductivity is 730 W/(m·K). This work provides theoretical support for lower toxicity and causticity and for reaction-controlled technology for the synthesis of high-purity mesophase pitch.

Hearing Care: Safe Listening Method and System for Personal Listening Devices.

Excessive use of Personal Listening Devices (PLDs) and prolonged exposure to noise from loud music create many potential risks associated with hearing loss. To this end, the World Health Organization has published Recommendation ITU-T H.870 in 2019, which provides adults and children with a set of recommendations for sound dosage and operating times needed to avoid potential hearing risks. Some studies have investigated noise exposure of related applications for listening safety, resulting in some related recommendations and applications; however, these studies often do not pay attention to measurement error, which is important for human real noise exposure estimation to avoid hearing loss. This paper proposes a method for calculating noise exposure that can accurately calculate the actual noise sound-pressure level (SPL) and PLD dosage based on the WHO-ITU standard. We develop a calculation method and design a listening system that includes (i) a Safe Listening Personal Listening Device (SL-PLD) that can measure the listening dose in real time and control the output volume effectively, (ii) a Safe Listening Application (SL-APP) for assisting the SL-PLD to check the listening status in real time and provide alerts. Our experimental results show that (i) the proposed noise calculation method can reach 0.88 dB deviation under the 76 dB reference SPL and 98.8% accuracy, as compared to the SoundCheck tool measurement, (ii) the proposed SL-PLD controls the SPL output effectively as the dose increases, and (iii) the SL-APP determines the dosage usage and will provide a warning when the dosage exceeds a preset value. Therefore, users can adjust their listening behavior for more secure listening by using our methods and applications.

The Mechanism of TNF-α-Mediated Accumulation of Phosphorylated Tau Protein and Its Modulation by Propofol in Primary Mouse Hippocampal Neurons: Role of Mitophagy, NLRP3, and p62/Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway.

Background: Neuroinflammation-induced phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) deposition in central nervous system contributes to neurodegenerative disorders. Propofol possesses neuroprotective properties. We investigated its impacts on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-mediated p-Tau deposition in neurons. Methods: Mouse hippocampal neurons were exposed to propofol followed by TNF-α. Cell viability, p-Tau, mitophagy, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), antioxidant enzymes, and p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway were investigated. Results: TNF-α promoted p-Tau accumulation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. TNF-α (20 ng/mL, 4 h) inhibited mitophagy while increased ROS accumulation and NLRP3 activation. It also induced glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) while inhibited protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) phosphorylation. All these effects were attenuated by 25 µM propofol. In addition, TNF-α-induced p-Tau accumulation was attenuated by ROS scavenger, NLRP3 inhibitor, GSK3ß inhibitor, or PP2A activator. Besides, compared with control neurons, 100 µM propofol decreased p-Tau accumulation. It also decreased ROS and NLRP3 activation, modulated GSK3ß/PP2A phosphorylation, leaving mitophagy unchanged. Further, 100 µM propofol induced p62 expression, reduced Keap1 expression, triggered the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and upregulated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which was abolished by p62 knockdown, Keap1 overexpression, or Nrf2 inhibitor. Consistently, the inhibitory effect of 100 µM propofol on ROS and p-Tau accumulation was mitigated by p62 knockdown, Keap1 overexpression, or Nrf2 inhibitor. Conclusions: In hippocampal neurons, TNF-α inhibited mitophagy, caused oxidative stress and NLRP3 activation, leading to GSK3ß/PP2A-dependent Tau phosphorylation. Propofol may reduce p-Tau accumulation by reversing mitophagy and oxidative stress-related events. Besides, propofol may reduce p-Tau accumulation by modulating SOD and HO-1 expression through p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Acupuncture Reduces Hypertrophy and Cardiac Fibrosis, and Improves Heart Function in Mice with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glycemic control, myocardial inflammation, and the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Db/Db mice received EA at PC6+ST36 (DM-Acu), non-acupoint simulation (DM-Sham), or no treatment (DM). EA was applied for 30 min per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Myocardium was assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and histology. Serum TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured. RESULTS: DM-Acu, but not DM-Sham, reduced fasting blood glucose without affecting body weight. DM decreased systolic function. DM-Acu, but not DM-Sham, attenuated the decrease in systolic function. Heart weight was significantly smaller in the DM-Acu than in the DM and DM-Sham groups. Percent fibrosis and apoptosis were reduced in the DM-Acu, but not the DM-Sham, group. Serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α were significantly lower in the DM-Acu than in the DM or DM-Sham groups. Protein levels of P-Akt and P-AMPK and mRNA levels of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 6 (PIK3r6) were significantly higher in the DM-Acu group. Myocardial mRNA and protein levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) were significantly lower in the DM and DM-Sham groups compared with the DM-Acu group. CONCLUSIONS: EA reduced serum glucose; prevented DM-induced hypertrophy and deterioration of systolic function, inflammation, and fibrosis; and restored IGF1R, P-Akt, and P-AMPK levels in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The Protective Effect of Pre-Moxibustion on Reproductive Hormones Profile of Rats with Tripterygium Glycosides-Induced Ovarian Damage.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture and moxibustion have been proven to be conducive to improving the ovarian reserve. However, the mechanism of pre-moxibustion on Tripterygium glycosides (TG)-induced ovarian damage has not been previously reported. METHOD: Female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, model (75 mg/kg TG, 14 days), preventive moxibustion 1 (PM1, receiving moxibustion for 4 weeks before TG administration), preventive moxibustion 2 (PM2, receiving moxibustion for 2 weeks before TG administration and another 2 weeks during TG administration), and preventive moxibustion 3 (PM3, receiving 4 weeks of moxibustion during TG administration). The estrous cycle of the animal was recorded after TG administration. Rats were sacrificed 14 days after TG administration. The reproductive hormones profiles in serum, ovary, and hypothalamic tissues were analyzed. RESULT: Pre-moxibustion could revert abnormal estrous cycles, relieve follicle damage, and improve abnormal secretion of reproductive hormones resulting from ovarian damage. However, both PM2 and PM3 were more effective than PM1. In addition, PM2 disclosed more advantages in regulating reproductive hormones abnormalities, while PM3 performed better in follicular development. CONCLUSION: In combination, the findings of this study suggest that pre-moxibustion is effective in protecting the ovary from damage in TG-induced ovarian damage rats. But different time points correspond to different modulation targets and mechanisms.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on tissue elasticity and expression of muscular MyoD and myogenin in rats with acute gastrocnemius contusion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Ashi" acupoint and "Kunlun" (BL60) on elastic modulus, histopathological changes and expression of myogenic regulatory factors in gastrocnemius(GM) contusion rats, so as to explore the therapeutic effect of local acupoint selection and acupoint selection along channel. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control (n＝5), model (n＝15), Ashi-point (n＝15) and BL60 (n＝15) groups. The acute GM contusion model was established by striking (free falling) the GM with a homemade hitter. EA (0.5 to 1.0 mA, 2 Hz/10 Hz) was applied to Ashi-point (local focus) and BL60 for 30 min 24 h after muscle injury. The elasticity maximum (Emax) of gastrocnemius muscle was measured by using an ultrasonic device. Histopathological changes were observed after H．E. stain, and the number of Myogenic differentiation(MyoD)- and Myogenin (MyoG)-positive cells was detected by using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After mdeling, the Emax value of GM was significantly increased from the 3rd h to 7th day in comparison with pre- injury of muscle (P<0.05), and was markedly increased on the 3rd day and obviously lower on day 7 in the Ashi-point group than in the model group (P<0.05). The numbers of MyoD- and MyoG-positive cells of GM were significantly increased on day 7 in the model group than in the blank control group (P<0.05), and both further increased in Ashi-point on day 3 and 5, and MyoG-positive cells further increased in BL60 group on day 5 and in Ashi-point group on day 7 relevant to the model group(P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA-Ashi-point was apparently superior to that of BL60 in up-regulating Emax on day 3 and in up-regulating the number of MyoD-positive cells on day 3 and 5 (P<0.05). H．E. stain showed disordered arrangement of muscle fibers, infiltration of inflammatory cells, increase of intercellular space, and edema on day 3 after modeling (which was milder in the Ashi-point group); and gradual fusion and thickening of new born muscle fibers with obvious connective tissue hyperplasia converged to the lesioned region on day 7 in the model group (convergence of new born muscle cells to the lesion region in both EA groups, and more complete tissues in the Ashi-point group). CONCLUSION: EA of Ashi-point and BL60 can up-regulate the expression of myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and MyoG of GM tissue in GM contusion rats, which may contribute to its function in promoting recovery of muscle elasticity. The role of EA-Ashi-point is superior to that of EA-BL60.

[Effect of moxibustion pretreatment at different time on ovarian function in rats with dimini-shed ovarian reserve].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion pretreatment at different time on serum hormone levels in diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) rats, so as to explore its protective mechanisms. METHODS: Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, moxibustion-1 (moxibustion was given 4 weeks before modeling), moxibustion-2 (moxibustion was given 2 weeks before modeling and 2 weeks from the 1st day on after modeling ) and moxibustion-3 (moxibustion was given 4 weeks from the 1st day on after modeling) groups (n=8 rats in each group). The DOR model was established by gavage of Tripterygium Glycosides (75 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. Grain-moxibustion was applied to "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) for 7 cones, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The body weight and the ovary weight were recorded for calculating the ovarian index. The levels of serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), androgen (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After modeling, ovarian index and serum AMH levels were obviously decreased (P<0.05), and the levels of serum FSH, E2, T and DHEA were significantly increased in contrast with the control group (P<0.05). Following intervention and compared with the model group, the serum FSH and DHEA levels of each moxibustion group were significantly reduced (P<0.05), the AMH levels significantly increased and E2 and T contents significantly decreased in the moxibustion-2 and moxibustion-3 groups (P<0.05). The serum FSH, E2 and T contents in moxibustion-2 group were obviously lower than those of the moxibustion-1 and moxibustion-3 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion pre-treatment can improve ovarian reserve function in DOR rats, while the effect is different with different intervention time, and the best intervention time is pre-occurrence and early stage of DOR.

Correlation Network Analysis Provides Important Modules and Pathways for Human Hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia casts great threats to humans around the world. The systemic co-expression and function enrichment analysis for this disease is limited to date. This study was to identify co-expression modules to explore hyperlipidemia-associated functional pathways. Gene expression data of human hyperlipidemia (GSE17170) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We evaluated the top 3,000 genes with the highest average expression, with which the co-expression modules were constructed in weighted correlation network analysis (WGC-NA).Cluster analysis was then applied to visualize the interaction relationships of these modules. By gene ontology (GO) and KEGG functional enrichment analysis, we finally investigated the function enrichment of co-expression genes from important modules in the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database (https:// david.ncifcrf.gov/summary.jsp).15 Thirteen co-expression modules were constructed for 3,000 genes in the 70samples. Interaction relationships of hub genes between pairwise modules showed high confidence. In functional enrichments of the co-expression modules, genes in Modules 3 and 4 were significantly enriched in biological processes and pathways that are associated with ubiquitination-for example, G0:0016567 (protein ubiquitination) and hsa04120 (ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis). We inferred these two modules as key modules associated with hyperlipidemia. Additionally, G0:0098609 (cell-cell adhesion) was enriched in four modules, suggesting an important function in hyperlipidemia. In conclusion, Protein ubiquitination may play important roles in human hyperlipidemia. All the discoveries made in this study enrich understanding of the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia and might contribute much to the development of diagnosis and outcome evaluation of this disease.

Effect of acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) on gene expression profile of hypothalamus in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus related to the effects of acupuncture at the Renying (ST 9) acupoint in spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. METHODS: We randomly divided 18 SH rats into Renying (ST 9) group and model control group, 9 body weight-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as blank controls. Acupuncture was performed manually for 20-min daily over 28 d in the Renying (ST 9) group. Rat Gene 2.0 array technology was used for the determination of gene expression profiles and the screened key genes were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses. RESULTS: The different groups exhibited differential gene expression: compared with the blank control group, 48 genes were up-regulated and 91 genes were down-regulated in the model group; compared with the model group, 79 genes were up-regulated and 80 genes were down-regulated in Renying (ST 9) group. The RT-PCR results of the key genes including Chi3l1, Ephx2, Klk1, 5-HT1A and Cbs were consistent with that of gene chip analysis. CONCLUTION: Acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) could significantly lower the blood pressure of SH rats and affect their hypothalamic gene expression profile. Genes associated with the contraction of vascular smooth muscle and the regulation of inflammation, neurotransmitters may be involved in acupuncture's antihypertensive mechanism.

[Discussion on locating of back-shu points].

Back-shu points were firstly discussed in Lingshu (the Miraculous Pivot), and various location methods of back-shu points had been proposed by acupuncturists until conclusive method was made in Song dynasty. In this paper, the different location methods of back-shu points were reviewed; based on this, the reasons of divergences among each theory on location methods were discussed, and the theoretical background and reference of the original establishment of back-shu points were further explored. Therefore, it was proposed that the standardized location of back-shu points should be just considered as the center of possible distribution range, and adjustment should be made during clinical application according to the variability of individual combined with finger pressing.

Correction: Acupuncture with reinforcing and reducing twirling manipulation inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

[This corrects the article on p. 770 in vol. 12, PMID: 28616034.].

Acupuncture with reinforcing and reducing twirling manipulation inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To observe the effects of different acupuncture manipulations on blood pressure and target organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), this study used the reinforcing twirling method (1.5-2-mm depth; rotating needle clockwise for 360° and then counter clockwise for 360°, with the thumb moving heavily forward and gently backward, 60 times per minute for 1 minute, and retaining needle for 9 minutes), the reducing twirling method (1.5-2-mm depth; rotating needle counter clockwise for 360° and then clockwise for 360°, with the thumb moving heavily backward and gently forward, 60 times per minute for 1 minute, and retaining needle for 9 minutes), and the needle retaining method (1.5-2-mm depth and retaining the needle for 10 minutes). Bilateral Taichong (LR3) was treated by acupuncture using different manipulations and manual stimulation. Reinforcing twirling, reducing twirling, and needle retaining resulted in a decreased number of apoptotic cells, reduced Bax mRNA and protein expression, and an increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the hippocampus compared with the SHR group. Among these groups, the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio was highest in the reducing twirling group, and the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio was highest in the needle retaining group. These results suggest that reinforcing twirling, reducing twirling, and needle retaining methods all improve blood pressure and prevent target organ damage by increasing the hippocampal Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibiting cell apoptosis in the hippocampus in SHR.

Applications of pain-related evoked potentials and short-latency somatosensory evoked potentials in acupuncture research: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To review and discuss the Chinese and English literature on the use of pain-related evoked potentials (PREP) and short-latency somatosensory EP (SLSEP) in acupuncture research. METHODS: China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and MEDLINE were searched for the following key words: acupuncture and PREP or SLSEP. RESULTS: Thirty-seven articles were included in the review. Researchers usually use PREPs to study the analgesic effect of acupuncture, observe influential factors, or for mechanistic exploration. In the SLSEP studies, researchers focused on response characteristics of acupuncture, acupoint specificity, and influential factors of the treatment. There were some problems with the study design and conclusions. CONCLUSION: Researchers could use PREP and SLSEP to objectively validate the effects of acupuncture and explore its mechanisms using nerve electrophysiology. Further studies can benefit from observing more acupoints' effects using PREPs or SLSEPs and investigating the placebo effect of acupuncture.

Effect of miniscalpel-needle on relieving the pain of myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of miniscalpel-needle (MSN) on reducing the pain of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). METHODS: We reviewed the available literatures inception up to February 2014 using Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wanfang Database. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were finally identified. The main controls involved acupuncture, medications, injection, massage and cupping. We found that all of the studies agreed on the potential benefit of MSN as a strategy for MPS and the superiority compared to the controls, however, randomized methods applied in most of the trials could be criticized for their high or unclear risk of bias. Further research is also needed to clarify questions around the appropriate frequency and number of treatment sessions of MSN. CONCLUSION: This review shows that MSN might have the effect on MPS, even though there were some limitations in the studies included in the review. Studies with robust methodology are warranted to further test its pain-relieving effect on MPS.

Effects of acupuncture applied to sanyinjiao with different stimuli on uterine contraction and microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome.

In this study, we try to evaluate the effects of acupuncture stimulation with different amounts at Sanyinjiao (SP6) on uterine contraction and uterus microcirculation in rats with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation syndrome and to explore whether there is direct relativity between "De qi" and needle stimulus intensity. Diestrus female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including saline control group, model control group, "A" stimulus group (with strong stimulus), and "B" stimulus group (with weak stimulus). We found that dysmenorrhea rats of the cold coagulation syndrome present a high intensity in uterine tension and high contraction of microvascular diameter. Acupuncture applied with two different stimuli could relieve the symptoms, but, compared with "B" stimulus, "A" stimulus leads to better outcomes on reducing uterine contraction and increasing diameter of uterine microvascular; moreover, hand manipulation during needling mediates the curative effect on the microvascular diameter. Our finding indicates that using thick needles and deep insertion with hand manipulation are more effective and achieve desired level of "De qi" in dysmenorrhea rats.

The Effect of Acupuncture to SP6 on Skin Temperature Changes of SP6 and SP10: An Observation of "Deqi".

Background. Deqi sensation is a complex but an important component for acupuncture effect. In this study, we tried to observe the relationship between Deqi and skin temperature changes and whether there was some relativity between Deqi and needle stimulations on cold congealing and dysmenorrhea rat model. Thirty-two female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups (Saline Control Group, Model Group, Group A with strong stimulation, and Group B with small stimulation). Group A and Group B were performed with different stimulations. We found that, compared with saline control group, model group, and Group B, Group A showed that the skin temperature changes on right acupoint SP6 and SP10 increased significantly at 5 min-10 min interval. The skin temperature changes on left SP6 decreased at instant-5 min interval. The skin temperature changes on right SP10 decreased significantly at instant-5 min interval and 10 min-20 min interval. Thermogenic action along Spleen Meridian of Foot Greater Yin was manifested as simultaneous skin temperature increase on right SP6 and SP10 at 5 min-10 min interval after needling SP6, which was helpful to illustrate the relationship between the characteristic of Deqi and needle stimulations.

Effects of preventive acupuncture and moxibustion on fat accumulation, blood lipid, and uterus e 2 of menopause rats.

Objective. To observe the effect of preventive acupuncture and moxibustion on blood lipid of menopause rats. Methods. Seventy 10-month-old SD rats with estrous cycle disorders were divided into three control groups and four treatment groups (n = 10/group) and another ten 3.5-month-old female SD rats were chosen as young control group. Preventive acupuncture and moxibustion were applied at Guanyuan (CV 4). Body weight growth rate has been recorded. Plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and uterus E 2 level were measured. Results. Compared to young control group, plasma TC and LDL increased and uterus E 2 reduced significantly in 12-month-old control group. Compared to 12-month-old control group, plasma TC and LDL level and body weight growth rate decreased while HDL level increased remarkably in preventive acupuncture 12-month-old group. Compared to 14-month-old control group, plasma TC level and body weight growth rate decreased remarkably in preventive moxibustion 14-month-old group. Conclusions. Preventive acupuncture and moxibustion can significantly decrease the plasma TG and LDL, increase the plasma HDL, and prevent fat accumulation. Our finding suggests that preventive acupuncture and moxibustion have beneficial effects on blood lipid. Different treatment effects were found between preventive acupuncture and preventive moxibustion.

Acupuncture De-qi: From Characterization to Underlying Mechanism.

De-qi refers to the participant's subjective sensations and objective body responses as well as the acupuncturist's perceptions while the acupuncturist needles certain acupoints in the participant's body. In recent years, De-qi is getting increasing attention of the researchers and many efforts have been made to understand its mechanism. By the broad literature survey, this paper explores the subjective De-qi sensation of the patients, its influencing factors, and the resulting physiological responses. The purpose of this paper is expected to find out a possible mechanism of De-qi and to provide certain scientific evidence for acupuncture fundamental research and clinical practice.