BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.

Objective:To establish a day 4 embryo evaluation protocol by analyzing embryonic characteristics affecting blastocyst formation, and validate its clinical effectiveness.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included clinical data from 1 037 patients who underwent fresh in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on day 4 in Center for Reproductive Medicine of Xingtai Meihe Reproductive and Genetic Hospital between January 2018 and April 2024. Morphological assessments were performed at (92±2) h post-fertilization. After excluding 1 326 embryos selected for fresh transfer, 2 723 embryos underwent blastocyst culture. To address selection bias in transferred embryos, the scoring system was primarily based on high-quality blastocyst formation rates. Multivariate binary regression analysis evaluated how day 4 developmental stage, fragmentation rate, stage-specific cleavage patterns, multinucleation/vacuolization affected transferable blastocyst formation rate and high-quality blastocyst rate. Regression coefficients determined parameter weights for high-quality blastocyst formation, establishing a day 4 embryo scoring protocol that compared outcomes across different grades. The scoring system was validated by comparing transferable blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and implantation rate among different day 4 embryo grades. All embryos were further rescored according to three previously reported evaluation schemes [Feil 2008, Gemma 2015, and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2011]. The predictive values of these three day 4 scoring systems and the day 4 scoring system established in this study were compared using the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in predicting the formation rate of transferable blastocyst, the formation rate of high-quality blastocyst, and implantation rate. Results:In the prediction of high-quality blastocyst formation, early blastocyst showed the highest influence weight compared to embryos with the ratio of blastomere numbers on day 4 to those on day 3 (BNR) <1.2 ( B=3.398, OR=29.915, P<0.001), followed by fragmentation <10% versus ≥50% ( B=1.263, OR=3.535, P<0.001), a stage-specific cleavage pattern ( B=0.903, OR=2.467, P=0.005), and absence of multinucleation or vacuoles ( B=0.797, OR=2.218, P=0.007). Using the newly developed day 4 scoring system, embryos were graded A, B, C, D, E. Transferable blastocyst formation rates were 88.57% (279/315), 76.99% (241/313), 56.11% (280/499), 40.27% (238/591) and 14.22% (143/1 005), respectively; high-quality blastocyst rates were 51.42% (162/315), 35.46% (111/313), 20.04% (100/499), 9.47% (56/591) and 3.98% (40/1 005). All inter-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.005). Implantation rates for transferred embryos of grades A-E declined sequentially: 63.18% (381/603), 56.19% (322/573), 38.29% (54/141), 26.53% (13/49) and 9.67% (3/31). The day 4 embryo scoring system proposed in this study demonstrated significantly higher predictive efficacy for transferable blastocyst formation rate (AUC=0.812), high-quality blastocyst formation rate (AUC=0.804), and implantation rate (AUC=0.603) compared with Feil 2008 (AUC=0.797, P<0.001; AUC=0.781, P<0.001; AUC=0.585, P<0.001), Gemma 2015 (AUC=0.773, P<0.001; AUC=0.771, P<0.001; AUC=0.542, P=0.006), and ESHRE 2011 (AUC=0.710, P<0.001; AUC=0.745, P<0.001; AUC=0.592, P<0.001). We also observed the presence of pseudo-compacted embryo, whose transferable blastocyst formation rate [38.28% (49/128)] and high-quality blastocyst formation rate [7.03% (9/128)] were similar to those of cleavage-stage embryos with a BNR≥1.2. Conclusion:The established day 4 morphological assessment system reliably predicts the potential to transferable blastocyst and high-quality blastocyst, and effectively forecasts implantation rates.

Objective:To understand the factors influencing new infections of 9-valent vaccine-type human papillomavirus (9-valent type HPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Urumqi City and to construct a prediction model of individual dynamics of new infections of 9-valent type HPV among MSM.Methods:In this study, a snowball method was adopted to recruit MSM in Urumqi City to establish a dynamic cohort, and participants were followed up every 6 months from 2016 to 2023, and perianal exfoliated cells were collected for HPV genotyping; joint models were established using the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months and the number of anal intercourse in the last one week as longitudinal variables, respectively, and joint models were utilized to analyze the influence factors of 9-valent HPV new infections in MSM individuals were analyzed by the joint model; the predictive efficacy of the model in the follow-up period was evaluated by using the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) values. Based on the prediction model, two study participants were randomly selected for individual dynamic prediction of new-onset HPV infections of 9-valent type types.Results:MSM with at least two follow-up visits 579 individuals were included in the analysis. The results of the two joint models showed that being divorced/widowed [hazard ratio ( HR)=1.544, 95% CI: 1.033-2.233], having a sexual behavior style of being the inserted party ( HR=1.366, 95% CI: 1.053-1.764), and having a history of STDs ( HR=1.659, 95% CI: 1.057-2.558) increased the 9-valent types of new HPV infections risk. The results of the shared parameter of the joint model of the number of same-sex partners in the last six months showed that each 2.72 increase in the number of same-sex partners in the last six months was associated with a 28.2% increase in the risk of new 9-valent HPV infections in MSM individuals ( HR=1.282, 95% CI: 1.065-1.540). The time-dependent AUC results showed that the joint model for the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months (0.808 0) predicted better performance than the joint model for the number of anal intercourse in the last one week (0.750 0). The joint model based on the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months for the prediction of MSM individual dynamics was consistent with the real situation. Conclusion:The joint model based on the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months, sexual behavior, history of STDs, and other risk factors has high accuracy in predicting the risk of new MSM 9-valent HPV infections in Urumqi City, which can provide a scientific basis for the prediction of individual dynamics of new MSM 9-valent HPV infections.

The National Essential Medicines System could protect public health and ensure access to essential medications.Although the current selection methods for China's National Essential Medicines Lists(NEMLs)are becoming more scientific and standardized,there are still problems such as much emphasis on expert experience and the lack of transparency of decision-making basis.To address these issues,it proposes an evidence-based decision-making pathway for NEMLs selection guided by clinical value.This approach ensures a strong integration of evidence and decision-making,offering valuable insights for improving the adjustment procedures and selection criteria of the NEMLs in China.

Objective:To establish a day 4 embryo evaluation protocol by analyzing embryonic characteristics affecting blastocyst formation, and validate its clinical effectiveness.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included clinical data from 1 037 patients who underwent fresh in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on day 4 in Center for Reproductive Medicine of Xingtai Meihe Reproductive and Genetic Hospital between January 2018 and April 2024. Morphological assessments were performed at (92±2) h post-fertilization. After excluding 1 326 embryos selected for fresh transfer, 2 723 embryos underwent blastocyst culture. To address selection bias in transferred embryos, the scoring system was primarily based on high-quality blastocyst formation rates. Multivariate binary regression analysis evaluated how day 4 developmental stage, fragmentation rate, stage-specific cleavage patterns, multinucleation/vacuolization affected transferable blastocyst formation rate and high-quality blastocyst rate. Regression coefficients determined parameter weights for high-quality blastocyst formation, establishing a day 4 embryo scoring protocol that compared outcomes across different grades. The scoring system was validated by comparing transferable blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and implantation rate among different day 4 embryo grades. All embryos were further rescored according to three previously reported evaluation schemes [Feil 2008, Gemma 2015, and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) 2011]. The predictive values of these three day 4 scoring systems and the day 4 scoring system established in this study were compared using the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in predicting the formation rate of transferable blastocyst, the formation rate of high-quality blastocyst, and implantation rate. Results:In the prediction of high-quality blastocyst formation, early blastocyst showed the highest influence weight compared to embryos with the ratio of blastomere numbers on day 4 to those on day 3 (BNR) <1.2 ( B=3.398, OR=29.915, P<0.001), followed by fragmentation <10% versus ≥50% ( B=1.263, OR=3.535, P<0.001), a stage-specific cleavage pattern ( B=0.903, OR=2.467, P=0.005), and absence of multinucleation or vacuoles ( B=0.797, OR=2.218, P=0.007). Using the newly developed day 4 scoring system, embryos were graded A, B, C, D, E. Transferable blastocyst formation rates were 88.57% (279/315), 76.99% (241/313), 56.11% (280/499), 40.27% (238/591) and 14.22% (143/1 005), respectively; high-quality blastocyst rates were 51.42% (162/315), 35.46% (111/313), 20.04% (100/499), 9.47% (56/591) and 3.98% (40/1 005). All inter-group differences were statistically significant (all P<0.005). Implantation rates for transferred embryos of grades A-E declined sequentially: 63.18% (381/603), 56.19% (322/573), 38.29% (54/141), 26.53% (13/49) and 9.67% (3/31). The day 4 embryo scoring system proposed in this study demonstrated significantly higher predictive efficacy for transferable blastocyst formation rate (AUC=0.812), high-quality blastocyst formation rate (AUC=0.804), and implantation rate (AUC=0.603) compared with Feil 2008 (AUC=0.797, P<0.001; AUC=0.781, P<0.001; AUC=0.585, P<0.001), Gemma 2015 (AUC=0.773, P<0.001; AUC=0.771, P<0.001; AUC=0.542, P=0.006), and ESHRE 2011 (AUC=0.710, P<0.001; AUC=0.745, P<0.001; AUC=0.592, P<0.001). We also observed the presence of pseudo-compacted embryo, whose transferable blastocyst formation rate [38.28% (49/128)] and high-quality blastocyst formation rate [7.03% (9/128)] were similar to those of cleavage-stage embryos with a BNR≥1.2. Conclusion:The established day 4 morphological assessment system reliably predicts the potential to transferable blastocyst and high-quality blastocyst, and effectively forecasts implantation rates.

Objective:To understand the factors influencing new infections of 9-valent vaccine-type human papillomavirus (9-valent type HPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Urumqi City and to construct a prediction model of individual dynamics of new infections of 9-valent type HPV among MSM.Methods:In this study, a snowball method was adopted to recruit MSM in Urumqi City to establish a dynamic cohort, and participants were followed up every 6 months from 2016 to 2023, and perianal exfoliated cells were collected for HPV genotyping; joint models were established using the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months and the number of anal intercourse in the last one week as longitudinal variables, respectively, and joint models were utilized to analyze the influence factors of 9-valent HPV new infections in MSM individuals were analyzed by the joint model; the predictive efficacy of the model in the follow-up period was evaluated by using the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) values. Based on the prediction model, two study participants were randomly selected for individual dynamic prediction of new-onset HPV infections of 9-valent type types.Results:MSM with at least two follow-up visits 579 individuals were included in the analysis. The results of the two joint models showed that being divorced/widowed [hazard ratio ( HR)=1.544, 95% CI: 1.033-2.233], having a sexual behavior style of being the inserted party ( HR=1.366, 95% CI: 1.053-1.764), and having a history of STDs ( HR=1.659, 95% CI: 1.057-2.558) increased the 9-valent types of new HPV infections risk. The results of the shared parameter of the joint model of the number of same-sex partners in the last six months showed that each 2.72 increase in the number of same-sex partners in the last six months was associated with a 28.2% increase in the risk of new 9-valent HPV infections in MSM individuals ( HR=1.282, 95% CI: 1.065-1.540). The time-dependent AUC results showed that the joint model for the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months (0.808 0) predicted better performance than the joint model for the number of anal intercourse in the last one week (0.750 0). The joint model based on the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months for the prediction of MSM individual dynamics was consistent with the real situation. Conclusion:The joint model based on the number of same-sex sexual partners in the last six months, sexual behavior, history of STDs, and other risk factors has high accuracy in predicting the risk of new MSM 9-valent HPV infections in Urumqi City, which can provide a scientific basis for the prediction of individual dynamics of new MSM 9-valent HPV infections.

BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.

The National Essential Medicines System could protect public health and ensure access to essential medications.Although the current selection methods for China's National Essential Medicines Lists(NEMLs)are becoming more scientific and standardized,there are still problems such as much emphasis on expert experience and the lack of transparency of decision-making basis.To address these issues,it proposes an evidence-based decision-making pathway for NEMLs selection guided by clinical value.This approach ensures a strong integration of evidence and decision-making,offering valuable insights for improving the adjustment procedures and selection criteria of the NEMLs in China.

Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective:To explore the effect of different transplantation schemes on the clinical outcomes and maternal and fetal outcomes of fresh cycle on day 4.Methods:The clinical data of 745 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in Reproductive Medicine Center of Xingtai Infertility Specialist Hospitals from January 2019 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. In all cycles, 1-2 embryos were transferred on day 4 after fertilization. According to different embryo transfer schemes, they were divided into five groups: one partial compaction embryo group (group A, n=17), two partial compaction embryos group (group B, n=236), one full compaction above embryo group (group C, n=241), partial compaction+full compaction above group (group D, n=72), and two full compaction above embryos group (group E, n=179), the effects of different transfer schemes on clinical outcomes and maternal and fetal outcomes were compared. Results:There were no significant differences in two pronuclei (2PN) fertilization rate, 2PN cleavage rate, endometrial thickness, monozygotic twins rate, surgical reduction rate, abortion rate, stillbirth rate, cesarean section rate, male infant/female infant ratio among the five groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in groups D and E [83.33% (60/72), 72.63% (130/179)] was significantly higher than that in group B [59.32% (140/236), P<0.001, P=0.005]. The live birth rate of group E [65.36% (117/179)] was significantly higher than that of group B [50.00% (118/236), P=0.002]. The implantation rate of groups C, D and E [64.73% (156/241),59.72% (86/144), 54.19% (194/358)] was significantly higher than that of group B [39.83% (188/472), all P<0.001]. The multiple birth rate [43.33% (26/60), 49.23% (64/130)] and the premature delivery rate [23.33% (14/60), 26.15% (34/130)] in groups D and E were significantly higher than those in group C [0%, all P<0.001; 7.69% (12/156), P=0.002, P<0.001]. The gestational weeks of delivery in group E [38.0 (36.0,39.0) weeks] was significantly lower than that in group C [39.0 (38.0,39.3) weeks, P<0.001]. Compared with the one embryo transfer group (group A, group C), the birth weight of the two embryos transfer group (group B, group D, group E) was significantly lower ( P<0.001). The low birth weight infants rate in group D [20.90% (14/67)] and group E [28.40% (48/169)] was significantly higher than that in group C [3.85% (5/130), P<0.001]. Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusted, the pregnancy rate in group C was significantly higher than that in group A ( OR=0.353, 95% CI: 0.125-0.997, P=0.049). The live birth rate of group E was significantly higher than that of group C ( OR=1.842, 95% CI: 1.172-2.895, P=0.008), and the premature delivery rate of groups B, D and E was significantly higher than that of group C ( OR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.079-6.005, P=0.033; OR=6.737, 95% CI: 2.566-17.689, P<0.001; OR=5.863, 95% CI: 2.494-13.785, P<0.001). Conclusion:On day 4 of the fresh cycle, the pregnancy rate and the live birth rate of the full compaction or above embryos are significantly higher than those of the partial compaction embryos. In clinical work, it is recommended to select full compaction embryos or above, and then select partially compaction embryos for single embryo transfer to achieve optimal pregnancy outcomes while reducing the multiple pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate, and low birth weight infant rate.