BACKGROUND

Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.

METHODS

The study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

Three (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.

CONCLUSION

Community knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.

Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population

BACKGROUND

Burn injuries remain a significant global public health problem, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where nearly 90% of cases occur. Despite the importance of timely and appropriate first aid in reducing complications, community responses to burn injuries in many settings continue to rely on traditional or non-evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVES

This qualitative phenomenological study explored community-based knowledge and responses related to the causes and first aid of burn injuries.

METHODS

The study involved ten (10) purposively selected informants residing in South Mangga Dua Urban Village, Central Jakarta, Indonesia. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, direct observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis was used.

RESULTS

Three (3) core domains were identified: (1) community perceptions of burn causes and classifications, (2) indigenous first aid practices used in domestic settings, and (3) sources of knowledge and information pathways related to burn first aid. Participants commonly attributed burns to incidents involving fire, hot liquids, and electrical faults. Their understanding of burn severity was limited to superficial assessments, with little awareness of clinical classifications. First aid responses were largely based on traditional practices such as the application of toothpaste, honey, or aloe vera, while evidencebased practices like using running water were rarely mentioned. Notably, most participants relied on familial teachings and informal community experiences as their primary sources of knowledge, with limited exposure to health professionals or verified media content.

CONCLUSION

Community knowledge is culturally rooted but misaligned with medical standards, potentially leading to unsafe practices. Culturally sensitive health education integrating traditional beliefs and accurate information is essential to improve outcomes in burn injury management.

Wounds And Injuries ; Residence Characteristics ; Public Health ; Mortality ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Income ; Financial Stress ; Burns ; Health Education ; Attitude ; First Aid ; Medicine ; Health Communication ; Urban Population

Human ; Bacteria ; Antimicrobial Stewardship ; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the reproductive function of the mice with poor ovarian response (POR) and explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture on early embryos after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in POR mice. METHODS: Of 70 female C57BL/6 mice, 60 mice with regular estrous cycle were screened and 30 of them were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each one. Mice in the model and acupuncture groups were administered with tripterygium glycosides suspension (50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) via gavage for 2 weeks to prepare POR models; while in the blank group, the mice received an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution via gavage. After successful modeling, mice in the acupuncture group underwent "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique, once daily, for 20 min each time and lasting 2 consecutive weeks. After intervention completion, subsequently, all the three groups underwent ovulation induction, orbital blood collection, and ovary extraction and fresh denuded oocyte collection. Denuded oocytes, after incubated, together with the sperms from 15 male C57BL/6 mice, were transferred into the oviducts of 30 donor pseudopregnant C57BL/6 female mice via IVF-ET; and the embryonic tissue was collected on day 7 of implantation. After successful modeling and intervention completion, the general conditions of mice in each group were observed, and the estrous cycle disorder rate was compared among the groups. After intervention completion, the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight and ovarian index were recorded in each group; the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) in the serum were measured using ELISA; and ovarian morphology and mitochondrial ultrastructure were examined using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. The transcriptome sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early embryos of each group, followed by bioinformatics analysis; and the reversed DEGs with significant difference were verified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: After intervention, compared with the blank group, the mice in the model group presented poor spirits and declined water and food intake, reduced activity, the higher rate of estrous cycle disorder (P< 0.01); the decrease of the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01), reduced AMH and E2 in the serum (P<0.01), elevated FSH and LH in the serum (P<0.01); more atresia follicles in ovarian tissue, disorganized granulosa cells, reduced the numbers of mitochondria, vacuoles appeared and cristae breakage. When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the spirits of mice, food intake and activity were improved, the rate of estrous cycle disorder was reduced (P<0.01); the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), the levels of AMH and E2 in the serum increased (P<0.01), the levels of FSH and LH in the serum decreased (P<0.01); the atresia follicles were reduced, the numbers of follicle increased at all levels, the numbers of mitochondria got higher, vacuoles and cristae breakage were declined. In comparison between the blank group and the model group, and between the model group and the acupuncture group, a total of 258 intersecting DEGs were identified, and 194 DEGs of them exhibited a trend of reversion before and after intervention. The top 5 reversed DEGs with significant difference included dexamethasone-induced Ras-related protein 1 (Rasd1), gene regulated by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (Greb1), leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 (Lgr6), Fraser syndrome 1 (Fras1), and apolipoprotein D (Apod). Compared with the blank group, the mRNA expression of Rasd1, Greb1, Lgr6, Fras1 and Apod in embryonic tissues decreased in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05); and when compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of Rasd1, Greb1, Lgr6, Fras1 and Apod in embryonic tissues increased in the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). These findings were consistent with the DEGs screening results. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the reversed genes of co-expression were primarily participated in the biological processes such as myoblast differentiation, endocardial cushion development, and cardiac morphogenesis. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that the reversed genes of co-expression are enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway, and they were associated with various types of cardiac diseases. CONCLUSION The "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique may ameliorate the decline of ovarian response in mice with POR, promote normal follicle development and ovulation, thereby improve embryo quality and reduce the risk of developmental defects and deformity in the organs such as the embryonic heart. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression pattern of embryonic key genes through the Wnt signaling pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Transcriptome ; Embryo Transfer ; Infertility, Female/physiopathology*

Successful cloning through somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) faces significant challenges due to epigenetic obstacles. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 as potential contributors to these obstacles. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we generated genome-wide maps of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in mouse pre-implantation NT embryos. Our analysis revealed that aberrantly over-represented broad H3K4me3 domain and H3K27me3 signal lead to increased bivalent marks at gene promoters in NT embryos compared with naturally fertilized (NF) embryos at the 2-cell stage, which may link to relatively low levels of H3K36me3 in NT 2-cell embryos. Notably, the overexpression of Setd2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase, successfully restored multiple epigenetic marks, including H3K36me3, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3. In addition, it reinstated the expression levels of ZGA-related genes by reestablishing H3K36me3 at gene body regions, which excluded H3K27me3 from bivalent promoters, ultimately improving cloning efficiency. These findings highlight the excessive bivalent state at gene promoters as a potent barrier and emphasize the removal of these barriers as a promising approach for achieving higher cloning efficiency.
Animals ; Mice ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/biosynthesis* ; Histones/genetics* ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator. RESULTS: The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans ; Female ; Propensity Score ; Embryo Transfer ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Live Birth ; Birth Rate ; Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Advanced maternal age is associated with diminished IVF outcomes, including reduced live birthrates and increased miscarriage risk.

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical profiles and reproductive outcomes of Filipino women of advanced age who underwent autologous IVF at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City from January 1 , 2018 to December 31, 2024.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 667 Filipino women aged 38 years and above who underwent autologous IVF/ICSI-ET from 2018 to 2024. Clinical profiles and reproductive outcomes were compared across age groups and embryo transfer types.

RESULTS

Results showed significant age-related decline identified in reproductive outcomes such as clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, coupled with elevated miscarriage rates in older women. Frozen embryo transfers demonstrated superior outcomes versus fresh transfers. While PGT-A improved embryo selection, it did not fully mitigate age-related declines.

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the persistent negative impact of advanced maternal age on IVF success, highlighting the importance of early fertility intervention, individualized treatment strategies, and context-specific research in resource-constrained settings.

Human ; Fertilization In Vitro ; Advanced Maternal Age ; Embryo Transfer

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most challenging and complex clinical scenario for infertile men. Besides circumstances such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, surgical sperm retrieval is typically necessary, and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is the procedure of choice for men with NOA desiring to father children with their own gametes. Micro-TESE results in the highest numbers of sperm cells retrieved for use with in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in comparison to all other techniques for surgical sperm retrieval in men with NOA. Several factors may affect sperm retrieval rate and ICSI outcomes, including the patient's age, testicular volume, histopathological and genetic profile, and serum hormone levels. This article aims to review the medical literature describing predictors of successful micro-TESE and the outcomes of ICSI in men with NOA.
Humans ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Male ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; Sperm Retrieval ; Treatment Outcome ; Testis/pathology* ; Female ; Microdissection

One major challenge in male factor infertility is nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which is characterized by spermatozoa-deficient semen without physical duct blockage. This review offers a thorough overview of the histopathology of the testes in NOA cases, clarifying its complex etiology and emphasizing the possible value of histopathology inspection for both diagnosis and treatment. Variable histopathological findings have been linked to NOA, such as tubular hyalinization, Sertoli cell-only syndrome, hypospermatogenesis, and germ cell arrest. Understanding the pathophysiology and forecasting the effectiveness of treatment are further enhanced by both morphometric and ultrastructural analyses. The potential significance of testicular biopsy in forecasting reproductive outcomes is assessed, especially concerning assisted reproductive technologies like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Besides, testicular microlithiasis, serum hormone profiles, and testicular size are investigated concerning NOA histopathology. It is concluded that understanding the histopathological patterns in NOA is crucial for its accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Further research is still warranted to improve understanding of the complex pathophysiology underlying NOA.
Humans ; Azoospermia/etiology* ; Male ; Testis/pathology* ; Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome/pathology* ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered the most challenging clinical scenario for infertile men and current treatments leave many men unsuccessful at being able to achieve a pregnancy with their partner using their own sperm. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is the choice for men with NOA desiring to father children with their own gametes. Micro-TESE results in the highest numbers of sperm cells retrieved for use with in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. With suboptimal micro-TESE success rates of sperm retrieval and then pregnancy and live birth using the retrieved sperm with in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, advances to improve outcomes are necessary. This article comprehensively reviews the technologies investigated to date to improve the outcomes for men undergoing micro-TESE.
Humans ; Male ; Sperm Retrieval ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; Microdissection/methods* ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Testis/surgery*