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

Based on CT scan data,a bionic model of lumbar spine injuries with high biofidelity is developed and validated through cadaver experiments.Decoupling the constraint system that affects occupants during collisions due to inertial forces and the subsequent pressure exerted by the seat upon returning to position,a simulated fall experiment is designed.The simulated outcomes are trained and predicted using deep learning algorithms,and the accuracy of the trained neural network prediction model is verified.Key parameters are analyzed for correlation using principal component analysis and cross-reverse methods.The results shows that the predicted lumbar spine injury model obtained from training has high reliability(R2>0.9).Comprehensive analysis reveals that after experiencing axial impact,the L4 vertebral body bears the highest impact load and can be used as a representative measure of lumbar spine injury.Among the environmental variables,the axial force on the L4 lumbar spine is mainly affected by torso mass and fall height,both of which have positive correlations.Torso mass,fall height,and posture angle all have positive effects on internal energy.Conversely,torso mass and fall height have negative correlations with stress.These research findings provide a scientific basis for further elucidating lumbar spine injury mechanisms in intelligent cockpit environments,devising corresponding safety protection measures,and evaluating occupant safety in automobiles.

Objective To investigate the expression pattern of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines,and to analyze its effects on the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.Methods Firstly,GEO database was used to screen differentially expressed genes between renal cell carcinoma tissues,and GEPIA,TIMER2.0 were used to analyze the expression level of IQGAP2 in renal cell carcinoma tissue.Subse-quently,knockdown(siRNA)and overexpression plasmids of IQGAP2 were constructed and transfected into ACHN and 786-O cell lines to perform a series of functional experiments to evaluate the effect of IQGAP2 on the malignant biological behavior of renal carcinoma cells.qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expres-sion of EMT(epithelial-mesenchymal transition)related proteins after knockdown and overexpression of IQGAP2.Results In renal cell carcinoma tissues,the relative expression of IQGAP2 was significantly lower than in adja-cent normal tissues(P<0.001).Transfection of si-IQGAP2 in ACHN and 786-O cells effectively downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of IQGAP2(P<0.01),while transfection with an overexpression plasmid significantly upregulated its mRNA and protein expression(P<0.001).Further studies revealed that overexpression of IQGAP2 significantly inhibited the proliferation(P<0.05)and migration(P<0.01)of ACHN and 786-O cells,whereas knockdown of IQGAP2 enhanced their proliferation(P<0.05,P<0.001)and migration(P<0.01).Through qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses of EMT-related proteins,it was found that reduced expression of IQGAP2 promoted the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)process in renal cancer cells.Conclusions The expression of IQGAP2 is low in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cells,and the decrease of the expression level can promote the EMT process of renal cell carcinoma cells,and then enhance the proliferation and migration of renal cell carcinoma cells.IQGAP2 plays an important tumor suppressor role in renal cell carcinoma.

The symptom science model identifies complex symptoms and measures their phenotypic characteristics.It provides an in-depth analysis of symptom behaviors and biological mechanisms,aiding healthcare professionals in early symptom detection and initiating appropriate diagnostic and treatment measures.The model supports personalized interventions,aiming to achieve precision care and ultimately improve patient health.This study reviews the development and scope of the symptom science model,analyzes its current applications in chronic kidney disease,and explores its implications for symptom management in this condition.The aim is to offer insights and references for the scientific management of chronic kidney disease symptoms.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ² = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ² = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ² = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ² = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanisms by which cytochrome P4502C regulates ferroptosis in hu-man retinal microvascular endothelial cells(hRMECs)under high-glucose conditions.Methods Human retinal microvas-cular endothelial cells(hRMECs)were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups:the NG group(cells cultured in ser-um-free DMEM medium containing 5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose);the NG+fenofibrate group(10 μmol·L-1 fenofibrate added to the NG group);the NG+rifampicin group(10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin added to the NG group);the HG group(cells cul-tured in serum-free DMEM medium containing 25.5 mmol·L-1 glucose);the HG+fenofibrate group(10 μmol·L-1 feno-fibrate added to the HG group);and the HG+rifampicin group(10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin added to the HG group).After 48 hours of culture,subsequent experiments were conducted.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and iron content in hRMECs were measured using commercial assay kits.The relative fluores-cence intensity of Liperfluo was quantified by flow cytometry.The mRNA expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),cytochrome P4502C,and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)in hRMECs were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of GPX4,cytochrome P4502C,and ACSL4 in hRMECs were evaluated using Western blot analysis.Results Optimal concentration analysis showed that the 10 μmnol·L-1 fenofibrate group had the highest cell viability compared to the HG group(P＜0.05),while the 10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin group had the lowest cell viability(P＜0.05).Thus,10 μmol·L-1 was selected as the optimal concentration for both fenofibrate and rif-ampicin for subsequent experiments.Cell viability in the NG,NG+fenofibrate,NG+rifampicin,HG,HG+fenofibrate,and HG+rifampicin groups was(100.00±7.85)％,(102.15±9.07)％,(69.97±4.22)％,(61.74±6.13)％,(83.64±7.58)％,and(56.96±5.34)％,respectively.Compared with the NG group,the HG group had significantly lower cell via-bility(P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had significantly higher cell viability(P＜0.05).Compared with the NG group,the HG group had higher levels of MDA,iron content,and Liperfluo relative fluores-cence intensity(all P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had lower levels of MDA,iron content,and Liperfluo relative fluorescence intensity(all P＜0.05);the HG+rifampicin group had higher levels of these parameters(all P＜0.05).Compared with the NG group,the HG group had higher mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but lower levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but higher lev-els of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05);the HG+rifampicin group had higher mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but lower levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Cytochrome P4502C can promote ferroptosis of hRMECs under high-glucose conditions by regulating the GPX4/ACSL4 signaling axis;in-hibition of cytochrome P4502C expression can exert a protective effect on DR;modulation of the expression levels or bal-ance of the key factors GPX4 and ACSL4 in this pathway may hold promise as a potential strategy to slow the progression of DR.

Objective To explore the molecular mechanisms by which cytochrome P4502C regulates ferroptosis in hu-man retinal microvascular endothelial cells(hRMECs)under high-glucose conditions.Methods Human retinal microvas-cular endothelial cells(hRMECs)were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups:the NG group(cells cultured in ser-um-free DMEM medium containing 5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose);the NG+fenofibrate group(10 μmol·L-1 fenofibrate added to the NG group);the NG+rifampicin group(10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin added to the NG group);the HG group(cells cul-tured in serum-free DMEM medium containing 25.5 mmol·L-1 glucose);the HG+fenofibrate group(10 μmol·L-1 feno-fibrate added to the HG group);and the HG+rifampicin group(10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin added to the HG group).After 48 hours of culture,subsequent experiments were conducted.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay.The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and iron content in hRMECs were measured using commercial assay kits.The relative fluores-cence intensity of Liperfluo was quantified by flow cytometry.The mRNA expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),cytochrome P4502C,and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4)in hRMECs were analyzed using real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of GPX4,cytochrome P4502C,and ACSL4 in hRMECs were evaluated using Western blot analysis.Results Optimal concentration analysis showed that the 10 μmnol·L-1 fenofibrate group had the highest cell viability compared to the HG group(P＜0.05),while the 10 μmol·L-1 rifampicin group had the lowest cell viability(P＜0.05).Thus,10 μmol·L-1 was selected as the optimal concentration for both fenofibrate and rif-ampicin for subsequent experiments.Cell viability in the NG,NG+fenofibrate,NG+rifampicin,HG,HG+fenofibrate,and HG+rifampicin groups was(100.00±7.85)％,(102.15±9.07)％,(69.97±4.22)％,(61.74±6.13)％,(83.64±7.58)％,and(56.96±5.34)％,respectively.Compared with the NG group,the HG group had significantly lower cell via-bility(P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had significantly higher cell viability(P＜0.05).Compared with the NG group,the HG group had higher levels of MDA,iron content,and Liperfluo relative fluores-cence intensity(all P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had lower levels of MDA,iron content,and Liperfluo relative fluorescence intensity(all P＜0.05);the HG+rifampicin group had higher levels of these parameters(all P＜0.05).Compared with the NG group,the HG group had higher mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but lower levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05).Compared with the HG group,the HG+fenofibrate group had lower mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but higher lev-els of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05);the HG+rifampicin group had higher mRNA and protein expression levels of cytochrome P4502C and ACSL4,but lower levels of GPX4 mRNA and protein(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Cytochrome P4502C can promote ferroptosis of hRMECs under high-glucose conditions by regulating the GPX4/ACSL4 signaling axis;in-hibition of cytochrome P4502C expression can exert a protective effect on DR;modulation of the expression levels or bal-ance of the key factors GPX4 and ACSL4 in this pathway may hold promise as a potential strategy to slow the progression of DR.

Based on CT scan data,a bionic model of lumbar spine injuries with high biofidelity is developed and validated through cadaver experiments.Decoupling the constraint system that affects occupants during collisions due to inertial forces and the subsequent pressure exerted by the seat upon returning to position,a simulated fall experiment is designed.The simulated outcomes are trained and predicted using deep learning algorithms,and the accuracy of the trained neural network prediction model is verified.Key parameters are analyzed for correlation using principal component analysis and cross-reverse methods.The results shows that the predicted lumbar spine injury model obtained from training has high reliability(R2>0.9).Comprehensive analysis reveals that after experiencing axial impact,the L4 vertebral body bears the highest impact load and can be used as a representative measure of lumbar spine injury.Among the environmental variables,the axial force on the L4 lumbar spine is mainly affected by torso mass and fall height,both of which have positive correlations.Torso mass,fall height,and posture angle all have positive effects on internal energy.Conversely,torso mass and fall height have negative correlations with stress.These research findings provide a scientific basis for further elucidating lumbar spine injury mechanisms in intelligent cockpit environments,devising corresponding safety protection measures,and evaluating occupant safety in automobiles.

The symptom science model identifies complex symptoms and measures their phenotypic characteristics.It provides an in-depth analysis of symptom behaviors and biological mechanisms,aiding healthcare professionals in early symptom detection and initiating appropriate diagnostic and treatment measures.The model supports personalized interventions,aiming to achieve precision care and ultimately improve patient health.This study reviews the development and scope of the symptom science model,analyzes its current applications in chronic kidney disease,and explores its implications for symptom management in this condition.The aim is to offer insights and references for the scientific management of chronic kidney disease symptoms.

Objective To investigate the types and mechanisms of microglial cell death induced by interaction between palmitic acid(PA)and lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Methods BV-2 microglial cells were divided into three groups for apoptosis research,BSA group,PA treatment group,and staurosporine(STA)group.They were further divided into four groups for necrosis research,BSA group,BSA+inhibitor group,PA group,and PA+inhibitor group.Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression levels of key proteins involved in apoptosis and necrosis pathways.The effect of PA on microglial cells was validated through feeding a high-fat diet to Institute of Cancer Research(ICR)mice.Results Apoptotic microglia were observed in both BSA group and PA group,PA significantly induced the activation of caspase-3,caspase-7,and poly ADP-ribose polymerase(PARP).However,compared to the BSA group,the level of activated Caspase-7 in the STA group did not change significantly.Inhibition of ferroptosis,necroptosis,or autophagy did not protect against PA-induced cell damage,while the Caspase-11 inhibitor,wedelolactone(WE),significantly improved PA induced cell damage.This study also found that PA could promote LPS entry into microglial cells and induce pyroptosis.This phenomenon and the protective effect of WE were further confirmed in a high-fat diet mouse model through immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting.Conclusion PA induces apoptosis and pyroptosis in microglial cells,while simultaneously promoting LPS entry into microglial cells and inducing pyroptosis.