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

With the development of new biological Pulp-capping materials and in-depth research on the defense and repair mech-anisms of pulp-dentin complex to external stimuli,the concept and treatment strategy of vital pulp therapy(VPT)have changed ac-cordingly.Not only young permanent teeth with immature apical foramen、mature permanent teeth with accidental/traumatic pulp perforation and perforation not exceeding 0.5 mm,but also carious pulp-exposed mature permanent teeth and perforation larger than 0.5 mm may successfully preserve pulp.iRoot BP plus,as a novel nano-biomaterial,is widely used in VPT due to its excel-lent biological properties and reparative dentin formation.This review introduces the application of iRoot BP plus in VPT in carious pulp-exposed mature permanent teeth,in order to provide reference for clinical application and related basic research.

Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

With the development of new biological Pulp-capping materials and in-depth research on the defense and repair mech-anisms of pulp-dentin complex to external stimuli,the concept and treatment strategy of vital pulp therapy(VPT)have changed ac-cordingly.Not only young permanent teeth with immature apical foramen、mature permanent teeth with accidental/traumatic pulp perforation and perforation not exceeding 0.5 mm,but also carious pulp-exposed mature permanent teeth and perforation larger than 0.5 mm may successfully preserve pulp.iRoot BP plus,as a novel nano-biomaterial,is widely used in VPT due to its excel-lent biological properties and reparative dentin formation.This review introduces the application of iRoot BP plus in VPT in carious pulp-exposed mature permanent teeth,in order to provide reference for clinical application and related basic research.

Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

Objective To explore the characteristics of blood vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, D, E, K1, K2 and folic acid and their correlation with severity in patients with metabolic-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods　From September to December 2022, a total of 473 cases of residents were recruited through community MAFLD screening activities and their health information was obtained through questionnaire survey and physical examination. The severity of hepatic steatosis was determined with FibroScan, and vitamin concentrations were determined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Two independent samples' t-tests were used to assess the differences between the two groups, and univariate chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the related factors of MAFLD. Results　Of the 473 inhabitants, 195 (41.23%, 195/473) met the diagnostic criteria for MAFLD, including mild 43 (22.05%, 43/195) cases of fatty liver, 88 (45.13%, 88/195) cases of moderate fatty liver, and 64 (32.82%, 64/195) cases of severe fatty liver. Using healthy residents collected during the same period as controls, the overall mean of vitamins A, E, K1, and K2 in the MAFLD group was higher than that of the healthy group, with a statistical difference (P<0.05). Furthermore, the concentrations of vitamins A, E, K1 and K2 increased with the severity of fatty liver [R=0.149, P=0.004; R=0.245, P<0.001; R=0.110, P=0.032; R=0.129，P=0.012]. There were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in the blood levels of vitamin A and E between patients with moderate or severe fatty liver and the healthy population. The blood vitamins K1 and K2 in severe fatty liver patients were also different from those of healthy people (P<0.05). However, there was no significance between folic acid, vitamin D, B2, B6, B12, and MAFLD (P>0.05). Through univariate chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that male [Wald=5.789, P=0.034，OR=1.598(1.037-2.463)] and vitamin E≥8.13 μg/mL[Wald=14.632，P<0.001，OR=2.378(1.522-3.674)] were risk factors for moderate and severe MAFLD. Conclusions The concentrations of vitamin A, E, and K in the blood are increased in patients with MAFLD compared to the healthy population, and they are positively correlated with the severity of MAFLD. ale gender and high levels of vitamin E may be related to moderate to severe MAFLD.

One Health has been recognized as a cost-effectiveness approach that intricate connections between human health,animal health,and ecosystem health.This holistic perspective is crucial for addressing complex health challenges that arise at the intersection of these domains,such as emerging infectious diseases,antimicrobial resistance,food safety & food security,and environmental degradation.The beneficiaries of the One Health ap-proach have been demonstrated by many case studies worldwide,and summarized by The World Bank that not only support poverty alleviation in developing countries,but also can reduce pandemic risk globally.It is essential for us to understand the means of promoting the initiatives in building the transdisciplinary science of One Health that requires a global vision with integration of various disciplines,stakeholders,and resources.Therefore,we introduce the role of the transdisciplinary science of One Health,and the key steps and strategies necessary to implement One Health approach in the real world.We also propose three research priorities,including empha-sizing climate change and health,enhancing global health security,and promoting equity and inclusivity which is crucial for the success of One Health initiatives.Hence,building a transdisciplinary science of One Health will not only improve holistic health between human,animal,and environmental domains,but also contribute to the global health security and sustainable development.

Objective We systematically analyze the changes in the count and function of platelet at the early sepsis based on clinical study and single cell sequencing.Methods Clinical data of sepsis patients at the early stage were collected and had been compared between different prognostic groups in the prospective case-control study.The independent risk factors of death were analyzed by logistic regression,and the predictive efficacy of clini-cal indicators was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The healthy volunteers and sepsis patients were recruited.Clinical researchers collected peripheral venous blood samples for sorting cell samples to carry out single-cell RNA sequencing(sc-RNA seq).Through bioinformatics techniques,we analyzed the changes in platelet count,the significantly differential-expressed genes and its enriched functional signaling pathways in the early stages of sepsis.Results(1)A total of 224 patients were enrolled,with a 90 day survival rate of 70.5%.Compared with the survival group,the count of platelet and MAP in the death group at the early stage of sepsis were significantly lower,but the plasma lactate content and SOFA score were significantly higher.(2)Based on single cell sequencing technology,cells are annotated as six groups.The proportion of innate immune cells(neutrophils,monocytes,and dendritic cells)was significantly increased in the early stage of sepsis compared to the healthy volun-teers(2.15∶1),while platelets significantly decreased(0.31∶1).(3)Through bioinformatics technology,CD41/CD42a/CD61 was identified as platelet specific molecules,with significantly increased expression levels in sepsis.Three molecules can distinguish platelets together.(4)771 genes were significantly upregulated and 1101 genes were significantly downregulated in platelets of patients with sepsis,including core molecules involved in physiological functions such as cell adhesion,chemotaxis,and immune response.Functional analysis suggests that differentially expressed genes are enriched in coagulation,immune functions and cell death,participating in oxidative phosphory-lation,leukocyte chemotaxis,iron death,and NOD like receptor signaling pathways.Conclusion Reduced platelet count is associated with poor prognosis in the early stage of sepsis.The specific high expression molecules CD41/CD42a/CD61 that are significantly upregulated in platelets can serve as biomarkers for platelets.Platelets not only mediate cell adhesion and coagulation cascade,but also participate in functional changes such as immune cell chemotaxis,inflammatory response,and the pathological death of inflammatory cells.

Objective A neuroblastoma(NB)liver transplantation model was established and compared with the adrenal orthotopic transplantation model to explore its characteristics.Methods 5× 105 SK-N-SH cells were implanted along the long axis of the left lobe of mouse livers with a micro-injection needle.The growth,metastasis,expression of related genes,and histopathological changes of tumors were detected after the modeling.Results The tumor formation rate in mice inoculated with tumor cells reached 100％after 21 days,and tumor growth,metastasis,related gene expression changes,and pathological characteristics were apparent.Conclusions In this study,a neuroblastoma liver transplantation model was successfully constructed via a relatively simple surgical method to provide a more suitable choice for future scientific NB experiments.

Objective To investigate the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis worldwide and in China, and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the schistosomiasis control strategy in Zimbabwe. Methods Based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) data sources, the age-standardized prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate of schistosomiasis were compared in the world, China, and Zimbabwe and the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis from 1990 to 2019 were investigated using Joinpoint regression analysis. In addition, the associations between the burden of schistosomiasis worldwide and in China and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019 and socio-demographic index (SDI) were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Results The age-standardized prevalence, mortality, and DALY rate of schistosomiasis were 1 804.95/10⁵, 0.14/10⁵ and 20.92/10⁵ in the world, 707.09/10⁵, 0.02/10⁵ and 5.06/10⁵ in China, and 2 218.90/10⁵, 2.39/10⁵ and 90.09/10⁵ in Zimbabwe in 2019, respectively. The global prevalence, mortality, and DALY rate of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a decline with age in 2019, while the prevalence and DALY rate of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a sharp rise followed by a fluctuating decline in both China and Zimbabwe, and the mortality of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a rise. The age-standardized prevalence [average annual percent change (AAPC) = −1.31%, −2.22% and −6.12%; t = −20.07, −83.38 and −53.06; all P values < 0.05)] and DALY rate of schistosomiasis (AAPC = −1.91%,−4.17% and −2.08%; t = −31.89, −138.70 and −16.45; all P values < 0.05) appeared a tendency towards a decline in the world, China and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019, and the age-standardized mortality of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in the world and China (AAPC = −3.46% and −8.10%, t = −41.03 and −61.74; both P values < 0.05), and towards a rise followed by a decline in Zimbabwe (AAPC = 1.35%, t = 4.88, P < 0.05). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that the age-standardized prevalence (r = −0.75, P < 0.05), mortality (r = −0.73, P < 0.05), and DALY rate of schistosomiasis (r = −0.77, P < 0.05) correlated negatively with SDI in the world, China and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019. Conclusions The disease burden of schistosomiasis appeared a remarkable decline in China from 1990 to 2019, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis showed a tendency towards a decline in Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019; however, the mortality and DALY rate of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe topped in the world. A schistosomiasis control strategy with adaptations to local epidemiology and control needs of schistosomiasis is needed to facilitate the elimination of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe.