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

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.

AIM To explore the ameliorative effects of Zigui Yichong Formula on mitochondrial energy metabolism in in vitro model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).METHODS A POI model in vitro was established in human ovarian granulosa cell KGN with acrolein ( ACR ) for the further intervention of serum containing Zigui Yichong Formula.The control group,the ACR group,the Zigui Yichong Formula group,the EX527 ( SIRT1 inhibitor) group and the EX527+Zigui Yichong Formula group were set up.The cells had their apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry;their ROS level detected by DCFH-DA method;their mitochondria number detected by Mito-Trakine fluorescence labeling method;their oxidative phosphorylation level of mitochondria detected by Seahorse method;their ATP level detected by colorimetry;their copy number of mtDNA and mRNA expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM detected by RT-qPCR;and their protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Ac-PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the ACR group displayed increased apoptosis rate and ROS level of KGN cells ( P<0.05,P<0.01 );decreased number of mitochondria and mtDNA copy number ( P<0.01 );decreased basic value of mitochondrial aerobic respiration,maximum respiration,reserve value and ATP level (P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM ( P<0.05,P<0.01 );and increased protein expression of Ac-PGC-1α( P<0.01 ).Compared with the ACR group,the Zigui Yichong Formula group demonstrated improvement in terms of the aforementioned indices levels ( P<0.05,P<0.01).The combination use of Zigui Yichong Formula and EX527 reversed the effects of single use of Zigui Yichong Formula on KGN cells ( P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Zigui Yichong Formula may improve the mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder induced by ACR in KGN cells by increasing mitochondrial biosynthesis via SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

AIM To explore the ameliorative effects of Zigui Yichong Formula on mitochondrial energy metabolism in in vitro model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).METHODS A POI model in vitro was established in human ovarian granulosa cell KGN with acrolein ( ACR ) for the further intervention of serum containing Zigui Yichong Formula.The control group,the ACR group,the Zigui Yichong Formula group,the EX527 ( SIRT1 inhibitor) group and the EX527+Zigui Yichong Formula group were set up.The cells had their apoptosis rate detected by flow cytometry;their ROS level detected by DCFH-DA method;their mitochondria number detected by Mito-Trakine fluorescence labeling method;their oxidative phosphorylation level of mitochondria detected by Seahorse method;their ATP level detected by colorimetry;their copy number of mtDNA and mRNA expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM detected by RT-qPCR;and their protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Ac-PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the ACR group displayed increased apoptosis rate and ROS level of KGN cells ( P<0.05,P<0.01 );decreased number of mitochondria and mtDNA copy number ( P<0.01 );decreased basic value of mitochondrial aerobic respiration,maximum respiration,reserve value and ATP level (P<0.05,P<0.01),decreased mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT1,PGC-1α,Nrf1 and TFAM ( P<0.05,P<0.01 );and increased protein expression of Ac-PGC-1α( P<0.01 ).Compared with the ACR group,the Zigui Yichong Formula group demonstrated improvement in terms of the aforementioned indices levels ( P<0.05,P<0.01).The combination use of Zigui Yichong Formula and EX527 reversed the effects of single use of Zigui Yichong Formula on KGN cells ( P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Zigui Yichong Formula may improve the mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder induced by ACR in KGN cells by increasing mitochondrial biosynthesis via SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the effect of dietary intake of o)-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids ( u>-3 PUFAs) on the immune function of chronic graft versus host disease (cGVH) lupus model mice.Methods A single intraperitoneal injection of bml2 mice lymphocytes was used to establish a cGVH mouse model.On the day of modeling, 90% cd-3 PUFAs and 97% EPA were given by gavage for 14 days.The immune indexes of mice were evaluated by flow cytometry, and the serum total J J J ∗ IgG levels were measured by ELISA.Results Compared with control group, cGVH group significantly down-regulated Treg subsets, and up-regulated the Tfh , GC B and plasma subsets in the lupus mice.Comparer] with model control group, u>-3 PUFAs could significantly elevate Treg subsets, and decrease TFH, (X] B, and plasma subsets; serum total IgG levels in the 97% EPA group were significantly reduced.Conclusion In the cGVH lupus mouse model, co-3 PUFAs can suppress some immune functions by increasing Treg cells, reducing TFH, GC B, plasma cells and inhibiting the secretion of IgG.Such immunomodulatory effect provides new sights into the development of a potentially novel treatment modality for cGVH.

Through collecting the relevant provisions and medical cases of
Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Meridians ; Moxibustion ; Myasthenia Gravis/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical outcomes of engraftment, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and survival in the patients with AML1-ETO positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). METHODS: Forty-Five patients with high-risk refractory AML1-ETO positive AML were treated with a single UCBT in a single center from July 2010 to April 2018. All the patients underwent a myeloablative preconditioning regimen，and cyclosporine A (CSA) combined with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was used to prevent GVHD. RESULTS: The median value of total nucleated cells (TNC) in cord blood was 5.21 (1.96-12.68)×10/kg recipient body weight, and that of CD34+ cells was 5.61 (0.56-15.4)×10/kg recipient weight. The implantation rate of neutrophil at 42 d and that of platelet at 120 d were 95.6% and 86.7%, respectively. The median time of absolute neutrophil count (ANC)＞0.5×10/L and platelet 20×10/L were 16 (12-18) d and 37 (17-140) d after transplantation, respectively. The cumulative incidence of Ⅰ -Ⅳ grade acute GVHD (aGVHD) at 100 d after transplantation was 48.9% (95% CI 33.5%-62.6%), Ⅱ-Ⅳ grade aGVHD occurred in 12 cases (33.3%) (95% CI 20%-47.2%) , and Ⅲ-Ⅳ grade a GVHD in 8 cases (20%) (95% CI 9.8% -32.8%). In 5 cases of 40 patients survived over 100 days, the chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred after transplantation, among which 4 were localized, and 1 was extensive. 3 patients relapsed, and the 2-year cumulative relapse rate was 9.5% (95% CI 2.4%-22.8%). The median follow-up time was 23.5 (0.9-89.67) months, 10 patients died, 2-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) was 72.7%, and overall survival rate (OS) was 75.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that Ⅲ-Ⅳ. acute GVHD (aGVHD) affected overall survival. CONCLUSION UCBT is an effective rescue treatment for patients with high-risk refractory AML1-ETO positive AML.
Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Mycophenolic Acid ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein ; Transplantation Conditioning

Objective To investigate the epidemic factors of schistosomiasis in wetlands in Sichuan Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in wetlands. Methods The artificial and natural wetlands were selected from Sichuan Province, and the relevant data regarding wetlands were collected. Routine snail survey, investigation on human morbidity due to schistosomiasis, snail diffusion experiments, questionnaire survey, determination of water infectivity and retrospective survey were conducted. Results In Sichuan Province, the mean densities of living snails were 0.003 snails/0.1 m² and 2.033 snails/0.1 m² in the upper and lower reaches of the Meiwan Reservoir wetlands, 0.08 snails/0.1 m² in the Jinyan Lake of Guanghan City, 0.21 snails/0.1 m² in Muhe River of Guanghan City, and 0.02 snails/0.1 m² prior to the construction of Qiong-hai wetland park in Xichang City in 2015. Artificial simulation experiments showed that the largest distance of snail diffusion in water was 2 000 m. There were 8.80% (41/466) of subjects that lived neighboring wetlands, worked in wetlands and visited wet-lands having infested water contact behaviors. A total of 690 sentinel mice were assigned, and no Schistosoma japonicum infection was detected in the 677 mice dissected. Retrospective survey showed that the construction of the Meiwan Reservoir caused the spread of schistosomiasis in Dailing County, and snails were found in the ditches entering the Jinyan Lake and in Jinyan Lake areas 5 years following the construction of the Jinyan Lake in Guanghan City, with S. japonicum -infected snails detected in the ditches entering the Jinyan Lake. Conclusions O. hupensis snails are found in some wetlands in Sichuan Province. Protection of wetlands and snail control with environmental improvements are recommended for the prevention of snail importation in natural wetlands, while in artificial wetlands, thorough snail control is recommended during the construction of the wetlands because of the likelihood of snail importation via water systems. In addition, both natural and artificial wetlands require long-term systematic surveillance of schistosomiasis.

Aim To investigate pro-angiogenic effect of SEHM formula on HUVEC cells in vitro and Zebrafish in vivo and the related action mechanism .Methods VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor II ( VRI)-induced ze-brafish intersegmental vessels ( ISVs ) damaged model was established to observe the protective effect of SE-HM formula on ISVs under fluorescence microscope . The pro-angiogenic effect on subintestinal vessels ( SIVs ) of water decoction of SEHM formula in ze-brafish was observed and the mRNA level of VEGFRs , including flt-1, kdr, kdrl, was measured by real-time PCR.The experimental models of the HUVEC cells were set up and the toxicity and promoting proliferation effect of water decoction of SEHM formula in HUVEC cells were assessed by cell viability assay (MTT), and then the levels of Akt, p38, p-p38, p44/42, p-p44/42, VEGFR-1 were detected by Western blot at 6, 12 and 24 h.Results SEHM formula treatment groups could significantly protect VRI-induced zebrafish ISVs loss(P<0.01) and presented pro-angiogenic effect on zebrafish SIVs obviously(P<0.01).The mRNA level of VEGFRs, including flt-1, kdr, kdrl.was up-regula-ted by SEHM formula treatment group significantly (P<0.05) compared with VRI group.Compared with control group , and SEHM formula treatment group could apparently promote proliferation in HUVEC cells and up-regulate the level of Akt, p38, p-p38, p44/42, p-p44/42, VEGFR-1.Conclusions Water de-coction of SEHM formula could present pro-angiogenic effect on SIVs in zebrafish and promote proliferation of HUVEC cells significantly , and its action mechanism may be related to up-regulating the expression of VEG-FR.

Objective To analyse 73 medical malpractice cases of pediatrics for discussing the importance of forensic pathology in solving the issues such as medical malpractice of pediatrics. Methods From January 2002 to August 2016, 73 medical malpractice cases of pediatrics with age of death between 28 days old and 10 years old were collected from Institute of Judical Expertise of Nanjing Medical University. The relationship between causes of death and related medical institutions was retrospectively analysed. Results In 73 cases, the male to female ratio was 1.70:1, and ages of 28 days old to 1 year old were com-mon (26 cases, 35.62％), followed by ages between 1 year old and 3 years old (21 cases, 28.77％). In 71 cases which had been determined the cause of death by postmortem examination, the main cause of death was disease, especially respiratory diseases (33 cases, 46.48％), followed by cardiovascular diseases (12 cases, 16.90％). In 75 medical institutes which involved with these medical malpractices, most were tertiary medical institutes (32, 42.67％), followed by the sub-secondary (excluding the secondary) medi-cal institutions (23, 30.67％). The clinical diagnosis of 38 cases (52.05％) completely or mostly corre-sponded with the pathological findings. There were 35 cases (47.95％) undefined or misdiagnosed cases. Conclusion Autopsy and forensic pathological examination contribute to determine causes of death, which not only provide scientific evidence for medical malpractice of pediatrics, but also enrich and develop clinical medical knowledge, and thus improve diagnosis and treatment level in a certain extent.