Association between Exposure of Rare Earth Elements and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Beijing

Objective The study aimed to investigate the impact of rare earth elements(REEs)exposure on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)by analyzing samples from spouses.Methods A total of 141 couples were included.Blood and follicular fluid from the wives and semen plasma from the husbands,were analyzed for REEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).Spearman's correlation coefficients and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to assess correlations and compare REE concentrations among three types of samples,respectively.Logistic models were utilized to estimate the individual REE effect on IVF-ET outcomes,while BKMR and WQS models explored the mixture of REE interaction effects on IVF-ET outcomes.Results Higher La concentration in semen(median 0.089 ng/mL,P=0.03)was associated with a lower fertilization rate.However,this effect was not observed after artificial selection intervention through intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)(P=0.27).In semen,the REEs mixture did not exhibit any significant association with clinical pregnancy.Conclusion Our study revealed a potential association between high La exposure in semen and a decline in fertilization rate,but not clinical pregnancy rate.This is the first to report REEs concentrations in follicular fluid with La,Ce,Pr,and Nd found at significantly lower concentrations than in serum,suggesting that these four REEs may not accumulate in the female reproductive system.However,at the current exposure levels,mixed REEs exposure did not exhibit reproductive toxicity.

Mesenteric vein thrombosis following impregnation via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Pregnancy is an acquired hypercoagulable state. Most patients with thrombosis that develops during pregnancy present with deep vein leg thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, whereas the development of mesenteric vein thrombosis(MVT) in pregnant patients is rare. We report a case of MVT in a 34-year-old woman who had achieved pregnancy via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVFET). At 7 wk of gestation, the patient was referred to us due to abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and hematochezia, and she was diagnosed with superior MVT. Following resection of the gangrenous portion of the small intestine, anticoagulation therapy with unfractionated heparin and thrombolysis therapy via a catheter placed in the superior mesenteric artery were performed, and the patient underwent an artificial abortion. Oral estrogen had been administered for hormone replacement as part of the IVF-ET procedure, and additional precipitating factors related to thrombosis were not found. Pregnancy itself, in addition to the administered estrogen, may have caused MVT in this case. We believe that MVT should be included in the differential diagnosis of a pregnant patient who presents with an acute abdomen.

Letter to the editor“regarding case report of chronic cornual ectopic pregnancy presenting as large cornual mass after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer”

We read the Yang et al,published case report in Laparoscopic,Endoscopic and Robotic Surgery.2019.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lers.2019.09.001,with great interest.Yang et al,in the introduction mentioned that the cornual ectopic pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy that is abnormally located in the proximal portion of the fallopian tube,lying within the muscular wall of the uterus.

Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Relationship between lower number of oocytes retrieved and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of the infertile women with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer（IVF-ET） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection（1CSI）. Methods:The clinical data of 216 embryo transfer cycles with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 during the procedure of IVF/ICSI in Reproductive Medicine Center of the 105th Hospital of PLA from Jul.2008 to Dec.2011 were analyze retrospectively.All the patients were divided into group A（< 35 years）,group B（35-39 years） and group C（≥40 years） according to the ages,and 409 IVF/ICSI cycles with patients’ age less than 35 years old and 6-15 retrieved oocytes in the same period were served as controlled group.Then the patients≥35 years were subdivided into gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist（GnRH-a） long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group according to the protocols of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation（COH）.The clinical date and the outcomes were analyzed and compared among all groups. Results:There were significantly differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.19.4%） and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.50.0%） between group A and group C（P<0.05）,and there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.41.6%）and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.10.0%） between group A and control group（P>0.05）.There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates（29.01%vs.26.1%vs.25.9%） and early abortion rates（33.3%vs.33.3%vs.40.0%） among GnRH-a long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group（P>0.05）. Conclusions:Relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI would still be got for the patients <35 years with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5,but whatever COH protocols such as GnRH-a long protocol,GnRH-a short and GnRH antagonist could not improve the outcomes of IVF/ICSI for the patients aged≥35 with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5.

Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer:A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on endometrium and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned to observation group(40 cases)and control group(43 cases)according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software.The patients of the two groups received GnRH agonist long protocol as a routine treatment.In the observation group,acupuncture was given at two acupoint groups for 30 min once every other day.Group 1 included Guanyuan(CV 4),Qihai(CV 6),Zhongji(CV 3),bilateral acupoints Zigong(EX-CA1).Group 2 included Mingmen(GV 4),Yaoyangguan(GV 3),bilateral Shenshu(BL 23)and Ciliao(BL 32).The two groups of acupoints were used alternately.The whole needling process was performed at the time of ovulation induction until the transplantation day and consisted of3 courses,while the control group did not receive acupuncture interventions.The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time,endometrial thickness and type(A,B,and C),serum oestradiol(E2)and progesterone(P)levels on the day of injection of human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG),clinical pregnancy rate,as well as live birth rate were observed.Adverse reactions were also be recorded.All patients were followed up for the pregnant rate 14 days after IVF-ET and live birth rate after pregnancy.All adverse reactions(AEs)of acupuncture were recorded during the trial.Ressults:The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time in the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.01).The proportion of type A endometrium in the observation group were higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The serum E2 and P levels on the day of hCG injection was lower and the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the observation group compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no serious AEs during this trial.Conclusion:Acupuncture can improve the proportion of type A endometrium,regulate the levelse of serum Eand P on the day of hCG injection,and improve the pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS infertility undergoing IVF-ET.

Effects of Zishen Yutai Pills on in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve:A Prospective,Open-Labeled,Randomized and Controlled Study

Objective:To explore the effects of Zishen Yutai Pills(ZYPs)on the quality of oocytes and embryos,as well as pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)receiving in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer(IVF-ET).The possible mechanisms,involving the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 15(BMP15)and growth differentiation factor 9(GDF9),were also investigated.Methods:A total of 120 patients with DOR who underwent their IVF-ET cycle were randomly allocated to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio.The patients in the treatment group(60 cases)received ZYPs from the mid-luteal phase of the former menstrual cycle by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone(Gn RH)antagonist protocol.The patients in the control group(60 cases)received the same protocol but without ZYPs.The primary outcomes were the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos.Secondary outcomes included other oocyte or embryo indices as well as pregnancy outcomes.Adverse events were assessed by comparison of the incidence of ectopic pregnancy,pregnancy complications,pregnancy loss,and preterm birth.Contents of BMP15 and GDF9 in the follicle fluids(FF)were also quantified with enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the control group,the numbers of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos were significantly increased in the ZYPs group(both P<0.05).After treatment with ZYPs,a significant regulation of serum sex hormones was observed,including progesterone and estradiol.Both hormones were up-regulated compared with the control group(P=0.014 and 0.008),respectively.No significant differences were observed with regard to pregnancy outcomes including implantation rates,biochemical pregnancy rates,clinical pregnancy rates,live birth rates,and pregnancy loss rates(all P>0.05).The administration of ZYPs did not increase the incidence of adverse events.The expressions of BMP15 and GDF9 in the ZYPs group were significantly up-regulated compared with the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusions:ZYPs exhibited beneficial effects in DOR patients undergoing IVF-ET,resulting in increments of oocytes and embryos,and up-regulation of BMP15 and GDF9 expressions in the FF.However,the effects of ZYPs on pregnancy outcomes should be assessed in clinical trials with larger sample sizes(Trial reqistration No.Chi CTR2100048441).

Effect of Patient Age and Embryo Parameters on Pregnancy Outcomein In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer(IVF-ET)

Objective To study the effect of patient age, the number and quality of embryos transferred on pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer procedures （IVF-ETs）. Methods A retrospective study was conducted with infertile women who underwent a total of 1 800 cycles of lVF-ET and intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2007. The patients were divided into three groups based on age （year）. 〈30, 30-34 and 235. The rates of clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancies were compared in each group when 1-3 embryos and 0-3 goodquality embryos were transferred respectively. Results 1） In the group of patients aged 〈30 years, there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes with 1-3 embryos transferred. However, pregnancy rates were similar when 2 3 good-quality embryos were transferred, which was significantly higher compared with 0-1 good-quality embryos transferred; the incidence of multiple pregnancies was not an issue when only 1 embryo was transferred. 2） The pregnancy rate of the patients aged 30 34 was not significant not only when only 2-3 embryos were transferred but also when 2-3 good-quality embryos were transferred, which was significant compared with when 1 embryo or 0 1 good-quality embryo was transferred. The subgroup of 3 good-quality embryos transferred, at the same time, was expected to significantly increase multiple pregnancy rate. 3） For the patients aged 235, there were similar pregnancy rates in the subgroup involving 1-3 embryos transferred. Compared with 0-2 good-quality embryos transferred, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the patients with 3 good-quality embryos transferred. An increased trend toward multiple pregnancies was observed among not only the subgroups with 1-3 embryos transferred, but also when 1-3 good-quality embryos were transferred, although it was significantly higher in patients with 3 good-quality embryo transferred. Conclusion In an effort to achieve the ideal pregnancy rate without the risk of multiple pregnancies, it is desirable to employ a single good-quality embryo transfer for patients aged 〈30 years and 2 good-quality embryos for patients aged 330. As older women （aged 335 years）, this is important, need to abstain from poor-quality embryo transferred by increasing the number of embryos transferred in an effort to improve the rate of clinical pregnancy, if the patients have had enough 2 high-quality embryos.

Analysis of Factors Influencing the Cumulative Pregnancy Outcome of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women Aged 35 Years and Older with Normal Ovarian Reserve

Background:To investigate the factors associating with the cumulative clinical pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.Methods:A total of 358 patients undergoing IVF-ET at the Department of Reproductive Medicine,the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2014 and June 2016 were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.Results:The probability of pregnancy in women 35-37 years of age and 38-40 years of age was 75.9%(95%confidence interval[CI]:75.1%-76.7%)and 66.9%(95%CI:65.6%-68.2%),respectively,and it was 37.8%(95%CI:34.7%-41.1%)in women aged 40 years and older.Univariate analysis(hazard ratio[HR]:2.50,95%CI:1.647-3.774)and multivariate analysis(HR:2.17,95%CI:1.427-3.268)showed a correlation between the number of retrieved oocytes and successful pregnancy.Conclusions:The number of retrieved oocytes plays a key role in the pregnancy outcome of women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.We recommend the number of retrieved oocytes be increased for women aged 35 years and older with normal ovarian reserve.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Expression of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a in Granulosa Cells from Women with Shen(Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer

Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen(Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET),and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table,33 cases in each group.Before undergoing IVF,patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture,respectively,for 3 menstrual cycles.Shen de?ciency syndrome scores were assessed.Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization,high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates.Follicular ?uid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval,and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide3-kinases(PI3 K),serine-threonine kinase(Akt) and forkhead box O3(Foxo3 a) m RNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Syndrome scores for pre-versus post-treatments decreased significantly(16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group(P<0.05),but showed no signi?cant change in the control group(17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58).A signi?cant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups(P<0.05).High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15%(195/282) vs.60.27%(176/292) and 66.67%(22/33) vs.42.42%(14/33),respectively,P<0.05].The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups.No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups.Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3 K and Akt m RNA were signi?cantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group,while the expression of Foxo3 a was reduced(all P<0.05).Conclusions: For infertile patients with Shen de?ciency syndrome undergoing IVF,EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate.The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3 K/Akt/Foxo3 a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis,possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate(Registration No.Chi CTR 1800016217).

Influence of Different Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist Administration Methods on Pregnancy Outcomes of Patients Undergoing In-vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) administration methods on pregnancy outcomes of patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Clinical data of 5217 patients who underwent IVF-ET were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into the long-acting GnRH-a group (n=1330) and the short-acting GnRH-a group (w=3887) based on their various treatment plans. The clinical and laboratory embryo data and clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the age, infertility, primary/secondary infertility rate, IVF rate, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle counting (AFC), folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the number of transplanted embryos between the two groups (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the oocyte numbers, M II rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate (P>0.05) between the two groups. The gonadotropin (Gn) using days, Gn dose and endometrial thickness were significantly greater in the long-acting GnRH-a group than those in the short-acting GnRH-a group (P<0.01). Additionally, the estradiol (E2) levels, blastocyst freezing rate, embryo utilization rate, transplant cancellation rate and abortion rate were significantly lower in the long-acting GnRH-a group than those in the shortacting GnRH-a group (P<0.01). The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate were significantly higher in the long-acting GnRH-a group than in the short-acting GnRH-a group (P<O.Ol). It was concluded that use of long-acting GnRH-a can effectively reduce the transplant cancellation rate and improve the clinical pregnancy rate of the fresh cycle.

Hysterectomy in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy after In vitro Fertilization-embryo Transfer： A Case Report and Analysis of Its Risk Factors

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） is an effective method and an elective procedure to treat infertility caused by various factors, for example, endometriosis, tubal obstruction, and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, this technique leads to a higher rate of complications and are therefore always iatrogenic such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, thrombosis, multiple pregnancy, adnexal torsion, pelvic inflammatory disease （PID）, which may threaten fetal or maternal well-being during the whole pregnancy.

Adsorption,in vitro digestion and human gut microbiota regulation characteristics of three Poria cocos polysaccharides

Poria cocos(PC)is a famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and a widely used healthcare ingredient,which has antiobesity,enhancing immunity and improving sleep effects.Traditionally,only water-soluble poria polysaccharide(WSP)is extracted and applied for clinical application,while insoluble polysaccharide(alkali-soluble poria polysaccharide,ASP)is discarded as herb residue.However,the whole PC has also been historically utilized as functional herbal food.Considering the beneficial role of dietary fiber and the traditional use of PC,ASP may also contribute substantially to the therapy function of PC.Compared to WSP,little attention has been paid to ASP and ASP modified product carboxymethyl poria polysaccharide(CMP)which has been used as an antitumor adjuvant drug.In this study,the oil,cholesterol,metal ions and polyphenols adsorption ability,in vitro simulated digestive and the gut microbiota fermentation characteristics of WSP,ASP and CMP were studied to evaluate the functional values of three P.cocos polysaccharides(PCPs).The results showed that all three PCPs had good adsorption capacity on cholesterol,polyphenols and metal ions(Cd^(2+)/Zn^(2+)/Mg^(2+)),among which ASP showed the highest capacity than WSP and CMP.The adsorption capacity of all three PCPs on heavy metal ions(Cd^(2+)/Zn^(2+))was stronger than that of non-heavy metal ions(Mg^(2+));The in vitro digestibility of all three PCPs was very low,but WSP was slightly higher than ASP and CMP;Moreover,the indigestible residue of all three PCPs could improve the richness and diversity of gut microbiota,among which ASP had the greatest influence.In general,ASP and CMP could significantly promote the proliferation of some probiotics and inhibit the growth of some harmful bacteria.The gut microbiota diversity of CMP was reduced,but the richness of probiotics,especially Parabacteroides distasonis was significantly enhanced compared with the ASP group,and the growth of harmful bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae was inhibited after CMP treatment.The short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)analysis results showed that all three PCPs could significantly promote the production of acetic acid,propionic acid and the total acid content compared with blank control group,and SCFAs producing activity was positively correlated with the proliferative capacity of probiotics.Taken together,the good adsorption characteristics and gut microbiota regulatory activity of ASP may lay foundation for its lipid-lowering and immune-improving function.Additionally,the probiotic effect of CMP and ASP indicated that except for only use the water extract of PC in clinic,CMP and ASP also can be used in healthcare to take full advantage of this valuable medicine.

Oxygen tension modulates cell function in an in vitro three-dimensional glioblastoma tumor model

Hypoxia is a typical feature of the tumor microenvironment,one of the most critical factors affecting cell behavior and tumor progression.However,the lack of tumor models able to precisely emulate natural brain tumor tissue has impeded the study of the effects of hypoxia on the progression and growth of tumor cells.This study reports a three-dimensional(3D)brain tumor model obtained by encapsulating U87MG(U87)cells in a hydrogel containing type I collagen.It also documents the effect of various oxygen concentrations(1%,7%,and 21%)in the culture environment on U87 cell morphology,proliferation,viability,cell cycle,apoptosis rate,and migration.Finally,it compares two-dimensional(2D)and 3D cultures.For comparison purposes,cells cultured in flat culture dishes were used as the control(2D model).Cells cultured in the 3D model proliferated more slowly but had a higher apoptosis rate and proportion of cells in the resting phase(G0 phase)/gap I phase(G1 phase)than those cultured in the 2D model.Besides,the two models yielded significantly different cell morphologies.Finally,hypoxia(e.g.,1%O2)affected cell morphology,slowed cell growth,reduced cell viability,and increased the apoptosis rate in the 3D model.These results indicate that the constructed 3D model is effective for investigating the effects of biological and chemical factors on cell morphology and function,and can be more representative of the tumor microenvironment than 2D culture systems.The developed 3D glioblastoma tumor model is equally applicable to other studies in pharmacology and pathology.

Corrosion and in vitro cytocompatibility investigation on the designed Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses for biomedical application

In the present work,seven Mg-Zn-Ag alloys with the nominal composition of Mg_(96-x)Zn_(x)Ag_(4)(x=17,20,23,26,29,32,35 in at.%)were prepared by induction melting and single-roller melt-spinning.The X-ray diffraction(XRD)analyses indicate the metallic glasses with three composition of Mg_(73)Zn_(23)Ag_(4),Mg_(70)Zn_(26)Ag_(4),and Mg_(67)Zn_(29)Ag_(4)were obtained successfully.The differential scanning calorimetry(DSC)measurement was used to obtain the characteristic temperature of Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses for the glass-forming ability analysis.The maximum glass transition temperature(Trg)was found to be 0.525 with a composition close to Mg_(67)Zn_(29)Ag_(4),which results in the best glass-forming ability.Moreover,the immersion test in simulated body fluid(SBF)demonstrate the relative homogeneous corrosion behavior of the Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses.The corrosion rate of Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses in SBF solution decreases with the increase of Zn content.The sample Mg_(67)Zn_(29)Ag_(4)has the lowest corrosion rate of 0.19mm/yr,which could meet the clinical application requirement well.The in vitro cell experiments show that the Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK)cells cultured in sample Mg_(67)Zn_(29)Ag_(4)and its extraction medium have higher activity.However,the Mg-Zn-Ag metallic glasses exhibit obvious inhibitory effect on human rhabdomyosarcoma(RD)tumor cells.The present investigations on the glass-forming ability,corrosion behavior,cytocompatibility and tumor inhibition function of the Mg-Zn-Ag based metallic glass could reveal their biomedical application possibility.

Effect of wall-disruption on nutrient composition and in vitro digestion of camellia and lotus bee pollens

The nutrient digestion,absorption and biological activity of bee pollen may be limited due to the complex pollen wall.Here,the effect of superfine grinding technology on the release of nutrients from bee pollen were investigated,and their antioxidant activities and in vitro digestion were explored in this study.Results showed that the content of nutrients in bee pollen increased after wall disruption.Among them,fat content increased by 22.55%-8.31%,protein content increased by 0.54%-4.91%,starch content increased by 36.31%-48.64%,soluble sugar content increased by 20.57%-29.67%,total phenolic acid content increased by 11.73%-86.98%and total flavonoids content increased by 14.29%-24.79%.At the same time,the antioxidant activity increased by 14.84%-46.00%.Furthermore,the active components such as phenolic compounds in the wall-disruption bee pollen were more readily to be released during the in vitro digestion,and easier to be absorbed because of their higher bioaccessibility.Antioxidant activities during in vitro digestion were also improved in walldisruption bee pollen.These findings provide evidence that bee pollen wall disruption was suggested,thus,it is more conducive to exerting the value of bee pollen in functional foods.

in vitro新型评价体系研究海洋生物活性物质作为口腔护理材料的应用特性

对氨甲环酸、托玛琳、胶原蛋白、壳寡糖和FGFC1的止血、抗炎和抑菌能力进行了评价。构建了一种新的in vitro止血系统评价体系,结合血小板内cAMP和TXA2的变化来评价5种材料的止血能力。同时通过测定5种材料对细胞内IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α含量,以及对典型口腔致病菌的抑制作用评定其抗炎和抑菌效果。氨甲环酸、壳寡糖、胶原蛋白肽、托玛琳的血小板聚集促进率超过15%,壳寡糖和FGFC1具有显著抗炎能力(P<0.05),壳寡糖还具有抑菌效果。因此,胶原蛋白和壳寡糖具有抑制牙龈上皮细胞炎症和一定的牙龈止血作用,壳寡糖在抑制口腔致病菌的新型口腔护理产品的应用上具有良好前景。

Network pharmacology study and in vitro experimental validation of Xiaojianzhong decoction against gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the most serious threats to human health worldwide.Conventional treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are associated with some drawbacks.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine treatment has been increasingly advocated by patients and attracted attention from clinicians,and has become an indispensable part of the comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the mechanism of Xiaojianzhong decoction(XJZ)in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC)by utilizing network pharmacology and experimental validation,so as to provide a theoretical basis for later experimental research.METHODS We analyzed the mechanism and targets of XJZ in the treatment of GC through network pharmacology and bioinformatics.Subsequently,we verified the impact of XJZ treatment on the proliferative ability of GC cells through CCK-8,apoptosis,cell cycle,and clone formation assays.Additionally,we performed Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR to assess the protein and mRNA expression of the core proteins.RESULTS XJZ mainly regulates IL6,PTGS2,CCL2,MMP9,MMP2,HMOX1,and other target genes and pathways in cancer to treat GC.The inhibition of cell viability,the increase of apoptosis,the blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase,and the inhibition of the ability of cell clone formation were observed in AGS and HGC-27 cells after XJZ treatment.In addition,XJZ induced a decrease in the mRNA expression of IL6,PTGS2,MMP9,MMP2,and CCL2,and an increase in the mRNA expression of HOMX1.XJZ significantly inhibited the expression of IL6,PTGS2,MMP9,MMP2,and CCL2 proteins and promoted the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 protein.CONCLUSION XJZ exerts therapeutic effects against GC through multiple components,multiple targets,and multiple pathways.Our findings provide a new idea and scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of XJZ in the treatment of GC.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on In-Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are widely used to improve IR in women with PCOS. However, whether IR in patients without PCOS should be treated remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify whether IR in patients without PCOS affects the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 non-PCOS patients who underwent the first IVF–ET cycle. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index [HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose)/405]. A HOMA index of >2.5 was used to indicate IR. Based on the HOMA index calculation, 28 patients were IR(+) and 88 patients had normal insulin sensitivity. We retrospectively compared the response with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, fertilization rates, pregnancy rate, live birth rates, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence. Results: There were no significant differences in human menopausal gonadotropin administration, peak estradiol, retrieved oocyte number, fertilized embryo number, good quality embryo number, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, delivery rate, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and GDM incidences between the groups. Conclusion: IR in non-PCOS patients has no effect on IVF-ET outcomes or perinatal prognosis.

Simulation and fabrication of in vitro microfluidic microelectrode array chip for patterned culture and electrophysiological detection of neurons

To enable the detection and modulation of modularized neural networks in vitro,this study proposes a microfluidic microelectrode array chip for the cultivation,compartmentalization,and control of neural cells.The chip was designed based on the specific structure of neurons and the requirements for detection and modulation.Finite-element analysis of the chip’s flow field was conducted using the COMSOL Multiphysics software,and the simulation results show that the liquid within the chip can flow smoothly,ensuring stable flow fields that facilitate the uniform growth of neurons within the microfluidic channels.By employing MEMS technology in combination with nanomaterial modification techniques,the microfluidic microelectrode array chip was fabricated successfully.Primary hippocampal neurons were cultured on the chip,forming a well-defined neural network.Spontaneous electrical activity of the detected neurons was recorded,exhibiting a 23.7%increase in amplitude compared to neuronal discharges detected on an open-field microelectrode array.This study provides a platform for the precise detection and modulation of patterned neuronal growth in vitro,potentially serving as a novel tool in neuroscience research.