The rapidly evolving environment of assisted reproductive technology(ART)requires consideration of how new innovations are reshaping clinical practice as much as research.In particular,there are three key areas that,w...The rapidly evolving environment of assisted reproductive technology(ART)requires consideration of how new innovations are reshaping clinical practice as much as research.In particular,there are three key areas that,while full of promise,also present significant challenges:the use of artificial intelligence(AI)in embryo selection,the impact of personalized medicine on ART success rates,and the ethical considerations of genetic screening of embryos[1].This letter is meant to provoke further discussion and highlight the need for harmonized global guidelines as these advances continue to reshape the reproductive medicine environment.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the impact of a group embryo culture approach for women of advanced age.Methods:In this prospective study,two embryo culturing strategies—group and individual—were compared in women who were ol...Objective:To evaluate the impact of a group embryo culture approach for women of advanced age.Methods:In this prospective study,two embryo culturing strategies—group and individual—were compared in women who were older(≥35 years)and younger(<35 years).Data was collected from 450 embryos over 291 intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycles performed on 291 patients.A grouped embryo culture group and an individual embryo culture group were generated by selecting the zygotes into two groups based on the type of culture that was used.The main outcomes compared between the groups were the pregnancy and the live birth rates.Results:The pregnancy,and live births rates were significantly higher when group culture was carried out in an advanced-aged women group(41.5%vs.25.0%,P=0.04;14.3%vs.6.6%,P=0.04;respectively).Similarly,the cleavage rate was better in the same group(98.6%vs.91.2%,P=0.001).However,in the group of young women,there were not significant differences in these rates.Conclusions:Group embryo culturing seems to be a promising strategy to improve embryo development and live births for patients over 35 years of age.展开更多
Human cytomegalovirus(HCMV)poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy.As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low-and middle-income countries,HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem...Human cytomegalovirus(HCMV)poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy.As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low-and middle-income countries,HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem cells,leading to fetal malformations and abnormal structural and physiological functions in the fetal brain.This review summarizes the current understanding of how HCMV infection dysregulates the Wnt signaling pathway to induce fetal malformations and discusses current management strategies.展开更多
Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effec...Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits.The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations.Results Excessive lipid deposition and lower melatonin levels in the uterus are detrimental to endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in high backfat thickness sows.In cells treated with melatonin,the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis played a role in reducing lipid accumulation in porcine endometrial epithelium cells and improved endometrial receptivity.Furthermore,we found a reduction of lipids in the uterus after eight weeks of intraperitoneal administration of melatonin to HFD mice.Notably,melatonin treatment caused a significant reduction in the deposition of endometrial collagen,an increase in the number of glands,and repair of the pinopode structure,ultimately improving endometrial receptivity,promoting embryo implantation,and increasing the number of litter size of mice.Conclusions Collectively,the finding reveals the harmful effects of high backfat thickness sows on embryo implantation and highlight the role of melatonin and the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis in improving endometrial receptivity by enhancing metabolism and reducing the levels of uterine lipids in obese animals.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the effect of glutathione(GSH)supplementation in maturation and adaptation media on oocyte development,embryo quality,and oocyte viability after vitrification.Methods:The GSH concentrations were ...Objective:To evaluate the effect of glutathione(GSH)supplementation in maturation and adaptation media on oocyte development,embryo quality,and oocyte viability after vitrification.Methods:The GSH concentrations were classified into four groups(0,0.5,1.0,and 1.5 mM)which were added to the maturation medium.The maturation process was conducted in vitro for 24 h.Following maturation,oocytes were fertilized with Bali bull semen for 5-6 h and then cultured for 48 h.The morphological quality of ocytes matured with GSH addition and the vitrification method used was evaluated.Parameters assessed included maturation rate,fertilization rate,embryo development,post-vitrification oocyte morphology,and quality of post-vitrification oocytes with GSH added to the adaptation medium.Results:The addition of GSH to the maturation medium significantly improved oocyte quality and embryo development(P<0.05).Specifically,adding 1.5 mM GSH increased the percentage of oocytes reaching metaphase栻from 57.6%without GSH oocytes to 79.0%with 1.5 mM GSH,two-pronuclei fertilization from 47.0%to 72.7%,embryo development from 37.1%to 57.2%,morula formation from 14.6%to 33.7%,and blastocyst formation from 8.1%to 23.8%.Additionally,the survival rate of oocytes post-vitrification increased to 75%with GSH supplementation.Conclusions:The addition of 0.5-1.5 mM of GSH to the maturation and adaptation media significantly enhanced the metaphase栻stage,fertilization rates,cleavage rates,and the survival of oocytes after vitrification.Among the concentrations of 1.5 mM was the most effective in increasing oocyte development and maintaining oocytes viability post-vitrification.展开更多
[Objectives]To explore the effect of selenium(Se)on inhibiting embryo abortion and enhancing seedling cultivation quality of Red sandalwood(Pterocarpus santalinus).[Methods]Based on prior cultivation practices and exp...[Objectives]To explore the effect of selenium(Se)on inhibiting embryo abortion and enhancing seedling cultivation quality of Red sandalwood(Pterocarpus santalinus).[Methods]Based on prior cultivation practices and experimental research,three categories comprising 13 forest soil nutrient management schemes were designed to investigate the synergistic effects of Se,NPK compound fertilizers,and enzyme-microbe fermented organic fertilizers(EFOF)on embryo abortion,winged pod development,and seedling quality of Red sandalwood.[Results]Increasing the Se content in the soil,particularly in the form of selenite/Se(IV),within one month following the harvest of Red sandalwood pods and within two months prior to flower withering,significantly reduced embryo abortion percentage(EAP),and consequently improved seed quality and yield per plant.The effect of Se application was markedly greater than that of the single application of nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),potassium(K),boron(B)fertilizers,or organic fertilizers.Furthermore,when Se was applied in combination with NPK compound fertilizers and EFOF,these beneficial effects were significantly enhanced.When Se(IV)was applied individually,the EAP decreased by 62.4%,reaching 24.8% at 8 weeks after flower withering(compared to 65.9%in the unmanaged control,UMC).Following winged pod maturation,the percentage of empty winged pods(PEWP)declined by 65.2% to 16.8%(UMC:48.2%),the average individual winged pod weight(IWPW)increased by 69.1%to 0.690 g per fruit(UMC:0.408 g),and the winged pod yield(WPY)rose by 214.8% to 4.03 kg(UMC:1.28 kg).Additionally,the blasted seed percentage(BSP)was reduced by 51.2% to 29.9%(UMC:61.3%),and the 100-seed weight(HSW)increased by 96.0%to 8.37 g(UMC:4.27 g).Following sowing in the nursery,the seedling emergence rate(SER)increased by 6.57-fold,reaching 59.8%(UMC:7.9%).Additionally,the whole plant biomass of 6-month-old seedlings increased by 52.9%,attaining 1.56 g(UMC:1.02 g).The combined application of EFOF+NPK+Se(IV)significantly reduced the EAP,PEWP,and BSP by 56.5%,46.0%,and 56.3%,respectively,compared to the single application of Se(IV).Furthermore,these percentages decreased by 79.7%,78.9%,and 71.8%,respectively,relative to the single application of NPK compound fertilizers,and by 79.0%,74.5%,and 72.1%,respectively,compared to the single application of EFOF.Additionally,the SER increased by 34.6%,141.0%,and 287.0%,respectively,when compared to the single application of Se(IV),NPK compound fertilizers,and EFOF.[Conclusions]Enhancing the nutrient status of forest soils,particularly the concentration of Se(IV),constitutes a critical technical approach to improving the resistance of Red sandalwood to low-temperature stress during its flowering and fruiting stages,thereby preventing embryo abortion.展开更多
Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explor...Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explores the influence of dietary inulin on embryonic implantation using a sow model.Sows were fed a diet supplemented with 11 g/kg of inulin during early gestation and were slaughtered on gestation day 19(G19).Uterine fluid exosomes(UFEs)and endometrial tissues were collected for high-throughput sequencing and for analysis of the expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins,respectively.Furthermore,UFEs obtained from slaughtered sows were injected into G19 sows to investigate the effects on reproduction and angiogenesis.Results The results showed that inulin significantly increased the number of blood vessels in the endometrium and expression of the angiogenesis-related proteins MMP2 and ANGPT1 in G19 sows(P<0.05).Bioinformatics analysis revealed that inulin significantly downregulated miRNAs associated with angiogenesis inhibition in UFEs,while upregulating miRNAs related to trophoblast physiological activities and regulation of the uterine fluid microenvironment(P<0.05).Furthermore,intravenous injection of G19 sows with UFEs from sows fed a diet containing inulin had significantly promoted vascular formation in the endometrium and embryos,and increased the number of live embryos on gestation day 28(G28)(P<0.05).Additionally,the mRNA expression levels of MMP2,ANGPT1,and VEGF in the placentas of sows were significantly elevated on G28 and at farrowing in the UFEs injection group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dietary supplementation with inulin during early gestation in sows promoted embryo implantation by regulating angiogenesis at the maternal–fetal interface through the modulation of miRNA expression in UFEs.These findings provide a theoretical reference for the application of dietary fiber in sow nutrition.展开更多
Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our...Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our aim was to identify and contrast the miRNAs present in extracellular vesicles(EVs)in the uterine lumen fluid(ULF)at the onset of attachment in cattle pregnancies(gestation d 18)initiated by artificial insemination(AI)or by the trans-fer of an in vitro-produced blastocyst(IVP-ET).A third group had no conceptus after the transfer of an IVP embryo.Results The abundance of 263 annotated miRNAs was quantified in the EVs collected from ULF.There was an increase in the transcript abundance of 20 miRNAs in the ULF EVs from the AI pregnant group,while 4 miRNAs had a lower abundance relative to the group not containing a conceptus.Additionally,4 miRNAs were more abun-dant in ULF EVs in the AI pregnant group relative to IVP-ET group(bta-mir-17,bta-mir-7-3,MIR7-1,MIR18A).Specific miRNAs in the ULF EVs were co-expressed with messenger RNAs expressed in extra-embryonic tissues and endome-trium,including genes that are known to be their targets.Conclusions The results provide biological insights into the participation of miRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation,as well as in endometrium receptivity.The knowledge that in vitro cultured embryos can contribute to the altered abundance of specific miRNAs in the uterine lumen can lead to the development of cor-rective approaches to reduce conceptus losses during the first month of pregnancy in cattle.展开更多
Inferior grains exhibit delayed developmental processes and reduced metabolic activities compared to superior grains,leading to unstable rice yield and quality.While significant advancements have been achieved in eluc...Inferior grains exhibit delayed developmental processes and reduced metabolic activities compared to superior grains,leading to unstable rice yield and quality.While significant advancements have been achieved in elucidating the physiology of endosperm filling in inferior grains,the role of the embryo remains underexplored and warrants comprehensive investigation.Two Wuyujing 3 mutants,DW024(relatively synchronous;syn-DW024)and DW179(significantly asynchronous;asyn-DW179),with different grain-filling patterns were used in this study.Samples of superior and inferior grains were collected at intervals from 5 to 60 d after fertilization and subsequently dissected into subsamples of the embryo and endosperm.Histochemical staining,biochemical analysis,and RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)were combined to systematically compare developmental and physiological traits between superior and inferior grains.Combining hierarchical clustering of mRNA datasets revealed three developmental phases of the endosperm and embryo:morphogenesis,endosperm filling/embryo enlargement,and maturation.In both syn-DW024 and asyn-DW179,the duration of the endosperm/embryo morphogenesis phase was identical in superior and inferior grains.The inferior grains of asyn-DW179 exhibited a 10-day prolongation in the endosperm filling phase and a 20-day extension in the embryo enlargement phase compared to the superior grains.The endosperm of inferior grains exhibited higher contents of sugars and free amino acids,along with slower accumulation of storage compounds,which was associated with the down-regulation of genes for starch synthesis and ABA signaling.In addition,transporters for nutrient exchanges between endosperm and embryo were down-regulated,suggesting a potential role of the embryo in adjusting the endosperm filling process.Collectively,our results reveal that the prolonged phases of endosperm filling and embryo enlargement may underlie the impaired development of inferior grains,offering a new perspective for breeding or cultivating rice with uniform grain quality.展开更多
Embryo size is a critical trait determining not only grain yield but also the nutrition of the maize kernel.Up to the present,only a few genes have been characterized affecting the maize embryo/kernel ratio.Here,we id...Embryo size is a critical trait determining not only grain yield but also the nutrition of the maize kernel.Up to the present,only a few genes have been characterized affecting the maize embryo/kernel ratio.Here,we identify 63 genes significantly associated with maize embryo/kernel weight ratio using a genome-wide association study(GWAS).The peak GWAS signal shows that the natural variation in Zea mays COMPACT PLANT2(CT2),encoding the heterotrimeric G proteinαsubunit,is significantly associated with the Embryo/Kernel Weight Ratio(EKWR).Further analyses show that a missense mutation of CT2 increases its enzyme activity and associates with EKWR.The function of CT2 on affecting embryo/kernel weight ratio is further validated by the characterization of two ct2 mutants,for which EKWR is significantly decreased.Subsequently,the key downstream genes of CT2 are identified by combining the differential expression analysis of the ct2 mutant and quantitative trait transcript analysis in the GWAS population.In addition,the allele frequency spectrum shows that CT2 was under selective pressure during maize domestication.This study provides important genetic insights into the natural variation of maize embryo/kernel weight ratio,which could be applied in future maize breeding programs to improve grain yield and nutritional content.展开更多
In grape breeding programs,the extensive planting of seedlings is a crucial aspect.However,grape seeds display distinct dormancy traits,necessitating a prolonged cold stratification process for dormancy release.In ord...In grape breeding programs,the extensive planting of seedlings is a crucial aspect.However,grape seeds display distinct dormancy traits,necessitating a prolonged cold stratification process for dormancy release.In order to enhance the efficiency of breeding programs,this study presents an innovative in vitro embryo germination technique that eliminates the requirement for cold stratification of seeds.The method involves the disruption of peripheral tissue in grape seed embryos using a straightforward mechanical technique,resulting in the efficient production of a substantial quantity of seed embryos,with a germination rate of up to 88% for these isolated embryos.These embryos are subsequently cultured in vitro to facilitate germination into seedlings,thereby eliminating the need for cold stratification.Consequently,grape seedlings can be obtained within a significantly reduced timeframe of 30-38 d,expediting the overall grape breeding process.This novel approach not only accelerates grape hybridization but also streamlines the selection of new grape varieties,contributing to an efficient and time-sensitive breeding methodology.展开更多
Bacterial infections of avian embryos can lead to an increase in embryo mortality,and the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria aggravates the situation.A low hatching rate also poses a challenge to the po...Bacterial infections of avian embryos can lead to an increase in embryo mortality,and the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria aggravates the situation.A low hatching rate also poses a challenge to the population of artificially bred Crested Ibises(Nipponia nippon).This study aims to determine the potential association between bacterial infection and the death of Crested Ibis embryos,and whether there is convergence between antimicrobial resistance and virulence in strain.In this study,13 Escherichia coli and 12 Proteus mirabilis isolates were recovered from dead Crested Ibis embryos.The pathogenicity examination confirmed the pathogenicity of all isolates,and multiple virulence genes detected by PCR-sequencing demonstrated the presence of irp2 and iuc D(100%),fim C and iss(92.31%)in E.coli,and uca A(58.33%)in P.mirabilis.Antimicrobial susceptibility test demonstrated that isolates were mainly resistant to amoxicillin(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:91.67%),cefazolin(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:91.67%),oxytetracycline(E.coli:92.31%,P.mirabilis:75.00%)and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim(E.coli:53.85%,P.mirabilis:33.33%),and more than 30%of isolates showed multidrug-resistance(MDR).Further analyses detected extended-spectrumβ-lactamase(ESBL)genes,of which blaTEM-1(E.coli:100%,P.mirabilis:100%)had the highest frequency,followed by the blaCTX-M-55(E.coli:92.31%,P.mirabilis:50%),blaCTX-M-14(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:33.33%),blaCTX-M-65(E.coli:15.38%,P.mirabilis:16.67%),and all isolates were negative for blaSHV and blaOXA.Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the presence ofβ-lactam resistance and ESBL genes,while mainly negative correlations were observed between the presence of ESBL genes and virulence genes.Furthermore,the conjugation experiment and PFGE revealed that the isolates were primarily polyclonal,and there was horizontal transfer of resistance or virulence genes by plasmids.Based on the results,E.coli and P.mirabilis were responsible for embryonic mortality of the ibises in this study.The co-presence and co-transfer of ESBL genes and virulence genes can pose a potential threat to the health of the Crested Ibis,and measures such as prudent use of antimicrobials,and constant surveillance of resistance and pathogenicity,must be implemented at the Crested Ibis breeding base.展开更多
Litchi has great economic significance as a global fruit crop.However,the advancement of litchi functional genomics has encountered substantial obstacles due to its recalcitrance to stable transformation.Here,we prese...Litchi has great economic significance as a global fruit crop.However,the advancement of litchi functional genomics has encountered substantial obstacles due to its recalcitrance to stable transformation.Here,we present an efficacious Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system in somatic embryos of‘Heiye'litchi.This system was developed through the optimization of key variables encompassing explant selection,A.tumefaciens strain delineation,bacterium concentration,infection duration,and infection methodology.The subsequent validation of the transformation technique in litchi was realized through the ectopic expression of LcMYB1,resulting in the generation of transgenic calli.However,the differentiation of transgenic calli into somatic embryos encountered substantial challenges.To delineate the intricate molecular underpinnings of LcMYB1's inhibitory role in somatic embryo induction,a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was conducted that encompassed embryogenic calli(C),globular embryos(G),and transgenic calli(TC).A total of 1,166 common differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified between C-vs.-G and C-vs.-TC.Gene Ontology(GO)annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis revealed that these common DEGs were mostly related to plant hormone signal transduction pathways.Furthermore,RT-qPCR corroborated the pronounced down-regulation of numerous genes that are associated with somatic embryo induction within the transgenic calli.The development of this transformation system provides valuable support for functional genomics research in litchi.展开更多
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,e...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 and7921[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.展开更多
Unlike other major crops,little research has been performed on tomato to reduce the generation time for speed breeding.We evaluated several agronomic treatments to reduce the generation time of tomato in the‘M82'...Unlike other major crops,little research has been performed on tomato to reduce the generation time for speed breeding.We evaluated several agronomic treatments to reduce the generation time of tomato in the‘M82'(determinate)and‘Moneymaker'(indeterminate)varieties and evaluated the best combination in conjunction with embryo rescue.Five container sizes with volumes of 0.2 L(XS),0.45 L(S),0.8 L(M),1.3 L(L),and6 L(XL),were evaluated in the first experiment under the autumn cycle.We found that plants grown in XL containers exhibited better development and required less time from sowing to anthesis(DSA)and from anthesis to fruit ripening(DAR).In the second experiment,using XL containers in the autumn-winter cycle,we evaluated the effects of cold priming at the cotyledonary stage,water stress,P supplementation,and K supplementation on generation time.Compared to the control,we found that cold priming significantly reduced the number of leaves,plant height to first the inflorescence,and DSA(2.7 d),whereas K supplementation reduced the DAR(8.8 d).In contrast,water stress and P supplementation did not significantly affect any of the measured traits like DAR,DSA or fruit set.To validate these data,in a third experiment with XL containers in the spring-summer cycle,the combination of cold priming and K supplementation was tested,confirming the significant effect of this combination on the reduction of generation time(2.9 d for DSA and 3.9 d for DAR)compared to the control.Embryo rescue during the cell expansion cycle(average of 22.0 d and 23.3 d after anthesis for‘M82'and‘Moneymaker',respectively)allowed the shortening of the generation time by 8.7 d in‘M82'and 11.6 d in‘Moneymaker'compared to the in planta fruit ripening.The combination of agronomic treatments with embryo rescue can effectively increase the number of generations per year from three to four for speed breeding of tomato.展开更多
The ability of natural conception decreases with age,leading many advanced-age women with fertility desire begin to attempt in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)technique nowadays.Traditional Chinese medi...The ability of natural conception decreases with age,leading many advanced-age women with fertility desire begin to attempt in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)technique nowadays.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)believes that human body undergoes periodic changes corresponding to the natural rhythms.Women exhibit distinct physiological lunar rhythms of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel,as well as pathological rhythms during the menstrual cycle and IVF-ET cycle.Based on the theory of TCM temporal rhythm,this paper discusses the pathogenesis characteristics of infertility in advanced-age women at different stages.It believes that acupuncture intervention should comply with the following ideas:determining main acupoints based on disease differentiation,with a preference for the acupoints on the thoroughfare vessel,the conception vessel,spleen meridian and kidney meridian,as well as the back-shu points of the liver,spleen and kidney;determining the supplementary acupoints based on syndrome differentiation and symptoms;determining the supplementary acupoints based on time differentiation of lunar rhythm of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel,and integrating both reinforcing and reducing techniques.During the process of intervention,the physical and mental states were balanced simultaneously.展开更多
BACKGROUND Despite advances in the use of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(ET)in couples with infertility,recurrent implantation failure(RIF)after ET is still a major problem affecting women,with great psycholog...BACKGROUND Despite advances in the use of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(ET)in couples with infertility,recurrent implantation failure(RIF)after ET is still a major problem affecting women,with great psychological and economic burdens for the patient and his/her family.AIM To investigate the psychological burden(anxiety and depression)and evaluate the clinical benefits of endometrial receptivity testing(ERT)in patients experiencing RIF following frozen-thawed ET.METHODS A retrospective cohort study analyzed 371 patients experiencing RIF after assisted reproductive treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Changde City between January 2021 and June 2024.Demographic and clinical data were systematically collected through standardized questionnaires.Psychological assessment utilized validated instruments:The Self-Rating Depression Scale for depression evaluation and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale for anxiety assessment.Participants were stratified by psychological status(anxiety/non-anxiety and depression/nondepression)to analyze influencing factors for anxiety and depression.The cohort was further categorized into the ERT and non-ERT groups based on ERT implementation to comparatively analyze their clinical outcomes.Additionally,they were divided into clinical and nonclinical pregnancy groups to identify factors affecting clinical pregnancy using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Compared with the non-ERT group,the 226 patients who underwent ERT-guided ET achieved a higher clinical pregnancy rate,thicker endometrium on transfer day,fewer embryos transferred,and a lower miscarriage rate.RESULTS The study identified a substantial psychological burden,with anxiety prevalence at 55.0%(mean Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score,50.89±9.34)and depression at 61.2%(mean Self-Rating Depression Scale score,55.55±9.48).Multivariate analysis identified annual household income>100000 yuan as protective factors against both anxiety and depression,whereas advanced maternal age(>35 years)and multiple implantation failures(≥3)served as risk factors.Additionally,anxiety-specific risk factors included prolonged infertility treatment(>5 years)and the spouse’s status as an only child.As to depression-specific risks,chronic infertility(>3 years)and higher educational attainment(college/bachelor’s degree or higher)were key determinants,whereas urban residence was a protective factor.Age>35 years was a risk factor for clinical pregnancy in patients experiencing RIF,whereas blastocyst-stage ET,a higher number of embryos transferred,and thicker endometrium were protective factors.CONCLUSION Patients experiencing RIF are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depression,and advanced maternal age and multiple implantation failures represent salient risk factors.Clinicians should implement proactive and evidencebased interventions to mitigate these psychological burdens.For patients experiencing RIF,ERT-guided ET demonstrates significant potential to improve assisted reproductive outcomes.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success...BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success rates.Research indicates that acupuncture can improve blood flow,increase endometrial receptivity regulate pressure,and affect neuroendocrine activities in the ovaries and uterus during embryo implantation,therefore improving pregnancy outcomes.AIM To highlight recent developments related to acupuncture's influence on embryo transfer and elucidating the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture influences embryo transfer.METHODS We searched database including PubMed,Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant studies and patents to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization(IVF).The experimental design included an intervention group using needling,and a control group consisting of no needling or sham needling.The main outcome is clinical pregnancy rate(CPR),while secondary includes live birth rate(LBR)and biochemical pregnancy rate(BPR).We examined the influence of adjunctive needling on pregnancy outcomes by analyzing variations in the main outcomes.RESULTS A total of 145 randomized controlled trials involving 27748 participants were analyzed.Data revealed that the overall CPR was significantly elevated in all acupuncture cohorts compared to the control group[relative risk(RR):1.21,95%CI:1.07-1.38,P=0.01].In contrast,the aggregated LBR did not exhibit a corresponding increase,and notable statistical heterogeneity was observed among the studies.Acupuncture-assisted frozen-thawed embryo transfer enhanced the BPR(RR:1.51,95%CI:1.21-1.89,P=0.03)and improved endometrial morphology(RR:1.41,95%CI:1.13-1.75,P=0.01).Furthermore,IVF outcomes were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was administered during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(RR:1.71,95%CI:1.08-2.13,95%CI:1.08-4.21,P=0.03).CONCLUSION We find that acupuncture positively influences pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatment.Nonetheless,there are no established guidelines for optimal acupuncture protocols.Considering the methodological limitations identified in current research,there is a need for larger,methodologically rigorous studies.展开更多
Selecting the embryo with the highest implantation potential is a top priority in in-vitro fertilization(IVF)centers.Few studies have explored the relationship between day 5 blastocyst morphokinetics and implantation ...Selecting the embryo with the highest implantation potential is a top priority in in-vitro fertilization(IVF)centers.Few studies have explored the relationship between day 5 blastocyst morphokinetics and implantation outcomes[1].Despite numerous time-lapse studies,the findings often conflict due to differences in patient demographics,lab conditions,and protocols,such as oxygen concentration[2].Thus,there is ongoing debate regarding which parameters are most predictive of implantation.展开更多
Objective:To determine the relationship between the early embryo viability assessment(EEVA)and blastocyst morphological parameters and pregnancy outcomes.Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 291 in...Objective:To determine the relationship between the early embryo viability assessment(EEVA)and blastocyst morphological parameters and pregnancy outcomes.Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 291 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles including 2522 embryos with indications of prolonging embryo culture to the blastocyst stage in the Genea embryo review incubator,and 511 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles from January 2020 to June 2023.The EEVA system produced an EEVA score from E1(best)to E5(worse)for the potential of blastocyst formation.Blastocyst morphology was evaluated.The association between the EEVA score and each type of blastocyst morphology,implantation rate,clinical pregnancy,and ongoing pregnancy were assessed using generalized estimating equations.Results:The inner cell mass A(ICM A),trophectoderm A(TE A),blastocoele expansion degree of 3,4,5,6,7 rates were higher with lower the EEVA score.The adjusted odd ratio(aOR)(E5 vs E1)was 0.3 for ICM A,0.174 for TE A and 0.210 for BL3,4,5,6,7(all P<0.001),suggesting a significant association between lower EEVA scores and improved embryo quality.The implantation,clinical pregnancy,and ongoing pregnancy rate were also higher with lower the EEVA score.The aOR of E5 vs E1 was 0.245 for implantation,0.185 for clinical pregnancy and 0.200 for ongoing pregnancy rate(P<0.001).Conclusions:There were associations between blastocyst morphology,pregnancy outcome and EEVA scores.The good blastocyst morphology and pregnancy outcomes are higher with lower the EEVA score.展开更多
文摘The rapidly evolving environment of assisted reproductive technology(ART)requires consideration of how new innovations are reshaping clinical practice as much as research.In particular,there are three key areas that,while full of promise,also present significant challenges:the use of artificial intelligence(AI)in embryo selection,the impact of personalized medicine on ART success rates,and the ethical considerations of genetic screening of embryos[1].This letter is meant to provoke further discussion and highlight the need for harmonized global guidelines as these advances continue to reshape the reproductive medicine environment.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the impact of a group embryo culture approach for women of advanced age.Methods:In this prospective study,two embryo culturing strategies—group and individual—were compared in women who were older(≥35 years)and younger(<35 years).Data was collected from 450 embryos over 291 intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycles performed on 291 patients.A grouped embryo culture group and an individual embryo culture group were generated by selecting the zygotes into two groups based on the type of culture that was used.The main outcomes compared between the groups were the pregnancy and the live birth rates.Results:The pregnancy,and live births rates were significantly higher when group culture was carried out in an advanced-aged women group(41.5%vs.25.0%,P=0.04;14.3%vs.6.6%,P=0.04;respectively).Similarly,the cleavage rate was better in the same group(98.6%vs.91.2%,P=0.001).However,in the group of young women,there were not significant differences in these rates.Conclusions:Group embryo culturing seems to be a promising strategy to improve embryo development and live births for patients over 35 years of age.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2019MC059)the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science Project of Shandong Province(M-2023093)the Weifang Municipal Science and Technology Development Program(2025YX037).
文摘Human cytomegalovirus(HCMV)poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy.As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low-and middle-income countries,HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem cells,leading to fetal malformations and abnormal structural and physiological functions in the fetal brain.This review summarizes the current understanding of how HCMV infection dysregulates the Wnt signaling pathway to induce fetal malformations and discusses current management strategies.
基金supported by the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-35-PIG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272847,U22A20516)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFF1000602)the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(No.2022ZDLNY01–04)。
文摘Background Increased backfat thickness of sows in early gestation is negative to reproductive performance.Endometrial receptivity is an important determinant of reproductive success,but it is unclear whether the effect of sow backfat thickness on litter size is associated with endometrial receptivity and whether melatonin treatment may have benefits.The present study seeks to answer these questions through in vitro and in vivo investigations.Results Excessive lipid deposition and lower melatonin levels in the uterus are detrimental to endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation in high backfat thickness sows.In cells treated with melatonin,the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis played a role in reducing lipid accumulation in porcine endometrial epithelium cells and improved endometrial receptivity.Furthermore,we found a reduction of lipids in the uterus after eight weeks of intraperitoneal administration of melatonin to HFD mice.Notably,melatonin treatment caused a significant reduction in the deposition of endometrial collagen,an increase in the number of glands,and repair of the pinopode structure,ultimately improving endometrial receptivity,promoting embryo implantation,and increasing the number of litter size of mice.Conclusions Collectively,the finding reveals the harmful effects of high backfat thickness sows on embryo implantation and highlight the role of melatonin and the MT2/PI3K/LIF axis in improving endometrial receptivity by enhancing metabolism and reducing the levels of uterine lipids in obese animals.
基金This study was financially supported by Universitas Hasanuddin through Penelitian Fundamental Kolaboratif(PFK)(letter of appointment number:00323/UN4.22/PT.0103/2023).
文摘Objective:To evaluate the effect of glutathione(GSH)supplementation in maturation and adaptation media on oocyte development,embryo quality,and oocyte viability after vitrification.Methods:The GSH concentrations were classified into four groups(0,0.5,1.0,and 1.5 mM)which were added to the maturation medium.The maturation process was conducted in vitro for 24 h.Following maturation,oocytes were fertilized with Bali bull semen for 5-6 h and then cultured for 48 h.The morphological quality of ocytes matured with GSH addition and the vitrification method used was evaluated.Parameters assessed included maturation rate,fertilization rate,embryo development,post-vitrification oocyte morphology,and quality of post-vitrification oocytes with GSH added to the adaptation medium.Results:The addition of GSH to the maturation medium significantly improved oocyte quality and embryo development(P<0.05).Specifically,adding 1.5 mM GSH increased the percentage of oocytes reaching metaphase栻from 57.6%without GSH oocytes to 79.0%with 1.5 mM GSH,two-pronuclei fertilization from 47.0%to 72.7%,embryo development from 37.1%to 57.2%,morula formation from 14.6%to 33.7%,and blastocyst formation from 8.1%to 23.8%.Additionally,the survival rate of oocytes post-vitrification increased to 75%with GSH supplementation.Conclusions:The addition of 0.5-1.5 mM of GSH to the maturation and adaptation media significantly enhanced the metaphase栻stage,fertilization rates,cleavage rates,and the survival of oocytes after vitrification.Among the concentrations of 1.5 mM was the most effective in increasing oocyte development and maintaining oocytes viability post-vitrification.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270674)Science and Technology Plan Project of Zhaoqing City(2019N012)National Undergraduate Science and Technology Innovation Training Program of China(202210580007).
文摘[Objectives]To explore the effect of selenium(Se)on inhibiting embryo abortion and enhancing seedling cultivation quality of Red sandalwood(Pterocarpus santalinus).[Methods]Based on prior cultivation practices and experimental research,three categories comprising 13 forest soil nutrient management schemes were designed to investigate the synergistic effects of Se,NPK compound fertilizers,and enzyme-microbe fermented organic fertilizers(EFOF)on embryo abortion,winged pod development,and seedling quality of Red sandalwood.[Results]Increasing the Se content in the soil,particularly in the form of selenite/Se(IV),within one month following the harvest of Red sandalwood pods and within two months prior to flower withering,significantly reduced embryo abortion percentage(EAP),and consequently improved seed quality and yield per plant.The effect of Se application was markedly greater than that of the single application of nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),potassium(K),boron(B)fertilizers,or organic fertilizers.Furthermore,when Se was applied in combination with NPK compound fertilizers and EFOF,these beneficial effects were significantly enhanced.When Se(IV)was applied individually,the EAP decreased by 62.4%,reaching 24.8% at 8 weeks after flower withering(compared to 65.9%in the unmanaged control,UMC).Following winged pod maturation,the percentage of empty winged pods(PEWP)declined by 65.2% to 16.8%(UMC:48.2%),the average individual winged pod weight(IWPW)increased by 69.1%to 0.690 g per fruit(UMC:0.408 g),and the winged pod yield(WPY)rose by 214.8% to 4.03 kg(UMC:1.28 kg).Additionally,the blasted seed percentage(BSP)was reduced by 51.2% to 29.9%(UMC:61.3%),and the 100-seed weight(HSW)increased by 96.0%to 8.37 g(UMC:4.27 g).Following sowing in the nursery,the seedling emergence rate(SER)increased by 6.57-fold,reaching 59.8%(UMC:7.9%).Additionally,the whole plant biomass of 6-month-old seedlings increased by 52.9%,attaining 1.56 g(UMC:1.02 g).The combined application of EFOF+NPK+Se(IV)significantly reduced the EAP,PEWP,and BSP by 56.5%,46.0%,and 56.3%,respectively,compared to the single application of Se(IV).Furthermore,these percentages decreased by 79.7%,78.9%,and 71.8%,respectively,relative to the single application of NPK compound fertilizers,and by 79.0%,74.5%,and 72.1%,respectively,compared to the single application of EFOF.Additionally,the SER increased by 34.6%,141.0%,and 287.0%,respectively,when compared to the single application of Se(IV),NPK compound fertilizers,and EFOF.[Conclusions]Enhancing the nutrient status of forest soils,particularly the concentration of Se(IV),constitutes a critical technical approach to improving the resistance of Red sandalwood to low-temperature stress during its flowering and fruiting stages,thereby preventing embryo abortion.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32102554)Sichuan Province“145”Breeding Tackle Project(2021YFYZ0008)and China Agriculture Research System(CARS-35).
文摘Background Embryo implantation in early gestation is crucial for reproductive success,while dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating sow fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.This study explores the influence of dietary inulin on embryonic implantation using a sow model.Sows were fed a diet supplemented with 11 g/kg of inulin during early gestation and were slaughtered on gestation day 19(G19).Uterine fluid exosomes(UFEs)and endometrial tissues were collected for high-throughput sequencing and for analysis of the expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins,respectively.Furthermore,UFEs obtained from slaughtered sows were injected into G19 sows to investigate the effects on reproduction and angiogenesis.Results The results showed that inulin significantly increased the number of blood vessels in the endometrium and expression of the angiogenesis-related proteins MMP2 and ANGPT1 in G19 sows(P<0.05).Bioinformatics analysis revealed that inulin significantly downregulated miRNAs associated with angiogenesis inhibition in UFEs,while upregulating miRNAs related to trophoblast physiological activities and regulation of the uterine fluid microenvironment(P<0.05).Furthermore,intravenous injection of G19 sows with UFEs from sows fed a diet containing inulin had significantly promoted vascular formation in the endometrium and embryos,and increased the number of live embryos on gestation day 28(G28)(P<0.05).Additionally,the mRNA expression levels of MMP2,ANGPT1,and VEGF in the placentas of sows were significantly elevated on G28 and at farrowing in the UFEs injection group(P<0.05).Conclusion Dietary supplementation with inulin during early gestation in sows promoted embryo implantation by regulating angiogenesis at the maternal–fetal interface through the modulation of miRNA expression in UFEs.These findings provide a theoretical reference for the application of dietary fiber in sow nutrition.
基金Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no.2018-67015-31936 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
文摘Background MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are presented in the uterine lumen of many mammals,and in vitro experiments have determined that several miRNAs are important for the regulation of endometrial and trophoblast functions.Our aim was to identify and contrast the miRNAs present in extracellular vesicles(EVs)in the uterine lumen fluid(ULF)at the onset of attachment in cattle pregnancies(gestation d 18)initiated by artificial insemination(AI)or by the trans-fer of an in vitro-produced blastocyst(IVP-ET).A third group had no conceptus after the transfer of an IVP embryo.Results The abundance of 263 annotated miRNAs was quantified in the EVs collected from ULF.There was an increase in the transcript abundance of 20 miRNAs in the ULF EVs from the AI pregnant group,while 4 miRNAs had a lower abundance relative to the group not containing a conceptus.Additionally,4 miRNAs were more abun-dant in ULF EVs in the AI pregnant group relative to IVP-ET group(bta-mir-17,bta-mir-7-3,MIR7-1,MIR18A).Specific miRNAs in the ULF EVs were co-expressed with messenger RNAs expressed in extra-embryonic tissues and endome-trium,including genes that are known to be their targets.Conclusions The results provide biological insights into the participation of miRNAs in the regulation of trophoblast proliferation and differentiation,as well as in endometrium receptivity.The knowledge that in vitro cultured embryos can contribute to the altered abundance of specific miRNAs in the uterine lumen can lead to the development of cor-rective approaches to reduce conceptus losses during the first month of pregnancy in cattle.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD2300700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32201894)+1 种基金Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(323QN193)Rothamsted Research receives strategic funding from the Biotechnological and Biological Sciences Research Council of the UK.Matthew J.Paul acknowledges funding from the Delivering Sustainable Wheat(BB/X011003/1)Strategic Program.
文摘Inferior grains exhibit delayed developmental processes and reduced metabolic activities compared to superior grains,leading to unstable rice yield and quality.While significant advancements have been achieved in elucidating the physiology of endosperm filling in inferior grains,the role of the embryo remains underexplored and warrants comprehensive investigation.Two Wuyujing 3 mutants,DW024(relatively synchronous;syn-DW024)and DW179(significantly asynchronous;asyn-DW179),with different grain-filling patterns were used in this study.Samples of superior and inferior grains were collected at intervals from 5 to 60 d after fertilization and subsequently dissected into subsamples of the embryo and endosperm.Histochemical staining,biochemical analysis,and RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)were combined to systematically compare developmental and physiological traits between superior and inferior grains.Combining hierarchical clustering of mRNA datasets revealed three developmental phases of the endosperm and embryo:morphogenesis,endosperm filling/embryo enlargement,and maturation.In both syn-DW024 and asyn-DW179,the duration of the endosperm/embryo morphogenesis phase was identical in superior and inferior grains.The inferior grains of asyn-DW179 exhibited a 10-day prolongation in the endosperm filling phase and a 20-day extension in the embryo enlargement phase compared to the superior grains.The endosperm of inferior grains exhibited higher contents of sugars and free amino acids,along with slower accumulation of storage compounds,which was associated with the down-regulation of genes for starch synthesis and ABA signaling.In addition,transporters for nutrient exchanges between endosperm and embryo were down-regulated,suggesting a potential role of the embryo in adjusting the endosperm filling process.Collectively,our results reveal that the prolonged phases of endosperm filling and embryo enlargement may underlie the impaired development of inferior grains,offering a new perspective for breeding or cultivating rice with uniform grain quality.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFF1000400)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32101693)+2 种基金Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi(2021ZDLNY01-06)Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of CAAS(CAAS-ZDRW202004)supported by Hatch project(1019088).
文摘Embryo size is a critical trait determining not only grain yield but also the nutrition of the maize kernel.Up to the present,only a few genes have been characterized affecting the maize embryo/kernel ratio.Here,we identify 63 genes significantly associated with maize embryo/kernel weight ratio using a genome-wide association study(GWAS).The peak GWAS signal shows that the natural variation in Zea mays COMPACT PLANT2(CT2),encoding the heterotrimeric G proteinαsubunit,is significantly associated with the Embryo/Kernel Weight Ratio(EKWR).Further analyses show that a missense mutation of CT2 increases its enzyme activity and associates with EKWR.The function of CT2 on affecting embryo/kernel weight ratio is further validated by the characterization of two ct2 mutants,for which EKWR is significantly decreased.Subsequently,the key downstream genes of CT2 are identified by combining the differential expression analysis of the ct2 mutant and quantitative trait transcript analysis in the GWAS population.In addition,the allele frequency spectrum shows that CT2 was under selective pressure during maize domestication.This study provides important genetic insights into the natural variation of maize embryo/kernel weight ratio,which could be applied in future maize breeding programs to improve grain yield and nutritional content.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences(Grant No.QNJJ202301)the Youth Research Foundation of Institute of Forestry and Pomology+2 种基金Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Science(Grant No.LGJJ202202)the BAAFS Funding for the Development of Distinguished Scientist(Grant No.JKZX202402)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.6242019)。
文摘In grape breeding programs,the extensive planting of seedlings is a crucial aspect.However,grape seeds display distinct dormancy traits,necessitating a prolonged cold stratification process for dormancy release.In order to enhance the efficiency of breeding programs,this study presents an innovative in vitro embryo germination technique that eliminates the requirement for cold stratification of seeds.The method involves the disruption of peripheral tissue in grape seed embryos using a straightforward mechanical technique,resulting in the efficient production of a substantial quantity of seed embryos,with a germination rate of up to 88% for these isolated embryos.These embryos are subsequently cultured in vitro to facilitate germination into seedlings,thereby eliminating the need for cold stratification.Consequently,grape seedlings can be obtained within a significantly reduced timeframe of 30-38 d,expediting the overall grape breeding process.This novel approach not only accelerates grape hybridization but also streamlines the selection of new grape varieties,contributing to an efficient and time-sensitive breeding methodology.
基金supported by Research on Breeding and Healthy Breeding Technology of Xueyu White Chicken(mating line)in Tibet Science and Technology Program(XZ202101ZY0002N)the National Key R&D Program Project(2022YFD1600902-4)Sichuan Province Regional Innovation Cooperation Project(2023YFQ0050)。
文摘Bacterial infections of avian embryos can lead to an increase in embryo mortality,and the proliferation of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria aggravates the situation.A low hatching rate also poses a challenge to the population of artificially bred Crested Ibises(Nipponia nippon).This study aims to determine the potential association between bacterial infection and the death of Crested Ibis embryos,and whether there is convergence between antimicrobial resistance and virulence in strain.In this study,13 Escherichia coli and 12 Proteus mirabilis isolates were recovered from dead Crested Ibis embryos.The pathogenicity examination confirmed the pathogenicity of all isolates,and multiple virulence genes detected by PCR-sequencing demonstrated the presence of irp2 and iuc D(100%),fim C and iss(92.31%)in E.coli,and uca A(58.33%)in P.mirabilis.Antimicrobial susceptibility test demonstrated that isolates were mainly resistant to amoxicillin(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:91.67%),cefazolin(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:91.67%),oxytetracycline(E.coli:92.31%,P.mirabilis:75.00%)and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim(E.coli:53.85%,P.mirabilis:33.33%),and more than 30%of isolates showed multidrug-resistance(MDR).Further analyses detected extended-spectrumβ-lactamase(ESBL)genes,of which blaTEM-1(E.coli:100%,P.mirabilis:100%)had the highest frequency,followed by the blaCTX-M-55(E.coli:92.31%,P.mirabilis:50%),blaCTX-M-14(E.coli:76.92%,P.mirabilis:33.33%),blaCTX-M-65(E.coli:15.38%,P.mirabilis:16.67%),and all isolates were negative for blaSHV and blaOXA.Pearson's correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the presence ofβ-lactam resistance and ESBL genes,while mainly negative correlations were observed between the presence of ESBL genes and virulence genes.Furthermore,the conjugation experiment and PFGE revealed that the isolates were primarily polyclonal,and there was horizontal transfer of resistance or virulence genes by plasmids.Based on the results,E.coli and P.mirabilis were responsible for embryonic mortality of the ibises in this study.The co-presence and co-transfer of ESBL genes and virulence genes can pose a potential threat to the health of the Crested Ibis,and measures such as prudent use of antimicrobials,and constant surveillance of resistance and pathogenicity,must be implemented at the Crested Ibis breeding base.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31872066 and 32272663)the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangzhou,China(2023B01J2002)+2 种基金the Key Research and Development Program of Hainan,China(ZDYF2023XDNY052)the Seed Industry Engineering Project of Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong,China(2022-NPY-00-004 and 2022-NBH00-001)the Litchi Industry Science and Technology Special Mission of Yunnan,China(202204BI090021)。
文摘Litchi has great economic significance as a global fruit crop.However,the advancement of litchi functional genomics has encountered substantial obstacles due to its recalcitrance to stable transformation.Here,we present an efficacious Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system in somatic embryos of‘Heiye'litchi.This system was developed through the optimization of key variables encompassing explant selection,A.tumefaciens strain delineation,bacterium concentration,infection duration,and infection methodology.The subsequent validation of the transformation technique in litchi was realized through the ectopic expression of LcMYB1,resulting in the generation of transgenic calli.However,the differentiation of transgenic calli into somatic embryos encountered substantial challenges.To delineate the intricate molecular underpinnings of LcMYB1's inhibitory role in somatic embryo induction,a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was conducted that encompassed embryogenic calli(C),globular embryos(G),and transgenic calli(TC).A total of 1,166 common differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified between C-vs.-G and C-vs.-TC.Gene Ontology(GO)annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis revealed that these common DEGs were mostly related to plant hormone signal transduction pathways.Furthermore,RT-qPCR corroborated the pronounced down-regulation of numerous genes that are associated with somatic embryo induction within the transgenic calli.The development of this transformation system provides valuable support for functional genomics research in litchi.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81973966)。
文摘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 and7921[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.
基金funded by the European Commission H2020 Research and Innovation Programme through the HARNESSTOM innovation action(Grant No.101000716)Grant CIPROM/2021/020(project SOLECO)funded by Conselleria d’Innovació,Universitats,Ciència i Societat Digital(Generalitat Valenciana,Spain)Pietro Gramazio received a post-doctoral fellowship(Grant No.RYC2021-031999-I)funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by“European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR”。
文摘Unlike other major crops,little research has been performed on tomato to reduce the generation time for speed breeding.We evaluated several agronomic treatments to reduce the generation time of tomato in the‘M82'(determinate)and‘Moneymaker'(indeterminate)varieties and evaluated the best combination in conjunction with embryo rescue.Five container sizes with volumes of 0.2 L(XS),0.45 L(S),0.8 L(M),1.3 L(L),and6 L(XL),were evaluated in the first experiment under the autumn cycle.We found that plants grown in XL containers exhibited better development and required less time from sowing to anthesis(DSA)and from anthesis to fruit ripening(DAR).In the second experiment,using XL containers in the autumn-winter cycle,we evaluated the effects of cold priming at the cotyledonary stage,water stress,P supplementation,and K supplementation on generation time.Compared to the control,we found that cold priming significantly reduced the number of leaves,plant height to first the inflorescence,and DSA(2.7 d),whereas K supplementation reduced the DAR(8.8 d).In contrast,water stress and P supplementation did not significantly affect any of the measured traits like DAR,DSA or fruit set.To validate these data,in a third experiment with XL containers in the spring-summer cycle,the combination of cold priming and K supplementation was tested,confirming the significant effect of this combination on the reduction of generation time(2.9 d for DSA and 3.9 d for DAR)compared to the control.Embryo rescue during the cell expansion cycle(average of 22.0 d and 23.3 d after anthesis for‘M82'and‘Moneymaker',respectively)allowed the shortening of the generation time by 8.7 d in‘M82'and 11.6 d in‘Moneymaker'compared to the in planta fruit ripening.The combination of agronomic treatments with embryo rescue can effectively increase the number of generations per year from three to four for speed breeding of tomato.
基金Supported by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine First Class Discipline Construction:90010961020079。
文摘The ability of natural conception decreases with age,leading many advanced-age women with fertility desire begin to attempt in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)technique nowadays.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)believes that human body undergoes periodic changes corresponding to the natural rhythms.Women exhibit distinct physiological lunar rhythms of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel,as well as pathological rhythms during the menstrual cycle and IVF-ET cycle.Based on the theory of TCM temporal rhythm,this paper discusses the pathogenesis characteristics of infertility in advanced-age women at different stages.It believes that acupuncture intervention should comply with the following ideas:determining main acupoints based on disease differentiation,with a preference for the acupoints on the thoroughfare vessel,the conception vessel,spleen meridian and kidney meridian,as well as the back-shu points of the liver,spleen and kidney;determining the supplementary acupoints based on syndrome differentiation and symptoms;determining the supplementary acupoints based on time differentiation of lunar rhythm of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel,and integrating both reinforcing and reducing techniques.During the process of intervention,the physical and mental states were balanced simultaneously.
文摘BACKGROUND Despite advances in the use of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(ET)in couples with infertility,recurrent implantation failure(RIF)after ET is still a major problem affecting women,with great psychological and economic burdens for the patient and his/her family.AIM To investigate the psychological burden(anxiety and depression)and evaluate the clinical benefits of endometrial receptivity testing(ERT)in patients experiencing RIF following frozen-thawed ET.METHODS A retrospective cohort study analyzed 371 patients experiencing RIF after assisted reproductive treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Changde City between January 2021 and June 2024.Demographic and clinical data were systematically collected through standardized questionnaires.Psychological assessment utilized validated instruments:The Self-Rating Depression Scale for depression evaluation and the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale for anxiety assessment.Participants were stratified by psychological status(anxiety/non-anxiety and depression/nondepression)to analyze influencing factors for anxiety and depression.The cohort was further categorized into the ERT and non-ERT groups based on ERT implementation to comparatively analyze their clinical outcomes.Additionally,they were divided into clinical and nonclinical pregnancy groups to identify factors affecting clinical pregnancy using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Compared with the non-ERT group,the 226 patients who underwent ERT-guided ET achieved a higher clinical pregnancy rate,thicker endometrium on transfer day,fewer embryos transferred,and a lower miscarriage rate.RESULTS The study identified a substantial psychological burden,with anxiety prevalence at 55.0%(mean Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score,50.89±9.34)and depression at 61.2%(mean Self-Rating Depression Scale score,55.55±9.48).Multivariate analysis identified annual household income>100000 yuan as protective factors against both anxiety and depression,whereas advanced maternal age(>35 years)and multiple implantation failures(≥3)served as risk factors.Additionally,anxiety-specific risk factors included prolonged infertility treatment(>5 years)and the spouse’s status as an only child.As to depression-specific risks,chronic infertility(>3 years)and higher educational attainment(college/bachelor’s degree or higher)were key determinants,whereas urban residence was a protective factor.Age>35 years was a risk factor for clinical pregnancy in patients experiencing RIF,whereas blastocyst-stage ET,a higher number of embryos transferred,and thicker endometrium were protective factors.CONCLUSION Patients experiencing RIF are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depression,and advanced maternal age and multiple implantation failures represent salient risk factors.Clinicians should implement proactive and evidencebased interventions to mitigate these psychological burdens.For patients experiencing RIF,ERT-guided ET demonstrates significant potential to improve assisted reproductive outcomes.
基金Supported by Funding from the Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Plan Special Foundation,No.BE2022712The Special Research Project on The Development Plan of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology in Jiangsu Province,No.ZT202120.
文摘BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success rates.Research indicates that acupuncture can improve blood flow,increase endometrial receptivity regulate pressure,and affect neuroendocrine activities in the ovaries and uterus during embryo implantation,therefore improving pregnancy outcomes.AIM To highlight recent developments related to acupuncture's influence on embryo transfer and elucidating the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture influences embryo transfer.METHODS We searched database including PubMed,Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant studies and patents to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization(IVF).The experimental design included an intervention group using needling,and a control group consisting of no needling or sham needling.The main outcome is clinical pregnancy rate(CPR),while secondary includes live birth rate(LBR)and biochemical pregnancy rate(BPR).We examined the influence of adjunctive needling on pregnancy outcomes by analyzing variations in the main outcomes.RESULTS A total of 145 randomized controlled trials involving 27748 participants were analyzed.Data revealed that the overall CPR was significantly elevated in all acupuncture cohorts compared to the control group[relative risk(RR):1.21,95%CI:1.07-1.38,P=0.01].In contrast,the aggregated LBR did not exhibit a corresponding increase,and notable statistical heterogeneity was observed among the studies.Acupuncture-assisted frozen-thawed embryo transfer enhanced the BPR(RR:1.51,95%CI:1.21-1.89,P=0.03)and improved endometrial morphology(RR:1.41,95%CI:1.13-1.75,P=0.01).Furthermore,IVF outcomes were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was administered during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(RR:1.71,95%CI:1.08-2.13,95%CI:1.08-4.21,P=0.03).CONCLUSION We find that acupuncture positively influences pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatment.Nonetheless,there are no established guidelines for optimal acupuncture protocols.Considering the methodological limitations identified in current research,there is a need for larger,methodologically rigorous studies.
文摘Selecting the embryo with the highest implantation potential is a top priority in in-vitro fertilization(IVF)centers.Few studies have explored the relationship between day 5 blastocyst morphokinetics and implantation outcomes[1].Despite numerous time-lapse studies,the findings often conflict due to differences in patient demographics,lab conditions,and protocols,such as oxygen concentration[2].Thus,there is ongoing debate regarding which parameters are most predictive of implantation.
文摘Objective:To determine the relationship between the early embryo viability assessment(EEVA)and blastocyst morphological parameters and pregnancy outcomes.Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 291 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles including 2522 embryos with indications of prolonging embryo culture to the blastocyst stage in the Genea embryo review incubator,and 511 single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles from January 2020 to June 2023.The EEVA system produced an EEVA score from E1(best)to E5(worse)for the potential of blastocyst formation.Blastocyst morphology was evaluated.The association between the EEVA score and each type of blastocyst morphology,implantation rate,clinical pregnancy,and ongoing pregnancy were assessed using generalized estimating equations.Results:The inner cell mass A(ICM A),trophectoderm A(TE A),blastocoele expansion degree of 3,4,5,6,7 rates were higher with lower the EEVA score.The adjusted odd ratio(aOR)(E5 vs E1)was 0.3 for ICM A,0.174 for TE A and 0.210 for BL3,4,5,6,7(all P<0.001),suggesting a significant association between lower EEVA scores and improved embryo quality.The implantation,clinical pregnancy,and ongoing pregnancy rate were also higher with lower the EEVA score.The aOR of E5 vs E1 was 0.245 for implantation,0.185 for clinical pregnancy and 0.200 for ongoing pregnancy rate(P<0.001).Conclusions:There were associations between blastocyst morphology,pregnancy outcome and EEVA scores.The good blastocyst morphology and pregnancy outcomes are higher with lower the EEVA score.
