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Yang J, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Zhou C, Liang Q, Liang T. Acupuncture combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists improves endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent implantation failure of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2185-2192. [PMID: 38847932 PMCID: PMC11339202 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), combined with other auxiliary treatments, can improve pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This research investigated the effect of acupuncture combined with GnRHa in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of IVF-ET. METHODS A total of 164 patients who intended to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer after RIF of IVF-ET were selected for experiments and then divided into the control (received conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for endometrial preparation) and study groups (received a combination of acupuncture, GnRHa, and HRT for endometrial preparation) (n = 82). Endometrial thickness (EMT), endometrial morphological classification, submucosal uterine blood flow classification, clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, and early abortion rate for each transfer cycle were compared between the two groups. RESULTS EMT of the study group was higher than that of the control group 1 day before transfer. There were more patients with linear endometrium (A + B type) in the study group on the day of endometrial transformation than in the control group. The number of patients with type I submucosal uterine blood flow in the study group was decreased and the number of patients with type III was increased compared with the control group on the day of endometrial transformation. The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate of the study group were higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with GnRHa improves the endometrial receptivity of patients with RIF of IVF-ET, thereby increasing clinical pregnancy rates and improving pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingya Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Cuijuan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Qin Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre of Guigang City People's Hospital, Guigang, 537100, Guangxi, China.
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Ge H, Chang H, Wang Y, Cong J, Liu Y, Zhang B, Wu X. Establishment and validation of a nomogram model for predicting ovulation in the PCOS women. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37733. [PMID: 38579058 PMCID: PMC10994453 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms underlying ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS remain debatable. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting ovulation among PCOS patients based on a large sample-sized randomized control trial. METHODS Data were obtained from a multi-centered randomized clinical trial, the PCOSAct, which was conducted between 2011 and 2015. Univariate and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression were used to construct a prediction model and nomogram. The accuracy of the model was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves. RESULTS The predictive variables included in the training dataset model were luteinizing hormone (LH), free testosterone, body mass index (BMI), period times per year, and clomiphene treatment. The ROC curve for the model in the training dataset was 0.81 (95% CI [0.77, 0.85]), while in the validation dataset, it was 0.7801 (95% CI [0.72, 0.84]). The model showed good discrimination in both the training and validation datasets. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram designed for ovulation had clinical utility and superior discriminative ability for predicting ovulation. CONCLUSIONS The nomogram composed of LH, free testosterone, BMI, period times per year and the application of clomiphene may predict the ovulation among PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Ge
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hui Chang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jing Cong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
- Heilongjiang provincial hospital, Harbin Heilongjiang, China
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Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:775-788. [PMID: 37436463 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on IVF-ET outcomes. METHODS Digital databases, including Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science and ScienceDirect, were searched from their inception to July 2022. The MeSH terms we used included: acupuncture, in vitro fertilization, assisted reproductive technology and randomized controlled trial. The reference lists of relevant documents were also searched. The biases of included studies were assessed by the Cochrane Handbook 5.3. The major outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The pregnancy outcomes reported in these trials were pooled and expressed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the Review Manager 5.4 meta-analysis software. Heterogeneity of the therapeutic effect was evaluated with a forest plot analysis. Publication bias was assessed by a funnel plot analysis. RESULTS Twenty-five trials (a total of 4757 participants) were included in this review. There were no significant publication biases for most of the comparisons among these studies. The pooled CPR (25 trials) of all the acupuncture groups (43.6%) was significantly higher than that of all the control groups (33.2%, P < 0.00001), and the pooled LBR (11 trials) of all the acupuncture groups (38.0%) was significantly higher than that of all the control groups (28.7%, P < 0.00001). Different acupuncture methods (manual acupuncture, electrical acupuncture and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation), acupuncture time (before or during the time of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and around the time of embryo transfer), and acupuncture courses (at least 4 sessions and less than 4 sessions) have respectively positive effects on IVF outcomes. CONCLUSION Acupuncture can significantly improve CPR and LBR among women undergoing IVF. Placebo acupuncture can be a relatively ideal control measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghao Xu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengdi Zhu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuihong Zheng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Yang L, Yang W, Sun M, Luo L, Li HR, Miao R, Pang L, Chen Y, Zou K. Meta analysis of ovulation induction effect and pregnancy outcome of acupuncture & moxibustion combined with clomiphene in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1261016. [PMID: 38075051 PMCID: PMC10698371 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1261016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Using Mesh Meta Analysis to evaluate the efficacy of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene for treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), in order to provide evidence-based medical evidence for whether to recommend Acupuncture & Moxibustion or Combine western medicine to treat PCOS. Methods Eight databases including The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Date, VIP and CBM were searched by computer. The included research period is from the establishment of the database to May 2023, which concerned with randomized controlled trials involving Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene on ovulation induction and pregnancy outcome in patients with PCOS. The duration of the research paper is from 2016 to 2023.The inclusion criteria refer to the Rotterdam standards issued by the European Center for Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in January 2003, or the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome by the Endocrinology Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Simultaneously exclude related diseases, repetitive literature, as well as literature with incomplete abstract information and no original data provided. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias included in the study, using Stata17.0 software for a mesh meta-analysis. Results Six randomized controlled trials were included, covering 1410 PCOS patients. Three interventions included Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Clomiphene, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene. Mesh Meta Analysis showed that in terms of improving ovulation rate, there was no statistical difference between Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (B), Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) (P>0.05).Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=0.15,95% CI (-0.51,0.80)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.60,95% CI (0.97,2.23)], Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.45,95% CI (0.91,1.99)]. In terms of pregnancy outcome, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.80,95% CI (-1.84,0.23)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=0.29,95% CI (-0.73,1.30)], and Clomiphene (B) versus Clomiphene combined with Acupuncture & Moxibustion (C) [MD=1.09,95% CI (0.39,1.79)], The order of pregnancy rate from high to low is Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C), Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A), Clomiphene (C).In terms of influencing endometrial thickness, the difference between the three intervention methods was statistically significant (P<0.05). Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Clomiphene (B) [MD=-0.84,95% CI (-1.87,0.19)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion (A) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=0.26,95% CI (-1.01,1.53)], Clomiphene (B) versus Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) [MD=1.10,95% CI (0.36,1.84)], Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene (C) has the best effect on improving endometrial thickness. In subgroup analysis, the effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment frequency on ovulation rate and pregnancy rate was not statistically significant. The combination of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Electroacupuncture and warm Acupuncture & Moxibustion has no effect on the pregnancy rate, but the combination of Electroacupuncture and Clomiphene has the best effect on improving the ovulation rate. In the observation of adverse reactions, compared with clomiphene alone, Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene can reduce the occurrence of Luteinized Unruptured Follicle Syndrome (LUFS) and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), and reduce the occurrence of physical adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dermatitis. Conclusion Acupuncture & Moxibustion is effective in improving the ovulation promoting effect and pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients. The ovulation promoting effect of Acupuncture & Moxibustion or combined with Clomiphene is similar to that of Clomiphene alone, but Acupuncture & Moxibustion combined with Clomiphene has more advantages in improving the pregnancy rate of PCOS, and it also can reduce the adverse reactions of Clomiphene alone. Acupuncture & Moxibustion can be used as a recommended treatment for PCOS. More cases should also be included in the subgroup analysis to study the impact of Acupuncture & Moxibustion programs on clinical efficacy and further optimize the Acupuncture & Moxibustion treatment program. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprospero, identifier (CRD42023433057).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Yang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Preventing and Treating Latent Disease, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanqiu Yang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Minghan Sun
- Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu, China
| | - Linjie Luo
- Wenjiang District People's Hospital of Chengdu, Intensive Care Unit, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Ru Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Preventing and Treating Latent Disease, Chengdu, China
| | - Runqing Miao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Preventing and Treating Latent Disease, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Pang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Preventing and Treating Latent Disease, Chengdu, China
| | - Yajie Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center of Preventing and Treating Latent Disease, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Zou
- West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang HR, Zhang C, Ma PH, Sun CY, Sun CY, Liu XY, Pu ZQ, Lin YH, Liu BY, Liu CZ, Yan SY. Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:1021-1032. [PMID: 37815728 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3748-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture's effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's tests. RESULTS A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence. CONCLUSION Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ran Zhang
- College of Preschool Education, Beijing Youth Politics College, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pei-Hong Ma
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Sun
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chong-Yang Sun
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Zhen-Qing Pu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yu-Han Lin
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bao-Yan Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yan Yan
- School of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Zhu C, Xia W, Huang J, Zhang X, Li F, Yu X, Ma J, Zeng Q. Effects of acupuncture on the pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:987276. [PMID: 36159230 PMCID: PMC9501879 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.987276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acupuncture is increasingly used as adjuvant therapy for infertile women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET); however, its effects and safety are highly controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the pooled effects of adjuvant acupuncture on FET pregnancy outcomes. Methods We considered only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture or no adjuvant treatment during FET and the primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Two authors separately selected studies, extracted data, and performed a risk of bias assessment. Pooled data were expressed as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to investigate the sources of heterogeneity, and we also constructed funnel plots to assess the likelihood of publication bias. Finally, Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was applied to evaluate the quality of evidence. Results A total of 14 RCTs with a total of 1,130 participants were included in the study. We found significant effects of acupuncture adjuvant to FET on the outcomes of clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.28, 1.85], I 2 = 34%; 14 trials), biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.21, 1.89]; 5 trials), endometrial thickness (MD = 0.97, 95% CI [0.43, 1.51]; 12 trials), and endometrial pattern (RR = 1.41, 95% CI [1.13, 1.75]; 7 trials). For live birth rate (RR = 1.48, 95% CI [0.90, 2.43], 4 trials), there were no statistical effectiveness. For subgroup analyses, most variables had tolerable heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%) except for trials that were sham-controlled, performed acupuncture only after FET, or <5 times, which appeared to interpret most of the heterogeneity. Additionally, the quality of evidence of all outcomes in this review ranged from low to moderate. Conclusion Acupuncture could be instrumental in the pregnancy outcomes of FET, and has very few risks of severe adverse events; however, the quality of evidence is unsatisfactory. Further research with rigorous methodological quality should be considered, and the protocols of acupuncture also need more investigations (e.g., appropriate control groups, sessions, and times).
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wanting Xia
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinzhu Huang
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangyuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaorun Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiamin Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zeng
- Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Qian Zeng
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