1.Epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering analysis of varicella in Changzhou
Yao ZHANG ; Changlei HAN ; Jie TAN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):73-77
Objective To analyze the epidemiological and spatial clustering characteristics of varicella in Changzhou from 2018 to 2024, and to provide a theoretical support for the formulation of prevention and control measures. Methods The reported case information of varicella in Changzhou from 2018 to 2024 was collected through the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the three-dimensional distribution characteristics were analyzed. The incidence trend was analyzed by Joinpoint regression, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed by Arc GIS 10.5 software. The spatiotemporal scanning analysis was carried out with SaTScan 10.1.2 software. Results From 2018 to 2024, a total of 42,132 cases of varicella were reported in Changzhou, with an average annual incidence of 116.25/100,000. The reported incidence showed a downward trend, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -21.96% (95%C1: -32.63%~-9.33%, P<0.01). The incidence showed a “bimodal distribution”, and the age group was mainly under 15 years old (29,086 cases, accounting for 69.04%). The difference in incidence between men and women was statistically significant (χ2= 92.83, P<0.001), and the incidence gradually decreased with age ( χ2trend=112771.44, P<0.001). Global autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial aggregation in the six years (P<0.05), and local autocorrelation analysis showed that most of the towns (streets) in the three central urban areas of Tianning District, Zhonglou District, and Xinbei District, as well as some towns (streets) in Liyang City, Wujin District, and Economic Development Zone were high-high aggregation areas. Spatiotemporal scanning analysis showed that the first type of aggregation area was most of the towns (streets) in Tianning District, Zhonglou District and Xinbei District (23, accounting for 92%), and some towns (streets) in Wujin District and Economic Development Zone (RR=3.76, P<0.001), and the second type of aggregation area was most of the towns (streets) in Liyang City (7, accounting for 70%) (RR=3.66, P<0.001). Conclusion The reported incidence of varicella in Changzhou City shows a downward trend, with multiple spatial and temporal clusters. The prevention and control of varicella in high-risk clustering areas, peak hours and high-risk populations should be strengthened, and intervention measures should be taken as soon as possible.
2.A Review of Methods for Establishing and Evaluating Animal Models of Stroke
Yunrong YANG ; Wenyu WU ; Yue TAN ; Guofeng YAN ; Yao LI ; Jin LU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):94-106
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Research into its mechanisms and the development of therapeutic strategies heavily rely on animal models that accurately replicate the pathological features of human disease. An ideal animal model for stroke should not only reproduce the neurological deficits and pathological changes observed in clinical patients but also demonstrate good reproducibility and translational value. This review focuses on the preparation and evaluation methods of ischemic stroke animal models. Firstly, it elaborates on the selection criteria, advantages, and disadvantages of experimental animals, including rodents (rats, mice) and non-rodents (non-human primates, miniature pigs, rabbits, zebrafish). Secondly, it provides a detailed overview of the modeling principles, key procedures, and application scopes for ischemic stroke models and hemorrhagic stroke models. Furthermore, the review summarizes advances in the applications of emerging technologies—including gene editing [e.g., clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing], multimodal imaging (e.g., two-photon microscopy, photoacoustic imaging), artificial intelligence, optogenetics, 3D bioprinting, organoid models, and multi-omics–in model optimization, precise assessment, and mechanistic investigation. Finally, based on a systematic analysis of relevant domestic and international literature from 2019 to 2024, this review discusses model selection strategies based on research objectives, a multidimensional evaluation system encompassing behavioral, imaging, and molecular pathological assessments, and envisions future directions involving technological integration to achieve model precision and individualization. This article aims to provide a comprehensive methodological reference to help researchers select appropriate animal models of stroke according to specific scientific questions.
3.The impact of donor reentry experience on blood donation return intention
Shangwu LI ; Yao GUAN ; Yuan YUAN ; Jing CHEN ; Minghua TAN ; Jia LUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):636-642
Objective: To explore the impact of donor reentry experience, specifically among those with a single reactive serological result who completed the reentry process, on their willingness to return for future blood donation, and to examine the mediating roles of blood donation knowledge and trait anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2025. A total of 386 blood donors from the Changsha Blood Center were categorized into a reentry group (n=123) and a control group (n=263). Data on demographic characteristics, blood donation knowledge (BDKQ), trait anxiety (STAI-T), and blood donation return intention (BDRIS) were collected via questionnaires. SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 28.0 were used for statistical analyses, including independent-samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and path analysis for mediating effect testing. Results: There were statistically significant differences in age, occupation, education level, monthly income and donation frequency between the reentry group and the control group (all P<0.05). The reentry group scored significantly higher in blood donation knowledge and blood donation return intention than the control group (both P<0.05). The mean BDRIS score was 11.51±3.62, indicating a relatively high intention to return. Blood donation knowledge was significantly negatively correlated with trait anxiety (r=-0.15, P<0.05) and positively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=0.19, P<0.05); trait anxiety was significantly negatively correlated with blood donation return intention (r=-0.33, P<0.05). Significant differences in BDRIS scores were found based on group (reentry vs control), age, and number of previous donations (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that BDKQ positively predicted BDRIS (β=0.11, P<0.05), while STAI-T negatively predicted BDRIS (β=-0.27, P<0.05). Path analysis further revealed that the reentry experience had no direct effect on the intention to return. However, it exerted a positive influence through two indirect pathways: 1) a simple mediating effect via increased blood donation knowledge (β=0.17, accounting for 25.0% of the total effect), and 2) a chain mediating effect through "increased blood donation knowledge → decreased trait anxiety" (β=0.05, accounting for 8.1% of the total effect). The model fit indices reached the ideal fitting criteria. Conclusion: The donor reentry experience does not directly enhance the intention to return for blood donation. Rather, it may exert an indirect positive influence by increasing blood donation knowledge and through the sequential pathway of "increased knowledge → decreased trait anxiety". Blood collection institutions should leverage the reentry process as an opportunity for education and psychological support to improve donor retention rate.
4.Research progress on typical work-related diseases
Xuemei TAN ; Yingying FENG ; Tangfei GUAN ; Yuqin YAO ; Xin SUN ; Juan LIAO ; Yajia LAN ; Qin ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):108-115
Work serves as a critical means of obtaining resources, facilitating personal growth, realizing self-worth, and engaging in social interactions. However, work-related diseases pose significant threats to workers’ health and productivity, and impose considerable economic burdens. This article categorized work-related diseases into six major types, including musculoskeletal disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, digestive system diseases, reproductive system diseases, and non-specific respiratory diseases, and summarized their risk factors, assessment methods, policy regulation, and prevention and control measures. Current research in this field predominantly relies on cross-sectional studies, which present limitations in causal inference and potential risks of bias. Future studies should expand sample sizes, optimize research designs, and establish multidimensional evaluation systems to comprehensively assess the health and economic impacts of work-related diseases. It is recommended to enhance the translation of research findings into practice, thereby providing a scientific basis for the occupational health protection system and promoting the well-being and sustainable development of the working population.
5.Propensity score matched comparison of pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreatogastrostomy versus pancreatojejunostomy: A single institution experience shifting from pancreatogastrostomy to pancreatojejunostomy
Teik Wen LIM ; Sabrina Hui Xian CHEOK ; Yvette CHONG ; Darren Weiquan CHUA ; Ek Khoon TAN ; Jin Yao TEO ; Ye-Xin KOH ; Peng Chung CHEOW ; Pierce Kah Hoe CHOW ; London Lucien Peng Jin OOI ; Alexander Yaw Fui CHUNG ; Brian Kim Poh GOH
Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery 2026;30(1):91-98
Background:
s/Aims: Postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatogastrostomy (PG) and pancreatojejunostomy (PJ) are the two most commonly used reconstruction techniques, yet evidence favoring one over the other is inconclusive. This study evaluates postoperative outcomes following open PD at a single institution that transitioned from PG to PJ as the preferred reconstruction method.
Methods:
This retrospective comparative study included patients who underwent PD between April 2005 and August 2022. Of 757 patients identified, 522 met the inclusion criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust for clinically relevant covariates. Primary endpoints were clinically relevant (CR) POPF (grade B/C) and Clavien–Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3 POPFs. Secondary outcomes included post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH), delayed gastric emptying (DGE), systemic complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality.
Results:
Overall, CR-POPF and CD grade ≥ 3 POPFs occurred in 21.3% and 8.0% of patients, respectively. Thirty-day and in-hospital mortality rates were 3.1% and 4.2%. After PSM, 368 patients (184 PG and 184 PJ) were analyzed. Grade B POPFs were more frequent following PJ than PG (24.5% vs. 15.8%, p < 0.001). Although CR-POPF and CD grade ≥ 3 POPFs were numerically higher in the PJ group, differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, DGE, PPH, and in-hospital mortality were significantly higher following PG (37.0% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.025; 16.3% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.025; and 7.6% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.049, respectively).
Conclusions
PG was associated with a lower incidence of grade B POPFs but higher rates of DGE, PPH, and in-hospital mortality.
6.Robotic-Assisted Uniportal Full-Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Note on a Hybrid Form of Minimally Invasive Surgery
Ting Yao ANG ; A. Aravin KUMAR ; Chin Hong NGAI ; John J.Y. ZHANG ; Jacob Y.L. OH ; Ji Min LING ; Thomas C.H. TAN
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):105-117
Robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement and full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (FE-TLIF) are established minimally invasive spine techniques. Their integration has the potential to combine navigation accuracy with the muscle-preserving advantages of uniportal endoscopy. This technical note describes a hybrid approach using the Mazor X Stealth edition robotic system to enhance workflow, safety, and efficiency during FE-TLIF. A 74-year-old patient with metabolic syndrome presented with severe back and radicular leg pain that was refractory to conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral lateral recess stenosis, disc height loss, and facet arthropathy at L4–5, with dynamic instability observed on flexion-extension radiographs. Preoperative computed tomography imaging was uploaded to the robotic system for trajectory planning. Following registration, the robotic arm guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement via Wiltse incisions. Uniportal endoscopic access enabled hemilaminotomy, facetectomy, discectomy, endplate preparation, and insertion of an expandable L4–5 interbody cage under direct visualization. Robotic guidance facilitated precise screw trajectory placement without repeated fluoroscopic localization, reduced intraoperative radiation exposure, and avoided muscle disruption associated with open approaches. Endoscopic visualization enabled controlled facet resection and preservation of neural elements during cage placement. Postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate implant positioning. The combined workflow improved surgical ergonomics and minimized tissue trauma while maintaining fusion stability. Robotic-assisted FE-TLIF represents a safe and feasible hybrid minimally invasive surgery technique that enhances pedicle screw accuracy and complements endoscopic fusion. Despite a steep learning curve, this approach may reduce perioperative morbidity, improve procedural efficiency, and enhance postoperative recovery. Further comparative studies are required to evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.
8.Emergency testing and analysis of a mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate
Guanlin CHEN ; Yao GUO ; Jianyi LIANG ; Qiang TAN ; Jiaheng HE ; Wanxia CHEN ; Yingqing XIE ; Weifeng RONG ; Banghua WU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):116-120
Objective To analyze the emergency testing results of a mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate in a composite fabric processing enterprise. Methods A mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate occurred at a composite fabric processing enterprise in a city of Guangdong Province. On-site occupational health investigation data and laboratory testing results related to this incident were collected, and an integrated analysis was conducted. Results The on-site occupational health investigation revealed inadequate ventilation and non-standard use of personal protective equipment. Volatile organic component analysis of raw and auxiliary materials showed that methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate had relatively high percentages of peak area among all used volatile organic chemical agents in post-incident emergency testing, accounting for 65.10% and 38.25%, respectively. The exposure concentration of short term (CSTE) of methyl acetate in the production line air was 15.13 mg/m³. In the chemical storage area, CSTE of methyl acetate and methanol were 451.04 and <0.21 mg/m³, respectively, all below their respective occupational exposure limits (500.00 and 50.00 mg/m³). In the poisoned workers, blood methanol, blood formic acid, and urinary formic acid levels were 147, 414, and 4 389 mg/L, respectively. Conclusion Occupational exposure to methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate may lead to acute occupational poisoning and cause health damage. Employers should fulfill their responsibilities for occupational disease prevention by ensuring proper operation of protective facilities, while workers should enhance awareness of occupational disease prevention and correctly use personal protective equipment.
9.Research progress on female reproductive toxicity of bisphenols
Jia PENG ; Xiangzhu YAN ; Jiasi LIU ; Xiaopeng ZHONG ; Simin YAO ; Yiyan MA ; Shuhua TAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):862-869
Bisphenols (BPs) are extensively used in food packaging, personal care products, and plastics, making them prevalent in both living and working environments, which has raised significant concern. As endocrine-disrupting chemicals, BPs exert toxic effects on the female reproductive system by binding to estrogen receptors, thereby activating or inhibiting the expression of genes related to reproductive functions, which disrupts the normal function of the endocrine system. This paper reviewed the effects of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF) on female reproductive function, focusing on three key aspects: the effects on the female reproductive organs, the occurrence of associated reproductive disorders, and the mechanisms of toxicity. Specifically, this review highlighted the effects on ovarian function, uterine morphology and function, and fallopian tube function, as well as their correlation with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, miscarriage, and eclampsia. Additionally, the toxic mechanisms of BPs exposure were summarized, providing a scientific basis for future research on the impact of BPs on the female reproductive system, as well as for the assessment of potential health risks and the development of preventive measures.
10.Post-exposure prophylaxis and follow-up in children and young persons presenting with sexual assault.
Sarah Hui Wen YAO ; Karen NADUA ; Chia Yin CHONG ; Koh Cheng THOON ; Chee Fu YUNG ; Natalie Woon Hui TAN ; Kai-Qian KAM ; Peter WONG ; Juliet TAN ; Jiahui LI
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(7):410-418
INTRODUCTION:
Paediatric sexual assault (SA) victims should be assessed for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We describe the clinical characteristics of children and young persons (CYPs) presenting with SA at KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore, viral PEP (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and hepatitis B virus [HBV]) prescribing practices, and STI evaluation at follow-up.
METHOD:
Medical records of CYPs ≤16 years who presented with SA between January 2022 and August 2023 were reviewed, including assault and assailant characteristics, baseline and follow-up STI screening, PEP prescription, adherence and follow-up attendance. CYPs with SA in the preceding 72 hours by HIV-positive or HIV-status unknown assailants with high-risk characteris-tics were eligible for HIV PEP.
RESULTS:
We analysed 278 CYPs who made 292 SA visits. There were 40 (13.7%) CYPs eligible for HIV PEP, of whom 29 (82.9%) received it. Among those tested at baseline, 9% and 34.9% of CYPs tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively. None tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, HIV, HBV or hepatitis C. Majority of CYPs tested were HBV non-immune (n=167, 67.6%); only 77 (46.1%) received the vaccine. Out of 27 CYPs eligible for HBV PEP with immunoglobulin, only 21 (77.7%) received immunoglobulin. A total of 37 CYPs received HIV PEP, including 8 who were retrospectively deemed ineligible. Only 10 (27%) completed the course. Overall, 153 (57.7%) CYPs attended follow-up, and none seroconverted for HIV or HBV.
CONCLUSION
We report suboptimal rates of HBV post-exposure vaccination, and low compliance to HIV PEP and follow-up among paediatric SA victims. Factors contri-buting to poor compliance should be examined to optimise care for this vulnerable population.
Humans
;
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis/methods*
;
Female
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Singapore/epidemiology*
;
HIV Infections/prevention & control*
;
Male
;
Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Hepatitis B/prevention & control*
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Child, Preschool
;
Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data*
;
Child Abuse, Sexual


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