Objective:To analyze the trends of preterm birth among women of advanced maternal age in Haidian District, Beijing from 2013 to 2022.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the birth registration data in Haidian District, Beijing, from January 2013 to December 2022, focusing on the records of women aged ≥35 who delivered between 22 and 44 weeks of gestation. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the time trends of preterm birth rates among women of advanced maternal age in the Haidian District. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was applied to quantitatively evaluate the transient and long-term effects of China's universal two-child policy on the preterm birth rate among women of advanced maternal age.Results:(1) A total of 70 640 birth registration records from 68 587 women were finally included. The number of women giving birth peaked between 2016 and 2018 (8 158, 9 906, and 8 914 cases, respectively). The proportion of permanent residents in Beijing gradually decreased from 53.7% (2 175/4 049) in 2013 to 42.0% (4 160/9 906) in 2017 and then increased to over 98% between 2019 and 2022 [98.8% (7 828/7 925), 99.1% (6 283/6 340), 99.3% (5 970/6 014), and 99.5% (6 371/6 404), respectively]. (2) Among the 68 587 women, 57 339 (83.6%) were delivered at tertiary hospitals, and 35 496 (51.8%) were delivered by cesarean section. The proportion of multiple births increased slowly from 2.4% (236/9 906) in 2017 to 3.5% (225/6 404) in 2022. From 2013 to 2015, primiparous women accounted for the majority. Subsequently, the proportion of multiparous women increased annually, reaching 71.6% (6 385/8 914) in 2018 before gradually decreasing to 56.2% (3 600/6 404) in 2022. (3) A total of 70 640 live births were delivered. The highest number of deliveries was in 2017, with 10 139 cases. From 2013 to 2022, 36 995 male infants and 33 645 female infants were born, with preterm birth rates of 10.6% (3 914/36 995) and 9.4% (3 123/33 645), respectively. (4) Among the 70 640 infants, there were 124 extremely preterm infants (0.2%), 773 very preterm infants (1.1%), and 6 140 late preterm infants (8.7%), accounting for 1.8%, 11.0%, and 87.3% of all preterm infants (7 037 cases), respectively. (5) The optimal fitting results of Joinpoint regression indicated that the preterm birth rate showed a declining trend from 2013 to 2017 ( APC=－4.4%, 95% CI: -13.0% to -0.2%); with 2017 as the turning point, the preterm birth rate exhibited an upward trend from 2017 to 2022 ( APC=4.5%, 95% CI: 1.6% to 13.0%). (6) The results of ITS analysis revealed that the preterm birth rate instantly decreased by 0.79% ( β2=－0.79, P=0.026) in the month when the universal two-child policy took effect. In comparison, it increased by an average of 0.03% per month ( β3=0.07, P=0.001) after the implementation of the policy. After adjusting for the proportion of multiple births, the preterm birth rate significantly decreased before the policy took effect ( β1=－0.06, P=0.003), but increased by an average of 0.01% per month ( β3=0.07, P<0.001) after the policy took effect. There was no statistical significance in the transient impact of the policy on the preterm birth rate in this district ( β2=0.80, P=0.145). Conclusions:From 2013 to 2022, the preterm birth rates among women of advanced maternal age in Haidian District exhibit a "V"-shaped pattern with the implementation of the two-child policy as the turning point. It is necessary to continue strengthening maternal health care for women of advanced maternal age and ensure the targeted provision of related services to address the issue of increased preterm birth rates following the enforcement of the two-child policy.

Objective To analyze the current epidemic status of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) in China, providing reference data for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminthiasis. Methods Surveillance data on soil-transmitted helminthiasis in China from 2017 to 2022 were collected and statistically analyzed to investigate the infection status, infection trends, and spatial autocorrelation. Results　From 2017 to 2022, the average annual infection rate (AAIR) of soil-transmitted helminthiasis was 1.12% (25 123/2 251 632), with hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm having AAIRs of 0.70%, 0.26%, and 0.20% (15 827 cases, 5 836 cases and 4 586 cases), respectively. The infection rate of soil-transmitted helminths decreased annually by an average of 17.16% (AAPC =-17.16, P=0.007), with annual decreases in the infection rates of hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm being 14.70%, 22.13%, and 20.56%, respectively (AAPC=-14.70, P=0.025; AAPC=-22.13, P=0.015; AAPC =-20.56, P=0.029). The spatial distribution of hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm exhibited spatial positive correlation (Moran's I=0.09, P=0.121; Moran's I=0.46, P=0.001; Moran's I=0.23, P=0.013), with roundworm showing the highest spatial aggregation. The AAIRs of males and females were 1.03% (11 308/1 100 016) and 1.20% (13 851/1 149 286), respectively, with statistical significance (χ2=154.19, P<0.001). The highest AAIR was 1.85% (10 949/590 621) in individuals over 60 years old, with statistical significance across different age groups (χ2=4426.44, P<0.001). Hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm were mainly mild infections. The average annual positive rates of soil ascaris eggs and hookworms were 4.06% (649/15 984) and 2.45%(391/15 984), respectively, with statistical significance (χ2=66.16,P<0.001). 　Conclusions The infection rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in China is relatively low and shows a downward trend. Yet, there are local high-prevalence areas, with the elderly and females being the risk-prone populations. Comprehensive measures including expanding the monitoring scope, innovating monitoring technology, and promoting the rural toilet revolution are necessary to block the spread of soil-transmitted helminthiasis further.

Objective:To analyze the trends of preterm birth among women of advanced maternal age in Haidian District, Beijing from 2013 to 2022.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the birth registration data in Haidian District, Beijing, from January 2013 to December 2022, focusing on the records of women aged ≥35 who delivered between 22 and 44 weeks of gestation. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the time trends of preterm birth rates among women of advanced maternal age in the Haidian District. Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was applied to quantitatively evaluate the transient and long-term effects of China's universal two-child policy on the preterm birth rate among women of advanced maternal age.Results:(1) A total of 70 640 birth registration records from 68 587 women were finally included. The number of women giving birth peaked between 2016 and 2018 (8 158, 9 906, and 8 914 cases, respectively). The proportion of permanent residents in Beijing gradually decreased from 53.7% (2 175/4 049) in 2013 to 42.0% (4 160/9 906) in 2017 and then increased to over 98% between 2019 and 2022 [98.8% (7 828/7 925), 99.1% (6 283/6 340), 99.3% (5 970/6 014), and 99.5% (6 371/6 404), respectively]. (2) Among the 68 587 women, 57 339 (83.6%) were delivered at tertiary hospitals, and 35 496 (51.8%) were delivered by cesarean section. The proportion of multiple births increased slowly from 2.4% (236/9 906) in 2017 to 3.5% (225/6 404) in 2022. From 2013 to 2015, primiparous women accounted for the majority. Subsequently, the proportion of multiparous women increased annually, reaching 71.6% (6 385/8 914) in 2018 before gradually decreasing to 56.2% (3 600/6 404) in 2022. (3) A total of 70 640 live births were delivered. The highest number of deliveries was in 2017, with 10 139 cases. From 2013 to 2022, 36 995 male infants and 33 645 female infants were born, with preterm birth rates of 10.6% (3 914/36 995) and 9.4% (3 123/33 645), respectively. (4) Among the 70 640 infants, there were 124 extremely preterm infants (0.2%), 773 very preterm infants (1.1%), and 6 140 late preterm infants (8.7%), accounting for 1.8%, 11.0%, and 87.3% of all preterm infants (7 037 cases), respectively. (5) The optimal fitting results of Joinpoint regression indicated that the preterm birth rate showed a declining trend from 2013 to 2017 ( APC=－4.4%, 95% CI: -13.0% to -0.2%); with 2017 as the turning point, the preterm birth rate exhibited an upward trend from 2017 to 2022 ( APC=4.5%, 95% CI: 1.6% to 13.0%). (6) The results of ITS analysis revealed that the preterm birth rate instantly decreased by 0.79% ( β2=－0.79, P=0.026) in the month when the universal two-child policy took effect. In comparison, it increased by an average of 0.03% per month ( β3=0.07, P=0.001) after the implementation of the policy. After adjusting for the proportion of multiple births, the preterm birth rate significantly decreased before the policy took effect ( β1=－0.06, P=0.003), but increased by an average of 0.01% per month ( β3=0.07, P<0.001) after the policy took effect. There was no statistical significance in the transient impact of the policy on the preterm birth rate in this district ( β2=0.80, P=0.145). Conclusions:From 2013 to 2022, the preterm birth rates among women of advanced maternal age in Haidian District exhibit a "V"-shaped pattern with the implementation of the two-child policy as the turning point. It is necessary to continue strengthening maternal health care for women of advanced maternal age and ensure the targeted provision of related services to address the issue of increased preterm birth rates following the enforcement of the two-child policy.

Abstract: Objective To analyze the incidence trends and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of dengue fever in China based on the data from the China Disease Control Information System and the "National Statutory Infectious Disease Epidemic Overview" published by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of dengue fever epidemics. Methods The incidence rates and monthly case numbers of dengue fever in China from 2015 to 2023 were collected. Provinces were classified according to the severity of the epidemic and the distribution status of the Aedes vector. The incidence trends, seasonal distribution, and spatial aggregation of dengue fever in China were statistically analyzed. Results The top five provinces with the highest average annual incidence rates from 2015 to 2023 were Yunnan (6.16/100 000), Guangdong (1.70/100 000), Hainan (1.13/100 000), Fujian (1.13/100 000), and Chongqing (0.74/100 000). The average annual incidence rate of dengue fever in China increased by 70.79% from 2015 to 2019 (AAPC=70.79, P=0.045). In Class Ⅰ regions, the incidence of Guangxi and Hainan showed a linear regression trend, with average annual increases of 844.73% (AAPC=844.73, P=0.021) and 516.51% (AAPC=516.51, P=0.013), respectively. In Class Ⅱ regions, except for Shanghai, the incidence of other provinces showed a linear regression trend, with Jiangxi having the highest average annual increase of 610.16% (AAPC=610.16, P=0.021), followed by Chongqing at 345.12% (AAPC=345.12, P=0.038). In Class Ⅲ regions, the incidence of Hebei, Shanxi, and Liaoning had a linear regression trend, with average annual increases of 80.67% (AAPC=80.67, P=0.028), 202.31% (AAPC=202.31, P=0.001), and 70.19% (AAPC=70.19, P=0.031), respectively. The epidemic of dengue fever showed no obvious seasonality in 2021, strict seasonality in 2022, and strong seasonality in the rest of the years. The epidemic peak days were mostly concentrated in the middle and late September to early October of each year, and the epidemic peak periods were mainly concentrated in August-early November. From 2015 to 2018, the incidence rate had no spatial aggregation nationwide, and the incidence rate in 2019 had spatial aggregation nationwide. In 2015-2019 and 2023, there were no high-low gathering areas in the country, and high-high gathering areas appeared in 2018 (Fujian, Hainan) and 2019 (Guangxi). Conclusions The situation of dengue fever prevention and control in China is grim. High-risk epidemic areas of dengue fever will no longer be limited to Class Ⅰ provinces, and the risk of expansion to Class Ⅱ provinces is increasing.

Objective:To understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human infection with avian influenza A(H3N8) virus and the molecular biological characteristics of the pathogen, and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of human infection with avian influenza A(H3N8) virus.Methods:An epidemiological investigation was conducted for a case of human infection with avian influenza A(H3N8) virus in Changsha in May 2022 to collect the information about exposure history, route of infection, onset and treatment, potential contacts and other possible exposures for a descriptive analysis. Nucleic acid detection and gene sequencing were used to detect the pathogen and analyze the genetic characteristics.Results:The case had a history of exposure to live poultry trading market 6 days before the onset of illness. Subtypes H3 and N8 of avian influenza virus were detected in live poultry markets. Deep gene sequencing showed that the virus had adaptive mutations in mammals, reduced sensitivity to alkamine agent, and no resistance mutations related to neuraminidase inhibitors and polymerase inhibitors were detected.Conclusion:The case was infected due to exposure to the live poultry market environment contaminated by avian influenza A(H3N8) virus, and no human to human transmission was found.

Using a modified TAIL-PCR technique, the 5' -flanking region of the X gene in wheat was successfully isolated. Two novel modifications of the TAIL-PCR were introduced here: using a battery of random 10-mers as the short arbitrary primers instead of three degenerate 16-mers; using 29 degrees C instead of 44 degrees C as the annealing temperature for the low-stringency cycle; increasing five high-stringency cycles and reducing five low-stringency cycles; and using single primers for the third round of product identification. Isolated 5' -flanking region was fused to the GUS gene, and tested for expression in Arabidopsis plants. Histochemical analysis of the transgenic plants showed the report gene was driven by isolated 5'-flanking region. Modified TAIL-PCR technique could isolate rapidly the promoter of any gene from organisms with large genomes.
Base Sequence ; Genes, Plant ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; Triticum ; genetics ; metabolism