Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and trends of preterm births in China using medical institution survey data, thereby providing epidemiological data support for perinatal care.Methods:Based on a nationwide sampling survey on healthcare quality data from 2017 to 2022, this study included 3 547, 4 436, 4 513, 4 535, 5 068, and 5 790 medical institutions, with 7 039 107, 8 926 441, 9 006 420, 7 051 984, 7 311 862, and 7 354 062 parturient women, respectively. The overall rates of preterm birth (live births at 28 to 36 +6 weeks of gestation/overall live births) and early preterm birth (live births at 28 to <34 weeks of gestation/overall live births) were calculated at the national level, across diverse provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and for various levels of medical institutions. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the influence of maternal characteristics and medical institution characteristics on the rates of preterm birth and early preterm birth. Results:From 2017 to 2022, both the preterm birth rate and the early preterm birth rate in China showed a continuous increase. The preterm birth rate rose from 5.13% (363 036/7 079 454) in 2017 to 6.56% (487 150/7 424 734) in 2022, and the early preterm birth rate increased from 1.32% (118 021/8 971 870) in 2018 to 1.43% (106 157/7 424 734) in 2022. These rates showed an overall increasing trend in private, secondary public specialty, and general hospitals. In tertiary public specialty hospitals, these rates fluctuated around 8.0% and 2.0% from the year 2018, respectively, while in tertiary public general hospitals, these rates peaked in 2020 at 8.63% (205 570/2 381 523) and 2.19% (52 197/2 381 523), respectively. Compared with 2017, by 2022, the preterm birth rate had increased to varying degrees in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, except for Henan Province [preterm birth rate in 2017 was 6.22% (27 173/437 187); preterm birth rate in 2022 was 5.83% (37 604/645 104)]. As for the early preterm birth rate, it showed a decline in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Henan, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Xinjiang, Yunnan, and Zhejiang, but had increased to varying degrees in all other provinces , autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps across the country. The grade and location of medical institutions both had a significant impact on the preterm birth rate and early preterm birth rate (both P<0.05). For every 1% increase in the proportions of multiparous women, women of advanced maternal age, or twin pregnancies, the preterm birth rate increased by 0.014%, 0.042%, and 0.763%, and the early preterm birth rate increased by 0.004%, 0.013%, and 0.239%, respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion:From 2017 to 2022, the preterm birth rate and early preterm birth rate in China have continued to rise, reflecting the dual challenges of changing characteristics in the childbearing population and the uneven distribution of medical and health resources faced by maternal and child healthcare in China.

Objective:To investigate the current status of intellectual property (IP) knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers among healthcare workers in community health centers.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2022. A self-designed questionnaire assessing IP knowledge, awareness, difficulties in patent applications, and willingness to participate in IP-related activities was administered to 366 healthcare workers across all 13 community health centers in Shanghai Minhang District.Results:Among the 366 respondents, 42.6% (156/366) self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts, while 23.8% (87/366) self-reported awareness of the patent application process. Only 4.1% (15/366) had patent application experience. Significant differences in self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts were found across educational levels and years of work experience ( P<0.05). Similarly, significant differences in awareness of the patent application process were observed across educational levels, years of work experience, age groups, and patent application experience ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was positively associated with awareness of both basic IP concepts and the patent application process. Longer work experience was negatively associated with awareness of basic IP concepts. Having patent application experience was positively associated with awareness of the patent application process. A majority (86.6%, 317/366) expressed strong willingness to engage in IP-related activities. However, 82.8% (303/366) perceived patent applications as challenging, with the primary reported obstacle being unfamiliarity with the application procedures (85.8%, 314/366). Conclusion:A gap exists between self-evaluation and actual knowledge of IP among community health workers in Shanghai Minhang District. Nonetheless, their willingness to participate in IP activities is high, with the primary obstacle identified as a lack of understanding of the patent application process.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and trends of preterm births in China using medical institution survey data, thereby providing epidemiological data support for perinatal care.Methods:Based on a nationwide sampling survey on healthcare quality data from 2017 to 2022, this study included 3 547, 4 436, 4 513, 4 535, 5 068, and 5 790 medical institutions, with 7 039 107, 8 926 441, 9 006 420, 7 051 984, 7 311 862, and 7 354 062 parturient women, respectively. The overall rates of preterm birth (live births at 28 to 36 +6 weeks of gestation/overall live births) and early preterm birth (live births at 28 to <34 weeks of gestation/overall live births) were calculated at the national level, across diverse provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and for various levels of medical institutions. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the influence of maternal characteristics and medical institution characteristics on the rates of preterm birth and early preterm birth. Results:From 2017 to 2022, both the preterm birth rate and the early preterm birth rate in China showed a continuous increase. The preterm birth rate rose from 5.13% (363 036/7 079 454) in 2017 to 6.56% (487 150/7 424 734) in 2022, and the early preterm birth rate increased from 1.32% (118 021/8 971 870) in 2018 to 1.43% (106 157/7 424 734) in 2022. These rates showed an overall increasing trend in private, secondary public specialty, and general hospitals. In tertiary public specialty hospitals, these rates fluctuated around 8.0% and 2.0% from the year 2018, respectively, while in tertiary public general hospitals, these rates peaked in 2020 at 8.63% (205 570/2 381 523) and 2.19% (52 197/2 381 523), respectively. Compared with 2017, by 2022, the preterm birth rate had increased to varying degrees in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, except for Henan Province [preterm birth rate in 2017 was 6.22% (27 173/437 187); preterm birth rate in 2022 was 5.83% (37 604/645 104)]. As for the early preterm birth rate, it showed a decline in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Henan, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Xinjiang, Yunnan, and Zhejiang, but had increased to varying degrees in all other provinces , autonomous regions, municipalities and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps across the country. The grade and location of medical institutions both had a significant impact on the preterm birth rate and early preterm birth rate (both P<0.05). For every 1% increase in the proportions of multiparous women, women of advanced maternal age, or twin pregnancies, the preterm birth rate increased by 0.014%, 0.042%, and 0.763%, and the early preterm birth rate increased by 0.004%, 0.013%, and 0.239%, respectively (all P<0.05). Conclusion:From 2017 to 2022, the preterm birth rate and early preterm birth rate in China have continued to rise, reflecting the dual challenges of changing characteristics in the childbearing population and the uneven distribution of medical and health resources faced by maternal and child healthcare in China.

Objective:To investigate the current status of intellectual property (IP) knowledge, awareness, and perceived barriers among healthcare workers in community health centers.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2022. A self-designed questionnaire assessing IP knowledge, awareness, difficulties in patent applications, and willingness to participate in IP-related activities was administered to 366 healthcare workers across all 13 community health centers in Shanghai Minhang District.Results:Among the 366 respondents, 42.6% (156/366) self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts, while 23.8% (87/366) self-reported awareness of the patent application process. Only 4.1% (15/366) had patent application experience. Significant differences in self-reported awareness of basic IP concepts were found across educational levels and years of work experience ( P<0.05). Similarly, significant differences in awareness of the patent application process were observed across educational levels, years of work experience, age groups, and patent application experience ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment was positively associated with awareness of both basic IP concepts and the patent application process. Longer work experience was negatively associated with awareness of basic IP concepts. Having patent application experience was positively associated with awareness of the patent application process. A majority (86.6%, 317/366) expressed strong willingness to engage in IP-related activities. However, 82.8% (303/366) perceived patent applications as challenging, with the primary reported obstacle being unfamiliarity with the application procedures (85.8%, 314/366). Conclusion:A gap exists between self-evaluation and actual knowledge of IP among community health workers in Shanghai Minhang District. Nonetheless, their willingness to participate in IP activities is high, with the primary obstacle identified as a lack of understanding of the patent application process.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Objective:To investigate the overlapping prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among rural adults in Shaanxi Province.Methods:From February 1 to October 31 in 2019, 12 villages in Shaanxi Province were randomly selected for household questionnaire survey through multistage stratified cluster sampling. A total of 2 423 subjects were enrolled, including 1 037 males and 1 386 females, with age of (45.3±16.9) years old. GERD was diagnosed according to the Montreal criteria, FD and IBS were diagnosed according to the Rome Ⅳ criteria. The overlapping prevalence of the three diseases were calculated. The risk factors for the overlapping of GERD, FD and IBS were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.Results:Among the 2 423 subjects, 624 cases had GERD (302 cases), FD (377 cases) or IBS (167 cases), of which 30.77% (192/624) patients had overlap of ≥two diseases. The overlap rates of GERD and FD, GERD and IBS, FD and IBS, GERD, FD and IBS were 2.56% (62/2 423), 1.61% (39/2 423), 2.52% (61/2 423) and 1.24% (30/2 423), respectively. The results of Multivariate analysis showed that female and migraine without aura were positively correlated with the overlap of GERD and FD, FD and IBS, and GERD and IBS (odds ratio ( OR)=3.08, 2.68, 3.66, 7.37, 5.91 and 4.46, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.35 to 7.01, 1.35 to 5.30, 1.52 to 8.83, 3.97 to 13.69, 1.78 to 19.60 and 2.01 to 9.92; all P<0.05). Heavy drinking (alcohol intake≥50 g/d (male) or≥30 g/d (female)) was positively correlated with the overlap of FD and IBS, GERD and IBS, and GERD, FD and IBS ( OR=3.69, 4.20 and 4.91, 95% CI 1.19 to 11.48, 1.01 to 17.50 and 1.23 to 19.52; all P<0.05). Heavy smoking (smoking≥20 cigarettes per day) was positively correlated with the overlap of GERD and FD, FD and IBS, GERD and IBS, and GERD, FD and IBS ( OR=3.44, 6.25, 8.27 and 7.04, 95% CI 1.07 to 11.01, 1.60 to 24.44, 1.80 to 38.07 and 1.76 to 28.12; all P<0.05). The educational level of junior or senior high school and age≥60 years old were negatively correlated with the overlap of GERD and FD, FD and IBS, GERD and IBS, and GERD, FD and IBS ( OR=0.47, 0.29, 0.20, 0.05, 0.23, 0.10, 0.37 and 0.16, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.93, 0.09 to 0.95, 0.09 to 0.42, 0.01 to 0.19, 0.09 to 0.60, 0.02 to 0.65, 0.15 to 0.87 and 0.03 to 0.81; all P<0.05). Conclusions:The overlap of GERD, FD and IBS is common and affected by many factors. Female, age≥60 years old, heavy smoking, heavy drinking, low education level and history of migraine without aura are associated with multiple overlaps of GERD, FD and IBS.

OBJECTIVETo compare the differences in the clinical therapeutic effects on juvenile myopia between's stunt needling technique and traditional even needling technique.

METHODSA total of 166 cases of mild juvenile myopia (diopter <-3.00D) were randomized into an observation group ('s stunt needling technique) and a control group (traditional even needling technique), 83 cases in each one (166 affected eyes). Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Hegu (LI 4) and Guangming (GB 37) were used in the two groups. In the observation group, theneedling technique was adopted at Taiyang (EX-HN 5), theneedling technique at Fengchi (GB 20) andneedling technique at Cuanzhu (BL 2). The traditional needling technique was used at Hegu (LI 4) and Guangming (GB 37). In the control group, traditional even needling technique was applied at all the acupoints. The treatment was given once every day, continuously for 6 times as one course. There was 1 day at interval. After treatment for 4 courses, the changes in visual acuity, diopter and axial length were observed before and after treatment. The therapeutic effects were evaluated.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the visual acuity of the naked eyes, and diopter were remarkably improved in the patients of the two groups (all<0.05). The improvements in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both<0.05). The axial length did not change in the two groups (both>0.05). The total effective rate was 78.3% (130/166) in the observation group, which was better than 57.8% (96/166) in the control group (<0.05). .

CONCLUSION 's stunt needling technique effectively improves the vision, rectifies the refractive error and delays the progression of myopia. The therapeutic effects of it are better than traditional even needling technique.

Objective: To validate the prognostic value of chronic lymphocytic leukemia-international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) for Chinese CLL patients. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen CLL patients who were initially diagnosed and treated in Jiangsu Province Hospital from January 2002 to November 2017 were included in the retrospective analysis. Risk stratification and prognosis were evaluated by CLL-IPI scoring system. Results: ①Of the 215 patients, 143 were males and 72 were females, with a median age of 60 (16-85) years old. The median treatment-free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS) was 16 months (4-24 months) and 180 months (145-215 months), respectively. ② The median TFS for low (n=60), intermediate (n=50), high (n=45) and very high risk group (n=60) according to the CLL-IPI scoring system was 56, 15, 12 and 5 months, respectively (P<0.001). ③ The median follow-up was 48 months (1-192 months). The median OS for low risk group was not reached and for intermediate, high, and very high risk group was 180, 89 and 74 months, respectively. The estimated 5-year OS rate was 97.6%, 83.7%, 67.8% and 55.2%, respectively (P<0.001). ④ Multivariate analysis indicated that unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) gene and β₂-microglobulin>3.5 mg/L(P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors of TFS, while TP53 deletion and/or mutation(P=0.008), unmutated IGHV (P=0.017) and age>65 years(P=0.045) were independent prognostic factors of OS. Conclusion CLL-IPI is the powerful tool for risk stratification in Chinese CLL patients.

More than 7000 single gene diseases have been identified and most of them lack effective treatment. As an early form of prenatal diagnosis, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a combination of in vitro fertilization and genetic diagnosis. PGD has been applied in clinics for more than 20 years to avoid the transmission of genetic defects through analysis of embryos at early stages of development. In this paper, a review for the recent advances in PGD for single gene diseases is provided.
Animals ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Genetic Diseases, Inborn ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Preimplantation Diagnosis ; methods ; trends ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; trends