Xiamen Blood Center

After over three decades of the one-child policy (OCP), China introduced the partial two-child policy (PTCP) in 2013 and the universal two-child policy (UTCP) in 2015. However, their potential impacts on maternal and neonatal health remain unclear. This study aimed to examine temporal changes in maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes across different policy periods. We used data from a population-based pregnancy registry in Ximen, China. Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes were compared across the three periods: OCP (2012-2014), PTCP (2014-2016), and UTCP (2016-2021). Joinpoint regression and interrupted time series (ITS) model were applied to evaluate temporal trends and quantify the effect of policy implementation on trends over time. Among 491895 pregnancies, the proportion of advanced maternal age and multiparity rose significantly after policy shifts. Maternal obesity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes showed steady increases. Monthly births peaked in 2016, then declined below the pre-PTCP baseline level by 2020. Compared to OCP, the prevalence of birth defects (BDs) increased by 62% during PTCP and 204% during UTCP. Preterm birth and low Apgar scores also rose. ITS indicated a significant post-UTCP acceleration in BDs (β3 = 2.57), largely driven by circulatory system BDs, with maternal age acting as a partial mediator. China's TCP implementation was associated with notable shifts in maternal risk profiles and increased adverse neonatal outcomes, underscoring the need for continuous maternal-child health monitoring during fertility policy transitions.

Extended resection makes it possible to perform a curative resection of conventionally unresectable RPS. However, the rationale and standard procedure for extended resection in RPS remain largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended resection using the vascular priority central approach in patients with locally advanced RPS via Semi-Abdominal En Bloc Evisceration (SAEBE). We retrospectively enrolled consecutive RPS patients who underwent SAEBE at our centre between March 2010 and August 2021. We then compared the oncological results with those of patients undergoing non-SAEBE using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. We developed a detailed procedure for SAEBE surgery, incorporating a central approach with vascular priority, and created a series of matched videos. Histological organ invasion (HOI) was observed in 80.1% (109/136) of cases, and postoperative complications occurred in 55.9% (76/136) of patients. Meanwhile, the 3D model identified HOI risk stratification within the different anatomical regions of the RPS. The RPS was found to be particularly prone to invasion in the front and core cord directions, especially in the colon and kidney. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.9% (four out of 136 patients). Following PSM analysis, SAEBE demonstrated comparable rates of severe postoperative complications and mortality to Non-SAEBE. Furthermore, patients with HOI who underwent SAEBE exhibited a strong trend towards improved overall survival (OS) compared to Non-SAEBE (P=0.042, HR=0.617, 95% CI: 0.378-1.000). The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 82.6%, 64.1% and 57% for SAEBE patients and 71.9%, 49.8% and 43.1% for non-SAEBE patients, respectively. Short-term safety outcomes are similar, but patients who underwent SAEBE surgery using the vascular priority central approach showed a trend towards improved long-term survival outcomes compared to those who underwent non-SAEBE surgery. Therefore, SAEBE using the vascular priority central approach may represent a promising treatment option for patients with high-risk HOI of locally advanced RPS.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease caused by dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction. Current studies on MG are increasingly focusing on the involvement of B cell immunophenotypes in the development of the disease. Nonetheless, the specific correlation between B cells and MG still needs to be fully clarified. From published GWAS studies, we gathered summary results on B cell immunophenotypes and MG. We performed a Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between B cells and MG. The primary estimation was done by using IVW and the Wald ratio. To assess pleiotropy and heterogeneity, a range of tests were utilized, including the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept analysis, and the MR-PRESSO test. Next, we explored the potential for a reverse connection between B cells and MG using reverse MR analysis. Subsequently, in order to control for any potential confounding variables among the B cells, we carried out a multivariable MR analysis. Finally, we conducted co-localization analysis to examine the correlation between B cells and MG. Additionally, we repeated the above analysis process for two different MG subtypes. A total of 15 B cells were found to be significantly associated with MG, 7 B cells showed significant association with Early-onset MG, and 13 B cells showed significant association with Late-onset MG, as identified by MR analysis. We verified the reliability of the results by examining heterogeneity or pleiotropy. The Reverse MR analysis showed that there is bidirectional causality between 4 B cells and Early-onset MG, as well as between 2 B cells and Late-onset MG. To prevent confusion among B cells, we utilized multivariable MR analysis and identified that only 7 B cell immunophenotypes had independent effects on MG, while 4 B cell immunophenotypes had independent effects on Late-onset MG. None of the B cells had independent effects on Early-onset MG. Through colocalization analysis, it was found that two B-cell variants (rs75787009, rs354026) were associated with MG, along with two variants (rs138791329, rs11882257) were linked to Late-onset MG. Our results indicate a connection between B cells and the risk of MG, underscoring the possibility of using B-cell depletion therapy as a treatment option for MG patients based on genetic factors. Nevertheless, further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms involved in this association.

Women of childbearing age may receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination during pregnancy, yet evidence on birth defects (BDs) risks remains limited. This study evaluates associations between peri-conception (from 30 days before the last menstrual period and the end of the first trimester) HPV vaccination and BDs. This population-based retrospective cohort study included pregnancies with last menstrual periods between March 2018 and March 2021 in Xiamen, China. Propensity score matching (PSM) based Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was used to estimate the adjusted relative risk (aRR) of exposure for total BDs and 10 organ system-specific BDs. Subgroup analysis (Different vaccine valences) and eight sensitivity analyses were performed. A total of 177,574 pregnancies were included, of which 300 were exposed to the HPV vaccine during the peri-conception period. The rate of peri-conception vaccine exposure increased from 0.07% in 2018 to 0.34% in 2021. After 1:4 PSM, peri-conception HPV vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of total BDs (aRR 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26-1.70). Similarly, no significant association was found between HPV vaccination and the organ system-specific BDs. Subgroup analysis showed exposure to the 4vHPV (aRR 0.99, 95% CI 0.34-2.94) and 9vHPV (aRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.11-8.69) vaccines were also not associated with a higher risk of total BDs. All sensitivity analyses, including negative control, demonstrated the robustness of the results. This study suggests that exposure to the HPV vaccine during the peri-conception period does not increase the risk of BDs. However, the precision of organ system-specific BDs remains limited, necessitating validation through larger-scale studies. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06180447).

The monolayer of approximately 300,000 human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) on the posterior surface of the cornea is essential to maintain transparency but is non-self-regenerative. Corneal blindness can currently only be treated by corneal transplantation, hindered by a global donor shortage, highlighting the need for developing tissue and/or cell therapy. The mass production of these advanced therapy medicinal products requires obtaining high-yield, high-quality endothelial cell cultures characterized by hexagonal shape, low size variability, and high endothelial cell density (ECD). Among the usual critical quality attributes which combine the expression of differentiation markers, ECD and cell morphological parameters, the latter are not optimally measured in vitro by conventional image analysis which poorly recognizes adherent cultured cells. We developed a high-performance automated segmentation using Cellpose algorithm and an original analysis method, improving the calculation of classical morphological parameters (coefficient of variation of cell area and hexagonality) and introducing new parameters specific to hCECs culture in vitro. Considering the importance of the extracellular matrix in vivo, and the panel of molecules available for coating cell culture plastics, we used these new tools to perform a comprehensive comparison of 13 molecules (laminins and collagens). We demonstrated their ability to discriminate subtle differences between cultures.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) plays a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle because of its rapid growth and significant ecological benefits. Accurate estimation of its aboveground biomass (AGB) is therefore essential for effective carbon management. However, the influence of its primary leaf-feeding pest, Pantana phyllostachysae Chao (P. phyllostachysae), on AGB remains poorly understood, potentially compromising estimation accuracy. This study aims to develop allometric equations and integrate them with machine learning algorithms to accurately estimate the AGB of Moso bamboo forests under varying levels of pest stress. Allometric equations exhibited strong estimation performance across all pest infestation levels, with R2 values exceeding 0.93, root mean square error (RMSE) values below 0.66 kg, and mean absolute error (MAE)values under 0.51 kg. Among the machine learning approaches evaluated, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm demonstrated superior performance, yielding an R2 of 0.8593, RMSE of 0.5176 kg, and MAE of 0.4313 kg. A clear negative correlation was identified between the severity of P. phyllostachysae infestation and AGB, with biomass values decreasing progressively from healthy to severely infested stands. Incorporating pest factors into AGB estimation models significantly enhances model accuracy and captures the nuanced effects of pest stress on biomass accumulation. This integration improves model generalizability and ecological relevance, offering valuable insights for sustainable forest management and carbon accounting. The findings highlight the importance of explicitly considering pest dynamics in biomass modeling and carbon management strategies, laying a robust foundation for future research on pest-biomass interactions in forest ecosystems. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

BackgroundOcular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is the most common malignancy of the ocular surface, often presenting as a non-pigmented lesion with atypical squamous epithelialization. It is usually asymptomatic and can be confused with benign conditions such as pterygium or conjunctival cysts. If untreated, OSSN may progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, causing vision loss or metastasis. The gold standard for diagnosing OSSN is histopathological examination after tumor resection. However, there are still unresolved issues in the clinical management of treatment.Main textIn this review, we have discussed the clinical characteristics, diagnostic techniques, and treatment options for OSSN. OSSN occurs due to changes in the living environment and ocular surface state. It starts as a benign squamous epithelial tumor, which can progress to atypical intraepithelial neoplasia and eventually turn into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The postoperative pathological histology also shows a corresponding degree of differentiation. Various diagnostic techniques, such as diagnostic imaging, cell biology, and molecular biology, are emerging as valuable tools for distinguishing OSSN. Although surgical resection is the primary treatment for OSSN, drug therapy can also be applied for better management of OSSN treatment.ConclusionAccurately diagnosing OSSN requires advanced examination techniques before and after operation. This is crucial for healthcare professionals to evaluate and treat the condition effectively. Based on our clinical expertise, administering drug treatment before or after surgical resection may serve as a comprehensive and effective management approach for OSSN. This research holds immense potential for the future of personalized and precise medical care.

Dyslipidemia presents in various autoimmune diseases, and the serum lipid profile in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not yet been clearly defined. This study aims to evaluate the level of serum lipids in patients with SLE. A case-control study evaluated four conventional sera lipids-total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-in patients with SLE compared to healthy controls (HCs). Correlations between serum lipids and clinical characteristics were analyzed in patients with SLE. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the epidemiology of lipid profiles in patients with SLE, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed for data synthesis. TC and TG were elevated significantly, and HDL decreased in patients with SLE compared to HCs. Elevated lipids were associated with progressive disease activity. TC, TG, and HDL were elevated in patients with SLE and were associated with decreased IgG, increased 24-h proteinuria, white blood cells (WBCs), and neutrophils. Decreased HDL and increased TG were associated with an increase in the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Patients with SLE who took glucocorticoids (GCs) may have experienced increases in TC and TG, while those who took hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may have experienced increases in TC and HDL. Eleven eligible studies including the present study on associations between serum lipids and SLE were reviewed by the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated elevated TC (MD = 0.85, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.89, p < 0.00001) and TG (MD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99, p < 0.00001) levels in SLE, while HDL decreased (MD = -0.19, 95% CI -0.20 to -0.17, p < 0.00001). Dyslipidemia is present in SLE. There was a significant association between SLE disease activity and TC, TG, and HDL. The exact pathogenesis of metabolic disorders in SLE needs to be further addressed.

The rapid advancement of ophthalmic medicine has significantly improved global visual health but concurrently imposed substantial ecological costs, creating an environmental paradox between efficient treatment and sustainability. This review explores the multifaceted carbon footprint of ophthalmic practices through a three-dimensional analysis: spatially, revealing stark cross-national differences in surgical emissions; temporally, tracking the environmental impact of technological evolution from extracapsular cataract extraction to phacoemulsification and vitreous surgery; and technologically, highlighting the role of disposable instruments, biomaterials, and energy consumption. It further presents an innovation matrix for "green ophthalmology," encompassing technological breakthroughs, process optimizations, and behavioral interventions. The review emphasizes the need to integrate the "triple bottom line" (clinical, economic, environmental) into practice and policy, proposing future directions such as blockchain-based certification systems and standardized environmental assessment tools. Ultimately, it calls for multi-level actions-from individual clinicians to global governance-to reconcile high-quality eye care with ecological sustainability.