Search

A response from Peimin Ni to commentaries on his essay about a Confucian concept of human dignity is presented. Particular focus is given to the issue of continued infanticide or abortion in China despite the Confucian emphasis on love and humanity. Topics discussed include the Confucian view on the value of human life, Confucian normativity, and the difference between the Confucian and Kantian source of value.

In this article, I will present a personal journey of making sense of the experience of sibling abortion under China's Once-child Policy and transgenerational trauma related to China's Cultural Revolution in a group analysis training group. The first part of this paper will reflect on and analyse how groups helped me to claim the identity as a mourner, allowed both the presence and absence of my unborn brother to become real, and offered me reparative family relationships when I dealt with my grief. Drawing on the concept of large-group identity and transgenerational transmission, the second part of this paper will explore how experiences in groups enabled me to discover and understand the transgenerational transmission of trauma related to the Cultural Revolution in my family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paeonia ludlowii (Stern & G. Taylor D.Y. Hong) belongs to the peony group of the genus Paeonia in the Paeoniaceae family and is now classified as a "critically endangered species" in China. Reproduction is important for this species, and its low fruiting rate has become a critical factor limiting both the expansion of its wild population and its domestic cultivation. Results: In this study, we investigated possible causes of the low fruiting rate and ovule abortion in Paeonia ludlowii. We clarified the characteristics of ovule abortion and the specific time of abortion in Paeonia ludlowii, and used transcriptome sequencing to investigate the mechanism of abortion of ovules in Paeonia ludlowii. Conclusions: In this paper, the ovule abortion characteristics of Paeonia ludlowii were systematically studied for the first time and provide a theoretical basis for the optimal breeding and future cultivation of Paeonia ludlowii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports in the British media over the last 4 years have highlighted the schisms and contestations that have accompanied the reports of gender selective abortions amongst British Asian families. The position that sex-selection may be within the terms of the 1967 Abortion Act has particularly sparked controversy amongst abortion campaigners and politicians but equally among medical practitioners and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service who have hitherto tended to stay clear of such debates. In what ways has the controversy around gender-based abortion led to new framings of the entitlement to service provision and new ways of thinking about evidence in the context of reproductive rights? We reflect on these issues drawing on critiques of what constitutes best evidence, contested notions of reproductive rights and reproductive governance, comparative work in India and China as well as our involvement with different groups of campaigners including British South Asian NGOs. The aim of the paper is to situate the medical and legal provision of abortion services in Britain within current discursive practices around gender equality, ethnicity, reproductive autonomy, probable and plausible evidence, and policies of health reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Until recently, premarital examination for both men and women was a legal requirement before marriage in China. Researchers have carried out surveys of attendees' sexual activity, pregnancy and abortion before their marriages, trying to map out reproductive health needs in China, according to this unique population-based data. To systematically identify, appraise and summarise all available studies documenting pregnancy and induced abortion among unmarried Chinese women attending premarital examinations. Methods: We searched the Chinese Biomedical Literature Index from 1978 to 2002; PUBMED; and EMBASE. Trials were assessed and data extracted by two people independently. Results: Nine studies, of which seven were conducted in the urban areas, one in the rural areas, and one in both urban and rural areas, met the inclusion criteria. In the seven studies in urban areas, the majority of unmarried women had experienced sexual intercourse, with estimates ranging from 54% to 82% in five studies. Estimates of a previous pregnancy ranged from 12% to 32%. Abortion rates were high, ranging between 11 to 55% in 8 studies reporting this, which exclude the one rural study. In the three studies reporting both pregnancy and abortion, most women who had become pregnant had an induced abortion (range 86% to 96%). One large rural study documented a lower low pregnancy rate (20%) and induced abortion rate (0.8%). Conclusions: There is a large unmet need for temporary methods of contraception in urban areas of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cambodia’s current abortion rate and ratio could be among the highest in Southeast Asia. In 1997, the Cambodian parliament passed the first law regulating abortions. This law was adopted to contribute to reduce the high maternal mortality ratio, as a significant number of maternal deaths were believed to be related to complications of unsafe abortion. A decade later, the Ministry of Health had not yet established medical protocols for safe abortion access and women often continued to induce their own terminations or seek unsafe services. However, in 2009, the Cambodian authorities approved the importation and distribution of one manufactured abortion pill. In addition, manual vacuum abortions and medical abortion training programmes were implemented at the referral hospital level. How has this situation come about? What do we know about the local agencies of the transnational reproductive health policies related to safe abortion access in this country? This paper aims to analyse how history and intersections between global interventions, state policies, local moralities and individual strategies shape abortion policies, practices and technologies. Finally, our findings raise some issues for public health programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Female sex workers (FSW) are particularly vulnerable to unintended pregnancy. Research examining the experience of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex among Chinese FSW, however, is limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex among FSW in China. Methods: In 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1257 FSW in five cities from Guangdong provinces in South China. Data were collected on social-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, experience of unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex and its pregnancy outcome, as well as experience of abortion in lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Results: Among the 1257 FSW, 19.3% reported having at least one unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex. Of those, 96.7% chose to terminate the pregnancy through induced abortion, and 40.5% reported undergoing multiple induced abortions in their lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that FSW working in current location over one year (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.82, 95% CI 1.71–4.64) and having more than seven clients in the past week (aOR: 4.53, 95% CI 2.74–7.51) were more likely to have had unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex. Working in high tier (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.14–0.30) and consistent condom use with clients in the past month (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI 0.10–0.23) were associated with a lower proportion of FSW having ever had unintended pregnancy. Conclusions: Unintended pregnancy are prevalent among FSW in South China. Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and enhancing post-abortion care could be necessary among Chinese FSW. Plain English summary: Female sex workers (FSW) are particularly vulnerable to unintended pregnancies. Research on the experience of unintended pregnancy resulting from commercial sex among Chinese FSW is, however, limited. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the prevalence and correlates of unintended pregnancies due to commercial sex among FSW in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1257 FSW in five cities across Guangdong Province in South China in 2021. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with unintended pregnancy. Among 1257 FSW, 19.3% reported having experienced at least one unintended pregnancy due to commercial sex. The factors significantly associated with unintended pregnancy in the multivariate analysis included participants working in high tier, working in current location over one year, using condom with clients inconsistently in the past month, and having more clients in the past week. The findings from this study could provide valuable insights for the development of policies aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies, improving abortion care, and enhancing family planning programs targeted at FSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug exposure during pregnancy lacks global fetal safety data. The maternal drug exposure birth cohort (DEBC) study, a prospective longitudinal investigation, aims to explore the correlation of maternal drug exposure during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes, and establish a human biospecimen biobank. Here we describe the process of establishing DEBC and show that the drug exposure rate in the first trimester of pregnant women in DEBC (n = 112,986) is 30.70%. Among the drugs used, dydrogesterone and progesterone have the highest exposure rates, which are 11.97% and 10.82%, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes is 13.49%. Dydrogesterone exposure during the first trimester is correlated with higher incidences of stillbirth, preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects, along with a lower incidence of miscarriage/abortion. Due to the limitations of this cohort study, causative conclusions cannot be drawn. Further follow-up and in-depth data analysis are planned for future studies. Drug exposure during pregnancy lacks sufficient fetal safety information world-widely. Here, the authors report the establishment a multi-center birth cohort to explore the correlation of maternal drug exposure during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnant women faced great challenges and psychological and physiological changes of varying degrees during the omicron epidemic outbreak. It is important to recognize the potential impact of these challenges on the mental health of pregnant women and to provide appropriate resources and support to mitigate their effects. Method: By using the convenience sampling approach, a total of 401 pregnant women from two hospitals of different grades in two cities were included in the survey. The cross-sectional survey was conducted by basic characteristics, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and self-made questionnaire. Results: Insomnia affected 207 participants (51.6%), depression affected 160 participants (39.9%) and anxiety affected 151 participants (37.7%). Moreover, pregnant women in provincial capital city were more likely to experience anxiety, depression and insomnia than those in county-level city (P < 0.01). Pregnant women's anxiety, depression and insomnia were positively correlated with the severity of COVID-19 infection (P < 0.05). However, COVID-19 infection had no appreciable impact on maternal demand for termination of pregnancy and cesarean section (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant women frequently suffer from anxiety disorder, depression and insomnia as a result of the omicron pandemic in China. During this period, the community and medical professionals should provide more psychological counseling, conduct health education and offer virtual prenatal care to pregnant women (particularly in the provincial capital city). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper directly measures the causal effects of sex-selective abortions on the sex ratio at birth by exploiting the exogenous county-level variation in the availability of B-ultrasound machines. Using data from the 1990 Census of Fujian Province and local records on the introduction time of B-ultrasound machines, we find that the availability of B-ultrasound machines increases the sex ratio at birth by 0.025 in rural areas and 0.117 in urban areas. The rise of sex ratio is especially significant for second births in rural areas when the first birth is a girl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an introduction to the articles published in the April 01, 1976 issue of the periodical "International Social Work." One article deals with some general or even universal issues of welfare analysis and welfare practice. Another article addresses generic social work practice, emanating from the Australian experience but potentially useful in all parts of the world where the movement toward generic social work is increasing. One article deals with the world wide problem of the under-use of women in social development. An article reports on social welfare problems, practices and issues in several parts of Asia, India and Hong Kong. Finally, one article describes and compares abortion policies and practices in China and the Soviet Union. But there is still to discover about existing and emerging welfare policies, programs and practices in countries of Africa and Asia.

This study highlights the challenges of addressing abortion stigma and misinformation among Chinese youth. The research aims to fill the identified gaps by employing a grounded theory approach to qualitatively analyze the literature on sexual reproductive health and education in China. The results are synthesized into the Stigmatization and Sexual Reproductive Health Issues (S&SRHI) framework, offering a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health education and services provision. The study recommends using a Peer-led intervention to disseminate accurate information, foster open dialogues, and reduce stigma, thus enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and access to abortion services, informing policy discussions, and guiding the design of effective sexual education programs. However, the study acknowledges limitations and highlights the need for future research to focus on evaluating the effectiveness of this approach and developing a more comprehensive and cultural context framework for addressing abortion stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unwanted pregnancy, which is relatively common in China, usually leads to induced abortion. Although unmarried young women are at higher risk of delay in seeking an abortion, this population has rarely been studied in China. The present paper uses a survey of 1,271 unmarried women aged 15-24 years who sought an abortion in three cities in China. It was found that 20.5 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 4.9 per cent of unmarried women seeking abortions in Shanghai, Chengdu and Taiyuan, respectively, had done so after 10 weeks of pregnancy. The reasons for the delay in seeking an abortion were related to: the stages of suspecting and confirming the pregnancy; deciding on a course of action; and obtaining the services. Women were less likely to delay seeking an abortion if their partners were involved in the decision-making. Fearing condemnation, relatively few women informed parents of their pregnancy. The findings indicate the need for improved education on sexual and reproductive health and abortion services to increase the knowledge of young women and men and to improve the social support system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy cattle brucellosis is a chronic bacterial disease, which is caused by Brucella abortus and mainly characterized by abortion in dairy cattle. With the rapid development of breeding industry of milk cows in China, the infectious cases of dairy cattle brucellosis show an increasing trend. Particularly in Jilin province, the annual number of the positive cases of dairy cattle was only 3 cows in 1987, and went up to 168 cows in 2005. Based on the situation of the brucellosis infection in Jilin province, we propose an Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Virus (SEIV) dynamical model with outside transferred amount to describe the transmission of brucellosis amongst dairy cattle in this paper. We calculate the basic reproduction number R0 and prove that the equilibria are globally stable. Moreover, using the real data of nearly 20 years in Jilin province, we estimate the parameter values in the system. As a result, we can predict the number of infections as time increases. According to the prediction for the next 30 years, we can conclude that the disease will persist if we just take existing measures. If culling, sterilizing and decreasing the number of outer importing are used together, dairy cattle brucellosis will be well controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo propagation and seed collection are severely limited by a protracted and unpredictable flowering cycle. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees et Arn. ex Munro was renowned for its delectable, bitter-free bamboo shoots, making it an exceptional choice for culinary purposes, which has significant economic value in China. To date, no fruit has been collected, and there are currently no comprehensive studies available on the floral morphology and embryology of D. hamiltonii. The morphological and anatomical characteristics of floral organs were described, and the developmental process of male and female gametophytes was elucidated, through anatomical observation. It was found that the floret of D. hamiltonii was composed of one lemma, palea, pistil, and six stamens, but lacked lodicules. The single ovule, possessing a parietal placenta, was anatropous and featured a double integument. The floral organs showed normal in external morphology, whereas male and female gametophyte development was abnormal, such as pollen grain shrinkage, hollow anther chambers, and underdeveloped ovules, which might be the important factors of its low seed setting rate. This study provided important information on the developmental stages of D. hamiltonii flowers and offered a theoretical basis for understanding the low seed setting rate of bamboo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has experienced an upsurge in child abandonment since the late 1970s in parallel with its one-child policy (OCP) and market reforms. Due to the scarcity of individual-level data, the literature focuses on informal adoption and child trafficking. This study first demonstrates the spatial-temporal trends of child abandonment across over 100,000 self-reported cases spanning 40 years in China collected from an internet platform. We then examine how the OCP and the long-established clan culture influence the incidence of child abandonment at the provincial level. We further compare whether the influences vary across genders. The results indicate that a tougher OCP penalty increases child abandonment, particularly the abandonment of girls. The influence of the OCP on girl abandonment is weaker in provinces with a strong clan culture, where sex ratios at birth are more unbalanced due to an increased incidence of gender-selective abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of acupuncture in inducing delivery has a long history in China. With progress over time, it has been applied in many aspects. For further study of acupuncture in delivery, this paper analyzed the papers using acupuncture in delivery in the past ten years in mainland China. 87 literatures were picked out by searching relevant electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant journals. The analysis showed randomized controlled trials that were the major type of research, while preclinical researches and literature reviews only account for around ten percent, respectively. Clinical researches indicated that acupuncture can relieve labor pain, promote maternal uterine contraction, shorten birth process, and treat postpartum disorders. Preclinical researches found that acupuncture can adjust certain hormones and improve uterus contraction of late-stage pregnant rats. However, due to lack of large multicenter randomized controlled clinical trials, standardized evaluations of clinical effects in clinical researches and detailed mechanism study in preclinical researches and unequivocal conclusions about the effectiveness, efficacy, and mechanisms of acupuncture in this field cannot be obtained from those researches yet. Further clinical and preclinical studies about the use of acupuncture in delivery with improved methodology is still needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Please cite this paper as: Liang K, Meyers K, Zeng W, Gui X. Predictors of elective pregnancy termination among women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy in two regions of China, 2004-2010. BJOG 2013;120:1207-1214. Objective To document the rates of abortion among women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy in two regions of China, and to investigate the sociodemographic factors associated with women's decisions to terminate their pregnancy. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Three central Chinese provinces (Hubei, Hebei and Shanxi) and Yining, Xinjiang. Population Women diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, 2004-2010. Methods Of 798 HIV-infected pregnant women identified through routine screening of pregnant women via antenatal care between 2004 and 2010, 499 women made decisions about the outcome of pregnancy. Chi-squared test was used to describe the characteristics of women who chose to terminate their pregnancies. Logistic regression models were used to identify potential predictors for pregnancy outcome for one cohort of women in central China and a second cohort of women in Yining, Xinjiang. Main outcome measures Pregnancy outcome, trends of elective pregnancy termination. Results In the central China cohort, 76 of 161 pregnancies (47.2%) were terminated. In Yining, the proportion was significantly less, at only 61 of 338 (18.0%). Factors associated with pregnancy termination included unmarried marital status, already having one or more children and earlier trimester of pregnancy at the time of diagnosis. Conclusions The rate of pregnancy termination in these cohorts of HIV-infected women appears to be higher than the rate in the general population of women in China. More work needs to be carried out to decrease the social stigma related to HIV and to convey clear messages about the effectiveness of prevention of mother to child transmission to women and their families. The significantly lower rate of pregnancy termination in Yining relative to central China is probably a result of the cultural and religious reservations towards pregnancy termination. Healthcare workers providing services to HIV-infected pregnant women need to be sensitive to cultural factors influencing women's decisions with regard to pregnancy termination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a provincial-level analysis of the way in which various socio-economic and socio-demographic determinants influence the decision to discriminate against daughters in China. While most existing studies use the infant or child sex ratio as the only variable to be explained, this study analyses separately the two main discriminatory practices: sex-selective abortion (with sex ratio at birth as a proxy) and neglect of girls' health care (with excess infant mortality among females as a proxy). The analysis helps to illuminate the circumstances that encourage sex-selective behaviours, which appear to be dictated mainly by extreme poverty, family support to the elderly, and father's education, together with the social pressure on couples to adhere to traditional values and roles and the constraints on family size. While sex-selective abortion appears to result from long-term strategies to optimize family composition, lethal neglect is the immediate result of economic constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), which causes reproductive failure in sows and respiratory symptoms in piglets, poses a significant threat to the global pig industry. PRRS virus (PRRSV) variants continue to emerge and spread among pigs. NADC34-like PRRSV has been imported into China in recent years and has shown potential as an endemic strain, which is of great concern. In this study, a NADC34-like PRRSV, named HLJ13 strain, was isolated from a farm where pigs experienced respiratory symptoms and abortions. Genomic analysis revealed that the HLJ13 strain was a potential recombinant of NADC34-like and NADC30-like strains, and the restriction fragment length polymorphism of HLJ13 was a novel pattern that was not yet listed. In the PRRSV HLJ13-inoculated group, the piglets showed mild clinical symptoms, such as persistent fever, and showed histopathological lesions in the lungs, and the virus was detectable at 3 and 7 days postinoculation in anal and nasal swabs, respectively. Recombination analysis revealed that interlineage recombinant events were detected in 8 out of 27 Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs were distributed in two clades of lineage 1, and Chinese NADC34-like PRRSVs showed different N-glycosylation modifications in glycoproteins, especially in GP3 and GP5. These findings shed light on the genomic characteristics and pathogenicity of the NADC34-like PRRSV in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By proxying 'awe culture' (i.e., reverence for life and ethical behaviour) with regional induced abortion rates, we examine the impact of awe culture on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in a sample of Chinese firms. We find that firms located in areas with higher induced abortion rates spend less funds on CSR activities and obtain lower CSR scores. The findings remain intact after an array of robustness tests. Further analysis shows that the effect of awe culture on CSR is more pronounced in areas with weaker law enforcement and where the local government emphasises economic growth targets. However, the effect becomes insignificant when firms are well‐represented by top executives with overseas experience, foreign directors, and a high proportion of female board members. The significance of the effect also diminishes for non‐state‐owned firms, and firms with higher institutional ownership and higher cash holdings. Moreover, the lack of awe culture attenuates the positive impact of CSR on firm value. Overall, we document that awe culture, as an informal institution, shapes CSR behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Is there a relationship between pregnancy termination history and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and if so, is the relationship moderated by physical activity (PA)? SUMMARY ANSWER Induced abortion, and both miscarriage and induced abortion, increased the risk of MetS, while leisure PA attenuated the effects of induced abortion, and both miscarriage and induced abortion, on the risk of MetS. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Pregnancy termination history is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but studies on women's history of pregnancy termination and MetS are limited. PA is a preventive behavior for MetS, but its modification effect on any association between pregnancy termination history and MetS is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The cross-sectional study included 53 702 women (age range of 30–79 years old) from southwestern China who participated in the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC) study from May 2018 to September 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants self-reported both the number and type of pregnancy termination. PA was assessed primarily by asking participants about the cumulative time they spent doing PA either as their occupation, transportation, housework, and leisure activity in the past year. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjusting for all confounders, the risk of MetS was significantly increased in women who experienced induced abortion alone, and both miscarriage and induced abortion, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.08 (95% CI = 1.03–1.13) and 1.20 (95% CI = 1.08–1.33), respectively. A dose–response relationship was observed between the number of induced abortions and MetS, with the risk increasing by 3.0% for every additional induced abortion (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.05). Leisure PA had a significant modification effect on the relationship between pregnancy termination history and MetS, as leisure PA attenuates the negative effects of induced abortion on MetS. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Causality cannot be established in this study. Information on pregnancy termination and PA was collected by self-report, which might be subject to recall bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A history of induced abortion was associated with an increased risk of MetS, and the risk increased with the number of induced abortions. Leisure PA attenuated the negative effect of induced abortion on MetS, whereas occupational and transportation PA amplified the negative effect of induced abortion on glucose. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (grant no.: 2017YFC0907300) and the National Nature Science Foundation of China (grant no.: 82273745). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the level and trend of fertility in Huaibei Plain, Anhui province, China, since 1950 and considers some determinants of fertility decline. The data used are from the 1/1000 survey of China which was conducted by the Family Planning Commission in 1982.Fertility decline among younger women (aged under 30) is largely due to later age at marriage, the marriage pattern of Huaibei Plain having changed from early and universal marriage to later and universal marriage. Current use of contraception suggests that the family planning programme, in particular the one-child policy (1979), has been the major determinant in fertility decline. The greatest decline in marital fertility occurred among women aged 35+ and is primarily due to contraceptive practice and induced abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: To investigate the status quo of cognitive appraisal of health and its influencing factors among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted from June 2020 to November 2020. Participants were recruited from a tertiary hospital by a convenient sample method. A total of 300 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus completed the survey, including self‐compiled individual information questionnaire, Cognitive Appraisal of Health Scale, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale and General Self‐Efficacy Scale. Results: For cognitive appraisal of health, the median score of challenge dimension was 3.75 (3.50, 4.00), benign/irrelevant was 2.75 (2.00, 3.50), harm/loss was 2.38 (2.00, 3.00) and threat was 2.40 (2.00, 2.80), respectively. Regression analyses showed that gestational age, mode of conception, history of abortion, insulin usage, pregnancy stress and self‐efficacy were the predictors of cognitive appraisal of health. Conclusions: This study revealed that pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus tended to make positive cognitive appraisal of health. And healthcare providers need to make full use of their predictors of cognitive appraisal of health to improve cognitive appraisal to manage stress and ameliorate pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a key moment during the world's attempt to come to terms with enormously expanding populations. China was an extreme case, both in the magnitude of its population explosion and in its government's control of reproduction through the One-Child Policy (OCP). The U.S. had been a founder and the main financial supporter of The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Starting in 1998, UNFPA's program in China attempted to move the OCP away from two decades of coercive family planning and toward acceptance of the women's rights–centered global consensus that emerged from the 1994 Cairo Conference on Population and Development. In 2001, a conservative U.S. organization, the Population Research Institute, claimed to have gathered evidence of UNFPA's involvement in Chinese coercion. Although several investigations, including one sent by President George W. Bush himself, refuted this evidence, and UNFPA had used no U.S. funds in China, conservative political power was sufficient to cause President George W. Bush to eliminate all U.S. funding for UNFPA's activities everywhere in the world. Ironically, this period was exactly when the UNFPA project had shown that coercion was unnecessary. China eventually followed the UNFPA's lead, liberalizing and eventually ending the OCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Singleton normal fetus with partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) pregnancy is a rare phenomenon. No previous reports have investigated the risk factors of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) progression following this condition. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled cases of singleton normal fetuses with PHM pregnancies at West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2005 to 2017. Other cases were identified from PubMed databases during 1975 to 2021 for the cohort study. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to evaluate risk factors for GTN progression based on the patient's clinical characteristics. Results: Overall, 36 cases of singleton normal fetuses with PHM pregnancies were enrolled. After a median follow‐up of 4.0 (0.8–12.0) months, nine (25.0%) patients progressed to GTN. Gestational age at pregnancy termination (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–0.99, p = 0.032), hyperthyroidism (HR 5.75; 95% CI, 1.16–28.50, p = 0.032), and reasons for pregnancy termination (medical indications vs. patients' choice; HR 0.25; 95% CI, 0.06–0.99, p = 0.049) were significantly correlated with GTN progression. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of gestational age at pregnancy termination to predict non‐progression to GTN was 0.784 (95% CI, 0.615–0.903, p < 0.001). A clinically significant cutoff value, that is, gestational age of 24 weeks, was determined by comprehensively considering the cutoff values of AUC and clinical significance of gestational age. Conclusions: Compared to gestational age of pregnancy termination <24 weeks, ≥24 weeks was a protective factor for GTN. Therefore, there is enough evidence to continue pregnancy, except for uncontrolled severe complications, without increasing the risk of GTN progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with Sarah Mellors Rodriguez,is presented, discussing her monograph "Reproductive Realities in Modern China: Birth Control and Abortion, 1911–2021." The book delves into the everyday reproductive experiences of Chinese people, particularly working-class women. He also discusses feminist methodology, combining state archival research with oral history interviews, aims to highlight the lived experiences of individuals, challenging top-down policy-based analyses.

Background: Although there are more than 10 million induced abortions per year in China, there are few comprehensive, systematic, and characteristic-based data on induced abortions among Chinese women. This study aims to examine the overall trend in induced abortions in China and to analyze the correlation between induced abortions and some socio-economic factors.Methods: Drawing from the 2017 China Fertility Survey, this study analyzed induced abortions using multiple indicators from period and cohort perspectives on a sample of 240,957 women. The indicators include the abortion rate and proportion, average age at the time of induced abortion, age-specific cumulative proportions, and the number of induced abortions by cohort. The analysis also differentiated based on residency, ethnicity, education level, and marital status. A binomial logistic regression model was used to examine the association between induced abortions and socio-economic factors.Results: Between 2006 and 2016, among women aged 15-49, there was an increase in the induced abortion rate and the average age of women who had induced abortions, but a decline in the proportion of abortions. The proportion of induced abortion was higher among premarital than post-marital pregnancies, among unintended than planned pregnancies. Women with induced abortion experiences accounted for less than 30% of all cohorts, and the cumulative number of induced abortions per woman in each cohort was less than 0.45. These indicators varied with birth cohort, residence, ethnicity, education level, and marital status. The results of binomial logistic regression confirmed the association between induced abortion and these socio-economic variables. Sex-selective abortions of female fetuses still exist, despite the government's considerable efforts to eliminate them.Conclusion: The practice of induced abortions differs by cohort and socio-economic characteristics. The profile of women who resort to abortions in China has shifted from well-educated urban women to rural, less-educated women. More effective measures should be taken by the government to reduce the number of induced abortions among women with higher abortion risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Campylobacter infection is an important cause of genital failure in ruminants in developed countries. Although historically Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus has been the main cause of abortion in sheep, C. jejuni is also increasingly associated with sheep abortions. However, limited information is known on Campylobacter‐associated abortions in China. This study initially investigated the distribution of Campylobacter from the genital tracts of humans, monkeys, sheep and cows in China from 2017 to 2018. Ten out of 2126 (0.47%) samples from the genital tracts were Campylobacter positive, of which seven (70%) isolates were identified as C. jejuni. Phylogenetic analysis showed the high genetic diversity of these isolates. The human isolates were closely related to the sheep isolates implying inter‐transmission of Campylobacter between humans and sheep according to the phylogenetic analysis. The acid resistance, adhesion and invasion abilities of genital tract isolates were stronger than isolates from gastrointestinal tract, but no significant difference was observed in the virulence genes. We further found that three genital tract isolates belonged to the same cluster as gastrointestinal isolates from the same host. These findings suggested that there may be inter‐transmission of Campylobacter between the genital and gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome is an X-linked dominant syndrome caused by BCOR variants , which manifests only in females and presumed leading to male lethality. Herein, we aim to present a prenatal diagnosis for OFCD syndrome associated with a novel hemizygous variant in BCOR gene. Case presentation: A 29-year-old pregnant woman from Quanzhou Fujian Province, China, with fetal ultrasound anomalies, was enrolled in this study. A normal 46, XY karyotype with no abnormalities was observed in the fetus detected on microarray. Furthermore, a whole-exome sequencing (WES) detection result demonstrated that a novel hemizygous variant of c.251dupT (p.N87Kfs*6) in the BCOR gene was identified in the fetus, which was a frameshift mutation and classified as a likely pathogenic variant, and may lead to OFCD syndrome according to the clinical feature of the fetus. In this case, male lethality had not occurred by the end of the second trimester, then termination of the pregnancy was conducted at a gestational age of 26 weeks. Sanger sequencing of parental samples revealed that the variant was maternally transmitted, which was consistent with the OFCD syndrome phenotypic features observed in her. Conclusions: In the study, we first present the affected male with a novel variant in BCOR that leads to the OFCD syndrome. Additionally, our study broadened the spectrum of BCOR results in the OFCD syndrome and provided the valuable references for prenatal genetic consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of stress and depression and associated factors among women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Beijing, from April 1st to Oct 31st, 2021. Women seeking termination of an intrauterine first-trimester pregnancy were invited to participate and complete a digital self-administered questionnaire. The survey included socio-demographic and health questions, Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive analyses and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0. Results: A total of 253 women participated. Prevalence of high perceived stress (cut-off ≥ 20) and depressive symptoms (cut-off ≥ 10) was 25.3% and 22.5%, respectively. Women were more likely to suffer high stress if they reported low resilience (aOR = 16.84, 95% CI 5.18–54.79), were not-using contraceptives (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI 1.39–6.29), had low social support (aOR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.39–6.29), were non-local residents (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.15–5.92), were dissatisfied with their intimate relationship (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.15–5.16), or held pro-life attitudes towards abortion (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.18–3.53). Odds of experiencing depression were higher among women who also reported high perceived stress (aOR = 19.00, 95% CI 7.67–47.09), had completed higher education (aOR = 12.28, 95% CI 1.24–121.20), and were non-local residents (aOR = 3.38, 95% CI 1.37–8.32). Conclusions: The magnitude of perceived stress and depression was high among Chinese women seeking a first-trimester induced abortion. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the mental health of women seeking an abortion, especially those with high risk. Interventions to mitigate relevant associated factors could improve the psychological wellbeing of women. Plain language summary: Abortion is a stressful life event. Understanding how women perceive having an abortion and their psychosocial responses will enable health providers to understand women's needs and provide high-quality care. This study aims to determine the frequency of stress and depression among women seeking an induced abortion in early pregnancy in China and associated factors Around 25.3% of women reported high stress and 22.5% reported depression. Women were more likely to suffer high stress if they reported low resilience, were not-using contraceptives, had low social support, were non-local residents, were unhappy with their intimate relationship, or held pro-life attitudes towards abortion. High perceived stress, high education level, and non-local status were associated with depression. The findings indicate stress and depression are quite common among women seeking an abortion in China, especially those with high-risk factors. It is necessary to evaluate and promote the mental health of women seeking an abortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To identify changing levels and patterns of abortion in China among married women, and the determinants of these changes. Study design: Based on data from four nationwide surveys conducted by the Chinese National Population and Family Planning Commission in 1988, 1997, 2001 and 2006, this paper analyzed abortion rates by age, residence, and education. To minimize recall error, only the pregnancy history of the 5–10years before the survey was used. Results: Overall abortion levels in China fluctuated in the period 1970–1990, but declined markedly after 1991. The profile of women resorting to abortion has shifted from older, rural, less educated women, toward younger, urban, more educated women, at a rate beyond the change in composition of the population as a whole. Young, urban, educated women are also the demographic group more likely to employ “user controlled”, short term methods. Conclusion: The findings are consistent with a gradual shift in the Chinese family planning programme, increasingly meeting the principles of the International Conference on Population and Development, which calls for making contraception accessible, and thereby helping women avoid recourse to abortion. Future reproductive health programmes should allow women more autonomy in socio-economic factors affecting their reproductive health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reports on a qualitative study in 2007–08 on the abortion experiences of teenage women from deprived backgrounds in Hong Kong. Twenty-nine young women aged 13–24 who had undergone one or more induced abortions in their teen years were interviewed and participated in group empowerment sessions. Ten were unemployed, four were students, the rest were employed on low pay in unskilled occupations. Abortion services are legal and available in public and private services, but they charge fees ranging from HK$310 to $10,000, and do abortions only up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Many young women resort to poor quality illegal clinics and clinics in mainland China because the cost is lower, they do not wish to tell their parents, who would be asked for consent, and/or they want to protect their sex partners, who may be reported and prosecuted if the girl is under-age. There is a need to strengthen services for teenage women in Hong Kong, especially those who are pregnant and from deprived backgrounds. There is also a need for professionals who deliver adolescent health and social welfare services, and for society to rethink and re-examine its views and attitudes towards teenage pregnancy, sexuality and abortion. En 2007–08, une étude qualitative a porté sur les expériences de l'avortement d'adolescentes issues de milieux défavorisés à Hong Kong. Vingt-neuf jeunes femmes âgées de 13 à 24 ans qui avaient avorté une ou plusieurs fois pendant leur adolescence ont été interrogées et ont participé à des séances d'autonomisation de groupe. Dix étaient au chômage, quatre étaient étudiantes, les autres occupaient des emplois non qualifiés et peu rémunérés. Les services d'avortement sont légaux et disponibles dans des services publics et privés ; mais ils perçoivent des honoraires allant de HK$310 à HK$10 000 et ne pratiquent les avortements que jusqu'à 24 semaines de grossesse. Beaucoup de jeunes femmes ont recours à des centres illégaux de mauvaise qualité ou des centres en Chine continentale car ils sont moins coûteux, elles ne souhaitent pas le dire à leurs parents qui devraient donner leur consentement, et/ou elles veulent protéger leur partenaire sexuel, qui pourrait être dénoncé et poursuivi si la fille est mineure. Il faut renforcer les services pour adolescentes à Hong Kong, en particulier celles qui sont enceintes et issues de milieux défavorisés. On a également besoin de professionnels qui assurent des services de santé et de protection sociale des jeunes alors que la société devrait repenser et réexaminer ses idées et ses attitudes à l'égard de la grossesse, la sexualité et l'avortement chez les adolescentes. En este artículo se informa acerca de un estudio cualitativo realizado en 2007–08 sobre las experiencias de aborto de mujeres adolescentes de clases carenciadas en Hong Kong. Se entrevistaron 29 jóvenes de 13 a 24 años de edad, que habían tenido uno o más abortos inducidos entre los 13 y 19 años, quienes también participaron en sesiones de empoderamiento en grupo. Diez estaban desempleadas, cuatro eran estudiantes y el resto de ellas estaban empleadas en ocupaciones no especializadas de bajo salario. Los servicios de aborto son legales y accesibles en establecimientos públicos y privados, pero estos cobran entre HK$310 y $10,000 y realizan abortos sólo hasta las 24 semanas del embarazo. Muchas jóvenes recurren a clínicas ilegales de mala calidad y a clínicas en China continental porque el costo es más bajo, no quieren informar a sus padres, a quienes se les pediría su consentimiento, y/o quieren proteger a su pareja sexual, quien podría ser denunciada y enjuiciada si la niña es menor de edad. Es necesario fortalecer los servicios para mujeres adolescentes en Hong Kong, especialmente para aquéllas que están embarazadas y son de clases carenciadas. Además, es necesario que la sociedad y los profesionales que proporcionan servicios de salud y asistencia social a las adolescentes reconsideren y reexaminen sus puntos de vista y actitudes hacia el embarazo, la sexualidad y el aborto en la adolescencia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine herpesvirus-8 (EHV-8) is one of the most economically significant viruses that infect mammals of the genus Equus worldwide, which cause severe respiratory diseases and abortion in horses. However, there is no report of abortion caused by EHV-8 in donkeys. Case presentation: The present case report is about a 4-year-old donkey having an abortion and showing a serious respiratory issue on the 296th day of pregnancy. Bacteriological and molecular tests were used to screen possible bacterial/viral pathogens to detect the etiological agent. Salmonella abortus equi, EHV-1, EHV-4, and EAV were all negative in the current study. EHV-8, on the other hand, was the only agent that was isolated and identified. Conclusions: This was for the first time that EHV-8 had been isolated from a donkey in China. EHV-8 infection can cause abortion in donkeys; therefore, veterinarians and breeders should be aware of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Repeat abortion is a significant public health problem in China. International knowledge about repeat abortion and its associated factors in Chinese women is scarce. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of repeat abortion among women seeking abortion services with unintended pregnancies in northwestern China and to identify factors associated with the repeat abortion from both two perspectives of abortion seekers themselves and their sexual partners.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 1st to May 31st, 2020, in 90 medical institutions in Xi'an, the largest city in northwestern China. All women seeking abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy were invited to participate in this survey; however, only those abortion seekers with unintended pregnancies were extracted and included in this study. Pearson's chi-squared tests, Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed.Results: Of 3397 abortion seekers, 56.6% (1924) were undergoing repeat abortions. Participants who were older than 30 years (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08-1.73 for 31-35 years; 1.82, 1.29-2.57 for ≥36 years), received a low-level education (1.86, 1.42-2.43 for ≤senior high school; 1.46, 1.17-1.83 for junior college), were jobless (2.46, 1.18-5.13), had one child (1.54, 1.10-2.17), had a general (1.60, 1.28-1.98) or no (2.51, 2.02-3.11) cognition of possible adverse health effects of having abortions, and had used contraception at the time of conception, i.e., condoms (1.33, 1.09-1.61), withdrawal (1.43, 1.12-1.84), and emergency measures (1.48, 1.09-1.99) were more likely to undergo a repeat abortion. Besides, participants whose sexual partners were older than 30 years (1.33, 1.06-1.68 for 31-35 years; 2.13, 1.56-2.91 for ≥36 years), attained a low-level education (1.66, 1.28-2.15 for ≤senior high school; 1.38, 1.10-1.74 for junior college), received a high-level monthly income (1.34, 1.08-1.65 for ≥6001 Yuan), and had a weak or very weak willingness to use contraception (6.84, 2.42-19.33) were more likely to have a repeat abortion.Conclusions: The study findings highlight the problem of repeat abortion in China and suggest the need for government and civil society to increase efforts to reduce the risks of unintended pregnancy and repeat abortion in China. One approach may be to offer better access to reproductive health and contraception knowledge to women and their sexual partners and to promote their correct, consistent, and effective contraception practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, post-abortion care (PAC) services mainly focus on married couples, such that adolescents and unmarried young womenhave limited access to those services for contraception counseling. The provision of youth-friendly PAC services in public hospitals is a new concept in China. This study examined the magnitude of PAC services utilization as well as factors influencing it's uptake among adolescents and young women in Guangzhou, China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed from 1st March 2020 to 30th September 2020 using anonymous self-administered questionnaire among 688 women aged 15-24 years in Tianhe district, Guangzhou. The Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors that were significantly associated with the uptake of PAC services.Results: The magnitude of PAC services utilization was 35.9% among adolescents and young women in Guangzhou, China. Students were 69.0% significantly less likely to use PAC services compared to women who had no job. Immigrants were 59.0% significantly less likely to use PAC services than their native counterparts. Women who had a feeling of stigma were 70.0% significantly less likely to use PAC services compared to those who did not feel stigmatized.Conclusions: The study highlights the need to strengthen youth-friendly PAC services provision, and emphasizes the importance of education about both family planning and abortion services among disadvantaged sub-groups of women in the study setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses premarital abortion(s) as a window to examine diverse parental roles in adult unmarried daughters' intimate lives in post-socialist China. It also addresses issues of premarital sex, premarital pregnancy, and the emergence of a dating culture. The article identifies four patterns of parent–adult daughter interactions during the decision-making process of premarital abortion: no recognizable parental role, referencing perceived parental views, consulting parents, and direct parental pressure to terminate pregnancy. The findings suggest that within the context of a mature dating culture in urban China and the prevalence of premarital sex, adult daughters have achieved considerable control over decisions about sex and intimacy. Nevertheless, many women have continued to consider parental views on their marriage and reproduction as crucial. Some women have even prioritized the preferences of their parents over those of their intimate partners because they consider intergenerational ties more enduring and reliable than ties between intimate partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology of chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in fetuses of all pregnancies based on a provincial‐wide birth defects‐monitoring system, which could provide scientific basis for making relatively policy and research. Methods: Chromosomal abnormalities cases were collected from all hospitals in Hunan Province, China, between 2016 and 2019. The prevalence of CAs was calculated to examine associations among infant sex, maternal age and region. The rates of prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy (TOP) involving CA or associated anomalies were calculated as rates or proportions. Results: From 2016 to 2019, a total of 2 883 890 perinatal infants (28 weeks of gestation to postpartum 7 days) underwent prenatal screening and diagnostic tests, and 3181 fetuses were diagnosed as CA, with the prevalence of 11.03/10 000. The average prevalence of CAs was higher for male than female fetuses (11.33/10 000 vs 10.06/10 000) (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05–1.21), which was higher in urban areas than rural areas (23.03/10 000 vs 7.13/10 000) (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 3.02–3.47), and the prevalence increased linearly with maternal age (Xtrend2 = 1821.844, P = 0.000). Among the fetuses with CAs, 3097 (97.36%) were diagnosed prenatally, and 3046 (98.35%) underwent TOP. The majority of CA were numerical abnormalities (90.18%). The main types of numerical autosomal abnormalities were trisomy 21 (6.69/10 000, 59.57%), trisomy 18 (1.13/10 000, 10.04%) and trisomy 13 (0.21/10 000, 1.88%). The main types of numerical gonosomal abnormalities were Klinefelter syndrome (0.68/10 000, 6.02%), Turner syndrome (0.49/10 000, 4.39%), Triple X syndrome (0.26/10 000, 2.29%) and 47,XYY syndrome (0.21/10 000, 1.91%). The three associated anomalies with the highest proportions were congenital heart defects (CHD) (41.06%), cleft palate or/and cleft lip (10.89%) and congenital talipes equinovarus (8.94%). Conclusion: The prevalence of CA was lower than that reported. Chromosome detection should be further promoted including test contest and coverage, especially for urban areas, older mothers and fetuses with CHD, cleft palate or/and cleft lip or congenital talipes equinovarus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study adopts social exclusion perspective to examine the medical treatment experience of single rural–urban migrant women who induced abortion in mainland China. A thematic analysis on the interviews with 33 migrant women and field notes is conducted. Findings reveal that the participants experienced multiple social exclusion as follows. First, their limited access to full labour rights leads to their limited medical consumption capacity and exclusion from the formal health system. Second, they lack caregivers and suffer from premarital abortion stigma and outsider discrimination. Third, the self-identity of outsiders also hinders them from receiving formal health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied livestock abortion and various associated risk factors in the Ili region of northwest China. Livestock abortion prevalence was estimated and correlated with infections (Brucellosis, Salmonellosis, Mycoplasma and Chlamydia seropositivity) and management (farming type and contact with other herds/flocks) risk factors. A total of 2996 serum samples (1406 cow, 1590 sheep) were identified by RBPT (Rose Bengal Plate Test) and c-ELISA (competitive-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), and they showed the overall seroprevalence of brucellosis in the study area was cow 6.76%, sheep 9.50%. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in X county was cow 7.06%, sheep 9.12%; in H county was cow 11.70%, sheep 10.80%; and in Q county was cow 4.22%, sheep 9.11%. The overall seroprevalence of Mycoplasma in the study area was cow 3.20%, sheep 6.42%. The seroprevalence of Mycoplasma in X county was cow 3.39%, sheep 7.98%; in H county was cow 5.26%, sheep 9.97%; and in Q county was cow 2.11%, sheep 4.33%. The Odds ratio of brucellosis for cow and sheep, respectively, were 45.909 [95% CI 26.912–78.317, P<0.001] and 70.507 [95% CI 43.783–113.544, P<0.001] times higher than other abortion-related factors including mixed farming, contact with other flocks and Mycoplasma infection. A total of 54 samples, including aborted cow (22), sheep (30) fetuses and milk samples (2), were identified as Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis) positive. A total of 38 Brucella were isolated from 16 aborted cow, 20 sheep fetuses and 2 milk samples. All of these isolates were identified, and confirmed, as B. melitensis. A phylogenetic tree showed that the Brucella isolates closely matched the B. melitensis biovar 3 isolated in Inner Mongolia, China, and B. melitensis isolated from Norway and India. These results suggest that B. melitensis biovar 3 is the main pathogen responsible for cow and sheep abortion and also pose a human health risk. Additionally, livestock reproduction can also be influenced by Mycoplasma infection and managerial factors (farming type and contact with other herds/flocks), especially in remote areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To explore the psychological trajectories of women who have had a diagnosis of foetal abnormality from the time of receiving a definite diagnosis to one month after discharge. Background: Foetal abnormalities are not uncommon worldwide. Such situations are devastating, and the termination of a pregnancy due to foetal abnormalities is a traumatic and stressful event for the mother. Design: A descriptive qualitative approach using expressive writing. Methods: The study included 20 women recruited through purposive sampling at a tertiary hospital in China. The participants were asked to write four 15‐min essays related to their experiences with foetal abnormalities. Thematic analysis was used to generate themes. The COREQ checklist (see Supporting Information Appendix S1) was used. Results: Four themes that reflected the women's psychological trajectories were identified: (a) traumatic response, (b) ruminant meditation, (c) positive coping and (d) post‐traumatic growth stages. The psychological trajectories were dynamically shaped, and different responses were displayed in each stage. Conclusions: Various responses were observed during each of the four psychological trajectories, which indicated that awareness regarding the psychological impacts associated with foetal abnormalities should be increased. The present findings suggest that healthcare services should be made accessible for women who have had a diagnosis of foetal abnormality to allow them to receive targeted nursing care at different stages and improve their psychological well‐being. Relevance to clinical practice: Midwives, nurses and other healthcare professionals should pay more attention to the mental health of women pregnant with foetuses diagnosed with abnormalities. Interventions designed based on women's worries and demands during various phases should be offered. In terms of the present research method, expressive writing possesses unique advantages that can be applied for relevant qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of preconception examinations programs on the prevention of birth defects in Dongguan City during 2013-2017.Methods: The data were from preconception examinations system and the birth defects surveillance system during 2013-2017. The study population included 63,175 infants born to mothers accepted preconception examinations during pregnancy (the screening group) and 649,862 infants whose mother did not check (the control group). The infants included for stillbirth, dead fetus, live birth between 28 weeks of gestation and 7 days after birth and legal pregnancy termination. The risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine for the association between birth defects and preconception examinations. We also conducted a stratified analysis based on infant gender and disease classification, and maternal age and region.Results: The incidence of birth defects in the screening group was 134.55/10,000, while that in the control group was 241.53/10,000. Preconception examinations can effectively reduce the incidence of birth defects (BDs) (RR: 0.557, 95%CI: 0.520-0.597). Bifid spine (RR: 0.076, 95%CI: 0.011-0.545), anencephalia (RR: 0.134, 95%CI: 0.033-0.543) and anorectal atresia or stenosis (RR: 0.151, 95%CI: 0.048-0.471) were controlled best, and Down syndrome (RR: 0.684, 95%CI: 0.435-1.075) was no effect. Young maternal age (14-19 years) and old maternal age will increase the risk of birth defects. Preconception examinations had the best effect for pregnant women under 25 years of age (RR: 0.465, 95%CI: 0.387-0.559), and were relatively poor for women aged 30-34 years (RR: 0.678, 95%CI: 0.593-0.776). The incidence of the urban was significantly higher than that of the rural. The effect of preconception examinations to prevent birth defects was more effective in urban areas (RR: 0.453, 95%CI: 0.391-0.525) than in rural areas (RR: 0.577, 95%CI: 0.533-0.625). The incidence of BDs in males was higher than that in females.Conclusions: By implementing preconception examinations project, birth defects in Dongguan have been well controlled. This can provide reference for other developing countries to prevent birth defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In China, the vast majority of induced abortions are performed in public hospitals. However, post-abortion care (PAC) services are provided through the national network of family planning clinics, which are independent of the health care system. The integration of PAC services into abortion clinics in public hospitals is a new concept. This study aimed to assess PAC utilization among abortion patients, and identify the possible factors associated with PAC uptake in Guangzhou, China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 431 women aged 15-43 years in Tianhe district of Guangzhou, China from June to September 2018. We estimated multivariate logistic regression model to examine the factors associated with utilization of PAC services.Results: Less than half (42%) of the participants used PAC services. Married women were 2.7 times significantly more likely to use PAC services than their unmarried counterparts. Immigrants were 52% significantly less likely to use PAC services than non-immigrants. Women who perceived that their fertility could return later and those who did not know were 45 and 61% significantly less likely to use PAC services compared to those who knew that their fertility could return soon after an abortion. Women with limited decision-making autonomy regarding contraceptive use were 54% significantly less likely to use PAC services than those who made such decisions themselves.Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for policies and programs to not only strengthen the provision of PAC services but also promote uptake among disadvantaged sub-groups of women in the study setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family support is an important protective factor for pregnant women with a foetal abnormality and can prevent adverse psychological outcomes in this population. This study aimed to explore the importance and influencing factors of family support for pregnant women with foetal abnormalities requiring pregnancy termination and then determine the correlation between family support and women's post‐traumatic stress symptoms. A mixed methods study was conducted from March 2016 to September 2017. In all, 214 participants were surveyed using self‐reported questionnaires including the demographic, family and obstetric information questionnaire, the Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection and Resolve Index and the Impact of Event Scale‐Revised to collect quantitative data. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with 28 participants were conducted to collect qualitative data. Of the pregnant women with foetal abnormalities, 35% had obstacles in family function such that family support was low. The Impact of Event Scale‐Revised score was negatively associated with total score on the Family Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection and Resolve Index as well as the score for each item on this index. In terms of family support, the demographic, family and obstetric variables hierarchically entered into the regression models significantly explained 20.0%, 26.5% and 2.6% of variation, respectively. In addition, three key themes were identified based on qualitative analyses: intensified instrumental support, inadequate emotional support and insufficient informational support. The findings showed that family support plays a protective role in preventing post‐traumatic stress symptoms following termination of pregnancy. At present, family support still needs to be improved, especially in emotional support and informational support. The factors influencing family support may be important to consider for improving family support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under Chinese law, the juridical status of the embryo and the foetus is unclear, mainly because the existing legislation can be subject to diverse interpretations due to its ambiguous language. Lack of clarity with the law has led to different understandings amongst Chinese legal scholars. However, although there has been no consensus, there has been a clear tendency to deprive embryos and foetuses of legal status or personhood, thereby excluding them from entitlement to fundamental rights, an understanding reinforced by the Confucian view of the beginning of life. It is expected that in the near future the Chinese courts will face issues involving embryos and foetuses more often, such as disputes over in vitro embryos. The lack of legal precedent could result in contradictory resolutions, therefore, the law should clarify the legal status of embryos and foetuses and accord to prenatal life special respect and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]