1.Analysis of the impact of high progesterone ovulation induction protocols on embryo euploidy rates and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients
Minjie WANG ; Yongjing ZHANG ; Jin QIAN ; Chao WANG ; Yuping XU ; Tianjuan WANG ; Dawei CHEN ; Yan HAO ; Qiong XING
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):923-930
ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol on embryo euploidy rate and clinical pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients. MethodsWomen who underwent Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles were selected as study participants (a total of 656 cycles and 3 081 blastocysts). Participants were divided into two age groups (≤35 years and >35 years) and further stratified by ovarian stimulation protocol: the Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) group (n=48 and 60, respectively), the Luteal Phase Long Protocol (LP) group (n=160 and 57, respectively), and the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist Protocol (AP) group (n=220 and 111, respectively). Baseline characteristics, ovarian stimulation outcomes, and embryo development parameters were compared among the three protocols within each age group. Additionally, clinical pregnancy outcomes of the first frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle were compared. The primary outcome measure was the embryo euploidy rate. Results① In the ≤35 years age group, baseline follicle-stimulating hormone (bFSH) levels were significantly higher in the PPOS group compared to the LP and AP groups, and the bFSH/bLH ratio was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P < 0.05). In the >35 years age group, bFSH levels in both the PPOS and AP groups were significantly higher than in the LP group (P < 0.05).② In the ≤35 years group, there were no significant differences in the rates of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, 2-pronuclei (2 PN) zygotes, cleavage, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, high-quality embryos, or embryo euploidy between the PPOS group and either the LP or AP groups. However, the PPOS group showed significantly lower values for the following parameters compared to the other two groups: total oocytes retrieved, number of MII oocytes, number of 2 PN zygotes, number of cleaved embryos, number of 2 PN cleaved embryos, number of blastocysts formed, number of high-quality embryos, number of high-grade blastocysts, number of transferable embryos, number of cryopreserved embryos, number of biopsied blastocysts, number of euploid embryos, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. In the >35 years group, no significant differences were observed among the PPOS, LP, and AP groups in the rates of MII oocytes, 2 PN cleavage, blastocyst formation, or in the number of euploid embryos, euploidy rate, and the rate of obtaining at least one euploid embryo. However, the PPOS group had significantly lower numbers of total oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, 2 PN zygotes, cleaved embryos, 2 PN cleaved embryos, blastocysts formed, transferable embryos, and cryopreserved embryos compared to the LP group (P<0.05). The high-quality embryo rate was significantly lower in the PPOS group than in the AP group (P<0.05). The numbers of high-quality embryos, high-grade blastocysts, and biopsied blastocysts were significantly lower in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05). Notably, the 2 PN fertilization rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in the AP group, and the cleavage rate was significantly higher in the PPOS group than in both the LP and AP groups (P<0.05).③ No significant differences were found among the three groups in the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, early miscarriage rate, and late miscarriage rate following the first FET cycle. ConclusionCompared to the other two protocols, the PPOS protocol does not significantly affect embryo euploidy or clinical pregnancy rates. However, in freeze-all cycles with PGT-A, the PPOS protocol does not reduce the rate of chromosomally normal embryos but may decrease the total number of available embryos. It may not be the optimal choice for younger women, but it can be considered as a viable option for women of advanced maternal age.
2.The impact of hysteroscopy on the outcomes of embryo transfer in preimplantation genetic testing
Jinling XIA ; Yan HAO ; Dawei CHEN ; Ping ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1641-1646
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of hysteroscopic examination and subsequent management on reproductive outcomes in embryo transfer cycles among patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 261 transfer cycles from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 267 transfer cycles from PGT. Among IVF cycles, 134 underwent hysteroscopy prior to embryo transfer (IVF-H group), while 127 did not (IVF-N group). Among PGT cycles, 140 received hysteroscopy before transfer (PGT-H group), and 127 did not (PGT-N group). We compared general characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between the IVF-H and IVF-N groups, as well as between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in maternal age, body mass index, or baseline hormone profiles between the IVF-H and IVF-N groups, nor between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups. The IVF-H group showed higher rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth, along with a lower early miscarriage rate, compared with the IVF-N group. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). In the PGT cohort, the PGT-H group had significantly higher biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates than the PGT-N group (P<0.05). Early miscarriage rates were comparable between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups (P>0.05). Although the live birth rate was higher in the PGT-H group than in the PGT-N group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionHysteroscopic evaluation before embryo transfer may be associated with improved clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. This benefit appears more pronounced in patients undergoing PGT compared with those receiving conventional IVF treatment.
3.Pathogenesis and Treatment Approach of Cancer-Related Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome Based on the Concept of "Blood Exhaustion" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》)
Jinbiao ZHU ; Mengyun YUAN ; Lu BAI ; Duorui NIE ; Mianhua WU ; Yingjie YAN ; Dawei DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):575-579
Based on the concept of "blood exhaustion" from The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), a three-stage syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy for cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome is proposeed. In the cancer-induced anorexia stage, the pathogenesis is characterized by cancer consuming the spleen and stomach, leading to stagnation of transportation and transformation in the middle jiao (焦). Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen, promoting appetite, dispersing accumulation, and aiding digestion, with modified Zisheng Pills (资生丸) in Extensive Notes on Medicine from Xian Xing Studio (《先醒斋医学广笔记》) or Zisheng Decoction (资生汤) in Records of Chinese Medicine with Reference to Western Medicine (《医学衷中参西录》). In the pre-cachectic stage of malnutrition, the pathogenesis involves insufficient nourishment of blood and qi with essence depletion hindering production. Treatment should focus on nourishing blood and harmonizing ying (营), warming yang and supplementing qi, and modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (黄芪建中汤) can be used. In the cachectic stage, the pathogenesis involves blood deficiency and essence exhaustion, with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. The therapeutic approach should focus on tonifying deficiency and replenishing essence, unblocking collaterals, and removing stasis, and modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) and Zuo Gui Beverage (左归饮) are suggested.
4.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
5.Prediction of EGFR mutation status in non-small cell lung cancer based on CT radiomic features combined with clinical characteristics
Taotao YANG ; Xianqi WANG ; Cancan CHEN ; Wanying YAN ; Dawei WANG ; Kunlin XIONG ; Zhiyuan SUN ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(8):847-857
Objective To investigate the predictive value of combined radiomic features derived from chest CT scans with clinical characteristics for epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods A multi-center case-control study was conducted on the clinical data and CT images of 1 070 NSCLC patients from the radiology departments of the 3 medical institutions between January 2013 and October 2023.The 719 NSCLC patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University were randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set in a ratio of 7∶3;The 173 patients in the Eastern Theatre General Hospital and the 178 patients in Army Medical Centre of PLA were assigned into the external validation set 1 and 2,respectively.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression was employed to identify the optimal radiomic features,which were subsequently used to construct a radiomics model.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify clinical features associated with EGFR mutation,thereby developing a clinical model.The radiomic and clinical features were subsequently combined to develop a comprehensive model.All the 3 classification models were built using random forest(RF)machine learning.The area under curve(AUC),accuracy,sensitivity and specificity were utilized to evaluate the predictive performance of the models.Calibration curve was plotted to assess the goodness of fit of the comprehensive model,while decision curve analysis was performed to assess the clinical utility of the model.Results The AUC value of the radiomics model was 0.762 4(95%CI:0.692 4~0.825 1),0.745 4(95%CI:0.671 1~0.814 3),and 0.724 7(95%CI:0.639 7~0.801 6),respectively,in the internal validation set,external validation set 1,and external validation set 2;The AUC value of the clinical prediction model was 0.691 7(95%CI:0.627 9~0.757 6),0.652 5(95%CI:0.576 7~0.729 1),and 0.779 2(95%CI:0.712 5~0.847 3),respectively in the above sets in turn;The comprehensive model constructed based on clinical features and radiomic features showed the best predictive efficacy,with an AUC value of 0.818 0(95%CI:0.757 7~0.874 3),0.782 4(95%CI:0.703 1~0.848 2),and 0.796 6(95%CI:0.718 1~0.868 6),respectively in the above sets.Calibration curve analysis indicated that the comprehensive model had a good fit,while decision curve analysis revealed that the model provided a favorable net benefit.Conclusion Our comprehensive model constructed based on chest CT radiomic features and clinical characteristics shows superior predictive performance for EGFR gene mutations in NSCLC across multiple center datasets,which may be helpful for clinical decision-making for treatment strategies.
6.Integrative model combining deep learning,clinical and radiomic features enhances EGFR mutation prediction in non-small cell lung cancer
Taotao YANG ; Wei CHEN ; Cancan CHEN ; Wanying YAN ; Dawei WANG ; Kunlin XIONG ; Zhiyuan SUN ; Xianqi WANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(23):2991-3001
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of deep learning features from chest CT images combined with clinical and radiomics features for epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)mutations in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods This case-control study retrospectively analyzed clinical and imaging data of 1 070 NSCLC patients from radiology departments at three hospitals(January 2013 to October 2023).Patients were divided into:a training set(n=502)and internal validation set(n=217)via 7∶3 randomization of 719 cases from the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University;external validation set 1(n=173)from General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command;external validation set 2(n=178)from Daping Hospital of Army Medical University.Deep learning features were extracted using a 2.5D convolutional neural network(CNN)with ResNet101 backbone,radiomics features were derived from CT images,and clinical risk factors were identified to construct models.An integrated model combined deep learning,clinical,and radiomics features.All four models were developed using random forest(RF)classifiers.Calibration curves assessed goodness-of-fit,and decision curve analysis(DCA)evaluated clinical utility.Results The deep learning model achieved AUCs of 0.833 7(95%CI:0.770 6~0.884 7),0.815 1(0.741 6~0.882 8),and 0.810 1(0.745 2~0.873 6)in the internal and two external validation sets,respectively.Clinical models yielded AUCs of 0.731 0(0.660 2~0.802 1),0.746 0(0.666 4~0.824 9),and 0.813 4(0.743 1~0.883 6);radiomics models showed AUCs of 0.762 4(0.692 4~0.825 1),0.745 4(0.671 1~0.814 3),and 0.724 7(0.639 7~0.801 6).The integrated model demonstrated optimal performance with AUCs of 0.905 5(0.857 0~0.945 4),0.832 7(0.763 3~0.896 4),and 0.889 0(0.834 4~0.934 3).DCA indicated significant net benefit for EGFR prediction at threshold probabilities of 0.15~0.85 using the integrated model.Conclusion Deep learning features from CT images effectively predict EGFR mutation status in NSCLC.The integrated model combining deep learning,clinical,and radiomics features further enhances predictive performance.
7.Neurotrophin-3 receptor switching promotes neural functional recovery in rats after spinal cord injury
Yan CONG ; Jian YU ; Zhide SUN ; Dawei KANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2268-2276
BACKGROUND:Neurotrophins represent a novel therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury,showing promising clinical applicability.Autophagy modulation is one of the mechanisms by which neurotrophins exert their effects,yet the specific signaling pathways involved remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore how neurotrophin-3(NT-3)modulates autophagy in oligodendrocytes via switching between P75NTR and TrkC receptors and promotes neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury,aiming to further clarify the specific molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS:Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation,spinal cord injury,and NT-3 groups.The therapeutic effect of NT-3 on spinal cord injury in rats was evaluated using the Basso,Beattie,and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale.The expression levels of NT-3,Olig1,myelin basic protein,and the autophagy marker LC3B in rat spinal cord tissue were detected by western blot.In a cellular experiment,oligodendrocytes were cultured in vitro and divided into six groups:oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD),OGD+NT-3,OGD+NT-3+P75NTR plasmid,OGD+NT-3+TrkC plasmid,OGD+3-methyladenine(an autophagy inhibitor),and OGD+rapamycin(an autophagy activator).Oligodendrocyte morphology was observed under a light microscope,cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining,and the expression of TrkC receptor,P75NTR,LC3B,and the phosphorylation status of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways were evaluated by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Animal experiments demonstrated that compared with the sham operation group,NT-3 expression significantly increased after spinal cord injury(P<0.05);exogenous NT-3 treatment accelerated neurological function recovery in rats post spinal cord injury(P<0.05)and increased the expression of Olig1 and myelin basic proteins(P<0.05).Cellular experiments revealed that 3 hours marked the early to middle/late phase transition.Compared with the OGD group,oligodendrocytes in the OGD+NT-3 group could maintain their morphology for a longer period of time,TrkC receptor expression was lower in the early phase and significantly upregulated in the middle/late phase(P<0.05),whereas P75NTR protein expression was upregulated in the early phase and downregulated in the middle/late phase(P<0.05),and autophagy levels showed an initial increase followed by a decrease(P<0.05).By comparing the morphology and TUNEL staining results of cells in the OGD+NT-3,OGD+rapamycin,and OGD+3-methyladenine groups,we found that either promoting or inhibiting autophagy alone had adverse effects on oligodendrocyte survival,whereas modulating autophagy in a manner similar to NT-3 could maximally maintain cell survival.NT-3 could promote autophagy in the early phase via the P75NTR/AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibit autophagy in the later phase through the TrkC/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Based on these findings,it is concluded that NT-3 can bidirectionally regulate autophagy in oligodendrocytes through the switching of P75NTR/TrkC receptors,thereby maintaining cell survival and facilitating the recovery of neurological functions in rats after spinal cord injury.
8.OX40 ligand promotes follicular helper T cell differentiation and development in mice with immune thrombocytopenia.
Ziyin YANG ; Lei HAI ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Siwen WU ; Yan LV ; Dawei CUI ; Jue XIE
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(3):240-253
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hemorrhagic autoimmune disease characterized by antibody-mediated platelet injury. ITP has complicated immunopathological mechanisms that need further elucidation. It is well known that the costimulatory molecules OX40 ligand (OX40L) and OX40 play essential roles in the immunological mechanisms of autoimmune diseases. Previously, we discovered that the expression of OX40L and OX40 is significantly increased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ITP patients. In our present study, OX40L-induced follicular helper T (Tfh) cells exhibited an activated phenotype with elevated expression of inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (CD40L) in vitro. Moreover, aberrant OX40L‒OX40 expression might promote the Tfh1-to-Tfh2 shift in vivo, inducing the generation of autoantibodies by enhancing the helper function of Tfh cells for B lymphocytes in a mouse model, which might accelerate the progression of ITP. Additionally, signal transduction through the OX40L‒OX40 axis might be related to the activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)‒nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and Janus kinase (JAK)‒signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways. Overall, OX40L‒OX40 signaling is proposed as a potential novel therapeutic target for ITP.
Animals
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OX40 Ligand/physiology*
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Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology*
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Cell Differentiation
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Mice
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/cytology*
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T Follicular Helper Cells/cytology*
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Signal Transduction
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Receptors, OX40
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Humans
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Female
9.The effect of endometriosis on pregnancy and delivery outcomes in cycles of single frozen euploid blastocyst transfer
Yuanyuan Zhang ; Dehuan Huang ; Yan Hao ; Dawei Chen ; Ping Zhou ; Yunxia Cao
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1548-1554
Objective:
To investigate the impact of endometriosis on pregnancy and delivery outcomes in patients undergoing single euploid frozen_thawed blastocyst transfer cycles following preimplantation genetic testing.
Methods :
A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data from patients undergoing frozen_thawed blastocyst transfer after preimplantation genetic testing at the reproductive center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University. The endometriosis group comprised 84 treatment cycles. After 1 : 3 propensity score matching , 252 treatment cycles from non_endometriosis patients were included as the control group. General characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of general characteristics , human chorionic gonadotropin ( HCG) positive rate , cycle clinical pregnancy rate per cycle , early miscarriage rate , preterm birth rate , live birth rate per cycle , cesarean section rate , delivery weeks , cumulative clinical pregnancy rate , and cumulative live birth rate (all P > 0. 05) .
Conclusion
Endometriosis may not reduce the pregnancy rate and live birth rate in single frozen euploid blastocyst transfer cycles .
10.Risk factors and clinical outcome of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in preterm infants
Yonghong HE ; Wei ZHANG ; Dawei QIN ; Wenjun TIAN ; Ling CHEN ; Mi YAN ; Xiu GU ; Hejian FU ; Changjun TIAN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(12):57-60
Objective To analyze the risk factors for meconium-stained amniotic fluid(MSAF)in preterm infants and the clinical outcome and prognosis of preterm infants.Methods Preterm infants with gestational age<37 weeks delivered in Zhangjiajie People's Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were used as the study subjects,31 cases with MSAF were in MSAF group,and 31 cases of preterm infants hospitalized during the same period without MSAF were randomly paired in the ratio of 1∶1 to select with gestational age-body mass matching as non-MSAF group.Retrospective collection and analysis of pregnancy and perinatal conditions of mothers of preterm infants in two groups,comparing the differences of related factors between two groups of children;Logistic regression analysis of risk factors related to MSAF in preterm infants;comparing the complications and clinical outcomes of preterm infants in two groups.Results A total of 387 preterm infants with gestational age<37 weeks were collected during the study period,including 31 preterm infants with comorbid MSAF,and the prevalence of MSAF in preterm infants was 8.0%.MSAF group had a higher incidence of advanced maternal age,premature rupture of membranes>18 hours,antepartum fever,and cholestasis during pregnancy than non-MSAF group.Logistic regression analysis suggested that combined cholestasis during pregnancy and white blood cell count ≥ 30× 109/L within 6 hours after birth increased the incidence of MSAF in preterm infants.There was no statistically significant difference in the results of postnatal umbilical artery blood gas analysis between two groups of preterm infants.The proportion of leukocyte count ≥30×109/L,ultrasensitive C-reactive protein>0.8 mg/L,and interleukin 6>6 pg/L in MSAF group was higher than that of non-MSAF group in the 6 hours after birth.MSAF group had a higher incidence of intrauterine infectious pneumonia,feeding intolerance,and necrotizing small bowel colitis in neonates than non-MSAF group.Conclusion Advanced maternal age,intrauterine infections,and combined intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy may be the major risk factors for MSAF in preterm infants.MSAF preterm infants have a higher prevalence of intrauterine infectious pneumonitis,feeding intolerance,and necrotizing small bowel colitis in newborns,as well as longer hospital stays.


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