Objective:To analyze the time to reach full enteral feedings (TFEF) among preterm infants with gestational age (GA)<32 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN).Methods:This was a retrospective analysis based on the database from the CHNN 89 participating centers between January 1 st, 2019 and December 31 st, 2022. All 16 155 preterm infants with a GA <32 weeks and a birth weight <1 500 g, admitted to the NICU within 24 h after birth, hospitalization for at least 7 d and achieved full enteral feedings before discharge were included. According to the birth weight, these infants were divided into extremely low birth weight (ELBW) group and very low birth weight (VLBW) group. The practice characteristics of TFEF across different GA, the severity of neonatal admission, the NICU interventions before reaching full enteral feeding, and relevant neonatal diseases were described. Mann-Whitney U tests or Kruskal-Wallis H tests was used for comparison between groups. Results:Among the 16 155 preterm infants with a GA <32 weeks, 8 505 case (52.6%) were male. The TFEF in 3 374 cases of ELBW groups was 32 (22, 46) d, 351 cases (10.4%) with TFEF ≤2 weeks, 1 050 cases (31.1%) with TFEF >2-4 weeks, 964 cases (28.6%) with TFEF >4-6 weeks, and 1 009 cases (29.9%) with TFEF >6 weeks. The TFEF in 12 781 cases of VLBW group was 22 (15, 32) d, 439 cases (3.4%) with TFEF ≤1 week, 2 565 cases (20.1%) with TFEF >1-2 weeks, 5 526 cases (43.2%) with TFEF >2-4 weeks, and 4 251 cases (33.3%) with TFEF >4 weeks. The TFEF was 36(23, 52) d of 625 preterm infants at a GA ≤25 weeks and 20 (13, 28) d of 2 606 preterm infants at a GA 31 weeks. Inborn infants had a shorter TFEF than those outborn infants and the infants with breast-fed achieved shorter than formula and mixed feeding both in ELBW and VLBW groups (all P<0.001). The earlier enteral feeding started, the shorter TFEF will be both in ELBW and VLBW groups (both P<0.001). The TFEF of preterm infants who were treated before full enteral feeding like peripherally inserted central catheters, and blood transfusions and blood product providers were all longer than those who were not treated (all P<0.001). The TFEF of preterm infants with complications like hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, late onset sepsis, severe retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were all longer than those without (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The distribution of TFEF in VLBW and ELBW has a large difference. The TFEF of preterm infants varies with different GA, treatment measures and complications. Further quality improvement is required to shorten TFEF.

Objective:To establish 30-day of age transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) reference curves for healthy neonates, and to investigate regional variations in bilirubin dynamics.Methods:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 220 950 healthy neonates born at a gestational age of 35-<42 weeks, with a birth weight ≥2 000 g, who did not receive phototherapy within 60 h after birth were recruited. All of them underwent remote TcB monitoring using the Bilibaby remote jaundice monitoring system between August 1 st, 2020 and December 31 st, 2024 in 426 hospitals. TcB data were collected within the period from birth to 30-day of age. The P40, P75, and P95 of TcB values were calculated, and dynamic TcB curves for 30-day of age were constructed. Patterns of bilirubin change, rates of change, and transition outcomes were described. Regional comparisons between South and North were conducted using linear mixed-effects models for TcB trajectories and Pearson′s chi-square test for outcome differences. Results:A total of 220 950 neonates were included, of whom 101 711 (46.03%) were female. Gestational age at birth was (38.75±1.12) weeks, and birth weight was (3 272±417) g. TcB levels increased rapidly within 3-day of age, peaked at 4-6-day of age, with peak values at P40, P75, and P95 of 200.6, 239.7 and 275.4 μmol/L (11.8, 14.1 and 16.2 mg/dl), respectively. TcB levels gradually declined thereafter and stabilized after 13-day of age, with values at P40, P75, and P95 fluctuating between 147.9-159.8, 190.4-200.6, and 231.2-239.7 μmol/L (8.7-9.4, 11.2-11.8, 13.6-14.1 mg/dl), respectively. Notably, among neonates categorized as low-or low-intermediate-risk within 3-day of age, 6 700 (12.76%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. Before 13-day of age, TcB levels in the southern regions were consistently higher than those in the northern regions ( P=0.039); from 14 to 30 days of age, the overall TcB levels had no statistically difference, but the temporal changes in TcB still showed regional differences (degrees of freedom=3, all interaction P<0.05). Among neonates classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, 25 326 were from southern regions, of whom 4 254 (16.80%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. In northern regions, 27 193 neonates were classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, among whom 2 446 (8.99%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk. The risk progression between the 2 regions had statistically difference ( χ2=716.49, P<0.001). Conclusions:A TcB percentile curve for neonates within 30-day of age was established, revealing that both the overall TcB level and its temporal trend were higher in southern than in northern newborns. These findings provide baseline data to support continuous management of neonatal jaundice.

Objective:To analyze the quality level of maternal mid-trimester serum prenatal screening in China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from laboratories participating in the National Health Commission′s Clinical Laboratory Center inter-laboratory quality assessment program for prenatal screening from 2019 to 2023. The collected data included screening protocols, detection methods, testing systems, and monthly laboratory screening quality indicators. The Chi-square test was used to compare the initial screening positive rates among different screening protocols, provinces, detection methods, and testing systems. A log-transformed linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the average annual sample size and the out-of-control rate of various median multiple of the median (mMoM) values.Results:This study included 806 laboratories from 29 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities). The five-year average out-of-control rates for mMoM values across indicators ranged from 15.8% to 31.3%. The initial positive rates of dual, triple, and quadruple screening protocols were statistically different ( χ2=760.2, P<0.001). The initial positive rates across different provinces ranged from 4.7% to 10.3%, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=35 388.0, P<0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in initial positive rates between different testing systems ( χ2=2 493.2, P<0.001). Testing systems using chemiluminescence methods had significantly higher initial positive rates compared to systems using time-resolved fluorescence methods (7.2% vs. 6.5%, χ2=533.6, P<0.001). Log-linear regression analysis showed that testing systems with larger annual average sample sizes had lower out-of-control rates for mMoM values (AFP: β=-0.100, P=0.005; hCG: β=-0.123, P=0.008; uE3: β=-0.139, P=0.007). Conclusion:There are significant differences in the quality of maternal mid-trimester serum screening across different detection methods, testing systems and provinces in China.

Phytochemicals are natural products derived from nature.Numerous studies have demonstrated that they can inhib-it the occurrence and development of different tumors through various pathways.Recent studies have revealed that the tumor microen-vironment is a key regulatory target that drives the malignant progression of tumors,and its synergistic anti-tumor effects with phyto-chemicals has become a research focus.Therefore,this article reviews the current status and progress of research on the role of phyto-chemicals in the tumor microenvironment and its possible mechanisms in recent years.

Objective:To investigate the current status of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) in China in 2024 and to provide recommendations for ensuring the consistency of PGT-A results.Methods:This study was a nationwide external quality assessment research. The National Center for Clinical Laboratories of the National Health Commission conducted two surveys in June and December 2024, with participation from 31 laboratories across China. During each survey, quality control samples of varying concentrations were distributed: the first survey distributed 6 samples (Batch Nos. 202401-202406) and the second survey distributed 3 samples (Batch Nos. 202431-202433). Participating laboratories were required to submit information including detection platforms, single-cell amplification methods, library construction methods, sequencing instruments, and test results. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel to evaluate laboratories' PGT-A testing capabilities and determine whether results met predefined quality control requirements.Results:All 31 laboratories submitted results for both surveys. In the first survey, 90.3% (28/31) met qualification criteria with a 9.7% failure rate (3/31). For individual batches, pass rates were 90.3% (28/31) for batches 202401-202403 and 100% (31/31) for batches 202404-202406. The second survey achieved 100% (31/31) compliance across all three batches (202431-202433), with each batch maintaining a 100% pass rate.Conclusion:The detection quality of PGT-A in China is generally good, but with differences, and factors such as sample concentration, transportation conditions and detection methods affect the consistency of the results. The study highlights the urgent need for nationwide external quality assessment of PGT-A in China. This will help identify issues in laboratories in a timely manner and ensure the consistency of PGT-A test results.

Objective:To investigate the current status of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) in China in 2024 and to provide recommendations for ensuring the consistency of PGT-A results.Methods:This study was a nationwide external quality assessment research. The National Center for Clinical Laboratories of the National Health Commission conducted two surveys in June and December 2024, with participation from 31 laboratories across China. During each survey, quality control samples of varying concentrations were distributed: the first survey distributed 6 samples (Batch Nos. 202401-202406) and the second survey distributed 3 samples (Batch Nos. 202431-202433). Participating laboratories were required to submit information including detection platforms, single-cell amplification methods, library construction methods, sequencing instruments, and test results. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel to evaluate laboratories' PGT-A testing capabilities and determine whether results met predefined quality control requirements.Results:All 31 laboratories submitted results for both surveys. In the first survey, 90.3% (28/31) met qualification criteria with a 9.7% failure rate (3/31). For individual batches, pass rates were 90.3% (28/31) for batches 202401-202403 and 100% (31/31) for batches 202404-202406. The second survey achieved 100% (31/31) compliance across all three batches (202431-202433), with each batch maintaining a 100% pass rate.Conclusion:The detection quality of PGT-A in China is generally good, but with differences, and factors such as sample concentration, transportation conditions and detection methods affect the consistency of the results. The study highlights the urgent need for nationwide external quality assessment of PGT-A in China. This will help identify issues in laboratories in a timely manner and ensure the consistency of PGT-A test results.

Objective:To analyze the quality level of maternal mid-trimester serum prenatal screening in China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information from laboratories participating in the National Health Commission′s Clinical Laboratory Center inter-laboratory quality assessment program for prenatal screening from 2019 to 2023. The collected data included screening protocols, detection methods, testing systems, and monthly laboratory screening quality indicators. The Chi-square test was used to compare the initial screening positive rates among different screening protocols, provinces, detection methods, and testing systems. A log-transformed linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the average annual sample size and the out-of-control rate of various median multiple of the median (mMoM) values.Results:This study included 806 laboratories from 29 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities). The five-year average out-of-control rates for mMoM values across indicators ranged from 15.8% to 31.3%. The initial positive rates of dual, triple, and quadruple screening protocols were statistically different ( χ2=760.2, P<0.001). The initial positive rates across different provinces ranged from 4.7% to 10.3%, with statistically significant differences ( χ2=35 388.0, P<0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in initial positive rates between different testing systems ( χ2=2 493.2, P<0.001). Testing systems using chemiluminescence methods had significantly higher initial positive rates compared to systems using time-resolved fluorescence methods (7.2% vs. 6.5%, χ2=533.6, P<0.001). Log-linear regression analysis showed that testing systems with larger annual average sample sizes had lower out-of-control rates for mMoM values (AFP: β=-0.100, P=0.005; hCG: β=-0.123, P=0.008; uE3: β=-0.139, P=0.007). Conclusion:There are significant differences in the quality of maternal mid-trimester serum screening across different detection methods, testing systems and provinces in China.

Phytochemicals are natural products derived from nature.Numerous studies have demonstrated that they can inhib-it the occurrence and development of different tumors through various pathways.Recent studies have revealed that the tumor microen-vironment is a key regulatory target that drives the malignant progression of tumors,and its synergistic anti-tumor effects with phyto-chemicals has become a research focus.Therefore,this article reviews the current status and progress of research on the role of phyto-chemicals in the tumor microenvironment and its possible mechanisms in recent years.

Objective:To analyze the time to reach full enteral feedings (TFEF) among preterm infants with gestational age (GA)<32 weeks admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN).Methods:This was a retrospective analysis based on the database from the CHNN 89 participating centers between January 1 st, 2019 and December 31 st, 2022. All 16 155 preterm infants with a GA <32 weeks and a birth weight <1 500 g, admitted to the NICU within 24 h after birth, hospitalization for at least 7 d and achieved full enteral feedings before discharge were included. According to the birth weight, these infants were divided into extremely low birth weight (ELBW) group and very low birth weight (VLBW) group. The practice characteristics of TFEF across different GA, the severity of neonatal admission, the NICU interventions before reaching full enteral feeding, and relevant neonatal diseases were described. Mann-Whitney U tests or Kruskal-Wallis H tests was used for comparison between groups. Results:Among the 16 155 preterm infants with a GA <32 weeks, 8 505 case (52.6%) were male. The TFEF in 3 374 cases of ELBW groups was 32 (22, 46) d, 351 cases (10.4%) with TFEF ≤2 weeks, 1 050 cases (31.1%) with TFEF >2-4 weeks, 964 cases (28.6%) with TFEF >4-6 weeks, and 1 009 cases (29.9%) with TFEF >6 weeks. The TFEF in 12 781 cases of VLBW group was 22 (15, 32) d, 439 cases (3.4%) with TFEF ≤1 week, 2 565 cases (20.1%) with TFEF >1-2 weeks, 5 526 cases (43.2%) with TFEF >2-4 weeks, and 4 251 cases (33.3%) with TFEF >4 weeks. The TFEF was 36(23, 52) d of 625 preterm infants at a GA ≤25 weeks and 20 (13, 28) d of 2 606 preterm infants at a GA 31 weeks. Inborn infants had a shorter TFEF than those outborn infants and the infants with breast-fed achieved shorter than formula and mixed feeding both in ELBW and VLBW groups (all P<0.001). The earlier enteral feeding started, the shorter TFEF will be both in ELBW and VLBW groups (both P<0.001). The TFEF of preterm infants who were treated before full enteral feeding like peripherally inserted central catheters, and blood transfusions and blood product providers were all longer than those who were not treated (all P<0.001). The TFEF of preterm infants with complications like hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, late onset sepsis, severe retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were all longer than those without (all P<0.001). Conclusions:The distribution of TFEF in VLBW and ELBW has a large difference. The TFEF of preterm infants varies with different GA, treatment measures and complications. Further quality improvement is required to shorten TFEF.

Objective:To establish 30-day of age transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) reference curves for healthy neonates, and to investigate regional variations in bilirubin dynamics.Methods:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 220 950 healthy neonates born at a gestational age of 35-<42 weeks, with a birth weight ≥2 000 g, who did not receive phototherapy within 60 h after birth were recruited. All of them underwent remote TcB monitoring using the Bilibaby remote jaundice monitoring system between August 1 st, 2020 and December 31 st, 2024 in 426 hospitals. TcB data were collected within the period from birth to 30-day of age. The P40, P75, and P95 of TcB values were calculated, and dynamic TcB curves for 30-day of age were constructed. Patterns of bilirubin change, rates of change, and transition outcomes were described. Regional comparisons between South and North were conducted using linear mixed-effects models for TcB trajectories and Pearson′s chi-square test for outcome differences. Results:A total of 220 950 neonates were included, of whom 101 711 (46.03%) were female. Gestational age at birth was (38.75±1.12) weeks, and birth weight was (3 272±417) g. TcB levels increased rapidly within 3-day of age, peaked at 4-6-day of age, with peak values at P40, P75, and P95 of 200.6, 239.7 and 275.4 μmol/L (11.8, 14.1 and 16.2 mg/dl), respectively. TcB levels gradually declined thereafter and stabilized after 13-day of age, with values at P40, P75, and P95 fluctuating between 147.9-159.8, 190.4-200.6, and 231.2-239.7 μmol/L (8.7-9.4, 11.2-11.8, 13.6-14.1 mg/dl), respectively. Notably, among neonates categorized as low-or low-intermediate-risk within 3-day of age, 6 700 (12.76%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. Before 13-day of age, TcB levels in the southern regions were consistently higher than those in the northern regions ( P=0.039); from 14 to 30 days of age, the overall TcB levels had no statistically difference, but the temporal changes in TcB still showed regional differences (degrees of freedom=3, all interaction P<0.05). Among neonates classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, 25 326 were from southern regions, of whom 4 254 (16.80%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. In northern regions, 27 193 neonates were classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, among whom 2 446 (8.99%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk. The risk progression between the 2 regions had statistically difference ( χ2=716.49, P<0.001). Conclusions:A TcB percentile curve for neonates within 30-day of age was established, revealing that both the overall TcB level and its temporal trend were higher in southern than in northern newborns. These findings provide baseline data to support continuous management of neonatal jaundice.