Objective: To investigate the basic situation of pre-analytical quality management in blood station laboratories in North China, and to provide baseline data for promoting the homogenization and standardization of these pre-analytical processes in each blood station laboratory. Methods: A cross-sectional status survey was designed based on the quality management regulations of blood stations, ISO15189 standards and relevant quality management requirements. This survey covering various aspects including laboratory general situation, sample collection and temporary storage, transportation, reception, and quality continuous improvement situations. Data analysis was performed on the survey results of each laboratory. Results: All the 38 blood station laboratories in North China had established a pre-analytical quality management system framework and implemented basic pre-analytical quality control activities; however, there were differences in implementation. 1) Among the 12 basic quality items, 3 items were monitored by all the investigated laboratories (100%), 6 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 60%). There were no significant differences in the monitoring index among the three regions and among different types of laboratories (P>0.05). 2) Among the total of 26 items in the three key processes before testing (sample collection and storage, transportation, reception and processing), 12 items were monitored by all laboratories (100%), 11 items were monitored by the vast majority of laboratories (about 90%), and 3 items were monitored by a portion of laboratories (about 75%). There were no significant differences in monitoring index among different regions and types of laboratories (P>0.05). Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for the gap analysis of the pre-analytical process quality management in 38 blood station laboratories across North China. It facilitates laboratories in identifying pre-analytical quality problems, resolving problems, preventing errors, and ensuring that the quality of blood samples before testing meets the established requirements. It lays a foundation for the homogenization of pre-analytical quality management in regional blood stations.

Objective: To determine the frequency and main reasons of unqualified samples by analyzing the quality of pre-analytical samples in blood stations in North China, thereby providing a reference and basis for gap analysis in the implementation of pre-analytical process quality management for participating laboratories and ensuring that only high-standard and high-quality blood samples proceed to testing. Methods: Data on the quality of pre-analytical samples from blood station laboratories in North China was collected via questionnaire. Statistical analysis were performed on: 1) the basic information of samples quality monitoring in the laboratories; 2) the distribution of the overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples and the pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in each laboratory; 3) the distribution of reasons for sample disqualification. Results: 1) The overall pre-analytical unqualified rate of samples in blood station laboratories in North China was 4.55, with a total sigma level of 5.39σ. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles (P25, P50, P75) for the total unqualified rate were 0.00, 1.10 and 5.96, respectively. The corresponding percentiles for the Sigma level were 5.34σ, 5.71σ, and 6.00σ, respectively. The pre-analytical unqualified rate of serological and nucleic acid samples (4.89 vs 4.22) showed a significant difference (χ =9.575, P<0.05). 2) The average unqualified rate of samples in region A, B and C was 1.71, 9.50 and 12.64 (χ =1 590.721, P<0.05), and the sigma level was 5.66σ, 5.21σ and 5.16σ, respectively. 3) The main reasons for unqualified serological samples were chylous blood (72.65%), hemolysis (17.39%), abnormal hematocrit (5.80%), and insufficient volume (3.50%). The main reasons for the unqualified nucleic acid samples were chylous blood (78.26%), hemolysis (8.84%), failure to centrifuge as required (5.01%), abnormal hematocrit (4.66%), and insufficient volume (1.92%). Conclusion: In North China, the quality indicators for the pre-analytical processes in blood station laboratories are generally well-managed. Laboratories in region A outperformed the national average in pre-analytical specimen quality control. However, participating laboratories exhibit gaps in implementing pre-analytical quality management. Through effective analysis of pre-analytical process quality metrics and inter-laboratory comparisons, laboratories can identify discrepancies and address shortcomings. By establishing clear quality objectives, they can achieve continuous improvement and ensure the validity of test results.

Objective: To investigate the assessment criteria and subsequent handling practices of hemolytic and lipemic blood samples before testing in blood screening laboratories in North China, and to provide data to support the standardization of their management in blood station laboratories. Methods: Data on the preanalytical management of hemolytic and lipemic samples from 38 laboratories were collected. The details of management on the criteria and verificatioon for assessment, the assessment methods, and subsequent handling procedures of hemolytic and lipemic samples in blood station laboratories were analyzed. Results: 1) All 38 blood station laboratories monitored serological and nucleic acid samples for hemolysis and lipemia in pre-analytical phase. 2) The criteria and methods for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples varied among the laboratories of the 38 blood stations. 15 laboratories (39.47%) followed manufacturer's instructions, 9 laboratories (23.68%) formulated their own criteria, and 14 laboratories (36.84%) referred to the criteria of other laboratories. 16 laboratories (42.11%) verified the criteria for assessing hemolytic and lipemic samples, with significant variations in verification rate across laboratories from different regions (P<0.05). For the assessment methods, visual inspection was used by 28 laboratories (73.68%) for hemolytic samples and by 27 laboratories (71.05%) for lipemic samples; the colorimetric card method was used by 10 laboratories (26.32%) for assessing both hemolytic and lipemic samples; the instrumental method was used by 1 laboratory (2.63%) for assessing lipemic samples.3) The handling procedures for hemolytic and lipemic samples varied significantly and followed a gradient distribution pattern among 38 laboratories (including accepting samples for testing, accepting samples for concession testing, re-collecting samples, and rejecting samples and halting testing). With increasing severity of hemolysis and lipemia, more laboratories halted testing, and relatively fewer laboratories accepted samples for normal testing. 5 laboratories (13.16%) applied different handling procedures on serological and nucleic acid samples. Conclusion: This survey provides a reference and basis for analyzing gaps in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples during the preanalyical phase in blood station laboratories in North China. It enables laboratories to identify the problems and deficiencies in the management of hemolytic and lipemic samples, to ensure preanalytical samples quality meets the established requirements, and to lay a foundation for promoting the homogenization and standardization of the regional sample quality management mode.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and related adverse reactions of the combination of camrelizumab with anlotinib as the third-line therapy on advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 84 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer after second-line treatment. According to different treatment methods, 44 patients who received camrelizumab combined with anlotinib were included in the observation group, and 40 patients who received anlotinib alone were included in the control group. The PFS, ORR, DCR and incidence of adverse reactions were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results The median PFS of the observation group was longer than that of the control group (7.0 vs. 5.6 months, P=0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed in ORR, DCR, the incidence of adverse reactions or the incidence of adverse reactions above grade 3 between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion The clinical efficacy of camrelizumab combined with anlotinib as third-line therapy on advanced non-small cell lung cancer is better than anlotinib alone, and the safety is good.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women all over the world, and it is also the main cause of cancer death in women. In 2018, there were about 2.09 million of new breast cancer cases and 630 thousand of death cases worldwide. The incidence rate of breast cancer varies in different regions of the world, but all of them were on the rise. Although the incidence (36.1/10⁵) and mortality (8.8/10⁵) of female breast cancer in China were relatively low worldwide, the number of female breast cancer cases and deaths in China ranks first in the world. Moreover, the incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in China are increasing in recent year. Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease, mainly including genetic factors, environmental factors and behavioral lifestyle factors, etc. This review aims to explore the epidemiology and related risk factors of breast cancer in the world, so as to understand the prevalence of breast cancer and provide help for the prevention, intervention and early detection of breast cancer.

Objective:To explore the effects of different puberty development stages on thyroid morphology and function in women.Methods:From October to November 2017, a multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to select one junior high school in Minhang district of Shanghai, Haimen city of Jiangsu province, Yuhuan city of Zhejiang province and Deqing county of Zhejiang province respectively. A total of 491 girls in the first grade in 4 schools were included in the study. The subjects were examined with thyroid B-ultrasound and physical examination, and their morning random urine samples and fasting blood samples were collected to detect urinary iodine and thyroid function indexes. Puberty Development Self-rating Scale (PDS) was used to evaluate the stages of puberty; multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to investigate the effects of different puberty stages on thyroid morphology and function.Results:There were differences in thyroid status among women at different stages of puberty. Thyroid volume, the rate of nodules and the level of FT4 were lowest in prepubertal period, followed by pubertal period and postpubertal period ( P<0.05). TT3 and FT3 levels were highest in prepubertal period, followed by pubertal period and postpubertal period ( P<0.001), and there was an opposite trend on the abnormal rate. TSH and TT4 levels were not affected by the stage of puberty ( P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed consistent results. There was a negative correlation between puberty development and TT3 and FT3 levels. For each 1 point increase in PDS, TT3 and FT3 levels decreased by 0.067 nmol/L and 0.170 nmol/L in Model 1, respectively, and decreased by 0.065 nmol/L and 0.162 nmol/L in Model 2, respectively. Compared with the prepubertal period, the TT3 and FT3 levels were lower in postpubertal period (Model 1: OR=0.337, 95 %CI: 0.173-0.658; OR=0.283, 95 %CI: 0.144-0.557; Model 2: OR=0.306, 95 %CI: 0.155-0.605; OR=0.263, 95 %CI: 0.132-0.524). Conclusions:The process of puberty is related to the thyroid status in women. The better matured during the puberty, the larger volume the thyroid was, more likely the thyroid nodules appeared, and the levels of TT3 and FT3 was much lower.

Objective: To investigate the effects of different developmental patterns on the increases of thyroid volume in children from different genders and periods, and to explore whether there is a synergistic effect on the initiation of puberty in girls, so as to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the risk of thyroid abnormalities in adulthood. Methods: A multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select a primary school in Minhang District of Shanghai, Haimen City of Jiangsu Province and Yuhuan city of Zhejiang Province. A total of 784 children aged 8-10 years old were included in "8-10 years school-aged children cohort". At the same time, a total of 491 girls aged 11-13 years were included in the "11-13 years adolescent girls cohort". The content of survey on follow-up was consistent with the one on baseline. B-ultrasonography was used to measure thyroid volume. The physical development indexes such as height (H), weight (W) and waist circumference (WC) were measured. The morning urine samples were collected and the urinary iodine content was detected. The changes of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and thyroid volume (V) were calculated (d BMI, d WC, and d V, respectively). According to the changes of BMI and WC, the subjects were classified into four types of developmental changes, namely "B-LW-L (low d BMI, low d WC)" "B-LW-H (low d BMI, high d WC)" "B-HW-L (high d BMI, low d WC)" and "B-HW-H (high d BMI , high d WC)". Results In partial correlation analysis, thyroid volume was significantly correlated with BMI and WC at baseline or follow-up(P<0.05). The changes of thyroid volume in 8-10 years old boys were related to the changes of BMI and WC (P<0.05), the changes of thyroid volume in 8-10 year old girls were only associated with the changes of WC (P=0.03), and no association was found in 11-13 year old girls(P>0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for baseline age, region, and differences of urinary iodine, the risk of thyroid volume increasing in B-HW-H was 2.70 times (95%CI=1.29-5.66) higher than that of B-LW-L in boys aged 8-10 years; among girls aged 11-13 years, the risk of thyroid volume increasing in B-LW-H, B-HW-L and B-HW-H were 2.46 times (95%CI=1.31-4.61), 2.16 times (95%CI=1.15-4.03) and 1.79 times (95%CI=1.07-2.99), respectively; there was no interaction between menarche age and developmental pattern on thyroid volume change trend (P=0.49). Conclusion The thyroid volume in children and adolescents increases with the development of physical development. Different developmental patterns and estrogens have certain effects on thyroid morphological changes. To avoid obesity in childhood (especially with central obesity), timely identify and effectively intervene thyroid morphological abnormalities in childhood，and to reduce the risk of thyroid diseases in adulthood.

Objective: To understand the AIDS awareness and related factors as well as the demands for AIDS-related health education programs, among first-grade students from three senior high schools in Tianjin. Methods: A cross-sectional study using both stratified cluster and convenient sampling methods was conducted. Anonymous questionnaires including social demographic characteristics, AIDS-related knowledge and needs for AIDS health education were distributed to the first-grade students from two general middle schools and one vocational senior middle school in Tianjin. Results: A total of 1 082 students were responding to the questionnaires. Among them, the overall awareness rates of AIDS-related knowledge were 34.3%(371/1 082), 71.9%(778/1 082) of the students had received knowledge about AIDS and 59.4% (643/1 082) of the students had received knowledge about sexual health in the past, from the three schools. There appeared statistical differences among the two types of schools. 7.0% (76/1 082) of the students reported having had sexual behaviors. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, in vocational senior middle school, the awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was lower (compared with general middle school, OR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.29-0.59) and in the following items, including no need in receiving safe sex health knowledge (compared with needs of safe sex health knowledge, OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.43-0.91), no interests in reading AIDS-related health education materials (compared with attention to AIDS health education materials, OR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.30-0.56), not aware of safe sex behavior (compared with aware of safe sex behavior, OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.39-0.77), not aware of correct condom use, compared with aware of correct condom use (OR=0.33, 95%CI: 0.24-0.46). Conclusions The overall awareness rate of AIDS knowledge was low among the first-grade students in Tianjin. Some students reported of already having had insertive sex, sexual health knowledge has a significant impact on AIDS knowledge, suggesting that sexual health education and AIDS health education among high school students be strengthened in Tianjin.

Tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) are small membrane vesicles secreted by tumor cells.They contain various proteins and RNA which make they serve as functional mediators in cell interaction.TEXs can alter the components of extracellular matrix and induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tumor cells,which enhance the invasiveness of tumor cells.TEXs regulate immunity through multiple pathways,allowing circulating tumor cells to escape immune surveillance.TEXs promote pre-metastatic microenvironment in target organ before metastasis and induce angiogenesis after circulating tumor cells colonization.Understanding the role and mechanism of TEXs in this process can effectively block relevant signaling pathways which may provide new targeted therapies for clinic.

Objective: To investigate the effect of tumor-associated macrophages on the stemness of esophageal cancer cells and the potential mechanism of antiproliferative effects of aspirin (ASA). Methods: The effects of aspirin on the stemness characteristics of KYSE-450 cells and KYSE-450 cells co-cultured with M2 macrophages (KYSE-450+ M2) were performed using spheroid formation assay. After treatment with aspirin, the expression of different chemokines, the core pluripotency gene Nanog and the stem cell marker CD90 in different cell groups were determined by real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry and Western blot. Results: The number of spheres formed in the ASA and KYSE-450+ M2 cell groups were 7.00±1.23 and 34.33±2.33, respectively, showing statistically significant difference compared with that of control group (14.50±2.33, all P<0.05). The number of spheres in KYSE-450+ M2+ ASA cell group were 20.67±2.33, which was significantly lower than that of KYSE-450+ M2 group (P<0.05). The expression levels of Nanog gene in control and ASA groups were 1.00 and 0.50±0.10, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression of Nanog gene in cells of KYSE-450+ M2 group and M2+ KYSE-450+ ASA group was 1.74±0.13 and 1.43±0.05, showing statistically significant difference (P<0.05). When chemokine CCL2 was knocked down, the levels of Nanog gene in M2+ shCCL2-KYSE450+ ASA group and M2+ shCCL2-KYSE450 group were decreased to 1.22±0.11 and 1.17±0.08, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference between them (P=0.69). Flow cytometry analyses showed that the expression levels of CD90 in control and ASA cells were (2.93±0.52)% and (1.30±0.17)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of CD90 in M2+ shCCL2-KYSE450 cells and M2+ shCCL2-KYSE450+ ASA cells were (4.07±0.12)% and (4.73±0.38)%, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference (P=0.17). Conclusions Tumor-associated macrophages enhances the stemness of esophageal cancer cells, whereas aspirin attenuates the stemness by suppressing the expression of CCL2. Aspirin plays an anti-tumor effect in esophageal cancer cells.