Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum thrombospondin-1(THBS-1),D-dimer(D-D)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1)levels in late pregnancy for postpartum hemorrhage(PPH)in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus.Methods Totally 108 re-pregnant women with scarred uterus admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from June 2020 to August 2022 were selected and divided into the PPH group(n=21)and the non-PPH group(n=87)according to whether PPH occurred after delivery.On the day of admission,5 mL elbow venous blood was collected from re-pregnant women in the two groups,and the levels of serum THBS-1,D-D and TIMP-1 of pregnant women in the two groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The serum THBS-1,D-D TIMP-1 levels and clinical data of pregnant women between the two groups were compared.The influencing factors on the occurrence of PPH in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression,and the predictive value of serum THBS-1,D-D and TIMP-1 levels on the occurrence of PPH in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve.Results The percentage of patients with ≥ 2 induced abortions,placental abruption,uterine incision laceration,uterine inertia or scar thickness＜0.3 cm,as well as serum THBS-1 and D-D levels in late pregnancy in the PPH group were significantly higher than those in the non-PPH group,and serum TIMP-1 level in late pregnancy were significantly lower than that in the non-PPH group(P＜0.05).The uterine inertia,as well as high D-D and THBS-1 levels,were independent risk factors for PPH in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus(P＜0.05),and low TIMP-1 level was a protective factor(P＜0.05).The area under the curve of combined serum THBS-1,D-D and TIMP-1 levels to predict PPH in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus was greater than that predicted by the three factors alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion Serum THBS-1,D-D and TIMP-1 levels in late pregnancy can be used as reference indicators for predicting the occurrence of PPH in re-pregnant women with scarred uterus,and the combination of the three indexes is more effective in predicting the occurrence of PPH.

Objective:To evaluate and analyze the ultrasonic findings of idiopathic clubfoot and positional clubfoot deformities.Methods:Forty-nine newborn babies with congenital clubfoot were examined in the Department of Ultrasound of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2020 to January 2022, Including 21 newborn babies(32 feet) with idiopathic clubfoot, and 28 babies(53 feet) with positional clubfoot. Twenty-two normal infants in the same period and the normal feet of the single clubfoot were selected as control group. The distance between medial malleolus and scaphoids of all feet were measured by ultrasound. The distance from the tangent line of the lateral edge of calcaneus to the midpoint of the lateral edge of the chondroid bone, medial soft tissue thickness and tibial calcaneal angle were measured by ultrasound. The data of idiopathic clubfoot group, positional clubfoot group and control group were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 71 newborn babies with 142 feet were evaluated.The idiopathic clubfoot group had born and joint changes in the medial, lateral and posterior side, and the differences were statistically significant compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, there were statistically significant differences in the medial and lateral side of the positional group(all P<0.05). But no significant changes in the posterior side( P>0.05). There were significant differences between medial and posterior side of idiopathic and positional clubfoot group (all P<0.05), but no significant differences in lateral side ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Ultrasonography can clearly display the tarsus bones in clubfoot, and observe the deformity changes of the idiopathic clubfoot and positional clubfoot.

Purpose: It is well known that congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in infants impacts pulmonary function rehabilitation after surgery. However, the risk factors of postoperative pulmonary function are still unclear. In this research, we analyzed the potential risk factors of postoperative pulmonary function in CDH patients in order to improve the clinical management of CDH patients. Methods: Thirty-three cases CDH infants followed were enrolled from November 2016 to September 2018. Clinical data were reviewed. Tidal breathing pulmonary function testing was performed after surgery. Correlation between pulmonary function and clinical characteristics was evaluated using multivariate analysis of variance. Results: Pulmonary dysfunction was detected in 87.9% patients (29 of 33). The defect size was found to be significantly larger in patients with obstructed and mixed ventilatory disorders (P = 0.001). Diagnosis of gestational age (GA) was also significantly earlier compared to restrictive ventilatory disorders (P = 0.001). Larger defect size, and earlier prenatal diagnosis of GA were detected in severe obstructive ventilatory disorders (P = 0.007, P = 0.001, retrospectively). Conclusion Most patients had various degrees of pulmonary dysfunction after surgery. Patients with larger defect size and earlier diagnosis time might be vulnerable to severe obstructive and mixed ventilatory disorders.

Objective: To investigate the effect of high expression of TET1 catalytic domain (TET1-CD) gene on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and its underlying mechanism. Methods: MDA-MB-231 cell line with high TET1-CD expression was established by lentiviral transfection. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TET1-CD. Transwell assay and cell scratch assay were used to detect cell migration ability, MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation capacity. And WB was adopted to detect the expressions of EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2) and Wnt, Hedgehog pathway-related proteins in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results: The MDA-MB-231 cell line with high TET1-CD expression was successfully constructed (all P<0.01). TET1-CD over-expression significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells (P<0.01); in addition, TET1-CD over-expression increased the expression of E-cadherin, but down-regulated the expressions of Vimentin, MMP2, β-catenin, Gli1, C-myc and CyclinD1 (all P<0.05). Conclusion: TET1-CD may inhibit the proliferation and migration of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by inhibiting the EMT through Wnt and HH signaling pathway.

The human brain contains billions of highly differentiated and interconnected cells that form intricate neural networks and collectively control the physical activities and high-level cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making, and social behavior. Big data is required to decipher the complexity of cell types, as well as connectivity and functions of the brain. The newly developed single-cell sequencing technology, which provides a comprehensive landscape of brain cell type diversity by profiling the transcriptome, genome, and/or epigenome of individual cells, has contributed substantially to revealing the complexity and dynamics of the brain and providing new insights into brain development and brain-related disorders. In this review, we first introduce the progresses in both experimental and computational methods of single-cell sequencing technology. Applications of single-cell sequencing-based technologies in brain research, including cell type classification, brain development, and brain disease mechanisms, are then elucidated by representative studies. Lastly, we provided our perspectives into the challenges and future developments in the field of single-cell sequencing. In summary, this mini review aims to provide an overview of how big data generated from single-cell sequencing have empowered the advancements in neuroscience and shed light on the complex problems in understanding brain functions and diseases.

AIM:To validate the association between long noncoding (lncRNA)-H19 and microRNA-199a-5p (miR-199a-5p) through the dual-luciferase reporter gene system by construction of a luciferase reporter vector containing the gene of lncRNA-H19.METHODS:The potential complementary binding sites of lncRNA-H19 and miR-199a-5p were predicted by RegRNA 2.0.The H19 gene or its mutant ( Mut) fragment was cloned into luciferase reporter vector psi-CHECK-2.Restriction enzyme analysis and sequence analysis were used to identify whether the recombinant plasmids of the H19 and H19-Mut were successfully constructed .miR-199a-5p mimics, miR-199a-5p inhibitor, miR-199a-5p mimics neg-ative control or miR-199a-5p inhibitor negative control was co-transfected into the 293T cells with the luciferase reporters containing H19 or H19-Mut.Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect the luciferase activity in different groups in order to verify the relationship between lncRNA-H19 and miR-199a-5p.RESULTS:The results of double enzyme diges-tion and DNA sequencing showed that the sequence of luciferase reporter vector was correct .The results of dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that the H 19 reporter gene luciferase activity significantly decreased in miR-199a-5p mimics group by 49%(P<0.01), and the H19 reporter gene luciferase activity was obviously upregulated in miR-199a-5p inhibitor group compared with miR-199a-5p mimics group ( P<0.01).However, miR-199a-5p mimics, miR-199a-5p inhibitor, miR-199a-5p mimics negative control and miR-199a-5p inhibitor negative control showed no effect at H 19-Mut reporter gene.CONCLUSION:lncRNA-H19 binds to miR-199a-5p to exert an inhibitory effect at transcriptional level .

AIM:To analyze the alterations of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), connexin 43 (Cx43), angiotenisinⅡreceptor type 1 (AT1) and signaling molecules in the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in different regions of the left ventricular heart tissue for exploring whether Ang Ⅱregulates Cx43 expression via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in myocardial infarction ( MI) rats.METHODS:MI was induced in 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats by the left anterior descending coronary artery ligation.The rats were then randomized into 2 groups.In the losartan group, 20 mg· kg-1· d-1 of losartan were ad-ministered for 2 weeks.Heart functions were assessed after surgery and 2 weeks later again following the above treatments . All the rats were sacrificed and relevant molecules , including Ang Ⅱ, AT1, and Cx43 were determined thereafter in diffe-rent areas of the left ventricle .TGF-β1 and its downstream signaling molecules , including Smad 2, Smad 3 and Smad 7, were also detected .RESULTS:In losartan group , both left ventricular internal dimension diastole ( LVIDd) and left ven-tricular internal dimension systole (LVIDs) were smaller, with diminished interventricular septal thickness (IVSd) and left ventricular posterior wall depth ( LVPWd ) and distinct improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ) ( P<0.05 ) .Losartan therapy exhibited a reduction of Ang Ⅱin the infarct zone and the border zone in the cardiac tissues .AT1 was obviously attenuated in the infarct zone with an enhanced expression of Cx 43, which was also elevated in the border zone and none infarct zone .TGF-β1, Smad 2 and Smad 3 were decreased in different zones of the left ventricle , while Smad 7, in contrary to the above factors , presented a converse alteration .CONCLUSION:The activation of Ang Ⅱpro-vokes downregulation of Cx 43 through TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in MI rats .

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the electrophysiological stability and ventricular fibril ation threshold after myocardial infarction in rats are significantly improved in the mid-term of cardiac stem cel transplantation, but relative regulatory mechanism and pathway remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the relative molecular regulatory mechanism of cardiac stem cel s improving the electrophysiological stability and ventricular fibril ation threshold after myocardial infarction in rats. METHODS:Myocardial infarction was induced in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary, which were then randomized into two groups (n=10 per group) and were subjected to the injection of cardiac stem cel s labeled with PKH26 in phosphate buffer solution (cardiac stem cel group) or the same amount of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) alone (PBS group) into the local infarct zone at 2 weeks after modeling, respectively. Six weeks later, relevant signaling molecules involved in the ANGII/AT1R/TGF-β1/SMAD/Cx43 pathway were al examined in myocardial tissues of the left ventricle and harvested blood samples. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the PBS group, expressions of connexin 43 in different zones of the left ventricle were significantly increased in the cardiac stem cel group (P<0.01);there was a significant reduction of the angiotensin II level in plasma and different regions of the left ventricular (P<0.05;P<0.01). Furthermore, in the cardiac stem cel group, expressions of angiotensin II type I receptor, transforming growth factor-β1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Whereas SMAD7 was significantly elevated (P<0.05) in different areas of the left ventricle compared with the phosphate buffer solution group. These findings suggest that the cardiac stem cel transplantation can improve the electrophysiological stability and ventricular fibril ation threshold after myocardial infarction by enhancing the expression of connexin 43 via ANGII/AT1R/TGF-beta1/SMAD/CX43 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Piglitazone, aperoxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ(PPAR-γ) agonist, has been demonstrated topromote survivalandcardiac differentiation ofexogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem celsto improvecardiacfunction.In this study, we attempted to investigate whether pioglitazone couldinduce cardiac differentiation of endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem celsandimprove cardiacfunction, andmeanwhile, probed into the relevant mechanisms.
OBJECTIVE:To compare the therapeutic efficacy ofpioglitazone combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cel transplantation, pioglitazone alone and phosphate buffer solution(PBS)and to investigatetherelevant mechanisms.
METHODS:ThirtySprague-Dawley ratswith myocardial infarctioninducedby ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery were randomized intocombined group (combination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels and pioglitazone), pioglitazone group andPBSgroup. Two weeks later, PKH26-labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels inPBSorPBSalone wereinjected into the local infarct zone in the combinedgroup andthe other twogroups, respectively. Pioglitazone (3 mg/kg/d) was given by the oral gavage in the combinedand pioglitazone groups forcontinuous2weeks after cels transplantation. At 2weeks after treatment, cardiac functions were evaluated. In addition, expressions of PPAR-γ, connexin 43 and relative factors in transforming growth factor-β1/SMAD signaling pathway were examined in different areas of the left ventricle from each harvested heart.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were no differences in the baseline parameters of cardiac function between the two groups.Twoweeksafter treatment, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantlyimprovedin the combined groupcompared with the other two groups; the expression of PPAR-γ was significantly increased in different zones of the left ventriclein the combined andpioglitazone groups.In the combined group, there was a significantlyhigher expression of connexin 43, and the levels of transforming growth factor-β1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were obviously attenuated in the infarctand marginal zones.However, no differences were found in the abovedeterminants between the pioglitazone andPBSgroups. To conclude, pioglitazone cannot induce the differentiation andproliferation of endogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels, but pioglitazone combined with exogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels can improve cardiac function post myocardial infarction.In this process,PPAR-γmight promote the connexin 43 expression inexogenous bone marrow mesenchymal stem celsviathe blockade oftransforming growth factor-β1/SMAD signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Our previous work has demonstrated that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cels (BMSCs) transplantation can improve the heart function of rats with myocardial infarction. However, the overal efficacy is not satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To adopt pioglitazone as a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist combined with BMSCs transplantation therapy, thereby further improving cardiac function of rats with myocardial infarction as wel as investigating the relevant mechanisms. METHODS:Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats with myocardial infarction were induced by the left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. The animals were randomized into two groups: BMSCs and BMSCs+pioglitazone. Two weeks later, al the animals received the injection of BMSCs labeled with PKH26 in PBS into the local infarct zone, and then pioglitazone (3 mg/kg/d) was given by the oral gavage for 2 weeks in the BMSCs+pioglitazone group after the cel transplantation. After 2 weeks of cel transplantation, cardiac functions were evaluated by echocardiography. The expressions of PPAR-γ, Connexin 43 and molecules in TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway were examined in different areas of the left ventricle from each harvested heart using immunofluorescent staining, western blot assay and qRT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were no differences in the baseline parameters of cardiac function between the two groups. At 2 weeks after cel transplantation, the left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole, left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly improved in the BMSCs+ pioglitazone group; the expressions of PPAR-γ and Connexin 43 were distinctly increased in different zones of the left ventricle; the levels of TGF-β1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 were obviously attenuated in the infarct zone and border zone. The above-mentioned findings suggest that pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, can enhance BMSCs potential in improvingthe heart function after myocardial infarction, and PPAR-γ may elevate the expression of Connexin 43via the blockade of the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway in the procedure.