Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=－4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=－7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=－13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

Objective To investigate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid status and hormone levels of radiation workers. Methods Radiation workers who underwent occupational health examinations at a hospital in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2022 were selected as the subjects of this study. The levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were analyzed, and the thyroid abnormality status of radiation workers in different groups were compared. Results A total of 1152 participants were included in this study, consisting of 885 (76.82%) males and 267 (23.18%) females, with an average age of (35.26 ± 10.16) years. The prevalence of thyroid abnormalities was 9.38%, which was significantly higher in females (13.86%) than in males (8.02%) (P < 0.05). The TSH level of females [(2.15 ± 1.29) mIU/L] was higher than that of males [(1.85 ± 1.20) mIU/L], while the levels of FT3 [(5.10 ± 0.64) pmol/L] and FT4 [(15.84 ± 2.32) pmol/L] in females were lower than those in males [(5.23 ± 0.63) pmol/L and (16.61 ± 2.75) pmol/L, P < 0.05]. The FT3 of industrial workers [(5.25 ± 0.63) pmol/L] was higher than that of medical workers [(5.10 ± 0.63) pmol/L], while the TSH of industrial workers [(1.80 ± 1.12) mIU/L] was lower than that of medical workers [(2.15 ± 1.37) mIU/L]. FT4 levels decreased with increasing age and duration of occupational exposure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sex was a significant independent predictor of thyroid abnormalities among radiation workers. Female workers were more likely to experience thyroid abnormalities (β = −0.62, P < 0.05). Conclusion Low-dose ionizing radiation may have a certain impact on the thyroid status of radiation workers, especially for female workers, which requires further attention and research.

Objective:To develop a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images and validate its diagnostic performance across multiple centers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on anal sphincter ultrasound images from seven medical centers in China between May 2019 and June 2022. A total of 7 040 images from 3 116 patients were included and divided into a training set（4 912 images）and a validation set（2 128 images）. The images were classified as standard or non-standard images by three experts. Three models were developed based on different image feature extraction methods：a single-branch model，a multi-branch weighted model，and a multi-branch ensemble model. The diagnostic performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve（AUC），sensitivity，specificity，accuracy，positive predictive value，and negative predictive value，respectively. The optimal model was selected and compared with the performance of 4 doctors with varying experience levels. Sixty days later，the images with the assistance of the model's output were reassessed by the doctors to evaluate its impact on manual quality control.Results:① Among the 3 models，the multi-branch ensemble model demonstrated the highest AUC and sensitivity，with an AUC of 0.966（95% CI=0.958 - 0.974），a sensitivity of 91.83%，and a specificity of 91.41%. This model was named M quality. ② M quality's AUC was slightly lower than that of Senior A and B（0.966 vs. 0.976，0.976，and P<0.05），its sensitivity was slightly lower than that of Senior A（91.83% vs. 95.61%， P<0.001）but comparable to Senior B（91.83% vs. 92.89%， P=0.315），its specificity was slightly lower than Senior A and B（91.41% vs. 94.44%，98.18%，and P<0.05）. However，M quality significantly outperformed Junior A and B in AUC and sensitivity（AUC：0.966 vs. 0.850，0.818；sensitivity：91.83% vs. 84.90%，61.46%；all P<0.001），its specificity was higher than that of Junior A（91.41% vs. 80.28%， P<0.001）but lower than that of Junior B（91.41% vs. 95.96%， P<0.001）. ③ With model assistance，Senior B's sensitivity（92.89% vs. 94.20%， P=0.001）and Senior A's specificity（94.44% vs. 96.56%， P<0.001）improved significantly. Junior A and B showed significant improvements in AUC and sensitivity（AUC：0.931 vs. 0.850，0.914 vs. 0.818；sensitivity：91.83% vs. 84.90%，89.53% vs. 61.46%；all P<0.001）. After model assistance，Junior A's specificity increased（93.62% vs. 80.28%， P<0.001），while Junior B's specificity decreased（91.60% vs. 95.96%， P=0.013）. Conclusions:This study develops a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images with robust diagnostic performance，approaching the level of seniors. The model significantly enhances the image quality assessment capabilities of juniors，demonstrating promising clinical application potential.

Objective:To develop a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images and validate its diagnostic performance across multiple centers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on anal sphincter ultrasound images from seven medical centers in China between May 2019 and June 2022. A total of 7 040 images from 3 116 patients were included and divided into a training set（4 912 images）and a validation set（2 128 images）. The images were classified as standard or non-standard images by three experts. Three models were developed based on different image feature extraction methods：a single-branch model，a multi-branch weighted model，and a multi-branch ensemble model. The diagnostic performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve（AUC），sensitivity，specificity，accuracy，positive predictive value，and negative predictive value，respectively. The optimal model was selected and compared with the performance of 4 doctors with varying experience levels. Sixty days later，the images with the assistance of the model's output were reassessed by the doctors to evaluate its impact on manual quality control.Results:① Among the 3 models，the multi-branch ensemble model demonstrated the highest AUC and sensitivity，with an AUC of 0.966（95% CI=0.958 - 0.974），a sensitivity of 91.83%，and a specificity of 91.41%. This model was named M quality. ② M quality's AUC was slightly lower than that of Senior A and B（0.966 vs. 0.976，0.976，and P<0.05），its sensitivity was slightly lower than that of Senior A（91.83% vs. 95.61%， P<0.001）but comparable to Senior B（91.83% vs. 92.89%， P=0.315），its specificity was slightly lower than Senior A and B（91.41% vs. 94.44%，98.18%，and P<0.05）. However，M quality significantly outperformed Junior A and B in AUC and sensitivity（AUC：0.966 vs. 0.850，0.818；sensitivity：91.83% vs. 84.90%，61.46%；all P<0.001），its specificity was higher than that of Junior A（91.41% vs. 80.28%， P<0.001）but lower than that of Junior B（91.41% vs. 95.96%， P<0.001）. ③ With model assistance，Senior B's sensitivity（92.89% vs. 94.20%， P=0.001）and Senior A's specificity（94.44% vs. 96.56%， P<0.001）improved significantly. Junior A and B showed significant improvements in AUC and sensitivity（AUC：0.931 vs. 0.850，0.914 vs. 0.818；sensitivity：91.83% vs. 84.90%，89.53% vs. 61.46%；all P<0.001）. After model assistance，Junior A's specificity increased（93.62% vs. 80.28%， P<0.001），while Junior B's specificity decreased（91.60% vs. 95.96%， P=0.013）. Conclusions:This study develops a quality control model for anal sphincter ultrasound images with robust diagnostic performance，approaching the level of seniors. The model significantly enhances the image quality assessment capabilities of juniors，demonstrating promising clinical application potential.

Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=－4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=－7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=－13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

Purpose To observe the changes in the brain microstructure of children with global developmental delay(GDD)via MR diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI).Materials and Methods A total of 34 children with GDD were included as the experimental group,and 34 children with normal development as the control group in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2020 to March 2023,retrospectively.DKI and clinical data were collected.After post-processing,DKI parameters were obtained,including fraction anisotropy,mean kurtosis(MK),axial kurtosis and radial kurtosis(Kr).The differences in parameters in each region of interest of the two groups were analyzed,the correlation between DKI parameters and Gesell developmental scale was analyzed,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of DKI parameters.Results Compared with the control group,the MK value of the centrum semiovale decreased(Z=-2.723,P<0.01),the MK value and Kr value of the thalamus decreased(t/Z=-3.220,-3.128,both P<0.01),the MK value and axial kurtosis value of the anterior and posterior limb of internal capsule decreased(t/Z=-2.958,-2.573,-2.085,-2.403,all P<0.05),the Kr value of the anterior limb of internal capsule decreased(t=-2.155,P<0.05),the MK value and Kr value of frontal white matter decreased(Z=-2.177,-2.711,both P<0.05).The correlation analysis showed that the MK and Kr value of the anterior limb of the internal capsule and the MK value of the posterior limb of the internal capsule were positively correlated with the score of the gross motor functional area(r=0.379,0.378,0.405,all P<0.05),and the MK value of the posterior limb of the internal capsule was positively correlated with the fine motor functional area(r=0.461,P=0.006).The Kr value of the thalamus had the largest area under the curve at 0.721 when diagnosing GDD.Conclusion Children with GDD have changes in brain microstructure,and DKI has a certain value for diagnosis.

This study employed the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity model as an anti-diabetic assay and implemented a bioactivity-guided isolation strategy to identify novel natural compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Hypericum sampsoniiwas investigated, leading to the isolation of two highly modified seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) (1 and 2), eight phenolic derivatives (3-10), and four terpene derivatives (11-14). The structures of compounds 1 and 2, featuring an unprecedented octahydro-2H-chromen-2-one ring system, were fully characterized using extensive spectroscopic data and quantum chemistry calculations. Six compounds (1, 5-7, 9, and 14) exhibited potential inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.050 ± 0.0016 to 366.70 ± 11.08 μg·mL^-1. Notably, compound 5 (0.050 ± 0.0016 μg·mL^-1) was identified as the most potential α-glucosidase inhibitor, with an inhibitory effect about 6900 times stronger than the positive control, acarbose (IC₅₀ = 346.63 ± 15.65 μg·mL^-1). A docking study was conducted to predict molecular interactions between two compounds (1 and 5) and α-glucosidase, and the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of the two unprecedented seco-PPAPs were proposed.
Molecular Structure ; Hypericum/chemistry* ; alpha-Glucosidases ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Glycoside Hydrolase Inhibitors/pharmacology*

Objective:To assess the urethral mobility of normal parous women in China and explore the impacts of related risk factors on it using translabial ultrasound.Methods:Females who met the inclusion criteria in 37 tertiary hospitals from February 2017 to August 2018 were included. All women underwent standardized translabial ultrasound examination and the urethral rotation angle (URA), bladder neck position at maximum Valsalva maneuver (BNP-V) and bladder neck descent (BND) were measured. Questionnaires were used to collect basic information including age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), past medical history, maternity history, and urinary incontinence related history. Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression analysis were adopted to explore the influences of age, BMI, delivery mode and parity on normal parous women′s urethral mobility. Then, the study subjects were divided into different groups and the corresponding values of URA, BNP-V and BND were compared. Results:Compared with parous women with normal BMI and no history of vaginal delivery, those who were overweight and/or had a history of vaginal delivery were more likely to gain greater URA and BND ( P<0.05). The URA and BND were not significantly different between women with different times of cesarean sections ( P>0.05); while for women with a history of vaginal delivery, these two parameters increased with the increase of the number of transvaginal deliveries ( P<0.05). Conclusions:BMI and vaginal delivery are important risk factors for the urethral mobility of normal parous women. The urethral mobility increases with the increase of BMI and the number of vaginal deliveries.

Objective:To explore the value of 3D/4D translabial ultrasound in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum.Methods:The paired chi-square test was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 2D translabial ultrasound and 3D/4D translabial ultrasound in 21 suspected urethral diverticulum patients who visited the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from November 2013 to January 2020. And Kappa consistency test was used to evaluate the consistency between these two methods and the pathological results.Results:All 21 patients with suspected urethral diverticulum were diagnosed by postoperative pathology, of which 16 cases were urethral diverticula and 5 cases were paraurethral cysts. The typical appearance of urethral diverticulum on 3D/4D translabial ultrasound was a cystic structure traversing the urethral rhabdosphincter. Additionally, septa, calcification or solid neoplasm can also be seen in some cases. The sensitivity/specificity of 2D translabial ultrasound and 3D/4D translabial ultrasound were 75.00%/100% and 93.75%/100%, respectively, no statistical differences were found both in sensitivity and specificity between these two methods(all P>0.05). The Kappa consistency test showed that the consistency between 2D translabial ultrasound and pathological diagnosis was general (Kappa=0.588, P=0.003), while the consistency between 3D/4D translabial ultrasound and pathological diagnosis was good (Kappa=0.877, P<0.001). Conclusions:3D/4D translabial ultrasound has a high value in the diagnosis of female urethral diverticulum, and it is worthy of clinical application.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of transperineal ultrasound in quantitative assessment of posterior compartment prolapse among Chinese women.Methods:The prospective multicenter study enrolled 485 women between January 2017 and January 2019. All patients underwent a standard clinical interview, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination and transperineal ultrasound examination. Volume data of transperineal ultrasound examinations were obtained at rest and in maximal Valsalva maneuver.Results:The higher POP-Q stage of posterior compartment, the lower rectal ampulla position in maximal Valsalva maneuver (POP-Q stage=0 vs POP-Q stage=1, P<0.001; POP-Q stage=1 vs POP-Q stage≥2, P<0.001), and the greater rectal ampulla hypermobility (POP-Q stage=0 vs POP-Q stage=1, P<0.001; POP-Q stage=1 vs POP-Q stage≥ 2, P=0.007). The rectal ampulla position at rest and in maximal Valsalva maneuver and rectocele depth were correlated with prolapse symptoms ( r=-0.200, P<0.001; r=-0.252, P<0.001; r=0.086, P=0.045). The corresponding cut-off values of rectal ampulla position in maximal Valsalva in diagnosing posterior compartment prolapse (POP-Q stage ≥1) and clinical significant posterior compartment prolapse (POP-Q stage ≥2) were 7.32 mm below the symphysis pubis and 12 mm below the symphysis pubis, respectively, with the area under the ROC curve as 0.75 and 0.85, respectively. Conclusions:The ultrasonic measurements by transperineal ultrasound is significantly associated with POP-Q examination in posterior compartment, and it is demonstrated as a useful tool in quantitative assessment of the severity of posterior compartment prolapse.