ObjectiveThis paper aims to study the potential active compound components and action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease （DKD） through network pharmacology and in vivo experimental verification. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS） technology was used to clarify the main active chemical components of Shenqi Dihuangtang， and it was combined with network pharmacology methods such as gene ontology （GO） functional annotations and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome （KEGG） to predict the potential action mechanism of Shenqi Dihuangtang in treating DKD. Subsequently， the DKD model of db/db male mice was established， and the mice were randomly divided into model group， low-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group （6.10 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group （12.19 g·kg^-1）， high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group （24.38 g·kg^-1）， and daplizin group （1.25 mg·kg^-1）. During the same period， C57BL/6J male mice were selected into normal group and received drug intervention for 8 weeks， respectively. During this period， the body weight and fasting blood glucose （FBG） of the mice were dynamically monitored， and oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and insulin tolerance test （ITT） were performed at the end of dosing. The levels of serum creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， uric acid （UA）， albumin （ALB）， and total protein （TP） were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer， and 24-hour urine protein was measured by a urine protein quantitative kit. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， periodic-acid Schiff （PAS）， and Masson staining were employed to observe the renal histopathology. The expression of nephrotic protein Nephrin was observed by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）-related proteins such as TGF-β₁， Smad2/3， α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， neural-cadherin （N-Cadherin）， and snail protein. ResultsUPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 384 active compounds in the aqueous extract of Shenqi Dihuangtang. According to oral bioavailability≥30% and the five drug-like principles， 44 key active ingredients were screened out， and 169 intersection targets highly correlated with DKD were matched. Among them， there was a significant interaction relationship between tumor necrosis factor（TNF）， interleukin（IL）-6， protein kinase B（Akt）1， Caspase-3， Jun proto-oncogene （JUN）， hypoxia inducible factor-1α（HIF-1α）， B cell lymphoma-2（Bcl-2）， matrix metallopeptidase-9（MMP-9）， IL-1β， and TGF-β₁. GO functional annotations were significantly enriched in cellular components such as membrane rafts， membrane microdomains， and collagen-containing extracellular matrix， molecular functions such as DNA-binding transcription factor binding， R-Smad binding， and Smad protein binding， as well as biological processes such as reactions to lipopolysaccharides（LPS）， reactions to bacteria-derived molecules， and wound healing. The KEGG pathway was significantly enriched in lipids and atherosclerosis， TGF-β signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI3K）/Akt signaling pathway， etc. In vivo experimental results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce FBG levels in db/db mice （P<0.01）， improve OGTT （P<0.01） and ITT （P<0.01） levels， reduce SCr （P<0.01）， BUN （P<0.01）， UA （P<0.01） and 24-hour BUN （P<0.01）， and increase ALB （P<0.01） and TP （P<0.01） levels. Pathological staining confirmed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group could significantly reduce the glomerular mesangial matrix area and collagen deposition （P<0.01） and upregulate the positive expression rate of Nephrin （P<0.01）. Western blot results showed that the high-dose Shenqi Dihuangtang group significantly downregulated the expression of TGF-β₁ （P<0.01） and Smad2/3 （P<0.01） signal molecules and inhibited the protein levels of α-SMA （P<0.01）， N-Cadherin （P<0.01）， and Snail （P<0.01）. ConclusionShenqi Dihuangtang can inhibit the TGF-β₁/Smad signaling axis and block the renal EMT process， thereby improving DKD renal fibrosis damage. Further analysis of its key active components and clinical transformation pathways is needed in the future.

The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP₆), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP₆-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of the generative large language model MedGo in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity. Methods A quasi-randomized controlled trial study was conducted involving 6 junior nurses, 6 senior nurses and the MedGo model from January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025 at the Emergency Internal Medicine Ward of Shanghai East Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University. Clinical data of 120 elderly patients with multimorbidity were analyzed to compare the performance of the three groups in four tasks (nursing diagnosis assessment, nursing intervention formulation, complication identification, and complication prevention) from three evaluation dimensions: decision-making time consumption, decision accuracy, and decision-making quality. Results In terms of decision-making time, the senior nurse group completed all four tasks faster than the junior nurse group (P＜0.01), and the MedGo group completed all four tasks faster than the junior nurse group (P＜0.001) and the senior nurse group (P＜0.001). In terms of decision-making accuracy, senior nurse group scored higher than junior nurse group in all four tasks (P＜0.001), while the MedGo group outperformed the senior nurse group only in complication identification (P＜0.001). In terms of decision-making quality, the MedGo group scored higher than junior nurse group (P＜0.001) and senior nurse group (P＜0.001) in all four tasks. Conclusions The MedGo model demonstrates advantages of high efficiency, accuracy, and quality in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity; senior nurses outperform junior nurses in decision-making, providing diverse references for clinical nursing decision-making.

BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.

BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.

Background: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context. Objective: This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT. Conclusion These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Unhealthy diets are associated with chronic stress. An allostatic load (AL) is a comprehensive physiological index that measures the chronic stress response of the body. As a healthy dietary pattern, the role of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) in the development of an AL during pregnancy remains unclear. This study examined the relationship between the DASH dietary pattern and AL during pregnancy. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study was a prospective study. From January 2024 to November 2024, 134 pregnant women in the second trimester (23–27 weeks) and third trimester (32–36 weeks) of pregnancy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the obstetrics clinic of a tertiary general hospital in Anhui Province were selected for a questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory examination. The DASH dietary pattern was assessed using the DASH scoring tool, and the total AL score was calculated using nine biomarkers that represent the cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune systems. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the DASH score and AL. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-four pregnant women were included in this study. At the second and third trimesters, 41.8% and 37% of pregnant women, respectively, were in the high AL group. The binary logistic regression results showed that the DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in the unadjusted model (odds ratio [OR], 0.878; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.807–0.957; P = 0.003) and adjusted model (OR, 0.878; 95% CI, 0.792–0.973; P = 0.013) in the second trimester, the DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in the unadjusted model (OR, 0.832; 95% CI, 0.758–0.913; P < 0.001) and adjusted model (OR, 0.806; 95% CI, 0.716–0.908; P < 0.001) in the third trimester. CONCLUSION The DASH score was negatively correlated with the AL in pregnant women.A low DASH score may increase the risk of a high AL, which may have adverse effects on physical and mental health.

Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.

Background: and Purpose Accurately predicting long-term functional outcomes of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains challenging. We compared the predictive performance of the baseline, 24-hour, and 72-hour National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores for 90-day BAO functional outcomes using the Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: Endovascular Thrombectomy versus Standard Medical Treatment (ATTENTION) trial data. We identified the optimal assessment time point, determined treatment-specific NIHSS cutoff values, and explored the role of early neurological function in treatment effects. Methods: This retrospective post hoc analysis included 324 patients with acute BAO with baseline NIHSS scores ≥10 and complete NIHSS assessments at each time point. The primary outcome was a favorable 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–3). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the predictive ability of NIHSS scores. The optimal 72-hour NIHSS predictive cutoff values were determined for the endovascular treatment (EVT) and best medical management (BMM) subgroups. Results: The 72-hour NIHSS score showed the highest predictive accuracy for the primary outcome (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]: 0.954), outperforming the 24-hour (AUC: 0.903) and baseline (AUC: 0.688) scores; its optimal predictive cut-off value was ≤11 in the EVT group (sensitivity: 85.6%, specificity: 92.9%, positive predictive value [PPV]: 91.8%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 87.4%) and ≤9 in the BMM group (sensitivity: 84.6%, specificity: 95.1%, PPV: 84.6%, NPV: 95.1%). Conclusions The 72-hour NIHSS score outperformed the baseline and 24-hour scores in predicting 90-day functional outcomes and mediating the effects of EVT. Treatment-specific 72-hour NIHSS cut-off values may guide early risk stratification and prognostic assessments.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of liver stiffness measurement （LSM） and spleen stiffness measurement （SSM） measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography （2D-SWE） in the diagnosis of severe portal hypertension （SPH） and high-risk varices （HRV）， and to provide a basis for noninvasive assessment of portal hypertension. MethodsA prospective study was conducted among 78 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension who were treated in Liver Research Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital， Capital Medical University， from December 2019 to April 2023. According to hepatic venous pressure gradient （HVPG）， the patients were divided into 6 mmHg≤HVPG<12 mmHg group， 12 mmHg≤HVPG<20 mmHg group， and HVPG ≥20 mmHg group. All patients underwent gastroscopy and 2D-SWE within 1 week after HVPG measurement， and SWE-LSM and SWE-SSM measured by 2D-SWE were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. With HVPG and gastroscopy findings as the gold standard， the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted and the area under the ROC curve （AUC） was calculated to evaluate diagnostic performance， while the DeLong test was used for comparison of AUC. The Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between variables， and the linear regression analysis and the Logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the influencing factors for HVPG and HRV. ResultsThe mean HVPG was 18.1±6.4 mmHg for the patients enrolled in this study， and HRV was observed in 62 patients （79.5%）. Both SWE-LSM and SWE-SSM were significantly positively correlated with HVPG （r=0.413 and 0.633， both P<0.001）， with an AUC of 0.812 and 0.902， respectively， in the diagnosis of HVPG≥12 mmHg and an AUC of 0.804 and 0.789， respectively， in the diagnosis of HVPG≥20 mmHg （all P>0.05）. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that SWE-SSM was an independent influencing factor for HVPG （β=0.17， P<0.001）. In the diagnosis of HRV， only SWE-SSM showed a significant positive correlation with HRV （r=0.432， P<0.001）， with a better diagnostic performance than SWE-LSM in terms of AUC （0.808 vs 0.642， Z=2.775， P=0.006）. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that platelet count was an independent influencing factor for HRV （odds ratio=0.97， P=0.014）. ConclusionSWE-SSM is closely correlated with both HVPG and HRV， showing a good performance in the diagnosis of SPH and HRV， and therefore， it is expected to become an effective noninvasive tool for assessing portal hypertension.