1.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
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.
2.Study on the scientific research ethics cognition among medical staff and their influencing factors
Liangsha ZHANG ; Min YANG ; Kun HE ; Yi LONG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(5):580-587
ObjectiveTo conduct an investigation on the clinical, nursing, and medical technical staff engaged in biomedical research in five affiliated hospitals of a medical university, explore the current status and influencing factors of their medical scientific research ethical cognition, and provide references for further strengthening medical ethics education and scientific research ethics construction. MethodsThe survey data were collected through Questionnaire Star, with a total of 541 valid questionnaires returned. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 software. ResultsThe medical staff demonstrated moderate mastery of scientific research ethics knowledge, with an average score of (8.00±4.47) points. The factors influencing their mastery of scientific research ethics knowledge primarily encompassed learning medical ethics-related courses both in academic education and on-the-job stage and including them in compulsory courses, participation in biomedical research, engagement in publishing academic papers, and experience in ethical review. Factors affecting medical staff’s cognition level of scientific research ethics mainly included professional title, academic qualifications, professional and technical fields, overseas experience, and work experience as a member of the biomedical research ethics committee. ConclusionMedical staff hold a basically positive attitude towards scientific research ethics, yet exhibit significant deficiencies in their knowledge system and practical capabilities. It is necessary to improve the scientific research ethics cognition level of the target population from multiple dimensions, including academic education, medical institutions, ethical review agencies, and medical staff themselves.
3.Relationship Between Spectral CT Quantitative Parameters and PD-L1 Expression Status in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Qianqian CHEN ; Min XU ; Tiezhu REN ; Yue PENG ; Long MA ; Wenjuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(11):1215-1220
Purpose To explore the correlation between spectral CT-derived quantitative parameters and different programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression status in gastric adenocarcinoma,in order to provide additional imaging-based references for immunotherapy regimen selection in patients with this disease.Materials and Methods A total of 45 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,pathologically confirmed by biopsy,who underwent PD-L1 testing prior to treatment were retrospectively enrolled from Lanzhou University Second Hospital between January 2021 and September 2023.All patients underwent baseline spectral CT scans.Based on PD-L1 expression status,patients were categorized into the higher combined positive score(CPS)group(CPS≥5)and the lower CPS group(CPS<5).From the single-energy images of arterial and venous phases,the CT values(CT40 keV,CT70 keV),effective atomic number,and iodine concentration of the lesions were measured.The standardized iodine concentration and slope of the spectral curve were calculated.Differences in spectral CT parameters between the two groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted for parameters with statistically significant differences,and the area under the curve was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each single parameter and combined parameters in distinguishing PD-L1 expression status.Results In the arterial phase,the CT40 keV,CT70 keV,iodine concentration,standardized iodine concentration,effective atomic number,and slope of the spectral curve of lesions in the higher expression group were all significantly higher than those of lesions in the lower expression group(t/Z=-3.115 to-2.725,all P<0.05),whereas no significant differences were observed in all parameters in the venous phase(all P>0.05).For the standardized iodine concentration in the enhanced arterial phase,the area under the curve for distinguishing PD-L1 expression status was 0.755(95%CI 0.612 to 0.898),with a sensitivity of 81.8%and a specificity of 65.2%.No significant differences were found between it and other single spectral CT parameters in the arterial phase(all P>0.05),and its diagnostic efficacy was similar to that of the combined parameters[the area under the curve was 0.755(95%CI 0.613 to 0.897),sensitivity was 90.9%,specificity was 52.2%].Conclusion Quantitative parameters of spectral CT in the arterial phase can predict the PD-L1 expression of gastric adenocarcinoma,which may provide a reference for the screening and immunotherapy evaluation of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.
4.Application progress of micro-CT and finite element analysis techniques in scaphoid bone research
Yuan LYU ; De-zhou ZHANG ; Hai-long QIAN ; Si-min WANG ; Chao-qun WANG ; Kun LI ; Jie CHEN ; Xue BAI ; Hai-long ZHAO ; Shao-jie ZHANG ; Yuan MA ; Zhi-jun LI ; Jun SHI ; Xing WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):168-173
The scaphoid bone is one of the important bone of hand,which is frequently injured and difficult to treat in clinical practice.Therefore,it is very important to deeply study the microstructure and biomechanical characteristics of the scaphoid bone for understanding its injury mechanism and optimizing treatment scheme.Microcomputed tomography(micro-CT)provides high-resolution imaging of bone tissue,while finite element analysis can help to simulate the stress distribution and behavioral patterns of the scaphoid bone under various physiological and pathological states.The high-resolution three-dimensional image of the scaphoid bone obtained by micro-CT technology can be used to construct finite element models of real anatomical structure of the scaphoid bone,thus achieving accurate simulation of the mechanical properties of the scaphoid bone.The fusion of these two advanced technologies provides a new perspective for revealing the structural and functional relationships and injury mechanism of the scaphoid bone.Therefore,this paper reviews the anatomical characteristics of the scaphoid bone and its biomechanical behavior in different states,emphasizing the specific applications and advantages of micro-CT and finite element analysis techniques in the study of the scaphoid bone.By summarizing the research findings in recent years,this paper provides novel scientific basis and methods for the diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of scaphoid bone-related disorders.
5.Clinical Study on Modified Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction Regulating Inflammatory Factors to Improve Chronic Kidney Disease with Depression
Kai-zhen WANG ; Hai-chen LI ; Fan LI ; Mei LONG ; Liang CHEN ; Yue-xi JIANG ; Min TANG ; Yue QIU
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3228-3237
Objective:To screen inflammatory markers that can be used for the diagnosis and intervention evaluation of patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)with depression,and to systematically study the therapeutic effect and safety of modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction in patients with CKD with depression.Methods:This study was a prospective study,a total of 120 patients with CKD who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Nephrology,Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to October 2024 were included.They were divided into CKD with depression(CKD-D)group and CKD without depression(CKD-N)group according to the diagnostic criteria by random number table method.The results of routine laboratory tests were collected,and the severity of depressive disorder was evaluated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17(HAMD-17).The levels of interleukin-18(IL-18),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),β-thromboglobulin(β-TG),platlet factor-4(PF-4),eosinophil chemotactic factor(Eotaxin),soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2(sTNFR-2)and CD40 ligand(CD40L)in serum were quantitatively evaluated by liquid chip technology.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between HAMD-17 scores and inflammatory markers with statistical differences in CKD patients with depression at different stages.The patients in CKD-D group were randomly divided into control group and treatment group.The control group was given basic treatment of CKD,while the treatment group was treated with modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction on the basis of the control group.After 8 weeks of continuous intervention,the clinical effective rate,the changes of effective inflammatory markers and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:In the CKD-D group and the CKD-N group,the difference of HAMD-17 score,serum phosphorus(P),serum creatinine(Scr),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR),albumin(ALB),serum iron(Fe3+),C-reactive protein(CRP),IL-18,IFN-γ,sTNFR-2 indicators were statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that in addition to HAMD-17 score(OR=1.259,P=0.006),SCr(OR=1.748,P=0.003),eGFR(OR=1.354,P=0.005),serum IL-18(OR=0.924,P=0.011)and IFN-γ(OR=0.859,P=0.031)levels were also independent influencing factors for CKD patients with depression.Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between HAMD-17 score and IL-18,IFN-γ,sTNFR-2 and CD40L.The total clinical effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group,and the serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05),and no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:IL-18 and IFN-γ can be used as effective serum markers for the diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders in CKD patients.At the same time,the changes of serum levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ can be used to evaluate the severity of symptoms in CKD patients with depression at different stages to a certain extent.Modified Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction may improve CKD combined with depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients by down-regulating the level of inflammatory factors.
6.Estrogen receptor alpha-activated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway promotes proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts
Feng YANG ; Jinfan XU ; Huan LONG ; Fengchun YANG ; Guixin ZHANG ; Tao JIANG ; Qingzhen CHEN ; Min SHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(24):5061-5070
BACKGROUND:Estrogen receptor α can act as an upstream protein to regulate the expression and phosphorylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).Activation of the estrogen receptor α-AMPK signaling pathway promotes osteogenic proliferation and differentiation.OBJECTIVE:To explore the molecular mechanism of estrogen receptor α regulating AMPK and its effect on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation at osteoblast cell line and molecular biology levels.METHODS:(1)The passaged MC3T3-E1 mouse embryonic osteoblasts were divided into three groups:blank control group,mock group(transfected with pCDNA3.1 control plasmid),and estrogen receptor α group(transfected with pCDNA3.1-estrogen receptor α overexpression plasmid),and RT-qPCR and western blot methods were used to detect the hepatic kinase B1,CaMKKβ,and AMPKα1 mRNA,protein and phosphorylation levels.(2)ChIP-qPCR was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptor α interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter.Dual luciferase assay was used to demonstrate that estrogen receptorα interacts with the hepatic kinase B1 promoter region to activate its transcriptional expression.(3)The cells were divided into three groups:mock+shNC group,estrogen receptor α+shNC group,and estrogen receptor α+shLKB1 group.Changes in the expression levels of hepatic kinase B1,phosphorylated hepatic kinase B1,and phosphorylated AMPKα1 proteins in the cells were detected by western blot.(4)The cells were divided into four groups:mock group,estrogen receptor α group,estrogen receptor α+5 μmol/L Compound C(AMPK inhibitor)group,and estrogen receptor α+10 μmol/L Compound C group.The expression of proteins related to the AMPK signaling pathway and related to osteogenesis and osteoinductivity were detected by western blot method.Cells were transfected for 24 hours and then subjected to osteogenic induction for 14 days.Alkaline phosphatase staining was performed and cell viability in each group was detected.Mineralized nodule formation was detected by alizarin red staining at 21 days of osteogenic induction.(5)The cells were transfected and pretreated with different concentrations of AMPK inhibitor in corresponding groups,and cell viability was detected by cell counting kit 8.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells.(2)Estrogen receptor α promotes liver kinase B1 transcription and mediates AMPK signaling pathway activation.(3)Estrogen receptor α promotes the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells by activating the AMPK signaling pathway,and the expression of AMPKα1,p-AMPKα,osteoprotegerin,osteopontin,and Runx2 proteins was down-regulated under the intervention of AMPK inhibitor,and the viability of osteoblasts was decreased.(4)To conclude,estrogen receptor α activates the AMPK signaling pathway by acting on liver kinase B1 promoter,promotes osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation,and prevents osteoporosis.
7.Optimal strength of grip device exercise for arteriovenous fistula in patients with chronic kidney disease
Fen ZHANG ; Lingchang YU ; Min ZHANG ; Wu LONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(30):4180-4184
Objective:To investigate the effects of different intensities of grip strength training on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with chronic kidney disease.Methods:Different intensities of grip strength training programs were developed through literature analysis, expert argumentation, and group discussion. From July to November 2024, 90 hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease and AVF in the Department of Nephrology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College were selected as study subjects using convenience sampling. Using the random number table method, study subjects were divided into group A, group B, and group C, with 30 cases in each group. Group A underwent low-intensity grip strength training, group B underwent moderate-intensity grip strength training, and group C underwent high-intensity grip strength training. The intervention period lasted six weeks. After intervention, the internal diameter of the cephalic vein, anastomotic blood flow, and incidence of complications were compared among three groups of patients with chronic kidney disease.Results:After intervention, the internal diameter of the cephalic vein in group C was larger than that in group A and group B ( P<0.05). The anastomotic blood flow in group B and group C was higher than that in group A ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications among the three groups ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Appropriately increasing the intensity of grip strength training has a positive effect on enlarging the internal diameter of the cephalic vein and enhancing anastomotic blood flow.
8.Troubleshooting of YLY-020Y acidic oxidation potential water generator:Three case reports
Jing-jing LU ; Jing WU ; Zhen-le FEI ; Xiao-long LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Min HE
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):118-120
Three failures of YLY-020Y acidic oxidation potential water generator were introduced,and the causes and specific troubleshooting measures were explored.References were provided for engineers to treat similar failures.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):118-120]
9.Clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy in treating far lateral lumbar disc herniation
Er WANG ; Long WANG ; Jikang MIN ; Haidong LI
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(6):9-16
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy(UBE)and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy(PTED)in treatment of far lateral lumbar disc herniation(FLLDH).Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 patients with FLLDH who underwent surgery from March 2021 to March 2023.The UBE group included 18 patients,and the PTED group included 24 patients.The surgery duration,intraoperative fluoroscopy times,length of hospital stay,perioperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.The degree of pain was evaluated by visual analogue scale(VAS)score for pain,the Oswestry disability index(ODI)for dysfunction was used,and the Macnab scoring standard was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy.Result The operation time of the UBE group was(95.56±20.94)min,which was longer than that of the PTED group(78.25±17.23)min,and the intraoperative blood loss was(69.17±8.95)mL,which was more than that of the PTED group(23.96±5.89)mL,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The hospitalization time of the UBE group was(5.67±1.28)d,compared with that of the PTED group(5.33±1.05)d,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The intraoperative fluoroscopy times in the UBE group was(3.00±0.77)times,which was significantly less than that in the PTED group(7.42±0.93)times,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The VAS score and ODI of the two groups of patients after the operation were significantly lower than those before the operation,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Three days after the operation,the VAS score of leg pain in the UBE group was(3.28±0.58)and ODI was(41.17±4.30)%,which were significantly lower than those in the PTED group(4.13±0.74)and(45.50±3.91)%,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).However,when comparing the VAS score and ODI of the two groups 3 months and one year after the operation,the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups of patients(88.9%vs 87.5%,P=0.563).Two cases of nerve injury occurred in the PTED group,while no nerve injury was reported in the UBE group.No infections,recurrences,or major bleeding complications occurred in either group.Conclusion Both PTED and UBE are safe and effective for treatment of FLLDH.There is less intraoperative fluoroscopy time,clearer endoscopic view,and significantly lower risk of nerve injury in UBE.
10.Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus:report of 21 cases
Qin LONG ; Xiaoyu ZHAO ; Chang CHEN ; Min HAO ; Xiaohua QIN
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(3):272-278
Objective To improve the diagnosis and treatment of Streptococcus liver abscesses by analyzing the clinical presentations,antibiotic susceptibility,and treatment strategies of patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients diagnosed with liver abscess caused by Streptococcus from June 2012 to June 2022.The data included demographic information,clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,imaging findings,treatment strategies,and outcomes.Results The 21 patients were 29 to 77 years of age,and 81.0%were male.Clinical manifestations included fever,chills,fatigue,and abdominal pain.Some patients also had headache and altered consciousness,indicating possible concomitant brain abscess.Hematogenous dissemination and biliary tract origin were the most common routes of infection.The predominant pathogen was Streptococcus anginosus group(76.2%).Single pathogen infection was found in 12 cases and mixed infection in 9 cases.All isolates were sensitive to penicillin,cefotaxime,vancomycin,and levofloxacin,but 36.4%(4/11)of the isolates showed resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin.Four patients developed metastatic abscesses,and two experienced septic shock.The main treatment approach was a combination of antibiotics and percutaneous liver puncture drainage,resulting in improvement in 18 patients.Conclusions Liver abscesses caused by Streptococcus are usually non-specific in terms of symptoms.Streptococcus anginosus group is the primary pathogen.Antibiotics combined with percutaneous drainage is an effective treatment approach.It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of potential brain abscesses and the necessity of early intervention.

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