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.Association of physical activity and screen time with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students
HU Ning, LIN Yong, LI Aiqin, XU Huaping, WANG Feng, LU Jinkui, CHEN Yajun
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1151-1156
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students and to examine their associations with physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST), so as to provide evidence for promoting mental health of the students.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 5 141 students across 16 secondary vocational schools in eight provincial level regions of China, including Fujian, Chongqing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Jiangxi, Shanghai, and Zhejiang. Information on general demographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and depressive and anxiety symptoms was collected using questionnaires. Multivariable Logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations of PA, ST with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence.
Results:
The detection rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students were 22.2%, 12.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that sex, left behind experience, maternal education level, family economic status, body mass index category, family structure, smoking, alcohol consumption, sugar sweetened beverage intake, eating takeout, sleep duration, PA, and ST were associated with the detection rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their cooccurrence ( χ 2=3.94-110.51, all P <0.05). Multivariable Logistic regression analyses showed that failure to meet the PA recommendation was associated with higher risks of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence ( OR =1.44, 1.33, 1.25); failure to meet the daily ST recommendation was associated with higher risks of anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms ( OR = 1.51,1.76) (all P < 0.05 ). Combined analysis showed that, compared with the group meeting both PA and ST guidelines, students who met neither guideline, and those who failed the PA guideline but met the ST guideline had higher risks of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence ( OR =1.88-2.96); students who met PA recommendation but failed ST guidelines had higher risks of anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms ( OR =2.03, 2.46) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Insufficient PA is associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and their co-occurrence among secondary vocational school students, whereas excessive screen time is associated with anxiety symptoms and co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms. These associations are more pronounced when insufficient PA and excessive screen time occurred simultaneously.
3.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
4.A study of the correlation between thalamic metabolites changes and spinal cord injury in cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Yujin ZHANG ; Baogen ZHAO ; Tong ZHANG ; Ting GAO ; Ning WANG ; Yong WANG ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(7):1085-1088
Objective To investigate the changes in metabolites detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)in the dorsal thalamus of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM)and to analyze their correlation with spinal cord injury based on diffusion tensor imaging(DTI).Methods A total of 93 patients with CSM(patient group)and 67 healthy volunteers(control group)were selected.DTI parameters of the spinal cord and MRS parameters of the thalamus were compared between the two groups.Correlation analysis were performed among clinical features,conventional imaging features,DTI parameters,and metabolites in CSM patients.Multifacto-rial linear regression equations for thalamic metabolites based on the aforementioned characteristics were established.Results The fractional anisotropy(FA)value was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group(P=0.005,t=2.874).The N-acetyl aspartate/creatine(NAA/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-5.922),choline/Cr(Cho/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-6.857),and myo-inositol/Cr(MI/Cr)ratio(P<0.001,Z=-6.573)were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group.The NAA/Cr ratio(r=0.444,P<0.001),Cho/Cr ratio(r=0.308,P=0.003),and MI/Cr ratio(r=-0.489,P<0.001)were corre-lated with the FA value in the patient group.There was a correlation between the NAA/Cr ratio and the duration(r=-0.365,P<0.001).Multifactorial linear regression equations for each metabolites in the thalamus:NAA/Cr=0.833+1.520×FA-0.007×duration;Cho/Cr=0.209+0.774×FA;MI/Cr=1.566-1.722×FA+0.008×modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association(mJOA)score;glu-tamate/Cr(Glx/Cr)=0.942+0.009×duration.Conclusion CSM patients exhibit metabolic alterations in the dorsal thalamus,which are linearly correlated with the degree of spinal cord injury.
5.A Behavior and Event-Related Potentials Study on the of the Effects of Long-Term Emotional Disturbance and Liver Failing to Govern Conveyance and Dispersion on Prospective Memory in Middle-Aged and Elderly People in the Community
Zhongpeng QIN ; Xianghong ZHAN ; Yong LIU ; Junlin HOU ; Ning LI ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Huanghong ZHAO ; Lei HUO ; Yan ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):739-751
Objective To explore the neuroelectrophysiological mechanism of the decline of overall cognitive function and prospective memory,the syndrome manifestation of liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion of the middle-aged and elderly people in the community with long-term emotional disturbance were evaluated.Methods Eysenck personality questionnaire(EPQ)and general condition questionnaire were used to screen the middle-aged and elderly people from 46 to 65 years old in the community who met the high and low neuroticism criteria,which were included in the long-term emotional disturbance group and the control group.According to the principle of matching sex,age(±2 years)and years of education(±2 years),60 subjects in each group were included.The scores of livers meridian syndrome,anxiety factor,depression factor and the total scores of three factors in the two groups were detected with the emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine.The overall cognitive function,the overall level of prospective memory and the dual-task paradigm of event-related memory were evaluated and event-related potential components were detected.Results Compared to the control group,the total scores of emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine and the scores of liver meridian syndrome factor,anxiety factor and depression factor all increased in the long-term emotional disturbance group significantly(P<0.05).The total scores of MoCA scale(after correction)and the level scores of visual space and executive function,attention and delayed recall decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the total scores of prospective memory questionnaire decreased significantly(P<0.05).The correct rates of ongoing tasks and prospective memory tasks in the event-based prospective memory dual task paradigm were decreased,and the reaction time was prolonged in the long-term emotional disorder group significantly(P<0.05).The amplitude of P200 of ongoing task and prospective memory task were increased in the long-term emotional disorder group(0.05
6.Analysis of reoperation causes in unilateral biportal endoscopy for treating lumbar degenerative diseases
Yuquan LIU ; Guangpeng LI ; Xiang LI ; Bin ZHU ; Weiyang ZUO ; Haining TAN ; Ning LIU ; Qi FEI ; Haibo SUN ; Tianqi FAN ; Yong YANG ; Lingjia YU
International Journal of Surgery 2025;52(2):108-113
Objective:To analyze the reoperation rate and causes during the early adoption phase of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE).Methods:The clinical data of 180 patients who underwent UBE performed by a single surgeon at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and imaging data of patients who underwent reoperation were collected to analyze the causes of reoperation, and the clinical efficacy of the reoperations was also followed up. Measurement data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), and t-test was used before and after treatment. Results:A total of 180 patients who underwent UBE were included in this study, of which 6 patients underwent reoperation, and the reoperation rate was 3.33%. Among them, 3 cases occurred in the first 90 surgeries and the other 3 occurred in the subsequent 90 surgeries. The causes of reoperation were as follows: recurrent lumbar disc herniation at the same segment postoperatively in 2 cases, insufficient decompression in 2 cases, disc herniation following isolated decompression in 1 case, and immediate postoperative perianal numbness in 1 case. The time between the initial surgery and reoperation ranged from 0 to 187 days, with an average of 63.3 days. The average follow-up time after reoperation was 18.3 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores of the patients at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before operation (VAS score of low back pain: 5.2 ± 1.7 before operation, 1.2 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up, P<0.001; VAS score of leg pain: 7.2 ± 1.5 before operation, 1.2 ± 1.2 at the last follow-up, P<0.001; ODI score: 67.3 ± 5.7 before operation, 20.2 ± 8.2 at the last follow-up, P<0.001). The postoperative modified MacNab scores were generally satisfactory (4 cases were rated as excellent, accounting for 66.7%; 2 cases were rated as good, accounting for 33.3%). Except for one patient who experienced dural injury during open revision surgery, there were no serious complications such as nerve damage. Conclusions:In the early stages of UBE surgery, recurrent lumbar disc herniation and inadequate decompression are the primary reasons for reoperation, typically occurring within the first three months postoperatively. Reoperation does not significantly increase the risk of nerve injury. Enhanced early postoperative follow-up is recommended. For symptomatic patients, a second surgery with thorough decompression can yield satisfactory treatment outcomes.
7.Study on the correlation between hyperopia reserve and ocular biometric parameters after ciliary muscle paralysis in 4-14 year-old students from Hotan County, Xinjiang
Ning LI ; Yan WANG ; Lei YANG ; Qian PU ; AYINU·NULAHOU ; Xiaolong LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Yunxian GAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1371-1376
AIM: To explore the relationship between hyperopia reserve and ocular biometric parameters in 4-14 year-old Uyghur students from Hotan County, Xinjiang, and to provide scientific evidence for myopia prevention.METHODS: From September 1 to October 31, 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 3 264 students(3 264 eyes)from 6 schools in Hotan County. Participants underwent uncorrected distance visual acuity testing, cycloplegic refraction, and ocular biometric measurements. The correlation between spherical equivalent(SE)and ocular biometric parameters was analyzed by multiple linear regression.RESULTS: A total of 1 998 non-myopic students(1 998 eyes)were included in the study, with 1 354 students(67.77%)showing insufficient hyperopia reserve. The detection rate of insufficient hyperopia reserve decreased with age, from 94.12% at age 4 to 18.13% at age 14(P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that in the group with sufficient hyperopia reserve, age, gender, uncorrected distance visual acuity, axial length(AL), and keratometry(K)explained 66.5% of the variance in SE; while in the group with insufficient hyperopia reserve, these factors explained only 28.0% of the SE variance.CONCLUSION: In non-myopic Uyghur students aged 4-14 in Hotan County, Xinjiang, the detection rate of insufficient hyperopia reserve was 67.77%. In the group with insufficient hyperopia reserve, age, gender, AL, and K explained only a small portion of the SE variance, suggesting that the refractive status of this population may be influenced by more complex factors.
8.Histaminergic Innervation of the Ventral Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Alleviates Motor Deficits in a 6-OHDA-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.
Han-Ting XU ; Xiao-Ya XI ; Shuang ZHOU ; Yun-Yong XIE ; Zhi-San CUI ; Bei-Bei ZHANG ; Shu-Tao XIE ; Hong-Zhao LI ; Qi-Peng ZHANG ; Yang PAN ; Xiao-Yang ZHANG ; Jing-Ning ZHU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(4):551-568
The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K+ channels, or Ca2+-activated K+ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals
;
Histamine/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Oxidopamine/toxicity*
;
Rats
;
Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Parkinson Disease/metabolism*
;
Neurons/physiology*
;
Humans
;
Optogenetics
9.Interpretation of Guidelines for Occupational Hazard Assessment and Control of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient in the Pharmaceutical Industry (T/WSJD60—2024)
Ying TANG ; Jian CHEN ; Tao LI ; Huifang YAN ; Yongqing CHEN ; Yi XU ; Yong NING ; Man YU ; Chenyi TAO ; Xia ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1381-1385
The Guidelines for Occupational Hazard Assessment and Control of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient in the Pharmaceutical Industry (T/WSJD 60—2024) is the first guiding standard in the field of health in China that focuses on occupational health protection for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). It covers the general principles, work procedures, assessment methods, and control strategies for API occupational hazard assessment, providing practical guidance and recommendations for pharmaceutical enterprises to eliminate or reduce occupational health risks associated with API, improve working environment, and enhance refined management practices. This article interpreted and analyzed the background of standard establishment, formulation process, fundamental basis, and main content, to provide scientific and comprehensive technical support for occupational health managers in the pharmaceutical industry to better apply this standard.
10.Multi-center clinical study on the efficacy and safety of combined lienal polypeptide injection therapy in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Qi CHENG ; Yunxiao SHANG ; Han ZHANG ; Jiujun LI ; Ning CHEN ; Lishen SHAN ; Nan YANG ; Lihua NING ; Xuemei BAI ; Jianhua LIU ; Yuling HAN ; Jichun WANG ; Jing LI ; Yong FENG ; Liyun LIU ; Li CHEN ; Si LIU ; Qinzhen ZHANG ; Jia ZHENG ; Fengchao LI ; Sukun LU ; Yun ZHANG ; Xiaoyi CHAI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(3):204-210
Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of combined lienal polypeptide injection therapy in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children aged 3 to 14 years old in multiple clinical centers.Methods:A randomized,controlled,multi-center clinical study design was adopted.A total of 240 hospitalized children aged 3 to 14 years old with MPP from 7 hospitals from September 1,2023 to January 31,2024 were included.According to the severity of pneumonia,they were divided into the mild MPP group with 80 cases and the severe MPP/refractory MPP(SMPP/RMPP)group with 160 cases,and then randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group at a ratio of 1 ∶1,using the random number table method.After screening,subjects entered a treatment period of 5 to 7 days.The control group was treated with azithromycin,while the experimental group was treated with azithromycin plus lienal polypeptide injection .The recovery of lung CT,length of hospital stay,duration of fever,cough score,whether mild cases developed into severe or refractory cases,duration of hormone use,use of intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG),bronchoscopy treatment,and immune function were observed between the two groups to evaluate the efficacy of lienal polypeptide injection.Adverse events after medication,vital signs,blood routine,urine routine,liver function,myocardial enzymes,renal function,and electrocardiogram were observed to evaluate the safety. Results:A total of 231 subjects have completed the trial in the 7 hospitals,including 118 cases in the experimental group and 113 cases in the control group.Main observation index:the rate of lung CT aggravation in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(2.6% vs 15.3%, P<0.01),and the difference was statistically significant.Secondary indexes:there were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay,duration of fever,cough score,duration of hormone use,whether IVIG treatment was used,the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases,and immunoglobulin between the two groups(all P>0.05).However,the rate of cases of plastic bronchitis(PB)found under bronchoscopy in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(0 vs 18.8%, P=0.03),and the difference was statistically significant.Among the mild MPP(72 cases),there were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay,duration of fever,cough score,duration of hormone use,whether IVIG treatment was used,the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases,and the improvement rate of lung CT between the two groups(all P>0.05).However,compared with the control group,the rate of cases developing into SMPP/RMPP in the experimental group was less(24.3% vs 48.6%, P=0.03),and the difference in IgG before and after treatment was small[0.53(-0.04,1.18)g/L vs 1.33(0.48,2.25)g/L, P=0.01].Among the SMPP/RMPP cases(159 cases),the rate of cases of PB found under bronchoscopy in the experimental group was less than that in the control group(0 vs 20%, P=0.04),and the rate of cases with aggravated lung CT in the experimental group was less than that in the control group(1.3% vs 19.5%, P<0.01),and the improvement rate of lung CT in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(88.8% vs 75.3%, P=0.03),with statistically significant differences.There were no statistically significant differences in the length of hospital stay,duration of fever,cough score,duration of hormone use,whether IVIG treatment was used,the number of bronchoscopy treatment cases,and immunoglobulin between the two groups(all P>0.05).Two cases in the experimental group developed rashes,which improved after the drug was discontinued.There were no serious adverse reactions such as abnormal vital signs like dyspnea and cyanosis due to the use of lienal polypeptide injection.There were no obvious changes in blood routine,liver function,myocardial enzymes,renal function,electrocardiogram,and urine routine values before and after medication compared with the baseline. Conclusion:The combined use of lienal polypeptide injection in the treatment of MPP in children can reduce the probability of the transformation from mild cases to SMPP/RMPP,reduce the rate of aggravation of the image findings,promote the absorption of lung inflammation,reduce the rate of PB found under bronchoscopy,and has good safety.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail