1.Construction of An Automated Segmentation Visual Foundation Model for Pathological Images of Hemorrhoids and Its Application in Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Syndrome Analysis
Shijie ZHANG ; Ao ZHANG ; Kang WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xujing FENG ; Jinyu CAO ; Wenzhen HUANG ; Kang DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):764-769
This paper proposes a two-stage method integrating visual foundation models (VFM) and diffusion models. The segment anything model (SAM) as VFM is combined with the SegRefiner diffusion model to construct the SAM-SegRefiner framework for automated segmentation of edema, inflammation, and thrombus regions in histopathological images of hemorrhoidal tissue, providing a reproducible technical tool for the objective quantification of pathological morphology and its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome research. Trained and validated on multi-center retrospective data, the SAM-SegRefiner model achieved an average pixel accuracy of 95.32% and a mean intersection over union (mIoU) of 66.81% on an independent test set, significantly outperfor-ming comparative models such as U-Net, MixU-Net, and SAM-Med2D, and also demonstrating robust cross-center generalization capability. Furthermore, by correlating the quantitatively segmented results from the model with the patients' TCM syndrome types, the potential associations between pathomorphological features and TCM syndrome differentiation have been explored. The analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the degree of inflammatory infiltration and thrombus formation among different syndrome types, suggesting a complex relationship between local pathological changes and systemic syndrome manifestations.
2.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.
3.Renal clear cell carcinoma complicated with renal leiomyosarcoma and liver metastasis:a case report and literature analysis
Chengjie ZHANG ; Zhixian AO ; Kaixuan CUI ; Yu OUYANG ; Guangyao CHEN
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(4):356-360
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of rare simultaneous ipsilateral renal multifocal tumors. Methods The clinical data of a patient with clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)and primary renal leiomyosarcoma(LMS)with liver metastasis were retrospectively analyzed. Results The 70-year-old male patient was admitted due to space-occupying lesions of the right kidney detected by physical examination for 12 days. CT showed space-occupying lesions in the upper and middle parts of the right kidney, suggestive of renal cell carcinoma or renal angiosarcoma. He underwent radical nephrectomy. Postoperative pathology showed the tumor in the upper pole of the right kidney with morphology of ccRCC(solid acinar clear cells), but immunohistochemical(IHC)results showed CK(+), EMA(+), CD10(-), PAX-8(-)(rare phenotype); the tumor in the middle of the kidney showed LMS characteristics(spindle cells, active mitosis), Vim(+)and SMA(+). Four months after operation, abdominal CT scan revealed liver metastasis. The biopsy confirmed metastatic LMS, with IHC results showing Vim(+), CD10(+), RCC(+), CK8/18(-), CK7(-), SMA(+), and Caldesmon(+). Subsequently, a liver biopsy combined with microwave ablation of the tumor was performed. The patient was treated with tirelizumab and anlotinib, but the tumor still progressed. The patient died 11 months after operation. Conclusion Simultaneous ipsilateral ccRCC and LMS are extremely rare in clinic, and the prognosis is poor. At present, there is no standardized treatment plan. Surgery is the main treatment for simultaneous multifocal tumors. After surgery, the pathological characteristics of the two tumors should be considered to formulate a comprehensive drug treatment strategy targeting at different biological behaviors so as to provide reference for clinical practice.
4.Analysis of oxidative stress-related genes and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis
Ao WU ; Peng YU ; Jiawen TENG ; Peng KONG ; Sishan BIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):302-311
BACKGROUND:At present,the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still unclear,and there is a lack of effective means to control the disease.Research on osteoarthritis is mostly concentrated in the field of immunity,and there are few studies in the field of oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE:To explore the roles of oxidative stress and immune infiltration in osteoarthritis and to predict related miRNAs and therapeutic agents. METHODS:The GSE55235 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)and the GSE55457 dataset(10 samples of osteoarthritis and 10 healthy control samples)were obtained from the GEO database for merging to obtain their differentially expressed genes that were combined with oxidative stress genes to get the differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress.The differentially expressed genes of oxidative stress were analyzed for KEGG and GO enrichment,and the osteoarthritis pathways and biological processes were evaluated using GSEA enrichment analysis.The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING online website and Cytoscape software,and the Degree algorithm was run to get the key genes.The GSE1919 dataset was obtained from the GEO database as a validation dataset,and the key genes were analyzed by variance analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to get the core genes.In addition,immune infiltration was evaluated by CIBERSORT and the correlation between core genes and immune cells was explored.miRNA prediction of core genes was performed using TargetScan and target drugs were predicted using the DSigDB database. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Sixty-five differentially expressed genes and five core genes(IL1B,CXCL8,MYC,NFKBIA,JUN)associated with oxidative stress were identified.Enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes associated with oxidative stress were concentrated in the pathways of oxidative stress,interleukin-17,osteoclast differentiation,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the five core genes exceeded 0.85,indicating their excellent specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing bone and joint conditions,as well as their close association with immune cells.The predicted miRNA was has-miR-3937,and the therapeutic small-molecule drugs were metformin,ionomycin and celecoxib.To conclude,oxidative stress and immune infiltration exist in osteoarthritis,and immune infiltration is involved in activating oxidative stress.The core genes and predicted miRNAs can be used as novel markers for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis,and small molecule drugs are predicted to treat osteoarthritis.
5.Quality inspection of ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment
Jing HUANG ; Qi-di SUN ; Ao-wen DUAN ; Li XU ; Heng-yu LONG ; Hai-jiang ZHU ; He-hua ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(10):49-53
Objective To carry out quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment to ensure its safety and effectiveness.Methods Five brands of ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment were selected and noted as test equipment A,test equipment B,test equipment C,test equipment D and test equipment E,which underwent quality inspection in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current based on YY/T 0644-2008 Ultrasonics-surgical systems—Measurement and declaration of the basic output characteristics,YY/T 1750-2020 Ultrasonic surgical equipmetn for soft tissue excision and hemostasia and GB 9706.1-2020 Medical electrical equipment—Part 1:General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.Results The test data of the five brands in terms of tip main amplitude,tip lateral amplitude,tip vibration frequency,excitation frequency,static electrical power and contact current met the technical requirements of YY/T 0644-2008,YY/T 1750-2020,GB 9706.1-2020.Conclusion The quality inspection of the ultrasound soft tissue cutting hemostatic equipment contributes to enhancing the accuracy and stability of the equipment and decreasing the risk during its clinical application.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):49-53]
6.Cement-augmented short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for the stage Ⅱ Kümmell's disease
Wenbo SHENG ; Bingli LIU ; Sibo LI ; Rongguang AO ; Baoqing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7286-7292
BACKGROUND:Stage Ⅱ Kümmell's disease has traditionally been treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty,but this approach is associated with a high incidence of complications such as poor postoperative pain relief,suboptimal cement dispersion,and adjacent vertebral fractures.Studies have shown that cement augmentation of the injured vertebra combined with posterior spinal canal decompression and short-segment fixation has a good effect on the treatment of Kümmell's disease with neurological symptoms.OBJECTIVE:To compare the outcomes of cement-augmented short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation with those of percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of stage Ⅱ Kümmell's disease.METHODS:From January 2020 to January 2023,a total of 49 patients with stage Ⅱ Kümmell's disease from Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included in this study,with 15 males and 34 females.According to the treatment method,the patients were divided into the trial group(n=23)and the control group(n=26).The patients in the trial group received cement-augmented short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation,and the patients in the control group received percutaneous kyphoplasty.The postoperative complications were recorded,and the spinal Cobb angle and the ratio of the anterior edge height of the injured vertebra were compared between the two groups at 1,6,12 weeks,6,and 12 months after surgery.The Oswestry disability index and lumbar visual analog score were compared at 1 week and 12 months after surgery.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All patients in the two groups were followed up for more than 12 months after surgery.Five patients in the control group had adjacent vertebral fractures,three patients had severe kyphosis,and one patient in the trial group had postoperative incision complications.(2)Compared with preoperative data,the spinal Cobb angle and the ratio of the anterior edge height of the injured vertebra in both groups were significantly improved after surgery(P<0.05).The spinal Cobb angle of the trial group was lower than that of the control group at 1,6,12 weeks,6,and 12 months after surgery(P<0.05),and the ratio of the anterior edge height of the injured vertebra in the trial group was higher than that of the control group at 1,6,12 weeks,6,and 12 months after surgery(P<0.05).(3)Compared with preoperative data,the Oswestry disability index and lumbar visual analog scale score of the two groups were significantly improved after surgery(P<0.05).The Oswestry disability index and lumbar visual analog scale score of the trial group were lower than those of the control group at 1 week and 12 months after surgery(P<0.05).(4)The results show that compared with percutaneous kyphoplasty,cement-augmented short-segment percutaneous pedicle screw fixation for stage Ⅱ Kümmell's disease can better restore the height of the affected vertebra,maintain the shape of the affected vertebra,improve spinal function,and alleviate lumbar pain.
7.Effects of Three AKT Isoform-specific Knockouts on Self-renewal and Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Qi YANG ; Shuai TANG ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Wu-Yang TANG ; Ao-Xiang DOU ; Yu-Hang ZHANG ; Pi-Shun LI ; Xiao-Feng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):426-436
AKT,also known as Protein Kinase B(PKB),plays a critical role in cell proliferation and metabolism.There are three isoforms of AKT:AKT1,AKT2,and AKT3.The effects of these isoforms on the pluripotency and differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells(mESCs)remain unclear.This study aims to explore the impact of three AKT isoform-specific knockouts on the self-renewal and differen-tiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology,AKT isoform-spe-cific knockout cell lines were established.The phenotypic and molecular changes were analyzed through Western blotting,flow cytometry,qRT-PCR,CCK-8 assays,Alkaline Phosphatase(AP)staining,and RNA-seq.The construction of AKT isoform-specific knockout cell lines was successful.The loss of AKT1 and AKT2 inhibited the proliferation of mESCs.The knockout of any single AKT isoform did not affect the expression of pluripotency genes at both mRNA or protein levels.However,during embryoid body forma-tion,the deletion of any of the three AKT isoforms affected the mRNA expression levels of genes in all three germ layers.Transcriptome analysis showed that compared to wild-type mESCs,995,547,and 429 differentially expressed genes(|log2FC|≧1,P<0.05)were identified inAKT1,AKT2,and AKT3 isoform-specific knockout cells,respectively.There was some overlap in the differentially expressed genes regulated by these three isoforms.In conclusion,the independent knockout of AKT isoforms does not af-fect the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells,but they are crucial for differentia-tion.The three AKT isoforms can collectively regulate gene expression while retaining their own regulato-ry specificity.This study provides a foundation for understanding the unique and overlapping roles of AKT isoforms in stem cell biology,highlighting their importance in maintaining stem cell function and differen-tiation.
8.Plasma miRNA testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter real-world study
Jie HU ; Ying XU ; Ao HUANG ; Lei YU ; Zheng WANG ; Xiaoying WANG ; Xinrong YANG ; Zhenbin DING ; Qinghai YE ; Yinghong SHI ; Shuangjian QIU ; Huichuan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Jia FAN ; Jian ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(3):350-354
Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP<20 ng/mL, DCP<40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P<0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P<0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.
9.The role of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in the protection of AMPK agonist against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Yu Ao ; Xuyang Zhang ; Dan Tang ; Gongwei Liu ; Dan Huang ; Zhifang Cai
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(7):1194-1203
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of PGC-1 α-mediated mitochondrial biosynthesis in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist anti-hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) .
Methods :
SD rats were randomly divided into Control group,HIRI group,HIRI + AICAR group,HIRI + SR-18292 group and HIRI + AICAR + SR-18292 group,with 8 rats in each group.The rats were intraperitoneally injected with AICAR (500 mg / kg) or SR-18292 (32 mg / kg) before operation,and then the HIRI model was established by non-invasive vascular clamp clamping method.The samples were taken 24 hours after reperfusion.The contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) ,superoxide dis- mutase (SOD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in liver tissue were detected.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue.The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of mitochondri- al membrane potential in liver tissue were detected by fluorescence probe.The copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the mitochondrial biosynthesis-related genes PGC-1 α, NRF1,TFAM,UQCRC2 and other mRNA ex- pression levels were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of AMPKα, p-AMPKα , mTOR , p-mTOR , PGC-1α and TFAM in liver tissue.
Results :
Compared with the control group,the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI group increased,while the levels of SOD and ATP decreased ( all P <0. 05) .At the same time,the mtDNA copy number,mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1,TFAM,and UQCRC2 in liver tissues de- creased,and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM de- creased.The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein increased (both P<0. 05) .Compared with HIRI group,the levels of ALT and AST in serum and MDA and ROS in liver tissue of rats in HIRI + AICAR group decreased,while the levels of SOD and ATP increased ( all P <0. 05) .At the same time,the mtDNA copy number,mitochondrial membrane potential and the mRNA expression levels of PGC-1α , NRF1,TFAM,and UQCRC2 in liver tissue increased,and the protein ratio of p-AMPKα/AMPKα and the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and TFAM increased.The ratio of p-mTOR/ mTOR protein decreased (both P<0. 05) .However,combined with SR-18292 intervention,the protective effect of AICAR on liver tissue of HIRI rats was significantly reversed.
Conclusion
PGC-1α mediated mitochondri- al biosynthesis is involved in the regulation of AMPK agonist-mediated protective effect of HIRI,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK/ mTOR signaling pathway.
10.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.


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