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.Effectiveness of generative large language model MedGo in nursing decision-making for elderly patients with multimorbidity
Qiaoyun YAN ; Min LI ; Yawen YAN ; Yaqing NI ; Yun GU ; Jiawen QIN ; Haiping YU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Liming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):16-23
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.
3.Ranibizumab on blood flow density in different macular regions in ME patients secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic BRVO
Jun ZHAO ; Zhenhua FENG ; Shuna WANG ; Hongchen FU ; Qin YUAN ; Yu ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):579-586
AIM:To investigate the effect of ranibizumab on blood flow density in different regions of the macula in patients with macular edema(ME)secondary to ischemic and non-ischemic branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients with BRVO-ME who were treated at the hospital from September 2019 to March 2021. Patients were divided into ischemic and non-ischemic groups based on fundus findings. All patients received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab once monthly for three consecutive months. Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), and macular blood flow density were measured before treatment and at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo after treatment.RESULTS: A total of 46 patients(46 eyes)with BRVO-ME were included, comprising 21 eyes in the ischemic group(7 males, 14 females; mean age 55.81±10.36 y)and 25 eyes in the non-ischemic group(11 males, 14 females; mean age 54.84±9.81 y). At 3 mo after treatment, BCVA(LogMAR)in the non-ischemic group was superior to that in the ischemic group(0.19±0.19 vs 0.38±0.27, P=0.009). Analysis of CMT changes showed that the reduction amplitude in the ischemic group was significantly greater than that in the non-ischemic group at both 1 and 3 mo after treatment(all P<0.05). Blood flow densities in the whole, parafoveal, and perifoveal regions of the superficial capillary plexus(SCP), as well as in the whole and perifoveal regions of the deep capillary plexus(DCP), were significantly lower in ischemic patients than in non-ischemic patients, while blood flow density in the foveal region of DCP was significantly higher in the ischemic group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab is effective for both types of patients. Non-ischemic patients have a better long-term visual prognosis, and the advantage may be related to better blood flow perfusion patterns in specific areas 3 mo after treatment. Monitoring changes in blood flow density in these areas can help provide personalized treatment for patients.
4.Interpretation of the key points of the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation and management of high blood pressure in adults
Qin SUN ; Aiai LI ; Jing YU ; Dongze LI ; Haihong ZHANG ; Yan ZHONG ; Zhi WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):204-210
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), in collaboration with multiple professional organizations, jointly released the "Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults" in August 2025. Based on the latest evidence-based medical findings from February 2015 to January 2025, the guideline proposes an individualized treatment strategy grounded in total cardiovascular disease risk stratification, incorporates the novel PREVENT risk assessment model, lowers the medication initiation threshold and control targets for high-risk populations, and provides specific management recommendations for special populations. This article provides an interpretation of these updates and conducts a comparative analysis with the current status of hypertension prevention and treatment in China as well as Chinese guidelines, aiming to offer reference for hypertension control practices in China.
5.Interpretation of the heart disease section in 2025 AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
Aiai LI ; Qin SUN ; Jing YU ; Dongze LI ; Haihong ZHANG ; Yan ZHONG ; Zhi WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):339-346
The American Heart Association (AHA) officially released the "2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association" on January 27, 2025. This report systematically compiles the latest statistics on major cardiovascular diseases worldwide, while simultaneously integrating relevant outcome indicators, including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs, and updating the global prevalence patterns and evolving trends of diverse risk factors impacting cardiovascular health, providing essential guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Synthesizing insights from this pivotal report and other relevant studies, this article highlights key findings concerning the global prevalence and mortality of heart diseases, associated risk factors, and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.
6.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment Mechanisms of Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Cardiomypathy from Theory of "Gaozhuo"
Xiaoyue WANG ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Yixin XIANG ; Sihao ZHANG ; Qin XIANG ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):235-244
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and is a major threat to global health. As a key mechanism in the occurrence and progression of DCM, the inflammatory response persists throughout the entire course of the DCM. The Gaozhuo theory suggests that the basic pathogenesis of inflammatory injury in DCM is the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and Gaozhuo invasion, and divides the pathological process into three phases: Gaozhuo invasion, turbid heat damage to the channels, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction. Among them, the Qi deficiency of spleen and kidney and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo represent the process of inflammatory factor formation induced by glucose metabolism disorders. Turbid heat damage to the channels refers to the process of myocardial inflammatory injury mediated by inflammatory factors, and turbid blood stasis and heat junction are the process of myocardial injury developing toward myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling. As the disease continues to progress, it eventually develops into a depletion of the heart Yang, leading to the ultimate regression of heart failure. According to the theory of Gaozhuo, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) should regulate inflammatory injury in DCM by strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney to address the root cause, and resolving dampness and lowering turbidity to treat the symptoms. If the turbidity has been stored for a long time and turns into heat, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and clearing heat and resolving turbidity should be the therapy. If the turbidity, stasis, and heat are knotted in the heart and collaterals, strengthening the spleen and tonifying the kidney, and resolving stasis and lowering turbidity should be the therapy. TCM compounds and monomers can regulate the inflammatory response in DCM. TCM compounds can be divided into the categories for benefiting Qi to resolve turbidity, benefiting Qi and clearing heat to resolve turbidity, and benefiting Qi and activating blood to reduce turbidity. The compounds can inhibit upstream signals of inflammation and expression of inflammatory factors, improve the inflammatory damage to myocardium and blood vessels, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiac systole and diastole, and thus slow down the onset and progression of DCM.
7.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
8.Effect of Asperisochroman B on oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced neuronal damage
Xiao-ting HONG ; Xue-zhen LI ; Han HUANG ; Xiao-xue ZOU ; Yu-qin ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1311-1317
Aim To explore the protective effect of the isochroman compound Asperisochroman B(AB)on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)injury of neurons based on the PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 path-way and to reveal the related mechanism.Methods Primary neurons were cultured and the OGD/R model was constructed.The primary neurons were divided in-to the blank control group,OGD/R group,and AB low,medium,and high concentration(3,10,30 μmol·L-1)groups.The effects of AB on primary neurons were determined by CCK-8 assay,lactate dehydrogen-ase(LDH)release assay,and Hoechst 33342 stai-ning.The expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and Foxo1-related proteins were detected by Western blot.After intervention with the PI3K inhibitor(LY294002)and re-modeling and intervention with high concentra-tion of AB(30 μmol·L-1),the expression of PI3K/Foxo1 pathway-related proteins was detected by West-ern blot.Results Compared with the OGD/R group,AB could significantly increase the cell survival rate of primary neurons and reduce the release of LDH.The results of Hoechst 33342 and immunofluorescence stai-ning showed that AB reduced apoptosis after OGD/R injury.Western blot results showed that compared with the OGD/R group,after AB intervention,the expres-sion levels of Bcl-2 and NeuN proteins in neurons sig-nificantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression level of Bax protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).At the same time,it upregulated the expres-sion levels of p-AKT and PI3K proteins,promoted Foxo1 phosphorylation,and downregulated the expres-sion of Foxo1.Compared with the high-dose AB group,LY294002 could inhibit the changes of the a-bove indicators and reverse the protective effect of AB on OGD/R-injured primary neurons.Conclusions AB can alleviate oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygen-ation-induced neuronal injury,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/Foxo1 signaling pathway.
9.Clinical characteristics and risk factors for recurrence of perianal abscess in children
Lingyun QIN ; Jing ZHANG ; Zhidan YU ; Xiaoqin LI ; Yuesheng WANG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(3):176-180
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for recurrence of perianal abscess in children.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the clinical data of 161 children with perianal abscess who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to December 2022.Based on whether or not recurrence occurred after treatment,the patients were divided into the recurrence group(58 cases) and the simple group(103 cases).The clinical manifestations,laboratory examination indexes,and recurrence risk factors of children with perianal abscess were analyzed.Results:The effective rate of treatment for 161 children with perianal abscess was 64.0% (103/161),and 58 cases had recurrent abscess or fistula formation.The main orientations of the lesions were at the 3 o'clock position in 62 cases (38.5%) and at the 9 o'clock position in 67 cases (41.6%) in the lithotomy site.Bacterial culture of drainage fluid from perianal abscesses was positive in 61 (37.9%) children and the pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae in 48 cases,Staphylococcus aureus in 7 cases and Escherichia coli in 6 cases.The recurrence group mainly had underlying diseases including 38 cases of Crohn's disease,15 cases of chronic diarrhoea,and 5 cases of immunodeficiency,while the simple group had 3 cases of Crohn's disease,36 cases of chronic diarrhoea,and 2 cases of immunodeficiency,with 62 cases(60.1%)had no underlying diseases.The recurrence group showed significant statistical differences in gender( χ2= 4.347, P=0.041),age( χ2= 4.071, P=0.045),abscess size( χ2= 6.298, P=0.008),abscess with fistula( χ2= 10.928, P<0.001),combined with underlying diseases( χ2= 10.673, P<0.001),fever( χ2= 6.215, P=0.014),growth retardation( χ2= 8.273, P=0.004),malnutrition( χ2=4.521, P=0.038),hospitalization cost( t=5.581, P=0.021),and hospital stay( t=5.309, P=0.036)compared to the simple group.Additionally,the recurrence group showed significant statistical differences in white blood cells( t=6.873, P=0.006),C-reactive protein( t=7.631, P=0.003),fecal calprotectin( t=10.073, P<0.001),albumin( t=4.587, P=0.025),interleukin-6( t=11.648, P<0.001),tumor necrosis factor-α( t=7.803, P=0.021),lymphocyte count( t=8.478, P=0.011),CD4 +/CD8 + ratio( t=10.674, P<0.001),and IgA( t=6.437, P=0.002)compared to the simple group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that abscess with fistula,Crohn's disease,low IgA,low CD4 +/CD8 + ratio,and high fecal calprotectin were high risk factors for recurrence of perianal abscess in children. Conclusion:Children with perianal abscesses have a high recurrence rate and are prone to fistula formation.Perianal abscess with fistula,Crohn's disease,low IgA,low CD4 +/CD8 +ratio,and high fecal calprotectin are high risk factors for recurrence in children.
10.Investigation on the use of ulinastatin in critically ill children
Zizhen ZHANG ; Qin YU ; Xingqiang DONG ; Libing ZHOU ; Saihu HUANG ; Shuiyan WU ; Zhenjiang BAI
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(8):597-600
Objective:To investigate the current use of ulinastatin in the treatment of critically ill children by pediatricians in China.Methods:A anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among 147 pediatric critical care physicians from 36 hospitals across 16 provinces,autonomous regions,and municipalities in China.The survey content consists of three parts: respondents' basic information, the application status of ulinastatin, and the clinical indicators referenced for evaluating the use of ulinastatin. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.Results:Among the 147 respondents,99.32%(146/147) were from tertiary hospitals;72.11%(106/147) worked in specialized ICUs,and 4.08%(6/147)in emergency medicine departments.A total of 68.03%(100/147) of the physicians reported using ulinastatin in clinical practice.The main diseases for which ulinastatin was used were pancreatitis(26.40%),sepsis and septic shock(23.76%),capillary leak syndrome(21.78%),acute respiratory distress syndrome(8.91%),and disseminated intravascular coagulation(6.27%).A total of 90.00% of physicians combined ulinastatin with other medications,including glucocorticoids(26.82%),albumin(23.51%),plasma(17.22%),and immunoglobulins(13.58%). Clinical indicators referenced during ulinastatin use included elevated interleukin(IL)-6(76.87%),tumor necrosis factor-α(44.22%),IL-8(31.97%),IL-1(19.73%),IL-18(10.20%),blood lactate(59.18%),decreased serum albumin levels(70.07%),increased pleural or peritoneal effusion(67.35%),skin and mucosal edema(65.31%),and elevated thrombomodulin among the four coagulation parameters(58.50%).Conclusion:Ulinastatin is mainly used for the treatment of critical illnesses such as pancreatitis and sepsis.Most physicians combine ulinastatin with other drugs,such as glucocorticoids and albumin.Clinical indicators commonly referenced when using ulinastatin include elevated IL-6,increased lactate,and increased pleural effusion,which suggest a high inflammatory state and endothelial damage.

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