1.Bacterial community characteristics in water from public baths in Shanghai and their association with Legionella pneumophila contamination based on 16S rRNA sequencing and random forest model
Lisha SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Xiaojing LI ; Yiming ZHENG ; Lijun ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):82-88
Background The contamination of public baths with Legionella pneumophila contamination has become a growing public health concern in recent years. However, research on its association with bacterial community characteristics in water samples remains limited. The integration of 16S rRNA sequencing and random forest modeling provides a new approach to elucidate the bacterial community characteristics of public bath water and their association with Legionella pneumophila contamination. Objective To investigate the bacterial community structure and diversity of public bath water in Shanghai, explore the association between Legionella pneumophila contamination and bacterial community characteristics, and identify key bacterial genera associated with contamination, thereby providing a scientific basis for formulating hygiene management regulations for public bath water. Methods From February to March 2023, water samples were collected from ten public baths in Shanghai which were selected based on business scale, regional distribution, and functional differences. Water quality parameters were evaluated, and the samples were categorized into Legionella-positive and Legionella-negative groups based on the detection results of Legionella pneumophila. The bacterial community structure, α-diversity, and β-diversity were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was employed to examine the relationship between physicochemical factors and bacterial community diversity. A random forest model was employed to identify key bacterial genera distinguishing the two groups, with the importance of genera being evaluated based on the mean decrease accuracy (MDA). Results The oxygen consumption in the Legionella-positive group was significantly lower than that in the Legionella-negative group (mean values: 1.85 mg·L−1 vs. 6.81 mg·L−1, P< 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other physicochemical indicators. The sequencing results revealed a total of 27 bacterial phyla and 454 bacterial genera, with Proteobacteria (63.00%) being the dominant phylum. The dominant genera included Pelomonas (8.50%), Acidovorax (8.13%), Mycobacterium (7.93%), and Acinetobacter (6.59%). The α-diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) was significantly higher in the Legionella-positive group than in the Legionella-negative group (P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed no significant difference in the bacterial community structure between the two groups (P>0.05). The RDA analysis demonstrated that the bacterial community diversity was positively correlated with pH and negatively correlated with oxygen consumption and free residual chlorine. The RDA1 and RDA2 explained 23.92% and 21.30% of the bacterial community diversity, respectively. The random forest model identified 20 key genera significantly influencing the microbial community distribution between the two groups, including unclassified_Bradyrhizobiaceae (MDA=2.42), Meiothermus (MDA=2.37), and Flavihumibacter (MDA=2.26). Conclusion The diversity of bacterial communities in public bath water is influenced by pH, oxygen consumption, and free residual chlorine. Samples contaminated with Legionella pneumophila exhibit greater microbial richness and contain characteristic key bacterial genera that contribute to community differences. Machine learning random forest technology helps identify these distinctive key bacterial genera. The findings provide a basis for carrying out risk early warning strategies in such settings.
2.Clinical Advantages and Key Research Points of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Cong SUN ; Yujiang DONG ; Hongmei GAO ; Qing WEI ; Menghe ZHANG ; Xiaojing SHI ; Liya FENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):133-138
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy has unique clinical advantages in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, mainly reflected in five aspects, improving quality of life, enabling early diagnosis and treatment, promoting cardiac rehabilitation, making up for the limitations of Western medicine, and improving the success rate of catheter ablation. However, there is insufficient evidence in current clinical research. Based on the current status of TCM research in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, it is suggested that future studies should focus on standardized research on syndrome differentiation and classification. This can be achieved through clinical epidemiological surveys, expert consensus, and other methods to establish a unified syndrome differentiation and classification standard for atrial fibrillation. Clinical efficacy evaluation indicators should be standardized, and core outcome measures for clinical research on TCM treatment of atrial fibrillation should be developed through systematic reviews, patient interviews, and other methods. Additionally, clinical research design, implementation, and data management should be improved. By leveraging modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence, the scientific and standardized nature of TCM intervention research on atrial fibrillation can be enhanced, ultimately improving the quality of research.
3.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
4.Rapid determination of tramadol in urine by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Xiaojing YAO ; Peiying JI ; Feng LU ; Guorong SHI ; Xiang FU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):185-189
Objective To establish a method for rapid detection of tramadol in urine by liquid-liquid extraction(LLE)-surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Methods Tramadol was extracted from urine with chloroform∶isopropyl alcohol (9∶1) extractant and detected in urine samples by enhanced Raman spectroscopy (wavelength 785 nm). Results The quantitative curve of tramadol was Y=204.35 X−465.62, r=
5.The role of insulin clearance in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xiaojing ZHU ; Jun SHI ; Hailin TANG ; Liang ZHOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1414-1418
With the rapid changes in lifestyle,the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become increasingly severe in China,and it has become a major public health concern.With a deeper understanding of this disease,the latest consensus statement has changed the name from NAFLD to MAFLD,and this updated definition transitions from an exclusion-based approach to an inclusive framework,which not only improves clinical diagnostic accuracy,but also highlights the key role of metabolic disorders in the progression of NAFLD.In recent years,the in-depth studies on the mechanism of carcinoembryonic antigen-associated cell adhesion molecule 1-mediated insulin clearance have highlighted the importance of insulin clearance in the development and progression of NAFLD.This article reviews the research advances in the role of insulin clearance in MAFLD.
6.Structural and epitope characterization of HIV-1 V1V2 highly effective neutralizing antibodies based on AlphaFold 3
Junjie ZHANG ; Qianying WANG ; Ying LIU ; Shuhui WANG ; Li REN ; Shuo WANG ; Yutao SHI ; Yuhua RUAN ; Xiaojing LIU ; Xinran DU ; Yanling HAO ; Dan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):548-555
Objective:To screen broadly neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1)chronically infected individuals and characterize their molecular features and to provide new strategies for rational vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutics.Methods:A total of 34 treatment-na?ve individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection were enrolled. Plasma antibody binding levels were measured against two HIV-1 envelope proteins. Single antigen-specific memory B cells were sorted from high-binding samples,and antibody variable region genes were amplified by PCR for paired expression. The monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for neutralizing activity using pseudovirus assays,and their structural features were analyzed by integrating AlphaFold 3 prediction with Discovery Studio molecular docking.Results:Plasma samples showed strong binding to DU422-GP140 and BG505-GP140. Eight monoclonal antibodies were isolated from two donors. Among them,antibodies 0919-A4,0919-A9 and 0808-A2 could cross-react with GP140 from HIV-1 subtypes AE,BC and B. The monoclonal antibody 0919-A9 demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against SF162(Tier 1)and CH181(Tier 2)pseudoviruses,with somatic hypermutation rates of 13.27%(heavy chain)and 15.58%(light chain). Structural modeling revealed its specific targeting of the V1V2 region on GP120.Conclusion:The isolated antibody 0919-A9 effectively neutralizes Tier 2 pseudoviruses. Its high somatic mutation frequency and V1V2-targeting property underlie its neutralizing activity,providing both a promising candidate and mechanistic insights for HIV vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutic strategies.
7.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
8.The role of insulin clearance in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xiaojing ZHU ; Jun SHI ; Hailin TANG ; Liang ZHOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1414-1418
With the rapid changes in lifestyle,the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become increasingly severe in China,and it has become a major public health concern.With a deeper understanding of this disease,the latest consensus statement has changed the name from NAFLD to MAFLD,and this updated definition transitions from an exclusion-based approach to an inclusive framework,which not only improves clinical diagnostic accuracy,but also highlights the key role of metabolic disorders in the progression of NAFLD.In recent years,the in-depth studies on the mechanism of carcinoembryonic antigen-associated cell adhesion molecule 1-mediated insulin clearance have highlighted the importance of insulin clearance in the development and progression of NAFLD.This article reviews the research advances in the role of insulin clearance in MAFLD.
9.USP29 alleviates the progression of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 through K48 deubiquitination
Sha HU ; Zhouxiang WANG ; Kun ZHU ; Hongjie SHI ; Fang QIN ; Tuo ZHANG ; Song TIAN ; Yanxiao JI ; Jianqing ZHANG ; Juanjuan QIN ; Zhigang SHE ; Xiaojing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Hongliang LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):147-165
Background/Aims:
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression.
Methods:
USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes.
Results:
USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5.
Conclusions
USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.
10.The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus CBS reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats by affecting PGC-1α
Xiaojing YU ; Yanan GAO ; Ying LI ; Limei TU ; Qianxi GAO ; Yaojun SUN ; Rongli HE ; Yuming KANG ; Xiaolian SHI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):227-237
Objective To elucidate how the overexpression of cystathionine-β-synthase(CBS)plays an antihypertensive role by affecting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α(PGC-1α)expression.Methods The adeno-associated viruses(AAVs),ones that overexpressed CBS,and another knocked down PGC-1α,were injected into the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus(PVN)of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).The rats'blood pressure was monitored,and the level of norepinephrine(NE)was examined by ELISA;PVN inflammatory response,oxidative stress and tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)expression were detected with RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence.Results PVN overexpression of CBS could increase the transcription level of CBS(by 3.8 times,P<0.05)and PGC-1α(by 1.6 times,P<0.05)in PVN of SHR.PVN overexpression of CBS could reduce blood pressure in SHR(from 177.81 mmHg to 128.77 mmHg,P<0.001),but PVN knockdown of PGC-1αweakened such effect(from 128.77 mmHg to 152.79 mmHg,P<0.05).PVN overexpression of CBS could alleviate PVN inflammatory response and oxidative stress,but this effect was weakened or even eliminated when knocking down PGC-1α was performed at the same time.Conclusion PVN overexpression of CBS can reduce blood pressure in SHR,and this effect may be achieved by increasing the transcriptional level of PGC-1α,alleviating PVN inflammatory response,oxidative stress,and improving sympathetic nerve excitation.

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