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.Research progress on relationship between vitiligo and metabolic disease
Jingyi SHI ; Hongjuan WANG ; Xiaojing KANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(3):767-770
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation skin disease characterized by depigmentation patches formed by the loss of epidermal melanocytes,which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients.The pathogenesis of vitiligo has not yet been elucidated,mainly related to factors such as genetics,oxidative stress,autoimmunity,inflammatory response,and neurotransmitters.In recent years,with the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of vitiligo and the improvement of epidemiological data,some scholars be-lieve that vitiligo is not only a skin disease that affects beauty,but also may be related to metabolic disorders.Vitiligo is often accompa-nied by metabolic diseases such as obesity,dyslipidemia,abnormal glucose tolerance,diabetes and hypertension.Vitiligo patients with metabolic diseases limit their treatment options,increase the risk of drug interactions,and even increase mortality.At present,the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases in vitiligo patients is not clear.This article reviews the relationship between vitiligo and metabol-ic diseases,which can help in early clinical diagnosis and prevent the occurrence of metabolic diseases.
3.Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against S1 protein of por-cine epidemic diarrhea virus
Chaofan LIU ; Jing REN ; Feiyan WANG ; Xiaojing SHI ; Jialu HOU ; Yuwei ZHAI ; Chen YUAN ; Qinye SONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(4):627-633
This study aims to prepare monoclonal antibody to S1 protein of porcine epidemic diar-rhea virus(PEDV).E.coli expression system and affinity chromatography were used to success-fully obtain purified recombinant PEDV S1 protein.After immunizing BALB/c mice,hybridoma technology and indirect ELISA were used to prepare and screen positive hybridoma cells.Finally,ascites antibodies were prepared by in vivo induction method.ELISA results showed that a total of 4 hybridoma cell lines with anti-PEDV S1 monoclonal antibody were screened,and they were named E6,G3,H6 and F2.The supernatant titers of all 4 hybridoma cell lines reached 1∶6 400.The monoclonal antibody H6 with higher antibody titers and more stable antibody secretion was selected for antibody type identification.It was found that monoclonal antibody H6 belongs to the IgG1 subclass and the light chain is the λ chain.The antibody titers that induced mouse ascites were 1∶106 and without cross-reaction with other proteins.Western blot results showed that the monoclonal antibody exhibited specific bands at 38 kDa with the recombinant S1 protein,PEDV QY2016,and PEDV CV777 strains.The IFA results also showed that the monoclonal antibody reacted with cells infected with PEDV QY2016 and PEDV CV777 strains,exhibiting a green fluo-rescent signal.The affinity constant of monoclonal antibody H6 was K=1.75×107 moL/L,indica-ting that the H6 strain had a good affinity and could be used for the development of subsequent di-agnostic antibodies.In summary,this study successfully prepared monoclonal antibodies that can specifically recognize PEDV S1 protein,which can be used for the antigen detection of PEDV and providing important test materials for the research of PEDV detection methods.
4.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.
5.Application of combined teaching method of CBL,PBL,and TBL in clinical nursing teaching in PICU
Yalin JIA ; Hengjie XIANG ; Yan PANG ; Xiaojing FENG ; Ziwei SHI ; Caixia YUAN ; Doudou HUANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):206-210
Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of combined teaching method integrating case-based teaching method(CBL),problem-based teaching method(PBL),and team-based teaching method(TBL)in clinical nursing teaching in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU).Methods:A total of 60 nursing students who trained in our PICU from Jan 2021 to Jun 2022 were selected as the control group,and 60 nursing students who trained in our PICU from Jul 2022 to Jun 2024 were selected as the research group.The control group received conventional nursing teaching mode,while the research group received combined teaching mode of CBL,PBL,and TBL.The scores of academic performance,logical thinking ability,self-learning ability,and clinical nursing comprehensive ability between the two groups were compared.Result:The scores of theoretical knowledge,operational skills,post-teaching Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory-Chinese Version(CTDI-CV)scale,self-directed learning readiness scale for nursing,and Mini-clinical evaluation exercise scale(Mini-CEX)in the research group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined teaching method of CBL,PBL,and TBL can effectively improve clinical nursing teaching results and comprehensive abilities of nursing students.
6.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.
7.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.
8.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=
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.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.

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