1.Influencing factors for condom use among men who have sex with men
LIU Jing ; ZHU Han ; YIN Jue ; XIA Manman ; LU Yi ; DAI Qing ; GU Chengjie ; LUO Zhen
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):115-118
Objective:
To investigate the status of condom use and its influencing factors among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide a basis for improving condom utilization rates and AIDS prevention and control in this population.
Methods:
From May to October 2024, a snowball sampling method was employed to recruit MSM in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics, AIDS-related knowledge, sexual behaviors, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and condom use in the past six months. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for consistent condom use.
Results:
A total of 921 MSM were surveyed, with a median age of 29.00 (interquartile range, 9.00) years. Among them, 697 (75.68%) were aware of AIDS-related knowledge, 826 (89.69%) expressed willingness to use PrEP, and 835 (90.66%) were willing to use PEP. Additionally, 787 (85.45%) MSM reported their age at first homosexual intercourse as ≥18 years, while 519 (56.35%) reported consistent condom use in the past six months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that MSM who were aware of AIDS-related knowledge (OR=0.582, 95% CI: 0.423-0.801), willing to use PrEP (OR =0.611, 95% CI: 0.385-0.969), and whose age at first homosexual intercourse was <18 years (OR=0.480, 95% CI: 0.330-0.700) were less likely to consistent use condoms.
Conclusion
The proportion of consistent condom use among the MSM remains relatively low, which is primarily associated with AIDS-related knowledge, willingness to use PrEP, and the age at first homosexual intercourse.
2.Survey of post-discharge exercise behavior and analysis of factors influencing exercise intensity in patients undergoing lung surgery
Hongyu ZENG ; Xiang WANG ; Tian ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Xing WEI ; Zhen DAI ; Liping ZHANG ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI ; Wei DAI ; Jia LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):734-742
Objective To investigate the post-discharge exercise behavior and factors influencing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in patients undergoing lung surgery. Methods A total of 2874 patients from the large prospective, observational perioperative lung symptom study cohort (CN-PRO-Lung 3) in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 7, 2021, and January 31, 2024, were selected as the survey subjects. A survey was conducted using the Investigation of Exercise Behavior after Lung Surgery questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) among patients who underwent lung surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing patients’ engagement in MVPA. Results A total of 702 patients were surveyed, including 252 males and 450 females, with an average age of (52.4±10.2) years. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 85.9%. Only 36.0% of the patients had regular exercise habits, while 42.3% did not engage in any physical activity. The three main barriers for postoperative exercise were physical discomfort (pain, coughing, shortness of breath, etc, 54.7%), lack of professional guidance (41.7%), and concerns about the surgical wound (28.9%). The proportions of patients engaging in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity physical activity were 5.7%, 28.2%, and 66.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a personal annual income ≥50000 yuan (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.01-2.29, P=0.044), high school education or above (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.33-2.76, P<0.001), and lobectomy (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.02-2.03, P=0.037) engaged in more MVPA. Conclusion Patients undergoing lung surgery have inadequate physical activity after discharge, particularly lacking in MVPA. Patients with higher income, higher educational levels, and lobectomy are more frequently engaged in MVPA. Measures such as symptom control, providing exercise guidance, and enhancing education on wound care may potentially improve the inadequate physical activity in lung surgery patients after discharge.
3.Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation Versus Surgical Treatment for Type A Distal Radius Fracture
Yang SHAO ; Zihan WANG ; Jianwei WANG ; Guoda DAI ; Hengyan CUI ; Zhen HUA ; Tingchen ZHU ; Shaoshuo LI ; Jun MAO ; Fenghua CHEN ; Shuai TAO ; Mao WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1078-1085
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation versus surgical treatment for type A distal radius fracture (DRF) and to explore the factors influencing the choice of treatment. MethodsA multi-center retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from 1237 type A DRF patients treated in 11 hospitals in Jiangsu province from September, 2023 to April, 2025. Among them, 851 patients in the TCM group received manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation, and 386 patients in the surgical group underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height were compared before treatment, 5-7 days after treatment, and 4-6 weeks after treatment. The wrist joint function scores including Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores at 12 weeks after treatment were recorded. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the excellent rate of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores, stratified by age (<50, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years old) and AO subtypes (A1, A2, A3). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors influencing treatment choice. ResultsOn 5-7 days after treatment, the surgical group had lower VAS scores than the TCM group, while 4-6 weeks after treatment, the TCM group showed lower VAS scores than the surgical group (P<0.01). In terms of radiographic indicators, except for the palmar tilt before treatment being higher in the surgical group than in the TCM group (P<0.01), there were no significant differences in palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height at other timepoints (P>0.05). Twelve weeks after treatment, the surgical group had a higher average Gartland-Werley score and the excellent rate than the TCM group (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with A2 type DRF aged 50-59 and 60-69 years old, the excellent rates of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores in the TCM group were higher than those in the surgical group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and the degree of swelling on the affected side were independent factors influencing the choice of treatment (P<0.05). ConclusionBoth TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation and surgical treatment for type A DRF can achieve good therapeutic effects. TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation has certain advantages in medium- and long-term pain relief, especially in elderly patients, where wrist joint function recovery is more stable. Age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and swelling degree are the main factors influencing the treatment choice.
4.Clinical Efficacy and Radiographic Outcomes of Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures:A Retrospective Multicenter Study with Propensity Score Matching
Mao WU ; Guoda DAI ; Yang SHAO ; Shaoshuo LI ; Zhen HUA ; Hengyan CUI ; Tingchen ZHU ; Dipeng LI ; Jintao LIU ; Ming ZHOU ; Peimin WANG ; Liyong ZHANG ; Jianwei WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1086-1092
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes of manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures. MethodsThe clinical data of 1051 patients with distal radius fractures were retrospectively collected from five hospitals included in the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Dominant Diseases. Propensity score matching at a 1∶4 ratio was applied, resulting in 580 cases selected for final analysis, which comprised 448 patients in the TCM group(manipulative reduction plus small splint fixation) and 132 in the surgical treatment group(open reduction and internal fixation). Each group was further stratified into type A, B, and C subgroups based on AO fracture classification. Radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height were compared between groups before treatment and 1 day, 1 week, and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and pain visual analog scale(VAS) scores before treatment and 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment were also compared. Wrist joint function was assessed 12 weeks after treatment, using the Dienst wrist function score and the Gartland and Werley(G-W) wrist function score. Additionally, the radiographic indicators at different timepoints and the 12-week wrist function levels were compared between groups across different fracture types. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was observed in radiographic indicators and VAS scores at all timepoints before and after treatment, as well as wrist joint function grades assessed by the Dienst score and the G-W score at 12 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). Compared to those before treatment, both groups showed increased palmar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height 1 week and 4-6 weeks after treatment, and decreased VAS scores (P<0.05). Compared to those 1 week after treatment, both groups showed a decrease in palmar tilt, an increase in radial inclination and radial height, and a reduction in VAS score 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type A and B subgroups, the surgical treatment group had a higher radial inclination than the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment, while in the type C subgroup, a higher radial height was shown in the surgical treatment group than in the TCM group 4-6 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). In type C subgroup, there was significant difference between groups in the wrist joint function by G-W scores 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). ConclusionManipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation can maintain fracture alignment and alleviate pain in treating distal radius fractures, which achieves therapeutic outcomes comparable to surgical treatment. It is particularly suitable for type A and B fractures and can be considered an effective treatment option for distal radius fractures.
5.Construction and Clinical Validation of a Deep Learning-Based Automatic Measurement Model for Palmar Tilt and Radial Inclination in Distal Radius Fractures
Guoda DAI ; Jianwei WANG ; Mao WU ; Bin KANG ; Yang SHAO ; Hengyan CUI ; Shaoshuo LI ; Tingchen ZHU ; Zhen HUA ; Zhongming SHEN ; Jintao LIU ; Ming ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1093-1100
ObjectiveTo construct an automatic measurement model for palmar tilt and radial inclination suitable for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical scenarios, and to validate its accuracy and efficiency in TCM manipulative reduction settings. MethodsData on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays of distal radius fractures were collected from patients admitted to 18 TCM/ integrated TCM and western medicine hospitals in Jiangsu province between September 1st, 2023, and September 1st, 2024, via the Jiangsu Diagnosis and Treatment Big Data Platform for TCM Dominant Diseases. A medical image segmentation framework based on multi-scale feature fusion and edge-awareness was employed, combined with anatomical knowledge specific to TCM orthopedics, to optimize the feature extraction strategy of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. This framework enabled automatic segmentation of fracture regions and measurement of distal radius palmar tilt and radial inclination. The accuracy of the AI model in measuring radial inclination and volar tilt was validated, and the measurement time and average time gain rate of the AI model were compared to those of manual measurement. ResultsA total of 15,444 AP and lateral X-ray images of distal radius fractures were collected, and were divided into a training set (11,144 images, 5066 AP and 6078 lateral), a validation set (3700 images, 1840 AP and 1860 lateral), and an independent test set (600 images, 300 AP and 300 lateral) after preprocessing. In the measurement of 300 AP X-rays in the independent test set for radial inclination, when the degree error between AI measurement and manual measurement was <3° and <5°, AI measurement accuracy was 83% and 93%, respectively. In 300 lateral X-rays in the test set for palmar tilt, when AI measurements had an error of <3° and <5° compared to manual measurements, corresponding accuracy rate was 78% and 90%, respectively. For 50 X-ray images, AI measurement time was (1.37±0.05) min for radial inclination while manual measurement time was (22.57±2.52) min (P<0.001); in terms of palmar tilt, the AI measurement time was (1.33±0.14) min, shorter than (23.70±2.80) min for manual measurement time (P<0.001). Average time gain rates for manual and AI measurements were 93.93% and 94.39% respectively. ConclusionAn automatic measurement model for palmar tilt and radial inclination in distal radius fractures has been established, enabling more accurate and efficient assessment as well as providing a tool to support the quantitative evaluation of the efficacy of TCM manipulative reduction and large-sample clinical research.
6.A cross-sectional study on the screening-detected rate of scoliosis among primary and secondary school students in Jiangqiao Town in Jiading District of Shanghai in 2025
Zhen DAI ; Bingyang ZHANG ; Xiaolong WANG ; Hui PENG ; Shifeng KAN ; Yujie MO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):468-473
ObjectiveTo investigate the detection status of scoliosis and its influencing factors among primary and secondary school students in Jiangqiao Town in Jiading District of Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the prevention and management of scoliosis in children and adolescents. MethodsA stratified cluster random sampling was conducted in March 2025. Three primary schools and two secondary schools in Jiangqiao Town were randomly selected; within each school, 3‒4 entire classes were randomly chosen. Screening was performed in accordance with the criteria specified in GB/T 16133‒2014 Screening for Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Children and Adolescents, and a self-designed structured questionnaire was administered to conduct face-to-face surveys (Cronbach’s α=0.730). ResultsA total of 772 valid questionnaires were collected on-site, representing a 100% response rate. The sample consisted of 413 males (53.50%) and 359 females (46.50%), including 385 primary school students (49.87%) and 387 secondary school students (50.13%). The detection rate of scoliosis in primary and secondary school students was 12.05%. The detection rates were 8.72% for males and 15.88% for females, with the female rate being significantly higher than the male rate (χ²=9.29, P=0.002). For primary and secondary school students, the detection rates were 6.75% and 17.31%, respectively, with the secondary school student rate being significantly higher (χ²=20.31, P<0.001). The results of univariate analysis revealed that students with sufficient sleep and standard sitting postures during reading/writing had a significantly lower scoliosis detection rate compared to those with insufficient sleep and non-standard sitting postures (χ²=5.90, P=0.015 and χ²=5.09, P=0.024). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the detection rate of scoliosis was significantly higher in females than in males (OR=1.846, 95%CI: 1.156‒2.984), and significantly higher in secondary school students than in primary school students (OR=2.722, 95%CI: 1.656‒4.472). ConclusionThe scoliosis detection rate among primary and secondary school students in Jiangqiao Town in Jiading District is relatively high. Females and secondary school students are key populations requiring targeted prevention and control efforts. It is imperative to strengthen health education on scoliosis, promote early screening and diagnosis, and implement timely targeted interventions.
7.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
8.2024 Update of Chinese Guidelines for the Management of Hyperuricemia and Gout Part Ⅱ: Recommendations for Patients with Common Comorbidities
Changgui LI ; Mingshu SUN ; Zhen LIU ; Detian LI ; Changqian WANG ; Zibin TIAN ; Yuxiang DAI ; Zhe FENG ; Chengfu XU ; Dongbao ZHAO ; Feng WEI ; Bo BAN ; Chao XIE ; Zhenmei AN ; Jia LIU ; Zhuo LI ; Yuwei HE ; Xinde LI ; Fei YAN ; Lin HAN ; Lidan MA ; Xiaoyu CHENG ; Tian LIU ; Xufei LUO ; Lingling CUI ; Ying GONG ; Can WANG ; Yaolong CHEN ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yip Ronald ML ; Jiajun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):918-929
The aim of this updated guideline is to provide comprehensive recommendations for the management of gout in patients with common comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease(CKD), cardiovascular disease(CVD), diabetes, osteoarthritis(OA), and gastrointestinal disorders. This guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel consisting of specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, nephrology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and methodology. The development process adhered to standard methodologies, including PICO(population, intervention, comparator, and outcomes) question deconstruction, systematic literature review, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) for evidence and recommendation evaluation, Delphi voting, and expert consensus. The guideline presents 26 evidence-based recommendations addressing 7 clinical questions for patients with hyperuricemia and gout in the context of comorbidities. Key recommendations include the maintenance of strict serum urate targets, particularly for patients with CKD stage≥3, chronic gouty arthritis, and OA, in order to prevent disease progression. In patients with CVD or diabetes, intra-articular triamcinolone is preferred over systemic glucocorticoids. Prioritized anti-inflammatory treatments for patients with CKD, gastrointestinal diseases and OA are recommended. The guideline also introduces emerging therapies, such as interleukin-1 inhibitors and selective urate transport inhibitors, as potential treatment options for refractory cases. The update offers a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing gout, particularly in individuals with associated comorbidities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and emerging new treatments and evidence ensure the optimization of the recommendations.
9.Effect of arctigenin on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats and the role of autophagy-mediated pyroptosis
Pengcheng WANG ; Zhen WANG ; Guoqing ZHANG ; Yanwen DAI ; Tiezhu HOU ; Zhisong LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(2):163-169
Objective:To evaluate the effect of arctigenin (ARG) on cognitive dysfunction induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats and the role of autophagy-mediated pyroptosis.Methods:Fifty SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18-20 months, weighing 550-600 g, were divided into 5 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group (C group), sevoflurane anesthesia group (Sev group), sevoflurane anesthesia+ ARG group (Sev+ ARG group), sevoflurane anesthesia+ autophagy inducer rapamycin group (Sev+ RAPA group), and sevoflurane anesthesia+ ARG+ autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (Sev+ ARG+ 3-MA group). Except for group C, the rats in the other groups inhaled 6% sevoflurane for 3 h to establish the cognitive impairment model. At 30 min before anesthesia, ARG 20 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in Sev+ ARG group, rapamycin 7.5 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in Sev+ RAPA group, and ARG 20 mg/kg (dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide) was intraperitoneally injected, followed by immediate intraperitoneal injection of 3-MA 1.5 mg/kg in Sev+ ARG+ 3-MA group. The equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide was intraperitoneally injected in C group and Sev group. The Morris water maze test was conducted to assess the cognitive function at 48 h after the end of administration. After completion of the Morris water maze test, the hippocampal tissue was taken under deep anesthesia for observation of the pathological changes (after HE staining) which were scored and for determination of neuronal pyroptosis (after propidium iodide staining) and expression of neuronal autophagy-related proteins (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 [LC3], Beclin-1, p62), pyroptosis-related proteins (NOD-like receptor protein 3 [NLRP3], apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD [ASC], pro-cysteine aspartate-specific protease 1 [pro-caspase-1], cleaved-caspase-1, gasdermin D [GSDMD], and N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D [GSDMD-N], interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and IL-18). Results:Compared with C group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the hippocampal injury score and neuronal pyroptosis rate were increased, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was decreased, the expression of Beclin-1 was down-regulated, the expression of p62, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18 was up-regulated, and the cleaved-caspase-1/pro-caspase-1 ratio and GSDMD-N/GSDMD ratio were increased in Sev group ( P<0.05). Compared with Sev group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, the hippocampal injury score and neuronal pyroptosis rate were decreased, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was increased, the expression of Beclin-1 was up-regulated, the expression of p62, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18 was down-regulated, and the cleaved-caspase-1/pro-caspase-1 ratio and GSDMD-N/GSDMD ratio were decreased in Sev+ ARG group and Sev+ RAPA group ( P<0.05). Compared with Sev+ ARG group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, the hippocampal injury score and neuronal pyroptosis rate were increased, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was decreased, the expression of Beclin-1 was down-regulated, the expression of p62, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β and IL-18 was up-regulated, and the cleaved-caspase-1/pro-caspase-1 ratio and GSDMD-N/GSDMD ratio were increased in Sev+ ARG+ 3-MA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:AGR can alleviate sevoflurane anesthesia-induced cognitive dysfunction in aged rats, and the mechanism is related to reduction of autophagy-mediated cell pyroptosis.
10.tRF Prospect: tRNA-derived Fragment Target Prediction Based on Neural Network Learning
Dai-Xi REN ; Jian-Yong YI ; Yong-Zhen MO ; Mei YANG ; Wei XIONG ; Zhao-Yang ZENG ; Lei SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2428-2438
ObjectiveTransfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are a recently characterized and rapidly expanding class of small non-coding RNAs, typically ranging from 13 to 50 nucleotides in length. They are derived from mature or precursor tRNA molecules through specific cleavage events and have been implicated in a wide range of cellular processes. Increasing evidence indicates that tRFs play important regulatory roles in gene expression, primarily by interacting with target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to induce transcript degradation, in a manner partially analogous to microRNAs (miRNAs). However, despite their emerging biological relevance and potential roles in disease mechanisms, there remains a significant lack of computational tools capable of systematically predicting the interaction landscape between tRFs and their target mRNAs. Existing databases often rely on limited interaction features and lack the flexibility to accommodate novel or user-defined tRF sequences. The primary goal of this study was to develop a machine learning based prediction algorithm that enables high-throughput, accurate identification of tRF:mRNA binding events, thereby facilitating the functional analysis of tRF regulatory networks. MethodsWe began by assembling a manually curated dataset of 38 687 experimentally verified tRF:mRNA interaction pairs and extracting seven biologically informed features for each pair: (1) AU content of the binding site, (2) site pairing status, (3) binding region location, (4) number of binding sites per mRNA, (5) length of the longest consecutive complementary stretch, (6) total binding region length, and (7) seed sequence complementarity. Using this dataset and feature set, we trained 4 distinct machine learning classifiers—logistic regression, random forest, decision tree, and a multilayer perceptron (MLP)—to compare their ability to discriminate true interactions from non-interactions. Each model’s performance was evaluated using overall accuracy, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the corresponding area under the ROC curve (AUC). The MLP consistently achieved the highest AUC among the four, and was therefore selected as the backbone of our prediction framework, which we named tRF Prospect. For biological validation, we retrieved 3 high-throughput RNA-seq datasets from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) in which individual tRFs were overexpressed: AS-tDR-007333 (GSE184690), tRF-3004b (GSE197091), and tRF-20-S998LO9D (GSE208381). Differential expression analysis of each dataset identified genes downregulated upon tRF overexpression, which we designated as putative targets. We then compared the predictions generated by tRF Prospect against those from three established tools—tRFTar, tRForest, and tRFTarget—by quantifying the number of predicted targets for each tRF and assessing concordance with the experimentally derived gene sets. ResultsThe proposed algorithm achieved high predictive accuracy, with an AUC of 0.934. Functional validation was conducted using transcriptome-wide RNA-seq datasets from cells overexpressing specific tRFs, confirming the model’s ability to accurately predict biologically relevant downregulation of mRNA targets. When benchmarked against established tools such as tRFTar, tRForest, and tRFTarget, tRF Prospect consistently demonstrated superior performance, both in terms of predictive precision and sensitivity, as well as in identifying a higher number of true-positive interactions. Moreover, unlike static databases that are limited to precomputed results, tRF Prospect supports real-time prediction for any user-defined tRF sequence, enhancing its applicability in exploratory and hypothesis-driven research. ConclusionThis study introduces tRF Prospect as a powerful and flexible computational tool for investigating tRF:mRNA interactions. By leveraging the predictive strength of deep learning and incorporating a broad spectrum of interaction-relevant features, it addresses key limitations of existing platforms. Specifically, tRF Prospect: (1) expands the range of detectable tRF and target types; (2) improves prediction accuracy through multilayer perceptron model; and (3) allows for dynamic, user-driven analysis beyond database constraints. Although the current version emphasizes miRNA-like repression mechanisms and faces challenges in accurately capturing 5'UTR-associated binding events, it nonetheless provides a critical foundation for future studies aiming to unravel the complex roles of tRFs in gene regulation, cellular function, and disease pathogenesis.


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