1.m6ATEpre: Predicting YTHDF1-mediated mRNA Translation Efficiency Regulated by m6A Sites via Multi-omics Data Integration
Teng ZHANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Shao-Wu ZHANG ; Lian LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1087-1102
ObjectiveThe most prevalent mRNA modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an important role in various RNA metabolism, including gene expression and translation. By recruiting different “reader” proteins and their cofactors, m6A modification can affect messenger RNA (mRNA) degradation, splicing, nuclear export and translation. However, the selective mechanism by which m6A sites regulate mRNA translation through m6A reader YTHDF1 binding remains poorly understood, due to a lack of computational methods for identifying context-specific m6A sites that regulate translation. To address this, we developed a novel computational framework named m6ATEpre, the first tool designed to predict cell-specific m6A sites that regulate translation efficiency. Methodsm6ATEpre integrates multi-omics data, introduces a novel feature representation strategy for m6A site sequences, and employs an autoencoder to effectively capture embedded feature representations. Specifically, m6ATEpre first integrated MeRIP-seq data and PAR-CLIP data through overlapping m6A sites with YTHDF1 binding sites and identified YTHDF1-mediated m6A sites. Then, m6ATEpre detected the translation gene by analyzing the Ribo-seq data under YTHDF1 knockdown vs control condition. Genes whose translation is mediated by YTHDF1 in an m6A-dependent manner were identified by a significant decrease in translation efficiency upon YTHDF1 knockdown. Next, we proposed a binary vector indicating the presence or absence of YTHDF1 binding motifs to characterize each m6A site sequence. This represents a novel feature representation strategy for m6A sites. m6ATEpre utilized the autoencoder to extract the potentially important feature representations and constructed a multilayer perceptron neural networks model to predict potential m6A sites that regulating translation efficiency. ResultsA comprehensive evaluation of m6ATEpre was conducted through a series of experiments. We compared its performance against that of a similar prediction task model, as well as other classifiers. The results indicate that m6ATEpre achieved the best prediction performance. In addition, we analyzed different feature representation strategies and performed ablation experiments to validate the rationality of the model design. The results demonstrate that our proposed feature representation strategy has a greater advantage in improving prediction performance. In the HeLa cell line, bioinformatic analysis of the metagene distribution and sequence minimum free energy of m6A sites regulating translation efficiency (m6A-reg-TE sites) revealed their specific properties in translation regulation. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that m6A-reg-TE genes are associated with specific biological processes and KEGG pathways. By integrating the binding sites of YTHDF1 co-factors with m6A-reg-TE sites, we revealed that YTHDF1-mediated and m6A-dependent translation efficiency regulation requires the cooperation of multiple translation-regulatory RNA-binding proteins among its co-factors in the HeLa cell line. Furthermore, we extended our predictions to the dataset of the HEK293T cell line. Similarly, bioinformatic analysis of the metagene distribution and functional enrichment revealed the cell-specific characteristic of these predicted m6A-reg-TE sites in HEK293T cells. Likewise, integrated analysis of multiple YTHDF1 co-factors and m6A-reg-TE sites predicted in the HEK293T cell line reveals their m6A-dependent cooperation in regulating translation efficiency. Conclusionm6ATEpre is a timely tool that will advance our understanding of the mechanisms of m6A regulation in translation efficiency. The source code and datasets used in this work can be downloaded from
2.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.
3.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.
4.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
5.Relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia::the chain mediating role of self-esteem and severity of negative symptoms
Guiju AI ; Ming JIN ; Quanming SHAO ; Yanni LIU ; Xianzhen WANG ; Hong LUO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):172-177
BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia experience low quality of life, and internalized stigma is considered an important indicator for quality of life, while the mediating role of self-esteem and severity of negative symptoms in the relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life remains underexplored. ObjectiveTo examine the mediating role of self-esteem and severity of negative symptoms in the relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life, so as to provide references for improving their quality of life. MethodsA total of 342 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in 6 hospitals in Xiangyang City, Siping City and Changchun City from April to September 2023 were included, and all of whom met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10). Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), Self-Esteem Scale (SES) and negative symptom subscale of Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) were administered to all patients. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to determine correlations between the different scales. A structural equation modeling was constructed using Amos 28.0, and Bootstrap method was employed to verify the mediating effect of self-esteem and negative symptom severity in the association between internalized stigma and quality of life. ResultsA total of 309 patients (90.35%) completed questionnaires in this study. The ISMI score of schizophrenia patients was positively correlated with both SQLS score and the PANSS negative symptom subscale score (r=0.612, 0.492, P<0.01), while was negatively correlated with SES score (r=-0.513, P<0.01). The SQLS score was negatively associated with the SES score (r=-0.555, P<0.01) and positively associated with PANSS negative symptom subscale score (r=0.672, P<0.01). The SES score was negatively correlated with PANSS negative symptom subscale score (r=-0.433, P<0.01).The total effect value of internalized stigma on quality of life was 0.746 (95% CI: 0.680~0.806). Self-esteem and severity of negative symptoms independently mediated the relationship between internalized stigma and quality of life, and the indirect effect values were 0.151 (95% CI: 0.062~0.254) and 0.126 (95% CI: 0.047~0.205), accounting for 20.24% and 16.89% of the total effect, respectively. In addition, a chained mediation effect of self-esteem and quality of life was also demonstrated, the indirect effect value was 0.102 (95% CI: 0.049~0.165), accounting for 13.67% of the total effect). ConclusionInternalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia patients can not only directly affect the quality of life, but also indirectly affect the quality of life of patients through either separate or chained mediation of self-esteem and the severity of negative symptoms. [Funded by Hubei Provincial Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project (number, S202410519027)]
6.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
7.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
8.Zinc Finger Protein 639 Expression Is a Novel Prognostic Determinant in Breast Cancer
Fang LEE ; Shih-Ping CHENG ; Ming-Jen CHEN ; Wen-Chien HUANG ; Yi-Min LIU ; Shao-Chiang CHANG ; Yuan-Ching CHANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(2):86-98
Purpose:
Zinc finger protein 639 (ZNF639) is often found within the overlapping amplicon of PIK3CA, and previous studies suggest its involvement in the pathogenesis of esophageal and oral squamous cell carcinomas. However, its expression and significance in breast cancer remain uncharacterized.
Methods:
Immunohistochemical analysis of ZNF639 was performed using tissue microarrays.Functional studies, including colony formation, Transwell cell migration, and in vivo metastasis, were conducted on breast tumor cells with ZNF639 knockdown via small interfering RNA transfection.
Results:
Reduced ZNF639 immunoreactivity was observed in 82% of the breast cancer samples, independent of hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status. In multivariate Cox regression analyses, ZNF639 expression was associated with favorable survival outcomes, including recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14–0.89) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16– 1.05). ZNF639 knockdown increased clonogenicity, cell motility, and lung metastasis in NOD/ SCID mice. Following the ZNF639 knockdown, the expression of Snail1, vimentin, and C-C chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) was upregulated, and the changes in cell phenotype mediated by ZNF639 were reversed by the subsequent knockdown of CCL20.
Conclusion
Low ZNF639 expression is a novel prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in patients with breast cancer.
9.Effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Han-li YANG ; Ming SHI ; Chun-zhi LIU ; Shao-hu LIN ; Ming-gao HU ; Xian-zhong BU ; Yuan-ming ZHONG ; Wei XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3233-3241
AIM To investigate the effects of Jisuishang Formula on neurological function and ferroptosis in a rat model of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM).METHODS The CSM rat models were established and randomly assigned to the model group,the Fer-1 group(2 g/kg Ferrostatin-1 via intraperitoneal injection),the low-dose(9.7 g/kg,intragastrically),medium-dose(19.4 g/kg,intragastrically)and high-dose(38.8 g/kg,intragastrically)Jisuishang Formula groups,and the sham operation group,with 6 rats in each group.Following 4 weeks of treatment administration,BBB locomotor scores and oblique plate test result were recorded to assess their neurological function in rats.Histopathological evaluation utilized HE staining for spinal cord tissue pathology,Nissl staining for Nissl body visualization,and Prussian blue staining for iron ion deposition analysis.Protein expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1,TFRC and Cox2 in spinal cord tissues was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot,while mRNA expressions were quantified using RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared to the sham group,the CSM model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB locomotor scores and inclined plane test performance at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);obvious tissue cavitation,cellular edema and Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4,HO-1(P<0.05);and upregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).Compared to the model group,the Jisuishang Formula and Fer-1 intervention groups showed significantly improved BBB scores and inclined plane test result at 1,2 and 4 weeks post-operation(P<0.05);reduced tissue cavitation,attenuated cellular edema and decreased Prussian blue positive iron deposition in spinal cord tissues;upregulated protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11,GPX4 and HO-1 in spinal cord tissues(P<0.05);and downregulated protein and mRNA expressions of TFRC and Cox2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Targeting the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway,Jisuishang Formula potentially suppresses ferroptosis and alleviates iron accumulation in spinal cord neurons,thereby improving neurological recovery in CSM rats.
10.Significance of basophil levels in prognostic evaluation of intra-abdominal infection
Ming-min PANG ; Shao-hua FAN ; Mei-chen YAN ; Bao LIU ; Ju YANG ; Ya-nan LI ; Shi-han ZHANG ; Ting-yu MENG ; Tao GAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(5):367-372
Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.

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