1.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.
2.Integrating traditional Chinese medicine constitutions into insomnia management: Findings from a cross-sectional study.
Yan HAN ; Yu WANG ; Mo-Yi SHI ; Yu LIU ; Xiao-Dong CHENG ; Yang ZHOU
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(4):382-389
OBJECTIVE:
The concept of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in both the prevention and treatment of insomnia. However, rigorous statistical evidence on the correlation between TCM constitutions-particularly mixed constitutions-and insomnia disorder remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between specific TCM constitutions and insomnia disorder.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, from November 2022 to December 2023. TCM constitutions were assessed using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. Insomnia disorder was diagnosed by experienced internal medicine physicians according to the criteria of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition. A total of 1065 eligible participants (242 with insomnia disorder and 823 controls) were included in the final analysis.
RESULTS:
Among the participants, 862 (80.94%) exhibited biased constitutions, with 75.30% of these having mixed constitutions. Logistic regression analysis revealed a negative association between the gentleness constitution and insomnia disorder, whereas qi-deficiency, yang-deficiency, phlegm-dampness and qi-depression constitutions were positively associated with insomnia disorder. These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders and were further validated through sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching.
CONCLUSION
Significant associations between TCM constitutions and insomnia disorder were demonstrated. Future research should further investigate these relationships and explore the underlying mechanisms through rigorous longitudinal and interventional studies to improve understanding and clinical applications. Please cite this article as: Han Y, Wang Y, Shi MY, Liu Y, Cheng XD, Zhou Y. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine constitutions into insomnia management: Findings from a cross-sectional study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 382-389.
Humans
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
3.Progress of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in 2023
Mo-Yang WANG ; Zheng ZHOU ; Guan-Nan NIU ; Yang CHEN ; De-Jing FENG ; Xiang-Ming HU ; Wen-Ce SHI ; Yong-Jian WU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(1):14-19
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)has become one of the effective methods for treating patients with aortic valve disease.With the continuous maturity of technology,innovation of instruments and increasing experience,the indications for TAVR has been expanded.Following international trends,the number of TAVR in China has steadily increased with each passing year.In 2023,the long-term follow-up results of TAVR in low-risk AS patients further confirm the long-term benefits of TAVR.The relevant research on TAVR for patients with aortic regurgitation and patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis provide evidence support for the expansion of TAVR indications.At the same time,the development of valve devices and new technological innovations are emerging in an endless stream,and the new concept of full life cycle management is increasingly being valued.Especially in China,the development of local devices is progressing rapidly,and multiple devices have entered the clinical research stage.The clinical manifestations and research results are worth pursuing.
4.Application Effect of A New Modified 3D PSI in Total Knee Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis
Qing HU ; Chuan LI ; Chong SHI ; Mo RUAN ; Jingze YANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):84-91
Objective To explore the application effect of new improved 3D printing individualized guidance(3D psi)in total knee arthroplasty(TKA)for knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 100 patients with KOA in 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force,PLA from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected,and were divided into 2 groups of 50 patients each using the randomized numerical table method.The control group was treated with conventional TKA,and the study group was treated with new improved 3D psi assisted TKA.The operation conditions,postoperative rehabilitation,complications,prosthesis component position deviation,knee range of motion(ROM),lower limb force line parameters[coronal distal femoral mechanical axis lateral angle(mldfa),lower limb mechanical axis angle(HKA)],gait parameters(percentage of support time,stride,pace),knee function(HSS score),quality of life(AIMS2 score)were observed.Results Com-pared with control group,the amount of intraoperative and postoperative blood loss and drainage volume 2 days after operation were less in the study group,and the operation time and hospital stay were shorter(P<0.05).The deviations of LTC Angle,FFC Angle,HKA Angle,LFC Angle and FTC Angle in the study group were smaller than those in the control group(P<0.05).At 3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery,the percentage of knee ROM,supporting time,stride length and walking speed of the research group were higher than those of the control group,while the coronal-position mLDFA and HKA were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The proportion of WBC and PMN in joint fluid at 3 months,6 months and 12 months after surgery was lower than that in control group(P<0.05).The HSS score of the study group was higher than that of the control group at 3 months,6 months and 12 months after operation,and the AIMS2 score was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the study group and the control group(P>0.05).Conclusion The new improved 3D PSI-assisted TKA treatment of KOA can optimize the surgical situation,improve operating accuracy,improve the patient's lower limb alignment,promote limb function recovery,help improve the quality of life,and has high safety.
5.Outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network
Siyuan JIANG ; Chuanzhong YANG ; Xiuying TIAN ; Dongmei CHEN ; Zuming YANG ; Jingyun SHI ; Falin XU ; Yan MO ; Xinyue GU ; K. Shoo LEE ; Wenhao ZHOU ; Yun CAO
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(1):22-28
Objective:To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021.Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions:With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.
6.Effects of Acupuncture at Acupoints along Meridians on the Expressions of Frontal Lobe Associated Protein Kinase in Insomnia Rats
Xuefen WU ; Zhou ZHU ; Qian MO ; Xiaoshan ZHANG ; Yangwanlin SHI ; Yanru WU ; Xiaoqi JIA ; Xiaofang YANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(10):115-120
Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture at acupoints along the meridians on the expression of frontal lobe associated protein kinase in pchlorophenylalanine(PCPA)induced insomnia rats;To explore the mechanism of acupuncture in improving insomnia.Methods Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,sham acupuncture group,acupuncture group and Western medicine group,with 12 rats in each group.An insomnia model rat was induced by intraperitoneal injection of PCPA.The acupuncture group received acupuncture at"Baihui","Shenmen"(bilateral),and"Sanyinjiao"(bilateral),while the sham acupuncture group only fixed the needle at the corresponding acupoints but did not penetrate the skin,while the model group was only fixed for 30 minutes,the Western medicine group was given a solution of estazolam by gavage for 7 consecutive days,the blank group was not treated.The pentobarbital sodium reversal experiment was used to detect the sleep latency and sleep time of rats,ELISA was used to detect the content of melatonin(MT)in plasma,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of calmodulin dependent protein kinase(CaMK)Ⅱ,protein kinase C(PKC)and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(MAPK)in frontal lobe tissue,and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of CaMKⅡ,PKC and p38MAPK in frontal lobe tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the sleep latency of the model group rats were significantly prolonged and the sleep time were significantly shortened(P<0.01),the content of MT in plasma was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the mRNA and protein expressions of CaMKⅡ and PKC in frontal lobe tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of p38MAPK were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the sleep latency were significantly shortened and the sleep time were significantly prolonged in the acupuncture group and the Western medicine group(P<0.01),the plasma MT content significantly increased(P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of CaMKⅡ and PKC in frontal lobe tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein expression of p38MAPK significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the sham acupuncture group,the sleep latency shortened and sleep time were significantly prolonged in the acupuncture group and the Western medicine group(P<0.01),plasma MT content significantly increased(P<0.01),PKC mRNA expression in frontal lobe tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and p38MAPK mRNA expression significantly decreased(P<0.01).There was no statistically difference in various indicators between the acupuncture group and the Western medicine group(P>0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at acupoints along the meridians can shorten the sleep latency and prolong sleep time,improve sleep status by regulating the expression of associated protein kinase in frontal lobe of insomnia rats.
7.Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Non-neonatal Tetanus Patients in Guangxi, China: An 11-year Retrospective Study (2011-2021).
Yi Wen KANG ; Guo Feng MAI ; Xiao Ling ZHU ; Shang Qin DENG ; Shi Xiong YANG ; Hong Li TENG ; Zong Xiang YUAN ; Chu Ye MO ; Jian Yan LIN ; Li YE ; Hua Min TANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(9):880-885
8.Preparation of colloidal gold test strips for the detection of antibodies to peste des petits ruminants based on monoclonal antibodies to N protein.
Shuai DONG ; Weiqin MENG ; Ling MO ; Jinlong CHEN ; Jingnan SHI ; Zhe YANG ; Tong LI ; Qianqian XU ; Zhiqiang SHEN ; Jianchai LIU ; Jinliang WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(12):4915-4926
A simple, fast, and visual method for detecting antibodies against peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) using colloidal gold strips was developed. In this study, the pET-32a-N was transformed into Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) for expression. Hybridoma cell lines were generated by fusing SP2/0 myeloma cells with splenocytes from immunized mice with the expressed and purified N protein of PPRV. The PPRV N protein was labeled with colloidal gold particles as the gold-labeled antigen. The N protein served as the gold standard antigen and as the test (T) line-coated antigen, while the monoclonal antibody served as the quality control (C) line-coated antibody to assemble the colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strips for detecting antibodies against the N protein of PPRV. Hybridoma cell line designated as 1F1 was able to stably secrete the monoclonal antibody against the N protein of PPRV. The titer of 1F1 monoclonal antibody in ascites was 1:128 000 determined by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and the immunoglobulin subtype of the monoclonal antibody was IgG1, with kappa chain. The obtained monoclonal antibody was able to specifically recognize the N protein of PPRV, as shown by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). The developed colloidal gold test strip method was able to detect PPRV antibodies specifically, and there was no difference between different batches of the test strips. Testing of a total of 122 clinical sera showed that the compliance rate of the test strip with ELISA test was 97.6%.The test strip assay developed in this study has good specificity, reproducibility, and sensitivity, and it can be used for the rapid detection of PPRV antibodies.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Peste-des-Petits-Ruminants/prevention & control*
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal
;
Reproducibility of Results
;
Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus
;
Antibodies, Viral
;
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
;
Goats
9.Treatment of cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation
Linlin ZHANG ; Minfeng GAN ; Jinhui SHI ; Peng YANG ; Shaofeng YANG ; Mo ZHU ; Yunxia TAO ; Huilin YANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2023;25(1):19-24
Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of treatment of cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 13 patients who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University for cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures from July 2013 to July 2022. There were 4 males and 9 females, with an average age of (76.5±8.6) years and a T value of bone mineral density of -3.3±0.6. By the CT and MRI features of cement dislodgement, their conditions fell in 4 types: cement loosening in situ (4 cases), anterior cement moving (6 cases), anterior cement moving with posterior bone mass moving (2 cases), and posterior cement moving (1 case). They were treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (3 cases), pedicle screw fixation combined with bone graft fusion and decompression (7 cases), and conservative therapy (3 cases). The curative effects for surgical patients were evaluated by comparing their visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and cobb angle of kyphosis at preoperation, 1 week and 1 month postoperation, and the last follow-up, and Frankel grading for nerve injury as well. The curative effects for patients undergoing conservative treatment were evaluated by observing their symptoms.Results:This cohort was followed up for 7 (5, 12) months after treatment. The VAS scores [5.0 (4.0, 5.0) points, 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) points, and 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) points] in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value [8.5 (8.0, 9.0) points] ( P<0.05); the VAS scores at 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were also significantly improved compared with that at 1 week postoperation ( P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the last follow-up and 1 month postoperation ( P > 0.05). The ODIs (50.6%±4.2%, 37.8%±4.5%, and 29.3%±5.6%) in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value (93.2%±3.6%), showing significant differences in pairwise comparisons ( P<0.05). The cobb angles [10.0 (9.0, 11.0)°, 9.0 (9.0, 11.0)°, and 10.0 (9.0, 12.0)°] in the 10 surgical patients at 1 week and 1 month postoperation and the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with the preoperative value [12.5 (11.0, 14.0)°] ( P<0.05) , but there was no statistically significant difference between the time points after operation ( P>0.05). The Frankel grading was significantly improved in the 6 patients with nerve injury after operation. Of the 3 patients undergoing conservative treatment, the symptoms were cured in one, showed no change during follow-up in one, and aggravated in one. Conclusion:Surgical treatment can significantly relieve pain, improve spinal dysfunction and repair nerve injury in patients with bone cement dislodgement after vertebral augmentation.
10.HIV-1 Transmission among Injecting Drug Users is Principally Derived from Local Circulating Strains in Guangxi, China.
Ping CEN ; Hua Yue LIANG ; Yuan YANG ; Fei ZHANG ; Shi Xiong YANG ; Ju Cong MO ; Yi FENG ; Jie Gang HUANG ; Chuan Yi NING ; Chun Yuan HUANG ; Yao YANG ; Na LIANG ; Bing Yu LIANG ; Li YE ; Hao LIANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2023;36(5):418-430
OBJECTIVE:
The mode of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via injection drug use (IDU) still exists, and the recent shift in IDU-related transmission of HIV infection is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal sources and dynamics of HIV-1 transmission through IDU in Guangxi.
METHODS:
We performed a molecular epidemiological investigation of infections across Guangxi from 2009 to 2019. Phylogenetic and Bayesian time-geographic analyses of HIV-1 sequences were performed to confirm the characteristics of transmission between IDUs in combination with epidemiological data.
RESULTS:
Among the 535 subjects, CRF08_BC (57.4%), CRF01_AE (28.4%), and CRF07_BC (10.7%) were the top 3 HIV strains; 72.6% of infections were linked to other provinces in the transmission network; 93.6% of sequence-transmitted strains were locally endemic, with the rest coming from other provinces, predominantly Guangdong and Yunnan; 92.1% of the HIV transmission among people who inject drugs tended to be transmitted between HIV-positive IDUs.
CONCLUSION
HIV recombinants were high diversity, and circulating local strains were the transmission sources among IDUs in Guangxi. However, there were still cases of IDUs linked to other provinces. Coverage of traditional prevention strategies should be expanded, and inter-provincial collaboration between Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guangdong provinces should be strengthened.
Humans
;
HIV-1/genetics*
;
HIV Infections
;
Drug Users
;
Phylogeny
;
Bayes Theorem
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Genotype

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail