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.Relationship between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years and prevention suggestions
Lei KANG ; Fangfang WEN ; Fei XING
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):132-136
Objective To explore the relationship between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years and analyze prevention suggestions. Methods The clinical data of 380 patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years who underwent various examinations in the hospital between April 2024 and April 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the bone mineral density (BMD) classification criteria, the patients were divided into osteoporosis group and non-osteoporosis group. The differences in general data and carotid atherosclerosis-related indicators were compared between osteoporosis group and non-osteoporosis group. Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis indicators and clinical indicators in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years. According to the IMT detection thickness in patients with coronary heart disease and osteoporosis aged≥60 years were divided into IMT thickening group and IMT non-thickening group and between plaque group and non-plaque group, and the differences in BMD and bone metabolism indicators were compared. Binary logistics analysis was adopted to analyze the risk factors of IMT thickening and carotid plaque formation in patients with coronary heart disease≥60 years old. Results Age and duration of osteoporosis group TC、LDL-C、CTX、 Carotid artery IMT and carotid atherosclerosis degree were higher than those in the non osteoporosis group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). BMI, OPG, OCN, 25 (OH) D, BMD, carotid artery elasticity coefficient were lower than those in the non osteoporosis group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Carotid IMT, carotid atherosclerosis degree, and carotid elasticity coefficient were significantly correlated with age, course of disease, TC, LDL-C, CTX, BMI, OPG, OCN, BMD, and 25 (OH) D of coronary heart disease patients ≥60 years old (P<0.05). OPG, OCN, BMD and 25(OH)D in IMT thickening group and plaque group were lower compared to IMT non-thickening group and non-plaque group (P<0.05) while CTX was significantly higher than that in IMT non-thickening group and non-plaque group (P<0.05). Binary logistics regression analysis showed that OPG, OCN, BMD, 25(OH)D and CTX were associated with IMT thickening in patients with coronary heart disease and osteoporosis aged≥60 years (P<0.05). OPG, OCN and BMD were associated with carotid plaque formation in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with osteoporosis aged≥60 years (P<0.05). Conclusion There is a significant correlation between osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years. As the bone mass decreases, the manifestations of arteriosclerosis become become more and more obvious, which needs attention and prevention.
3.Application of evidence-based medicine in standardized training of residents in hematology
Jia LIU ; Lidan ZHU ; Shichun GAO ; Huanfeng LIU ; Lu WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Li GAO ; Xi ZHANG ; Peiyan KONG ; Lei GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(4):560-563
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a science that uses the best available research data to make decisions, and the core is that clinical decision-making is supported by the best research evidence. Incorporating EBM into traditional standardized residency training in hematology can foster residents' professional theoretical knowledge and clinical skills, improve the quality of standardized training, and provide ideas and methods for standardized training of hematology residents, which is worthy of further research and exploration.
4.Comparing the effects of dual-task training and single-task training on walking, balance and cognitive functions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review
Xiaoying LIN ; Yanming ZHANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Jianhua LIU ; Lei YANG ; Pang Marco Yiu Chung
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(13):1535-1543
Background::This systematic review aimed to examine whether dual-task (DT) training was superior to single-task (ST) training in improving DT walking, balance and cognitive functions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods::Literature search was performed in the following electronic databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Metstr covering inception to May 10, 2023. And in order to facilitate comparison across trials, we calculated the effect size (Hedges’ g) of gait, balance, cognitive, and other parameters under both ST and DT conditions, using the mean change score and standard deviation (SD) of change score of the experimental and control groups. Randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of DT motor and cognitive training in individuals with Parkinson’s disease were included for this systematic review.Results::A total of 214 participants recruited from six articles (actually five trials) were involved in this review. In terms of walking ability, only double support time and stride time variability showed significant between-group difference (Hedges’ g = 0.34, 0.18, respectively). Compared to ST training group, DT training group had a more improvement effect in laboratory balance measurement (Hedges’ g = 0.18, 1.25), but no significant improvement in clinical balance measurement. No significant between-group differences were observed, thus its training effect on cognitive function was inconclusive.Conclusions::The DT training failed to achieve promising results better than ST training in improving DT walking and balance functions for individuals with PD. Any firm conclusion cannot be drawn at present, due to the limited number of eligible publications. Larger sample size and high-quality studies are needed to investigate the effectiveness of DT training in individuals with PD.
5.Molecular mechanism of residual lumbago and leg pain after transforaminal endoscopic treatment of lumbar disc herniation
Kun YANG ; Zi-Long CHEN ; Yan-Xi CHEN ; Li-Jun REN ; Lei HOU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(2):159-165
Objective To observe the residual of lumbago and leg pain with contained type(CT)and non-contained type(NCT)lumbar disc herniation(LDH)after transforaminal endoscopic treatment,and to explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and transient receptor potential vanillate 1(TRPV1)pathway.Methods A total of 68 single-segment LDH patients were selected from July 2021 to October 2022,including 44 males and 24 females;aged 26 to 67 years old with an av-erage of(43.63±11.94)years old;course of disease was 4 to 36(18.91±10.34)months;body mass index was(24.45±4.00)kg·m-2;there were 7 cases of L3.4 segments,32 cases of L4,5 segments,and 29 cases of L5S1 segments.All of them were per-formed with percutaneous intervertebral endoscopic extraction of nucleus pulposus and were divided into contained group(CT group)and non-contained group(NCT group)with 34 cases respectively according to the integrity of outer layer of fibrous an-nulus observed during operation.A total of 17 patients who underwent open surgery for scoliosis or vertebral fracture were se-lected as control group,including 12 males and 5 females;aged 21 to 65 years old with an average of(39.41±12.80)years old;body mass index was(24.86±4.11)kg·m-2.The relative mRNA expression quantity of HIF-1α,TRPV1 in nucleus pulposus were measured by quantitative real-time PCR.The contents of neurokinin 1 receptor(NK1R),nerve growth factor(NGF),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in nucleus pulposus and the serum substance P(SP)and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The threshold of lumbar tenderness was de-tected by a pressure pain meter.The degree of lumbago and lumbar function were evaluated by visual analog scale(VAS)and Oswestry disability index(ODI)separately.The residual rate of postoperative lumbago and leg pain was assessed.Results The mRNA relative expression quantity of HIF-1α and TRPV1,and the contents of NK1R,NGF and VEGF in nucleus pulposus,and the levels of serum SP and CGRP before surgery in the NCT group were higher than those in the CT group(P<0.05),and those in the CT group were higher than the control group(P<0.05).At day 7 after surgery,the serum SP and CGRP levels,lum-bago and leg pain VAS scores and lumbar ODI index in two LDH groups were lower than before surgery(P<0.05),and those in the NCT group were higher than the CT group(P<0.05),and the threshold of lumbar tenderness in the NCT group was lower than the CT group(P<0.05).The differences of lumbago and leg pain VAS scores,lumbar ODI index and lumbar tenderness threshold between preoperative and postoperative 7 days in the NCT group were lower than those in the CT group(P<0.05).The residual rate of lumbago and leg pain at 7 days after surgery in the NCT group was higher than that in the CT group(P<0.05).Conclusion HIF-1α and TRPV1 pathway promoted the excessive production of NGF,VEGF,NK1R in nucleus pulposus and serum neuropeptides SP and CGRP,which may lead to the higher residual rate of lumbago and leg pain with non-contained lumbar disc herniation postoperative.
6.Risk factors analysis of recurrent drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis
Huan-Huan FENG ; Xiao-Hang YUAN ; Xin HU ; Yan HAN ; Xi ZHANG ; Hao-Yi YE ; Lei GAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(9):489-495
Objective To evaluate the predictors of recurrent in-stent restenosis(R-ISR)occurrence in drug-eluting stents(DES).Methods A total of 201 patients with ISR who received percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)surgery in the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2010 to August 2023 were selected as the study objects,and the patients were divided into R-ISR group and non-R-ISR group according to their post-discharge angiography review.The clinical baseline data and the features of interventional surgery during the first ISR-PCI were retrospectively analyzed.Results Among the 201 patients,168 were males and 33 were females,with an average age of(61.97±10.02)years.The median interval between initial and follow-up angiography was 1.5 years.Patients were divided into two groups based on their radiographic reviews:R-ISR group(98 patients and 104 ISR lesions)and non-R-ISR group(103 patients and 111 ISR lesions).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of R-ISR was correlated with Ostial disease(OR 2.987,95%CI 1.343-6.642,P=0.007),plain old balloon angioplasty(POBA)performed for ISR lesions(OR 3.081,95%CI 1.293-7.343,P=0.011)and the maximum diameter stenosis rate of ISR lesions before surgery(OR 1.016,95%CI 1.002-1.030,P=0.022).Conclusions In patients currently receiving interventional therapy for ISR,Ostial disease,POBA treatment for ISR disease,and maximum diameter stenosis rate of ISR disease were associated predictors of R-ISR development.
7.Comparison on radiation doses of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair in treatment of aortic disease
Fang XUE ; Xiaofeng HAN ; Gang WANG ; Lei SHAO ; Guangrui LIU ; Tiezheng LI ; Xi GUO ; Wei QIU ; Xiaohai MA
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(9):553-556
Objective To compare the radiation dose of in vitro pre-fenestration and in situ fenestration thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR)in treatment of aortic disease.Methods Data of 51 patients with aortic diseases who received in vitro pre-fenestration(group A)and 21 cases who underwent in situ fenestration(group B)TEVAR were retrospectively analyzed.The fluoroscopy duration,total reference air kerma(AK),total dose area product(DAP)and TEVAR time were compared between groups.Results TEVAR was successfully completed in all 72 patients.Fluoroscopy duration([21.42±8.04]min vs.[34.57±9.07]min)and total DAP(44315.0[31157.0,56307.5]μGy·m2 vs.72153.0[45460.0,82354.0]μGy·m2)in group A were both significantly lower than those in group B(both P<0.05),while total AK(2423[1638,3533]mGy vs.3600[1898,3921]mGy)and TEVAR time([83.41±22.89]min vs.[81.00±22.13]min)in group A were not significant different from those in group B(both P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with in situ fenestration TEVAR,both the fluoroscopy time and total DAP of in vitro pre-fenestration TEVAR significantly reduced for treating aortic diseases.
8.Study on correlation between early immune cell dynamic changes and lung infection in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by multiple injuries
Xiaoyang LEI ; Qing CHEN ; Shilai XU ; Xi ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(6):1240-1247
Objective:To explore the correlation between the dynamic changes of early immune cells in acute respiratory dis-tress syndrome(ARDS)caused by multiple injuries and lung infection.Methods:Multiple injury patients with ARDS(235 cases)ad-mitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine from October 2017 to February 2023 were selected as the research subjects and included them in the training set;according to simple clinical pulmonary infection scores(sCPIS),they were divided into a pulmonary infection group(94 cases,>6 points)and an uninfected group(141 cases,≤6 points).Another multi-ple injury patients with ARDS(78 cases)were selected to be included in the validation set to verify the effectiveness of the prediction model.Dynamic detection of lymphocytes were used flow cytometry.Compared and analyzed the clinical data of two groups of patients.Constructed a joint model and used Cox regression to analyze the relationship.Multi factor Logistic regression analysis of risk factors,construction of a simple risk scoring model and evaluation.Results:As the patient progresses,CD4+and CD8+first decrease and then increased,and the lowest stage was 3~15 d after onset;CD19+was gradually increasing;CD16+gradually decreased and fluctuated within a certain range.The joint model showed that for every 1 piece/μl longitudinal decrease in CD4+,CD8+,CD19+,and CD16+,the risk of pulmonary infection increased by 5.6%,4.1%,3.4% and 1.3%,respectively(P<0.05).Injury severity score(ISS),chest inju-ry as the main factor,emergency surgery,acutephysiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ),broncho-alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)sTREM-1 level,and CD4+,CD8+,and CD19+level on the 15th day after onset all were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of pulmonary infection(P<0.05).The score of the simple risk scoring model is 0~36.7 points,which could be divid-ed into three risk levels:low(<16 points),medium(16~22 points),and high risk(>22 points);there was no significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary infection between the two episodes of patients(P>0.05).The evaluation results showed that the predic-tive model has good discrimination.Conclusion:The fluctuation of immune cells will increase the risk of pulmonary infection in pa-tients with multiple injuries ARDS;Baseline CD4+,CD8+,and CD19+levels are independent influencing factors for the occurrence of pulmonary infection;controlling high-level immune cells and maintaining stability is crucial for improving prognosis.
9.Effect of CaMK4 on γδT cells from peripheral blood in patients with lupus nephritis
Zhongyu WANG ; Yangbin WANG ; Feifei LEI ; Gang LI ; Xueyan XI ; Fangzhou LI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(10):2158-2162
Objective:To discussed the regulation role of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase(CaMK4)on γδT cells in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.Methods:The proportion of γδT cells in peripheral blood of LN patients and healthy con-trols were compared by flow cytometry.Magnetic bead was used to separation LN patients and healthy controls of gamma delta T cells in peripheral blood.RNA-SEQ analysis were performed in γδT cells of peripheral blood from LN patients and healthy controls.Real-time PCR and western blot were used to verify the expression level of differential gene CaMK4.The expression levels of CD80,CD86 and CD40L on γδT cells treated with CaMK4 inhibitor were detected by flow cytometry.ELISA was used to measure the level of IL-17 secreted by γδT cells after CaMK4 inhibitor treatment.Results:The proportion of γδT cells in the peripheral blood of LN patients was lower than that of healthy control group.A total of 28 differential genes related to LN were screened by RNA-SEQ sequencing,among which CaMK4 had significant by differences at molecular level and protein level.After γδT cells from LN patients were treated with CaMK4 inhibitor,KN-93,the expressions of surface costimulatory molecules CD80,CD86 and CD40L was decreased,and the level of IL-17 also was decreased.Conclusion:CaMK4 regulates γδT cells to participate in the pathogenesis of LN by IL-17 secretion and the expression of costimulatory molecules.Inhibition of CaMK4 may become a new target for the treatment of LN.
10.Establishment and validation of a mouse liver injury model induced by chronic low-dose exposure to atrazine
Yu ZHU ; Yingshi SU ; Xi LIU ; Baoguo HE ; Lei QIN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(6):73-81
Objective To establish a model of long-term atrazine(ATR)-induced liver injury in mice and to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects induced by ATR.Methods C57BL/6-N male mice were randomly divided into a control group and 1.5 mg/L and 150 mg/L ATR dose(ATR-L,ATR-H)groups.After 35 and 63 days,serum liver function biochemical indexes and inflammatory factors were detected,the hepatosomatic ratio was calculated,and the histopathology and ultrastructure of the liver were observed.Lipid peroxidation levels and antioxidant capacity,the activities of major phase I metabolic enzymes and phase Ⅱ detoxification enzymes,and the expression of related proteins in liver tissues were detected.Results Compared with the control group,the ATR groups showed significant changes in the AST/ALT ratio,levels of pro-inflammatory factors CCL2,TNF-α and IL-6,H2O2 content and activities of the metabolic enzymes NCR,CYTb5,and UDPGT(P<0.05).In the 150 mg/L ATR group,GGT content,peroxide levels(as indicated by malondialdehyde),and CYP1A2 expression were significantly increased(P<0.01),while GSH content was significantly decreased(P<0.05),and hepatocyte injury and mitochondrial vacuolation were more serious when compared to control and 1.5 mg/L groups.Conclusions In a mouse model of low-dose ATR liver injury,both 1.5 mg/L and 150 mg/L ATR exposure induced liver injury in mice,with 150 mg/L ATR inducing the maximum metabolic toxicity in the liver after 63 days.


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