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.Research Advances on Probiotics-assisted Therapy for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Jia XIONG ; Jia ZENG ; Xiaoxian ZHOU ; Xin XU ; Yanjiao WANG ; Zhishuang WU ; Jianzhong YIN ; Fei MI
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(7):163-174
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is a chronic liver condition intricately linked to metabolic abnormalities such as obesity,type 2 diabetes,dyslipidemia,and hypertension.The global prevalence of MASLD continues to rise,posing a significant public health challenge.The pathogenesis of MASLD is multifactorial,with the"multiple-hit"hypothesis suggesting that hepatic lipid accumulation,insulin resistance,oxidative stress,gut microbiota dysbiosis,and genetic factors collectively drive disease progression.Currently,clinical management primarily relies on lifestyle interventions;however,there is a lack of targeted pharmacological interventions,and there is an urgent need to investigate novel adjunctive therapeutic strategies.In recent years,probiotics have demonstrated potential value in MASLD treatment due to their capacity to modulate gut microbiota,enhance insulin sensitivity,and reduce liver inflammation.This review systematically examines the pathogenesis of MASLD and the limitations of existing therapeutic approaches,synthesizing the latest evidence of probiotics-assisted therapy for MASLD from the perspectives of animal studies and clinical trials.By analyzing the target mechanisms and molecular pathways of different strains(e.g.,Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus),this review explores the translational potential of probiotics in MASLD treatment,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and future research directions.
3.Surgical strategies of contracted nose correction
Weiliang ZENG ; Xiancheng WANG ; Yang SUN ; Xiang XIONG ; Xianxi MENG ; Wenbo LI ; Zhongjie YI ; Zhihua QIAO
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(8):781-788
Objective:To evaluate the treatment strategies and outcomes for contracted nasal deformity.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of the patients with contracted noses who underwent surgery at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between January 2021 and January 2024. Based on the pathologic-anatomic features and severity of the deformity, patients were categorized as having mild, moderate or severe contraction. Mild cases received extensive subcutaneous dissection and framework reconstruction with various grafts. Moderate cases underwent preoperative nasal-skin distraction and intra-operative reconstruction with lower lateral or septal cartilage. Severe cases, in addition to reconstruction of the lower lateral cartilage and nasal septum, underwent individualized repair, including mucosal or cutaneous defect resurfacing. Postoperative follow-up assessed nasal appearance, complications and recurrence of contraction. Nasal aesthetics were quantified with visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10 points; higher scores = less deformity), and patient satisfaction with the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire (0 = very dissatisfied, 100 = very satisfied) before surgery and at final follow-up. Paired t-test was used for VAS and ROE comparisons; categorical variables were analyzed with the χ2 test. A P-value < 0.05 denoted statistical significance. Results:A total of 96 patients were included, comprising 7 males and 89 females, aged (27.4 ± 8.0) years (19-58 years). There were 64 cases of mild, 19 cases of moderate, and 13 cases of severe contracted nose deformities. Postoperative follow-up(14.0 ± 4.6) months (6-19 months). No cases of abnormal nasal appearance, infection, necrosis, scar hyperplasia, or recurrence of contracted nose were observed during follow-up. Significant improvements in nasal aesthetic outcomes were observed. The VAS scores for mild, moderate, and severe contracted noses increased significantly from preoperative values of 4.7 ± 1.0, 3.0 ± 1.2, and 2.2± 1.1 to postoperative values of 8.6 ± 0.7, 8.9 ± 0.7, and 8.2 ± 0.9, respectively (all P < 0.01). Similarly, the ROE scores improved significantly from 59.1 ± 10.0, 34.2 ± 12.1, and 28.5± 6.3 preoperatively to 90.2 ± 9.5, 91.5 ± 7.5, and 93.3 ± 5.8 postoperatively (all P < 0.01). Conclusion:Selecting appropriate surgical methods based on the pathological and anatomical characteristics and severity of contracted nose deformities can achieve favorable outcomes. Postoperative nasal aesthetic appearance is significantly improved, and patient satisfaction is high.
4.Analysis of influencing factors of prolonged hospitalization in elderly patients based on generalized estimation equation
Fang ZENG ; Li ZHAO ; Ying XIONG ; Bin ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(5):664-670
Objective:To analyze the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of prolonged length in the elderly patients at a tertiary hospital.Methods:Medical records of patients receiving inpatient care at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in Hunan province during January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023 were collected.The generalized estimating equation(GEE)model was used to analyze the factors influencing prolonged hospitalization in elderly patients.Results:A total of 144 921 elderly inpatients were included, aged 60 to 104 years, with 84 950 males and 59 971 females.The average length of hospitalization was 7.81 days, with 2 614 patients hospitalized for more than 30 days (1 663 males and 951 females), and the average length of stay for these patients was 44.93 days.Most of the patients with prolonged length were hospitalized for 30 to 40 days, and in the group of aged 60-74 years.Disease categories mainly were related to health conditions, healthcare facility contact, tumors, and circulatory system diseases.The GEE model analysis showed that nosocomial infection [ OR(95% CI): 5.836(4.716-7.221)], age≥90 [ OR(95% CI): 2.415(1.680-3.472)], surgery [ OR(95% CI): 3.543(2.925-4.291)], number of complications>4[ OR(95% CI): 2.378(2.091-2.704)], unplanned hospital readmissions within 31 days [ OR(95% CI): 1.748(1.525-2.004)]were risk factors of prolonged hospitalization; female [ OR(95% CI): 0.901(0.824-0.986)] and no transferred hospitalization [ OR(95% CI): 0.154(0.140-0.169)] were protective factors. Conclusions:Prolonged hospitalization is related to the clinical and social factors.Administration department of the hospital should strengthen the monitoring of these influencing factors, reduce or prevent the occurrence of prolonged length of stay by adopting targeted measures, and further realize rational allocation of medical resources.
5.Systematic review and Meta-analysis of factors influencing taste alterations in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Jing LI ; Qiuting MAO ; Yi HUANG ; Fan ZENG ; Mo XIONG ; Qianqian LI ; Shuanghong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1778-1785
Objective To systematically evaluate the factors affecting taste alteration in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy.Methods PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,CINAHL,Embase,CBM,CNKI,WanFang Data and VIP were searched from the establishment until August 1,2024.The retrieved literature was independently screened,evaluated and the data were extracted by 2 researchers,and statistical analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 18 studies were included,involving 4 686 patients.The incidence of taste changes is 73.46%.Totally 9 influencing factors were extracted through quantitative analysis,including oral mucositis(OR=1.98),dry mouth(OR=1.82),nausea(OR=3.05),loss of appetite(OR=2.41),use of triple antiemetic drugs(OR=2.45),gynecological cancers(OR=0.67),lung cancer(OR=0.57),paclitaxel types of chemotherapy d rugs(OR=2.86),and smoking(β=9.38).Conclusion The alteration of taste in cancer chemotherapy patients is in-fluenced by multiple factors.Nurses should regularly and dynamically assess changes in taste and implement individualized and refined nursing interventions in clinical practice to prevent or delay the development of taste alterations,thereby improving patients' quality of life and treatment adherence.
6.Mendel randomized analysis of the relationship between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease risk
Yangyang CUI ; Linqin DU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Qinglu JIANG ; Lang ZENG ; Shikang LI ; Xuefeng DING ; Zheng ZHOU ; Yonghong ZHANG ; Rongchuan YUE
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(23):6-9,18
Objective To investigate the relationship between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease through big data combined with Mendelian randomization analysis.Methods Data from 2005 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States were utilized.Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease,while analyzing relevant influencing factors.A two-sample Mendelian randomization approach was implemented using Genome-Wide Association Studies to establish causal relationships.Results Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(P<0.001),with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio serving as a mediating factor in this relationship(P<0.001).Mendelian randomization analysis revealed a positive correlation between sleep disorders and coronary heart disease(OR=1.030,95%CI:1.01-1.04).Conclusion Sleep disorders can increase the risk of coronary heart disease by activating inflammatory factors.
7.Determination of Dilauryl Thiodipropionate in Fried Foods by Reverse Phase Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Jin-Can SHEN ; Yao LUO ; Feng-Qi WU ; Bei-Bei XIONG ; Zhang-Jie WU ; Ya-Mei LI ; Jun-Fa ZENG ; Chang-Xiong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(11):1860-1869
A method was developed for determination of dilauryl thiodipropionate(DLTDP)in fried foods by coupling solid-phase extraction(SPE)pretreatment with reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(RPLC-MS/MS)detection.Samples were extracted with n-hexane as the solvent,purified using a neutral alumina SPE cartridge,and finally analyzed by RPLC-MS/MS.Quantitative analysis was performed using matrix-matched calibration curves combined with an external standard method under optimal experimental conditions.The results showed that DLTDP exhibited good linearity in the range of 2.0-50.0 μg/L,with a correlation coefficient(R2)≥0.999.The limit of detection(LOD)and the limit of quantification(LOQ)of the method were 0.15 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg,respectively.The mean recoveries at three fortification levels(0.5,1.0,and 200 mg/kg)in different samples ranged from 84.8%to 96.8%,with the relative standard deviations(RSDs)all less than 8.0%.The developed method was highly sensitive,accurate and reliable,and easy to operate,making it well suited for the routine quantitative analysis of DLTDP in fried foods.
8.Efficacy of Shilian Powder Combined with Shumai Capsules in Promoting Wound Healing in Rats with Diabetic Foot Ulcers through Regulating the PI3K/Akt/Relaxin/Apelin Pathway
Yanping ZENG ; Zixin SHAO ; Wei MO ; Yang LIU ; Tianhao LI ; Xiong LYU ; Jianlu BI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(2):461-468
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of external application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules for the treatment of rats with diabetic foot ulcer(DFU).Methods Eight male rats with successfully modeled foot ulcer(DF)were used as the control group.While 24 male rats with successfully modeled DFU were randomly divided into DFU group,Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group,with eight rats in each group.After the corresponding interventions,we determined the wound healing rate,histopathological changes of wound,levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in serum,levels of Apelin and Relaxin,and protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT)and VEGF in wound tissue,as well as mRNA expressions of PI3K,AKT,Relaxin and Apelin.Results Compared with the control group,the DFU group showed a significant decrease in wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin level,protein and mRNA levels of wound AKT(P<0.05),and a significant increase in serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels,wound Apelin level,wound PI3K protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and the reduced wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and increased inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the DFU group,the wound healing rate,VEGF level in serum and wound,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in the Shumai Capsules group and Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Compared with the Shumai Capsules group,the wound healing rate,wound VEGF level,wound Relaxin and Apelin levels,protein and mRNA levels of wound PI3K and AKT in Shilian Powder combined with Shumai Capsules group were significantly increased(P<0.05),and the serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the increased wound granulation tissue and formation of new capillaries and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration were seen under the microscope.Conclusion External application with Shilian Powder combined with oral administration of Shumai Capsules can promote the wound healing in rats with DFU,its mechanism is related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/Relaxin/Apelin signaling pathway.
9.Clinical Observation of Long's Spinal Manipulation Therapy Combined with Four Postures of Rotational Tendon-Releasing Maneuver for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Shiyuan XIONG ; Manguang LIANG ; Guoqing ZENG ; Dihao WU ; Ying LIN ; Meiyi SU ; Dehui FAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(8):1963-1969
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Long's spinal manipulation therapy combined with four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuver in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods Sixty-eight patients diagnosed with LDH were enrolled from the Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation at Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital between July 2024 and December 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 34 cases in each group.The control group received Long's spinal manipulation therapy,while the observation group received additional training in four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuver.Both groups were treated for 2 weeks,with a 1-month follow-up.Clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment by comparing Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)scores before and after intervention.Spinal parameters including maximum lumbar curvature angle,pelvic tilt angle,and maximum vertebral rotation angle were assessed using the DIERS formetric 3D evaluation system.Results(1)The total effective rate was 94.12%(32/34)in the observation group and 91.18%(31/34)in the control group,and both groups achieved ideal therapeutic efficacy,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).(2)After treatment,the VAS scores of patients in the two groups significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving VAS scores,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).At the 1-month follow-up after treatment,the VAS score of the observation group significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the JOA and ODI scores of the patients in the two groups significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the JOA and ODI scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).At 1-month follow-up after treatment,JOA and ODI scores of the observation group significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the maximum angle of lumbar flexion,pelvic torsion angle,and maximum rotation angle of the vertebral body of the two groups of patients were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly better than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).At the 1-month follow-up after treatment,the maximum angle of lumbar flexion,pelvic torsion angle,and maximum vertebral rotation angle of the observation group were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of Long's spinal manipulation therapy and four postures of rotational tendon-releasing maneuve significantly improves spinal alignment,reduces pain and disability,and enhances quality of life in patients with LDH,demonstrating notable clinical efficacy.
10.Working practices in eliminating the public health crisis caused by viral hepatitis in Hainan Province of China
Weihua LI ; Changfu XIONG ; Taifan CHEN ; Bin HE ; Dapeng YIN ; Xuexia ZENG ; Feng LIN ; Biyu CHEN ; Xiaomei ZENG ; Biao WU ; Juan JIANG ; Lu ZHONG ; Yuhui ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):228-233
In 2022, Hainan provincial government launched the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with the goals of a hepatitis B screening rate of 90%, a diagnostic rate of 90%, and a treatment rate of 80% among people aged 18 years and above by the year 2025, and the main intervention measures include population-based prevention, case screening, antiviral therapy, and health management. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 6.875 million individuals in the general population had been screened for hepatitis B, with a screening rate of 95.6%. A total of 184 710 individuals with positive HBsAg were identified, among whom 156 772 were diagnosed through serological reexamination, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 84.9%. A total of 50 742 patients with chronic hepatitis B were identified, among whom 42 921 had hepatitis B-specific health records established for health management, with a file establishment rate of 84.6%. A total of 31 553 individuals received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 62.2%. A total of 2.503 million individuals at a high risk of hepatitis C were screened, among whom 4 870 tested positive for HCV antibody and 3 858 underwent HCV RNA testing, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 79.2%, and 1 824 individuals with positive HCV RNA were identified, among whom 1 194 received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 65.5%. In addition, 159 301 individuals with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs and an age of 20 — 40 years were inoculated with hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. Through the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, a large number of hepatitis patients have been identified, treated, and managed in the province within a short period of time, which significantly accelerates the efforts to eliminate the crisis of viral hepatitis.

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