MiCML: a causal machine learning cloud platform for the analysis of treatment effects using microbiome profiles.

Background: The treatment effects are heterogenous across patients due to the differences in their microbiomes, which in turn implies that we can enhance the treatment effect by manipulating the patient's microbiome profile. Then, the coadministration of microbiome-based dietary supplements/therapeutics along with the primary treatment has been the subject of intensive investigation. However, for this, we first need to comprehend which microbes help (or prevent) the treatment to cure the patient's disease.

Clinical integration of germline findings from a tumor testing precision medicine program.

Background: Integrating germline genetic testing (GGT) recommendations from tumor testing into hereditary cancer clinics and precision oncology trials presents challenges that require multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure. While there have been advancements in standardizing molecular tumor boards, the implementation of tumor profiling for germline-focused assessments has only recently gained momentum. However, this progress remains inconsistent across institutions, largely owing to a lack of systematic approaches for managing these findings.

Longitudinal association between hemoglobin and lung function with insights into the incidence of airflow obstruction: an observational study.

Background/aims: Evidence regarding the long-term association between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and lung function in individuals from the general population is scarce. This study aimed to determine the longitudinal association between Hb levels and lung function in a community-based population cohort in South Korea.

Methods: We used linear mixed regression analysis to evaluate the longitudinal associations between Hb levels and lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV), and FEV/FVC.

NTHi killing activity is reduced in COPD patients and is associated with a differential microbiome.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by airway obstruction and inflammation. Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) lung infections are common in COPD, promoting frequent exacerbations and accelerated lung function decline. The relationship with immune responses and NTHi are poorly understood.

Decoding pan-cancer treatment outcomes using multimodal real-world data and explainable artificial intelligence.

Despite advances in precision oncology, clinical decision-making still relies on limited variables and expert knowledge. To address this limitation, we combined multimodal real-world data and explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) to introduce AI-derived (AID) markers for clinical decision support. We used xAI to decode the outcome of 15,726 patients across 38 solid cancer entities based on 350 markers, including clinical records, image-derived body compositions, and mutational tumor profiles.

Hierarchical image classification using transfer learning to improve deep learning model performance for amazon parrots.

Numerous studies have proven the potential of deep learning models for classifying wildlife. Such models can reduce the workload of experts by automating species classification to monitor wild populations and global trade. Although deep learning models typically perform better with more input data, the available wildlife data are ordinarily limited, specifically for rare or endangered species.

A single-cell RNA sequencing dataset of peripheral blood cells in long COVID patients on herbal therapy.

Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the rise of long COVID, characterized by persistent respiratory and cognitive dysfunctions, has become a significant health concern. This leads to an increased role of complementary and alternative medicine in addressing this condition. However, our comprehension of the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines for long COVID remains limited.

Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KBL375 on Immune Enhancement and Gut Microbiota Composition in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Mice.

This study evaluated the immune-enhancing efficacy of Limosilactobacillus fermentum KBL375 isolated from the feces of healthy Koreans. KBL375-treated splenocytes showed enhancement of cytotoxicity against YAC-1 cells, the target of natural killer (NK) cells, with an increase in CD335, granzyme B, perforin, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Oral administration of KBL375 in mice with cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression improved body weight and immune functions, including immune organ indices, lymphocyte proliferations, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A levels.

Sample Preparation of Caenorhabditis elegans for GC-MS-Based Metabolomics in Toxicity Assessment.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, widely recognized as a model organism due to its ease of breeding and well-characterized genomes, boasts complete digestive, reproductive, and endocrine systems, as well as conserved signaling pathways shared with mammals. It has become an invaluable resource for metabolomics research, particularly in examining responses to chemical or environmental factors and toxicity assessments. In this article, we provide detailed, step-by-step protocols for cultivating C.

Isolation of Natural Products Using Preparative TLC.

Known for their diverse and potent physiological activities, natural products continue to be essential for the discovery and development of new drugs. This chapter explores the pivotal role of preparative thin-layer chromatography (Prep-TLC) in the isolation of natural products. This chapter begins with an understanding of the historical significance and structural complexity of natural products, and discusses the problems caused by complex mixtures present in extracts, as well as the multifunctionality, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with different sample types of Prep-TLC to address these challenges.

Identification of Primary Metabolites in H NMR-Based Metabolomics of Plants.

Identifying metabolites in NMR-based plant metabolomics is challenging due to the complexity of plant metabolites. This complexity stems from the abundance and diverse chemical properties of compounds, which vary in concentration across plant specimens. Additionally, the lack of automated identification software complicates the analysis process.

Extraction, Isolation, and Structural Elucidation of Acylated Triterpene Saponins from Asteraceae Family.

Saponins represent specialized (secondary) metabolites primarily sourced from plants, typically characterized by an aglycone component of triterpenoids or steroids, often referred to as sapogenin, coupled with sugar moieties. Their structural intricacy and diversity, along with their manifold pharmacological properties, have garnered significant interest among researchers. Notwithstanding this interest, the study of saponins has been encumbered by challenges in their isolation, purification, and structural characterization.

Identification of Lignans.

Lignans have garnered significant interest in various fields of pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and pesticides due to their diverse biological activities. This chapter primarily focuses on the extraction and purification methods of lignans from Schisandra, followed by an extensive examination of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, methods for structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are briefly summarized.

Natural Products Analysis Through Time: From Past Achievements to Future Prospects.

This introductory chapter traces the evolution of (bio)chemical assays, emphasizing the critical role of robust protocols in ensuring reproducibility-a fundamental aspect of scientific research. With the advent of systems biology, the need for standardized methods has intensified, particularly for integrating vast datasets in open-access formats. The historical progression from basic plant morphology to advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques in phytochemistry highlights the necessity for precise, reproducible protocols.

Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance recommendations toward environmentally sustainable cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Delivery of health care, including medical imaging, generates substantial global greenhouse gas emissions. The cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) community has an opportunity to decrease our carbon footprint, mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, and develop resiliency to current and future impacts of climate change. The goal of this document is to review and recommend actions and strategies to allow for CMR operation with improved sustainability, including efficient CMR protocols and CMR imaging workflow strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy, and waste, and to decrease reliance on finite resources, including helium and waterbody contamination by gadolinium-based contrast agents.

A researcher's guide to studying sex differences in immune aging.

Sex differences in immune system aging significantly impact disease susceptibility and vaccine responses among older adults, but with notable disparities between men and women. This area has gained importance because vaccines can exhibit differential efficacy by sex in aging populations, underscoring the need for sex-specific strategies. As the global population ages, understanding these sex-based immune differences is crucial for developing targeted interventions for age-related diseases.

Ultrasensitive Flexible NO Sensors with Remote-Controllable ADC-Electropolymerized Conducting Polymers on Plastic.

Alternating- and direct-current (ADC) bipolar electropolymerization (EP) offers an efficient and scalable approach for the lateral synthesis of conjugated macromolecules, enabling the simultaneous polymerization and deposition of large conducting polymer films with intriguing fractal-like ramified topographies onto arbitrary insulating substrates under remote control. In this study, we presented the remote synthesis of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT):anion sensing films on a plastic substrate, aimed at their use in flexible nitrogen dioxide (NO) gas sensors. Notably, the PEDOT:ClO films exhibited excellent gas-sensing characteristics, with a sensitivity of 54.

Comparative efficacy and safety of stent retrievers as a bailout strategy following failed contact aspiration technique in acute stroke thrombectomy.

Background: The contact aspiration (CA) technique is often used to perform endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, rescue strategies are necessary if CA fails to achieve recanalization. This study investigates the outcomes of incorporating stent retriever (SR) thrombectomy in the rescue strategy following failed CA.

Methods: EVT patients with failed CA attempts were identified from a large multicenter registry and stratified by rescue technique: CA alone or incorporating SR in the rescue strategy.

Cryo-EM structures reveal the H/citrate symport mechanism of INDY.

I'm Not Dead Yet (INDY) functions as a transporter for citrate, a key metabolite in the citric acid cycle, across the plasma membrane. Partial deficiency of INDY extends lifespan, akin to the effects of caloric restriction. In this work, we use cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of INDY in the presence and absence of citrate and in complex with the well-known inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-disulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS) at resolutions ranging from 2.

The Small Cycloamylose (CA15) Synthesizing Properties of 4-α-Glucanotransferase from Hyperthermophilic Archaeon with Its Distinct Disproportionation Activity.

4-α-Glucanotransferase (4-α-GTase, EC 2.4.1.

Accelerated epigenetic aging worsens survival and mediates environmental stressors in fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

Background: The role of epigenetic aging in the environmental pathogenesis and prognosis of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) is unclear. We evaluated whether ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM) and neighbourhood disadvantage exposures are associated with accelerated epigenetic aging, and whether epigenetic age is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with fILD.

Physicians Who Provide Primary Care in US Nursing Homes: Characteristics and Care Patterns.

Objectives: To examine practice trends and characteristics of primary care physicians providing care in US nursing homes.

Design: Retrospective cohort study using Medicare Fee-for-Service claims.

Setting And Participants: Physicians who provided primary care to long-stay nursing home residents.

Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Intermediate-Risk Emergency Department Patients with Abnormal High-Sensitivity Troponin.

Background: Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with chest pain often have abnormal high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn). However, only about 5% have an acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to assess the safety, feasibility and utility of a clinical disposition protocol including outpatient observation with stress cardiac-magnetic-resonance (CMR) in intermediate-risk patients with abnormal hsTn of unclear etiology.