Changes In Composition Research Articles

Understanding gut Microbiome changes in Korean children, adolescents, and young adults with hematologic malignancies.

We investigated whether changes in the gut microbiome composition are associated with infections and immunologic complications during the treatment of Korean children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) with hematologic malignancies. We analyzed stool samples from 26 patients and 10 healthy siblings using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At diagnosis, patients exhibited a lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae and a higher abundance of Enterococcaceae than their healthy siblings. Both the Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices declined from diagnosis to the end of induction chemotherapy. Patients with fever during induction had a lower baseline microbial diversity and higher Ruminococcus g4 abundance than those without fever. The use of either meropenem or piperacillin/tazobactam during induction was correlated with reduced richness and altered composition of the gut microbiome after induction. The Chao index and beta diversity of stool samples significantly differed before conditioning when compared with those of healthy siblings. During allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, both the Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices significantly decreased on day 14 but recovered by day 60. Our study highlights the role of gut microbiome diversity and compositional structure in influencing treatment outcomes in children and AYA with hematologic malignancies, providing the information required to improve the gut microbiome configuration and treatment outcomes.

A narrative review of the connection between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal function in patients with gastrointestinal cancer

Abstract Changes in gastrointestinal function are common among patients with gastrointestinal cancers (GIC), particularly in cases of gastric and colorectal cancer. The negative impact of gastrointestinal dysfunction on patients’ quality of life is often underestimated in clinical settings. Emerging micro-level studies on gut microbiota have provided evidence and new opportunities for exploring this issue. This narrative review summarizes the general characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with GIC, the gastrointestinal dysfunctions related to gut microbiota, and the possible mechanisms involved. It also highlights certain gut microbiota-based interventions with potential clinical value. In patients with GIC, intestinal microbiota undergo changes in diversity, abundance, and composition, which impact intestinal functions such as digestion, metabolism, and immune system balance. These alterations can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These mechanisms might involve influences on immune regulation pathways, bacterial flora metabolism, and the effects of derivatives like short-chain fatty acids and serotonin. The stability and well-being of intestinal microorganisms are crucial for ameliorating the GI dysfunction of these patients. In terms of clinical application, probiotic supplementation, fecal microbiota transplantation and prebiotics have shown relatively promising prospects. During treatment and rehabilitation, maintaining gastrointestinal function and minimizing disruptions to gut microbiota homeostasis caused by tumor therapies, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are essential. Additionally, preventing gastrointestinal tumor progression remains a critical goal. Further research should focus on the regulation of gastrointestinal function in relation to gut microbiota in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Composite Phase Change Materials with Zn2+ Metal–Organic Gel and Carbon Microspheres for Battery Thermal Management

Composite Phase Change Materials with Zn²⁺ Metal–Organic Gel and Carbon Microspheres for Battery Thermal Management

Microwave-based stroke detection system: An experimental investigation of brain tissue volume, composition, and motion artifacts

Abstract Background:
Microwave detection is a prospective method in promptly identifying strokes, thereby facilitating clinical intervention and improved prognosis. We aimed to explore the factors affecting microwave stroke detection results, including brain tissue volume, composition, and motion artifacts.
Methods:
Various brain tissue conductivities were simulated using different concentrations of sodium chloride solutions. Physical experiments were conducted utilizing a microwave detection system, with observations focused on changes in S-parameters.
Results:
Eigenvalue changes are most notable for volume alterations and motion artifacts. The eigenvalues of motion artifacts and volumes exhibit distinctions at specific frequencies. At 1.85 GHz, differences in the imaginary part of S11 depend solely on volume variation.
Conclusion:
The study reveals that volume changes and motion artifacts significantly impact microwave detection outcomes. Motion artifacts can be initially mitigated by targeting specific frequency points. The optimal eigenvalues for characterizing volume changes are differences in imaginary parts of S11, and real parts of differences in S21 serve as the optimal feature for characterizing composition changes.

Abstract A029: Highly-resolved integrated single cell atlas of human breast cancer enables hypothesis-driven analysis of tumor heterogeneity

Abstract Single cell transcriptomics (scRNAseq) remains the method of choice to quantify and annotate cellular heterogeneity in the tumor and its microenvironment (TME), yet most studies are under-powered to associate changes in tumor heterogeneity with phenotypes such as tumor subtype, grade, and patient age, among others. In this study, we created an integrated atlas of human breast cancer (BC), the largest resource of its kind, totaling > 700,000 cells across 145 patients, and optimized computational methods to benchmark integration performance, and robustly perform hierarchical cell type annotation. By combining single profiles, a higher-resolution annotation of immune, stromal, and epithelial cell types was achieved. Further, using this integrated atlas, differential abundance analyses identified significant changes in immune and stromal cell type composition associated with tumor grade. These changes in TME heterogeneity were not discernible or had effects in the opposite direction when the analysis was limited to individual BC studies, highlighting the need for atlas-based mega-analysis approaches. This highly-resolved integrated scRNAseq BC atlas will be a valuable resource for hypothesis-driven analyses of tumor heterogeneity including our own ongoing analysis of comorbidities in BC. Citation Format: Andrew D Chen, Lina Kroehling, Christina Ennis, Gerald Denis, Stefano Monti. Highly-resolved integrated single cell atlas of human breast cancer enables hypothesis-driven analysis of tumor heterogeneity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Functional and Genomic Precision Medicine in Cancer: Different Perspectives, Common Goals; 2025 Mar 11-13; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(5 Suppl):Abstract nr A029.

Intentional and unintentional changes to avian and mammalian diversities in the UK

Rewilding is emerging as a promising restoration strategy to tackle the challenges posed by global change and maintain natural ecosystems and their biodiversity. However, rewilding has also been criticized for the absence of a consistent definition and insufficient knowledge about its possible outcomes. Here, we explored the effects of rewilding on filling functional gaps created by the extirpation of native species. We contrasted rewilding with three other mechanisms for change in community composition—species extirpation, species introduction, and unassisted colonization—in terms of their impacts on changes in avian and mammalian diversity in the UK. We found that (i) while rewilding increases functional diversity most on average, introduced/naturalized birds contribute more functional uniqueness to native functional space than other groups of birds; and (ii) changes in functional diversity associated with “rewilded” organisms were species‐dependent and idiosyncratic. Our results suggest that although rewilding can expand or infill native functional trait space to some extent, such effects require careful assessment.

Dietary Intake and Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Gut dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in the gut microbiota, has emerged as a potential factor influencing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. This condition plays a crucial role in the gut-kidney axis, where changes in microbial composition can contribute to systemic inflammation and uremic toxin production and ultimately exacerbate kidney damage. Understanding the dynamics of the gut-kidney axis provides new insights into potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate CKD progression. Diet is the primary driver of gut microbiota composition. Therefore, an approach emphasizing healthy nutritional patterns is recommended for improving overall health, cardiovascular disease, and profoundly altered metabolic patterns in CKD patients. Dietary modifications have been explored as therapeutic strategies targeting the microbiome to improve outcomes in CKD. An emerging therapeutic target is the production of dysmetabolites by the gut microbiota, which may help alleviate uremic and cardiovascular toxicity. Additionally, future research should broaden the scope to include other microorganisms, such as fungi, archaea, and viruses. This expanded focus will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the gut-kidney axis and pave the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies for CKD patients. This review explores the role of lifestyle, particularly diet, in kidney health, highlights new gut microbiome therapies, and identifies research opportunities in CKD.

Nanoarchitectonics of High-Performance and Flexible n-Type Organic-Inorganic Composite Thermoelectric Fibers for Wearable Electronics.

Since most conductive polymers are p-type, developing high-performance n-type organic-inorganic composite thermoelectric (TE) fibers is a great challenge. Herein, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-coated Ag2Te nanowires (PC-Ag2Te NWs) were prepared by a liquid-phase reaction using PEDOT:PSS-coated Te nanowires (PC-Te NWs) as templates, and the PEDOT:PSS/PC-Ag2Te NWs composite fibers were then prepared by wet spinning. As the content of PC-Ag2Te NWs increases, the composite fiber changes from p-type to n-type. The PEDOT: PSS coating greatly improves the dispersibility of Ag2Te NWs in the PEDOT: PSS matrix, resulting in an ultrahigh content of 87.5 wt % of PC-Ag2Te NWs in the composite fibers, which exhibited a Seebeck coefficient of -61.3 μV K-1 and a power factor of 65.3 μW m-1 K-2. The power factor value is higher than those of previously reported n-type composite TE fibers. Contrary to the estimated thermal conductivity in other reports, in this work, the thermal conductivity of the composite fibers was measured via a transient photoelectrothermal (TPET) technique. In addition, the composite fiber has good tensile properties and mechanical strength, elongating at a break of 47.37% and a tensile stress of 6.59 MPa. For an application demonstration, a self-powered temperature sensor was assembled, which can utilize the vertical temperature difference between the human body and the environment and respond quickly to a small temperature difference.

Enhancing Health Outcomes through Optimized Body Composition in Prehabilitation

Background Prehabilitation, the process of optimizing a patient's physical and nutritional status before surgery, has gained increasing attention for its potential to improve outcomes by enhancing physiological reserves and functional capacity. While body composition may play a role in these outcomes, its specific contribution remains underexplored. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the effects of prehabilitation on body composition, focusing on exercise, nutritional interventions, and multimodal approaches. Summary Exercise, particularly a combination of aerobic and resistance training, has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, reduce fat mass, and enhance skeletal muscle and strength. Nutritional interventions, including increased protein intake, support skeletal muscle preservation and recovery. A multimodal approach, integrating both exercise and nutrition, yields the most significant improvements in body composition, showing enhanced skeletal muscle, reduced fat mass, and better functional outcomes. However, the limited duration of prehabilitation and the time required for detectable changes in body composition often prevent consistent observations. Furthermore, variations in assessment techniques and protocols across studies confound definitive conclusions. Key messages Despite some promising results, further research is needed to standardize protocols and explore the effects of prehabilitation on body composition across diverse patient populations. Finally, further research is needed to investigate the impact of prehabilitation on measurable changes in body composition, as this represents a critical gap in the field.

Monitoring MUAC reflects the adequacy of nutrition support in critically ill children with a longer intensive care unit stay: A single‐center prospective cohort study

AbstractBackgroundChildren who are critically ill frequently experience inadequate nutrition, resulting in changes in body composition. We investigated the nutrition status and body composition changes among children with prolonged stays in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), utilizing midupper arm circumference (MUAC), and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) measurements.MethodsA single‐center prospective cohort study monitored nutrition support for children admitted to the PICU for over 6 days. MUAC and TSF were measured at admission and every other day through the 15th day of the PICU stay. Target energy was caculated using the Schofield formula without stress correction, and recommended protein intake was set at 1.5 g/(kg/d). Factors influencing changes in anthropometry were analyzed through pairwise correlation and regression analysis.ResultsSixty children with a median PICU stay of 9 days were included. MUAC decreased by 2.53% in the first week and by 7.42% over 2 weeks. During the first week, average energy and protein intakes were only 53.0% and 41.3% of recommended levels, respectively. Decreases in MUAC correlated with mean cumulative energy deficits (1 week: r = 0.310 [P = 0.016]; 2 weeks: r = 0.504 [P = 0.023]) and mean cumulative protein deficits (1 week: r = 0.304 [P = 0.018]).ConclusionsMany children with longer PICU stays did not met energy and protein recommendations. Decreases in MUAC were associated with deficits in energy and protein intake. Monitoring MUAC is a valuable tool for assessing nutrition support adequacy in children with longer PICU stays.

Polyplacophoran Assemblages in Shallow Waters of the West Antarctic Peninsula: Patterns of Diversity, Composition and Abundance

For the first time, field surveys for exploring the diversity and composition of shallow-water polyplacophorans in West Antarctica have been conducted. During the austral summer sampling campaigns of 2022, 2023 and 2024, a total of 1717 specimens of four species were collected from 21 localities. The composition, abundance, and diversity estimate of the assemblages showed that richness decreased southward due to changes in species composition. The ordination analysis showed a high similarity among localities. Thus, of the seven shallow-water chiton species previously recorded in Antarctica, only four were recorded here. Of them, Tonicina zschaui, Leptochiton kerguelensis, and Hemiarthrum setulosum were the most common and abundant, while Callochiton bouveti was the rarest and least abundant species. The diversity of shallow-water polyplacophorans in this area of Antarctica is low compared to the higher number of species reported in other sub-Antarctic regions. It is suggested that the effect of ice cover on shallow-water habitats could affect the abundance and diversity of chitons. In turn, the high similarity of assemblages may be due to the transport of larvae and juveniles by ocean currents and rafting between the studied sites.

Seasonal Variation in the Biochemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profiles of the Red Alga Halymenia durvillei from Ngazidja (Comoros)

The study of Comorian red alga Halymenia durvillei showed a significant biochemical composition with high ash and polysaccharide content and the presence of n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acid molecules. Seasonal monitoring showed a real change in biochemical composition depending on the harvesting period. On an annual average basis, the algae contained 35.59 ± 2.55% dw ashes, 0.7 ± 0.19% dw soluble proteins, 0.27 ± 0.02% dw total lipids, and 35.09 ± 6.14% dw polysaccharides. The pigment composition was 130 µg/g dw R-phycoerythrin, 1.49 µg/g dw chlorophyll a, and 0.09 µg/g dw carotenoids. The most abundant fatty acid identified was palmitic acid (C16:0), which accounted for almost 43.33% of total fatty acids. Oleic acid (C18:1n-9) was the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid, at 11.58%. Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) was reported to be the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in Halymenia durvillei. The fatty acid profile was also characterized by arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3).

Study on the potential clinical significance of subclinical stent edge effects after drug-eluting stent implantation

The edge effect (EE) of isolated restenosis at one or both ends of a stent is not reduced by drug-eluting stent (DES). The purpose of the study was to investigate the long-term outcome of 1-year subclinical DES-EE (sDES-EE), which was defined as any reduction in the minimal lumen area (MLA) at stent edge without any evidence of clinical ischemia. A total of 252 patients were enrolled from one of our previous randomized controlled studies, who were detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) immediately after DES implantation and 1 year later. The primary endpoint was EE-related target lesion failure (EE-TLF) at 5 years. Secondary endpoints were the changes of morphologies and composition of stent edge plaque, and each component of EE-TLF. sDES-EE at 1 year was significantly correlated with EE-TLF at 5 years by binary logistic regression analysis after propensity scoring. The most valuable cutoff value of sDES-EE at 1 year was a 25% MLA reduction at the stent edge, according to receiver operating characteristic analysis, which showed a major increase in lipid normalized total volume (0.99 ± 0.25 mm3 vs. -0.21 ± 0.06 mm3, p = 0.025) and lipid percent atheroma volume (3.92 ± 1.34% vs. -1.22 ± 0.78%, p = 0.029). EE-TLF at 5 years was significantly higher in the sDES-EE group than in the non-sDES-EE group (15.6% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.001). sDES-EE with MLA reduction ≥ 25% at the stent edge at 1 year after PCI was an independent predictor of EE-TLF at 5 years, which was mainly caused by the progression of lipid components measured by OCT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. Number NCT02140801.Study registrationhttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov. identifier: NCT02140801.

Shaping beta diversity in arid landscape through native plant species contributions: synergy of climate, soil, and species traits

Understanding how species traits, climate aridity, and soil resources interact to influence beta diversity is critical for predicting changes in plant community composition. This study aims to investigate how these interactions shape species contributions to spatial turnover and beta diversity, focusing on the unique dryland ecosystems of the Saint Katherine Protectorate (SKP) in Egypt. To address this, we analyzed data from 84 vegetation plots, considering the direct and indirect effects of climatic aridity, soil resources, and species traits (e.g., plant height, leaf production, specific leaf area), as well as the relative abundance of C3 plants and phylogenetic diversity on species contribution to beta diversity (SCBDeff). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEMs), the results revealed complex indirect effects of aridity and soil resources on SCBDeff mediated by plant traits. SCBDeff was positively influenced by climatic aridity, particularly in species with greater phylogenetic distance, taller plants, high leaf production, and a higher relative abundance of C3 plants. Conversely, specific leaf area (SLA) had a negative effect. Phylogenetic diversity emerged as a significant driver of beta diversity, with distantly related species contributing more due to functional differentiation and niche partitioning. The findings emphasize the critical role of species traits and environmental conditions in shaping beta diversity. These insights can inform conservation strategies aimed at enhancing ecosystem stability under shifting climatic conditions, particularly in dryland environments where species adaptive traits play a pivotal role.

Integrated histopathology, spatial and single cell transcriptomics resolve cellular drivers of early and late alveolar damage in COVID-19

The most common cause of death due to COVID-19 remains respiratory failure. Yet, our understanding of the precise cellular and molecular changes underlying lung alveolar damage is limited. Here, we integrate single cell transcriptomic data of COVID-19 and donor lung tissue with spatial transcriptomic data stratifying histopathological stages of diffuse alveolar damage. We identify changes in cellular composition across progressive damage, including waves of molecularly distinct macrophages and depletion of epithelial and endothelial populations. Predicted markers of pathological states identify immunoregulatory signatures, including IFN-alpha and metallothionein signatures in early damage, and fibrosis-related collagens in late damage. Furthermore, we predict a fibrinolytic shutdown via endothelial upregulation of SERPINE1/PAI-1. Cell-cell interaction analysis revealed macrophage-derived SPP1/osteopontin signalling as a key regulator during early steps of alveolar damage. These results provide a comprehensive, spatially resolved atlas of alveolar damage progression in COVID-19, highlighting the cellular mechanisms underlying pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways in severe disease.

The Complex Co-Occurrence Network Under N Deposition Resulting in the Change of Soil Bacterial Structure and the Decrease of Bacterial Abundance in Subtropical Quercus aquifolioides Forest

Atmospheric nitrogen deposition has a profound impact on soil nitrogen (N) cycling within terrestrial ecosystems, altering the microbial community structure and composition. To investigate how nitrogen deposition impacts microbial communities across different seasons, this study focused on a mature subtropical Quercus aquifolioides forest. Four nitrogen treatments were applied, and high-throughput sequencing was utilized to analyze soil microbial composition and structure changes during dry and wet seasons. Additionally, the study explored the interactions between soil nutrients, microbial communities, and nitrogen treatments. Following four years of nitrogen supplementation, the results revealed that: (1) Soil chemistry and enzyme activity shifted significantly due to the combined effects of nitrogen addition and seasonal variations. A marked reduction in soil pH indicated substantial acidification, although the wet season’s increased soil moisture mitigated these effects. (2) Fungal richness and diversity were more sensitive to nitrogen addition than bacterial diversity. (3) During the wet season, nitrogen deposition caused notable shifts in soil microbial community composition, with a notable elevation in the relative proportion of the fungal genus Sebacina (↑112.68%) under MN treatment. (4) Nitrogen addition affected the co-occurrence network complexity of soil bacteria and fungi in a season-dependent manner. During the dry season, bacterial network complexity decreased significantly while fungal network complexity increased. In contrast, the wet season showed an elevation in bacterial network complexity and a reduction in fungal network complexity. (5) The fungal community structure remained stable across seasons and nitrogen treatments, whereas the bacterial community structure showed significant differences after nitrogen addition. Environmental factors influencing bacterial and fungal community structures varied depending on water conditions. These findings provide insights into forest soil management and microbial remediation strategies in response to future atmospheric nitrogen deposition.

Association of childhood obesity on retinal microvasculature and the role of biochemical markers for its early detection

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a growing public health concern, associated with several systemic disorders including changes in retinal microvasculature. This study aims to assess the relationship between body composition, biochemical markers, and retinal microvascular changes in obese children.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 45 overweight and obese children and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were evaluated. In addition to physical examination, anthropometric measurements were obtained using a body composition analyzer. A comprehensive ophthalmic assessment was conducted for all participants, which included advanced optical biometry, autorefractometry, visual acuity testing, and slit-lamp examination. Retinal microvasculature was assessed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). Biochemical markers, including lipid profile, liver function tests, and CRP (as marker of inflammation), were also analyzed.ResultsThe mean ages were 10.18 and 9.40 years in the obese/overweight and normal weight groups, respectively. Increased foveal thickness (p = 0.04) and foveal vessel density (p = 0.01) in the superficial capillary plexus, and decreased vessel density in the inferior parafoveal region of the deep capillary plexus (p = 0.03) were observed in obese/overweight children. Adjusted and crude regression analysis showed significant associations between body mass index, percent body fat, fasting blood glucose, and serum alanine transaminase levels with foveal vessel density, as well as between body mass index and serum triglycerides levels with foveal thickness.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that childhood obesity is associated with significant alterations in retinal microvasculature. We propose that retinal health assessments and biochemical evaluations be considered in the clinical management of obese children.

Tropical forests in the Americas are changing too slowly to track climate change.

Understanding the capacity of forests to adapt to climate change is of pivotal importance for conservation science, yet this is still widely unknown. This knowledge gap is particularly acute in high-biodiversity tropical forests. Here, we examined how tropical forests of the Americas have shifted community trait composition in recent decades as a response to changes in climate. Based on historical trait-climate relationships, we found that, overall, the studied functional traits show shifts of less than 8% of what would be expected given the observed changes in climate. However, the recruit assemblage shows shifts of 21% relative to climate change expectation. The most diverse forests on Earth are changing in functional trait composition but at a rate that is fundamentally insufficient to track climate change.

Predicting bone aging using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy: a longitudinal analysis on mice.

Osteoporosis, a global health concern, poses an increasing challenge due to the aging population. While dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans measuring bone mineral density (BMD) remain the clinical standard for osteoporosis diagnosis, this method's inability to detect changes in bone chemical composition limits its effectiveness in early diagnosis. This study applies Raman spectroscopy on examining bone aging in Senescence Accelerated Mouse Prone 6 (SAMP6) mice compared to their senescence-resistant controls (SAMR1) over an age period from 6 to 10 months. We performed Raman spectroscopic analysis on mouse tibiae both transcutaneously and on exposed bone. Leave-one-out cross-validation combined with partial least squares regression (LOOCV-PLSR) was applied to analyze Raman spectra to predict age, BMD, and maximum torque (MT) as determined by biomechanical testing. Our results revealed significant correlations between Raman spectroscopic predictions and reference values, particularly for age determination. To our knowledge, this study represents the first demonstration of transcutaneous Raman spectroscopy for accurate bone aging prediction, showing a strong correlation with established reference measurements.

Mucociliary cell type compositions - bridging the gap between genes and emergent tissue functions.

Mucociliary cell type compositions - bridging the gap between genes and emergent tissue functions.