Utilizing Sparse Optimal Linear Feedback Control to Design Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Enhancing Gut Microbiome Stability
According to the 2024 American Cancer Risk Survey, one in 24 individuals is at high risk of developing colon cancer. This condition is linked to gut microbiome instability. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a more effective and precise approach to maintaining gut microbiome stability, which this research aims to solve by finding the most crucial bacteria species in maintaining the stability of the gut microbiome through the application of Optimal Linear Feedback Control. Two of its variants being applied in this research are Sparsity Promoting Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQRSP) with a variety range of (0.05, 44.58, and 49.84) and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) ( = 0) along with other supporting methods; Controllability Gramian and Network Theory (graph analysis). The finding in this research shows that bacteria species Bacteroides hydrogenotrophica, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgaris, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Escherichia lenta, and Dorea formicigenerans have an important role for preventing and medicating a variety of gut-related diseases. This conclusion is reinforced by the analysis conducted using the Controllability Gramian, displaying five of the chosen bacteria with the highest controllability index, which demonstrates that the system can be effectively controlled. This finding suggests a potential for enhancing therapeutic strategies, rendering them more precise and systematic. To gain deeper insights into the relationship between each bacteria and the rationale behind the selection of these bacteria by LQRSP, this study also employs network theory, which successfully elucidates the choice of Bacteroides uniformis despite its low controllability index. Additionally, to further validate the efficacy of these bacteria, the research develops a simulation that compares the controlled system with the uncontrolled system, utilizing two types of disturbances. The results indicate a significant difference in robustness against disturbances between the controlled and uncontrolled systems. The findings from this research can be used as a foundation for a more efficient and systematic intervention strategy findings. By researching gut microbiome composition regulation using a mathematical approach, it opens new opportunities for new method discoveries aiming to increase the health of the gut microbiome which is beneficial for the medical field and prevention of gut related diseases.
Observation of volcanic gases with a simple alkaline filter paper method at Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima, Japan.
There are many active volcanoes in Kagoshima Prefecture, including Sakurajima Volcano. So, the volcanic disaster prevention is an urgent issue. Also, Hirabayashi of Tokyo Institute of Technology reported that the molar ratio of HCl/SO2 is large during periods of high HCl/SO2 and conversely small during periods of low HCl/SO2 , and that explosions increase one month after the molar ratio of HCl/SO2 increases during periods of no explosions. We decided to determine the composition ratio of volcanic gases (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and hydrogen fluoride) emitted from Sakurajima crater in order to understand and predict volcanic activities. Th us, we established a simple collection method for volcanic gases using alkaline filter paper and a quantitative method using a self m ade absorbance photometer so that even high school students could perform the measurement at many points, and we discussed the data from various perspectives. Furthermore, since last year, we have found a correlation between the variation of Cl-/SO2 ratio and the number of eruptions at Sakurajima volcano. Also, a model for the behavior of volcanic gases was developed based on a comparison of the amount of volcanic ash and the number of eruptions.