Omics : a journal of integrative biology
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Despite decades of investment in biomarker research, we still do not have robust and field-tested biomarkers for many chronic diseases so as to anticipate clinical outcomes and thus move toward personalized medicine. Biomarker innovations have tended to focus on genomics, but next-generation biomarkers from the nascent field of glycomics now offer fresh vistas for innovation in chronic disease biomarkers and systems diagnostics. Glycosylation, regarded as a complex enzymatic process where sugars (glycans) bind to proteins and lipids, affects many human biological functions, including cell signaling, adhesion, and motility. ⋯ Therefore, studying glycans' structure and understanding their function and molecular interactions in the emerging field of glycomics are key to unraveling the pathogenesis of various common chronic diseases. This review summarizes the major concepts in glycomics, including glycan release methods, techniques for large-scale glycan analysis, and glycoinformatic tools for data handling and storage. In all, this analysis on glycomics offers strategies to build a robust postgenomic innovation roadmap for glycan-driven biomarkers as the field is anticipated to mature further and gain greater prominence in the near future.
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Antibiotics are often recommended as treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. However, not all COPD exacerbations are caused by bacterial infections and there is consequently considerable misuse and overuse of antibiotics among patients with COPD. This poses a severe burden on healthcare resources such as increased risk of developing antibiotic resistance. ⋯ Economic analysis based on real-life data is recommended for further research. Biomarker-driven prescription algorithms are important instruments for personalized medicine in COPD. This also attests to the emerging convergence of biomarker innovations and the broader field of Health Technology Assessment (HTA).