Biodbnet API

Source: https://github.com/aipoch/medical-research-skills

bioDBnet API Skill

This skill provides access to bioDBnet (biological Database network) REST web services. It allows for integrating biological data from multiple databases, converting identifiers, and retrieving pathway or ortholog information.

When to Use

• Use this skill when the request matches its documented task boundary.
• Use it when the user can provide the required inputs and expects a structured deliverable.
• Prefer this skill for repeatable, checklist-driven execution rather than open-ended brainstorming.

Key Features

• Scope-focused workflow aligned to: Access bioDBnet REST services for biological identifier conversion, pathway retrieval, and ortholog mapping. Use when you need to convert gene/protein IDs, find pathways, or retrieve biological annotations via bioDBnet.
• Packaged executable path(s): scripts/biodbnet_client.py.
• Reference material available in references/ for task-specific guidance.
• Structured execution path designed to keep outputs consistent and reviewable.

Dependencies

• Python: 3.10+. Repository baseline for current packaged skills.
• Third-party packages: not explicitly version-pinned in this skill package. Add pinned versions if this skill needs stricter environment control.

Example Usage

See ## Usage above for related details.

cd "20260316/scientific-skills/Others/biodbnet-api"
python -m py_compile scripts/biodbnet_client.py
python scripts/biodbnet_client.py --help

Example run plan:

1. Confirm the user input, output path, and any required config values.
2. Edit the in-file CONFIG block or documented parameters if the script uses fixed settings.
3. Run python scripts/biodbnet_client.py with the validated inputs.
4. Review the generated output and return the final artifact with any assumptions called out.

Implementation Details

• Execution model: validate the request, choose the packaged workflow, and produce a bounded deliverable.
• Input controls: confirm the source files, scope limits, output format, and acceptance criteria before running any script.
• Primary implementation surface: scripts/biodbnet_client.py.
• Reference guidance: references/ contains supporting rules, prompts, or checklists.
• Parameters to clarify first: input path, output path, scope filters, thresholds, and any domain-specific constraints.
• Output discipline: keep results reproducible, identify assumptions explicitly, and avoid undocumented side effects.

Usage

The core functionality is provided by the scripts/biodbnet_client.py script. This script handles the HTTP requests to the bioDBnet API.

Common Operations

1. ID Conversion (db2db): Convert identifiers (e.g., Gene Symbol to Affy ID).
2. Pathway Retrieval (getPathways): Get signaling pathways for a taxon.
3. Orthologs (dbOrtho): Find orthologs between species.
4. Annotations (dbAnnot): Retrieve annotations for genes/proteins.

Commands

To use the API, execute the python script with the appropriate method and parameters.

python scripts/biodbnet_client.py --method <method_name> --params <json_params>

See references/api_methods.md for a complete list of supported methods and their parameters.

When Not to Use

• Do not use this skill when the required source data, identifiers, files, or credentials are missing.
• Do not use this skill when the user asks for fabricated results, unsupported claims, or out-of-scope conclusions.
• Do not use this skill when a simpler direct answer is more appropriate than the documented workflow.