Search Results (220)

Background: Subclinical psychological symptoms—such as low mood, perceived stress, and poor sleep—affect a large portion of the population and can impair quality of life despite remaining below clinical thresholds. The gut–brain axis has emerged as a promising target for interventions that support emotional and psychological resilience. Probiotics and postbiotics are gaining attention for their potential to modulate mood and stress via microbiome-related mechanisms, but human evidence remains limited, particularly in non-clinical populations. Objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of a two-strain combination of live microorganisms alongside a two-strain combination of heat-treated inactivated microorganisms on outcomes associated with anxiety, mood, perceived stress, and quality of life in healthy adults experiencing mild stress. Methods: This study was conducted in two parts. In Part I, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 100 participants were randomized to receive either a blend of live microorganisms (Bifidobacterium longum CECT 7347 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CECT 8361) or an identical placebo once daily for 12 weeks. In Part II, a pilot feasibility study, a subset of eight placebo non-responders from Part I received the heat-inactivated preparation of the same bacterial strains in a 6-week trial extension phase. For Parts I and II, the primary outcome was the change in the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Secondary outcomes included measures of mood (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), stress (state and trait anxiety inventory (STAI); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)), quality of life (36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36)), gastrointestinal symptoms (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)), salivary cortisol and microbiome modulation. Results: In Part I, there were no significant effects of the live blend on the HAM-A, indicating that the primary endpoint was not met. In addition, no significant effects were seen on the STAI or PSS scores when compared to the placebo. However, participants consuming the live blend trended toward a reduction in total PHQ-9 scores compared to placebo (p = 0.089), whilst preliminary exploratory analyses suggested an improvement in anhedonia (p = 0.045). Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the vitality domain of the SF-36 compared to placebo (p = 0.017). On microbiome analysis, it was noted that consumption of the live blend was linked to the preservation of butyrate-producing bacteria, particularly members of the Pseudoflavonifractor genus and the Clostridium SGB6179 species. Furthermore, the abundance of B. longum species was found to be inversely associated with the total PSS Scores. In Part II, supplementation with the inactivated preparation resulted in significant within-group improvements for the vitality (p = 0.006) and social functioning (p = 0.010) domains of the SF-36 and improvements in PSS scores compared to baseline (p = 0.050). Conclusions: Supplementation with either the dual-strain live or inactivated formulations was associated with significant improvements in the vitality domain of the SF-36, whilst participants receiving the inactivated formulation demonstrated lower perceived stress and improved social functioning compared to baseline. Overall, the findings from this pilot study suggest that these two biotic consortia are well-tolerated and may be associated with improvements in measures of vitality in individuals with subclinical psychological symptoms. The subtle observations detected for stress and anhedonia suggest that further well-powered trials are needed to better characterize these findings, potentially in populations with greater baseline symptomatology. Full article

Background: Gut microbiome-derived metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and tryptophan derivatives, are central mediators of the gut–brain axis. This ex vivo study assessed how nutritional interventions impact such metabolites during early life, a critical period for neurodevelopment. Methods: The effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), nutrient blends (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) and their combinations were evaluated in the gut microbiomes of infants (2–4 months, n = 6) and young children (2–3 years old, n = 6) using the ex vivo SIFR^® technology. Results: Baseline microbiome composition was age-dependent, with infants displaying lower α-diversity and greater interpersonal variability. After ex vivo incubation, nutrient blends increased the propionate/butyrate ratio and branched-chain fatty acids in young children and elevated several B-vitamins and amino acid-derived metabolites, including indole-3-carboxaldehyde, imidazoleacetic acid and pipecolinic acid. Combining nutrient blends with GOS exhibited potential synergistic effects on propionate (infants) and 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid (HICA, both age groups). GOS strongly stimulated Bifidobacteriaceae and increased metabolites linked to bifidobacterial metabolism like acetate, HICA, N-acetylated amino acids, aromatic lactic acids and acetylagmatine; in young children, butyrate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) also increased. Conclusions: Combinations of GOS with nutrient blends impacted microbiome-derived metabolites associated with the gut–brain axis, with potential synergistic increases of metabolites with emerging roles in neurodevelopment, including GABA, acetylagmatine and HICA. Despite shared bifidogenic effects, differences between age groups indicate that microbiome maturity may influence responses to nutritional intervention. Future clinical studies are needed to determine whether these metabolite changes translate into neurodevelopmental benefits in vivo. Full article

As men age, systemic inflammation increases, whereas grip strength (GS) and testosterone levels tend to fall. This rate of decline is known to be influenced by gut microbial health, lifestyle and diet but the role for interventions to slow this decline are less well established. This double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated the impact, and explored the synergistic potential, of boosting phytochemical rich foods and Lactobacillus probiotics on these physical and biological markers. Two hundred and eight men with untreated early prostate cancer managed with observation only (average age 74 years) received a phytochemical rich supplement (PRS) containing concentrated broccoli, green tea, pomegranate, ginger, cranberries and turmeric (YourPhyto). In addition, they were randomised to either a 5-blend Lactobacillus probiotic (PB) capsule (YourGutplus) or a placebo (P). Average GS improved by 2.5 kg from baseline to trial completion, at 4 months in men taking PRS +P (95% CI 1.8–3.4, p < 0.001). In the PRS+PB arm, GS improved by 4.4 kg (95% CI 3.6–5.2, p < 0.001). The odds of grip strength improving was 11.8% greater (p = 0.002, OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.20) in the PRS+PB arm. Improvements in systemic inflammation were better in the PRS+PB arm (−0.41 vs. +0.39, p = 0.04). Four-month testosterone levels were greater in the PRS+PB arms (14.75 vs. 13.02 ng/L, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.33 ng/L p = 0.046). In conclusion, boosting dietary phytochemicals was associated with improved GS. The addition of this blend of Lactobacillus further enhanced GS, and reduced markers of inflammation. These data justify longer studies exploring the synergy between phytochemicals and probiotics, on more objective markers of longevity. Full article

Care home staff are routinely exposed to stressful and traumatic events, increasing risks of psychological distress, burnout, and reduced workforce resilience. Psychological First Aid (PFA), recommended by the World Health Organization, provides an evidence-based framework for delivering immediate emotional and practical support; however, its adaptation for care home contexts is limited. This study aimed to co-produce and adapt an existing PFA training resource for care home staff using a person-based approach (PBA) to enhance contextual relevance, acceptability, and feasibility. A two-phase qualitative design guided by PBA principles was used. Phase 1 integrated stakeholder workshops, semi-structured interviews, and literature review to generate guiding principles, a logic model, and preliminary training content. We adapted the WHO PFA “Look–Listen–Link” framework alongside existing open-access materials. Phase 2 used think aloud interviews to optimize usability and contextual fit. Thematic and sentiment analysis identified key needs: high exposure to traumatic events, inconsistent organisational support, desire for measurable skill development, the importance of transferable competencies, and motivational factors. Participants emphasized the need for flexibility, inclusivity, and realistic care-home-specific examples. Adaptations included bite-sized interactive modules, blended delivery options, and reflective exercises. The final co-produced intervention aligns with trauma-informed principles and organisational realities. Further work is needed to access feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity in real-world settings, offering a transferable model for adapting psychological interventions in other high-stress care environments internationally. Full article

This study investigated the effects of “The Golden Triangle”, a blended-learning intervention program designed to promote academic language literacy among Arabic-speaking seventh-grade students in Israel. Receptive and productive academic vocabulary and academic reading comprehension were assessed before and after the intervention (Grade 7), and again five months later at the beginning of the eighth grade. Participants were 70 Arabic-speaking students from four middle schools, divided into a high/average reading comprehension (HRC) group and a low reading comprehension (LRC) group. Results showed that the LRC group improved its reading comprehension immediately after the intervention but declined at follow-up, whereas the HRC group improved during the program and maintained gains. Moreover, in the HRC group, baseline receptive academic vocabulary predicted reading comprehension at follow-up, whereas no similar predictive effect was found in the LRC group. These findings highlight the need to address persistent heterogeneity in reading abilities and to design differentiated interventions that support the long-term consolidation of academic language among struggling readers. Full article

In this essay, the author reflects on the entangled histories of archaeology, colonial extraction, and heritage dispersion through the lens of her artistic research project, A Layer of Salt for My Oblivion. Centering the displacement of the Old Kingdom mastaba of Neferirtenef from Saqqara to the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, the author unearths the silences embedded within archival photographs. The archive in focus is that accumulated by Belgian Egyptologist Jean Capart, several of whose archaeological missions were funded by the Belgian industrialist Baron Empain. The latter’s imperial ambitions also defined the urban fabric of the author’s own childhood in Egypt. Blending essay, archival intervention, and poetic voice, the author proposes an alternative mode of listening to displaced heritage: one that honours the agency of the silenced, embraces rupture over restoration, and invites the possibility of care over control. Full article

Background: Dental students need to qualify with a clear understanding of the continuum of biological development from the molecular (genetic, epigenetic and environmental interactions) to the cellular (morphogenesis and differentiation) to the emergence of the mature tissue or organ. Histogenetics provides a core component for this understanding. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a merged approach, combining traditional and recent methods, can enhance the teaching of histogenetics to dental students. Methods: This study blended traditional (lectures, drawings, microscopy) and recent approaches (flipped classroom elements, virtual microscopy, group-based poster construction, and interactive quiz-based discussion) to enhance student engagement and perceived learning in oral histogenetics. The intervention was delivered to master-level dental students across six core oral histogenetics topics. Teaching followed a structured three-phase model: Prepare (digital lectures and short microscopy-introduction videos); Engage (microscopy session and group-based poster creation); and Test and Discuss (teacher-led quizzing and discussion). Student perceptions were evaluated through an electronically distributed 17-item questionnaire at the end of the course. Items were grouped into self-evaluation, resources, and teaching method domains and rated on a five-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 45 of 51 students responded (88%). Across all domains, positive perceptions (Agree/Strongly Agree) predominated (p < 0.001). Self-evaluation items showed strong agreement for attendance and group contribution, with more variability in preparation time and motivation. Resources were rated highly, although the accessibility of physical guidance showed more mixed responses. The merged teaching method received strong endorsement, with students reporting engagement, enjoyment, ease of understanding, and clear emphasis on clinical relevance. Conclusions: The merged approach was perceived as pedagogically valuable and clinically meaningful by the students and appears to enhance perceived engagement, clarity, and relevance in oral histogenetics teaching. These findings support the adoption of blended, student-active methodologies to strengthen comprehension and promote clinically meaningful learning in oral histology. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise of artificial intelligence is injecting intelligence into the healthcare sector, including surgery. Vision-based intelligent systems that assist surgical procedures can significantly increase productivity, safety, and effectiveness during surgery. Surgical instruments are central components of any surgical intervention, yet detecting and locating them during live surgeries remains challenging due to adverse imaging conditions such as blood occlusion, smoke, blur, glare, low-contrast, instrument scale variation, and other artifacts. Methods: To address these challenges, we developed an advanced segmentation architecture termed the frozen-filters-based morphology-aware segmentation network (FFMS-Net). Accurate surgical instrument segmentation strongly depends on edge and morphology information; however, in conventional neural networks, this spatial information is progressively degraded during spatial processing. FFMS-Net introduces a frozen and learnable feature pipeline (FLFP) that simultaneously exploits frozen edge representations and learnable features. Within FLFP, Sobel and Laplacian filters are frozen to preserve edge and orientation information, which is subsequently fused with learnable initial spatial features. Moreover, a tri-atrous blending (TAB) block is employed at the end of the encoder to fuse multi-receptive-field-based contextual information, preserving instrument morphology and improving robustness under challenging conditions such as blur, blood occlusion, and smoke. Datasets focused on surgical instruments often suffer from severe class imbalance and poor instrument visibility. To mitigate these issues, FFMS-Net incorporates a progressively structure-preserving decoder (PSPD) that aggregates dilated and standard spatial information after each upsampling stage to maintain class structure. Multi-scale spatial features from different encoder levels are further fused using light skip paths (LSPs) to project channels with task-relevant patterns. Results/Conclusions: FFMS-Net is extensively evaluated on three challenging datasets: UW-Sinus-surgery-live, UW-Sinus-cadaveric, and CholecSeg8k. The proposed method demonstrates promising performance compared with state-of-the-art approaches while requiring only 1.5 million trainable parameters. In addition, an open-source large language model is integrated for non-clinical summarization of the surgical scene based on the predicted mask and deterministic descriptors derived from it. Full article

Obesity has become a major disease in dogs and cats. Dietary management is a preventive measure because controlling energy intake (e.g., portion size and diet energy density) helps maintain an ideal BCS and reduces the likelihood of progressive weight gain and associated metabolic abnormalities. This study evaluated a low-fat diet, with or without plant-extract supplementation, and its effects on serum biochemistry, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota, and metabolic profiles in healthy beagles. Thirty beagles were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): a conventional diet (Group A), a low-fat diet (Group B), and a low-fat diet supplemented with plant extract (Group C). The experiment lasted for a total of 9 weeks, comprising an adaptation period of one week and an experimental period of eight weeks. Results showed that, compared with Group A, the low-fat diet interventions (Groups B and C) significantly reduced serum levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and total bile acids (p < 0.05). Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in Groups B and C than in Group A (p < 0.05). Compared with both Groups A and B, Group C exhibited significantly lower malondialdehyde levels, reduced proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6; p < 0.05), and decreased serum diamine oxidase activity and lipopolysaccharide levels (p < 0.05). The gut microbiota analysis revealed that Group C had a significantly increased relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis further indicated that beneficial metabolites, including γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamine, were significantly upregulated in Group C (p < 0.05). In conclusion, while a low-fat diet effectively regulated serum lipids in healthy dogs, the supplementation of a blended extract from Atractylodes lancea, Magnolia officinalis, and Citrus reticulata Blanco demonstrated broader efficacy. It further improved lipid metabolism, systemic antioxidant status, and intestinal barrier function, while attenuating inflammation and enriching beneficial gut microbes (Lactobacillus) and metabolites (GABA and glutamine). These findings suggest that while a low-fat diet alone is beneficial, its combination with plant extract provides a novel dietary strategy for promoting lipid metabolism and potentially reducing obesity-related disease risk in dogs. Full article

Indoor environmental quality significantly affects occupant health, making stress-reduction interventions in built environments important. Aroma, a key sensory element, requires validation for stress relief. This study induced stress in 24 participants using a difficult arithmetic task in a controlled lab. EEG was recorded during exposure to lavender essential oil, a blended essential oil, or no aroma. Analyses focused on EEG microstates and functional connectivity. Stress reduced microstate C frequency, increased A-D transition probability, and weakened functional connectivity. Both aromas reversed these neural abnormalities toward baseline. The blended essential oil significantly enhanced theta-band functional connectivity, indicating a superior stress-relief effect compared with lavender. Integrating specific aromas indoors can thus promote user stress recovery, supporting aroma-based biophilic design for mental health. Full article

Fluoride (F⁻) contamination in deep groundwater threatens drinking water security, yet its enrichment is commonly governed by coupled nonlinear hydrogeochemical feedbacks that are difficult to resolve with linear diagnostics alone. Here, we integrate an explainable deep learning framework (HydroAttentionNet + SHAP) with thermodynamic and mass-conservative inverse modeling (PHREEQC) to quantitatively link data-driven thresholds to mineral water processes in a multi-aquifer system. Using 258 deep-well samples, we delineate a robust evolution pathway from background to ultra-high-fluoride (Ultra-High F⁻, ≥1.5 mg/L) waters. HydroAttentionNet achieves strong predictive skill (R² = 0.77) and reveals a clear mechanistic tipping behavior: alkalinity (HCO₃⁻/CO₃²⁻) is the primary trigger for F⁻ activation, while progressive Na+ enrichment and Ca²⁺ depletion act as amplifiers by suppressing a(Ca²⁺) and weakening fluorite precipitation capacity. PHREEQC simulations confirm a coupled “salinization–decalcification–fluoridation” loop in which (i) evaporite dissolution elevates ionic strength (salt effect) and supplies Na⁺ to promote Na–Ca exchange, and (ii) carbonate re-equilibration drives calcite precipitation as an efficient Ca sink, offsetting ~45.8% of Ca²⁺ inputs; together, these processes maintain fluorite undersaturation and sustain net fluorite dissolution, contributing 56.6% of newly added dissolved F⁻ in evolved end-members. Monte Carlo health risk assessment (10,000 iterations) indicates substantial intergenerational inequity: 67.9% of children exceed the non-carcinogenic risk threshold (HQ > 1), compared with 29.3% of adults. Sensitivity analysis identifies source-water fluoride concentration as the dominant driver (Spearman r = 0.93), implying that supply-side interventions (defluoridation, well-screen optimization, and blending with low-F sources) are substantially more effective than behavioral measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress increase with aging and are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We developed an anti-glycation blend using LC-MS-based screening and assessed its effects on oxidative and glycation-related biomarkers in humans. Methods: Twelve candidate compounds were screened in a BSA–glucose model using LC-MS peptide mapping to quantify lysine glycation and rank inhibitory activity. The top candidates were combined into a three-compound blend (quercetin, rutin, genistein). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-month trial, older healthy adults (n = 30) and individuals with AD (n = 30) received anti-AGE blend (n = 15 in older group and n = 15 in AD group) or placebo (n = 15 in older group and n = 15 in AD group). Serum malondialdehyde and urinary Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine were measured pre–post intervention. Pre/post and between-arm comparisons within each population were performed using REML ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests. Serum MDA (malondialdehyde) and urinary CML (Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine) were prespecified biomarker outcomes and are reported here as co-primary biomarker endpoints. No formal a priori sample size calculation was performed; the study size was feasibility-based. Results: LC-MS screening identified genistein, quercetin, and rutin as the most consistent inhibitors of glucose-driven BSA glycation. In older healthy adults, serum MDA decreased after anti-AGE supplementation (p < 0.001) and differed from the placebo (p < 0.01), while no change was observed within the placebo group (ns). In the AD cohort, MDA did not change significantly from baseline within either arm (ns), but post-intervention MDA was lower in anti-AGE than in the placebo (p < 0.05). Urinary CML was unchanged in older healthy adults (ns in both arms), whereas in AD, it decreased after anti-AGE supplementation (p < 0.01) and differed from the placebo (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A screening-guided anti-glycation blend supplementation was associated with changes in selected biomarkers in humans: MDA decreased across cohorts, while CML decreased selectively in AD. Larger trials with extended biomarker panels and LC–MS/MS confirmation are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: The primary outcome of this 8-week randomized, controlled, parallel trial was to assess longitudinal shifts in gut microbiota structure and predicted metabolic potential in 45 elite football players following protein supplementation. Methods: Participants combined resistance training with daily intake (30 g) of whey protein concentrate (WPC), pea protein isolate (PPI), rice protein isolate (RPI), or a plant-protein blend (MIX). For the acquisition of prokaryotic metataxonomic data, the V3–V8 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT). Functional potential was inferred through the MACADAM database and STAMP software. Strict dietary monitoring and gravimetric adherence checks were performed to isolate the intervention effect. Results: While microbial alpha-diversity indices (Chao1, Shannon, Simpson) remained stable across all groups, significant source-specific shifts in taxonomic structure and predicted metabolic activity were identified. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) was associated with an increase in Bacteroidetes abundance and greater balance within the microbial community structure, whereas pea protein isolate (PPI) and the MIX correlated with reduced fermentative bacteria and elevated taxa potentially involved in cadaverine biosynthesis. Rice protein isolate (RPI) supplementation was associated with a higher predicted representation of taxa involved in succinate-to-butyrate fermentation pathways. These functional markers and differential responses of selected bacterial groups to particular protein types were observed. Conclusions: The data indicate complex interactions between supplement type, exposure duration, and microbiome response, underscoring the necessity for individualized dietary recommendations and supplementation strategies to optimize gut health and training adaptation in professional football players. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public-health problem, and physical inactivity contributes to poor disease control. In settings with limited access to health services, as in the Brazilian Amazon, interventions delivered by Community Health Workers (CHWs) within Primary Health Care (PHC) may offer a pragmatic strategy to increase physical activity (PA). We aimed to evaluate the effect of a CHW-led, theory-based intervention on PA among adults with T2DM in PHC in a cluster-randomized, community-based trial. A total of 274 participants were enrolled (intervention: n = 140, control: n = 134). CHWs in the intervention group completed a blended training (e.g., asynchronous modules, printed educational materials, and hands-on guidance). They conducted six home visits over six months to support behavior change, including increased PA. PA was measured using the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ-LF), which assessed active commuting, walking, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and total PA. Group-by-time effects were examined using mixed-effects zero-inflated Gamma models. No significant intervention effects were observed for the conditional mean of minutes or the probability of participation in active commuting, walking, or total PA. However, for MVPA, the zero-inflated Gamma model revealed a significant intervention effect on the probability of engaging in activity. The intervention group showed a marked reduction in the likelihood of remaining at zero minutes of MVPA (Odds Ratio = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01–0.79; p = 0.001) compared to the control group, indicating effective behavioral activation among previously inactive participants. These findings suggest that empowering CHWs to deliver structured, theory-driven interventions within PHC can reduce inactivity among high-risk adults with T2DM in underserved communities. Full article

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a major public health challenge, being associated with significant metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Evidence-based nutritional interventions are essential for the prevention and management of the disease. Dietary fibers, particularly soluble fibers such as psyllium, β-glucan, inulin, and fermentable fiber blends, have demonstrated beneficial effects on glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, body weight, and medication requirements. This narrative review synthesizes the results of recent clinical trials and meta-analyses, highlighting the underlying physiological mechanisms, including colonic fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, as well as the impact on gut microbiota composition. The findings support the integration of soluble fibers into a personalized dietary plan as part of a multidimensional strategy for T2D management. Further long-term randomized studies are warranted to standardize doses and assess the metabolic and microbiota-mediated effects of dietary fibers. Full article