Search Results (52,137)

Optimal sensor placement (OSP) is critical to building a full-lifecycle health monitoring network for high-aspect-ratio unmanned aerial vehicle wings, as it directly affects the deformation sensing of the wing shape. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel sensor placement method for wings based on a chaotic strengthened aquila optimizer (CSAO) that integrates chaotic mapping and a nonlinear search strategy. Specifically, the proposed method introduces a uniform initialization strategy based on the piecewise chaotic map and a nonlinear criterion for switching between exploration and exploitation in the basic aquila optimizer (AO). These enhancements increase the diversity of the initial population and raise the probability of global search in later iterations, thereby accelerating convergence and strengthening global optimization capability. First, the performance of the CSAO is compared with that of other popular intelligent algorithms on 10 benchmark functions. The results show that the proposed method exhibits superior convergence speed, higher-quality solutions, stronger global search ability, and better robustness, making it suitable for OSP problems involving tens of thousands of candidate points. Next, the CSAO is applied to sensor placement on a wing-shaped plate. Compared with other OSP methods, the proposed method offers significant advantages in terms of sensor distribution, computational time, and hardware cost. Finally, experimental validation is conducted using a wing test platform equipped with fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors. The measurement results demonstrate that the reconstructed shape is in excellent agreement with the measured shape. Therefore, the proposed CSAO-based OSP method, combined with the FBG-based structural monitoring system, offers a promising solution for health monitoring of deformable structures in extreme environments. Full article

Digital transformation is reshaping the mining industry by improving resource efficiency and environmental performance. However, empirical evidence explaining how, why, and under which organizational and institutional conditions digitalisation enhances sustainable operational performance (SOP) in Sub-Saharan African mining remains limited, despite the region’s strategic role in global mineral supply. This study examines the effect of digitalisation on sustainable operational performance using longitudinal panel data from 48 mining companies operating in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2013 and 2022. Digitalisation is conceptualized as a multidimensional organizational capability and measured through a Digitalisation Index. The index was systematically derived from corporate annual environmental, social and governance reports using transparent coding procedures and Principal Component Analysis, enhancing measurement transparency and reproducibility. SOP is measured using a composite index encompassing operational efficiency, equipment utilization and maintenance effectiveness, resource utilization and environmental sustainability, and occupational health and safety. Fixed effects panel regression serves as the primary estimator, while the two-step System Generalized Method of Moments addresses endogeneity and dynamic persistence, with robustness analyses confirming result stability. The findings show that digitalisation significantly enhances sustainable operational performance by transforming digital resources into organizational capabilities that strengthen operational resilience, optimize resource allocation, and improve sustainability outcomes. By integrating the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the TOE framework, and the Natural Resource-Based View into a unified explanatory framework, this study advances theory while providing practical guidance for digital capability development and Industry 4.0 investment and informing policies that strengthen digital infrastructure, institutional readiness, and regulatory support for sustainable mining in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Chronic enteropathy (CE) is a common cause of persistent gastrointestinal signs in dogs, and dietary management represents the cornerstone of treatment. Probiotics have been proposed as adjunctive strategies to support intestinal health, although evidence of their efficacy remains limited. This randomised, double-blind crossover trial evaluated the effects of a hydrolysed protein diet supplemented or not with Bacillus velezensis DSM 15544 applied during post-extrusion coating. Thirteen CE dogs were randomly assigned to receive the Diet with Probiotic (DIET+PRO) or the Diet without Probiotic (DIET) during two consecutive 60-day feeding periods, with parameters assessed at baseline (T0) and after 30 (T1) and 60 (T2) days of each dietary treatment. Clinical response was assessed using the Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity Index (CIBDAI) andfecal core (FS). Gut microbiota was evaluated by the qPCR Dysbiosis Index (DI) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, including taxonomic composition, alpha and beta diversity analyses. Compared with baseline (CIBDAI: 4.2 ± 1.7; FS: 3.9 ± 1.5), both dietary treatments significantly improved clinical scores (CIBDAI: 1.3–1.5; FS: 2.2–2.3; p < 0.02), irrespective of probiotic supplementation. Neither microbiota composition, alpha diversity, beta diversity, nor the DI (−2.7 ± 2.3 to −2.1 ± 2.3) differed between dietary treatments. Clinical responses to B. velezensis DSM 15544 supplementation varied among dogs. Overall, the hydrolysed diet effectively improved gastrointestinal clinical signs in dogs with CE, whereas the effects of B. velezensis DSM 15544 remain unclear and warrant further investigation, as any additional benefit may have been masked by the marked clinical response to the hydrolysed diet. Full article

Background: Creatine is one of the most widely used dietary supplements for enhancing physical performance and is increasingly investigated for a range of health-related applications. Although creatine monohydrate is the most commonly used formulation, concerns have been raised regarding its oral bioavailability, prompting the development of alternative formulations and delivery strategies. However, it is unclear to what extent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral creatine supplementation address issues related to bioavailability. Therefore, we aimed to assess how bioavailability of oral creatine is considered and reported in RCTs. Methods: We conducted a meta-research study of published RCTs in which orally administered creatine was used as an intervention or comparator, regardless of participant characteristics or outcomes. MEDLINE and Embase were searched from inception to 1 March 2024. We extracted data on trial characteristics, creatine formulations used, mentions of bioavailability, and comparisons between different creatine products. Data were summarized descriptively. Results: We included 357 reports corresponding to 343 RCTs published between 1994 and 2023. Creatine monohydrate was the most commonly used formulation, reported in 275 (80.2%) trials; however, 53 (15.5%) reports did not specify the exact creatine form used. Bioavailability was mentioned in only 38 (11.1%) reports, most frequently in the discussion section. Four trials (1.2%) reported specific measures intended to enhance bioavailability, including instructions regarding supplement dissolution or co-ingestion with food or carbohydrates. Five trials (1.5%) compared more than one creatine formulation, but only three (0.9%) discussed bioavailability. These formulation comparisons were frequently limited by non-equimolar dosing regimens. Conclusions: RCTs of oral creatine supplementation rarely address bioavailability and often provide insufficient information on the exact creatine formulation used. Few trials reported strategies to enhance bioavailability, and direct comparisons between creatine formulations were uncommon and methodologically limited, particularly because of non-equimolar dosing. Future trials should improve reporting of creatine formulations, incorporate bioavailability-related outcomes, and use appropriate dosing strategies when evaluating alternative creatine products. Full article

Objective: This study assessed dietary soy isoflavone (SIF) intake among Chinese women ≥14 years, identified determinants, and evaluated adequacy against the Specific Proposed Level (SPL) in Chinese Dietary Reference Intakes, to inform targeted guidance. Methods: Intake was estimated using a distribution model combining 2017–2020 China National Food Consumption Survey data with SIF concentrations from food composition tables. Demographic differences and adequacy versus age-specific SPL were examined; supplemental doses were calculated for individuals below SPL. Results: Mean SIF intake was 14.77 mg/standard person-day, generally low. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed across most demographic subgroups except education. Higher mean intakes (mg/day) were seen in women aged ≥65 years (16.20), rural residents (16.38), light activity level (15.17), annual income > 100,000 CNY (15.51), manual laborers (16.11), and central China residents (highest, 21.01). Dried legumes and products, particularly tofu and its derivatives, contributed about 80% of total intake, with tofu-derived items accounting for 57.62–71.49%. Across all age groups, intake was significantly below the SPL, with >96% of participants failing to meet the recommendation. To reach the SPL, premenopausal women require ~40 mg/day supplemental SIF (equivalent to ~45 g soybeans/products), while perimenopausal and postmenopausal women require ~60 mg/day (~60 g soybeans/products). Conclusions: Dietary SIF intake among Chinese women ≥14 years is substantially below the SPL, a deficit that may attenuate associated health benefits. As dried beans and bean products are the dominant contributors, promoting these foods represents a feasible strategy to improve population-level SIF adequacy. Full article

Background: Alcohol and tobacco use remain important public health concerns among people living with HIV (PLWH), even after achieving viral load suppression. This study examined the socio-demographic factors associated with alcohol and tobacco use among virally suppressed PLWH in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 adults receiving antiretroviral therapy with suppressed viral loads at public healthcare facilities in the Eastern Cape Province. Data were collected using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the WHO STEPwise questionnaire. Alcohol use was classified according to the AUDIT, and participants were further categorised into low-risk (AUDIT score < 8) and risky drinking (AUDIT score ≥ 8) for regression analyses. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics and alcohol use were initially examined using cross-tabulations and exact tests where appropriate. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were subsequently performed to identify factors independently associated with risky alcohol use and smoking. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 244 participants, 57.0% were female, and 61.5% were employed. Based on the total AUDIT score, 60.2% of participants were classified as risky drinkers, while 44.3% were current smokers. In the multivariable analysis, employment was independently associated with risky alcohol use (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.11–3.73) and current smoking (AOR = 3.75, 95% CI: 1.98–7.08). Compared with single participants, married (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.25–5.45), separated (AOR = 5.19, 95% CI: 1.98–13.60), and divorced participants (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.05–10.49) had higher odds of risky alcohol use. Conclusion: Alcohol use and tobacco smoking remain common among virally suppressed PLWH in the Eastern Cape Province. Although viral load suppression is an important treatment outcome, it does not fully reflect broader health behaviours that may compromise long-term health. Integrating routine screening for alcohol and tobacco use, together with targeted behavioural interventions and harm reduction strategies, into comprehensive HIV care may improve long-term health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pharmacogenetics (PGx) may improve drug safety and effectiveness, but its integration into routine care remains heterogeneous across the Spanish National Health System (NHS). This article presents BioFRAM PGx, a multicentre implementation framework that defines the methodological and operational basis for subsequent observational validation in cardiovascular and mental-health care settings. Methods: The framework was developed by healthcare centres from eight Spanish Autonomous Communities through a structured review of PharmGKB/ClinPGx clinical annotations, CPIC and DPWG guidelines, and national regulatory resources. Gene–drug pairs were prioritized according to clinical actionability, therapeutic relevance, applicability to the Spanish population, and analytical feasibility. BioFRAM PGx defines a panel of seven pharmacogenes and 35 drugs, standardized genotyping and phenotype-assignment procedures, pharmacovigilance and clinical variables, healthcare-resource measures, and centralized data management. The proposed non-interventional validation phase includes adults receiving at least one selected drug in hospital or primary-care settings, with a minimum six-month follow-up. PGx results are not returned to clinicians and do not modify treatment. Its primary objective is to assess the predictive value of PGx genotyping for adverse drug reactions (ADRs); secondary objectives include ADR incidence and implementation feasibility. Results: The main outputs are the proposed multicentre observational design, the prioritized gene–drug panel, harmonized analytical and pharmacovigilance workflows, standardized data domains, and a centralized data-management strategy. No patient-level clinical, implementation, or economic outcomes are presented. Conclusions: BioFRAM PGx provides a structured multicentre framework for harmonizing pharmacogenetic procedures across the Spanish NHS. Its clinical effectiveness, influence on prescribing, scalability, and economic outcomes remain to be assessed in subsequent studies. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic mycotoxins, widely contaminating agricultural products and posing a serious threat to food safety and human health. Enzymatic degradation is considered a promising detoxification strategy due to its high efficiency, strong specificity, and lack of secondary pollution. AKR13B3, a member of the aldo-keto reductase family, possesses intrinsic catalytic activity for AFB1 degradation; however, its low natural activity severely limits practical application. In this study, the binding mode of the AKR13B3-NADPH complex with AFB1 was first determined using AlphaFold 3.0 and AutoDock Vina. Through interaction analysis, Trp102 and Asp41 were identified as key targets for enhancing catalytic activity. Following site-directed mutagenesis screening, two mutants, D41H and D41T, with significantly improved catalytic activity were obtained, exhibiting 52.32% and 46.44% higher activity than the wild-type enzyme, respectively. Three-dimensional structural simulation revealed that D41H and D41T form stable interactions with the carbonyl group on the lactone ring of AFB1, thereby polarizing the carbonyl group and reducing the activation energy of the reaction, ultimately enhancing catalytic activity. Substrate channel analysis demonstrated that, compared with the wild-type, the D41H and D41T mutants significantly increased the bottleneck radius of the substrate channel (by 25% and 22%, respectively) and shortened the channel length (by 23% and 33%, respectively), thereby partially relieving steric hindrance and diffusion limitations and improving catalytic efficiency. In summary, this study elucidates the molecular basis by which D41H and D41T enhance the catalytic activity of AKR13B3 toward AFB1 through the dual mechanisms of external/hydrogen bond catalysis and channel remodeling, providing an important theoretical foundation for the rational design and directed engineering of AFB1-degrading enzymes. Full article

The resistome, defined as the complete set of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) present in the microbiota of a given environment, is a critical component for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and its impact on human, animal, and environmental health. This review summarizes current methods and technological advances and offers a forward-looking perspective on resistome research. A systematic literature search was conducted. References on short-read and long-read sequencing, amplicon sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and multi-omics integration were included, as were bioinformatics tools for the detection, quantification, and annotation of ARGs. The results indicate that next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have significantly improved the characterization of ARGs across ecosystems, enabling high-resolution microbial profiling and the discovery of new variants. Furthermore, integrating multi-omics approaches with computational tools improves data accuracy, reduces analysis and reporting times, and facilitates the development of predictive models. However, significant challenges remain, which will be key to strengthening epidemiological surveillance under the One Health approach. Full article

Background: Obesity has become a major global public health challenge, affecting individuals across all age groups and contributing to a wide range of systemic disorders. Beyond its well-established associations with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, obesity is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition that influences the structure and function of multiple organs, including the eye. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted between November 2025 and June 2026 using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Priority was given to recent studies evaluating the impact of obesity and obesity-related metabolic disturbances on ocular health. Results: Available evidence indicates that obesity is associated with an increased risk of several ophthalmic conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal vein occlusion. Multiple anthropometric measures of adiposity have been positively associated with diabetic retinopathy risk. Although findings regarding glaucoma remain heterogeneous, metabolic syndrome and its components, particularly impaired glucose metabolism, appear to increase glaucoma susceptibility. Obesity has also been linked to dry eye disease through inflammatory and tear film alterations. Conclusions: Obesity exerts significant effects on ocular health through complex metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular pathways. Recognition of obesity as a modifiable risk factor for eye disease may facilitate earlier detection, targeted prevention strategies, and improved multidisciplinary management. Further longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and determine whether effective obesity treatment can reduce the burden of vision-threatening ocular disorders. Full article

Most of the global population lives and/or works in urban areas with limited access to green spaces. Integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) into indoor environments has emerged as a promising intervention strategy for enhancing indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and promoting human health and well-being. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of introducing indoor plants of Sansevieria trifasciata, Dracaena fragrans, and Chlorophytum comosum, into urban office spaces on workers’ well-being, health, and productivity. The results indicated that reductions in volatile organic compound concentrations were associated with a 20.6% improvement in self-perceived well-being in offices with indoor plants. Notably, a significant decrease in pupil diameter (mean reduction: 0.3 mm) and an increase in pupil constriction amplitude (from 30.8% to 32.1%) were observed in the intervention group, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic activity. Although productivity remained unchanged, satisfaction with IEQ was significantly higher among office workers of the intervention group than among those in the control group (mean scores: 3.4 vs. 3.1). Overall, the findings suggest that indoor plants may represent a practical and scalable NBS associated with greater IEQ satisfaction and physiological responses consistent with a more relaxed state in office environments. Full article

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a tick-induced, IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal), which is expressed on glycoproteins and glycolipids of non-primate mammals but absent in humans. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms dominate the clinical presentation in a substantial proportion of patients yet remain systematically under-recognized, frequently being attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), or lactose intolerance. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the epidemiology, GI and systemic phenotype, immunological mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, management approaches, quality-of-life burden, and multi-level public health interventions for AGS, and it identifies critical knowledge gaps as of 2026. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through 31 March 2026, and synthesized the evidence narratively in accordance with the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). GI symptoms occur in 47–69% of patients with AGS, with abdominal pain (58%), diarrhea (42%), nausea (39%), and vomiting (31%) as the cardinal manifestations. A characteristic 2–6 h delay between the ingestion of mammalian-derived food and symptom onset—explained by the glycolipid–chylomicron delivery mechanism—drives diagnostic confusion with functional GI disorders. Among 295,400 tested individuals in the United States, 30.5% were α-gal IgE positive, and an estimated 96,000–450,000 Americans were affected between 2010 and 2022. Despite this burden, 42% of U.S. healthcare providers had never heard of AGS. Strict avoidance of mammalian meat improves symptoms in 53–86% of adherent patients, although the condition carries a meaningful risk of anaphylaxis even among GI-predominant presenters. AGS is a prevalent, frequently misdiagnosed, and clinically morbid condition whose GI phenotype lies squarely within the gastroenterologist’s domain. A coordinated response that integrates clinician education, institutional diagnostic algorithms, and national surveillance infrastructure is urgently needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: To examine the associations between digital device-related interference and living alone with unmet healthcare needs and barrier types in a nationally representative sample of Korean adults. This study had a cross-sectional design. Methods: Data from the 2023 Korea Community Health Survey (n = 213,820) were analyzed. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between digital device-related interference and living alone with unmet healthcare needs. Among those with unmet healthcare needs, additional analyses examined the associations with reporting individual-level rather than external barriers. Results: Overall, 5.7% of adults reported unmet healthcare needs. Digital device-related interference was associated with higher odds of unmet healthcare needs (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.696, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.569–1.834), whereas digital non-use was not. Living alone was also associated with higher odds of unmet healthcare needs (aOR = 1.277, 95% CI: 1.171–1.392). Among those with unmet healthcare needs, digital interference was associated with higher odds of reporting individual-level barriers, whereas living alone was associated with lower odds. No significant interactions were observed. Conclusions: These findings suggest that unmet healthcare needs in highly digitized societies may arise through distinct behavioral and structural pathways. Therefore, public health strategies to improve healthcare access should address not only the structural barriers faced by individuals living alone but also functional disruptions related to digital device use. These findings should be interpreted in light of cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reported data. Full article

The equine gastrointestinal microbiome plays an essential role in digestion, energy metabolism, immune regulation, and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests that microbial-derived metabolites provide a functional link between diet, the microbiome, and host physiology. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on how dietary factors, including structural carbohydrates, non-structural carbohydrates, protein, and lipids, influence microbial function and metabolite production in horses. Relevant publications available up to June 2026 were identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar and were narratively synthesized according to dietary factors, microbial metabolites, associated diseases, and nutritional interventions. Emphasis is placed on major microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, endotoxins, bile acid derivatives, tryptophan metabolites, and nitrogenous fermentation products, and their potential roles in health and disease. Current evidence supports a central role for the nutrition–microbiota–metabolite axis in gastrointestinal disorders such as colic, colitis, equine gastric ulcer syndrome, and carbohydrate-associated laminitis, whereas its involvement in equine metabolic syndrome and the gut–lung axis remains less well defined. The review also discusses microbiome-targeted nutritional interventions and emerging multi-omics approaches that are improving our understanding of microbial function. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of microbiome-informed nutritional strategies to support equine health, welfare, disease prevention, and athletic performance. Full article

Aqueous Chlorella extract (CE) is a functional feed additive derived from widely cultivated microalgae. It is rich in proteins, polysaccharides, pigments, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and other bioactive compounds. CE possesses great potential to improve the health status and physiological performance of aquatic animals. This study investigated the effects of dietary CE on inflammatory response, non-specific immunity, antioxidant capacity, lipid metabolism, immune gene expression, intestinal histomorphology and intestinal microbiota in Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp were fed diets containing 0%, 1%, or 5% CE for 60 days. The 1% CE treatment produced stronger responses in several non-specific immune and antioxidant-related indicators and induced broader changes in immune-related gene expression. In contrast, the 5% CE treatment showed more pronounced changes in inflammation-related factors, lipid metabolism, and intestinal morphology. CE supplementation also altered intestinal microbial composition and predicted microbial functions, with different response patterns between the two inclusion levels. A distinctive feature of this study is the integrated identification of inclusion-level-specific response patterns across host physiological and intestinal microbial endpoints, rather than a simple increase in effects with increasing CE inclusion. Overall, the 1% treatment was more closely associated with immune and antioxidant-related responses, whereas the 5% treatment was more closely associated with anti-inflammatory, lipid-regulatory, and intestinal effects. These findings demonstrate the potential of CE as a functional aquafeed additive for improving aquatic animal health and provide a scientific basis for its application in sustainable shrimp aquaculture. Full article