The importance of visualisations in context of life cycle assessment has been widely discussed and acknowledged in the literature. Especially with the increasing ability to process and create large-scale LCA results, visualisations are vital tools to not only analyse and interpret but also check and validate underlying datasets. Based on a dataset containing 1.25 million LCA results for all potential configurations within a defined parameter space, different visualisations and analysis methods were applied to identify hotspots, assess parameter sensitivity, gain insights to optimise environmental sustainability, and provide benchmarks for an adaptive, multilayer membrane façade. Box plots for the identification of hotspots, parameter sensitivity, and benchmarking, as well as colour-coded scatter plots, have proven to be incredibly versatile and effective for understanding the results and providing multiple perspectives to gain further insight. The ability to interact directly with interactive visualisation in order to identify and isolate specific areas of interest allows for a very efficient analysis of the relevant aspects of data. However, the usefulness of the proposed visualisations is not only dependant on the quality and characteristic of the underlying data but also on the objectives and scope of the study, as well as the intended medium illustrating the results. Full article

Augmentative exoskeletons (AEs) are wearable orthotic devices that, when coupled with a healthy individual, can significantly enhance endurance, speed, and strength. Exoskeletons are function-specific and individual-specific, with a multitude of possible configurations and joint mechanisms. This complexity presents a challenging scenario to quantitatively determine the optimal choice of the kinematic configuration of the exoskeleton for the intended activity. A comprehensive simulation-based framework for obtaining an optimal configuration of a passive augmentative exoskeleton for backpack load carriage during walking is the theme of this research paper. A musculoskeletal-based simulation approach on 16 possible kinematic configurations with different Degrees of Freedom (DoF) at the exoskeleton structure’s hip, knee, and ankle joints was performed, and a configuration with three DoF at the hip, one DoF at the knee, three DoF at the ankle was quantitatively chosen. The Root Mean Square of Deviations (RMSD) and Maximum Deviations (MaxDev) between the kinematically coupled human–exoskeleton system were used as criteria along with the Cumulative Weight Score (CWS). The chosen configuration from the simulation was designed, realised, and experimentally validated. The error of the joint angles between the simulation and experiments with the chosen configuration was less than 3° at the hip and ankle joints and less than 6° at the knee joints. Full article

The phenomenon of discontinuous shear thickening (DST) is observed in suspensions of solid particles with a very high-volume fraction. It is characterized by an abrupt decrease in the shear rate for critical stress during a ramp of stress. This behavior can be reproduced in numerical simulations by introducing a local friction between two particles above a given local force. We present experimental results showing this DST behavior obtained with suspensions of magnetic (iron) and nonmagnetic (calcium carbonate) particles and different amounts of a superplasticizer molecule used in the cement industry. For both types of particles, the same behavior was observed with first an increase in critical stress with the amount of plasticizer followed by a decrease at higher concentrations but with a larger viscosity before critical stress was reached. At a low concentration of plasticizer, the low critical stress is interpreted by the local sliding of plasticizer molecules on the surface of particles. At higher concentrations, when total coverage is achieved, the critical stress is higher since it has to remove the molecules out of the surface. At still higher concentrations, the increase in viscosity is explained by the formation of multilayers of molecules on the surface of the particles. This interpretation is supported by the measurement of the adsorption isotherm of the plasticizer on the surface of the particles. Full article

Although migraine belongs to the main causes of disability worldwide, the mechanisms of its pathogenesis are poorly known. As migraine diagnosis is based on the subjective assessment of symptoms, there is a need to establish objective auxiliary markers to support clinical diagnosis. Tryptophan (TRP) metabolism has been associated with the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. In the present work, we investigated an association between migraine and the urine concentration of TRP and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QA) in 21 low-frequency episodic migraine patients and 32 controls. We chose the interictal phase as the episodic migraine patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic and had monthly migraine days as low as 1–2 in many cases. Migraine patients displayed lower urinary levels of 5-HIAA (p < 0.01) and KYNA (p < 0.05), but KYN and QA were enhanced, as compared with the controls (p < 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). Consequently, the patients were characterized by different values of the 5-HIAA/TRP, KYN/TRP, KYNA/KYN, and KYNA/QA ratios (p < 0.001 for all). Furthermore, urinary concentration of 5-HIAA was negatively correlated with Migraine Disability Assessment score and monthly migraine and monthly headache days. There was a negative correlation between Patient Health Questionnaire 9 scores assessing depression. In conclusion, the urinary 5-HIAA level may be further explored to assess its suitability as an easy-to-determine marker of migraine. Full article

Many universities have implemented initiatives to drive instructional change, yet their success has often been limited due to a lack of recognition of academia as a complex dynamic system. This paper explores how the interconnected and dynamic nature of academic systems influences faculty motivation to adopt instructional innovations, such as project-based learning (PBL) and small group collaborations (SGCs). We present a Conceptual Systems Dynamics Model (CSDM) that illustrates these interconnections, demonstrating how systemic factors create feedback loops that either reinforce or hinder faculty motivation, as well as other related factors. These loops, represented as Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs), were derived from literature reviews and qualitative data obtained from interviews and focus groups involving 17 faculty and administrators within an Engineering Department at a research university in South America. The paper identifies thirteen CLDs, comprising seven reinforcing dynamics that positively influence faculty motivation and six balancing dynamics that exert negative pressure. Using empirical evidence and analysis, we describe how the systemic factors influence faculty motivation, and how shifts in motivation reciprocally impact these interconnected factors. By elucidating the complex dynamics at play, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how to promote sustainable instructional change within academic institutions. Full article

The relationship between energy production and cancer is attracting attention. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological significance of fumarate hydratase (FH), a tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, in gastric cancer using autoantibodies as biomarkers. The study analyzed 116 patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery and 96 healthy controls. Preoperative serum FH autoantibody (s-FH-Ab) titers were analyzed using an immunosorbent assay with an amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to determine the cutoff s-FH-Ab titer. Clinicopathological factors and prognosis were compared between the high and low s-FH-Ab groups. The s-FH-Ab levels were significantly higher in the gastric cancer group than in the control group (p = 0.01). Levels were elevated even in patients with stage I gastric cancer compared with healthy controls (p = 0.02). A low s-FH-Ab level was significantly associated with distant metastasis (p = 0.01), peritoneal dissemination (p < 0.05), and poor overall survival (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that low s-FH-Ab levels were an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (p < 0.01). Therefore, s-FH-Ab levels may be a useful biomarker for early diagnosis and the prediction of prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Full article

Centrifugal compressors are frequently used in both military and commercial areas because they can be easily manufactured and reach high-pressure compression ratios. The factor that limits the performance and operating range of compressors is flow instability. Many ideas have been put forward for performance improvement, but tandem blade radial compressors, which do not require an extra air system, have attracted the most interest. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses were carried out on various parameters of the tandem blade (TB) radial compressor, and an optimization study was carried out to find the best design using a genetic algorithm on a whole operating curve. It was investigated how these parameters affected the efficiency and total pressure ratio between the determined lower and upper limits. The numerical analyses of the optimum design obtained as a result of the iterations were carried out. As a result of the iterations, three optimum designs were obtained and numerical analysis was carried out according to one of them, and then they were compared with the results in the literature. The general agreement of computational fluid dynamics and the literature data served as a validation for the computational approach. The error rates between the numerical analysis results and the experimental results in the literature were calculated for different flow rates and were found to be 1.98% as the highest and 0.35 as the lowest. The work carried out in this article will provide a valuable reference for future advanced tandem blade compressor designs. Full article

Background: Spatial navigation deficits are reported as early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) alongside episodic memory ones. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether neuropsychological deficits of visuospatial long-term memory can predict behavioral alterations during the navigation of older adults in novel urban environments along the normal aging–dementia continuum of the Alzheimer’s type. Methods: A total of 24 community-dwelling patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to AD, 27 individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 21 healthy controls were assessed in terms of their sequential egocentric and allocentric navigation abilities by using a modified version of the Detour Navigation Test, and neuropsychologically tested by the Corsi learning suvra-span (CLSS) test. Generalized linear models were adopted to verify whether the scores obtained by the three groups in the CLSS test predicted wrong turns and moments of hesitation during the navigation task, with the results presented as topographical disorientation scores. Results: Higher scores in the CLSS test predicted fewer wrong turns (b = −0.05; z = −2.91; p = 0.004; net of between-groups differences) and moments of hesitation for patients with MCI due to AD (b = −0.14; z = −2.43; p = 0.015), and individuals with SCD (b = −0.17; z = −3.85; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Since the CLSS test has been reported to be a reliable measure of ecological navigational abilities in the progression towards AD dementia, we recommend its use in clinical practice and highlight implications for future research. Full article

This study investigated the impact of subjective expectations of the future (e.g., income, life expectancy, and national policies) on the onset of dementia and mild cognitive impairment by sex and age in middle-aged and older adults. The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) data from 2008 to 2020, comprising 4116 people above 45 years, were used. A time-series analysis and multiple panel logistic regression were conducted to highlight subjective expectation trends and their effect on dementia and mild cognitive impairment, respectively. Low subjective expectations of the future negatively affected cognitive impairment (total: odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.03) and dementia (total: OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03–1.06), and those of national policies were the biggest risk factors for cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.12–1.22) and dementia (total: OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.13). Individuals about to retire and with low expectations of workability were more likely to develop cognitive impairment (total: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.02–1.06). Subjective expectations of economic downturn also caused cognitive impairment, especially in women (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) and early stage older adults (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02–1.10). Policymakers must consider the impact of changes in national policies and living environments on cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Full article

Urinary tract infections are defined as the presence of microorganisms in any part of the urinary system, with the exception of the distal urethra. A majority of them are uncomplicated infections that are resolved on an outpatient basis, with empirical therapy. The objectives of this work were to study the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, analyze associated strains and examine the response of the main microorganisms to antibiotics. A retrospective observational study of all positive urine cultures between 2018 and 2022 was carried out at an institution (8340 samples). Sociodemographic data were also collected. In total, 61.3% were women, with an average age of 63.4 years, and 43.2% were from the Emergency Department. A total of 13.5% were fitted, 56% of whom were women. Also, 95.9% were not taking any antibiotics, and among the individuals who were taking antibiotics, 50% were injected. Escherichia coli (53.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.8%) are identified as the most prevalent strains. In the time periods analyzed, Escherichia coli decreased its resistance to 11 antibiotics and increased to 5 antibiotics, while Klebsiella pneumoniae decreased to 7 and increased to 7, with emphasis on the presence of 3 antibiotics with a resistance rate of 100% to all Klebsiella pneumoniae strains identified in 2022. Full article

In our pursuit of high-power terahertz (THz) wave generation, we propose innovative edge-terminated single-drift region (SDR) multi-quantum well (MQW) impact avalanche transit time (IMPATT) structures based on the Al_xGa_1−xN/GaN/Al_xGa_1−xN material system, with a fixed aluminum mole fraction of x = 0.3. Two distinct MQW diode configurations, namely p⁺-n junction-based and Schottky barrier diode structures, were investigated for their THz potential. To enhance reverse breakdown characteristics, we propose employing mesa etching and nitrogen ion implantation for edge termination, mitigating issues related to premature and soft breakdown. The THz performance is comprehensively evaluated through steady-state and high-frequency characterizations using a self-consistent quantum drift-diffusion (SCQDD) model. Our proposed Al_0.3Ga_0.7N/GaN/Al_0.3Ga_0.7N MQW diodes, as well as GaN-based single-drift region (SDR) and 3C-SiC/Si/3C-SiC MQW-based double-drift region (DDR) IMPATT diodes, are simulated. The Schottky barrier in the proposed diodes significantly reduces device series resistance, enhancing peak continuous wave power output to approximately 300 mW and DC to THz conversion efficiency to nearly 13% at 1.0 THz. Noise performance analysis reveals that MQW structures within the avalanche zone mitigate noise and improve overall performance. Benchmarking against state-of-the-art THz sources establishes the superiority of our proposed THz sources, highlighting their potential for advancing THz technology and its applications. Full article

Reserve sites for coastal nuclear power plants are gradually being depleted, prompting a shift towards the development of inland nuclear power stations. A new cooling system based on the integration of multiple cooling sources using a hybrid dry–wet cycle is proposed to achieve a balance between energy and water consumption for inland nuclear power stations. Comparative studies among all the available cooling systems were further conducted to analyze the cooling performance and economic viability. The case study results indicate that, in comparison to relative humidity, the cooling performance and circulating water consumption of cooling systems are more susceptible to changes in dry-bulb temperature. In arid and water-scarce regions, a Combined Natural Draft Hybrid Cooling System generally exhibits a monthly average circulating water consumption rate that is more than 270 kg/s lower than that of the natural draft wet cooling system, with an average monthly back pressure reduction of 0.11 kPa. When the dry-bulb temperature exceeds 13 °C, the net profit of wet cooling surpasses that of hybrid cooling. However, this scenario undergoes a reversal as the dry-bulb temperature decreases and local water prices rise. It is emphasized that hybrid cooling demonstrates minimal impact when subjected to changes in environmental conditions, offering extensive regional applicability. Full article

Brugada syndrome is a rare arrhythmogenic syndrome associated mainly with pathogenic variants in the SCN5A gene. Right ventricle outflow tract fibrosis has been reported in some cases of patients diagnosed with Brugada syndrome. Pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum is characterized by the lack of a functional pulmonary valve, due to the underdevelopment of the right ventricle outflow tract. We report, for the first time, a 4-year-old boy with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum who harbored a pathogenic de novo variant in SCN5A, and the ajmaline test unmasked a type-1 Brugada pattern. We suggest that deleterious variants in the SCN5A gene could be implicated in pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum embryogenesis, leading to overlapping phenotypes. Full article

Nanoplastics, created by the fragmentation of larger plastic debris, are a serious pollutant posing substantial environmental and health risks. Here, we developed a polystyrene nanoparticle (PS-NP) exposure model during mice pregnancy to explore their effects on embryonic development. We found that exposure to 30 nm PS-NPs during pregnancy resulted in reduced mice placental weight and abnormal embryonic development. Subsequently, our transcriptomic dissection unveiled differential expression in 102 genes under PS-NP exposure and the p38 MAPK pathway emerged as being significantly altered in KEGG pathway mapping. Our findings also included a reduction in the thickness of the trophoblastic layer in the placenta, diminished cell invasion capabilities, and an over-abundance of immature red cells in the blood vessels of the mice. In addition, we validated our findings through the human trophoblastic cell line, HTR-8/SVneo (HTR). PS-NPs induced a drop in the vitality and migration capacities of HTR cells and suppressed the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. This research highlights the embryotoxic effects of nanoplastics on mice, while the verification results from the HTR cells suggest that there could also be certain impacts on the human trophoblast layer, indicating a need for further exploration in this area. Full article

Optical power splitters (OPSs) are utilized extensively in integrated photonic circuits, drawing significant interest in research on power splitters with adjustable splitting ratios. This paper introduces a compact, low-loss 1 × 2 asymmetric multimode interferometric (MMI) optical power splitter on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The device is simulated using the finite difference method (FDM) and eigenmode expansion solver (EME). It is possible to attain various output power splitting ratios by making the geometry of the MMI central section asymmetric relative to the propagation axis. Six distinct optical power splitters are designed with unconventional splitting ratios in this paper, which substantiates that the device can achieve any power splitter ratios (PSRs) in the range of 95:5 to 50:50. The dimensions of the multimode section were established at 2.9 × (9.5–10.9) μm. Simulation results show a range of unique advantages of the device, including a low extra loss of less than 0.4 dB, good fabrication tolerance, and power splitting ratio fluctuation below 3% across the 1500 nm to 1600 nm wavelength span. Full article

Glucose-derived carbon hybrids were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment in the presence of oxidized carbon nanotubes. Additionally, iron and nitrogen functionalities were incorporated into the carbon structure using different methodologies. The introduction of iron and nitrogen in a single step under a H₂ atmosphere favored the formation of quaternary nitrogen and oxidized nitrogen, whereas the incorporation of nitrogen under an N₂ atmosphere after doping the hybrids with iron mainly produced pyridinic nitrogen. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, adsorption isotherms, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and Raman spectroscopy. The presence of iron and nitrogen in the carbons increases the onset potential toward oxygen reduction in KOH 0.1 mol L⁻¹ by 130 mV (0.83 V), in comparison to carbonized glucose, whereas the reaction mechanism shifts closer to a direct pathway and the formation of HO₂⁻ decreases to 25% (3.5 electrons). The reaction rate also increased in comparison to the carbonized glucose, as observed by the decrease in the Tafel slope value from 117 to 61 mV dec⁻¹. Furthermore, the incorporation of iron and nitrogen in a single step enhanced the short-term performance of the prepared electrocatalysts, which may also be due to the higher relative amount of quaternary nitrogen. Full article

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are responsive materials that can undergo large reversible deformations upon exposure to external stimuli, such as electrical and thermal fields. Controlling the alignment of their liquid crystals mesogens to achieve desired shape changes unlocks a new design paradigm that is unavailable when using traditional materials. While experimental measurements can provide valuable insights into their behavior, computational analysis is essential to exploit their full potential. Accurate simulation is not, however, the end goal; rather, it is the means to achieve their optimal design. Such design optimization problems are best solved with algorithms that require gradients, i.e., sensitivities, of the cost and constraint functions with respect to the design parameters, to efficiently traverse the design space. In this work, a nonlinear LCE model and adjoint sensitivity analysis are implemented in a scalable and flexible finite element-based open source framework and integrated into a gradient-based design optimization tool. To display the versatility of the computational framework, LCE design problems that optimize both the material, i.e., liquid crystal orientation, and structural shape to reach a target actuated shapes or maximize energy absorption are solved. Multiple parameterizations, customized to address fabrication limitations, are investigated in both 2D and 3D. The case studies are followed by a discussion on the simulation and design optimization hurdles, as well as potential avenues for improving the robustness of similar computational frameworks for applications of interest. Full article

Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) are mental health illnesses with a multifactorial origin. At present, no review of indexed publications studying their prevalence in Spain is available. Material and methods: A scoping review (PROSPERO -CRD42019140884-) was carried out through systematic searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO) until January 2022. Papers published in Spanish/English analysing the prevalence of EDs in Spain (population < 65 years) were selected. Results: A total of 766 articles were identified (186 eliminated as duplicates). A total of 580 articles were analysed on the basis of title and abstract, and 67 articles were selected for full-text analysis. A total of 37 studies analysed the prevalence of EDs in Spain. Conclusions: This is the first scoping review to analyse the prevalence of EDs in Spain. Puberty and adolescence are the most extensively studied stages. There is a high heterogeneity in the use of ED screening tools and a paucity of information on diagnostic tools. Full article

Perioperative anxiety is common among patients undergoing surgery, potentially leading to negative outcomes. Immersive virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in reducing anxiety in various clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery and was conducted as a single-center, double-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial at the Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland, Australia. Participants were randomized into the VR intervention + care as usual (CAU) group (n = 39) and the CAU group (n = 41). Anxiety scores were assessed using a six-tier visual facial anxiety scale at baseline, after the intervention/CAU on the same day, and, several days up to weeks later, immediately before surgery. There was no significant difference in baseline anxiety scores, type of operation, or suspected cancer between the two groups. The VR intervention significantly reduced anxiety scores from baseline to preoperative assessment (p < 0.001). The median anxiety score in the VR intervention group decreased from 3 (interquartile range 2 to 5) at baseline to 2 (2 to 3) prior to surgery, while the control group’s scores were 4 (2 to 5) and 4 (3 to 5), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that group assignment was the sole outcome predictor, not age, type of procedure, or the time elapsed until surgery. Thus, VR exposure was effective in reducing perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing gynecological oncology surgery. The use of VR as a preparation tool may improve patient experience and contribute to better surgical outcomes, warranting further research into exploring the potential benefits of VR in other surgical specialties and its long-term impact on patient recovery. Full article

Titanites can be excellent markers of element transfer in medium-temperature retrograde metamorphism. Euhedral titanites from several alpine fissures from Mont Blanc, particularly those of Périades and Courtes, crystallised at the end of the main quartz stage and are synchronous with the formation of green biotites and albite before chlorite formation. Micro-XRF, SEM, electron probe, and LA-ICP-MS analyses show that these titanites have a wide range of Al₂O₃ content from 1 to 8%, are dominated by -OH versus F, and have a wide range of Nb (up to 4500 ppm), Y (up to 3000 ppm), Zr (up to 1800 ppm), and Sn (up to 1400 ppm) concentrations. The allanite from the granite, partly destabilised into epidote, is the most likely source of Nb, Y, Zr, Sn, and REE. Titanites are enriched in HREE and show variations in LREE depending on the studied sites. Like quartz, they formed at around 400 ± 20 °C, which is compatible with the formation of green biotites after the destabilisation of granite Fe-Mg silicates. This early stage of fluid circulation, synchronous with the Mont Blanc massif uplift, is therefore marked by the titanite formation at the transition between the biotite and chlorite stability fields. Full article

This study explores the spatiotemporal variability and determinants of rainfall patterns during the March to May (MAM) season in Rwanda, incorporating an analysis of teleconnections with oceanic–atmospheric indices over the period 1983–2021. Utilizing the Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) dataset, the study employs a set of statistical tools including standardized anomalies, empirical orthogonal functions (EOF), Pearson correlation, the Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test, and Sen’s slope estimator to dissect the intricacies of rainfall variability, trends, and their association with large-scale climatic drivers. The findings reveal a distinct southwest to northwest rainfall gradient across Rwanda, with the MK test signaling a decline in annual precipitation, particularly in the southwest. The analysis for the MAM season reveals a general downtrend in rainfall, attributed in part to teleconnections with the Indian Ocean Sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Notably, the leading EOF mode for MAM rainfall demonstrates a unimodal pattern, explaining a significant 51.19% of total variance, and underscoring the pivotal role of atmospheric dynamics and moisture conveyance in shaping seasonal rainfall. The spatial correlation analysis suggests a modest linkage between MAM rainfall and the Indian Ocean Dipole, indicating that negative (positive) phases are likely to result in anomalously wet (dry) conditions in Rwanda. This comprehensive assessment highlights the intricate interplay between local rainfall patterns and global climatic phenomena, offering valuable insights into the meteorological underpinnings of rainfall variability during Rwanda’s critical MAM season. Full article

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for the immune system and overall development of infants. Bifidobacterium has been known to be a predominant species in the infant gut; however, an emerging concern is the apparent loss of this genus, in particular, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) in the gut microbiome of infants in industrialized nations, underscoring the importance of restoring this beneficial bacterium. With the growing understanding of the gut microbiome, probiotics, especially infant-type human-residential bifidobacteria (HRB) strains like B. infantis, are gaining prominence for their unique ability to utilize HMOs and positively influence infant health. This article delves into the physiology of a probiotic strain, B. infantis M-63, its symbiotic relationship with HMOs, and its potential in improving gastrointestinal and allergic conditions in infants and children. Moreover, this article critically assesses the role of HMOs and the emerging trend of supplementing infant formulas with the prebiotic HMOs, which serve as fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, thereby emulating the protective effects of breastfeeding. The review highlights the potential of combining B. infantis M-63 with HMOs as a feasible strategy to improve health outcomes in infants and children, acknowledging the complexities and requirements for further research in this area. Full article