Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (11,029)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = cross-sectional model

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
21 pages, 2160 KB  
Article
Analytical Modeling and Structural Optimization of Slender Variable Cross-Section Rod for High-Speed Chip Placement
by Guoqing Hu, Tonglin Song and Jian Xue
Machines 2026, 14(5), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines14050494 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
The cantilever pick-and-place arm of the high-speed placement machine is susceptible to micro-vibration and elastic deformation under high-acceleration motion, thereby degrading chip placement accuracy. To address this issue, this paper presents an analytical study on the natural frequency characteristics and structural optimization of [...] Read more.
The cantilever pick-and-place arm of the high-speed placement machine is susceptible to micro-vibration and elastic deformation under high-acceleration motion, thereby degrading chip placement accuracy. To address this issue, this paper presents an analytical study on the natural frequency characteristics and structural optimization of slender variable-cross-section rods. First, based on the thin-walled shell theory, a displacement field model of the thin-walled cantilever rod is established. Second, combining the energy method and Hamilton’s principle, the undamped free vibration equation is derived. Using the Rayleigh–Ritz method with Chebyshev polynomials as the basis functions, an analytical calculation model for the natural frequency of the variable-section thin-walled rod is constructed. The model is validated against finite element simulations, and the relative errors of the low-order natural frequencies are controlled within 5%, confirming its favorable accuracy and robustness. Furthermore, the four-factor three-level orthogonal experiment is designed with the objective of maximizing natural frequency to conduct parameters sensitivity analysis. Accordingly, the optimal structural parameter combination ϕ3 = 8 mm, L1 = 10 mm, L2 = 50 mm, and L3 = 5 mm) is determined. Finally, the maximum dynamic deformation under high-acceleration motion decreases from 0.066 mm to 0.021 mm, a reduction of 68.2%, which effectively suppresses residual vibration and end displacement deviation. The analytical method proposed in this study provides a theoretical basis for the rapid dynamic performance evaluation of flexible components in high-speed precision equipment, and the optimization strategy can offer engineering references for the high-stiffness design of key components in chip placement machines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Design and Theory)
13 pages, 716 KB  
Article
Determinants of HIV Testing Uptake Among People Who Use New Psychoactive Substances in Kazakhstan: A Multi-Regional Cross-Sectional Study
by Roza Kuanyshbekova, Venera Baisugurova, Gulzar Shah, Bushra Shah, Gulshara Aimbetova, Manshuk Ramazanova, Indira Karibayeva, Nargiza Yussupova and Botagoz Turdaliyeva
Healthcare 2026, 14(9), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14091183 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent an evolving component of global substance use patterns and may contribute to HIV transmission through both injection-related and sexual risk behaviors. In Kazakhstan, where HIV incidence has increasingly shifted toward sexual transmission, evidence on HIV testing among [...] Read more.
Background: New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent an evolving component of global substance use patterns and may contribute to HIV transmission through both injection-related and sexual risk behaviors. In Kazakhstan, where HIV incidence has increasingly shifted toward sexual transmission, evidence on HIV testing among NPS users remains limited. This study examined behavioral, social, and structural factors associated with HIV testing in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1500 adults reporting NPS use across six regions of Kazakhstan. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing (ever tested: yes/no). Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, substance use behaviors, sexual practices, peer communication about HIV, and structural access to prevention services. Univariable logistic regression with Bonferroni correction (p < 0.001) was used for variable screening. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Model discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Overall, 86.7% of participants reported prior lifetime HIV testing. In the multivariable model (n = 1482), older age was associated with higher odds of testing (AOR 1.06 per year; 95% CI 1.04–1.08; p < 0.001). Compared with participants holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, those without a high school diploma had lower odds of testing (AOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.28–0.89). Injectable psychostimulant use was also associated with testing (AOR 1.40; 95% CI 1.21–2.01). Participants who never discussed HIV within peer networks were less likely to have been tested (AOR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49–0.97). Engagement with HIV prevention services (AOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.39–0.75) and use of prevention centers (AOR 0.63; 95% CI 0.45–0.87) were significantly associated with testing. The model demonstrated acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.725). Conclusions: Lifetime HIV testing uptake among NPS users in Kazakhstan is high but influenced by educational attainment, peer communication, injection practices, and engagement with prevention services. Strengthening integration of prevention services and expanding peer-based outreach may improve equitable access to HIV testing in this population. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3221 KB  
Article
Doppler–Scintigraphy Combination with Thyroxine Profiling Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Thyroid Lesions: A 144-Patient Cross-Sectional Study
by Reham Mohamed Taha, Moawia Gameraddin, Yasir Hassan Elhassan, Awadia Gareeballah, Osama Musa, Fatimah Ahmed Daghas, Ali Ibrahim Aamry, Nisreen Haj, Tasneem S. A. Elmahdi, Sahar A. Mustafa, Abdullah Fahad A. Alshamrani, Amel F. H Alzain and Awatif M. Omer
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3364; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093364 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: The characterization of thyroid lesions is essential in clinical practice. Recent advances in imaging modalities, including nuclear imaging (NM), color Doppler ultrasonography, and sonography, have markedly improved the diagnostic accuracy for thyroid nodules. Objective: To assess thyroid diseases using Doppler [...] Read more.
Background: The characterization of thyroid lesions is essential in clinical practice. Recent advances in imaging modalities, including nuclear imaging (NM), color Doppler ultrasonography, and sonography, have markedly improved the diagnostic accuracy for thyroid nodules. Objective: To assess thyroid diseases using Doppler ultrasound, nuclear scintigraphy, and sonography. Results: In this cross-sectional single-center study, 144 patients were examined to determine their thyroid structure and function using a multimodal imaging approach. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) indicated that most thyroid nodules were benign (62.5%), with 37.5% being malignant. Doppler vascularity demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.4% and a specificity of 40% (AUC = 0.514) for malignancy detection, while scintigraphy uptake in hypofunctioning nodules (nodules with decreased radionuclide uptake) showed a sensitivity of 37% and a specificity of 54.4% (AUC = 0.388). Thyroxine hormone levels showed a sensitivity of 57.4% and a specificity of 45.6% (AUC = 0.503) for detecting malignant thyroid nodules. In multivariate logistic regression, increased Doppler vascularity remained an independent predictor of malignancy (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.15–4.96; p = 0.019), whereas decreased scintigraphic uptake showed a borderline effect (OR = 1.82; p = 0.069); high T4 level and increased uptake were not significant predictors. The combined Doppler ultrasound, scintigraphy, and thyroxine level model yielded an AUC of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.63–0.81), markedly higher than any single parameter. At the optimal Youden threshold (0.43), the model achieved 79.6% sensitivity, 68.2% specificity, and 72.4% accuracy, highlighting the superior diagnostic performance of the integrated approach for pre-FNAC stratification of thyroid malignancies. There was a strong, significant linear association between thyroxine levels and thyroid scintigraphy uptake (p-value < 0.001). Most patients with normal thyroxine levels exhibited decreased uptake (66.1%), whereas a minority (6.5%) demonstrated elevated uptake levels. This study found a strong correlation between mixed-echogenicity nodules and thyroid scintigraphy uptake (p-value = 0.019). Mixed-echogenicity nodules were most often associated with reduced uptake (57.8%), and hypoechoic nodules often had normal uptake (57.1%). Conclusions: The complementary integration of color Doppler vascularity, Tc-99m thyroid scintigraphy, and serum thyroxine levels yields superior Doppler–scintigraphy uptake correlation, increases the overall diagnostic accuracy, and offers a practical, non-invasive algorithm for differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules prior to FNAC or surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nuclear Medicine & Radiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 552 KB  
Article
The Effect of Proximity to Forest Areas and Frequency of Forest Use on Perceived Health and Stress Levels
by Çağdan Uyar and Kadriye Sönmez
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4350; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094350 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Forest areas may represent an important component of everyday urban environments, yet evidence remains mixed regarding whether perceived proximity and actual use show similar associations with health-related outcomes. Using a cross-sectional descriptive–correlational design, this study examined associations of perceived stress and self-rated health [...] Read more.
Forest areas may represent an important component of everyday urban environments, yet evidence remains mixed regarding whether perceived proximity and actual use show similar associations with health-related outcomes. Using a cross-sectional descriptive–correlational design, this study examined associations of perceived stress and self-rated health with perceived walking access to the nearest forest, residential green view, visit frequency, and visit duration among adults living in İstanbul, Türkiye. The study included 345 adults aged 18 years and older; complete PSS-14 data were available for 332 participants. In bivariate analyses, older age was associated with lower perceived stress, whereas longer perceived walking time was associated with higher perceived stress. Greater residential green view, more frequent visits, and longer visit duration were associated with lower perceived stress. For self-rated health, only visit frequency showed a significant bivariate association. In adjusted analyses, visit frequency remained independently associated with lower PSS-14 scores, whereas green view showed a borderline inverse association. In the ordinal logistic regression model, female sex was associated with higher odds of reporting worse self-rated health, while visit frequency and green view remained borderline. These findings indicate modest associations, with the clearest pattern observed for visit frequency and perceived stress. Given the convenience-sample design, self-reported exposure measures, and low model explanatory power, the findings should be interpreted as correlational and hypothesis-generating rather than causal. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 819 KB  
Article
Multidimensional Severity Phenotypes in Dentofacial Deformities: Cross-Sectional Associations with Quality of Life, Function, and Psychosocial Burden
by Serban Talpos Niculescu, Bogdan Andrei Bumbu, Roxana Talpos Niculescu, Robert Avramut, Florin Urtila, Felicia Streian and Malina Popa
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(9), 3366; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15093366 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Dentofacial deformities (DFDs) comprise heterogeneous sagittal, vertical, transverse, and asymmetry components, yet clinical severity is often summarized using isolated measurements. Objectives: To operationalize a reproducible composite DFD severity score and evaluate its cross-sectional associations with quality of life, function, airway-related [...] Read more.
Background: Dentofacial deformities (DFDs) comprise heterogeneous sagittal, vertical, transverse, and asymmetry components, yet clinical severity is often summarized using isolated measurements. Objectives: To operationalize a reproducible composite DFD severity score and evaluate its cross-sectional associations with quality of life, function, airway-related screening indicators, and psychosocial burden. Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional study, consecutive adults assessed in an orthognathic surgery pathway underwent a prespecified 0–100 severity scoring framework integrating sagittal discrepancy (|Wits| and |ANB deviation|), vertical pattern (SN-MP angle), and asymmetry/transverse variables (chin deviation, asymmetry index, transverse discrepancy, and absolute overjet). Outcomes included the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ), FACE-Q facial appearance satisfaction scale, PHQ-9, GAD-7, STOP-Bang, functional testing, and CBCT-derived upper-airway metrics. Results: Severe DFDs had higher composite severity (62.9 ± 12.8 vs. 25.3 ± 10.9), larger sagittal discrepancy (|Wits| 6.3 ± 2.8 vs. 3.1 ± 1.8), and higher SN-MP angles (39.8 ± 7.4 vs. 34.7 ± 7.2) (all p < 0.001). Severe DFDs also had worse OQLQ (36.2 ± 6.2 vs. 24.1 ± 7.2), OHIP-14 (18.3 ± 4.2 vs. 12.4 ± 4.1), FACE-Q satisfaction (45.7 ± 10.3 vs. 67.6 ± 9.6), masticatory performance (59.4 ± 8.5 vs. 75.1 ± 7.5), and smaller airway area (126.7 ± 29.6 vs. 161.4 ± 27.7) (all p < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression, |Wits|, SN-MP angle, asymmetry index, and lower airway area independently predicted severe status; PHQ-9 was associated with severity in unadjusted analyses but did not retain independent significance after multivariable adjustment. Model discrimination was high (AUC 0.91). Conclusions: This multidimensional severity framework captures clinically meaningful cross-sectional differences across morphologic, functional, airway-related, and psychosocial domains. Its interpretability remained stable in sensitivity analyses, but external and longitudinal validation is still required before broader implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 483 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Psychometric Properties of the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) in Albanian Older Adults with Complex Chronic Conditions
by Brunilda Subashi, Fatjona Kamberi and Erlini Kokalla
J. Ageing Longev. 2026, 6(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/jal6020036 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Medication adherence is essential for effective management of chronic conditions, particularly among older adults with complex chronic conditions (CCCs). The Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) is a brief self-report instrument widely used to assess adherence; however, its psychometric properties have not been [...] Read more.
Background: Medication adherence is essential for effective management of chronic conditions, particularly among older adults with complex chronic conditions (CCCs). The Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) is a brief self-report instrument widely used to assess adherence; however, its psychometric properties have not been evaluated in Albanian older populations. Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the SMAQ in Albanian older adults with CCCs. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted among 727 adults aged ≥65 years with two or more chronic conditions recruited from primary healthcare centers in southern Albania. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s ω. Construct validity was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlations with clinical and behavioral variables. Discriminative validity was examined using known-group approach and independent samples t-tests, and criterion validity was assessed using Spearman correlations. Results: The SMAQ demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.799, ω = 0.821). Factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure, with all items loading significantly onto a single factor. Model fit indices indicated acceptable fit (CFI = 0.921; SRMR = 0.051), although RMSEA suggested some misfit (0.116). Non-adherent participants had significantly higher SMAQ scores than adherent participants (p < 0.001), indicating strong discriminative validity. Conclusions: The SMAQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing medication adherence among Albanian older adults with CCCs, supporting its use in primary healthcare and research settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frailty, Function, and Well-Being in Community-Dwelling Older Adults)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 19012 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Seismic Isolation Technique as a Retrofit Solution in the Case of an RC Building with Corroded Reinforcement
by Deniz Birlik Kayı, Beyhan Bayhan and Gökhan Özdemir
Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091736 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
This paper aims to quantify the change in seismic response of a reinforced concrete (RC) building retrofitted by the seismic isolation technique when reinforcement corrosion is considered. In this regard, an 8-story RC building that possesses the characteristics of the existing fixed-base building [...] Read more.
This paper aims to quantify the change in seismic response of a reinforced concrete (RC) building retrofitted by the seismic isolation technique when reinforcement corrosion is considered. In this regard, an 8-story RC building that possesses the characteristics of the existing fixed-base building stock in Türkiye has been identified and hypothetically retrofitted with lead rubber bearings (LRBs). In the numerical models, four different corrosion scenarios to represent the spatial distribution of corrosion on the frame elements of the superstructure and three different corrosion levels considering the mass losses (5, 10 and 20%) due to corrosion are considered; the corresponding reductions in (i) the cross-sectional areas of both the longitudinal and transverse reinforcements and (ii) the mechanical properties of steel and concrete are taken into account. Code-based bidirectional nonlinear response history analyses (NRHAs) are performed by considering the nonlinearity not only in the seismic isolation system but also in the superstructure. Furthermore, LRBs are represented by a force–displacement relation that enables modeling of the deterioration in strength of isolators due to lead core heating during cyclic motion. The results revealed that the spatial distribution of the corrosion is highly effective in amplification of inter-story drift ratios (ISDRs), which can be in the order of 2-fold depending on the level of mass loss. It is found that the seismic isolation technique is still effective in protecting the superstructure against earthquakes even though there is a corrosion problem in frame members. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 779 KB  
Article
The IFRS Paradox: Audit Quality, Not Manipulation Scores, Prices Reporting Risk in Frontier Markets
by Wil Martens
J. Risk Financial Manag. 2026, 19(5), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm19050321 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Manipulation-detection models calibrated in developed markets are routinely applied to frontier economies without validation, yet the institutional conditions that make such tools function as pricing signals are rarely present in those settings. This study provides the first systematic test of the Beneish M-Score [...] Read more.
Manipulation-detection models calibrated in developed markets are routinely applied to frontier economies without validation, yet the institutional conditions that make such tools function as pricing signals are rarely present in those settings. This study provides the first systematic test of the Beneish M-Score and Dechow F-Score as return predictors in Vietnam, a frontier market navigating staged International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) convergence. Apparent negative associations between manipulation scores and excess returns under System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) do not survive panel fixed effects, Fama–MacBeth, or between-firm estimation. Persistent second-order serial correlation confirms that the GMM signal reflects frontier-market return momentum rather than manipulation pricing. By contrast, Big Four audit quality generates a robust cross-sectional return premium, establishing audit credibility as the operative governance channel where regulatory enforcement is absent. Survival analysis further shows that high-risk firms face substantially elevated exit hazards, demonstrating that reporting risk shapes long-run viability even where short-run pricing is absent. These findings constitute an IFRS paradox: Vietnam has adopted the institutional form of international reporting standards while lacking the informational infrastructure to support detection models that function as reliable pricing signals. Governance infrastructure, not standards convergence, is the operative condition for market discipline in frontier settings. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1742 KB  
Article
Cross-Sectional Associations of Metabolically Healthy Obesity, Lifestyle Factors, and Steatotic Liver Disease in Adults from the Fels Longitudinal Study
by Ariana L. Garza, Audrey C. Choh, John Blangero, Cici X. Bauer, Stefan A. Czerwinski and Miryoung Lee
Metabolites 2026, 16(5), 299; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo16050299 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Objective: To examine the associations of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with liver fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis in adults. Methods: We analyzed 676 non-Hispanic white adults (18–95 years; 55.8% female) from the Fels Longitudinal Study using a cross-sectional design. Participants were classified [...] Read more.
Objective: To examine the associations of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with liver fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis in adults. Methods: We analyzed 676 non-Hispanic white adults (18–95 years; 55.8% female) from the Fels Longitudinal Study using a cross-sectional design. Participants were classified into metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotypes. Metabolically unhealthy status was defined as the presence of ≥1 metabolic dysfunction, consistent with prior epidemiological definitions; secondary analyses using ≥2 were also performed. Obesity was defined using DXA-derived body fat percentage. Liver fat (%) was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging, and hepatic steatosis was defined as liver fat > 5.56%. Multivariable linear and probit regression models were used to evaluate associations, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle covariates; secondary models additionally examined dietary intake. Results: Mean liver fat was 5.95% (SE = 0.23), and steatosis was present in 29.8% of participants. Compared to MHNW individuals, liver fat was significantly higher in MHO (mean 3.77% vs. 2.67%), MUNW (4.63%), and MUO (8.47%) phenotypes. After covariate adjustment, liver fat was 33.8% (95% CI: 13.7–57.5%) higher in MHO, 28.1% (10.1–49.0%) higher in MUNW, and 113.0% (85.3–144.7%) higher in MUO relative to MHNW. Corresponding increases in steatosis probabilities were observed across phenotypes. No individual dietary component or dietary pattern was significantly associated with liver fat after adjustment. Conclusions: Metabolically healthy obesity was associated with higher liver fat and steatosis probability compared with metabolically healthy normal weight, with levels comparable to metabolically unhealthy normal weight individuals. These findings suggest that the absence of overt metabolic abnormalities does not necessarily indicate a metabolically benign state with respect to liver fat accumulation. Given the cross-sectional design, these results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 296 KB  
Article
Hospital Cost Components and Predictors in Escherichia coli Bacteremia
by Tri Pudy Asmarawati, Fikri Sasongko Widyatama, Hari Basuki Notobroto, Erwin Astha Triyono, Nasronudin Nasronudin, Motoyuki Sugai and Kuntaman Kuntaman
Trop. Med. Infect. Dis. 2026, 11(5), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed11050116 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Escherichia coli bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) complicates management and resource utilization. This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of higher hospital [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Escherichia coli bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) complicates management and resource utilization. This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of higher hospital costs in E. coli bacteremia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with E. coli bacteremia in Surabaya, Indonesia (2022–2024). Hospital costs were categorized into bed costs, diagnostic costs, pharmacy costs, antibiotic costs, total costs, and daily costs. Costs were compared between ESBL and non-ESBL cases. Predictors of higher hospital costs were analyzed using generalized linear models with a Gamma distribution and log-link. Results: Among 209 patients, 131 (62.7%) had ESBL-producing E. coli. ESBL E. coli bacteremia was associated with significantly higher bed, diagnostic, pharmacy, total, and daily hospital costs than non-ESBL cases, while antibiotic costs were similar. ESBL E. coli bacteremia was associated with higher diagnostic and daily costs. High-care/ICU stay was the strongest predictor of increased costs. Pneumonia and infection source influenced cost components. Longer hospitalization increased total cost but reduced daily cost. Conclusions: Hospital costs in Escherichia coli bacteremia are driven by antimicrobial resistance, disease severity, and healthcare utilization. Targeted strategies such as antimicrobial stewardship and optimized critical care use are essential to reduce the economic burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)
12 pages, 540 KB  
Article
Validation of SpO2/FiO2 as a Non-Invasive Surrogate of PaO2/FiO2 in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients at High Altitude
by Guillermo Ortiz-Ruiz, Manuel Garay-Fernández, Eduardo Tuta-Quintero, Alirio Bastidas, Antonio Lara, Arlen Mauricio Márquez, Carolina Aponte, Jairo Guevara and Jonathan A. Guezguan
Adv. Respir. Med. 2026, 94(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/arm94030028 - 28 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: The ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) is central to the classification of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, its assessment requires arterial blood gas analysis, which may be limited by [...] Read more.
Background: The ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) is central to the classification of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, its assessment requires arterial blood gas analysis, which may be limited by availability, cost, and invasiveness. Consequently, the ratio of peripheral oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2) has been proposed as a non-invasive surrogate for estimating the degree of oxygenation impairment. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the association between the SpO2/FiO2 and PaO2/FiO2 ratios and their corresponding imputation models. A generalized linear model was applied, and the diagnostic performance of the SpO2/FiO2 ratio and the imputation models for detecting severe and non-severe hypoxemia (PaO2/FiO2 cutoff value of 150) was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: A total of 473 patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation were included, with a mean age of 62.4 years (SD 14.1), and a predominance of males (67.2%). An SpO2/FiO2 ratio cutoff value of ≥206 demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with an AUC of 0.983 (95% CI 0.97–0.99), high sensitivity (90.6%), high specificity (96.7%), and an overall correct classification rate of 93.9%. This performance remained consistent across multiple clinical scenarios. In patients with positive end-expiratory pressure > 10 cmH2O, the AUC was 0.982, with a specificity of 97.7%. In the presence of hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin ≥ 3 mg/dL), the AUC was 0.951. Among patients with hemoglobin levels < 10 g/dL, sensitivity reached 100%, although specificity was reduced. In the subgroup with arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide > 35 mmHg, an SpO2/FiO2 ratio ≥ 206 showed near-perfect specificity (99.4%) and a positive likelihood ratio of 120.9. Conclusions: The SpO2/FiO2 ratio is a reliable and non-invasive surrogate of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 living at high altitude, particularly for the identification of non-severe hypoxemia. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1092 KB  
Article
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Morphometric Analysis of the Pterygopalatine Fossa and Greater Palatine Canal in a Saudi Cohort: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional CBCT Study
by Abdullah Hasan A. Alshehri, Hassan Ahmed Assiri, Anwar Abdullah Alsaeed, Hajer Saeed Al-serhani, Mohammad Zarbah, Mohammad Shahul Hameed and Ali Azhar Dawasaz
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(9), 4279; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16094279 - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Accurate knowledge of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and the greater palatine canal/foramen (GPC/GPF) is clinically important for administering anesthesia through the canals and for planning surgical access to the posterior maxilla. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables evaluation of anatomic structures of interest [...] Read more.
Background: Accurate knowledge of the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) and the greater palatine canal/foramen (GPC/GPF) is clinically important for administering anesthesia through the canals and for planning surgical access to the posterior maxilla. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) enables evaluation of anatomic structures of interest in individual patients when two-dimensional imaging methods are inadequate. Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed 150 CBCT datasets from residents of Abha city in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia who visited a dental hospital from November 2025 to February 2026; of these, 65 datasets were included. Bilateral measurements of the PPF-GPC complex and the anteroposterior (AP) position of the GPF were taken; subject-level means were used to avoid non-independence. Multivariate models adjusted for age and sex were fitted. Curvature was assessed using a cluster logistic model. Results: The mean length of the PPF-GPC complex was 33.12 ± 3.07 mm (P5-P95 interval, 28.91–39.50). After adjusting for age and sex, males had a longer pathway (+2.25 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–4.15; p = 0.020); pathway length decreased slightly with increasing age (−0.38 mm per decade; 95% CI, −0.73 to −0.03; p = 0.034). The mean distance from the ANS to the GPF was 47.28 ± 3.58 mm and increased with age by 0.67 mm per decade (95% CI, 0.23–1.11; p = 0.003). Curved canals accounted for 56.2% of the sides examined. No significant association was observed between sex and either curvature status or side. Conclusions: In this population, the length of the pathway from the palate to the PPF and the AP location of the GPF showed clinically relevant variations among individuals. Adjusted estimates indicated that sex and age can predictably influence the length of the pathway and the distance of the GPF from the ANS, supporting the use of patient-specific CBCT evaluations to identify landmarks for anesthesia through the canals or when planning posterior maxillary surgical procedures. Full article
16 pages, 288 KB  
Article
Weekday Sleep Duration and Perceived Restorative Sleep, but Not Dietary Intake, Are Associated with Lower Skin Autofluorescence in Japanese Early Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Toshiyuki Kohri, Nozomi Okamoto, Chiho Myojin, Masako Kawanishi, Yumika Makita, Mako Yamamoto, Yuko Higashine and Mariko Nakamoto
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1377; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091377 - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in tissues with age and are associated with the risk of chronic diseases. However, evidence regarding lifestyle factors related to AGE accumulation in healthy adolescents is limited. The aim of this study was to explore dietary [...] Read more.
Background: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in tissues with age and are associated with the risk of chronic diseases. However, evidence regarding lifestyle factors related to AGE accumulation in healthy adolescents is limited. The aim of this study was to explore dietary and lifestyle factors that may attenuate tissue AGE accumulation, using skin autofluorescence (SAF) as a noninvasive proxy marker, in healthy Japanese early adolescent girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 315 first-year junior high school girls aged 12–13 years from a private school in Japan. SAF was measured on the volar forearm using an AGE Reader MU. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated brief diet history questionnaire (BDHQ-15y). Lifestyle factors, including weekday sleep duration, were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Health-related variables (including weight-loss dieting) were also collected. Associations between SAF and each factor were analyzed using generalized linear models and nonparametric tests, with multivariable adjustment for potential confounders. Results: The mean SAF was 1.06 ± 0.13 arbitrary units. No significant associations were observed between SAF and health-related characteristics, nutrient intakes, or major food-group intakes. Longer weekday sleep duration was significantly associated with lower SAF (p for trend = 0.019) and remained significant after multivariable adjustment (p for trend = 0.018). A similar association was observed for better perceived restorative sleep (p for trend = 0.033; adjusted p for trend = 0.048). Conclusions: In healthy early adolescent girls, longer weekday sleep duration and better perceived restorative sleep were associated with lower SAF, whereas dietary intake was not. Given the largely irreversible age-related accumulation of AGEs, promoting healthy sleep during adolescence may help attenuate AGE accumulation early in life and reduce long-term AGE-related disease risk. Prospective studies with more detailed dietary assessments are needed to clarify dietary influences and confirm temporality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition in Women)
13 pages, 485 KB  
Article
Association of Evening Meal-Timing Chronotype with Lower Calcium Intake After Adjustment for Diet Quality
by Sarang Jeong, Yoon Jung Yang and Sohyun Park
Nutrients 2026, 18(9), 1376; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18091376 - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background: Evening meal-timing chronotypes often exhibit lower calcium intake; however, whether this relationship remains significant after accounting for overall diet quality remains unclear. This study examined the association between meal-timing chronotypes and calcium intake and evaluated whether this association is maintained after adjusting [...] Read more.
Background: Evening meal-timing chronotypes often exhibit lower calcium intake; however, whether this relationship remains significant after accounting for overall diet quality remains unclear. This study examined the association between meal-timing chronotypes and calcium intake and evaluated whether this association is maintained after adjusting for overall diet quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 3465 adults aged 30–49 years from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Meal-timing chronotypes were identified using dynamic time warping-based K-means clustering of 24-h energy intake distributions. Survey-weighted linear regression assessed the association between meal-timing chronotype and calcium intake and tested their interaction with the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI; excluding dairy) to evaluate the moderating effect of diet quality. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for low calcium intake according to meal-timing chronotypes. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, occupation, household income, and physical activity. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, the evening meal-timing chronotype was significantly associated with higher odds of low calcium intake (OR = 2.2, p < 0.001). A significant interaction between chronotype and KHEI tertiles on calcium intake was observed (p < 0.001). Specifically, while calcium intake generally decreased as diet quality declined, individuals with an evening preference consistently showed significantly lower calcium intake across all KHEI tertiles compared to the morning preference group (β = −7.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The evening meal-timing chronotype showed a significant association with lower calcium intake, which remained significant even after accounting for overall diet quality. These findings suggest that circadian-related eating patterns, rather than just overall diet quality, play a structural role in determining calcium intake. Full article
28 pages, 2651 KB  
Article
Safety Assessment of the Timber Structure of the Great Mercy Hall at Chongshan Temple in Taiyuan: An Integrated Study Based on Form Restoration, Damage Detection, and Monitoring Validation
by Yi Lu, Xuechi Chen, Yijing An, Xiaolong Wang, Yunong He, Xiangling Bai and Pengju Han
Buildings 2026, 16(9), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16091732 - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
This study scientifically assessed the safety of the Ming Dynasty official-style timber structure of Taiyuan Chongshan Temple’s Great Mercy Hall, a nationally protected cultural relic. An integrated framework was adopted, including form restoration via 3D laser scanning and manual surveying, damage detection using [...] Read more.
This study scientifically assessed the safety of the Ming Dynasty official-style timber structure of Taiyuan Chongshan Temple’s Great Mercy Hall, a nationally protected cultural relic. An integrated framework was adopted, including form restoration via 3D laser scanning and manual surveying, damage detection using impedance meters, stress wave tomography and one-dimensional stress wave testing, mechanical analysis with a differentiated material finite element model, and short-term on-site monitoring at risk points. Results showed that the 303.3 mm construction ruler length was restored, with the column grid tilting northwestward; the main structure was hardwood pine, and critical columns had severe localized damage (24% internal damage rate, 13% cross-sectional damage ratio) with 42% residual strength in some members; and the structure remained elastically safe, with material degradation causing 6.3–13.3% linear displacement amplification. Two weak links (eave purlin deflection: 33–37 mm; double-eave golden column axial force concentration: 86.9–88.5 kN) and dougong’s outward inclination due to eccentric compression were identified. Short-term monitoring indicated temperature-driven elastic responses and an 8 mm cumulative residual displacement in the northern single-step beam, and a three-level early warning threshold system was proposed. This study clarified the hall’s state as “overall stable with localized weaknesses”, providing a methodological reference for the preventive protection of similar ancient timber structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
Back to TopTop