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Search Results (846)

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Keywords = indirect methods in control

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16 pages, 494 KB  
Article
Negative Legal Emotion and Prosocial Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model of Peer Attachment and Social Exclusion in a Chinese Undergraduate Sample
by Yanbin Xu and Shuhui Xu
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(4), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16040579 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026
Abstract
Introduction: Negative legal emotion refers to the affective component of negative orientations toward legal norms, institutions, and procedures. It is closely related to, but not synonymous with, the broader construct of legal cynicism, which more often emphasizes generalized skepticism toward the fairness, [...] Read more.
Introduction: Negative legal emotion refers to the affective component of negative orientations toward legal norms, institutions, and procedures. It is closely related to, but not synonymous with, the broader construct of legal cynicism, which more often emphasizes generalized skepticism toward the fairness, legitimacy, and effectiveness of the law. This study examined the association between negative legal emotion and prosocial behavior among university students, with peer attachment as a mediator and social exclusion as a moderator. Method: A total of 404 undergraduates from mainland Chinese universities were included in the final analysis after predefined data screening, including attention-check items and response-time cutoffs. Participants completed an online survey assessing negative legal emotion, prosocial behavior, peer attachment, and social exclusion. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and Hayes’s PROCESS macro (Model 7) were used to test the moderated mediation model, controlling for gender, grade, and parental educational attainment. Results: Negative legal emotion was negatively associated with prosocial behavior. Peer attachment statistically accounted for this association, such that higher negative legal emotion was associated with lower peer attachment, which was in turn associated with lower prosocial behavior. Social exclusion moderated the first stage of the indirect pathway: the negative association between negative legal emotion and peer attachment was weaker at higher levels of social exclusion. Accordingly, the indirect association between negative legal emotion and prosocial behavior via peer attachment also varied across levels of social exclusion. Conclusions: The findings suggest that peer attachment is an important relational correlate linking negative legal emotion with prosocial behavior and that social exclusion is associated with variation in the strength of this indirect pathway. These results extend research on legal socialization and contribute to understanding prosocial behavior among university students. Full article
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19 pages, 1768 KB  
Review
Non-Mineral Antioxidant Supplementation in Endometriosis: Biological Rationale, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Implications—A Narrative Review
by Kamila Pokorska-Niewiada, Katarzyna Janda-Milczarek, Khasan Kayumov, Maciej Ziętek and Małgorzata Szczuko
Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081182 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 260
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, contributing to inflammation, immune dysregulation, and lesion progression. This has led to growing interest in antioxidant-based strategies as potential supportive interventions. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, contributing to inflammation, immune dysregulation, and lesion progression. This has led to growing interest in antioxidant-based strategies as potential supportive interventions. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published from database inception until the end of January 2026. The review focused on clinically relevant endpoints, including pain intensity, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, reproductive parameters, and quality of life. Results: Among the analyzed interventions, the most consistent clinical effects were observed with melatonin, with randomized controlled trials indicating a moderate reduction in pain. N-acetylcysteine shows potentially beneficial effects; however, the available clinical data remain limited and heterogeneous. For other supplements, the evidence is inconsistent or insufficient to support clear clinical conclusions, and in many cases relies on indirect or mechanistic findings rather than well-established clinical outcomes. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of non-mineral antioxidant supplements as standalone therapy for endometriosis. They may be considered as adjunctive strategies, although their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain and requires confirmation in well-designed randomized clinical trials. Full article
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16 pages, 2400 KB  
Article
Recombinant Protein-Based ELISA for the Detection and Differentiation of Antibodies Against Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 in Infected and Vaccinated Chickens
by You Wei, Xiaoqian Wu, Xiaofeng Li, Jiaoling Huang, Bingyi Yang, Liji Xie, Meng Li, Sheng Wang, Aiqiong Wu, Zhihua Ruan, Zhixun Xie and Sisi Luo
Microorganisms 2026, 14(4), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14040842 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 214
Abstract
Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has been identified as the primary pathogen responsible for hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome (HHS), resulting in significant economic losses in major poultry-producing countries since 2015. Timely and accurate diagnosis of FAdV-4 infection is essential for the effective prevention and control [...] Read more.
Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) has been identified as the primary pathogen responsible for hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome (HHS), resulting in significant economic losses in major poultry-producing countries since 2015. Timely and accurate diagnosis of FAdV-4 infection is essential for the effective prevention and control of HHS. In this study, the two nonstructural genes of FAdV-4, 100K and 22K, were inserted into the expression vector pET-32a (+) respectively. The expressed recombinant proteins were used as coating antigens to develop two indirect ELISA methods, designated as 100K-ELISA and 22K-ELISA. Both ELISAs demonstrated high specificity, showing no cross-reactivity with serum samples positive for other avian diseases. Both ELISAs yielded positive results when applied to 50 serum samples from SPF chickens experimentally infected with FAdV-4 and negative results when applied to 50 serum samples from SPF chickens immunized with an inactivated FAdV-4 vaccine. Similarly, the field sample testing results demonstrated a significant ability to distinguish between vaccinated and infected samples. The 100K-ELISA and 22K-ELISA, which are based on nonstructural proteins, may be effective tools for differentiating between FAdV-4 infection and vaccination, offering a promising approach for differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA) strategies in poultry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Biotechnology)
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23 pages, 581 KB  
Article
Parental Marital Satisfaction and Suicidal Behavior in Preadolescents and Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Positive Youth Development Attributes
by Daniel T. L. Shek, Yiting Tang, Xiang Li and Li Zhao
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(4), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23040468 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 142
Abstract
Background: This study examined the predictive effect of parental marital satisfaction on suicidal behaviors among preadolescents and adolescents in China, with positive youth development (PYD) attributes as a mediator. Methods: A total of 3665 matched pairs of students (aged 9–19, 51.3% [...] Read more.
Background: This study examined the predictive effect of parental marital satisfaction on suicidal behaviors among preadolescents and adolescents in China, with positive youth development (PYD) attributes as a mediator. Methods: A total of 3665 matched pairs of students (aged 9–19, 51.3% boys) and their parents completed questionnaires, with parental marital satisfaction reported by parents and suicidal behaviors (ideation, plan, and attempt) and PYD attributes reported by students. Results: The prevalence of overall suicidal behavior was 15.5% in this sample, with a higher prevalence observed among those with lower parental education levels. Hierarchical regression and structural equation modeling analyses revealed that: (1) after controlling for socio-demographic variables, parental marital satisfaction negatively predicted suicidal behaviors; (2) PYD attributes negatively predicted suicidal behaviors, accounting for the largest proportion of variance (ΔR2 range = 0.036–0.102); (3) parental marital satisfaction was positively correlated with PYD attributes; and (4) PYD attributes partially mediated the predictive relationship between parental marital satisfaction and suicidal behavior, with a significant indirect effect (β = −0.06) accounting for 56.6% of the total effect. Conclusions: This study illuminates protective pathways through which a positive family environment cultivates individual competencies, ultimately contributing to reduced suicidal behavior. Full article
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20 pages, 1249 KB  
Review
Microbial Shifts After Sleeve Gastrectomy: The Gut–Oral Axis, Periodontal Outcomes, and Competing Oral Risks
by Felicia Gabriela Beresescu, Razvan Marius Ion, Adriana-Stela Crisan and Andrea Bors
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040838 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 251
Abstract
Background: Severe obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, dysglycemia, and higher periodontitis risk. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is now a dominant bariatric procedure and reliably improves weight and metabolic status yet reported oral and periodontal trajectories after surgery remain heterogeneous. Objective: [...] Read more.
Background: Severe obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, dysglycemia, and higher periodontitis risk. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is now a dominant bariatric procedure and reliably improves weight and metabolic status yet reported oral and periodontal trajectories after surgery remain heterogeneous. Objective: To synthesize SG-centered evidence on periodontal outcomes, oral and gut microbiome remodeling, and mechanistic pathways that may link postoperative physiology to the gut–oral axis. Methods: We conducted a structured narrative review guided by SANRA principles using targeted searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, complemented by citation chaining of key reviews and mechanistic anchor papers; evidence was organized into clinical, oral microbiome, gut microbiome, and mechanistic gut–oral axis streams and interpreted with a pragmatic evidence hierarchy. Results: Small prospective SG cohorts suggest bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival indices, and sometimes probing depth (PD) may improve in some patients, particularly alongside weight loss, improved glycemic control, and lower systemic inflammatory burden, whereas clinical attachment level (CAL) and longer-term structural trajectories remain mixed; mixed-procedure syntheses also report early deterioration in some settings. Oral microbiome findings after bariatric surgery are site- and time-dependent, and salivary signals do not necessarily mirror subgingival plaque, whereas gut microbiome remodeling and bile acid signaling changes are more consistently reported and provide plausible but indirect mediator candidates. At the same time, reflux, vomiting, salivary changes, diet patterning, medications, and periodontal care can modify or counteract potential periodontal benefits and may increase competing risks such as caries or erosive tooth wear. Conclusions: The SG–gut–oral axis-periodontal pathway is a biologically plausible working hypothesis rather than a proven causal pathway in humans. The present evidence for any periodontal benefit relies mainly on small observational cohorts and is most credibly demonstrated for inflammatory, not structural, endpoints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Periodontal Disease and Systemic Disease)
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18 pages, 1478 KB  
Article
Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Situation of Patients with Hereditary Angioedema in Slovakia
by Martina Ondrušová, Martin Suchanský, Soňa Vándor Svidová, Katarína Hrubišková, Jana Zelníková, Karolína Vorčáková and Miloš Jeseňák
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040705 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 188
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) represents a specific form of life-threatening inborn errors of immunity. Current guidelines recommend regular assessment of the disease burden, disease control and quality of life. This study describes the profile of HAE patients in Slovakia, disease [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) represents a specific form of life-threatening inborn errors of immunity. Current guidelines recommend regular assessment of the disease burden, disease control and quality of life. This study describes the profile of HAE patients in Slovakia, disease control, quality of life, states of anxiety and depression, and socioeconomic situation. Materials and Methods: We used a set of standardized questionnaires—AE-QoL, AECT, HADS and Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire, and a non-standardized questionnaire—to describe the characteristics of the population. Results: We collected data on 56.44% (57 out of 101) of HAE adult patients registered in Slovakia. Moderate to severe HAE was present in 61.40% of patients; 73.68% were on long-term prophylactic treatment; and 19.30% received rescue treatment due to an acute HAE attack during the last 4 weeks. Most patients achieved lower AE-QoL scores, indicating a good quality of life. The AECT score indicated well-controlled disease in 91.23% of patients. Anxiety and/or depression scores were higher than normal in 17.54% of patients. Patients with HAE earned less than the average population, but most of them were economically active with relatively low rates of presenteeism and absenteeism. Only a minority of patients used social system benefits. Patients were exclusively cared for by relatives. Conclusions: The QoL scores achieved in all three standardized questionnaires indicate a good quality of life of HAE patients in Slovakia, which is associated with a high and specialized standard of care. Anxiety and/or depression were present in 17.54% of patients. Direct patients costs and social care costs are low, but there is an indirect socioeconomic burden on patients and their families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Updates on Allergies and Immunodeficiencies)
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29 pages, 3188 KB  
Article
Gas Therapies for Chronic Wounds: Comparative Effectiveness, Safety, and Evidence Certainty—A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
by Xinghui Zheng, Tianbo Li, Jiangning Wang and Lei Gao
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(7), 2783; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15072783 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of gas-based therapies for chronic wounds using a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CBM from inception to 1 [...] Read more.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of gas-based therapies for chronic wounds using a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, we systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CBM from inception to 1 October 2025, screened studies in duplicate, and resolved disagreements by arbitration (κ = 0.87). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolling adults with chronic wounds were eligible; the primary endpoint was complete wound healing. Pairwise meta-analysis used risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs; heterogeneity was assessed with Q/I2 and random-effects models were applied when appropriate. A frequentist NMA synthesized direct and indirect evidence, and treatments were ranked with SUCRA. Publication bias (Egger/Begg) and evidence certainty (GRADE) were evaluated. Results: Twenty-seven RCTs comprising 1673 participants were included. In pairwise pooling, gas therapies significantly increased complete healing versus standard care (random-effects RR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.61–2.94), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 75.7%); results were directionally consistent and robust to sensitivity analyses. Prespecified subgroup analyses suggested effect modification by intervention type and wound etiology. In the NMA, most gas modalities showed beneficial trends versus standard care; however, SUCRA ranking placed standard care highest (93.9%), a finding attributed by the authors to network structure and between-study variability. Ozone therapy and topical oxygen ranked next, whereas HBOT and cold atmospheric plasma ranked mid-range; CO2 therapy ranked lowest due to sparse evidence. Small-study effects were likely (Egger p < 0.001; Begg p = 0.013), and overall certainty was graded as moderate, limited primarily by heterogeneity, imprecision, and potential publication bias. Conclusions: Across RCTs, gas therapies as a class improve the probability of complete healing in chronic wounds relative to standard care, but effect sizes vary by modality and wound type. Given heterogeneity, possible publication bias, and inconsistencies within the evidence network, these findings should be applied with caution. HBOT remains the modality supported by the broadest evidence base, while large, high-quality, multicenter RCTs are needed to refine comparative effectiveness and safety rankings across gas therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section General Surgery)
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30 pages, 1979 KB  
Article
Design Consistency and Aesthetic Experience in Digital Health Communication: A Mixed-Method Study of Lifestyle Medicine Product Ecosystems
by Yuexing Wang and Xin Ma
Healthcare 2026, 14(7), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070964 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Digital health ecosystems increasingly integrate content, behavioral interventions, and commercial offerings across multiple platforms. While design consistency is established as critical for trust in commercial contexts, its associations with health behavior change and objective health outcomes remain underexplored. This study examined how [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Digital health ecosystems increasingly integrate content, behavioral interventions, and commercial offerings across multiple platforms. While design consistency is established as critical for trust in commercial contexts, its associations with health behavior change and objective health outcomes remain underexplored. This study examined how cross-platform design consistency and aesthetic experience are associated with behavioral adoption through psychological pathways and investigated relationships between design-driven adoption and objective health outcomes. Methods: A convergent mixed-method design comprised five integrated studies: systematic content analysis of short-form videos (N = 200), expert evaluation and user testing (N = 33), a cross-sectional survey (N = 186), semi-structured interviews (N = 15), and a 3-month longitudinal health outcome analysis (N = 143). Structural equation modeling tested pathways from design features through psychological mediators and COM-B components (capability, opportunity, motivation) to behavioral adoption and health outcomes. Results: Design consistency was significantly associated with trust (β = 0.52), perceived value (β = 0.68), and reduced perceived risk (β = −0.41; all p < 0.001). Aesthetic experience predicted emotional resonance (β = 0.71, p < 0.001) and moderated design–trust associations. COM-B components mediated 75% of the intention-to-adoption pathway (total indirect effect = 0.51, p < 0.001). High-adoption users showed clinically meaningful improvements in weight (−2.8 kg, d = 0.89), HbA1c (−0.7%, d = 0.65), fasting glucose (−0.9 mmol/L, d = 0.72), and LDL-C (−0.4 mmol/L, d = 0.51) over three months. Conclusions: Within a single, influencer-centered Chinese digital health ecosystem, design consistency and aesthetic experience were significantly associated with trust, psychological readiness, and behavioral adoption. These findings are observational; randomized controlled trials and multi-site replication are required to establish causal mechanisms and assess generalizability. Full article
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18 pages, 6729 KB  
Article
Dynamic Ultrasound of the Infrapatellar Fat Pad for Detecting Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Proof-of-Concept Study
by Yoshiyuki Tokuda, Tsuneo Nakamura, Yoshitake Shiraishi, Kiyomi Hori, Hiroaki Okuda and Noriyuki Ozaki
Diagnostics 2026, 16(7), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16071097 - 5 Apr 2026
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency, particularly partial tears, remains challenging with standard static imaging. This study introduces a novel conceptual approach: assessing the dynamic kinematics of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) as an indirect marker of ACL deficiency. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Diagnosing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) insufficiency, particularly partial tears, remains challenging with standard static imaging. This study introduces a novel conceptual approach: assessing the dynamic kinematics of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) as an indirect marker of ACL deficiency. Methods: In this biomechanical proof-of-concept study, dynamic ultrasound tracked IPFP kinematics in eight cadaveric knees evaluated in intact (Control), Sham, and Torn ACL states during passive flexion. The primary endpoints were (i) the absolute anteroposterior position at 90° (y2y1) and (ii) the posterior displacement during the 60–90° flexion arc (ΔY 60–90°). Results: ACL deficiency significantly altered deep-flexion IPFP kinematics. For ΔY 60–90°, the Torn ACL group demonstrated a substantial loss of posterior excursion compared to the Control group (Mean ± SD: −0.25 ± 1.03 vs. 2.88 ± 1.29 mm; Welch’s p < 0.001; Hedges’ g = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.18 to 3.89) and the Sham group (3.46 ± 1.63 mm; p < 0.001; g = −2.57, 95% CI: −3.90 to −1.25). Consequently, for y2y1 at 90°, the Torn ACL group remained abnormally anterior versus Control (p = 0.003; g = −1.97) and Sham (p < 0.001; g = −1.82). Conclusions: ACL deficiency induces a distinct reduction in posterior IPFP displacement. While these massive effect sizes establish a strong biomechanical rationale, this study serves as a foundational proof-of-concept. Large-scale in vivo clinical trials are strictly required to validate its diagnostic utility before clinical implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Musculoskeletal Imaging 2025, 2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 1783 KB  
Article
Workplace and Healthcare Stigma in Hereditary Angioedema: Links to Anxiety and Functional Impairment
by Kutay Kirdok, Cenan Hepdurgun, Meryem Irem Toksoy Senturk, Atakan Citak, Sebnem Pirildar and Emine Nihal Mete Gokmen
Healthcare 2026, 14(7), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070950 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 276
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Stigmatization is an under-recognized burden in hereditary angioedema (HAE) that may exacerbate psychosocial distress and functional impairment. Although links to adverse outcomes exist, the domain-specific pathways remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the impact of stigma types (workplace, healthcare, social) on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Stigmatization is an under-recognized burden in hereditary angioedema (HAE) that may exacerbate psychosocial distress and functional impairment. Although links to adverse outcomes exist, the domain-specific pathways remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated the impact of stigma types (workplace, healthcare, social) on anxiety, quality of life, and functional impairment, specifically testing the mediating role of disease-specific quality of life. Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 60 adults with confirmed HAE. Participants completed the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale (CIASS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Angioedema Quality of Life Questionnaire (AE-QoL), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Hierarchical regression and mediation analyses were used to assess relationships between stigma domains, psychosocial outcomes, and activity impairment. Results: Female patients reported significantly higher anxiety (d = 0.85) and poorer quality of life (d = 0.77) compared to males. In hierarchical regression models, workplace stigma was a significant predictor of activity impairment (p = 0.002). Mediation analysis suggested an indirect association between workplace stigma and activity impairment through disease-specific quality of life (Indirect effect = 1.22; 95% CI: 0.29–3.01). Conclusions: Anticipated stigma in HAE appears to follow domain-specific patterns, with workplace stigma showing the strongest association with functional impairment and poorer disease-specific quality of life. Female gender emerged as an independent correlate of anxiety. These findings underscore the need for HAE management strategies that integrate psychosocial evaluation alongside biomedical control. Full article
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17 pages, 1273 KB  
Article
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Predict Health-Related Quality of Life More than Cognitive Impairment After Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Hierarchical Regression Analysis
by María Rocío Córdova-Infantes and José María Ramírez-Moreno
Healthcare 2026, 14(7), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14070948 - 4 Apr 2026
Viewed by 350
Abstract
Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke often result in excellent functional recovery but are frequently followed by substantial psychological morbidity. It remains unclear whether mood disturbances or cognitive impairment are the primary contributors to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in [...] Read more.
Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke often result in excellent functional recovery but are frequently followed by substantial psychological morbidity. It remains unclear whether mood disturbances or cognitive impairment are the primary contributors to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in this population. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational case–control study including 90 patients with acute TIA or minor stroke confirmed by diffusion-weighted imaging and 92 age-matched healthy controls. At 90 days, participants completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the EQ-5D-5L. Hierarchical multiple regression using standardized z-scores identified independent predictors of HRQoL. Bias-corrected bootstrapped mediation analyses (5000 iterations) assessed whether cognitive impairment mediated the relationship between mood symptoms and HRQoL. Results: Compared with controls, patients exhibited markedly higher rates of depressive symptoms (82.2% vs. 18.5%), anxiety symptoms (81.1% vs. 21.7%), and cognitive impairment (66.7% vs. 13.0%) (all p < 0.001). Psychopathological variables explained an additional 36.6% of HRQoL variance, whereas cognitive and neuroimaging variables contributed only 1.7% (ΔR2 = 0.017; p = 0.523). In the fully adjusted regression model, HAM-A showed the numerically largest standardized coefficient (β = −0.055; p = 0.064), representing a trend toward significance, while HDRS-17 did not individually reach statistical significance (β = −0.043; p = 0.147); cognitive impairment had negligible independent effects (β = −0.001; p = 0.947). Both mood variables collectively accounted for the substantial majority of explained HRQoL variance, far exceeding the contribution of cognitive and neuroimaging predictors. Mediation analyses revealed no significant indirect effects, indicating that mood and cognitive complications are statistically consistent with a model in which mood and cognitive symptoms exert independent effects on HRQoL; temporal ordering cannot be established from these cross-sectional measures. Conclusions: Following TIA or minor stroke, depressive and anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent, persist despite good neurological recovery, and exert a disproportionately negative impact on HRQoL. Anxiety appears particularly influential in determining patient-reported outcomes. The statistical consistency of the mediation models with parallel rather than sequential mood–cognition pathways suggests that these represent independent neurobiological sequelae requiring separate clinical attention, underscoring the need for routine and concurrent assessment of both mood and cognitive function after TIA and minor stroke. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Quality of Neurology and Stroke Care for Patients)
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16 pages, 900 KB  
Article
Perceived Stress and Associations Between Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, and Eating Behaviors: Evidence from Two Cross-Sectional Studies in U.S. Samples
by David G. Figueroa, Athena Cisneroz, Caroline A. Stiver, Lauren Tiongco-Hofschneider, Barbara A. Laraia, Elissa S. Epel and A. Janet Tomyiama
Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071153 - 3 Apr 2026
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The present investigation examined whether perceived stress statistically mediated the association between food insecurity and diet quality, as well as maladaptive eating behaviors (i.e., reward-based eating, comfort eating). Methods: Study 1 used cross-sectional data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The present investigation examined whether perceived stress statistically mediated the association between food insecurity and diet quality, as well as maladaptive eating behaviors (i.e., reward-based eating, comfort eating). Methods: Study 1 used cross-sectional data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (N = 624), in which Black and white women completed self-report measures of food security, perceived stress, diet quality, and reward-based eating. Study 2 used cross-sectional data from a census-matched U.S. sample by age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, and census region (N = 1993), with self-report measures of food security, perceived stress, and comfort eating. Mediation analyses tested the indirect effect of perceived stress on associations between food insecurity and diet quality, reward-based eating, and comfort eating, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Results: In Study 1, food insecurity was positively correlated with perceived stress (r = 0.30) and negatively correlated with diet quality (r = −0.11). Perceived stress mediated the relationship between food insecurity and higher reward-based eating (indirect effect = 0.14, 95% CI [0.08, 0.22]) but did not mediate the association between food insecurity and diet quality (indirect effect = −0.04, 95% CI [−0.11, 0.03]). In Study 2, food insecurity was positively correlated with perceived stress (r = 0.42) and comfort eating (r = 0.19). Using a two-part mediation model, perceived stress mediated the association between food insecurity and the frequency of comfort eating among individuals who reported at least one day of comfort eating, with the strongest indirect effect observed among food-insecure individuals (conditional indirect effect = 0.75, 95% CI [0.49, 1.13]). Conclusions: Across two cross-sectional studies, higher perceived stress statistically mediated the relationship between food insecurity and two forms of maladaptive eating behaviors, suggesting that perceived stress is an important correlate of these relationships. Future work is needed to further evaluate the causal relationships between these constructs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Security, Food Insecurity, and Nutritional Health)
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19 pages, 3836 KB  
Article
Novel Robotic Test Rig for Camshaft Geometry Measurement with a Collaborative Robot
by Agnieszka Sękala, Jacek Królicki, Tomasz Blaszczyk, Piotr Ociepka, Krzysztof Foit, Gabriel Kost, Maciej Kaźmierczak, Grzegorz Gołda and Wojciech Jamrozik
Sensors 2026, 26(7), 2206; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26072206 - 2 Apr 2026
Viewed by 247
Abstract
This paper presents the design and experimental validation of an innovative robotic test stand for measuring camshaft cam geometry, intended to support preventive quality control in high-volume production. The proposed solution integrates a collaborative robot with a dedicated measurement setup to enable repeatable [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design and experimental validation of an innovative robotic test stand for measuring camshaft cam geometry, intended to support preventive quality control in high-volume production. The proposed solution integrates a collaborative robot with a dedicated measurement setup to enable repeatable positioning of the inspected camshaft and automated acquisition of geometric features critical for functional performance. A complete measurement methodology was developed, including the measurement sequence, data acquisition procedure, and processing of the recorded signals to determine key cam geometry parameters. To verify the reliability of the proposed approach, measurement results obtained using the robotic stand were compared with reference data acquired using conventional metrology tools and standard inspection procedures. Experimental studies confirmed that the developed stand provides repeatable measurement results, enabling the stable identification of the examined geometric features across repeated trials. Moreover, a high level of agreement was observed between the measurement data obtained using the proposed method and the reference measurements, demonstrating the suitability of the cobot-based test stand for preventive quality control applications in industrial environments. The concept presented offers a scalable and flexible alternative to manual inspection and dedicated special-purpose gauges, with potential benefits in terms of inspection throughput and standardization of quality control workflows. The novelty of the approach lies in the indirect ultrasonic measurement model combined with a quadrant-based sensor orientation strategy and repeatable 90° camshaft indexing, enabling full-profile acquisition within the robot workspace. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)
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16 pages, 4129 KB  
Article
Remote-Controlled Microfluidic Platform for Real-Time Detection of Multiple Mycotoxins on Chip
by Jun Liu, Shiyu Zeng, Rashid Muhammad, Zhuoao Jiang, Gang Tan, Qi Yang and Binfeng Yin
Foods 2026, 15(7), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15071180 - 1 Apr 2026
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Food safety requires real-time monitoring of mycotoxins in food, as food products contaminated with these toxins poses major threat to human health. In this study, we proposed a remote-controlled microfluidic platform (RCMP) integrated with chemiluminescent/colorimetric detection system for rapid, cost-effective and real-monitoring of [...] Read more.
Food safety requires real-time monitoring of mycotoxins in food, as food products contaminated with these toxins poses major threat to human health. In this study, we proposed a remote-controlled microfluidic platform (RCMP) integrated with chemiluminescent/colorimetric detection system for rapid, cost-effective and real-monitoring of multiple mycotoxins in real samples based on the indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA). The RCMP enabled sensitive and automatic detection of deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in the range of 4–128 ng/mL, 1–32 ng/mL, and 0.5–16 ng/mL, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) were 2.881 ng/mL for DON, 0.702 ng/mL for ZEA, and 0.470 ng/mL for FB1. In further validation, satisfactory recoveries between 93.57% to 108.47% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 6.92–11.39% were obtained in beer samples. Overall, RCMP provides an automatic, high-throughput and cost-effective method for detection of DON, ZEA, and FB1 and can be confidently applied for monitoring in beer samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Toxicology)
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Article
Policy Regulation and Farmers’ Intention to Adopt Green Production Technologies: A TAM–TPB Analysis
by Qi Tang, Zhiqiang Wang, Haoran Wei, Yanpeng Chen and Hua Tang
Sustainability 2026, 18(7), 3379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18073379 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Green production technologies are pivotal for achieving agricultural ecological sustainability; however, farmers’ adoption intention remains sluggish under current policy frameworks. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to build a policy regulation–cognitive transformation–intention analytical framework. [...] Read more.
Green production technologies are pivotal for achieving agricultural ecological sustainability; however, farmers’ adoption intention remains sluggish under current policy frameworks. This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to build a policy regulation–cognitive transformation–intention analytical framework. Based on 498 survey responses collected from June to October 2024 in Guizhou Province, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and the DEMATEL method were employed to quantify influence paths and causal attributes. (1) The results reveal that policy regulation, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, behavioral attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control all have notable direct positive impacts on farmers’ intention to adopt eco-friendly agricultural technologies. (2) Perceived usefulness plays a pivotal role in the direct impact path, while perceived ease of use exerts the strongest indirect influence, driving farmers’ ultimate adoption intentions by being transformed into perceived usefulness and positive attitudes. (3) Based on the causal network analysis, policy regulation is identified as the core source factor with the highest centrality, and it provides foundational support by driving key mediating factors such as behavioral attitudes, Subjective Norms, and perceived behavioral control. Consequently, this study proposes policy recommendations, such as optimizing policy formulation, enhancing the pragmatic perception of technological usefulness, dismantling behavioral and cognitive barriers, and eliminating resource bottlenecks, to provide decision-making references for the green transformation of agriculture. Full article
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