Search Results (7,777)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age characterized by a spectrum of clinical, metabolic, reproductive, and psychological abnormalities. This syndrome is associated with significant long-term health risks, necessitating elucidation of its pathophysiology, early diagnosis, and comprehensive management strategies. Several contributory factors in PCOS, including androgen excess and insulin resistance, collectively enhance oxidative stress, which subsequently leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the precise mechanisms through which oxidative stress induces mitochondrial dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Comprehensive searches of electronic databases were conducted to identify relevant studies published up to 30 September 2024. Mitochondria, the primary sites of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, play critical roles in energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis. Oxidative stress can inflict damage on components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA. Damage to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which lacks efficient repair mechanisms, may result in mutations that impair mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondrial activity further amplifies ROS production, thereby perpetuating oxidative stress. These disruptions are implicated in the complications associated with the syndrome. Advances in genetic analysis technologies, including next-generation sequencing, have identified point mutations and deletions in mtDNA, drawing significant attention to their association with oxidative stress. Emerging data from mtDNA mutation analyses challenge conventional paradigms and provide new insights into the role of oxidative stress in mitochondrial dysfunction. We are rethinking the pathogenesis of PCOS based on these database analyses. In conclusion, this review explores the intricate relationship between oxidative stress, mtDNA mutations, and mitochondrial dysfunction, offers an updated perspective on the pathophysiology of PCOS, and outlines directions for future research. Full article

Multi-UAV path planning for police patrols plays an important role in public security work, and while many path-planning algorithms have been applied in this area, all of them possess various degrees of shortcomings. To further improve the accuracy and efficiency of multi-UAV path planning for police patrols, this paper proposes a multi-UAV police patrol path-planning method based on an improved wolf pack optimization algorithm using the strategies of Composite Directional Raid and Dynamic Random Search (PMU-3PM-IWPA). Firstly, a multi-UAV police patrol path-planning model was constructed to reflect the planning problem for multi-UAV police patrol paths (PMU-3PM). Moreover, to enhance the performance of the existing wolf pack optimization algorithm, this paper proposes an improved wolf pack optimization algorithm (for short CDR-DRS-WPOA), including the Composite-Directional Raid Strategy (CDRS), aimed at enhancing global exploration capability, as well as the Dynamic Random Search Strategy (DRSS), with a view to speeding up the convergence for simple problems and heightening the optimization accuracy for difficult problems. Finally, the improved wolf pack optimization algorithm was adopted to solve the issue of multi-UAV path planning for police patrols, and numerical experiments were carried out on 20 public classical datasets as well as PMU-3PM compared with GA, PSO, WDX-WPOA, and DAF-BRS-CWOA. The results indicate that CDR-DRS-WPOA took 20~80% less time and possessed more optimization accuracy, and that PMU-3PM-IWPA based on CDR-DRS-WPOA offers excellent performance. Full article

Background: Children with special needs often need tailored approaches to oral healthcare to address their unique needs effectively. It is essential to analyze the effectiveness of non-pharmacological management in reducing dental anxiety among special needs children during dental treatment. Methods: Five electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, were searched from 2007 to August 2024 for randomized control trials and observational studies comparing the effectiveness of non-pharmacological techniques in reducing dental anxiety during invasive and noninvasive dental treatment. The primary outcomes of the studied intervention were reduced dental anxiety and improved behavior during dental treatment. The conceptual map was created to understand the need for assessment and behavior management for special needs children (SN). Results: Nineteen articles qualified for the final analysis from 250 screened articles. Included studies evaluated the effect of strategies applied clinically, such as audio–visual distraction, sensory-adapted environment, and virtual reality. The included studies measured the trivial to large effect of measured interventions and supported non-pharmacological interventions in clinical settings. Conclusions: Most basic non-pharmacological interventions showed a trivial to large reduction in dental anxiety among SN patients. The conceptual map developed in this study supports the need for non-pharmacological interventions as they are cost-effective and create a positive environment in dental clinics. However, more studies need to focus on non-pharmacological behavior interventions in SN children to support the findings of this scoping review. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary caregivers of children play a significant role in developing their dietary behaviors. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this integrative review aimed to synthesize studies examining how personal and household characteristics, caregivers’ dietary beliefs, intentions, and feeding practices influence the eating behaviors of preschool-aged children (2–5 years). Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2014 and September 2024. The expanded PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to guide the literature search and report the results. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) was also used to evaluate the quality of the selected articles. Results: A total of 10 studies were included in the final analysis. The studies revealed that preschoolers’ eating behaviors were significantly influenced by personal characteristics (e.g., caregivers’ BMI, and weight perceptions) and household factors (e.g., food availability). Additionally, caregivers’ feeding practices, such as restriction, modeling, and permissiveness, played a pivotal role in shaping children’s eating habits. Although caregivers expressed intentions to provide a healthy diet, they often faced barriers, including conflicting work schedules, financial constraints, and logistical challenges, which impeded their ability to consistently promote healthy eating behaviors. Conclusions: Caregivers’ beliefs, intentions, and feeding practices are pivotal in shaping preschoolers’ eating behaviors. However, the limited available literature and the underexplored mechanisms linking these factors make it challenging to draw solid conclusions. Future research should address these gaps and consider integrating caregiver-focused factors into tailored interventions to promote healthier eating habits in preschool-aged children. This can aid healthcare professionals in designing culturally and contextually sensitive strategies for improving childhood nutrition. Full article

Background: The growing role of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and MRI-targeted biopsy (MRI-TBx) suggests they may replace random systematic biopsy (SBx), specifically detection and subsequent treatment of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Objectives: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the detection rates (DR) of csPCa using MRI-TBx alone, SBx alone, or their combination in biopsy naïve patients suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to 23 March 2023, for RCTs comparing PCa DR between biopsy strategies in patients with suspected prostate cancer. Detection rates were pooled using random/fixed effect models, and the study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias revised tool. Results: Ten RCTs (involving 3646 patients) were analysed, revealing that the combined biopsy method achieved higher overall csPCa DR compared to the SBx method alone (RR = 1.40 [95% CI = 1.15–1.71] and 1.47 [95% CI = 1.13–1.92], respectively). However, there was no significant difference in DR for clinically insignificant prostate cancer (ciPCa) between the two methods. Conclusions: This review concludes that MRI-TBx and SBx detect overall and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) better than SBx alone. The variety of factors requires cautious interpretation, yet these findings are the strongest evidence. The combination technique is recommended for biopsy-naïve groups, but more study is needed to optimise execution and overcome uncertainties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most prevalent and challenging malignancies of the head and neck. Clinical staging (cTNM) plays a pivotal role in therapeutic decision-making. However, current imaging modalities often fall short, resulting in discrepancies between cTNM and pathological staging (pTNM). This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the existing literature on the concordance between clinical and pathological staging of LSCC, quantifying staging inaccuracies and highlighting the prevalence of both under- and overstaging at diagnosis. Methods: A comprehensive search of the English-language literature was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Eligibility was limited to retrospective case series and observational studies reporting sufficient data to directly correlate individual patients’ cTNM and pTNM classifications. Results: Thirty-one studies comprising 7939 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall concordance rate between cT and pT was approximately 86.43%. The concordance rates between cT and pT were 82.41%, 82.03%, 78.14%, and 89.64% for cT1, cT2, cT3, and cT4, respectively. Most discordant cases in cT2 and cT3 involved understaging at clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: The limited accuracy of clinical staging in reflecting the true extent of disease remains a critical challenge in the management of LSCC. The inability of current imaging techniques to reliably detect the subtle invasion of key anatomical structures contributes to both under- and overstaging, with significant clinical implications. For patients undergoing non-surgical organ-preservation strategies, these inaccuracies may adversely affect oncologic outcomes. Full article

Biomonitoring allows for the assessment of internal exposure to various pesticides and metabolites. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aims to summarise innovative biomonitoring techniques for assessing pesticide exposure in agricultural workers, their advantages and limitations, and their applicability. The search of the Medline/PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases identified 14 articles dealing with new techniques for biomonitoring pesticide exposure in agricultural workers. These new methodologies have identified several biomarkers associated with exposure to organophosphates. Most of the included studies combine and/or improve traditional methods to overcome their limitations. This leads to more sensitive, specific, and precise techniques with lower detection and quantification limits. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly analyse and test new biomonitoring methods for assessing pesticide exposure. These techniques can complement qualitative risk assessments and aid in developing strategies to protect public health and the environment. Full article

Borehole trajectory optimization is a key issue in oil and gas drilling engineering. The traditional wellbore trajectory design method faces great challenges in optimizing the trajectory length and complexity, and it is difficult to meet the actual engineering requirements. In this paper, the three-stage wellbore trajectory optimization problem is studied, and a multi-objective optimization model including two objective functions of trajectory length and trajectory complexity is constructed. In this paper, an improved multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed, which combines the clustering strategy to improve the diversity of solutions, and enhances the local search ability and global convergence performance of the algorithm through the elite learning strategy. In order to verify the performance of the algorithm, comparative experiments were carried out using classical multi-objective benchmark functions. The results showed that the improved algorithm is superior to the traditional method in terms of diversity and convergence of solutions. Finally, the proposed algorithm was applied to the actual three-stage wellbore trajectory optimization problem. In summary, the research results of this paper provide theoretical support and engineering practice methods for wellbore trajectory optimization, and serve as an important reference for further improving the efficiency and quality of wellbore trajectory design. Full article

Background: Ableism obstructs employment equity for disabled individuals. However, research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how ableism multidimensionally manifests across job types, disability types, stages of employment, and intersecting identities. Objectives: This scoping review examines how ableism affects disabled workers and jobseekers, as well as its impacts on employment outcomes, variations across disabilities and identities, and the best practices for addressing these. Eligibility Criteria: The included articles were 109 peer-reviewed empirical studies conducted in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Finland between 2018 and 2023. Sources of Evidence: Using terms related to disability, ableism, and employment, the databases searched included Sociology Collection, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Education Source, Academic Search Complete, and ERIC. Charting Methods: Data were extracted in tabular form and analyzed through thematic narrative synthesis to identify study characteristics, ableist barriers within employment, intersectional factors, and best practices. Results: Ableism negatively impacts employment outcomes through barriers within the work environment, challenges in disclosing disabilities, insufficient accommodations, and workplace discrimination. Intersectional factors intensify inequities, particularly for BIPOC, women, and those with invisible disabilities. Conclusions: Systemic, intersectional strategies are needed to address ableism, improve policies, and foster inclusive workplace practices. Full article

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) occupy an increasing share in the search for new electrode materials for Li-Ion batteries. Despite promising electrochemical performances (up to 1000 mAh g⁻¹ in the case of conversion), these materials have poor cyclability linked primarily to hysteresis phenomena. To improve their electrochemical performance, one strategy consists of reducing the particle size. A second strategy relies on the incorporation of fluorine directly into electrode materials to limit the solid–electrolyte interface (SEI). Our study focuses on the impact of fluorination on the electrochemical performance of manganese oxide obtained by solid combustion synthesis (SCS). Two fluorinating agents were used: pure gaseous molecular fluorine F₂ and radical fluorine F^• through xenon difluoride XeF₂ decomposition. The use of F₂ results in strong fluorination localized primarily at the particle surface while XeF₂ diffuses deeper into the particle, resulting in the removal of residual carbon from the synthesis by combustion. The electrochemical performance of the oxide fluorinated with XeF₂ reaches more than 750 mAh g⁻¹ after 160 cycles, whereas that of the oxide fluorinated by F₂ barely exceeds that of the non-fluorinated oxide, less than 200 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles. Full article

Stochastic simulations are often used to determine the crossover rates and step size of evolutionary algorithms to avoid the tuning process, but they cannot fully utilize information from the evolutionary process. A two-stage adaptive differential evolution algorithm (APDE) is proposed in this article based on an accompanying population, and it has unique mutation strategies and adaptive parameters that conform to the search characteristics. The global exploration capability can be enhanced by the accompanying population to achieve a balance between global exploration and local search. This algorithm has proven to be convergent with a probability of 1 using the theory of Markov chains. In numerical experiments, the APDE is statistically compared with nine comparison algorithms using the CEC2005 and CEC2017 standard set of test functions, and the results show that the APDE is statistically superior to the comparison methods. Full article

Malignant melanoma of the tongue is a rare and highly aggressive neoplasm, constituting less than 2% of oral melanomas. Due to its rarity and atypical clinical presentation, diagnosis and management pose significant challenges. This study provides a scoping review of research on melanoma of the tongue to determine the available data on the epidemiology, clinical features, histopathological characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of this malignancy. Our literature search identified papers published from 1941 to 2024, and 47 individual cases were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis was 58.6 years, with a male predominance (58.1%). Lesions were most frequently located on the body and lateral borders of the tongue. A high percentage (38.5%) presented with distant metastases at diagnosis, commonly involving the lungs and brain. Histopathological examination highlighted spindle cell morphology in many cases, with immunohistochemical markers such as HMB-45 and S-100 proving essential for diagnosis. Wide local excision with or without neck dissection was the primary treatment, though recurrence rates remained high (20.5%). Despite aggressive management, overall outcomes were poor, reflecting the melanoma’s advanced stage at diagnosis in most cases. This scoping review underscores the need for heightened clinical suspicion, particularly for pigmented or ulcerative lesions of the tongue. Early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and further research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying tongue melanoma are crucial to improve outcomes for this rare and aggressive disease. Full article

Urolithiasis represents one of the most common urologic diseases, and its incidence demonstrates, globally, an increasing trend. The application of preventive measures is an established strategy to reduce urolithiasis-related morbidity, and it is based mostly on the adaptation of lifestyle factors and pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, other research areas demonstrate promising results, such as the research on the microbiome. In the current review, we searched for the latest data on lifestyle–based prevention and microbiome alterations in urolithiasis patients. The majority of the proposed lifestyle measures are already included in the urological guidelines, while additional factors, such as vitamin D supplementation, seem to have a putative positive effect. From the microbiome studies, several microbial composition patterns and metabolic pathways demonstrated an inhibiting or promoting role in lithogenesis. Up to the present, stone prevention has not shown satisfying results, which suggests that lifestyle measures are not adequate. Moreover, microbiome studies are prone to bias, since microbes are strongly affected by numerous clinical factors, while the analysis procedures are not standardized yet. Analysis standardization and data pooling from extensive registration of clinical and microbiome data are essential steps in order to improve the existing prevention strategy with targeted microbiome manipulations. Full article

Monitoring infliximab (IFX) concentrations is crucial for optimizing IFX therapy in children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) who show low response rates due to inadequate drug exposure. Substantial variation occurs in IFX trough concentrations in paediatric patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate IFX pharmacokinetics (PK) in children with IBD during both the induction phase and maintenance phases and to identify covariates associated with IFX PK. Methods: This single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic children’s hospital. Data was extracted from paediatric IBD patients receiving IFX between January 2018 and October 2023 and included demographic-, clinical- and laboratory parameters collected from electronic health records. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to investigate associations between these parameters and IFX trough concentrations. Target attainment [≥15 μg/mL in induction or 5–10 μg/mL in maintenance phase] of the IFX dosing regimens was evaluated. Results and Conclusions: A total of 115 children (417 unique IFX concentrations) were included. Multivariate analysis revealed significant positive associations between IFX and albumin concentrations (β = 0.388, p = 0.010) and IFX concentrations with dose (β = 6.534, p < 0.001), and an inversion association between IFX concentrations and treatment phase (β = −4.922, p < 0.001). During the induction and maintenance phases, 57.2% and 30.6% of IFX concentrations were subtherapeutic, respectively. A systematic search of studies investigating factors influencing IFX concentrations was concurrently performed. Our findings were critically compared against existing literature to assess relevant clinical and biochemical determinants of IFX PK in children with IBD. Our findings highlight the need for personalized dosing strategies in pediatric IBD patients, particularly during the induction phase. By implementing therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and considering clinical and biochemical factors, clinicians can implement more personalized strategies, potentially improving treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of treatment failure or adverse effects. This approach could lead to better target attainment, potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and minimizing premature switching to other therapies. Full article

Abstract: Hydropower is a vital strategic component of China’s clean energy development. Its construction and optimized water resource allocation are crucial for addressing global energy challenges, promoting socio-economic development, and achieving sustainable development. However, the optimization scheduling of cascade hydropower stations is a large-scale, multi-constrained, and nonlinear problem. Traditional optimization methods suffer from low computational efficiency, while conventional intelligent algorithms still face issues like premature convergence and local optima, which severely hinder the full utilization of water resources. This study proposed an improved whale optimization algorithm, the Black-winged Differential-variant Whale Optimization Algorithm (BDWOA), which enhanced population diversity through a Logistic-Sine-Cosine combination chaotic map, improved algorithm flexibility with an adaptive adjustment strategy, and introduced the migration mechanism of the black-winged kite algorithm along with a differential mutation strategy to enhance the global search ability and convergence capacity. The BDWOA algorithm was tested using test functions with randomly generated simulated data, with its performance compared against five related optimization algorithms. Results indicate that the BDWOA achieved the optimal value with the fewest iterations, effectively overcoming the limitations of the original whale optimization algorithm. Further validation using actual runoff data for the cascade hydropower station optimization scheduling model showed that the BDWOA effectively enhanced power generation efficiency. In high-flow years, the average power generation increased by 8.3%, 6.5%, 6.8%, 4.1%, and 8.2% compared to the five algorithms while achieving the shortest computation time. Significant improvements in power generation were also observed in normal-flow and low-flow years. The scheduling solutions generated by the BDWOA can adapt to varying inflow conditions, offering an innovative approach to solving complex hydropower station optimization scheduling problems. This contributes to the sustainable utilization of water resources and supports the long-term development of renewable energy. Full article