Possible improvements of global optimization methods inspired by nature

This study focuses on the global optimization of functions of real variables using methods inspired by nature. It contains a description of selected global optimization techniques (Differential Evolution, Self-Organizing Migrating Algorithm, Steady-State Evolutionary Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Gregarious Particle Swarm Optimizer a Hybrid Particle Swarm with Differential Evolution Operator). I have found four improvements of these techniques, discovered their suitable parameter configurations and compared them on chosen trial functions. Experimental results proved that described improvements can increase performance of the optimization techniques inspired by nature

Geographical and Ethnic Distributions of the MTHFR C677T, A1298C and MTRR A66G Gene Polymorphisms in Chinese Populations: A Meta-Analysis

<div><p>Background</p><p>The geographical and ethnic distributions of the polymorphic methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations (C677T and A1298C) and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) mutation (A66G) remain heterogeneous in China. The goal of this study was to estimate the pooled frequencies of the alleles and associated genotypes of these gene polymorphisms among healthy populations in Mainland China.</p><p>Objective and Methods</p><p>We systematically reviewed published epidemiological studies on the distributions of 3 genetic variants in Chinese healthy populations living in Mainland China through a meta-analysis. The relevant electronic databases were searched. All of the raw data of the eligible citations were extracted. The frequency estimates were stratified by geography, ethnicity and sex.</p><p>Results</p><p>Sixty-six studies were identified with a total of 92277 study participants. The meta-analysis revealed that the frequencies of the MTHFR C677T, A1298C, and MTRR A66G gene polymorphisms varied significantly between different ethnic groups and along geographical gradients. The frequencies of the 677T allele and 677TT genotype increased along the southern-central-northern direction across Mainland China (all <i>P</i>values≤0.001). The frequencies of the 1298C, 1298CC, 66G and 66GG genotypes decreased along the south-central-north direction across the country (all <i>P</i>values≤0.001).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Our meta-analysis strongly indicates significant geographical and ethnic variations in the frequencies of the C677T, A1298C, and A66G gene polymorphisms in the folate metabolism pathway among Chinese populations.</p></div

Distribution of the MTRR A66G polymorphism among populations in China.

<p>Distribution of the MTRR A66G polymorphism among populations in China.</p

Distribution of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism among populations in China.

<p>Distribution of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism among populations in China.</p

Flow chart of the study selection process.

<p>Flow chart of the study selection process.</p

Distribution of the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism among populations in China.

<p>Distribution of the MTHFR A1298C polymorphism among populations in China.</p

Maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in the Chinese population: A prospective cohort study

<div><p>Background</p><p>Although vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is a common problem in pregnant women, in China, few studies have focused on the relationship between maternal vitD deficiency throughout the three trimesters and subsequent neonatal outcomes in China.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Between 2015 and 2016, maternal serum and neonate cord blood samples were collected from 1978 mother-neonate pairs from Liuzhou city.</p><p>Results</p><p>The mean concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitD (25(OH)D) were 16.17±6.27 and 15.23±5.43 ng/ml in the mother and neonate groups, respectively, and the prevalence values of vitD deficiency in the two groups were 78.18% and 83.27%, respectively. Logistic regression showed that maternal vitD deficiency independently increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (adjust OR, aOR 1.08; <i>P</i> = 0.026). A relatively lower risk of vitD deficiency was observed in the third trimester than in the first and second trimester (aOR 0.80; <i>P</i> = 0.004). VitD-calcium cosupplementation during pregnancy improves the vitD deficiency in both the maternal and neonatal groups (aOR 0.56, 0.66; <i>P</i><0.001 and 0.021, respectively). Maternal vitD deficiency significantly increased the risk of neonatal low birth weight (LBW) (aOR 2.83; <i>P</i> = 0.005) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (aOR 1.17; <i>P</i> = 0.015). There was a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal vitD deficiency (<i>r</i> = 0.879, <i>P</i><0.001). VitD supplementation during pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of giving birth to LBW infants (OR = 0.47, 95%CI = 0.33–0.68, <i>P</i><0.001).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Further research focusing on the consumption of vitD with calcium during pregnancy and the consequential clinical outcomes in Chinese pregnant women is warranted.</p></div

The correlations of independent factors with 25(OH)D in maternity by multivariate analysis.

<p>The correlations of independent factors with 25(OH)D in maternity by multivariate analysis.</p

Association between maternal 25(OH)D level during pregnancy and neonatal cord blood 25(OH)D level distributed by maternal blood drew season.

<p>Association between maternal 25(OH)D level during pregnancy and neonatal cord blood 25(OH)D level distributed by maternal blood drew season.</p

VitD level and the prevalence of vitD deficiency in maternity and neonates (n = 1978).

<p>VitD level and the prevalence of vitD deficiency in maternity and neonates (n = 1978).</p