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

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

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

Bleeding pattern difference between levonorgestrel intrauterine system and copper intrauterine devices inserted immediately post-abortion: a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study in Chinese women

<p><b>Background:</b> To describe the bleeding pattern (primary outcome), side effects, treatment satisfaction and 6 month continuity rates associated with the 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) inserted immediately after abortion.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> This multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study enrolled healthy women (aged ≥18 years) inserted with LNG-IUS or Cu-IUD immediately after first-trimester surgical abortion and followed up to 6 months. Bleeding pattern was obtained through daily patient bleeding diaries.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> From 2013 to 2014, we enrolled 512 women (LNG-IUS = 312 [median age: 32.0 years] and Cu-IUD = 200 [median age: 30.0 years]) from nine Chinese centers. LNG-IUS resulted in a significantly lower number of bleeding/spotting days in the second 90 day reference period compared with Cu-IUD (median 14.5 vs. 18.0 days, <i>p</i> < .0001). Amenorrhea rate (no bleeding/spotting day in the second 90 day reference period) and no menstrual bleeding rate (absence of bleeding days in the second 90 day reference period) were significantly higher in LNG-IUS compared to Cu-IUD (13.9% vs. 0% and 39.5% vs. 0%; <i>p</i> < .001 for all). No dysmenorrhea was higher at the last follow-up in LNG-IUS users than Cu-IUD users (81.2% vs. 76%; <i>p</i> = .0047). Both treatments had a high satisfaction rate among women at both the follow-up visits, and the majority of them continued with the treatment. The rates of adverse events (e.g. oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea) in the LNG-IUS and Cu-IUD groups were 77.2% and 44.5% (<i>p</i> < .0001), respectively.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> LNG-IUS post-abortion shows better bleeding patterns, and reduced dysmenorrhea and bleeding amount, but with a similar safety profile compared with Cu-IUD.</p> <p><b>ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:</b> NCT01958684</p