Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29;15(1):44751. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28750-8.

ABSTRACT

In multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), challenges persist, including low diversity in external archives, ambiguous individual optimal choice mechanisms, high sensitivity to parameter settings, and the arduous task of balancing global exploration and local exploitation capabilities. To address these issues, this paper introduces a novel multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm named HCRMOPSO. The proposed algorithm innovatively leverages hierarchical clustering based on Ward’s linkage to generate the center of mass as reference points, which are then combined with the ideal point and crowding distance. This effectively maintains the external archive, thereby resolving the diversity deficiency commonly found in traditional MOPSO archives. Additionally, HCRMOPSO fuses multiple particles to update the personal best positions. It also adaptively tunes the flight parameters according to the diversity information within each particle’s neighborhood, enhancing the algorithm’s adaptability. Notably, a new strategy is designed for two specific types of particles, further optimizing the search process. The performance of HCRMOPSO is rigorously evaluated against ten existing algorithms on 22 standard test problems. Experimental results demonstrate that HCRMOPSO outperforms its counterparts on multiple benchmarks, showcasing superior effectiveness in handling multi-objective optimization tasks.

PMID:41461751 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28750-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29;15(1):44812. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28584-4.

ABSTRACT

Under-five child mortality remains a significant public health issue in Bangladesh and other developing countries. Identifying key risk factors within a hierarchical data structure is crucial for improving health system performance. This study employed the Fine-Gray Frailty (FGF) model to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data to assess child mortality from disease-related causes, treating non-disease-related deaths as competing risks in hierarchical framework. The model was also applied by considering non-disease deaths as the main event in a subsequent analysis. Findings reveal that maternal age, child sex, birth order, and regional variation remain significant determinants of mortality after adjusting for the hierarchical data structure. Children of mothers older than 30 years face a significantly higher risk of non-disease deaths compared with those aged 20-30 years. Male children experience higher mortality than females for both disease and non-disease causes. Higher birth order is associated with a lower risk of non-disease mortality. Regionally, Khulna shows a significantly increasing hazard of non-disease deaths than Barisal. This study underscores the value of hierarchical competing risk models for guiding targeted public health interventions.

PMID:41461736 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28584-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29;15(1):44755. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28835-4.

ABSTRACT

When passing through an intersection section, the relationship between driving behavior and energy consumption of pure Electric Buses (E-Bus) is unclear. In this study, natural driving data on two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes were collected to quantify and analyze the implied relationship between driving behavior and energy consumption when entering an intersection point. Furthermore, it is proposed that predicting energy consumption on the basis of distinguishing whether an intersection is stopping or non-stopping would be a more accurate scenario. Concerning the working method, firstly, statistical analysis is used to observe the difference between the energy consumption of the stopping and non-stopping samples; secondly, correlation analysis and linear regression are used to analyze the significant parameters related to whether to stop or not, and energy consumption; finally, machine learning method is used to establish the classification model of whether to stop or not at an intersection as well as a prediction model the energy consumption of the intersection.The results show that the model accuracy of XGBoost-KNN is higher than that of KNN and XGBoost in predicting whether to stop or not, which is 84.4%. For predicting energy consumption, the GBDT has the lowest prediction accuracy; as for XGBoost and SVM, which have a higher prediction accuracy, distinguishing whether to stop or not helps to enhance the model’s prediction accuracy. Furthermore, after distinguishing whether to stop or not, SVM outperformed XGBoost in R², MAE, and RMSE. Research results provide a new perspective for studying the relationship between the driving behavior and energy consumption of pure electric buses at intersections. Meanwhile, they also offer the possibility for further research on the applicability of energy consumption when expanding from the BRT to more complex mixed traffic environments.

PMID:41461728 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28835-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29;15(1):44854. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28421-8.

ABSTRACT

Pediatric infections are often closely linked to infections in families, schools, and communities, illustrating the importance of developing a holistic model of pediatric respiratory infection prevention. Research purposes were to construct a new preventive model for pediatric respiratory infection prevention and to clarify the relationships among impact factors in this model. Research method was a cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to measure model variables, including “parental prevention measures (PPM),” “concern about pediatric vaccination (CPV),” “school precautionary measures (SPM),” and “children’s self-protection practices (CSPP).” Structural equation modeling analysis was performed to test four proposed hypotheses and identify the relationships among these variables. Research participants were 2420 parents with one or more 3-16-year-old children. Results identified five paths in research model. (1) “Parental prevention measures, PPM” directly affects “concerns about pediatric vaccination, CPV” [direct effect: 0.354], “school precautionary measures, SPM” [direct effect: 0.354], and “children’s self-protection practices, CSPP” [direct effect: 0.354]. (2) PPM affects CPV through the mediating effect of SPM (indirect effect: 0.04), resulting in a total effect of 0.394. (3) PPM affects CSPP through the mediating effect of SPM (indirect effect: 0.3), resulting in a total effect of 0.655. All these effects were statistically significant. Results strongly suggested that coordinating prevention strategies between families and schoolteachers is most effective in equipping children with the knowledge and behaviors to avoid infectious disease. Results confirmed that the newly constructed model for preventing pediatric respiratory infection was well fitted as a double mediation model. Further studies are needed to pursue the family-school health education model in the prevention of pediatric infectious disease. Key words: Parental prevention measures; Concern about pediatric vaccination; School precautionary measures; Children’s self-protection practices; Pediatric Respiratory Infection.

PMID:41461686 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28421-8

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29;15(1):44792. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28255-4.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to prospectively examine the systemic effects of curative radiotherapy on dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis and nitrosative stress markers in patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Forty-one patients diagnosed with lung cancer and 41 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, total thiol, native thiol, and disulfide levels were measured from blood specimens taken from patients before radiotherapy and 24 h after radiotherapy. Nitric oxide levels were analyzed by chemiluminescence technique, 3-nitrotyrosine levels by ELISA, and thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters by spectrophotometric methods. Serum nitric oxide (NO) and 3-nitrotyrosine levels of patients were significantly elevated in both pre-radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy periods compared to the healthy control group (p < 0.001). NO levels tended to increase after RT, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Total thiol and native thiol levels in the pre-radiotherapy and post-radiotherapy periods were decreased when compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Post-radiotherapy disulfide levels were markedly higher than the pre-radiotherapy (p < 0.05) and the controls (p < 0.05). Similarly, while disulfide/total thiol and disulfide/native thiol ratios were increased in the post-radiotherapy period, a marked decline was observed in the native thiol/total thiol ratio in the post-radiotherapy period (p < 0.05). Since chemotherapy is also known to affect redox homeostasis, the combined treatment (chemoradiotherapy) is likely responsible for the observed biochemical changes seen in our study. Our suggest that radiotherapy further exacerbates the already imbalanced redox homeostasis in lung cancer patients by enhancing NO production and promoting thiol oxidation. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy appears to exacerbate the imbalance in redox homeostasis in lung cancer patients.

PMID:41461680 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28255-4

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-28234-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The increasing environmental and economic drawbacks of fossil fuels have accelerated the global transition to renewable energy sources. In this context, the optimal design of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) that combine solar, wind, and energy storage technologies is critical for achieving sustainable and cost-effective power generation. This study addresses the problem of optimally sizing a grid-connected HRES composed of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbine (WTs), batteries (BTs), and supercapacitors (SCs). A mathematical model is developed to minimize the annual cost of the system (ACS) while ensuring high renewable energy utilization and system efficiency. To solve this optimization problem, five advanced meta-heuristic algorithms-Hunger Games Search (HGS), Spider Wasp Optimizer (SWO), Kepler Optimization Algorithm (KOA), Fire Hawk Optimizer (FHO), and Coronavirus Disease Optimization Algorithm (COVIDOA)-were applied and statistically validated. The model was tested on real meteorological and load data from a university campus in Turkey. Results show that HGS achieved the most favorable performance, with an ACS of $603,538.44, a cost of energy (COE) of $0.23801/kWh, and a renewable energy fraction (REF) of 80.04%. This configuration offers significant economic advantages compared to purchasing electricity directly from the grid at $0.35/kWh. The proposed system proves commercially viable for large consumers and demonstrates the practical effectiveness of meta-heuristic methods in energy system design. MATLAB was used for simulation, while R programming was employed for statistical validation of the algorithmic performance. The study establishes a reproducible and validated framework that can guide future research and implementation in the field of hybrid energy optimization.

PMID:41461673 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-28234-9

Sci Rep. 2025 Dec 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-27830-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Sciatica represents a significant neurological disorder affecting global health systems. This study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, awareness of symptoms and treatment approaches for sciatica in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 927 adults in the Jazan Region using a validated questionnaire distributed through digital platforms. The questionnaire assessed demographics, medical history, risk factors, and knowledge of sciatica symptoms and treatment. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests using R software. The study revealed a sciatica prevalence of 9.9%, with significant associations observed with arthritis, obesity, and family history. Knowledge assessment showed that most participants demonstrated poor understanding of sciatica’s causes and treatments. Arthritis emerged as the strongest risk factor, with 33.3% prevalence among affected individuals. While 83% recognized the superiority of evidence-based treatments over traditional approaches, only 31.1% correctly identified herniated discs as a primary cause. Significant knowledge disparities were observed across demographic groups, with higher awareness among females, younger adults, and those with chronic conditions (all p < 0.05). The findings highlight substantial knowledge gaps regarding sciatica in the Jazan Region, despite its considerable prevalence. The study underscores the need for targeted educational initiatives, particularly focusing on high-risk groups and preventive strategies. Integration of sciatica awareness programs into primary healthcare services, alongside workplace wellness initiatives, could significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce disease burden.

PMID:41461663 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-27830-z

Cell Death Discov. 2025 Dec 29. doi: 10.1038/s41420-025-02928-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Thin endometrium (TE, ≤7 mm) is widely recognized as a critical cause of infertility, recurrent pregnancy losses, and placental abnormalities. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plays a crucial role in tissue repair, but its effect on endometrial regeneration has been less investigated. We employed a thin endometrium mouse model established through unilateral 95% ethanol injury in an animal study and thin endometrium patients in a parallel clinical study. Both mice and patients were randomly apportioned into two groups: the Saline group and the GM-CSF group. We demonstrate that GM-CSF significantly increases endometrium thickness and gland number, promotes the proliferation of stromal cells, and improves the number of embryo implantation sites in the mouse model (P < 0.05). GM-CSF significantly (P < 0.05) promotes the proliferation of glandular cells, but not stromal cells in humans due to species-specific differential effects. GM-CSF treatment in humans induces upregulation of tissue repair/regeneration genes and enrichment of angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and epithelial proliferation pathways at the transcriptional level. The pregnancy outcomes, implantation rate (24.10% vs. 17.39%), and clinical pregnancy rate (34.78% vs. 26.32%), were both enhanced by GM-CSF compared to the Saline group. The delivery rate shows no statistically significant discrepancy between the two groups. GM-CSF has a positive role in endometrial regeneration and pregnancy outcomes in a thin endometrium. In conclusion, our study provides a novel therapeutic approach for thin endometrium and related infertility.

PMID:41461631 | DOI:10.1038/s41420-025-02928-5

J Prev (2022). 2025 Dec 29. doi: 10.1007/s10935-025-00893-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Self-harm is the most significant risk factor for death by suicide. The aim of this study is to present trends and characteristics of hospital-presenting intentional self-harm and events of undetermined intent in Croatia from 2017 to 2023, with a focus on sex and age differences, in order to identify the at-risk groups towards whom prevention activities should be directed. Data were collected from the National Public Health Information System, and hospitalization rates were analyzed by sex, age, and year of hospitalization. The average hospitalization rate for intentional self-harm was 27.46 per 100,000, while the overall rate (including events of undetermined intent) was 44.47 per 100,000. Trends over the years indicate a general increase in hospitalization rates from 2017 to 2023, with the exception of 2020, when a temporary (statistically non-significant) decline was recorded. The highest rate in the observed period was reached in 2022. Furthermore, significant sex differences were observed. The hospitalization rate for intentional self-harm was statistically significantly higher among females (24% lower in males). However, when events of undetermined intent were included, the hospitalization rate became statistically significantly higher among males (7% higher compared to females). The highest hospitalization rates were recorded among females aged 15-19 years, peaking in 2022 (195.76 per 100,000). It is necessary to strengthen the system of monitoring and diagnostics and to develop targeted, gender-sensitive preventive interventions in order to reduce the risk of self-harm and the associated risk of suicide mortality.

PMID:41461617 | DOI:10.1007/s10935-025-00893-4

Vet Ophthalmol. 2026 Jan;29(1):e70134. doi: 10.1111/vop.70134.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the repeatability, reproducibility, agreement, and safety of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using a Tono-Pen with a polyethylene tip cover (PC) compared to the latex tip cover (LC).

ANIMAL STUDIED: A controlled eye model and healthy canine eyes.

PROCEDURES: Measurements were performed in two phases. In the eye model, 55 intra-balloon pressure levels (10 to 30 mmHg) were tested. Two measurements for each tip cover were performed to assess repeatability and agreement between the LC and PC. In canine eyes, repeatability and reproducibility of the PC were assessed using measurements from two examiners (77 eyes), while agreement between PC and LC was assessed using measurements by one examiner (79 eyes). Statistical analyses included mean differences (MD) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) using the Bland-Altman method, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

RESULTS: In the eye model, MD, LOA, and ICC were 0.02, -4.40 to 4.44, and 0.79 for PC repeatability; -0.25, -4.55 to 4.05, and 0.78 for LC repeatability; 0.56, -5.23 to 6.36, and 0.63 for LC and PC agreement. In canine eyes, MD, LOA, and ICC were -0.08, -4.61 to 4.47, and 0.84 for PC repeatability; -0.14, -5.44 to 5.16, and 0.77 for PC reproducibility; 0.13, -3.87 to 4.13, and 0.84 for LC and PC agreement. No corneal complications were observed in any measurements.

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the conventional LC, the custom-made PC proved to be a safe and reliable alternative tip cover for IOP measurement, demonstrating good repeatability, reproducibility, and agreement.

PMID:41461601 | DOI:10.1111/vop.70134