Search Results (9,220)

Effective integrated pest management (IPM) relies on precise knowledge of pest developmental biology, particularly the identification of larval instars, which is fundamental for predicting population dynamics and timing control interventions. This study established a morphometric framework for the larval staging of a sap beetle pest infesting pear orchards. Specimens were collected and reared under laboratory conditions, with their identity confirmed as Urophorus humeralis through integrated morphological and molecular (COI barcoding) analysis. To determine the number of larval instars, head capsule width (HCW), inter-antennal distance (IAD), and inter-caudal distance (ICD) were measured. Frequency distribution analysis and validation using Dyar’s rule via linear regression revealed three distinct larval instars. Head capsule width was identified as the most reliable and consistent morphological character for instar discrimination. This study reports for the first time the infestation of pear fruits by U. humeralis and provides detailed morphometric criteria for larval staging, delivering essential baseline data for the biology of Nitidulidae and a scientific basis for developing stage-specific pest management strategies. Full article

Based on the follow-up of patients who recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, several reports of people who re-tested positive have been described. This may result from viral reactivation, true reinfection, superinfection, or an initial infection by more than one virus (multiple infection). These scenarios can only be correctly distinguished through viral quasispecies analysis. Herein, 26 cancer patients under extended follow-up for SARS-CoV-2 infection were submitted to multiple longitudinal analyses through nucleic acid isolation, PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing. SARS-CoV-2 classification and the definition of cases as persistent or repeated infections were based on phylogenetic reconstruction. Supported by their viral complete genomes and intrahost quasispecies over time, the different scenarios were identified. Nine confirmed and 12 plausible persistence cases were identified. Virus evolution dynamics in the intrahost population from patients with persistent infection was shown for the first time. Regarding reinfection, three confirmed and two plausible cases were identified, including one case of multiple infection. Altogether, this is the first study that analyzes the plethora of SARS-CoV-2 within-host minor variants and describes reinfections, multiple infections and viral evolution across time in cancer patients, contributing to the understanding of SARS-CoV-2’s within-host population dynamics in the natural history of COVID-19. Full article

Background: Turner syndrome is a genotypic disorder in females characterized by the total or partial absence of an X chromosome. While cardiovascular issues and sensorineural hearing loss are well-documented, vestibular system involvement remains understudied. This study aims to examine vestibular system involvement in patients with Turner syndrome and assess if they exhibit a higher prevalence of peripheral vestibular pathology compared to the general population. Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted with 21 Turner syndrome patients and 21 age-matched controls. Evaluations included clinical history, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, the Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) to measure vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, and computerized dynamic posturography, specifically the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Stability Limits Analysis. Results: Turner syndrome patients showed significantly higher hearing thresholds across all frequencies compared to controls (p < 0.001). In the vHIT, 30% of the Turner group presented pathological results, with significant gain reductions in the right horizontal and left posterior semicircular canals. Posturography revealed a significant reduction in overall stability (p = 0.006) and a significantly lower vestibular index (p = 0.011) in the Turner group. Additionally, patients with Turner syndrome demonstrated significant impairments in directional control, reaction time, and excursion points during Stability Limits Analysis. Conclusions: Patients with Turner syndrome are more likely to experience vestibular disorders, a finding likely associated with estrogen deficiency and the loss of its protective effect on the inner ear. These results highlight the necessity of including vestibular and posturographic assessments in the routine clinical follow-up of these patients to facilitate early detection and rehabilitation, even in the absence of overt symptoms like vertigo. Full article

During pandemic emergencies, demand for relief supplies in affected areas surges abruptly and evolves randomly and dynamically, resulting in highly asymmetric supply and demand. Ensuring timely and reliable supply requires robust decision-making under risk. This study addresses a stochastic multi-objective location-routing problem (LRP) that simultaneously considers demand uncertainty and travel time variability. A multi-scenario stochastic programming model is developed with three objectives: minimizing total system cost, minimizing total waiting time, and minimizing the composite conditional value at risk (CVaR–Rcomp) to capture tail risks under extreme scenarios. A novel regret-based risk mechanism is introduced to unify temporal and cost dimensions, enabling joint evaluation of uncertainties within a single framework. To solve this challenging high-dimensional problem, a reinforcement learning-enhanced NSGA-III (RL-NSGAIII) is proposed. Specifically, Q-learning generates high-quality initial solutions, which accelerate convergence and improve population diversity for NSGA-III. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms traditional evolutionary algorithms in convergence efficiency and Pareto solution quality, while effectively revealing potential risk blind spots. The results provide quantitative decision support and robust optimization insights for emergency logistics networks operating under uncertain conditions. Full article

Background/Objective: Breast cancer is one of the leading diseases affecting the Brazilian population and is often diagnosed at advanced stages. Due to its heterogeneity, treatment involves multiple therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to characterize the profile of patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer in a private hospital in southern Brazil, and to assess the physical and psychological effects associated with different therapeutic modalities. Methods: An ambidirectional longitudinal cohort study was conducted from September 2018 to December 2024, incorporating retrospective data since 2013. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected, and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) using the QLQ-C30 Summary Score (QLQ-BR23, FACT-ES, BREAST-Q, LMC21) and Symptom Global Score questionnaires were analyzed using mixed-effects models to evaluate physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and overall quality-of-life domains, as well as body image. The temporal trend of time-to-treatment was assessed via linear regression. Results: Among 871 individuals evaluated, 98.4% were female, and invasive ductal carcinoma was the predominant histological type (75.1%). Radiotherapy was one of the most frequently used treatment modalities (39.2%), while immunotherapy had the lowest usage rate (2.7%). A significant reduction in the time between diagnosis and initiation of treatment was observed from 2013 to 2024 (from 21.0 to 10.9 days; p < 0.01), reflecting improvements in healthcare services. Mixed-effects models for PROMs indicated significant improvements across all assessed domains (p < 0.01) over the 48-month follow-up, despite a median follow-up of 22 months. Conclusions: High-quality and timely oncological care provided to breast cancer patients in a private hospital in southern Brazil demonstrates the implementation of a dynamic, agile, and human-centered care model, contributing to improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes validated by robust longitudinal analysis. Full article

Falls pose severe risks to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and individuals with adverse neurological conditions, necessitating reliable and non-obstructive detection systems. While previous multi-modal approaches utilizing video and audio have demonstrated strong performance, they face significant limitations regarding sensitivity to environmental noise. This paper presents a robust, video-only fall detection framework that eliminates reliance on acoustic data to enhance universality. We conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of five optical flow (OF) algorithms—Horn–Schunck, Lucas–Kanade (LK), LK-Derivative of Gaussian, Farneback, and the spectral method SOFIA—to determine the range of applicability of each technique for capturing fall dynamics. Beyond detection accuracy, we investigate the computational efficiency of each configuration. This optimized, privacy-centric pipeline offers a scalable solution for continuous monitoring in home and clinical settings, addressing the critical need for immediate intervention following high-impact falls. Full article

Introduction: Understanding superficial epigastric vessel anatomy is crucial for abdominal surgeries like laparoscopy, especially in neonates, to prevent injury. While standard courses are described, variations occur. This case report highlights a unique anatomical variation in the superficial epigastric artery found during the dissection of a stillborn neonatal cadaver. Case Report: In contrast to the usual origin from the femoral artery, this variation features the inferior epigastric artery penetrating the anterior abdominal wall near the umbilicus and branching superiorly to supply the superficial abdominal wall. Conclusions: This distinctive vascular configuration, which to the best of our knowledge has not been previously described in neonatal anatomical literature, diverges from the typical symmetrical arrangement and previously reported variations. The study stresses the clinical importance of this finding, especially for laparoscopic procedures in neonates. During trocar placement, surgeons should be cognizant of such variations to reduce the risk of iatrogenic injuries, including rectus sheath hematoma. The report highlights the need for further investigation to establish the prevalence of this variation and its potential effects on surgical safety and outcomes in a broader neonatal population, which may also reflect the dynamic vascular remodeling that occurs during early developmental stages. Full article

Large-scale forest ecological restoration is commonly expected to improve habitat quality and promote population growth of forest-dependent herbivores. Yet, whether vegetation recovery facilitates or constrains herbivore growth and habitat use at local scales within nature reserves remains unclear, as vegetation recovery and canopy closure might alter forage availability and lead to ecological mismatch between vegetation features and population dynamic. Here, we used the endangered species South China sika deer as the study species, and its dominant distribution region—Qingliangfeng Biosphere Reserve—as the study area. Using decadal camera-trapping data (2015–2024) and extracted vegetation and other environmental variables, we quantified decadal trends in sika deer activity intensity and interannual variation in vegetation (leaf area index, LAI, and normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI). We incorporated topographic and anthropogenic disturbance variables and applied generalized linear mixed models and generalized linear models to analyze its habitat use. We found that: (1) Numbers of independent photographs and the relative abundance index of sika deer increased significantly and consistently from 2015 to 2024. (2) LAI exhibited substantial interannual variability without a stable trend. In contrast, segmented regression identified a clear temporal breakpoint in NDVI, with a significant increasing trend before 2021 followed by a pronounced decline thereafter. (3) In all years, distance to settlement had a significant and negative effect on activity intensity, whereas distance to road, elevation, and year had significant positive effects. LAI and NDVI showed negative and weak effects on sika deer activity intensity. In specific years, LAI had a significantly negative effect in early periods whereas NDVI became significantly negative in mid and late periods. Other environmental variables exhibited interannual heterogeneity. Our findings demonstrate that vegetation recovery within the reserve does not automatically improve habitats for forest-dependent herbivores and could lead to a potential ecological mismatch. Full article

Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera, Alydidae) is widely distributed across East Asia, where significant genetic differentiation may occur among geographic populations. To understand the genetic structure, historical dynamics, and formation of geographic distribution patterns in China, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis using three mitochondrial genes (COI, COII, Cytb) from 35 populations. After PCR amplification, we performed genetic diversity analysis, Fst/Nm estimation, phylogenetic reconstruction (ML, BI, NJ), haplotype network, AMOVA, neutrality tests, mismatch distribution, and molecular dating. Results revealed high genetic diversity (Hd > 0.81, π > 0.011), an AT-rich base composition, and faster evolution at the first codon position. Genetic and geographic distances were significantly correlated, with high Fst values indicating strong differentiation, especially between southwestern/southern and other populations. Two main clades were identified: Clade 1 (mainly southern and southwestern China) and Clade 2 (central, northern, northwestern, and northeastern China). A star-like haplotype network and neutrality tests suggested a rapid expansion around 0.019–0.022 Ma (Last Glacial Maximum), and molecular dating estimated the main split at ~0.029 Ma. AMOVA and Gst/Nst confirmed significant phylogeographic structure with most variation among populations. This study provides initial evidence for the genetic differentiation and evolutionary history of R. pedestris in China, demonstrating that its population structure was shaped by climatic changes and geographical isolation, providing key insights into its adaptive evolution and dispersal. Full article

The modeling and control of photovoltaic and other engineering systems highly depend on the accuracy of parameter identification. However, parameter extraction for photovoltaic equivalent models typically presents a high-dimensional, strongly nonlinear, and multimodal global optimization problem. Traditional analytical or gradient-based methods are sensitive to initial values and easily fall into local optima. To address this issue, this paper proposes a multi-strategy improvement teaching–learning-based optimization algorithm (SNTLBO). A social learning network structure with symmetric interaction topology is introduced into the classical TLBO framework to characterize the knowledge propagation relationships among individuals. Through this symmetric and balanced information exchange mechanism, learners can be guided not only by the teacher but also by multiple neighbors within the network, enabling more diverse and symmetric exploration of the search space and enhancing population diversity and global search capability. Furthermore, a teacher reputation mechanism is constructed, where historical performance is used to weight teacher influence, strengthening the guidance of high-quality solutions and accelerating convergence. Meanwhile, an adaptive teaching factor is designed to dynamically adjust the teaching intensity based on the distance between the teacher and students in the solution space, maintaining a dynamic balance (symmetry) between exploration and exploitation. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, SNTLBO is systematically compared with 11 advanced optimization algorithms on two benchmark test suites, CEC2017 (30D, 50D) and CEC2022 (10D, 20D). Non-parametric statistical tests are conducted to assess significance. The results demonstrate that SNTLBO shows competitive advantages in terms of convergence speed, solution accuracy, and stability. Finally, SNTLBO is applied to the parameter estimation of single-diode, double-diode, triple-diode, quadruple-diode, and photovoltaic module models. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves higher identification accuracy and robustness in terms of RMSE, IAE, and I–V/P–V curve fitting, verifying its effectiveness and practical value for complex global optimization and practical engineering applications. Full article

The large-scale grid integration of distributed renewable energy enhances the flexible regulation capacity of the power system. However, the inherent randomness and volatility of its output, coupled with weak coupling access characteristics, pose severe challenges to the safe and stable operation of the power system. To address these issues, this paper proposes a power system planning method suitable for urban power grids. To accurately characterize the uncertainty of renewable energy output, the method incorporates the concept of multi-scenario stochastic optimization and introduces a dynamic scenario generation method for wind and solar power based on nonparametric kernel density estimation and standard multivariate normal distribution sequence sampling. This method generates a set of typical daily dynamic output scenarios for wind and solar power that closely match actual output characteristics. Considering the spatiotemporal response characteristics of flexible resources, the Soft Open Point (SOP) DC link enables flexible cross-node power transmission and spatiotemporal coupling regulation of flexible resources. Therefore, this paper constructs a mathematical model for the grid integration of flexible resources based on the SOP DC link. By integrating operational constraints such as power flow constraints in the power grid and source-load uncertainty constraints, a power system planning model is established. However, traditional convex optimization methods require approximate simplifications of the model, which can easily lead to a loss of accuracy. Although the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is suitable for nonlinear optimization, it is prone to getting trapped in local optima. Therefore, this paper introduces an improved PSO algorithm based on refraction opposite learning, which enhances the algorithm’s global optimization capability by expanding the particle search space and increasing population diversity. Finally, simulation verification is conducted based on an improved IEEE-39 bus test system, and the results show that the proposed scenario generation method achieves a sum of squared errors of only 4.82% and a silhouette coefficient of 0.94, significantly improving accuracy compared to traditional methods such as Monte Carlo sampling. Full article

Microplastic pollution has become widespread in aquatic ecosystems worldwide; however, its consequences for ecosystem service provision and fisheries’ long-term sustainability remain poorly integrated across scientific disciplines. While previous reviews have primarily focused on sources, distribution patterns, and toxicological responses, this review advances the field by synthesizing existing evidence through an ecosystem-service framework. Specifically, it integrates organism-level biological responses with population dynamics and fishery productivity to evaluate how microplastic exposure may influence provisioning, regulating, and supporting services. It also critically provides patterns of sublethal effects, trophic transfer dynamics, and interactions with co-stressors. Particular attention is given to the challenge of scaling from physiological responses to measurable impacts on biomass production, recruitment stability, and habitat functionality. To clarify these linkages, the review provides a structured synthesis of service pathways connecting microplastic exposure to fishery-relevant outcomes and highlights priority research gaps necessary for quantitative risk assessment. In conclusion, advancing sustainability assessments requires long-term, field-based integration of ecotoxicology, population modeling, and ecosystem process metrics. By reframing microplastic pollution within a service-delivery context, this review offers a focused analytical foundation for evaluating its significance to sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource governance. Full article

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable clinical success in B cell malignancies. However, its efficacy in solid tumors remains limited, in part due to suboptimal expansion, persistence, and restrained effector function. Strategies that promote durable CAR-T cell fitness are therefore required to overcome these barriers. In this study, we generated HER2-CAR-T cells targeting human breast cancer cells and evaluated the impact of different cytokine supplementation strategies on CAR-T cell phenotype and function. We analyzed gene expression patterns and performed repetitive tumor killing assays to assess the ability of CAR-T cells expanded with IL-2 + IL-7 + IL-15 compared with IL-2 alone to maintain proliferation and cytotoxic function across multiple rounds of tumor cell exposure. Compared with IL-2 alone, supplementation with IL-7 and IL-15 significantly enhanced CAR-T cell expansion, preserved stem cell-like features prior to antigen encounter, and promoted superior proliferative capacity. Moreover, CAR-T cells cultured with IL-7+15 or IL-2+7+15 maintained sustained cytotoxicity and exhibited increased antitumor cytokine production during repeated tumor challenges. Notably, IL-7 and IL-15 supplementation induced a CD57⁺ CAR-T cell population that, unlike the immunosenescent CD57⁺ cells reported previously, retained full proliferative and cytotoxic capacity, with CD57 expression being dynamically downregulated upon antigen stimulation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that incorporation of IL-7 and IL-15 into CAR-T cell manufacturing protocols substantially improves expansion, persistence, and effector function, supporting their use as a strategy to enhance CAR-T cell performance against solid tumors. Full article

This paper proposes an impulsive SIRQ model for the analysis of computer network resilience against malware propagation and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. The model extends classical epidemic frameworks by combining the continuous-time dynamics of malicious object spreading with discrete control actions corresponding to mass updates, node isolation, and access control policies. A qualitative analysis of the resulting system of impulsive differential equations is performed. The basic reproduction number ${\mathcal{R}}_0$, identified as a threshold parameter characterizing the intensity of attack propagation, and sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the infection-free state are established. It is shown that, under periodic impulsive control, the infection-free state can be stabilized with respect to the target population coordinates even when ${\mathcal{R}}_0>1$. An exponential decay estimate for the total active threat is derived, guaranteeing the asymptotic extinction of the infected and quarantined node populations. The proposed approach provides quantitative criteria for the effectiveness of impulsive cyber defense strategies and offers a theoretical foundation for the design of adaptive multi-layer protection systems for critical information infrastructures. Practical interpretation of the results illustrates the dependence of the critical impulsive control period on the model parameters and demonstrates the applicability of the approach to cybersecurity strategy design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The 2023 American Heart Association PREVENT equations represent a contemporary approach to cardiovascular risk estimation, yet they rely on resting clinical and biochemical parameters. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PREVENT-estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk and treadmill exercise testing (TET)-derived physiological variables. Methods: We conducted a single-center observational study of 391 participants (mean age 42.9 ± 9.0 years, 56.8% male) who underwent symptom-limited treadmill testing. Ten-year cardiovascular risk was estimated using PREVENT for total cardiovascular disease (CVD), ASCVD, and heart failure (HF). Hierarchical multivariable regression was performed using log-transformed PREVENT risk estimates to quantify the incremental association of exercise capacity (METs), hemodynamic markers (double product), autonomic recovery (heart rate recovery), and the ST/HR index beyond demographic (age, sex, BMI) and extended clinical base models incorporating available PREVENT input covariates. Results: Beyond the demographic base model, treadmill parameters were significantly associated with log-transformed PREVENT-CVD risk (ΔR² = 0.026, p < 0.001; Cohen’s f² = 0.154). Double product (standardized β = 0.116), HRR at 1 min (standardized β = −0.081), and maximum METs (standardized β = −0.079) were independently associated with risk estimates. However, when the full set of available PREVENT input covariates was included in the base model, the incremental association was negligible (ΔR² = 0.0004, p = 0.386), indicating substantial overlap between exercise-derived physiology and PREVENT-embedded clinical information. The incremental association was greatest in participants with intermediate (1–5%) and higher (≥5%) estimated risk (ΔR² = 0.052 and 0.246, respectively). Approximately 14% of participants shifted to a different quartile of estimated risk after inclusion of treadmill data. Conclusions: Treadmill-derived physiological parameters are significantly associated with PREVENT-estimated cardiovascular risk, but this association largely reflects shared pathophysiology with PREVENT input variables rather than statistically independent incremental information. Exercise testing may serve as a physiological complement to static risk estimation, particularly in intermediate-risk populations, by providing a dynamic physiological assessment that complements resting clinical measurements. Prospective studies with adjudicated cardiovascular outcomes are needed before clinical implementation. Full article