Significant Correlation Research Articles

Coupling Visual Semantics of Artificial Neural Networks and Human Brain Function via Synchronized Activations

Artificial neural networks (ANNs), originally inspired by biological neural networks (BNNs), have achieved remarkable successes in many tasks such as visual representation learning. However, whether there exists semantic correlations/connections between the visual representations in ANNs and those in BNNs remains largely unexplored due to both the lack of an effective tool to link and couple two different domains, and the lack of a general and effective framework for representing the visual semantics in BNNs such as human functional brain networks (FBNs). To answer this question, we propose a novel computational framework, Synchronized Activations (Sync-ACT), to couple the visual representation spaces and semantics between ANNs and BNNs in human brain based on naturalistic functional magnetic resonance imaging (nfMRI) data. With this approach, we are able to semantically annotate the neurons in ANNs with biologically meaningful descriptions derived from human brain imaging for the first time. We evaluated the Sync-ACT framework on two publicly available movie-watching nfMRI datasets. The experiments demonstrate a) the significant correlation and similarity of the semantics between the visual representations in FBNs and those in a variety of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) models; b) the close relationship between CNN’s visual representation similarity to BNNs and its performance in image classification tasks. Overall, our study introduces a general and effective paradigm to couple the ANNs and BNNs and provides novel insights for future studies such as brain-inspired artificial intelligence.

No correlation found between palpation and ultrasound for evaluation of effusion in the medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joint compartments of horses.

To compare palpation and ultrasound scores of effusion of the medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joints of horses. 40 horses (80 stifles) were evaluated over a 12-week period. Horses > 1 year of age without history of stifle disease were enrolled from September to December 2022. Palpation of right and left medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joint compartments was performed. Amount of effusion was scored by a board-certified large animal surgeon, a third-year large animal surgery resident, and an equine sports medicine intern. Effusion of right and left medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joints was quantified with ultrasound by a board-certified equine sports medicine and rehabilitation clinician. Amount of effusion on palpation and ultrasound was graded as none-mild (1), moderate (2), or severe (3). A 2-way intraclass correlation coefficient evaluated interrater reliability of palpation scores. The Spearman rank correlation determined association between palpation and ultrasound scores. Interrater reliability for palpation of effusion was poor between all observers for all joint compartments. No significant correlation was identified between palpation and ultrasound scores for any joint compartment for any observer. Clinicians often rely on palpation of joint effusion as an indication of stifle pathology. We found interrater reliability to be poor for palpation scores, indicating low agreement for palpation of joint effusion between clinicians within our group. No correlation was found between palpation and ultrasound scores for joint effusion, indicating that clinicians should not rely on palpation alone to quantify joint effusion of the medial femorotibial and femoropatellar joints.

Ablation of histone methyltransferase Suv39h2 in hepatocytes attenuates NASH in mice

AimsNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by aberrant lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. We investigated the involvement of a histone H3K9 methyltransferase Suv39h2 in the pathogenesis of NASH. Methods and materialsNASH is induced by feeding the mice with a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet or a high-fat choline-deficient amino acid defined (HFD-CDAA) diet. The Suv39h2f/f mice were crossbred with the Alb-Cre mice to specifically delete Suv39h2 in hepatocytes. Key findingsAblation of Suv39h2 in hepatocytes improved insulin sensitivity of the mice fed either the HFHC diet or the CDAA-HFD diet. Importantly, Suv39h2 deletion significantly ameliorated NAFLD as evidenced by reduced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. RNA-seq uncovered Vanin-1 (Vnn1) as a novel transcriptional target for Suv39h2. Mechanistically, Suv39h2 repressed Vnn1 transcription in hepatocytes exposed to free fatty acids. Consistently, Vanin-1 knockdown normalized lipid accumulation in Suv39h2-null hepatocytes. Importantly, a significant correlation between Suv39h2, Vanin-1, and hepatic triglyceride levels was identified in NASH patients. SignificanceOur study uncovers a novel mechanism whereby Suv39h2 may contribute to NASH pathogenesis and suggests that targeting the Suv39h2-Vanin-1 axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions against NASH.

Audio-Visual Fission Illusion and Individual Alpha Frequency: Perspective on Buergers and Noppeney (2022).

Integrating visual and auditory information is an important ability in various cognitive processes, although its neural mechanisms remain unclear. Several studies indicated a close relationship between one's temporal binding window (TBW) for audio-visual interaction and their alpha rhythm in the brain (individual alpha frequency or IAF). A recent study by Buergers and Noppeney [Buergers, S., & Noppeney, U. The role of alpha oscillations in temporal binding within and across the senses. Nature Human Behaviour, 6, 732-742, 2022], however, challenged this view using a new approach to analyze behavioral data. Conforming to the same procedures by Buergers and Noppeney, here, I analyzed the data of my previous study and examined a relationship between TBW and IAF. In contrast to Buergers and Noppeney, a significant correlation was found between occipital IAF and a new behavioral measure of TBW. Some possibilities that caused these opposing results, such as a variability of "alpha band" across studies and a large inter-individual difference in magnitude of the fission illusion, are discussed.

Comparing "Meaningful Use" of Health Information Technology in Pennsylvania: Electronic Prescription Rates of Metropolitan and Rural Counties.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act incentivized the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Health systems looked to leverage technology to assist in serving populations in health professional shortage areas. Qualitative research points to EHR usability as a source of health inequities in rural settings, making the challenges of EHR usage a subject of interest. Pennsylvania offers a model for investigating rural health infrastructure with it having the third largest rural population in the United States. This study analyzed the adoption of Electronic Prescribing in the 67 Pennsylvania (PA) counties. Physician adoption and usage data for PA and the United States were compared using a t-test to establish a basis for comparison. PA counties were categorized using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCAs) system. Surescript use percentages were plotted against the RUCA scores of each PA county to create a polynomial regression model. PA office-based physicians, on average, utilize e-prescription tools at the same rate as the national average with 59% of practices utilizing Surescripts as of 2013. There was no significant correlation between Surescript usage and the rural/urban classification of counties in Pennsylvania (R-squared value of 0.06). Pennsylvania was able to adopt health information technology (HIT) infrastructure at the same rate as the national average. Rural and metropolitan definitions do not correlate to meaningful use of HIT, thus usability of HIT cannot be tied to health outcomes. Future studies looking at specific forms of HIT and their ability to decrease the burden of administrative work for clinicians.

Spanish adaptation and validation of sexual distress scale in Colombian population

Background/ObjectiveThe adaptation and validation of measures to assess Sexual Distress (SD) are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) in a Colombian sample and provide a percentile ranking score for a comprehensive understanding of sexual distress among the population. MethodFive hundred ninety-six people from Colombia (50.08 % women; 49.92 % men) aged 18–60 participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses and a convergent validity analysis were performed. ResultsThe SDS showed a high internal consistency (Ω = .95, α = .94) and a unidimensional model. Significative correlations were found between the SDS and related measures with sexual functioning, further supporting its convergent validity. ConclusionsThe SDS is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate SD in Colombians, with implications for clinical practice and sexual health research. More investigations are needed to address the limitations, strengthen the validity and reliability of the scale, and develop specific interventions based on its results.

Alpha Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Substance P as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Disease Activity and Severity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (aCGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) are neuropeptides that have emerged recently as potent immunomodulatory factors with potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aimed to detect serum levels of aCGRP, NPY, and SP in MS patients versus healthy controls and their association with disease activity and severity. Serum levels were measured in MS patients and age and sex-matched healthy controls using ELISA. We included 67 MS patients: 61 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) and 6 progressive MS (PR-MS), and 67 healthy controls. Serum NPY level was found to be lower in MS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum aCGRP level was higher in PR-MS compared to RR-MS (p = 0.007) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), and it positively correlated with EDSS (r = 0.270, p = 0.028). Serum NPY level was significantly higher in RR-MS and PR-MS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and it was lower in patients with mild or moderate/severe disease than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between SP level and MS disease duration (r = -0.279, p = 0.022) and duration of current DMT (r = -0.315, p = 0.042). Lower serum levels of NPY were revealed in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Since serum levels of aCGRP are significantly associated with disease activity and severity, it is a potential disease progression marker.

Correlation between tumor invasion and somatostatin receptor subtypes in acromegaly.

The low expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) subtypes in somatotropinoma is associated with a poor response to somatostatin analogs (SSAs). However, the correlation between SSTRs and tumor invasion has not yet been clarified. Therefore, the authors aimed to investigate the relationship between SSTRs and tumor invasion, as well as the correlation between tumor invasiveness and pharmacological response to SSAs. A total of 102 patients with acromegaly who underwent surgery between December 2016 and December 2021 at the largest pituitary tumor surgery center in southern China were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the noninvasive tumor group (Knosp grades 0-2 and Hardy-Wilson grade I or II) and invasive group (either Knosp grade 3 or 4 or Hardy-Wilson grade III or IV). The positive response to SSAs was defined by the following criteria after at least 3 months of SSA treatment: 1) ≥ 50% reduction or age- and sex-adjusted normal range of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level; 2) ≥ 80% reduction in or normal range of growth hormone (GH) level; or 3) > 20% reduction in tumor volume. The reference for the normal range of age- and sex-adjusted serum IGF-1 levels was derived from a survey of 2791 healthy adults (1339 males and 1452 females) in China. Demographics and clinical characteristics including tumor size, biochemical assessment, expression levels of SSTRs, and response to preoperative SSAs were compared between the invasive group and noninvasive group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the association between SSTR2 and tumor invasion. Compared with the noninvasive group, the invasive group presented with a larger tumor size (9.99 ± 10.41 cm3 vs 3.50 ± 4.02 cm3, p < 0.001), relatively lower SSTR2 expression (p < 0.001), and poorer response to SSAs (36.4% vs 91.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between SSTR2 mRNA level and tumor size (r = -0.214, p = 0.031). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of SSTR1, SSTR3, and SSTR5 between the groups. ROC analysis revealed that the low SSTR2 mRNA level was closely associated with tumor invasion (area under the curve 0.805, p < 0.0001). Tumor invasion is negatively correlated with SSTR2 level but is not associated with other SSTR subtypes. Patients with invasive tumors have a poorer response to SSA therapy, which may be due to the low level of SSTR2 expression. Therefore, SSTR2 could be considered as a routine investigative marker for aiding management of postoperative residual tumors.

The effect of the back optic zone diameter on the treatment zone area and axial elongation in orthokeratology.

To investigate the influence of corneal parameters on the treatment zone area (TZA) after Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) with a 5.0-mm back optical zone diameter (BOZD) were worn and to compare changes in the axial length (AL) with traditional 6.0-mm BOZD lenses. This retrospective study involved 146 subjects (7-12years) who wore orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses for one year: 86 subjects were treated with CRT 5.0-mm lenses, and 60 subjects were treated with CRT 6.0-mm lenses. The TZA was measured after one year of ortho-K treatment. Both TZA and AL elongation after wearing the two kinds of lenses was compared. The parameters were recorded in the CRT 5.0 group: flat K, steep K, corneal toricity, e value, and anterior corneal elevation values at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chords along the principal meridians of the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal sides. The relationships between these data and the TZA were analyzed. The TZA was 12.90±5.15mm2 and 20.61±4.54mm2, and the AL elongation was 0.15±0.18mm and 0.26±0.18mm in the CRT 5.0 group and the CRT 6.0 group, respectively (all p<0.001). The one-year AL elongation was significantly associated with initial age and the TZA (r=-0.394, 0.393; all p<0.001) in the CRT 5.0 group. The following corneal parameters were found to have statistically significant correlations with the TZA: the e value, difference in corneal elevation (nasal-temporal at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chord), and the absolute value of elevation difference (nasal-temporal at the 3- and 4-mm chord and inferior-superior at the 3-, 4-, and 5-mm chord). The e value was the only relevant factor for the TZA by multiple regression analysis (unstandardized β=14.219, p=0.008). In the CRT 6.0 group, the one-year AL elongation was statistically significantly associated only with initial age (r=-0.605, p=0.005), but not with the TZA (p=0.161). A smaller TZA induced by a smaller BOZD may be beneficial for retarding AL elongation in children undergoing ortho-K treatment. The morphology and eccentricity of the cornea may show effects on the TZA.

Interleukin (IL)-23, IL-31, and IL-33 Play a Role in the Course of Autoimmune Endocrine Diseases.

Interleukins (IL)-23, 31, and 33 are involved in the regulation of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells balance. The role of IL-23, 31 and 33 in non-endocrine autoimmune diseases has been confirmed. Data on the involvement of these cytokines in endocrine autoimmune diseases are limited. This study aimed to determine the involvement of cytokines regulating the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells axis in the course of autoimmune endocrine diseases. A total number of 80 participants were divided into 4 groups: the autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) group consisting of APS type 2 (APS-2) and type 3 (APS-3) subgroups, the Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) group, the Graves' disease (GD) group and the control (C) group. Fifteen cytokines related to Th17 and Treg lymphocytes were determined in the serum of all participants. Higher levels of IL-23 and IL-31 were found in the APS, GD, and HT groups compared to the C group. Higher levels of IL-23 and IL-31 were also observed in the APS-2 group, in contrast to the APS-3 group. Correlation analysis of variables in the groups showed a statistically significant correlation between the cytokines IL-23, IL-31, and IL-33 in the APS and APS-2 groups, but no correlation in the APS-3 and C groups. IL-23 and IL-31 are independent factors in the course of HT, GD, and APS-2, in contrast to APS-3. The positive correlation between IL-23 and IL-31, IL-23 and IL-33, and between IL-31 and IL-33 in the APS, APS-2 groups, but the lack of correlation in the APS-3 and C groups may further suggest the involvement of these cytokines in the course of Addison's disease.

Land use and topographic controls on soil chemical properties in some selected sites of the North West Region of Cameroon

ABSTRACT Land use change affects soil forming processes and modifies site conditioning factors. This paper evaluates land use and topographic controls on soil chemical properties in selected sites of the North West Region of Cameroon. Three topographic zones comprising; low altitude (<1200m), mid-altitude (1200-1500m), and high altitude (˃1500m), under four land use types were studied. 60 soil samples were collected on plots of 30m2, at 0-20cm depth and subjected to chemical analyses. Significant relationships between variables were established via ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation tests. The results revealed significant correlation between soil properties at (P<0.05) and (P<0.01) confident intervals between soil properties with land use and elevation classes. A significant decline (P< 0.01) was observed in the concentrations of pH, Base Saturation (BS), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), Total Nitrogen (TN), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Soil Organic Matter (SOM), Phosphorus (P) and exchangeable bases in farmlands. Soil chemical properties showed variations across land uses and elevation classes. Soil pH, BS, CEC, SOC, SOM, P, and Ca2+ were statistically significant with topographic variations, while BS, CEC, TN, and Mg2+ varied significantly with land use. Exchangeable potassium (K+) and exchangeable sodium (Na+) showed no significant variations with land use and topographic position.

Instructional Leadership and School Effectiveness: A Correlational Study at Secondary Level Institutions in the Context of District Bannu

This study examines the correlation between instructional leadership and school effectiveness at secondary-level institutions in the context of district Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This study aimed to find out this relationship through a correlational research design. All 1511 teachers from 100 public sector secondary level schools constituted the population of this study. A close-ended 7-point Likert scale questionnaire comprising of 45 items was utilized by the researcher to obtain data from 306 teachers of 80 secondary-level institutions through a stratified random technique. The data that was obtained was analyzed through SPSS using Pearson’s R statistics. The findings reveal a strong, significant correlation between instructional leadership and school effectiveness. The study clearly confirmed that the explicit role of an instructional leader leads to successful school effectiveness.

Examination of the Relationship Between Physical Activity, Perceived Stress and Sleep Quality of Nursıng Students: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study

Nursing students often experience challenges related to sleep quality, which can have implications for their overall well-being and academic performance. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between physical activity, perceived stress, and sleep quality among senior nursing students. This study employed a cross-sectional and correlational design. The study was conducted between September and Ocober 2021, involving senior nursing students who were undergoing practical training in a state hospital. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the "Introductory Information Form," "International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short)/IPAQ" "Perceived Stress Scale/PSS" and "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index/PSQI". Out of 42 students, 40 students participated in the study. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, minimum and maximum scores, mean scores, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation test. The mean score for physical activity assessed using the IPAQ was 1051.38±890.17 MET (metabolic equivalent), the average score on the PSS was 27.88±8.72, and the average score on the PSQI was 14.10±2.38. The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between sleep quality and physical activity levels (p≤0.05). Furthermore, a positive and moderate relationship was observed between sleep quality and perceived stress levels (p≤0.05). The findings indicate that nursing students have moderate levels of physical activity and perceived stress, and their sleep quality is considerably low.

Career Persuasion Attitude and Anuptaphobia: The Moderating Role of Exposure to Romantic Media Contents

The aim of the study was to explore the association between career persuasion attitude and anuptaphobia and to see the moderating role of exposure to romantic media content between these variables among unmarried women. Unmarried women (n=282) aged 25-35 (M = 26.24, SD = 1.45) were collected from universities. The sample was purposive taken from Lahore, Pakistan. A correlational research design was used for the study. Career aspiration scale-R (Gregor &amp; O'Brien, 2015), perceived realism scale (Rubin, 1985), fantasy rumination scale (Segrin &amp; Nabi, 2002) and fear of being single scale (Speilmann et al., 2013) were used to collect data. Results revealed a non-significant correlation between career persuasion attitude and anuptaphobia. However, a significant positive correlation between romantic media content and anuptaphobia was found. Regression analysis showed that the number of hours spent on romantic media and its exposure to romantic content was the predictors of anuptaphobia. Regarding the moderation analysis, exposure to romantic media was not a moderator between career persuasion attitude and anuptaphobia. However, findings of the t-test revealed significant educational aspiration and anuptaphobia among the PhD and M Phil groups. The research highlighted the importance of balanced media consumption as this could potentially help reduce anxieties related to being unmarried.

Acil Abdominal Cerrahi Yapılan COVID-19 Hastalarında Postoperatif Komplikasyonların Öngördürücüleri

Amaç: COVID-19 dünya çapında hızla yayılması ve pandemi haline gelmesi, cerrahi hastalarda postoperatif komplikasyonların insidansında da artışa neden oldu. Acil ameliyata alınan hastalarda COVID-19 pozitifliğinin ameliyat sonrası komplikasyonları etkileyebileceği açıktır. Bu çalışmada acil abdominal cerrahi uygulanan COVID-19 hastalarında postoperatif komplikasyonlar için öngördürücü faktörlerin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.&#x0D; Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada acil abdominal cerrahi uygulanan ve perioperatif 72 saat içerisinde COVID-19 Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu (PCR) testi pozitif sonuçlanan 52 hasta retrospektif olarak değerlendirildi.&#x0D; Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen hastaların medyan yaşı 50.5’di (aralık: 18-83). 30 günlük mortalite oranı %15.4 olarak saptandı. Postoperatif komplikasyon oranı %23.1’di. Postoperatif komplikasyon durumu ile yaş (p=0.003) ve preoperatif hemoglobin değeri (p=0.001) arasında anlamlı bir ilişki saptandı. Yaş ve hemoglobinin birlikte değerlendirilmesinin postoperatif komplikasyonlar için sensivitesinin %91.7, spesifitesinin %87.5 olduğu görüldü (p

Konjenital kalp hastalarında ameliyat öncesi beslenme durumunun ameliyat sonrası mortalite ve morbidite ile ilişkisi

Amaç: Bu çalışma konjenital kalp hastalığı nedeniyle ameliyat edilecek çocuk hastaların preoperatif beslenme durumu ile&#x0D; postoperatif morbidite ve mortalite arasındaki ilişkisini saptamak amacıyla planlanmıştır.&#x0D; Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya konjenital kalp hastalığı nedeniyle ameliyat edilmek üzere hastaneye yatırılan 36 çocuk (3-60 ay) hasta dahil edilmiştir. Ameliyat öncesi hastaların beslenme durum değerlendirmesinde triseps deri kıvrım kalınlığı (TDKK) ölçümleri kullanılmıştır. Operasyon sonrası hastaların yoğun bakımda kalış süreleri, mekanik ventilatörde kalış süreleri, inotrop gereksinimleri ve süreleri ile 30 günlük mortalite kaydedilmiştir.&#x0D; Bulgular: Preoperatif dönemde hastaların %8.3’ünün TDKK Z-skor değerleri 0.05) arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı fark bulunmamıştır.&#x0D; Sonuçlar: Konjenital kalp hastalığı olan çocuk hastalarda preoperatif beslenme durum ile postoperatif morbidite ve mortalite arasında anlamlı bir ilişki saptanmamıştır.

The dynamics of microRNAs level associated with pathological venous angiogenesis in experimental toxic liver fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND: It is known that miRNAs are important in liver fibrogenesis. However, their use as targets for early diagnosis and treatment of fibrosis is far from use in clinical practice. Angiogenesis and sinusoid capillarization are important histological features of the process. Studies regarding the role of miRNAs in pathological angiogenesis and sinusoid capillarization are insufficient.&#x0D; AIM: To study the molecular targets (miRNAs and mRNAs) dynamics of associated with pathological angiogenesis in toxic fibrosis of the liver; to evaluate the relationship of the selected molecular factors to the processes of restructuring the intrahepatic vascular system.&#x0D; METHODS: Fibrosis and subsequent cirrhosis of the liver in rats of the Wistar line (males) were induced for 17 weeks by a freshly prepared solution of thioacetamide. The level of miRNA-19а-3р, miRNA-29b-3р, miRNA-29b-1-5p, miRNA-34b-5р, miRNA-125b-5р, miRNA-130a-5p, miRNA-195-5р, miRNA-449а-5р, miRNA-449с-5р, miRNA-466d, miRNA-489-3р, miRNA-495, miRNA-664-3р, miRNA-3085, miRNA-3558-3р in fresh frozen liver samples, was determined by Two-tailed RT-qPCR.&#x0D; RESULTS: In this study, we found that throughout the experiment, the relative level of microRNAs varied in a wide range of values (10–3–104 rel. units). In most cases, it decreased at the point of transition from fibrosis to cirrhosis, while growth was observed only for microRNA-29b-3p. Statistically significant correlation relationships were established between microRNAs and the number of interlobular veins, interlobular arteries, sinusoids, and the area of connective tissue (p 0.05).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: A joint analysis of morphological and molecular-genetic parameters allowed us to suggest that within the framework of the current experimental model of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, the restructuring of the intrahepatic vascular bed and the progression of fibrosis are associated with the dynamics of the level of a number of microRNAs that we studied and Ang mRNA level.

Patient profiles and success rates under different sedation techniques in a tertiary care center.

Sedation is commonly utilized for individuals otherwise unable to receive dental treatment, such as those with disabilities, medically complex conditions, and dentophobics. The aim was to characterize the profiles of patients receiving various types of sedation and assess the corresponding success rates. This was a 5-year records-based retrospective study. Data regarding the indication for sedation, medical history, sedation type, and treatments performed were recorded. In total, 103 patients underwent 389 treatment sessions under sedation; 42.7% of the patients were disabled. The most commonly administered sedation was moderate sedation, (49.4%), followed by deep (36.8%) and inhaled sedation (13.9%). Successful treatment results were achieved in 96.1% of sessions, with no adverse effects noted during recovery. The high success rates were independent of patient age, sex, and sedation type. There was a positive association between the indication for sedation and the type of sedation. The medically complex patients and the dentophobic patients received mainly moderate sedation (85.3% and 58.2%, respectively), whereas the disabled patients received deep sedation (51.2%). In total, 94% of patients were returning (re-visiting) patients. A statistically significant association was found between the type of sedation administered and the success rate during the first and last sessions (P < .001). The success rate at the first session may be predictive of the success in subsequent sessions. A significant positive correlation was found between patient characteristics and the chosen sedation type leading to a high success rate across the various sedation modalities.

Tensorial Evolutionary Optimization for Natural Image Matting

Natural image matting has garnered increasing attention in various computer vision applications. The matting problem aims to find the optimal foreground/background (F/B) color pair for each unknown pixel and thus obtain an alpha matte indicating the opacity of the foreground object. This problem is typically modeled as a large-scale pixel pair combinatorial optimization (PPCO) problem. Heuristic optimization is widely employed to tackle the PPCO problem owing to its gradient-free property and promising search ability. However, traditional heuristic methods often encode F/B solutions to a one-dimensional (1D) representation and then evolve the solutions in a 1D manner. This 1D representation destroys the intrinsic two-dimensional (2D) structure of images, where the significant spatial correlations among pixels are ignored. Moreover, the 1D representation also brings operation inefficiency. To address the above issues, this article develops a spatial-aware tensorial evolutionary image matting (TEIM) method. Specifically, the matting problem is modeled as a 2D Spatial-PPCO (S-PPCO) problem, and a global tensorial evolutionary optimizer is proposed to tackle the S-PPCO problem. The entire population is represented as a whole by a third-order tensor, in which individuals are classified into two types: F and B individuals for denoting the 2D F/B solutions, respectively. The evolution process, consisting of three tensorial evolutionary operators, is implemented based on pure tensor computation for efficiently seeking F/B solutions. The local spatial smoothness of images is also integrated into the evaluation process for obtaining a high-quality alpha matte. Experimental results compared with state-of-the-art methods validate the effectiveness of TEIM.

Perception and Knowledge of Solar Photovoltaic Technology in Climate Change Mitigation by Households in Embu County, Kenya

Climatic changes continue to impact our ecosystems and livelihoods globally. In the past few decades, have experienced an increase in unpredictable and extreme weather events, precipitating to the three planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Embu County in Kenya has not been spared from the resultant climate change impacts. Although globally solar energy is promoted as a sustainable source of energy, its uptake in Embu County remains low. The study sought to assess the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology by households in climate change mitigation and identify the determinants of solar photovoltaic technology uptake. Cross sectional data from a sample size of 395 households in Mbeere- north Sub County in Embu County was collected using data collection tools including questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed to select the respondents for inclusion in the study. After data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed to analyze the data including SPSS (statistical package for the social sciences). The results indicate an overall increasing temperature and overall decreasing rainfall in Embu County. Income demonstrated a greater influence compared to other factors in determining the decision to adopt solar appliances at p =0.397. A significant proportion of respondents (36.9%) reported having limited awareness of climate change and its impacts. Social and mass media were main sources of climate information. There was a positive significant correlation between respondents who displayed awareness of climate change and its impacts and the adoption of solar energy and awareness on solar energy adoption as a solution to climate change at p values of 0.348 and 0.140. The results assisted in assessing the uptake of solar photovoltaic in climate change mitigation in Embu County and identify the determinants driving households on the uptake of solar photovoltaic technology.