Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determining Age of Horses by Their Teeth

The art of determining the age of horses by inspection of the teeth is an old one. It can be developed to a consider­ able degree of accuracy in detetmining the age of young horses. The probability of error increases as age advances and becomes a guess after the horse reaches 10 to 14 years of age. Stabled animals tend to appear younger than they are, where­ as those grazing sandy areas, such as range horses, appear relatively old because of wear on the reeth. Horses, like people, vary considerably in vigor and longev­ ity. Generally speaking, they have passed their physical peak when they reach 9 to 10 years of age, and the chance of an unsoundness being present has increased. (See MU Guides 2840 and 2841 on unsoundness). Age determination is made by a study of the twelve front teeth, called incisors. The two central pairs both above and below are called centers, pincers, or nippers. The four teeth adjacent to these two pairs are called intermediates. and the outer four teeth are designated as corners. Canine teeth or "rusks" may appear midway between the incisors and molars at 4 or 5 years of age in the case of geldings or stallions, but seldom appear in mares. Adult horses have twenty-four molar teeth. There are four major ways to estimate age of horses by appearance of their teeth: (a) occurrence of permanent teeth, (b) disappearance of cups, (c) angle of incidence, and (d) shape of the surface of the teeth.
Autonomic cardiovascular regulation in Parkinson’s disease by head-up tilt test - A cross-sectional study -

Background: Autonomic failure is an integral component of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and orthostatic hypotension (OH) is commonly observed in advanced cases of PD. OH may be the result of underlying cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction or adverse effect of antiparkinsonian drugs. Patients may be asymptomatic during the early stage of disease but may have underlying cardiovascular dysautonomia which becomes obvious on stress. Most of the earlier studies used morphological and functional methods to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic control but were unable to evaluate during dynamic conditions. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic disturbances in patients with PD using head-up tilt table test (HUTT). The objective of the study was to compare the spectral profile of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure (BP) to orthostatic challenges using HUTT in patients with PD with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we have recorded continuous lead II ECG along with BP every 2 min in patients with PD and control group during HUTT for 10 min in supine, 45 min in 70° tilt and again 10 min in supine position which were later analyzed using Biopac software for HRV. Results: Symptoms indicating autonomic nervous system dysfunction were present in 65% (20) patients with PD. Postural dizziness was present in 20% (6) patients. After 5 min of tilt-up, increase in HR in patients with PD was lower than in controls. There was no significant change in diastolic BP (DBP) on tilting-up in patients with PD while DBP significantly increased in controls on tilting-up from73 ± 9 mm Hg to 80±11 mm Hg (P < 0.00001). The low frequency (LF) was not significantly changed in patients with PD, and it increased significantly in controls from 3.05 (2.28 to 4.70) ms2 to 3.73 (2.69–5.03) ms2. There was decrease low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) in patients with PD, but the change was not significant, and there was a significant increase in LF/HF ratio from 3.43 (3.15 to 4.02) to 5.01 (4.39–5.74) in control group (P < 0.00001). Conclusions: Patients with PD suffered from symptoms of autonomic dysfunction and had cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction which becomes obvious only during stress. This will help clinicians to identify the patients of PD with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction at an early stage and modify the treatment accordingly to prevent frequent falls.
Evolutionary impacts of DNA methylation on vertebrate genomes

18 INTRODUCTION . 18 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. 21 Slower Molecular Evolution of Hominoid Genomes than Old World Monkey Genomes . 21 Different Molecular Clocks of CpG Sites and Non-CpG Sites . 24
Associations Among Free-Living Sedentary and Active Behaviours, Adiposity and Appetite Control Within an Energy Balance Framework

Background It was proposed over 60 years ago that “the differences between the intakes of food must originate in differences in the expenditure of energy” (Edholm et al., 1955). It was also proposed that a ‘U’ shaped function described the relationship between physical activity (PA) energy expenditure (EE) and dietary intake (Mayer et al., 1956); this relationship also involved body mass. These relationships served as the basis for the studies conducted for this thesis. The main objective was to examine the associations among free-living sedentary and active behaviours, adiposity and appetite control. The investigation was conducted within an energy balance framework. The main focus of the thesis was to extend understanding of the interaction between PA, sedentary behaviour (SB), adiposity and appetite. Methods The methodology was based on measurements of body composition together with anthropometric, physiological, behavioural and psychological variables and involved a combination of cross-sectional and medium-term (12-weeks) intervention studies. The thesis used state-of-the-art methodology for measuring free-living activity and aimed to detect a measure of SB based on both posture and activity intensity. Results Study 1 - SB was positively associated with adiposity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was negatively associated with adiposity. Study 2 - A procedure was developed to integrate data on two dimensions of free-living SB (posture and activity intensity) using two validated activity monitors. Study 3 - Posture alone (as a marker of SB) is not a good indicator of the tendency to accumulate fat mass (FM). Study 4 - Total EE and the metabolic contributors to total EE (fat-free mass (FFM) and resting metabolic rate (RMR)) were associated with subjective appetite sensations and EI, and provisionally can be regarded as drivers of appetite. Study 5 - The 12-week exercise intervention resulted in a significant (compensatory) increase in EI, however, there was no change in non-exercise physical activity (NEPA). Study 6 - Diet induced weight loss (mainly FM loss) did not lead to a compensatory reduction in PA or increase in SB. Conclusions These studies have extended the understanding of the associations among PA, SB, adiposity and appetite control. The outcomes of the studies have contributed to a theoretical framework for understanding the interactions between physiological and behavioural variables that contribute to energy balance and body mass (adiposity) regulation under realistic conditions. It could be deduced that a combination of increased EE (through exercise) and reduced EI are likely to produce greater weight loss and more favourable changes in body composition than either exercise or diet alone.
Otorhinolaryngological symptoms among smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) users

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between smokeless tobacco (maras powder) consumption and otorhinolaryngological symptoms. METHODS: This descriptive study was carried out on 599 participants. The participants were divided into two groups. Of these, 299 (49.9%) patients aged over 18 years were the first group; they used smokeless tobacco for at least 5 years. The remaining patients comprised the second group, which included 300 (50.1%) healthy volunteers who did not use tobacco or its products and demonstrated some similarities with the first group. For the purpose of data collection, a questionnaire consisting of 45 questions was administered to the participants. RESULTS: Cough, sputum, shortness of breath, dysphagia, snoring, and apnea-hypopnea were found to be significantly increased in smokeless tobacco users. The highest odds ratio (OR) found was for sputum at 2.615. Similarly, other oral cavity symptoms such as mouth tickling, dryness of throat, mouth sores, halitosis, taste disorders, and toothache were found to be significantly increased in smokeless tobacco users. It is noteworthy that halitosis was 9.4 times more prevalent among smokeless tobacco users than in the non-tobacco users. Sinonasal symptoms such as sneezing, headache, facial fullness, and anorexia were found to be significantly increased in smokeless tobacco users. However, there were no differences between the groups in terms of ear symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the negative effects of smokeless tobacco consumption were particularly higher in the oral cavity, which in turn gave rise to a number of serious upper respiratory tract complaints.
Malawi

Malawi is a country with an approximate area of 118 000 km2. Its population is estimated at 13 million and the gender ratio (men per hundred women) is 98. The proportion of the population under the age of 15 years is 47% and the proportion above the age of 60 years is 5%. The literacy rate is 75.5% for men and 48.7% for women (World Health Organization, 2005).
The effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, and Tp-e dispersion in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Background In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation using two types of bioprosthetic valves on novel ventricular repolarization markers including Tp-e, Tp-e/QT and Tpe/QTc ratios, and Tp-ed. Methods A total of 61 patients (17 males, 44 females; mean age 78.6±6.5 years; range 55 to 89 years) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with either a Medtronic CoreValve (n=40) or an Edwards SAPIEN XT valve (n=21) were retrospectively analyzed. The electrocardiographic parameters and left ventricular mass index were calculated prior to the procedure, on postoperative Day 1, and at three months after the procedure. Results The Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, Tp-ed, and left ventricular mass index significantly reduced at three months of the procedure, compared to baseline values (p<0.01, for all). Similar findings were observed for QT, QTc, and QT dispersion (p<0.01, for all). These changes were independent from the types of bioprosthetic valves used. Before the procedure, the left ventricular mass index was positively correlated with the Tp-e (r=0.350, p=0.007), Tp-e/QT (r=0.314, p=0.015) and Tp-e/QTc ratios (r=0.285, p=0.029). In the multivariate analysis, Tp-e interval was found to be independently associated with the left ventricular mass index (b=0.350, p=0.007). Conclusion In the present study, the Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios, Tp-ed, and left ventricular mass index significantly reduced at three months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation indicating reverse left ventricular remodeling. The effects of two types of bioprosthetic valves on ventricular repolarization markers and left ventricular mass index were similar.
Understanding older adults' intention to use patient-accessible electronic health records: Based on the affordance lens

Background Given the aging population and the rapid development of the digital society, concerns about promoting older adults' health skills are increasing. Patient-accessible electronic health records (PAEHRs) are implemented globally for aging health safeguards. The demand for using health-related information communication technologies (ICTs) among older adults and the factors that promote their usage intention of PAEHRs need to be studied. Methods Drawing upon affordance theory, we constructed a research model that integrates four affordance types, aggregation, interactivity, collaboration, and communication, to identify the effects of affordances and attachment to platforms and doctors that contribute to older adults' usage intention on PAEHRs. Online survey data from 498 older adults (above 60 years) were collected and analyzed using partial least square-structural equation modeling. Results Our findings demonstrated how PAEHR's affordances facilitate older adults' attachment to platforms and doctors. We found that aggregation (γ = 0.417, P < 0.001) and interactivity (γ = 0.397, P < 0.001) can positively influence older adults' attachment to the PAEHR platform, and collaboration (γ = 0.407, P < 0.001) affordance can positively influence older adults' attachment to doctors on the PAEHR platform. Furthermore, seniors' attachment to the platform (γ = 0.598, P < 0.001) and attachment to the doctor (γ = 0.156, P < 0.01) can both positively influence their usage intention, and attachment to the platform had a positive relationship with attachment to doctors (γ = 0.230, P < 0.001) on the PAEHR. Conclusion This study enriched the understanding of elders' attachment to doctors on PAEHRs and contributed to the literature on health-related ICT usage targets of older adults. Our findings also shed light on inspiring operators of health-related ICTs to formulate appropriate strategies for aging-friendly design to guide older adults to adopt health-related ICTs in their everyday health information practices.
Sketch-R2CNN: An RNN-Rasterization-CNN Architecture for Vector Sketch Recognition

Sketches in existing large-scale datasets like the recent QuickDraw collection are often stored in a vector format, with strokes consisting of sequentially sampled points. However, most existing sketch recognition methods rasterize vector sketches as binary images and then adopt image classification techniques. In this article, we propose a novel end-to-end single-branch network architecture RNN-Rasterization-CNN (Sketch-R2CNN for short) to fully leverage the vector format of sketches for recognition. Sketch-R2CNN takes a vector sketch as input and uses an RNN for extracting per-point features in the vector space. We then develop a neural line rasterization module to convert the vector sketch and the per-point features to multi-channel point feature maps, which are subsequently fed to a CNN for extracting convolutional features in the pixel space. Our neural line rasterization module is designed in a differentiable way for end-to-end learning. We perform experiments on existing large-scale sketch recognition datasets and show that the RNN-Rasterization design brings consistent improvement over CNN baselines and that Sketch-R2CNN substantially outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Different personality factors drive work and non-work creativity

This study examined whether creativity at work and outside of work had the same (or different) Big Five personality antecedents. Results revealed that although self-reported personal creativity outside of the workplace was related to the Openness to Experience trait only, supervisor-rated work creativity was associated with Openness, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness, and that after controlling for the effects of Extraversion and Conscientiousness, Openness did not contribute incremental validity in predicting work creativity, whereas when the impact of Openness was controlled for, Extraversion and Conscientiousness incrementally contributed to the prediction. Therefore, the study supported that while creativity was consistently driven by Openness across settings, the predictive effects of other traits (i.e., Extraversion and Conscientiousness) on creativity varied in work and non-work environments. Study limitations and implications for research and practices are discussed.
Effect of atropine 0.01% on myopia control in children aged 6–13 years during the 2022 lockdown in Shanghai

Purpose To compare the myopic progression in children treated with 0. 01% atropine and those who discontinued atropine during the 2022-home quarantine in Shanghai. Methods In this retrospective study, children aged 6–13 years with follow-up visits before (between January 2022 and February 2022) and after the lockdown (between July 2022 and August 2022) were included. Cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) were measured at both visits. The atropine group had continuous medication during the lockdown while the control group discontinued. The 0.01% atropine eyedrops were administered daily before bedtime. The types of spectacle lens were recorded: single vision (SV) spectacles or defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses (DIMS). Results In total, 41 children (81 eyes) in the atropine group and 32 children (64 eyes) in the control group were enrolled. No significant difference was found in the demographic characteristics, spherical diopter, spherical equivalent (SE), AL, and follow-up time between the two groups before the lockdown in 2022 (all p > 0.1). After the home confinement, a greater myopia progression was observed in the control group (−0.46 ± 0.42 D) compared to atropine group (−0.26 ± 0.37 D; p = 0.0023). Axial elongation was also longer in the control group than that in children sustained with atropine (0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.13 ± 0.15 mm, p = 0.0035). Moreover, there was no significant change of spherical diopter and SE during lockdown in the atropine + DIMS combined subgroup (0.03 ± 0.033 D for spherical diopter, p = 0.7261 and 0.08 ± 0.27 D for SE, p = 0.2042, respectively). However, significant myopic shift was observed in the atropine + SV subgroup during the quarantine time (−0.31 ± 0.39 D for SE and 0.15 ± 0.16 mm for AL, both p < 0.001). Conclusion Children treated with 0.01% atropine had slower myopia progression during the lockdown period in Shanghai compared with children discontinued. Moreover, the effect of atropine on myopic prevention can be strengthened with DIMS lenses.
Pattern of Endodontic Treatment among Nigerian Adults: A Single Centre Study.

Objective: To determine the pattern and frequency of root canal treatments (RCTs) performed among patients seen at a tertiary hospital in North-eastern Nigeria. Material and Methods: A retrospective epidemiological survey using hospital records of patients that had RCTs done over a 5-year period. Case record forms (CRFs) were used as tools of data collection from patient records to record demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, tooth involved, diagnosis and tooth treated. Students t test and One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare mean root-treated teeth by gender and age group respectively. Results: A total of 321 RCTs were carried out on 256 patients, ranging from 1 to 4 teeth (mean, 1.3 ± 0.6 [SD]) teeth per patient. The frequency and mean number of RCTs carried out were not significant for age (p = 0.16) and gender (p = 0.78). The lower first molar was the most root-treated tooth (20.9%), and overall, dental caries (84.4%) was the most predominant etiology of pulpal and periradicular disease necessitating RCT. Forty-two percent of the RCTs were carried out due to acute apical periodontitis. Conclusion: Gender and age group did not affect the frequency of RCTs performed, and majority of the root canal treatments were due to dental caries and its sequelae.
Data-based modeling for hypoglycemia prediction: Importance, trends, and implications for clinical practice

Background and objective Hypoglycemia is a key barrier to achieving optimal glycemic control in people with diabetes, which has been proven to cause a set of deleterious outcomes, such as impaired cognition, increased cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Hypoglycemia prediction has come to play a role in diabetes management as big data analysis and machine learning (ML) approaches have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. As a result, a review is needed to summarize the existing prediction algorithms and models to guide better clinical practice in hypoglycemia prevention. Materials and methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies published between 1 January 2015 and 8 December 2022. Five hypoglycemia prediction aspects were covered: real-time hypoglycemia, mild and severe hypoglycemia, nocturnal hypoglycemia, inpatient hypoglycemia, and other hypoglycemia (postprandial, exercise-related). Results From the 5,042 records retrieved, we included 79 studies in our analysis. Two major categories of prediction models are identified by an overview of the chosen studies: simple or logistic regression models based on clinical data and data-based ML models (continuous glucose monitoring data is most commonly used). Models utilizing clinical data have identified a variety of risk factors that can lead to hypoglycemic events. Data-driven models based on various techniques such as neural networks, autoregressive, ensemble learning, supervised learning, and mathematical formulas have also revealed suggestive features in cases of hypoglycemia prediction. Conclusion In this study, we looked deep into the currently established hypoglycemia prediction models and identified hypoglycemia risk factors from various perspectives, which may provide readers with a better understanding of future trends in this topic.
Comparison between ultrasound-guided Abrams needle and medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsies in exudative pleural effusion

Background The actual diagnosis of pleural disease (especially for malignancy) depends on the histopathological finding obtained through pleural biopsy or positive pleural fluid cytology result. Pleural tissue biopsies can be obtained by several methods: blind, image-guided, thoracoscopic, or open surgical pleural biopsies. The diagnostic yield of image-guided sampling is increased owing to the ability to precisely target an abnormal area of the pleura. Aim The aim of this work was to compare between ultrasound-guided Abrams needle and medical thoracoscopic pleural biopsies (MT-PB) in exudative pleural effusion and see the diagnostic yield of ultrasound-guided pleural biopsy. Patients and methods This study included 40 patients with exudative pleural effusion admitted to Chest Department, Menoufia University Hospital, during the period from August 2015 to November 2017. All had pleural thickening in contrast-enhanced thoracic computed tomography scan. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided Abrams’ needle followed by MT-PB. Results Compared with MT-PB, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound-guided Abrams needle pleural biopsy were 81.58 and 100%, respectively. No difference was identified between the yields of the two methods. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided Abrams needle pleural biopsy considers an alternative to medical thoracoscopy in exudative pleural effusions associated with pleural thickening.