Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why do UK cardiac surgeons not perform their first choice operation for coronary artery bypass graft?

For the past 15 years the “standard” coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation for multi-vessel coronary artery disease has used the left internal mammary artery and supplemental saphenous vein segments for conduits.1 However, increasing evidence suggests that arterial conduits have superior patency rates to vein grafts2 leading to improved survival and reduced need for reintervention.3,4 It is therefore surprising that the uptake of multiple arterial grafts for CABG remains poor. Of 23 000 first time isolated multi-vessel CABG procedures reported in the 1999-2000 database of the Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons of the United Kingdom and Ireland (SCTS), around 3600 (little over 15%) used more than one arterial graft. We conducted a postal survey of UK consultant cardiac surgeons to identify what factors contributed to the relatively low proportion of patients receiving multiple arterial grafts. Consultant cardiac surgeons with a predominantly adult practice were identified from the registry of the SCTS. An anonymous postal survey of 142 consultants was carried out in two mailings. A series of questions with fixed possible responses were asked in a brief format. The specific questions and response options are detailed in questions 1–4 and the corresponding figures below. Question 1 Is there any evidence to show an advantage of using multiple …
Conservation of gene organization in the lymphotropic herpesviruses herpesvirus Saimiri and Epstein-Barr virus

By analyses of short DNA sequences, we have deduced the overall arrangement of genes in the (A + T)-rich coding sequences of herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) relative to the arrangements of homologous genes in the (G + C)-rich coding sequences of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome and the (A + T)-rich sequences of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genome. Fragments of HVS DNA from 13 separate sites within the 111 kilobase pairs of the light DNA coding sequences of the genome were subcloned into M13 vectors, and sequences of up to 350 bases were determined from each of these sites. Amino acid sequences predicted for fragments of open reading frames defined by these sequences were compared with a library of the protein sequences of major open reading frames predicted from the complete DNA sequences of VZV and EBV. Of the 13 short amino acid sequences obtained from HVS, only 3 were recognizably homologous to proteins encoded by VZV, but all 13 HVS sequences were unambiguously homologous to gene products encoded by EBV. The HVS reading frames identified by this method included homologs of the major capsid polypeptides, glycoprotein H, the major nonstructural DNA-binding protein, thymidine kinase, and the homolog of the regulatory gene product of the BMLF1 reading frame of EBV. Locally as well as globally, the order and relative orientation of these genes resembled that of their homologs on the EBV genome. Despite the major differences in their nucleotide compositions and in the nature and arrangements of reiterated DNA sequences, the genomes of the lymphotropic herpesviruses HVS and EBV encode closely related proteins, and they share a common organization of these coding sequences which differs from that of the neurotropic herpesviruses, VZV and herpes simplex virus.
Towards a history of Indigenous statistics in Australia

In 2003, the Productivity Commission report Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage: Key Indicators 2003 demonstrated that Australia now has an extensive (though not time-deep) statistical archive through which we can compare Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The report points to twelve ‘headline indicators’, and seven ‘strategic areas for action’, and it operationalises the ‘strategic areas for action’ in terms of thirty variables on which Indigenous and non-Indigenous can be compared. 1
Psychometric Analysis of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale and Its Condensed Versions

The Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) is a promising new self-report measure of state boredom. Two condensed versions of the scale have also been introduced. This study helped explore the psychometric qualities of these scales, using a large sample of Australian adults (N = 1,716), as well as two smaller samples (N = 199 and N = 422). Data analyses indicated strong convergent validity and very high internal consistency for the scales. Test–retest reliability over a 6- to 8-day period was moderately high. Confirmatory factor analyses of the MSBS authors’ suggested factor structure indicated good fit for this model. However, some of the data analyses raise questions as to whether the scale includes meaningful subfactors. Overall, the MSBS (and Short Form) is recommended for researchers who wish to assess state boredom.
Effective seroconversion and safety following the pandemic influenza vaccination (anti-H1N1) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives: To assess the vaccine response in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as an extension of previous observation of immunogenicity and safety of a non-adjuvanted influenza A H1N1/2009 vaccine in a large population of juvenile rheumatic diseases. Moreover, to assess the possible influence of demographic data, disease subtypes, disease activity, and treatment on immunogenicity and the potential deleterious effect of the vaccine in the disease itself, particularly in the number of arthritis and inflammatory markers. Methods: A total of 95 patients with JIA and 91 healthy controls were evaluated before and 21 days after vaccination, and serology for anti-H1N1 was performed by haemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA). Patient and physician visual analogue scales (VAS), Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), number of active joints, acute phase reactants, and treatments were evaluated before and after vaccination. Adverse events were also reported. Results: JIA patients and controls were comparable regarding mean current age (14.9 ± 3.2 vs. 14.6 ± 3.7 years, p = 0.182). After vaccination, the seroconversion rate was significantly lower in JIA patients compared to controls (83.2% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.008), particularly in the polyarticular subtype (80% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.0098). Of note, JIA subtypes, number of active joints, acute phase reactants, CHAQ, patient and physician VAS, and use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)/immunosuppressive drugs were similar between seroconverted and non-seroconverted patients (p > 0.05). Regarding vaccine safety, no deterioration was observed in the number of active joints and acute phase reactants during the study period. Conclusion: Influenza A H1N1/2009 vaccination in JIA induces a lower but effective protective antibody response probably independent of disease parameters and treatment with an adequate disease safety profile.
Changes in membrane glycoproteins of circulating platelets after coronary stent implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate platelet function in patients with coronary stents. DESIGN: A non-randomised control trial in 30 patients who had immediate implantation of Palmaz-Schatz coronary stents because of a suboptimal angioplasty result. All patients received a standardised anticoagulation regimen including intravenous heparin (activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) 80 to 120 s), oral vitamin K antagonist (target international normalised ratio (INR) of 3.5), and 100 mg aspirin twice daily. Platelet surface expression of glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, activated fibrinogen receptor, and P-selectin as well as binding of von Willebrand factor and fibrinogen were determined by flow cytometry in peripheral venous blood samples collected before the intervention and then daily for 4 days after it. The results were compared with those in 30 patients undergoing elective coronary balloon angioplasty. SETTING: University hospital. RESULTS: After coronary stenting surface expression of the activated fibrinogen receptor significantly increased, peaking at day 2 (P < 0.001). Similar results were found for von Willebrand factor binding and P-selectin surface expression, with a maximum at day 2 to 4 after stenting (von Willebrand factor, P < 0.001; P-selectin, P < 0.001). The changes in platelet membrane glycoproteins coincided with a significant drop in peripheral platelet count after stent placement (P < 0.01). No significant change in fibrinogen receptor activity, von Willebrand factor binding, P-selectin surface expression, or platelet count was seen in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that current anticoagulation treatment is inefficient in suppressing platelet activation in patients with coronary stents and, therefore, might not be the best treatment for reducing the incidence of subacute stent thrombosis.
The Decline of Polygyny : An Interpretation I

Polygyny is thought to be more prevalent where male wealth inequality is greater; however, the decline of polygyny in most of the world occurred with the emergence of capital-intensive farming with unprecedented wealth disparities. The distinction between rival wealth—divided among ones offspring—and non-rival wealth—transmitted to all children irrespective of their number (like a public good)—may resolve this “polygyny puzzle. ” Our model’s marital matching Nash equilibrium replicates the observed incidence of polygynous marriage among the Kipsigis, an African agropastoralist population. We then simulate a hypothetical transition to monogamy among the Kipsigis following an increase in the importance of rival wealth.
Effect of ingestion by two frugivorous bat species on the seed germination of Ficus racemosa and F. hispida (Moraceae)

Frugivorous bats are important seed dispersers for many plant species (Cox et al. 1991, Fleming & Heithaus 1981, Hodgkison et al. 2003a, McConkey & Drake 2006, Nyhagen et al. 2005, Utzurrum 1995). They regularly consume figs in the wild (Fujita & Tuttle 1991, Kalko et al. 1996, Shilton et al. 1999). Various species of pteropodid bats have been reported foraging on the fruits of more than 30 fig species in tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa and Australia (Bhat 1994, Fujita & Tuttle 1991, Marshall & McWilliam 1982, Thomas 1984). Food transit times in frugivorous bats are relatively rapid; generally less than 30 min (Laska 1990, Tedman & Hall 1985). Several studies have demonstrated that seed germination was either enhanced or unaffected after passage through the digestive tract of bats (Figueiredo & Perin 1995, Fleming & Heithaus 1981, Lieberman & Lieberman 1986).
The Sexing of the Human Sacrum.

In the year 1931 I had come to the conclusion that there was a fairly easy method of sexing the sacrum which is not so far as I know given in any of our textbooks. The method I suggested is a very reasonable one in that it consists of comparing the transverse diameter of the first sacral vertebra with the transverse diameter of the base of the sacrum. From what one knows of the comparative slenderness of the female Lumbar column one cannot be surprised if the transverse width of the first sacral vertebra harmonizes with the narrowness of the centra of the Lumbar vertebral bodies in the same sex. Not having the material necessary at my disposal I wrote to Prof. Wingate Todd who with his usual kindness at once set in motion an investigation which he entrusted to Mr William Sassamen. The results are of great interest. The following samples and age range were used.
Effect of Surfactant-coated Particles on Clathrate Hydrate Formation

Clathrate hydrates are crystalline compounds composed of hydrogen-bonded water molecules that form polyhedral cavities and trap small guest molecules such as methane, carbon dioxide, cyclopentane (CP), and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Understanding the formation and dissociation of clathrate hydrates is of significant importance to addressing some global challenges such as greenhouse gas mitigation and energy recovery. The fundamentals of the processes occurring in clathrate hydrate formation and dissociation remain unclear, which is largely due to lack of information on the nucleation process leading to the clustering that induces hydrate growth. In the present work, we investigated the effect of foreign particles of various degrees of hydrophobicity on the nucleation of CP and THF hydrates by measuring the induction time, lapse of time before the appearance of detectable volume of hydrate phase. The experiments were carried out at atmospheric pressure and 0.4 degree Celsius without agitation. If no foreign particles were added, no CP hydrate or THF hydrate could be observed over a sufficiently long testing period (48 hours). With the addition of clean silica (hydrophilic) glass beads, no CP hydrate formation was detected over 48 hours whereas the induction time of THF hydrate formation was reduced to 7.8 +/- 4.2 hours. Adding octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)- coated (hydrophobic) glass beads allowed the induction time of CP hydrate to be shortened to 5.3 +/- 3.9 hours and that of THF hydrate to be further reduced to 1.6 +/- 0.8 hours. Possible causes of the hydrate promotion by hydrophobic surfaces were discussed.
Imaging evaluation of suspected appendicitis in a pediatric population: effectiveness of sonography versus CT.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of graded compression sonography with that of helical CT for the diagnosis of appendicitis in a pediatric and young adult population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between June 1996 and April 1999, 386 pediatric and young adult patients with suspected appendicitis were examined using sonography, CT, or both: 233 underwent sonography only, 71 underwent CT only, and 82 underwent sonography and CT. All sonograms and CT scans were prospectively interpreted as showing positive or negative findings for appendicitis by one of six pediatric radiologists. CT and sonographic findings were correlated with surgical and histopathologic findings or findings at clinical follow-up. RESULTS Helical CT had a significantly higher sensitivity (95% versus 78%, p = 0.009) and accuracy (94% versus 89%, p = 0.05) than graded compression sonography for the diagnosis of appendicitis in children, adolescents, and young adults. The specificity of both techniques was 93%. Twenty of 82 patients who underwent both sonography and CT had discordance between the findings of the two examinations. The CT results were correct in a significantly greater number of patients with discordant examinations (17/20 patients [85%]). CONCLUSION Helical CT has a significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than graded compression sonography for the diagnosis of appendicitis in a pediatric and young adult population, particularly in children more than 10 years old.
Electronic store design and consumer choice: an empirical study

Web based electronic stores have become more and more popular. However, there are not many guidelines nor theories showing what features of a store would work and why. The paper develops a set of functional guidelines for designing electronic stores and classifies them into three categories: motivational, hygiene, and media richness factors. An empirical study was conducted to evaluate the relative effect of these factors. The results show that the store design does have an effect on consumer purchase decision. A two-factor theory is plausible: hygiene factors are the major concern when consumers decide whether to shop electronically, while motivational factors play a key role when consumers choose among different electronic stores. Media richness factors are, in general, less important. The implication of the findings is that, for a Web store to beat its electronic competitors, providing good transactional support is the key. If they would like to attract customers from traditional stores, special attention must be paid to the hygiene factors.
SARS Exposure and Emergency Department Workers

Of 193 emergency department workers exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), 9 (4.7%) were infected. Pneumonia developed in six workers, and assays showed anti-SARS immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG. The other three workers were IgM-positive and had lower IgG titers; in two, mild illness developed, and one remained asymptomatic.
Investigation and management of suprasellar arachnoid cysts.

✓ Suprasellar arachnoid cysts, although rare, are now being found with increasing frequency with the help of the computerized tomography (CT) scanner. Forty-six cases have been reviewed from the literature, and the authors add eight patients seen at their institution during the past 6 years. This latter group have all been diagnosed by CT scan combined with an injection of metrizamide through an implanted diversionary cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Patients in whom the suprasellar arachnoid cyst had produced hydrocephalus were treated by communicating the cyst with the ventricular system via a transcallosal route, with very satisfactory results.
Perfectionism, School Motivation, Learning Styles and Academic Achievement of Gifted and Non-Gifted Students

The main aim of this study was to investigate whether predictors such as perfectionism, school motivation, learning styles and academic achievement could distinguish gifted students from non-gifted students. The sample consisted of 386 (Female=164, Male=222) gifted and 410 (Female=209, Male=201) non-gifted upper primary school students. Information Gathering Form, Positive-Negative Perfectionism, School Motivation and Learning Styles Scales were used as data gathering tools. Independent t-test, Pearson’s coefficient and discriminant analysis were used to analyse data. Classification results show that the model correctly predicted 98.4% of gifted students and 81% of non-gifted students. This was also discussed in the light of the current literature.
PSM/SH2‐B distributes selected mitogenic receptor signals to distinct components in the PI3‐kinase and MAP kinase signaling pathways

The Pro‐rich, PH, and SH2 domain containing mitogenic signaling adapter PSM/SH2‐B has been implicated as a cellular partner of various mitogenic receptor tyrosine kinases and related signaling mechanisms. Here, we report in a direct comparison of three peptide hormones, that PSM participates in the assembly of distinct mitogenic signaling complexes in response to insulin or IGF‐I when compared to PDGF in cultured normal fibroblasts. The complex formed in response to insulin or IGF‐I involves the respective peptide hormone receptor and presumably the established components leading to MAP kinase activation. However, our data suggest an alternative link from the PDGF receptor via PSM directly to MEK1/2 and consequently also to p44/42 activation, possibly through a scaffold protein. At least two PSM domains participate, the SH2 domain anticipated to link PSM to the respective receptor and the Pro‐rich region in an association with an unidentified downstream component resulting in direct MEK1/2 and p44/42 regulation. The PDGF receptor signaling complex formed in response to PDGF involves PI 3‐kinase in addition to the same components and interactions as described for insulin or IGF‐I. PSM associates with PI 3‐kinase via p85 and in addition the PSM PH domain participates in the regulation of PI 3‐kinase activity, presumably through membrane interaction. In contrast, the PSM Pro‐rich region appears to participate only in the MAP kinase signal. Both pathways contribute to the mitogenic response as shown by cell proliferation, survival, and focus formation. PSM regulates p38 MAP kinase activity in a pathway unrelated to the mitogenic response. J. Cell. Biochem. 100: 557–573, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A simplified acute physiology score for ICU patients

We used 14 easily measured biologic and clinical variables to develop a simple scoring system reflecting the risk of death in ICU patients. The simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) was evaluated in 679 consecutive patients admitted to eight multidisciplinary referral ICUs in Francece. Surgery accounted for 40% of admissions. Data were collected during the first 24 h after ICU admission. SAPS correctly classified patients in groups of increasing probability of death, irrespective of diagnosis, and compared favorably with the acute physiology score (APS), a more complex scoring system which has also been applied to ICU patients. SAPS was a simpler and less time-consuming method for comparative studies and management evaluation between different ICUs.
Effects of pregabalin in patients with hypnotic-dependent insomnia.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Long-term use of hypnotics runs the risk of dependency, and subjects usually experience difficulties in withdrawal. The objective of this study was to investigate the success of withdrawal using pregabalin and its efficacy on sleep in patients with hypnotic-dependent insomnia. METHODS We enrolled patients with hypnotic-dependent insomnia who were 18 years or older. The starting dosage of pregabalin was 75 mg/day and was increased up to as much as 300 mg/day, depending on the individual patient's condition, while tapering off hypnotics. After 4 weeks of titration, the final dosage amount was maintained for at least another 4 weeks. Sleep and clinical variables were evaluated at baseline and after treatment, using the Korean versions of various sleep questionnaires as well as polysomnography. RESULTS Forty subjects were enrolled, with a mean age of 52.0 ± 8.5 years, of whom 28 (70.0%) were women. Twenty-one (52.5%) subjects successfully withdrew from hypnotics. The duration of withdrawal was 42.1 ± 16.0 days (range: 27.0∼84.0). The mean pregabalin dose was 121.4 ± 69.0 mg/day (range: 75.0∼300.0). After pregabalin treatment, there was a significant improvement in the total score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (15.0 ± 2.1, 8.9 ± 3.0, p < 0.001), and insomnia severity index (20.9 ± 4.3, 9.6 ± 4.4, p < 0.001); however, most of the sleep variables of the PSG showed no differences. The main adverse effects of pregabalin were nausea and dizziness. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed pregabalin may be a promising candidate for withdrawal from hypnotics and improved sleep in patients with hypnotic-dependent insomnia.
Noncanonical Tandem SH2 Enables Interaction of Elongation Factor Spt6 with RNA Polymerase II*

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains are mostly found in multicellular organisms where they recognize phosphotyrosine-containing signaling proteins. Spt6, a conserved transcription factor and putative histone chaperone, contains a C-terminal SH2 domain conserved from yeast to human. In mammals, this SH2 domain recognizes phosphoserines rather than phosphotyrosines and is essential for the recruitment of Spt6 by elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), enabling Spt6 to participate in the coupling of transcription elongation, chromatin modulation, and mRNA export. We have determined the structure of the entire Spt6 C-terminal region from Antonospora locustae, revealing the presence of two highly conserved tandem SH2 domains rather than a single SH2 domain. Although the first SH2 domain has a canonical organization, the second SH2 domain is highly noncanonical and appears to be unique in the SH2 family. However, both SH2 domains have phosphate-binding determinants. Our biochemical and genetic data demonstrate that the complete tandem, but not the individual SH2 domains, are necessary and sufficient for the interaction of Spt6 with RNAPII and are important for Spt6 function in vivo. Furthermore, our data suggest that binding of RNAPII to the Spt6 tandem SH2 is more extensive than the mere recognition of a doubly phosphorylated C-terminal domain peptide by the tandem SH2. Taken together, our results show that Spt6 interaction with RNAPII via a novel arrangement of canonical and noncanonical SH2 domains is crucial for Spt6 function in vivo.